Funds would partially sponsor improvements along Roosevelt, Harlem and Circle
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
You may see some updated storefronts around Forest Park soon.
Upon village council approval in a future meeting, facade improvements could soon be available to businesses within the village’s Tax Increment Financing Districts. Such updates could range from accessibility and energy conservation enhancements to upgrades of windows, doors, sidewalks, awnings and landscaping.
Forest Park has three TIF districts — two
Cyclists r ide east on Madison Street, completing the Tour de Prov iso. More photos on page 4.
Can local journalism survive? Thrive?
An important discussion sponsored by the League of Women Voters Oak Park and River Forest and Growing Community Media
The internet killed off many newspapers and other legacy publications are struggling to survive. Meanwhile a new wave of young online publications is attempting to fill the vacuum and cover their communities. If democracy is to survive, voters need to know the candidates running for office and their positions. Readers, local donors and foundations have stepped into the fray, but will their philanthropy be enough?
Join the discussion
Tracy Baim Executive director of Press Forward Chicago, a pooled fund helping local journalism
Max Reinsdorf Interim executive director, Growing Community Media
April Alonso Co-founder of Cicero Independiente
Amethyst Davis Founder of the Harvey World Herald
Thursday, Oct. 9 • 6 p.m.
Oak Park Public Library • 834 Lake St, Oak Park Admission is free and open to the public
Judith Crown Co-president, League of Women Voters Oak Park and River Forest, will moderate the discussion
Funds available for upgrades
on Roosevelt Road and one spanning portions of Harlem and Circle Avenues. The creation of these TIF districts established a base value for properties in that area. As property value increases, property tax revenue beyond that base goes into the district’s TIF fund, which can be used to spur development and, ideally, further increase property value.
“TIF is great for economic development in the sense that you can use it to bring businesses to town, but we also want to be cognizant of the businesses that are already here,” said Village Administrator Rachell Entler. She added that, when new businesses come to town, their storefronts often aren’t of the same caliber as the surrounding existing businesses.
“You don’t want your businesses that have been here for a long time sitting dormant, not doing anything to improve the TIF in general,” Entler said. “This is a way
for the village to utilize some of that TIF to invest back into the businesses that are currently here … enhancing the overall aesthetic of the commercial districts that they’re in.”
Entler said facade improvements will probably be sponsored by a matching grant from the TIF fund and are likely a new endeavor for Forest Park businesses.
“I’m not aware of a TIF facade program existing here in the village in the past,” Entler said, adding that neither she nor other village staf f members could find any old paperwork to help guide the creation of relevant documents for businesses on Roosevelt, Harlem and Circle.
“Forest Park has been rightly criticized for Madison Street, Madison Street, Madison Street. Why not something on Roosevelt Road?” said Steve Glinke, director of the department of public health and safety. “It took a while, but it was always on the village’s radar.”
Business owners in the Roosevelt Road and Circle/Harlem TIF districts who are interested in facade improvements will be able to apply for them.
One such facade update could be Circle Lanes bowling alley, a family-owned busi-
ness in Forest Park since 1941. Glinke said the bowling alley’s owners have asked him in the past about using TIF funds for “sidewalks and a little buff and polish,” Glinke said.
He added that Parky’s, which is also in the Circle/Harlem TIF district, might want to update its patio, though he hasn’t yet approached the business. Parky’s installed new benches and patched up pavement around its patio last year after a car crashed into the hot dog stand in 2023.
Glinke said that the old Blue Cab site on Roosevelt Road, which used to be a Wendy’s, is a part of a TIF district, too, and suggested that the property’s listing agent highlight that.
Though the village established the Roosevelt/Hannah TIF district in 2002, Entler said it will be expiring at the end of the year. The village had the option to extend the TIF district for another 12 years but chose not to.
“Based on what the area of the TIF covered, we felt like we got what we needed to out of it,” Entler said.
Village council TIF talk
At the Sept. 22 village council meeting, commissioners unanimously approved a resolution authorizing consulting services from Ryan LLC on potential development projects in Forest Park. Ryan LLC will help the village study and evaluate potential future projects.
Documentation provided by the village shows that consulting services will include financial analysis of various TIF redevelopment projects. According to Entler and Glinke, Ryan LLC is assisting village staf f as two business owners interested in investing in Forest Park take part in TIF ne gotiations. One business is rebuilding, and the other is new to the village
Businesses in the Circle/Harlem TIF district
Pedaling across Proviso
Bikers traversed Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, Maywood, Bellwood and Broadview on Oct. 4 during the sixth annual Tour de Proviso bike ride.
There was a free 20-mile ride and a shorter, 7-mile ride designed for families. The latter only went through Oak Park, River Forest, then Forest Park. Jessica Mordacq
Tour de Prov iso cyclists, including Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman, ride eastbound on Madison Street through downtown Forest Park.
Photos by TODD BANNOR
Will Veterans Park ever be updated?
Village Administrator
Rachell Entler says likely not any time soon because of budget constraints
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
In 2020, the village leased four of its pocket parks to the Park District of Forest Park Since then, the park district has updated playgrounds on Rieger Park, Popelka Park and Remembrance Park. At the small, unnamed park at 1138 Lathrop Ave., playground equipment has been removed to create a bit of green space.
But there’s a fifth park in town that wasn’t included in the symbolic $1, 99-year lease
Veterans Park at 631 Circle Ave. is maintained by the village, and the same is true fo r the dog park across the street at 632 Circle Ave. While a sixth-grade resident successfully raised money for canine-friendly playground equipment for the dog park in 2022, Veterans Park hasn’t seen an upgrade in years.
“It’s kind of not a priority at the moment, unfortunately,” Village Administrator Rachell Entler told the Review. She said it’s because of the village’s tight budget, though she agrees Veterans Park could use a facelift “I would love nothing more than to be able to upgrade that park.”
Entler said she thinks the village still manages the Circle Avenue dog park and Veterans Park properties because it leases them from the Illinois Department of tion, which owns the land
When Entler was on the as commissioner of public 8 years ago, she said staff redo Veterans Park. And w
JESSICA MOR DACQ
Veterans Park, 631 Circle Ave.
