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REVIEW SEPTEMBER 16, 2020

D209 votes to require Black history course PAGE 7

Socially distanced cemetery tour PAGE 12

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D91 ends remote learning program with YMCA

Y categorically denies allegations of surprise charges, safety concerns By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Just four days into the school year, run remotely in District 91 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Superintendent Lou Cavallo announced that the district was terminating its agreement with the West Cook YMCA, which had been providing daytime supervision for children at Grant White and Field Stevenson schools. The YMCA was one of two programs, including child care through the Howard Mohr Community Center, that was being paid for by the district. The announcement to end the YMCA agreement shocked some parents whose children had begun attending the program. And it shocked YMCA officials, who said they had spent weeks working on the program, soliciting input from D91 to ensure the district’s and families’ needs would be met and training staff to care for children during remote learning in unprecedented times. The community center’s program was already full, and the abrupt termination of the YMCA program put dozens of families in jeopardy without an option for daytime child care. The district reached out to the Park District of Forest Park, which had been providing after-school hours care and had run a successful and socially distanced summer camp, and asked them to create a daytime program as well. The park district stepped up. “The families need us,” said Jackie Iovinelli, execuSee D91 REMOTE LEARNING on page 13

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

DECADES OF SERVICE

Lieutenant Tom “T.J.” Janopoulos (left) and Chief Bob McDermott, both born and raised in town, are retiring from the Forest Park Fire Department. T.J. has served for 30 years in town and McDermott for 32.

McDermott recalls decades of service to village Fire chief will be remembered for leadership, patience, humor By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Forest Park’s fire chief, Bob McDermott, remembers wanting to be a firefighter since he was 3 years old. “There was never a doubt in my mind about what I wanted to do,” said McDermott, 53, who is retiring from the Forest Park Fire Department at the end of September and taking over as chief in

IN Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 THIS Big Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 ISSUE Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

North Riverside, an unplanned opportunity that came up almost immediately after he announced his retirement. Born and raised in Forest Park, his mother used to take him to the fire station for tours and to visit the firefighters. As he got older, he didn’t just want to be a firefighter; he wanted to be a Forest Park firefighter. At 19, he was finishing his fire service degree at Triton College, when Shayne Ryerson (who later became

chief) convinced the chief at that time to hire McDermott as a reserve fireman, even though the minimum age was 21. He worked in that capacity for Forest Park and part time for the Stickney Fire Department. In July 1988, he was hired full-time in Forest Park. “I felt like I won the lottery,” said McDermott. “I had wanted to work with See McDERMOTT on page 8

D209 makes major admin changes

Dentist thrives despite COVID

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Forest Park Review, September 16, 2020

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Forest Park Review, September 16, 2020

Density vs. Green Space

‘I

t’s not easy being green,” sings Kermit the Frog. In the case of the Altenheim property, it’s not easy staying green. The pandemic, however, is causing a shift in our attitude toward development and density in Forest Park. It has prompted a growing number of residents to reject using the village-owned Altenheim property to build more condos. Their voices are heard at the village council meetings and also through a newly-formed organization called Save the Forest Park Greenspace Initiative. This group was founded by Al and Terri Mollsen. They launched their Facebook page on Aug. 6 and it has close to 100 members. Some of them live in The Grove, across the street from the Altenheim property. They are concerned that the construction of more condos will lower their property values. The greenspace group also wants to spread awareness to residents who don’t live near the site and may not see its potential to be used as parkland. They are seeking transparency from the village council when it comes to making decisions about the property. Finally, they want to promote community participation in the process. They believe we all have a stake in what happens to the property and

input from residents is crucial. They know the village is short on green space and this is our last chance to preserve a precious resource. Al served on the Cultural Park Committee and believes the data they gathered about the property provides a factual foundation for keeping it green. He doesn’t foresee it serving as a music venue. But the Mollsens have come up with a list of possible uses for the property. Some of their proposals have already been echoed by others. They see the property as a possible site for a farmers market, seasonal festivals and even commencement ceremonies. They envision a sculpture park with works of art on consignment. The property could be used for movies in the park and to host charity runs. It could feature ice skating rinks in the winter and outdoor fitness classes in the summer. Right now, the property is not being used for much of anything. Terri sees it as a forbidding place, with “No Trespassing” signs posted. It has dilapidated buildings the village is planning to raze, A few golfers use it as a driving range. It’s rare to see people walking through the property, let alone using it for picnics. The Mollsens believe residents treasure green space now more than ever because of

JOHN RICE

L O O K

B A C K

I N

the pandemic. Spending time outdoors isn’t just an option. It has become a necessity. Countless dog walkers stroll past their house. There are more joggers and bike riders than ever before. They believe these outdoor activities are bringing neighbors closer together. At the same time, they are seeing people return to traditional values and simple pleasures, like backyard gatherings. Al’s family has deep roots in Forest Park and he recalls the social cohesiveness it had in the past. The Mollsens see the property as a perfect venue for open recreation and community interaction. They consider building condos there as more of a “quick fix” for the village’s financial problems. They don’t see condos as money makers because the village has to provide infrastructure and services for these residents. They believe transforming the Altenheim into parkland could provide long-term revenue, through corporate sponsorship and the sale of permits. Residents who want to support their initiative can visit their Facebook page, take the survey and become members. It’s not easy staying green but we should make a concerted effort to preserve the green space we have left. ■ 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 . . .

WILLKOMMEN With gratitude, the Oktoberfest committee chairs, Roberta Marunde (President of the Forest Park Damenchor) and Fred Marunde (President of the Maennerchor) wrote a letter featured on the front page of the Review on October 20, 1966, announcing the first Oktoberfest a “Giant Success.” With a storm threatening, the event was almost canceled and attendance was expected to be minimal. But the “Beer Tent” was finally completely erected at 6:30 p.m., and Hannah Avenue and Madison Street (next to the bank) was transformed into a lively event. The crowds streamed in for bratwurst, huehnchen, sauerkraut, kartoffelsalat and revelry. From that fateful night on, Forest Park would host an annual Oktoberfest, and the event grew and grew. It would eventually be a three-day event, and Forest Park would host a parade, carnival rides, food vendors, and a mini-marathon until the early 1990s. In late 2014, Peter Herdeg and a group of volunteers with a vision brought the German Fest back to Forest Park, this time at the picnic area of the Grove near the Altenheim.

–Jill Wagner

F O R E S T PA R K

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 Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Forest Park Review,141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302-2901. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS No 0205-160) In-county subscriptions: $25 per year. $42 for two years, $58 for three years. Out-of-county subscriptions: $33 per year. Forest Park Review is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. © 2020 Growing Community Media NFP. F O R E S T PA R K

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Forest Park Review, September 16, 2020

‘Hometown kid’ retiring from fire department

Janopoulos leaving Forest Park after 54 years By John Rice Contributing Reporter

Lieutenant Tom “T.J.” Janopoulos has deep roots in Forest Park, which makes his retirement from the fire department bittersweet. He was born and raised in town and has lived here for most of his 54 years. He joined the department on October 15, 1990 and his last day on duty will be October 14, 2020. Janopoulos is leaving the job he has loved, after 30 years of dedicated service. From a physical, emotional and professional standpoint, he’s ready. Janopoulos is also planning to move out of his beloved hometown. Janopoulos grew up on Burkhardt Court. His dad, Pete, worked for the state highway department. His mother, Diane, worked at the McDonald’s at Des Plaines and Madison until her retirement. Janopoulos enjoyed an idyllic childhood exploring Forest Park. “Everybody knew everybody,” he recalled, “We could stay out late until my dad called us home.” Janopoulos and his friends spent their days playing sports and hanging out at the pool. They would redeem empty pop bottles at Ryerson’s Drug Store and use the proceeds to buy rubber balls for fastpitching. “It was like the movie ‘Sandlot,’” he said. Janopoulos excelled at baseball. The right-handed pitcher participated in the Pitch, Hit & Run Competition and finished in the top 10 two years in a row. “I made it all the way to Sox Park my first year. I made it to Wrigley Field my second year.” Janopoulos and his friends spent summers playing Little League baseball at the Park. During the school year, Janopoulos followed the usual academic path, from Garfield to Grant-White to Middle School. When it came to high school, his parents enrolled him at Fenwick. This was not a good fit. After freshman year, he transferred to Proviso East, where he starred on the track team. He ran anchor for the school’s top ranked mile relay team. After graduating from Proviso, Janopoulos had little desire to go to college. He instead enlisted in the Marine Corps. After completing basic training in California, Janopoulos became a mechanic fixing the brand new F 18 fighter. His official title was Egress Environmental Cryogenics Technician (EECT). He was focused on the cockpit, where he serviced ejection seats, canopies and cooling systems. Janopoulos served four years in the Marines but his most interesting stint was the six months he spent overseas. He was assigned to a base near Seoul, Korea. “I was truly like Forrest Gump,” he said, witnessing world events while in uniform. He survived typhoons in the Philippines, was there for the death of Japan’s

