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GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA, NFP ForestParkReview.com Vol. 104, No. 26

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Developer scraps Harrison St. apartment plans

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Dan Novak resigns as village commissioner PAGE 8

JUNE 30, 2021

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Riveredge CEO resigns to start private practice Mosaic Counseling and Wellness will help patients navigate mental healthcare system By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Carey Carlock has resigned as CEO of Riveredge Psychiatric Hospital in Forest Park after 13 years in that capacity. Her resignation letter to coworkers and staff was more like a love letter than a resignation letter, she said, and she plans to stay connected and involved; she’s still on the board of UHS, the parent organization overseeing Riveredge. “My position at Riveredge has been the privilege and responsibility of my career, but it’s time,” Carlock said. “The team is in a good place, and I will stay connected.” Her plans now include starting a private therapy practice, featuring what she calls “care navigation,” a sorely needed service for families dealing with mental illness. Construction will begin in July on her new office space in the Oak Park Arts District, and Carlock expects Mosaic Counseling and Wellness to open early in 2022. “A mosaic is created when lots of broken pieces come together to create something beautiful,” Carlock said about the name. The focus of her practice will be “wellness, not illness,” she explained, “care that’s infused with hope because treatment works.” See CARLOCK on page 5

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

GETTING PERSONAL: Eric Priceman (left) and Lauren Nemiroff recently acquired Energy Tees, 1401 Circle Ave., as part of their bigger personalized product business. Read more on page 9.

Police chief announces retirement Aftanas stepping down after 30 years in Forest Park By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Forest Park Police Chief Tom Aftanas officially announced he will retire on Sept. 17 after 30 years with the Forest Park Police Department, the last six as chief. “Where did the time go?” asked Aftanas as he spoke about his time in the department, which he joined in 1991, his first

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full-time position after serving with the reserve department in Stickney. He almost took a different path though. In 1990, he was hired by the state police with the plan of becoming a state trooper. Graduating from college in May with a degree in administration of justice, Aftanas was set to begin the state academy in June. But just prior to his start-date, he was told a hiring freeze had been implemented due to budget cuts. So he had to change plans. Two years later, he was offered the position with the state, but by that time, he didn’t want to leave Forest Park. See AFTANAS on page 10

Energy Tees acquired by local business owner

Studio owner talks about piercing’s progression

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Forest Park Review, June 30, 2021

Your Water Quality Report Is Now Available Online Each year, Forest Park, Illinois provides its customers with an Annual Water Quality to letIllinois them know howitsour water quality stacks up Water against Each year, Report Forest Park, provides customers with an Annual established federal and state We encourage you Quality Report to let them knowdrinking how ourwater waterstandards. quality stacks up against to reviewfederal this report it provides about the source and quality established and as state drinking details water standards. We encourage youof the drinking water delivered to your community in 2018. to review this report as it provides details about the source and quality of the drinking water delivered to your community in 2020. In an effort to be more environmentally responsible, we are no longer printing these reports, butmore have environmentally made them available online. Visit on no ourlonger website In an effort to be responsible, weus are at http://www.forestpark.net/dfp/waterqualityreport2018.pdf to view printing these reports, but have made them available online. Visit us on the report. If you wish to have a paper copy, you can print one directly from our website at http://www.forestpark.net/dfp/waterqualityreport2020. our website. You can also receive a printed version by contacting Village Hall pdf to view the report. If you wish to have a paper copy, you can print at 708-366-2323. one directly from our website. You can also receive a printed version by contacting Village Hall at 708-366-2323.

Attention landlords, businesses, schools and other groups: Please share this information with tenants, students and other water users at your location who are not billed customers of The Village of Forest Park.

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Forest Park Review, June 30, 2021

Escaping our cocoon to Colorado

e finally emerged from our COVID cocoon and resumed traveling. First stop was Florida, the flattest state in the U.S. Last week, we traveled to the most vertical state, Colorado. Our kids and grandkids stayed in Breckenridge. We picked “Breck” (Elevation 9,600) because the residents seemed down-to-earth but not more down-to-earth than Forest Parkers (Elevation 623). Our house slept seven adults and five grandkids, ranging in age from 9 years to 8 months. We knew it wasn’t going to be a laid-back, sleep-late kind of vacation. But it was a privilege to greet our grandsons every morning. They made the most of it by awakening at 6. Our days were action-packed with kidfriendly excursions. They fished from a pontoon boat and fly-fished on a mountain stream. They zip-lined and tubed. They panned for gold at an old mine. We also took them on a two-mile hike at 10,000 feet. The views along the trail were breathtaking. “Breathtaking” is the key word in Colorado. We got winded just climbing a flight of stairs, but the thin air didn’t stop

us from playing golf on spectacular mountain courses. My sons-in-law are excellent golfers. I was good at sipping Coors and not falling off the cart. Colorado not only has great golf courses, it has the largest supply of gravity in the U.S. They use it wisely with skiing in the winter and biking in the summer. Colorado is so much fun, everyone we met was in a good mood. They seemed happy to be living in paradise. Our grandsons were also in good moods, especially the 8-month-old. He’s just naturally jolly. It was great to see the older kids playing board games and Jenga. The cousins are close and look out for each other. The adults also got along famously. The simple family evenings I loved best. Our kids reminisced about growing up in Forest Park and named every teacher they had. They’re still close with many of their childhood friends and gave updates. We also listened to our favorite songs. My older son has a “phonographic” memory and played our family’s soundtrack, from “Little Mermaid” to rap. We also revived the Rice tradition of indoor “Olympics.” We piled up couch cushions for the high

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jump and our DJ set a new world record. All of this activity required nourishment in the form of home-cooked meals. We had excellent chefs in our midst. We also gave each other breaks to dine out. Our “bridge too far” was dining out with the whole crew. I still don’t want to talk about it. It was cool at night, so I was glad I packed an “emergency” sweatshirt. Due to wild changes in temperature, I wore it every waking moment. Even more important was what I didn’t bring — my phone. I needed a break from news and social media. Even without a phone, it was impossible to ignore the deadly storm that ravaged Chicago. Our hearts went out to its victims. We were encouraged, though, by reports about the caring and cooperation that took place in the damaged areas. We felt this spirit from a thousand miles away when our neighbor, who didn’t know we were safe, invited us to her basement. We also heard inspiring stories from the driver who took us home from the airport. He lives in Woodridge, where high winds tore off roofs. His neighbors pulled together to clean up the mess. He reinforced my faith in human nature. I badly needed it, after having a screaming toddler kick the back of my seat for two hours.

T I M E . . .

Editor Maria Maxham Senior Editor Bob Uphues Equity Editor/Ombudsman Michael Romain Contributing Reporters Tom Holmes, John Rice, Bob Skolnik, Jackie Glosniak, Robert J. Lifka Columnists Alan Brouilette, Jill Wagner, Tom Holmes, John Rice Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Digital Strategist James Kay Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Designers Mark Moroney, Javier Govea Sales and Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Marc Stopeck Sales & Development Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Publisher Dan Haley Business Manager Joyce Minich

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Board of Directors Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer 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 CIRCULATION Jill@oakpark.com ONLINE ForestParkReview.com TWITTER @FP_Review

THE ‘MUST HAVE’ CEDAR CHEST The Roos Cedar Chest factory, once located at 7329 Harrison St., was a proud manufacturing company centrally located in Forest Park that opened in 1918. Ten years later it was the “largest manufacturing” plant in town, employing 400 people. A hope chest was a symbol of aspirations, family and love. Young women were gifted hope chests often to prepare for marriage and managing a household. Since cedar wood is a natural moth repellent, the chest was a perfect storage for linens, tablecloths, napkins or blankets. A practical and beautiful storage unit, it was a “must have” item in most homes. This photo, from Jean Leinweber, was one of her parent’s wedding gifts in 1930. Jean has maintained the chest all these

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REVIEW years and still uses it today for linen storage. As a young Forest Park woman, she and fellow females graduating from Proviso East each received a miniature Roos Chest from the Roos Company as a gift and promotion.

