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REVIEW JUNE 23, 2021

Some bars still forced to close at 11 p.m.

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Committee’s Altenheim presentation pulled from agenda at last minute Mayor says presentation is ’premature’

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

A presentation by resident Ralph DiFebo and the Ad Hoc Altenheim Committee was pulled at the last minute from the June 14 village council agenda. Mayor Rory Hoskins informed DiFebo, as he was setting up his projector and materials in the village meeting hall prior to the meeting, that the agenda was too full for the presentation, said DiFebo.

The presentation, which includes background information and possible uses for the approximately 11 acres of village-owned property, was scheduled after public comment, at which time Hoskins said, “We’re going to go ahead and skip over the presentation on the Altenheim. That’s a little bit premature for tonight.”

Later, during his mayor’s report, he provided more context, stating that the village has received comment from different parties interested in the See ALTENHEIM on page 7

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

CELEBRATE! Forest Park held its annual Juneteenth Pool Party at the Park District of Forest Park on Saturday, June 19. The event was hosted by Mayor Rory Hoskins and the Juneteenth Committee.

Patrick Hardy worked to reclaim Proviso East Proviso East’s outgoing principal reflects on the past 6 years

By MARIA MAXHAM

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Editor

here’s a gas station near Proviso East High School, and not long after Dr. Patrick Hardy began as principal in 2015, he realized that people who weren’t students waited there to start fights with East kids.

“I needed my kids to get home safe every day,” Hardy

said. Not to mention that fights outside of school would spill over into the school day. School security guards weren’t allowed to leave campus, so Hardy said he and Assistant Principal Fred Aguirre decided to take things into their own hands.

“We were going to reclaim that gas station as part of Proviso East,” Hardy said. So they stood at the gas station door every day before and after school.

Hardy took it farther, asking local restaurants to stop serving kids during morning school hours because they needed to make it to their classes on time. He’d drive the neighborhood looking for students who were supposed to be at school.

See HARDY on page 11

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Forest Park Review, June 23, 2021

Mayor participates in signing of Juneteenth bill

June 19 now an official state holiday

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Mayor Rory Hoskins participated in the signing of House Bill 3922, which officially made June 19 Juneteenth National Freedom Day in Illinois. The bill was signed by Governor J. B. Pritzker on June 17, and Hoskins was invited to share some comments at the event in Springfield.

“With this new law, no longer can a child grow up in Illinois without learning about Juneteenth in school,” Pritzker said. “With this change, the people of Illinois will have a day to reflect on how the freedom that we celebrate just two weeks later, on the Fourth of July, was delayed to Black Americans.”

Juneteenth celebrates and commemorates a day in 1865 when enslaved individuals, who had not been freed after Lincoln’s signing of the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan.1, 1863, learned that they were free.

Hoskins brought the holiday to Forest Park in 2009 with the Jubilee Pool Party at the park, stating that the location was significant because public pools were one of the last places to be integrated.

As the first Black elected official in the village, Hoskins said he felt that as a leader of color, he wanted to establish the tradition locally, a tradition he said he didn’t always pay much attention to growing up in Texas, where he took it for granted.

But when he moved to Forest Park, he missed the celebration and tradition and wanted to bring it here. Last year, the Juneteenth Committee put together a video, in which Hoskins and other residents and local leaders talk about the significance of Juneteenth. The video is available at https://www.whatisjuneteenth.com/ With the signing of the law, June 19 is officially a paid holiday for state workers and public-school employees when that day falls during the week.

Photo byBuzz McBride

IMPORTANT MOMENT: Mayor Rory Hoskins (left) was invited to Springfield for Governor J. B. Pritzker’s signing of the bill making Juneteenth a state holiday.

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Forest Park Review, June 23, 2021

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Visiting people who changed the world

he best “classrooms” in Forest Park are our sprawling cemeteries.

So when middle-school teacher Joseph Almaoui asked me to lead his students on a tour of Forest Home Cemetery (FHC), I was delighted. Mr. Almaoui was joined by colleagues Steven Elfinger and Joy Kibir and about a dozen eighth-graders.

We met at Forest Park Middle School and walked to FHC. We first visited the Roma graves and discussed their practice of leaving gifts on the graves of loved ones.

One grave had two cans of beer and a bottle of whiskey.

We then strolled down Radical Row, armed with literature about FHC, including “The Day Will Come” a book honoring workingclass heroes, by Mark Rogovin. The first working-class hero we encountered was Ed-

die Balchowsky.

Eddie was a concert pianist who fought against the fascists in the Spanish Civil War. Although he lost his right arm, he continued to enjoy a successful career as a pianist. The students didn’t know about the Spanish Civil War, nor did they recognize the band Eddie played with, The Mamas and The Papas. They were also distracted by a fawn that was scampering among the headstones. FHC isn’t just rich in history, it has flora and fauna and fawns.

We continued down Radical Row and lingered at the Haymarket Martyrs Monument to talk about the struggle for the eight-hour workday. The students were shocked that the martyrs had been branded as terrorists.

It showed them that FHC will accept anyone for interment.

The students admired the monument and were equally impressed by the tiny headstone of Lucy Parsons, who was the driving force behind the monument’s creation. She was the African-American widow of Haymarket martyr Albert Parsons and carried on his work.

We discussed other prominent African Americans buried in Forest Home, like Professor Joseph Corbin, who founded the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. On a sadder note, we discussed a 13-year-old girl named Schan-

JOHN RICE

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na Gayden, who was killed by a stray bullet in 2007. Schanna’s mom couldn’t afford a funeral, so FHC paid for everything. The cemetery also created a shrine to Schanna with the inscription, “In memory of all the loved ones who have been lost to violent crime.”

The students wanted to see Schanna’s shrine but I couldn’t find it. We did locate the grave of a little girl named May, for whom Maywood was named. We also visited the grave of Ferdinand Haase, the founder of Forest Park and described how the site had originally been a Native-American village and burial ground until the Potawatomi were forcibly removed to a reservation.

We found the headstone of Edward Roos, and I had difficulty explaining what a hope chest is. We also viewed the monument honoring Frank Troost. If nothing else, the students learned why we have streets named Ferdinand, Hannah and Troost. They also learned the town was originally called Harlem and combined the names of two neighboring suburbs, River Forest and Oak Park, to become Forest Park.

Our final stop was the Druid monument.

Some students were familiar with the figure of Merlin from stories about King Arthur.

They didn’t know the Druids originated Halloween and that their idea of a “trick” involved human sacrifice.

The tour took two hours and we walked over four miles. No one complained. Teachers and students alike felt liberated after a year of confinement. We proposed doing more tours in the fall. There are so many more landmarks to see.

The students later sent me a thoughtful card. One thanked me for telling him everything about Forest Park and the people who changed the world.

T I M E . . .

FIRST NEWS REPORT OF A FOREST PARK CARJACKING, 1923 Forest Park police arrested four men caught in the act of dismantling a Ford on Roosevelt Road near Speedway hospital (now known as Hines Veteran’s Hospital) at 4 a.m. on Wednesday, June 27, 1923.

The front-page story in the Review reported that A. Korno was in his Ford making a “night ride” from Camp Grant to Riverside, where his parents resided. He reached the Speedway and four men in a Moon car rear ended his car. Korno got out of his Ford and the four men from the Moon car attacked him.

Korno escaped and got a ride from a motorist to Forest Park where he tele-

phoned the police.

Forest Park police officers Paul Gradowski, Herman Burtslof and Ernest Hinst went to the spot of the reported crime on Roosevelt Road and found four men dismantling the Ford. “The tires were off, and such other parts as they could get. The state license was also torn off, and the police found it in the grass at the side of the road, and with it a revolver.”

The four men were arrested and held until the afternoon before being transferred to Broadview and subjected to heavy fines.

Jill Wagner

This Moon Car advertisement is from an ad in the Review from February 1923 for the Euclid Motor Company on Madison Street on “automobile row” in Oak Park. The Moon Car company was known for its preassembled midrange models.

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Forest Park Review, June 23, 2021

No relief for A1 bars, which must continue to close at 11 p.m.

Bar owners and commissioners frustrated with lack of communication

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Extending the closing time for A1 bars, those that don’t serve food, was not on the agenda for the June 14 village council meeting, much to the disappointment of tavern owners and employees who spoke out during public comment. Although Village Administrator Moses Amidei and Mayor Rory Hoskins made no promises at the ad hoc bar committee meeting on June 3, it seemed like an extension of bar hours might make it to the council agenda.

And in fact, two other suggestions from the committee did make it onto the June 14 agenda: changes to amusement licenses and the immediate closing out of a liquor license upon closing of a bar or restaurant.

But no changes were made to the hours.

During the June 3 committee meeting, all members present were in favor of lengthening hours for A1 license holders, from Art Sundry’s proposal of closing at midnight every night to Connie Brown and Joe Sullivan in favor of 2 a.m. on weekends and 1 a.m. on weekdays.

“We understand and hear the differences of opinion on bar hours,” Village Administrator Moses Amidei said to the committee on June 3. He added that a conversation between himself, the police chief and village staff will allow them to come up with a recommendation based on everyone’s input.

Beginning on June 16, category A liquor license holders, whose revenue is at least 50 percent from the sale of food in their establishments, were allowed to go back to the amended bar hours of 1 a.m. on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends, but A1 taverns that don’t sell food are still, according to ordinance, required to close at 11 p.m. every night until Labor Day, unless the village council has before it and votes on a change to that ordinance.

Public comment at the June 14 village council meeting was once more flooded with bar owners and employees, pleading with the village to consider the impact the early closing has had on their businesses. At least 11 bar owners, employees and residents spoke out against the prolonged early closure. One resident wrote a letter in favor of the early closings and how they’ve reduced noise and litter significantly.

Colin Jackson, who identified himself as a resident and manager of two bars in town, questioned the logic and fairness of bars

File photo

THE A LIST: Establishments with an A liquor license, such as Cafe De Luca, 7427 Madison St., no longer need to adhere to the 11 p.m. closing time set by the village council last month. being punished for things people do on the streets, such as drinking in their cars.

“How far from a bar does someone have to be for bars not to be responsible?” he asked.

Jackson also brought up race, saying that it looks to him like the bars allowed to enjoy longer hours, those with the A licenses, have mostly white clientele, while those still forced to close early are more likely to have Black clientele.

Addressing the commissioners, Jackson, who is Black, said, “Is it a coincidence that every place that will be allowed to go back to normal hours after today, the vast majority of people look like you, and every place that has the vast majority of people that look like me will be closed? This whole situation makes me ashamed to say that I even live in this town.”

Chris Buckley, who manages Mugsy’s, said the 11 p.m. closing time has been extremely detrimental to business.

“You’re killing us,” Buckley said. “It’s not slowly; it’s quickly. We’re going down like a sinking ship, man. I mean, we need help at this point, and this 11 o’clock close is devastating to us.”

Several employees and bar owners pleaded with the village council for more direction, for specifics on what they could do to bring about longer hours again.

“Tell us what you need,” said April Reed, a Mugsy’s employee who said her income has been reduced to a third of what it was prior to the early closure being instituted.

Lynn Sorice, who along with her husband Marty, owns several bars in town said, “We’re willing to do anything you want, but you’re not telling us what you want.”

Marty Sorice took it a step farther, saying he wants to know once and for all if village administration even wants the bars around anymore.