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

HOMETOWN HERO: Lieutenant Tom “T.J.” Janopoulos is retiring from the Forest Park Fire Department in October. Emperor Hirohito and saw the torch bearer for the Seoul Olympics. After discharge, Janopoulos learned that being an EECT was hardly a marketable skill. When he applied for a job with an airline, he was told his background qualified him to be a baggage handler. Janopoulos had no desire to carry bags, so he became a mechanic at Action Transmission in Forest Park. He also worked at Calcagno’s food store on Des Plaines Avenue. Finally, he turned to his father for career advice. Pete was a government employee who believed that working for municipalities was the way to go. “I didn’t know what a fire hydrant was,” Janopoulos said, “But I wanted to be a fireman.” Janopoulos took the fire department exam in Berwyn and Cicero and failed both. Then he took the Forest Park test and passed easily. Before being accepted by the fire department, Janopoulos had to complete his official interview. It was conducted by Review publisher Bob Haeger and Michael Mohr. They mostly chatted about the Iraq War and were pleased they were hiring a “hometown kid.” Janopoulos did not attend the fire academy and learned firefighting through onthe-job training. The key instruction was, “Follow him!” He came on the department at the same time as his boyhood friend “Bobby” McDermott. He also worked with Rich Boyce and Mario Tricoci. Chuck Whelpley was the chief. This was a by-gone era in the department’s history.

“We had a lot of fires back then,” said Janopoulos, “And a number of fatalities. We were still using the fire pole. I loved working with the old guys.” He recalled traveling to New York, a month after 9-11, to attend three FDNY funerals with Tricoci. There was no room in the department for Janopoulos to advance so he served seven years as an “acting officer” to replace a retiree. Finally, when Lieutenant Scott Popelka retired, Janopoulos was promoted to his current rank. In the meantime, Janopoulos met his wife, Becky, at the dog park on Circle Avenue. “It was a match made in heaven,” Janopoulos said and the couple has been married for 13 years. Early on, they discovered a mutual love for travel and exploring the outdoors. “I knew she was the one right away,” Janopoulos recalled fondly. Becky worked as a colorist at Mario Tricoci’s downtown salon. Becky, though, developed asthma from inhaling the chemicals and was forced to retire from the profession. She retreated to the home the couple owns in Lake Carroll, in northwestern Illinois. Becky made a huge career shift by becoming a volunteer for the Northern Illinois Prairie Association. Her job was to plant native species in state parks to revive Illinois’ once-thriving prairies. Becky loved the work so much, she started her own company, Native Prairie Solutions. She serves clients by removing invasive species and planting native grasses and flowers. She also raises honeybees and Monarch butterflies on their five-acre

parcel. Janopoulos has watched Monarchs emerge from chrysalis in their kitchen. Besides enjoying nature, Janopoulos is an enthusiastic motorcyclist. He owns an Indian and a Harley and goes riding with his old buddies. He also loved being with his buddies on the fire department and admits he still “has the mentality of the old guys.” The job had its downside, though. “Every address has a memory I can relate to. That’s not something I want to see anymore.” “This job scars you,” he said, “I saw the worst things ever and I still carry the memories.” Janopoulos is not just leaving the department, he plans to sell his house in Forest Park and “cut the umbilical cord” with his hometown. “Every street reminds me of something that’s no longer here. I have good memories but I don’t want to remember because it’s not the same.” His recollections include holiday parades, and picnics at the Altenheim. Many of his Greek and Italian relatives still live in town and the lamb roasts they hosted on Monroe are legendary. Janopoulos has another reason to retire. His father died at 54 and Janopoulos is determined to enjoy life to its fullest. “I’m going out on a high note,” he said. There will be no retirement celebration for Janopoulos due to the pandemic. But no one will miss T.J. more than the men and women who served with him and the villagers he protected for 30 years.

Forest Park Review, September 16, 2020

Vehicular hijacking at Thornton’s

A man’s vehicle was taken at gunpoint from Thornton’s, 601 Harlem Ave., on Sept. 6 around 5:40 a.m. The victim said he exited his vehicle and began pumping gas when he observed two men on the driver’s side of his vehicle. One was rummaging inside the car. The men demanded the victim hand over the keys, and when he refused, one of them produced a gun from his waistband and displayed it, pointing it down. The victim immediately ran toward the Thornton’s store and asked employees to call the police. The car was last seen heading toward I-290, with the victim’s phone inside.

Armed robbery at Portillo’s Two Portillo’s employees working the drive-thru lane on Sept. 8 at 6:03 p.m. were the victims of armed robbery. According to one of the employees, she was taking orders when she observed two male subjects on the sidewalk whispering to one another. Immediately after, one of them approached her and demanded her money belt. She gave it to him, and he ran northbound across Roosevelt Road. At the same time, the second man approached another employee. He demanded her money belt and displayed a black handgun. She unbuckled her money belt and handed it to him. Both belts contained just over $200 each.

Dogs at large Two large pit bulls were running unrestrained on the south side of town on Sept. 4 at 7:51 a.m. Police were called to the alley of the 1500 block of Marengo Avenue and Elgin Avenue after several calls were made about the dogs running loose. The reporting officer called one of the dogs and was able to secure her in the squad car. The second dog ran south in the alley and entered an open garage, where the officer observed a lot of dog feces and a very unpleasant odor. When the officer knocked on the back door of the

residence, the dog became aggressive and began to charge at the officer. The officer was able to exit the yard and close the gate, trapping the dog inside the back yard. A few minutes later, a man exited the house and said the dogs belonged to him. He stated he had village and rabies tags for each dog but refused to produce them. He was issued three citations for each dog, one for dog at large, one for no dog license, and one for no rabies tag.

Aggravated assault outside McGaffer’s A man was arrested for aggravated assault after brandishing a pocketknife and threatening an employee of McGaffer’s, 7737 Roosevelt Rd., on Sept 9 at 11:49 a.m. The employee found the man sleeping on the back stairs of the establishment and asked him to move because he was sleeping behind a business and because people live on the second floor. The employee said that the man began yelling at him, stating he wouldn’t leave. He then pulled out a knife and asked, “What are you gonna do?” The employee immediately went inside the business and called the police, who detained the suspect, though he didn’t initially comply.

Drunk man “clear and present danger” A man called the police on Sept. 13 at 4:45 a.m. after he couldn’t locate his Sig Sauer P365 handgun and wanted to report it stolen. He said he’d been drinking at Mugsy’s with his girlfriend. He said he has a concealed carry license and had his gun at the bar. He told police he couldn’t remember if he’d lost the gun in his car, in the bar or another location, or if it was stolen. According to the reporting officer, the man “appeared heavily intoxicated, had bloodshot, glossy eyes, and the odor of an alcoholic beverage emitted from his person when he exhaled breath.” About half an hour later he contacted the police stating that he had located his handgun. However, a Clear and Present Danger

g n a H e r e in th k r a P t s e For

form had been submitted to the Illinois State Police due to the man carrying his pistol while heavily intoxicated, inside a bar, and in an unsafe state.

Woman fails to yield to pedestrian A woman was ticketed on Sept. 13 at 12:20 a.m. on Madison Street for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. The reporting officer, driving a semi-marked squad car, had stopped at the pedestrian crosswalk to allow a subject to safely cross. The driver of the vehicle behind him, however, honked her horn multiple times, then accelerated, entered the other lane, and passed the officer so quickly that the subject in the crosswalk had to run in order not to be struck. The vehicle didn’t stop or slow down. The officer pulled her over and gave her a ticket.

Rowdy funeral procession passes through town A rowdy funeral procession passed through town on its way to Forest Home Cemetery on Sept. 12 at 2:32 p.m. As the procession traveled westbound on Jackson Boulevard, the cars stopped and occupants got out and began fighting. Two men left their vehicles to urinate in the Beloit/Ferdinand alley, then returned to their cars. At least 75 vehicles were observed, many of them with open alcohol being consumed in plain view,

too many occupants to wear safety belts, children not in car seats, and loud music. At the grave site, at least 150 people congregated, most without masks “or any modicum of social distancing,” according to the police report, although gatherings are limited to 50 people or less due to COVID-19 restrictions. The actions of the funeral procession and the House of Branch Funeral Home, which led the procession, will be further reviewed at a later date.