The lids of the chests are stamped from the Roos Company and the “National Association of Cedar Chest Manufacturers.”

JILL WAGNER

Share photos on Instagram using #fpreview or email alexa@oakpark.com. All photos become property of Forest Park Review for possible future use in print or digital capacities.

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Forest Park Review, June 30, 2021

Store sets opening day record, and local nonprofit benefits Play It Again Sports partners with D209 scholarship organization By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

On June 24, Play It Again Sports (PIAS) Forest Park had its official grand opening. After weeks of purchasing equipment, the store opened for customers wishing to purchase sports gear. A line formed at the door, and owner Erich Krumrei broke the record for opening days sales for all PIAS stores on June 24. Partnering with local nonprofits is part of Krumrei’s mission, and not only has he supported Howard Brown during Pride Month, he’s now partnering with 209 Scholarship, the group organized in 2016 to raise scholarship money for Proviso Township High School District 209 students. A customer can bring used sports equipment to

PIAS and opt to donate the money to 209 Scholarship instead of receiving cash or in-store credit. April Baker and Michelle Woehrle, both members of the scholarship organization, attended the grand opening. According to Baker, in 2016 the group awarded 6 $1,000 scholarships. This year, they plan to award 12 $1,000 scholarships and 18 $500 renewal scholarships, for a total of $21,000. By the end of the year, said Baker, the total amount of scholarships they’ve awarded will be $73,500 to 48 graduates attending 25 colleges. “We are grateful to community members and businesses who pitch in to support our graduates,” Baker said. The last year 209 Scholarship held an in-person fundraiser was 2019, and they haven’t been able to do one since due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so most of their fundraising has been done online through facebook.com/209scholarship and Instagram.com/209scholarship. Baker said the organization continues to look for creative ways to fundraise and serve D209 graduates.

Photo provided

LOCAL PARTNERSHIP: From left, April Baker, Erich Krumrei, and Michelle Woehrle at the grand opening of Play It Again Sports, 7443 Madison St.

Mayor and village attorney have harsh words for UPG

Event group fined $3,000 By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

On June 23, Urban Pioneer Group (UPG) owners Tom and Sheila Kunkel appeared before Mayor Rory Hoskins, liquor commissioner, for the continuation of their liquor hearing after the June 8 emergency suspension of their license. On June 15 at 5 p.m. they were allowed to resume operations, closing all events by 11 p.m., but the final orders had to be entered into the record and a fine determined by the village. At the June 15 hearing, the Kunkels’ attorney, Nir Basse, asked that a presentation of UPG’s charitable contributions to the community be considered in determining the fine and perhaps lowering it from the village’s proposed $2,000. On June 23, however, the fine was set at $3,000. Both Hoskins and village attorney Tom Bastion came down hard on the Kunkels, Hoskins for their “lack of can-

dor” relating to the May 9 incidents and Bastion because the Kunkels had not watched video footage of the events that caused UPG to be ticketed. “There has been something of a lack of candor associated with these incidents,” Hoskins said during the hearing. “There have been numerous social media statements. However, there’s also footage of the incident. There is footage of individuals who assaulted village of Forest Park police officers, and this whole episode has done damage to Forest Park’s reputation and the integrity of the village’s downtown business district.” Two videos of the May 9 incident have been viewed by police and village officials and attorneys. The first is police body camera footage of the fight in which a man choked a woman and officers breaking up the fight were allegedly assaulted, verbally and physically, by a crowd that grew to several dozen. The second video is from a bar on Madison Street that shows UPG patrons leaving well after the time Tom Kunkel said his event had cleared out and also allegedly shows the choking suspect from the body cam video leav-

ing UPG earlier that night. Kunkel originally stated to the Review and on social media the subject hadn’t been at UPG. Bastion asked the Kunkels if they’d watched the videos, which were made available to them, and they said no, eliciting criticism from the attorney. “Well, I certainly wish you had [watched them],” Bastion said. “Because it’s very fortunate that a Forest Park police officer wasn’t injured; he could have been seriously injured.” Bastion went on to say that if the officer had gotten hurt in the line of duty, the village would be liable not only for the cost of medical treatment but, had it been a career-ending injury, for pay until retirement age too, which “could cost hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of thousands of dollars.” Bastion added about the body cam video: “I’ve been practicing for 36 years, and I was taken aback by it. I was alarmed.” UPG is an event space that runs out of 7503 Madison St. The Kunkels hold an A8 liquor license for parties at the location.

Harrison Street apartment developers exploring options By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

The July plan commission meeting to continue the discussion of a proposed Harrison Street apartment development has been canceled, according to Director of Building, Planning and Zoning Steve Glinke. The meeting was to be a chance for plan commissioners to provide the developers with more detailed

recommendations and suggestions, after two meetings failed to provide satisfaction for residents and commissioners and specific enough recommendations for the developer. “The developers are reevaluating their options and potentially exploring a multiplebuilding plan,” Glinke said. At the original meeting in March, 74007412 Harrison Street Properties LLC was given a continuation in order to adjust their

plans, after residents and plan commissioners took issue with several aspects of the project, including its size, the number of units, parking and traffic. The May meeting was postponed due to a Comcast outage, and the June meeting caused frustration for the developers after negative feedback about their amended plans, which included a reduction in the overall number of units.

At that meeting, developer Tim Loucopoulos said a further decrease in the number of units might not be economically feasible and he wanted more direction from the commission. The July meeting would have provided that opportunity, but according to Glinke, the developers have decided to evaluate other uses for the land, which is owned by Tony Kaldis, a member of 7400-7412 Harrison Street Properties, LLC.

Forest Park Review, June 30, 2021

CARLOCK

Compassionate care from page 1 Many people who try to access mental health care discover it’s not as easy as it should be. There’s no roadmap to mental and emotional well-being, and even the starting point isn’t always clear. Where do you find a therapist? How do you know if they’re any good? Will they take your insurance? Many therapists don’t have openings for weeks, sometimes months, especially if you’re looking for a child specialist. Med management is generally done through a psychiatrist, who is seen separately, and patients have to sign releases so that doctor can talk to the therapist and vice versa for dose adjustments. But communication isn’t always effective or efficient. And, of course, there’s the stigma of mental health in general. “People are struggling,” Carlock said. “Compassionate care is out there, but there’s not enough timely, safe, culturally appropriate access to care. That’s why I’m doing this.” Carlock’s idea of care navigation means Mosaic will be a one-stop-shop for mental health care. The practice will have a psychiatrist and therapists on staff, so med man-

agement can be done in one place by professionals working together. “I want to make accessing the mental health system more welcoming,” Carlock said. Part of that is providing resources. If someone comes to Mosaic needing help that Carlock can’t provide, like intensive outpatient services or care for an eating disorder, the treatment team at Mosaic will provide recommendations on where the individual will best be served. Mosaic will serve people of all ages and include family and group counseling. Family therapy will be available not just for family units having trouble in their relationships, but also because the mental health of one family member can affect an entire household, and parents, for example, might need advice on helping their child. “It’s about how to partner with a loved one even if there is no family conflict,” Carlock said. Group therapy will be available at Mosaic, too, and the setting of the arts district in Oak Park lends itself to that well as with plans to integrate art therapy such as music, drama and dance into her practice. “Some people aren’t as open to talk-therapy,” said Carlock, who admits to having “an unbridled bias toward creative arts.” At Riveredge, there’s a robust program of art therapy, and that’s something she plans to implement at Mosaic as well. She recalled a boys’ group that began each session with

a drum circle. The participants listened to each other and focused on staying on beat with one another, and that helped them gel as a team, which facilitates talking and communication later. She herself recently participated in an improve-for-therapists class, and she said it’s something she’s considering using in a social anxiety group at her new practice. During her time at Riveredge, Carlock talked often about ending the stigma attached to mental illness, and that’s still her bigger mission as she embarks on her new path. “What other illness would you have where you’d suffer silently?” she asked. “It’s courageous to ask for help. We need to change the narrative. We need to suffer less.” Over the past 13 years at Riveredge, she said, the hospital itself has gone through changes. “Riveredge has participated in its own recovery, in a way,” Carlock said. When she arrived, she realized the importance of creating bonds within the community so that Riveredge wasn’t just a hospital sitting alone on Roosevelt Road. She worked hard to establish relationships with village officials, the Chamber of Commerce, and other businesses. “It’s been rewarding to see Riveredge emerge as a place of integrity and a place willing to listen to what the community needs,” she said. And that goes back to her

Carey Carlock overarching goal in mental health in general: Expand the narrative about access to timely, safe, culturally appropriate care. Riveredge is currently searching for a new CEO, with Kurt Gunther serving as the interim.

