Forest Park Review_110823

Democracy Needs News. News Needs YOU. Donate to Forest Park Review Details on page 16

F O R E S T PA R K

ForestParkReview.com Vol. 106, No. 45

$1.00

REVIEW NOVEMBER 8, 2023

Education guide inside @ForestParkReview @FP_Review

Biggins shares plans for Robert’s Westside music venue

Long-time talent booker plans to have diverse line-up, offer open mics for local talent By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

Robert’s Westside, the new music venue at the former Tap Room space at Madison/Circle, is opening Nov. 20 with a week’s worth of events and plenty of acts coming down the pipeline. The opening night will feature owner Donnie Biggins’ own band, the Shams. On Nov. 21, they will hold the Soup and Bread fundraiser for local food pantries. And Nov. 22 will feature a Fleetwood Mac cover band, while Friday night will feature a full-fledged house party with a DJ playing vinyl. Biggins, an Oak Park native and a long-time Chicago See ROBERT’S WESTSIDE on page 6

SMASHAROO First ever Pumpkin Smash squashes it. Story on page 14.

TODD BANNOR

2

Forest Park Review, November 8, 2023

Spice up your Thanksgiving with a Moroccan inspiration dinner. 129 S. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park • (708) 848-5555 • grapeleaves.us

IT’S HERE!

* 5.88% 5.77% 5.88% APY* APY * 5.77% APY APY*

Certificateof ofDeposit Deposit 1111-Month Month Certificate

Certificate of 77-Month Month Certificate of Deposit Deposit

Call 948-1990to toopen openyour youraccount accounttoday! today! Call(919) 708.447.3330

7820 West 26th Street, North Riverside, IL 60546 P: 919.948.1990 | westtownbank.com *Annual Percentage YieldYield (APY) (APY) accurate as of November 2023 and26, is subject change. A *Annual Percentage accurate as of 1,October 2023toand is subject to change. A minimum of minimum of $10,000 is required to open the account and to obtain the stated APY. Fees may $10,000 is required to open the account and to obtain the stated APY. Fees may reduce earnings on the reduce earnings on the account. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Offer is for account. A only. penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Offer is for new money only. new money

7820 West 26th Street, North Riverside, IL 60546 P: 708.447.3330 | westtownbank.com

adno=STM000115931401

adno=STM000116375801

Forest Park Review, November 8, 2023

3

Chronic absenteeism plagues D209

‘It was a challenging 3 years,’ acting superintendent Bessie Karvelas said By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

A review of Proviso High School Township District 209 scores on the 2023 Illinois Report Card captures a snapshot of the effects of big changes to district administration, COVID and a torn district. The Illinois Report Card is an annual report released by the Illinois State Board of Education detailing a complete picture of student and school performances. The three-school district, which includes Proviso East High School, Proviso West High School, and Proviso Math and Science Academy, scored a 66.4% in chronic absenteeism as measured by the Illinois State Report Card. According to the report, state law defines a “chronic absentee” as someone who misses 10 percent of school days within an academic year with or without a valid excuse. The state average according to the report is 28.3%. “This year, we see a 5% improvement in chronic absenteeism which is good news, it is headed in the right direction,” said state Superintendent of Education Tony Sanders. “Still, nearly 30% of students were chronically absent in Illinois last year.” For Black and Hispanic students, that percentage is higher with 42% of Black students and 34.5% of Hispanic students chronically absent. In Proviso, a minority-heavy school district, 70.6% of Black students and 65.3% of

Black and Hispanic stuHispanic students are chronidents also showed to miss cally absent in comparison more than five percent of with 47.9% of White students. school days compared to their While the district’s numWhite classmates, with 66.8% bers are not an anomaly Black students and 63.6% Hisacross the state, Amanda panic students being accountGrant, board of education ed for, compared to 33.1% of president, said it is highly imWhite students. portant for students to show To address both absenteeup in the classroom as attenism and truancy, the district dance is a high indicator of needs to work in partnership graduation rates, as well as BESSIE KARVELAS with families, Karvelas said, how well students perform to ensure kids are in school throughout the academic when they need to be. school year. That partnership with families can come “We want kids to be here,” Grant said. in a variety of ways and the district needs “You are not getting the best education if to look at their attendance policy and be you are not here in the classroom.” According to the report, chronic absen- proactive about being in communication teeism has increased in the district in the with parents, said Karvelas. “The attendance office needs to be more last three years: in 2021, the rate came in at proactive about calling home and parents 25.9%, and in 2022, 48.1%. Individually for chronic absenteeism, need to be focused on their students’ attenPMSA scored 27.6%, Proviso East scored dance when they are not in school after so 66.4%, and Proviso West scored a shock- many days,” Karvelas said. “They need to make sure the parent comes to school and ing 84.1%. Entering her 11th year at Proviso Town- they go through the policy and procedures ship, acting superintendent Bessie Karve- that are set in place.” las, who took over following James L. HenIt is by building upon that communicaderson’s resignation earlier this year, said tion that both parents and the schools can she was also not surprised by the data. work on finding a solution to whatever is “I knew that we were going to show a causing the student to miss school. dip,” Karvelas said. “It was a challenging “Is there a problem at school, is there a three years and there were a lot of changes problem at home, is there a problem getbecause administration did things very dif- ting here, it is really about finding the ferently than we were doing things before.” underlying cause because it could be someGoing hand-in-hand with chronic absen- thing that has nothing to do with school,” teeism is the truancy rate at Proviso, which Grant said. “We have to make sure we are for the 2023 report card was 63.2% compared doing all we can on our end to get students to the state’s average of 19.9%. The chronic here and making sure they have what they truancy rate, which is the percentage of need once they enter our doors.” students who miss 5% or more of school The district has already begun addressdays per year, regardless of the reason, has ing different factors that have contributed steadily increased in the past three years to those high rates in absenteeism and trufrom 31.2% in 2021 and 47.1% in 2022. ancy, including transportation, which in

Our Community Needs Community Journalism

Partner with us. Donate at GrowingCommunityMedia.org

the past has created various issues including chronic tardiness. “Getting transportation was definitely an issue last year,” Grant said. “We knew going into this school year that we really had to be working hand-in-hand with First Student to make sure we had enough buses and bus routes for our kids, for all three schools.” According to Grant, the district has increased the number of routes and drivers. Additionally, some bus route times have changed to allocate enough time for students to get to their first class before school starts. Karvelas said the district works on being more proactive to catch any issues with attendance before they escalate, including notifying parents. Adjudication hearings should also be considered, she added. “As much as we don’t want to have adjudication hearings, maybe we need to go that route,” Karvelas said. “There has to be accountability on the parents as well as of course the school end. We need to work together as a team.” If not addressed, chronic absenteeism and truancy will continue to impact other areas in a student’s education. “Attendance is such a great indicator of success,” Grant said. “All of our rates: proficiency, participations, graduation, all of those are going to be down if attendance is down. That is something we are looking at from the very first day; who is here, who isn’t here and why.” “Overall, obviously right now we are seeing the outcome of the last three years, in terms of COVID and other things that have happened in the district,” said Amanda Grant, board of education president. “None of this was a surprise.” To see the full report, visit us online at https://www.forestparkreview.com/.

4

Forest Park Review, November 8, 2023

November 8-15

BIG WEEK Ralph Covert & the Bad Examples (with special guest McKinley James) Friday, Nov. 10, 8:30 p.m., FitzGerald’s Lately, Ralph Covert has been mainly known for his children’s records, but he’ll still circle back to being the mainstream rocker that endeared him to so many Chicago club-goers. $20, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn.

Songs of the Vietnam War with the History Singers

Tellers Night Tuesday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m., Duffy’s Tavern. Hosted by the Forest Park Arts Alliance. For more information visit www.forestparkarts.org. 7513 Madison Street, Forest Park.

Teen Cooking Class - Philly Cheesesteak Wednesday, Nov. 15, 6:15 - 8 p.m., Park District of Forest Park and Forest Park Library It’s Philly Steak Cheese Season. Join us as we collaborate with the Forest Park Library. This cooking class is designed for teens. Ryan and Andre will help you learn how to make some show-stopping Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches. Free, but registration is required: https:// www.fppl.org/. 7501 Harrison St., Forest Park.

Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023 2 - 3 p.m., Forest Park Public Library Austin Room The History Singers (John and Kathryn Atwood) are live in concert at the Forest Park Public Library. The music of and about the Vietnam War, for and against, was heard in a variety of places: the radio, protest rallies, and in Vietnam where American fighting men accessed music — some of it their own version of protest songs — through the records they brought along and the bands hired to entertain them. Songs of the Vietnam War is a combination of all these musical genres and features live performance along with the playing of a few 45s. We look at all of this as a musical phenomenon; we don’t take sides one way or the other. The intense emotions created by the war expressed itself in the music and that’s what we present. We hope this program will help to bring healing and closure for our fighting men and bring that period to life for those too young to remember it. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park.

