Forest Park Review 062420

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ForestParkReview.com ForestParkReview.com Vol. 103, No.26

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PMSA renovation approved PAGE 15

JUNE 24, 2020

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COVID-19 the culprit for grim 2021 budget deficit

Commissioner Novak requests interview, then goes silent

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

The climax of the June 17 village council budget meeting wasn’t the financials themselves, which were unsurprisingly bleak. Rather, it was the ongoing tension between Mayor Rory Hoskins and Commissioner of Accounts and Finance Dan Novak, which has been building for months, and escalated throughout the meeting. It culminated in the mayor calling for a vote to adjourn the meeting with Novak voting, “No,” then saying, “Seriously, sir?” as the vote carried and the mayor walked past him. Novak scurried after the mayor as he ascended the stairs to his office.

The meeting, uncharacteristically short, according to some departments heads, at under an hour, revealed some good news regarding Fiscal Year 2020’s finances, which are closing better than expected. The village-wide budget’s proposed deficit was $6,128,220, but the actual year-end projection shows an overall gain of $605,061.

“It was a good year,” said Letitia Olmsted, the village’s finance director.

But the FY2021 budget is being proposed with a total village deficit of $7,442,002, including a projected loss of $3,204,985 in the general fund, which, along with the water fund, comprise the operating funds for the village.

After the meeting, during which Novak asked the

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

SAY THEIR NAMES

At a June 19 Juneteenth ceremony that drew a crowd of over 1,000 participants to the Circle Avenue bridge, Forest Park children read the names of Black individuals who have been killed as a result of racism.

Forest Park stands over 1,000 strong against racism Newly formed group draws crowd for Juneteenth remembrance

See BUDGET on page 15

IN Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 THIS Big Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 ISSUE Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

While Forest Park Against Racism (FPAR) began its first – but not last – event, a Juneteenth celebration and remembrance ceremony at the top of the Circle Avenue bridge, a crowd of marchers, who walked in brutal heat

from Broadview about four miles away, ascended the hill.

It was a remarkable sight: people of all ages chanting, carrying signs (Black Lives Matter, Forest Park Against Racism, Stand up for Black Lives), approaching the top of the bridge to par-

Churches reopen carefully

D209 declares George Floyd Day

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See BRIDGE on page 10

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Forest Park Review, June 24, 2020 Sponsored Content

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Forest Park Review, June 24, 2020

A bridge, not too far

T

hanks mostly to Mayor Rory Hoskins, Forest Park started celebrating Juneteenth long before other communities even knew about it. The first time I heard about the holiday was in 2008. I was sitting in the backyard of my neighbor and friend, Commissioner Rory Hoskins. A native of Galveston, Texas, where the holiday originated, Rory was acutely aware of its significance.

He explained how General Granger spread the news of emancipation to the residents of Galveston, on June 19, 1865. At that time, there were 200,000 African Americans held in bondage in the state of Texas.

Hoskins promoted the holiday by holding annual pool parties in late-June at the aquatic center. He saw the holiday as a chance for families and friends to reconnect, while marking the end of the saddest chapter in American history. He also used the pool parties to reconnect Forest Park with Maywood, inviting a number of dignitaries from our neighbor to the west.

Among them was Lennel Grace, Maywood’s unofficial historian, who spoke of re-establishing the strong ties that once united the two villages. Grace was a driving force behind building the pedestrian bridge that now links Forest Park to Maywood.

I saw Juneteenth as a holiday that unites

all Americans in our effort to bridge racial divisions.

There was no Juneteenth pool party this year due to the pandemic, but there was a coming together of residents from Maywood and neighboring suburbs with the people of Forest Park. The marchers from the west started at 25th Avenue and came down Madison Street. My wife and I joined the throng and were immediately welcomed with water bottles.

The crowd was orderly, masked, and kept respectful distances while they chanted and raised fists. As we approached the Circle Avenue Bridge, we were handed posters for “Forest Park Against Racism.” We climbed to a comfortable perch, where we could see and hear the speeches. We pressed our signs against the fence to display them for the motorists passing by on the Eisenhower. They gave many encouraging honks. Even the el operators on the Blue Line tooted their horns.

Meanwhile, the bridge was decorated with signs bearing slogans about racial unity. When the music ended and speeches began, a superb sound system drowned out the expressway roar. Mayor Hoskins delivered an impassioned speech capturing the spirit of Juneteenth.

As much as I enjoyed the pool parties, this was different. White people were a minority at those gatherings. On Circle

JOHN RICE

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With the Park District’s pool closed for the summer season, many locals can be heard splashing in their own backyards. In 1959, Harold Bill had this inground swimming pool installed in his backyard, and it made the news. Harold was one of the seven sons and five daughters that grew up at 155 Elgin Ave., and the Bill family is still active in town over a hundred years later.

Janet Fink, a descendant of the Bills, remembers swimming in Uncle Harold’s pool.

Photo from the Forest Park Review, September 3, 1959

L O O K

B A C K

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bridge, we had a sea of different colors coming together to demand justice. Some of these demands came from young children.

I was moved to tears, as they described being singled out as “different” because they were Black. They listed other injustices they had suffered as well. I admired their courage in speaking to a crowd as much as their words.

As much as I praise Mayor Hoskins for his foresight in celebrating Juneteenth, his predecessor, Mayor Anthony Calderone sponsored a resolution marking Juneteenth in 2008. The resolution noted that more than 11 million Africans survived the passage to America to serve as enslaved people for 400 years. Mayor Calderone also marched in the 13th Annual Freedom Parade on the South Side.

Tony Calderone’s era is over, though, and it shows the progress we have made that we finally elected a Black mayor. We need political leaders of every color if we’re ever going to achieve racial unity. Circle Bridge was a symbolic destination for our march.

As one of the speakers said, we should remember this Juneteenth event and the causes we are fighting for every time we cross it.

■ John Rice is a columnist/private detective, who has seen his business and family thrive in Forest Park. He thoroughly enjoys life in the village and still gets a thrill smelling Red Hots, watching softball and strolling through cemeteries. Jrice1038@aol.com

T I M E . . .

Fun in the Sun

F O R E S T PA R K

REVIEW Editor Maria Maxham Contributing Reporters Tom Holmes, John Rice, Bob Skolnik, Jackie Glosniak, Robert J. Lifka Columnists Alan Brouilette, Jill Wagner, Tom Holmes, John Rice Senior Editor Bob Uphues Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Designers Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney Sales and Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Marc Stopeck Sales & Development Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Front Desk Carolyn Henning, Maria Murzyn

Publisher Dan Haley Business Manager Joyce Minich HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-366-0600 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 EMAIL forestpark@wjinc.com ONLINE ForestParkReview.com TWITTER @FP_Review Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Forest Park Review,141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302-2901. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS No 0205-160) In-county subscriptions: $25 per year. $42 for two years, $58 for three years.

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Forest Park Review, June 24, 2020

Juneteenth video documentary released by FP group

History, hopes and dreams expressed

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Juneteenth, which may soon become a national holiday, has been celebrated in Forest Park since 2009 when Rory Hoskins, now the mayor, was serving as a village commissioner. He was the first Black elected official in the village.

Growing up in Texas, Hoskins said Juneteenth was an annual event that he more or less took for granted. In a new documentary video, released by Forest Park’s Juneteenth committee, Hoskins said that as a young boy growing up, the day wasn’t really that important to him.

“It was a chance to drink all the grape, orange and strawberry soda water I wanted in one sitting,” he said.

But after he moved away from Texas, he found himself missing family and the event.

It was, he said, a tradition he wanted to share with his children.

“As an elected officer in Forest Park, I felt like as a leader of color it was up to me to establish the tradition for the community in Forest Park where our children could enjoy the event.”

Since then, the village has celebrated Juneteenth with the annual Jubilee Pool Party at the park; the location, said Hoskins, was significant because public pools were one of the last places to be integrated.

HOPE: Monique Cotton Yancy, Forest Park resident and District 91 school board member, appears in the video “Juneteenth: The Official Holiday of a Tomorrow Built on Hope.”

In February 2020, the Juneteenth Committee began planning the 12th annual event. But by March, the party was canceled because of COVID-19. After the death of George Floyd, the committee wanted to find a meaningful and public way to honor the

Phase 4, this Friday Restaurants can open for indoor dining

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

All regions of Illinois are on track to move into Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan to reopen during COVID-19, a move that will affect local businesses. A few highlights of are as follows: Restaurants and bars can open for indoor dining and drinking, serving parties of up to 10 people. Tables must be spaced 6 feet apart. For standing areas in restaurants and bars, a 25 percent capacity or less must be enforced.

Retail shopping is allowed at 50 percent store capacity.

Indoor recreation, such as escape rooms and bowling alleys, are allowed to reopen at 50 percent capacity.

Gyms, fitness centers, yoga, dance and other fitness centers can operate at a maximum of 50 percent occupancy.

During Phase 4, face coverings, social distancing and regular disinfecting and cleaning are still required. Detailed guidelines from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity can be found on the organization’s website at dceocovid19resources.com/restore-illinois/restore-illinois-phase-4/ Steve Glinke, director of Public Health and Safety, said he and the village will work with the Chamber of Commerce to ensure all Forest Park businesses are aware of the guidelines from the state.

In a press release, Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) director said, “The state of Illinois has made great progress in slowing the spread of COVID-19, largely because of the measures our administration enacted to protect residents and communities during this public health crisis. Our strategy to encourage social distancing and expand testing and contact tracing will enable Illinois communities to continue to take steps to reopen, to return to work, and to resume daily activities.”

day given social distancing requirements.

They came up with the idea of creating a video. It’s called “Juneteenth: The Official Holiday of a Tomorrow Built on Hope.”

From Hoskins, to Forest Park Against Racism co-founder Ayanna Brown, to Cong.

Danny Davis and state Sen. Kimberly Lightford, and including the voices of children, the video presents the history of Juneteenth and shares the thoughts and hopes of residents and organizers.

Carey Carlock, CEO of Riveredge Hospital, was interviewed for the documentary too. Riveredge has been a supporter of the Juneteenth celebration since its beginnings in Forest Park and was, in fact, the first corporation to sponsor the activities.

“When we celebrate, we show up. And showing up is essential right now,” said Carlock.

It was June 19, 1865, when army general Gordon Granger announced in Galveston, Texas that all those who had been enslaved were now free. Although Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation had, at least on paper, officially ended slavery on January 1, 1863,

word hadn’t spread and enforcement had not been universal. For two and a half years, Blacks were still enslaved in Texas.

