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New Taco Bell in town?

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Drive-in movie at Altenheim PAGE 7

JULY 8, 2020

@FP_Review@ForestParkReview @ForestParkReview @FP_Review

Appraisal of Altenheim underway

No concrete plans, but sale of portion of site an option

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

A real estate appraisal of the village owned Altenheim property will be completed by the end of July, said both Mayor Rory Hoskins and Director of Public Health and Safety Steve Glinke.

The village is ready to go out to bid on demolition of remaining building on the site, the village council having approved the bid notice and contracts, as soon as promised grant money from the state is received.

The Altenheim property, just south of Madison Street along Van Buren Street, surrounds the functioning and separately owned Altenheim Retirement Home. Village property includes almost 11 acres and five derelict structures – including the chapel – that will be demolished.

Just over a year ago, in June 2019, the village secured a promise of $750,000 from the state of Illinois to demolish the old hospital buildings and chapel. More than half the cost will be for asbestos and environmental abatement costs, according to Glinke.

According to Hoskins in an interview last week, the property was appraised in 2015 and was valued at $5.2 million. The village is currently seeking an updated appraisal, however, which should be completed by the end of the month.

“The village has no concrete plans at this moment,” Hoskins said. “But I’m not adverse to letting a couple acres go.” Because of its proximity to the Blue Line train stop, it would be what’s considered a transit-oriented development, Hoskins said, which would make See ALTENHEIM on page 7

ALEX ROGALS, Staff photographer

PRIDE

A group of artists converged on Madison Street in front of Urban Pioneer Group, 7503 Madison St., to paint the median in rainbow colors to provide a reminder of pride beyond June, which is Pride Month.

Rainbow brightens Madison Street Mayor, business owner, volunteers create pride reminder

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Artists from the Chicago area converged on Madison Street just after midnight on the morning of July 1, tap-

IN Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 THIS Big Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 ISSUE Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

ing off the median strip in front of Urban Pioneer Group and painting bright rainbow colors. A group of three classical violinists provided entertainment, playing contemporary songs, including “Royals” by Lorde, “Kiss from a Rose,”

by Seal, “Living on Prayer” by Bon Jovi.

“I think it’s the first time I’ve heard Bon Jovi played on violins,” said Mayor Rory Hoskins as he watched the artists pour paint into buckets and start taping the street.

The painting was done at midnight between Tuesday and Wednesday because traffic and crowds are light at that time, Hoskins said.

It was a project organized by Tom Kunkel of Urban Pioneer Group with the help of Trevor Toppen, savior of Val’s halla record store in Oak Park, and artist Lorie Ranker, founder of the Pilsen Art House.

Kunkel was inspired by a June 15 call See RAINBOW on page 10

Blue Max reopening as Lathrop Café

Vinyl listening room at Urban Art House

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Forest Park Review, July 8, 2020

2020-2021 Online Registration

for All District 91 Students

Monday, August 3 (8:00 am) Friday, August 14, 2020 To learn more go to: fpsd91.org/domain/615

Forest Park Review, July 8, 2020

W

We’ll always have Paris (in our future)

e had planned to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary in Paris. It would have been a blast but the Great Recession forced us to scale back our plans. We ended up celebrating in downtown Chicago, “The Paris of the Midwest.” We vowed to go to France for our 40th.

So we renewed our passports and booked our flights and hotel rooms to celebrate our anniversary on July 11. This time, finances weren’t a problem. The pandemic, however, prompted European countries to ban American tourists.

It looks like we’ll be celebrating our anniversary in New Buffalo, Michigan. There’s nothing wrong with that. Strolling a Lake Michigan beach can be just as romantic as walking along the Seine. However, I also wanted us to renew our vows. I was fortunate to find them in a drawer.

“I, John, take you Diane to be my soulmate and the light of my life for as long as I live.”

“I, Diane, take you, John, to be my life partner and the center of my universe.”

“I promise you, Diane, to cook all the meals, if you promise to clean the kitchen.”

“I will take care of the laundry, John, and never want to catch you near the washing machine.”

“In the event we have children, Diane, I promise to never help with the kids late at night or early in the morning, so that I can be well-rested and a good provider for the family.”

“In the event we have children, John, I will never yell at them for playing basketball in the basement, football in the living room, or soccer in the kitchen.”

“Diane, I will never buy you an appliance as a gift. I will also refrain from buying you clothes and will only purchase jewelry you have pre-approved.”

“John, I will continue to buy you polyester shirts until disco runs its course. I will then buy you western shirts, skinny jeans and boots for your ‘urban cowboy’ phase.”

“I promise to never use the silent treatment as a weapon, Diane, and will always loudly express my feelings.”

“If we do have a disagreement, John, I will avoid the use of words like ‘never’ and ‘always’ because those kinds of statements are rarely true.”

“I will buy us a large house, Diane, and promise not to attempt any home repairs.

You can trust me with cutting the grass, watering the flowers and taking out the garbage, but that’s about it.”

“I will cuddle late at night, John, and take care of all financial matters, including

JOHN RICE

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L O O K

B A C K

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F O R E S T PA R K

filing the taxes.”

“Diane, I will continue to exaggerate my stories, spout misinformation and make really dumb jokes.”

“I will pretend to be interested in your stories, John, and I will chuckle politely at your jokes.”

“I pledge my support, Diane, in sickness and in health, especially if you pity me when I only have a cold.”

“I will stick with you, John, during good financial times and bad. I will never tell you to get a real job just because you’re selfemployed.”

“From this day forward, I will stick with you, Diane, because you have really good health insurance.”

“John, I read that 48 percent of marriages end within 20 years but I’m betting we’ll be together more than twice that long. It won’t seem that long, though, assuming you’re not home for lunch.”

“Diane, you will have kisses for lunch and kisses for dinner. If you’re still hungry, we can order Chinese.”

“Don’t go changing, John, to try and please me. You never let me down before.”

“Diane, I’ll take you just the way you are.”

■ 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

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.

Out-of-county subscriptions: $33 per year.

T I M E . . .

Celebrating gardens

In the 1970’s, the Forest Park Review featured a weekly gardening column written by Elsie Kelm.

Her features included the imported garden of Mr. and Mrs. Wienhold at 911 Hannah Ave., which had summer poinsettias, carnations from Germany and geraniums from Switzerland. She celebrated the begonias of Mrs. Dorthy Korbel and Mrs. Pat Hatcher, of 7651 Adams St. The Berlingers at 529 Beloit had prize-sized Idaho potatoes and tomatoes that weighed well over a pound.

Kelm also celebrated the garden hedges around town, ornaments in gardens, and the patios that were carefully considered in her love of the remarkable gardening in Forest Park.

The Historical Society of Forest Park is hosting the Annual Garden Walk this Saturday, which is fully planned outdoors with attention to social distance requirements. Tickets are available at ForestParkHistory.org

ELSIE KELM

This photo, from August 5, 1970, shows the well-planned patio garden of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Steinback, 541 Thomas Ave. The surrounding gravel areas contain planters of chimney tops and surtile. In these are a variety of flowering almond, daisies, azalea, heuchera, miniature dahlia, California poppies, trees of silver maple and pussy willow.

REVIEW

–Jill Wagner

Forest Park Review is published digitally and in print

by Growing Community Media NFP. © 2020 Growing Community Media NFP. F O R E S T PA R K

REVIEW 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. @ForestParkReview

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Forest Park Review, July 8, 2020

Forest Park could lose over $7M a year

Committee urges residents to complete U.S. Census

By TOM HOLMES Contributing Reporter

If $7,132,500 disappeared from Forest Park’s village revenues every year for the next 10 years, residents might consider filing criminal charges. But the mayor and the commissioners would not be the ones to blame. The fault would be with the 34.7 percent of Forest Park neighbors who have not as of July 1 filled out the census forms.

Because the federal government uses the census count to allocate hundreds of billions of dollars in funding on a per capita

Forest Park in 2010 Population . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13,704 White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59.1 percent Black . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27.2 percent Asian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.2 percent Hispanic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.3 percent Foreign born. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.9 percent Owner Occupied Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51.1 percent Median Value of Above . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $230,700 Broadband Internet. . . . . . . . 80.7 percent Bachelor’s degree or higher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50.4 percent Persons without health ins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.3 percent

basis, every person not counted results in thousands of dollars lost to the community.

Allen Serrano, the chair of Forest Park’s Complete Count Committee, and Tanzla Davis-Rodriguez, the village’s executive secretary, feel the urgency of getting as complete a count as possible, because the more residents who respond, the more money will come from the federal government to fund local agencies and programs like Medicaid, Head Start, SNAP, fire departments, school lunches and infrastructure improvements.

Serrano and Davis-Rodriguez have attempted to motivate residents to self-respond by placing signs and/or literature in Mom’s Place, Submarine Tender, the Community Center, the Forest Park Park District, the Forest Park Library, District 91 offices, Ed’s Way, Oak Park Apartments and with the Chamber of Commerce.

To pursue that 34.7 percent, which is still MIA, plans are being made for July and beyond for what Davis-Rodriguez referred to as a Census Committee Drive Thru Food Drive. Although details have not been made available as of yet, Nathaniel Booker, the Census 2020 Director of Awareness and Education for all of Proviso Township has held similar events in Maywood and Melrose Park.

In a June 22 interview he said what he called the “tours” were drive up events at which people would be assisted with completing the census while remaining in their cars and would also receive fresh produce and personal protective equipment. The “if they won’t come to us, we’ll go to them” tactic, according to Booker, “has been widely successful. We have completed six out of eight events. When we look at each person representing, $1,535 each year over the next 10 years this one project has already helped count more than $8 million worth of residents.”