Listing your event in the calendar Forest Park Review welcomes notices about events that Forest Park community groups and businesses are planning. We’ll work to get the word out if you let us know what’s happening by noon Wednesday a

week before your news needs to be in the newspaper. ■ Send details to Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, 60302 ■ Email calendar@wjinc.com

Forest Park Review, November 8, 2023

New independent coffee shop and roastery coming to Madison Street

U3 Coffee plans to open inside the former Doc Ryan’s one-story addition next spring By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

Doc Ryan’s bar rooftop deck will be filled with customers again next spring after an Oak Park couple works to open the U3 coffee shop and roastery in the one-story addition on the original building. The long-time bar was once made up of two structures – the original twostory building and, later, a one-story addition with a rooftop deck. The 1937 Group, a Chicago-based cannabis grower and seller, bought the original building, while Kristi and Craig Ross, of Oak Park, bought the addition. Kristi Ross said that they wanted to open at or near Oak Park, and they were pleasantly surprised to discover that a portion of Doc Ryan’s was on the market. Ross said that she and her husband decided to launch U3 Coffee because they wanted a business where they could work together after decades of working in completely different fields, and they felt like coffee was one unifying constant in their professional lives. Opening at the Madison Street corridor, home to some of her favorite restaurants, was a bonus. Ross said that they already have roasting equipment ready to go, and they hope to open in April 2024. Doc Ryan’s, a Madison Street mainstay for seven decades, closed at the end of March. Ross said that she lived in Oak Park “for basically 30 years,” and she and her husband raised their three kids in the village. Kristi Ross’ career has been in finance. Most notably, she co-founded the Tastytrade online stocks and options platform. Craig Ross has worked in the pharmaceutical industry. With their kids growing up, they wanted to “do something together for

the second half of our lives.” From the get-go, they wanted to do more than roast coffee. The company has three other “arms” - the U3 Coffee Exchange, an online store that sells beans from other roasters, not just theirs, U3 Coffee Banks, which raises funds for farmers and other aspiring roasters, and U3 Coffee Media, an online platform that will promote coffee roasters. Although U3 technically launched in June 2021, it wasn’t until the couple left their consulting gigs a year later that work began at its earnest. Ross said that coming from “highly siloed, highly regulated” financial industry, she was surprised that other area independent coffee shops, such as Kribi Coffee, welcomed them with open arms and offered advice on how to get a roastery and coffee shop up and running. “[It was] incredibly refreshing to dive into any industry where your competitors were so open to sharing information,” she said. Ross said that she was particularly grateful to Kribi Coffee founder Jacques Shalo for walking them through the ins and outs of the process. “He was so genuine and open,” she said. “He invited us to his roastery. We talked to his head roaster.” Ross said that her husband’s background in pharmaceutical sales came in handy when it came to building connections and networking. Independent coffee shops have been putting increasing priority on making sure their coffee beans are sources ethically – in other words, that they come from farms where farmers are fairly compensated for their labor. Ross said that she and her husband personally visited Costa Rica to meet the farmers and made sure that they use sustainable farming methods that wouldn’t harm the soil on the long run. Customers buying the beans from the online marketplace already have the option of tipping the farmers and Ross said that the practice will continue once the roastSee COFFEE on page 7

THE MACLEAN HOUSE AT CALEDONIA SENIOR LIVING.

They will never forget the feeling of being loved. IMMEDIATE AVAILABILITY FOR MEMORY CARE SCHEDULE A PERSONAL TOUR TODAY!

2800 Des Plaines Avenue North Riverside, IL 60546 (708) 477-5092 | CaledoniaSeniorLiving.org

5

6

Forest Park Review, November 8, 2023

ROBERT’S WESTSIDE Renewed nightlife from page 1 area talent buyer, said that he wanted to book talent that reflects a wide variety of genres, because he wanted everyone to feel welcome at his venue and everyone has different tastes. He said he wants to nurture local talents with Open Jam and Open Mic events, and to host community events. But most importantly, Biggins said, he wanted to create an environment where Chicago area musicians can make long-term connections with an audience who would follow the acts through the years as they grow. Biggins has a long track record as a talent buyer, working with Fitzgerald’s nightclub in Berwyn and, more recently, Forest Park’s Exit Strategy bar. Until recently, he operated the Golden Dagger music venue in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, but he told the zoning commission that he recently sold it to focus on the Forest Park venue. The name is a nod to Biggins’ father and Healy’s Westside – the bar that was operated by building owner and former village commissioner Mark

Hosty before Tap Room. Biggins said that the Nov. 20 opening is meant to give Forest Parkers and other west suburbanites an introduction to Robert’s Westside and a chance to casually check it out. He thought that having his own band play during the opening night was fitting because the band got their start playing at Madison Street venues, such as the now-closed Molly Malone’s Irish pub. Robert’s Westside is picking up the Soup and Bread fundraisers that used to be hosted at the Exit Strategy brewery, Biggins’ former employee. He told the Review that they will hold the fundraisers the third Tuesday of every month – which just so happened to be the second day of their operations. Biggins said that he and Exit Strategy co-owner Katherine Valleau are still working on the details of which pantries will benefit from the November fundraiser. The other event formerly hosted at Exit Strategy, Forest Park Arts Alliance’s Tellers’ Night storytelling event, will be hosted at Robert’s Westside every second Tuesday of the month starting this December. The Friday event, he said, is meant to be See ROBERT’S WESTSIDE on page 7

RENDERING OF ROBERT’S WESTSIDE PROVIDED

Robert’s Westside also will pick up beloved Exit Strategy traditions, such as Soup and Bread fundraisers. SAWA’SOld OLD Warsaw WARSAW Sawa’s Authentic Polish-American Smorgasbord

Restaurant • Lounge • Banquets • The Jazz Room Authentic Smorgasbord DinePolish-American In • Carry Out • Catering • Delivery

www.SawasOldWarsaw.com Restaurant • Lounge • Banquets • Dine In • Carry Out • Catering & Delivery

www.SawasOldWarsaw.com

Saturday

Sunday

Good Shepherd Lutheran 611 Randolph St. Oak Park, IL

Grace Lutheran Church 7300 W. Division St. River Forest, IL

Nov. 11 w 7:30 pm

Nov. 12 w 4:00 pm

J. Aaron McDermid’s From Light to Light portrays balance among the elements—Earth, Fire, Wind, and Water. Additional works by John Rutter, Stephen Paulus, Frank Ticheli, and Samuel Barber. www.heritagechorale.com

THANKSGIVING JOINFEA US FOR ST OUR

THANKSGIVING FEAST

Sliced Turkey Carved Round of Beef Carved Ham off the Bone Pierogies Sliced Turkey Broasted Chicken Mashed Potatoes with Brown Gravy Fresh Smoke Polish Sausage Carved Round& of Beef Sauerkraut Best Salad Bar in Town Carved Ham off the Bone Holiday Sweet Potatoes Mushroom & ChickenHours Noodle Soup Broasted Chicken Stuffing Eve - Closed Apple Christmas Crepes + Soft Serve Ice Cream Fresh & Smoke Polish Sausage Christmas Day - Closed Potato Pumpkin PieYears + Dessert Table Shrimp CocktailPancakes New Eve Closed Pierogies New Years Day - Closed Kolaczki + Assorted Cakes Stuffing/Sauerkraut Mushroom Soup Sweet Potatoes Mashed Potatoes with Brown Gravy Veteran’s Day Special Potato Pancakes Full Salad Bar Saturday, November 11 Stuffed Cabbage Dessert Table 50% off all day for all veterans Pumpkin Pie (Must show proof) Kolaczki

$23 Adults

Reservations Required

$32 Adults•$13 Children $10 Children

11am to 8pm Seating reservations every 2 hours Seating reservations every 1/2 hour Cermak ~ Broadview, ILRoad ~ 708.343.9040 Sawa’s9200 Old W. Warsaw ~Rd 9200 W. Cermak ~ Broadview, IL ~ 708.343.9040 Ample Parking Available ~ Large Families Welcome ~ Video Poker Ample Parking Available ~ Large Families Welcome ~ Video Poker Sign-up for the Polonia Gazeta (Email Newsletter) for upcoming events

Forest Park Review, November 8, 2023 another introduction and more of a house party. Both the Monday and Friday events will be free, going forward, he plans to have some the Wednesday events “free with the RSVP” – the cover charge will be waived for those who RSVP ahead of time. Biggins said that he wants Robert’s Westside to be “home to all genres of music.” “I think it’s good to have an eclectic mix of music in a music venue, because I think it will be representative of your community,” he said. “I want everyone who lives in and around Forest Park to come [to Robert’s Westside] and feel like their tastes are being represented on stage.” Biggins said that he hopes that customers would be open-minded and come to performances that may not necessary be what they’re used to. The venue has two major acts coming up next month. Country blues singersongwriter Charlie Parr, who Biggins has worked with on multiple occasions, will perform Dec. 2. Award-winning electric blues vocalist Shemekia Copeland will perform Dec. 30. Robert’s Westside will also nurture local talent. It will host Open Mic nights on last Tuesdays of the month, and “Open Jams” every first Tuesday. Biggins explained that while open mics spotlight singers and spoken word artists, the open jams put the spotlights on bassists, guitar players and keyboardists. “The open jam is more of a collaborative community event,” he said. “I love open jams, because it’s a chance for performers and musicians to meet each other, and it always leads to new bands and new friendships.”

