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REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

Introducing Power Play Café PAGE 9

Teaching auto tech remotely PAGE 13

@FP_Review @ForestParkReview

Suburban Cook County now at COVID-19 warning level

New cases and number of deaths above state limits By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Suburban Cook County is considered at warning level for COVID-19 as of Aug. 28, when the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reported 30 counties in the state, including suburban Cook County, are at risk. According to the IDPH, when two or more COVID-19 risk indicators that measure the amount of the virus increase, a county enters warning level. In suburban Cook County, which is assessed separately from the city of Chicago, the two measures warranting concern according to the IDPH are new cases per 100,000 and number of deaths. The target for new cases per 100,000 is less than 50; on Aug. 28, suburban Cook reported 112. As for number of deaths, the target is a decreasing or stable number; suburban Cook went from 15 deaths for the week ending Aug. 16 to 25 deaths for the week ending Aug. 23. In August, the state and county took several measures to attempt to slow the spread of the virus and lower the number of COVID-19-related deaths. On Aug. 25, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a new rule for all of Illinois that requires customers of bars and restaurants to wear a mask during any interaction with employees, whether indoors or outdoors. On Aug. 11, the state upheld Pritzker’s mandate that See COVID WARNING on page 8

JASON MAXHAM

PORCH PICKIN’

The two-member band DuoSonic performed songs from musicians ranging from Iggy Pop to Led Zepplin during a porch concert at 908 Beloit Ave. on Saturday, Aug. 29.

Low Altenheim appraisal rejected by officials Nineteen residents comment on property at village council meeting By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

The value of the village owned Alten-

IN Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 THIS Big Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 ISSUE Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

heim property is $1.83M, according to an Aug. 17, 2020 draft appraisal of the property. This is significantly lower than the last valuation in 2006, at which time a 7.7-acre portion of the 10.98-acre property was appraised at $5.3 million. Additionally, the new draft appraisal recommends the property be kept vacant for now due to market conditions. But village officials reject the current draft of the village-ordered appraisal, stating that it contains errors and sig-

New assistant principal for Field and middle school PAGE 4

nificantly undervalues the land. The property was purchased by the village for $3.65M in 2001, and the loan that paid for it will be repaid in 2023. The West Cook YMCA offered $4.3 million for the property in 2007, though the sale never went through. The 2020 appraisal also provided values for six parcels of land, breaking the Altenheim into smaller sellable pieces, the total of which is $1.31M. See ALTENHEIM on page 14

Circle Avenue bridge closed PAGE 10

Forest Park Review, September 2, 2020

Dine in or take out and do good! Visit partnering FEAST FOR GOOD 2020 restaurants during the month of September and help Housing Forward provide services to people facing a housing crisis.

Sept. 2-30!

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Each partnering restaurant will be featured for one week during September. Mention Housing Forward when you place a dine-in or takeout order, and a percentage will be donated directly to the agency. Visit www.housingforward.com/events or their Facebook page for more details and a growing list of restaurants. Thank you.

Forest Park Review, September 2, 2020

Is the season turning?

heard a powerful sermon on Ecclesiastes, one of my favorite books of the Bible. I realize that even religious people find parts of the Bible tedious, but you have to love a book that proclaims, “Everything is meaningless.” Besides, this book provided the lyrics to one of the best songs ever, “Turn, Turn, Turn” by Pete Seeger. The Byrds later recorded it, and it was a number one hit of 1965. The lyrics are taken almost verbatim from Ecclesiastes. At the time, I didn’t quite understand how there was, “A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing” — since it was the era of free love and lots of embracing. That’s because we have different seasons in our lives, the minister explained, like possibly some lonely ones. He encouraged us to enjoy the season we’re in but to know when it’s time to move on. For example, if we partied through college into our 40s and were waking up on our neighbor’s lawn, it might be time to end that season. The author of Ecclesiastes had been through many seasons. Solomon was the smartest guy of his time. He raised the “pursuit of happiness” to levels we haven’t

seen since. He amassed great wealth, assembled the best harem money could buy, and drank himself silly. “I refused my heart no pleasure,” he wrote, and this was a guy who could afford all of them. However, no matter how many houses he built and herds of cattle he owned, he wasn’t happy. I think we often confuse pleasure with happiness — at least I do. Solomon was like one of those burned-out rock stars who no longer enjoy trashing hotel rooms. That’s why his book describes every human attempt to achieve physical and intellectual satisfaction as meaningless. Let’s see, wisdom is meaningless, pleasures are meaningless, toil is meaningless, advancement is meaningless and let’s not forget riches. Isn’t that a popular sentiment among the cynics and hipsters in today’s world? Isn’t that the theme of many movies, books and songs? Solomon was way ahead of his time — he taught us, “It’s hip to be square.” Speaking of square, everyone who goes to church probably got the message that pleasure is somehow wrong. Solomon’s not saying that. He just cautioned us not to

JOHN RICE

L O O K

B A C K

I N

F O R E S T PA R K

use money, sex and booze to fill the void in our hearts. If we can satisfy that ache in a healthy way and keep pleasure in perspective, we’re good to go. To go onto another season, perhaps. In these uncertain times, I have seen so many people move on. I’ve seen the financial ground disappear beneath their feet and watched them move on to unfamiliar professions. I’ve seen them dissatisfied with their jobs and brave enough to escape the cubicle. Some have finally moved past the habits that have been holding them back. If we don’t feel the need to change seasons, we need to appreciate the one we’re in. Youth, marriage, singleness, young kids, old kids, empty nest — these can all be satisfying if we embrace them. After his stirring sermon, the minister turned to the band. They were dressed like ’60s pop stars and tore into “Turn, Turn, Turn.” He invited all of us to join them on stage as back-up singers. I have to admit, it’s been many seasons since I’ve seen women doing the “Swim” in church.

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

T I M E . . .

REVIEW Editor Maria Maxham Senior Editor Bob Uphues Contributing Reporters Tom Holmes, John Rice, Bob Skolnik, Jackie Glosniak, Robert J. Lifka Columnists Alan Brouilette, Jill Wagner, Tom Holmes, John Rice Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Designers Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney Sales and Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Marc Stopeck Sales & Development Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Publisher Dan Haley Business Manager Joyce Minich GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA Board of Directors Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-366-0600 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 EMAIL forestpark@wjinc.com CIRCULATION Jill@oakpark.com ONLINE ForestParkReview.com TWITTER @FP_Review

MRS. KRACLEK’S CANDY STORY In 1978, Forest Park said its final goodbye to Mrs. Kraclek’s Candy Store. The two story building at 909 Beloit Ave. had been purchased by District 91 a decade earlier and finally met its wrecking ball fate to make way for teacher parking next to Field Stevenson School. For more than 50 years it was known as Mrs. Kraclek’s Candy Store. A widow at a young age, Mrs. Kraclek raised her four children, Henry, Francis, Henrietta and John, above the candy store. This popular penny candy shop supplied cups of peanuts, jelly green leaves, candy dots and pixie sticks to many Forest Park kids for generations.

–Jill Wagner

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Forest Park Review, September 2, 2020

From trumpet-playing to power lifting D91’s new assistant principal leads by example By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

and used Forest Park’s middle school as a feeder school for exceptional student musicians. “I got some fantastic kids from Forest Park Middle School,” said Beltran. “I worked as a judge for contests in the district and did clinics with the kids.” When he saw the opening for an assistant principal, he applied right away. Band and music have been an important part of his life. A trumpet player, he has studied with members of the Lyric Opera and Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He still plays regularly with a symphonic band in Elmhurst. But Beltran is also an athlete. He played soccer for St. Joseph High School and was a walk on player at DePaul University before switching gears and becoming a power lifter. He won two state titles and qualified for the national championships in 1999. He is also passionate about reading, and his personal goal is to read two novels every month; he particularly likes John le Carre and the espionage and spy genre. “I want kids to know that you don’t have to do just one thing,” said Beltran. “It’s important to be a wellrounded person.” He wants the students to see him playing the trumpet, shooting hoops with them during physical education or at recess, and putting a strong focus on academics too. A proponent of the book “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” Beltran said he believes strongly in being proactive and in setting goals. “A student might say, ‘I want to be an astronaut,’ but it’s important to realize that it takes a strong work ethic to get to that point,” said Beltran. For the district, his goal is to help build the academics and reputation of the schools. “I want to build a positive culture here,” said Beltran. “I want people to talk about District 91 and say, ‘Oh, those are good schools.’” “Developing a climate and culture of positivity is what I want to do so we have schools that service kids both academically and socially,” Beltran said.