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Forest Park Review, June 30, 2021

C R I M E

Man impersonates police officer A man on the 7200 block of Randolph Avenue allegedly pretended to be a police officer on June 26 at 2 p.m. According to the police report, he was using his car, which displayed an IL law enforcement vanity plate, to “brake check” the car in back of him, which means that he would randomly hit his breaks, causing the car in back of him to stop abruptly each time. He placed his vehicle in such a way that it prevented the driver behind him from continuing through the intersection when the light they were stopped at turned green. The driver behind him managed to pull her car closer and asked him to move his vehicle, at which time he got out of his car and flashed what the victim said appeared to be a fake police badge at her. He called her names, including profanities, and told her he was the police and would lock her up. He got in his vehicle, and proceeded through the intersection, the woman still behind him. But then he again slammed on his brakes. This time he got out of the car, walked to the woman’s car, and yelled, “That’s it, b****. I’m gonna shoot you.” The victim took a photo of his license plate and called 9-1-1. By the time police arrived, the suspect has already left the scene. After running his plates, they discovered that he has a valid concealed carry license and FOID card. Police completed an Illinois State Police Clear and Present Danger request.

Money stolen from gym locker A patron of Planet Fitness, 7530 Roosevelt Rd., returned to his locker after working out to find his personal lock had been removed and approximately $160 missing from his wallet on June 18 at 6:58 p.m.

Men drinking on Madison Street accuse police of racial profiling An anonymous bar worker called police on June 18 at 8:26 p.m. to report a group of

men were drinking outside next to a green Land Rover and coming in and out of a clothing store at 7451 Madison St. They were also allegedly drinking out of small white plastic cups on the park bench in front of the store at that location. Police were unable to respond until around 9:44 p.m. due to a shooting earlier on Van Buren Street near Madison Street and high call activity, but when they arrived, they observed the Land Rover and saw one of the subjects standing near a building entrance holding a small white cup. The other two suspects were nearby with cups next to them on the ground. The man holding a cup allegedly tried to hide it behind a pillar as the officer approached, but when asked what they were drinking, he said it was tequila. According to the police report, the three men accused the officer of racially profiling them because they are Black, stating that everyone comes out of bars with cups. They also denied being the same individuals reported to be drinking outside the Range Rover earlier in the evening. The men were given local ordinance citations and will appear in court at village hall in August

Window broken in house A man on the 7500 block of Franklin Avenue was awakened on June 20 at 12:22 a.m. by the sound of glass shattering. He discovered a window in his living room had been smashed. He didn’t see anyone in the area and doesn’t have any idea who might have done it. He told police, however, that his back window was broken twice last year by unknown subjects. A witness said she saw a man in all red running westbound through the Franklin/ Brown alley. Police canvassed the area but didn’t find the suspect.

Loss prevention officer assaulted A loss prevention supervisor at Walmart, 1300 Desplaines Ave., was assaulted by an

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alleged thief on June 21 at 3:11 p.m. The employee watched the man on surveillance cameras concealing items in a backpack he’d taken off the shelf as well as putting on some items of apparel. He recognized the man from previous incidents at the store. As the subject proceeded past the last point of purchase, the employee stopped him so he could escort him to the loss prevention office. At that point, the subject returned the merchandise, except for a Cubs hat which he was wearing. Then, as the two entered the vestibule next to the loss prevention office, the suspect lunged at the employee with both hands, pushing him so hard he fell. The suspect then fled the store.

“Younger” male on bike breaks window A “younger” male subject was caught on surveillance camera breaking a car window on June 21 at 8 p.m. According to the police report, the subject is observed riding a small bicycle down the alley between Harlem Avenue and Elgin Avenue. He stops and gets off his bicycle, already with a piece of concrete in his hand. After briefly looking around, he throws the concrete through the rear windshield of a vehicle. Then he gets back on his bike and rides away.

Tire caps missing, air released from tires The tire caps were missing and air had been released from the front and rear passenger side tires of a car on the 7400 block of Franklin Avenue. The owner of the vehicle discovered the situation on June 24 at 10:29 a.m.

Soda machine broken with bolt cutters Police were called to the CTA station at 711 Desplaines Ave. on June 25 at 12:10 a.m. when a man was using bolt cutters to try to open the payment slot of the soda vending

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machine in the mezzanine area. The subject told police he was trying to get back his $5. According to the police report, he had rendered the machine inoperable. He was charged with criminal damage to property and is scheduled to appear at the Maybrook Court House in July.

Indecent exposure at train station Police responded to 711 Desplaines Ave. for an incident of indecent exposure on June 25 at 8:10 a.m. at the train station. A CTA security officer was approached from behind by a male subject who allegedly said, “You better leave before I pull my d*** out.” She turned around to see he had already done so and was waving it at two other security guards. The guards told him to put his penis away, someone allegedly said, “Well, that’s disappointing,” and the subject quoted some inappropriate song lyrics before fleeing up the escalator. The incident was caught on CTA security cameras.

Man steals from squad car parked behind police station A man stole a Forest Park Police Department citation envelope book from a squad car parked behind the police station on June 27 at 4:59 p.m. He’d been in the alley with a broom and dustpan, which he leaned against a police vehicle. He then looked inside the window of another squad car, then opened the driver’s door of the car and began rummaging around. He then “casually” walked away down Desplaines Avenue where he was apprehended by police. After his arrest, he told police he was looking for bond money. These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Forest Park Police Department, June 18-26, 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

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Forest Park Review, June 30, 2021

June 30-July 7

BIG WEEK Sidewalk Obstacle Course On Saturday, July 3, come check out the outdoor obstacle course at the Forest Park Public Library from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The sidewalk course returns with an adventure/survival theme inspired by Jumanji. If there’s rain, the event will be rescheduled for Saturday, July 17. At 7555 Jackson Blvd. Visit fppl.org/events for more information.

First Thursday Art Stroll On Thursday, July 1, from 6 to 9 p.m. join the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce and the Forest Park Arts Alliance for the First Thursday art stroll on Madison Street. This month’s featured maker is Accents by Fred, 7519 Madison St., owned by husband-and-wife team Fred Bryant and Ann Hanson, who hand-make almost everything in their store. Stroll down Madison Street to meet other Forest Park artists and makers.

Celebrate Nature’s Original Toys Visit the Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave. in River Forest, for a short, self-guided trail near the museum while you enjoy reading a posted story. This month the story is “Stick and Stone” by Beth Ferry, a story celebrating the original nature toys! Afterwards, stop by the museum to pick up a craft and activities bag to continue the adventure. Unvaccinated visitors must wear a mask indoors at all times; and they must wear a mask outdoors when physical distancing (six feet from other people) is not possible. Contact 708-366-6530 or trailside. museum@cookcountyil.gov for more information.

Curious by Nature This summer, kids of all ages can experience the library’s summer experience Curious by Nature. This summer is about celebrating nature and the world around us. The library has created an assortment of events and activities including a reading incentive program for kids ages 0 to middle grades. Visit fppl.org for more information.

Danger Island Virtual Escape Room On July 7 from 2 to 3 p.m., middle grade students are invited to a virtual escape room. Answer questions and puzzles to survive the escape room, inspired by collaborative games like Gamewright’s fantastic “Forbidden” series of tabletop games (Forbidden Island, Forbidden Desert, and Forbidden Sky) along with survival adventure books like the “Can You Survive?” series and “Bad Island” by Doug TenNapel. Compete individually or as a family or friend team to complete the challenge. You must register to receive the link to the form. Visit fppl.org/events for more information.

