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ForestParkReview.com Vol. 109, No. 43

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F O R E S T PA R K

REVIEW

Casket races pick up speed PAGE 5

OCTOBER 28, 2026

Michelle Melin-Rogovin running for mayor Commissioner of streets and public improvements aims to be on April 6 ballot to improve village finances, infrastructure projects By JESSICA MORDACQ

Owner Emily Ramirez built new bar, created 1920s-inspired lineup of cocktails

Staff Reporter

Michelle Melin-Rogovin is running for mayor in Forest Park. Currently the commissioner of streets and public improvements, Melin-Rogovin announced her campaign on Oct. 21, aiming to be on the ballot for mayor in Forest Park’s April 6 election. Melin-Rogovin’s main goals if elected are to collaborate on improving the finances, infrastructure and community support in Forest Park. “I see the next four years as really crucial to Forest Park for areas that we need to act on,” Melin-Rogovin said. “We need to stop talking about what we want to do and make significant decisions.” A Forest Park resident of over 30 years, Melin-Rogovin told the Review that she was campaigning this summer to be reelected as commissioner but pivoted last month to run for mayor. “As a commissioner, I have to stay within my department, but I saw within my specific department how I could have influence in a role as a mayor,”

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

PROVIDED BY MICHELLE MELIN-ROGOVIN

See MELIN-ROGOVIN on page 14

BABS Comedy Club reopens with full bar

On June 22, BABS Comedy Club temporarily closed for the summer so its owners could upgrade from two bodega coolers filled with canned cocktails, wine and beer to a full-service bar with hand-mixed cocktails, garnishes and an ice machine. Four months later, BABS Comedy Club hosted its grand reopening on Oct. 23 at 7316 Madison St. About three dozen audience members watched an evening of stand-up performances, sipping from a menu of 1920s-inspired cocktails at a bar custom built by the club’s owners. Friday’s reopening included stand-up performances by Syed Hasnain, Laura Hugg of Berwyn, plus Chicago residents Tyler Buckingham and Sarah Perry, the headliner. The celebration continued on Saturday with Kid-Prov improv, a See BABS on page 12

Commissioner Michelle Melin-Rogovin plans to run for mayor in April 2027.

Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

A look back in time: Our new fire truck, 1919

Tom Holmes: Dolly, Gloria and the Forest Park 5

Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

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IN Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 THIS ISSUE Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

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Forest Park Review, October 28, 2026

Your

Forest Preserves of Cook County NATURAL FUN Walk, bike or run: With 350 miles of trails, this is where to get outside and get healthy.

LEARN MORE: fpdcc.com/trails

H S E FR CAL O L & NEWS Call Jill at (708) 524-8300 or visit ForestParkReview.com/subscribe

Forest Park Review, October 28, 2026

New transit agency pushes alternative to O’Hare Flyer

NITA reps will be at Farmers Market, Saturday, to listen By BILL DWYER

from manufacturer Stadler U.S. of Salt Lake City. Metra is buying eight four-car trainsets, with an option for eight more. The first train is expected to go into service in 2028, The newly formed Northern Illinois Transit Agency, after extensive testing. NITA, hosted an open house at Union Station, Oct. 14, both NITA, which officially began operations on Sept. 1, reto answer questions and to gather public input. placed the old Regional Transportation Authority or RTA, The event, one of several planned by NITA and Metra which oversaw but did not directly control Metra, the CTA over the next month, took place as opposition is stiffening and Pace. It is governed by a 20-member board of directors, to a proposed privately funded rapid rail route that would five of which were appointed by Governor JB Pritzker, five run high speed trains from downtown Chicago to O’Hare by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, five by Cook County Airport through Forest Park and River Forest. Board President Toni Preckwinkle with the remainder Melissa Meyer, NITA’s communications manager, said coming from several collar county boards. feedback gathered Meyer said the through public open house was meetings will inNITA’s way of inform NITA’s budtroducing itself get, service planto the public. “We ning, capital and really want to inrider-experience troduce the Chiwork. cago region to the “We want to Northern Illinois see where things Transit Authorare working and ity, and we want do more of it and to make sure evwhere things are eryone knows that not and how we we’re listening,” can fix it,” she she said. said. “We want to One issue NITA hear their ideas is keenly aware about the future of is connectivity, of transit. We and the lack of it. know people are Meyer referred excited, they want to “NITA hubs” ADOBE STOCK IMAGES the transit system or “interagency to be better and Skyline with Metra commuter train public transport at Union Station. hubs,” where two we do too, so we or three different wanted to invite transit services interact but don’t directly or conveniently everybody out here to engage with us.” connect. Meyer said NITA is “building off of its predecessor ReThe Green Line CTA terminus at Harlem Avenue is one gional Transportation Authority. “We’re here to work with such hub as it intersects with Metra Train stop. CTA, Metra and Pace and provide better connections for “We want to make sure that they connect better,” she riders, more seamless rider experience and we’re looking said. “We’re gonna be using those NITA hubs as pilot lo- forward to improving transit for everyone in the region.” cations for all kinds of new things like new signage, betNITA is developing its first budget for fiscal year 2027 for ter connectivity (and) schedule coordination, because we operations of the CTA, Metra and Pace. Survey responses know that that is an issue that people are facing, especially will help NITA better understand public priorities as it out in the suburbs.” develops the 2027 Regional Transit Budget and plans for Meanwhile the agency is also talking up its early stage transit improvements. plan to ramp us rail service from the Loop to O’Hare Field Meyer said NITA will work from a calendar year budget. (see sidebar). A draft will be released on Nov. 3, and the NITA board will Around the same time as the NITA open house, Metra vote to approve it in December after a formal public comunveiled a new battery powered train set it’s purchasing ment period. Staff Reporter

O’Hare Flyer opposition group focuses on improved Metra O’Hare service Opposition energy to the O’Hare Flyer proposal has coalesced after the initial public outrage. The village of River Forest has retained a lobbyist and other advisors to assist in opposing the rail development, and a private organization, STOP (Stop The O’Hare Passthrough) is urging people to show up at the Oak Park Farmers Market Oct. 31. Metra says its representatives will be at the market to “share information on regional rail” and to discuss expanded Metra service to O’Hare from Union Station. That service would utilize Metra’s North Central Service Line or NCS. In its draft Systemwide Network Plan (SNP) released Oct. 16, Metra disclosed that O’Hare Airport “emerged as a major trip generator in each of the future scenarios” it studied. “For this reason, the NCS Line was selected as the North/Northwest target for crosstown service.” Metra’s service between the O’Hare Transfer Station and Chicago Union Station downtown can be reached from the airport’s terminals via O’Hare’s “people mover.” But the service is currently indirect and is time consuming, inconvenient and infrequent, and will require substantial investment to upgrade. In a statement, STOP is urging people to stop by the Metra event and tell them you want expanded NCS service. That means frequent Metra service to O’Hare, every 30 minutes, all day, from Union Station, as part of Regional Rail 1.0.” “Metra has planned it and priced it. All it needs now is funding,” STOP said, although the plan would, like the proposed O’Hare Flyer, also require the cooperation of several freight railroads, including BNSF and Union Pacific. On Oct. 17, more than 65 people gathered at Thatcher Woods to learn about the potential impacts of the proposed O’Hare Flyer rail project. Organizers plan a second event for Saturday, Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Thatcher Woods Pavillion, 8030 Chicago Ave, with a call to “Bring your neighbors. Bring your questions. Bring your voice.” The proposed Metra O’Hare rail upgrades are part of planned upgrades to the Metra system estimated to cost $9 billion. Approximately $2.7 billion of that is earmarked for new rolling stock, track additions and signaling. The balance would pay for big ticket items including new mainline tracks and improved rail junctions, as well as storage and maintenance improvements. Metra said a virtual public meeting will be held on Monday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m., to share the draft results of the SNP. The zoom link to the meeting will be posted by Friday, Nov. 13.

