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ForestParkReview.com Vol. 105, No. XX
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REVIEW JULY 27, 2022
New slate announces candidates for D209 board
Proviso 209 United to run Jenny Barbahen, Sandra Hixon and David Ocampo in April 2023
‘Little Medical School’ for youth PAGE 5
@FP_Review @ForestParkReview
No sale? Village council balks at buying Army Reserve property Story, page 12
By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
A newly formed political party has announced its slate of candidates to run in next year’s Proviso Township High School District 209 school board elections. Proviso 209 United, an extension of the grassroots group Proviso 209 Cooperative, revealed the three candidates they’ve chosen to run in the April 2023 election in a statement released July 22. The three candidates include D209 parent Jenny Barbahen, Sandra Hixon and David Ocampo. Barbahen, a Proviso East parent who lives in Forest Park, co-founded Proviso 209 Cooperative along with D209 parent Kathleen Franzwa. The organization formed from a closed Facebook group that the two established last October, when Rod-
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
See D209 BOARD on page 10
IN Big Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 THIS ISSUE Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
John Rice: Tom Holmes: Getting your name right Manure and tomatoes – on the fourth try an allegory PAGE 14
PAGE 13
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Forest Park Review, July 27, 2022
Forest Park Review, July 27, 2022
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Sixth-grader’s dog park fundraiser reaches its goal New play equipment expected to be unveiled in late spring of 2023 By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter
Sixth grader Juliet Harrington’s fundraiser for new dog park equipment for the village-owned dog park at 632 Circle Ave. reached its $5,000 goal over a month before it was scheduled to end. Commissioner of Public Property Jessica Voogd, whose duties include oversight of the village-operated parks, announced that during the July 21 virtual meeting of the Forest Park Recreation Board. Over the next few weeks, the village is fine-tuning the details with Harrington and her mother, Allison Harrington. Public Works Director Sal Stella said that, between supply chain issues and weather conditions, the village does not expect to start installing the new equipment until next spring, with the goal of having the ribbon-cutting in either late spring or early summer of 2023. While the village turned over management of most of its pocket parks to the Park District of Forest Park in 2020, it’s still responsible for the dog park and Veterans Park, 631 Circle Ave.
The fundraiser kicked off this spring. As Allison Harrington previously told the Review, after her daughter lost a class president election, “she decided that she really wanted to do something to make a difference in the community” and she wanted it to be “a change that she could see.” Juliet Harrington told the Review this week that she appreciated her mom’s support and that she was glad that she was able to make an impact. “I hope that it shows that it doesn’t matter about your age, anybody can make a difference,” she said. “I hope to [see] people take more care of the dog park. I really hope people enjoy driving past the dog park and for those who donated know that you helped.” Previously Allison Harrington said, “We drive by the dog park daily, and it would really bother [Juliet] that it was such a ‘boring mud bucket,’ so she decided to make the dog park her project. She did research on dog equipment to identify what she thought would be the easiest items to maintain, things that the most types of dogs could use and a realistic cost that she could raise.” The village agreed to not only set up a dedicated fundraiser link on its billing
website but run all of the dog park equipment choices by the Harringtons. The fundraiser was officially announced during the April 25 village council meeting. The village advertised the fundraiser in its newsletter, and the clipping of the Review’s original article about the fundraiser was posted on the bulletin board in front of the village hall until July. During the July 21 meeting, Voogd said that, while they initially planned to keep the fundraising link up until early September, that proved to be unnecessary. “Right now, everything is looking great,” she said. “We’re on track to finalizing [the dog park] equipment, and we’d need to figure out our timeline.”
D209 Supt. Henderson gets letter demanding payment of bills from his old job
[According to reporting by CBS 2 Chicago] Proviso District 209 Supt. James Henderson may soon have to pay back bills he incurred while at his old job in Mississippi. On that bill of Proviso Township High School District 209 Supt. Dr. James Henderson’s are a $4,000 party and a $12,000 credit charge. CBS 2’s Marissa Perlman reported last week that Henderson has had a rocky start at Proviso District 209 – and now is now being asked to pay back more than $90,000 to his old district. The Mississippi district says Henderson should not have spent the money in the first place.
An auditor out of Jackson, Mississippi is demanding cash to cover alleged improper spending by Henderson, who came to Proviso Township in August 2020 from Holmes County, Mississippi – one of the poorest parts of that state. The audit from December 2020 says taxpayers in Holmes County, Mississippi footed the bill for the following: An event described as “adults only” and BYOB costing $4,200, an extra $10,000 to his salary; $14,000 in payments made to companies owned by Henderson’s relatives; and a credit card used without authorization onto which $12,000 were charged. The Mississippi state auditor is coming
to collect that cash – calling for Henderson to pay almost $91,000 in mismanaged money. Supt. Henderson was issued a demand letter last week. In a statement issued last week, Henderson said the demands “are nothing more than Mississippi racism in dollar amounts.” Read the full CBS story online at cbsnews.com/chicago/news/proviso-township-district-superintendent-demandletter-bills-incurred-mississippi/. Read Henderson’s full statement at https:// www.smore.com/rp1m0. CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
Rec board member KC Mutchler said she has friends with experience designing dog park layout, and they would be happy to advise the village on the project – something that Voogd and Stella welcomed. Allison Harrington told the Review that, after discussions with Stella, the plans include “tunnel, dog walk, three hoop jump and maybe an additional item.” “I am really proud of Juliet,” she added, “It takes a lot of courage to knock on doors or call people to ask for donations. She told friends and family to make donations instead of sending birthday gifts this year.” Stella said that the earliest they can start putting in the new equipment is next spring – and, given that the ground needs time to thaw after winter, late spring was a reasonable estimate. Board chair Amy Binns-Calvey said she was impressed to see the fundraiser succeed, and with Juliet Harrington’s drive. “It’s so exciting. and we didn’t have to do anything,” she quipped. “Thank you, Jessica and Sal, that’s awesome.”
Fall community clean-up scheduled for Sept. 11 During the same meeting, the Recreation Board agreed to combine the spring clean-up with the fall clean-up, with the combined clean-up scheduled for Sept. 11. The community clean-up was originally scheduled for April 24, but rainy weather led it to be rescheduled for one week later, only for the weather to derail it again. The Rec Board was supposed to discuss an alternate date during its May meeting, but the board failed to make quorum during that meeting and the June meeting, pushing the matter until July 21. Given the circumstances, the board agreed that having a fall clean-up would make the most sense. The members floated several dates, eventually settling on Sept. 11. Binns-Calvey said that doing something good for the community on the anniversary of 9/11 terrorist attacks was fitting. The board members plan to coordinate with the Park District of Forest Park, as well as the Forest Park Public Library, which has its own Earth Ranger Litter Pick-up event for kids scheduled for Sept. 9 at 4 p.m.
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Forest Park Review, July 27, 2022
July 27-August 3
BIG WEEK
Senior Movie: Paris When It Sizzles Wednesday, July 27, 1 - 3 p.m., Forest Park Public Library Free screening of a 1964 movie starring Audrey Hepburn. Hosted by Marie. Space is limited; registration is suggested. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park.
Composting 101 Saturday, July 30, 2 p.m., Forest Park Community Garden If you are curious about turning waste into nutrient-rich compost, Val Kehoe from the Illinois Extension Program is here to tell you how. A 5-gallon bucket of compost, to try at home, will be distributed to the first 10 registrants. This event will be held outdoors in the Forest Park Community Garden. 645 Harlem Ave., Forest Park.
Dennis J. Leise & Tiny Horse/ Two-Step Lesson With Miss Wolff Thursday, July 28, 8:30 p.m., FitzGerald’s This rootsy traditional country artist will be joined by dance instructor Miss Wolff, who will be teaching two-stepping during the first half-hour. 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn.
‘Black Boy, We Need You,’ Reading with Shavondra Walker Saturday, July 30, 11 a.m., Forest Park Public Library This celebration of children will feature many special guests, including author Shavondra Walker, who will be giving away copies of her book Black Boy, We Need You to the first 12 people to register. Designed for age 7 and under. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park.
Listing your event in the calendar Forest Park Review welcomes notices about events that Forest Park community groups and businesses are planning. We’ll work to get the word out if you let us know what’s happening by noon Wednesday a week before your news needs to
be in the newspaper. ■ Send details to Wednesday Journal,
141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, 60302 ■ Email calendar@wjinc.com
James McMurtry/Jonny Burke Thursday, July 28, 8:30 p.m., FitzGerald’s Two legendary songpoets together. At the artists’ request, proof of vaccination is required, or a negative COVID test within 72 hours of the show date (at-home tests are not approved). $35 advance, $39 day of show. 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn.
Forest Park Review, July 27, 2022
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East transformed into ‘Little Medical School’ for youth Students gathered in Proviso East’s social room to simulate the medical experience By SHANEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
About a dozen young people, ages 11 to 14, gathered inside of the Fred Hampton social room at Proviso East High School in Maywood July 23 to get a sense of what it’s like to study medicine. The young participants got real stethoscopes and learned about the human heart, skin, blood, digestion, disease and surgery techniques, among other things. The first “Little Medical School” was free for participants and sponsored by Maywood Safe Summer, a youth summer activities program started by Maywood Trustee Isiah Brandon. Maywood resident Eileen Olivier identified the program and thought it would be a good idea to lure it to Maywood. Little Medical School is a national program that has a Chicago area branch. The program is designed to inspire “young minds by sharing our passion for learning, health and careers in medicine,” according to its website. “Through hands-on activities, role-play,
and interactive demonstrations, children explore the exciting world of healthcare. All programs are written by experienced educators, board-certified physicians and trained healthcare professionals. Our classes are led by trained Little Medical School Instructors.” Olivier said she’s always looking for medical programs for her two sons. She contacted Shaun Willis, the president of Little Medical School-Chicago West, and he agreed to bring the program to East.