COFFEE

Community connections from page 5 ery and coffee shop is up and running. Ross said that Madison Street corridor was always on their minds as a potential location, and they were pleased that they were able to get Doc Ryan’s annex. She said they closed the deal in May 2023 and they recently secured the building permits. “We love the rooftop deck,” Ross said. “We’re going to put it to good use.” She said that she has “no concern” about being next door to a cannabis dispensary,

Biggins said that both open mics and open jams will be free to the audience and participants. He said that one advantage of a suburban venue over a city venue is that the customers live in the suburbs for a long time and want to plant roots there. Chicago customer base, in Biggins’ experience, is more transient, with many regulars moving to suburbs or other cities. “[In the suburbs], you get to, as an artist, build relationships with the community that can be there for you for 20-30 years,” he said. “That’s one of my favorite things about working in the industry – getting to know the artist in the beginning of their careers and maintaining the friendship throughout.” Biggins said that he plans to make many shows free or free-with-RSVP to help foster those relationships. He also hopes that Robert’s Westside can become a place where people socialize and connect with each other. “I’m of the opinion that we need to put our phones away and get back out there and engage in real life and have a community,” Biggins said. “That is the community that I love, sitting at the bar and having conversations with someone I don’t know. I would love to see the community engagement, and I would love to see real conversations, away from the Internet. We’ve just fallen in a horrible habit of [online] conversations that can go the wrong way because you’re not actually in person with each other. I want to be positive about it and encourage people to really come back in real life and enjoy.”

saying that given the video cameras and other security measures dispensaries are required to put in place, it would, if anything, make U3 safer. Ross said that she hopes that the roastery will open by April 2024, but given construction issues, she isn’t willing to commit to this date. When they do open, one of their goals is to engage with area schools to give kids an opportunity to see how a roastery and a coffee shop operate. Talking about entrepreneurship, Ross said, is one thing – having kids see how a small business works makes it real. “We want to make sure that [promoting entrepreneurship] is part of who we are and what we do,” she said.

Your business moves fast. So does our financing. Byline Express Loans can help your business grow with term loans and revolving lines of credit. Rapid funding by local decision makers.

All loans subject to approval. © 2023 Byline Bank. Member FDIC.

Scan to get started today.

7

8

Forest Park Review, November 8, 2023

Mole: Spicing up your Thanksgiving dinner

A

By DAVID HAMMOND Eats Blogger

n uncomfortable confession: I don’t much care for Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey day is a proud American tradition, and I’m fine with any celebration of food, family, and friends. I’m just not that enthusiastic about the traditional dinner. The blandness of the turkey, sharpness of the cranberries, soggy bread stuffing, and pablum-like pumpkin pie, it’s just not for me. One way I’ve tried to make a turkey dinner more interesting is to use a Native American sauce to liven things up. I’m talking about mole (moe-lay), which many believe to have been on this continent for centuries, prepared by the Aztec and other indigenous groups in Mexico. “Mole” means sauce in Nahuatl, the language of the Aztec, still spoken by over 1.5 million people. Several food-related words in our vocabulary come from Nahuatl, includ-

ing chocolate, avocado, tomato, and chili, all very popular foods, indigenous to Mexico. Many types of mole are served in restaurants both here and in Mexico. Mole amarillo is a sauce tinted yellow with yellow chilies; mole coloradito is reddish because it uses tomatoes and red-tinted chiles; and mole verde is green because it’s made, in part, with green chiles and pumpkin seeds. But there are many more kinds of moles. If you’ve had mole in a restaurant, the odds are you had the dark mole negro, which contains an Olympian number of ingredients. We’ve made mole negro once and, as I recall, it required something like 27 ingredients. Ancient south-of-the-border peoples used spiced rather than sweetened chocolate, and mole negro mixes chocolate with several kinds of chiles and other spices for multiple dimensions of flavor. At NRebozo (7403 Madison St., Forest Park), you can get a Fiesta Mole, six enchiladas with six different moles. Senor Paco told us, “We have forty moles, and all the recipes are mine,” adding that if you want a quart

or so, he will sell you some to take home for Thanksgiving dinner. If you want to make mole from a recipe, you can’t go wrong with RickBayless.com, though be aware, even his “Mole for Beginners” contains almost 20 ingredients. Lazy like me? Go to just about any Mexican grocery for a plastic container of mole paste that can be the foundation for the sauce. It’s usually pretty good, and there’s no shame in this hack: I’ve seen huge mounds of dried mole amarillo, negro, and others for sale at Mexico City’s massive Mercado de Sonora. In Montezuma’s Aztec empire, mole was traditionally served with turkey, an indigenous sauce for an indigenous bird, and if you don’t put mole on the table for Thanksgiving, consider using some with leftover turkey. Instead of the traditional day-afterthanksgiving turkey-mayo sandwich, mix it up a bit: get some fresh tortillas (available almost everywhere, including Pete’s Market, 259 Lake St.), and make turkey tacos or enchiladas with mole. November is Native American Heritage

Courtesy of NRebozo

Six moles for six enchiladas at NRebozo Month, and mole for Thanksgiving is a delicious way to recognize the enduring culinary contributions of indigenous peoples … and spice up the Thanksgiving table.

Let us help you get ready for your holiday entertaining! Custom Stair Runners, Rugs, Carpet, Hardwood, LVP & LVT Located in the North Ave Business District

7040 West North Avenue 773.889.7500

Since 1906 Chicagoland’s Oldest Floor Covering Store Hours Monday-Thursday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm • Friday-Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Forest Park Review, November 8, 2023

9

Hoskins aided lobbyist Axelrod ahead of key meeting

In an email, the mayor appears to offer the lobbyist talking points before commissioners could stop paying him By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

Lobbyist Michael Axelrod of consulting group GPG Strategies appears to have strategized with Mayor Rory Hoskins in defense of GPG’s record ahead of an August meeting during which the company’s contract was expected to come under fire, an email to the mayor shows. The email, with the subject line “talking points,” contained a two-and-a-half-page list of bullet-pointed information with an attached presentation called “Mike A talking points or power point slides as suggested by Rory H.” The documents were obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by the Review. The talking points offered an outline that suggested how GPG should introduce itself, describe which services it offered and present its deliverables. “[Sic] (maybe include two or three per slide? I am providing approximate dates),” the email said. Both the body of the email and the presentation offered examples to show that Axelrod’s firm lobbied the Chicago Transit Authority, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Office and other state and federal agencies on behalf of the village. Examples include: ■ “Forest Park Mayor has since worked with River Forest and Oak Park mayors to secure $3M for removal of the decaying water tower located at the end of the CTA Green Line yard.” ■ “Fall 2020, GPG arranged for in-per-

son meeting for FP mayor and the Deputy Governor charged with infrastructure and transportation portfolio. Topic: pending Altenheim grant. Result: included the speedy release of $750K grant despite the Covid-19 budget revisions and halting of many appropriations.” ■ “September 2022, GPG facilitated a short introductory for Mayor Hoskins to greet White House Infrastructure Czar Landrieu.” It also touched on the fate of the U.S. Army Reserve building on Roosevelt Road, which was vacated in June 2022. In July that year, Hoskins proposed turning the building into a new village hall. The proposal was defeated after commissioners expressed concerns about the costs and how much environmental remediation it would require. The issue hasn’t been discussed since August 2022, but the presenMICHAEL AXELROD tation showed that conversations were expected to resume this fall. Forest Park hired GPG Strategies in August 2019 and agreed to pay the company $2,000 a month for its services. Axelrod is the son of former President Barack Obama’s chief strategist, David Axelrod. Before GPG’s hire, former village administrator Matt O’Shea served as the village lobbyist for eight years. According to the presentation, Forest Park is GPG Strategies’ only municipal client. It is not unusual for a lobbyist to provide municipalities a record of work it has produced. GPG, however, had not turned over detailed reports Commissioner Jessica Voogd had been requesting during the past few years. It is unusual for a sitting mayor to offer a village contractor guidance on how

to defend its records, complete with dates of service. Neither Hoskins nor Axelrod responded to repeated requests for comment. Voogd publicly raised the issue of whether the village was getting its money worth from GPG in August. She had wanted payment to them paused, saying she had been requesting proof of its services for the past four years. Those had gone ignored, she said. At that meeting, Hoskins appeared to defend Axelrod’s services. “He does provide an ongoing service,” Hoskins said. “He has a stylistic difference from [former village lobbyist] Matt O’Shea, and O’Shea did give us voluminous reports, and I get that GPG does things a little bit differently. There’s a lot of communication probRORY HOSKINS ably shared with different commissioners over the years. He sets up a lot of meetings. We had different meetings with the legislators.” Hoskins said that GPG was “very instrumental” in helping Forest Park get state funding to demolish the vacant buildings on the village-owned portion of the historic Altenheim property. “This community was pretty much first in line in terms of getting grants at the period where the state was really reassessing a lot of its grant-making in light of COVID,” he added. The commissioners opted to pay GPG with the stipulation that the reports must be handed over or all future payments would be stopped. By the beginning of October, no reports were turned in, leading

You can get local news delivered right to your email in-box. Sign up for FREE at ForestParkReview.com

NEWS FLASH!