Lightford said in the video that it wasn’t until she was in college and studying Maya Angelou’s readings that she learned the Emancipation Proclamation hadn’t immediately freed all those enslaved.

“There were thousands and thousands of people who were still enslaved after Abraham Lincoln released the Emancipation Proclamation,” said Lightford. “Two years had gone by and people were still enslaved in the state of Texas. I could not believe what I was reading.”

Monique Cotton Yancy, District 91 school board member who also serves on the Juneteenth Committee, spoke in the video.

“This is not just Black people history,” said Cotton Yancy. “This is U.S. history.

You need to know the past to be able to correct it.” She added: “I don’t want to just live; I want to be able to thrive, and have my children thrive and grandchildren on down the line.”

Watch the video at whatisjuneteenth.com.

Visit us on Twitter, Facebook or at www.ForestParkReview.com

Forest Park Review, June 24, 2020

Forest Park churches reopen … cautiously State guidelines limit inperson services

By TOM HOLMES Contributing Reporter

In step with Phase 3 of Gov. Pritzker’s Restore Illinois Plan, most Forest Park churches are gradually and cautiously beginning the process of reopening.

According to its website Living Word Christian Center began holding in-person services on June 7, but in compliance with state guidelines is allowing 120 worshippers to attend its 7 and 9 a.m. services in its sanctuary, which has a capacity of 2,500. Both are aired online. Those online services are being re-aired at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Pastor Bill Winston is asking members to register in advance and not attend more than one service in person during this phase of reopening to give other people a chance to worship in person.

Worshippers will be asked to wear face masks and to maintain social distancing.

“We are completely disinfecting and sanitizing our facility,” said the website, “and modifying those parts of our services that require physical contact, such as passing the offering buckets and greeting each other

with handshakes or hugs.”

“Living Word’s guidelines for reopening in-person worship services will be measured and cautious,” the website stated, “starting with Phase 1 [Living Word’s phase 1, not the state’s] through the month of June.”

St. Bernardine Catholic Church has been celebrating Masses since June 6, in compliance with directives coming from the Archdiocese of Chicago. Fr. Stan Kuca, St. Bernardine’s pastor sent out a letter at the beginning of June outlining 11 requirements for those attending masses. For example: • Reservations must be made in advance at Sign Up Genius or by calling the church office.

• Greeters will check your name off the reservation list and ushers will guide worshippers to available seats, a procedure intended to assure social distancing.

• Everyone must wear a mask and keep it on for the entire liturgy.

• Sanitizer will be available for worshipers as they enter the church. Ushers will again spray sanitizer on the hands of everyone who lines up to receive communion.

In-person masses will begin at 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 8 and 10:30 a.m. on Sundays.

Rev. Leonard Payton, pastor of St. John

Austin Cole • 5th •Beye

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Lutheran Church, said his congregation is reopening by stages, like all the other faith communities in town.

Presently they are requiring face masks, using hand sanitizer, requiring registration and maintaining social distancing. To minimize contact, only Pastor Payton serves communion and he wears a mask and latex gloves when doing so.

Sean Blaylock, an elder at Forest Park Baptist Church, said his congregation began in-person worship on June 14. Like all the other faith communities in town, his File photo congregation is following CDC guidelines regarding CAREFULLY REOPENING: St. Bernardine Catholic Church, face masks, sanitizers and 7246 Harrison St., like other churches in town, is reopensocial distancing. He add- ing following state guidelines. ed that a cleaning service other churches, St. Paul Thai advises older takes care of the disinfecting after the Sunday services. The service is members and people with medical issues to stay at home and join the congregation onsent out virtually on Zoom.

Pastor Pongsak Limthongviratn reported line.

The leadership at Engage Christian that St. Paul Thai Lutheran Church has been limiting in-person attendance at the Church and Hope Tabernacle has decided to church on Dixon Street to 20 people and play it safe and remains closed to in-person airs the service on an app called LINE. Like worship until the end of the month.

Aura Pomerleau • 5th • Hatch

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Forest Park Review, June 24, 2020

A. Carlson • 5th • Roosevelt

Jack Irvin • 5th • Beye

James Greenwald • 4th • Mann

Devin Briesch • 5th • Mann

Forest Park Review, June 24, 2020

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Teenage girls pull woman from car, attack her

Four teenage girls, aged 13 and 14, attacked a woman in a car on the 400 block of Beloit Avenue on June 19 at 9:42 p.m. The victim, who was bleeding from the face when officers arrived, said she was parked in her car when four teenage girls approached her vehicle. They asked to use her phone. When the woman rolled down her window to let them use her phone, one of them reached into her window and grabbed her by the hair, yelling for her to “get the f*ck out of the car!”

The girl opened the car door and pulled the woman out while the other girls began to strike her around the face with closed fists and tried to pull her purse away from her.

The woman began to yell for help, and the girls fled as witnesses began to run to the woman’s aid.

Police located three girls matching the woman’s descriptions. The girls were transported to the station, their parents were notified, and they will be petitioned to juvenile court.

Car stolen at gunpoint outside Currie Motors A car was stolen at gunpoint on June 16 at 11:35 p.m. adjacent to Currie Motors, 8401 Roosevelt Rd. An employee of the dealership’s cleaning service was exiting the parking lot. He stopped his car to secure the gate behind him and exited his vehicle. Suddenly, a man approached him, pointing a gun to his head and demanding his keys. He gave them to the suspect, who took his car, making a U-turn and striking the curb on the south side of Roosevelt Road as well as driving onto the sidewalk on the north side of the street. He then began traveling east on Roosevelt Road.

Officers saw the car speeding down the street, emitting smoke and sparks from “rubber burning.” A police car activated its emergency lights and began to follow the vehicle, which stopped.

The driver exited the car, then began to run east bound down Roosevelt road. The officer followed in his car.

The suspect headed west toward Dunlop

Avenue, switching directions and continuing on until he jumped a wooden gate at the rear of the 1100 block of Lathrop. He was apprehended in front of an address on the 1100 block of Lathrop.

As the officer handcuffed the suspect, he began to yell, “I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe.”

The officer assisted the suspect in sitting up and allowing him to catch his breath.

When backup arrived, officers walked the suspect to the squad car, but he refused to get in, dropping to the ground and resisting attempts to lift him to his feet.

He was finally moved into the police vehicle, where he began to bang his head against the partition between the front and back seats. Once in a cell, he banged his head against the glass in an attempt to hurt himself, while yelling about not wanting to live anymore.

Paramedics were called and the suspect was taken to the hospital. He will be investigated for an aggravated vehicular hijacking.

A handgun was located at the rear of an address on the 1100 block of Dunlop Avenue.

them to move, but one of the suspects said, “I don’t like you anyway. You disrespected me and my girl last week,” referring to a previous incident when he was the offender in a theft and asked to leave.

He then pulled a knife out and said, “I’ll cut you gutless,” while walking toward the employee.

The men were found after fleeing the store, and the man who’d threatened the employee with the knife was identified and taken into custody. The knife was recovered from underneath a dumpster on Lake Street.

Vehicular hijacking of Uber driver’s car

7-Eleven robbed

An Uber driver’s car was stolen at gunpoint on June 21 at 11:08 a.m. on the 600 block of Thomas Street.

The driver said she’d picked up three men in Skokie. Two got into the back seat of the car and one got in the front. He pressed a pistol to her right side and gave her directions to the 600 block of Thomas Street in Forest Park.

She was then pushed from the car by one of the men in back. The man from the passenger seat got out of the car and back into the driver’s seat. They drove away.

Two male subjects entered 7-Eleven at 7749 Roosevelt Rd. on June 16 at 9:01 p.m., walked behind the counter, and took several packs of cigarettes. The employee who called police said they did not display weapons and they neither harmed nor threatened the employee. Video footage shows the two men walking behind the counter and placing packs of cigarettes in their backpacks, then leaving and walking toward the alley.

They were not located by police.

Man pulls knife at Dunkin Donuts Police were called to Dunkin Donuts, 7200 Circle Ave., when two men, one with a knife, threatened to kill an employee on June 18 at 11:11 p.m.

According to the victim, the two suspects were blocking the doors, preventing customers from entering. The employee asked

Tires and rims stolen from two cars overnight • All four tires and rims were stolen from a car on the 7200 block of Jackson Blvd. overnight between June 15 and 16. The owner discovered the theft around 9 a.m. on the June 16. Three concrete blocks had been placed under the car to raise it up. He has video of the parking lot, which he will send to the police.

• One rim and tire were removed from a car on the 200 block of Circle Avenue on the same night.

Other 7-Eleven robbed The 7-Eleven at 205 Harlem Ave. was robbed on June 19 at 11:29 p.m. The clerk said two males wearing blue face masks and gloves entered the store. They walked behind the counter and took approximately $100 from the cash register and two rows of Newport cigarettes from the shelves. They fled westbound on Randolph on foot. Police searched the area but did not find them.

Fight at Thornton’s Police arrived to find a man lying unconscious with a laceration on his head at Thornton’s, 601 Harlem Ave., on June 20 just after midnight.

The clerk reported that the now-unconscious man had walked into the store and tried to give a fist bump to a male and female customer, calling them a derogatory and racist term.

The woman objected to being called that, telling the man he was being disrespectful.

She attempted to walk away from him.

But he kept following them, calling them the same name and trying to talk to them.

Eventually, said the clerk, he got very close to the man and woman. At that point, the man pushed him away and punched him.

The two males began to fight, throwing punches at one another. The man who had been called the name began to throw merchandise, including glass coffee bottles. One struck the other man, causing the laceration.

A second clerk said at that point the man with the woman began to stomp the injured man on the head with his foot. Then the man and woman fled the store and the location in their car.

Police attempted to speak to the injured man, who was at the hospital, but were told by a nurse that he was still incoherent and unable to talk.

These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Forest Park Police Department, June 15-20, 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

Note to our readers

Why Black is now capitalized in our stories A small but notable change These are days of mighty change that we are reporting on in our seven neighborhoods. Our reporting has never been more vital. And our thoughtful use of words takes on greater importance.

That is why Growing Community Media, like many other news organizations, last week updated our editorial style guidelines to begin capitalizing the words Black and Brown when used in our pages. This change reflects recognition of systemic racism in our work over decades in reporting on people of color.

It is a small but notable adjustment which

acknowledges with respect the contributions to our history and to our culture of Black and Brown people. It equalizes references to Hispanics, Asians, Italian-Americans, IrishAmericans and other communities.

The word white, which typically describes a skin color and not a distinct culture, will continue to be lower-case.

Growing Community Media publishes

under four flags in seven neighborhoods – the Austin Weekly News, Wednesday Journal of Oak Park & River Forest, Forest Park Review and Riverside-Brookfield Landmark.