SHANEL ROMAIN/Staff Photographer
SHANEL ROMAIN/Staff Photographer
“Trustee Brandon helped us secure a location and funding and Loyola Medicine funded the program, which allowed us to offer it for free to the students,” Olivier said. “These students are so engaged and interested,” she said. “They come up with questions and are interested in science. We want to go into biochemistry and study medical science.” Barbara Cole, the founder of Maywood Youth Mentoring, helped facilitate and promote the two Little Medical School workshops, which were held July 16 and July 23. “We want to involve younger kids going forward,” Cole said. “The children here know so much that I was impressed with the questions that they asked. We want to continue this and hopefully engage even more Loyola support.” Cole said Loyola has agreed to cover the costs, which run about $110 per student. She hopes even more funding flows to the program in the future. Jordyn Parker, 12, said his experience at Little Medical School was fun and that he met many new people. “My favorite thing that I saw under the microscope is probably the cobweb that we
took from the wall, the leaf, and when we saw our fingers,” Parker said. “We’ve been learning about arteries and red and white blood cells. I want to be a doctor for people who have [Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder].” Mary-Grace Murray, a second-year medical student at Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, outlined the students’ lessons. “They’re looking at a bunch of different slides under the microscope, such as blood. They’ve learned the different components of blood, the red and white blood cells, plasma and platelets. And then we also looked at arteries and veins,” she said. “From there, they looked at the difference between the more muscular rigid arteries in the veins. Also we’ve been looking at cardiac and smooth muscles, the cardia of the stomach, small and large intestines, mainly of human samples. They learned all of these concepts in class last week and today they get to see it under the microscope.” After the second workshop finished, the students all received their ceremonial white coats — just like actual medical students.
CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
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Forest Park Review, July 27, 2022
Forest Park projects $1.37M surplus for 2023 fiscal year Village considers using ARPA funds for infrastructure projects By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter
The Village of Forest Park is projected to end the 2023 fiscal year, which began July 1 and will end on June 30, 2023, with a $1.37 million surplus based on the appropriations ordinance approved during the July 25 village council meeting. As a non-Home Rule municipality, Forest Park must file an appropriation ordinance with the Office of Cook County Clerk. The ordinance establishes legal limits on how much the village will be able to spend. It isn’t unusual for Forest Park to end up spending less than the appropriations. This year, Forest Park appropriated $56,624,607, and the village estimates that it will get $57,999,148 in revenue – a figure that includes state and federal grants. Overall, Forest Park appropriated around $2 million more than it did last year – some-
thing that mostly comes from new hires, new grant funding and some delayed infrastructure projects. Most notably, the village is considering using $644,091 in American Recovery Plan Act federal stimulus funds for several village infrastructure projects, police vehicle replacement, $20,000 in business incentive grants and $25,000 in marketing assistance to the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce. The village council will still need to approve the ARPA spending, as well as some grant spending. According to a memo prepared by Forest Park finance director Letitia Olmsted, some of the differences between fund appropriations are due to one-time expenses and certain line items being moved between funds. But some of the differences do reflect planned increased spending. In the general fund, which covers most of the village’s day-to-day expenses, the fire department appropriations have been increased by around $500,000 to account for the possible hiring of three additional firefighters. It also reflects the Fiscal Year 2023 budget calling for spending 14% more on salaries and benefits (an increase of around $1.9 million) to account for expected salary increases that would be included in the fire and police contracts, as well as
salary increases for non-union employees. The finance department appropriations increased by roughly $1.5 million to account for expected higher insurance premiums and the village paying its pension obligations in full. Another notable source of appropriation increases is higher consultant fees to cover zoning code review. The appropriations for the more specialized funds show increases as well. The appropriations for the police vehicle fund, which uses proceeds from court-imposed fines to, as the name suggests, buy new police vehicles, have more than doubled to cover the purchase of two new patrol cars. The appropriation for the Fleet Replacement Capital Asset Fund, which was established last fiscal year to use revenue from the Municipal Motor Fuel Tax to help cover vehicle replacement for other departments, was increased by $66,687 to cover Public Works vehicle purchases. Motor Fuel Tax appropriations are $42,322 higher than last year to account for spending on several street resurfacing projects, most notably Madison Street and Jackson Boulevard improvements. The appropriations for the VIP fund, which uses sales tax revenue to provide additional infrastructure funding, were increased by $349,000.
But perhaps the more notable difference is that this will be the first fiscal year the village will take advantage of the ARPA funding. Aside from business development and marketing assistance, the preliminary proposal calls for spending a total of $135,000 on fire station roof repairs, another $45,000 on replacing roof air-conditioning units, $32,091 to replace the AC unit at Mohr Community Center, $150,000 to replace the community center playground, $25,000 to inspect the conditions of village-owned buildings, $21,000 on village reservoir cleaning and inspection, $176,000 to buy two new police squad cars and one police command vehicle, $30,000 to help cover staff salaries and benefits. The village currently plans to spend the rest of the money over the next two fiscal years. The village council held the required public hearing on the ordinance 15 minutes before the start of the regular meeting. While the hearing was announced a week ahead of time, the text of the appropriation ordinance wasn’t posted until the morning of July 23. No one commented during the hearing, and the village approved the ordinance without discussion.
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Forest Park Review, July 27, 2022
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Tap Room hearing split into two sessions Police officers testify to pattern of rowdy behavior, praise bar security By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter
The long-delayed hearing on the status of the Forest Park Tap Room’s liquor license got underway but didn’t quite finish on July 22. It was continued until July 26, after the Review’s print deadline. Early during the hearing, Tap Room attorney Mark Johnson said he couldn’t get several of his witnesses, including bar coowner Hansel Law, to the hearing. With most of the village’s witnesses and one witness for the Tap Room already there, the two sides agreed to have those witnesses testify and have the other witnesses testify later. Mayor Rory Hoskins, who serves as the Forest Park liquor commissioner, said he didn’t want to drag the matter out for too much longer. During the initial hearing, which lasted about 3.5 hours, Forest Park police officers testified to a pattern of disruptive customer behavior and incidents of customers and co-owners being belligerent toward the police. The village also produced a Berwyn police officer to testify about similar issues at Berwyn Tap Room, 6330 16th St., a bar where the Forest Park Tap Room owners have majority ownership. For their part, Tap Room brought out Robert Harrison, a Western Michigan University marketing professor who is a friend of the owners, who testified that he goes to Forest Park Tap Room once or twice a month and hasn’t seen any of the issues the village described. Forest Park Tap Room, 7321 Madison St., is co-owned by brothers Lance and Hansel Law, who have also co-owned the Berwyn Tap Room since 2019. Since it opened in Forest Park on Oct. 23, 2020, the bar has faced multiple complaints about loud music, fights and violating COVID-19 mitigation limits in place at the time. Those alleged actions resulted in three liquor license suspensions. In August 2021, Hoskins pulled the license after the bar allegedly stayed open past closing, but the Illinois State Liquor Control Commission overturned it on appeal. As the Tap Room liquor license came up for renewal in May, Forest Park Police Chief Kevin Gross filed a complaint asking Hoskins not to renew Tap Room’s liquor
license. The bar remains open as the hearings continue. Gross cited the previous complaints, as well as the brothers allegedly lying to the village on multiple occasions. While the owners said they never had any issues at Berwyn Tap Room, the complaint cited a subsequent Forest Park Review investigation which uncovered numerous police calls and a liquor license suspension in Berwyn to prove otherwise. During the July 22 hearing, village attorney Sharon O’Shea tried to make the case that Forest Park has tried to be helpful, and that the Law brothers haven’t done enough to address the issues. Former village administrator Tim Gillian testified the village expedited the Tap Rom’s liquor license application and offered to work with the owners directly. Detective Lt. Pete Morrissette, who did the background checks on the brothers as part of the liquor license application process, testified that he gave them tips on addressing common issues bar owners face – a standard practice with all applicants. Johnson argued that Forest Park had it in for his clients from the beginning, pointing to an e-mail by health and safety director Steve Glinke expressing reservations
about allowing a bar when the village has been trying to move away from that aspect of businesses on Madison Street. Gillian said that he encouraged the directors to give their honest opinions and noted that the liquor license application was approved anyway. Sgt. Dan Pater, who serves on the midnight shift and was involved in the allegations at the center of the unsuccessful attempt to revoke the license, said he has responded to a number of calls about “patrons at the bar after hours, loud music, noise complaints, things like that.” “Each time, dealing with the Law brothers, the communication has been less than cooperative and pretty argumentative each time,” he said. Pater said that, when he closed the bar where patrons were allegedly drinking after hours, Hansel Law swore at him. In another instance, when he was responding to a noise complaint, Lance Law “came up saying no one talk to me, and go away, and we’re harassing his business.” “He seemed extremely agitated that I was anywhere near their business,” Pater said. Sgt. John Reilly, who also works the midnight shift, recalled a similar confronta-
tion with Lance Law over a separate noise complaint. “Mr. Law accused me of being racist, that I was picking on the bar because of the racial makeup of owners of the bar and we had nothing better than we do,” he said. Reilly testified that, while most of the fights happen outside, in his experience, they tend to start inside. And, in response to Johnson’s questioning, said that crowd size alone couldn’t account for the number of complaints. “Mugsy’s has the most patrons, especially lately. Doc Ryan’s also typically has a large crowd,” Reilly said. “I would say that the majority of calls and complaints are directed at the Forest Park Tap Room.” Both officers testified that the police officers try to be careful about how much presence they have, since customers tend to respond negatively to police, which only escalated volatile situations. Johnson questioned whether either officer had any definitive proof that the fights really did start inside and asked whether either of them have seen anyone at the bar encourage law-breaking. Both officers said they didn’t. Sgt. John Fitzpatrick, who supervises the midnight shift in Berwyn, testified that the Berwyn Tap Room has been cited seven times for serving alcohol after hours, and that they had a total of 107 calls related to the bar, including eight loud noise complaints, 35 reports of fights and disturbances, and five reports of customers with guns. Harrison, the one witness for the Tap Room, said he knew the brothers, and he goes to the Forest Park Tap Room whenever he is in the area, which is once or twice a month on average. Harrison said that, while he has seen “minor infractions,” he didn’t see the type of behavior the police officers described. In response to Johnson’s questions, Harrison said the bar patrons tended to be “people of color, which I think might be the issue here.” “[Forest Park Tap Room is a kind of] place where friends get together, have a few drinks, laugh,” he said. “That’s what I think about when I get there.”