Eric Beltran has joined the D91 administration as the assistant principal at Field Stevenson and the Forest Park Middle School, working with Principal Tiffany Brunson to oversee both schools. Last year, the district decided to have a principal and assistant principal in charge of the two schools rather than a separate principal for Field Stevenson and a principal and assistant principal team for the middle school. The decision was made after a domino effect of retirements, promotions and job changes: Bill Milnamow retired as Betsy Ross principal, and the middle school assistant principal Tinisa Huff was promoted to his position. Middle school principal Joe Pisano took a job in another district, and Brunson, formerly the principal of Field Stevenson, was promoted to principal of both schools. Beltran starts at D91 during a school year unlike any other. Since D91’s classes are all being held remotely for now, there are no students on the playground or in the classrooms. Teachers hold classes remotely from their classrooms, so the environment is different than it would otherwise be, and that’s a huge change for Beltran, who said he’s not an “office-body.” He likes to walk around the school and interact with teachers and students. But while Beltran acknowledges the difficulties of beginning at a new district during a pandemic, he said it’s “challenging but fun.” “COVID definitely presents a challenge,” said Beltran. “But it’s a unique situation, and I am looking for opportunities to meet the students. I pop into Google classrooms, and I actually think the students are more open to talk to me when I’m not in front of them. In some ways, it’s less intimidating to them.” Beltran brings over two decades of experience in education to the district, including being a band director at Catholic elementary schools and Nazareth Academy for 15 years. He served as dean of students at St. Joseph High School, which he attended. He was assistant principal at St. Cletus in LaGrange. Most recently, he was the dean at Wilford Elementary School in Cicero for three years and assistant principal for a year. But he always kept his eye out for an opening in Forest Park. As a band director at Nazareth, he ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer developed a great relationship with D91’s former MULTI-TALENTED: Eric Beltran, the new assistant principal for Field Stevenson band director Dave Wein- and the Forest Park Middle School, plays the trumpet, loves to read, and is an stein, who retired in 2015, accomplished athlete.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

SETTING STUDENTS UP FOR SUCCESS: Forest Park Middle School’s new counselor Bernard Starks strives to give kids a solid foundation that will carry them throughout their lives.

Building a foundation for success

Middle school welcomes new counselor By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Bernard Starks is a brand-new counselor at Forest Park Middle School, but he’s not new to the area or the profession. Not only is he a Forest Park resident, but for the last three years he’s worked with Proviso East High School students through the West 40 Dream Program as a student advocate. “I worked with students who were close to getting expelled,” said Starks. The students were credit deficient or had disciplinary issues, and Starks’ role was to be a liaison between the student’s family and the school to create a plan for success. Starks spoke about a female student he worked with who frequently got in fights and was struggling in school. Through the Dream Program, he said, she was able to focus. Now, she’s in college. It’s experiences like those that Starks finds most gratifying about working with students. He’s switching his focus to middle school students at D91, where his goal is to help students with social or academic needs now, but also for the future. “My goal really is to help them be successful not just in middle school, and not just in high school or college, but beyond. I want to help build the foundation, so they can be successful for life,” Starks said. Starting the year remotely is a bit of a challenge, said Starks, because it’s obviously more difficult to get to know the students if you’re not in the same physical space. “My big thing is building relationships one on one, and building relationships is easier in person. I’ve been so used to that for so long. Now, being in a new district, it’s definitely been challenging, but I’m up for the challenge.” Starks said he’s figuring out ways to connect with the students, whether it’s on one-on-one Zoom calls or forming student groups, both things he’s considering doing. “I still want to get to know the students just like if we were in a building together, and I still want to build relationships, especially because there’s just so much going on right now, and students need people to talk to,” said Starks. Starks said outside of education and social work, he enjoys photography. He does CrossFit and runs. “So you may see me running through town,” he said. He added: “I really love this community.”

Forest Park Review, September 2, 2020

Man robbed at knifepoint

the apartment with the intention of harming him,” according to the police report. The victim said he would not shoot anyone outside of his apartment. The reporting officer observed that the air-conditioning unit appeared to have been pushed in approximately 2 inches.

An armed robbery occurred at Harlem Avenue and Madison Street on Aug. 25 just after midnight. The victim was headed to his car in the parking lot on the northwest corner of the intersection. He had just reached the driver’s door of the vehicle when two subjects approached on foot from behind. One of them, holding a large knife, started yelling, “Hey, give me the money, give me the money” over and over. The victim said he didn’t have any money. The man with the knife grabbed the back of the victim’s neck and retrieved his wallet, which contained $200 and credit cards, from his pants pocket. The offenders then fled on foot. The two suspects are described as white males, one around 5-foot-10 and the other around 5-foot-4. The taller man has a “bad looking” skull tattoo on his arm, according to the victim as quoted in the police report.

Citations for open containers A male and female were issued citations for open containers on Aug. 28 at 1:39 a.m. Both were outside a bar on the 7600 block of Madison Street with alcoholic beverages in plastic cups with straws. The drinks were confiscated by police and discarded.

Dog bites customer at BP A dog on a leash bit a customer at the BP gas station, 7204 Washington St., on Aug. 28 at 8:04 p.m. The victim reported she was inside the gas station when another woman came in with a large dog, possibly a husky, on a leash. As the dog owner passed the victim, the dog nipped the victim on the back of her knee. The owner then fled with the dog. Employees said the dog owner is not a regular customer, and police were not able to locate the woman or the dog. The reporting officer observed two pin-sized marks on the back of the victim’s knee, but no bruising or bleeding. The victim accepted a bandage but did not want to be transported to the hospital.

Man asks permission to shoot A man asked the reporting officer if it was OK to shoot someone kicking in his air-conditioning unit after he put in a call to 911 on Aug. 25 at 12:20 a.m. He said he didn’t get a good look at the offender, but he was scared for his life. The officer advised against shooting someone in that situation and explained that “the offender would need to be inside

Newly painted garage vandalized A newly painted garage on the 1000 block of Elgin Ave. was vandalized, the word “BOSS” written on it in gold paint. The owner had painted the garage door on Aug. 27 and discovered the graffiti on Aug. 28 at 8:30 p.m., and called the police.

Motorcycle man throws punch A man on a motorcycle struck another man in the face, then left the 7500 block of Madison Street where the battery occurred on Aug. 28 at 10:13 p.m. The victim said he heard a motorcycle loudly revving its engine in a parking lot on the block. He approached the subject, calmly asking him to be quieter. The subject “became enraged,” got off his motorcycle and hit the victim in the face with his fist. The victim struck back but was left with a cut to the left side of his lip and face. Witnesses recounted that the victim was “extremely kind and courteous to the offender in asking him to lower the motorcycle’s volume,” according to the police report.

Card game and bird houses stolen A package with a card game called “Slap” and two small bird houses were stolen from

the lobby of a building on the 300 block of Circle Avenue on Aug. 28 between 8:30 and 9 p.m. Cameras in the lobby show the offender taking the package and another belonging to another resident.

Deodorant stolen A subject “loitering in the deodorant section” of CVS, 7216 Circle Ave., left the deodorant rows empty after stealing an unknown amount of product on Aug. 29 at 6:10 p.m. The offender headed toward the CTA Green Line station but could not be located on the platform by police.

Car taken from gas station A car was stolen from the BP parking lot, 7204 Washington St., when the owner left it running with the keys inside and the door unlocked before entering the gas station on Aug. 24 at 12:07 a.m. These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Forest Park Police Department, Aug. 24-30, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these reports has only been charged with a crime. These cases have not been adjudicated.

Compiled by Maria Maxham

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Forest Park Review, September 2, 2020

Virtual Senior Yoga The Park District of Forest Park is holding mat yoga and chair yoga for seniors every Thursday via Zoom. It’s $5 per class and highly adaptable to all skill levels. Visit bit.ly/ PDOFPregistration and search “Yoga” for more.

Meet an Employment Specialist The Forest Park Public Library is facilitating one-on-one virtual career consultations with Diana Munoz from Goodwill, who will help you formulate a plan and determine the best course of action to secure the best possible position for you. Contact Amilcar at aperez@fppl.org with questions. To register, visit fppl.org/events. Consultations can be done via phone or Zoom.

September 2 - 9

BIG WEEK Virtual Story Time Perfect for toddlers and their parents, the library is hosting a much-needed chance to reconnect and network with other parents for a virtual circle time and parent meetup. Each playgroup will share a story, songs, and short games or activities. This is run as a Facebook live event, and no registration is necessary. Thursday, Sept. 3 from 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. at facebook.com/ forestparkreads.

Spanish Storytime

Join the Forest Park Public Library on Sept. 4 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. for a virtual English/Spanish bilingual story time. This is perfect for kids who already speak Spanish, those who are looking to begin or continue learning, or anyone who enjoys exposure to other languages. For more information, visit fppl.org/ events.

Grownup Game Night Join the library on Discord on Sept. 9 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. for board and party games online. Register at fppl.org/ events and look for your email invitation link with instructions.

One-on-one Technology Consultations Voting During the Pandemic Join the Oak Park and River Forest League of Women Voters on Sept. 3 from 7 to 8 p.m. for a non-partisan review of voter registration, new vote-by mail processes, and expanded early voting. There will be a short presentation followed by a Q&A discussion. Registration is mandatory and a Zoom link will be sent to you a day before the event. Visit fppl.org/ events to sign up. The session will be recorded in its entirety for the Forest Park Public Library TV channel.