Dan Haley Editor and Publisher Growing Community Media

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Forest Park Review, June 24, 2020

Concordia Cemetery tour

Join Ken Knack and the Historical Society of Forest Park for a socially distant adaptation of the Concordia Cemetery Tour on June 28 at 1 p.m. at 7900 Madison St. The tour meets in front of the cemetery office, and Knack will lead a caravan to different monuments throughout the cemetery.

To maintain social distance, participants are asked to travel to the cemetery locations in their own car or on bike.

Please maintain proper distance while at monuments. The tour will be outside with the option to enter the mausoleum at the end.

To avoid cash transactions and to limit the number of guests, please purchase tickets online ahead of time at https://tinyurl.com/y7jm8hnw.

June 24 - 30

BIG WEEK Mobile printing at the library Need something printed? Mobile printing is available for next business day pickup, Monday through Friday, at the Forest Park Public Library. For more information, visit https://www.fppl.org/mobile-printing/

Future leaders at the library Have a serious case of FOMO? Kids between the ages of 11 and 13 are invited to reconnect with old friends and talk staff about what kind of virtual programs you want to see.

And don’t forget to BYOM (Bring Your Own Meme).

This online event is invitation-only, so make sure you register with a valid email address at https://fppl.evanced. info/signup/Calendar.

Invitations will be sent the day of the program.

Sunshine during the COVID-19 crisis West Suburban Special Recreation Association (WSSRA)’s Marianne Birko (Executive Director) and Annie Hart (WSSRA Superintendent) will present an informational webinar on recreation and socialization options during the COVID-19 crisis on Thursday, June 25, from 7 to 8 p.m.

For more information, please contact Amanda Norris, Riveredge Hospital, at Amanda.norris@ uhsinc.com. Register online at https://tinyurl. com/yaow9nty.

Forest Park Review, June 24, 2020

Food To Go! Delivery, Curbside Service, Limited Outdoor Dining!

Barclay’s American Grille 1120 Pleasant St., Oak Park

Classic American cuisine: burgers, BBQ ribs, fresh seafood, steaks and chops Our Menu: barclaysamericangrille.com/ Call 708-848-4250 for Curbside Pick-up Delivery is available through Grubhub and UberEats 4pm - 8pm, Tuesday through Sunday

Burger Moovment

7512 W North Ave, Elmwood Park 708-452-7288 Our menu: Burgermoovment.com/ delivery:Grubhub.com

Buzz Café 905 S. Lombard Ave, Oak Park Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner + Sweets, Snacks & Desserts served ALL DAY! Our Menu: Thebuzzcafe.com Outdoor dining open For Carry Out, Curbside Pick-up or FREE Delivery call 708524-2899 Deliver also available with Uber Eats 7am - 9pm, 7 days a week

Counter Coffee Air Roasters 7324 Madison Street, Forest Park

Our menu: Countercoffee.com FRESH Coffee, Eco-Friendly, Air Roasted each day in store, hand crafted beverages, and pastries (gluten free & vegan options available). Whole bean coffee and single use pods roasted for you when you order!

Mobile order online at Countercoffee.com, call ahead, and walk-in available. We can ship coffee to all 50 states. 708689-8896 • Open daily from 7am - 4pm

Cucina Paradiso 814 North Blvd, Oak Park Italian Menus: Cucinaoakpark.com

For Pickup, call 708-848-3434, curbside pickup is available For Delivery go to DoorDash or Grubhub Every night 4pm – 9pm

side Pick-up, and Free Delivery Wednesday-Friday 11:30am to 6pm, Sat. Noon-5pm.

Eastgate Café 102 Harrison, Oak Park

211 N Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL

Hemmingway’s Bistro & French Market

French-American: Steaks, Roast Chicken, Burgers, fresh Seafood, Salades, fresh-baked Desserts, Family-Style Dinner Packages, plus Champagne, Fine Wines, & Cocktail kits Our Menu: Hemmingwaysbistro.com Call 708 524-0806 for Contactless Curbside Pick-up & Delivery 11am - 7:30pm, Seven days a week, Sunday till 7pm.

American Comfort Our Menu: Eastgatecafe.net For Curbside Pick-up and Delivery, call 708-660-9091 Delivery is also available on Grubhub 12pm - 8pm; closed Monday

George’s Restaurant

145 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park Our Menu: Georgesoakpark.com/menu Serving breakfast and lunch for pick-up. One soup per day. All items won’t be available. Call ahead for availability.

For Pick-up call 708-848-4949; Delivery available through Door Dash and Postmates 8am - 3pm Monday - Sunday

Grape Leaves Restaurant 129 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park Mediterranean, Moroccan and Lebanese cuisine Our Menu : Grapeleaves.us For Pick-up and Delivery, call 708-848-5555 We also partner with Grubhub, UberEats, Postmate.

Sunday - Thursday 12-8pm Friday and Saturday 12-9pm

Happy Apple Pie Shop 226 Harrison, Oak Park

happyapplepie.com Sweet and savory pies, special orders Our menu is posted on our Facebook page and Instagram, or call us.

Call 708-606-0037 to arrange for No touch take-out, Curb-

Mexican Republic Kitchen 7404 Madison St., Forest Park

Mexican Cuisine Our Menu: Mexicanrepublickitchen.com/s/order For Curbside Pick-up order online at our website or call 708-689-0850 Delivery available via Uber Eats, Grubhub or Doordash Tuesday- Saturday 3:00pm-9:00pm Sunday 3:00pm-8:00pm

Mickey’s Gyros & Ribs

525 N Harlem Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302 708-848-3333 Facebook.com/mickeysgyros Casual counter-service restaurant offering American comfort food (burgers, gyros & fries, ribs, BBQ tips) and Greek specialties.

Open 10:30am - 9pm Daily - Takeout

Old World Pizza 7230 W North Ave, Elmwood Park

paid advertisement or fax 708-456-4580 Mon 3:30pm – 9pm; Tues – Thurs 11am –9pm; Fri & Sat 11am – 10pm; Sun 11am – 9pm

One Lake Brewing 1 Lake St, Oak Park

Contemporary Locally Sourced Food - Craft beer brewed on-site, plus wine & cocktail kits Our Menu: Onelakebrewing.com/eat ROOFTOP is OPEN, with social distancing guidelines in place. There are only a few tables so please make a reservation. Curbside pick-up & complementary contact-free, delivery. To place an order please call 708-434-5232 (we only have one phone line so please call us back if busy).

Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 4 pm - 8 pm

O’Sullivan’s Public House 7244 W. Madison Street, Forest Park Modern American/Pub Food Our Menu: Osullivanspublichouse.net Call 708-366-6667 to order Carry-Out and Local Delivery (No Delivery Fee) Daily Specials posted on Facebook @osullivanspublichouseFP Delivery also available on GrubHub O’Sullivan’s is open for Carry-Out and Delivery Friday-Saturday 12-9pm, Sunday-Thursday 3-9pm

Robinson’s #1 Ribs 848 Madison St, Oak Park Barbecue (vegetarian options available) Our Menu: Rib1.com For Carry-out and Delivery call 708-383-8452 Delivery is available through UberEats, DoorDash , Grubhub Tues – Sun 12pm – 8pm

Pizza, Burgers, Pasta Our Menu: Originaloldworldpizza.com For Pick-up, Curbside Pick-up, Delivery and Contact-less Delivery call 708-456-3000,

Goods To Go! Curbside Service, Limited In-Store Shopping!

Al-Mart Furniture & Bedding 7045 W. North Ave. Oak Park 708-383-5909

Almartfurniture.com Bedroom Furniture, Sofas, Sectionals, Desks, Book Cases, Dinettes, Recliners, Mattresses and all other home furnishings and accessories.

Order on our website or call to schedule a showroom appointment. Curbside pick-up Hours: 11 to 5 pm Extra 20% off everything we carry!

Bead In Hand

145 Harrison Street, Oak Park 708-848-1761 Beadinhand.com An extraordinary selection of beads and beading supplies. Now offering in store shopping by appointment.

Visit our website (beadinhand.com) for information about: shop hours, scheduling an appointment, purchasing one of our DIY bead kits or a gift certificate online, or for more information about our safety protocols. You can also call (708-848-1761) or send an email to query@ beadinhand.com.

The Book Table

adults, and children.

Call or shop online Centuriesandsleuths.com/ E-mail: cns7419@sbcglobal.net 708-771-7243 (Fax 708-771-7412) Curbside Pickup Hours: Tue-Fri 12-7; Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5 Make a $15 purchase for books (before sales tax) and choose an ARC* from the books (covers) displayed on easels in the store’s display window.

JAYNE

Divine Consign

Manouche

1800 S. Harlem Ave, North Riverside 708-386-3366 Divineconsign.com New and Nearly New Furniture and Decor Purchase online or call (708)386-3366 for appointment.

Now OPEN for business. Packed with stunning furniture.

Strictly following CDC Guidelines. Temporary hours Monday - Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 11-5

Garland Flowers

1045 Lake St, Oak Park 708-386-9800 Booktable.net Books, journals, and puzzles Order online or over the phone.

Curbside pick-up Hours: Mon-Sat 9-9, and Sun 11-6

Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore 7419 Madison St, Forest Park

Specializing in History, Mystery and Biography Books both hard back and paperback books for adults, young

137 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park 708-848-2777 GarlandFlowers.net Flowers, loose and arranged, green plants, blooming plants, garden plants Order by phone or online Call when you arrive and we will bring your order out to you. We also deliver!

Hours: Mon – Sat 9-3

122 N. Marion St., Oak Park 708-613-5858 Shopjayne.com] JAYNE is currently open for in-person shopping; no appointment needed. We are sanitizing high-touch surfaces, dressing rooms, and items that have been tried on or handled. Our staff is wearing masks and hand washing/sanitizing. Also offering curbside pick up and shipping from our e-commerce site shopJAYNE. com. Summer arrivals coming in daily!

Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm; Sunday 11am-5pm

Team Blonde Boutique, Eco Spa, and Salon

7442 W. Madison, Forest Park 708-771-5590

146 N Oak Park Ave

Teamblonde.com Clothing, gifts, jewelry, handbags, bath & body products, hair care products To order, go to our website, email us at blondes@ teamblonde.com, or call. We offer curbside pick-up and delivery. For curbside pick-up, pull up to our front or back door and call to let us know you arrived. Hours almost anytime, by appointment.

Mention this ad for 15% off your first curbside purchase

(New Location - previously at 103 N Oak Park Ave)

Trends Consignment Boutique

708-505-5546

Manoucheshop.com Women’s clothing and accessories with a focus on independent designers, organic fibers, and ethical sourcing.