the village to pause payments from September onward. It is not clear whether GPG is still under contract with the village. The village council never heard the presentation attached to the email. But Voogd said that shortly before the Oct. 24 village council meeting, she found a document in her mailbox that largely mimicked the presentation. The document, she told the review, is titled “GPG Strategies, LLC Strategic Plan for the Village of Forest Park.” While Voogd said that she had no idea who put it in the mailbox, Commissioner Michelle Melin-Rogovin told the Review that she saw Hoskins put the copy of the document in the staff mailbox of every village commissioner. The Review shared the presentation pages it obtained with Voogd, and she said that her document “contains almost all of the information” from that presentation. “There were a few omissions, but it is almost word for word,” Voogd said. She added that she didn’t know who put it in her mailbox. Whether the document satisfies her request for more information isn’t clear, because, she said, she needed some information from interim Village Administrator Rachell Entler and Hoskins before she could decide that. Melin-Rogovin offered a similar response, saying that, while she was glad to have received it, she needed time to look over it. “The work that someone like a lobbyist does for a village like Forest Park is strategic and important and takes place over weeks and months,” she said. “If we continue with his services I’d like to understand how his approach will benefit the village specifically.” Axelrod contributed $500 to Hoskins’ campaign in 2022, shortly after the mayor announced that he was running for election. Read the document online at https:// www.forestparkreview.com/wp-content/ uploads/2023/11/Hoskins-Email-1.pdf

10

Forest Park Review, November 8, 2023

State investigates Aperion Care after 7 patients overdose on illicit drugs

reviewing records. Employees may They discovered that while an Aperion employee called ambulances for the overdose have mishandled the patients, he didn’t inform the Forest Park PoDepartment. The employee reported he responses to what were lice also found controlled substances in the past, including cocaine and heroin, but he didn’t relikely heroin overdoses, a port them to police, instead testing them using strips he purchased and flushing them down police report shows

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

The Illinois Department of Public Health is investigating a rash of heroin overdoses at Aperion Care Forest Park rehabilitation and memory care facility. Seven overdoses involving the use of Narcan and CPR were reported between July 7 and Sept. 6, according to a recent Forest Park police report. Forest Park police chief Ken Gross told the Review that to the best of his knowledge, none of those overdoses resulted in deaths. The report showed that the nursing home never filed police reports. Instead, a former employee tipped off IDPH Oct. 21 about the overdoses, when the agency opened its investigation. IDPH then reported the incidents to police Oct. 27. An investigator reported to police that on her first day at Aperion, she “concluded the facility has an overdosing problem that needs to be addressed and solved,” the report showed. It is not clear which drugs the patients used. It is believed the drug was heroin, but cocaine and other controlled substance were reported in the investigation to have been found on the premises in the past. Aperion Care representatives didn’t respond to the request for comment by deadline. IDPH spokesperson Mike Claffey said that he couldn’t confirm whether the investigation was still ongoing, and declined to comment further. According to the police report, a pair of department employees went in to the skilled nursing facility several times between Oct. 21 and 24 to investigate the incidents by interviewing employees and patients, and by

the toilet. It is not clear whether he did that in these cases. An IDPH investigator told police that she had been working with the organization and had never experienced “a situation with an employee confiscating and testing the drugs himself, without police being notified.” According to police, on Oct. 27, IDPH employees spoke to Aperion’s vice president of operations for the region that includes the Chicago area, who acknowledged that the police should have been contacted when the first overdose happened, and that the employee shouldn’t have handled it. The police report said that IDPH would continue to monitor the facility in the future, and that they contacted the police to make them aware of the situation. Lincolnwood-based Aperion Care has owned the facility since 2007. It has 232 beds, all of which are certified to be used by Medicaid or Medicare patients. The previous owner, Pavilion Forest Park, racked up thousands of dollars in fines, and issues have persisted under new owners. According to ProPublica’s compilation of Medicaid complaints, inspection reports from Jan. 1, 2022 to Aug. 11, 2023 showed that the regulatory agency cited the nursing home for 92 deficiencies. A deficiency is a failure to meet any care requirement and can range in scope and size. In all, it was fined $651,000 and its Medicaid payments were suspended five times. Medicaid has rated it two out of five stars, with health inspection results and staffing shortages bringing down the rating. The facility has been on IDPH’s radar as well. It has been flagged for violations several times over the past three years. Most recently, last winter, it was fined a total of $32,700 for multiple safety issues.

GOOGLE MAPS

Aperion Care, 8200 Roosevelt Rd., Forest Park. NEW PRICE!

139 S GROVE, OAK PARK $1,075,000 :: 6 BED :: 4.5 BATH Majestic Victorian Central Oak Park Historic District

KATHY & TONY IWERSEN

708.772.8040 708.772.8041 tonyiwersen@atproperties.com

November 8, 2023 11

E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E

Special Advertising Section

Education

Fall into Winter 2023

and

Enrichment

Guide

local schools | early learning | tutoring programs

River Forest Public Schools Earn Top Designations from the State

O

n October 30 2023, the Illinois State Board of Education published the Illinois State Report Card, an annual evaluation of all public schools that provides each school with an individual Summative Designation. River Forest District 90 public schools earned two Exemplary Designations and a Commendable Designation, the top two of the five leveled Summative Designations. Lincoln and Willard Elementary Schools earned Exemplary Designations, reflecting overall performance in the top 10% of all K-8 public schools throughout the state. The Summative Designation index score for Willard indicates performance in the top 3-4% of all schools, and marks the second year in a row that Willard has earned

the Exemplary Designation. The Summative Designation index score for Lincoln indicates performance in the top 1% of all schools. Roosevelt Middle School earned a Commendable Designation, demonstrating improved achievement on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness over last year in both English Language Arts and Math, as well as exceptional performance on the Illinois Science Assessment. Learn more at www. illinoisreportcard.com. “We celebrate these Summative Designations because of what they represent - extraordinary teaching and learning across our schools,” said Ed Condon, Ph.D., Superintendent. “Congratulations to the entire community.”

12 November 8, 2023

A

River Forest Community Center Early Childhood Learning Center

eir eir motor

ms

and

rest.

River Forest Community Center Early Childhood Learning Center

Full-Day: River Forest CommuHalf-Day nity C&en ter Rs iet vsetC r CFo om rem sm tuC o m m un ntiC te& yreCn etne terr Preschool Pre-K Rlyiiv vC e r F o r e m u n i t y R i v e r F o r o n i t y C e EarR h i l d h o o d L e a r n i n g C e n t e r er ForeEsatrlyCCohim netnetrer ldhm ooudn Lietay rniC ngeC Early Childhood Learn inHalf-Day g Cen&teFull-Day: r Eaarrlly yC Ch hiilld dh ho oo od dL Leeaa nBefore ng gC C ntteerr & and E rrn iiPreschool n eePre-K n

ds-

y)

E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E

After School&Care Half-Day Full-Day: Before andFull-Day:  Half-Day & Half-Day & Full-Day: Preschool & Pre-K After Preschool & School Pre-K Care Preschool Summer Camps & Pre-K Half-Day Full-Day: Before and Half-Day & Full-Day:  Before and  Summer Camps After School Care Preschool & Pre-K After School Care & Pre-K Preschool  Parent and Tot  Before andPrograms  and Summer Camps  Parent Tot Programs  Summer Camps Care After School  Before and  Before and  Parent andSoon: Tot Programs  Coming Programs Coming Soon: After School Care  Parent and Tot AfterCamps School Full-DayCare  Summer Full-Day Coming Soon: Coming Soon: Infant & Toddler Full-Day Infant &Camps Toddler  Summer Summer Full-Day  Camps Programs Infant & Toddler  Parent and Programs Programs InfantTot & Toddler Programs  Parent ParentPrograms and Programs 8020 Tot Madison Street  and Tot Programs 8020 Madison Street  Coming Soon: River Forest , IL 60305 8020 Madison Street 8020 Madison Street River Forest , IL 60305 (708) 771-6159 www.rfcc.info River Forest , IL 60305 Full-Day River Forest , IL771-6159 60305  Coming Soon: (708) www.rfcc.info  Coming Soon: Bring in this ad to receive $10.00 off your (708) 771-6159 www.rfcc.info Bring in this ad to receive $10.00 off your (708) 771-6159 www.rfcc.info Infantinitial&registration Toddler fee! EdGuide11-23 Full-Day Full-Day Programs Infant & & Toddler initial registration fee!Toddler EdGuide11-23 Infant Programs Programs

initial registration fee! EdGuide11-23 Bring in this ad to receive $10.00 off your initialin registration Bring this ad fee! to EdGuide11-23 receive $10.00 off your

8020 Madison Street

Ascension Schol supports Whole Child Learning

scension School has been a home to many members of the Oak Park community for over 110 years. The school provides an education rooted in love, kindness, respect, and inclusion to students from Pre-Kindergarten three-yearolds to eighth grade. The strength and support of our Ascension community is notably present in the students’ academic, social, and spiritual education. Our goal is to create a positive atmosphere where students can grow in a safe, challenging and faith-filled learning environment. With an average student to teacher ratio of 13:1, our faculty recognizes the individuality of each child’s development and has the opportunity to work with our students one on one to help them achieve their academic goals. Our students experience a well-rounded, Catholic education that enriches their minds, bodies, and souls. This year Ascension is one of only 12 Chicago schools in its third year as a Museum of Science and Industry Partner school. Beginning in Pre-Kindergarten,

T

Special Advertising Section

every classroom has access to iPads, chromebooks, interactive smart boards, and students are exposed to comprehensive STEAM opportunities throughout the year. We offer both full and half-day prekindergarten programs. Our littlest learners’ day focuses on independent learning, socialization, reading readiness and literacy skills, and fine motor and gross motor development. Students are given specials each week including Art, Music, Spanish, and Physical Education. Ascension provides outstanding fine and performing arts programs, extracurricular athletic programs and a number of clubs that promote teamwork, community and inclusion. Ascension School also offers an Extended Day Program before and after school hours for families who need it. The cost is dependent on the number of children in your family who use it and how much time is used. Learn what Ascension School can offer your child with a private tour at school. ascensionoakpark.com.