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Forest Park Review, October 28, 2026

Andy’s Frozen Custard OK’d by zoning commission for Roosevelt Village council still needs to approve drive-thru, consolidating plots By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

Andy’s Frozen Custard is one step closer to replacing the McGaffer’s Saloon building at 7737 Roosevelt Rd. At its Oct. 19 meeting, Forest Park’s Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-1 to approve Andy’s conditional use request for a drive thru business and to consolidate the plots of land east and west of McGaffer’s Saloon. The village council will vote on whether to approve the national frozen custard franchise’s move onto Roosevelt Road, likely at a meeting next month. With their approval, the Planning and Zoning Commission requested the following conditions from the Andy’s site: An eight-foot fence on the north side of the property, no planters on the southwest corner of the lot, a monument sign instead of one that includes a 25-foot ice cream cone, plus a photometric and acoustics study to measure light and sound impact. If approved by the village council, Andy’s will have a two-lane drive thru and walk-up windows — which respectively average 67% and 33% of Andy’s business, according to Travis King, who works in development at Andy’s Frozen Custard and presented at the Oct. 19 meeting. Other Andy’s locations are open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Opening hours extend another 30 minutes from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Zoning board members asked questions about vehicle access to the property, noise impact and signage. One resident, who lives directly north of where Andy’s wants to build, shared concerns about noise and light. Andy’s completed a traffic impact study and plans to have access points on Roosevelt and Troost, which will soon allow two-way traffic. Steve Glinke, the village’s building and planning department chief, said the village has already taken steps to turn part of oneway Troost into a two-way, just to the east of the property and south of the alley. Cars exiting Andy’s would have to turn right onto

the sign, but board members said that didn’t Troost. There are currently three curb cuts align with the village’s comprehensive plan. on Roosevelt for the property, and the one “In conversations with Andy’s corpoclosest to Troost will remain — allowing rate, we made it abundantly clear that our cars to turn left or right onto Roosevelt. preference was for a monument sign on “We’ve gone through multiple iterations that corner, since the blade sign is probably of how we wanted to run the circulation, going to be very effective at identifying the and the final plan to go from east to west site,” Glinke said of the logo on top of the to south seemed to be the most effective,” long structure that stretches across most Glinke said at the meeting. Andy’s buildings. Because the curb cut for 7-Eleven just to In addition to listening to resident feedthe west is close to the property line, and getback, King said Andy’s plans to work with ting in and out of the gas station is difficult, Forest Park as a whole. board members asked Andy’s representa“Andy’s is committed to being an active tives not to put any planters on the southmember of the community by participating west corner of the property. in sponsoring local events, creating employTrash trucks will access receptacles once ment opportunities for local residents, or twice a week, and Andy’s will get food deliveries twice a week in the morning, when trucks will park near the back or south end of the store for about 45 minutes at a time. Seventeen cars can line up in the drive thru, and the site has 27 parking spots. Andy’s drive thru is face-to-face, where cars order at an order window or with runners PROVIDED BY ANDY’S FROZEN CUSTARD who walk up to their car. Though there are Proposed layout of the Andy’s Frozen Custard property. no speakers used at the drive thru, the patio has generating increased commercial activity a few. The patio is oriented toward Roosevelt and tax contributions, and supporting other Road, away from residences to the north. local businesses through shared patronage King said he could ask about limiting and proximate commercial activity,” King patio music during late hours of operation. said. And about making the required minimum He added that Andy’s plans to join the six-foot tall fence on the north side of the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce and property even taller, since the commission “utilize those connections to stay informed requested an eight-foot fence. about specific initiatives and events that we “We’re open to exploring a larger fence if can support,” King said. “We actively supthat’s necessary for the property,” King said. port and contribute to police, fire, and other He added that the solid fence will serve as a first responders and medical staff. We will sound shield to residences to the north. And do product drops at local businesses, and we landscaping will provide additional screenengage in partnerships and sponsorships ing around the property. “Andy’s is obsessed through libraries and park districts and with landscaping — is maybe a safe way to schools.” say it — so whatever we need to do to screen the property, we’ll do so if we’re not meeting the requests of the citizens.” Dissenting vote Andy’s signage includes a lighted facia on the building and a sign on the southeast Paul Price was the only board member to corner of the site, at Roosevelt and Troost, vote against Andy’s, citing photos that were facing east and west. Andy’s plans showed passed around from a public commenter an option for a 25-foot-tall ice cream cone for who’s a part of Laborers Local One.

Photos showed a construction site Andy’s is currently developing on Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago. One image depicted the construction site surrounded on three sides by construction fencing and on one side by a wooden fence. The wooden fence, which was there prior to construction, has a missing slat large enough for a person to climb through, according to Price. The wooden fence backs up to the construction site and a trench and sits next to a “children playing” sign. Andy’s representatives said the fence will be replaced toward the end of the project. “I have concerns that I don’t believe have been addressed,” Price said when asked why he voted against Andy’s. “Those pictures of the construction site that were shared shook me.” Price works with Chicago unions as an employee of Laborers’ International Union of North America’s Great Lakes Regional Organizing Committee. Nick Medina, a business agent at Laborers Locals One, spoke during public comment to share the photos with board members. “I know that not all construction sites are perfect, but I also know that construction owners and contractors that are building this close to residents and other businesses should take extra care to make sure their sites are safe and secure,” Medina said. “As you can see, Andy’s has some work to do in order to protect the workers on its job sites and the surrounding communities. If you decide to move forward with this project, I ask that you do everything in your power to make sure Andy’s is protecting Forest Park residents and pedestrians around its job sites and hiring responsible contractors that will keep this community safe.” Jeremy Esparza, a business agent for Locals One, also spoke during public comment to ask who Andy’s subcontractors were. Chairperson Marsha East said the zoning commission is a recommending board and suggested the commenter bring questions about the general contractor and subcontractors to the village council. Glinke said, since the site is over half an acre, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District will require a temporary construction fence around the property. “Whether or not we want to add some mesh cover for dust control is a discussion at the permit process,” Glinke said. Glinke later told the Review about Andy’s, “I was hoping for a unanimous vote, but this is an economic gain for the village.”

Forest Park Review, October 28, 2026

Frighteningly funny 14th annual event lives and thrives

Casket races draw a lively crowd Forest Park Review’s mailbox casket delivers

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

Photos by MAX REINSDORF

The Forest Park Review’s casket was not among the fastest in this year’s annual casket races. But we did win Frighteningly Funniest for our mailbox casket and newsboy costumes! The 14th annual casket races on Saturday were sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and attracted hundreds of locals to the intersection of Beloit and Madison, where 16 costumed teams raced decked-out caskets down the street. The Park District of Forest Park finished in first place this year. Second place was Riveredge Hospital, dressed as the cast of “Inside Out,” and in third place was the Burke Beverage team of runners in fighter pilot costumes and a Yuengling beer on the side of their casket. The Dead Last team — with a tall wooden casket with a mermaid laying at its base — won creepiest casket. Also in the top four was the School District 91 team, which had a train casket with conductors. The slowest team was Guardian of Whills, which had a “Star Wars” themed casket and costumes.

Star Wars stars

Pumpkin Poodle?

Which way do we go?

Public library’s book casket

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Forest Park Review, October 28, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