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Forest Park Review, July 27, 2022
Bold move for Butter and Brown Bistro Moving to ‘next level,’ Oak Park breakfast spot relocates to Forest Park By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats Editor
In autumn of 2020, Butter and Brown Bistro opened in the heart of the Lake and Austin business district in Oak Park. Now, the breakfast-focused restaurant is making a bold move to Forest Park. Owners Tiffany and Lanell Brown shuttered the Oak Park location and anticipate reopening in the former home of Taco Tu, 7321W. Madison St., in just a few weeks. The restaurant will continue to serve its menu of southern home-style favorites including shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles and their popular salmon cakes between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. They also plan to make use of the bar in the space by offering fruity cocktails as well as wine and beer. The Browns have been longtime fans of the Madison Street business district and regular customers at the boutiques and restaurants located on the Forest Park throughfare. They envision Butter and Brown fitting in nicely with the array of businesses on the street. They aim to be a family friendly establishment that appeals to those looking for a hearty breakfast, lunch or early dinner. “We loved our humble beginnings,” said Tiffany Brown, co-owner of Butter and Brown Bistro. “We loved the community and being so close to public transit, but the space was just too small.” When their lease came up for renewal the family began exploring options for expansion. They briefly considered opening a second location, but when the family saw the Madison Street space, they seized the opportunity to more than quadruple their seating capacity and expand the size
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
BROWNS’ BREAD-AND-BUTTER: The dining area at Butter and Brown Bistro on Madison Street in downtown Forest Park of their kitchen. The new space takes their seating capacity from 50 to more than 300 and increases their kitchen storage capacity significantly. The restaurant is awaiting final inspections and Chef Terry Brown (no relation) is eager to get cooking in the generously sized kitchen. In the meantime, the ownALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer ers are focused on updating the “dark and gloomy” room. Light now floods into the dining room where the owners have capitalized on the brightness by painting the walls a cheery shade of gold and upgrading the light fixtures throughout the establishment. In the future the Browns hope to install a fireplace in the back of the restaurant to give the place a cozy glow on cold days. As an added draw, Butter and Brown will have a “robot waitress” they have dubbed “Judy” to support their hardworking human staff. The Browns have been pleased with how welcoming Forest Park has been to Butter and Brown Bistro. They look forward to joining the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce and participating in all the local festivities associated with being part of the Madison Street business community. The Browns enjoyed support from residents of Chicago
and Oak Park at their former location and hope their regular customers will make the trek to Forest Park to get the meals they have grown to enjoy. Tiffany Brown is most concerned about the elderly patrons who dined in the Oak Park location as frequently as three times a day who may not have means to travel to their new Madison Street home. “We are sad to leave them, but we are figuring out a way to get our die-hard customers here,” said Brown. “They became like family to us, and we want them to experience the next level of Butter and Brown.” The owners are clear that leaving their first location was an emotional decision but credit the experience with teaching them a lot about the ‘dos and don’ts’ of restaurant ownership. Tiffany Brown is also clear the Oak Park location was tinged with personal sadness for her. In addition to opening at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, her mother, who was a champion of their effort to start the business, died just weeks before they opened. Her son died shortly thereafter adding another somber association with opening Butter and Brown. Time has helped her heal, but it was impossible to separate those losses from their first restaurant home. She is clear her family views the move to Forest Park as a “fresh start” and she is entering this new era of Butter and Brown with an open heart and level head. “This is just a dream space,” said Tiffany Brown, “To have this much freaking space on this strip is a blessing. This street is a family oriented multicultural melting pot and it feels like home to us.”
Forest Park Review, July 27, 2022
Library’s cool approach to a hot issue By TOM HOLMES
Contributing Reporter
Lately the news has featured stories about groups wanting to ban books — usually by or about Black or LGBTQ people — from library shelves or school curricula. The American Library Association (ALA) reported that two of the books most challenged by conservative groups are Gender Queer, an illustrated memoir by Maia Kobabe, which discusses coming out as gender nonconforming, and The Hate U Give, a young adult novel by Angie Thomas about a Black teenager whose friend is shot by a police officer. The Forest Park Public Library (FPPL) owns multiple copies of The Hate U Give in various formats, and FPPL Director Pilar Shaker was happy to explain why our library includes the book in its collection. She and her department heads assembled a few weeks ago and revealed a process that is noncontroversial because it’s based on common sense, in line with federal and state guidelines, and sensitive to local cultural values. She noted that the FPPL follows the guidelines and recommendations of the Illinois State Library and the American Library Association. The ALA, for example, praised The Hate U Give, using language like “outstanding and educationally suitable” in its published review. FPPL’s selectors, as the staff members responsible for purchasing new additions to the library’s collection are called, also pay attention to the community’s demographics and values. Speaking for her department heads as well as herself, Shaker explained, “If a book like The Hate U Give is being requested by our community, is well reviewed, and aligns with our Materials Selection Policy guidelines, we will purchase it.” Evidence that Forest Parkers wanted to have access to the book, said Shaker, is
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that, to date, it has been checked out over a hundred times. Selectors are also very aware of the raKen Van |Santen | Realtor Ken VanVan Santen Realtor Ken Santen | Realtor cial/ethnic composition of village they 708.975.0210 1640 N 76th Ave 708.975.0210 708.975.0210 1640 N 76th Ave serve. The 2020 Census, for example, 1640 ken.vansanten@bairdwarner.com N 76th Ave ken.vansanten@bairdwarner.com Elmwood Park ken.vansanten@bairdwarner.com Elmwood Park www.kenvansanten.bairdwarner.com showed that African Americans comprise Elmwood Park www.kenvansanten.bairdwarner.com 3 Bed | 1.1 Bath | $380,000 www.kenvansanten.bairdwarner.com - Multi-Family - Commercial 3 Bed 1.1 Bath | $380,000 27.6% of the village’s population, but more 3 Bed ResidentialResidential - Multi-Family - Commercial | 1.1| Bath | $380,000 Residential - Multi-Family - Commercial significantly District 91 reported that 51.4% of its student population identifies as Black. The Hate U Give was written for Your Hometown Podiatrist for 30 Years the age group found in Forest Park Middle CONSERVATIVE MEDICAL & School. SURGICAL TREATMENT OF: The library’s rationale for purchasing Orthopedic, Geriatric and The Hate U Give? “It is a well-reviewed, Pediatric Foot Problems award-winning book that provides readers Diabetic and Vascular Foot with an underrepDisorders resented perspecPainful Bunions tive,” Shaker said. Board Certified ABPOPPM and Hammertoes “In other words, Medicare & most Insurance Accepted Skin and Nail Disorders and it was purchased Infections for our library House Calls Accepted because our com- DR. LORI LIPKIN Heel and Arch Pain Weekend and Evening Hours munity wanted 7503 W. Madison, Forest Park 708/366-3770 it and because it adds depth to our ASSISTED LIVING • SHELTERED CARE • MEMORY CARE • SKILLED NURSING collection in a ASSISTED LIVING • SHELTERED CARE • MEMORY CARE • SKILLED NURSING way that is representative of our Now safely moving Now safely moving community. Furnew residents our ther, because that title performed so well new residents totoour Nowsmall, safely moving wooded campus. with our patrons, we will purchase similar small, woodedtocampus. new residents our titles to add to the collection.” small, wooded campus. The same is true for books by and about the LGBTQ community. According to data recorded in 2013, Forest Park ranked number two in the state of Illinois in the percentage of population that is part of a same-sex couple — 13.26/1000. Recognizing Choosing a community you Choosing a community you that significant population, the FPPL has a can trust never been can trust has has never been more copy of Gender Queer located in the Young more difficult. important. Adult Graphic Novel section and available Choosing a community you Our community has an digitally as well. can has never been Ourtrust community has an impeccable record of safety The FPPL also pays attention to what more difficult. impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis might be referred to as “emerging” populaduring and andthe weCOVID-19 will stop at crisis nothing Our community has an to make tion groups. Hispanics make up 12.9% of we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues. impeccable record of safety our neighbors in town, and the library has sure it continues. taken strides to serve that cohort. Right during the COVID-19 crisis We would be honored for your now the library has 764 Spanish Language family to be part of and we will stop at nothing Immediate availability in our We would be honoredours. for your Children’s books, 99 Spanish Language to maketosure it continues. Memory Care Assisted Living Small House family be part of ours. Adult books (part of a brand new pilot colWe would be honored for your lection), and 13 Spanish Language Young 99% OUR CALEDONIA Adult Books. family to OF be part of ours. STAFF IS VACCINATED Shaker said, “[Books] can also give folks
Forest Foot Care
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Forest Park Review, July 27, 2022
D209 BOARD
Candidates for 2023 from page 1 ney Alexander, then the D209 school board president, decided not to live-stream and record that night’s school board meeting. Franzwa and Barbahen announced in March that they would form a political action committee in order to seek candidates to run in next year’s election. They said the main reason they were prompted to jump into the political arena was complaints surrounding the job performance of Supt. James Henderson and the decisions of the current board majority. “Proviso 209 United was founded in May 2022 to address multiple issues with the current board and superintendent, including lack of a safe environment for students and teachers, and failure to transparently share information with the public,” Proviso 209 United’s statement read. In the July 22 statement, the organization said the three candidates, all of whom live in Proviso, were “chosen after an extensive interview process and will bring their pas-
sion for the district and its students to the board.” Barbahen was co-chair of the Proviso East Action Team for Partnerships under former Proviso East Principal Dr. Patrick Hardy. Hixon, a Maywood native and graduate of Proviso East, lives in Westchester and worked as a substitute teacher at Proviso West last school year. She also served on the Bellwood District 88 school board for four years. Ocampo, who also lives in Westchester, is a data engineer with a global manufacturing company who would bring “his expertise in analyzing logistics and financial data to the D209 board to ensure fiscal responsibility is a district priority,” according to Proviso 209 United’s statement. The three Proviso 209 United candidates are running for the three seats that will be open due to the expiring terms of incumbent board members Claudia Medina, Theresa Kelly and Ned Wagner. Medina, Kelly and Wagner all ran on the Proviso Together slate, which officially disbanded earlier this year as tensions between board members intensified.
CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
MICHAEL ROMAIN/Staff Reporter
David Ocampo, Sandra Hixon and Jenny Barbahen.
Forest Park Review, July 27, 2022
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Death threats allegedly follow argument
An employee of the United States Postal Service bulk mail sorting facility at 7500 Roosevelt Road allegedly made death threats against his supervisor and the facility in general. On July 14, an employee and his supervisor reportedly got into an argument after the supervisor told the employee to move. The employee refused, and the supervisor suspended him. A short time later, the employee reportedly talked to his union representatives and made various threatening comments, saying, “I’ll go to war. They have their family and kids to go home to, I don’t have anything. I have my guns loaded and ready to go. I’ll either go to jail or my grave.” While the police report redacts all information about the employee’s place of residence, it does mention that Romeoville police and two postal inspectors interviewed him in his home, and he admitted to making those comments in a moment of frustration. The Romeoville police reportedly attempted to seek charges, but the Office of Will County State’s Attorney declined to approve them. Trying to pursue charges on the federal level didn’t get any results, either. Following that, on July 18, one of the postal inspectors reached out to the Forest Park Police Department, stating that he wanted to
see if the local police department would be able to take any action. The responding officer stated that, while he would file a report, he wasn’t sure they would have jurisdiction given that the facility sits on the federal land. The postal inspector told the officer that USPS will be seeking the employee’s termination in response to the incident.
Attempted carjacking A man attempted to hijack a car inside the Crystal Car Wash, 901 S. Harlem Ave. On July 22, at around 4:17 p.m., the victim left the doors open after vacuuming his car. As he returned the vacuum to the station, he heard a noise coming from the car and saw the door closed and a man in the driver’s seat. The victim opened the door and pulled the suspect out of the vehicle. He then saw another man standing by the car door. As the victim backed away, the two men followed him, demanding his car keys. The victim yelled for help, and the suspects fled west on Lexington Street.
Vehicle burglary A white 2015 Infiniti sedan parked on the 7200 block of Madison Street was burglarized overnight, after two alleged previous
attempts failed. When the victim returned to her vehicle on July 20 at 9:30 a.m., the door was open, and the contents of the car were tossed across the pavement. She said that, to the best of her knowledge, nothing was taken. The victim said that she believed she forgot to lock the door the day before. The victim said there have been two previous instances when someone tried to reprogram her car in order to break in, but they were unsuccessful. Both alleged incidents happened overnight. The midnight shift has been alerted to the incidents.
Retail Thefts Last week saw three instances of three different individuals shoplifting from the Forest Park Walmart location, 1300 Desplaines Ave. On July 19, at 1:39 p.m., the store surveillance camera recorded a 60-year-old Chicago man putting items in his backpack. The officer responding to the call caught him in the store vestibule. The man was arrested and charged with one count of retail theft. On July 20, at 1:40 p.m., a 41-year-old Chicago man was caught on the surveillance cam-
era hiding items in his backpack and trying to take a shopping cart with items out of the store without paying for them. The Walmart loss prevention employee tried to stop the man, but he refused. The officer spotted the man matching the suspect across the street from the Dollar Tree location at 7709 Roosevelt Rd. The stolen items were found in his backpack. On July 22 at 9:37 a.m., a 38-year-old man from De Soto, Ill. was recorded leaving the store with medication without paying for it. He rode away on a Divvy bike, heading north on Desplaines Avenue. The officers caught up with him at the Harrison Avenue intersection, and he admitted to tossing the medication in the bushes. All three men were charged with retail theft.
These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Forest Park Police Department, July 18-25, 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 Igor Studenkov
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Forest Park Review, July 27, 2022
Deadlocked council passes on Army Reserve site Tight deadlines, tight finances lead to no action on Roosevelt Road site By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter
When asked what he would’ve preferred, Hoskins demurred. “My preference really doesn’t matter, because we ended up deciding not to move forward,” he said. Hoskins said Forest Park found out about the base closure only in June. The original deadline for RPX proposals was July 16, but the village was able to negotiate an exten-
Roosevelt Road Armed Forces Reserve Center
Forest Park Plaza Shopping Center
Han nah Ave
The U.S. Army Reserve is looking to unload the Forest Park U.S. Armed Forces Reserve Center, 7402 Roosevelt Rd. – but the village seemingly won’t be buying it. The Army Reserve is looking to dispose of the property through its Real Property Exchange (RPX) program, where a municipality or a private developer receives the property in exchange for covering the cost of improvements on another, still-active military property. In this case, the army asked interested bidders to submit proposals for improving water drainage at its base in north suburban Fort Sheridan. Bidders had to submit proposals by Aug. 1. During its July 25 meeting, the village council was asked to vote on whether Forest Park should submit a proposal. But Commissioners Joe Byrnes and
a group of U.S. Navy buildings built in the 1940s. Over the next few decades, the Navy relinquished control of more and more buildings, leaving the current Reserve Center in 2007. Other government entities got the first dibs on the property, and U.S. Army snapped it up. But the possibility of the property going into private hands got thenMayor Anthony Calderone thinking about
USPS Distribution Center
what would happen if the Army Reserves ever left the property. A 2012 study commissioned by the village ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer suggested several development options for the site including a car dealMaria Maxham balked, arguing that the ership, a mixed-use development and sevvillage simply can’t afford to do the Fort eral variations of a commercial plaza and Sheridan improvements, let alone miti- hotel concept. Notably, none of the concepts gate the many environmental h a z - called for preserving the existing building. ards the Forest Park reserve center likely The presentation included Monday in the comes with. Mayor Rory Hoskins and Com- council meeting packet stated the village missioner Jessica Voogd argued that this was planning to rehab the existing reserve represented a unique opportunity for the center building into a new municipal buildvillage, and that the Hannah/Roosevelt ing that would bring all village services Tax Increment Financing district, as well under one roof. It also mentioned potential as state and federal funding, could be used “commercial and retail opportunities.” But to take care of the environmental clean-up. in a follow-up interview, Hoskins insisted With Commissioner Ryan Nero absent, the this was just one of the possible options for council deadlocked and the motion failed. the site, and that it would’ve been up to the The reserve center was originally part of council to decide on the final concept.
sion to Aug. 1, with an understanding that no further extensions would be offered. Hoskins said that, to the best of his knowledge, only one other applicant – a private developer – expressed interest, but he was under the impression that it didn’t follow through. The packet documents don’t specify how much the village was prepared to pay toward Fort Sheridan improvements, and Hoskins declined to share the figures, citing the fact this was something the council discussed during a July 11 closed session. But he said the village believed that the actual costs were 20% of what the Army Reserve estimated. The Hannah/Roosevelt TIF, which had over $3.67 million as of the end of 2021, is currently scheduled to expire in 2025, but Hoskins said he would have lobbied the Illinois General Assembly for an extension, so the village could pay off the costs over an extended period of time. Hoskins also
said the village was talking with the Illinois Finance Authority, a state lender, about getting funding, but the discussions didn’t get far enough along to settle on any specifics. During the July 25 meeting, Hoskins emphasized that simply submitting a proposal wouldn’t obligate the village to follow though, and that Forest Park would have plenty of time to do its due diligence and bring down costs before signing a deal. Byrnes said he was worried about the environmental clean-up costs, quoting an engineering estimate suggesting that asbestos remediation alone could cost anywhere between $533,000 and $1.6 million. Byrnes also noted that Forest Park’s credit rating dropped last year, which hurt its ability to borrow money. “It’s the lowest it’s been since the last 1520 years,” Byrnes said. “We’re not getting an increase of our bond rating, so I don’t know where we’re going to go for that money. We’re going to be putting us in the hole that’s deeper than we are in right now.” Maxham said she was worried that costs could quickly spiral out of control, especially given that Forest Park didn’t have time to do a proper appraisal and has no reserves to fall back on. “How much do we spend before we decide enough is enough and we need to cut our losses,” she said. Maxham also shared Byrnes’ concerns about remediation. “In the last report we got, it was 53,300 sq. ft. of assumed asbestos,” she said. “In addition to that, there’s lead paint, an underground oil tank that may have contaminated the ground.” Voogd said that, while she agreed that having to rush the proposal was “not ideal,” it was important to take advantage of the opening and do the proper appraisal after the village cleared that hurdle. “Tonight, we are not closing on the new house, we’re not signing on a dotted line and committing monies without due diligence,” Voogd said. “I do see the value in this land and its potential. I think, before we get to the point where we sign on the dotted line, we would have done our due diligence. […] This, tonight, is – this is the opportunity we have right now, it may not come again.”