It’s all about journalism at League/GCM event Thursday
And Oct. 29 we’re showing ‘All the President’s Men’ at e Lake
By DAN HALEY Interim Editor
Growing Community Media is hosting two reader events in October. Both focus on the importance of journalism in this moment and looking back generations to Watergate Alongside the League of Women Voters of Oak Park and River Forest, on Thursday, Oct. 9 GCM is sponsoring a conversation titled Can Local Journalism Survive? Thrive? There will be four people on the panel who are working hard to make local news sustainable
■ April Alonso is a founder of the Cicero Independiente
■ Tracy Baim is executive director of Press Forward Chicago, a pooled funding source for local newsrooms
■ Amethyst J. Davis is the founder of the Harvey World Herald
■ Max Reinsdorf is interim executive
director of Growing Community Media which publishes Wednesday Journal, Austin Weekly News, Forest Park Review and the Riverside-Brookfield Landmark.
Judith Crown, a co-president of the local league will moderat e.
This event is free and open to the public T hursday, Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Oak Park Public Library’s main branch on Lake Street.
This conversation marks the League’s annual f all kick-o ff and is part of GCM’s 45th anniversary celebration.
And on Oct. 29, GCM invites you to the movies at the Lake T heatre. We’ ll host a timely showing of “All the President’s Men,” the film based on Woodward and Bernstein’s breakthrough re porting of Richard Nixon’s Watergate coverup.
This will be a good night to gather and is also a modest fundraiser for GCM. Tickets are $25 but if you are already a donor or subscriber, give yourself a discount and hit the $15 ticket price.
We’ ll have two local people with direct ties to the Watergate era introducing the film at 7 p.m.
Seats are limited. Buy your ticket at classiccinemas.com/wj
We’ ll see you there.
JAVIER GOVEA
Bobby’s Eastside kitchen opens
Dinner and a show now all in one spot with a side of community
By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Eats Reporter
Back when Robert’s Westside opened in 2023 where Healy’s Westside used to be, its owner and third generation Oak Parker Donnie Biggins had even grander plans
Now that the smell of smash burgers is wafting out of the windows onto the street, he is one step closer to realizing them.
Walk into the entryway at 7321 Madison St. in Forest Park and you have two choices: go left into Robert’s Westside for music and drinks or turn right into Bobby’s Eastside, which had been a lounge, plus bar.
Now there is an old-school fast-casual order window with a cheeky menu. You can get things from categories: beefy, snacky, chicky, doggy, veggy, sweety.
“It’s been part of my plan to kind of slowly roll it out,” Biggins said. “Our customers have been asking from day one if we’re going to open a kitchen. People had been accustomed to this location serving food.”
Jirasek uses Chicago-based Allen Brothers Beef for burgers and more.
“They mostly deal with steakhouses,” Jirasek said. “We have a really cool steak frites on the menu that uses a hanger steak, which is a wonderful cut that’s not as often used and sometimes called the butcher steak because they save it for themselves.”
Other restaurants in this spot were Butter and Brown Bistro and Taco Tu
Order a smash burger at the window and a runner will bring it to you tableside. Or if you are going to a show at Robert’s you can get it to go and take it next door. Food from outside restaurants is no longer allowed in the venue.
Biggins and chef Nick Jirasek all grew up in the area.
“We played T-ball together,” Jirasek said. “I’ve been following [Biggins] work for a while. He puts people and community first. The way that I like to run kitchens is that we’re doing an intrinsically human thing. So when he approached me, I was super excited about it. I wanted to not try to do too much with the menu, but at the same time being really thoughtful and intentional about what we ’re doing.”
Rather than simply salting burg ers, they g et a special glaze that amps up the umami flavor. Hand-cut fries are another point of pride: crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside
“These are an iteration of fries that were featured in Esquire Magazine when I was at Ludlow Liquors,” Jirasek said.
“We’re frying them in beef tallow,” Biggins said. “We’ ll have a separate fryer for all of the vegan and vegetarian options. We’re trying to make sure that we cover all types of eaters and dietary restrictions. And I think we’ ll adapt over time. First thing is step one. Let’s get started and see what people are enjoying.”
Local Knockout Pickles from the Opportunity Knocks nonprofit are on the menu too.
“Those pickles are so good,” Jirasek said. “We’re using those on the burgers. We’re using them for our fried pickles. They perform They stay crispy – aggressively dilled And they also align with Bobby’s and Robert’s values of giving back to community.”
Creating opportunities for social interaction is a stated purpose for Bobby’s. To that end each month they host a variety of events benefitting local charities, such as Veggie Bingo and Soup and Bread West. Sporting events are on the TVs daily. And free live music fills the air.
According to Biggins our society is struggling to keep something essential that develops when we go out and hang out at places like his.
“The engagement, the eye contact, the interactions, you never know what’s going to happen,” Biggins said.
“CHRIS OCKEN”
EASTSIDE CREW: Billy Dunlap – manager, Nick Jirasek – chef, Donnie Biggins - ow ner
Oak Park blocks QuikTrip development at Mohr site
Gas station giant will not redevelop the abandoned concrete location
By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter
Oak Pa rk ’s village b oard voted to block the proposed c onstruction of a large ga s station on the for mer H. J. Mohr & S ons c oncrete plant site.
T he b oard voted unanimously on Sept. 30 to deny the pe rm it applications sought by the QuikTrip co rp oration to redevelop most of the for mer Mohr site — wh ich sits along Maple Avenue, Harlem Avenue, Garfield Street and L exington Street j ust south of the Eisenhowe r Expressway in Oak Pa rk — i nto a large g as station and co nvenience store c omp lex.
Oak Pa rk ’s village staf f had encouraged the b oard to reject the pe rm it applications. T he g as station would n’ t be a g ood fit for the neighborhood, and denying the pe rm it applications would “retain the site for a more a more c ompatible development,” staf f wrote in suppo rt ing documents for the agend a i tem.
“Approving the special use (is) inconsistent with the a djacent residential area and a day care facility,” staf f wrote.