Dog attacked by cats A dog being walked on the 900 block of Lathrop Ave. on Sept. 6 at 4:37 p.m. was attacked by two cats. The dog sustained bites to the left ear and upper right leg. The owner of the cats, who came out of the house and retrieved the two animals, reported that the cats had been adopted a month ago and do not get along with any dogs. The owner also stated that he will keep the cats inside. Both were current on their rabies vaccinations. These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Forest Park Police Department, Sept.4-19, 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 16, 2020

Yoga in the Park

September 16 - 23

BIG WEEK

Register for outdoor or virtual yoga on Sunday, Sept. 20, from 10 to 11 a.m. in Reiger Park, 1526 Circle Ave., across from the new Sarah’s Inn location. Sarah’s Inn associate board members will be there, and the class will be taught by & Then There Was Well professional yoga instructor and owner Marissa Grott. The mission of Sarah’s Inn is to improve the lives of those affected by domestic violence and to break the cycle of violence for future generations. Raffle tickets for fun prizes are available. Sign up at sarahsinn.org/events/.

Drive-thru Food Distribution On Wednesday, Sept. 23 from 3:30 to 5 p.m., Beyond Hunger is holding a drive-thru food distribution event for residents from the following zip codes, which include Forest Park, Oak Park and Austin: 60130, 60131, 60141, 60171, 60176, 60301, 60302, 60304, 60305, 60402, 60644, 60651, and 60707. The drive-thru is virtually contactless; volunteers and staff load about 75 pounds worth of fresh produce, milk, eggs, bread and pantry staples directly into your trunk. Just bring an ID. No income verification needed. Beyond Hunger is housed in the lower level of First United Church of Oak Park, 848 Lake St. in Oak Park. When arriving, please enter the parking lot on Kenilworth at the rear of the church. There is currently construction on Lake Street when driving to our location it is easiest to turn south on Kenilworth from Chicago Avenue.

Property Tax Assessment and Appeal Townhall

Drive-in Bingo

Join Mayor Rory Hoskins on Monday, Sept. 21 at 5:30 p.m. for the Forest Park Property Tax Assessment and Appeal Townhall. Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi and other team members will explain the appeal process and the property tax system. Register here: https://bit.ly/3iqYlQY

As part of Hunger Awareness month, Beyond Hunger, Oak Park Brewing Company, and the Park District of Oak Park have teamed up to bring you a fun, safe night of bingo, drive-in style! Join us for five, fun-filled bingo games in the parking lot of First United Church on Friday, Sept. 18. Spots are available for a 6 p.m. bingo game and an 8 p.m. game. $20 reserves your car and bingo card. Registration is required as a limited number of spots will be available for this event. Tickets are available at gobeyondhunger.org/events.

Dog Man Fans Unite Join other Dog Man fans through the Forest Park Public Library on Sept. 21 from 4 to 4:45 p.m. for readings drawings and more. Submit entries for the drawing challenges to ys@fppl. org for a prize pack and register online at fppl.org/ events.

One-on-one Tech Help Have a question about email, internet, using your phone, using library eBooks, or Microsoft Office software, etc.? FPPL cardholders can book a 30-minute session with a librarian at fppl.org/events. Examples of questions include downloading eBooks, setting up a Facebook account, moving photos from a phone to a laptop, doing a mail merge in Microsoft Word and more. Virtual meetings will be conducted over Zoom. Call 708-689-6125 with questions.

Ready, Set, Español! On Sept. 18 from 10:30 to 11 a.m., join the Forest Park Public Library for an an English/Spanish bilingual storytime that 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! Please register to be invited to our Zoom group, though if you miss registering, you can always catch us on Facebook Live. More information is available at fppl.org/events.

Forest Park Review, September 16, 2020

D209 approves required Black history course Full implementation to begin next year By MICHAEL ROMAIN Contributing Reporter

During a regular meeting on Sept. 8, the Proviso Township High Schools District 209 school board voted unanimously in favor of adding a Black history course to the curriculum that all students will be required to take before graduating. Administrators said the new course will cost an estimated $300,000 to implement, which includes an estimated $240,000 to hire three more teachers and $60,000 to buy new textbooks. Dr. Nicole Howard, D209’s assistant superintendent for Academics, Student and Family Services, said she anticipates the course launching sometime in the summer of 2021, with full implementation set to start in August 2021. The graduation requirement would apply to the class of 2022 and beyond. In the meantime, D209 board President Rodney Alexander said he hopes that the implementation of the course is a community concern. “It is my hope that the community will have full input in the curriculum,” he said. “All the way down to the textbooks.”

Alexander added that he hopes that “we not just have the course in name, but that the course be so impactful and effective that we send all of our students out of here with a better understanding of the human value of [Blacks] as a marginalized group and when they become police officers and judges they will have been educated properly.” Board member Theresa Kelly said that she hopes the new Black history course does not lean on conventional textbooks, which she said have been problematic in the past. “Most solid programs don’t use textbooks to teach Black history,” she said. “Most textbooks are biased and not anti-racist. Most, if not all, solid courses use a variety of sources and build the curriculum themselves most times.” Howard said that her reference to textbook could be a collection of sources. Which sources are included, along with other curriculum concerns, will be worked out ahead of the course launch, she said. “This is only a first step in District 209 creating an equitable and representative curriculum,” said board member Claudia Medina, adding that she hopes the district uses data from a recently competed equity committee to revise existing courses, as well. “All students need to know this [history],” Alexander said. “It’s a great day for Proviso Township highs schools.”

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Forest Park Review, September 16, 2020

MCDERMOTT

Luckiest person alive from page 1 these guys for a long time.” He was promoted to lieutenant in 2000 and deputy chief in 2003, the same year Steve Glinke was promoted to chief. “I learned a lot from Steve,” said McDermott. “Just from watching him work, he taught me a lot. He was a great teacher, very patient.” When Glinke resigned as chief, McDermott was appointed to the position in June 2016. McDermott had already taken on many responsibilities, since Glinke had been serving in a dual role as a full-time fire chief and part-time director of public health and safety since 2010. “Steve gave me a lot of latitude to do things the way I wanted,” said McDermott about his time as deputy chief. “My management style is a lot like his.” McDermott said he has served as either chief or deputy chief for 17 years, and a reboot was due. “In every organization, at some point it’s time for a change,” said McDermott. “I’ve served as chief and deputy chief since 2003.” McDermott won’t go far. He’s taking the position of fire chief in the North Riverside Fire Department, a position he wasn’t looking for. In fact, he planned to continue working as a paid on-call firefighter for the village of LaGrange. “There was a hole in my retirement plan, and that was that I hadn’t planned anything,” said McDermott, who announced his retirement on a Tuesday. The next day, North Riverside called and asked if he’d come in to interview. “It kind of fell into my lap,” said McDermott, who will be working part-time in both departments until the end of September, when his retirement from Forest Park is official. McDermott said the recent COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most difficult experiences in his 32 years in Forest Park. “The pandemic has been the most mentally fatiguing experience I’ve had in the firehouse,” he said. “Everything up until that point had some historical basis for decision-making. With this, there was nothing.” Although the department has had plans in place for a biological attack since 9-11, it was the first time the threat seemed real. The fear that firefighters would contract COVID-19, reducing the numbers of first responders, was constantly on his mind. He set up daily check-in phone calls through MABAS, a mutual aid system between fire departments, with chiefs from River Forest, Oak Park and surrounding departments. “We’d talk about how many calls we were getting. If anyone was sick. What kind of PPE we had or needed,” he said. The Forest Park department had a decent stockpile of PPE but ordered more. There was a disconnect between first responders and the Cook County Department of Public Health, which refused to provide information about infected residents to the local fire departments, and information coming in from so many different sources. “At first, we were told to expect half the population to get sick,” said McDermott. “We were preparing for a worst-case scenario.” The department was and is prepared, and things have settled down, he added. The initial fear is gone, though everyone’s still on high alert. But he never doubted the department. “What makes a job the best is the people you work with. Here? I’ve been surrounded by great people. It’s really like a family.” He remembers his first fire — on the roof of Ferrara Pan, a relatively small fire, he said. He remembers people he’s worked with who are no longer with the department, including the late Frank Chiero, whom he considers a mentor. “He