Davis-Rodriguez added that the Complete Count Committee will partner with the Com-

How feds use the census counts Importance of the Data

Federal Funding

The 2020 Census will provide a snapshot of our nation — who we are, where we live, and so much more.

Over the next decade, lawmakers, business owners, and many others will use 2020 Census data to make critical decisions. The results will show where communities need new schools, new clinics, new roads, and more services for families, older adults, and children.

The results of the 2020 Census will inform decisions about allocating hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding to communities across the country — for hospitals, fire departments, school lunch programs, and other critical programs and services.

Redistricting The U.S. Constitution mandates that the country count its population once every 10 years. The results are used to adjust or redraw electoral districts, based on where populations have increased or decreased.

State legislatures or independent bipartisan commissions are responsible for redrawing congressional districts. The U.S. Census Bureau provides states with population counts for this purpose. munity Center, the Chamber of Commerce, District 91, the library, the park district and the village at all upcoming events by having a booth or table with computers available to allow residents to complete their online questionnaires. She said the mayor’s office can be contacted at 708-615-6203 to set up an appointment for assistance in completing the questionnaires.

She said that “Zoom Parties” are also being scheduled to spread census awareness and pledge participation.

Following is a more granular description of what is at stake in terms of dollars and cents. The 2010 census lists Forest Park’s population as 13,704. As of July 1, 65.3 percent of village residents had completed the 5-minute census and sent it in. which means

Business Decisions The 2020 Census will be valuable to businesses, as the results will provide a rich set of data on the communities they serve, including population trends and growth projections.

Business owners rely on census results to make decisions, such as where to open new stores, restaurants, factories, or offices, where to expand operations, where to recruit employees, and which products and services to offer.

that 34.7 percent or 4,755 of your neighbors have not. The commonly used estimate is that the federal government will dole out $1,500 per person counted in the census every year for the next 10 years to fund local programs. So, $1,500 times 4,755 equals $7,132,500 lost per year. Over the next decade, add a zero to the that total --$71,325,000.

Compared to the other 13 villages in the Proviso Township, Forest Park isn’t doing very well. Leading in percentage of responses is Western Springs with 84.2 percent followed by Westchester with 79.9 percent.

Forest Park so far is down near the bottom of the standings with Maywood at 57.2 percent, Melrose Park at 55 percent and Stone Park at 48.9 percent.

A second Taco Bell?

Development company asking for drive-thru off Harlem Avenue

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Forest Park may be home to a second Taco Bell restaurant, as a developer is looking to open a drive-thru taco joint at 161 Harlem Ave., currently occupied by Harlem Randolph Car Wash.

According to Steve Glinke, director of public health and safety, head of zoning for the village, a drive-thru will be a good use of

the property.

“A contained drive-thru is a better use for this location,” said Glinke, since traffic is often backed up for the carwash.

“It’s an expansive piece of property with good traffic circulation,” Glinke said. The developer came in with “a full packet, including a traffic study,” which makes zoning and approval easier.

The restaurant is a project of Ampler Development, the same franchise restaurant group that has been trying to build a Taco Bell at 6000 Roosevelt Rd. in Oak Park. That project has been on hold for months, first due to insufficient traffic data, then because a public hearing on April 1 was postponed

Drawing by MRV Architects, Inc.

VIEW FROM HARLEM: East elevation rendering of the proposed Taco Bell at 161 Harlem Ave. because of COVID-19.

In 2017 an application for a Taco Bell at Madison Street and Lyman Avenue in Oak Park was withdrawn by Bell Development after it was unanimously rejected by the Oak Park zoning board. An apartment complex is currently under construction on that site.

A public hearing of the Forest Park Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for July 20 to consider site plan approval and conditional use for a drive-thru at the location.

Forest Park currently has a Taco Bell on Roosevelt Road within the Forest Park Mall complex.

Forest Park Review, July 8, 2020

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Drunk bartender: ‘I have lost control of the bar’

Lantern Haus, 7414 Madison St., was given a local ordinance citation for serving liquor past allowed hours on July 4 at 12:41 a.m. A resident called the police department to report the rear patio of the bar was serving alcohol past midnight and playing loud music at a disturbing volume.

Police arrived to find between 20 and 25 people drinking alcohol, indeed past the legal hours, and loud music playing from outdoor speakers.

Upon entering the bar, police discovered that “social distancing guidelines were not being followed and the location appeared to be a public health concern,” with more than 30 people crowded around the bar.

The bartender, the only employee working at the time, “appeared extremely intoxicated” and seemed to have trouble comprehending what the officers were telling him.

Police informed the bartender that he was being issued a local ordinance citation and that he appeared too drunk to be operating the bar.

“I have lost control of the bar,” said the bartender, agreeing with the officers. He then began to yell at the patrons, telling them they had to leave.

They did, but many exited onto Madison Street, carrying their alcoholic beverages, an action not permitted and not stopped by the bartender. According to the police report, “This led to a large amount of subjects acting rowdy, creating a disturbance, and drinking open alcohol on the public way.”

Later, the manager of the bar called police, stating that she couldn’t get the drunk bartender to leave and asking for help removing him.

The police report stated that the same bartender was given two verbal warnings about patrons being in the bar past closing time the previous week.

Police respond to report of ‘man with a gun’ Police were called to Thornton’s, 601 Harlem Ave., on July 1 at 1:58 p.m. after a report of a “man with a gun.” A woman approached the police car as it arrived at the location just as a Ford Taurus left the lot. The officer was able to observe the first few letters and number of the license plate, which belonged to the offender. The woman told police she and her boyfriend got into a verbal altercation with two other men in the suspect vehicle. She said the argument became more and more heated until one of the men pulled a black pistol from his waistband and pointed it at her. The reporting officer left to find the vehicle with negative results, and upon returning to Thornton’s, the victim had left the scene.

‘Dine and dash’ at Louie’s Grill Louie’s Grill, 7422 Madison St., was the victim of a “dine and dash” on July 2 at 8:38 a.m. A group of eight subjects ordered food, ate it, then left without paying. The total of their breakfast was $121.33. The suspects fled the scene in a white van.

Cub’s hat, parking sticker stolen from car

A car was ransacked overnight between July 1 and 2 on the 800 block of Lathrop Avenue.

The owner of the vehicle said missing from the car were her Forest Park parking sticker, her Cub’s hat, and her W2 forms from work.

Police car vandalized A police car was vandalized at 11 N. Harlem in Oak Park after following a man and woman involved in a potential domestic battery at Parky’s, 329 Harlem Ave., on July 2 at 8:19 p.m. The woman told police she was

trying to get away from the man, who kept following her. The woman got into the back seat of the police car so she could be given a ride to the train station.

The man, however, became upset, yelling that he’d done nothing wrong and wanted his money, which he insisted the woman had. He then approached the squad car and attempted to open the back door, pulling the handle so hard it came off. He threw it to the corner of the parking lot.

He was processed on the felony charge of criminal damage to government supported property.

Lingerie stolen

A package containing $23 of lingerie was stolen from a front porch by an unknown subject on the 1000 block of Harlem on July 3.

These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Forest Park Police Department, June 29-July 5, 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, July 8, 2020

July 8 – 14

BIG WEEK Virtual favorite games, books & movies sharing Middle grade kids are invited to talk about their favorite games, books and movies and trade recommendations with each other on Friday, July 10, from 4 to 5 p.m. Participants must register in advance at www.fppl.org/events

Virtual tap dance class On July 13 from 4 to 4:25 p.m., learn the basics of tap dance with Ryan Galloway, co-owner of and artistic director at Principle Dance in Forest Park for an introductory virtual tap dance class. Wear gym shoes or feel free to wear tap shoes, if you have them. More information and registration is available online at www.fppl.org/events.

Drop-in summer sports at the park

Talk about new technologies & teleconferencing

Summer sports programming begins at the park district this week. Children ages four to 12 are invited to drop in, for $8 per class, for summer soccer (Tuesdays), baseball/ softball (Wednesdays) and Recess at the Park! (Thursdays). Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment. Visit https://bit.ly/ PDoFPReg to register.

The library is hosting a Zoom discussion on July 15 from 3 to 4 p.m. for people interested in talking about new technologies and essential tools for telecommuting.

Share and hear participants’ experiences, tips and tricks for virtual conferencing applications, ideal browsers, cloud storage choices, best apps and more. Visit fppl/ events for more information or to register.

Socialism discussion at Centuries & Sleuths Join author Joseph Rulli as he discusses his book “Chicago Socialism: The People’s History” at Centuries & Sleuths, 7419 Madison St., on Tuesday, July 14 from 7 to 9 p.m.

In his comprehensive history of socialism in the Windy City, Rulli examines major events through the largely unchronicled lives of the Chicago citizens who experienced them, from centennial garment workers to millennials with megaphones.

Forest Park Review, July 8, 2020

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Drive-in movie on Altenheim property Park district, village team up to host outdoor event

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

MARIA MAXHAM

COMING DOWN: The old buildings of the Altenheim will be demolished as soon as state funding arrives.

ALTENHEIM

No formal plans from page 1 the property desirable for developers.

Hoskins said his position on the Altenheim hasn’t changed since debates prior to his election, during which he stated that he wanted to monetize a portion of the property, as selling part of it would bring cash to the village as well as a business boost for the restaurants and shops on Madison Street. He said at least five acres of the property – almost half – should be saved as green space.