Annual Treasurer’s Report • Village of Forest Park Fiscal Year Ending April 30, 2026 (Unaudited) 16275.00, SNI Solutions: 6480.00, Special T Hunt, Bernadine; Jimenez Cruz, Brenda; Keyes, Unlimited: 7056.00, Springbrook Holding Celina; Kirby, Latasha; Knack, Kenneth; Kobela, Company LLC: 57462.56, Springbrook Holding Kristina; Krakau, Douglas; Lessing, Jacob; Company LLC: 5719.48, Stanard & Associates Liampotis, John; Lopez, Samuel; Maxham, Property Tax 6,644,287 1,412,011 440,039 - 5,218,386 2,297,158 Inc: 32122.25, Standard Equipment Co.: Maria; McClain, Jerome; Mitchell, DeNa; Sales Tax 4,297,342 2,571,423 20547.69, Standard Insurance Company: Moravec, Christopher; Nero, Ryan; O’Donnell, Utility Taxes 1,216,139 6734.32, State Treasurer-IDOT: 22366.56, Stefl Laura; O’Mara, Sean; O’Neal, Micah; Pellettiere, Income Tax 2,624,062 Inc, Tim: 6725.85, StopStick Ltd.: 2501.00, Barbara; Petrey, Nicole; Rice, Jacqueline; Rice, Replacement Tax 236,027 29,481 54,837 Storino Ramello & Durkin: 215513.35, Stryker Toni; Richardson, Mia; Robinson, Dominic; Use Tax 134,644 Sales Corporation: 6399.71, Suburban Robinson-Thomas, Tori; Rodriguez, Giovanni; Laboratories Inc: 13663.00, Synapse Networks Roque, Michelle; Russ, Maxwell; Sauer, Alex; Other Taxes 54,369 660,256 255,103 Inc: 16530.00, The Fireside Theatre: 5657.95, Scatassa, Stephen; Smith, Latessa; Smith, Grants 589,140 312,743 2,947,359 43,508 Thomas, Corey: 5100.00, Thomson Reuters- Samantha; Solms, Karl; Stark, Danylle; Taylor, Licenses, Permits, and Fees 1,442,667 West: 5902.17, Total Parking Solutions LLC: Carla; Trent, Angela; Tsaganos, Georgia; Ambulance, Fire and Police 2,403,095 75124.00, Traffic Control & Protection: 6245.10, Volakos, Brian; Voogd, Jessica; Wagner, Water Sales 8,256,457 Traynor, Raymond: 14850.00, True North Henry; Wasilevich, Donovan; Wilson, Tracy; Refuse, Yard Waste and Recycle 1,465,074 Software LLC: 13000.00, Vargas, Martin: Wood, Euree; Wood, Jimmy; Young-Gentry, Fines 1,372,124 302,886 116,175 21302.50, Vector Solutions: 6987.55, Veregy Jorden; Zagar, Pollyann; Almaui, Jasmin; Central LLC: 2862334.27, Verizon Wireless: Arroyo, Samantha; Baker, Hannah; Daniels, Rentals 191,761 10770.39, Village of Oak Park: 4470.94, Village Ladonna; Diberardino, Desiree; Lowery, Alison; Pension Contributions 655,217 of Romeoville Fire Academy: 4365.00, VTX Melgar, Danielle; Nastase, Albert; Pereira, Interest Income and Dividends 48,152 781,107 45,535 388,098 646,839 72,806 Intermediate Holdings II Inc: 44607.23, West Celia; Sanchez, Angelica; Shlah, Elizabeth; Community Center Activities 467,632 Central Municipal Conf: 21284.70, West Cook Stamatakos, Paul; Weinbrecht, Marie Charges for Services 529,396 14,751 County Solid Waste: 217899.81, West Suburban $25,000 to $49,999 Investment Gains (Losses) - 9,121,888.86 Cons Dispatch Center: 1042759.00, WESTAF: Amador, Samantha; Bowers, Martricia; 2750.00, Winter Equipment Co. Inc.: 3465.00, Connerty, Brian; Cullotta, James; FosterMiscellaneous 115,727 11,688 Woodlake Occupational Health: 9542.00, WWT Flores, Mario; Gartland, Siobhan; Hoskins, Total Revenue 23,831,641 5,737,540 1,073,044 11,708,089 15,642,330 2,494,748 Inc.: 10563.17, XTreme Graphics Lettering: Rory; Jenkins, Gabriel; Keohane, Wendy; 3800.00, Zarnoth Brush Works Inc.: 3007.86, Laschiazza Jr, Frank; Miller, Millicent; O’Shea, Expenditures 27,178,359 1,626,462 1,287,255 8,550,648 6,480,136 2,515,795 Zeigler Ford North Riverside: 14892.09, Sharon; Popelka, Scott; Ramirez, Omar; Alexandra Kagstrom: 3,600.00, Amazon Capital Topps III, Robert; Webb, Talheyah; Blonska, Net Increase/(Decrease) Services: 21,569.68, AT & T: 3,444.38, Baker & Urszula; Fuller, Robert; Herscovitch, Raissa; in Fund Balance/Net Position (3,346,719) 4,111,077 (214,211) 3,157,442 9,162,195 (21,047) Taylor: 35,399.15, Cengage Learning, Inc. – Lovett, Kristen; Moreno, Ivan; Robles, Cristina; Transfers and Other Sources 1,482,675 (685,137) 379,561 (1,022,800) Gale: 5,244.05, Children’s Plus DBA Libraria: Valentino, Dana; Vilutis, Christine; Wiebe, Karen 14,676.22, Clean Net of Illinois, Inc.: 36,008.28, $50,000 to $74,999 Previous Year End Fund Balance 252,137 21,683,373 1,501,618 39,426,523 46,667,231 2,689,882 CollectionHQ: 7,687.00, Colley Elevator Co.: Bahena, Samantha; Bassaloff, Christie; Current Year Ending Fund Balance (1,611,907) 25,109,313 1,666,968 41,561,165 55,829,426 2,668,835 2,564.00, Dancing Cranes Yoga: 5,950.00, Belmonte, Vanessa; Campbell, Michael; Clift, Dunne Cleaning Specialists: 3,922.67, DuShaun Drew; Decosola, Joseph; Dodson, Daniel; Branch: 3,045.00, EBSCO Information Services: Dowdle, Matthew; Dowdle, Meghan; Flanagan, Disbursements Greater than $2,500 – May Dandan, Tariq: 26856.00, Davis Tree Care: 10107.81, Local 701 Welfare Fund, Automobile 7,459.92, Elan Financial Services: 2,668.54, Morna; Hendrix, Grayson; Howery, Te’Lynne; 102849.53, Dearborn Life Insurance Company: Mechanics: 20956.00, Local 705 I.B of T. Health 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026 (Unaudited):: Engberg Anderson, Inc.: 5,027.90, First Lane, Francis; Lewis, Monet; Marasco, Frank; 34 Publishing Inc: 3200.00, A Core Locksmiths: 6526.76, Dinges Fire Company: 11831.79, DJ & Welfare: 381512.00, Locality Media: 27614.00, Communications, LLC: 8,849.09, Forest Michaels, Daniel; Nutley, Sandra; O’Connor, Door Inc: 2534.95, Door Systems: 13235.67, LPS Pavement: 32252.00, Lyons Pinner Electric Michael; Pankey, Jon; Powers, Brenda; Roach, 3571.00, Action Transmission & Auto: 12909.37, Doty Nurseries LLC.: 16105.00, Drury Lane Co: 143325.84, MABAS DIVISION XI: 10500.00, Printing: 19,237.20, Hallett Movers: 2,950.00, Megan; Ryan, Dylan; Solms, Connor; Torres, Adobe Acrobat Pro DC: 4819.24, AEP Energy: Henricksen: 15,473.68, Hoy Landscaping: Productions: 2910.05, DTN LLC: 2571.80, Manton, Tami: 3744.00, Marchio Fence Co Inc: Maribel; Zavala, Joel; Busch, Courtney; Cline, 86828.42, Air One Equipment Inc: 10644.04, Elevator Inspection Services: 4798.00, Elmhurst 10278.00, McAdam Landscaping: 71982.88, 7,498.92, HR Source: 66,643.75, Kanopy, Inc.: Matthew; Corzine, Claudia; Hammond, Alicia; Alliance Pension Consultants LLC: 21325.00, 5,331.45, Klein, Thorpe & Jenkins: 8,293.50, Chicago Stone Company: 13295.25, Factory McCann Industries Inc: 9186.08, McDonalds: Harris, Deborah; Lavin, Skye; Radomski, Rafal; Alliant Insurance Services Inc - 8377: 11367.00, Motor Parts Co: 29900.54, Fidelity Security Life 6104.67, MES I Acquisition Inc: 4718.79, MGT Konica Minolta Premier Finance: 10,186.86, Raleigh, Dennis Amalgamated Bank of Chicago: 710703.50, Lauterbach & Amen, LLP: 13,350.00, Libraries of Ins Co: 5847.13, Fire Service Inc: 271400.42, Impact Solutions LLC: 23809.00, Midwest Air $75,000 to $99,999 Amazon.com: 25367.77, American Express: Firefighters Pension Fund: 197873.91, First Ayd Pro Inc.: 10736.47, Miller, Dan: 6514.71, Miller, Illinois Risk Agency: 21,612.68, Linkedin Alicea, Adrian; Bala, Adrian; Barger, Richard; 3460.95, AMS Electric Inc: 23313.60, Animal Corp.: 3325.72, First Fence Inc: 2550.00, Five Eumura: 2567.00, Misfits Construction Corporation: 4,500.00, Los Amigos Books: Becker, James; Brhel, Steve; Causgrove, Care League: 4725.00, Arlington Heights Ford: Star Energy Services: 1857774.40, Fleet Safety Company: 196229.48, PowerDMS Inc: 7702.77, 2,671.01, Mango Languages: 3,536.05, Midwest Dakota; Doss, John Ryan; Dylewski, Karen; 6659.24, Aronson and Associates Ltd: Supply: 26539.76, FOP Lodge #24: 2950.00, PremiStar-North: 23842.78, Printing Store, The: Tape: 42,015.64, New York Times: 3,016.00, Khan, Mohammed; Marasco, Michael; McNally 25100.00, ArtReach Educational Theatre: Forest Park Chamber of Commerce: 40585.00, 2804.00, Proxit Technology Solutions Inc: NICOR: 9,646.79, NobleTec LLC: 11,601.32, II, John; Murphy, Dora; Richards, Paul; Scollard, 2500.00, AT&T: 33440.15, Atlas Bobcat LLC: Forest Printing Company: 13492.23, Franzen 93766.75, Public Consulting Group LLC: Opto International, Inc.: 17,379.11, Orange Boy, Patrick; Wade, Darius; Buehler Sullivan, Martha; 3393.32, Axon Enterprise Inc: 45572.21, B&F Plumbing Inc: 57377.12, Frontline Public Safety 87661.89, Pulltarps Mfg: 3877.91, PuroClean of Inc.: 4,250.00, OverDrive, Inc.: 23,517.77, Farnum, Susan Construction Code Service: 8800.00, Baycom Solutions: 4862.02, General Ticket Purchases: Oak Park: 33484.59, Quill: 16253.77, R A James Playaway Products LLC: 3,346.42, Purchase $100,000 to $124,999 Inc: 6357.67, BC Body Craft Inc: 40662.24, Blue 4380.38, GFC Leasing - WI: 18962.81, Grant Construction Inc: 83915.00, Republic Services Power: 6,556.24, Quill LLC: 5,639.30, Relation Aftanas, Joseph; Avila, Cristal; Bakke, Matthew; Cross-Blue Shield of Ill: 2019798.30, Bolder Writing Consultants LLC: 20000.00, Griffon #551: 1051456.79, 163275.00, Mohr Oil Insurance Services Great Lakes: 3,138.00, Galvez, Luis; Glinke, Steve; Herigodt, Steven; Contractors Inc: 739970.57, BP: 4237.59, Burke Systems Inc: 12663.00, Growing Community Company: 196749.89, Morton Salt Inc (MSI): Republic Services: 5,382.36, S & D Prime Hriensaitong, Kenneth; Knysch, Steven; Engineering LTD, Christopher: 942971.13, Media NFP: 3573.00, Guardian: 57535.96, 102138.99, Motorola Solutions Inc: 8119.84, Maintenance: 8,558.97, Shales McNutt Kraus, Kevin; Prescott, George; Printz, Brian; C.G.Professional Services Inc: 3420.92, Health Endeavors SC: 10271.00, Heavy Metal: Murphy, Alyssa: 2629.00, Nardulli Construction Construction: 142,440.76, SWAN: 23,124.48, Shanahan, William; Stella, Salvatore; Thomas, C.O.P.S. and F.I.R.E Personnel Testing: 9800.00, 4666.34, Henry Schein: 2614.37, Hilco Real Company Inc: 576906.45, Nelson Systems Inc: Today’s Business Solutions, Inc.: 5,461.13, Collin; Torres, Antonio; Wiewiora, Szymon; Cairo & Sons Roofing Contractors: 11842.38, Estate Appraisal LLC: 3700.00, HOME DEPOT 4972.67, NICOR: 6514.86, NIPSTA: 5495.00, Triangle Environmental: 12,618.87, Village of Rakowski, Victoria Case Lots Inc: 7323.70, CDC ENTERPRISES CREDIT: 5625.01, IL Dept of Healthcare and NOBS TOWING: 9373.75, North East Multi-Reg Forest Park: 292,995.34, Wintrust Visa: $125,000 and over INC: 37284.74, CDS Office Technologies: Family Services - GEMT: 1102195.88, Illinois Training: 6630.00, Office 8: 4801.02, O’Herron 58,415.80 Arroyo, Jesus; Battistoni, Lauren; Blackwell, 77794.90, CellTech LLC: 4000.00, Central Parts Alarm: 7693.60, Illinois Counties Risk Co Inc, Ray: 23505.28, Orbis Solutions Inc: Disbursements less than $2,500: 327,895.23 DeAires; Caines, Andrea; Cannon, Thomas; Warehouse: 3697.54, Centurion Plumbing Management Trust: 98266.96, Illinois EPA: 2740.00, OTM Water Services: 10500.00, Chin, Christopher; Damato, Phillip; Davini, Company: 199649.54, CFA Software Inc: 6000.00, Illinois Municipal League: 2797.00, Paramount Theatre: 3647.50, Peterson-Bassi TOTAL: 23,466,128.51 Louis; Defors, Nicholas; Entler, Rachell; Gross, 2800.00, Chicago Tribune Media Group: Illinois State Police: 20304.10, Image Trend: Chapels: 7825.00, PITNEY BOWES: 42000.00, Salaries – May 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026 Kenneth; Hankus, Lindsey; Hannan, Aaron; 3141.14, Cintas Corporation No. 21: 6488.46, 3686.58, Infrasearch Inc: 11850.00, Interstate Pitney Bowes Inc: 7490.87, POLICE PENSION (Unaudited): Hickey Jr, George; Kempka, Mitchell; Kinder, City of Chicago: 2262918.88, Clear View Billing Services Inc: 7043.03, JC Licht LLC: FUND: Restaurants - General: 16302.64, Robert $25,000 and Under Michael; Kochan, Arleta; Lovett, Richard; Marti, Plumbing & Sewer Inc: 46340.62, Cloudpermit 11457.91, Joel Kennedy Constructing Corp: R Andreas & Sons Inc: 38074.34, RR Donnelly: Aburto, Jessica; Bailey, Ida; Barnes, Anna; Benito; Maylath, Mark; Miller, Daniel; Myers, Inc: 6000.00, College of Du Page: 20886.80, 952694.00, Kashima, Courtney: 13450.00, 5158.88, Runnion Equipment Company: Berroa, Bernie; Blatchford, Daniel; Bolton, Travis; Olmsted, Letitia; Pater, Daniel; Petrovic, Com Ed: 100831.26, Comcast: 11539.83, K-Five Hodgkins LLC: 6728.96, Kimball 177619.00, RUSSO POWER EQUIPMENT: Donald; Bonds, Keena; Brown, Kamara; Bryant, Nicholas; Piotrowski, Kyle; Reid, Bobby; Commercial Tire Service: 24313.32, Midwest: 5252.71, Kinetic Energy Inc.: 2671.25, 6389.28, Ryan LLC: 42870.00, Rydin Decal: Terrance; Canady III, Edward; Christian, Nimat; Reilly, Brendan; Reilly, John; Riglos, Daysi; Constellation Energy Services Inc: 38694.46, Lakeshore Recycling Systems LLC: 18576.41, 5422.52, Schaeffer Mfg Co: 5499.48, Crittenden, Ajah; Dahlstrom, Matthew; De Ryan, Timothy; Schick, Joseph; Shemitraku, Cook County Dept of Public Health: 21800.00, Lakeview Bus Lines Inc: 2988.00, Lauterbach & SCHAUERS HARDWARE: 7033.32, Schick, Joe: LaTorre, Melissa; Dillon Jr, Gerald; Dotson, Elton; Soto, Humberto; Spagnolo, Michael; Core & Main LP: 69091.98, Cummins Inc: Amen LLP: 50490.00, LeadsOnline.LLC: 7860.00, Senat, Anastasie M.: 6022.50, SEPS Marque; Dougherty, Casey; Dowdle, Alexander; Stasinopoulos, Adam; Toth, William; Valtman, 65994.82, Currie Motors Chevrolet: 26885.66, 3771.00, Lindco Equipment Sales Inc: Inc: 4431.43, Signature Transportation Group: Edwards, Johnny; Finlay, David; Fluker, Michael; Brian; Villasenor, Anthony; Weber, Andrew; DACRA Adjudication System: 62835.00, 236623.52, Linde Gas & Equipment, Inc.: 25448.19, Smithereen Pest Mgmt Services: Girardi, Jessica; Haughey, Deirdre; High, Archie; Winkoff, Ryan Revenue