Forest Park Review, July 27, 2022
O U R
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Altogether odd on Roosevelt
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OPINION
en years ago Forest Park began to think about the inevitable day when the U.S. military would give up its lonely and vastly underutilized Armed Forces Reserve Center on Roosevelt Road. Credit Mayor Anthony Calderone for seeing the possibility and the necessity of Forest Park controlling, or, at least heavily influencing, the development of this 6.5 acres fronting Roosevelt Road. The village worked on a conceptual plan that called for village ownership with the intention of building out a range of property tax- and sales tax-producing income. Some of those ideas, like a car dealership and heavy retail, made more sense in 2012 than 2022. But the impulse was the right one. However, at that point the military simply swapped the property among its branches and we fell into a decade’s limbo. Suddenly, Monday, out of the blue, Forest Park’s village council was asked to leap into making a bid for the property. So many questions. And the final odd and awkward answer is that the council deadlocked 2-2 with one commissioner’s absence unexplained. The result? No bid. And, maybe, a closed opportunity in a military process that seems uniquely peculiar. Under its Real Property Exchange program, the Pentagon offers local governments and private developers the opportunity to acquire no longer needed military property. But, if we grasp what was explained publicly Monday, Forest Park was not bidding to buy the Roosevelt Road property. Instead it was asked to propose how it might fund water drainage infrastructure at the Fort Sheridan facility in the north suburbs. Mayor Rory Hoskins would not share publicly what the ask was for that project. While that all seemed murky, commissioners Byrnes and Maxham made reasonable arguments that Forest Park had no idea what it might be getting into if it was then gifted the Roosevelt site. With an out-ofleft-field concept from Hoskins of reusing an existing building on the property as a new municipal government headquarters, the objecting commissioners raised valid concerns over environmental remediation costs for a village that typically operates on a thin financial edge. Hoskins argued this was a unique opportunity and then listed a myriad of state and federal dollars the village could pursue to fund the work. A pretty skinny basis for a very major decision. And just where was Commissioner Ryan Nero? Hoskins, who we would have thought had counted his votes, said he did not know the answer to that question. The Pentagon has now made clear it wants out of Forest Park. With no immediate bid from the village and, Hoskins believes, no private bidder, this could become a more rational negotiation with time for planning and public input. Hoskins should consult with Cong. Danny Davis, his preferred candidate, on how to get the military to the table. While Forest Park’s municipal facilities are cramped and crummy, they can’t be the centerpiece of this critical development opportunity. This is a moment to actually discuss how to maximize Roosevelt Road’s potential as a business district, how to maximize revenue on a previously untaxed large parcel. And this discussion has to actively engage with taxpayers — which is not Mayor Hoskins’ favorite strategy. Not intended as a cheap shot but 20 years ago Forest Park jumped into the purchase of 11 acres adjacent to the Altenheim. Good decision. But two decades later there is still not a plan for the site. Putting the brakes on this leap before we look approach was the right outcome. Let’s regroup and make a better plan.
Manure and tomatoes – an allegory
S
o imagine that while you’re sleeping a load of manure gets dumped onto your front lawn. As you emerge from the haze of sleep, your nose tells you something is just not right, so you drag yourself out of bed and look out the window. Your eyes confirm what your nose was getting at. After feeling every emotion in the book from anger to self-pity, you realize that though you did not choose to have the pile of cow feces dumped right outside your sunroom, you do have a range of choices available regarding how you respond. Sitting on a Pity Pot – That’s what some recovering alcoholics call feeling sorry for yourself. You take out your phone and call everyone you think might listen and maybe even sympathize with your bad fortune. “Life isn’t fair,” you lament. “I didn’t do anything to deserve this.” Most of your friends empathize and tell you that you’re the victim of a miscreant from a neighboring village who has randomly singled you out. Meanwhile the pile gets stinkier and stinkier. Seek Justice – “I’m going to make that S.O.B. pay,” you mutter, feeling the anger rising inside. You call the police, and an officer arrives within 20 minutes. Somehow, you think, punishing the jerk who did this will make me feel better. It’s all about justice. In spite of your situation you laugh as you recall what Archie Bunker once said on All in the Family: “What’s wrong with revenge? It’s a perfect way to get even!” Throw the Manure at People Passing By – One way to slowly get rid of the manure pile is to throw it at cars passing by on the street. People do it all the time on the Eisenhower. They lay on their horns or flip the bird, not because you’ve done anything wrong but because they have this internal truckload of anger and they’re looking for some vulnerable someone to dump it on. It’s a favorite tactic of demagogues. They intuitively know that you’re carrying a load of crap that you don’t deserve, so they pick out some vulnerable group and blame them for dumping the stuff on you. And that gives you license to unload your crap on somebody else and feel righteous while doing it. Grow Tomatoes – Another option is to rent a wheelbarrow, transport the manure to your garden in the backyard, work it into the soil
and grow big, juicy tomatoes that miraculously transform waste from cows into delicious food for humans. That process may take a while. When you mix the crap into the soil of your soul, you don’t immediately get ripe tomatoes, if you see where I’m going. The transformation takes time and some effort. You have to water the plants and pull the weeds. You have to be patient. Tugging on young tomato plants won’t make them grow any faster. My friends in AA often close their meeting by saying, “Keep coming back. It works if you work it.” That’s why I have at times gone to therapy for years at a stretch. That’s why I go to church every Sunday. That’s why, when I’m with my closest friends, we don’t just commiserate about how the Cubs are doing, but we devote part of our conversation to tending our character gardens, watering the tomato plants with understanding and helping each other pull out the character weeds. Response-Ability – It seems to me all of the options listed above are ethically permissible, except throwing my crap at other people. My first reaction to unearned suffering is usually feeling down or angry, and seeking justice is certainly morally acceptable. Manure, to paraphrase a street adage, happens. Everyone gets a load of manure dumped on their front lawns a few times in their lives. Manure happens. The key to growing up — to maturity — is learning how to respond to the crap. We may not be responsible for the manure, but we can always be response-able. It’s because the roots of tomato plants go deep into the fertilizer that the tomatoes ripen or mature. We never grow up by avoiding the crap in life. We mature because of how we respond to it. Any amount of growing up that has happened in my life has happened because I’ve learned how to take the manure in my front yard back to my garden and work it into my soul. Owning My Own Manure – And I just thought of another possible choice to add to the allegory. I might want to admit that I ordered the manure, that it was delivered three days ago, and that I have been too lazy to haul it to the backyard. Maybe that’s why I have been getting so many angry texts and emails from my neighbors. Owning our own crap may be the most telling sign of maturity there is.
TOM HOLMES
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Forest Park Review, July 27, 2022 F O R E S T PA R K
REVIEW
Reporter Igor Studenkov Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Michael Romain Senior Editor Bob Uphues Digital Publishing & Technology Manager Briana Higgins Contributing Reporters Tom Holmes, John Rice, Bob Skolnik, Jackie Glosniak, Robert J. Lifka Columnists Alan Brouilette, Jill Wagner, Tom Holmes, John Rice Big Week Editor James Porter Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Sales and Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Marc Stopeck, Kamil Brady Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Donor Relations Manager/Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Development & Sales Coordinator Stacy Coleman Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Special Projects Manager Susan Walker
Y
Getting your name right on the fourth try
Encore column from 2015: ou know you grew up in a big family if: You still resent the sister who had her own room; became accustomed to finding your toothbrush wet in the morning; were always under suspicion at school because of what your older brothers did; hoped your mother got your name right on the fourth try; Bought cigarettes before you were six, with a note from your dad; had to wear hand-me-downs that only your mom thought were still in style; made multiple visits to the emergency room; your parents lost you more than once in a public place. Your big Christmas present was a space heater; you served time as a human remote control; you sat for hours at the dinner table, rather than finish your peas; your older brother repeatedly tricked you into playing “52 Pick-up;” you were essentially raised by your big sister; you were scared every time your dad got home. No one taught you how to tie your shoes; you never had your own bike; there wasn’t enough room for you on the couch; sharing baths was common and bathwater could always be recycled; your dad wasn’t
JOHN RICE
A Board of Directors Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-366-0600 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 EMAIL forestpark@wjinc.com CIRCULATION Jill@oakpark.com ONLINE ForestParkReview.com 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: $30 per year. $44 for two years, $60 for three years. Out-of-county subscriptions: $38 per year. Forest Park Review is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. © 2022 Growing Community Media NFP.
sure what grade you were in; your parents didn’t come with you on Halloween … or when you had to go to the dentist; you still cherish that family vacation when only three kids went to Michigan. You never knew who was going to barge in on you in the bathroom; you were grocery shopping for the family when you could barely see over the cart; found certain relatives very scary but were forced to visit them anyway; could never find a restaurant that could seat the whole family; wished you had your friend’s cool parents; got your mother’s full attention that one time; Couldn’t remember your siblings’ birthdays — to this day. Your middle name was either Mary or Joseph; you lost every fight with your big brother; learned to speak very rapidly at the dinner table; said the family Rosary together when times were tough; weren’t embarrassed as a little boy to buy female hygiene products when necessary; had to use hand-me-down textbooks that were missing a few pages; learned to disappear after dinner to avoid washing the dishes; never got tired of peanut butter and jelly. Thought it was normal to wear your
L O O K
B A C K
Look Ma, No Gloves!