The library is hosting 30-minute oneon-one sessions for Forest Park Public Library card holders to ask questions about email, the internet, eBooks and other technology-related topics. Meetings are held via Zoom. Sign up on the library’s calendar for a spot: fppl.org/events

Learn about Cub Scouts in Forest Park On Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Cub Scout Pack 4109 is holding a Join Night and inviting boys and girls aged 5-10 to learn more about the organization. The event is at the Roos Center, 7329 Harrison St. In Cub Scouts, kids make friends, earn badges for doing fun activities, and go hiking, fishing, camping, and swimming, all while becoming the best versions of themselves. Everyone is invited to join us – including your family! Masks are required! For more information, email ForestParkCubScoutPack109@gmail.com

Forest Park Review, September 2, 2020

More than just a cigar shop Casa de Puros provides conversation and community By TOM HOLMES Contributing Reporter

Pat Braniff, that guy who puffs on a big cigar as he plants flowers or plows snow for the public works department, enthusiastically describes Casa de Puros to his friends as a great cigar store and much more. A cigar gourmet with a discerning palate when it comes to cigars, Braniff is impressed with the selection he finds at the 7410 Madison St. location. Julienne Tooles, one of Casa’s three owners, said that he has 500 brands of cigars in his temperature controlled walkin humidor, almost all of them coming from Latin American countries like Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic where the tobacco is grown and the cigars are rolled. Braniff said he also appreciates Casa’s knowledgeable staff. Tooles laughed and said that he’s like a cigar sommelier. “We can break down a cigar in its entirety for you,” he said. “If I don’t know something about a particular brand, Brandon Prince—another owner—will. We can tell you about the notes of the cigar and its after taste, if it’s sweet or lite or if, when you smoke it, you will feel like you’re in a fight with a real man!” Prince and Tooles can even advise you on which foods pair well with different cigars. For example, some pair well with chocolate and others with Scotch. “Just as craft beers or premium spirits,” a website called Statista reported, “cigars might buck the general secular trend of declining alcohol and tobacco sales as sophisticated consumers might consume less in total but could at the same time be willing to spend more on each individual occasion.” You won’t find a pack of Swisher Sweets at Casa de Puros (Spanish for “house of cigars”). The least expensive smoke costs $4.50 and the most expensive will set you back $85. As much as Braniff appreciates the selection and quality of the product Casa sells, he keeps coming back also for the relationships created and maintained in Casa’s two lounges. “The cigar shop is more than just a place to smoke a cigar,” he said. “It’s a place where you are treated like brothers and sisters. The conversation there is generally the most interesting part of the experience.” “I started coming to the cigar lounge with a book and my headphones,” recalled Jim Michael, who lives a short walk away from Casa. “I’d sit and read after work to unwind. As time went on, I got to know the regulars and then eventually became one. At this point, I smoke more cigars than I should just because I love the place.” And that emotionally safe environment is intentional. Prince said he and Tooles work hard at creating what he calls a “family oriented” type of lounge. “When customers come in they can tell jokes and laugh. It can be a one-hour vacation from real life. It’s like a man cave where we show sports on big screens in both lounges. They also talk about business and network with others here. And they can talk about real life things as well,” said Prince. Tooles added, “We are cigar salesmen, therapists, and networkers. We hear so much about other people’s business, because they feel comfortable coming when we set the environment that way.” “I come here almost daily,” said Dr. Kevin O’Mara, “because of the camaraderie and friendship that exists between

Provided

COMMUNITY AND CONVERSATION: Brandon Prince (left) and Julienne Tooles, two of the three-owner team of Casa de Puros, 7410 Madison St. everyone that I meet there. I travel a great deal, and this is one of the top cigar lounges in the United States.” Another patron, Cass Davis, put it this way: “I have visited a significant number of cigar lounges around the country, and this is the one of the most laid back, relaxing and mature environments available.” Tooles said the group of people who hang out at Casa is very diverse. They have a mix of professionals and what he calls hard working people, municipal workers, executives, police officers from Chicago, persons who are Black, white and Brown. And women. Tooles said that 30 percent of their customers are women. When asked if the men come in to pick up women, like in a bar, he laughed and said, “Just the opposite. The women come in to pick up men!” He added that the men don’t seem to mind the presence of women in their man cave. Prince said the men welcome the women because they provide a “different energy” to the room. He added that the trend both nationally and around this area is that cigar smokers are getting younger. Braniff confirmed that what Tooles said about the welcoming atmosphere is not just a marketing line, saying he experiences the people there as “family and friends.” “We do talk about what’s going on in the world today,” Braniff said. “About 75 percent of the people hanging out there will be Black. I’m not Black so I do a lot of listening when the conversation turns to subjects like Black Lives Matter and what they’ve gone through. And of course I do empathize with my friends and support them.” Prince said that getting through the state mandated shutdown was rough, that they lost 80 percent of their business

during that time. Some revenue from deliveries and getting the PPP and EIDL loans from the federal government is what allowed them to survive. But now that they have reopened, business has been good. “Since we’ve reopened,” said Tooles, “we’ve been packed every single day.” And it helps that the two entrepreneurs are doing business in a favorable market. Statista reported that this year cigar sales in the U.S. will total $9.4 billion with almost 14 billion cigars being sold. Both men are only 30 years old and said they learned about cigars and how to run a business through on the job training. When Tooles started working at Case de Puros five years ago, he told his boss, “I don’t want to just work for you. I want you to teach me what goes on behind the scenes and how a cigar shop works.” Then when Prince started working at Casa three years ago the two men started planning and dreaming. When they told the owner at that time of their desire to buy the business, he said that he would sell if they could come up with the cash. When their application for a loan was denied by lenders, they got over that bump in the road by taking on a third investor named Greg Walker, who has never been involved in the day to day operation of the business. The two entrepreneurs seem to have made their cigar shop and lounge a destination, attracting customers from as far away as Schaumburg and Park Forest, and closer to home from Maywood and the West Side of Chicago. “If you have not had the pleasure,” said Cass Davis, “treat yourself, you won’t be disappointed.”

Forest Park Review, September 2, 2020

Governor tightens mask rules for bars, restaurants New state guideline attempts to help stop uptick in COVID cases By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Effective Aug 26., customers of bars and restaurants in Illinois must wear masks “during any interaction” with employees, whether indoors or outdoors. On Aug. 25, Governor J. B. Pritzker announced this new rule, and a news release was issued by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). “Face coverings must be worn over the nose and mouth when patrons are approached and served by staff including but not limited to when employees take patron orders, deliver food and beverages, and service tables,” according to the release. Previously, customers in Illinois establishments were required to wear masks when leaving their table but were allowed to remove then once seated; now, they must wear them any time an employee approaches to interact with them, even while they’re seated. Village Administrator Tim Gillian said Forest Park will address this new rule as it has done with other issues. “Much like we did with all past guidance, I will talk to the [Forest Park Chamber of Commerce] today and make sure the message has been conveyed to the businesses,” said Gillian. “We will also add it to the list

of things Steve Glinke [director of the department of public health and safety] and his crew and the police check when they do the random premise checks. We also respond to calls from customers with any complaints.” In the news release, Pritzker said, “Illinois residents continue to take important steps to protect the safety of our loved ones and neighbors. However, due to a recent uptick in cases, we must take additional precautionary steps when we are out in public. Based on conversations and input from industry and business leaders, the State of Illinois is implementing updated guideMARIA MAXHAM lines which will allow resMASKED UP: A guest speaks to an employee at Louie’s Grill, 7422 Madison St. Customers are now required taurants and bars across the state to stay open to wear masks during any interaction with employees at all Illinois bars and restaurants. while helping protect the health and safety of patrons and staff.” Region 4 in the southern part of the state tional precautions to help protect all resiDr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the IDPH, dents that make up our communities.” is also seeing additional mitigation, such said in the release, “Going out for food and Some regions of Illinois have seen addi- as earlier closing times for bars and tightdrinks should not be a reason or an excuse tional mitigation efforts enforced because er limits on gatherings. Region 4 includes to let our guards down in the fight against of high percent positivity rates. A ban on Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, COVID-19. IDPH and DCEO are updating indoor dining at bars and restaurants is be- St. Clair and Washington counties. current guidance to make it clear that face ing put into effect for Will and Kankakee Suburban Cook County is Region 10, and, coverings should be worn in any situation counties, as the COVID-19 percent positive while still below the criteria for additional where we are interacting with those outside rate in that region has passed the threshold mitigation, has seen a steady increase in the of our immediate circles. We will continue of eight percent for three days in a row as it COVID-19 positivity rate, going from 4.1 percent on July 9 to 6.8 percent on Aug. 22. to adapt our guidelines and institute addi- did from Aug. 22 to 24.

COVID WARNING Weekly deaths up from page 1 businesses can be fined up to $2,500 if employees or customers aren’t wearing masks, a mandate the village of Forest Park has said it will enforce, with warnings and education provided to businesses prior to hefty fines being levied. The village has stated that both the police and representatives from the Department of Public Health and Safety will be doing spot-checks in bars and restaurants in Forest Park to ensure masks are being worn by both employees and customers. On Aug. 3, Cook County announced stricter recommendations for businesses, but stated that it would be up to local municipalities to decide whether to enforce these suggestions, which included no indoor service for bars and smaller parties of patrons allowed at restaurants. A variation of this was proposed by Mayor Rory Hoskins and presented to the village council at the Aug. 10 meeting, but with three commissioners voting against it, the measure did not pass. However, with the two subsequent state rules in place, the village was given concrete ways to enforce the wearing of masks at local businesses.

WARNING LEVEL: This graph, from the Illinois Department of Public Health website, shows the increase in weekly deaths in suburban Cook County.