As for when discussions will start to take place for the fate of the Altenheim property?

Hoskins is waiting until the buildings come down, a step he cited as a top priority of his during his mayoral campaign.

“First things first,” said Hoskins.

Glinke said the appraisal will look at the almost-11 acres as a whole but will also break it down into parcels of several acres based on the “appraiser’s best estimation of value in the context of development.”

“It’s a ‘cafeteria appraisal,’ offering differ-

ent options,” Glinke said. “Depending on the council’s perspective or will, they can offload it in smaller sections it that’s the route they choose to take.” As far as he knows, Glinke said, nobody has ever suggested selling the entire property.

The appraisal will provide necessary information the council will need to make a decision on the property, said Glinke, ideally with a public meeting to once more allow residents to speak up. And any development on the property would be done with recommendations from MUSE, the village planner, “to determine the highest and best uses” for the land, and with the consideration of residents of adjacent The Residences at the Grove.

“There are no plans at this point other than to get the buildings razed,” Glinke said.

The Cultural Park Committee, an ad hoc committee formed in December 2016 and headed by resident Ralph DiFebo, last recommended selling the north section of the property, the two acres known as The Grove, to a developer to construct a 55 and older condominium development or boutique hotel. Proceeds from the sale would be used to demolish the chapel and remaining buildings on the property, pay off the remaining debt, and develop a drainage system for the south Altenheim field. The com-

mittee suggested that, next, a park should be created with similar attributes to The Grove, and a feasibility study should be conducted to determine the best use of the south Altenheim property.

In an interview in February 2020, Hoskins said there had been talk over the years about the Park District of Forest Park possibly expanding their offerings or services on the Altenheim property.

In an interview last week, park district Executive Director Jackie Iovinelli said the park district “is not interested in purchasing” any part of the Altenheim, as that would mean the taxpayers were paying twice for the same property. However, the park district would be interested in developing it if offered to them.

The village purchased the property for $3.6 million in 2001, a decision pushed by former Mayor Tony Calderone to stop a developer from building townhomes. The loan for the property will be paid off in 2023, according to Village Administrator Tim Gillian.

In 2007, a potential $4.3 million sale to the Oak Park YMCA fell through as the Y could not obtain financing, and in 2012 Fenwick High School offered to purchase the south section of the Altenheim property for athletic facilities but the village declined.

The Altenheim will be home to a drive-in movie on July 9, an event sponsored by the Park District of Forest Park with help from the village. The movie is Toy Story 4, which will be projected on a giant screen, and the sound will be available on FM radio.

Jackie Iovinelli, park district executive director, said the idea originated about a month into the pandemic.

“We were looking for ideas on things we could do to bring activities to the residents and do so safely,” Iovinelli said. The idea for a drive-in movie was floated around. “Rachell [Entler] took the idea and really went with it.”

When the park district reached out to the village to discuss possible locations, the village suggested the Altenheim property, said Iovinelli.

And once the state entered Phase 4 of the Recover Illinois plan, the park district knew it was the right time to host the event.

“We knew we could pull it off,” said Iovinelli.

This week’s event, limited to 36 cars and open to Forest Park residents only, is already booked. But Iovinelli said the park is looking at holding more drive-in movies, possibly every week throughout the summer.

“If people follow the rules, we’ll keep it going,” said Iovinelli.

The property at the Altenheim will be set up so cars drive in from one entrance and out through another to make sure traffic flow is smooth.

“We’re going to mark off spaces for cars. People can bring chairs and sit outside their cars, but they must stay within their marked-off area,” Iovinelli said.

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Forest Park Review, July 8, 2020

Former Blue Max to become Lathrop House Café A sort of homecoming for Patrick O’Brien of Scratch Restaurant Group

By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats Editor

Twenty-five years ago, Patrick O’Brien and his sister Bridget Pettinger bought a Forest Park house, at 26 Lathrop Ave., with the intention of converting it into a restaurant.

Now, the established restauranteur behind Scratch Restaurant Group (SRG), is returning to his roots to bring that very same property -- formerly the Blue Max -- back to life as Lathrop House Café.

Scratch owns Scratch Kitchen on Madison Street in Forest Park and two eateries in Oak Park.

“It was so long ago when we bought that building,” said O’Brien. “I remember kids in cribs in the kitchen. I laugh looking back at those days.”

O’Brien and his sister were attracted to the property because it was dually zoned. They built a commercial kitchen on the property and added a large enclosed porch to increase dining space. They named the restaurant The Lathrop House and offered coffee, muffins and sandwiches along with special menu items to a small band of loyal customers.

O’Brien, who served as chef, lived in the apartment above the restaurant. He was young and inexperienced. He recollects having friends over to play video games during business hours. When a customer would arrive, his younger sisters, who were waitresses in the restaurant, would call him down to the kitchen to cook.

“I actually told my friends to pause the game and wait

until I was done cooking to finish the game,” laughed O’Brien. “It was comical really!”

After three years, O’Brien sold his shares in the business and headed out on his own find his way in the restaurant industry. His sister retains ownership of the building and over the years the house held a Thai restaurant among others before eventually becoming the Blue Max. In May 2019, the Blue Max closed suddenly leaving a void in the Forest Park restaurant scene and paving the way for O’Brien to take over the house once again.

“This is a strange time to start a business, but I have a really good feeling about this one.” said O’Brien.

Lathrop House Café is going to fill the same niche the Blue Max provided in Forest Park according to O’Brien. They plan to cover all the breakfast basics like omelets, skillets, pancakes and waffles while still embracing the SRG concept — where everything is done Photos by MELISSA ELSMO properly and made from scratch.

“We’ll be offering seasonal global fusion spe- COMING SOON: Blue Max, 26 Lathrop Ave., will reopen as Lathrop Café. cials for breakfast and lunch,” said O’Brien.

“We’ll have Latin, Asian and Mediterranean influences.” dining area with a bar, BBQ pit and pizza oven capable of Most notably, Lathrop House Café will resurrect the cov- hosting outdoor birthday parties or small weddings.

In the meantime, O’Brien is focused on freshening up the eted scones and latte art beloved by fans of the Blue Max. O’Brien intends to partner with a local craft coffee roaster place with fresh paint and new landscaping.

The Forest Park heath department is scheduled to inspect and will go through a training program to bring a proper the property in the coming days. If O’Brien is given the cup of coffee to the café.

Additionally, the space will close at 3 p.m. making it a green light to open, he sees no reason Lathrop House Café private event venue in the evenings. The easily dividable won’t be open in the next 10 to 14 days with a limited menu house will offer spaces suitable for meetings and parties of of coffee and pastries to start.

“I am excited this has become a reality.” said O’Brien. “It various sizes. In the future, O’Brien envisions an outdoor feels crazy to go back to where I started after 25 years, but now I have the skills to do it right.”

Overnight parking restrictions back in effect Residents need to register cars via phone or internet

By MARIA MAXHAM

Beginning July 6, overnight parking restrictions were back in effect after a reprieve of several months due to COVID-19. Once again, residents must “call in” their cars (by phone or website) in order to park on the streets overnight without being ticketed.

Residents can call 708-366-7272 or can go online at frontlinepss.com/forestpark, where a new system is in place.

This new system allows a resident to enter multiple dates for cars that will be parked for more than one night.

According to village regulations, overnight parking is prohibited from 2 a.m. until 5 a.m. on all streets. Overnight parking is limited to five nights per vehicle during each calendar month.

Forest Park Review, July 8, 2020

9

Hot dog popup brings back a taste of Smokey Joel’s

Vienna beef franks served outside Scratch Kitchen

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Fans of Smokey Joel’s, which closed in 2017 after a two-year run across from the Park District of Forest Park, were delighted on Saturday, July 4, when owner Joel Albright served hotdogs outside Scratch Kitchen, owned

by Patrick O’Brien.

“I came out to support Pat [O’Brien],” said Albright. “He asked if I’d like to be part of the celebration, and I said yes.”

Albright was out in the heat, but under his colorful Vienna hotdog umbrella, selling Vienna beef franks alongside bratwurst, elotes (Mexican-style grilled corn), grilled chicken, and generous slices of watermelon from Scratch Kitchen. Live

music accompanied the outdoor food service.

Albright said he misses Smokey Joel’s, but it was a tremendous amount of work to operate the shop, especially since he was running the restaurant while working full time at Elmhurst BMW as a service advisor. Shopping for the hotdog restaurant was done on lunch breaks, and evenings and weekends when he grilled beef franks and roasted Italian beef.

Many residents miss the Italian beef especially, citing it as one of the best sandwiches found locally.

“I bought the best beef around,” Albright said. “I always got quality beef from Ed’s Way. John the butcher there does a great job.”

When he closed the storefront in November 2017, he told the Review, “It was successful, it made money.” But he added: “I compromised a lot of personal time that I need to spend with family and friends.”

Albright’s lived in town since 2007, and

MARIA MAXHAM

HOT DAY, HOT DOGS: Joel Albright, former owner of the now-closed Smokey Joel’s, served Vienna franks outside Scratch Kitchen on July 4. he’s embraced the community and life in Forest Park. He’s a board member of the Forest Park Historical Society.

“I love the town so much,” said Albright.

“I love all the changes I’ve seen over the years too. It’s a good community.”

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Forest Park Review, July 8, 2020

Rainbow street mural causes controversy

Commissioners approve of sentiment, disappointed by lack of notification

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Mayor Rory Hoskins may have frustrated some elected village commissioners by sanctioning the rainbow painting project this week on Madison Street without seeking approval or even letting them know it was being done ahead of time.