“What I want to know now is … do you want us in Forest Park or not? And if so, I want you to validate that we are honorable and that we’re wanted businesses.” If not, he said, it would be “painful,” but he like many other bars cannot continue to lose money and he would consider closing his doors and reopening elsewhere.

Duffy’s owner Joe Sullivan, who was part of the ad hoc committee that met twice to put recommendations together for the village council, said it was beginning to look like the committee suggestions were being ignored.

“Not one member of that committee asked that the current ordinance remain in effect,” Sullivan said. “The most conservative request that was submitted was midnight for operating hours. And yet still, here we

are closing at 11 p.m. How is this even possible? Was the time spent by the ad hoc committee in vain and for show? It’s really hard to think that it wasn’t at this point.”

Mayor Rory Hoskins addressed the bar closure issue in his report toward the end of the meeting.

“To all the people who spoke during public comment, we hear you. We do,” Hoskins said. “The measure that we took in May was not intended to be punitive. It was intended to protect the street.”

Hoskins referenced police activity on Madison Street prior to the hours being slashed, including the need to seek assistance from other police departments regularly because there were too many incidents occurring for Forest Park alone to keep the peace.

“In the time that we have imposed the 11 o’clock closures, the street is incredibly calm,” Hoskins said. He also said there’s less litter on the street on Sunday mornings.

He recommended bar owners go to Police Chief Tom Aftanas with solutions.

“The police chief is not at all shy about bringing solutions to either the mayor, to the village administrator, to the entire council, when it makes sense to do that, and we’re just not there yet,” Hoskins said.

The commissioners, in interviews, all said they thought the bar owners deserved more communication from the village.

“There needs to be more communication between the leadership of Forest Park and the business owners about where we stand as a council and what facts we’ve received from the ad hoc committee,” Commissioner Ryan Nero said. “We owe them that.”

“Nobody wants the bars to continue to close at 11 p.m. till September,” said Commissioner Jessica Voogd. “My hope is that information is on the mayor’s desk, and he’ll put together a recommendation or share his thoughts.”

Voogd said she thought the mayor would have a concrete update at the meeting, even if it wasn’t up for vote, and was disappointed there wasn’t one.

“I want the solution to be thoughtful and successful, so we don’t have to keep going back and forth with the hours,” Voogd said.

Commissioner Joe Byrnes said he’s unhappy that all the bars are suffering because of problems created by a few.

“We’re punishing a bunch of people for a few places doing it wrong,” Byrnes said. Referencing a recent incident where a patron of Tap Room walked by bar security with a full bottle of champagne and was caught by police, Byrnes questioned why that didn’t result in at least a weekend closure of the bar, given all the problems they’ve had in the past.

Commissioner Dan Novak said Duffy owner Sullivan’s comments were spot on.

Forest Park Review, June 23, 2021

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Temporary amusement permit moratorium fails Commissioners question why only A1 licensees targeted

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

A motion to discuss and vote on a temporary moratorium on amusement licenses failed when it was not seconded during the June 14 village council meeting.

Amusement applications, though defined and regulated in the liquor code, haven’t been enforced in years, and the topic of temporarily disallowing amusement uses, such as disc jockeys or live music, was discussed at length by the ad hoc committee put together to find solutions to the current problems with bars on Madison Street. Committee members supported enforcing the code, which requires any establishment wishing to provide amusement to fill out an application from the village.

Amusement, in the current liquor code, is defined as “any public show, theatrical, animate or inanimate exhibition, musical, music, mechanical or manually operated entertainment device.”

The ordinance on the May 13 agenda would have imposed a moratorium until Sept. 6 “on the acceptance and processing of applications and the issuance of amusement licenses.”

But the temporarily hold on amusement permits would have applied only to A1 liquor license holders, bars that don’t get at least half their revenue from food and the same establishments still forced to close at 11 p.m.

Need a helping of

During the meeting, Commissioner Ryan Nero made the motion to bring the item up for discussion, but none of the other commissioners seconded it, so it failed.

After the meeting, the commissioners explained their rationale for not seconding the item and shared their thoughts on the ordinance as proposed.

Commissioner Joe Byrnes took issue with the fact that the ordinance as written would apply only to A1 liquor license holders and didn’t include A licensees, who as of June 16 were once more allowed to stay open past 11 p.m.

“Why would we want to make things even harder for the A1 licenses?” asked Byrnes in an interview with the Review. He pointed out that A licensees (that derive at least half their revenue from food sales) and A8 licensees (public event spaces such as Urban Pioneer Group, which recently had its liquor license temporarily suspended) were not included.

Byrnes also said he was frustrated by the fact that he knew nothing about the ordinance until he got the agenda packet on Friday for a Monday evening meeting. Despite the fact that village attorneys had worked on and written the ordinance, he said, he hadn’t been informed about it or asked for his input on it ahead of time.

“If I get the ordinance on Friday afternoon and have questions, who am I supposed to ask?” Byrnes questioned. “I need to know about issues sooner. If I don’t, I won’t make a motion, I won’t second one, and I’ll vote no.”

He said that the elected officials are the ones who were chosen to make decisions, and if they’re only brought into the process at the very end, with little explanation or time to ask questions, the system doesn’t work.

Liquor code change cuts license with business closure Authority to reissue open license taken away from liquor commissioner

By MARIA MAXHAM

Call Jill at (708) 366-0600

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“I’m not a rubber stamp,” Byrnes said.

Nero said he made the motion to discuss the ordinance for the purpose of talking about it publicly, but he said he thought the ordinance needed more fleshing out.

“There was additional information and facts that needed to be part of the ordinance, making it more robust, so it is not simply a band aid to be revisited at another time,” Nero said. If the motion had been seconded, he said he would have wanted to hear from the mayor the rationale behind making the rule apply only to A1 liquor license holders.

“I respect the other commissioners who felt strongly enough about this not to second it,” Nero said.

Commissioner Jessica Voogd said she didn’t second the motion because she felt the ordinance didn’t include enough detail, and she had outstanding questions, like Byrnes and Nero, about why it applied only to A1 licensees.

“It seems like there is still work to be done on the ordinance,” Voogd said.

During his mayor’s report at the end of the meeting, Hoskins gave further explanation of the ordinance, stating that the short section of the current liquor code that applies to amusement permits was adopted in the 1980s. He said he, Police Chief Tom Aftanas, Village Administrator Moses Amidei and two village attorneys met recently to talk about the liquor code, after which the directive was given to the attorneys to update the ordinance on amusements.

“What this measure would have done is it would have simply put on hold the issue of amusement licenses until we have an effective ordinance to regulate those,” Hoskins said. He indicated that the issue may be brought before the council again.

Editor

On June 14, the village council made a change to the liquor code. The addition to Section 3-6-6 of the liquor code automatically reduces the number of licenses in a license category by one when a license is revoked, surrendered, not renewed or becomes dormant.

The council unanimously voted to support this change to the liquor code.

Previously, an expired or dormant license would remain open until the village council voted to reduce the number of licenses in the category. An open

license was therefore available to be issued to another bar owner at the liquor commissioner’s discretion and with no need for a vote by the entire village council.

Now, since the number of liquor licenses will automatically be reduced when, for example, a restaurant or bar closes, the village council will need to vote to add a license to the applicable category when a new establishment applies for a license.

Mayor Rory Hoskins, who functions as the liquor commissioner, said that previously, if an ordinance wasn’t brought forth before the council to reduce the number of liquor licenses after a business closed or relinquished their license, “the license would sit.” He added: “And there would be the ability to issue that license pursuant to a successful application in the process. So, what this ordinance does is it remove that authority, and so if someone doesn’t renew the license, that license goes away.”

Tap Room’s liquor license suspended a second time The liquor license of Forest Park Tap Room, 7321 Madison St., has been suspended again. Notice was given to owners Lance and Hansel Law on June 19 following the establishment allegedly staying open after allowable hours the previous night.

This is the bar’s second suspension since it opened in October. From April 3 until April 11 Tap Room was forced to close and was fined $2,500 by the village for multiple violations, including serving alcohol after hours, failure to prevent patrons from drinking offpremises, failure to prevent patrons from causing harm to neighboring businesses, excessive noise and failure to adhere to COVID-related health guidelines.

More details on the current suspension to come.

Maria Maxham

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Forest Park Review, June 23, 2021

UPG allowed to reopen, will submit business plan and pay fine Video contradicts owner’s version of May 9 events

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Urban Pioneer Group, which runs out of 7503 Madison St., was allowed to once again resume alcohol-related events at 5 p.m. on June 15 after a hearing before the liquor license commissioner that same day. The suspension of their license was issued on June 8 after raucous behavior related to an event at the space on June 6 as well as for the fight on May 9 that preceded the temporary but mandatory 11 p.m. closures of all bars in town and which is still in effect for A1 taverns.

At the June 15 hearing, Mayor Rory Hoskins, who serves as the liquor commissioner, said UPG owners Tom and Sheila Kunkel were charged with being in violation of the following ordinances: Fights and disturbances; excessive noise; and failure to prevent patrons from causing harm to neighboring businesses.

The Kunkels stipulated to the charges as presented at the hearing. A settlement was reached by their attorney, Nir Basse, and the village prosecutor Sharon O’Shea. In addition to accepting the charges, UPG will present a business plan to the village and will pay a fine to the village. As part of the business plan, said O’Shea, all UPG events will end at 11 p.m., even if longer hours are granted by the village, and the Kunkels will vet all parties and events held at the location.

The amount of the fine was disputed. O’Shea proposed a $2,000 payment that she didn’t want to reduce because, she said, the village was thinking of dismissing the six local ordinance tickets issued to UPG on May 9. Each of those tickets comes with a maximum $750 fine.

Basse, however, said he and the Kunkels were hoping for a reduced fine because a presentation they would make at the continuation of the hearing on June 23 would show the contributions the charitable arms of UPG makes to the community.

The amount of the fine will be determined on June 23 at 3:30 p.m. when the meeting is continued and the written order officially entered.

Stipulating to the charges was significant, as previously Tom Kunkel denied UPG patron involvement in the May 9 incident, which was a precipitating factor in the emergency meeting held by the village council to put the 11 p.m. closing time in place village wide.

In that May 9 incident, according to police reports, UPG patrons were allegedly fighting on Madison Street, and police officers who tried to stop a man from choking a woman

File photo

BUSINESS PLAN AND FINE: Urban Pioneer Group, 7503 Madison St., will submit a business plan to the village after being served a liquor license suspension. They will also be required to pay a fine, the amount to be determined. were allegedly harassed both verbally and physically. It took law enforcement units about half an hour to disperse the crowd that grew to around 50 people, refusing police orders to disperse.

Citations issued to the Kunkels that day include violations of preservation of peace, sufficient employees, and public fighting.

At that time, however, Tom Kunkel denied that UPG patrons were involved in the disturbance. In the days following the May 9 incident, he said that patrons from his event dispersed “peacefully” at 12:45 a.m., heading home or to other establishments. The fight started at approximately 1:30 a.m.

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“The man choking his girlfriend was not a guest at our event,” Kunkel said at the time.

Surveillance video from another nearby establishment, however, contradicts Kunkel’s statement. The video, according to Deputy Police Chief Ken Gross, shows patrons exiting UPG at around 1:23 a.m., not 12:45 a.m. as Kunkel said.

The male subject arrested in the choking incident shortly after appears to be the same man on video exiting UPG while holding a female in a headlock, said Gross. Gross confirmed that people seen exiting UPG at 1:23 a.m. are also seen on police video of the fight that occurred.

The Review has reached out to Basse for a comment on the video and will publish it when received.