Forest Park Review, September 2, 2020

Introducing Power Play Café Roosevelt Road wine house to become a hockey themed coffee shop By MELISSA ELSMO Food Editor

Established in 2012, Amy’s Winehouse, was originally located on Madison Street in Forest Park and then moved to 7235 W. Roosevelt Road, in 2016. Now, eight years later, owner Mark Calahan is prepared to pivot once again to help his business survive. Provided He will transform the wine bar PIVOTING: Mark Calahan (center), owner of the new into Power Play Café — a hockey Power Play Café, with daughter Elsie Calahan (left) themed coffee shop open during and family friend Violet Korzatkowski. breakfast and lunch hours only. Calahan, who lives above the wine bar named for his former partner Amy, things are now, I know it will get better and said the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in I will be stronger for it in the end.” Inspired by a family legacy of hard work, an 80 percent drop in business. The business historically attracted an older clientele and Calahan began making moves to put a bit Calahan speculates health concerns are keep- more of himself into the business. He opted ing regulars at home. Even the musicians who not to renew his liquor license and partregularly performed at the bar remain reluc- nered up with Dark Matter Coffee in Chicago to bring a quality coffee program to tant to come indoors to entertain patrons. Power Play Café. To further complicate matters, heavy “Coffee quality is very important to me,” rains in June left the establishment flooded said Calahan. “I also hope to have live music forcing expensive repairs and a costly furon the weekends.” nace replacement. Additionally, Calahan He is also playing to his strengths in the was facing a $6,000 expense to renew both kitchen by putting a South American twist his liquor license through the Village of on his breakfast and lunch fare. Calahan Forest Park and his alcohol-related insurwill continue to offer his perennially popuance policy. lar bacon wrapped dates and Spanish potato Calahan knew he needed to make signifitortilla — an omelet made of egg, onion, pocant changes to better his chances of survival. tato, and spinach. He will also offer breakDeciding to reinvent his business, howfast inspired empanadas bursting with ever, has been an emotional journey for scrambled eggs, cheese and bacon and inCalahan. While shifting and renaming the tends to offer Argentinean Alfajores, a dulce business is a direct response to the pande leche sandwich cookie, for guests looking demic, Calahan admits the changes mean acto enjoy a sweet treat with their coffee. cepting that his family life had permanently As for the hockey memorabilia Calahan changed. aims to display in the café, it should serve as “Amy was the person everybody remema “conversation starter” and acknowledges bered when they came into the restaurant. his lifetime of playing and coaching hockey. I was just the rough-around-the edges hockCalahan is the head coach of a competitive ey guy in the background,” said Calahan. club hockey team made up of OPRF students “This was supposed to be a family business, and his 11-year-old daughter is playing ice but the truth is I have been alone for the last hockey as well. Transforming the evening six months.” wine bar into a daytime café will allow CalSince the two split, Calahan has come to lahan to focus on coaching in the evenings terms with the changes in his personal life and free up time to support his daughter’s and acknowledged “adaptation is a part of burgeoning ice hockey endeavors. life.” He was raised by his grandparents Calahan hopes to complete the transition who endured both the Depression and by Oct. 1. While he worries some of his cusWorld War II. His family members were tomers will view the change negatively, he not strangers to struggle and Calahan cred- hopes the community will embrace the conits his grandparents’ frugal nature and re- cept and support Power Play Café. sourcefulness for his dedication to fighting “When you invest your life savings in for his business. something it is impossible to walk away “No matter what I have to deal with I from it,” said Calahan. “Anything worth know it will never be as bad as what they having is worth fighting for and I will fight went through,” said Calahan. “As bad as to the end.”

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Forest Park Review, September 2, 2020

DETOUR: The Circle Avenue bridge is closing for IDOT repairs, which could take up to four weeks. MARIA MAXHAM

Two dead in I-290 crash near Desplaines Ave. State police investigating By MARIA MAHAM Editor

Circle Ave. bridge closing for repairs By MARIA MAXHAM

The Circle Avenue bridge over the Eisenhower Expressway will be “fully closed” sometime this week, according to a representative from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) on Aug. 31. Village Administrator Tim Gillian said the closure includes not just vehicular traffic but also foot traffic and Circle Avenue access to the Blue Line. “The project includes deck, structural steel and sidewalk repairs. We anticipate the work, weather permitting, will be completed in approximately four weeks,” said IDOT said in an email.

The bridge was closed briefly on Friday, Aug. 29, but reopened the same evening since work wasn’t scheduled to begin until this week. A July 6 press release from IDOT states that the work is part of a multi-bridge project that includes five bridges over the I-290 Expressway, from 25th Avenue in Bellwood to Forest Park’s Circle Avenue bridge. The village of Forest Park will update residents on the status on its Facebook page at facebook.com/Village-of-ForestPark-111395240532257 and the village website at forestpark.net.

Two people died in a crash in the eastbound lanes of the I-290 expressway at Desplaines Avenue on Aug. 30 at 4:20 a.m. One of the victims is Joanne Alvarez, 27, from Aurora. The other, a male, has not yet been identified. The Forest Park police and fire departments responded to the scene to find both subjects unresponsive. Officers removed them from the vehicle and performed chest compressions, but neither subject showed signs of life. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The matter is being further investigated by the Illinois State Police.

L’Institut français d’Oak Park Learn French and explore the world.

L’Institut français d’Oak Park offers courses in all levels of French for adults and mature teens as well as weekly teen and adult Conversation Cafés. The Fall 2020 session is right around the corner! Courses and weekly Conversation Cafés are conducted online via Zoom in accordance with current safety measures. Register now for online classes and Conversation Cafés at www.frenchinstitute.net.

Fall 2020 classes will be held online.

Fall 2020 classes: September 14 - November 21 Fall 2020 courses include: · Beginning French Conversation I-VII · Advanced Beginner French Conversation and Grammar IV · Intermediate French Culture and Conversation · African Francophone Literature in Translation · Marguerite Duras: Moderato Cantabile Conversation Café and Teen Conversation Café are casual French-only conversation groups that meet virtually on Thursdays from 7-8pm. Register for Conversation Cafés at www.frenchinstitute.net.

Questions? Join us online for a Virtual Open House on Tuesday, September 8 from 6-6:30pm. Email stacy.fifer@frenchinstitute.net to register and receive a Zoom link. L’Institut français d’Oak Park – French Institute of Oak Park | 11 Harrison Street | Oak Park, IL 60304

Forest Park Review, September 2, 2020

Raising the response rate The village installed a “census temperature gauge” outside village hall to keep track of Forest Park’s 2020 Census responses. The goal is to have 85 percent of residents respond to the Census. As of Aug. 30, Forest Park’s response rate is only at 69.1 percent, according to the 2020census.gov website. But the deadline is Sept. 30, so there is still time. Those who haven’t completed the 2020 Census can do so online at 2020census.gov. Results of the Census determine how much federal funding will be allocated to communities for things such as infrastructure, education and transportation.

Shots fired after attempted vehicular hijacking By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

An exchange of gunfire following an attempted aggravated vehicular hijacking occurred near Dunlop Avenue and Roosevelt Road on Aug. 26 at around 3:03 p.m. The victim, who possessed a valid Illinois Concealed Carry License, was sitting in his car on Dunlop Avenue near Roosevelt Road when a silver Chevrolet, possibly a Lumina, parked behind his vehicle, according to a press release from Forest Park Deputy Chief Ken Gross. A Black male holding a handgun exited the passenger side of the Chevrolet and

approached the victim. The suspect was approximately 18 years old and wearing a white shirt and grayish jeans. He ordered the victim out of his car and demanded the vehicle be given to him. There was an exchange of gunfire between the victim and the offender, who got back into his vehicle, which fled northbound on the 1100 block of Lathrop Avenue. The victim was not injured. It is unknown at this time if the offender or the driver of the offending vehicle were hit. The Forest Park Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit is currently investigating.

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Forest Park Review, September 2, 2020

Teaching auto tech during remote learning Proviso East’s robust automotive program works around COVID By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Even though classes are being held remotely at District 209 schools right now, Proviso East students of Auto Tech I and II will be allowed to come in to the shop in small, socially distanced groups to get their hands dirty and practice the expansive skill set the program provides. Donald Robinson teaches both Auto Tech I and II at Proviso East, and he said during a normal school year, students would start working on cars within the first few weeks of classes. “In a typical school year, in the beginning we start off just pretty much in the classroom just to get kids acclimated to the class,” Robinson said. “But usually within the first month of school, then we’re actually in the shop at least three out of the five days. The further we get into the school year, the more shop dates we actually add, sometimes we were in the shop about five days a week.” This year, though, is anything but typical. But the students, said Robinson, still need to gain the hands-on experience essential to the program. “We’re doing a lot of theory right now,” Robinson said. And he’s made videos of himself working in the shop, providing opportunities for the students to watch, learn and critique. But that alone won’t cut it. So within the next few weeks, students will have the chance to come in by appointment to do real work in the shop, socially distanced, of course. “Students will have the opportunity to actually come in and do hands on work. We’ll limit it three to five students at a time during their time slots. But I’m hoping to have the time slots be hour and a half to two hours just to give them time to actually get some work done in the shop,” Robinson said. In total between Auto Tech I and II there are about 75 students this year, including eight female students, up from last year’s four. The program is robust; theory is important, especially in the beginning. But arguably the most important part is the handson components, which are intense and comprehensive. In fact, students enrolled in the program have the opportunity to earn college credit at Triton, where they can waive a few classes if they go there after graduation, through Proviso East’s dual credit partnership program with the college. Students who take Auto Tech I as a sopho-