By 2 a.m. on July 1, a group of artists had painted the median in front of Urban Pioneer Group in rainbow colors. The project was organized by Tom Kunkel of Urban Pioneer Group and completed with the approval of Hoskins, who was there for the midnight event.

But at least two of the commissioners didn’t know about the project until the next day, when they saw photos of the painting on Facebook.

Commissioner of Public Property Jessica Voogd was the only commissioner notified ahead of time. Hoskins said he reached out to her as the commissioner responsible for public property to see what she thought.

In an interview, Voogd said she received a call from the mayor before the art was done, letting her know an idea to paint a pride street mural was “being floated around.”

“I thought it was great,” said Voogd. “It’s a great way to bring positivity to the village.” She said the project cost the village nothing (all the supplies were donated) and doesn’t damage village property in any way.

“I don’t necessarily think we have to vote on something like this that costs the village nothing and isn’t destructive,” Voogd said.

But Commissioners Ryan Nero and Joe Byrnes, who had not been notified of the project ahead of time, expressed their disappointment and frustration at the painting happening without their approval or at the very least their knowledge.

“I appreciate the fact that the village welcomes diversity,” said Nero, who made it clear that he agrees with the sentiment behind the artwork. “What I don’t appreciate is that the artwork was put in without following a formal process.”

Nero brought up the fact that the village council regularly votes on hanging banners supporting nonprofit organizations and events. If they have to vote on temporary signage, shouldn’t they also vote on a potentially permanent art installation?

Nero said that as the Commissioner of Streets and Public Improvements, he feels he should have at least been notified or involved on some level.

“What precedent does this set?” asked Nero. “When you commission artwork, what’s appealing to one person might not be pleasing to someone else. This is a diverse community, and we should make a decision as a board based on that fact to make sure the art is enjoyed by all residents.”

Concerns about maintenance and materials used might have been things the council could have considered, Nero said.

“We should all be working together,” said Nero. “Let’s follow the process.”

Byrnes, too, said that although he approves completely with the

message behind the art, he’s not happy about the way it was done, without council notification or approval.

“I’m disappointed I wasn’t notified,” Byrnes said. “It would have been a good idea to let us know what was happening. There are five of us on the council, and all five of us should have been aware that this was going on.”

If he’d been asked, he said he wouldn’t have had a problem with it. If there was a vote, he’d have cast his vote in favor.

“I’m not a happy camper with things happening and we have to read about it in the paper or on Facebook,” said Byrnes. “We’re on the right track as a council. We have to stay away from petty stuff. We have to share information.” He said he’d tell Hoskins this: “Don’t block us out.”

Hoskins, in an interview, defended his decision to act without village council approval.

“We do things often in the village that don’t go to the council for approval,” Hoskins said. He pointed to recent examples, such as the Meet Us at the Bridge event and a drive-in movie, sponsored by the Park District, being held at the Altenheim property on July 9.

Those things, he said, didn’t go to the council for approval.

“Things that don’t necessitate a contractual obligation and are at no cost don’t always require a vote,” Hoskins said. Painting a mural on the street is akin to messages put up on the electronic billboard at the community center, he said. “Not everything has to be vetted.”

Hoskins said that when Kunkel proposed the project, background information, including experience, was provided about the organizing artist. He reached out to Voogd as the Commissioner of Public Property, and she approved of the idea.

Hoskins added that there’s no precedent in Forest Park for vetting public art. “If I thought it would generate controversy, I would have gone to the commissioners,” said Hoskins.

Hoskins said that with about 15 artists and a few organizers, he was concerned about the crowd growing too big, so he didn’t tell many people about it in the interest of safety and to make sure no COVID related guidelines were broken. Holding the event at midnight meant less people would be around on Madison Street, so less of a crowd would form.

“Maybe I could have given more people a heads up,” said Hoskins, “but I didn’t want a crowd to gather.”

Commissioner Dan Novak did not respond to a request for comment from the Review.

JILL WAGNER

LATE NIGHT ART: In a midnight art project overseen by Lorie Ranker (left) of the Pilsen Art House, Trevor Toppen (center) and Tom Kunkel, artists painted the median outside Urban Pioneer Group in rainbow colors.

RAINBOW

Pride reminder from page 1 from his brother in Key West about crosswalks there being painted in rainbow colors after the Supreme Court decision that the language of the Civil Rights Act applies to sexual orientation and gender identity. He hoped to see something similar in Forest Park.

“I texted [Mayor Rory Hoskins] immediately and asked if we could do the same thing here,” said Kunkel.

For technical reasons, such as the stamped concrete, painting the crosswalks was impossible. So Kunkel suggested painting the medians instead.

“I reached out to the mayor early that morning, and by 10 a.m. we’d made a plan,” Kunkel said. June is also Pride Month, and Kunkel thought the timing was perfect.

Weather and planning prohibited the art from being done sooner, but the team managed to get it done at the very end of the month, as the wee hours of June slid into July.

“We wanted a piece of art that allows people to remember pride past June,” Kunkel said. “The rainbow will be a nice reminder that at all times, there are bigger things at play.”

He reached out to friend Lorie Ranker from Pilsen Art House, and she immediately put out a call for artists. Dozens responded.

“People want to help,” said Ranker.

Ahmed Burson was one of the artists who heard Ranker’s call for volunteers to paint Madison Street. A visual artist, he said he immediately wanted to help. He showed up on Tuesday night with his wife Icy Burson, an abstract artist.

“It’s fun to be involved,” said Icy. Elizabeth Chen, a music teacher in a public elementary school, came out with a friend who’d heard the call from Ranker.

“I love it,” said Chen. “This is super cool. I love to see pride stuff all around.”

Forest Park Review, July 8, 2020

D91 releases reopening plan for the fall Masks and social distancing required

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

It sounds like something out of a dystopian novel.

Students line up outside school, six feet apart, masks required. Upon entry, their temperature is scanned using a thermal (nocontact) thermometer. If their body temperature is under the threshold of 100.4, they’re allowed entry, where they can proceed to their classroom or locker; locker usage is staggered, though, to prevent congregation in the hallways.

Elementary students sit at their six-feet spaced desks all day. Instructors rotate to teach different subjects.

The children in fifth grade and below eat lunch at their desks. Middle school students are divided into two groups. Half eat in the cafeteria; the other half eats outside under shade tents, weather permitting. When the weather’s bad, they eat in a “satellite location” instead.

Students are allowed to use the bathroom, but only the specific one assigned to their class, and individual restroom usage is tracked and logged.

Regular handwashing is scheduled into the day.

If weather permits, recess will be held outside. But nobody can use the playground equipment, and social distancing will be required.

Music class may be held but won’t include singing or playing any blown instrument.

Not indoors, at least. Sometimes, maybe, outdoor music instruction may occur, with students at least 10 feet apart and singing through masks.

It’s a grim picture, but it’s the reality of COVID-19 that schools and families face.

And these are just some of the guidelines in place for reopening District 91 schools in the fall, guidelines released by the district on July 6 and developed using guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

In-person instruction will be included “to the greatest extent possible and with numerous health and safety protocols in place,” said Supt. Lou Cavallo in the July 6 communication to families. The plan, however, only applies if the region is still in Phase Four of the Restore Illinois Plan in late August.

Full-day school for students will begin on Aug. 25. Registration, which will be online, will begin Aug. 3. Instructions will be sent to parents mid-July and posted on the school website at fpsd91.org.

A few highlights of the plan, which can be read in its entirety on the website, are:

- Masks must be worn by all people entering any D91 buildings. This includes students and staff.

- Student and staff temperatures using a thermal thermometer will be taken before entering building. Anyone with a fever of 100.4 or higher will be denied entry and sent home.

- Parents or guardians will be required to complete a symptom checklist for each child attending D91 schools. This will be done twice a week on Monday and Wednesday. Staff will be required to complete a symptom checklist daily.

- Desks will be spaced six feet apart. Elementary school children will remain in the same room, and teachers will move from class to class to teach different subjects to different groups of students, if necessary.

Middle school students will remain in the same classroom for core subjects, but will go to different rooms for special classes, such as art.

- Bus transportation will not be provided except for special education students requiring transportation as identified in their IEP - Strict cleaning and disinfection protocols will be followed.

- No extracurricular activities or field trips will be permitted until the region reaches Phase Five of the Restore Illinois plan.

- Preschool will be limited to those that are currently enrolled; no new students will be accepted until Phase V is reached in the region.

To address potential learning loss of students due to remote learning, A Fastbridge Assessment will be administered early in the school year “to identify learning loss and placement into tiers for intervention and remediation.” According to the plan, “all specialists and coaches will provide direct instruction to students for specific skill needs as identified by assessments.”

“School will be very different than in years past,” said Cavallo in the email to families. Later, he addressed the differences and challenges they present. “We recognize that this upcoming school year will be a challenge for everyone but we are confident that if we all work together and remain positive, we will get through this challenge just as we did with remote learning.”

On Thursday, July 9, at the regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting, Cavallo will be going over the plan and providing an opportunity for the community to ask questions. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the Forest Park Middle School Cafetorium, where seats will be placed six feet apart and masks required for entry.

The meeting will also be broadcast via Zoom for remote participation. The Zoom link and a link to the full set of guidelines can be found on the D91 website at www. fpsd91.org/.

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Forest Park Review, July 8, 2020

Learning to listen Urban Art House will bring music, art to Madison Street

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

It was after 2 in the morning on July 1.