Join the fun in the Early Childhood Program at the River Forest Community Center!

he River Forest Community Center provides an ageappropriate curriculum designed to encourage positive group interaction as well as foster individual growth. Our teachers thrive on creating a safe and fun learning environment through play in which children are encouraged to explore and develop their cognitive, language, social intellectual and motor skills.

Rive Rly EarR Eaa E

Our mission is to provide a handson approach to learning which allows the children to explore their environment while enhancing their social, emotional, cognitive and motor development. The Early Childhood Programs include: • Munchkins & Playschool for Caregivers and Tots • Preschool (Half-Day & Full-Day) • Pre-Kindergarten (Half-Day & Full-Day) • Before & After School Programs • Summer Camps Coming Soon: Full-Day Infant and Toddler Care! River Forest Community Center 8020 Madison Street in River Forest. www.rfcc.info - 708-771-6159

R Ea

November 8, 2023 13

E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E

Special Advertising Section

36th An

h Annual Production B

Follow Clara through the magical world of dance

allet Legere’s 38th annual production of the Nutcracker. The production, in its entirety, will be presented at Dominican University Performing Arts Center in River Forest for the public on December, 2nd -3rd 2023. This year Guest Artists Marcus Romeo and Bella Ureta will dance the Grand Pas de Deux, courtesy of the Cincinnati Ballet, Artistic Director Victoria Morgan. Also performing will be professional dancers from various Chicago Dance Companies as well as students from Legere Dance Centre and neighboring dance studios. Ballet Légere is a non-profit organization which strives to provide an artistic cultural experience to the surrounding community. Our goal is to further the education of young dance students by offering

THROUGH NOVEMBER

11

opportunities to perform alongside professional dancers in a complete ballet, as well as expose and educate all ages and cultures to the art of a ballet through our field trip program. Performance Dates and Times Saturday, December 2nd 2pm and 7pm Sunday December 3rd 12pm and 4pm Dominican University Performing Arts Center 7900 West Division River Forest, IL 60305 To Purchase Tickets, Visit: www.balletlegere.org/tickets For more Information contact us: • 773.237.1874 • balletlegere@yahoo.com To make a donation, please visit: balletlegere.org/support-us.

38th Annual Production

Saturday, December SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4,2nd 2021 2pm and 7pm 2PM & 7PM Sunday December 3rd SUNDAY, 12pmDECEMBER and 4pm5, 2021

2PM

OCCUPYING FRAMES: SIMPLICITY AND SPACES

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

Ferguson Art Gallery

Bergmann Theatre

The work of Angela Green and Jim Gabbard combines photography with poetry.

Shakespeare’s ever-popular comedy comes to the stage in a special collaboration between the Artists of Concordia Theatre and the CUC Chamber Orchestra.

Free admission

7:30 p.m.

Arts Free admission

NOVEMBER

14-17 TUESDAYFRIDAY

FALL 2023

7400 Augusta Street | River Forest, IL 60305 CUChicago.edu/arts

19 NOVEMBER

SUNDAY

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA AND SCHOLA CANTORUM CONCERT 7 p.m. Chapel of Our Lord Conducted by Dr. Maurice Boyer Free admission

B

a p T will be Univer in Rive Decem This y Rome the Gr the Ci Victor be pro Chicag studen and ne Balle organ an arti the su goal is young

14

Forest Park Review, November 8, 2023

A smashing success It was a smashing good time at the north end of Altenheim as Forest Parkers got to watch their Halloween pumpkins getting turned into a paste in a spectacular fashion. The Forest Park Recreation Board worked with the Department of Public Works to organize the villages’ first-ever Pumpkin Smash on the morning of Nov. 4. Special effects designer Geoff Binns-Calvey, husband of Rec Board chair Amy Binns-Calvey, designed and built a large trebuchet-like smashing device.

Forest Parkers placed their pumpkin on a pedestal positioned in a village dumpster, and the smashing device brought down the hammer, to the delight of kids and adults alike. The paste was composted by the village’s regular organic waste removal contractor, Republic Services. The event aimed to help reduce waste created by pumpkins that would otherwise be simply thrown in with the rest of the garbage. Instead, the paste can be used to nourish the soil.

Photos by TODD BANNOR

Forest Park Review, November 8, 2023

15

C R I M E

Man threatens to stab CTA security guard after trying to ride without paying

A man tried to get onto the Forest Park ‘L’ terminal platform without paying, threatening to stab a security guard who tried to stop him. On Oct. 31 at around 6:50 p.m., the man and his female companion arrived at the terminal. According to the security officers, some of the people hanging out at the bus boarding areas made lewd comments about the woman, which upset the man. He then tried to get through the turnstiles without paying by reaching over the handicapped turnstile gate, trying to hit the button in the back that would unlock it. The security guards confronted the man. The man then pushed the turnstile door open, pinning one of the guards to the escalator wall to the north of the turnstiles. The man then lifted his shirt, pulled out a knife and threatened to stab the two. By the time the police arrived, the man was on the platform, running west toward the ‘L’ train rail yard. He ignored the orders to stop, hopped off the platform onto the tracks and jumped down to the north

bus boarding area entrance. He was last seen running north on Grove Lane. The woman stayed on the scene, and told the officers that she just recently met the man, and didn’t know him.

Death threat The ex-boyfriend of a Forest Park bulk mail sorting facility employee threatened to shoot his ex-girlfriend in the head after she ended her work shift. According to Forest Park police, the man made the threatening call Nov. 5 at 10:26 p.m., saying that he would shoot her when she left work at 11 p.m. The victim had obtained an order of protection against him, but it had expired. Inspectors worked with the police to make sure the victim got to her car and got home safely.

Thief caught A 35-year-old Chicago man who stole

$168 worth of items from the Forest Park Walmart was caught near the store. On Oct. 30 at around 10:37 a.m., the 35-year-old Chicago man went into the store. The loss prevention employee saw him load two packs of bath tissues, two Gain laundry detergent containers, two Tide containers, an air mattress and a sweatshirt. When the employee asked for his receipt, the man kept walking past him. The man loaded the stolen merchandise into a blue 2019 Land Rover Discovery driven by a 37-year-old Chicago man, and the two drove off. The police officers spotted the Land Rover parked in the northbound lane on the nearby stretch of Desplaines Avenue. When they spotted the police cars, the two races north on Desplaines Avenue. The police were able to stop the Land Rover near the Desplaines Avenue/Roosevelt Road intersection. The driver admitted that he didn’t have a driver’s license. Both men said that the Land Rover belonged the 35-year-old man’s girlfriend. The driver claimed that he had no idea the items were stolen, and the other

man claimed that he didn’t tell the driver.

Burglary A woman living at the 1000 block of Ferdinand Avenue had two bicycles stolen from her garage overnight. The victim discovered the theft on Nov. 1 at 7 a.m. She said that one bike was worth around $300, but she wasn’t sure what the other bike, a kids bike, was worth. She didn’t have the makes and models of either bicycle written down anywhere, and she didn’t have the photos of the bikes. These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Forest Park Police Department, Oct. 29 to Nov. 5, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these reports has only been charged with a crime. These cases have not been adjudicated.

Compiled by Igor Studenkov

L E T T E R S

Proviso Great Chefs event raises $20K for scholarships All of us at 209 Scholarships are elated to share that our guests, sponsors and chefs helped us raise $20,000 for scholarships for graduates of Proviso East, Proviso West and Proviso Math and Science Academy. We will use these funds for more scholarships in 2024, both for new graduates and to support previous awardees. We want to recognize our business and organization sponsors, chefs and beverage sponsors so that you can patronize them and relive the same great experience of good food, drink and community we experienced at Great Chefs: Appetite for Knowledge. Before we get to them, we want to ensure that we recognize the volunteers who made this event happen:

Event Committee Volunteers (non-board): Auction Chair Extraordinaire Kristen Koszlowski-Lyons and Debra Vines

Volunteer Celebrity Bartenders: Proviso West teacher and activist Carissa Gillespie, Bobby Hernandez, Maywood Trustee Isaiah Brandon, Forest Park Commissioner Maria Maxham, Forest Park Commissioner Jessica Voogd, Westchester Trustee Victoria Vann Thank you to our emcee Randall McFarland of Best of Proviso Township, joined by Felix Giron, Constituent Outreach Associate for Representative Norma Hernandez, who interviewed former awardee

and Proviso East graduate Raneen ElBarbarawi and longtime champion of Proviso District 209 Jeremy Horn.

Business and organization sponsors Gillian Baker Team/Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Mutual of Omaha Mortgage, Play It Again Sports, Best of Proviso Township, Leornard Branding+Design, State Farm Mark Hanson, Real Foods Collective

Participating chefs Azucar Rococo, Bailey’s Catering, Fiore Pizzeria & Bakery, Habrae Thai & Café, N Rebozo, Zesty Catering

Beverage sponsors Catan Pisco, Funkytown Brewery, Andrea and Doug Marello Finally, thank you to The Matrix Jazz Band and Sheet Metal Worker’s Local 73. We look forward to sharing more with you about youth who are graduating from Proviso Township District 209 and how your contributions are making a difference.

209 Scholarship Board of Directors Michelle Woehrle, President Gwendalyn Carver, Vice President Kenneth Snyder, Secretary Dominic Cianciolo, Treasurer Directors: April Baker, Connie Brown, Kevin Leonard and Eileen Olivier

16

Forest Park Review, November 8, 2023

Democracy Needs News. News Needs YOU.