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Forest Park Review, June 23, 2021

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ALTENHEIM

Future unknown from page 1 future of the property.

“The Altenheim is certainly a center of attention these days,” Hoskins said. “They’re making great progress on bringing down those buildings. And we have received contacts from different interested parties who wanted to get in talking to the village about what could potentially go there.” He said that includes various citizen’s groups with which the village plans to meet. He added that there needs to be a conversation with the Altenheim Senior facility that will continue to operate on adjacent property. “They have the most at stake in terms of future development there,” Hoskins said.

In an email, Hoskins said he is “aware of the good intentions of Ralph DiFebo,” but intends to seek input from other entities as well, such as the Altenheim Board of Directors and condo and townhome associations of nearby residences.

Adding the presentation to the agenda was an error, Hoskins said. “It should not have been on the agenda.”

“It’s unfortunate that we didn’t get to hear Mr. DiFebo’s presentation, but I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to invite him back soon,” Commissioner Jessica Voogd said during the meeting. “Additionally, you know, now with the demolition going so well, and things are moving forward, and COVID is becoming a little bit more manageable, I’m kind of hopeful that we might have a town hall in the near future.”

Voogd told the Review that she’d pushed to have the presentation on the agenda, going back and forth with Hoskins and Village Administer Moses Amidei via email about dates that would work.

“With the demolition really taking off, I thought it would be a good idea to have a member of the ad hoc committee talk about the work and research they’d done, to focus energy back on the discussion,” Voogd said in an interview. “Let’s revisit the information they gathered.” She added: “I’m very disappointed it was canceled, especially at the last minute.”

In an interview on June 16, Commissioner Ryan Nero said he thinks the item was pulled from the agenda because it doesn’t represent the mayor’s hopes for the Altenheim.

“It doesn’t align with Hoskins’ vision for the property,” Nero said. “But pulling it isn’t in the interest of the village.

No matter what your personal vision is, you have to be the voice of the village and the people and provide different ideas and opinions than your own.”

Nero said the presentation, which was submitted to commissioners ahead of time, was fair, presenting facts and good property comparisons.

While the original plans of the ad hoc committee, chaired

by DiFebo, included an expansive band shell and outdoor con-

Photo by Maria Maxham

HOT TOPIC: The future of the approximately 11 acres of village-owned Altenheim property continues to be a topic of debate cert venue, over the years they have been scaled down to include recommended areas for development and green space.

Commissioner Dan Novak said he had “no clue” why the agenda item was pulled and that there was “zero communication” from Hoskins. “The mayor has his own plans for the property,” Novak said.

Commissioner Joe Byrnes said he thinks it’s high time discussions about the future of the Altenheim property begin.

“The buildings are almost down,” Byrnes said. “The discussions need to begin. And it’s not about what he wants or what I want, it’s about what the people want.”

But whether the ad hoc committee should be given the chance to present their ideas when other interested parties haven’t been invited to do so is a point raised by at least one village official, who echoed Hoskins’ sentiment that all groups should be part of the discussion, not just one.

According to Director of Building, Planning and Zoning Steve Glinke, those recommending plans for the property should be given equal treatment by the village.

“DiFebo isn’t any more or less deserving than anybody else with interest in the property,” said Glinke in an interview with the Review. “We should let the policy makers determine the forum and format for a discussion of multiple

g n a H e r e h in t k r a P t s e r Fo

options.”

But Andrea DiFebo, Ralph DiFebo’s wife, said as far as she knows, the ad hoc committee was never decommissioned, and although established under a previous administration, it’s still in place to provide recommendations to the village council.

The committee put months into developing the updated presentation for the June 14 meeting, which provides different options for use of the approximately 11 acres of village-owned land and selling prices by acre of comparable developments. A “Reader’s Digest” list at the end provides a synopsis of the committee’s suggestions: ■ Consider the two to four north acres of the land for development ■ Create a park on the seven to nine south acres, with similar attributes to the Grove ■ Seek different sources of funding for park and street improvements, including a portion from the sale of the north property, creation of a TIF for the Altenheim, solicitation of state and federal grants, and creation of a foundation to seek private grants “I’m extremely disappointed,” said DiFebo about the presentation being canceled.

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Forest Park Review, June 23, 2021

Widow of man fatally stabbed May 21 seeks justice Delia Aragon wants justice for her husband who was fatally stabbed in Forest Park in May

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Contributing writer

The widow of a man fatally stabbed in Forest Park and who was found unconscious in nearby Maywood said she wants justice for her late husband.

“He was just a fun person to be with all the time,” said Delia Aragon, the 29-yearold widow of Pedro Aragon-Hernandez, the 36-year-old man who was fatally stabbed on May 21 near 8401 Roosevelt Road in Forest Park while commuting home from work.

Police believe the stabbing happened at around 6 p.m. Aragon-Hernandez was found unconscious near the intersection of 2nd and Harvard before being transported to Loyola University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 3:13

a.m. on May 22. have a suspect in custody, but has not been charged Aragon, who lives in Bellwith homicide yet. So far, wood, said her husband she said, police told her that “was just a fun person to they have the suspect debe with all of the time, who tained because of a parole loved to dance and have violation. She’s afraid that fun.” The couple had four the person will be able to children: Pedro, 11, Manual, bond out.

10, Federico, 7, and Leilani, “Pedro had his money sto6 months. len, as well,” she said. “He Aragon said her shock at had more than $400, plus her husband’s tragic death DELIA ARAGON his check was cashed even was compounded because 29 year-old widow when there was a stop on of the way she feels she’s it. No one gave me informabeen treated by authorities. tion on that. The police also “That night, I called him initially tried telling me the at 5:20 p.m. and he said if I stabbing was gang-related was mad,” Aragon recalled.

“I told him, ‘No, just tired.’ He said, ‘Go to and he wasn’t in a gang.”

In a statement released in May, the departsleep and take a nap. I’ll be there shortly.’ ment said its Criminal Investigation DiviAnd he never showed up.”

When Aragon called Loyola at around 7 sion had taken over the investigation and a.m. on May 22, the hospital initially told will work with the West Suburban Major her that there was no one there by her hus- Crimes Task Force.

When reached on June 14, Forest Park Poband’s name. And since the fatal stabbing, she said she’s fallen out of communication lice said that the suspect was arrested and charged with possessing a small amount of with Forest Park Police.

She said police have told her that they PCP and resisting arrest, but that he has

“ T he police also initially tried telling me the stabbing was gang-related and he wasn’t in a gang.”

since been released from custody either on an I-bond or via electronic monitoring. He has not been charged, pending DNA evidence, the police said.

“At this time, investigators are unsure of the motive for the stabbing,” the police said, before urging anyone with information to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at (708) 366-2425 or email detectives@ forestpark.net.

In the meantime, Aragon said she’s been trying to be strong for her four children.

She’s since returned to work, but not before tapping into her savings to bury her husband last month. The family has since started a GoFundMe account for Aragon and her four children.

As of June 11, the GoFundMe had raised roughly $2,100 of its $10,000 goal.

“We just want justice for Pedro,” Aragon said, adding that she and her family are so scared for their safety that they’re planning to move out of the area.

“We are trying to look for homes to move out already,” she said.

CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

Vaccinated Illinoisans entered into $10 million lottery

By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois

Any vaccinated Illinoisan will be automatically entered into a lottery for $10 million in prizes without having to take any extra steps to enter.

Gov. JB Pritzker announced the “all in for the win” vaccine lottery at an event in Chicago, noting it would award $7 million in cash prizes for adults 18 years of age and older, as well as $3 million in scholarship awards for Illinoisans ages 12 to 17.

The first drawing will be conducted by the Illinois Lottery on July 8 and drawings will continue into August. Prizes will include cash payments from $100,000 to $1 million.

Scholarships would be in the form of Bright Start 529 savings plans worth $150,000 each.

The money is allocated from federal American Rescue Plan funding, of which the state received more than $8 billion.

Drawings will be conducted statewide and individually in the state’s Restore Illinois regions that coincided with mitigation efforts throughout the pandemic. In the final drawing August 26, the winners of the final two of three $1 million prizes will be chosen from a statewide pool.

To receive a vaccine, Illinoisans were required to give their information to the medical professional who administered the vaccine, so Pritzker said that is how the names will be chosen for the drawings. Anyone

having received at least their first dose by July 1 would be eligible for prizes in the first drawing.

Those who win would be contacted by the Illinois Department of Public Health, who will seek permission to share the winner’s name with the Illinois Lottery. IDPH will not share information without a recipient’s consent, according to a news release.

More information is available at allin.illinois.gov.

Pritzker made that announcement as the state’s positivity rate continued to plummet and as nearly 70 percent of the state’s 18-andolder population had received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. That number was 67 percent for Illinoisans 12 and older, and 89 percent for those 65 and older.

For full vaccination, the number as of Thursday was 50 percent for 12 and older, 53 percent for 18 and older, and 73 percent for 65 and older.

Pritzker and IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said they were hopeful that the lottery would increase vaccine participation to continue to drive positivity rates and hospitalizations downward. They noted vaccinations remain free for Illinoisans at a variety of locations, such as mass vaccination sites, local health departments, chain and small pharmacies, doctors’ offices and Federally Qualified Health Centers.

“While our vaccination numbers in Illi-

nois are good, we can’t stop there. We still need more people, as many people as possible, and there is a pool of 3 million eligible people who are not yet vaccinated. We still need you to step up and get vaccinated,” Ezike said.

Ezike and Pritzker also noted that more dangerous variants of the virus are gaining steam, and as long as there are unvaccinated individuals in whom the virus can find a home, it could continue to become more dangerous as a variant.

According to the IDPH website, the state has identified 64 cases of the delta variant first found in India. That strain is a “variant of concern,” according to federal health officials, and could be more transmissible and cause more severe symptoms for those who are unvaccinated.

“We have to stop this virus from circulating before it mutates to the point that we get a variant that threatens the vaccine immunity that the 70 percent of us… are already pursuing. And the way to stop that is through vaccination,” Ezike said.

But as of Thursday, things were going well in Illinois, with the case positivity rate sitting at 0.7 percent, a sustained pandemic low. Hospitalizations continued to fall to new lows as well, with 524 COVID-19 patients in hospital beds, including 138 in intensive care units, both the lowest numbers of the pandemic. There were 74 people on ventilators as of Wednesday night, one more than

the pandemic low of the night before.

But even as those numbers decreased, another 16 Illinoisans were reported to have died over the previous 24 hours, bringing the death toll in Illinois to 23,120 confirmed deaths since the pandemic began, along with 2,432 probable deaths.

Donna Thompson, CEO of ACCESS Community Health Network where Pritzker announced the lottery, noted the inequities the virus has laid bare, especially in the predominantly Black and brown communities in the Chicago area which her organization serves.

“We have seen up close the devastating effects that the virus has had on our communities and how health disparities and inequities have also compounded the risk for our patients and local residents,” she said. “We are also seeing disturbing divides across our communities – those that are vaccinated, and have the freedom to go and return to a normal life, and then those that are unvaccinated, and are restricted due to their status, and often cases, presenting with serious cases of COVID at our health centers, or worse, at local emergency departments.”