A group of artists had just finished painting a rainbow street mural in front of Urban Pioneer Group, a project organized in part

by Trevor Toppen.

Toppen is easy to talk to, intelligent and humble. As he spoke about the mural, it was clear this project was important to him. But he was also excited to discuss Tom Kunkel’s new Urban Art House, which will host art shows and classes and, with Toppen driving it, music.

Toppen’s commitment to, and love for, music was shown when he bailed out Oak Park music store Val’s halla in November 2019 to keep it from going out of business.

A loyal customer for years, it was Toppen who gave the store its new lease on life. General Manager Shayne Blakely called him a “guardian angel.”

Toppen is still involved in the music scene at Val’s halla, but he wants to bring a new/ old way to experience music in Forest Park.

New because there’s nothing quite like it.

Old because it focuses on vinyl.

The idea is to have listening parties in the Urban Art House for about 15 people at a time. An hour will be spent listening to an entire album. A second hour would be spent listening to albums people bring to share.

“I think it will provide a sense of focus in

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

LISTENING SPACE: Artist Lorie Ranker paints a mural on the far wall of the Urban Art House, a new venue for art classes and shows and vinyl listening events. these days of streaming music. These will be micro-events that allow music lovers to scratch that itch to listen to music when concerts aren’t readily available,” he said.

We talked about how with services like Amazon music and Spotify, people create play lists but seldom sit down to listen to an entire album from beginning to end anymore.

Toppen’s goal is to give people that experience again, complemented by invited musical experts on whatever style is being

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

TURNTABLE: Vintage equipment brings big sound to the Urban Art House, where patrons will be able to listen to full albums on vinyl and bring their own to share.

featured on a given evening.

“If we have a blues night, we’ll bring in an expert to talk about blues,” said Toppen adding that they’re planning underage listening parties for a younger audience, and bringing albums to share will be an essential part of the experience for any age.

“Everyone’s voice matters,” he said.

Kunkel likes to think of the listening events as “listening to learn and learning to listen.”

“I think we need to relearn how to really listen to music,” he said.

The rainbow mural was finished, and Toppen walked us out back to the Urban Art House.

“There’s something awesome about vinyl,” Toppen said as we headed through the alley.

Theoretically I understood, although I couldn’t remember the last time I’d listened to an actual record. I’m content hearing what I consider a very genre-inclusive playlist of songs through my Alexa device, unconcerned about corporate or governmental groups spying on me. If they need to know, I’ve listened to “Take a Chance on Me” by Abba three times today. Have at it.

Urban Art House is located inside a carriage house across the alley from Schauer Hardware, 7449 Madison St. Kunkel has been restoring it during quarantine. Underneath the carriage house are garage doors that will be painted with murals, a project that artist Lorie Ranker, founder of Pilsen Art House and coordinator of the rainbow mural on Madison Street, will oversee.

The 1,000-square-foot space was virtually empty. Even in the dim light, the wood

floors gleamed. On the back wall, a mural in progress captured the eye with its swirls, designs creating a flow reminiscent of something in motion. No furniture yet — Toppen said seating would be brought in soon. In one corner there was a record player, and speakers had been hung around the room.

Toppen explained that the space was challenging from a sound standpoint. The floors were relatively soft, which can create difficulties, but they experimented with placement of the speakers, finally settling on an arrangement that satisfied.

He slid a LP, The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd, from the album case and set it on the turntable.

I’ve heard it before, more than once. The first track, “Speak to me” is more a sound collage than a song.

It starts with a heartbeat. In the Urban Art House space, the beating grew louder and louder as other effects started to blend in. A clock ticking. A cash register. The maniacal laughter. The conversation, barely discernible, about being “mad.”

You might have listened to the song before. But that? That was hearing it. That was voices whispering from different corners of the room. That was moving slowly around the space to hear the subtle differences, the nuances specific to each unique location in the room.

It was knowing if you sat still and closed your eyes, you’d be overcome by something that would take you out of yourself, at least until the album was over.

It was hearing, for what felt like the very first time, music you’d listened to a hundred times before.

Forest Park Review, July 8, 2020

13

County ramps up virus contact-tracing efforts County Public Health gets $41M to ID new cases, manage exposure

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

File

Cook County Department of Public Health officials announced last month that they received nearly $41 million in COVID-19 relief funding from the Illinois Department of Public Health through federal funds to “build-up capacity and infrastructure of local health departments to rapidly scale-up and sustain major COVID-19 contact tracing programs,” according to a statement the department released in June.

During a press conference held June 11, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle joined health department officials to announce the initiative, which they said could allow the county to trace 3,000 contacts a day, according to an ABC 7 report.

“For Cook County to reopen, it is critical that we quickly ramp up our contact-tracing capabilities. The program will help us continue to mitigate the pandemic by identifying new cases quickly and helping residents who have been exposed to someone carrying the disease,” Preckwinkle said.

In the health department’s release, officials explained there are “about 25 contact tracers for the 2.5 million people who live in suburban Cook County,” adding that the department’s purview doesn’t include Chicago, Evanston, Skokie, Oak Park and Stickney.

Health department officials explained that contact tracing is a process requiring multiple steps that include “identifying, assessing and managing persons exposed to a positive COVID-19 case and connecting exposed persons to resources to assist them during quarantine.”

First District Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson’s office explained in an email sent to constituents in June that the health department anticipates starting its first group of contact tracings by early August, that tracers “will be brought on in groups of 50-100,” and that the department will “have a full team by the fall.”

Anyone interested in contact-tracing jobs can fill out a form online, which is available at the health department’s website: cookcountypublichealth. org. Residents should understand that completing the form does not promise a job or job interview.

“Contact tracers will be trained in the basics of the virus, epidemiology, case investigation, and contact tracing,” according to the form.

CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

File

CONTACT TRACERS NEEDED: Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson’s office said the department will have a full team of contact tracers by the fall.

JUSTICE TROOPERS: PMSA students planned a peace protest march to promote Black economic development.

PMSA teen group behind July 7 protest march Proviso Math and Science Academy students promote Black economic development

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

Members of a new social justice organization created by Proviso Math and Science Academy students planned a peace protest march to promote Black economic development scheduled to take place at noon on July 7, which was after this paper’s print deadline.

The march was scheduled to start at the village of Broadview Municipal Building, 2350 S. 25th Ave. in Broadview, and end at Bellwood Village Hall, 3200 Washington Blvd. in Bellwood.

In a June 30 YouTube interview with state Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch (7th), the teens behind Justice Troopers said that, in addition to the march, they also planned to only spend their money at Black-owned businesses that day.

“We want to bring awareness to these white corporations that don’t let Black people on their board,” Justice Troopers co-founder and CEO Ivoryana Neal, who is also an incoming senior at PMSA. “Instead of going to Target, go to a local food market.

Maya Hill, a PMSA student and another Justice Troopers co-founder and CEO, said the idea for the organization was hatched last school year, but the May 25 death of George Floyd prompted her and her Justice Trooper colleagues to get even more active in the community.

“I think a video of somebody being murdered made me and many others feel like this has to change, and that’s why we started Justice Troopers,” she said. “People are so uneducated they have to watch a video of somebody being murdered just to fight for change.”

Neal said Floyd’s death “wasn’t a wakeup call, but it was that alarm clock that’s not going to get snoozed anymore. People have to know this is an ongoing issue that needs to be addressed. … My key is being educated.”

Darnell Parker, a PMSA alumnus who graduated last year and plans to enroll in the fall at Langston University, a historically Black college in Oklahoma, said he’s seen the video multiple times of Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin leaning into Floyd’s neck.

“It’s hard to watch,” he said during Welch’s YouTube interview. “The fact that he was saying, ‘I can’t breathe’ and they were deliberately not listening to him. … I most definitely think about my future after that idea and I have to show that I’m not a threat.”

“When I first saw the video, I was very angry,” said Nyia Landing, another Justice Troopers member whom Welch interviewed. “We’re tired of having to see this multiple times and things not really changing the way they should. With the group we have formed, any help we can do to try to fix or find a solution to these problems, we’ll [do it].”

Welch has been among the most outspoken advocates of corporate diversity in the Illinois General Assembly. On July 1, he sponsored House Bill 5806, which “requires state and local governments to only contract with banks or financial institutions that have a board of directors comprising at least 20 percent people of color,” according to a statement his office released on June 2.

“We are at a moment in time where companies should be leading by example — they should be embracing the voices of communities of color by ensuring that there is equitable leadership in the largest public companies in the United States,” Welch stated. “Until these businesses put actions into words and create a more inclusive and representative corporate culture, they must be held accountable.”

Welch has called for residents to boycott large corporations “that continue to reject inclusivity and the voices of Black Americans,” according to the statement his office released. “Some of the companies include Procter & Gamble, Adobe, Philip Morris and TJ Maxx.

In conjunction with the boycott, Welch is launching an online petition to encourage each company to publicly commit to adding voices of people of color to their public board.”

CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

14

Forest Park Review, July 8, 2020

OPINION O U R

I

V I E W

So, there is an Altenheim plan

t hasn’t been straightforward or transparent. Our suspicions were that a plan was unspoken but not non-existent. Turns out we were right.

Something is in the works at the village-owned Altenheim property.

Forest Park’s mayor, Rory Hoskins, and his village government have an appraisal of the 11-acre green jewel underway. That assessment of the value of the land will be in hand by the end of July. If things go as hoped, that will correspond with the long-overdue demolition of the five derelict buildings still barely standing on the grounds of the fabled German old people home. Funds from a state grant are expected almost momentarily and will fund most of the cleanup and demo costs.