Photo provided

LOOKING BACK: (above, from left) Bob McDermott as lieutenant, firefighter Scott Popelka, Steve Glinke as fire captain, and retired firefighter Frank Chiero in the late 1990s. provements over the past 15 years and for his decision-making skills. “He has the gift of quickly filtering distractions and making strategically appropriate tactical decisions on the fireground, earning the trust and respect of seasoned firefighters and peer chiefs throughout the metro area,” Glinke said. “I’ll miss his good counsel, patience and treasure the good times and bad because I had the great fortune of serving with one of the great ones.” Village Administrator Tim Gillian said he wishes McDermott nothing but the best, but he understands his decision to move on. “He’s spent his entire adult life in service to the community of Forest Park,” said Gillian, adding, “He deserves every accolade he gets.” Throughout his career, and especially during the past six months of the pandemic, Gillian said McDermott’s contributions to the village have been “invaluable.” “I will forever be grateful for his leadership,” he said. Mayor Rory Hoskins said McDermott will be missed. “He’s a great guy, and a great fire chief. I’m not surprised someone else snapped him up so quickly.” Commissioner Joe Byrnes, who has known McDermott for 47 years both personally and professionally, said, “Bobby’s got an infectious personality. He’s got a great, dry sense of humor.” Photo provided Byrnes also commended McDermott for his deLEADERS: Bob McDermott (left) as deputy chief and Steve Glinke meanor, saying he’s only seen him get angry twice, but both times he calmed down quickly. as chief after the Skrine Chops fire in 2011. “He’s very patient,” said Byrnes, “a guy people can look up to. Nobody can say a bad word about him.” was an incredible person,” said McDermott. Byrnes also noted that the department is set for continued He mentioned others: Rovert Santelli, Phil Barnes, Don Olson and Shayne Ryerson. And those he’s worked with success. “What Bobby [McDermott] and Steve [Glinke] did as chiefs aren’t likely to forget him either. was ensure they had quality people in the fire department Glinke speaks fondly of “Mac.” “You can work your entire career and not meet a fireman who could step up and step into a leadership position,” said like Bob McDermott,” he said. “He’s one of those guys who Byrnes. “We’re in a good position with good quality people that Forest Park can be proud of promoting.” seemed destined for the job — a true believer.” Looking back on his time in Forest Park, McDermott said Glinke described McDermott as “whip-smart, funny as hell and undeniably the best fire chief to ever serve in For- he wouldn’t have changed a thing. est Park,” crediting him for many operational service im“I’m probably the luckiest person alive,” he said.

Forest Park Review, September 16, 2020

Major administrative changes made in D209

Former PMSA principal now heading Proviso West By Michael Romain Staff Reporter

The District 209 school board recently approved some of the first major administrative personnel changes recommended by new Supt. James Henderson. The board voted 4-3 in favor of appointing Daniel Johnson the assistant superintendent for Human Resources. Johnson, a 17-year veteran in D209 who served a stint as interim superintendent before Henderson was hired, replaces Anthony Brazouski in the role. He’ll be paid a salary of $170,000. Board members Della Patterson, Theresa Kelly and Claudia Medina voted against the appointment. The board voted unanimously in favor of appointing Dr. Alexander Brandon as assistant principal at Proviso East High School. Brandon, a 20-year educator from Indiana, will be paid a salary of $135,500. The board voted 6-1 in favor of appointing Nicole Wilson to serve as executive director of Media and Community Engagement. Wilson comes to D209 from Northern Illinois University, where she worked in com-

munications for the university’s administration and finance division, according to a press release the district issued on Sept. 9. She’ll be paid a salary of $105,000. Board member Claudia Medina was the only member who voted against Wilson’s hiring. “We already have somebody in that position,” Medina said. “It’s unnecessary.” When contacted on Sept. 9, Henderson said that Cesar Rodriguez, who was hired as the district’s community and public relations director last year at $95,000, is currently still in that role. Henderson said that Wilson is now the district’s communications head and that Rodriguez will report directly to her. Henderson added that Wilson’s position is “cost-neutral,” since he eliminated the position of chief innovation officer, a role held by Dr. Bessie Karvelas, who was the longtime principal of Proviso Math and Science Academy in Forest Park before her promotion last year. At Tuesday night’s meeting, the board approved the appointment of Karvelas as principal of Proviso West, where she replaces Dr. Nia Abdullah, who was reassigned to another administrative role within the district in May. Karvelas will be paid a salary of $171,564. Board member Claudia Medina was the only member who voted against Karvelas’ appointment.

“I believe this motion goes against a lot of the innovation that we had moving forward for our brand new IB [International Baccalaureate academies at Proviso East and Proviso West],” she said. “I don’t think this is positive.” Appointed chief innovation officer last year by former superintendent Jesse Rodriguez, Karvelas was the architect of the new math and science academies that debuted at Proviso East and Proviso West this school year. The new academies are meant to replicate the rigorous curriculum and selective enrollment of PMSA. On Wednesday, Henderson said that he thought that the chief innovation officer position would have usurped the authority of the building principals at East and West. He added that there is also a separate director of innovation position, a role that he believed duplicated the functions of the chief innovation officer position. “We didn’t need two individuals doing the same job,” Henderson said. “Essentially, that’s what would have happened had we allowed a chief making $168,000 and another individual, working as a deputy, making over $130,000. I’m going to be fiscally prudent with taxpayer’s dollars. You don’t need two people doing the same job. You only have three high schools. How much innovation is really going on?”

Photo provided by District 209

CHANGES: Dr. Bessie Karvelas, the new principal of Proviso West High School, previously served as the principal of PMSA and the district’s chief innovation officer, a role that has been eliminated. Henderson said that Karvelas “has done some great work, from what I can tell, with PMSA and I would like to see her replicate her success at West. I believe she will be able to do that.” Henderson said that the cost-savings brought about by eliminating the chief innovation officer position paid for the new community and public relations director position.

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Forest Park Review, September 16, 2020

Where a visit to the dentist is a pleasant experience

28 To Brush, a Blackowned business, thrives in Forest Park

staff in the front of the office wear masks and gloves and are separated from patients by plexiglass. Patients themselves are required to ad-

here to a strict protocol designed to prevent the transmission of the virus to the dentists, their assistants and the hygienists. “When a patient comes through the door,”

By TOM HOLMES Contributing Reporter

Dr. Karen Fields-Lever has two stories. One is about running a successful business, and the other is about a Black professional serving her underserved community. Like many other businesses in town, Dr. Fields’ dental practice, 28 To Brush, was hurt financially by the recent shutdown. She opened her office one day a week during the lockdown and only for emergencies. Even then, she recalls having trouble getting the personal protective equipment (PPE) she needed to protect her patients and her staff from being infected. She referred to obtaining all the proper cleaning agents and PPE during that time and after reopening on June 15 as a “treasure hunt.” She said it feels good to reopen and get back to normal — “as normal as we can with the pandemic still occurring.” The new normal includes the staff working directly with patients wearing PPE that looks very much like what surgeons wear going into the operating room. Even the

TOM HOLMES

MASKED: All employees at 28 to Brush, owned by Dr. Karen Fields-Lever, follow COVID-19 safety regulations.

Dr. Fields-Lever explained, “they can only be by themselves and not with other individuals. When they check in we ask them safety check questions such as, “Have you traveled anywhere in the past 14 days or have you tested positive for COVID?” “After healthy responses, they are allowed to go into the back of the clinic where their temperature is checked, and we request that each patient gargles with Peroxide. The peroxide helps to eliminate the presence of the COVID-19 virus in their mouths. Each patient is then asked to wash their hands for 20 seconds with a good lather prior to them sitting in the operatory chair.” That scrupulous attention to safety is accompanied by a serious attempt by the staff to make the visit, in the words of their website, “as peaceful and tranquil as possible.” “We believe in making yourself feel at home and as calm as possible. If it means taking your shoes off while in the chair or changing the channel to your favorite television show, we welcome it. We even try to use soothing scents for the soaps at each sink.” Seven years ago when she was looking for a location to open up her own practice, she was attracted to the space at 7610 Roosevelt Road in the Forest Park Mall partly because it had ample parking. She and her husband, DeJuan, read an article which reported that