Trustee Cory Wesley spoke to the challenge of balancing the village ’s need fo r sales tax reve nue and redevelopment of the blighted industrial site with respecting neighborhood wishes
“I struggle with this j ust a little bit because there is a reve nue aspect and there is the aspect that the site has been vacant for a number of years and is a public nuisance to a certain de gree,” he said “But it is important that we be i ntentional about wh at we greenlight. While I might be the most pro-development trustee at this b oard table, but that lends i tself more to housing than ga s stations.”
Trustee Jim Ta glia said it would n’ t make sense for the b oard to suppo rt a new g as station development after the village previously p assed an ordinance requiring g as stations to close overnigh t amid safety c oncerns. He said that sinc e the village p assed that ordinance, overnight crime has gone down in Oak Park
“Rising above all these i ssues mentioned and an overarching theme that c onnects many of them is that of pu blic safety,” Ta glia said. “Gas stations had b een an i ssue, and they c an c ontinue to be a magnet for violent crim e. ”
“People do not want to live in a c ommunity that is unsafe. ”
P rior to QuikTrip’s publicized i nterest, Oak Pa rk Vi llage President Vi ck i Scaman told We d nesd ay Journal that she’d li ke to see the village c onsider pu rchasing the proper ty
“I as one elected official would be suppo rt ive of purchasing the land,” Scaman told We d nesd ay Journal in March “When it ’s a situation that the land would otherwise go on und eveloped without the assistance of gove r nment, then it absolutely is appropriate.”
S he re peated that sentiment agai n T uesd ay night.
“A dding p etroleum to our use for that land is not something I’m i nterested in,” she said. “I do n’ t mind saying out loud that if I was on a previous b oard I would’ve purchased this land right from the g et-go so that we c ould’ve wo rked with the community for its best use. Unfor tunately this b oard has not had that o pportunity ”
“ I’m starting to obsess over some of the opportunity that’s here. ”
T he proposed project would’ve included a 6,445 square foot co nvenienc e store building and 16 f ueling p ositions.
T he proposed site would’ve had three entrances — one on Harlem Av enue, one on Garfield Street and one on Lexington Street.
In the proposal, QuikTrip would have taken most of the for mer industrial site but would have created a second lot tha t c ould be developed by another entity on the south end of the site.
T he proposal was the subject of an Oak Pa rk Plan C ommission’s meeting last month, where c ommissioners voted 7-2 to recommend that QuikTrip’s applications for alley vacation, plat of subdivision and special use pe rm i ssion be d enied, even after QuikTrip ag reed to A head of the c ommission meeting ,
RENDERING PROVIDED QuickTrip rendering of proposed site along Harlem Avenue.
the village rece ived 16 letters arguin g against the p lanned development and c ommissioners heard from a large group of residents who o pposed the g as station concep t for a variety of reasons, including traffic impact s, environmental reasons and p otential clashes with the neighborhood ’s character. A C hang e. or g p etition asking village leaders to block the proposed development has over 1,200 signatures
At the meeting, seve r al south Oak Pa rk residents made public c omments o pposing the proposed g as station. N oah S ullivan, who said he’s live d a djacent to the for mer Mohr site for over three decade s, said he’d neve r seen his neighbors united li ke this before “My w ife and I jo ke that our pa rt of Oak Pa rk is Oak Pa rk ’s ‘ undiscove re d c ountry,’ and I have yet to see any i ssue unite my neighbors li ke thi s, ” S ulliva n said. “S o, I g uess we have discove re d ourselves.”
T he old c oncrete p lant has sat r usting since the Mohr c ompany closed i ts d oor s
in 2018 amid financial woes. Once home to one of the longest r unning businesses in Chicagoland, the vacant site is among the only large plots of land available for development in Oak Pa rk
Any f uture redevelopment of the site will happen in the c ontext of the foreclosure c ase involving KrohVan — the site’s last set of would-be developers — and the Mohr family
Karen Richards, d aughter of Dot and Bud Mohr, told We d nesd ay Jour nal that the case was still ongoing last month.
L ast October, H. J. Mohr & S ons Co filed a foreclosure suit against the developer s, saying that KrohVan still owes on the mortg age loan ag reement that matured last summer
“The defendants have not paid the b alance of the loan wh ich matured on June 2, 2024,” the October filing said. “Cur rent principal b alance d ue on the note and mortg age is $4,026,830 p lus interest, c osts, advances for taxes, i nsurance and f ees; and less any credits fo r pay ments rece ived.”
SPONSORED
Alpine Food Shop stacks up 70 years
Times change, but a sandwich from Alpine is forever
WBy RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Contributing Reporter
hen Rob Bonaccorsi was 10 years old, his mom would send him to Alpine Food Shop to get sliced salami and other staples, rather than crossing busy North Avenue to the new Dominick’s grocery store.
“They sold milk and eggs and provisions like that, just basic necessities,” said Bonaccorsi, who now lives in Oak Park. “We grew up coming to shop here for our family. There’s always been that kind of bond.”
It took lots of trips to supply a family of 12 children, but Rob never guessed that he’d end up owning the shop at 7538 W. North Ave.
In 2000 Bonaccorsi and two of his brothers, John and Rich, along with their wives, purchased the store from the Barbi family who had opened it up in 1955. Since Rob had worked in a restaurant for a couple of years out of college, he became the face of the operation. His wife Amy Godino and sister-in-law Kathy Bonaccorsi run it with
him.
They kept the store and its menu pretty much the way Anna and Louie Barbi handed it over.
Sandwiches fly out of the place so fast that they get, sometimes, three deliveries of bread from Turano Bakery per day. Inside that fresh bread goes salami, capicollo, bologna, mortadella, turkey, ham, prosciutto, soppressata, roast beef, corned beef or a combo of ham, salami and capicollo that goes by the flagship name, “The Alpine.”
The new owners did make an addition to the menu.
“We added a veggie sandwich because prior to that the veggie option was a
RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
Owner Rob Bonaccorsi and staff.
RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
The deli case at the Alpine Food Shop, filled with fresh sliced deli meats. RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
SPONSORED CONTENT
cheese sandwich,” Bonaccorsi said. “I have a couple of sisters, and I was a veggie for a little while. I thought we can do a little better than that. I worked on a recipe for the roasted portabella mushrooms. And it’s become a pretty popular thing.”
potato salads. Pantry items fill one wall of the space with dried pastas, chips, cookies, drinks, ice cream and Italian specialties. They make sauces that are available frozen to take home for a quick meal.