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O U R

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N E I G H B O R S

Bellow contemporary, Isaac Rosenfeld, died after one novel

Died in Chicago, buried at Jewish Waldheim Cemetery

I

saac Rosenfeld is often remembered as a friend and contemporary of Saul Bellow. He was expected to have a stellar writing career and was seen as a “golden boy.” However, he died at the age of 38 with only one published novel to his credit. In literary circles, his reputation became one of failure, disappointment and the squandering of talents; but recent scholars have reexamined his life and career and now have a more nuanced story to tell. In Rosenfeld’s uncompleted manuscripts and personal writings, biographers have found, not a failure, but an author deeply committed to the process of writing despite hurdles – someone focused on connecting life to truth. Born in Chicago to a Jewish family, Rosenfeld’s mother died the same year he was born from the flu epidemic of 1918. His stepmother and aunts stepped in, folding him into a middle-class Jewish community. While Rosenfeld left the Jewish faith later in life, his upbringing and home environment had an important impact on his writing. Rosenfeld was a life-long friend and rival of author Saul Bellow. (Using the terminology of today, one might call them “frenemies.”) Rosenfeld and Bellow worked on the same student newspaper in high school. In college, they presented a surrealist play “Twin Bananas” in the lobby of the Harper Library at the University of Chicago.

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His wit and intellect made him a favorite among other intellectuals on campus. He graduated with a Masters in Literature and married fellow student, Vasiliki Sarantakis. Together, they moved to New York City where Rosenfeld pursued a doctorate in philosophy at NYU. Rosenfeld quickly became a part of the intellectual community in Greenwich Village, surrounded by other writers and creatives. Bellow said he was very influential among their friends “with an unknown power. …we could find nothing to call it but ‘Rosenfeld.’” Rosenfeld left the doctorate program before graduating to focus on writing. His work explored many concepts, including the impact of sexual repression on society. He was published in various literary publications like The Nation, The Kenyon Review, and Partisan Review. (He won the first Partisan Review literary contest, beating out Bellow.) He also found work as an assistant editor at The New Republic. Along with short stories, Rosenfeld wrote literary critiques and reviews published in magazines including The New York Times Book Review. Rosenfeld felt that some authors (Irwin Shaw, Ernest Hemingway, and William Faulkner) relied on sentimentality instead of showing true human nature, at the same time, he praised Kafka and Andre Gide for their portrayal of the human condition. He was known to be eccentric and in 1943, briefly worked on a barge in New York Harbor. In 1946, his first, and only, published novel, Passage from Home was hailed as “uniquely American” and compared to the works of Mark Twain and Dostoevsky. A review in The Jewish Frontier

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called it “a parable of alienation.” The novel follows the story of a young Jewish boy who is unhappy in his stodgy family, leaves home to live with more flamboyant relatives, only to be confronted with the challenges of a Bohemian existence. The book was very well received. Rosenfeld was given a Guggenheim Fellowship for fiction in 1947. There was the expectation that more novels were to come. Rosenfeld’s marriage to Vasiliki, with See QUIETEST on page 8

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Forest Park Review, October 28, 2026