Donate to Forest Park Review.

A note from Erika Hobbs, our new editor Dear Readers, I am thrilled to be part of the Growing Community Media team and its four publications: Austin Weekly News, Wednesday Journal, Forest Park Review, and Riverside-Brookfield Landmark. Our work is important and I look forward to sharing our plans to grow our impact. The stakes are high for local journalism across the country - and here at home. This fundraising campaign will set us up for a successful 2024 and ensure that we continue to provide authentic local news that can make a real difference in our communities. I believe that journalism should serve the public interest. But we need support from folks like you to uphold that mission. Vibrant communities depend on strong local news sources, and we need YOU to help us continue to deliver you highquality news and information. Please help us by making a donation today. Erika Hobbs Editor Growing Community Media

Support and donate here:

Forest Park Review, November 8, 2023

Holiday items • • Pet Items • • Gift Baskets • All proceeds benefit our shelter!

Friday, Dec. 1 • 3-9pm Sat. Dec. 2 • 9am-3pm • Sun. Dec. 3 • 11-3pm

Santa will be there!

e l a S e k a B & Raffle

Join us for pictures on Sunday December 3 11am-3pm Pets with their people are welcome.

same location!

1529 S. Harlem, Berwyn

Inside the North Berwyn Park District building • Parking available!

Thanks to our sponsors North Berwyn Park District & VS Printing

Visit animalcareleague.org for full event details!

17

18 Forest Park Review, November 8, 2023 S P O N S O R E D

C O N T E N T

Russell’s secret is in the sauce and in your memories Russell’s BBQ stands the test of time By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Contributing Reporter

Nostalgia will always be on the menu at Russell’s BBQ. They say you eat with your eyes and there is something more to that beyond the mouth-watering food at Russell’s. Walking into the time-honored location at Thatcher and North Avenue in Elmwood Park diners get not only a whiff of the meal to come, but also a warm, family, good-times-past feeling. Celebrating its 96th year, Russell’s keeps the faith with six items from the original menu. BBQ roast beef leads the pack as the best seller. Slow roasted pork, thinly sliced, then served nestled on a hamburger bun is the number two all-time hit. Ribs, ham and chicken two ways round out the original offerings.

It’s the sauce that makes Russell’s stand out from all the other places you could get your BBQ fix. It’s a Polish recipe handed down from the original owners. General Manager Ben Tapia says, “It’s a little bit different. It’s not Texas. It’s not a Memphis style. It’s more like a Carolina mixture. The stronger spice in our sauce is cinnamon. It’s unique.” Russell’s BBQ sauce is shipped nationwide to customers who’ve moved too far away to come by the iconic location in person. Plenty do make a special trip though whenever they are in town. It’s not unusual for folks to come in and reminisce about the table their grandfather used to sit at or the time they had a first date there. High school reunions from a wide area schedule meetups in the dining room for a great meal while filling up on memories. New memories are being made as well. The 300-seat restaurant is a popular spot to host birthday parties, family get-togethers, and memorials. The extensive menu, which includes appetizers, burgers, hot dogs, sal-

ads, and even some vegetarian options can satisfy most eaters. For parties at home, Russell’s will pack up trays of their very best for customers to pick up and serve to friends and family. Russell’s has innovated too. Smoked BBQ joined the menu 15 years ago. The smoker runs for 14 hours, low and slow, to produce

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

Russell’s today

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

Russell’s roast beef sandwich

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

The Anniversary Special: Ribs & Chicken, with beans and pickles

Forest Park Review, November 8, 2023 19

S P O N S O R E D

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

(above) Russell’s Roast pork sandwich (left) Russell’s original North Ave. location tender, fall-off-the-bone meats. Tapia says, “Ever since we started selling smoked meats, there’s been a lot of demand. I don’t want to change anything on the old recipe, but these are in addition to the ones that we already have.” Ribs and chicken are the centerpiece of an anniversary platter special. Monday through Friday evenings there is a discount on half a slab of ribs and half a chicken served with beans, fries, coleslaw and a roll. At lunch, if you aren’t looking for a heavy meal, there is a soup special running from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Desserts are special here too. Eli’s cheesecake, brownies, cookies, pies, and cakes of many flavors tempt those who haven’t already loosened their belts too many notches. Ice cream and Italian ice are available too. In the future, Russell’s plans to add new items to the menu. Renovations to the interior could expand the dining area, but there is no intention to alter the essence of the place. They are also pondering how to improve their drive-thru, which made its debut during Covid. Other modifications are here to stay as well. Self-serve soft drinks have proved

popular. Meals are now delivered to tables after being ordered at the counter. These tweaks have proven acceptable to the diehard fans, but there is a line that Tapia knows can’t be crossed. “Our customers don’t want us to change too much, because if you change it then it’s not going to be Russell’s. They say, we remember it the way it was because we’ve been coming here forever,” says Tapia. “The meal goes better when you remember your parents and you as a kid. Nothing can replace those memories.” Recently overheard at Russell’s as two older diners were exiting, satisfied with another meal, “Don’t ever change, Russell’s. Don’t EVER change!”

The details • russellsbarbecue.net 1621 N. Thatcher Ave., Elmwood Park Hours: Sunday through Thursday: 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

C O N T E N T

7426 W North Ave., Elmwood Park, IL 60707 Mon-Thu: 11am - 9pm • Fri-Sat: 11am - 10pm • Sun: 12 - 9pm

Call 708-456-6100 to make a reservation.

Keep up with Elmwood Park Eats

on ForestParkReview.com

20

Forest Park Review, November 8, 2023

O U R

I

OPINION V I E W

Hoskins’ silent approach

t is a good thing that Forest Park’s village government contracts with a lobbyist who represents its interests in both Springfield and Washington. At a moment when there is considerable money flowing out from those capitals and into small towns, Forest Park needs to aggressively make its case for its share. Especially in a village without home rule authority, and therefore with limits on how it can raise taxes and fees, working the levers for grant funding with the help of a lobbyist is imperative. We also get the logic that, since he took office, Mayor Rory Hoskins, a Democrat, has hired a lobbyist in Michael Axelrod and his GPS Strategies with genuine Democratic bona fides — his dad is David Axelrod, the longtime associate of Barack Obama. Rounding out the logic is that the executive purse strings in both D.C. and Springfield are exclusively in the hands of Democrats at this moment. So all good. Except, why has it proven so hard to pry any sort of ongoing report of activity on Forest Park’s behalf out of Axelrod and into the hands of the village council and the public? Sort of routine for an elected body to get a report from a contractor before approving a monthly $2,000 payout. Commissioner Jessica Voogd has rightly been on top of this issue for several months. Through our reporting, we now know that Hoskins was giving Axelrod advice on what information to report to the council back in August. It wasn’t anything super-secret. We could have provided much the same list just from our reporting. The only item that was news to us is that Axelrod “facilitated a short introductory for Mayor Hoskins to greet White House Infrastructure Czar (Mitch) Landrieu.” That’s good, we suppose. The village council stopped paying Axelrod a bit ago, pending a report. And that report, closely mirroring Hoskins’ talking points to Axelrod, according to Voogd, was finally delivered. We should know this week if the council will now begin paying Axelrod again. The bigger picture to us is why Hoskins continues to play things so close to the vest. He regularly excludes his fellow elected officials from early input on key topics. And that logically extends to excluding the public from having a voice. It is not a positive trait in a mayor who wants to be seen as transparent but is actively not.

Coffee and pot

Forest Park has been actively working to reduce the number of straight-up bars on Madison Street and across the village. It has been a years-long process. The strategy is based on the idea that taverns — a lot of alcohol, minimal food — are becoming obsolete, are the source of late-night nuisance for police and residential neighbors, and don’t do much to support other commercial tenants. So we watch as the former Forest Park Tap Room is about to be reborn as Robert’s Westside, a music venue with food and drink. And we have watched with curiosity as the venerable, and sometimes troublesome, Doc Ryan’s closed its expansive spot on the street. A second cannabis dispensary was announced for the location but it seemed too big for such a use. Now comes word that the one-level portion of Doc Ryan’s has been sold to an Oak Park couple who will open a coffee shop and roastery next spring. A good outcome.