Open 11-5 Tuesday thru Saturday.

12-4 Sunday Private appointments available Tuesday - Saturday 10-11 Or Tuesday thru Friday 5-6.

A Paw Place in Oak Park 708-516-8038

APawPlace@gmail.com • Apawplace.com/ A mom-owned local business delivering biologically appropriate foods, treats & toys for cats & dogs. We also carry artisanal Grounds & Hounds coffees. Help support homeless pets!

Shop online or contact us any time by phone or email.

We provide FREE Door Drop Delivery!

810 North Blvd, Oak Park 708-434-0801

Trendsoakpark.net Women’s clothing & accessories Shop on our website and through our social media posts.

If you have a special request, virtual shopping appointments are also available. Join us for our LIVE shopping parties on Facebook.

Tues-Thurs at 8pm. When you have placed an order, you can request curbside pick-up by emailing Amanda@ trendsoakpark.com. Curbside pick-up is available Monday-Friday starting at noon

Each of these restaurants paid a very nominal fee to participate in this ad. Thank you for supporting these local businesses!

9

10

Forest Park Review, June 24, 2020

BRIDGE

Juneteenth from page 1 ticipate in FPAR’s Juneteenth “Meet us at the Bridge” event.

What was also remarkable was the event on the bridge, which drew over 1,000 people, was organized by a group assembled only two weeks prior, a handful of residents who saw the current racial climate nationally and locally as intolerable and decided to take action.

The group, FPAR, was formed 15 days before the event, said Ayanna Brown, one of the organizers of FPAR. Brown, who has lived in Forest Park for about 10 years, said the group formed when resident Ken Snyder sent an email to about seven people saying Forest Park needed to do something to address systemic racism, in general but also specifically in the village.

“We are making a long-term commitment to addressing racism in Forest Park,” said Brown in an interview just before the event began. “We will look at every facet of our community to examine it in how it functions racially.” This includes, she said, the schools, police, village government and hiring practices.

For example, said Brown, 46 percent of students in Forest Park public schools are Black. But 80 percent of teachers are white females, which creates a cultural disconnect for students.

In the village government, said Brown, there are “incestuous hiring practices” that give precedence to people based on who they know, not who is the best for the position.

“Privilege exists even when it’s not something we’d call racism,” said Brown.

Historically and today, said Brown, any time a Black person stands up against racism, they are labeled as militant or irrational. Black people have to constantly evaluate a situation to determine how to best present themselves so they aren’t perceived negatively, in situations where it would never occur to white people to alter anything about themselves. And, Brown said, this includes children.

“Black children learn at an early age the politics of negotiation,” said Brown. “They have to learn how to change their voice or their body language to be more white in an attempt to be perceived a certain way. It’s an atrocity.”

FPAR’s founding members include Brown and Snyder, and also District 91 school board member Monique Cotton Yancy, Maui Jones, Betty Alzamora, Marjorie Adam Clark, Kathy Kucia, Kevin Leonard and Brown’s daughter Zawadi, a Fenwick high school student and the youth representative of the group.

Cotton said that it’s a Black led group, although there are white people involved.

And, importantly, it’s “a youth centered thing.”

Zawadi was instrumental in getting FPAR started. She co-emceed the bridge event with Maui Jones. And she did so with stunning strength and grace. Brown’s son Ezra later read a piece he’d written, with poise not often seen in a nine-year-old.

“When will the violence end? When I say violence, I am talking about the language that is used that says you hate me. I am talking about the things you do that say, I can only go so far in this world. I am talking about the ways you

D209 designates March 5, 2021 ‘George Floyd Day’ Board also passes Black Lives Matter resolution

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

During a regular board meeting on June 16, the District 209 school board unanimously passed a resolution on its commitment to Black students and Black lives.

The board also announced that March 5, 2021 will be “a day to honor the life and memory of George Floyd and to celebrate Black lives,” according to a statement the district released on June 18.

“We don’t only want something that is on paper, but something that has action,” said outgoing D209 Supt. Jesse Rodriguez in the

statement, adding that he and D209 Board President Rodney Alexander “talked about something that has substance because our students and families deserve more. This is the right thing to do.”

“The Board of Education is committed to continuing to address systemic racism and ensuring the academic achievement of Black Students,” Alexander stated. “We vigorously acknowledge and assert that Black lives matter.”

The resolution, which is available in English and Spanish, acknowledges a variety of candid historical truths, including “that general education research and practice have created a picture that overemphasizes the deficits of Black children, their families and community instead of celebrating them for the unique assets they bring with them into schools and providing them the opportunity to access more rigorous grade level classes and materials.”

ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer

A MOMENT IN HISTORY: Sen. Kimberly Lightford addressed the crowd. “This is a moment in history,” she said. use your power to try to take mine.

When will children not feel like they are living in the shadows of the police?

The war against racism has been fought for over 400 years, and it is still raging on.”

Brown said Ezra, while listening in on planning meetings, said he wanted to speak at the event.

“Mommy, I have something to say,” he told her.

Brown told him to record himself speaking, and she transcribed what he’d written.

He took the transcription, she said, and edited it to make it perfect.

At the Juneteenth event, Jones said about the youth, “They lead this fight.”

Jones addressed the crowd in the beginning, asking for three things from them, including respect and cooperation. He asked people to keep the sidewalks clear for pedestrians getting off the CTA train. He asked people to be as socially distant as possible and to wear masks. Almost every single person wore one.

And he asked people to listen to the words being spoken.

“This is a mourning song sung for 400 years. It is imperative that we listen and take action,” said Jones.

At the mic, Mayor Rory Hoskins, Forest Park’s first black mayor and first black

elected official, greeted the crowds as he looked north and south at the people spanning the bridge. “This is a great look for Forest Park,” he said, and he, like Cotton and Zawadi, talked about Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday: “Not just a black holiday; an American holiday.”

Sen. Kimberly Lightford attended, having organized the walk from Broadview.

She spoke too, congratulating FPAR for its work. “You started 14 short days ago, and look what you did,” said Lightford. “This is a moment in history.”

Forest Park resident Ken Snyder, who has been one of the major driving forces behind the Proviso Together movement to work for improvement in the District 209 schools, briefly addressed the crowd, and, as a white man, spoke specifically to the white people in attendance.

“I want to talk to the white people,” said Snyder. He spoke about the 104 names of Black individuals who have been killed by police violence because of racism, the names that were read earlier by FPAR’s youth leaders and were printed on posters lining the bridge. “This is on us,” said Snyder.

“We have to be honest. We live in a system that puts us at the front of the line.” He added: “We’ve been given a historic opportunity.”

Continued on next page

Forest Park Review, June 24, 2020

11

ASSISTED LIVING • SHELTERED CARE • MEMORY CARE • SKILLED NURSING

Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.

A safe & smart choice.

SHOWING UP: A crowd of over 1,000 gathered on the Circle Avenue bridge for the June 19 event.

Continued from previous page

ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer

LEADER: Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins spoke at the Juneteenth celebration organized by Forest Park Against Racism on June 19.

Brown addressed the crowd. “I’m proud to be an angry Black woman,” she said. But she added: “I’m not only angry, I’m actually really pissed off.”

Earlier she’d spoken about being the first Black tenured professor at Elmhurst College, how it was something to celebrate, but also a shame.

“Society has taught us that being angry means being unintelligent,” said Brown. “I’m angry with a PhD.” But, she added, Black people don’t need a PhD to be angry.

Brown said during the interview that the Juneteenth event, a collaboration between FPAR and Forest Park’s Juneteenth committee, whose annual pool party was canceled due to COVID-19, is only the beginning.

FPAR, she said, has made a commitment to address systemic racism throughout the village. “We will show up,” she said.

Choosing a community you can trust has never been more difficult.

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FROM ABOVE: An aerial photo shows the size of the crowd that attended Forest Park Against Racism’s Juneteenth event on June 19.

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12

Forest Park Review, June 24, 2020

FORESTPARKREVIEW.COM

S P O N S O R E D

C O N T E N T

Jim & Pete’s passion for patio dining Italian eatery in Elmwood Park embraces outdoor dining to welcome customers back

J

MELISSA ELSMO

We ARE LIVE ONLINE!

Food Writer

im and Pete’s, the Elmwood Park Italian mainstay, 7806 W. North Ave., has a passion for pasta, pizza and patio dinng.

As shelter-in-place restrictions eased across the state, Jim and Pete’s enthusiastically embraced outdoor dining to welcome back their loyal restaurant guests.

Eighty years of experience, longtime staff members and a robust carry out business carried the well-appointed restaurant through their dining room closure, but manager Patty Davis is thrilled to welcome diners

CALAMARI: Guests can enjoy Jim and Pete’s wild caught calamari with tangy cocktail on their sunny patio. back to Jim and Pete’s.

“To be honest, we have to stop ourselves from hugging people when they come in because we haven’t waited on or seen these people for so long,” said Davis. “We’ve missed everyone. Our customers are like family to us and we know they are grateful to be out.”

The kitchen, helmed by a professional chef, has remained consistent and thorough throughout this unusual time. Jim and Pete’s continued to offer their full menu, including dinner specials and wines, so everyone could have the Jim and Pete’s experi-

photos provided by Jim and Pete’s

Your Table is READY For sponsorships or advertising call lourdes at 708-381-1123 lourdes@oakpark.com Served fresh by

JIM AND PETE’S EXTERIOR: Staff at Jim and Pete’s has made “plans and back-up plans” to ensure patio dining is safe according to manager Patty Davis.

Forest Park Review, June 24, 2020

FORESTPARKREVIEW.COM

S P O N S O R E D

13

C O N T E N T

SALAD IN THE SUN: the chicken Caesar salad at Jim and Pete is made from romaine lettuce and topped with grilled chicken breast, parmesan cheese, croutons and creamy Caesar dressing.

PARTY ROOM: The party room at Jim and Pete’s, shown here, has since been transformed to accommodate socially distant outdoor dining. ence at home.

“Some of our regular guests came in every Friday for carry-out meals,” said Davis.

“Our customer loyalty never wavered and now we are ready to welcome our guests back in.”

Jim and Pete’s is constantly evolving and customers look forward to seeing updates to the well-appointed space. The restaurant was extensively remodeled just two years ago, but that did not stop staff and management from giving the restaurant a fresh coat of paint while they were closed.

“Our owner, Michael [Bucchianeri] never settles,” said Davis. “He is always striving to bring more to the Jim and Pete’s dining experience.”