I
n 1995 the No Gloves National 16-inch Softball Tournament faced record heat and crowds. Park Superintendent Larry Pikarz reported, “Those stands were packed and they lined up around the outfield ... the crowd topped 1,000.” The Doll House took out Clout, Molex, Sticken and Prime Time before finishing off Lettuce in extra innings in the final game. This photo features the hometown team, Knockouts, at the plate, who ultimately were defeated by 45’s.
Jill Wagner
I N
T I M E
coat in the house on winter mornings; spent Saturdays vacuuming under and behind the furniture; dreaded your parents coming home from parent-teacher conferences; could mix cocktails at a very young age; had identical twins you couldn’t tell apart; Enjoyed the intimidated look of boyfriends facing the whole clan; got used to zipping and unzipping dresses for various females in the family. Most of your pictures growing up show you in the same outfit; you got to sit on the mechanical horse but no one put a coin in; alternated between tuna fish casserole and fish sticks on Fridays; were told more than once that you were adopted; had patches on the knees of your uniform pants; worked funerals and weddings as an altar boy for extra cash; thought of your friends as your real siblings. Your mother cleaned your face with spit; you were disappointed by empty boxes of cookies on the shelf and empty juice containers in the fridge; learned how to use a paint roller in first grade; thought it would be cool to dig a hole to China in the backyard … until your dad got home; had your Halloween candy confiscated and rationed; thought the Polish kid in your school was from another planet. You have kids who wonder how you survived childhood.
Forest Park Review, July 27, 2022
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L O O K
B A C K
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T I M E
07/20/22 picture correction
Summer at South Side Park
The south-side park, which is now referred to by its proper name, Reiger Park, was a busy hub for local children in July 1975. Finger-painting, softball, lineball, T-ball, volleyball, ping-pong and carrom pool were part of the recreation offerings in the summertime. This photo from the July 23, 1975 Forest Park Review features some of the locals posing at the top of the U.S. Lunar Lander Slide, which was on the playground.
Jill Wagner
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LIBRARY
Collection reflects community from page 9 an opportunity to see themselves reflected in characters who look, speak, or live in a way that is familiar and representative of who they are. Seeing aspects of yourself reflected in books and stories can be very validating and affirming for people.” At the same, she argued, having a wide range of books and materials that focus on people who don’t look and talk like you is also healthy. “Reading about cultures and perspectives different from your own,” she reasoned, “can provide important insights and lead folks to explore new avenues or look at their own life experiences from a new angle. “Our goal as a library is to assess the makeup of our community and work toward building a collection that provides opportunities for our patrons to both see themselves reflected in the materials we offer, as well as to experience new cultures and perspectives through our materials.” She said librarians don’t have ideological agendas, purchasing books they think their neighbors should be reading. “It is imperative that this collection is being built for the community which means that we need to be cognizant and respectful of the values and priorities of Forest Park residents.” Many factors that selectors consider when purchasing material are practical and noncontroversial like the cost of an item, and its accuracy, readability, and availability in other libraries. Of the latter, Shaker noted, “Because we are part of a larger library lending community, we may elect not to add a book if there isn’t local demand and several copies exist within the cooperative lending community that we participate in (SWAN).” One factor in determining which books to put on the library’s shelves has become critical in the era of the Big Lie — accuracy. Vladimir Putin’s narrative about the “special military operation” wouldn’t stand a chance of getting shelved at the FPPL. Shaker acknowledged that occasionally a patron will be displeased with something in the library’s collection, “but there seems to be an understanding in the community that the collection is here for everyone, which inherently means that there will be things within it that don’t appeal to an individual on occasion.”
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Forest Park Review, July 27, 2022
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BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI
HELP WANTED PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
HELP WANTED • NETWORK SPECIALIST Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. DEFINITION To perform various network/system administration, computer support, and operational activities for the Village including computer system setup, configuration, and testing. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Reports directly to the Information Technology Services Director. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES: Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential duties and responsibilities 1. Ensure that best in class customer service is provided to both internal and external customers and also embrace, support, and promote the Village’s core values, beliefs and culture. 2. Configure, test, and deploy network systems, such as, firewalls, routers, switches, wireless equipment, network servers and storage arrays. 3. Configure, test, and deploy system servers, such as, file, print, Internet, e-mail, database, and application servers. 4. Configure, test, and monitor server and end-user systems for security, such as, user accounts, login scripts, file access privileges, and group policy management. 5. Configure, test, and deploy end-user systems, such as, workstations, laptops, mobile devices, printers, and software. 6. Test, configure, deploy, and support security systems, such as, facility access system, video & audio system. 7. Monitor and auditing of networks, systems, and user activities to ensure security and efficiency of systems. Create scripts and reports of detail activities for regular review. 8. Perform and participate in disaster recovery activities, such as, backup procedures, data recovery, and system recovery planning. 9. Assist end-users with computer problems or queries. Troubleshoot systems as needed and meet with users to analyze specific system needs. 10. Ensure the uniformity, reliability and security of system resources including network, hardware,
software and other forms of systems and data. 11. Prepare, create and update user/technical procedure documentations and provide computer training. 12. Assemble, test, and install network, telecommunication and data equipment and cabling. 13. Participate in research and recommendation of technology solutions. Other important responsibilities and duties 1. Train users in the area of existing, new or modified computer systems and procedures. 2. Participate in the preparation of various activity reports. 3. Travel and support remote facilities and partner agencies. 4. Operate, administer and manage the Village and Public Safety computer systems, including E-911 center, in-vehicle computer systems. 5. Prepare clear and logical reports and program documentation of procedures, processes, and configurations. 6. Complete projects on a timely and efficient manner. 7. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 9. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Principals and procedures of computer systems, such as, data communication, hierarchical structure, backups, testing and critical analysis. Hardware and software configuration of. computers, servers and mobile devices, including computing environment of Windows Server and Desktop OS and applications, Unix/Linux OS, VMware, iOS/Android. Network protocols, security, configuration and administration, including firewalls, routers, switches and wireless technology. Cabling and wiring, including CAT5/6, fiber network, telephone, serial communication, termination, and punch-down. Telecommunications theory and technology, including VoiP, serial communication, wireless protocols, PBX, analog, fax, voicemail and auto-attendant. Principles and methods of computer programming, coding and testing, including power shell, command scripting, macros, and
HELP WANTED
Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.
VB scripts. Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment. Technical writing, office productivity tools and database packages. Ability to: Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following: - Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time - Operating assigned equipment - Lift 50 pounds of equipment, supplies, and materials without assistance - Working in and around computer equipped vehicles Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for: - Making observations - Communicating with others - Reading and writing - Operating assigned equipment and vehicles Maintain mental capacity allowing for effective interaction and communication with others. Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance. Work overtime as operations require. Experience and Training Guidelines Experience: Three years of network/system administration in the public or private sector, maintaining a minimum of 75 Client Workstation computers. AND Training: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science or a related field. Certifications in Microsoft Server Administration, Networking, Applications and Cisco Networking. Possession of a valid Illinois Driver License is required at the time of appointment. Vaccination against COVID-19 strongly preferred. WORKING CONDITIONS Work in a computer environment; sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time; continuous exposure to computer screens; work in and around computerized vehicles outdoor and garage facility; lifting heavy equipment, communication cabling and wiring into walls and ceilings.
The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Parking Enforcement Officer in the Police Department Field Services Division. This position will perform a variety of duties and responsibilities involved in the enforcement of Village parking regulations; and to provide general information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.
CROSSING GUARD
The Forest Park Police Department is seeking qualified individuals for the position of Crossing Guard. This position requires flexible hours during days when schools are in session. A background investigation and drug screening will be conducted prior to consideration for the position. Applications available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Avenue or on-line at www.forestpark.net and should be returned to Vanessa Moritz, HR Director, at Village Hall. For additional information, contact Dora Murphy at 708-615-6223 or write dmurphy@forestpark.net. Applications accepted until position is filled. EOE.
RIVERSIDE, IL - POLICE OFFICER
Application deadline: Aug. 15, 2022 4 P.M. (CST) Find more detail at IO Solutions at https://iosolutions.com. Orientation and written test is Sep. 17, 2022, 8 a.m. at Riverside Township, 27 Riverside Rd. Riverside, IL.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE COORDINATOR
The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator in the Health Department/Village Manager’s Office. This position will coordinate disaster response, crisis management and medical countermeasure dispensing/ distribution activities for the Village of Oak Park, provide disaster preparedness training, and prepare emergency plans and procedures for natural (e.g., floods, earthquakes), wartime, or technological (e.g., nuclear power plant emergencies, hazardous materials spills, biological releases) or disasters. This single class position is also responsible for the complex administrative duties required for state, federal and local response processes and grant management. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. First review of applications will be August 5, 2022.