Beyond the family and manager, Joe Martinez, the rest of the staff is mostly part-time high school and college students. This developed from Bonaccorsi’s two sons who worked in the store.
“We were like, do you have any friends who can help out?” he said. “We would employ kids who live nearby, some from OPRF, some from Fenwick, who could just come in and help us close at the end of the day.”
There is a youthful energy when you enter, and you can depend on a friendly greeting as staff asks you whether you called in your order or not.
“We really try to impress that upon our staff,” Bonaccorsi said. “We let them know
that it’s important. Now more than ever it’s very valuable to have face-to-face contact with people.”
the door. While Jimmy John’s has signs that say “free smells,” at Alpine the scent also has the power to transport many re turning customers.
they pause [and take a deep breath], like there’s that blast of memory,” Bonaccorsi said. “They say, ‘I just want to take in the air, the atmosphere,’ before they order.”
Then they get down to savoring the deliciousness Alpine has served up for 70 years in Elmwood Park.
“We’re in and of the community. My mom’s still around the corner,” Bonaccorsi said.
Buon Appetito
Website: alpinefoodshop.com
Address: 7538 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park
Hours: Monday Closed
Tues-Sat 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sun 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
515 N Lombard Sat 10/11 and Sun 10/12 • 9am to 4pm
Elmwood
The Alpine sandwich, pasta and potato salad, and Marinara & meat sauces to go.
The Bonaccorsi Family
OakPark
600Blockof
Saturday,October11
Saturday,October11
Saturday,October11
CLOTHING, FURNITURE, VINTAGE, MODERN, A LEMONADE STAND, AND MORE AWAIT YOU!
CLOTHING, FURNITURE, VINTAGE, MODERN, A LEMONADE STAND, AND MORE AWAIT YOU!
Our beautiful 6-story building provides quality, a ordable, independent housing for seniors. We o er 75 studio and onebedroom apartments. Amenities include an award winning interior landscaped atrium, central meeting room, library, laundry facilities, computer learning center, internet access, electronic key entry system, parking, onsite management, and 24/7 emergency maintenance service. e Oaks is funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development through HUD’s Multifamily Housing Program. Monthly rent is based on the resident’s income, with individuals paying approximately 30% of their monthly income toward rent.
For more information, please visit us at www.oakparkha.org or contact us at 708-386-5812.
CRIME
Attempted car thief found hiding under Lathrop Ave. porch
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
Police were dispatched to the Mobil gas station on Roosevelt Road on Oct. 1 for a vehicle invasion. Dispatch told police that a man in a pink hoodie told a woman to drop her keys in an attempt to take her car. The woman later told police that she exited her car with her keys, and a man got in the passenger side of her car and tried to start it before getting on his bike and fleeing. While en route to Mobil, police saw a man matching that description riding a bike, so they parked their car in the path of his bike and told him to stop. According to the police re port, the man dropped the bike and started jumping fences and running through backyards and alleys. Police lost sight of the man in the 900 block of Lathrop Avenue and requested assistance from Oak Park and River Forest police to create a perimeter around the area. Nearby residents told police they saw a man enter a backyard and not leave it. The owner of that property allowed police to search the yard, where they heard a noise coming from a crawl space underneath the porch. After calling for the man to come out, police entered the crawl space with a ballistic shield and instructed the man to come out from the corner of the crawl space. He was charged with motor vehicle theft, criminal trespassing to a residence, and resisting police.
Open alcohol
While on patrol on Sept. 27, police saw a man standing outside his car at 7400 Randolph St. with a clear cup of red liquid. According to the police re port, officers suspected the liquid was alcohol partially because of the man’s proximity to Pioneer Tap, where police have seen people drinking outside. Police approached the car, where a woman sat inside, smelled alcohol and saw an open bottle of tequila on the floor of the car. Police asked the woman to exit the car, and re ported that she re peatedly refused and became argumentative, so police assisted her out of the car and handcuffed her to protect officer safety, accord-
ing to the police re port. Both the man and woman were charged with having open alcohol.
Motor vehicle theft
On Sept. 29, police were dispatched to the 600 block of Harlem Avenue. There, a man said he parked at a Thorntons gas pump and exited the car but left it running. An unknown person got in the car and drove north on Harlem. Camera footage from the gas station confirms the theft. The man said his wallet and phone were in the car, which police entered as stolen in their system.
Criminal damage to property
On Sept. 30, an employee of the Forest Park Public Library re ported that, on Sept. 26, a woman broke the outdoor outlets in front of the building and destroyed a flower planter. The employee told police the woman was removed from the premises and presented with a suspension notice but threatened to come back. The employee said she didn’t want to sign complaints against the woman if she was located.
House re
Police were dispatched to the 800 block of Lathrop Ave. on Oct. 2 for a fire inside a residence. Upon arrival, police reported that they saw no fire but smelled smoke. The tenant told police that he was sleeping and, when he woke up, saw a ceiling light fixture on fire and called 911 before splashing water on it. Police saw a bur nt light fixture in the kitchen.
These items were obtained from Forest Park Police Department reports dated Sept. 27 - Oct. 2 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.
These are tumultuous times that many have compared to 1930s pre-war Germany. As someone who gives tours of the Haymarket Monument in Forest Home Cemetery, I would like to propose that what we are experiencing is actually more similar to the America of the late 1800s and early 1900s – another time of great upheaval in our country.
The parallels are compelling: Demonization of immigrants - In much the same way that recent immigrants have been referred to as criminals and mentally unstable, in the late 1800s, many people arriving in the U.S. were “othered” and racially profiled. Of course there were the infamous, “No Irish need apply” signs. The Chicago Tribune railed against German and Easter n European labor organizers, printing, “Let us whip these Slavic wolves … is there some way to exter minate them?” In 1882, we had the Chinese Exclusion Act and the Immigration Act, both of which allowed deportations of “undesir-
LETTER
Repeating history
able” groups of people.