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Forest Park Review, September 16, 2020 successful start-ups were often within a five-mile radius of a Walmart. In addition to being a savvy woman and a competent professional, Dr. Fields-Lever has a heart for giving back to her community. In a service she launched in 2016 called Mobile Dentistry, she takes her practice on the road, according to her website, to provide “oral health services on-site at community centers and schools. This segment of her business has now provided in-school services to over 16,000 students.” “I love serving my community,” she explained, “because we are often underserved and don’t have access to care when it comes to dentistry. Many of the children have never been to the dentist. Our mobile program is not the most lucrative, but it has been the most rewarding thing I have ever done … to date.” Mobile Dentistry is also mobile role modeling. “Seeing an AfricanAmerican dentist” she said, “is encouraging for many of the children we engaged with. I loved each time they found out I was the dentist. I always hope that it sits in their minds that they can be just what I am TOM HOLMES when they grow up. You never know who SOOTHING SAFELY: Dr. Karen Fields-Lever, owner of 28 to Brush, strives to keep her patients safe and calm, hoping visits to her is watching you.” The staff at 28 To office are peaceful, not scary. Brush work hard at dentists we have to be in constant giving maintaining a soothing atmosphere in their practice, in part mode. We give our time, we give our ‘lisbecause, according to the website Statistic tening ears’ and our skill sets continuously Stats, over 75 percent of adults experience and that can certainly take a toll. So when I anxiety or fear when thinking about going find myself getting overwhelmed by the dayto-day routines of life and sometimes my to the dentist. And it’s not just the person in the chair career, I unplug and treat myself to a ‘me’ who may be feeling stress. According to the day.” Dr. Fields-Lever grew up in Detroit. She website oralhealth.com, “Recent studies reported in dental literature confirm that den- went to two historically Black colleges tists are subject to a variety of stress-related — Spellman and Howard — for her underphysical and emotional problems. Emotion- graduate degree and for dental school. She al illness ranks third in order of frequency completed her residency at Yale. For information or to make an appointof health problems amongst dentists, while in the general population it ranks 10th.” ment, call 708-435-2030. Their website is “This is very true,” said Fields-Lever. “As www.28TOBRUSH.com.

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Forest Park Review, September 16, 2020

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Forest Park Review, September 16, 2020

D91 REMOTE LEARNING

District and Y split from page 1 tive director of the park district, so she and Dannette Krajewski scrambled to put the program together. Cavallo, in emails, an interview, and during a board of education meeting on Sept. 10, cited three reasons for the termination, including alleged problems with the YMCA’s supervision of the children and safety violations related to COVID guidelines. But the biggest reason, according to Cavallo, was the amount the YMCA was charging, a figure he was not expecting until he received an invoice during the first week of remote learning.

Safety and supervision issues The YMCA categorically objects to accusations of safety violations or improper supervision of children in the program. YMCA President and CEO Phillip Jimenez said in an interview on Sept. 8 that in designing the program, the YMCA looked at guidelines from the Illinois State Board of Education, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and the Department of Children and Family Services. “We compared all three and took the most stringent to use for the program,” Jimenez said. His staff, he added, have all signed a personal commitment to safety on the job and at home, including agreeing to a travel and vacation ban until the end of October. And employees went through extensive training to ensure they knew the rules and would have the children follow them. “We’re there to intervene,” said Jimenez. “There is no way to unequivocally never have kids interact.” But, he said, his staff was trained to remind kids to have “airplane arms,” which means they’d keep a safe distance away from one another. Masks were required and regular cleaning and sanitation protocols were in place. Because the kids were grouped in pods, they would stay with the same group at all times. In a Sept. 3 email to a parent questioning the termination of the program, Cavallo said, “After numerous attempts to remedy the concerns, we came to the conclusion that the YMCA was not interested in changing their procedures.” He added that “students were missing classes, and health and safety protocols were not being followed. I will not risk the health, safety and education of our kids.” The decision to terminate the program, however, was made only a few days into the start of care. And Jimenez said he only received one email from D91 regarding these issues, not “numerous attempts.” In that one email, sent on Aug. 25, the first day of remote learning, Cavallo wrote to Jimenez, “I am receiving complaints that the students in the Y Child Care are missing Zoom classes because the Y is asking

students to follow a common schedule and not that of the teachers. I am not sure if this is true, but I wanted to relay this information to you. As we discussed before, all the students will be on different schedules, depending on their grade level and teacher. It will not be possible for them to all be on the same schedule.” No other emails related to class attendance or health or safety concerns were sent to the YMCA, Jimenez said.

Money issues Money was the biggest complaint voiced by Cavallo, and the main reason given for termination of the agreement. “The biggest problem, however, was the cost,” Cavallo said to the school board in an Aug. 28 email. “We made a mistake in trusting that their pricing would be fair. After planning and starting the program, we were given an invoice that did not match what I was told would be the price range.” Prior to that email, the Review had requested information about the financial agreement with the YMCA through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) but was told by Cavallo that the relationship with the YMCA had been terminated and there was no contract. In an interview, Cavallo told the Review that discussions about money had been “good faith” verbal agreements. There was nothing in writing. However, the YMCA provided the Review with emails, including one dated July 23, in which details of cost were discussed. The discussed per-pod rates were the same rates billed to the district on the invoice Cavallo said proved to be too much. In the July 23 email, Jimenez specifically stated, “The per month, per class room (class room of 15 students) cost is: $16,000.” In an Aug. 13 email, in which Cavallo asked for that number again, Jimenez provided more information about the cost of the program and reiterated what he already said in the previous email on the topic, explicitly stating that the district would be charged per pod (or group) of kids, not on a per/child basis. “Our per class room cost for the district is $16,000 per class room per month,” reads the email from Jimenez to Cavallo. “It would be a max capacity of 15 youth per pod so that per day costs if the room was full is $53 [per child].” Jimenez provided the per-child cost, but he made it clear in the July 23 email that looking at the cost at the priceper-child level wasn’t representative of what the district would pay, since the district would be pay-

ing per pod of children, regardless of attendance. Jimenez also mentioned a start-up fee invoice, which included planning costs and training, an invoice sent to the district on July 31. In a July 26 email between Jimenez and Cavallo, Jimenez explicitly stated that the district could keep costs as low as possible by providing the YMCA with classrooms that are a minimum of 850 to 900 square feet in size. This would ensure the YMCA could meet the 17 persons limit (15 students and two adults) and keep the number of pods as low as possible, since the Y had said they would be charging the district on a per-pod basis. In the Aug. 28 email to board members, however, Cavallo expressed surprise and shock at the very arrangements discussed in previous emails mentioned above. “None of the rooms are at capacity because [the YMCA] refused to put the full 15 in the room at 6 feet apart because they said their guidelines required them to use a number of people per square foot limit that included the staff,” wrote Cavallo to the board. “The price was fixed, regardless of how many kids were in the room.” Both of those issues had already been communicated to Cavallo in the emails from Jimenez. Cavallo told the board in a Sept. 4 email that, “After some heated negotiations, the YMCA came down on price for their start up cost but not their per classroom costs,” insinuating that it was the latter that was most problematic. That per-pod rate, however, had not changed since it was provided by the YMCA in the July email. Jimenez also said he’d sought grant funding to underwrite about $80,000 of the total program for D91, which would bring the per-child fee even lower, potentially from $53/child per day to $30 or $35/child per day. “The September price was never meant to go beyond September,” said Jimenez. “And Cavallo knows that.” He said the plan was to “sharpen the pencils” after September, which was the test period, to figure out how to adjust cost after the initial first month of a program unlike anything the Y or the district had seen before. Jimenez said he’s disappointed with the situation. He spoke about previous programs he’s run in collaboration with D91, such as Power Scholars Academy (PSA). He remembers sitting down with Cavallo and D90 (River Forest) Superinten-

dent Ed Condon to brainstorm and develop that program. “That spirit of collaboration from PSA is how we went into this,” said Jimenez, who said talks had begun about future programs between the district and the Y. “The unfortunate course of action he’s taken has made future plans difficult at this time.” Intergovernmental agreements between D91 and the community center and park district were on the agenda for the Sept. 10 school board meeting, but since they hadn’t been finalized, the board will vote on them at a future meeting.