Want a distraction from the world? Get a puppy

B

ased on the number of conversation starters lost on me of late, I perceive that sad and terrible things are happening in the world in more prodigious numbers than one might hope. Possibly also more intensely. Truthfully, I don’t know much in the way of details because I don’t watch that show, a policy I adopted some years ago when I left ABC News. Quitting news does wonders for the mental health; as always, I would urge you all to give it a shot. But I have been even more blissfully ignorant of current events than is my normal average goal these last couple of weeks because I have been tasked with the temporary care of a puppy. A puppy, for those of you who have not experienced this pleasure firsthand yourselves, is a lot of work. Not in the way that cleaning out the basement or painting the garage is work, but in the way that spending the day with a 2-year-old is a lot of work. It’s knowledge work, not manual labor. Also annoying: A puppy is a lot of work but comes with the reputation of a delightful time for all. A puppy is not a delightful time for all. A puppy is a delightful time for a puppy. Everyone else is going to spend a lot of time running, mostly either for paper towels or to try and prevent running for paper towels. There is a great deal of instruction to be given, all of which will be ignored, which is profoundly vexing. If one is a kindergarten teacher by both training and temperament, and therefore used to being ignored when asking for simple commands like “Don’t eat that!” to be honored, you might be OK. Everyone else is going to be mad, and then feel bad about themselves for not enjoying the totality of the puppy experience. Puppies are surprisingly voracious eaters. Not of their food — it is not surprising that they are voracious eaters of puppy chow, obviously — but of everything else. Sticks. Shoes. Table legs. Rocks. Bricks. Mulch. Mulch is irresistible! We go outside for a pee, and we come back in with empty bladder and a sneaked mouthful of mulch that will be chewed recreationally at leisure for the rest of the day. This is my first significant exposure to a puppy after significant and long-term exposure to multiple toddlers. There are numerous similarities, mostly unpleasant. You can tell when they are seemingly having fun, but it is because they are overtired and new skills erode when overtired. You can tell when the nips get a little more aggressive than playful — on purpose. You can tell when you are being given the “Who, me? What did I do?” look by a dog who knows damn well who you’re mad at and what they did. They gain manipulative skills quickly. Puppies, like babies, have a reputation for cuteness. This reputation pulls off the rare exacta of being both deserved and misleading. Puppies are cute when sleeping, in still photos, and in occasional flashes between enthusiastically giving into destructive impulses. The rest of the time, cute is a defense mechanism. As many have observed before me, they are very lucky that they are cute. Don’t even get me started on kittens. Kittens suck. You see what I mean about the shape the world is in? I just spent 600 words complaining about puppies, just to give you people a cheerful and welcome respite.

ALAN

BROUILETTE

Forest Park Review, November 8, 2023

V

How do we treat our hometown heroes?

eterans Day reminds us that not all veterans have been treated equally. The WWII vets returned to a nationwide celebration. There was no celebration for returning Vietnam vets. They were taunted by protesters instead. Forest Park has been home to many veterans, going back to the Civil War. One of our homegrown heroes was Dugald “Bud” Leitch who fought in World War II. He grew up at 1514 Elgin and graduated from our local public schools. Leitch was working as a truck driver for Western Electric in Cicero when he volunteered for the service. There was a massive celebration at the plant because Leitch was the 2,000th plant employee to volunteer. Cadets, a brass band and a Major Showalter attended the ceremony. Leitch trained to fly a B-17 bomber. The plane’s 10-man crew trained together for over a year. In 1944, they flew their plane, “I’ll Be Around,” from Maine to Scotland to join the 8th Air Force. Their missions involved bombing targets in Germany. The danger was constant. Many B-17s exploded in mid-air, or crash-landed with no survivors. On June 29, 1944, they were flying

their 19th mission, when they were hit by antiaircraft shells and developed engine trouble. As the engines failed, Leitch ordered his men to bail out. He was the last to jump. All 10 landed safely but were met with unbridled hostility by German civilians. They were badly beaten before a Luftwaffe ground crew came to their rescue. After interrogation, they were brought to Stalag Luft 3, where the “Great Escape” (of movie fame) had taken place in 1943. All 76 of those escapees had been quickly recaptured and 50 of them were massacred by the Gestapo. The Allied command sent out an urgent directive for POWs to refrain from any escape attempts. Meanwhile, the Germans broadcast the names and locations of POWs. Cards and letters from short wave operators were sent to families. The Leitches received a stack of them from all over the country. They immediately sent food parcels to Leitch at Stalag Luft 3 but none arrived. Leitch and his men could have used the food. The Germans had them on a starvation diet. Hunger, homesickness and boredom were the enemies they fought. Many POWs did not survive.

JOHN RICE

A

L O O K

B A C K

I N

T I M E

A new Madison for the new millennium

T

he last stages of Madison Street’s construction project were underway in December of 1999. Preparing for the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce Holiday Walk on Madison and the holiday shopping, McAdam Landscape crew members Claudio Dominguez and Sergio Serrano put up garland in preparation for the festivities. In the background is the Jimmy’s Place sign, a restaurant with a long and local history on Madison Street.

Jill Wagner

Leitch and his crew were liberated by General George C. Patton himself, who ordered his cooking units to feed the men. Leitch eventually returned to his job at Western Electric. He died in 1997 at the age of 76. On Veterans Day, we honor WWII heroes like Leitch. We can also honor Vietnam vets by attending a concert titled, “Songs of the Vietnam War” on Nov. 11 at 2 p.m., at the library. The History Singers, John and Kathy Atwood, are marking their 20th anniversary of performing songs in support of veterans. Their concerts pair popular songs with historical events. John noted that during the WWII era and before, the songs were intensely patriotic. He calls them “rah-rah” songs. There were few such songs during the Vietnam era. Most were peace and protest songs. The Atwoods will perform gentle ballads like “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” and “Blowin’ in the Wind” as well as the unofficial anthem of Vietnam soldiers, “We Gotta Get Out of This Place.” These songs are not “rah-rah,” but they also don’t vilify vets. John emphasizes how the Vietnam vets didn’t deserve the mistreatment they received. They were carrying on the patriotic tradition of defending our country. He hopes the concert will bring some healing to our Vietnam vets and give us all a chance to thank them.

F O R E S T PA R K

REVIEW Editor Erika Hobbs Staff Reporter Igor Studenkov, Francia Garcia Hernandez, Amaris Rodriguez Digital Manager Stacy Coleman Contributing Reporters Tom Holmes, John Rice, Bob Skolnik, Jackie Glosniak, Robert J. Lifka Columnists Alan Brouilette, Jill Wagner, Tom Holmes, John Rice Big Week Editor James Porter Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Sales and Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Ben Stumpe Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Publisher Dan Haley Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

Board of Directors Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-366-0600 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 EMAIL forestpark@wjinc.com CIRCULATION Jill@oakpark.com ONLINE ForestParkReview.com Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Forest Park Review,141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302-2901. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS No 0205-160) In-county subscriptions: $34 per year. $55 for two years, $69 for three years. Out-of-county subscriptions: $42 per year. Forest Park Review is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. © 2023 Growing Community Media NFP.

21

22 Forest Park Review, November 8, 2023 Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI

PART-TIME ELECTRICIAN’S HELPER

PART-TIME CIVILIAN CALL TAKER FOREST PARK, IL

Experience or not. Call for more information.

708-738-3848

PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER FOREST PARK, IL

The Forest Park Police Department is seeking Part-Time Parking Enforcement Officer(s); Shifts to be filled are 8:00pm – Midnight or Midnight – 6:00am. The position is a rotating schedule assigned by the Supervisor – 4 days on and 4 days off which includes weekends and some holidays. Eligible candidates will be required to pass an aptitude test and an extensive background check. Qualifications include high school diploma (or equivalent), a valid driver’s license, knowledge of basic parking regulations, and good verbal and written skills. Open until filled. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. or at www.forestpark. net and should be returned Attn: Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130. Email: vmoritz@forestpark.net IT SPECIALIST (CHICAGO, IL) Provide analysis & determine the School’s n/work & computer system needs; dsgn & support LAN & WAN routing & connectivity; monitor n/ work performance & review system & security logs; plan, coord, & implmt n/work security measures to protect data, s/ware & hardware; plan, sched, & test of new &/or upgraded s/ware, d/base and n/work systems. Bach deg in IT, Comp Sci, or Info Security & 24 mos of F/T exp in the job or as IT Coordinator are reqd. M-F, 40 hrs/wk. Send resumes (only by mail) to Alex Connell, Horizon Science Academy-Belmont, 2456 N Mango Ave, Chicago, IL 60639.

The Forest Park Police Department, seeks a Part-Time Civilian Information Management Call Taker. Eligible candidates will be required to pass an aptitude test and an extensive background check. Qualifications include high school diploma (or equivalent), good verbal and written skills, working knowledge of the computer and Windows, ability to type accurately, a good working knowledge of the English language, the ability to treat customers and co-workers in a polite manner and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Data entry skills and experience answering telephones/operating a switchboard are preferred. EVENING AND OVERNIGHT HOURS ARE MANDATORY. Open until filled. $18.25/hour. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. and should be returned Attn: Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130. Email: vmoritz@forestpark.net

HOUSING PRGRAMS COORDINATOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Housing Programs Coordinator in the Neighborhood Services Department. This position is responsible for coordinating and participating in the more complex and difficult work of staff assigned to the Village’s single-family and multi-family rehabilitation, multi-family housing incentives programs, and lead programs; serves as a liaison between financial institutions, property owners, tenants and contractors; and performs a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility. This position also supervises the community development/property maintenance inspector assigned to the rehabilitation program at the direction of the Neighborhood Programs Manager. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website https:// www.oak-park.us/your-government/ human-resources-department. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

R E N TA L S

STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3 BR Best Selection & Service

OAK PARK & FOREST PARK

708-386-7355

MMpropMgmt.com

MARKETPLACE

TOOLS WANTED:

I want to buy all your old tools American tools, Wilton Vise, Wood working tools, Machinist tools.