Income inequality - As viewers of the TV show The Gilded Age know, during the late 19th century there was a class of businessmen who amassed huge amounts of wealth, often by unethical practices like monopolies. Today, we can see similar monopolies in tech (Google, Amazon, Meta), and media organizations (Nexstar, Sinclair). In the 1890s, the top 12 percent of the population held a shocking 86 percent of the wealth while the lower 44 percent owned only 1.2 percent. Currently, the disparity is only slightly less eg re gious with 86 percent of all the wealth in the U.S. owned by the top 20 percent of income, while the bottom 50 percent owns only 2.5 percent.
Robber Barons - It isn’t much of a stretch to see Musk, Zuckerberg, and Bezos as the moder n-day equivalents of Carnegie, Rockefeller, and Vanderbilt. These are incredibly wealthy individuals with enor mous
influence on gover nment policy and the lives of Americans
Rapid Innovation - As the 19th century was ending, industrial advances put many talented, high-paid craftsmen out of work. Factory jobs often required less skill, which made workers easier to replace, underpay, and abuse. In the mid-2020s, we are facing rapid workplace changes with the coming of AI and everevolving technology. Like the craftsmen of the past, many present-day workers are being replaced by technology
Militarization of police - Images of ICE and Border Patrol agents in full military gear confronting unar med protesters are disturbing. Similarly, during the late 1800s, striking, unar med workers were routinely battered and fired upon by battleequipped police and sanctioned private security forces
Using troops against U.S. citizens - As distressing as it has been to see federal forc-
es sent to U.S. cities, it has been done before. American presidents in the late 1800s used the U.S. Ar my as strikebreakers – pitting the Ar my against U.S. citizens during the 1877 railroad strike and the 1894 Pullman strike. What lessons can we learn from over 100 years ago? How did the deep unrest and social injustices of the late 1800s and early 1900s resolve? There isn’t a single tur ning point or a revolutionary act we can point to. There wasn’t a tidy, quick resolution, but a slow push forward toward transformation. People joined together, unified in their demands for reforms. Methodically, over time, they improved conditions and changed laws. Also playing an important role were “Muckrakers” — writers, jour nalists, and photographers who documented and exposed corruption, turning the tide of public opinion.
It’s possible that we will look back on this time and see that it was ordinary citizens capturing videos on their phones who are our muckrakers, shaping public opinion by exposing the truth.
OUR VIEW
Holding on to local businesses
It is good news that Forest Park is making a plan to invest a portion of funds accumulated in its Tax Increment Financing districts into facade improvements for local businesses along Roosevelt Road and in the Harlem and Circle area.
First, it will be good to see some fresh looks on the aging fronts of local businesses. It’s often hard for a small business to find the money to fully pay for such refurbishments. In many towns with similar programs, local governments grant matching TIF funds, so business owners or tenants still have to pay a bit out-of-pocket.
Also, this investment honors a sometimes-overlooked aspect of why TIFs can be the most vital economic development tool a small village has to of fer. Which is the essential goal of retaining businesses that have already chosen to be in Forest Park, that have built a foundation here.
The upsides of holding onto a business are enormous. This effort reco gnizes that reality.
Also, part of a late-September village council discussion on economic development was the decision to bring in a consultant to aid village staf f on larger potential development projects. Kudos to Village Administrator Rachell Entler and Steve Glinke, the village hall jack-of-all-trades, for their effor ts at recruitment of new projects. But this is a specialized set of skills — both the recruitment and then steering a new investor through the processes of local government.
There are big opportunities for more development projects on Roosevelt Road. Getting help to make them happen is a good decision.
History in Forest Park
In a thoughtful essay in today’s Review, Amy Binns-Calvey draws from Forest Park’s deep history to explain why deep concer ns about this moment in America, and the growing threat of an authoritarian takeover, are rooted more in America’s own history in the late 1800s than in Nazi Ger many in the 1930s Binns-Calvey, who does so many things in Forest Park, is one of the people who conducts cemetery tours of the Haymarket Martyrs Monument at Forest Home, through which Forest Park has come to respect and share the deep history found in our local cemeteries. This is a moment to think about what that history tells us about this moment.
OPINION
In praise of the
Interregnum
There’s this brief, golden stretch between the start of school and Thanksgiving when Forest Park almost feels like it has its act together, especially during these couple of miraculous weeks when the weather is polite. The air smells like competence. There’s soup on a stove somewhere. It’s the closest thing we’re getting to the normal social order all year.
ALAN BROUILETTE
Let’s start with Halloween costumes because 2025 is shaping up to be a strong contender for the “What Were We Thinking?” Hall of Fame. Thanks to the “Summer of AI,” I fully expect a wave of ChatGPT costumes — silver jumpsuits, glowing eyes, and kids saying, “I cannot feel love but I can optimize it.” Please, no. That’s not trickor-treating; that’s a cry for help.
You’ll also see group costumes, mostly of various Taylor Swift eras, and at least three families on your block doing “Barbenheimer,” even though that was last year’s joke. Hey, they spent a bunch and the customers all fit the next kid down. For couples: skip the topical stuf f. Be a fork and a spoon. Be a squirrel and an acorn. Be two people who are too tired to swipe left *or* right. Or pull on a mask and be an authority figure ashamed to admit that’s the job they took. For the most honest version of that costume, just put a paper bag over your head like a Bears fan trotting out an old joke Meanwhile, home decorations are once again an arms race. A few pumpkins used to say “festive.” Now we’ve got 12-foot skeletons, animatronic zombies, and inflatable ghosts that could double as parade floats. Someone in town has already synchronized their front yard to “T hriller,” which means the rest of us will hear muffled Vincent Price laughter through our car radios until Thanksgiving. (I just had an idea to wire one of those speakers into a Santa, but we’ll save that nightmare for next month.)
It’s impressive, sure — but also exhausting. Fall decorating used to be a few mutilated pumpkins and inceptive farm market gourds and corn. Now it’s a competitive sport. Every cul-de-sac looks like a cross between The Nightmare Before Christmas and a Lowe’s clearance aisle. I say this with love, and also as someone who will definitely impulse-
buy a $60 light-up pumpkin at Menards the minute it hits the endcap. And then there’s Oktoberfest. We need to talk about Oktoberfest. It’s become the German equivalent of St. Patrick’s Day — which, as re gular readers I have strong feelings about. (The abridged version: if your “heritage celebration” involves green beer and street vomiting, you’re doing it wrong.)