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government and distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

Forest Park Review, June 23, 2021

9

C R I M E

Five retailers busted in underage tobacco sting Forest Park Police Department detectives, along with a confidential youth agent under the age of 21, conducted Illinois tobacco compliance checks of multiple establishments on June 17. Five locations failed to ask for identification before selling tobacco products to the minor: Diamond Smoke & Vape at 7418 Madison St., Citgo at 7400 Roosevelt Rd., OG Smoke Shop at 1215 Harlem Ave., USA Beverage at 7200 Madison St., and BP Amoco Gas Station at 7204 Washington St. At each location, the underage agent approached the counter and asked to purchase a pack of cigarillos, including grape

flavored White Owl cigarillos and Swisher Sweet cigarillos. At all of the mentioned stores, the clerk gave the cigarillos to the youth agent without asking for identification or proof of age. The agent paid and left the store. Each shop was given a local ordinance citation for selling tobacco to a minor and must appear in local ordinance court on Aug. 11.

Gun found in backpack at Walmart A group of five young people were leaving Walmart, 1300 Desplaines Ave., on June 12 just after 6 a.m. As they passed through

Man shot on Madison Street near Famous Liquors A man was shot on Madison Street near Franklin Avenue on June 18 around 4 p.m.

Police were called for a report of shots fired. They arrived to find a gray Jeep stopped in the roadway and a 21-year-old male who had sustained a gunshot wound to the back.

A 20-year-old female passenger was also present, and she had not sustained any injuries, according to a press release from Forest Park Police Chief Tom Aftanas.

The male victim was transported to the hospital, where he is in stable condition.

According to the press release, witnesses said the shooting took place on

Van Buren Street just south of Madison Street. The shooting suspect was possibly driving a white BMW, which was last seen traveling southbound from the shooting location.

“This incident appears to be isolated and no reason to believe there is an imminent threat to the community,” said the police in their release.

The Forest Park Criminal Investigation Division is gathering information related to the incident, and anyone with information should contact 708-366-2425 or detectives@forestpark.net.

Maria Maxham

the exit door, the security guard, an off-duty Chicago police officer, heard the theft alarm go off. He stopped the group and asked them to walk back into the store. As they did, he noticed that a male subject wearing a backpack on his chest was the one who had set off the alarm. The security guard asked the subject what was in the bag, and the subject said, “Nothing.” The security guard asked if he could search the bag, and the subject said he could.

The security guard began to look inside the bag, which was still being worn by the subject, and he round a Taurus 9 mm handgun, which he took out of the bag. The subject and his friends left the store and were last seen getting into a white vehicle and driving away while the security guard called police.

The incident was caught on surveillance video. The gun was entered into the Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS) but no record was found. The gun was loaded with 17 rounds.

Car window smashed A woman on the 200 block of Elgin Avenue called police on June 16 at 8:55 a.m. when she discovered the front windshield of her car was broken and a large rock inside the vehicle. The car appeared to be ransacked, but nothing seemed to be missing, reported the owner of the vehicle.

Man exposes himself after asking for directions A man allegedly exposed himself to a woman on the 1000 block of Marengo Avenue on June 16 around 6:45 p.m. The woman reported that she was walking down the block when a man stopped her to ask for directions. After she pointed him in the right directions, he allegedly told her she was good looking, unzipped his pants and exposed himself.

Two home burglaries on June 14

Photo by Maria Maxham

Forest Park police officers investigate the scene of a shooting on Madison Street on June 18.

Police were called to a home on the 1400 block of Harlem Avenue for a report of a burglary on June 14. The owner stated that she was upstairs in her house at around 1:54 p.m. when she heard what sounded like glass breaking downstairs. The woman went down the staircase about halfway and observed a figure through the closed glass living room door, according to the police report. When she went all the way downstairs nobody was there, and a window facing Harlem Avenue was broken, unlocked and ajar.

She reported it had been locked and closed earlier.

Police discovered the plants outside the window appeared to be broken and bent, as if someone had trampled them to gain access to the window. Inside the house was

what appeared to mud on the floor, a partial muddy shoeprint, and a rock with a napkin around it on the floor, which the resident said wasn’t there before. Nothing appeared to be missing from the house.

Around 7 p.m. that same day, police were called to a home on the 1300 block of Marengo Avenue for another residential burglary.

The victim had arrived home to find her front door broken and ajar. Many boxes, drawers, closets and bags had been opened and rummaged through. The victim’s jewelry boxes were open and empty on the bed.

Some jewelry and other items were missing.

Officers observed a shoeprint in the dirt in front of a window and found some Victoria’s Secret Strawberry Fizz flavored lip gloss, which the victim said did not belong to her.

In both incidents, according to the police report, “it appears the offender assessed the interior of the home by looking through the windows before making entry.”

Man issued citation for public urination at gas station A man in the parking lot of Thornton’s, 601 Harlem Ave., was issued a citation for public urination when he was caught relieving himself near the dumpsters on June 15 at 12:18 a.m. He told police he didn’t think the bathrooms inside would be open.

Catalytic converter stolen The catalytic converter of a car on the 7400 block of Warren Avenue was stolen sometime between June 14 at 1 p.m. and June 15 at 1 p.m.

Two cars keyed with bad words A man who had been working out at Planet Fitness, 7530 Roosevelt Rd., called police on June 14 at 5:33 p.m. when he returned to his car to find that the passenger door of his car had been scratched and keyed. He also reported that someone had tried to scratch what looked like “F*** you” under the passenger side door handle.

On the 7300 block of Dixon Street, a woman found her car had been keyed sometime between June 13 at 8 p.m. and June 14 at 7 p.m. Her car was parked outside her residence, where she found an unknown subject had scratched an offensive term on the rear passenger side of the vehicle.

These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Forest Park Police Department, June 11-17, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded.

Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these reports has only been charged with a crime. These cases have not been adjudicated.

Compiled by Maria Maxham

10

Forest Park Review, June 23, 2021

June 23-30

BIG WEEK

Nature Photography Challenge Beginning on June 26, the Forest Park Public Library is holding a nature photography challenge! Send us your best plant, animal, and nature photos to ys@ fppl.org. We will display our favorites in the library and invite people to vote for their favorites during the last week of our program with prizes awarded to the top three.

Ages 8 and up. Learn more at fppl.org/events.

Dip in the Pond Children ages 11 to 16 can join a naturalist at the Trailside Museum’s Pond, 738 Thatcher Ave. in River Forest, on June 26 at 10:30 a.m. Dip a net into the pond and investigate macroinvertebrates. Bring boots or shoes that can get wet. Unvaccinated visitors must wear a mask indoors at all times; and they must wear a mask outdoors when physical distancing (six feet from other people) is not possible.

Registration is required. Call 708-366-6530 or email trailside.museum@cookcountyil.gov

Dav DiNaso’s Traveling Dave World of Reptiles W On June 27 from 3 to 4 p.m., the library welcomes back one of its most popular animal sshows of all time with a virtual spectacle of amazing reptiles. The event is open to kids of all ages and their families. Register to get in ourr Zoom room or catch us on Facebook.

Learn more at fppl.org/events. fppl.org/evenn www.travelingworldofreptiles.com

Read under the Rainbow Drag Storytime with Masha Potato Join the library on June 28 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. for a story time with Masha Potato. The virtual event will conclude the Reader Under the Rainbow Storytime series.

There will be a story, dance and chance to practice your best star poses and celebrate what makes you wonderful and unique! Families and kids aged six and under are welcome. Learn more at fppl.org/events.

Forest Park Review, June 23, 2021

HARDY

Bittersweet goodbye from page 1 “They hated to see us,” said Hardy. Once the students began to recognize his car, he switched to another vehicle. He hid at a nearby body shop and surprised students as they passed by. Go to school, he’d tell them.

They weren’t always happy about it, but for the most part, they’d go to class.

Hardy is leaving his position as principal at Proviso East after six years. His new position is at Oak Park and River Forest High School as executive director for equity and student success.

But Hardy wasn’t planning to leave Proviso District High School District 209. Several months ago, Proviso’s new superintendent Dr. James Henderson set the stage for a major administrative overhaul, reclassifying or failing to renew the contracts of dozens of individuals. Administrators were invited to reapply for their old positions or for new ones. The principal of Proviso Math and Science Academy will now be a grade-level principal at Proviso West, a position that comes with decrease in salary of around $10,000. And, in fact, several of those who stayed on after the reclassification took salary decreases to do so.

Hardy said he applied for three different positions in-district, but when he didn’t hear back, he couldn’t sit around and wait, so he looked elsewhere and accepted the position at OPRF, a new opportunity he said is exciting.

There’s regret, though, said Hardy, that he doesn’t have more time at East to continue what he started there.

“We didn’t get it perfect, but not for lack of trying,” said Hardy.

“Perfect” might refer to test scores not improving. And they didn’t. But Hardy said his first move when he came to the school six years ago was to work on the climate and culture. Then, he said, grades and scores would be the focus. That’s why he stood outside the gas station. That’s why he personally showed up at a hotel party that involved vanloads of students, some from East, mak-

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Dr. Patrick Hardy ing sure they got home safely and nobody was arrested, even though the police had been called.

Hardy is responsible for significant marks of improvement in the school. On the day he walked into East, there was only one advanced placement (AP) class, said Hardy. As he leaves, there are 15.

Proviso East has dual credit programs with Triton College, and since his time as principal also with Indiana University.

The school went from offering six clubs and activities to 52, many founded by students, and Hardy fostered an environment in which kids felt comfortable coming to him with ideas for organizations at the school.

The school’s Illinois State Report Card shows a graduation rate of 62 percent in 2016. In 2020, it was 77 percent.

And under Hardy’s tenure, Competency Based Education was brought to East, though Hardy admits he needed to be convinced at first. It was a community decision, one he’s glad was made. In 2015, Hardy said, administrators in the district met with the community and asked: “What do you want?”

The answers led to the Competency Based Model, in which graduation credit can be earned in other ways than traditional coursework, such as through hands-on experience in addition to time spent in the classroom.

Hardy says he was a quick convert.

“The public school system continues to fail students en masse, especially students of color and immigrants,” Hardy said.

“Competency based education works for everyone. It addresses equity issues.”

Hardy said he hopes competency-based education continues to provide paths of knowledge and training for students there, one reason being that it is an example of innovation in education, something that’s

rare these days, Hardy said.

Hardy held up his cell phone. He explained that 5 years ago, his phone was different.

Bigger. Clunkier. With less functionality.

And 20 years before that, much different still. As a child, there weren’t things like cell phones, he said.

“If you look at almost every industry in the world, you see constant change and innovation,” said Hardy. “So why does education continue to look the same?”

Hardy said it’s problematic that education designed to teach white men a long time ago is still, by and large, run the same way it always was.

“Competency based education allowed me to lead and do school differently,” Hardy said. “It was a chance to lead systemic change in education. I got to lead actual innovation.” When asked, he said, “I am not sure the district will remain committed to competency-based education.” But he hopes it does.

Other improvements that occurred while Hardy was principal at East include an 80 percent reduction in disciplinary action and a 100 percent reduction in expulsions.

Reduction in discipline, Hardy said, refers to out-of-school suspensions and disciplinary referrals to the dean. That, said Hardy, meant giving teachers more support. But equally important was putting the responsibility on the students.

“We increased the expectations for the students. We said, ‘You can no longer be tardy. You can’t disrespect your teacher,’” said Hardy. “And then, we were hard the first year. You can’t bluff. Kids have to know you mean it.”

Hardy said he’d track down kids who weren’t doing their work or were missing class. He’d find them in P.E. class, a copy of their grades in his hand. Why did you miss so many classes? he’d ask. What’s going on

11

with these Fs here?

When he first came to East, said Hardy, the school was lost. And so he had to take a hard stance.