Hoskins has, from back in the campaign, always focused on the demolition as what he called a first step priority on the future of the Altenheim. When the Review and others called for an active public planning process for the future of this key site in anticipation of the demolition, Hoskins insisted that was backwards.

We’re still not buying that.

The worry, clearly affirmed in our reporting today, is that at least the bullet point version of the future of the Altenheim site has been nearly chiseled. While most parties interested in the property’s communal future have for several years aligned behind the idea of selling off the two acres closest to Madison Street for commercial development, Hoskins seems ready to turn the southernmost portion of the parcel over to residential developers.

That would leave, perhaps, five acres in the middle that could be retained for the public good in this land-locked village. Or not. Citizens are not yet privy to the thinking of leadership.

We have always credited Tony Calderone, the former mayor, with an out-of-the-blue visionary moment when he led the village in snatching the 11 acres from almost certain redevelopment as townhomes.

Calderone recognized it was, most certainly, Forest Park’s last chance at retaining its single biggest green parcel for the future of the village and its residents.

What has followed wasn’t so much a vision as an unexplainable dereliction of public planning. So now with the loan that funded the purchase nearly paid off, will there be a public process to set the future of this gem? Or will we watch as it is sold off in chunks for predetermined use that will bring in some necessary cash and future tax flow but which narrowly proscribes future use of any open land left over?

We do seem to have heard a long-missing voice from the Park District of Forest Park. Always an obvious partner in the open space planning, the park district now says it just might be interested in a portion of the site but only if it is gifted to the parks by the village. Makes a certain sense as taxpayers have been forking over $300,000-plus each year for nearly two decades to pay for the property. They won’t want to pay for it again in an obligation to another taxing body.

And what about the Cultural Park initiative? A lot of work has gone into that process.

Whatever the plan may be, it is past time to spill the beans on the future of the Altenheim property.

Living in this post-truth world

W

hy do people keep using the phrase “when things return to normal”? Things aren’t going back to the way they were, ever.

That’s OK though: if you’re dealing with quarantine right, you won’t want them to.

Take restaurants: We loved going out to eat. There’s nothing more relaxing than going out for a nice meal. No mess, no fuss. You pick out what you want to eat and someone else does all the work. Couldn’t be improved upon!

This is, it turns out, incorrect.

We’ve been cooking the restaurant foods we miss at home. It’s a weekend thing now: “What would we love to go out for today if restaurants were open and we thought being near other breathing humans was a good idea?”

The restaurant replacement project is going swimmingly. I made the best onion rings I’ve ever had. We made the most amazing fried shrimp. I have remorselessly murdered nine lobsters; I even bought a Chinese cleaver to dispatch them more effectively. I made mapo tofu. My sourdough starter has been turned into waffles, pancakes, sandwich bread, crumpets, popovers, amazing pizza crust, and soft pretzels.

I know what you’re thinking, but all parties involved have lost weight. I don’t know what Sysco or whoever is putting in the restaurant food but home-cooking-wise I’m not worrying much about calories and the predicted (by me) effect of gaining 75 pounds in quarantine has not materialized. So yeah, restaurant meals — especially “I don’t feel like cooking after Pilates; let’s just eat somewhere” and the assumption that a restaurant is a foregone special treat on weekends — are probably a thing of the Before times.

So are movies: I loved giant-screen blockbusters, but I cannot think of much that sounds

less soothing right now than sitting in a dark room with people I do not know and breathing for three hours. I am sad about James Bond, Furious 9, Wonder Woman, and a disaster movie called “Greenland,” the trailer for which appeared to feature people trying to outrun comet fragments in pickup trucks. I won’t be going to the movies until there is a vaccine or something though; I sit near people for more than five minutes right now and I can just about see them exhaling virus. It’s like watching Dementors inhale souls at Hogwarts, but in reverse.

The gym: The gym, alas, is under the same constraints as movies. I could probably handle it outdoors, but I am not sure I trust all of the other clients of my gym to be avoidant of exposure, and I keep seeing the headline “200th Case of COVID-19 Linked to Suburban Fitness Center” in my head.

I’m sure a lot of you are nodding while the rest of you are rolling your eyes. That’s another thing I haven’t figured out how to handle: Living in this post-truth world, half of you are convinced I am right and sensible and are nodding vigorously while gleefully planning on sending this column to your intra-family enemies, subject-lined “THIS,” while the other half of you are certain I am not only wrong but in a total handwringing namby-pamby panic over what is essentially a vanishingly small chance of catching a mild cold. All of you are 100 percent backed up by your own experiences and news sources.

I don’t actually know if I am being sensible and prudent or if I am being a scaredy-cat. Used to be you could figure these things out with a little effort; now there are zillion-dollar industries dedicated to ensuring you never have to read anything you don’t want to read.

(Except this, I guess.)

ALAN

BROUILETTE

L E T T E R S T O E D I T O R Letters to the editor should include the author’s first and last name, town of residence and phone number for authorization purposes only. The Review will not publish phone numbers. All letters are subject to editing for space and content purposes and typically will be printed in

T H E

the order they are received.

While the Review does not impose a word limit, we encourage comments be held to 300 words.

Letters to the editor can be received by e-mail at ktrainor@wjinc.com, or by mail to Forest Park Review, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, Ill., 60302.

To run an obituary Please contact Ken Trainor by e-mail: ktrainor@wjinc. com, or fax: 708/524-0447 before Monday at noon. Please include a photo if possible.

Forest Park Review, July 8, 2020

Thank You Moms of Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park & surrounding suburbs!

We have missed you!

GRAND REOPENING! Mickey’s Rib Special

1/2 Slab Dinner $11.99 • Full Slab Dinner $17.99 includes fries or baked potato, coleslaw and garlic bread

Wednesday

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

Every day Special!

Come try our Big Mickey! $2.99

Gyros with fries $7.99

9 Tables for Indoor Dining!

525 N Harlem Ave, Oak Park (708) 848-3333 10:30am - 9pm Daily

15

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Forest Park Review, July 8, 2020

!

S W E N !

H S A FL

Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home

Since 1880 Family Owned & Operated Charles Williams, Owner/Funeral Director 203 S. Marion St. Oak Park 60302 708/383-3191

You can get local news delivered right to your email in-box.

Sign up for FREE at ForestParkReview.com

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

Forest Park Review, July 8, 2020

FORESTPARKREVIEW.COM New local ads this week

YOUR WEEKLY AD

REACHES SIX SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES: OAK PARK, RIVER FOREST, FOREST PARK, BROOKFIELD, RIVERSIDE, NORTH RIVERSIDE, AND PARTS OF CHICAGO

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Please Check Your Ad: The publisher will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion.

Wednesday Journal Classified must be notified before the second insertion.

The newspaper reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement.

Place your ad online anytime at: www.ForestParkReview.com/ClassiďŹ ed/

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

River Forest Public Schools District 90 Student Support Services - Vacancies for the 2020-2021 School Year 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.

District 90 is seeking qualified and experienced student support educators for the following positions: • Special Education Support Teacher (Willard Elementary School) • Special Education Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Coordinator (All D90 Schools) • Speech and Language Pathologist (Roosevelt Middle School)

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

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

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

River Forest D90 has an opening for a 2nd Grade Teacher for Willard Elementary School.

Qualifications: Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with Elementary Grade School Endorsement. Successful Teaching Experience is preferred. A Master’s Degree is preferred.

Job Duties: The teacher will be responsible for teaching the curriculum and working cooperatively with colleagues including: grade level teammates, the Student Services Team, other faculty and support staff. The teacher will be responsible for building relationships with students, supervising and managing the class, effectively teaching the curriculum to meet the individual needs of students, evaluating individual student’s progress, and communicating progress with children and parents.

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.

HAPPY KIDD’S WEST INC. 6928 W 16th St Berwyn, IL 60513 We are seeking a Director and 2 teachers. Director must be qualiďŹ ed and have Associate’s degree or equivalent. Teachers must be director or teacher qualiďŹ ed. Mon. thru Fri. working with Infants to 6 yrs old. Compensable salary negotiable based on experience.

Call 773-619-5545 or fax resume to 773-728-5437.

BILINGUAL (SPANISH/ENGLISH) CASE MANAGER The Proviso Public Partnership,nfp is looking for a Bilingual (Spanish-English) Case Manager. Duties and qualiďŹ cations include: • Ability to complete screenings via phone and telehealth • Part-time position - 20 hours/ week- $15-$20 per hour based on experience • Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology or other related ďŹ eld • Computer Literacy For more details about the job, please email admin@pppnfp.org

SUBURBAN RENTALS

HELP WANTED

CITY RENTALS UNFURNISHED APT 4BR 2BA 4 BR, 2 BA w/ front room, living room, den and encl. porch. Storage closet. Close to transportation.

Tenant pays util. 1 mo. security required. Near school. Call 773-2970109 and leave message.

ROOMS FOR RENT AUSTIN CLEAN ROOM With fridge, micro.

Nr Oak Park, Super Walmart, Food 4 Less, bus, & Metra. $116/wk and up.

773-637-5957

M&M

property management, inc.

708-386-7355 • www.mmpropmgt.com 649 Madison Street, Oak Park Contact us for a complete list of available rentals throughout Oak Park and Forest Park.

Apartment listings updated daily at:

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

Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

AIR CONDITIONING/ HEATING AIR CONDITIONING AND APPLIANCE EXPERT

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.