FOIA fumbles While the YMCA readily provided emails showing their discussions with D91, the school district was reluctant to provide information. Cavallo did participate in an interview, but later told board members in an email, “I spoke to the [Forest Park Review reporter], as was advised by our attorney, to provide the narrative.” He went on to say he had “no doubt” the newspaper, which had FOIA-ed the district, would also FOIA the YMCA; however, the YMCA provided emails voluntarily. “The YMCA will likely retaliate and put their spin on this,” said Cavallo. “We can’t do much about that other than tell the truth.” In an official FOIA request to D91, the Review asked for “copies of all records that relate to District 91’s interaction and/ or agreement with the West Cook YMCA to provide care for students during the 2020/2021 school year, including but not limited to the dollar amount per student the district agreed to pay.” Cavallo responded with the following: “We did not agree to the cost that the West Cook YMCA wanted to charge and informed them that we would not be using their services. We informed parents today that we found alternative child supervision during remote learning with the Park District of Forest Park.” He did not provide emails related to discussions, even though arguably the FOIA request was broad enough that those should have been provided. When a resident requested similar information, Cavallo ignored several FOIA requests. Finally, when legal action was threatened by the resident, Cavallo explained his failure to respond to the legal requirement to provide information as due to “a very busy time at the beginning of the school year.” He called the request “frivolous and burdensome” and said, “You did not send your original FOIA request to the district FOIA officer for the district as is noted on our website.” (At the time of the request, no FOIA information was available on the district’s website.) In an interview, the Review asked Cavallo who the FOIA officer for the district is. “I am,” responded Cavallo.

Forest Park Review, September 16, 2020

OPINION O U R

V I E W

D91’s rupture with the Y

hese are hard and complicated days. Trying to find safe ways to care for and educate our kids has to be near the top of the hard and complicated list. That said, we profess surprise and confusion at the eruption of hard feelings and the serious consternation caused local families as a seeming pact between District 91 Forest Park elementary schools and the West Cook YMCA disintegrated four days into the school year. The YMCA, along with the Forest Park Community Center, were signed on to provide daytime supervision for students unable to undertake remote learning in their homes. The supervised activities were to take place at Grant White and Field Stevenson schools. Longtime, enthusiastic partners in various educational collaborations, D91 and the West Cook Y tell distinctly different stories about how the program came apart. There are disputes over its cost, disputes over alleged safety violations related to COVID. Officials at the Y seem indignant about being blamed for shortcomings and have provided the Review with a number of emails they say indicate clear cost expectations. They also speak up for the quality of the training their staff received. The response of the school district feels somewhat disjointed. Thanks to the park district for leaping in to pick up services as the community center had reached its capacity. We understand that everyone is rushing to fill unanticipated voids as COVID continues to upend ever-shifting plans. We look forward this week to seeing the actual pacts the schools have made with the parks and the community center. And we hope the Y and D91 find their way back from this precipice. Forest Park does not have endless social service partners to team up with.

Chief McDermott

Bob McDermott is retiring as Forest Park’s fire chief. After 32 years on the job, the last 17 as either chief or deputy chief, McDermott felt it was time for the department to have a fresh perspective. Unexpectedly, he will be bringing that fresh set of eyes to neighboring North Riverside, which snapped him up as its new chief immediately upon word of his planned departure from Forest Park. Just down Desplaines Avenue, the North Riverside department has been embroiled in a multi-year battle royal between village hall and the union firefighters. Now with that fight cooling, North Riverside might benefit from McDermott’s calm approach and stellar reputation. Certainly he is highly regarded by his Forest Park colleagues — both in village administration and the rank and file. Steve Glinke, who proceeded him as chief and continues as head of public safety in town, lavishes praise on McDermott for his strategic thinking — as a firefighter and fire administrator. McDermott considers himself “the luckiest person alive” for the opportunities he has had in Forest Park, reaching the top job in a department he aspired to since his boyhood in Forest Park. We thank him and wish him well.

Revealing

henever I hear the phrase “gender reveal” I have to pause, because naturally, I think it must be a person coming into his or her natural gender and revealing it to their friends and family. It never occurs to me that this is a pre-birth announcement. It’s not like we have eight or nine genders. Yet a gender reveal has sparked another ferocious fire to our west. We see the milky haze in the sky from the opulence revealing more vulnerabilities of our nation. Now in week four of remote learning, we have hit our groove. The alarms go off, a morning symphony of snoozes. Clean shirts go on and learning starts. The walls of the classroom have been removed, and we get to virtually step into the modern classroom. One of the most revered professionals, the teacher, is now on my back porch and in my son’s bedroom. I can hear the different teaching styles and the craftsmanship of teaching, and the infectious positivity that seems to be a spell every teacher casts. They are one of the threads that is constant, holding together families across our country right now. In Oak Park, Forest Park’s neighbor to the east, lives an illustrator, Chris Ware, who drew the cover of the New Yorker that came out this week. The “Last Days” features a two- story Victorian with an open front porch and an ample front lawn with pairs of lawn chairs distanced in a circle around a barbeque grill. People with masks covering their nose and mouth gather, distantly, in the front of the house. This Gunderson-like block scene could be found

on certain weekday nights on Thomas, on Lathrop, Dunlop and Marengo. It happens in apartment hallways, condo stairwells, in alley grill-offs, and on a bike tour of Forest Home Cemetery (which was this weekend), a slice of what is going right. The lemonade is flowing across neighborhoods and small businesses because our lives are filled with lemons. We are finding our strength every day to keep moving, just as the American bison does. The bison has long been admired for its will to keep moving, surviving in the harsh winters of the Great Plains, always moving to avoid freezing. This American icon does not hibernate or fly south; bison move, sometimes slowly, but they do not stop. Every weekday our local teachers move into our homes and care centers. They see my kids, with their clean shirts and flashes of their pajama bottoms. They see the back-porch shelf that stores seeds and jars and odds and ends, the wall that needs to be painted, the bed that is not made, and our authentic lives. In return, we see their homes, their living rooms and light switches, their children (who may burn popcorn in the middle of class), and their resilience. We are all a little vulnerable and exposed, but we keep moving. In these last days of summer, as we soak in the sun, our neighbors, our local businesses, we will start to plan our spring gardens. We don’t know what will be exposed next, or when the next lemon delivery will come, and we may not be ready; but we will continue to move, pivot and shift and reveal that we are all a little stronger than we thought we were.

JILL WAGNER

L E T T E R S

T O

T H E

E D I T O R

Letters to the editor should include the author’s first and last name, town of residence and phone number for authorization purposes only. The Review will not publish phone numbers. All letters are subject to editing for space and content purposes and typically will be printed in the order they are received. While the Review does not impose a word limit, we encourage comments be held to 300 words. Letters to the editor can be received by e-mail at ktrainor@wjinc.com, or by mail to: Forest Park Review, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, Ill., 60302.

Forest Park Review, September 16, 2020

O B I T U A R I E S

Dianne Beaty, 72 Managed Altenheim senior community Dianne Elizabeth Howard Beaty, 72, of Forest Park, died on Sept. 3, 2020 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital in Vermont. Born on July 11, 1948 in Chicago to Frank Otto Howard and Bonnie Jean Baker, she earned her associates degree from Roosevelt University. Her partner is Proviso East High School graduate, Larry Allen Brown, and she most recently worked for The Commons newspaper in Brattleboro. Dianne will be remembered for her dedication to connecting people through managing her Proviso East High School Facebook group and for brightening the residents’ days while managing the office at The Altenheim senior community. She generously gifted her smile, heart, and

wisdom to everyone. A lover of music, dancing, animals, Cubs baseball, thunderstorms, and good home cookin’, she enjoyed each with as much enthusiasm as a young child. She will be remembered as a glamorous, beautiful-in-and-out, welcoming, caring, sweet, kind, free and creative spirit, a connector, a force of nature, easy to love, and a most valued friend. May her soul return for its next journey, and may we be lucky enough to recognize her as a longlost friend. She is survived by her daughter, Ana Cristina Nery, living in Los Angeles, California. Her family requests that memorial donations be made through GoFundme at https:// gf.me/u/yygut7. A virtual Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 1 p.m. PST live on Ana Cristina Nery’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/tnery. An intimate memorial will be held at Forest Home Cemetery on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. CST: 863 Des-

DIANNE BEATY

plaines Ave. in Forest Park. The family plot is Section 57, Lot 34 (west side of the cemetery across the bridge).