QUIETEST

Died too soon from page 7 whom he had two children, ended in divorce in 1951. While he said he loved his wife deeply, in his personal writings Rosenberg admitted to extra-marital love affairs. He struggled between “the desire to keep the marriage intact and the desire for strong sensations.” He believed strongly that sexual freedom was going to lead to a utopia. “Our joy will be in love and restoration…” Rosenfeld was inquisitive. He, along with Bellow, followed the teachings of Dr. Wilhelm Reich who treated ailments with a device called an “Orgone accumulator” -- a box where one would sit and breathe deeply, taking in what Reich called the “universal life force” or “orgone gas.” (It should be said that there is no evidence that orgone gas exists.) Rosenfeld ended up abandoning this “treatment” later in life, as did Bellow. In the 1950s, Rosenfeld moved back

to the midwest, teaching at the University of Minnesota, where Bellow was also a faculty member. During this time, Rosenfeld wrote another novel, The Enemy, described by some as “Kafkaesque.” The novel explores the dilemma of a soldier trying to justify his actions during war. Rosenfeld was unable to find a publisher for the book. Rejection of the novel shook him. Rosenfeld also mourned the changes in Greenwich Village during the 1950s: “… the rent has gone up on Bohemia, and it’s only the advertising men who can afford to live in the studios.” In 1954, he returned to the University of Chicago, this time to teach literature. Rosenfeld died at the age of 38 in his apartment in Chicago. At the time of his death, he was working on several novels and writing sketches for the Compass Players (who went on to become Second City). His obituary in The New York Times mentioned he was writing a book on the Chicago Fire. Of his death, Bellow wrote: “During the last years of his life, he was solitary, and on Walton Place in one of his furnished rooms, he died alone.” (It’s

important to note, that just previous to his death, Rosenberg had moved from Walton Place where he last saw Bellow, to a nicer apartment on Huron Street.) Towards the end of Rosenfeld’s novel Passage from Home, the protagonist tries returning home but finds it challenging to reconcile with his father whom he had rebelled against. The teenager eventually finds his own way thinking, “Now there would only be life as it came and the excuses one made to himself for accepting it.” Rosenfeld’s headstone is a large book carved out of red granite. Engraved on the front is “Writer” and “His Work Lives.” His last journal entry, includes these words: “…the source of creativity is the desire to reach over one’s death.” Resources: Death in a Furnished Room: Rereading Isaac Rosenfeld’s Obituaries, Haaretz; Rosenfeld Rosenfeld by Jim Baird; Rosenfeld Rosenfeld by Mark Shechner; Jewish Book Council; The New York Review; Rosenfeld’s Lives: Fame, Oblivion and the Furies of Writing; Rosenfeld, Rosenfeld. Papers, University of Chicago Library; Yale University Press

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Forest Park Review, October 28, 2026

Marengo homeowners are looking into their home’s history

At 100 years, this house has a story to tell By JILL SUMMERS and AMY BINNS-CALVEY Forest Park Historical Society

Many Forest Parkers have passed the beautiful brick home with the distinctive green tile roof on the corner of Marengo and Jackson and wondered about the history of this uniquely attractive house. Luckily for us curious passers-by, current residents David Wallis and Eddie Ward, who

Louise, and daughter Eloise) moved in. Alois (Al) had previously lived at “the old Huemmer homestead” at 7247 Madison (originally 49 Madison). The homestead was recorded at that location as early as 1895. Al Huemmer was born around 1873. His father was a wagon maker. By the time Al was 28, he was living with his family at the homestead and employed as a bookkeeper. (His father changed professions and was working as a saloon keeper.) In 1908 Al married Louise Johnson whose stepfamily had a saloon and restaurant near Waldheim Cemetery at 844 Des Plaines. Al

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Huemmer Western Electric News Vol 1 1912 have been in the home for almost 50 years, reached out to the Review to feature this striking home in our House History column. And there is quite a story to tell. Let’s start way back then… On Dec. 19, 1925, the Forest Park Review ran the Building Commissioners Report listing “Al Huemer (sic), 1 story bungalow, 547 Marengo Avenue for $11,000.” A year later, in September 1926, the Huemmer family (Alois,

was 36 and Louise 23 when they wed. The couple had one child, Eloise, born in 1909. For a time, Al and Louise lived at 430 Beloit while Al’s father and brother still resided at the old homestead. Al found work as an auditor at the Hawthorne Works, a large Western Electric complex located in what is now Cicero. (InterestSee MARENGO on page 10

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Forest Park Review, October 28, 2026

MARENGO

and the “Rebeccas” (sic) (a branch of the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows, also a fraternal organization.) After her mother’s death, Eloise married John Nielsen, a laborer with an electrical from page 9 company who had come to the US from Denmark when he was 11 years old. Sometime ingly, Al was employed at Hawthorne Works after that, the couple turned the home into a in 1915 when the Eastland Disaster occurred two-story, with a rental on the top floor. – a tragic boat accident that killed 844 people In 1950, the Hansens, William and Ida, during a company picnic for the Hawthorne were listed as living “upstairs” at 547 MarenWorks employees - but there are no records go. The 1951 Sanbourn fire map shows an confirming if he and his family were at the addition to the rear of the house and a new Chicago River on that terrible day.) garage. (The current owners commented Articles in the Western Electric publicathat the building design and construction tions tell several comical stories about Al seemed seamless and find it difficult to including one where, as a young man, he believe there was ever an addition added.) was asked how much money he made. He Ida held a luncheon at the home for past matrons of the Order of the Eastern Star responded, “Fifteen dollars a week,” which (perhaps that’s how she knew Eloise). She was nowhere near what his salary was. also hosted an event for the Rebecca Parker When his boss asked him why he had said West Suburban Club. that, Al replied, “All I said was that I earned Nine years later, in 1959, the Hogrewes $15 a week. I only get six of it.” were living in the home and celebrated their In 1923, Al and family were back at the 55th wedding anniversary as well as Henry’s Madison Street address but eventually th birthday. Henry was associated with the 80 moved to the new home at 547 Marengo. Forest Park Police Department and in 1968, Al died at the home in 1937 at just 65 years the village honored him for 51 years of service. Henry lived to be 100 years old. In 1979, the village held a birthday party for him at the Mohr Center. The Historical Society declared that he was “Forest Park’s oldest male resident.” Money was collected for the occasion and when Henry died a short time later, he had bequeathed the remaining birthday funds to the Altenheim German Old People’s Home and the Forest Park Senior Citizens Club. By 1965, Louis and Myrtle Peglau lived in the home. Louis PROVIDED BY AMY BINNS-CALVEY worked for the Pullman Co. and Western Electric newsletter, November 1919 was mentioned in the Pullman News as being a “financial wizard.” Louis was also a former acting of age. He retired four years earlier from postmaster in Forest Park and under his Western Electric and is buried at Waldheim leadership in 1956, applications for women Cemetery. Louise and their daughter conto work at the post office were accepted for tinued living together – Eloise working as a the first time. Louis also “took the lead in the sales clerk. In 1941, Eloise was “installed as a Metropolitan Miami Fishing Tournament” worthy matron” in the Forest Park Chapter by catching a 51-pound grouper. of the Order of the Eastern Star at the ForOver the next couple of years, other occuest Park Masonic Temple at 7509 Madison. pants lived at 547 Marengo. From 1969-1971, A surprise party was held at the house by John Logan was at the address with the the Eastern Star where “A delightful buffet Peglau family. Then, in 1972, A. Kietzmann supper was served…” also resided at the address. (She continued In 1945, Louise passed away at the age of to be an upstairs tenant until the current 58. Louise’s pallbearers included members owners acquired the property.) of The Pythian Sisters (an auxiliary of the In 1974, Eloise passed away. That same Knights of Pythias fraternal organization) year, Myrtle Peglau had to be taken from

Housing history

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547 Marengo Avenue home by ambulance and later died. Truly a changing of the guard for the home on Marengo. David and Eddie purchased the home in 1977. David previously worked at Oak Park and River Forest High School and Eddie is a retired graphic designer. They shared that the interior of the home still has original birch woodwork throughout – including the doors, windows, trim and baseboards. In the living room, dining room, and halls are intricate 5-piece mitered molding. The gorgeous outdoor landscaping on the 1.5 lot is certainly eye-catching and the product of Eddie’s hard work. David and Eddie had heard rumors that

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1930 Pullman News Peglau

the house was built for an executive at Western Electric. We were happy to confirm that rumor as well as their guess that the second floor had been converted into a separate living space. The house on Marengo is a wonderful snapshot of how people have lived over the last 100 years. It embodies the importance of family, friends, and community in people’s lives. If you’d like to work directly with Jill Summers to explore the history of your home, check out previous house histories online at https://www.facebook.com/OrdinaryHousesFB/ and reach out to her at ordinaryhouses@ gmail.com.

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Western Electric News Vol 7, September 1918

Forest Park Review, October 28, 2026

11

Funny is Female comedy festival makes return visit Over 50 performers took the stage at Comedy Plex, Oct. 22-25

By SYDNEY LOVAN Staff Reporter

Comedy Plex brought back a weekend of laughter to downtown Oak Park with the second annual Funny is Female festival. From Oct. 22 to 25, 51 women and female-identifying comedians performed at Comedy Plex, 1128 Lake St., and the Dragon Lounge in Sushi House just down the street. There will be comedy workshops hosted during the day. There were shows for everyone, even a “clean” show more suitable for kids about 12 and up. Marina Franklin, as seen on HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and Hulu’s Life & Beth, headlined Friday, and Ariel Elias, seen on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, headlined on Saturday. The festival had amazing turnout and

support with its first year in 2025, allowing for the event to only grow and bring in even more talent this year. Angie McMahon, Marta Segal Block and Lisa Nagatomo-Timms are the all-women team making it possible. “This is what women coming together can do,” said Nagatomo-Timms.