more and II as a junior can participate in a co-op program with Triton during their senior year, actually taking classes at the college in the afternoons; transportation is provided. That dual-enrollment program, said Robinson, began last year, though Proviso East had been working for a few years to get it up and running. Of course, the first year it began was the year COVID-19 struck, and the school year ended unexpectedly, with remote learning beginning in March. “But we were still able to get some seniors through that program so that they got their college credit for last year,” Robinson said. The classes teach concrete hands-on skills students need to fix their own cars or, eventually, work in the automotive industry. Auto Tech I, for example, starts with theory, taking a look at automotive careers in general and how automotive shops work. Students learn practical skills, like how to write invoices and research car parts. Safety is covered as well; in fact, students have to pass a safety test in both classes before they are allowed to work in the shop. In Auto Tech I, students learn how to take apart and reassemble engines. They learn about tires: how to take them off the rim and put them back on. How to repair a flat. How to balance tires using the shop’s balancing machine. They learn general maintenance, like tire rotations and oil changes, the latter which is part of their final exam. They get into brakes and steering suspension. In Auto II, students move more into diagnostics. The class begins with a review, then takes off from there, moving into charging systems, heating and cooling systems, and fuel pumps. Engine diagnostics is explored later, and with the new Solus Edge scanners acquired by the program, students can learn to diagnose problems and read code. “They go through the diagnostic process of figuring out what’s wrong with the car, and then actually do the repairs,” Robinson said. The auto shop is undergoing renovations as part of the D209 Facilities Master Plan, a plan that has Robinson excited, since it will add a new facet to the automotive program: bodywork. He said the program had taught a little of that previously, but with the improvements and new equipment, painting, bodywork, and replacing panels are things students can focus on too. This is Robinson’s fourth year at Proviso East. He has a degree in physical education and applied to teach that at Proviso East. But his resume revealed his extensive experience in the automotive world, and the school asked him if he’d be willing to teach automotive technology instead. Robinson said he’s worked in mechanics since he was 16 years old. Over the years he worked in different shops, ending up as lead technician at Firestone. “When they found out that I had over 10

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

TECH TEACHER: Donald Robinson teaches Auto Tech I and II at Proviso East, providing students with hands-on learning and a place to feel at home. years of experience as a mechanic, they asked me how I would feel teaching automotive technology instead of physical education. It’s something I really know. So that’s what I interviewed for,” Robinson said. Robinson, who lives in Maywood, said he’s really enjoyed his experiences at East over the past few years. “Working with these students has been very rewarding because I find that these students really love coming to class because they’re actually learning how to do something for them.” Sometimes students reach out in the evenings or on weekends, asking for advice on their own or their family’s cars, and he appreciates that they come to him and likes giving advice. “This is not a job for me,” Robinson said. “I just really love doing what I’m doing right now.” Because Robinson found that students loved hanging around the shop during lunch hours, and in order to try to recruit more students into the program, he started Auto Club, an after-school opportunity for students to come to the shop and work on their own vehicles. Some students, he said, have come with no knowledge at all, and he’s always willing to help. “I’m here to teach them,” said Robinson. The club ran some community service projects too; for the past two years, the club partnered with AutoZone, which donated materials. Proviso East students gave away 10 free oil changes and five basic brake jobs to people in the community on a first come, first served basis. Robinson wants students to feel “comfortable and more at home” in his classroom and at school. He has a foosball table, a pool table and a gaming system, which draw students to the shop during lunch time.

“They like to hang out and get away from, you know, the craziness of the lunchroom,” said Robinson. “They’ll just come in and we’ll talk about cars. They’re very respectful. They’re here every single day.” Robinson also started a collaboration with the driver’s ed classes, having the driver’s ed students take wheels off cars and put them back on. “As part of the driver’s ed experience, they’re learning how to change tires,” Robinson said. He has his students facilitate teaching the driver’s ed kids how to do the work. Sometimes, he said, students from the driver’s ed classes get interested in the automotive classes. Another important partnership the program has is with State Farm, which donates one or two “totaled” vehicles to the Proviso East program every year for students to work on. These donations are often newer cars, which is important because students need to learn to work on the latest systems and newest technologies. Individuals also donate cars, handing over the title and letting the students go to work. And sometimes, seniors who have spent a lot of time working on a particular vehicle at Proviso East, getting it into good working condition, are gifted that car when they graduate and move on in the automotive field. “That would be their senior parting gift from the program,” Robinson said. Some of the programs the Proviso East automotive students participate in may be on hold this year. And there won’t be opportunity to hang out in the shop during lunch hours, as COVID-19 has changed so many things about education. But students will soon be returning to the shop to gain and practice the all-important hands-on skills so crucial in the automotive industry.

Forest Park Review, September 2, 2020

ALTENHEIM

FIELD OF DREAMS: The Altenheim property, about 11 acres, was valued at only $1.83 in a draft appraisal provided to the village in August. It was purchased for $3.65M in 2001. What will be done with the property after demolition of the old building has not been determined.

Uncertain future from page 1 The new draft appraisal includes a recommendation for highest and best use that suggests the land be kept vacant for the time being. According to the document, “… speculative redevelopment of the site is not recommended at this time due to the current market conditions. The highest and best use of the site at this time is to hold as vacant hold until such time a meaningful, financially feasible redevelopment plan can be formulated and be made ready for implementation.” The new appraisal, however, has at least one major mistake. The appraisal states it is for 13.14 acres, although the village-owned portion of the Altenheim is only about 11 acres. The entire Altenheim property is 13.14 acres, but that includes 2.156 acres of the active Altenheim senior home. “It’s wrong right from the get-go,” said Mayor Rory Hoskins. Hoskins said that if the appraiser didn’t even get the parcel size correct, it’s hard to trust the rest of the document. “The draft undervalues the land,” Hoskins said. Hoskins and other village officials say there are other defects in the document. “We don’t agree with the appraisal document,” said Steve Glinke, public health and safety director, who heads the zoning and building department for the village. Aside from the acreage being incorrect, a second major concern Hoskins and Glinke see with the appraisal is that the comparable properties used to help determine the value of the Altenheim land don’t truly resemble or represent the uniqueness of the Forest Park parcel. Comparable parcels used in the appraisal include properties in Warrenville, Aurora, Batavia, Addison and Westchester, none of which, according to Hoskins and Glinke, are similar enough to the Altenheim to contribute to an accurate assessment of value. “The value is in the location,” Glinke said. The Altenheim’s easy and close accessibility to the Eisenhower Expressway and the CTA Blue Line station add worth that isn’t accurately accounted for in the appraisal Glinke said. The 2020 appraisal document makes reference to adjusting the Altenheim’s value upward because of the property’s “proximity/walking distance to the CTA’s Blue Line Station,” though how much the appraiser added for this isn’t specified. The document also states, “Forest Park is proximate to labor markets and transportation. This community’s overall outlook is one of stability and sustainable economic growth although the impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic remains to be seen.” In fact, the impact of COVID-19 on the assessment of the property is mentioned more than once in the document, which states that economic strains, including a high jobless

MARIA MAXHAM

rate in Illinois, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as other fiscal problems faced by the state impacted the valuation. “We have issues with the accuracy of the report,” Glinke said in an interview on Aug. 27. “We are underwhelmed by the price quoted. Despite COVID-19, people are continuing to develop. We reject this in draft work. We will attempt to further discuss issues with the document [with the appraiser], but it is likely this won’t be used as the basis of valuation moving forward.” Glinke and Hoskins both said an attempt might be made to ask the appraiser to make changes to the draft. Prior to the release of the draft appraisal, at the Aug. 24 village council meeting, held via Zoom, Village Clerk Vanessa Moritz read 19 resident-submitted public comment letters related to the Altenheim property, the most public comments the village has received about any issue in at least a year. A Facebook rumor spurred some interest, as people incorrectly believed the Altenheim was being discussed at the meeting, although, in fact, it wasn’t even on the agenda. Still, the outpouring of comments showed overwhelmingly support among those commenting for preserving green space and made it clear that residents are ready and willing to share their opinions, even if not solicited by the village. Ultimately, the decision on what will happen with the Alteheim property is up to the village council. Any site plan or new development, whether it first goes through the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Plan Commission, or both, will have to be approved through a majority of votes from Hoskins and Commissioners Joe Byrnes, Dan Novak, Ryan Nero and Jessica Voogd. Hoskins said in an Aug. 27 interview that “Public comment is great. We expect the community to be engaged. This is an important topic to many residents.” For now, though, no decisions are being made, said Hoskins. “Things are fluid. We still don’t have a sound appraisal,” Hoskins said. He added that the grant to demolish the derelict buildings on the property should be available soon. “We’ve submitted all our paperwork for the final grant agreement,” Hoskins said.