SUBURBAN RENTALS OAK PARK 1 BR APT 1 BR, LR, DR, KITCHEN, encl. back entry/porch. Laundry, heat incl.

Storage avail. Owner occupied 2 at. Quiet residential neighborhood. $1050/mo. Garage pkg $65/mo.

708-383-1512 OAK PARK: ROOSEVELT/ OAK PARK AVE. CORRIDOR 2BR 4RMS close to blue line. On site laundry, parking, heat & water incl. $1200/ month 708-383-9223

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT THERAPY OFFICES FOR RENT Therapy ofďŹ ces for rent in north Oak Park. Rehabbed building. Nicely furnished. Flexible leasing. Free parking. Free wiďŹ ; Secure building; Friendly colleagues providing referrals. Shared waiting room; optional Conference. Call or email with questions. Shown on Sundays.

Lee 708.383.0729 drlmadden@ameritech.net

GARAGE SALES BrookďŹ eld

GARAGE SALE 4624 DUBOIS FRI 7/10 9AM TO 4PM SAT 7/11 9AM TO 3PM

Men’s clothes, sizes XL to XXL. Women’s clothes, size M. Miscellaneous. Rain or Shine.

GARAGE SALES Oak Park

MOVING FROM HOUSE TO APT 1185 S. HUMPHREY FRI 7/10 & SAT 7/11 9AM TO 1PM ONLY

Lawn furniture, Yard equipment, Ladders, odds and ends left over from home repair... wearing a mask is required....social distancing is encouraged.....hand sanitizer will be available for your use.

ITEMS FOR SALE BUMPER POOL TABLE $29.00 708-488-8755 LENOX CHINA 5 piece place settings Lenox china, Tuxedo pattern IRISH CARDIGAN Men’s size large.

WATERFORD GLASSES Colleen pattern, 2 water goblets, 2 wine glasses, 5 double old-fashioned glasses 708-386-6160 LYON & HEALY MUSIC CABINET Doors slide vertically. LP and music storage. Black.

708-488-8755

ITEMS TO BE GIVEN AWAY HOSPITAL BED We will deliver.

708-485-0929

Find the best employees with Wednesday Classified! Call 708-613-3342.

Air Conditioning Automotive A/C Refrigerators Ranges • Ovens Washer • Dryers Hot Water Heaters Rodding Sewers

CEMENT Residential Commercial Industrial Licensed Bonded Insured Free Estimates ¡ Veteran Owned

Drives Walks Patios Stamped Concrete Curbs/Gutters Garage Floors Foundations Parking Lots Water Control

devegaconcrete.com ¡ 708-945-9001

ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed

We install plugs for battery-operated vehicles We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs We install Surge Protectors • Home Re-wiring • New Plugs & Switches Added • New circuit breaker boxes • Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp • Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential • Commercial • Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. • Bonded • Ins. • Low Rates • Free Est.

708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848 Sr. Discounts • 30 Yrs. Exp. Servicing Oak Park • All surrounding suburbs • Chicago area

Lic/Bonded 25 yrs experience

FREE SERVICE CALL WITH REPAIR AND SENIOR/VETERAN DISCOUNT.

708-785-2619 or 773-585-5000 Attention!

Home improvement pros!

Don’t be caught short‌ reach the people making the decisions‌ Advertise your home improvement business in Wednesday Classified.

Call 708/613-3342

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Installing Ceiling Fans Rewiring Old Houses Service Upgrades

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FLOORS

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708.442.7720 '5,9(:$<6 Â&#x2021; )281'$7,216 Â&#x2021; 3$7,26 67(36 Â&#x2021; &85% *877(56 Â&#x2021; 6,'(:$/.6 612: 3/2:,1* Â&#x2021; 67$03(' &2/25(' $**5(*$7( &21&5(7( FREE ESTIMATES LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

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KLIS FLOORING INC.

New hardwood ďŹ&#x201A;ooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-ďŹ nishing, staining. Low prices, insured.

Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com

HANDYMAN CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE Drywall Repair â&#x20AC;˘ Painting Fans Installed â&#x20AC;˘ Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning â&#x20AC;˘ Window Repair

FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small

708-488-9411

Mikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home Repair Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Do

708-296-2060

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Forest Park Review, July 8, 2020

HANDYMAN

HANDYMAN Roofing Repairs Concrete Repairs • Drywall All types of handiwork Call For Free Estimates

773-637-0692 Ask for John

HAULING BASEMENT CLEANING

Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery. 708-848-9404

LANDSCAPING NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN UP

Evergreen trimming & more.

Hand weed removal.

Clean-ups.

Call 24 hrs.

708-447-1762

PAINTING & DECORATING CLASSIC PAINTING Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair Low Cost

708.749.0011

PLASTERING McNulty Plastering & Stucco Co.

Small & big work. Free estimates.

Complete Plaster, Stucco & Re-Coating Services

708/386-2951 • ANYTIME Work Guaranteed

Licensed, Bonded, Insured, & EPA Certified Expert craftsmanship for over 50 years

ROOFING

FORESTPARKREVIEW.COM

PUBLIC NOTICES

INVITATION FOR BID Sealed proposals will be received

by The Oak Park Housing Authority at 21 South Boulevard, Oak Park, IL, 60302 until 2:00 p. m. local time on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at which time they will be opened and read. The sealed bids will be received for the following project: Mills Park Tower Re-roofing. Tear off existing low slope roofing materials to structural deck, provide new insulation and roofing, provide new flashing with termination bar, and sealant.

Drawings and Project Manual are available at no cost in PDF electronic format from Heitzman Architects, 111 North Marion Street, Oak Park, IL 60301, telephone (708) 267-1352, email frank@heitzman.org, or printed drawings and Project Manual may be obtained at the direct cost of reproduction from Imperial Reprographics and Supply, 823 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois 60304, telephone (708) 848-1030.

Bidders are encouraged to attend the pre bid meeting on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. on the first floor of Mills Park Tower, 1025 Pleasant Place, Oak Park, IL 60302. Bidders having questions or needing further information may call Ken Southward at (708) 3869322, extension 134.

Bid Security: Each bid must be accompanied by a bid bond in the amount of 5% of the base bid or a certified check in the same amount payable to the Oak Park Housing Authority. Checks of unsuccessful bidders will be returned as soon as practicable after the opening of the bids.

319 Chicago Avenue Reroofing and Tuckpointing, Oak Park, Illinois.

773-637-0692

Each bidder is required to comply with Equal Employment Opportunity for Community Development

PUBLIC NOTICE OAK PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT 97 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING JULY 14, 2020 AT 7:00PM The Board of Education of Oak Park Elementary School District 97 will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at 7:00pm. The purpose of said hearing will be: To receive public comment on a proposed waiver application to allow District 97 to limit physical education with a licensed physical education teacher to 60 minutes per week for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

MEETING WILL BE HELD VIRTUALLY In order to protect the health and safety of our board of education, staff, and community members, District 97 has decided to hold its July 14 board meeting virtually, using Zoom. The public may join this meeting using the following dial-in information: Meeting ID: 850 5951 2353 Password: 633498 Published in Wednesday Journal 07/08/2020

The Oak Park Housing Authority reserves the right to award the contract to its best interests, to reject any or all proposals, to waive informalities in bidding, and to hold the three lowest proposals for a period of sixty (60) days after bid due date.

This project is subject to Federal Regulations including Fair Labor and Prevailing Wages. The Oak Park Housing Authority, in an effort to reaffirm its policy of non-discrimination, encourages the efforts of Contractors and Sub-Contractors to take affirmative action in providing for Equal Employment Opportunity without regard to race, religion, creed, color, sex, national origin, age, protected Veteran status or handicap unrelated to ability to perform the job. The Owner encourages General Contractors to employ minority subcontractors and suppliers.

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, required distancing and masks will be required.

Ken Southward Director of Housing Director (708) 386-9322

INVITATION FOR BID Sealed proposals will be received

by Oak-Leyden Developmental Services, 411 Chicago Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 until 2:00 p. m. local time on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at which time they will be opened and read. The sealed bids will be received for the following project:

Prospective bidders must obtain bid documents, which will be available from Heitzman Architects, 111 North Marion Street, Oak Park, IL 60301 telephone (708) 848-8844, or Imperial Reprographics and Supply, 823 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60304, telephone (708) 848-1030.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Performance Bond: The Contractor, before commencing the work, shall furnish a Performance Bond for contracts over $100,000.00.

The Performance Bond shall be in an amount equal to 100% of the full amount of the Contract Sum as security for the faithful performance of the obligations of the Contract Documents. Such Bond shall be issued by a Surety satisfactory to the Owner and shall name the Owner as primary Co-Obligee.

Published in Wednesday Journal July 8, 2020

MIDWEST ROOFING All types of roofing repairs Commercial - Residential Call for free estimate

PUBLIC NOTICES

Block Grants and all other applicable federal regulations, copies of which are available for inspection at the Owner’s office.

Bidders are urged, but not required, to attend a pre-bid meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, July 13, 2020 at 319 Chicago Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois to familiarize themselves with the project.

Bids must be submitted on the form provided in the bid documents and in a sealed envelope, clearly marked with job being bid.

Oak-Leyden Developmental Services reserves the right to award the contract in its best interest, to reject any or all proposals, to waive informalities in bidding, and to hold the three lowest proposals for a period of sixty (60) days after bid due date.