Market Research Analyst (Job ID#: MRA0622) sought by Phoenix Tree Publishing Inc in Chicago, IL: Analyze mktg strategies & campaign measurement for the foreign language education mkt; Lead research on K-16 foreign language demands through survey tools to drive mktg strategies; Assess current products’ performances for immersion prgms in global mkts through sales d/base; Direct digital mktg projects w/ setting optimized KPI & ROI to maintain social media; Analyze consumer segments from the membership d/base for product dvlpmt & initialize Geographic Information System (GIS) for the mkt report using Pivot Table functions; Use Pivot Table functions to manipulate, clean, & sort data across platforms to target the potential customers depending on engagement patterns & mkt trends; Research on pedagogies & transfer the results to quantitative data to direct new publication launch; Analyze the effectiveness of academic exhibition & online mktg activities; Track website traffic & conversion rate; contribute SEO through Google Analytics to increase sales. Reqmt: Master’s Deg in Mktg analytics or closely rltd field; Proficient in PivotTable. To apply, mail CV w/ Job ID# to 5660 N Jersey Ave, Chicago, IL 60659. Application Specialist, Health & Personal Care, bioMerieux, Inc, roving & telecommute w/in assignd unanticiptd US territory (will change every few yrs) & rprt electronically to Chicago, IL site. Coord & provide techncl train, consult & spprt to Pharma, Biotech & Cell Thrpy clients. Reqs at least Bach in Microbio/ Bio/ Biologic Chem/ Pharma/rel/equiv & 5 yrs app spclist exp incl 5 yrs: manual/ automate/ rapid microbio prods client train, consult & valid; direct cust train w/: Cont Microbial Monitor, microbial detect solid phase & flo cytometry, endotoxin in pharma prods rapid ELISA detect, automate microbial ID
North Riverside Police Department (Crossing Guard Application) School Crossing Guard Job Summary The North Riverside Police Department is looking for a dependable person to fill a School Crossing Guard position. Your job is to ensure the safety of children and other pedestrians as they cross the street before and after school. While wearing your safety vest and holding a light-weight stop sign, you will check for oncoming traffic, step into the road, and direct vehicles to come to a stop before instructing people to cross. You must be comfortable working outdoors in various types of weather. There will be an interview by the Police Chief and/or his designee. You must be able to pass a background and drug test for this position. Rate of pay will be discussed during the interview process.
& SW data mgmt & trend. M - F, 40 hrs/wk. Reqs 20% US & intl tvl. Apply, resume to: recruitment@biomerieux.com & ref #107566. Senior Associate, Senior Talent Strategy Consultant I (Mercer (US) Inc. - Chicago, IL; FT) Lead client projects to translate HR & org data into actionable insights that improve & drive talent decisions; Lead quant & qual analyses. RQTS: Master’s deg or foreign equiv in Indust/Org/ Dev Psych, Stats or rel + 5 yrs of progressively resp exp in pos offd, or as an Assoc, Workforce Strategy Consultant or rel. Must have 5 yrs of progressively resp exp w/: Cleaning dataset w/ complex logic structure; Constructing statistical tables & graphs & bldg multivariate regression models; Performing advanced stat analysis incl regression modeling & statistical tests incl significance testing & clustering using SAS & R; Performing data transformation & quant analysis using lg data sets to provide labor mkt insights; Supporting labor mkt diagnostics regarding D&I; Explaining stat analysis results & economics concepts to clients; Using data visualization tools incl Tableau; Providing day-to-day tech support to address issues or discrepancies w/ data & resolving data issues; Peer reviewing & overseeing data structures built by jr analysts; & Bldg new tools & protocols for future use, incl creating shiny modules in R shiny app, bldg user guide of tools, & writing SAS macros for improving efficiency of progs. Alt, employer will accept a PhD or foreign equiv in Indust/Org/Dev Psych, Stats or rel + 2 yrs of progressively resp exp in pos off’d, or as an Assoc, Workforce Strategy Consultant or rel, + 2 yrs of exp w/ all of the above-stated rqts. Any suitable combo of edu, training, & exp is acceptable. TRAVEL REQS: 5% travel req’d to various & unanticipated co & client sites. APPLY: http:// www.mmc.com/careers Keyword R_194065. EOE
School Crossing Guard Duties and Responsibilities • Assist children, parents, and other pedestrians as they cross the street before and after school • Manage the flow of traffic • Report suspicious activity School Crossing Guard Requirements and Qualifications • High School diploma or GED certificate • Availability during the school week/hours • Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions • Communication Skills
*To inquire about this job position call the North Riverside Police Department@ 708-762.5414, or Email Commander C. Boenzi cboenzi@northriverside-il.org If you want to fill out a job application for this position visit the North Riverside Police Department -2359 S. Desplaines Ave. North Riverside Illinois 60546.
River Forest Public Schools
District 90 is seeking an experienced School Psychologist the students and their environments in Qualifications: developing appropriate interventions and • Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with an programs. Conducts appropriate individual endorsement in School Psychology psychoeducational assessments for • Prefer at least 5 years of successful educational children who have or are suspected of having a disability experience in both general and special education; and provides written reports of assessment results. and at least five years of successful experience in Participates in all staff conferences of students having evaluating students, collaborating, and problem-solving received psychological evaluation or re-evaluation, with school and District teams. including hospital discharge. Provide support to special • Master’s Degree preferred. education personnel including assisting staff with development of functional behavioral analysis and Demonstrates knowledge of special education legislation behavior intervention plans, modeling “best practices” and and acts in accordance with those mandates; follows assisting special educators with instructional practices. policies and procedures of the District. Develops and implements activities that encourage students to be For a complete list of duties, please visit our website at life-long learners. Identify and assess the learning, https://www.district90.org/about/employment development, and needs of individuals and groups, as Interested candidates should complete the online well as, the environmental factors that affect learning application available at www.district90.org. and school success. Uses assessment data about
Forest Park Review, July 27, 2022
CLASSIFIED
BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG
HELP WANTED
Operations Manager (River Grove, IL) F/T 8:00am to 5:00pm. 1 yr exp. in position or equiv or Program Manager or Program Engineer, Bachelor’s in Business Administration or Business Management., Duties: Review financial statements, sales and activity reports to measure productivity and goal achievement or to identify areas needing cost reduction or program improvement. Direct activities and operations of large grocery supermarket chain. Monitor supplies and vendors to ensure they efficiently provide needed goods within budgetary limits. Plan the use of materials and human resources. Monitor budget of programs. Conduct internal audits. Resume to Richard Machnicki, Rich’s Fresh Market, 3141 N. Thatcher Ave., River Grove IL 60171.
17
RIVER FOREST PARK DISTRICT PARK SPECIALIST
Starting Salary Range: $17.50 $20.38/HR plus full benefits Working Hours: The Park Specialist is a full time non-exempt position working 40 hours per week, plus overtime. The scheduled work hours for this position are Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, including ½ hour unpaid lunch. Hours may be shifted occasionally to accommodate specific tasks. Summary: The Park Specialist is responsible for assisting the Director of Parks with the maintenance operations of the Park District grounds, facilities, and equipment. The work includes, but not limited to: 1. Landscape maintenance operations for the Park District. This includes but not limited to: a. Turf maintenance: Mowing, irrigation, fertilizing, seeding, weed control, and trash removal. b. Athletic field maintenance: Baseball diamond infields, soccer fields, football fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, and installation and maintenance of necessary apparatus of each field use. c. Landscape maintenance: Soil grading and preparation, tree planting, tree trimming, tree spraying, tree watering, mulch bed maintenance, and flower bed maintenance. d. Construction: Installation of park/ playground equipment, park benches, park signage, retaining walls, and drainage systems. 2. Assist with the custodial maintenance of all Park District facilities. 3. Assist with any equipment repairs for the Park District. This includes but not limited to vehicles, tractors, any facility, or program equipment. 4 Assist the recreation department in set up, construction, and repair of all special event props. Qualifications: 21 years of age. A valid Illinois State Driver License (Class A). In good physical condition with sufficient strength to lift and hold 50 pounds. Interested candidates shall submit an application in person or by email: John Beto, Director of Parks 401 Thatcher Avenue River Forest, Illinois 60305 708-366-6660x103 jbeto@rfparks.com
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777. GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA
MARKETPLACE
R E N TA L S
GARAGE SALES
CITY RENTALS
Oak Park
MOVING SALE 800 NORTH LOMBARD AVENUE SATURDAY, JULY 30 • 8:30AM – 12:00PM NO EARLY ACCESS
Men’s Bicycle, Room Size Oil Filled Radiators, Carpet Shampooer, Cedar Chest, Professional Clothes Steamer, Handheld Vacuum Cleaner, Iron, HP Wireless Printers, Electric Hedge Trimmer, Gas Leaf Blower, Patio Furniture, Pet Crates/Supplies, Decorative House Flags, Artificial Christmas Tree with 500 Lights, Ice Chest, Fiberglass Extension Ladder, 50lb bags of SnoMelt, Garden Tools, House Plants, Flowerpots, lots of quality household items and more. Everything must go. No reasonable offer refused.
WANTED TO BUY WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400
CARS WANTED
3 BEDROOMS 911 N LECLAIR CHICAGO 60651
3bd, dining room, kitchen, living room, bathroom, closed in back porch. Heat included. $1150 per month. 1 month security. Call 773-626-5751
SUBURBAN RENTALS STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3 BR Best Selection & Service
OAK PARK & FOREST PARK
708-386-7355
MMpropMgmt.com
DOWNTOWN OAK PARK 2BR APT
2BR, 1BTH apartment for rent. Hardwood floors. Renovated and freshly painted. Small, vintage building. No smoking. No pets. Parking included.
708-657-4226
OFFICE/RETAIL FOR RENT
CLASSICS WANTED CLASSICS WANTED Restored or Unrestored
or Unrestored Cars &Restored Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Cars & Vintage Motorcycles Import Cars: Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette,Cars: Ferrari’s, Domestic / Import Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, $$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.