SHE SNORES MORE THAN I DO, BUT I STILL LOVE MY HUMAN. — BANDIT

Segal Block originally had the idea for an all-female festival to give an opportunity to uplift voices and provide space for female comedians that is lacking in the comedy industry as a whole. The three came together to make that idea into reality, pushing the boundaries of just how big it can be. “One female comedian to every five male comedians is what the scene is basically all across the country,” said McMahon. “Creating space for women is just going to create more opportunities for women.” Segal Block said festivals such as this are more than just performance experience but also set up opportunities for networking and building crucial relationships within the industry. It takes a village to put on an event like this one, and Oak Park rose to the occasion. Businesses in the area, the Village of Oak Park, Downtown Oak Park and the Cham-

ber of Commerce rallied behind Comedy Plex with sponsorships and support. Performers across the country and visitors from all over the Chicago area come for the festival and stay for Oak Park’s unique charm and vibrant community in turn supporting more businesses all over downtown. “Oak Park has a history and a tradition and an ethos of being an open, welcoming community that accepts and values diversity,” said Segal Block. “We’re not the city, so we can be friendlier. We can work together more. I think that’s baked into Oak Park’s DNA.” Anyone who may be inspired to get involved or take up comedy themselves have a variety of options through Comedy Plex. There is a free Open Mic night every Wednesday and a variety of stand-up classes offered for adults, children and even corporate workshops.

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Forest Park Review, October 28, 2026

BABS

Laughs and a drink from page 1 standup comedy show in Spanish, and torture-themed improv (which is also playing Halloween night at 8 p.m.). “It’s good to be open and back serving laughter to the community again,” Emily Ramirez, owner of BABS Comedy Club, told the Review after the grand reopening performance Friday. “I was nervous about how attended the shows might be,” she added, since she was so focused on bar construction that she didn’t have much time to market the grand reopening. On Saturday, BABS had twice the number of people who attended Friday — and said the nights combined sold more tickets than an average weekend at BABS. Sales were 30-to-40% higher over the grand reopening weekend, according to Ramirez. “Prices for a premium, hand-poured cocktail are obviously different from beer,” she said. And increasing the bar’s revenue was one of the main reasons Ramirez wanted to add a bar. Ramirez created the menu of house cocktails herself, inspired by the 1920s. She wanted to offer a lineup of drinks that she hasn’t seen in other businesses in the area, especially bourbon cocktails. “I’ve been inspired by this building from the very beginning to make sure everything I do seems like it could’ve been there originally,” Ramirez said of the building that’s over 100 years old. And the drink menu is no exception. Ramirez said her favorite house cocktail is the Belly Laugh, made with Bulleit bourbon, Benedictine liqueur, chocolate bitters and orange bitters. On Friday night, several people ordered the BABS Bee’s Knees with Tanqueray gin, lemon juice and honey syrup. “A lot of cocktails were created because a lot of prohibition-era liquor was so bad that drinks were drowned in syrups,” Ramirez said. “I think comedy and prohibition have a really inextricable link – they’re both on the fringe and have an underground feel.” On Friday, Ramirez helped BABS’ bartender make drinks — the first time she’d done so, though she’s had a bartender license for a few years. On Saturday, she and another beginner bartender and improv performer worked behind the new bar. When asked what people can expect from the new BABS Comedy Club, Ramirez said,

“They should expect to have the same great experience with a really elevated cocktail experience.” She added, “They’ll probably get to see me be even more flustered behind the bar because I’m learning as I go.” She said employees have already changed some workflow processes after reopening weekend and are working through any hiccups as they finish construction — mainly shelving behind the bar, backed by mercury glass and soft lighting. “That’s going to be a big undertaking, but it’s something we can do in phases and while we’re open,” Ramirez said. She also plans to add trim to the bar and a brass footrail, as well as another layer of grout to the tile behind the bar. “Everything we do, we want to do it in a way that would be commercially viable.” Though the couple originally planned to have the new bar open at the end of August, multiple deaths in the family set back the opening. “The timeline rested on our shoulders, which means anything that complicated our lives would complicate construction,” Ramirez said. “We had a lot of grief. It has a quality of not only taking your time away but creating fog and exhaustion. There were many days we were paralyzed with grief. We were still working, but not as our optimal selves.” Ramirez said the hardest part of constructing the new bar was the plumbing, opening the wall behind the bar and navigating the existing pipes. “A lot of times when you open up a wall, you’ll see decades of past install,” Ramirez said. “It takes a lot of time, creativity and thought to navigate.” She added, “I think a lot of people think, ‘You had to put in a water line.” But it was a matter of installing four sinks, a water heater, filtration systems, an ice machine in the basement, plus draining and venting that starts in the basement and ends at the top of the second floor. “To be honest, I was starting to feel kind of pessimistic about whether or not all of this work would be worth it,” Ramirez said about the new bar. “We were really in the worst throes of it. I have such a hard time describing the scale of this. We, my husband and I, are used to working hard, but this was insane.” Ramirez’s husband, Chase Maness, is an engineer with experience in plumbing and electric. Together, they’ve been restoring properties for 25 years. Ramirez and Maness renovated much of See BABS on page 16

Forest Park Review, October 28, 2026

C R I M E

Man flashes customers in Aldi By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

Police responded to the Aldi on Harlem Avenue the afternoon of Oct. 22 after someone reported a man exposing himself to customers. On the scene, an Aldi employee told police she was at the cash register when she saw a man bothering customers. The man had previously been banned from the store. When she asked the man to leave, he pulled down his pants and underwear, touched himself and jumped around, according to the police report. Police found the man in the parking lot, and he told them he danced in the store, but didn’t take off his pants. The man was charged with public indecency and criminal trespassing.

DUI Before 1 a.m. on Oct. 22, police saw a car traveling 45 miles per hour in a 30 mileper-hour zone in the 900 block of Harlem. According to the police report, the driver was holding a cell phone and swerved into another lane. Police pulled over the driver, who they said smelled of alcohol, and they saw an open can of Cut Water in the center console. Police asked the woman to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, which showed she was impaired, so police placed her in custody. At the police station, she gave a breath sample and had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05. She was charged with driving under the influence, operating an uninsured car, improper lane usage, speeding, and unlawful use of a cell phone.

Assault On Oct. 22, police responded to Thornton’s gas station on Harlem for two men fighting. An employee identified the men for police. One of the men said they were involved in a road rage incident on Jackson while attempting to turn into the gas station parking lot. He said he and the other man parked in the parking lot, and the other driver came up to him aggressively and they started to argue. When the man went inside to pay for gas, the other man followed and punched him in the chest. The offender told police he was driving in front of the other man, who started honking at him. He said they both went

into the store, where the man threatened to meet him later and beat him up, so he swung at him but missed him. Witnesses confirmed the interaction, and the offender was charged with assault.

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The afternoon of Oct. 20, police responded to Harlem and Randolph for a battery. A man told police that he was exiting the River Forest Town Center and got into a verbal altercation with another driver who didn’t let him merge onto Harlem. When the car pulled up next to him, the man told the driver she was an asshole. A man got out of the car, punched the window, then punched the man in the head. Police reported that the man had blood on his face and that his driver’s side window was shattered. He said he’d sign complaints if the offender was located.

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Criminal damage Police were dispatched to JJ’s Fish on Harlem around 4 p.m. on Oct. 20 after an employee called to report a man with a gun. The employee told police the man was wearing a ski mask and drove away in a silver sedan. He said the man frequents the restaurant and, earlier that day, complained his food was cold and asked to have it remade. When the employee denied him, the man said, “Watch what happens when I come back,” and left the business, according to the police report. The man came back around 4 p.m. and was screaming with his right hand in his front hoodie pocket, taunting the employee before throwing a table across the business. The employee said he’d sign complaints if the man was located. These items were obtained from Forest Park Police Department reports dated Oct. - Oct. 22 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.

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14

Forest Park Review, October 28, 2026

MELIN-ROGOVIN Running for mayor from page 1 Melin-Rogovin said, citing her financial management and public finance experience. “What I saw being in streets and public improvements is all the things I could do and be more effective at, if I were in another role.” Melin-Rogovin names the village’s finances and infrastructure projects as big challenges, but also opportunities. When it comes to improving them, her priorities would be to increase revenue, as well as help residents understand the full financial state of the village. “We post our financial reports, but you have to have a financial background to understand them,” Melin-Rogovin said. “I would want to see information in easy-tounderstand language on our website about our financial picture, so that any resident could go and say, ‘Where are we now with our finances? What is the plan to improve our finances? How are we doing to improve our finances?’” Aiming to enact similar transparency around police and fire pensions, MelinRogovin said informing residents about Forest Park’s financials will help hold the village accountable for improving them. “When everybody’s on the same page, and the village is the one source of truth, and we can all sing from the same song sheet, then I want to reestablish our finance committee,” she said of the appointed volunteer board made up of Forest Park residents. Melin-Rogovin said she couldn’t find the last time the finance committee was active, though the mayor has the power to re-establish it to help the commissioner of accounts and finance. The finance committee would “establish priorities for the village with the director of finance to say, ‘What is the best approach, and what is the direction we head to bolster our finances?’ and then establish priorities. We need to not say that everything is priority because then nothing is priority.” “My biggest strength is that I can focus on a plan, but then actually make sure that the plan gets accomplished,” Melin-Rogovin added. “With the best minds at the table focusing on our financial plan, we can actually move forward and attack finances rigorously and attentively to improve the