Oktoberfest started as a royal wedding reception, not a mass challenge to see how many brats you can consume before your lederhosen surrender. Yet every brewery from Berwyn to Brookfield now hosts “Das Me ga Brat Pa rty” with some guy named Todd playing polka covers of Bon Jovi.
Let’s all just admit that “cultural appreciation” loses a little dignity when it comes in a souvenir stein.
Still — griping aside — I adore this time of year. The light turns gold and slants lower. The smell of wet leaves, wood smoke, and bad decisions at boozy brunch hits just right. And for a few brief weeks, life slows down enough to notice it’s happening.
Which brings me to my annual appeal to the Great Pumpkin, benevolent spirit of the season and patron saint of manageable expectations.
Dear Great Pumpkin,
I ask not for wealth or fame or even a Bears playoff berth (though if you’ve got a spare miracle to set up the annual soul-crushing, feel free). I ask only this:
1. Keep the weather cool enough for sweaters but warm enough to pretend we don’t need heat yet.
2. Stop people from using “pumpkin spice” as a verb.
3. Ensure that no Forest Park child requires a police explanation for their costume.
4. Let a person play golf without long johns until at least Veterans Day. Got to be some upside to climate change, and for me that’s the one.
5. Prevent anyone from posting a “30 Days of Gratitude” list before Halloween, and if you’re feeling generous, preferably ever.
It’s not much to ask. Believe me, I have a much longer list for Santa.
Interim Executive Director Max Reinsdorf
Sta Repor ter Jessica Mordacq
Senior Audience Manager Stacy Coleman
Contributing Editor Donna Greene
Contributing Reporters Tom Holmes, Robert J. Li a
Columnists Alan Brouilette, Jill Wagner, Tom Holmes
Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead
Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea
Designers Susan McKelvey, Vanessa Garza
Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls
Marketing & Adver tising Associate Emma Cullnan
Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan
Circulation Manager Jill Wagner
Operations Associate Susan Babin
Social Media and Digital Coordinator Maribel Barrera
Special Projects Manager Susan Walker
Senior Advisor Dan Haley
Board of Directors
Chair Eric Weinheimer
Treasurer Nile Wendorf
Deb Abrahamson, Mary Cahillane Steve Edwards, Judy Gre n, Horacio Mendez, Charles Meyerson, Darnell Shields, Audra Wilson
HOW TO REACH US
ADDRESS: PO Box 6670, River Forest, IL 6035
PHONE: (708) 366-0600
EMAIL: forestpark@wjinc.com
CIRCULATION: Jill@oakpark.com
ONLINE: ForestParkReview.com
Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Forest Park Review, PO Box 6670, River Forest, IL 60305.
Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS No 0205-160)
In-county subscriptions: $48 per year. $88 for two years, $118 for three years. Out-of-county subscriptions: $82 per year.
Eugene Field School, 629 Beloit Ave., was built during the summer of 1907. The first floor of the eight-room building was used until 1909 when the stairway and one room on the second floor were completed. The Robert Louis Stevenson School was erected across the alley in 1912.
The for mer Grant School teacher who became superintendent, Frank Curtis, would find his bride, Susie Miles, a fellow teacher at Grant School.
Married in 1893, Mrs. Susie Curtis became the principal of Field School. Their children, Byron, Ruth Milschoefoer, Mrs. Tammy Morgan and Mrs. Louis Welsert, lived in Forest Park for many years. Frank Curtis was said to be ahead of his time. He taught Normal school rules to grad school pupils and deviated from the beaten tracks of pedago gy. At the time, Normal school referred to progressive education, focusing on the whole child, character development, moral conduct and a more hands-on learning style rather than emphasizing memorization.
Jill Wagner
OB ITUARIES
Margaret Zwadlo, 78
Ar tist, genealogist, card shark
Margaret Mary Zwadlo, 78, died peacefully on Sept. 8, 2025, in LaGrange. Born on Jan. 17, 1947, in Chicago to Mitchell and Helen (Ozga) Zwadlo, her life was filled with vibrant creativity and steadfast dedication to her community.
Her early education took place at Wicker Park Elementary School and Tuley High School. She furthered her education at Triton College and continued to pursue her passion for art by taking classes at the Oak Park Art League. Her love for art was not just a hobby but a significant part of her life, which she shared with others through her involvement with the West Suburban Artists Guild.
Margaret worked at First National Bank of Chicago and later at Booz Allen, where she was known for her meticulous methods and warm collegiality. Her interests extended beyond the canvas; she was an avid genealogist,
tracing her family’s roots and connecting with relatives near and far. Her love for card games, particularly pinochle, was well-known, and she could often be found playing at the Howard Mohr Community Center, where her laughter and competitive spirit were infectious Her artistic talents were recognized in several art exhibitions, including those at the Oak Park Housing Center and the Raymond James investment firm. These events were a testament to her skill and dedication to her craft, and they allowed her to connect with fellow artists and art enthusiasts alike.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Richard and Eugene Zwadlo, and sister-in-law Brenda (Raftery) Zwadlo. She is survived by her brother Ronald Zwadlo and many cousins who will miss her dearly. Her family remembers her as the loving heart of their gatherings, always bringing joy and a sense of togetherness.
Margaret’s life was a beautiful tapestry of art, family, and community service.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 18 at the Howard Mohr Community Center.
Arrangements were handled by Zimmerman-Har nett Funeral Home
George Isdale, 95 St. Bernardine parishioner
George M. Isdale, 95, of Forest Park, died on Sept. 29, 2025. Born on July 10, 1930, he was a retired Chicago Transit Authority worker and an active member of St. Bernardine Parish ed bowling and baking.
George was the husband of Nancy (nee Keller) and the late Joan; the father of Jean (Phil) Campos, Rita (Rafe) Adona, Andrew Isdale and the late John and the late George Isdale; the grandfather of 11; and the great-grandfather of 9.
Visitation and a funeral Mass were celebrated on Oct. 4 at St. Bernardine Church, 801 Elgin Ave., Forest Park. Inurnment private at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.
Arrangements were handled by MarikBaken Funeral Services Ltd.