Their state-of-the-art party room, suitable for hosting an array of special occasion events, serves as a flexible indoor/outdoor space under normal circumstances but has become especially valuable since outdoor dining space is at a premium in Chicagoland.

The unique room was designed with customer comfort in mind -- the four-paneled

ceiling and walls open to allow for fresh air flow throughout the area. With the walls removed and ceiling fully open the event space meets all guidelines for outdoor dining in Phase three of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan.

Jim and Pete’s also offers sidewalk dining in front of the restaurant. On the street side and on the patio, staff have opted to arrange tables approximately eight feet apart to allow for generous social distancing and optimal comfort.

Additionally, the establishment is fortunate to have a large parking lot they have put to creative use. Jim and Pete’s erected a tent over the lot in a show of gratitude for their devoted customers. Filled with socially distant high boy tables, they have been bringing live musicians to the tent to give diners a sense of fun and normalcy as Illinois begins easing back into public dining.

“This is a whole new world, but we have adjusted and adapted at Jim and Pete’s,” said Davis. “We are committed to giving our guests a safe dining experience they can feel confident about.”

Thanks to Melissa’s passion and experiencing our coffee first-hand by “cupping”, we thank Oak Park Eats for the positive exposure!

- Jacques, Counter Coffee, Forest Park

Enjoy a cup at CounterCoffee.com Jacques Shalo, Counter Coffee

Keep up with Melissa Elsmo and what she’s cooking up at:

OakParkEats.com

14

Forest Park Review, June 24, 2020

Nathan Kane • 5th • Longfellow

Lianna Ortiz • 5th • Hatch

Graham Roberts • 5th • Mann

Nathan Kralik • 5th • Longfellow

Forest Park Review, June 24, 2020

PMSA gets official go-ahead to begin construction Village council approves project

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

At their June 22 meeting, the Forest Park Village Council voted unanimously to approve a plat of easement and allow High School District 209 to reduce parking spots, change the flow of traffic, reconfigure storm water management, and construct outdoor ball fields for physical education classes on the Proviso Math and Science Academy (PMSA) campus.

The easement, said Steve Glinke, Department of Public Health and Safety director, gives the village official access to the water main, a long-standing issue not memorialized in the original 2004 special-use agreement between the village and PMSA.

The board also voted to approve the improvements planned for the parking lot area outside PMSA, including adding outdoor recreation fields, landscaping, reduction of parking spaces, better traffic flow, and reconfigured storm water management.

“I’d like everyone on the board to know that this was a herculean effort,” said Glinke. “There were a lot of moving parts. This was a really great effort and is a pretty strong example of Forest Park’s support for District 209.”

He said the board, specifically Commissioner Jessica Voogd, who has championed environmental issues since her election, would be happy to know the project increases the amount of permeable surface by more than 50 percent.

“We’ve gone from what was 100 percent impervious to probably about 40 percent,” Glinke said, explaining that permeable pavers and natural grass fields account for the difference.

BUDGET

Deficit in FY2021 from page 1 other commissioners and village officials several times if they were comfortable with such a large deficit in the budget for the next fiscal year, he reached out to the Review via email requesting an interview to discuss the budget. But over the next few days he did not respond to email, text or voicemail messages from the paper requesting an interview or a statement that could be printed.

At the regularly scheduled village council meeting on June 22, Novak voted against approving the minutes from the budget meeting, minutes that did not include his comments, but he provided no explanation during the discussion. He also said nothing about the budget during his commissioner’s report at the end of the June 22 meeting.

During the June 17 budget meeting, Village Administrator Tim Gillian said several times that Forest Park doesn’t have an expense problem; it has a revenue issue. He explained that expenses are already low, with department heads working hard to keep costs under budgeted amounts.

As for layoffs, Gillian said that all of the village departments, including those with the highest payroll (police and fire) have “no fat” to cut.

“As the administrator, I don’t think we should cut any fire or police,” Gillian said, though Novak, apologizing to Deputy Fire

15

Village prepares for Altenheim demolition Project specifications approved, advertising of bids authorized

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

In anticipation of the arrival of the $750,000 state grant promised last year for demolition of abandoned buildings on the village-owned Altenheim property, the village council voted unanimously at a June 22 meeting to approve project specifications and contract documents and to authorize for the advertising of bids as soon as the grant is awarded.

Village Administrator Tim Gillian said in an interview that although there’s no official word on when exactly the grant money will be received, the village thinks it’s “coming pretty quickly” and wants to be ready

Chief Phil Chiapetta who was in attendance, suggested that perhaps a deputy chief was unnecessary.

Commissioner Joe Byrnes asked both Deputy Police Chief Kenneth Gross and Fire Chief Bob McDermott if they could function effectively with fewer officers or firefighters on staff, and both responded that without significant overtime it was not a possibility.

Gillian said all other departments, including Public Health and Safety, Public Works and the Community Center have reduced expenses through cutting either full-time or part-time staff or both.

At one point Gillian responded to Novak’s questions about whether the administration felt confident with such a large deficit, “Are we confident? No. We’re not.” Cash flow, he said, isn’t a weekly concern; it’s a daily concern. The expense budget is already lean, he noted, and without a way to increase revenue significantly, the budget deficit is unavoidable. He said he is confident in department heads continuing to operate on lean budgets.

Hoskins said although a $3.2 million deficit in the general fun isn’t sustainable, he’s “optimistic.” With the village once more turning on parking meters and requiring vehicle stickers, among other measures to bring in revenue once more after COVID-19 shutdowns ease up, more money will come in. He was confident the village “could climb out of it slowly.” Other revenue sources, such as a ride-share tax, will be researched.

Commissioner Ryan Nero said he’d like to see $30,000 added to the budget for flood relief, for a total of $45,000 to provide reim-

to move as soon as funds are available.

Two residents submitted public comments, concerned about issues with lead, asbestos and dust as well as parking and staging for construction vehicles and workers.

Gillian addressed these concerns, stating that before any demolition in the village occurs, even one as small as a garage, the county has to issue a permit.

“In this case, I believe, the state of Illinois issues a demolition permit as well,” said Gillian.

“They are ultimately responsible to make sure that lead, asbestos, dust and all those different abatements take place. Those requirements are in place not only in our contract but also in the permitting process required by the county.”

Commissioner Ryan Nero said he’d reviewed the contract, and abatements for dust, asbestos and lead were all written into it.

Gillian addressed parking too, stating that “there is ample parking on-site.”

bursement to more residents for flood-control measures for their homes.

A big reason for the large projected deficit in the general fund for FY2021 is related to COVID-19. According to the budget review document from the village, “The effect of COVID-19 will negatively impact revenues in all funds and from all sources, but the biggest is reflected in the general fund.”

The biggest portion of revenue in the general fund, at 30 percent, comes from property taxes. But as a result of COVID-19, a Cook County relief plan is waiving late fees on property tax bills, allowing homeowners to pay the second installment by Oct. 1, rather than Aug. 3, without penalty, which could create a revenue shortfall and reduction in available cash flow for the village.

State income taxes, almost a quarter of the general fund’s revenue, is being budgeted at a 24 percent reduction, or $1,284,402 less in revenue due to reduced spending during COVID-19 shutdowns.

The potential for recreational marijuana tax revenue, which the village council previously voted to impose at 3 percent in anticipation of dispensaries or processing facilities opening in Forest Park, is still far off, as the state has postponed granting licenses due to COVID-19.

In terms of general fund expenses, $2,474,960, a 13 percent increase, is expected over FY2020’s numbers. The biggest expense category is wages and benefits, which accounted for 63 percent of general fund expenditures in FY2020. Based on FY2021 contracts, a 3 percent or $331,368 increase in wages and benefits is expected.

Last month, unions representing village employees agreed to wage concessions to lower expenses due to the COVID-19 crisis.

However, the FY2021 budget does not reflect these concessions in order to account for additional retirements or benefit payouts if layoffs are unavoidable.

The village clerk account, which includes insurance premiums, debt service and police and fire pension obligations, is expected to spend an additional 8 percent, or $461,660, over FY2020’s numbers. This includes department wage increases, as well as insurance premiums, collection fees and pension obligations.

The police department, which represents 24 percent of village expenditures from the general fund, will increase by 7 percent or $334,819 over FY2020’s closing numbers.

This includes department wage increases for administration, sworn police and civilian staffing.

The fire department’s expenses, representing 15 percent of village expenditures from general fund, are expected to increase by 10 percent or $331,151 in FY2021. This includes department wage increases as well as expenses for equipment, training and retirements. Anticipated reductions in the department total ($47,957), include deferral of a replacement vehicle and savings on the new paramedic contract.

Hoskins said there will be a second budget meeting “in about 10 days.” In an interview, Gillian said he is willing to sit down with anyone — village employee, elected official or resident — to go over the finances in as much detail as desired.

16

Forest Park Review, JJune 24, 2020

West Nile Virus found in River Forest mosquitoes Risk for human transmission ‘very low’

By MARIA MAXHAM EDITOR

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reported that a batch of mosquitoes collected in River Forest on May 31 tested positive for West Nile Virus. The mosquitoes were collected by the Des Plaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District (DVMAD), which monitors and works to control the mosquito population in the area. No human cases have been reported yet this year.

Dr. Ngozi Ezike, IDPH health director, said in a statement, “While we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, we must also remember to take steps to protect our health from other illnesses. Getting outdoors is a great way to combat being cooped up, but you need to take precautions to protect yourself from mosquitoes and the viruses they carry by wearing insect repellent and getting rid of standing water around your home.”

Should residents be worried?

Mark Tomek, biologist at the DVMAD, said in an email that at this point, “as we

so far only have the single ‘low’ positive, the concern for human transmission is still very low.” Spraying by the DVMAD to control mosquitoes, he said, “is only conducted at times when observed rates of [West Nile Virus] in the mosquito population are high enough that spillover into the human population becomes likely.”

In 2019, said Tomek, no spraying for mosquitoes was done by the DVMAD.

What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of a Culex pipiens mosquito, also known as a house mosquito, that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird.

According to the IDPH, a large majority, four out of five people, infected with West Nile Virus will not show any symptoms.

Those who do may experience fever, nausea, headaches and muscle aches, and these symptoms can last from a few days to a few weeks.

In people over 60 and those with weakened immune systems, however, the risk for severe illness from West Nile Virus is higher. Rarely, severe complications can include meningitis, encephalitis or even death.

How is West Nile Virus monitored locally?

Oak Park, River Forest and Proviso Township, which includes Forest Park, are part of

Gavin Austin Griffin • 5th • Holmes

DVMAD, which is administered by a board of trustees and employs a small permanent staff and up to 24 seasonal workers. Operations are funded through real estate taxes from the participating townships, according to the abatement district’s website.