PROVIDED BY MICHELLE MELIN-ROGOVIN

“What I saw being in streets and public improvements is all the things I could do and be more effective at, if I were in another role.”

port by partnering with nonprofit organizations, School District 91, the Park District of Forest Park and the Howard Mohr Community Center. “Those organizations support our residents and provide them with an excellent quality of life,” Melin-Rogovin said. That is something the village should aim to maintain, she said. She wants “to have a holistic view of who is meeting the needs of our residents and where those services come from.” Melin-Rogovin said her role as commissioner of streets and public improvements has positioned her well to run for mayor. “I was able to move a lot forward in my specific role in terms of rewriting the streets ordinance and adding resources for streets and public improvements,” she said, like radar signs and barriers that slow traffic. She had a hand in adding delineators to the center of Jackson Boulevard to prevent cars from speeding or swerving between lanes. Melin-Rogovin helped implement the village’s new waste hauler contract, saving the village $1.5 million over five years and adding municipal composting service. And she has visited Springfield many times to help the village lobby for improvements to public transit funding and safety, as well as water and lead pipe replacement. Melin-Rogovin is one of 12 women chosen for this year’s Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership Training Academy, which provides policy training and leader-

ship development. And as a grant writer for her day job, Melin-Rogovin has helped the village with grant language for its police and fire departments. If a finance committee is created, Melin-Rogovin said they could help identify grant opportunities for the village. “Sitting in my department is hard because I’m not in a position to apply for grants for another department,” MelinRogovin said. “Part of the strategy that I would bring to the village as mayor would be to diversify our revenue.” But she said Forest Park can’t do that without collaboration. “I know we can improve our finances and solidify our finances for our future if we all work together,” Melin-Rogovin told the Review. “A mayor is not the only person that works to improve any issue the village is facing. I don’t have any illusions that one person can make all the difference, but a mayor can bring people together who are the best minds around any issue — and together we can make a difference.” All four commissioners and the mayor are up for reelection next year. They need about 30 signatures in order to be put on the ballot. Mayor Rory Hoskins has not confirmed whether he’s running for reelection. Commissioner Maria Maxham announced Oct. 13 that she had resigned as commissioner and dropped out of the mayoral race, after announcing earlier this month that she was running.

MICHELLE MELIN-ROGOVIN

financial picture. We don’t have enough village staff to do it by ourselves.” If elected mayor, Melin-Rogovin would also focus on economic development and supporting small businesses that bring in taxes to the village. “Restaurants, 80% of their revenue stays in our community, and retail retains more than half of their revenue stays in our community,” Melin-Rogovin said. She would also improve community sup-

PROVIDED BY MICHELLE MELIN-ROGOVIN

Forest Park Review, October 28, 2026

OPINION

D

Dolly, Gloria and the Forest Park 5

olly Parton died on Aug. 25, and Gloria Steinem died on Sept. 2. I asked five successful Forest Park women to reflect on what Parton and Steinem meant to them as individuals and to American society in general. “Women like Dolly Parton and Gloria Steinem,” said Village Commissioner Maria Maxham, “were both essential to changing the landscape for women in many areas. “Dolly was unapologetically herself: feminine to an extreme, sexy and powerful, and an extremely astute business owner. The message she sent was that you can be attractive and strong and a leader all at once. Those things aren’t mutually exclusive, though even today people love to suggest they are. “Gloria stood up publicly and loudly for what she knew was right, even when the people around her refused to acknowledge the truth of what she was saying. “I’m a feminist in who I am and in what I do. I’m a woman who says what she thinks, does what she wants, and fights for what she believes in. I push back against the notion that I’m ‘aggressive’ or that I browbeat others with the intensity of my messages. “Feminism means we don’t have a dress code. We can be provocative or modest. Feminism means we can say what we want and be who we are, and we don’t need to apologize for either.

TOM HOLMES

15

“I specifically remember this riddle that I heard as a kid: A father and his son are in a car accident. The father dies at the scene. The son is rushed to the hospital and taken into the operating room. The surgeon looks at the boy and says, ‘I can’t operate on him. He’s my son.’ “How is this possible? The answer, of course, is that the surgeon is his mother. The fact that it was a mindboggling riddle back then tells you everything you need to know about what we assumed a doctor looked like. “Men ran the big corporations. Men could serve as president of the United States, and women, perhaps, in lower positions. This was well before the #MeToo movement, and men got away with so many things. Inappropriate comments, gestures, touches. In many circles, it was simply accepted. “I wish I had been a feminist back then. I wish I’d had the understanding and the strength to know I didn’t have to put up with any of it.” Jessica Voogd, another Forest Park commissioner, said, “I believe in and advocate for equal rights, freedoms, and opportunities for everyone, regardless of gender, race, class, or ethnicity. The grounding principle of feminism is equality and I think we successfully walk that path through equity. “There is an often-used phrase, ‘we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.’ I am absolutely inspired by Dolly Parton and Gloria Steinem. They are on a long list of so many brave and passionate women who fought hard for where we stand today. “I’m not sure if Dolly Parton ever called herself a feminist, but she did say she was a ‘woman in business.’ She was an incredibly savvy businesswoman and a true humanitarian. Her actions, over decades, supported marginalized and disadvantaged communities. She embraced treating people with love, kindness, and understanding.

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Lucky is this world if we could all be even a teeny bit more like Dolly.” Jackie Iovinelli, executive director of the Park District of Forest Park, uses the term “independent” to describe herself instead of “feminist.” She said Dolly Parton had a big influence on her “because of her sharp wit. She had the ability to take a comment that could be offensive and turn it around to make it positive. She taught me if you work hard, you can do anything you put your mind to.” Laurie Kokenes has been the executive director of the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce since 1992 and was the manager of the Forest Park Review before that. “I don’t label myself a feminist,” she said, “but I 100% believe that everyone, regardless of gender, should have equal rights and opportunities. As for the label I would use to describe my beliefs, the first thing that comes to mind is something David Rose from the show Schitt’s Creek said: ‘I like the wine, not the label.’ “Dolly Parton was an inspiration in so many ways. She rose from extreme poverty and built a legendary music career, all while remaining her authentic self. She had all the traits of a good human, including kindness, empathy and generosity, which the world definitely needs more of.” Michelle Melin-Rogovin, another commissioner of Forest Park, considers herself to be a humanist. “I advocate for human rights and the equity and well-being of all people. “Both women inspired me because they were authentic and unapologetic in advocating for people they cared about and for issues of equality and representation. Both Dolly and Gloria used their talents and gifts to help others, and I hope to do the same throughout my life whenever I can.” Check out Tom’s ongoing substack posts about the fictional life of Pastor Walter Mitty at https://tomholmes10. substack.com.

16

Forest Park Review, October 28, 2026

A

F O R E S T PA R K

REVIEW General Manager Max Reinsdorf Editorial & Audience Strategist Matthew Schwerha Staff Reporters Jessica Mordacq, Hector Cervantes, Bill Dwyer, Jackie Pisano Contributing Editor Donna Greene Contributing Reporters Tom Holmes, Robert J. Lifka Columnists Alan Brouilette, Tom Holmes Editorial & Digital Design Lead Javier Govea Design and Production Associate De Sergio Villalona Visual Designers Susan McKelvey, Darby Godman

L O O K

B A C K

I N

T I M E

Our new fire truck, 1919

‘F

From Forest Leaves, September 19, 1919:

orest Park to have best equipment in the State - Contract let and first payment made’ “After two years of labor on the part of the Fire Truck Committee and the hearty co-operation and response from the citizens looking forward to the protection of life and property, that ambition was partially satisfied on Monday evening. The contract for the new motor fire apparatus was signed and is now assured in the citizens and it only remains for them to be patient while the factory puts together what will be one of the best equipment in the state and one that the subscribers will look upon with pride, knowing that they helped in the purchase. “It remains, however, to be said that a great many failed to respond to the call for a donation, and the committee would like to have them do their share in this protection, which they will derive in this equipment in service. “The initial payment of $1,000 has been paid, but you citizens must remember that this obligation does not stop with the pur-

chase, for on Dec. 1 we are to be called upon for a further sum of $2,000 on the delivery of the truck, and this money must be ready. After December, the sum of $1100 every three months must be met, together with the interest.”