“We were expecting the formal document by the end of August.” When that formal grant document comes through, the village can begin the process of going out to bid on the tear-down, as the village council voted unanimously at a June 22 meeting to approve project specifications and contract documents and to authorize for the advertising of bids as soon as the grant is awarded. Byrnes, Nero and Voogd all expressed their support of resident input in the process of deciding what should be done with the Altenheim property. Byrnes said that the work done by the ad hoc Cultural Park Committee, started in 2016, should be looked at again. The committee originally came up with an ambitious recommendation involving a concert shell, but amended plans to a final suggestion that involved selling the north section of the property, the two acres known as The Grove, to a developer to construct either a 55 and older condominium development or a boutique hotel. Development of a drainage system for the land and creating a park were parts of the plan as well. The committee held a public forum in March 2018 to present these plans to residents and village authorities. “Nobody’s called the committee together again,” Byrnes said in an Aug. 27 interview. “They worked so hard for 3.5 years. We need to look at their prior work and maybe make adjustments. But we would be three quarters of the way there.” Byrnes said he sees the Altenheim “as an opportunity to make something the whole village can enjoy.” He talked about creating an outdoor space that could be used all year long; winter activities might include a sledding hill where plowed snow is piled and cross-country skiing paths. “It could be a gem 12 months out of the year,” Byrnes said. He said he also liked the idea of a space for activities like a farmers’ market, art fest, or a food truck festival. Some of these things, he said, could even be done now with proper social distancing in place. “It should be a free area for people to enjoy,” Byrnes said. Byrnes acknowledged that selling off part of the land might seem attractive in order to

bring more money in to the village, especially with the finances as dire as they currently are. But, he said, the village would be permanently sacrificing something for a temporary fix. Nero, who worked on the Cultural Park Committee, which was headed by resident Ralph DiFebo, said that several options were presented by the committee to the village. “They were based primarily on green space that the village residents and surrounding community could enjoy,” Nero said in an email. He added, “I always liked the idea of a park to expand on some of the activities we used to enjoy in Forest Park pre-COVID-19. Events like Summer Fest, Rib Fest, October Fest, Grooving’ in the Grove, Farmers Markets, just to name a few.” “No matter what the future holds for the Altenheim property, the path forward must be financially sound and make sense for years to come,” Nero said. “This is our last large piece of green space in Forest Park,” said Voogd. who is known for her passion for the environment and for supporting “green” ordinances and land use. “I want to see a creative, thoughtful approach regarding the future of this property. This village needs green space that is open to everyone. We need to ensure that there is innovative, sustainable, green infrastructure.” Voogd said she still refers to a 2017 survey done by the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails, & Conservation Assistance Program (RTCA), in which the organization gathered community feedback. Although it was done several years ago, “The recent public comment certainly shows many in Forest Park still want green space,” Voogd said. “I encourage all residents to share their public comments with the council.” Byrnes, Nero and Voogd all said they support getting resident feedback prior to any decision about the property being made. Byrnes, however, said he would prefer a townhall format to a survey, because he likes hearing people say what they think. “Survey’s don’t cut it for me,” Byrnes said. Novak did not respond with comments for this article.

Forest Park Review, September 2, 2020

OPINION O U R

V I E W

COVID and the Altenheim site

f the dismal state of village government finances in the ongoing COVID-19 scourge were some partial incentive to move quickly to offer portions of the village-owned Altenheim property up for sale to developers, well the scourge has found a new way to bite the village. Just completed, a villageordered real estate appraisal of the 11 acres running south off Madison Street put a stunningly lowball value on the green space. Forest Park bought the land in 2001 for $3.65 million with the expressed purpose of keeping it open and green. Three years later two-thirds of the property was appraised for $5.3 million. Now, in the COVID summer of 2020 and with an appraisal that has village officials flustered and mad, the entire parcel has been valued at $1.83 million. Selling off major chunks of the Altenheim for townhome developments based on that sort of land value is not going to solve the village’s financial shortfall. Not nearly. The village can contest the appraisal, which it paid for, but it seems unlikely to get juiced to even a breakeven of the $3.5 million originally paid and on which there are still two years of loan payments to be made. Here’s the good news: The low valuation is going to slow down or stop for now discussions of a rush to development, led by Mayor Rory Hoskins. And that will allow what appears to be a fairly intense community desire for more dialogue and planning, for an emphatic guarantee that open space be the core use of this last remaining green parcel in Forest Park. Time to listen. Time to make a plan that starts with open space and allows some development that does not overshadow the public use. Inexplicably, Forest Park has waited 19 years to drive a plan for this key parcel. Now is not the time to rush. And certainly not in the pit of COVID’s real estate recession.

Small business survival mode

We’re all vaguely aware of the impact of the pandemic on local businesses. Some businesses have closed entirely, others are staggering. Efforts to support local independent shops and restaurants have been heartfelt and somewhat effective. Today, though, our Melissa Elsmo offers insights into one Forest Park business owner’s intense and emotional effort to radically remake his business in a valiant/desperate effort to save it and to hold his life together. The story of Mark Calahan makes very real the consequences of a pandemic on a small business and on the life of a person fully wrapped up in that business. Calahan is the owner of what has been Amy’s Winehouse, a lovely restaurant on Roosevelt Road. With business flattened, costly liquor license renewals pending, personal challenges bound up in the business, Calahan is retooling into Power Play Café, a hockey-themed coffee shop. He hopes to be back in business by Oct. 1. Entrepreneurs are brave, bold, foolhardy, and the lifeblood of small towns like Forest Park. We’re hoping that Power Play Café is just the ticket to keep this entrepreneur whole and happy.

‘I

Pro-life? Pro-choice? It depends

have a question for you, Walt,” said Michael Rosenthal on their virtual coffee break last Monday. “Why do so many Christians vote for Donald Trump? He seems so unlike Jesus.” Pastor Walter Mitty had been asking himself that same question as he watched the Republican National Convention last week. What he had concluded was that besides saying things like “God bless you” and “God bless America” a lot, the main substantive issue was that they were pro-life when it comes to abortion. That confused Mitty because Donald Trump seemed to be not very religious himself. He was not a church-goer and the occupant of the White House was not a model of Christian virtues like humility, welcoming the stranger, respecting women, and following the commandment “thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.” So after talking with Michael, he posted the question on Facebook, “What do Republicans mean when they say they are pro-life?” The first “like” he got was from Alice, and it had an angry emoji in her comment. “Pro-life means you are against killing babies while they are still in the womb. Abortion is murder plain and simple, and the government needs to pass laws forbidding it. My God, 600,000 abortions every year!” As he expected, the next response came four minutes later. Sharissa Hawkins wrote, “The federal government has no right to tell me what to do. It’s my body and the decision is between me and my doctor.” It only took three minutes for Eric Anderson to comment, “Conservatives are inconsistent at best and hypocritical at worst. They say they are prolife, but they are against any kind of gun control. I googled the CDC website and learned that 39,773 people died from gun-related injuries in 2017, the last year for which statistics are available. 14,542 were murders and — get this — 23,854 were suicides. The number of gun murders rose 32% between 2014 and 2017, while the number of gun suicides rose each year between 2006 and 2017 (a 41% increase overall).” “Don’t you call me a hypocrite,” Sarge from the army surplus store shot back. “The federal government has no right to tell me what to do. “The Second Amendment clearly gives Americans the right to bear arms. Anarchy is rampant in our cities and liberals put down God-fearing patriots like the McCloskeys for defending their property with guns. If Joe Biden is elected, no one in America will be safe anymore.” One minute later, Sharissa Hawkins replied, “Wait a minute. One minute, conservatives say that the government has no right to tell them what to do and the next minute they want to send the troops into cities that don’t want them. Which is it?” Carmen Espinosa was the next to join the battle. “As a police officer, I’m all for people who protest

peacefully during the daytime, but when protestors start throwing water bottles, stones, fireworks and balloons filled with paint at cops who are just trying to do their job, things have gotten out of control. It’s like Texas and Louisiana after the hurricane last week. When local officials aren’t able or don’t care to do the job, the feds have to jump in. TO PROTECT LIFE.” “Tell that to George Floyd,” was Sharissa’s curt response. Pastor Mitty shut his computer down and called his neighbor again. “I’m confused, Michael. Have you been checking what’s happening on Facebook? I mean everyone seems to be pro-life when it supports their view and pro-choice when it doesn’t. You know what I mean?” “I hadn’t thought of it that way, Walt, but I guess that when it comes to the coronavirus, liberals would be pro-life and conservatives would be pro-choice, wouldn’t they?” “You know what,” he continued. “Let’s call Fr. Sullivan and ask him what he thinks about pro-life and pro-choice.” When the Jesuit answered the phone, Mitty explained what he and Michael were trying to figure out, and the Catholic priest said he’d be glad to throw in his two cents. “Cardinal Bernardin,” he began, “talked about the pro-life position as being a seamless garment. In other words, to be consistently pro-life, you will be against abortions but you would also have to be against the death penalty and abusive force by the police, and for a humane immigration policy and improving the living conditions of Black and Brown people who have suffered disproportionally from COVID-19.” “Off the record,” he continued, “many us in the church believe that abortion is ending a human life, but we are for keeping Roe v. Wade in place. See, the fact that there are 600,000 abortions every year in one way says to me that the church has not done a very good job of instilling in our people and in the whole culture a reverence for life whether it be for the unborn, the elderly or for nature.” “You see, thinking Catholics understand the limit of the ability of human laws to change human behavior. Prohibition caused more harm than good. The Civil Rights legislation 50 years ago has improved the lives of some Black folks but hasn’t changed much at all for others. It’s one thing to teach God’s standards in church and strive to meet them as individuals but often when we’re talking about public policy, the most we can hope for is harm reduction.” “So off the record,” asked Michael, “would you support funding Planned Parenthood because it offers birth control to clients? It may not be ideal but at least it prevents abortions because it keeps women from getting pregnant.” “I think that east of Eden and this side of heaven, we should not let the perfect be the enemy of the good,” Fr. Bob said.