The district encompasses a 77 square mile area of the Des Plaines River and Salt Creek valley in the western suburbs, and includes Lyons, Oak Park, Proviso, Riverside, and River Forest, for a total of 31 villages.

The DVMAD monitors for West Nile Virus through laboratory tests of mosquito batches, dead birds (crows, blue jays, robins and other perching birds), and testing symptomatic horses and humans.

What can residents do?

Tomek said there is the potential right now for a rise in the population of mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus.

“We are going into a stretch of high temps and low rainfall which followed a period of heavy rain, meaning the potential for standing water is high and the environment for [West Nile Virus] vector mosquito breeding is right,” said Tomek.

Tomek said the mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus lay eggs on top of stagnant standing water, so residents should eliminate standing water from places such as old tires, clogged gutters, trash cans, wheelbar-

rows, buckets, watering cans and any other receptable that can hold water.

“These species do not travel far from the water they came from, so less sources of standing water on a person’s property decreases the risk even more in the direct area,” said Tomek.

If the risk of West Nile Virus become elevated, “minimizing time outdoors at dusk is recommended,” said Tomek. If outdoors at dusk, DEET or other insect repellents, used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, in addition to loose fitting clothes with long sleeves and pants can limit the amount of mosquito bites.

Tomek also recommends checking and repairing window screens, window air conditioners, dryer vents, doors, and other openings to limit ways mosquitoes can enter a residence.

Dead birds can be reported at the following website: www.cookcountypublichealth. org/communicable-diseases/west-nile-virus/dead-bird-sighting-report/ Finally, Tomek said that West Nile Virus vector mosquitoes are not to be confused with the floodwater nuisance mosquitoes that have been seen following the recent rain.

“West Nile Virus vector mosquitoes are known to be ‘quiet biters,’ often going unnoticed,” said Tomek.

Cecilia Romeus • 5th • Longfellow

Forest Park Review, June 24, 2020

17

We now meet via ZOOM email us to join!

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Bisexuals and Transgender We meet on the 4th Sunday First United Church of Oak Park 848 Lake Street, Oak Park (at Kenilworth) 3 pm - 5 pm This is a place of confidentiality.

708.386.1738 www.pflag.org

pflagoakpark@pflagillinois.org

Support .... Education....Advocacy

18

Forest Park Review, June 24, 2020

Anytown, USA Beer commercial filmed in Forest Park

By JOHN RICE Contributing Reporter

A commercial for a major brand of beer was filmed in Forest Park on June 11. The shoot focused on the 400 block of Thomas and the crew used several houses as backdrops. According to Daniel Marcus, location manager for the film production company STORY, it was one of the first commercials shot on location in Illinois since the start of the pandemic.

Marcus, a Forest Park resident, looked at multiple villages, before settling on his hometown. He was looking for “everyday Americana” and Forest Park fit the bill. “We looked at several blocks but this one ticked all the boxes.” He encouraged the producer and director to film here. “Everyone was happy with Forest Park,” Marcus said, “We received good cooperation from the village.”

The company would normally use a 50-person crew for a shoot like this but they went with a 10-person crew to reduce the risk of coronavirus. The crew adhered to CDC stan-

dards. Everyone wore masks and gloves and practiced social distancing. They parked their trucks in Constitution Court and started the shoot at 6 a.m. They didn’t finish until 6 p.m.

“We wanted to showcase the variety of architecture in Forest Park,” Marcus said.

“We got great feedback from residents and the crew. They found Forest Park to be very photogenic. They also spent money at several local businesses.”

Al and Terry Molson were among the residents who allowed the crew to film their property. They had purchased the home at 423 Thomas four years ago. It was a two-flat, which they converted into a single-family home. They did a complete renovation and also beautified their front yard. Being stuck working from home, they have devoted hours to landscaping. This involved spending money at local garden centers like McAdam, where they purchased plants and trees.

They had just finished mulching when

they spotted a scout taking photos up and down the block. He asked to film the front of their home. The police blocked off the street and residents came out to watch but they were careful not to be in the shoot. The residents were cooperative and so was the weather. “It was a mild, breezy pretty day,” Terry recalled.

The Molsons believe there should be more filming done here. “We love the neighborhood,” Terry said, “And we take pride in

our property.” They have made friends on the block and are encouraging their city friends to move to the village. The Molsons came here from Humboldt Park but Al has deep roots in Forest Park. His mother was raised here and he was baptized at St. Bernardine’s.

Their neighbor to the south, Nancy Woulfe, also gave permission for her property to be filmed. She moved here six years ago and also did a major renovation. Woulfe is passionate about gardening, too. She was home the day of the shoot and observed the crew practicing social distancing.

“The crew wore masks and they rotated crew members. Everyone was very responsible,” she said, adding that she watched the crew working tirelessly, filming take after take. “The commercial was kind of fun,” Woulfe recalled.

As Marcus said, Forest Park is a good stand-in for “Anytown, USA.”

Smokin M’s back in business after fire BBQ joint adjusts to reopening during COVID

By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats

Anthony Marquez has been managing Smokin’ M’s, at 7507 Roosevelt Road, Forest Park, for over a year. After a fire in early March temporarily shut down business and COVID-19 delayed the restaurant’s ability to reopen, Marquez and the entire staff at the diminutive kitchen are thrilled to welcome back their loyal diners after a three-month closure.

“After the fire, coronavirus closures were frustrating to some people,” said Marquez, “but people kept calling and waiting for us to open.”

A large aquarium smoker has been at the center of Smokin’ M’s kitchen since opening 14 years ago. While rare aquarium smokers are uniquely tied to Chicago, they have the reputation of being temperamental and labor-inten-

sive to use.

“Because of our aquarium smoker, we operate a little differently than other restaurants,” said Vince Maccio, a member of Smokin’ M’s ownership team. “We are not just throwing hot dogs in water; we are

cooking on an open fire indoors and it can be challenging to maintain.”

The fire broke out during an especially busy day, igniting the fully loaded smoker grill and damaging its signature smokestack. The unfortunate fire sparked a remodel designed to “fireproof” the kitchen, but open-flame cooking will continue as the aquarium smoker is finally back up and running.

COVID-19 “decimated” staffing roles at Smokin’ M’s and halted all revenue streams.

Owner Jimmy Maccio kept all five full-time employees on the payroll for the first month of his restaurant’s extended closure but could not continue the practice as the closure extended into a second month.

Thankfully, their longtime employees all came back when MARIA MAXHAM Smokin’ M’s reopened BACK IN BUSINESS: Smokin M’s, 7507 Roosevelt Rd., reopened in May in May. “We are lucky to have after a fire, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

a good following on Facebook,” said Maccio.

“We got a really good response and that was big relief.”

Smokin’ M’s is once again turning out their homemade fare — from spice rubs to pie crusts — but safety has become a key ingredient as the BBQ joint welcomes back guests. A plastic divider keeps customers and staff safe, and employees wear gloves, masks and have daily temperature checks.

“We hope things return to normal,” said Maccio. “For now, we want to make sure our staff are limiting contacts, remain healthy and are ready to go.”

Unlike the most modern indoor smokers that use 3-4 logs to flavor meat before finishing in an oven-like environment, Smokin’s M’s relies on wood to fire meats from start to finish. Rib tips, chicken and hot links are especially suited to cooking in an aquarium smoker making them popular menu items.

Marquez was mentored as a manager by Maccio directly and earned his role as manager because of his dedication, reliability, and willingness to adapt. He serves as cook, cashier and purchaser. He feels especially proud of Smokin’ M’s wings and rib tips.

“When people find Smokin’ M’s, it’s usually because they were looking for something better,” said Marquez. “When they get here, they can taste our real cooking.”

Forest Park Review, June 24, 2020

19

OPINION O U R

V I E W

Together at the bridge

F

orest Park Against Racism.

It’s all in the name. And in the urgency. And in the opportunity.

In 15 days a small group of determined Forest Parkers created this group and, together with support from many sources, mounted a Juneteenth event — Meet Us at the Bridge — that was equal parts uplift and soul shattering.

Friday evening, on the sun-baked Circle Avenue bridge, more than 1,000 people gathered with hope and anger to listen to this Black-led group lay out, with eloquence and fierceness, the many ways Forest Park fails on race. Has failed historically. Is failing today. Will most certainly fail tomorrow if genuine change is not intentionally demanded and made.

This is not Forest Parkers Against Racism. It is Forest Park Against Racism. The entity of Forest Park, the entirety of Forest Park that is being called out for our systemic racism. This is not Forest Park considering the possibility that there is racism within us, ordering up a study, planning a new street party to bring us together in a superficial way. It is a declaration that Forest Park, like every American community, is steeped in racism.

And the way past it, if there is a way past, is through it. It is the hard work of being fully uncomfortable, of being challenged as white people in owning up to our racism, to our perpetual privilege in this society.

Ken Snyder, one of the founders of this group and the only white founder, took the microphone well into the 75-minute event Friday and said, “I want to talk to the white people.

This is on us. We have to be honest. We live in a system that puts us at the front of the line. … We have been given a historic opportunity.”

This historic opportunity, borne of the murder of George Floyd by a white cop in Minneapolis just weeks ago, was seen in the strong words of Ayanna Brown, a Forest Parker, professor at Elmhurst University, a founder of this group and the mother of two young people, who also spoke powerfully on Friday. Brown was uncompromising. “I am an angry Black woman,” she said as she articulated the many reasons for her anger. “I’m not only angry. I’m actually really pissed off!”

The opportunity was also seen in the full-on blending of races and ages on that bridge Friday. Hundreds of white people. White people beginning to see, to imperfectly see, the righteous anger we have sown over centuries, the racism and the privilege we have baked into every crevice, into every system.

But today something is up. Something profound is stirring, shifting. And it gives us this moment.

There is the old Leonard Cohen song, “Anthem,” with this lyric, “Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack, there is a crack in everything.

That’s how the light gets in.”

George Floyd and the hundred-plus other names that lined the bridge on Friday, the hundred-plus other black men and women who died at the hands of police, have with their very lives opened a sliver of light that we need to push hard through.

F

What do they mean by ‘white’?

or the last month, all the members of the Poplar Park Community Church seemed to be talking about has been the killing of George Floyd. All online, of course.

Pastor Walter Mitty heard Austin Channing Brown interviewed on NPR about her book, I’m Still Here, decided the book might shed some light on the issue, and had Bernie Rolvaag mail him a copy from his History/Herstory Book Store.