“Restorative justice can come later, after the school is regained,” Hardy said.

That was the climate. The expectations for students and support for teachers. Standing outside gas stations and fast-food joints to make sure your kids were safe.

But culture was important too. “Culture is what you believe, your mindsight,” Hardy said. “What do you believe about kids? And do we believe that all kids deserve to be here?”

At an open house at East a few months ago, students lined the hallways, standing near tables with giveaways for guests and handmade posters about the clubs they were representing. They were excited. Poised. Proud to talk about cross country and gardening and theater. The teachers and administrators at that open house were proud too, explaining the different academies as part of the competency-based framework. There was an almost tangible excitement in the air. No small part of that was Hardy greeting people with his kind confidence as they entered, welcoming them to see Proviso East.

Leaving Proviso is bittersweet for Hardy.

He said he’s excited about his new position at Oak Park and River Forest High School.

“I’m impressed with the team,” Hardy said. “The incoming superintendent seems incredible.” And he applauded the school board for its focus on important issues of race.

“OPRF had the courage to establish a focus on racial equity and to do it in policy,” Hardy said. “I’m glad for the opportunity to stretch myself in this way at OPRF. They got to me first. My first instincts were to stay at Proviso, if they would have me,” Hardy said.

He’s leaving the district thankful for the chance to work there, and with thanks for the community that welcomed him with such open arms.

“I got to lead one of the most historic schools in the state for six years. What an honor,” said Hardy. “I got to work with the best parents. The teachers and staff are the very best. Your kids are going to be well cared for at East, from the teachers to the custodians.”

He thanked former superintendent Jessie Rodriguez for allowing Hardy to be himself and allowing him to lead an innovation in education.

And he said he’s thankful to both school boards that have come before him in his tenure. “They gave me a chance,” Hardy said.

He wants to express gratitude to the parents and his former and current students.

“These are great kids, and their potential is absolutely limitless,” Hardy said. With a laugh he added: “And I expect them to achieve, or I will find them all. They better achieve great things.”

Although he regrets not getting to finish what he started, he said, “But I know I’m giving the community the school back better than it was given to me.” His final words?

“I had a ball.”

12

Forest Park Review, June 23, 2021

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Westlake Hospital could reopen as Woodlake A New Jersey company has filed an application with the state to reopen the Melrose Park hospital

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Contributing writer

A company based in New Jersey is in the process of getting state approval to permanently reopen Westlake Hospital, 1225 W. Lake St. in Melrose Park, as Woodlake Specialty Hospital.

The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board conducted a public hearing related to New Jersey-based Woodlake Pacific Holdings’s application on June 15.

The same day, Crain’s Chicago Business broke the news that it had obtained court transcripts showing that Westlake’s previous owner, California-based Pipeline Health, “never intended to keep the hospital open” despite promises to the contrary that Pipeline’s representatives made in the weeks and months leading up to purchasing the Melrose Park hospital, along with two others in the Chicago area in 2018. “‘Pursuant to the party’s acquisition agreement, the Westlake Hospital was required to be shut down by June 5th of that same year,’ bankruptcy trustee representative Allen Guon said during a hearing last November,” according to a court transcript Crain’s obtained.

“Pipeline’s 2018 change of ownership application with the state said the transaction ‘will result in no changes to the scope of services offered at Westlake,’” Crain’s reported.

Pipeline paid $70 million in 2018 to purchase Westlake, West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park and Weiss Memorial Hospital in Chicago from Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare. The company still owns the latter two hospitals. It closed Westlake in 2019, the year the Melrose Park hospital filed for bankruptcy.

Crain’s reported that it isn’t “clear why the acquisition agreement required Westlake to be closed,” but “Tenet’s deal with Pipeline came shortly after Tenet sold MacNeal Hospital to Loyola Medicine for $270 million in 2018.”

A Loyola Medicine representative told Crain’s that the health system “made no such request regarding the closure of Westlake Hospital.”

The proposed Woodlake Specialty Hospital would include 230 beds, the same number that Westlake Hospital had. In the application it submitted to the Review Board, Wood-

lake Pacific Holdings representatives said that they plan to spend an estimated $43.4 million to acquire and renovate the aging Melrose Park property.

They said if their application is approved by the state, they anticipate completing the hospital by Dec. 31, 2022 and estimated that.

“At least 500 to 600 permanent jobs will be created.”

As with Pipeline, Woodlake officials have vowed not to discontinue the hospital’s charity care policies, which are designed to provide affordable healthcare for low-income and indigent individuals.

According to Woodlake’s application, Mark Tress, the managing member of Woodlake Specialty Hospital and Woodlake Pacific Holdings, certified “under penalty of perjury” that “Woodlake Specialty Hospital LLC will not adopt more restrictive charity care policies that were in effect at Westlake Hospital prior to its closure in 2019 and that those charity care policies will remain in effect for no less than two years following the reopening of the former Westlake Hospital.”

Dr. Glenn Kushner, the last president of the medical staff at Westlake Hospital prior to its closure, has agreed to serve as the inaugural president of the medical staff at Woodlake Hospital, Woodlake officials stated.

Woodlake said on its application that the new hospital “is arguably the first project in at least 30 years where a new provider is prepared to invest over $40 million into an underserved community with no real commitment that the State will cover any unprojected, operating losses.”

The company added that the pending opening of Woodlake was made possible

by Senate Bill 0168, which was filed by Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch (7th) in March. The legislation outlines the requirements for reopening a discontinued general acute care hospital.

Under the new law, any entity seeking to reopen a previously discontinued general acute care hospital has to reestablish the same number of total licensed beds as were previously licensed by the state at the discontinued hospital, among other provisions.

Among those 230 beds, Woodlake will have 80 acute mental illness beds, 60 long-term care beds, 33 long-term acute care beds, six intensive care unit beds to support the longterm acute care unit, and 40 comprehensive physical rehabilitation beds. The hospital will also maintain a stand-by emergency department.

CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

CELEBRATING CELEBRATING CELEBRATING

Forest Park Review, June 23, 2021

2021

13

2021 2021

Listening to hear the worries of queer youth Listening to hear the worries of queer youth

Messaging services often gave Johnson the in the U.S. faced higher risks of depression, the hotline, he became emotional and was During COVID providing chance to provide others a judge-free zone. anxiety, substance use and suicidality, and reminded of those moments in his life when in thebyU.S. of depression, services often gave theexacerbated he felthigher alone andrisks hopeless. those risksJohnson may have been the faced His job was justMessaging to listen, offering resources places for gay youth toproviding be During COVID When Johnson wassuicidality, 19, he was diagnosed pandemic, accordingzone. to the Trevor Project. substance as the opportunities arose.to provide others anxiety, use and and chance a judge-free seen and heard with mononucleosis, mono for short. While Last July, the Trevor Project “They don’t see you, and they don’t hear polled 600 may those risks have been exacerbated by the

job was just to listen, offering resources places for gay youth toyourbevoice,” saidHisJohnson, who among many LGBTQ+ youth between 13 and 24 years old it wasn’t uncommon for young adults to get pandemic, to the Trevor Project. asOak thePark opportunities arose. mono, the infectious illness “created a spiral B Y F. A M A N D A T U G A D E things is a former village trustee and and found that over 50% of them reported according seen and heard he said. Project polled 600 Lastduring July, effect,” the Trevor “They don’t you, and theyofdon’t hear once co-chaired the Oak Park Areasee Lesbian symptoms anxiety or depression Staff Reporter

“I couldn’t work my three jobs, so I had no and Gay Association (OPALGA+).

“So, the who pandemic.

Youthmany who identified as trans-youth LGBTQ+ between your Plus voice,” said Johnson, among 13“Iand years oldon For over a year, Ray Johnson spent a part of income,” he said. was 24 already living there’s no tone or inflection. It’s just what gender or nonbinary experienced higher his weekend as a volunteer crisis counselor the edge.

I applied for them food stamps.

I had to things is a former Oak Park village trustee and and found that over 50% of reported you’re typing. rates of anxiety and depression. for the Trevor Project, a nonprofit focused pay rent. I was totally, totally stressed out. once toco-chaired the Oak Park Areaalso Lesbian Reporter “If you’re speaking a young person who’s The survey found thatsymptoms one-third of of anxiety or depression during on crisis intervention Staff and suicide prevention And, you know, you can’t go to school when in a situation and your goal is to create a safer LGBTQ+ youth “were unable to be themand Gay Association Plus (OPALGA+). “So, the pandemic.

Youth whosoidentified as transfor LGBTQ+ youth. For three hours every you have mono, grades are impacted.

This For over a year, Raywould Johnson spent situation a part offor them – a de-escalation if you will selves at home,” and about the same number whole Sunday evening, Johnson sit around cascade experienced of chaos came down on me, there’s no tone or inflection.

It’s just what gender or nonbinary higher of what they’re feeling and sharing – there’s of transgender and nonbinary youth said and I got in a really dark place, and I rememhis weekend aslaptop a volunteer crisis counselor his home, prop his open and answer you’re typing. rates ofsince anxiety and depression. time limit on that,” said Johnson, whose they felt unsafe in their living situations calls the from the crisis hotline. ber that.” for Trevor Project, a nonprofitnofocused with tears. speaking to athe pandemic began.who’s Using a digital messaging service, Johnson eyes began to swell“If you’re young person also found that one-third of He The survey That’s why Johnson became a volunteer. on crisis intervention Prior to the global health crisis, lesbian, As Johnson recalled some of the conversawould mostly text or chat and with suicide teens or prevention See JOHNSON in a situation and your goal is to create a safer LGBTQ+ youth “were unable on topage be16themfor youth.

For three hours gay, every bisexual, transgender and queer youth tions he has had with individuals through youngLGBTQ+ adults in need of someone to talk to.

B Y F. A M A N D A T U G A D E

Sunday evening, Johnson would sit around his home, prop his laptop open and answer calls from the crisis hotline.

Using a digital messaging service, Johnson would mostly text or chat with teens or young adults in need of someone to talk to.

situation for them – a de-escalation if you will of what they’re feeling and sharing – there’s no time limit on that,” said Johnson, whose eyes began to swell with tears.

Prior to the global health crisis, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer youth

SenateSenator President Senator

Don Harmon Don Harmon Don Harmon 39th District President ProPro Tempore President Tempore 6941-B W. North Ave. 6933 W.IL North Ave. 6933 W. North Ave. Oak Park, 60302 Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 848-2002 Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 848-2002 (708) 848-2002 327 Capitol Building 329329 Capitol Building Capitol Building Springfield, IL 62706 Springfield, IL 62706 Springfield, (217) 782-8176 IL 62706 (217) 782-8176 (217) 782-8176 www.donharmon.org www.donharmon.org www.donharmon.org

harmon@senatedem.illlinois.gov dharmon@senatedem.ilga.gov dharmon@senatedem.ilga.gov

selves at home,” and about the same number of transgender and nonbinary youth said they felt unsafe in their living situations since the pandemic began.

As Johnson recalled some of the conversations he has had with individuals through

the hotline, he became emotional and was reminded of those moments in his life when he felt alone and hopeless.

When Johnson was 19, he was diagnosed with mononucleosis, mono for short. While it wasn’t uncommon for young adults to get mono, the infectious illness “created a spiral effect,” he said.

“I couldn’t work my three jobs, so I had no income,” he said. “I was already living on the edge. I applied for food stamps. I had to pay rent. I was totally, totally stressed out.