Photo from Forest Park Re view, November 1926.
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: M25000940 on September 30, 2025 Under the Assumed Business Name of SWEETS IN SESSION with the business located at: 406 N. 3RD AVE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: AMY WEISBERG 406 N. 34D AVE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153, USA
Published in Forest Park Review
October 8, 15, 22, 2025
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: M25000902 on September 17, 2025 Under the Assumed Business Name of ERROL JAY KIRSCH ARCHITECT with the business located at: 1046 FAIR OAKS, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: ERROL JAY KIRSCH 1046 FAIR OAKS, OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA.
Published in Wednesday Journal September 24, October 1, 8, 2025
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION
CITIMORTGAGE, INC. Plaintiff, -v.FELICIA DEGRAFFENREID, NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE CORPORATION OF AMERICA, ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Defendants
20 CH 01174
1540 N. ROHDE AVE. BERKELEY, IL 60163
NOTICE OF SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 6, 2023 and amended on June 12, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 30, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1540 N. ROHDE AVE., BERKELEY, IL 60163 Property Index No. 15-08-113050-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $137,055.10.
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
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, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. 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, contact HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 601 E. William St., DECATUR, IL, 62523 (217) 4221719. Please refer to file number 403024. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION
One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE
You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc. com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.
HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC
601 E. William St. DECATUR IL, 62523 217-422-1719
Fax #: 217-422-1754
E-Mail: CookPleadings@hsbattys. com
Attorney File No. 403024
Attorney Code. 40387
Case Number: 20 CH 01174
TJSC#: 45-1639
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
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.
I3273985
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION MIDFIRST BANK Plaintiff, -v.-
ANNETTE MUNGUIA; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants.
24 CH 4165 1316 S 8Th Ave, Maywood, IL 60153 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 7/30/2025, an agent of Auction. com, LLC will conduct the Online Only auction at www.auction.com, with the bidding window opening on November 3, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. CDT and closing on November 5, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. subject to extension, and will sell at public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate.
LOT 11 (EXCEPT THE PART COMMENCING AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID LOT, THENCE SOUTH ON THE WEST LINE OF SAID LOT TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER THEREOF, THENCE EAST ON THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER THEREOF, THENCE IN A NORTHWESTERLY DIRECTION THROUGH SAID LOT TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING) ALL OF LOT 12 AND THE SOUTHERLY 1/2 OF LOT 13 IN BLOCK 158 IN MAYWOOD, A SUBDIVISION OF PARTS OF SECTION 2, 11, AND 14, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 1316 S. 8th Ave., Maywood, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-14-124012-0000 The real estate is improved with a Single Family Residence. The judgment amount was $218,383.29 Sale Terms: Full Sale Terms are available on the property page at www.auction. com by entering 1316 S 8Th Ave into the search bar. If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, the winning bidder must pay the full bid amount within twenty-four (24) hours of the auction’s end. All payments must be certified funds. No third-party checks will be accepted. All bidders will need to register at www.auction.com prior to placing a bid. 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)(l) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701 (C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information, contact Plaintiffs attorney: LOGS Legal Group LLP (847) 291-1717 please refer to file number 24-101043-FC01. Auction. com, LLC 100 N LaSalle St., Suite 1400 Chicago, IL 60602 - 872225-4985 You can also visit www. auction.com. Attorney File No. 24-101043-FC01 Case Number: 24 CH 4165 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. I3273840
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION
U S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2003-BC11
Plaintiff, -v.SERGE CADET A/K/A SERGE P. CADET
Defendants
24 CH 8493
237 SOUTH 20TH AVENUE MAYWOOD, IL 60153
NOTICE OF SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 15, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on November 3, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 237 SOUTH 20TH AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153
Property Index No. 15-10-305012-0000 and 15-10-305-0130000
The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $142,506.47.
Sale terms: If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, 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, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. 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 151701(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, contact The sales clerk, LOGS Legal Group LLP Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 2801 LAKESIDE DRIVE, SUITE 207, Bannockburn, IL, 60015 (847) 291-1717 For information call between the hours of 1pm - 3pm.. Please refer to file number 24-100782. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION
One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE
You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc. com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. LOGS Legal Group LLP 2801 LAKESIDE DRIVE, SUITE 207 Bannockburn IL, 60015 847-291-1717
E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com
Attorney File No. 24-100782
Attorney Code. 42168 Case Number: 24 CH 8493 TJSC#: 45-1871
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 # 24 CH 8493 I3273762
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING
Plaintiff vs. AMIR MOHABBAT, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR LINDA J. THOMPSON, REGINALD THOMPSON, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF LINDA J. THOMPSON, UNKNOWN OWNERS GENERALLY, AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS
Defendant 24 CH 9859
CALENDAR 58 NOTICE OF SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on October 28, 2025, at the hour 11:00 a.m., Intercounty’s office, 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, IL 60602, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-15-308-034-0000.
Commonly known as 1905 S. 25th Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153. The real estate is: single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.
For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Altman, Strautins & Kromm, LLC d/b/a Kluever Law Group, 200 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1880, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (312) 236-0077. SMS001265-24FC1
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION
HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-3 Plaintiff, -v.-
UNKNOWN HEIRS AND/OR LEGATEES OF HENRY C. FLOWERS A/K/A HENRY FLOWERS A/K/A HENRY CALVIN FLOWERS, DECEASED, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND/ OR LEGATEES OF HENRY J. FLOWERS, JR., RITA ROBINSON, FRANCES PERRY, GLADYS MANCE, ANNA TOLBERT, ANNA WHITE, CAREL ROBINSON, LENNEL ROBINSON, JOHN LYDON, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF HENRY C. FLOWERS A/K/A HENRY FLOWERS A/K/A HENRY CALVIN FLOWERS, DECEASED, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS
Defendants 24 CH 10945 833 SOUTH 21ST AVENUE MAYWOOD, IL 60153
NOTICE OF SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 18, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 A.M. on November 6, 2025, at The Judi-
cial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: LOT 20 IN BLOCK 7 IN CUMMINGS AND FOREMAN’S REAL ESTATE CORPORATION, GOLF CLUB SUBDIVISION IN PROVSIO LAND ASSOCIATION ADDITION TO MAYWOOD IN SECTION 10, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 833 SOUTH 21ST AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153
Property Index No. 15-10-328011-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $130,452.34.