Forest Park Review, June 30, 2021

New D91 superintendent focuses on belonging and equity Alvarez plans to spend time listening and learning By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

On July 1, Forest Park Elementary School District 91’s new superintendent, Dr. Elizabeth Alvarez, begins her tenure, as previous superintendent Dr. Lou Cavallo retires after 14 years in the district. In a recent letter to families in the district, Alvarez reached out to talk about starting in D91 and her core values and goals. “I am honored and excited to be selected as the new superintendent of this magnificent district,” Alvarez wrote. When the Review interviewed Alvarez after she was hired in January, she spoke about one of her biggest goals in education being to make everyone feel included, and she repeated that sentiment in her recent communication to district stakeholders. “As an educator, my core values revolve around bringing a sense of belonging in every aspect of schooling,” Alvarez said. “When you feel you belong, from secretaries, food staff, aides, teachers, parents and especially our students, then you are able to put forth your best in all you do and you believe in yourself. This sense of belonging provides a feeling of non-judgment, where mistakes are expected, accepted and respected allowing all the comfort to grow, continue to be curious and innovate.”

In fact, Alvarez identified a sense of belonging as one of her three core values, in addition to ensembles and systems for success. Ensembles, said Alvarez, “ensure collective efficacy among all leaders (board, school leaders, teachers, school partners and all stakeholders).” Systems for success include professional learning, focused on innovation, and ensuring that student assessments “are valid, reliable, fair, bias-free and culturally relevant for ALL our students.” Alvarez also wrote about the importance of equity, including the need to continue to address educational gaps in learning and teaching. Her first goal as superintendent in the district is to listen and learn, especially during the first 90 days of her tenure. She mentioned the time she’s already spent at board meetings and talking to board members, principals and staff, and union leaders. Alvarez has also met with village leadership, including Mayor Rory Hoskins. Reaching out to meet with the community, said Alvarez, will help her “gain insights about strengths, areas of growth, challenges and next steps” and to develop “positive relationships and trust in order to build on the greatness and integrity of District 91.” Her second goal is to design a strategic plan for the future of the district. Finally, she plans to implement that strategic plan, through collaboration with the board, district and community. Part of that involves strong communication between the district and its stakeholders, as Alvarez said she wants to “cultivate transparency, trust,

Photo provided

FOCUS ON BELONGING: District 91’s new superintendent, Dr. Elizabeth Alvarez, said creating a sense of belonging for everyone in the district is one of her primary goals. communication” and ensure that the five district schools are represented and supported in an equitable manner. And Alvarez wants to “promote D91 as a high performing district, where students lift their heads high with pride when they graduate from D91 knowing they are prepared for high school and beyond as our next generation of leaders.” Alvarez was hired after an extensive search by the D91 school board. Her hiring

was announced in January. Her contract runs from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024. She’ll be paid $180,000 the first year, and her salary will be determined by the board for the following years. Alvarez taught middle school for 13 years, served as an assistant principal for two years and a principal for six years. Most recently she was chief of schools for Chicago Public Schools for five years. For more information, visit fpsd91.org.

Former NFL, East standout to host first-ever camp at alma mater Camp is free and open to all, regardless of experience By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

Former NFL player and Proviso East football standout Sergio Brown will be returning to his alma mater this summer to host his first-ever football camp. Brown’s camp will be held July 14 through July 17, 4 to 6 p.m., at Proviso East High School, 807 S. 1st Ave. in Maywood. It’s open to young people ages 8 to 18. “This is the first step in bringing back our football family to Maywood,” said Aaron Peppers, a Maywood trustee who coaches the varsity football team at East. Peppers was also the head coach at East when Brown attended the high school be-

fore going off to play at Notre Dame. Brown was signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He eventually played for the Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons and Buffalo Bills before ending his playing career in 2016. “Sergio has so much history here,” Peppers said. “Him giving back and recognizing where we are in our community is a beautiful thing. We relish the opportunity to share with our kids and to keep this going for as long as possible.” Peppers said he’ll try to give every young person who wants to participate time to register, but he may cut off registration a week before the camp starts. Those interested in attending can register at: piratesfootball.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Peppers at 708516-6028 or email him at bigpep34@yahoo. com. The camp is free and is open to all regardless of skill level or experience.

Photo provided by Sergio Brown

RETURNING TO ALMA MATER: Sergio Brown (right), who attended Proviso East High School, will be hosting a free camp there in July.

Forest Park Review, June 30, 2021

Putting the personal into personalization All American factory in Forest Park acquired by local business owner By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

With so much focus on bars and restaurants on Madison Street, it’s easy to forget that Forest Park is home to manufacturing too. Real American factories where goods are made. Energy Tees, which has been located at 1401 Circle Ave. for over 20 years, is a production facility that customizes apparel. Jerseys for sports teams, for example. Polo shirts with embroidered corporate logos. But it was recently purchased and is part of a larger, made-in-the-U.S.A. personalization business, providing thousands of branded items on an individual or corporate level. If you want a cutting board with your dad’s name on it for Father’s Day, you can get it. Need a thousand T-shirts printed with your company logo for a 5K? You can do that too.

Owner Eric Priceman purchased Energy Tees on May 28, and with it the machinery and facility on Circle Avenue. What’s cool is that the manufacturing happens right there: employees spread shirts on a machine that prints logos on them. Some items are hand painted using stencils. In another room, embroidery machines sew lettering and logos onto shirts. Also of note is that Priceman’s business, which provides a wide range of personalized products to companies and individuals, has sold nothing from overseas since 2018. Everything is manufactured in the United States, most of it in Forest Park, Oak Park and Austin. The Forest Park location is the third addition to Priceman’s local production facilities. He already owns a factory called Victory on the West Side of Chicago in the Austin area, and in 2019 he purchased Shirtworks in Oak Park at 127 N. Marion St. It’s now called Personalization House, but more than the name has changed; the focus has pivoted from apparel-only to quality, personalized products of all kinds: Barbecue grilling sets. Serving trays. Champagne glasses. Branded Adidas or Yeti items. Energy Tees will add a wider variety of

apparel to Priceman’s offerings, and apparel will be produced at the Forest Park location while non-wearable products will be produced at Victory. Priceman’s background is in the trophy business, selling sports and corporate trophies, plaques and awards. At one time, he was the largest purchaser of trophy marble in the United States. But he said the industry has changed, and people are looking for something different. “People like personalization,” Priceman said. “They want something more than the old staid trophies.” “People like things they can use,” added Lauren Nemiroff, president of Personalization House and VP of marketing for Victory, Priceman’s factory in the Austin neighborhood. “Trophies collect dust.” Nemiroff joined Priceman in 2018 when he hired her to do graphic design. “My task was to build a website with a shopping cart feature,” Nemiroff said. Now, she’s in charge of brand building, and she said the local connection is important. Not only do they manufacture and sell their products in Forest Park, Oak Park and Austin, but Nemiroff and Priceman look at those three locations as being interconnected, and they want to be involved on a deeper level than as business owners. “Servicing the local communities is important to us,” Nemiroff said. “We want to give back to the community.” They plan to partner with local nonprofits to help in fundraising efforts and raising awareness. Priceman and Nemiroff also plan to sell community-branded merchandise, such as a shirt with a map of Oak Park or Forest Park that features local landmarks. That kind of personalization, looking to offer what people want and what’s important to them, is what Nemiroff and Priceman say sets them apart from other vendors sell-

ing branded merchandise. A quick online search reveals a multitude of online stores where you can order pens or teddy bears or aprons with your name or company’s logo on them. But, said Priceman, there’s an irony in the fact that the personalization business in general is so impersonal. “It’s the romance that sets us apart, that’s the difference between us and others,” Priceman said. “Romance” is an interesting choice of words, and it’s the local connection that makes the difference. Talking to someone in-person instead of just filling out a web form (which is also available if you prefer to do it all online). Trying out a pen you want engraved before ordering it. A customer can walk into the Oak Park location, for example, and sit down with an employee who will help with design or provide advice on products. There are samples there too, so a customer can touch and feel the items before making a purchase. And the items are engraved or personalized in Forest Park, Oak Park or Austin. “What most people order online, we’re producing locally,” Nemiroff said. To be expanding now, after COVID, is a success story in itself, and Nemiroff said they did well throughout the pandemic, looking for opportunities to adjust the way they did business to not only survive but thrive. They partnered with a local orchard, for example, that had started producing hand sanitizer. But Priceman said he’s always looking at ways to change and expand, to offer more and better services and products to customers. He likes his employees to be both octopus and sponge, he said, soaking everything in while reaching out with eight arms to explore opportunities. “Maybe it’s a cliché,” Priceman said, “but we don’t ever want to pigeonhole ourselves.”