TOM

HOLMES

Forest Park Review, September 2, 2020

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PUBLIC NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE LAW OFFICE OF LINDA EPSTEIN Attorney for Petitioner 722 W. Diversey Parkway Ste. 101B Chicago, IL 60614 STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of Maria I. Martinez, Petitioner and Ruben Martinez, Respondent, Case No. 20 D 005511. The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, Maria I. Martinez, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, e-file your Appearance and Response to said Petition with the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, on or before September 23, 2020, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition. DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk. Published in Wednesday Journal August 26, September 2, and September 9, 2020

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: Y20004227 on August 27, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of POP-UP MUSIC SCHOOL with the business located at: 244 WESLEY AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: MAGALY CORDERO-DIETZ 244 WESLEY AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA. Published in Wednesday Journal 9/2, 9/9, 9/16/2020

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: Y20004121 on August 18, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of ALMOST ANYTHING IMPRINTING with the business located at: 62 NORTH HERBERT ROAD, RIVERSIDE, IL 60546. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: KATHRYN EILEEN MINAGHAN 62 NORTH HERBERT ROAD, RIVERSIDE, IL 60546, USA Published in RB Landmark 08/26, 9/2, 9/9/2020

LEGAL NOTICE VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE, ILLINOIS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given to all interested persons that a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Riverside will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the business of the Planning and Zoning Commission may permit, in the Riverside Township Hall Auditorium (2nd Floor), 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois, to consider proposed text amendments to the Village of Riverside Zoning Ordinance relative to garages and driveways. Application No.: PZ 20-06 Petitioner: Village of Riverside Proposed Text Amendments: Various changes to the Village’s garage and driveway regulations. Affected sections include, but may not be limited to, Section 8-4-1 (Definitions), 8-4-4 (Width, Encroachments, 10-73 (Accessory Structures and Uses) and 10-10-7 (Nonconforming Residential Driveways). Among the potential changes being considered are new or revised definitions, changes related to regulation of driveway aprons and widths, nonconforming residential driveways and clarifications on how façade width is measured. The above application and proposed text amendments are available for inspection at the office of the Village Clerk, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois 60546. The proposed text amendments may be added to or otherwise revised as a result of the public hearing. During the Public Hearing the Planning and Zoning Commission will hear testimony from and consider any evidence presented by persons interested to speak on these matters. Persons wishing to appear at this hearing may do so in person or by attorney or other representative and may speak for or against the proposed text amendments. Communications in writing in relation thereto may be filed at such hearing or with the Planning & Zoning Commission in advance by submission to the Village’s Community Development Department at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois 60546 prior to 4:00 p.m. the day of the public hearing. The Public Hearing may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Dated this 2nd day of September, 2020. Jill Mateo, Chairperson Planning & Zoning Commission Published in RB Landmark September 2, 2020

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PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

VILLAGE OF OAK PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

HEARING DATE: September 17, 2020 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits CALENDAR NUMBER: 06-20-Z APPLICATION: The Zoning Board of Appeals (“Board”) will conduct a public hearing on an application for a variance filed by the Applicant, 1120 Retail, LLC, to operate an office use on the ground floor within 50 feet of a street line at the property located at 1120 Lake Street, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Numbers 16-07-119-029-0000 & 16-07-119-031-0000 in the DT-1 Downtown Zoning Sub-District pursuant to Section 8.3 (Table 8-1: Use Matrix) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance. A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The Board will conduct the public hearing remotely with live audio available and optional video. The meeting will be streamed live and archived online for on-demand viewing at www.oak-park.us/commissiontv as well as cablecast on VOP-TV, which is available to Comcast subscribers on channel 6 and ATT U-Verse subscribers on channel 99. The remote public hearing is authorized pursuant to Section 7(e) of the Open Meetings Act. The Village President has determined that an in-person public hearing is not practical or prudent due to the

COVID-19 outbreak during Governor JB Pritzker’s current disaster proclamation. It is also not feasible to have a person present at the public hearing due to public safety concerns related to the COVID-19 outbreak. All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may provide written evidence, testimony and public comment on the application by email to Zoning@oak-park.us or by drop off in the Oak Park Payment Drop Box across from the entrance to Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, to be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 17, 2020. An individual’s name and their testimony or comment will be read aloud into the record at the public hearing if received no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of the public hearing. Interested persons may also participate in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses, present evidence, testimony or public comment by emailing Zoning @oak-park.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing to sign up. Individuals who sign up to participate in this manner will receive an email from Village staff with information about how to join the meeting online through Zoom web-conference means or by phone. The public hearing may be adjourned by the Board to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

Published in Wednesday Journal September 2, 2020

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HEARING DATE: September 17, 2020 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits CALENDAR NUMBER: 09-20-Z APPLICATION: The Zoning Board of Appeals (“Board”) will conduct a public hearing on an application for a special use permit filed by the Applicant, Nora Curtin, to operate an educational facility-vocational use pursuant to Section 8.3 (Table 8-1: Use Matrix) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance to permit a driving school at the property located at 103 N. Oak Park Avenue, Unit C, Property Index Number 16-07129-036-1002 in the DT Downtown Zoning District. A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The Board will conduct the public hearing remotely with live audio available and optional video. The meeting will be streamed live and archived online for on-demand viewing at www.oak-park.us/commissiontv as well as cablecast on VOP-TV, which is available to Comcast subscribers on channel 6 and ATT U-Verse subscribers on channel 99. The remote public hearing is authorized pursuant to Section 7(e) of the Open Meetings Act. The Village President has determined that an in-person public hearing is not practical or prudent due to the COVID-19 outbreak during Gover-

nor JB Pritzker’s current disaster proclamation. It is also not feasible to have a person present at the public hearing due to public safety concerns related to the COVID-19 outbreak. All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may provide written evidence, testimony and public comment on the application by email to Zoning@oak-park.us or by drop off in the Oak Park Payment Drop Box across from the entrance to Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, to be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 17, 2020. An individual’s name and their testimony or comment will be read aloud into the record at the public hearing if received no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of the public hearing. Interested persons may also participate in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses, present evidence, testimony or public comment by emailing Zoning @oak-park.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing to sign up. Individuals who sign up to participate in this manner will receive an email from Village staff with information about how to join the meeting online through Zoom web-conference means or by phone. The public hearing may be adjourned by the Board to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

Published in Wednesday Journal September 2, 2020

www.ForestParkReview.com

HEARING DATE: September 17, 2020 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits CALENDAR NUMBER: 08-20-Z APPLICATION: The Zoning Board of Appeals (“Board”) will conduct a public hearing on a special use permit application filed by the Applicant, Mary Lubinus, to operate a day care center pursuant to Section 8.3 (Table 8-1: Use Matrix) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance at the property located at 306-312 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Numbers 16-08318-007-0000; 16-08-318-008 & 16-08-318-009-0000 (“Premises”) in the NC Zoning District. A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The Board will conduct the public hearing remotely with live audio available and optional video. The meeting will be streamed live and archived online for on-demand viewing at www.oak-park.us/commissiontv as well as cablecast on VOP-TV, which is available to Comcast subscribers on channel 6 and ATT U-Verse subscribers on channel 99. The remote public hearing is authorized pursuant to Section 7(e) of the Open Meetings Act. The Village President has determined that an in-person public hearing is not practical or prudent due to the COVID-19 outbreak during Gover-

PUBLIC NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE SERRANO LEGAL SOLUTIONS, LLC 1144 LAKE STREET, SUITE 201 OAK PARK, IL 60301 STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss

nor JB Pritzker’s current disaster proclamation. It is also not feasible to have a person present at the public hearing due to public safety concerns related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of KAREN WOJNAROWSKI, Petitioner and ABDEL RZAQ KAYED, Respondent, Case No. 2020 D 004989.

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may provide written evidence, testimony and public comment on the application by email to Zoning@oak-park.us or by drop off in the Oak Park Payment Drop Box across from the entrance to Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, to be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 17, 2020. An individual’s name and their testimony or comment will be read aloud into the record at the public hearing if received no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of the public hearing. Interested persons may also participate in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses, present evidence, testimony or public comment by emailing Zoning @oak-park.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing to sign up. Individuals who sign up to participate in this manner will receive an email from Village staff with information about how to join the meeting online through Zoom web-conference means or by phone.

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before October 5, 2020, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition. DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk. Published in Wednesday Journal September 2, September 9, September 16, 2020

The public hearing may be adjourned by the Board to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

Buying? Selling? Renting? Hiring? Wednesday Classified 708-613-3333

Published in Wednesday Journal September 2, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE OF INTENT REQUEST FOR THE RELEASE OF FUNDS On September 10, 2020 the Village of Oak Park (Village) will request the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to release federal funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (PL 93-383), as amended, for various activities pursuant to the Program Year (PY) 2020 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, including: public facilities and improvements $38,740 , lead housing reduction $99,150, single family and small rental rehab loan program $265,950, ADA sidewalk/curb ramp reconstruction $605,000, and water line lead improvement $50,000, alley improvements $400,000. These activities will take place within the Village of Oak Park, Illinois at a total cost of $1,458,840. An Environmental Review Record covering CDBG programs has been made by the Village, which documents the environmental review of the activities. This Environmental Review Record (ERR) is on file at the below address and is available for public examination and copying upon request from September 3 to September 9, 2020, 5 p.m. The ERR is also available on the HUD Environmental Review Online System (HEROS) at: https:// www.onecpd.info/environmental-review/environmental-review-records The Village of Oak Park will undertake the activities described above with grant funds from HUD, under PL 93-383. The Village of Oak Park and Cara Pavlicek, in her official capacity as Village Manager, and