Sale terms: If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, 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, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. 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 151701(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, contact The sales clerk, LOGS Legal Group LLP Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 2801 LAKESIDE DRIVE, SUITE 207, Bannockburn, IL, 60015 (847) 291-1717 For information call between the hours of 1pm - 3pm.. Please refer to file number 24-101013. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE
Forest Park Review, October 8, 2025
You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc. com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.
LOGS Legal Group LLP
2801 LAKESIDE DRIVE, SUITE 207 Bannockburn IL, 60015
847-291-1717
E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com
Attorney File No. 24-101013
Attorney Code. 42168
Case Number: 24 CH 10945
TJSC#: 45-2288
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 # 24 CH 10945 I3274074
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION
Deutsche Bank National Trust
Company, as indenture Trustee for American Home Mortgage investment Trust 2005-1
Plaintiff vs. Hillery Taylor-Young; Illinois Department of Revenue; Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants
Defendant 24 CH 6313
CALENDAR 58
NOTICE OF SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on November 12, 2025, at the hour 11:00 A.M., Intercounty’s office, 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, IL 60602, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: LOTS 20, 21 AND 22 IN BLOCK 36 IN PROVISO LAND ASSOCIATION
ADDITION TO MAYWOOD, IN SECTION 10, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
P.I.N. 15-10-117-027-0000. Commonly known as 36 South 20th Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153. The real estate is: single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group LLC, 33 West Monroe Street, Suite 1540, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455.
W24-0076
INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES
CORPORATION
intercountyjudicialsales.com I3274101
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION
U S. Bank National Association, as indenture trustee, for the holders of the CIM Trust 2021-NR2, Mortgage-Backed Notes, Series 2021-NR2
Plaintiff vs. Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Clarence McKelvin, deceased; Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants; Washington Place Condominium; Veronica McKelvin; Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Juanita McKelvin, deceased; Cammie McKelvin; Desiree Lopez; Leiloni Nash; Lonniece Nash; Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Lonnie McKelvin, deceased; Juanita McKelvin; William P. Butcher, as Special Representative to Clarence McKelvin, deceased; Loni McKelvin; Lonnica McKelvin Defendant 22 CH 8083 CALENDAR 63 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on November 12, 2025, at the hour 11:00 A.M., Intercounty’s office, 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, IL 60602, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: UNIT 601-B3S AND THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF PARKING SPACE, A LIMITED COMMON ELEMENT IN WASHINGTON PLACE CONDOMINIUMS AS DELINEATED ON A PLAT OF SURVEY OF PART OF SECTION 10, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST-OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS WHICH SURVEY IS ATTACHED TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM RECORDED OCTOBER 30, 2001 AS DOCUMENT 0010014694 AND AN AMENDMENTS THEREOF TOGETHER WITH AN UNDIVIDED PERCENTAGE INTEREST IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS.
P.I.N. 15-10-317-030-1014. Commonly known as 601 24TH AVENUE, UNIT 3S, BELLWOOD, IL 60104.
The real estate is: condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act.. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Altman, Strautins & Kromm, LLC d/b/a Kluever Law Group, 200 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1880, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (312) 236-0077. SPS002648-25FC1 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3274102
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION SEATTLE BANK Plaintiff, -v.BEVERLY FLEMING, GWEN FLEMING A/K/A GWENDOLYN SMITH, DONNA FLEMING, ROSS FLEMING III, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF BARBARA J. FLEMING, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, THOMAS P. QUINN,
AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR BARBARA J. FLEMING (DECEASED)
Defendants 2025CH03997 1840 S 7TH AVENUE
MAYWOOD, IL 60153
NOTICE OF SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-
EN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 12, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on November 7, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:
Commonly known as 1840 S 7TH AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153
Property Index No. 15-14-301029-0000
The real estate is improved with a single family residence.
Sale terms: If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, 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, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.
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.
Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption.
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) 236-SALE
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. 14-24-00918
Attorney ARDC No. 00468002
Attorney Code. 21762
Case Number: 2025CH03997
TJSC#: 45-2414
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 # 2025CH03997
I3274351
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.
The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law.
This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.
Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals.
To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777. GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA
Submit events and see full calendar at forestparkreview.com/events
Sponsored Content
Raising Awareness and Funds for Alzheimer’s
FirstLight Home Care of Oak Park has spent this year amplifying Alzheimer’s awareness and supporting local fundraising efforts— bringing together caregivers, families and community partners to raise money for critical services and research. The agency partnered with Belmont Village Oak Park to co-host a fundraising reception and wine-tasting that welcomed neighbors and health-care partners for an evening of conversation, connections and donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.
The Oak Park team’s outreach builds on a long-standing FirstLight commitment to Alzheimer’s causes. Nationally, FirstLight locations join campaigns such as The Longest Day to run community events—everything from bake sales and brain-fitness
classes to car washes—intended to raise awareness and funds for people living with dementia. That national culture
of service has clearly influenced local activity in Oak Park. FirstLight Home Care
Locally, FirstLight of Oak Park has concentrated on making fundraising also serve as education. Their offices— known for providing personalized in-home dementia care—use public events to share practical information with families about managing memory loss at home, reducing stigma, and connecting loved ones to community resources. That combination of fundraising and education helps ensure donations translate into better day-today support for caregivers and clients.
FirstLight Home Care
FirstLight’s Oak Park activities also mirror successful grassroots efforts by other franchise offices across the country. For example, recent
fundraising updates from other FirstLight locations show how garage sales, barbecues and small community events can add up to meaningful contributions for local Alzheimer’s walks and programs—demonstrating a template Oak Park has followed this year. FirstLight Home Care
As the year closes, FirstLight Home Care of Oak Park’s work underscores a simple but powerful idea: local caregivers and small businesses can make a real difference when they pair hands-on support with public fundraising. Whether through joint receptions, awareness events, or everyday conversations with families, the Oak Park team is using community energy to push back against Alzheimer’s—improving care today while fundraising for a better tomorrow.