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

HARD AT WORK: (Above) Victor Figuroa, of Forest Park, inspects shirts from a shipment at Energy Tees, 1401 Circle Ave. Embroidery machines (left top) along with screen printing machines (left below) can be found on the Energy Tees factory floor.

Forest Park Review, June 30, 2021

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AFTANAS

ceremony, Calderone said, “I feel the utmost confidence that you are going to continue to lead this police department from the foundation it was built on with the experience that you had serving as the deputy chief of pofrom page 1 lice for the last nine years.” And he did. Known for his even temper, Aftanas grew up near Midway Airport, strong leadership, and dry humor, Aftanas where lots of Chicago police and firefighters is considered an exceptional leader by those lived, and that exposure, he said, inspired his career choice. When he was 7, he wanted he works with. “He’s led the department with intelligence to get a birthday present for his brother, so and really fostered a sense of community. he left the house on his own to He’s a very good leader,” said go to the store without telling Mayor Rory Hoskins. anyone. His mother couldn’t find “You know, it might be time to him and called the police, who leave when you look around the picked him up and brought him department and realize you’re home. “That’s why you’re a pothe last man standing,” Aftanas lice officer,” she always said. said. “I’ve been here longer than Aftanas worked his way up anyone else.” through the department over the While his plans for retirement years, supervising the departare still forming, Aftanas said ment’s detective division and, TOM AFTANAS he’s going to use some vacation in 2006, becoming deputy chief. Forest Park Poilice Chief That was an appointment made time before his official last day by former chief Jim Ryan, and on the job, and Deputy Chief Ken Aftanas laughed when he told the story. Gross will be acting chief in his absence. “Ryan took me out to lunch and told me I Gross is also Aftanas’ recommendation to was going to be deputy chief,” Aftanas said. fill the permanent position of chief, a rec“He told me, ‘You have no choice.’” ommendation he said he’s formally made Nine years later, when Ryan retired, Af- to Hoskins, who, as mayor, will appoint the tanas was recommended by former Mayor next chief with village council approval. Tony Calderone and unanimously approved Hoskins has said he plans to recommend by the village council as chief of the police Gross to the council as the next chief. department. During Aftanas’ promotion

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PART OF THE COMMUNITY: Police Chief Tom Aftanas has become an integral part of the community, participating in events like Real Men Read at Field Stevenson in 2019.

Forest Park Review, June 30, 2021

The growing popularity of piercing Madison Street studio owner talks about changes in the industry By TOM HOLMES Contributing Reporter

Back in the 1950s, our fathers and grandfathers would laugh if we suggested that they get one of their ears pierced for an earring. Getting pierced was a rite of passage for early adolescent girls but not for men. “Times have changed,” said Jeffrey Clark, owner of Luxe Piercing, 7439 Madison St. The phenomenon of men getting pierced started 40 years ago, Clark said, when the first stand-alone studio, The Gauntlet, opened up in L.A. in 1975. Back then it was part of the queer leather and punk rock scenes and was largely a counterculture statement. “The body modification industry is strange,” Clark said, “because piercing of men has been associated mainly with LGBTQ community.” Or, he added, it was a kind of an “f-you” to society, somewhat like men letting their hair grow long in the ’60s. Prior to the opening of The Gauntlet, he said, getting pierced was mostly an underground phenomenon, and if it was done in view of the public, it happened in a tattoo shop or at a kiosk in a mall. Sixty years ago, if a man got pierced, he would probably take his jewelry off when he went to the office and put it back in when he got home. Clark told the story of a man who had a piercing for years and his children didn’t know about it until after he died. Now, he said, getting pierced is almost mainstream. Fifty years ago, pierced people were almost always female or gay and doing it as a statement. Now his clientele is 25 percent male with a mix of sexual orientation. And if clients are getting pierced to make a statement, it’s not political but fashionable. Whereas 20 years ago, his parents wouldn’t let him get pierced until he moved out of the house, recently Clark did a piercing on a young boy because the kid thought it was “cool” and one of his parents was present. He has seen a spike in male clients, including business professionals. Clark himself is currently wearing jewelry in 11 piercings. He has found that many of his male clients trust him, like their barbers, with personal feelings. And from those exchanges he learned that getting a piercing often has as

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

BODY PIERCER: Jeffrey Clark, owner of Luxe Piercing Boutique, 7439 Madison St. much to do with clients’ inner self-image as their outer appearance. “You are doing something on the outside of you that makes you feel more comfortable on the inside of you,” Clark explained. Using himself as an example, he noted that, as a boy, he did not like his nose, “so what better way to feel comfortable about it than to put something else, like jewelry, in there that I really like.” And that’s how the owner of Luxe Piercing got started in the business. An acquaintance of his was opening a studio and asked if wanted to apprentice. “At that time,” he recalled, “I was turning 24 and thought I’d give it a shot. The worst case scenario would be that I would not like it and quit. “I absolutely fell in love with it, with being able to facili-

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tate the changing of someone’s appearance. It’s pretty cool. It’s a powerful thing to help someone feel comfortable in their own skin.” Especially during the pandemic, Clark has been meticulous about keeping his studio clean. “Everything we use,” he said, “is single-use and disposed of after using it on a client. We wear a lot of gloves and use disinfectant wipes before and after each client. In addition, we sell high quality, biocompatible jewelry.” Clark said he wants his business to not only be profitable but ethical. The starting wage for his employees is $15/hour, and everything he uses except for gems is sourced in the U.S.A. “I want to pay a livable wage and provide health insurance,” he said. “That does bring up the cost, but I sleep better at night knowing that my people are being taken care of.”

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Forest Park Review, June 30, 2021

It takes a village to raise a park superintendent Ryan Russ reflects on Forest Park’s influence By TOM HOLMES Contributing Reporter

Most locals who frequent the Park District of Forest Park (PDOFP) can spot Ryan Russ from a distance. Unmistakable with his dreads and ever-present smile, the relatively new superintendent of Buildings & Grounds credits where he is in life partly to his own effort and partly to the village that raised him.

Dream job Growing up on Hannah Avenue in Forest Park, as a kid the park was the “greatest place on earth.” His first job at the park was pool attendant at the age of 15 in 1991. At 18 he moved over to the maintenance department. Not really on a career path after graduating from high school, he worked several jobs and found himself at the park almost every summer, which allowed him to stay in contact with important mentors. “My love for this park,” he said, “started when I was a kid coming here with my friends. But the way I feel about it now that I’m 45 was instilled in me by Dave Novak and Larry Piekarz, the two directors I worked under and Larry Buckley who was my boss in the Dept. of Buildings & Grounds. I looked up to those three guys because of their love for this place.” Most important, they seemed to see potential in him that he couldn’t see in himself. When the foreman position opened in 2011, Buckley called him and asked if he wanted to apply, even though Russ’ work record at the park had been less than sterling. Piekarz and Buckley both told Russ that if he did the work of foreman well, he had a chance to become superintendent when Buckley retired. By the time Buckley did retire, Jackie Iovinelli was the new executive director of the park, and she decided to name him interim director — interim because both she and Russ himself knew he was not yet ready for prime time. “She told me,” said Russ, “that there were a lot of things I had to do in order to get where I wanted to go. She laid out what I had to do to earn the promotion, but she added she would be right there with me whenever I needed help.”