And, you know, you can’t go to school when you have mono, so grades are impacted. This whole cascade of chaos came down on me, and I got in a really dark place, and I remember that.”

That’s why Johnson became a volunteer. He See JOHNSON on page 16

Representative Representative P r o u d t o S e r v eRepresentative Representative

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June 23, 2021

At 53, Didato brings diversity, youth to OPALGA+ New board member wants to offer welcome to youth B Y R I M A H A M I LT O N Contributing Reporter Anthony Didato is 53. He’s lived in Oak Park for more than 18 years. And earlier this year, in February, he joined the board of the Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association+ (OPALGA+).

At 53 he is among the younger board members as the organization, founded in 1989, has aged even as it notes its many accomplishments both locally and in the region.

OPALGA+’s primary focus has been to advocate for inclusion, equity and protection for the local LGBT+ community.

Didato’s passion is to advocate for LGBT+ youths. “It’s a crucial time for LGBT+ youths to feel like who they are is OK, that they are enough,” said Didato.

He said he also joined the group to find socialization, relatability, educational and professional comradery close to home. He has

found that in OPALGA+.

Didato, who is of Mexican heritage, also joined OPALGA+ in hopes that lending his voice and experiences will promote further ethnic diversity within the association.

“A fair representation of what our world looks like can only serve to enhance OPALGA,” said Didato. “A myriad of experiences from a diverse OPALGA+ will only serve to highlight the gifts each individual brings. Together we can share [our] different life experiences and expose ourselves to see that there is a lot more love and care beyond the difficulties of our [past] experiences.”

Many OPALGA+ members have been around long enough to recall the stigma attached to being openly gay. And today, though there is still much work to be done to ensure equity, that stigma has lessened as a result of the work done by associations like OPALGA+. The outcome of its dedicated work aimed at helping LBGT+ youths to further achieve their educational and professional goals through community events, fundraising and scholarship programs have often been successful.

Visit us on Facebook! @OakParkPFLAG

“I think the hard work that OPALGA+ does for the LGBT+ community, locally, has helped many to take pride in who they are and to accept others for who they are,” said Didato.

For Didato, Pride is about being comfortable with who he is and the gifts he brings.

He has learned to embrace and celebrate his natural and developed gifts, and he wants the same for all in the LGBT+ community.

At 53, “I wish that I had been prouder earlier,” added Didato.

With his optimistic mindset, sage advice

and determination to keep getting up no matter how many failures one faces, Didato is a perfect fit within OPALGA+.

“My five-year plan is to keep improving, leading, prospering, traveling and partnering,” said Didato. As a contributing board member of OPALGA+, “I want to be remembered for living my life helping others to fully embrace themselves,” he said.

For more information about OPALGA+ mission, scholarships and future community events, visit opalga.org.

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June 23, 2021

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16

June 23, 2021

JOHNSON from page 13 wanted to help someone else find that “glimmer of hope.” Through Johnson’s training as a crisis counselor, there is one lesson that has stayed with him, and it goes back to listening.

“Listen to hear, not respond,” he said.

Deborah Levine, director of LGBT YouthLink, a branch of CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers, echoed Johnson and reiterated that what teens and young adults need is a safe place. For some LGBTQ+ youth, schools and local centers became places of refuge, while others found home to be more welcoming. The pandemic’s shutdown and stay-at-home mandate last spring caused a shift, quickly eliminating those spaces, said Levine, an Oak Park resident.

Like most organizations, LGBTQ+ youth centers began hosting virtual events, but that became a challenge for those who couldn’t find any privacy inside their homes. That’s where messaging services like Q Chat Space come in.

Q Chat Space – which launched in 2018 –

allows teens between 13 and 19 years old to connect with each other. The conversations include discussion topics and are moderated by key staff to help ensure participants’ wellbeing. Teens have the chance to engage in hour-and-a-half conversations, which cover anything from learning how to cope with mental health or queer representation in the media. In the last three years, Q Chat Space has also expanded to host chats exclusively for LGBTQ+ youth of color, Spanish-speakers and transgender and nonbinary youth.

“The reality is, despite the really significant disparities that LGBTQ youth experience, most of them still end up being healthy, productive, successful adults and they need help to get there,” Levine said.

Q Chat Space gives teens the chance to just be together – a virtual hangout where they can be, said Levine.

Levine and Rachel Megibow, an Oak Park and River Forest High School psychologist, spoke more about the power behind creating an online community for LGBTQ+ youth.

Megibow, co-sponsor of the school’s A Place for All (APA), said Zoom became a platform for LGBTQ+ teens to continue offering sup-

You’re not alone. There are so many people out there waiting for you, and you just got to knock on their door.

For more information please contact Lourdes Nicholls at (708) 613-3329 or Marc Stopeck at (708) 613-3330

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Benitez said some of his peers did port to each other and expressnot have a home they could go to. ing themselves. Zoom gave stu“We know that queer folks and dents the chance to display their especially Brown and Black queer pronouns and preferred names, folks are at a higher risk of becomMegibow said. ing homeless,” Benitez said, addThe student organization also ing that people of color in the began collaborating more with LGBTQ+ community remain disother school groups to hold online proportionately impacted by the events. A Place for All partnered pandemic and often face another with two other clubs and invited RAY JOHNSON set of barriers on top of their genauthor Zaylore Stout for a Q&A der and sexual identities. about his 2019 book, “Our Gay Drawing from his own experiences, Benitez History in Fifty States.” Members of APA were also able to bring in Denali Foxx, a was critical about some LGBTQ+ resources recent competitor on RuPaul’s Drag Race, to that he has approached for help. Some groups – who appear to have a wealth of resources speak during a virtual session.

– ultimately become limiting, if they are While Megibow celebrated those pockets of opportunities, one thing that has been on her unable to offer bilingual services or do not mind is trying to make APA more inclusive clarify whether people who are undocumented or do not have health care can gain access toward Black and Brown LGBTQ+ students.

According to the Trevor Project’s July 2020 to services.

But Benitez encouraged people, young and survey, one in three Black LGBTQ+ youth – about 32% – said their living situation was old, to not be discouraged, ask for help over “much more stressful” than before. Nearly and over again until those needs are met, and 80% of Black LGBTQ+ youth also reported never give up.

“Take a deep breath,” he said. “You’re not that recent news stories, images and videos about violence against Black people in the alone. There are so many people out there US negatively impacted them “and with more waiting for you, and you just got to knock on their door. You really have to knock on their intensity.” door.

Carlos Benitez, a recent graduate of “It’s going to be a long ride, and it’s going to Dominican University in River Forest, said he noticed that many of his classmates, who are be very difficult. But you can find a place. You part of the LGBTQ+ community, stayed on can find space. You can find community. All campus and lived in their dorms. Like Levine, those things are very possible.”

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Forest Park Review, June 23, 2021

Forest Park Review, June 23, 2021

18

OPINION O U R

I

V I E W

Get tough on FP Tap

n this moment of peril for both the safety of Forest Parkers and the solvency of Madison Street bar owners, we find it incomprehensible that a bar, the Forest Park Tap Room, with a dismal history over a very short time, didn’t take local liquor ordinances seriously enough to get its bar shut down on time the night of June 18.

On Sunday the village once again suspended the bar’s liquor license pending a hearing with the mayor/liquor commissioner. That will happen later this week.

Our advice: Shut them down. Put them out of business.

And follow through on the initial village intentions from early spring when chaos first erupted along Madison. This means not only bringing pain for the bar’s owners, Lance and Hansel Law but also for the owners of the property who made the lease to the Law brothers.

Selling liquor is a privilege not a right. And with that privilege comes serious responsibility as we all know that overserved patrons are a threat to themselves and to others. We’ve seen the evidence of that since COVID restrictions eased.

An empty storefront at Circle and Madison is a small price to pay for some calm and respect for the village’s laws.

Further west on Madison we have a tougher case with the Urban Pioneer Group facility, which hosts events. It was Mother’s Day weekend when the closing of a party there spilled onto the street and spiraled into a dangerous encounter for local (Forest Park and beyond) police officers who tried to intervene on an assault and were verbally and physically abused by a rowdy crowd of some 50 people.

As the village works toward a settlement with UPG’s owner, we’d urge a firm response to requests that earlier fines be abated. This mess is what started the entire early bar shutdown across the village. Further, early denials by UPG’s owners that its patrons caused the confrontation have now been proven false by new surveillance videos that make plain the miscreants were UPG party-goers.

It’s only late June. The summer is just underway.

Time to get tougher on the specific establishments proven unwilling to follow the rules and cooperate in maintaining good order.

Patrick Hardy’s departure In a generous and affirming exit interview with the Review, Patrick Hardy, Proviso East’s unceremoniously dumped principal, expresses pride and gratitude in the shared accomplishments made at this school over his six years.

He describes the school as being lost on his arrival. A culture and climate that was toxic for everyone connected to East. The school was failing teachers and students, parents and staff, the wider community.

His intense focus on setting higher expectations for students and offering support to shell-shocked teachers took time to produce results. And while the bullying new district superintendent, James Henderson, takes aim at East for still rotten test scores, there are many measures of improvement Hardy points to as signs of a comeback.

The graduation rate has jumped from 62 percent to 77 percent. Discipline and expulsions have fallen dramatically as a fully punitive process has evolved into greater self-responsibility for students, and restorative interventions prove far more effective than bouncing kids out the door. Extracurricular groups exploded from 6 to 52 as students and faculty found the sweet spots for engaging young people.

Patrick Hardy has landed in a top administrative post at Oak Park and River Forest High School. He’s excited about that job but finds leaving Proviso bittersweet.

We find his departure to be a self-inflicted wound, driven by the ego of the superintendent and the peculiar weakness of the school board.

Real men change diapers

‘W

hen I was a child,” my 44-year-old son told me recently, “I didn’t feel close to you.” Maybe that’s because in 1976 when he was born, I wasn’t sure what it meant to be a man.

My most important role model growing up was, of course, my dad.

The time he spent with me — and there was a lot of it — was devoted to doing something. We raked leaves and shoveled snow together. He built a pitcher’s mound in the backyard and we would work on pitching.

One time when he and I were playing a round of golf together, I saw him muttering to himself something like, “Keep your head down. Keep your elbows in.” So there on the fourth hole of the Elks Club Golf Course I asked him, “Do you ever play a round of golf just to have fun?” In all seriousness my dad replied, “I believe that if God has given me a gift, I must work to make the most of it.”

At funerals in the German/Polish community in which I grew up, the nicest thing you could say about the guy in the casket was that he was a good worker.

My father served in the Army in World War II and as a navigator-bombardier during the Korean Conflict. Part of the Greatest Generation, my dad saw his identity as a man in terms of the role he played. The way he saw it, he was the breadwinner and my mom was the homemaker. I don’t think he changed a diaper in his life.

He clearly loved me, but his way of showing it was by doing things. That worked for men in my dad’s generation, but the problem for me was women in my generation wanted me to feel as well as do.

So about 30 years ago, six of us formed a men’s group in which we met every Thursday evening in each other’s homes and when people asked what we talked about, we would reply, “The women in our lives seem to know how to express their feelings and nurture relationships and we want to learn how to do that.”

We were like toddlers learning to walk. We had all learned how to be disciplined professionals who knew how to use our heads instead of our hearts, but now we were trying to “get out of our comfort zones,” as people like to say these days, and learn how to be vulnerable.

The women in our lives began to notice a change and some even called us SNAGS, sensitive new-age guys. We were learning to value relationships as well as success at work.