Ferrari’s, James Jaguars,• 630-201-8122 Muscle Cars, Collector Mustang & Mopars
$$ Top $$ allWANTED makes, Etc. CLASSICS NOVENAS
Collector James PRAYERor TOUnrestored ST. JUDE Restored
Cars630-201-8122 & Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Import Cars:
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved & preserved throughout the world now & forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude helper of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days. By the 8th day your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail .Publication must be promised. Thank you Jesus. Thank You St . Jude. R.B.
Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, NEVER FAIL NOVENA Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, adored and glorified throughout the world, now and for-ever. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I put my trust in you. Holy Mary Mother of Jesus, pray for me. St. Theresa child of Jesus, pray for me. St. Jude, helper of hopeless causes, pray for me and grant this favorI ask. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days .R.B
$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc. Collector James
PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (NEVER KNOWN TO FAIL)
630-201-8122
Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me, herein you are my mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth. I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to suc cor in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein you are my mother. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and publish; your request will be granted. R.B.
OAK PARK THERAPY OFFICES:
Therapy offices available on North Avenue. Parking; Flexible leasing; Nicely furnished; Waiting Room; Conference Room. Ideal for new practice or 2nd location. 708.383.0729 Call for an appt.
RIVER FOREST–7777 Lake St. * 1116 sq. ft. * 1400 sq. ft. Dental Office RIVER FOREST–7756 Madison St. * 960 sq. ft. OAK PARK–6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. * 3 & 5 room office suites FOREST PARK–7736 Madison St. *2500 sq. ft. unit Strand & & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011
1 RETAIL SPACE FOR RENT/SHOPPING CENTER FOREST PARK, IL.
1,635 Sq. Ft. (END CAP) Excellent Condition. Recently Updated.
*Heavy traffic location. Ideal for: CLEANERS, FAST FOOD, RETAIL PRODUCTS, OFFICES, ETC.! (SPACE FOR A DRIVE-THRU BUILD) *Special Rates. If Leave message, Include: Your Name, Phone Number and Type of Business. TEXT or CALL: (708)828-6491
18
Forest Park Review, July 27, 2022
CLASSIFIED
BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG
HOME SERVICES
CEMENT
CEMENT
MAGANA
C O N C R E T E C O N S T RU C T I O N “QUALITY IS OUR FOUNDATION” ESTABLISHED IN 1987
COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL
708.442.7720 '5,9(:$<6 )281'$7,216 3$7,26 67(36 &85% *877(56 6,'(:$/.6 612: 3/2:,1* 67$03(' &2/25(' $**5(*$7( &21&5(7( FREE ESTIMATES LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED
ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed
ELECTRICAL
A&A ELECTRIC
Let an American Veteran do your work
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
PUBLIC NOTICES
FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.
New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 • www.klisflooring.com
HANDYMAN Mike’s Home Repair Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Don’t Do
708-296-2060
CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE Drywall Repair • Painting Fans Installed • Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning • Window Repair
Free estimates Excellent References No Job Too Small
708-488-9411
HAULING BASEMENT CLEANING
Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery. 773-722-6900
LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive proposals from qualified architectural firms to design a new main entranceway for the Oak Park Village Hall. Proposals will be accepted at the Public Works Service Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, until 11:00 a.m. local time on Friday, September 16th, 2022. Professional Architectural Services for Village of Oak Park Village Hall Main Entrance Replacement Project Bid Number: 22-301BM Issuance Date: 7/27/2022 There will be a pre-bid meeting at Village Hall, located at 123 Madison St., Oak Park, IL on Tuesday, August 9th, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Bid forms may be obtained by calling 708358-5710 or by e-mailing vics@ oak-park.us between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. M-F. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No proposal documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of proposal opening. THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Published in Wednesday Journal July 27, 2022
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE
PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given by the Board of Education of Riverside Brookfield High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, that a tentative budget for said school district for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022, will be on file and conveniently available at the school district’s administrative offices at Riverside Brookfield High School District 208, 160 Ridgewood Road, Riverside, Illinois, from and after 8:00 a.m. on July 12, 2022.
STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of NYCHOLAS XAVIER DIAZ 2022CONC000964. There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: NYCHOLAS XAVIER DIAZ to the new name of: NYCHOLAS XAVIER RODRIGUEZ The court date will be held: On October 7, 2022 at 10:30am at Via ZOOM: Meeting ID: 958 9492 1843 Password: 226532 Cook County in Courtroom # 1707 Published in Wednesday Journal July 20, 27, August 3, 2022
PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: YY22009347 on July 1, 2022 Under the Assumed Business Name of THE BALANCED MYSTIC with the business located at: 830 S. AUSTIN BLVD APT. 3J, OAK PARK, IL 60304. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: CRYSTOL MARIE DEJOHNETTE 830 S. AUSTIN BLVD APT. 3J OAK PARK, IL 60304, USA Published in Wednesday Journal July 13, 20, 27, 2022
PAINTING CLASSIC PAINTING Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/ Plaster Repair Low Cost • 708.749.0011
PETS While you’re away, your pets are okay . . . at home
Starting a New Business?
cat calls
Oak Park’s Original Pet Care Service – Since 1986
Daily dog exercising Complete pet care in your home House sitting • Plant care Bonded References
708-524-1030 Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice in • Austin Weekly News Wednesday Journal • Forest Park Review • Riverside/Brookfield Landmark Call the Experts Before You Place Your Legal Ad! Call Stacy for details: 773/626-6332
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing on said tentative budget will be held at 7:00 p.m. on September 13, 2022, at Riverside Brookfield High School District 208, 160 Ridgewood Road, Riverside, Illinois. Published in RB Landmark July 27, 2022
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y22009380 on July 12, 2022 Under the Assumed Business Name of SHABBYFLY with the business located at: 738 HIGHLAND AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60304. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: KAREEM PRICE 738 HIGHLAND AVE OAK PARK, IL 60304, USA Published in Wednesday Journal July 20, 27, August 3, 2022
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.RASHINDA PLUMP, WAVERLY CLARK, JR, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, WAVERLY CLARK JR., INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATOR Defendants 12 CH 25204 1187 SOUTH HIGHLAND PARK OAK PARK, IL 60304 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 11, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on August 30, 2022, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1187 SOUTH HIGHLAND PARK, OAK PARK, IL 60304 Property Index No. 16-17-325-0470000 The real estate is improved with a one story two unit brick building with no garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real es-
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE tate 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. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 20-05419IL_615363 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 12 CH 25204 TJSC#: 42-2600 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 # 12 CH 25204 I3199063
Forest Park Review, July 27, 2022
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810 Gunderson Ave., Oak Park
Beautiful Gunderson home with hardwood floors, stained glass windows, natural woodwork, custom built-ins and remodeled Kitchen & Baths. Beautiful Master Suite, double parlor and lovely front porch. You’ll love it! ................................................... $725,000
SOLD
430 N. Scoville Ave., Oak Park
Stunning 3-story Victorian home in the Historic District. Custom stained glass and built-in buffet, fireplace and sharp island Kitchen that opens to the Family Room & leads to the deck. Gorgeous baths, yard and everything else! ......................................$1,050,000
126 Chicago Ave., Oak Park
This classic brick Bungalow is zoned for both Commercial and Residential use! You’ll want to live and work from here. Beautiful woodwork, stained glass windows, fireplace and Kitchen Breakfast Bar opens to the Dining Room. ......................... $255,000
101 N. Euclid Ave., Oak Park
My happy buyers moved into this gorgeous Townhome! Hardwood floors, natural woodwork, open floor plan and a formal Dining Room with custom built-ins. Attached 2 car garage, Master Suite, patio and private deck. A beauty! ........................... $650,000
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7234 MADISON ST, FOREST PARK, ILLINOIS 60130
INC., REALTOR THIS TWO STORY HOME was gutted down to the walls and totally rebuilt from within. New 1" water service plus all new copper water lines running throughout the whole house. Three and a half brand new custom tiled bathrooms with walk in showers and custom glass partitions. An open concept living room/dining room/kitchen. High end Bosch stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, custom backsplash, premier SiteLine cabinetry including designer panels and a built in pantry. Two beautiful mud rooms with custom woodwork, one in front and one in the back of the house. Four bedrooms, ample closet space, walk in closets, en suite for main bedroom. Brand new 4 inch oak flooring on second and first floor. Top of the line Marvin windows. Closed cell and open cell spray foam insulation throughout entire home. All new 200 amp panel and wiring throughout the whole house. New french drains, weeping walls, and sump pump. New premium Navien tankless water heater. Brand new high efficiency Trane furnace and A/C plus all new ductwork. Brand new Hardie board siding over the entire structure. Brand new custom built porches on front of home and porch off kitchen. Primary bedroom has a private deck as well. Top it all off with a brand new asphalt shingle roof! Prime location next to downtown Forest Park mom and pop shops, restaurants, Starbucks, and Chipotle. This home is right in the heart of town with easy access to the Eisenhower expressway and blue and green line "L" stops................................................................................................. $699,000
7444 Adams St Forest Park Cozy and affordable one bedroom in the heart of Forest Park! This is an RACT! T N O extremely cozy unit in a wonderful C UNDER building. Just one block South of bustling Madison Street restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. This condo is also just three blocks from the blue line "L" stop. As you walk into the front door you enter the living room which has the open layout to the recently rehabbed kitchen. The bedroom is large enough for a king sized bed. There are hardwood floors throughout the entire unit. All the trim, cabinetry, and flooring are in wonderful shape. In unit laundry in the kitchen makes this unit a must have for anyone in the market! No parking for this building, but village lot is a half block walk. ........................................................................................................................................ $99,500
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Forest Park Review, July 27, 2022