Identity Russ’ mom is white. His birth father, whom he did not meet until he was 30, is Black. He was the only person of color in his class until he got to middle school where there were a lot more Black kids. But that didn’t solve

his identity problem because the Black kids would say “well, you’re not black” and white kids would say “you’re not white.” To complicate matters even more, his mother married a man from Iran. “When we would go out together,” Russ remembered, “people would look at us with a ‘what the hell is going on with that family’ stare.” Once again, someone from his village stepped up. Wayne Buidens, who co-founded Circle Theater in Forest Park, ran a youth theater program, saw talent in Russ and cast him in roles not designed for Black kids. “Being able to play those roles helped my confidence,” he said. “I became more able to be proud of everything I am.” Also crucial was the devotion of his Iranian stepfather. “At the time,” said Russ, “I couldn’t figure out why this man who wasn’t my birth father would want to be my dad, but every day of my life he was there for me — money, time, everything. That’s a role model.” When he graduated from the eighth grade, he listed his name as Ryan Russ Dormeyer Abahi — Dormeyer, his mother’s maiden name and Abahi, his stepfather’s surname. On his racial identity, he said, “Not identifying is almost as good as identifying. When it comes to my race, I consider myself to be a part of the human race. Why do we have to put people in categories?”

Recovery “I’ve been sober for 19 years,” Russ said. “At 25 I was living in my parents’ basement drinking my life away when my parents and Mr. and Mrs. Novak sat me down and said, ‘Listen, something has to change or you’re going to be dead or in jail.’ I had to surrender. That day was my new beginning. That day changed my life.” He also had other supporters in the community who helped him move forward. Years after he graduated from the middle school, staff members like Jim Murray, the school psychologist, and Assistant Principal Scott Entler helped him “work the program” as people in recovery sometimes say. Once again, his village was there for him when he needed them.

Novak resigns as commissioner of Forest Park

Mayor will appoint a replacement; council will vote

raised me,” said Novak, who grew up in Forest Park. Novak thanked his family, the residents, and village staff. “Thank you to all of our Forest Park constituents, especially the ones who have supported me over the last six-plus years as well as those who looked out for and after By MARIA MAXHAM me over the last 40 years,” said Novak. “It is Editor true, it takes a village to raise someone, and I am thankful.” Dan Novak announced at Novak told the Review after the the June 28 village council meeting that a promotion at his meeting that his family is job in Wheaton means he won’t leaving Forest Park, so he have the time to dedicate to Forwill be resigning from his est Park and moving closer to position as a village commiswork is important for his family. sioner. “I need to give 110 percent to The news didn’t come as Wheaton like I’ve given to Forest a complete surprise, as his Park,” Novak said. house in town has been on Mayor Rory Hoskins said he the market and speculation DAN NOVAK will appoint a new commissioner, has abounded that he may be and he and the remaining three moving. But Novak remained commissioners will vote on that choice, the quiet on the issue until the meeting, dur- process for replacement of commissioners ing which he shared that he is stepping who leave with less than two years left in down as commissioner. their term. Hoskins said he has someone in “As I enter a new/next chapter in my mind but plans to speak to the other comresponsibilities and professional life, I am missioners before sharing his potential no longer able to serve the village that has choice.

Forest Park Review, June 30, 2021

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Forest Park Review, June 30, 2021

OPINION O U R

V I E W

Aftanas’ steady leadership

om Aftanas, now the outbound chief of police in Forest Park, had the ability, a rare ability, to express pride in his officers and his department while also accepting criticism of the department as legitimate. Our local and national conversations and convulsions over policing would be more productive if more police leaders had that mindset. That’s among the virtues we have admired in Chief Aftanas over his six years as police chief. Another, and it is related, is that he talked honestly, whether it was at a community meeting or at the conference table with reporters. He was an active listener. He spoke plainly. He was eventempered. The Forest Park Police Department has gotten better under his leadership as chief and in nine years before that as deputy chief. His predecessor Jim Ryan was more in the tough-guy school of top cops. Before that Ed Pope, the import, was part reformer and full-time showman. Not a healthy mix. Aftanas has raised expectations of proper behavior for a department with a reputation for excessive force and a bad attitude toward people of color. That has gotten better under his quiet leadership. Community policing is more than a concept now. Body cams will be arriving soon as an initial test. To us, Tom Aftanas is the best of Forest Park. Capable, kind, determined. A cop on an even keel is our kind of chief. After 30 years on the department he has earned his retirement. No secret that the next chief is almost certainly Ken Gross, the current deputy. He is the person recommended by Aftanas. And Mayor Rory Hoskins is on board. We’d rather see some open discussion in town at least about qualities residents want in a chief. We lean toward a search just because Forest Park has severe insular tendencies that need to be challenged. This is not a criticism of Deputy Chief Gross but it is a caution in how Forest Park promotes its leaders.

Carlock brought Riveredge back Here’s another departure that hurts. Carey Carlock has resigned as head of Riveredge Hospital, a mental health provider, after 13 years. She arrived at a broken and isolated institution that had spent a hard week on the front page of the Chicago Tribune, was cut off from admissions from state agencies, and had no connection or a negative connection to its local communities. Riveredge Hospital shouted “Stigma!” Carlock has changed that by working with intention and generosity, determined to integrate the Roosevelt Road facility into Forest Park, Oak Park and other neighbors. People were welcomed into the handsome facility for events and had their eyes opened by the staff members they met. She also became a leader in the growing space of mental health advocacy in these villages. The shared message of open talk and compassion rather than silence and denial is reducing the stigma that has long permeated attitudes on mental health. Carey Carlock will open a private practice in Oak Park, first of the year. Called Mosaic, its inclusive and radiant approach reflect that this is something she has long thought about creating. We’re grateful she will still have connections at Riveredge and will be fully invested in this worthy project.

Speaker of the House Chris Welch: the back story

he last thing on the mind of Emmanuel “Chris” Welch as he drove from his home in Hillside to Springfield on Friday, Jan. 8 was that he would make history as the first elected Black Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, just five days later. “It didn’t hit me right away,” he told the Black pastors gathered on Zoom for the February PTMAN (Proviso Township Ministers Association Network) monthly meeting. “Things happened so fast.” Following is the story in Welch’s own words of how he was transformed in just five hectic days from being representative of the 7th District, which includes Forest Park, to becoming Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives. “I was whipping votes for Speaker Madigan,” Welch, who had represented the 7th District since 2013, recalled, “along with every other member of the Black Caucus.” When a vote was taken on Sunday, however, Madigan who had served as Speaker for 36 years fell nine votes short, and no one in the legislative body knew what would happen. The next day, a Monday, Welch said he was going through security at the Capitol when he got a call on his cellphone from Madigan. “Chris,” said the voice on the other end, “I just wanted to give you a call to tell you that I am suspending my campaign for Speaker. Chris, do you want to be Speaker?” Welch paused, not knowing how to take the question. “The votes aren’t there,” Madigan continued, “and I want this House to be turned over to someone who I know will do a good job. I have watched you work and how your colleagues respond to you. I feel that you would be a really good Speaker, so I’ll ask you again. Do you want to be Speaker?” This time the representative from Hillside had his wits about him and replied, “If there’s an opportunity, I’d be crazy not to want to want to make history, and I do believe I’d do a good job.” Hearing Welch answer in the affirmative, Madigan gave him four tips, the first of which was to “call your wife because if she’s not on board, none of this matters.” When he made the call, his wife knew something was up by the intense emotion in his voice. “What do you think of your husband being Speaker of the House?” he said and she responded, “I think you would be a fantastic Speaker of the House. You’ve prepared your