Steve Pratapas, Interim CEO Oak-Leyden Developmental Services

Published in Wednesday Journal July 8, 2020

INVITATION FOR BID Sealed proposals will be received by the Maywood Fine Arts Association, 25 North Fifth Avenue, Maywood, Illinois, 60153 until 2:00 p. m. local time on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at which time they will be opened and read. The sealed bids will be received for the following project: Maywood Fine Arts Exterior Remodeling, 25 North Fifth Avenue, Maywood, Illinois.

Prospective bidders must obtain bid documents, which will be available at Heitzman Architects, 111 North Marion Street, Oak Park, IL 60301 telephone (708) 848-8844, or Imperial Reprographics and Supply, 823 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60304, telephone (708) 848-1030.

Each bidder is required to comply with Equal Employment Opportunity for Community Development Block Grants and all other appli-

cable federal regulations, copies of which are available for inspection at the Owner’s office.

Bidders are urged, but not required, to attend a pre-bid meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at 25 North Fifth Avenue, Maywood, Illinois to familiarize themselves with the project.

Bids must be submitted on the form provided in the bid documents and in a sealed envelope, clearly marked with job being bid.

The Maywood Fine Arts Association reserves the right to award the contract in its best interests, to reject any or all proposals, to waive informalities in bidding, and to hold the three lowest proposals for a period of sixty (60) days after bid due date.

Katherine Bus, Managing Director Maywood Fine Arts Association (708) 220-1070

Published in Wednesday Journal July 8, 2020

  

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE You are invited to attend a virtual Teams meeting to be conducted by a District 209 representative on Friday, July 10, 2020, from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss how students with disabilities who attend Walther Christian Academy or who are home-schooled within the district will be served by District 209 during the 2019-20 school year. In accordance with the requirements of the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, public school districts are required to spend a portion of their Federal Part B special education funds in order to provide identified students with disabilities who attend private schools with the opportunity to equitably participate in special education services offered by the district. As part of that process, we must conduct a public meeting in order to discuss our plans to fulfill that responsibility for the coming school year. In addition, we want to ensure that your voices are heard during this process through your attending the meeting and sharing your opinions and feedback. Finally, we wish to also share information about how students with suspected disabilities can access the process offered by the district to screen and evaluate for those suspected disabling conditions. If you will be attending the meeting, please contact Vanessa Schmitt, Director of Specialized Services at (708) 3385919 to receive log-on information.

PUBLIC NOTICE Attention Mathew Rivera, you are the last indicated owner or lienholder on file with Illinois Secretary Of State. Our records show, your 1986, Honda, VT700C with the following VIN JH2RC1911GM201755 was towed to our facility. The current amount due & owing is $1965.00.

If payment is not received within 30 days, Nobs Towing Inc. will intent to enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3. Sale of the aforementioned vehicle will take place at 1510 Hannah, Forest Park, IL, 60130 on 8/10/2020.

Published in Forest Park Review 7/08/2020

PUBLIC NOTICE You are invited to attend a virtual Teams meeting to be conducted by a District 209 representative on Friday, July 17, 2020, from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss how students with disabilities who attend St. Joseph High School or who are home-schooled within the district will be served by District 209 during the 2019-20 school year. In accordance with the requirements of the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, public school districts are required to spend a portion of their Federal Part B special education funds in order to provide identified students with disabilities who attend private schools with the opportunity to equitably participate in special education services offered by the district. As part of that process, we must conduct a public meeting in order to discuss our plans to fulfill that responsibility for the coming school year. In addition, we want to ensure that your voices are heard during this process through your attending the meeting and sharing your opinions and feedback. Finally, we wish to also share information about how students with suspected disabilities can access the process offered by the district to screen and evaluate for those suspected disabling conditions. If you will be attending the meeting, please contact Vanessa Schmitt, Director of Specialized Services at (708) 3385919 to receive log-on information.

Published in Forest Park Review 7/08/2020

PUBLIC NOTICE Attention Leopoldo Villalobos, you are the last indicated owner or lienholder on file with Illinois Secretary Of State. Our records show, your 2003, TOYOTA, CAMRY with the following VIN 4T1BF30K03U040744 was towed to our facility. The current amount due & owing is $1965.00. If payment is not received within 30 days, Nobs Towing Inc. will intent to enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3. Sale of the aforementioned vehicle will take place at 1510 Hannah, Forest Park, IL, 60130 on 8/10/2020.

Published in Forest Park Review 07/08/2020

Published in Forest Park Review 07/08/2020

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING Plaintiff, -v.JUANITA J. EDWARDS Defendants 2018 CH 05854 301 48TH AVENUE BELLWOOD, IL 60104 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 3, 2020, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on August 6, 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 301 48TH AVENUE, BELLWOOD, IL 60104 Property Index No. 15-08-229-0010000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

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

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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(g-1).

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.

For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 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.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-17-05268 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2018 CH 05854 TJSC#: 40-1864 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 # 2018 CH 05854 I3152386

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(g-1).

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.

For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 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.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-18-05254 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 18 CH 06920 TJSC#: 40-1612 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 # 18 CH 06920 I3152553

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS SUCCESSOR TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR RESIDENTIAL ASSET MORTGAGE PRODUCTS, INC., MORTGAGE ASSET-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-RZ2 Plaintiff, -v.JINKY G. BARREDO A/K/A JINKY BARREDO, ALBERTO VELASCO Defendants 18 CH 06920 1441 SOUTH WOLF ROAD HILLSIDE, IL 60162 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 17, 2020, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on August 3, 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 1441 SOUTH WOLF ROAD, HILLSIDE, IL 60162 Property Index No. 15-20-112-0450000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

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

Starting a New Business?

Call the Experts! Publish your Assumed-Name Legal Notice in Wednesday Classified. Call for details: 708/613-3342

P

Forest Park Review, July 8, 2020

INC., REALTOR

19

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

611 CIRCLE AVENUE, FOREST PARK. LIST PRICE $479,000 THIS TRUE BRICK AMERICAN 4 SQUARE has been well loved over the years. After walking across the expansive front porch you walk into an updated beauty. To the left is the home's original parlor area. Across the hall, behind the oak handrail with iron spindles, is the formal dining room. The dining room opens up to an eating area/kitchen combination. High end cabinetry in both eating area and open kitchen provides ample storage. All stainless steel appliances stay. In the rear of the house is a huge family room and a full bathroom, one of three full baths! Upstairs you will find two graciously sized bedrooms, master suite, and two full bathrooms. The bedroom in the front of the house has an additional tandem space opened up to the bedroom area that ties in either as a study or room for an additional bed. This bedroom alone has room for three twin beds. The second bedroom itself is either a kids dream room or another room large enough for two beds. Across the hall is the second full bathroom. In the rear of the house is an enormous master with en suite bathroom. The master has a tandem room which was used as a nursery or could easily be converted into a marvelous walk in closet! The basement is unfinished and awaiting someone's finishing touches.

935 Elgin Avenue, Forest Park.

List Price $489,000 This is a money maker! This early 1970s brick four flat houses two one bedroom apartments on the top floor, a large three bedroom two bath apartment on the first floor, and a large two bedroom two bathroom apartment in the lower level. Tandem parking for 8 cars.

Meticulously maintained by the current owner for several decades.

The numbers work! This one really won't last long.

1117 Marengo Avenue, Forest Park List Price $263,500 What a great opportunity to get into Forest Park at an affordable price! This home offers four total bedrooms, two on the second floor and two on the first floor. The home is in perfect condition!

Living room, dining room, and eat in kitchen, plus a finished basement. Huge deck off the back of the house and a very large two car garage!

OPRF Alliance Soccer

337 Marengo Avenue, Forest Park List Price $275,000 Fantastic location alert!! Just a stones throw from Madison Street shopping, restaurants, and night life makes this a very desirable piece of real estate! This is two flat is ready for some love and attention. Just stuck in time is all. Or a fantastic de-conversion to single family! So bring your decorating ideas, and be prepared to fall in love!

Need a helping of

Tryouts for 2020-2021 Playing Year

July 11 & July 18

Call Jill at (708) 524-8300 or visit ForestParkReview.com/subscribe Go To: OPRFAllianceSoccer.com for information on our upcoming season and tryouts

OPRF Alliance is a competitive, travelling soccer club focused on building soccer skills, leadership skills, and confidence.

OPRF Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, a registered non-profit with the state of Illinois, and a member in US Club Soccer, IYSA, YSSL, and IWSL.

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Forest Park Review, July 8, 2020

Kindergarten Screenings District 91 will be holding the 2020-2021 Kindergarten screenings by appointment only at Betsy Ross and Garfield schools on Tuesday, August 11 and Wednesday, August 12, 2020. You must register online before scheduling an appointment.

To make an appointment, families will need to email their school’s secretary with the child’s name, parent/guardian name, address, phone number and the child’s date-of-birth. Do not contact school secretaries before August 3rd since no one will be in the offices prior to that date. Secretaries will call families to set up appointments beginning Monday, August 3, 2020.

Families living south of I-290 go to Betsy Ross

- Patty Marino at pmarino@fpsd91.org or call 708-366-7498

Families living north of I-290 go to Garfield

- Diane Rice at drice@fpsd91.org or call 708-366-6945

Forest Park Preschool

District 91 is no longer accepting new student registrations for Preschool for the 2020-2021 school year. However, if your child is returning to Preschool, you need to register online. You will receive a mailing with online registration instructions and a code to access the Illuminate Home Connection parent portal to complete your online registration.

If you have questions, please contact the Forest Park Preschool secretary, Diane Rice, after August 3, 2020, at drice @fpsd91.org or call 708-366-6945.