But that’s where the rub was and still is. The myth was that we could “have it all.” We could be successful at work, loving in our relation-

ships, active in the community, do our share of the housework, change diapers, take care of ourselves by jogging and still at the end of the day, have time to get a good night’s sleep.

The problem was, and is, that we’re like guitar strings. In order to make music, a guitar string needs to have tension, to be pulled taut between the bridge and the tuning nob. In trying to add aspects to our self-image, we started to feel tension, which wasn’t producing music but was making us feel like we were going to snap. Being all that we could be takes time and emotional energy, the supply of which was limited for all six of us.

When I became a single parent, the mythical balloon of “we can have it all” was fatally punctured. I dutifully did it all but I didn’t have it all.

And we began to watch the women in our lives go the opposite way on the identity spectrum. They began trying to have it all by breaking into the areas of life where men had traditionally excelled. They wanted to become executives, presidents of the local chamber of commerce, fly airplanes and even be included in army combat units.

And, God bless them, women deserve the same opportunities I’ve had. But not without a warning on the label of the myth — this product may be harmful to your health.

What used to be “I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan, and never let you forget that you’re a man” has been replaced by “not tonight honey, I’m too tired.”

A recent study by the World Health Organization found that working more than 55 hours a week was associated with a 35% higher risk of stroke and a 17% risk of dying from heart disease. The study estimated that long working hours were killing 745,000 people a year.

The classic history of Alcoholics Anonymous is titled, Not God. Atul Gawande, a doctor, wrote Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End. Icarus and his father Daedalus were imprisoned on an island, so to gain their freedom, Daedalus made two sets of wings with feathers held together by wax. When Daedalus give a set to his son, he gave him a warning to not fly close to the sun.

Icarus did not consider the limits, got intoxicated by his newfound technology, flew too close to the sun which melted the wax, and plunged to his death in the sea.

In my old age, I’ve learned to loosen by grip on the myth and become vulnerable, limited, and therefore human.

At the end of his comment about not feeling close to me as a child, my son added, “like we are now.”

TOM

HOLMES

Young_Man_with_Dog_4.625x10_4C.qxd

3/27/06

PM Page 1 Forest 12:59 Park Review, June 23, 2021

L E T T E R S

What’s premature about informing commissioners?

I was very disappointed that the Ad Hoc Cultural Park Committee was removed from the agenda an hour and 15 minutes prior to the presentation (see “Committee’s Altenheim Presentation Pulled from Agenda at Last Minute - Mayor says presentation is ‘premature’,” Forest Park Review, June 16) To make it perfectly clear, this presentation was prepared by a committee commissioned by the village council in 2017 to vet possibilities of what would be a good fit for the village-owned Altenheim property. It was not just a report from a well-intentioned village resident. The members on the ad hoc committee were from a cross-section of the village, including one from the Residents at the Grove townhomes and another who was an elected village council commissioner.

According to the Review article, it would appear that all of the commissioners were looking forward to hearing from this com-

mittee. It would have been a good opportunity to publicly reignite the conversation that was begun almost 20 years ago when the property was purchased.

The committee fully understands that it is not within our purview to make a decision on the future use of the property, but rather to provide the village council with recommendations for possible options. We recognize that this is one piece of the process and look forward to hearing from the perspectives of all stakeholders involved.

It is ultimately the council’s decision to determine the future use of this precious piece of open green space and it is my hope they will do so in a timely and transparent manner.

We’ve never actually talked, but I will help save your life.

Ralph DiFebo

Chairperson, Ad Hoc Cultural Park Committee

O B I T U A R I E S Maryann Davin, 88 Forest Park resident

Maryann B. Davin, 88, a longtime resident of Forest Park, died on June 1, 2021. Born on Dec. 4, 1932, she was the wife of the late Richard E. Davin; the mother of Kathleen (William) Lang, Karen (Christos) Daravalis, Kristeen Mazurek, and Karol (James) Woods; the grandmother of Charmaine (Eric), Eric (Julia), Jennifer (Tony), Melissa (Chris), Tiffany (Ricky), Brianne, John (Kassy), and Trisha; the great-grandmother

of Andrew, Aidan, Renee, Dylan, Kaitlin, Zennan, Seth, Anton and Mikaela; and the aunt to many and friend to all.

Visitation was held on June 4, followed by a funeral service at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 7750 W. Cermak Road, Forest Park and interment at Woodlawn Cemetery. For more information, call 708-442-8500 or visit www.woodlawnchicago.com.

Think local.

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America is a place where we look out for each other. And with First Aid and CPR training from the American Red Cross, you can be ready to save a life today.

Contact your local chapter or visit redcross.org

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Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 | BY E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@FORESTPARKREVIEW.COM PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Village of Oak Park Program Year (PY) 2021 Draft Action Plan is available for public review and comment during business hours Monday-Friday, effective June 24-July 23, 2021 at the Oak Park Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street; on the Village Housing-Grants webpage; and at the Public Library, Main Branch, 834 Lake Street. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and non-English speaking persons, as needed.

Comprising year 2 of the Village PY 2020-24 Consolidated Plan for Housing & Community Development (Con Plan), the Draft PY 2021 Action Plan contains goals and objectives for implementing the Village’s Con Plan, as well as a description of proposed projects to be undertaken in PY 2021 as part of the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development Community Development Block Grant Program for the period October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022.

Any comments concerning the Draft PY 2021 Action Plan can be submitted in writing to Mark Dwyer, Grants Supervisor, at grants@oakpark.us, including at the virtual draft Action Plan Public Hearing to be held from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on July 23, 2021. Send a message to the email address to attend the virtual Hearing.

Published in Wednesday Journal June 23, 2021

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF AUDIT REPORT OF THE PARK DISTRICT OF OAK PARK The Park District of Oak Park hereby provides public notice that an audit of its funds for the period January 1 through December 31, 2020 has been made by Lauterbach and Amen, and that a report of such audit dated May 4th, 2021 has been filed with the County Clerk of Cook County, in accordance with 30 ILCS 15/0.01 et seq. The full report of the audit is available for public inspection at 218 Madison Street, Oak Park, during regular business hours, 8:30 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday, except for holidays.

Dated: June 23rd, 2021 By: Commissioner David Wick Treasurer, Board of Commissioners Park District of Oak Park Published in Wednesday Journal June 23, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y21007190 on June 14, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of GEEK WRANGLER with the business located at: 3130 KENILWORTH AVENUE, BERWYN, IL 60402, PO BOX 510 OAK PARK, IL 60303. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: DAVID SCHAEFER 3130 KENILWORTH AVENUE, BERWYN, IL 60402, USA. Published in Wednesday Journal June 23, 30 and July 7, 2021

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Illinois Classified Advertising Network LEGAL SERVICES

INJURED? If you’ve been hurt in an accident in Illinois, call for a FREE CASE CONSULTATION. Calls Answered 24/7 by Staver Accident Injury Lawyers: 1-888-310-8322

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE LAW OFFICE OF LINDA EPSTEIN Attorney for Petitioner 722 W. Diversey Parkway Ste. 101B Chicago, IL 60614

sealed envelope marked with the Contractor’s name and address, and “Bid for Aquatic Center Splash Pad,” on the face of the envelope.

Bids must be received no later than July 14, 2021, 10:00 AM. Bids will be opened on July 14, 2021, 10:00 AM at the Park District of Forest Park, 7501 Harrison Street, Forest Park, Illinois 60130. All bidders will be required to submit Bid Security in the form of a Bid Bond in the amount of 10% of the Base Bid, payable to the Park District of Forest Park.

STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division.

In re the marriage of Bridgette Thatch-Nixon, Petitioner and Cedric Nixon, Respondent, Case No. 2021 D 004962.

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending.

Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, on or before July 14, 2021, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition.

DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk.

Published in Wednesday Journal June 16, June 23, June 30, 2021

LEGAL NOTICE Park District of Forest Park 7501 Harrison Street Forest Park, Illinois 60130 Aquatic Center Splash Pad The Park District of Forest Park does hereby invite sealed bids for Aquatic Center Splash Pad. Work will include removals, earthwork operations, asphalt paving, concrete curbs and paving, site furnishings, splash pad equipment, utilities fencing, seeding, planting, and subdrainage.

Project manuals, including bid form and specifications, and construction documents are available after 10:00 A.M. on June 16, 2021, from Accurate Reprographics 2368 Corporate Lane, Suite 100, Naperville, Illinois 60563, 630.428.4433 www.hitchcockplanroom.com. Bidding documents are available to download and print at the non-refundable cost of reproduction.

Bids will be accepted at the Park District of Forest Park, 7501 Harrison Street, Forest Park, Illinois 60130 during regular office hours.

All bids must be submitted in a

   

The successful bidder, as determined by the Park District of Forest Park, shall be required to pay, and to agree to pay no less than the Prevailing Rate of Wages, pursuant to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130) for the locality of the Park District of Forest Park (Cook County), to each laborer worker, or mechanic needed or used to complete the work as detailed in the contract to be let. The successful contractor, and all subcontractors shall be required to submit, to the Park District of Forest Park, certified payrolls no later than the tenth day of each calendar month for the immediately preceding month.

The Park District of Forest Park reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, parts of any and all proposals, or to waive technical errors or omissions in submitted proposals.

No submitted bid may be withdrawn until a period of ninety (90) days after the bid opening date, without written consent of the Park District of Forest Park. The Park District of Forest Park encourages minority business firms to submit bids on this project and the successful contract bidder to utilize minority businesses as subcontractors for supplies, equipment, services, and construction.

Questions should be directed to Bridget Deatrick, Andy Howard, or Eric Hornig, Hitchcock DesignGroup (630) 961-1787, bdeatrick@hitchcockdesigngroup.com, ahoward@ hitchcockdesigngroup.com, or ehornig@hitchccockdesigngroup. com

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal-opportunity basis.

To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-6699777.

Wednesday Journal • Landmark • Forest Park Review

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Published in Forest Park Review June 16, June 23, 2021

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Forest Park Review, June 23, 2021

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BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

HELP WANTED HUMAN RESOURCE COORDINATOR The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Human Resource Coordinator in the Human Resources Department. The ideal candidate will have a high level of customer service skills, Will provide routine to complex office, clerical, and administrative tasks. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is open until filled. Applications will be accepted until July 1, 2021.

BAND SAW WELDER TECH, GENL LABORER OPENINGS Local sharpening service has two openings: Band Saw Welder Technician and General Laborer position. Apply at 1233 Circle Ave. Forest Park, IL 708-209-1636

PART-TIME ELECTRICIAN’S HELPER Must have own transportation.

For more information CALL 708-738-3848 GRANTS SUPERVISOR The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Grants Supervisor in the Development Customer Services Department. This position will perform a variety of responsible for developing. Administering and coordinating activities related to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and other grant-funded programs for the Village. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/ jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application no later than June 25, 2021.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT SANITARIAN The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Sanitarian in the Health Department. This position will perform a variety of duties including education and enforcement activities for the promotion and protection of the public health environment. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application no later than Until position filled.

RESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR Hephzibah Children’s Association is a social services agency in Oak Park, IL that helps children thrive and families flourish. We offer a variety of programs including residential group homes for children, family-based services (foster care and intact), and after school and summer day care.

We are hiring for a full time Residential Counselor to provide physically and emotionally nurturing care for the children in the Residence, a structured environment that provides consistency and predictability in a community-based setting.

This position will work weekdays (four 10-hour shifts) noon - 10:00 PM and every third Saturday. Flexibility to work other shifts is desired.