whole life for this. You’d do a great job.” The three other tips from Madigan were first, get the support of the Black Caucus; second, get the support of the Latino Caucus; and finally, “go talk to a couple of downstate legislators. They may not support you for whatever reason, but let them know that you will listen and be as helpful as possible.” By 10:30 that night Welch had all 22 votes in the Black Caucus. The next morning the Latino caucus promised 11 more votes, with the magic number being 60. After the first vote was taken later on Tuesday morning, the total had reached 50, with his closest competitor getting only 15. He spent the next 12-14 hours negotiating, and the result was a total of 70 the next day, putting the former president of the Proviso High Schools District 209 school board president over the top. “Right after being sworn in,” the new Speaker recalled, “I remember eating a box lunch that tasted like a gourmet meal.” Welch said that while his family was eating breakfast on Martin Luther King Day, his 8-yearold son asked him when Illinois became a state. When the boy heard that the date was 1818, he did the math and marveled that it had taken over 200 years for a Black person to become Speaker. “The look on his face was priceless,” said Welch. “At that moment, it started to sink in. My son had never asked me to speak to his third grade class before, and all of a sudden I got invited.” Welch listed the following as the “monumental tasks” that lie ahead: ■ Ethics Reform. Change the rules to limit the terms of the Speaker and the opposition to 10 years. ■ Budget. “For the first time in history, every one of our appropriations committees is chaired by a Black person except one, and that is chaired by a Latino. ■ Redistricting. “Any new map has to be reflective of our diversity because diversity is the strength of our state.” The new Speaker, a religious man, gave credit to both God and his own diligence by saying to the African-American clergy in PTMAN, “I want to give honor to God. Nothing is an accident. If you are prepared for your opportunity, when it comes you have to seize the moment. And the moment seized me. It wasn’t an accident.”

TOM

HOLMES

Forest Park Review, June 30, 2021

L E T T E R S

Objecting to the Harrison Project Living on the same block as the proposed project site, I continue to voice my objections to the project as it has thus far been presented. I do not speak for my neighbors, but many in the neighborhood are similarly opposed. I would hardly say “implacably” so, however. In public hearings, even the Plan Commission seemed to understand and underscore concern with this project. Following numerous and varied objections voiced in public meetings, the developer did reduce the number of units somewhat, but otherwise made only modest changes to the building. In talking about density, parking ratios, lot coverage, setbacks, sewer, or green space questions, the developer often dismissed the concerns or said they had been addressed, while supplying little evidence to support that. During the hearing, in his apparent frustration, he even threatened to scrap the entire project and simply put a bar and restaurant on the site. The obvious irony is that for years he has had such an establishment there, which now sits vacant and deteriorat-

ing. The developer pressed the commission for specific changes he would have to make in order to win approval, saying he needed guidelines lest he waste time and money with re-design. This begs the fact that, all along, the guidelines have existed in the form of the Comprehensive Plan as well as building and zoning codes. Questions have also been raised about the scale, design, and aesthetics of the proposed building — interesting and probably valid questions but especially challenging since Forest Park has no official entity for architectural review. At this point, however, most of the questions and concerns are of a more fundamental nature. Had they been addressed at the start, we might be having a different conversation now. I would sincerely like to see the developer succeed, and I think I can safely say we would all welcome a truly great redevelopment of that site. Hopefully, one of these days, we’ll see the plans for that.

Mark Maroney Forest Park

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16 Forest Park Review, June 30, 2021

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Public Notice: Your right to know In print • Online • Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year ForestParkReview.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI

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LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed Bids from qualified contractors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 15, 2021 for the following: Village of Oak Park 2021 CDBG Water Service Replacement Program Bid Number: 21-131 Bid forms may be obtained from the Village of Oak Park website, http://www.oak-park.us/bid. Bid documents may be viewed at the Public Works Customer Service Center at 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Information is also available from the contact person, Water and Sewer Project Manager, James Eggen, jeggen@oak-park. us . All bidders will be required to submit Bid Security in the form of a Certified Check, a Cashier’s Check or a Bid Bond in the amount of Ten percent (10%) of the Base Bid, payable to the Village of Oak Park. The successful bidder will be required to post performance security and to provide a certificate of insurance as set forth in the bid package. This contract shall be subject to the provisions of the Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS130/1 et seq.) to the extent required by law. This is a Federally-funded project, funded with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and is thus subject to all applicable Federal rules, regulations and guidelines, including DavisBacon and Related Acts. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those vendors deemed qualified. For more information call the Public Works Service Center at 708.358.5700. Published in Wednesday Journal June 30, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES

Notice of Invitation to Bid to Visit Oak Park Visit Oak Park will receive Bids from qualified vendors until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021 for the following: Public Relations Services Visit Oak Park will receive proposals from responsible vendors to provide public relations services for the Bureau. A full copy of the RFP is available by contacting Eric Wagner at eric@visitoakpark.com. Visit Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those vendors deemed qualified. For more information, call Visit Oak Park at 708-524-7800. Published in Wednesday Journal June 30, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING e-Learning Program

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

PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF NORTH RIVERSIDE

The Board of Education of Oak Park School District 97 will hold a Public Hearing on July 13, 2021, at 7:30 PM, virtually via Zoom during the regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting. Click here to access the Zoom link and the eLearning plan information (https://bit.ly/D97ELearning). The purpose of said hearing will be to receive public comment on the proposed e-Learning Program which, if approved, will permit students’ instruction to be received electronically while students are not physically present in lieu of the district’s scheduled emergency days. This program is allowed under Section 10-20.56 of the School Code [105 ILCS 5/10-20.56]. Notiﬁcation of this hearing is provided to families and is posted in the newspaper more than 10 days prior to the scheduled Public Hearing. If approved, the e-Learning Program will be implemented for a three year term. BOARD OF EDUCATION, Oak Park School District 97. Published in Wednesday Journal June 30, 2021

The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed proposals from qualified architectural firms at the Public Works Service Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, until 10:00 a.m. local time on Friday, July 16th, 2021 for the following: Village of Oak Park South Fire Station Restroom, Locker Room and Bunk Room Renovations Project Proposal Number: 21-714 There will be a pre-bid meeting on Wednesday, July 7th, 2021 at 9:00 AM at the south fire station located at 900 S. East Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302. Bid forms may be obtained from the Public Works Customer Service Center by calling 708358-5700 or by e-mailing vics@ oak-park.us between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. M-F. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those vendors deemed qualified. No proposal documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of proposal opening. THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Published in Wednesday Journal June 30, 2021

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

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

LEGAL NOTICE State of Illinois County of Cook PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing on the adoption of the proposed Annual Budget and Appropriations Ordinance of the Park District of Forest Park, County of Cook, Illinois for the ﬁscal year beginning May 1, 2021 and ending April 30, 2022 will be held at the Administration Building, 7501 Harrison Street, Forest Park, IL 60130 on July 15, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. Jackie Iovinelli Park District Board Secretary Dated this June 22, 2021 Published in Forest Park Review June 30, 2021

STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of Bridgette Thatch-Nixon, Petitioner and Cedric Nixon, Respondent, Case No. 2021 D 004962. The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, on or before July 14, 2021, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition. DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk. Published in Wednesday Journal June 16, June 23, June 30, 2021

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NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF THE PROPOSED APPROPRIATION FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AND OF HOLDING A PUBLIC HEARING THEREIN Notice is hereby given that copies of the Proposed Appropriation for the Village of North Riverside for the Fiscal Year commencing May 1, 2021 to April 30, 2022 are available for public inspection during normal business hours at the Village Commons, 2401 South DesPlaines Avenue, North Riverside, Illinois or on the Village’s website at: www. northriverside-il.org. Notice is hereby given that a Public Appropriation Hearing shall be held by the Mayor and the Board of Trustees for the Village of North Riverside: Date: Monday, July 12, 2021 Time: 6:00 PM Place: Village Commons 2401 South DesPlaines Avenue North Riverside, Illinois All interested persons may attend the meeting and shall have the right to present oral and written comments and suggestions regarding the proposed appropriation. After the public hearing and before ﬁnal action is taken on the proposed annual appropriation ordinance, the Mayor and Board of Trustees may revise, alter, increase, or decrease any line item contained in the proposed annual appropriation ordinance. Final action on the proposed annual appropriation ordinance will occur on July 26, 2021.

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KATHY RANIERI VILLAGE CLERK NORTH RIVERSIDE, ILLINOIS Published in RB Landmark June 30, 2021

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal-opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.