Jill Wagner

Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls Marketing & Advertising Associate Emma Cullnan Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Operations Associate Susan Liss Babin Social Media and Digital Coordinator Maribel Barrera Senior Advisor Dan Haley HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS: P.O. Box 6670, River Forest, IL 60305 PHONE: (708) 613-3300 EMAIL: dhaley@newswellchicago.org CIRCULATION: Jill@oakpark.com ONLINE: ForestParkReview.com Forest Park Review is published weekly by NEWSWELL Chicago. Periodicals postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS No 0205-160). Forest Park Review NEWSWELL Chicago is located at 1011 Lake Street St 307, Oak Park IL 60301. The newspaper is available at newsstands for $1. Annual subscription rate in Cook County is $48 and $82 outside of Cook County. Advertising rates available by contacting our office. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Forest Park Review, NEWSWELL Chicago P.O. Box 6670 River Forest IL, 60305. © 2026 NEWSWELL

BABS

Vintage cocktails from page 12 the Madison Street storefront and upstairs apartments — one which they live out of — after they bought it in 2023. BABS Comedy Club opened two years ago in Forest Park. Ramirez used revenue from the comedy club to finance equipment for the new bar, though she originally wanted to open BABS with a full bar. “It’s a really good feeling knowing you’re enhancing a piece of history and making it better,” Ramirez said. She added that using her own money, rather than investor funding, allowed her to have more freedom in construction. “The money that opened this business and the money that continues to build this business is our personal money, so I have no one to answer to.” Every Wednesday, BABS hosts an improv comedy jam and every Thursday is a standup open mic. Every Friday, BABS Comedy Club has a new lineup of local standups. Saturdays are for improvisation, with KidProv at 3 p.m. and BABS’ house improv team at 8 p.m. “Improv is our crown jewel,” Ramirez said. BABS also hosts special events, classes and workshops. Learn more at https://www.babscomedyclub.com/.

Forest Park Review, October 28, 2026 17 HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI • Deadline: Monday at 5 p.m.

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PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Notice is hereby given to potential Bidders that the Memorial Park District will be receiving sealed bids for the Site Improvements at Frost Park located on South Roberta Avenue in Melrose Park, IL 60160. IDNR Project # OS 26-2703. The Project is being financed, in part, with funds from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, “Open Space Lands Acquisition & Development” (OSLAD) grant program. The scope of this project is as follows: Demolition/Removal, Grading/Drainage/Water Service, Concrete Work, Basketball Court, Play Area Development, Synthetic Turf Surfacing, Site Furnishings, Shelter, and Landscape Plantings & Restoration Specifications may be obtained beginning at 10:00 AM on October 21, 2026 through the BHFX planroom, https://www.bhfxplanroom.com between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. A non-refundable fee will be charged for each requested bid package. See BHFX’s planroom for the cost of both a printed copy and PDF download, or $65.00 for only a PDF download. Each bid must be placed in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Sealed Bid: Frost Park” and addressed to the Memorial Park District, 3501 Washington Boulevard, Bellwood, IL 60104, Attention: Mark Flores, Executive Director. Bids will be received until 2:00 P.M. on November 6, 2026, at which time the bid proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud at 3501 Washington Boulevard, Bellwood, IL 60104. The Work of this Project is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq. A prevailing wage determination has been made by the Park District, which is the same as that determined by the Illinois Department of Labor for public works projects in Cook County. A Certified or Cashier’s check payable to the Owner, or a Bid Bond in an amount equal to Ten Percent (10%) of the total bid amount must accompany each bid. In addition, each Bidder shall submit a proof of insurance demonstrating the Bidders insurability. MBE/FBE PARTICIPATION The Memorial Park District encourages minority contractors to submit bids for this project. The successful contractor is encouraged to utilize minority businesses as sub-contractors for supplies, equipment, services, etc. Questions will be answered in the form of written addenda and provided to all Bidders, as per State of Illinois statutes. Submit questions regarding the bid in writing to lori. vierow@jsdinc.com, no later than 3:00 p.m. on October 30, 2026. Published in Forest Park Review October 21, 28, 2026

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE OF MILL CITY MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2019-1 Plaintiff, -v.LINDA L. LEWIS, EQ FINANCIAL, INC., SHARON ORR, AS CO-GUARDIAN OF THE ESTATE AND PERSON OF LINDA L. LEWIS, MAURICE ORR, AS CO-GUARDIAN OF THE ESTATE AND PERSON OF LINDA L. LEWIS Defendants 25 CH 02595 1204 S 14TH 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 August 18, 2026, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 1, 2026, 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 1204 S 14TH AVE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-15-211-0190000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $51,609.70. 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 SUBJECT TO A PRIOR RECORDED 1st Mortgage 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 HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 601 E. William St., DECATUR, IL, 62523 (217) 4221719. Please refer to file number 2037024. 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. 2037024 Attorney Code. 40387 Case Number: 25 CH 02595 TJSC#: 46-1944 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 # 25 CH 02595 I3296404

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee for Bravo Mortgage Asset Trust 2006-1, Bravo Mortgage Asset Backed Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-1 Plaintiff, -v.Mary D. Robertson a/k/a Mary Robertson; Defendants. 2025CH09611 743 Newcastle Avenue, Westchester, IL 60154 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 8/25/2026, an agent of Auction. com, LLC will conduct the Online Only auction at www.auction.com, with the bidding window opening on 11/30/2026 at 10:00 AM CDT and closing on December 2, 2026 at 10:00 AM subject to extension, and will sell at public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate. Commonly known as 743 Newcastle Avenue, Westchester, IL 60154 Property Index No. 15-16-313003-0000 The real estate is improved with a Residential Property. The judgment amount was $208,552.01 Sale Terms: Full Sale Terms are available on the property page at www.auction.com by entering 743 Newcastle Avenue 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(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. For information, contact Plaintiffs attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES PC 630-794-5300 please refer to file number 14-25-05963. Auction.com, LLC 100 N LaSalle St., Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60602 -

872-225-4985 You can also visit www.auction.com. Attorney File No. 14-25-05963 Case Number: 2025CH09611 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. I3296439

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING Plaintiff, -v.THEODORE LARKIN, FATIMA BOLO LARKIN, SECRETARY OF VETERAN AFFAIRS, MV REALTY OF ILLINOIS, LLC, SERVICE EXPERTS HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING LLC Defendants 2026CH02988 2251 S 10TH AVENUE BROADVIEW, IL 60155 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on August 11, 2026, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on November 17, 2026, 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 2251 S 10TH AVENUE, BROADVIEW, IL 60155 Property Index No. 15-22-207-0070000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $239,552.25. 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 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 JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC Plaintiff vs. Bernard J. Finegan; Jeannette M. Finegan; United States of America -Secretary of Veterans Affairs; Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants Defendant 22 CH 10896 CALENDAR 60 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 December 7, 2026, at the hour 11:00 a.m., Intercounty’s office, 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, IL 60602, sell, in person, to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-05-116-014-0000. Commonly known as 157 Victoria Dr., Northlake, IL 60164. The real estate is: single family residence. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% (or 25% if so ordered in the Judgment of Foreclosure) down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property is sold AS IS subject to all liens or encumbrances. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the circuit court case record, property tax record and the title record to verify all information before bidding. IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER THE ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 151701(c) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Codilis & Associates, P.C., 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100, Burr Ridge, IL 60527. (630) 794-5300. 14-22-08424 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3296587

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number 26 2045. 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. JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650 Chicago IL, 60602 312-541-9710 E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com Attorney File No. 26 2045 Attorney Code. 40342 Case Number: 2026CH02988 TJSC#: 46-1878 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 # 2026CH02988 I3295621 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff, -v.ROSA ADELIZ ROJAS RODRIGUEZ; ANGELICA ADALIZ RUIZ RODRIGUEZ; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; CROWN ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC; STATE OF ILLINOIS, Defendants. 2026CH02640 2025 SOUTH 8TH 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 8/26/2026, an agent of Auction. com, LLC will conduct the Online Only auction at www.auction.com, with the bidding window opening on 11/30/2026 at 10:00 AM CDT and closing on December 2, 2026 at 10:00 AM subject to extension, and will sell at public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate. Commonly known as 2025 SOUTH 8TH AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-14-317-0090000 and 15-14-317-010-0000 The real estate is improved with a Single Family Residence. The judgment amount was $156,738.14 Sale Terms: Full Sale Terms are available on the property page at www.auction. com by entering 2025 SOUTH 8TH AVENUE 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

18 Forest Park Review, October 28, 2026 HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI • Deadline: Monday at 5 p.m.

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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(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. For information, contact Plaintiffs attorney: McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLP (312) 346 9088 please refer to file number 25-25999IL. Auction.com, LLC 100 N LaSalle St., Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60602 - 872-225-4985 You can also visit www.auction.com. Attorney File No. 25-25999IL Case Number: 2026CH02640 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. I3295966

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: MDK Legal (312) 651-6700 please refer to file number 25-026001. Auction.com, LLC 100 N LaSalle St., Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60602 - 872-225-4985 You can also visit www.auction.com. Attorney File No. 25-026001 Case Number: 2025CH11622 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. I3296065

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION Huntington National Bank Plaintiff, -v.Martin Ocampo; Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants; Balmoral Condo Association, Inc. Defendants. 2025CH11622 1351 Balmoral Avenue, Unit 1N, Westchester, IL 60154 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 8/18/2026, an agent of Auction. com, LLC will conduct the Online Only auction at www.auction.com, with the bidding window opening on 11/30/2026 at 10:00 AM CDT and closing on December 2, 2026 at 10:00 AM subject to extension, and will sell at public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate. Commonly known as 1351 Balmoral Avenue, Unit 1N, Westchester, IL 60154 Property Index No. 15-21-101-2771027 The real estate is improved with a Single Family Residence. The judgment amount was $132,329.17 Sale Terms: Full Sale Terms are available on the property page at www.auction. com by entering 1351 Balmoral Avenue, Unit 1N 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

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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.

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