Requirements include: • Bachelor’s degree • Experience working with special needs children.

• Must be at least 21 years old.

•Valid IL driver’s license and good driving record • Experience with Medicaid documentation a plus Hephzibah Children’s Association is an equal opportunity employer.

We welcome qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. We embrace a respectful, multicultural, and inclusive environment for employees and the clients we serve.

PART-TIME FACILITIES MANAGER Oak Park Church seeks part-time Facilities Mgr to oversee daily operations of physical plant weekday mornings; on call for emergencies. Prior experience & computer skills a must. Basic knowledge of heating systems, plumbing & electrical. Supervise custodians, contractors, and space-sharing agreements. Send resume to churchoffice@firstumcoakpark.org

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

MARKETPLACE HELP WANTED

ESTATE SALES Oak Park

River Forest Public Schools District 90

District 90 is seeking qualified and experienced applicants for the following positions: English Language Learners Teacher (Full-time at Roosevelt Middle School and Part-time FTE 0.50 at Lincoln Elementary School) Social Worker (Roosevelt Middle School) Physical Education Teachers, ( Full-time at Roosevelt Middle School and Part-time FTE 0.77 at Willard Elementary School) STEM Teacher, Grades 6-8 (Roosevelt Middle School) Instructional Specialist (Roosevelt Middle School) For detailed qualifications requirements and job duties, please visit our website at https://www.district90.org/about/employment for our complete list of employment opportunities.

General Qualifications: Valid Illinois Professional Education License with endorsement in field of study, a Master’s Degree is preferred and successful teaching experience with students in a classroom setting is preferred.

General Duties: Provide excellence in education by developing and implementing activities that encourage students to be life-long learners.

Possesses knowledge of District policies and regulations relating to areas of responsibilities. Create an environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the developmental maturity and interests of each student.

Application: Apply online at www.district90.org. Application Procedure: Interested candidates should complete the online application available at district90.org. Please do not send hard copies of supporting documentation, i.e. cover letters, resumes, licensure, etc. to River Forest Schools District 90; instead, upload these materials onto the online job application system for proper processing.

P/T SHAMPOO ASSISTANT Part-time Shampoo assistant salary plus tips please apply in person Anthony Lullo’s Hair Designs 721 South Blvd.

708 848 4455

HUGE ESTATE SALE 411 N OAK PARK AVE FRI 6/25 & SAT 6/26 STARTING AT 8:30 AM

60+ years’ worth of unique and interesting items. Hand tools, leather couch, bedroom furniture, wicker outdoor seating set, lamps galore from several decades, antique Chinese Art Deco Walter Nichols rug, antique and vintage china, glassware, linens and lace, and much, much more.

ITEMS FOR SALE KING SIZE MEMORY FOAM MATTRESS King size, nearly new firm memory foam mattress. (Used only 2 nights) Mattress only. $500 obo.

708-642-1408

We are hiring Relationship Bankers in Oak Park, IL.

BLACK LEATHER COAT Beautiful black leather coat purchased at Saks 5th Avenue. Excellent condition. Size 6. $40.

708-488-8755

Visit the link below to check out this opportunity to join a great team! https://wintrust.taleo.net/careersection/2/ jobdetail.ftl?job=2100424&lang=en You can also learn about other career opportunities nearby.

NEW AUDIX SPEAKERS PH-3S video shielded power speakers. $100 for both obo. Cash only.

708-383-7892 CHERRY WOOD CHAIRS 2 new cherry wood chairs with leather seat cushions. $70 each obo.

Cash only.

708-383-7892 NEW STUDENT DESK New student desk. Cherry stain. 48w x 26d x 28.75h. $199 obo.

Cash only.

708-383-7892

CAREGIVER SERVICES WANTED CAREGIVER WANTED MCKINLEY AREA Looking for a caregiver (PA) to work nights 11p-7a and days 7a-4p, days needed will be discussed, to care for adult female with special needs. Training by mother approved by DHS HSP. Contact Maria 312 282-5760.

AREA RUG 8 FT X 9.5 FT very beautiful area rug. Design of natural figures in earth tones. $60.

708-488-8755 OAK TV STAND Oak TV stand with w/ 2 cabinet doors, 1 shelf. 32”h x 27”w x 18”d. $25.00 708-488-8755

HOME HEALTH ASSISTANCE River Forest family seeking overnight in-home healthcare assistance. Nursing students, Respiratory Therapists, CNAs, LPNs, RNs, etc. welcome. For more information, contact kpatterson10@gmail.com.

ELECTRIC YARD TOOLS Electric Leaf Blower $25 Electric Hedge Trimmer $25 708-488-8755

LIVE-IN CAREGIVER NEEDED LA GRANGE 60525 Live-In Caregiver Needed, La Grange (60525) every other Weekend or Tues 7pm-Fri 7pm, $230-$260/Day ($16.43-$18.57/hr) min 10 hrs for sleep/breaks. Includes meals, own bedrm, guest bathrm, garage pkg, across from Metra, safe condo & area, supportive team. Final pay based on the abilities & communication skills you demonstrate during paid training. I am 69 yr female,105 lbs, polio survivor using tracheostomy, ventilator, oxygen, braces, wheelchair, speaking valve, assistive devices. Responsibilities: Must follow Covid & infection control procedures, safety/sanitation practices.

Transfer me with assistive devices. Operate medical machines, suction trach, perform Foley & suprapubic care, provide personal care.

CHAIRS Small bedroom arm chair with plaid slip cover. $25.00.

Comfortable upholstered chair with matching footstool from Pier1.

Very light green. $60.00.

708-488-8755

WANTED TO BUY WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys.

Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

Requirements: healthcare experience, honest, respectful to all, Covid vaccinated, speak/read/write clear English, attentive to details, physically able to perform all tasks & safely lift 50 lbs, pull, bend, stoop, reach. References, clean criminal backgrd.

Contact Bonnie, at 847-797-9410 (no texts) or email myinbox123@yahoo.com

Lost & Found, Items for Sale, and To Be Given Away ads run free in Wednesday Classified. To place your ad, call 708-613-334

HOME HELPER HOME HELPER WANTED. NICE ELDERLY BROOKFIELD COUPLE, LIGHT DUTIES, 4 TO 8 PM. CALL (708) 341-4077

JOB REQUIREMENTS • High school diploma (or equivalent). College or Technical Education preferred • A minimum of three (3) years of work-related experience • Computer skills including the ability to navigate and utilize internet and email communication • Strong organizational and communication skills • Driver’s license and reliable transportation with evidence of current insurance • Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs.

• Sufficient hearing ability to manage communication in person and on phone • Own and operate a mobile phone JOB TYPE: Part-time PAY: Competitive hourly rate COVID-19 CONSIDERATIONS: Masks are worn. Social distancing.

Extra cleaning schedule.

 

local employees . . . happy employees!

Hire Local.

Place an ad on Wednesday Classified’s Local Online Job Board.

Go to ForestParkReview.com/classified today!

Contact Mary Ellen Nelligan for more information.

(708) 613-3342 • maryellen@oakpark.com

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Forest Park Review, June 23, 2021

CLASSIFIED

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG R E N TA L S & R E A L E S TAT E

SUBURBAN RENTALS

SUBURBAN RENTALS

ROOMS FOR RENT

DOWNTOWN OAK PARK 1BR

Apartment listings updated daily at:

Small 1BR apartment in DTOP. Renovated and freshly painted. Harwood floors. Walking distance to El. No pets. $850/mo, utilities included.

Large Sunny Room with fridge, microwave. Near Green line, bus, Oak Park, 24 hour desk, parking lot. $125.00. New Mgmt.

312-212-1212

708-657-4226

SUBURBAN REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am – 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue.

Or call us toll free at 1-833-440-0665 for an appointment.

STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3 BR Best Selection & Service

OAK PARK & FOREST PARK

708-386-7355

MMpropMgmt.com

COMMERCIAL/RETAIL

RIVERSIDE 3 FLAT FSBO Three above grade 2BR apts. Unfinished basement w/ laundry & 1/2 BA. 4 car brick garage. Zoned for residential and office, if desired. Well maintained. $529,000

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 708-446-1324

RETAIL SPACE FOR RENT A RETAIL SPACE FOR LEASE IN SHOPPING CENTER! 315-325 S. Harlem Ave. Forest Park, IL. 1,000 sq ft. Good cond. *Recently Updated. Heavy Business/Traffic Area. (Min. Monthly Rent in the area: $17.50 sq ft.)

OUR PRICE-NEGOTIABLE! TEXT, EMAIL or CALL Mr. B.(708)828-6491 If leave a message: Include Your Name, #, and Type of Business.

OFFICE /RETAIL FOR RENT RIVER FOREST–7777 Lake St. * 1116 sq. ft. * 1400 sq. ft. Dental Office RIVER FOREST–7756 Madison St. * 960 sq. ft.

OAK PARK–6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. * 3 & 5 room office suites FOREST PARK–7736 Madison St. *2500 sq. ft. unit Strand & & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011

OFFICE /RETAIL FOR RENT LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION FOREST PARK HIGHLY VISIBLE OFFICE/STORE AVAILABLE FOR LEASE 1350 SF w/ AC & HIGHLY VISIBLE MADISON STREET EXPOSURE. 7607 Madison Street. Village parking lot next door. Bright, clean office. Great Madison Street exposure! Call Francis 708-3838574.

!

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT THERAPY OFFICE OAK PARK Free wifi; flexible leasing, and offices nicely furnished right down to the Kleenex. Secure building & friendly colleagues, often giving referrals to other office mates. Shared Waiting room, Conference room & option to join Peer Supervision Group. Ideal for new practice or 2nd location.

708-383-0729

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equalopportunity basis.

To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-6699777.

Wednesday Journal • Landmark • Forest Park Review

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNIT YMEDIA.ORG

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Forest Park Review, June 23, 2021

INC., REALTOR

(708) 366-8989 7342 MADISON ST, FOREST PARK, ILLINOIS 60130

320 Circle Ave Forest Park $111,400 Fourth floor unit with balcony facing east. Great building within walking distance to Madison St. shopping and bus transportation. coin-op laundry in building. Covered parking space!

337 Marengo Ave Forest Park $655,000

1039 Troost Ave Forest Park $350,000 Huge three bedroom home in need of rehab.

Three car plus garage!

Enormous 75 foot lot.

Bring Home a Taste of Some of your Favorite Moments

Completely remodeled four bedroom three and a half bath home!

August delivery!

RESIDENTIAL — COMMERCIAL — RETAIL — CHURCHES — SCHOOLS

RibFest Every Day! Mickey’s is the place!

Mickey’s Rib Special 1/2 Slab Dinner Full Slab Dinner B.B.Q. RIBS & CHICKEN BURGERS & HOT DOGS

$11.99

$17.99

includes fries or baked potato, coleslaw and garlic bread

525 N Harlem Ave, Oak Park (708) 848-3333 11am - 9pm Daily

3 Vienna Hot Dogs w/ Fries $ .49

8

Italian Beef Sandwich w/ Fries $ .49

8

Wednesday

Gyros Plate Dinner 1 lb meat, 2 pita breads, fries & 3 cups sauce $10.99

Every day Special!

Gyros with fries $7.99

1/4 Lb Double Cheeseburger

Big Mickey! $ .99

2

SERVING OAK PARK AND RIVER FOREST SINCE 1976

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Forest Park Review, June 23, 2021

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