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Forest Park Review, June 30, 2021

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

HELP WANTED

MARKETPLACE HELP WANTED

ITEMS FOR SALE KING SIZE MEMORY FOAM MATTRESS King size, nearly new firm memory foam mattress. (Used only 2 nights) Mattress only. $500 obo. 708-642-1408

River Forest Public Schools District 90

District 90 is seeking qualified and experienced applicants for the following positions:

• English Language Learners Teacher (Full-time at Roosevelt Middle School and Part-time FTE 0.50 at Lincoln Elementary School) • Social Worker (Roosevelt Middle School)

BLACK LEATHER COAT Beautiful black leather coat purchased at Saks 5th Avenue. Excellent condition. Size 6. $40. 708-488-8755

• STEM Teacher, Grades 6-8 (Roosevelt Middle School)

NEW AUDIX SPEAKERS PH-3S video shielded power speakers. $100 for both obo. Cash only. 708-383-7892

• Physical Education Teachers, ( Full-time at Roosevelt Middle School and Part-time FTE 0.77 at Willard Elementary School) • Instructional Specialist (Roosevelt Middle School)

• Kindergarten Teacher Part-time FTE 0.50 (Willard Elementary School)

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

For detailed qualifications requirements and job duties, please visit our website at https://www.district90.org/about/ employment for our complete list of employment opportunities.

We are hiring Relationship Bankers in Oak Park, IL.

General Duties: Provide excellence in education by developing and implementing activities that encourage students to be life-long learners. Possesses knowledge of District policies and regulations relating to areas of responsibilities. Create an environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the developmental maturity and interests of each student.

Visit the link below to check out this opportunity to join a great team!

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

Application: Apply online at www.district90.org. Application Procedure: Interested candidates should complete the online application available at district90.org. Please do not send hard copies of supporting documentation, i.e. cover letters, resumes, licensure, etc. to River Forest Schools District 90; instead, upload these materials onto the online job application system for proper processing. HUMAN RESOURCE COORDINATOR The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Human Resource Coordinator in the Human Resources Department. The ideal candidate will have a high level of customer service skills, Will provide routine to complex office, clerical, and administrative tasks. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is open until filled. Applications will be accepted until July 1, 2021.

GRANTS SUPERVISOR The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Grants Supervisor in the Development Customer Services Department. This position will perform a variety of responsible for developing. Administering and coordinating activities related to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and other grant-funded programs for the Village. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/ jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application no later than July 16, 2021.

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

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

CASHIER—FINANCE DEPARTMENT The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Cashier in the Finance Department. This position will perform all clerical tasks related to the cash receipt function. Collect process and deposit payments made to the Village received directly from customers, via mail, or lockbox or from other internal departments. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application no later than July 6, 2021. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE COORDINATOR The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator in the Health Department/Village Manager’s Office. This position will coordinate disaster response, crisis management and medical countermeasure dispensing/distribution activities for the Village of Oak Park, provide disaster preparedness training, and prepare emergency plans and procedures for natural (e.g., floods, earthquakes), wartime, or technological (e.g., nuclear power plant emergencies, hazardous materials spills, biological releases) or disasters. This single class position is also responsible for the complex administrative duties required for state, federal and local response processes and grant management. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. First review of applications will be July 7, 2021.

NEW STUDENT DESK New student desk. Cherry stain. 48w x 26d x 28.75h. $199 obo. Cash only. 708-383-7892 AREA RUG 8 FT X 9.5 FT very beautiful area rug. Design of natural figures in earth tones. $60. 708-488-8755

https://wintrust.taleo.net/careersection/2/ jobdetail.ftl?job=2100424&lang=en You can also learn about other career opportunities nearby.

OAK TV STAND Oak TV stand with w/ 2 cabinet doors, 1 shelf. 32”h x 27”w x 18”d. $25.00 708-488-8755 ELECTRIC YARD TOOLS Electric Leaf Blower $25 Electric Hedge Trimmer $25 708-488-8755 CHAIRS Small bedroom arm chair with plaid slip cover. $25.00. Comfortable upholstered chair with matching footstool from Pier1. Very light green. $60.00. 708-488-8755

WANTED TO BUY WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400 Lost & Found, Items for Sale, and To Be Given Away ads run free in Wednesday Classified. To place your ad, call 708-613-334

P/T SHAMPOO ASSISTANT Part-time Shampoo assistant salary plus tips please apply in person Anthony Lullo’s Hair Designs 721 South Blvd. 708 848 4455

CAREGIVER SERVICES WANTED CAREGIVER WANTED MCKINLEY AREA Looking for a caregiver (PA) to work nights 11p-7a and days 7a-4p, days needed will be discussed, to care for adult female with special needs. Training by mother approved by DHS HSP. Contact Maria 312 282-5760. HOME HEALTH ASSISTANCE River Forest family seeking overnight in-home healthcare assistance. Nursing students, Respiratory Therapists, CNAs, LPNs, RNs, etc. welcome. For more information, contact kpatterson10@gmail.com.

local employees . . . happy employees! Hire Local.

Place an ad on Wednesday Classified’s Local Online Job Board. Go to ForestParkReview.com/classified today! Contact Mary Ellen Nelligan for more information. (708) 613-3342 • maryellen@oakpark.com

Forest Park Review, June 30, 2021

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SUBURBAN RENTALS

ROOMS FOR RENT

DOWNTOWN OAK PARK 1BR

Apartment listings updated daily at:

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

Large Sunny Room with fridge, microwave. Near Green line, bus, Oak Park, 24 hour desk, parking lot. $125.00. New Mgmt. 312-212-1212

708-657-4226

SUBURBAN REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am – 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue. Or call us toll free at 1-833-440-0665 for an appointment.

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

OAK PARK & FOREST PARK

708-386-7355

MMpropMgmt.com

COMMERCIAL/RETAIL

RIVERSIDE 3 FLAT FSBO Three above grade 2BR apts. Unﬁnished basement w/ laundry & 1/2 BA. 4 car brick garage. Zoned for residential and ofﬁce, if desired. Well maintained. $529,000 BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 708-446-1324

RETAIL SPACE FOR RENT A RETAIL SPACE FOR LEASE IN SHOPPING CENTER! 315-325 S. Harlem Ave. Forest Park, IL. 1,000 sq ft. Good cond. *Recently Updated. Heavy Business/Trafﬁc Area. (Min. Monthly Rent in the area: $17.50 sq ft.) OUR PRICE-NEGOTIABLE! TEXT, EMAIL or CALL Mr. B.(708)828-6491 If leave a message: Include Your Name, #, and Type of Business.

OFFICE /RETAIL FOR RENT RIVER FOREST–7777 Lake St. * 1116 sq. ft. * 1400 sq. ft. Dental Office RIVER FOREST–7756 Madison St. * 960 sq. ft. OAK PARK–6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. * 3 & 5 room office suites FOREST PARK–7736 Madison St. *2500 sq. ft. unit Strand & & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011

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

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT THERAPY OFFICE OAK PARK Free wifi; flexible leasing, and offices nicely furnished right down to the Kleenex. Secure building & friendly colleagues, often giving referrals to other office mates. Shared Waiting room, Conference room & option to join Peer Supervision Group. Ideal for new practice or 2nd location. 708-383-0729

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equalopportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-6699777.

Wednesday Journal • Landmark • Forest Park Review

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Forest Park Review, June 30, 2021

INC., REALTOR

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

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

1039 Troost Ave Forest Park $350,000 Huge three bedroom home in need of rehab. Three car plus garage! Enormous 75 foot lot.

SHE SNORES MORE THAN I DO, MORE BUTSHE I STILL SHE SNORES SNORES MORE LOVEI DO, MY BUT HUMAN. THAN ITHAN STILLI DO, BUT I STILL — BANDIT LOVE MY HUMAN.LOVE MY HUMAN. adopted 11-26-09 — BANDIT adopted 11-26-09

— BANDIT adopted 11-26-09

337 Marengo Ave Forest Park $655,000 Completely remodeled four bedroom three and a half bath home! August delivery!

Forest Park Review, June 30, 2021