Tammie Grossman, in her official capacity as Development Customer Services Director, consent to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to environmental reviews, decisionmaking, and action, and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. The legal effect of the certification is that upon its approval, the Village may use the grant funds, and HUD will have satisfied its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. HUD will accept an objection of its approval of the release of funds and acceptance of the certification only if it is on one of the following bases: (a) that the certification was not in fact executed by one or both of the responsible entity’s Certifying Officers; (b) that the responsible entity has failed to make one of the two findings pursuant to Sec. 58.40 or to make the written determination required by Secs. 58.35, 58.47 or 58.53 for the grant activity, as applicable; or (c) that the recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by Sec. 58.75 before release of funds and approval of the environmental certification by HUD. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedure (24 CFR Part 58) and may be addressed to Donald Kathan, CPD Director, HUD at 77 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, Illinois 60604. Objections to the release of funds based on other than those stated

above will not be considered by HUD. No objection received after 5 p.m., September 25, 2020 will be considered by HUD. Notice is also given that CDBG Tier 1 Broad Reviews were conducted for the following proposed projects Village of Oak Park Public Works Infrastructure construction projects (4) that will: 1) make Sidewalk 2) make Sidewalk Ramp Improvements to improve the mobility of persons with disabilities; 3) make Alley Improvements in low and moderate income areas to replace deteriorated infrastructure; and 4) make Water Main service line improvements to eliminate water main lead-based paint hazards. Further Tier 1 Broad Review projects - Village of Oak Park Housing Programs projects (3) that will: 1) reduce lead-based paint hazards for low- and moderate-income homeowners; 2) rehabilitate singlefamily homes for low- and moderate-income homeowners; and 3) rehab rental-buildings with 1-7 units to primarily benefit and improve affordability for low- and moderate-income renters. Tier 2 Site Specific Reviews will be completed for those laws and authorities not addressed in the Tier 1 Broad Reviews for each address under the Oak Park CDBG program when addresses become known. Cara Pavlicek, Village Manager, and Tammie Grossman, Development Customer Services Director (Certifying Officers) 123 Madison Street Oak Park, IL 60302

Published in Wednesday Journal September 2, 2020

Starting a new business?

Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice here. Call 708/613-3342 to place your ad.

Forest Park Review, September 2, 2020

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In print • Online • Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year ForestParkReview.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION SELENE FINANCE LP Plaintiff, -v.LARSENIA HORTON, NEIL SMITH, ASSURANCE RESTORATION & CONSTRUCTION, INC., PRAIRIE HOUSES OWNERS ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 18 CH 12736 14 DIVISION STREET, # 14 OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 16, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 28, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 14 DIVISION STREET, # 14, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-127-0480000 The real estate is improved with a brown brick, three story townhouse with an attached one car garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(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. 267501 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 18 CH 12736 TJSC#: 39-8007 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 18 CH 12736 I3151985

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION MWD ASSET SERVICING, LLC Plaintiff, -v.TINA MCDONALD A/K/A TINA N. MCDONALD, JOANNE MCDONALD, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC Defendants 10 CH 36359 500 EASTERN AVENUE BELLWOOD, IL 60104 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 3, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 22, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 500 EASTERN AVENUE, BELLWOOD, IL 60104 Property Index No. 15-09-311-0580000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $311,057.79. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g1).IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE

WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, Alexander Potestivo, POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610, Chicago, IL, 60606 (312) 263-0003. Please refer to file number 113876. 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. POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610 Chicago IL, 60606 312-263-0003 E-Mail: ilpleadings@potestivolaw. com Attorney File No. 113876 Attorney Code. 43932 Case Number: 10 CH 36359 TJSC#: 40-1855 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. I3154976

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. 268445 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 19 CH 00561 TJSC#: 40-595 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 # 19 CH 00561 I3154996

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF CSMC 2018-RPL12 TRUST. Plaintiff, -v.KARL A. REESE, ROSALYN CUMMINGS-YEATES A/K/A ROSALIND CUMMINGS-YEATES, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2019CH08990 439 S. TAYLOR AVE. #2/3-B OAK PARK, IL 60302 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 September 28, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 439 S. TAYLOR AVE. #2/3-B, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-08-321-0311006, Property Index No. 16-08-321031-1007 The real estate is improved with a condo/townhouse. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-19-04531 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2019CH08990 TJSC#: 40-2114 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 # 2019CH08990 I3155206

Illinois Classified Advertising Network EVENTS

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WANTED TO BUY FREON WANTED: We pay $$$ for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-598-1758 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR FFMLT TRUST 2005-FF11, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005FF11 Plaintiff, -v.BRIAN HOLLOWAY Defendants 19 CH 00561 125 SOUTH LOMBARD AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 23, 2020, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 24, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 125 SOUTH LOMBARD AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-08-302-0150000 The real estate is improved with a yellow vinyl siding, one story single family home with a detached two car garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/

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: 1-800669-9777. Wednesday Journal Landmark Forest Park Review

Forest Park Review, September 2, 2020

INC., REALTOR

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

928 S. KENILWORTH AVE...$299,000 OAK PARK

324 ELGIN AVE.....$459,000 FOREST PARK

Property has been owner occupied by the same family for 50+ years. 1st fl has spacious living rm and dining rm, kitchen and 1/2 bath. 2nd floor has three bedrooms and full bath. Stucco exterior and 2 car detached garage. Great location in south west Oak Park. Needs some updating but livable as-is.

This is a beautiful two flat updated several years ago with many new upgrades. Plain and simple, the numbers work. Check it out and do the math

935 Elgin Avenue, Forest Park UNDER CONTRACT ........................$489,000 This is a money maker! This early 1970s brick four flat houses two one bedroom apartments on the top floor, a large three bedroom two bath apartment on the first floor, and a large two bedroom two bathroom apartment in the lower level. Tandem parking for 8 cars. Meticulously maintained by the current owner for several decades. The numbers work! This one really won't last long.

NEW LISTING

1117 Marengo Avenue, Forest Park UNDER CONTRACT .......................$263,500 What a great opportunity to get into Forest Park at an affordable price! This home offers four total bedrooms, two on the second floor and two on the first floor. The home is in perfect condition! Living room, dining room, and eat in kitchen, plus a finished basement. Huge deck off the back of the house and a very large two car garage!

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

ONLINE and IN PERSON options for Private Lessons for Language, Music and Academic Tutoring. In Person option for 2020/21. Multi-Age K-5th Grade “Homeschool in School“ program

The Language and Music School At International Mansion 509 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 info@internationalmansion.com • (708) 524-5252 • InternationalMansion.com

Forest Park Review, September 2, 2020

Win e

pe u S

r Center

24 Pack Cans

12 New Hours!

Mon. - Thurs. 10:00 - 8:00 Fri. & Sat. 10:00 - 9:00 Sunday 10:00 - 6:00

7714 W. Madison, Forest Park 708-366-2500

105 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombard 630-629-3330

On Sale Sept. 2nd thru Sept. 8th, 2020 Right reserved to limit quantities and correct errors.

After Instant Savings Must Buy 2 - Mix or Match Bacardi Rum 750ml

Superior or Gold Sale Price 10.99

Lite, Coors or Bud

AFTER INSTANT SAVINGS must buy 2

Dewar’s

“White Label”

Scotch

1.75L

Leinenkugel’s or Bud Light Seltzers

99 12 PK

PLUS Get a Bag of Chips for 1¢

E) (ALL ITEMS ABOV

Burnett’s Vodka

80 Proof

99 1.75 L

SAVE $5 on one, SAVE $10 on two (Mail In Rebate)

Gin

750ml

Sale Price $19.99

AFTER INSTANT SAVINGS must buy 2

Grey Goose Vodka

99 750ml

AFTER INSTANT SAVINGS

15 Pack Cans

12 PK

Moosehead Lager

8 12 99 99

Stella Artois

12 Pack

750ml

Apothic Wines

99 750ml

799

12 PK

Pabst Blue Ribbon

10 99

PLUS Get a Bag of Chips for 1¢

30 PK

E) (ALL ITEMS ABOV

LIQUOR SPECIALS Glenmorangie

Monte Alban

10 Year Old

Ron Castillo

Tequila Silver or Reposado ...... 750ml 9.99 Spiced Rum............... 1.75 L 11.99

Evan William’s

Bourbon ...................... 1.75 L 18.99

The Pogues

Irish Whiskey

Michelob ULTRA

12 PK

Gin or Rosé Gin ..................... 750ml 25.99

Triple Distilled

Goose Island Beers

Irish Whiskey ............ 750ml 21.99

Assorted Types

Bombay Sapphire

Beck’s Beers

Jameson

Sale Price $26.99 AFTER INSTANT SAVINGS must buy 2

HOLIDAY BEER BUYS!

Glendalough Maker’s 46

Bourbon

Aged on Oak Staves ..... 750ml 29.99

Scotch

99 750ml

Elijah Craig

Small Batch

Bourbon

99 1.75 L

HOLIDAY WINE SPECIALS!

Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve

Chardonnay 2018

99 750ml

LOWEST PRICE N! IN TOW

SUPER SPECIALS - WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

Murphy Goode

Angry Bunch

Regularly $7.99

Regularly $17.99

Sauvignon Blanc 2016............. 375ml 3.99

Lodi Zinfandel 2016 .............................. 9.99

Cline

Catena Carlos

Regularly $14.99

Regularly $29.99

Cashmere White 2018 .......................... 7.99

Conundrum

White Wine Blend 2019

Chateau Ste. Michelle

Riesling 2019 ................................. 750ml 4.99

Barefoot Wines .......................... 1.5 L 7.99 Cavit Pinot Grigio ...................... 1.5 L 9.99

Cabernet 2014 ....................................... 14.99

Masottona

Breca

Opaque

Mumm Napa

Regularly $13.99

Regularly $29.99

Rosé 2019 .................................................... 7.99

Red Blend 2015 .................................... 14.99

750ml

Prosecco ............ 96/100 - Decanter 750ml 9.99 Sparkling Wines .......................750ml 15.99