Louise Varnes, 84 Force behind the Housing Center Louise M. Varnes (nee Craine), 84, of Forest Park, formerly of Oak Park, passed away at home Sept. 8 surrounded by family. Born and raised in Edison Park, she enjoyed seeing movies at the Pickwick Theatre in Park Ridge, graduated from St. Scholastica High School in 1953, and worked for Illinois Bell Telephone. She married Robert Varnes in 1957, and they eventually moved to the famed 200 block of South Elmwood, Oak Park in 1968. Wanting to be more involved within the community, Louise started as a volunteer with the Oak Park Housing Center at its inception and was employed there for 45 years until her retirement in 2018. In addition to spending time with family, she loved attending Shakespeare plays, watching movies, doing puzzles and especially spending time with her “Group of Crazies,” as she and her friends were affectionately known. Louise was the mother of Matt, Elaine, Dan (Christine), Rich, and Jeannette (Erik) Hess; the grandmother of Matthew, Brian-

LOUISE VARNES na, Miriam, Steven, the late Melanie, Madeline, Emma, Andrew, and Eleanor; and the great-grandmother of Aiden, Bailey, and Victoria. She is survived by her brother Neil (Carol) Craine. She was predeceased by her parents, Cornelius and Marie; her sister, Margaret; and her brothers, Joe, George, and John Craine. She was the sister-in-law, aunt, friend, and co-worker to many. A celebration of her life and legacy will be held at a later date.

Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home

Road Trip on the Horizon? Let us know we’ll hold your paper!

Email: circulation@forestparkreview.com

Since 1880 Family Owned & Operated Charles Williams, Owner/Funeral Director

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

203 S. Marion St. Oak Park 60302 708/383-3191

Work From Home! I work from home setting appointments and opening new shopping accounts for a very large manufacturing/wholesale company similar to Sam’s Club and Costco.

It’s a great opportunity for stay-at-home Moms, Dads, singles, retirees, or anyone looking for extra income. We are expanding rapidly. There is no inventory and no collecting money or delivering products. The hours are flexible and can be done alongside a full-time position as well as around your schedule.

Serious inquiries only! (847) 530-5999

Forest Park Review, September 16, 2020

FORESTPARKREVIEW.COM New local ads this week

WEDNESDAY

CLASSIFIED

HOURS: 9:00 A.M.â€“ 5:00 P.M. MONâ€“FRI

Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

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

YOUR WEEKLY AD

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

Please Check Your Ad: The publisher will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion. Wednesday Journal Classified must be notified before the second insertion. The newspaper reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement.

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

HELP WANTED

Job Title: Paid-on-Call Firefighter Description: The Village of Riverside Fire Department is seeking applicants for the position of Paid-on-Call Firefighter. Additional Status Information: This is not a full-time position. Qualifications: - In good physical condition - Reside within 1.5 miles of the boundaries of the Village of Riverside at time of appointment - Be 18 years of age at the time of application - Possess a high school diploma or GED - Possess a valid driverâ€™s license with a good driving record Miscellaneous Applications are reviewed in October 2020. Application deadline is Friday, September 25, 2020. The Village of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

HELP WANTED

Accounting Specialist (Chicago, IL) sought by Home Health Care Services co. with exp. in all of the following: (i) providing accounting and administrative support in large volume billing activities, meeting biweekly billing projections, assisting in reconciliation of accounts, auditing payments and invoices to reduce billing errors, recording checks, creating strategies to collect accounts receivables, and analyzing aging reports, (ii) using accounting software, such as QuickBooks, to prepare invoices and record, store, and analyze financial information, and (iii) using Microsoft Office Software, specifically Microsoft Excelâ€™s Pivot tables, Vlookups, graphs, dashboards, and advanced formulas to assist in accounting activities. Bachelorâ€™s Degree in Accounting, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering (or foreign equivalent) + 3M exp. in the job duties. No travel or lang. fluency req. Please send resumes by postal mail only to: Samrong So, COO, Renewal Care Partners LLC, 150 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 2800, Chicago, IL 60601.

FLOATER YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST Hephzibah Childrenâ€™s Association is a social service agency in Oak Park, IL providing a variety of programs including Residential Group Homes, Foster Care programs and other Family Based services and Day Care.

ELECTRICIANâ€™S HELPER PART-TIME Part-time Electricianâ€™s Helper. Must have own transportation. Call for more info. 708-738-3848 HAPPY KIDDâ€™S WEST INC. 6928 W 16th St Berwyn, IL 60513 We are seeking a Director and 2 teachers. Director must be qualiďŹ ed and have Associateâ€™s degree or equivalent. Teachers must be director or teacher qualiďŹ ed. Mon thru Fri. working with Infants to 6 yrs old. Compensable salary negotiable based on experience. Call 773-619-5545 or fax resume to 773-728-5437.

You have jobs. We have readers!

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

We are accepting applications for part time Floater Youth Development Specialists in our Day Care program for the 20-21 school year. You will assist with e-learning and provide supervision and care to 5-11-year-old (Kindergarten-5th grade) children in the Oak Park community. The position is part time, as needed, between the hours of 7:20 am and 3:20 pm weekdays â€“ approximately 16-24 hours per week.

SUBURBAN RENTALS FOREST PARK 3BR 3 BR apt, 2nd ďŹ‚oor, w/ dining rm and breakfast nook. New kitchen w/ granite & stainless. New baths central air, free laundry. Garage space included. 2 blks to blue line. $1800 + deposit & credit check required. 312-802-8291 COZY TOWN HOME FOR RENT Cozy Town Home for Rent. Two bedroom, One Bath, with partial ďŹ nished basement and washer and dryer. 1 block from the amazing Lincoln Elementary School. Walk to the Blue Line, Grocery Store, Cafe, Ice Cream Shop, and great parks. One parking space included. Tenant pays all utilities. One month rent and one month security deposit required. Credit check required. Owner pays water and refuse. $1450. Available October 15, 2020. Please email townhomeoakpark@gmail.com for inquiries. OAK PARK: ROOSEVELT/ OAK PARK AVE. CORRIDOR 2BR 4RMS close to blue line. On site laundry, parking, heat & water incl. $1200/ month 708-383-9223

CITY RENTALS DELUXE 3BR APT 5955 W HURON First Floor. Large kitchen, all electric appliances. Near West Suburban Hospital. Near all public trans. $1150/mo. Call 773-637-8677 for appt.

Requirements include: â€˘ Minimum of 6 semester hours in education, recreation, social work, or related college courses â€˘ Experience working with children

SUBURBAN RENTALS

You will supervise and assist children with e-learning programs; plan and supervise arts and crafts, indoor & outdoor play, games, sports, homework help, lunchtime, snack time and more.

M&M

The program follows the safety guidelines of the IDPH including daily health screening of all staff and participations (temperature check and health questionnaire) required face masks, social distancing and cleaning & disinfecting.

ROOMS FOR RENT AUSTIN CLEAN ROOM With fridge, micro. Nr Oak Park, Super Walmart, Food 4 Less, bus, & Metra. $116/wk and up. 773-637-5957

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT DOWNTOWN OAK PARK Downtown Oak Park, on Marion St. Nice ofďŹ ce with skylight. Heat and A/C included. Approx 220 sf. Call Mr. McNamara 630-215-3253

RIVER FORESTâ€“7777 Lake St. *1116 sq. ft. suite *569 sq. ft. with patio RIVER FORESTâ€“7756 Madison St. *926 sq. ft. OAK PARKâ€“6597 North Ave. *598 sq. ft. 6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. *3 and 5 room suites Strand& & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011

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

SUBURBAN RENTALS

property management, inc.

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

Apartment listings updated daily at:

Contact: MJ Joyce at mjjoyce@hephzibahhome.org

SAWAâ€™S OLD WARSAW 9200 CERMAK RD BROADVIEW APPLY IN PERSON MONDAYS 10AM TO NOON Please bring all necessary documentation.

North Riverside

AUTISM SPEAKS FUNDRAISER GARAGE SALE 2413 S 3RD FRI 9/18 & SAT 19/19 9AM TO 3PM

Holiday dĂŠcor, clothes, shoes, too much to list! All proceeds go to Autism Speaks.

ITEMS FOR SALE VINTAGE HOWELL RED CHAIRS 6 beautiful vintage red chrome steel dining chairs by furniture maker Howell (St. Charles, IL) from the 1950s. All chairs in great condition. Small tears in two of the seats and extremely minor tear in third. Other three are in excellent condition. Wear is consistent with age/vintage condition and all chairs have been temporarily repaired to prevent further tearing. Price is $100/chair or $500/set of 6. Delivery available. 773-780-6315

AUTOS FOR SALE FORD INTERCEPTOR 2008 FORD CROWN VIC INTERCEPTOR 62K miles. $7500, 2013 FORD TAURUS INTERCEPTOR 140K MILES. $8500. Call Pearson 773-540-7650

WANTED TO BUY WE BUY RECORDS!! We pay cash for your jazz, soul, punk, metal, rock, reggae, country records! Give us a call at 773-3726643. We make house calls!! WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, ďŹ‚ags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers â€“ lead, plastic â€“ other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

PETS

Equal Opportunity Employer PARTTIME VISION THERAPIST Late afternoon and pm hours weekdays and possible Saturdays Work one on one with patients to improve vision skills. Training provided. Fax resume to 708-771-0513 or email to eyegirls@att.net

GARAGE/YARD SALES

While youâ€™re away, your pets are okay . . . at home

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

cat calls

Oak Parkâ€™s Original Pet Care Service â€“ Since 1986

Daily dog exercising Complete pet care in your home )PVTF TJUUJOH t 1MBOU DBSF Bonded References

524-1030

Advertise your business in Wednesday Classified. Call 708/613-3342

AIR CONDITIONING/ HEATING AIR CONDITIONING AND APPLIANCE EXPERT Air Conditioning Automotive A/C Refrigerators Ranges â€˘ Ovens Washer â€˘ Dryers Hot Water Heaters Rodding Sewers

FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.