The first thing that caught his attention before he even opened the cover was the book’s subtitle: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness. She described herself as a “Black woman navigating white culture” and explained, “my story is not about condemning white people but about rejecting the assumption — sometimes spoken, sometimes not — that white is right; closer to God, holy, chosen, the epitome of being. … It’s about surviving in a world not made for me.”

“So she’s talking about whiteness as a cultural thing, I guess,” thought Mitty.

The more he read, the more confused he became. He wondered what she meant by whiteness and white culture.

And why did she capitalize the word “Black” but not “white?” When she referred to white culture, was she talking about Donald Trump or white supremacists or rednecks or hillbillies or Anthony Fauci or Bill Gates or Alexander Vindman or what?

He had moved to Poplar Park years ago from Manitowoc, which had been all white, and had to learn to navigate in a very multicultural environment, so he thought, “What’s so novel about Black people having to navigate white culture?”

What he decided to do was to send out an email on Monday to all of the Brown and Black members of his congregation in which he included some quotes from the book and asked the members to help him understand what the term “white culture” meant.

Within 10 minutes he received a response from LaShaun Smith who complained, “In our high school all of the teachers try to make us white. They correct us when we don’t use proper English, lecture us about soul food being unhealthy, and force us to take classes that have nothing to do with me wanting to become a hip hop artist.”

LaShaun’s mother, Florence, wrote that it’s not about white or black culture but about what’s right and what’s wrong, which made him recall the Rev. Johnny Christian in his Hour of Power broadcast agreeing with Senator Tim Scott that just because we find a few bad apples we should not cut down the entire tree.

In contrast Sharissa Hawkins sent an email in which said that in her social work practice in the city she saw that the sheer number of bad apples on the tree should tell everyone that the tree has to go.

The Aschenbrenners got wind of the email and decided to add their German American two cents

to the discussion saying they felt fine with the term white culture because for them it stood for hard work, respect for authority, reverence for the flag, keeping your feelings to yourself and doing everything the right way.

Having not received the clarity he had been longing for, the next day he called Dominique at his office on the 52nd floor of the Chase Tower in the Loop to pick the brain of his trusted congregational president.

“Maybe what Ms. Brown is getting at when she uses the term ‘white culture,’” he began, “is what I encounter every day here at the bank. When I first started, I quickly figured out that if I wanted to climb the corporate ladder, or even just keep my job, I had to fit into the corporate culture created by the elites at the top which dictated that I come to work wearing a suit and tie, leave my Ebonics at home, make work a higher priority than my social life and always keep focused on the bottom line.”

“But,” Mitty protested, “that’s not who you are.”

“That’s not who you are either, Pastor, but I concluded early on that if I want to take care of myself, help my family still living on the South Side, and support the church I love, I have to make some money.”

“And so?”

“And so I had to become bi-cultural. I had to learn how to work the system here without giving my soul away to it. But I’m not unique, am I? Unless they have the power that goes with being at the top of the heap, isn’t that what everyone has to do? Figure out how to work the system without losing their integrity?”

“Maybe that’s what’s bothering me about the book,” said Mitty. “Brown uses the term ‘white culture’ when she should be calling it a culture controlled by people with power.”

“Let me put it this way,” said Dominque. “I think Derek Chauvin is a lot like President Trump. To me, Trump is not as much a racist as he is a bully. Same for Chauvin. Bullies tend to pick on people who are vulnerable, and in this country a disproportionate number of Black and Brown people are in that category. If you recall, the people he ‘fired’ in his TV fantasy show were mostly white. Same thing is happening now that he is in the White House.

“Seems to me that when people get power, it’s like a drug, and few can resist being ruled by it. As far as I can see, there are bullies in every shade of black, white and gray: North Korean, Chinese, Hutu, Ugandan, Syrian, Russian.”

After hanging up, Mitty’s mind wandered back to Manitowoc, the community that had been all white when he was growing up, and he wondered if Austin Channing Brown would call them racist.

Mitty sighed. “Diversity is hard work,” he concluded. “It’s not just racial differences but how people view the world. I wonder how Dominique would get along if he moved to Manitowoc.”

TOM HOLMES

20

Forest Park Review, June 24, 2020

W

We’re in this together

e’re excited to see businesses reopening, employees getting back to work, and patrons out and about supporting local businesses and enjoying some semblance of normalcy. The Chamber of Commerce has been hard at work doing all we can to help our business community by providing information, promoting their businesses, and assisting them through each and every phase.

The Chamber’s Economic Advisory Committee has taken on the task of identifying initiatives and actions that we believe are an important part of successful recovery. One of those action items is beautification of Madison Street — Forest Park’s downtown corridor.

The committee believes a well-taken-careof and cheerful downtown district plays a large part in creating the feel of a safe, clean and inviting environment for consumers, visitors and prospective tenants. Getting flowers planted was first on the list.

The village has done quite a bit to provide relief and help the business community, but with budget constraints, they had to forego planting flowers. It’s a significant cost and cuts had to be made somewhere.

On June 11, we reached out to the business community for donations to fill the flowerpots on Madison. The response was overwhelming and in just eight days, Madison Street was blooming! We’re so grateful ... but not really surprised.

Coming together whenever there’s a need is part of the fabric of our community. Our downtown looks great, and that’s good for business. Powerwashing the sidewalks is next on the list and will be completed before the end of June.

So thank you to the following donors, and to McAdam Landscaping and our Village Public Works Department for coordinating and planting so quickly:

And then there was well; AvenueOne Mariano Mollo; Bella Angel Music; Beti Vere; Brave Files Podcast; Centre Physical Therapy; Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore; Clear Skies Homes; Counter Coffee Air Roasters; Crystal Car Wash; Elements Massage - Forest Park; Everett Wealth Solutions; Fantastic Sam’s - Forest Park; Farmington Foods; FatDuck Tavern & Grill; First Community Management; Forest Insurance; Forest Park Bank; Girl Scouts Troop #45774; Global Citizen USA; Guaranteed Rate; Park District of Forest Park; Law Offices of Kristen Marie Lyons; Lynn & Marty Sorice; Macdaddy Salon; Marty Tellalian; Mexican Republic Kitchen & Cantina; Military & Police Supply; O’Sullivan’s Public House; Our Planet Automotive; Pat Koko; Redfin Real Estate; Reeg Plumbing; Riveredge Hospital; Scratch Kitchen; Shanahan’s Creole Restaurant & Bar; Suite Spotte Coworking - La Grange & Forest Park; The Bromet Family; The Cadence Group; The Centered Life Therapy; The Gillian Baker Team; The Oak Park Handyhuman; The Tax Defender; Tom Flanagan - Tefco Construction; and Twisted Cookie.

We’re honored to serve our amazing business community. “We’re in this together” isn’t just some slogan we throw around. It personifies what Forest Park is all about.

Hiring Online Account Reps • Business training • Lasting residual income & Recession proof • Car Bonus program • Flexible hours w/option to work from home office • We offer hope, health, and freedom

Call/text Kathy for an interview at 847-530-5999

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Forest Park Review, June 24, 2020

FORESTPARKREVIEW.COM New local ads this week

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Forest Park Review, June 24, 2020

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PUBLIC NOTICES 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, 2019 has been made by Lauterbach and Amen, and that a report of such audit dated May 4th, 2020 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 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, except for holidays.

Dated: June 24th, 2020 By: Commissioner Kassie Porreca Treasurer, Board of Commissioners Park District of Oak Park Published in Wednesday Journal 6/24/2020

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for: 2019 & 2020 Water Main Improvement Projects

PUBLIC NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE LAW OFFICE OF LINDA EPSTEIN Attorney for Petitioner 722 W. Diversey Parkway Ste. 101B Chicago, IL 60614 STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division.

In re the marriage of Dashira Marit Contreras, Petitioner and Raul Berrios, Respondent, Case No. 20 D 003191.

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, Dashira Marit Contreras, 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, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before July 15, 2020, 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 6/17, 24, 7/1/2020

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for:

This project consists of the installation of approximately 2000 feet of 8-inch DIP water main, 140 feet of 12-inch DIP water main and all associated appurtenances. This work will include, but is not limited to the installation of valves, valve vaults, connections to side street mains, new water services and pavement restoration. Some work is located within Illinois Department of Transportation right-of-way and some work is located within the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way. Applicable permits/agreements have been acquired.

This project generally consists of the reconstruction of approximately 1175 square yards of an existing concrete alley pavement with the installation of approximately 220 square yards of pervious pavers and concrete pavement throughout the remainder of the alley. A 6” underdrain is also proposed throughout the length of the alley.

The bidding documents are available for download starting Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at:

www.vrf.us/bids

www.vrf.us/bids Bids must be submitted by Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at: Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305 ALL BIDS SHALL BE DEPOSITED IN THE GREEN DROP BOX IN FRONT OF VILLAGE HALL. The bid proposals will be collected at 2:00 pm and opened at that time.

Due to COVID19-related closures, Village Hall is not currently open to the public. The bid opening will be live-streamed on the Village’s YouTube channel at www.youtube. com/villageofriverforest. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability to perform the work.

No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the Proposals without the consent of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of the bid opening.

The Village of River Forest reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids.

Published in Wednesday Journal 6/24/20

Thatcher Ave Alley Improvements

The bidding documents are available for download starting Friday, June 19, 2020 at:

Bids must be submitted by Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. at: Public Works Department, 2nd Floor Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305 The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability to perform the work.

No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the Proposals without the consent of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of the bid opening.

The Village of River Forest reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids.

Published in Wednesday Journal 6/24/20

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, AS TRUSTEE FOR

FORESTPARKREVIEW.COM

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS FOR THE VILLAGE OF STICKNEY, COUNTY OF COOK, STATE OF ILLINOIS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020, 6:00 PM Notice is given that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Village of Stickney will conduct a public hearing on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at 6:00 p.m., at the Village of Stickney Village Hall located at 6533 West Pershing Road, Stickney, Illinois 60402 to take public comment and testimony concerning: An application submitted by Hawthorne Race Course, Inc., 3501 South Laramie Avenue, Stickney, Illinois, 60402 on June 5, 2020 to the Village of Stickney Zoning Administrator requesting the following relief: (a) a text amendment to Section 11.03 of Appendix A Zoning of the Zoning Ordinance to provide that a “racino entertainment complex” shall be a special use in the Heavy Industrial(I-2) zoning district and to further provide for a definition of “racino entertainment complex”; (b) a text amendment to Section 3.02 to create a definition for a “racino entertainment complex”; (c) a text amendment to Section 4.09 of the Zoning Ordinance to exempt lots within the I-2 Heavy Industrial District from certain limitations on the number buildings on lots pursuant to special use; (d) a text amendment to Section 4.12 of the Zoning Ordinance to exempt the “racino entertainment complex” from certain building height restrictions pursuant to special use; and (e) a special permit to allow the operation of a “racino entertainment complex” at 3501 South Laramie Avenue, Stickney, Illinois 60402 (PINs: 16-33-400-001-0000, 16-33-400-005-0000, 16-33400-040-0000, and 16-33-501001-0000).