Call, Justin C 708-822-8822 H 708-445-0164 NO TEXTS

Published in Wednesday Journal Oct 25, Nov 1, Nov 8, 2023

CLASSICS WANTED CLASSICS WANTED Restored or Unrestored

or Unrestored Cars &Restored Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Cars & Vintage Motorcycles Import Cars: Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette,Cars: Ferrari’s, Domestic / Import Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, $$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

Ferrari’s, James Jaguars,• 630-201-8122 Muscle Cars, Collector Mustang & Mopars

$$E Top $$ allS makes, Etc. HOM SERV ICE

CLASSICS WANTED Collector James

Restored or Unrestored ELECTRICAL PAINTING Cars630-201-8122 & Vintage Motorcycles CLASSIC PAINTING A&A ELECTRIC Ceiling Domestic / Import Cars: Fast & Neat Fans Let an American Veteran do your work ELECTRICAL

Installed

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

Painting/Taping/Plaster

Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Repair Ferrari’s, Jaguars,Low Muscle Cars, Cost •708.749.0011 Mustang & Mopars

PETSEtc. $$ Top $$ all makes,

708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848

Collector James

Sr. Discounts • 30 Yrs. Exp. Servicing Oak Park • All surrounding suburbs • Chicago area

FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.

New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com

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

708-296-2060

Request of Catherine Mary Divane Case Number 2023 CONC001589.

The court date will be held: On February 2, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Zoom Meeting ID: 95894921843 Passcode: 226532.

WANTED MILITARY ITEMS:

Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Catherine Mary Divane to the new name of: Casey Catherine Mary Castle

CARS WANTED

WANTED TO BUY

PUBLIC NOTICES must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative within 10 days after it has been filed. E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions.

STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY.

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

HELP WANTED

PUBLIC NOTICES

While you’re away, your pets are okay . . . at home

630-201-8122 FIREWOOD cat calls FIREWOOD UNLIMITED

Fast Delivery MIXED HARDWOODS CBH & MIX 100% OAK CHERRY OR HICKORY 100% BIRCH Seasoned 2 years Stacking Available

847-888-9999 Order online:

www. suregreen landscape.com

Credit Cards Accepted

Oak Park’s Original Pet Care Service – Since 1986

Daily dog exercising Complete pet care in your home House sitting • Plant care Bonded References

708-524-1030

WOODWORK Terry's

Woodwork Restoration On-site refinishing of wood

and fiberglass since 1977. Includes doors, woodwork, windows, staircases and new woodwork etc. All work done by hand. NO sanders. Your unfinished project my specialty! References available. Contact Terry Seamans at 630-379-7148 or terryseamans@yahoo.com

PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of Jason Issac Arroyo Case Number CONC001250 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Jason Issac Arroyo to the new name of: Jason Issac Roth The court date will be held: On November 9, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington Street, Rm. 1702, Chicago, IL 60602 via ZOOM at ZOOM ID 986 9592 1385 Passcode 539505. Zoom Call-In Number 312-626-6799 Published in Wednesday Journal Oct 25, Nov 1, Nov 8, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, COUNTY DEPARTMENT, PROBATE DIVISION ESTATE OF RITA QUILLE, DECEASED. NO. 2023 P 007191 Notice is given to creditors of the death of the above named decedent. Letters of office were issued to BRIAN QUILLE, 1957 W RACE, CHICAGO, IL 60622, as Independent Executor. The estate will be administered without court supervision, unless under section 5/28-4 of the Probate Act (Ill. Compiled Stat. 1992, Ch. 755, par. 5/28-4) any interested person terminates independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the clerk. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the clerk in Room 1202, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL, or with the representative, or both, on or before April 9, 2024, or, if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by section 5/18-3 of the Probate Act, the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk

To e-file, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit Http://efile.illinoiscourts.gov/service-providers.htm to learn more and to select a service provider. If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http://www.illnoscourts.gov/FAQ/ gethelp.asp. Published in Wednesday Journal November 1, 8, 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): SHEKI D. WELCH, an individual and DOES 1 to 25 YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): EB HALEM, LLC d/b/a DRIVE LA, a California Liability Corporation NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. ¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación. Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en

Forest Park Review, November 8, 2023 23

CLASSIFIED BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www. sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia.

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE

Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia. org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte. ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso. CASE NUMBER: (Número del Caso): 23VECV00177 The name ad address of the court is: (El nombre y direccion de la corte es): Superior Court of California County of Los Angeles, Northwest District Van Nuys Courthouse 6230 Sylmar Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91401 The name, address and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney or plaintiff without an attorney is: (El nombre, la direccion y el numero de telfono del abogado el demandante, o demandante que no tiene abogado, es):

STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY Request of BILLY MICHAEL SMITH Case Number 2023 CONC001645 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: BILLLY MICHAEL SMITH to the new name of: CASEY WILLIAM STWEWART III The court date will be held: On January 25, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. on Zoom. Zoom Meeting ID: 91404109299 Passcode: 407193 Published in Wednesday Journal November 1, 8, 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE FISCAL YEAR 2024 TENTATIVE ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

A public hearing of the President and Board of Trustees (“Board”) of the Village of Oak Park, Cook County, Illinois, will take place on Monday, November 20, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, regarding the Village of Oak Park tentative annual budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2024 and ending December 31, 2024, at which time interested persons will be heard. The tentative annual budget is available for public inspection prior

to the public hearing at the Office of the Village Clerk, Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, during regular business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The hearing may be continued by the Board to another date at the public hearing by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof. The tentative annual budget may be revised and adopted by the Board without further notice or hearing.

Published in Wednesday Journal, November 8, 2023

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids from qualified contractors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. local time until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, December 1, 2023, for the following: Village of Oak Park 2024 Emergency Fiber Optic Cable Repair Work Bid Number: 24-104

By Deputy (Adjunto): A. Salcdeo Published in Forest Park Review November 1, 8, 15, 22, 2023

a non-profit newsroom

Published in Wednesday Journal November 8, 2023

Keith M. Davidson, Esq. (SBN212216) Tel: (323)658-5444 KMD Law 2629 Townsgate Road, Suite 205 Westlake Village, CA 91361 Date (Fecha): 3/20/2023 Clerk (Secretario): David W. Slayton, Executive Officer/ Clerk of Court

Growing Community Media

We’ve got YOU covered.

Bid documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oak-park. us/bid. For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 3585700 during the above hours.

Donate today at LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed proposals from qualified contractors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 for the following: Village of Oak Park SCADA Integration Services Project Number: 24-107 Proposal documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oakpark.us/bid. For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700 during the above hours. Published in Wednesday Journal November 8, 2023

Let the sun shine in...

Public Notice:

Your right to know...In print • Online Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com • RBLandmark.com • ForestParkReview.com • AustinWeeklyNews.com PublicNoticeIllinois.com

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE HOLDERS OF BENCHMARK 2018-B1 MORTGAGE TRUST COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2018-B1 Plaintiff, -v.1120 RETAIL LLC, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2020 CH 06119 1114-1126 LAKE STREET OAK PARK, IL 60301 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 28, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on November 20, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1114-1126 LAKE STREET, OAK PARK, IL 60301 Property Index No. 16-07-119-0290000, 16-07-119-030-0000, AND 1607-119-031-0000 The real estate is improved with a mixed-use commercial / residential property. The judgment amount was $16,499,313.09. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact ALEX PORTER, LATHROP GPM LLP Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 155 N WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 3000, CHICAGO, IL, 60606 (312) 920-3333. 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. ALEX PORTER LATHROP GPM LLP 155 N WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 3000 CHICAGO IL, 60606 312-920-3333 E-Mail: alex.porter@lathropgpm.com Attorney Code. 46500 Case Number: 2020 CH 06119 TJSC#: 43-3860 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 # 2020 CH 06119 I3231381

PUBLIC NOTICES

Local

PUBLIC NOTICES

News

PUBLIC NOTICES

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777. GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA

24

Forest Park Review, November 8, 2023

Hometown.

oakpark.bairdwarner.com

When it’s more than a home, you need a team with more to offer.

It’s easier here.®

1114 Columbian Ave Oak Park | $899,000

Catherine Simon-Vobornik

809 Beloit Ave Forest Park | $780,000 Roman Lewis

911 Fair Oaks Oak Park | $734,999 Vanessa Willey

605 Home Ave Oak Park | $600,000 Bobbi Eastman

810 N Oak Park Ave Oak Park | $575,000 Steve Scheuring

913 Wenonah Ave Oak Park | $540,000 Steve Scheuring

106 S Taylor Ave Oak Park | $535,000 Bethanny Alexander

Elmwood Park | $480,000

7815 W Westwood Dr

Cathy Yanda

255 South Blvd #4 Oak Park | $464,900 Patricia McGowan

175 W Burlington St Riverside | $439,000 Edwin Wald

3N330 N Howard Ave Elmhurst | $439,000 Liz Eder

Elmwood Park | $399,900

513 Home Ave Oak Park | $399,900 Lindsey Collier

631 N Laramie Ave Chicago | $370,000 Steve Green

2234 Clarence Ave Berwyn | $349,000 Margarita Lopez

2618 N 72nd Ct 2E

802 N 3rd Ave Maywood | $195,000 Vicki Haas

205 S 12th Ave Maywood | $99,999 Vicki Haas

1535 Forest Ave #503 River Forest | $329,000 Sheila Price

1631 N 74th Ct

Mary Carlin

315 Wisconsin Ave 3S Oa Park | $299,000

Catherine Simon-Vobornik

Elmwood Park | $199,900 Catherine Simon-Vobornik

Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest | 1037 Chicago Ave. Oak Park, IL 60302 | 708.697.5900 | oakpark.bairdwarner.com Source: BrokerMetrics® LLC, 1/1/2019 - 12/ 31/2019Detached and Attached only. Chicagoland PMSA