New hardwood ďŹ‚ooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-ďŹ nishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com

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708-785-2619 or 773-585-5000 Attention Home-Improvement Pros! Reach the people making the decisions. Place an ad in Wednesday Classifieds! Call 708/613-3342

Free Estimates

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HANDYMAN CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE Drywall Repair â€˘ Painting Fans Installed â€˘ Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning â€˘ Window Repair

FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small

708-488-9411

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

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

devegaconcrete.com Âˇ 708-945-9001

MAGANA

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

Forest Park Review, September 16, 2020

FORESTPARKREVIEW.COM

CLASSIFIED ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed

(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 467-9066 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@FORESTPARKREVIEW.COM

Let the sun shine in...

ELECTRICAL

Public Notice: Your right to know

A&A ELECTRIC

Let an American Veteran do your work

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

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

HANDYMAN

PUBLIC NOTICES

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

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.

Ask for John

Published in Wednesday Journal 9/2, 9/9, 9/16/2020

Mike’s Home Repair Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Don’t Do

708-296-2060

HANDYMAN 773-637-0692

HAULING BASEMENT CLEANING

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

LANDSCAPING NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN UP

Evergreen trimming & more. Hand weed removal. Clean-ups. Call 24 hrs.

PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLIONIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of Kazimir Hugh Boyle Case Number. 20 M4 2415 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Kazimir Hugh Boyle to the new name of: Kazimir Huard Boyle The court date will be held: on 10/27/2020 at 9:30 a.m. at 1500 Maybrook Dr., Maywood, Cook County in Courtroom # 111.

708-447-1762

Published in Wednesday Journal 9/16, 9/23, 9/30/2020

PAINTING & DECORATING

LEGAL NOTICE SERRANO LEGAL SOLUTIONS, LLC 1144 LAKE STREET, SUITE 201 OAK PARK, IL 60301

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

708.749.0011

PLASTERING McNulty Plastering & Stucco Co.

Small & big work. Free estimates. Complete Plaster, Stucco & Re-Coating Services

708/386-2951 • ANYTIME Work Guaranteed

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

ROOFING

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

773-637-0692

Starting a New Business? Publish your assumed name legal notice here. 708/613-3342

STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss 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. 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

In print • Online • Available to you 24/7/365 PublicNoticeIllinois.com PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS VILLAGE OF NORTH RIVERSIDE SOUTH END SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION I. TIME AND PLACE OF OPENING OF BIDS: Sealed Proposals for the improvement described herein will be received at the office of the Village Clerk, Village of North Riverside, 2401 S. Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL 60546, until 10:00 a.m., September 29, 2020, and will be publicly opened and read at that time. II. DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Constructing P.C. concrete sidewalk gaps, complete with earth excavation, aggregate base, combination concrete curb and gutter removal and replacement, detectable warnings, topsoil and sod parkway restoration, and all appurtenant construction. III. INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS: A. All applicable work will be in conformance with the “Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction”, dated April 1, 2016. B. Proposal forms are available for download only from QuestCDN via the Novotny Engineering website, http://novotnyengineering.com, “Bidding” tab, for a non-refundable charge of $30.00. Please contact Novotny Engineering (630-887-8640) to obtain the QuestCDN password. Proposal forms are non-transferable. Only those Proposals that have been obtained from, and with the approval of, Novotny Engineering will be accepted at the bid opening. C. Only qualified Contractors who can furnish satisfactory proof that they have performed work of similar nature as Contractors will be entitled to receive bid documents and submit Proposals. To meet this requirement, at the request of the Engineer, bidders will be required to submit a “Statement of Experience” consisting of a list of previous projects of similar nature in order to receive bid documents. The Owner reserves the right to issue Bid Documents only to those Contractors deemed qualified. D. All Proposals must be accompanied by a Bank Cashier’s Check, Bank Draft, Certified Check, or Bid Bond for not less than five percent (5%) of the total amount of the Bid, or as provided in the applicable sections of the “Standard Specifications”. E. No Bid may be withdrawn after opening of Proposals without the consent of the Owner for a period of forty-five (45) days after the scheduled time of opening of Bids. F. The Contractor will be required to furnish a labor and material “Performance Bond” in the full amount of the Contract. G. The Contractor will be required to pay Prevailing Wages in accordance with all applicable laws. H. Special Covid-19 Bid Opening Requirements: 1. The Village Commons Campus is currently open to the general public. Bids may be mailed to the address provided in Section I of this Notice or dropped off in person. 2. In order to protect the health of our community, the Village of North Riverside has implemented recommendations provided by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and the Cook County Department of Public Health, including Social Distancing and the Mask Mandate as recommended in the Restore Illinois Phase 4 Guidelines. Please practice social distancing and wear a mask when in buildings on the Village Commons Campus. IV. REJECTION OF BIDS: The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals, to waive technicalities, and to accept the Proposal deemed to be most favorable to the Owner. BY ORDER OF: VILLAGE OF NORTH RIVERSIDE PRESIDENT & BOARD OF TRUSTEES Kathy Ranieri Village Clerk

(s) Published in the Landmark September 16, 2020

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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/

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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

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Forest Park Review, September 16, 2020

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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

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To place an ad, contact Mary Ellen Nelligan (708) 613-3342 • maryellen@oakpark.com

Forest Park Review, September 16, 2020

INC., REALTOR

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

928 S. Kenilworth Ave. Oak Park ....................$275,000

CONTRACT PENDING!

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. 935 Elgin Avenue, Forest Park ........................$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.

SOLD!

1028 Beloit Forest Park ....................$289,000 This 3 BR, 2.1 BA home has not been available in over 55 years. It has been meticulously maintained within the same family for that time. This home offers two first floor good sized bedrooms and a large second floor master. Each floor has a full updated bathroom. The first floor living room, with it's vaulted ceilings, fill with sunlight pouring from the front foyer windows.

1117 Marengo Avenue, Forest Park .......................$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 ......................$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!

SOLD!

RibFest Every Day!

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1/2 Slab Dinner B.B.Q. RIBS & CHICKEN BURGERS & HOT DOGS

$11.99

Full Slab Dinner

$17.99

includes fries or baked potato, coleslaw and garlic bread

525 N Harlem Ave, Oak Park (708) 848-3333 11am - 9pm Daily 3 Vienna Hot Dogs Italian w/ Fries Beef $ .49 Sandwich w/ Fries $ .49

Wednesday

Gyros Plate Dinner

SERVING OAK PARK AND RIVER FOREST SINCE 1976

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

Every day Special!

Gyros with fries $7.99

11 Tables for Indoor Dining! 1/4 Lb Double Cheeseburger

Big Mickey! $ .99

FPSD91 Census ad (FPR) 091620.pdf

9/10/20

1:48 PM

Forest Park Review, September 16, 2020

Shape Your Future! Complete the 2020 Census today! Forest Park School District 91 is encouraging all residents to complete the 2020 Census during the month of September. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of Forest Park and filling out the Census has never been more important. A complete count of every person living in Forest Park has tremendous benefits for all District 91 families and community members. The U.S. Census serves as the basis for distributing federal assistance to schools and educational institutions, including the National School Lunch Program and special education grants to states. Results from the 2020 Census will be used to: â€˘ Determine the allocation of Title I funds, which provide financial assistance to local education agencies and schools with high numbers or high percentages of children from low-income families. â€˘ Distribute more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to states, countries and communities to support resources such as schools, hospitals and fire departments. â€˘ Determine how many representatives each state has in Congress and inform the redrawing of congressional district boundaries.

DO IT TODAY. To complete the 2020 Census go to:

2020census.gov/en.html