The Legal Descriptions for the property locate at 3501 South Laramie Avenue, Stickney, Illinois 60402:

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

PARCEL 1 (16-33-400-001-0000): ALL THAT PART OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 33,TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL (EXCEPT THE 20 FEET WIDE RAILROAD SWITCH TRACK RIGHT OF WAY CONVEYED TO THE AMERICAN TAR PRODUCTS COMPANY, INC., BY DEED DATED JUNE 25, 1921, AND RECORDED IN THE RECORDER’S OFFICE OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS IN BOOK 16967, PAGE 272 AS DOC-

UMENT NUMBER 7212576, ALSO EXCEPT THE EAST 50 FEET LYING NORTH OF THE SOUTH LINE OF OGDEN DITCH ALSO CALLED WEST FORK OF SOUTH BRANCH OF THE CHICAGO RIVER) LYING NORTH OF A LINE DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS, TO WIT: BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE EAST LINE OF SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION, 1,213.18 FEET NORTH OF THE SOUTHEAST CORNER THEREOF; THENCE WEST AT AN ANGLE OF 90 DEGREES SOUTH TO WEST, A DISTANCE OF 40 FEET; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY ON A LINE WITH AN ANGEL OF 164 DEGREES 24 MINUTES MEASURED FROM EAST TO SOUTHWEST FROM LAST DESCRIBED LINE, A DISTANCE OF 259.98 FEET; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY ON A LINE WITH A DEFLECTION OF 36 MINUTES TO LEFT FROM LAST DESCRIBED LINE, A DISTANCE OF 849.63 FEET; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY ON A LINE WITH A DEFLECTION OF 17 MINUTES TO THE LEFT FROM LAST DESCRIBED LINE, A DISTANCE OF 234.76 FEET; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY ON A LINE WITH A DEFLECTION OF 4 DEGREES, 28 MINUTES 15 SECONDS TO THE RIGHT, FROM LAST DESCRIBED LINE, A DISTANCE OF 210.14 FEET THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY ON A LINE WITH A DEFLECTION OF 2 DEGREES, 54 MINUTES, 30 SECONDS TO THE RIGHT FROM LAST DESCRIBED LINE, A DISTANCE OF 482.83 FEET; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY ON A LINE WITH A DEFLECTION OF 6 MINUTES 52 SECONDS TO THE LEFT FROM THE LAST DESCRIBED LINE, A DISTANCE OF 411.74 FEET; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY ON A LINE WITH A DEFLECTION OF 3 DEGREES, 13 MINUTES 30 SECONDS TO THE LEFT FROM THE LAST DESCRIBED LINE, A DISTANCE OF 259.35 FEET TO A POINT ON THE WEST LINE OF SAID SOUTHEAST QUARTER 606.821 FEET NORTH OF THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID SOUTH EAST QUARTER IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

PARCEL 2 (16-33-400-005-0000): THAT PORTION OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 33, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE EAST LINE OF SAID SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 33, WHICH IS 1174.48

FEET NORTH OF THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION AND RUNNING THENCE NORTH ALONG SAID EAST LINE OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER A DISTANCE OF 38.70 FEET TO A POINT 1213.18 FEET NORTH OF SAID SOUTHEAST CORNER; THENCE WEST PERPENDICULAR TO SAID EAST LINE OF SOUTHEAST QUARTER A DISTANCE OF 40 FEET; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY ON A LINE WITH AN ANGEL OF 164 DEGREES 24 MINUTES, MEASURED FROM EAST TO SOUTHWEST FROM LAST DESCRIBED LINE, A DISTANCE OF 259.98 FEET TO A POINT WHICH IS 290.41 FEET (MEASURED PERPENDICULAR WEST OF SAID EAST LINE OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER AND THENCE EASTERLY A DISTANCE OF 292.08 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; EXCEPTING FROM THE ABOVE DESCRIBED LAND THE EAST 50 FEET THEREOF FALLING IN CICERO AVENUE, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. PARCEL3(16-33-400-040-0000): A STRIP OF LAND 20.00 FEET WIDE AND 1705.1 FEET LONG IN THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 33, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN BOUNDED AND DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT A POINT IN THE WEST LINE OF SAID SOUTHEAST 1/4, 957 FEET SOUTH OF THE NORTHWEST CORNER THEREOF; THENCE SOUTH ALONG SAID WEST LINE 1705.1 FEET TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID 1/4 SECTION; THENCE EAST 20 FEET; THENCE NORTH PARALLEL WITH SAID WEST LINE 1705.1 FEET; THENCE WEST 20 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; EXCEPTING THEREFROM THE SOUTH 606.82 FEET OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED LAND IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. PARCEL 4 (16-33-501-001-0000) as applicable: A STRIP OF LAND TWENTY (20) FEET WIDE AND THROUGH, OVER AND ACROSS THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION THIRTY-THREE (33) TOWNSHIP THIRTY-NINE (39) NORTH RANGE THIRTEEN (13) EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, BEING TEN (10) FEET ON EACH SIDE OF THE CENTERLINE THEREOF, WHICH CENTERLINE IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT A POINT TEN (10) FEET EAST OF THE

SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION THIRTY THREE (33) AND NINE HUNDRED FIFTY-SEVEN (957) FEET SOUTH OF THE NORTH LINE OF SAID SOUTHEAST QUARTER, THENCE NORTHEASTERLY ALONG A SIX DEGREE (6°) CURVE TO THE RIGHT THREE HINDERED TEN AND NIN-TENTHS (310.9) FEET; THENCE NORTH EIGHTEEN DEGREES THIRTY-NINE MINUTES THIRTY SECONDS (18°39’30”) EAST ALONG A LINE TANGENT TO SAID CURVE THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-NINE AND EIGHTTENTHS (329.8) FEET; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY ALONG A THIRTEEN DEGREE (13°) CURVE TO THE RIGHT FIVE HUNDRED FORTY-NINE (549) FEET; THENCE EAST PARALLEL TO THE NORTH LINE OF THE SAID SOUTHEAST QUARTER AND THIRTY-EIGHT (38) FEET SOUTH THEREFROM TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-FOUR AND EIGHT-TENTHS (234.8) FEET; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY ALONG A THIRTEEN DEGREE (13°) CURVE TO THE LEFT ONE HINDERED EIGHTY-TWO AND NINE-TENTHS (182.9) FEET TO A POINT ON THE NORTH LINE OF SAID SOUTHEAST QUARTER NINE HUNDRED NINETY-SEVEN AND THREE TENTHS (997.3) FEET EAST OF THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID SOUTHEAST QUARTER, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. All persons in attendance at the foregoing hearing shall have an opportunity to give testimony, be heard, and ask questions regarding the project.

Further information regarding the applications are available through the Zoning Administrator, Josh Brniak (708-749-4490), whose office is located at Village of Stickney Village Hall located at 6533 West Pershing Road, Stickney, Illinois 60402. Any changes related to the location or manner of attendance of the hearing resulting from any local or national emergency, including but not limited to COVID-19 related state, federal and local restrictions or other emergency declarations by the Village President, the Governor of the State of Illinois or the President of the United States of America, shall be posted on the Village’s website.

Publication Date this 24th day of June, 2020.

Village of Stickney Zoning Board of Appeals

Published in Landmark June 24, 2020

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

NORMANDY MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2016-1 Plaintiff, -v.LATANIA LOVE A/K/A LATANIA R LOVE, A/K/A LA TANIA LOVE, KENNETH LOVE A/K/A KENNETH R LOVE, MIDLAND FUNDING LLC, LAKEDRA LOVE A/K/A LAKEDRA GARDLEY-LOVE, A/K/A LAKEDRA C. GARDLEY, A/K/A LAKEDRA C. LOVE Defendants 13 CH 07379 933 ELGIN AVENUE FOREST PARK, IL 60130 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 10, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 10, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 933 ELGIN AVENUE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130 Property Index No. 15-13-414-0290000 The real estate is improved with a orange brick one story single family home with a two car detached garage.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for

inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales

Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 7865 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 13 CH 07379 TJSC#: 40-1775 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 13 CH 07379 I3151648

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR HIS ASSET SECURITIZATION CORPORATION TRUST 2007OPT1, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-OPT1; Plaintiff, vs.

CHARLES T. GRANT; JUANITA J. GRANT AKA JUANITA LACOURT; PRAIRIE PLACE AT 6436 ROOSEVELT CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 19 CH 14415 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-18-428-043-1019 & 16-18428-043-1064.

Commonly known as 6436 Roosevelt Road, Unit 311, Oak Park, IL 60304.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g) (4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Law Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 3609455. W18-0641 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3151594

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.

Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals.

To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.

Wednesday Journal Forest Park Review Riverside Brookfield Landmark

Forest Park Review, June 24, 2020

INC., REALTOR

23

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

9346 LANDINGS LN

317 ELGIN

1338 MARENGO

Bright two bed two bath on 4th. fl. with balcony in gated community w 24 hr. security guard. Ceramic tile fl. in kit and dinette.

Complex offers outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts and clubhouse.

Elevator building w/inside heated garage. coin laundry on 1st.fl. In Des Plaines, close to shopping, schools and highway.....................$149,900

2,450 S.F. OF LUXURY! Center unit! 4 floors of living!

Enormous master with a soaking tub and enclosed shower, walk in closet, and a private balcony. 2nd fl. offers 2 additional large bedrooms, walk in closet, storage, and full bath. 1st fl is all oak flooring, living room with a fireplace and eating area, and an eat in kitchen. Bedroom #4 is located in the fully finished basement with a family room area, and full bathroom. 1 space garage. This is the LARGEST TOWNHOME on the market IN FOREST PARK!! ....................................................................................................$389,000

First floor apartment completely remodeled with 2 bedrooms and duplex 3rd. bedroom and half bath and family room in the basement.

Second floor is two bedrooms and one bath. Outside parking for 4 cars.

Projected rent for 1st floor between ...............................$1375 & $1450

D L SO

D L SO

D L SO

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FPSD91 Equity Project ad (FPR) Forest ParkNatl Review, June 24, 2020

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