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NOVEMBER 11, 2020

Clerk’s office closed after positive COVID-19 test

Several others, including the mayor, await test results By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

The clerk’s office at Forest Park Village Hall was temporarily closed, beginning Nov. 9, with only phone and online service available, after one employee tested positive for COVID-19. Several others are on quarantine awaiting test results. No counter service is available at this time. Village Administrator Tim Gillian said he will reopen counter service to residents after employee test results are available and following all protocols recommended by public health organizations. The zoning department, housed in the basement of village hall, and the police department, accessible from the village hall lobby, are still open. The website for the village is forestpark.net, and online services and announcements are available there. Phone service is available at 708366-2323. In addition to staff potentially being infected, Mayor Rory Hoskins announced during the Nov. 9 village council meeting that he’d developed a fever the day before and was staying out of village hall until he is tested and receives results.

@FP_Review @ForestParkReview

THE ENDURING MAGIC OF MUSIC Gasse School of Music’s founder and owner Daniel Gasse strove to continue teaching students throughout the pandemic. A big surprise? Students are advancing faster than they did pre-COVID. See more on page 8. ALEX ROGALS/ Staff Photographer

Park district leases pocket parks from village 99 years for a buck By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

It’s official! After months of friendly back-and-forth between attorneys representing the two entities, the Park District

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

of Forest Park is leasing four villageowned pocket parks from the village of Forest Park. One dollar. For 99 years. During a Nov. 9 village council meeting, Mayor Rory Hoskins and the commissioners unanimously voted to approve the agreement, which transfers future upgrades and projects to the park district

D209 employees COVID-positive PAGE 7

as well as day-to-day maintenance and repair. The lease begins on June 1, 2021. In previous interviews with the Review, Executive Director Jackie Iovinelli said she and Village Administrator Tim Gillian had been discussing the possibility of the park district taking over the See POCKET PARKS on page 12

Village adopts anti-Semitism resolution PAGE 9

Forest Park Review, November 11, 2020 SPONSORED CONTENT

Reconnecting - Neighbors Knowing Neighbors: The Power of Engagement By ATHENA WILLIAMS, Executive Director, Oak Park Regional Housing Center

he 2020 election, just over, was one for the ages. Tension and worry have been real. With this said, there were many actions taken in recent months by the federal government, particularly in Athena Williams, Executive Director areas around Fair Housing, that may directly impact OAK PARK REGIONAL HOUSING CENTER the very communities we work, live, play, and pray. With the newly announced administration, we are hopeful better days are ahead on the national front and Oak Park Regional Housing Center will join our National partners to work hard to make that so.

Fast forward to 2020. Did you know that over 40 percent of Oak Parkers are renters? Or, even more so, that over 25 percent of our neighbors live in those lovely old courtyard buildings on Oak Park’s busiest streets? Those are great apartments and so many of them have now been updated due to multiple partnerships with OPRHC. Even though, those apartment residences are not the easiest places to get to know your neighbors.

In 2017 the Housing Center developed an initiative called Neighbors Knowing Neighbors. The initial development of Neighbors Knowing Neighbors was to invite Oak Park apartment rental residents to neighboring block club parties. This served as a purpose for residents of the larger buildings to connect to the homeowners in the community via block parties that were happening just around their corner. It was a great project. We even held our first “On the Table” dinner event, with the Austin Community under the

This year, through the OPRHC Neighbors Knowing Neighbors program, we successfully reached out to over 500 of our rental residents to provide support during the early intense moments of the COVID-19 pandemic. we serve. Through our Neighbors Knowing Neighbors programming, OPRHC is launching the “Power of Engagement,” an initiative which will allow affinity groups — Oak Parkers who identify as white, Black, and people of color, Austinites, and potentially a group of people from the Proviso Township area — to meetup (virtually) to discuss ways our various communities address racial tensions and segregation. It’s important to note these conversations will occur separately and will have a facilitator to promote an honest and open dialogue. Our Community Engagement Specialist, Kamau “Maui” Jones, will be one of the facilitators for the discussions to note key moments in each individual meeting, also facilitating is Lisa Zeigler, our Strategic Initiatives Director.

Maui Jones was recently hired at the Housing Center as its Community Engagement Specialist. Facebook

Meanwhile, there is the groundwork of OPRHC. Back in the late 1960’s Roberta “Bobbie” Raymond, who would go on to found the Housing Center in 1972, talked about why we need to learn to depend on one another as neighbors. While these conversations were directed toward state and federal policies, it was only natural for the community of Oak Park to use this as a way to begin to foster a sense of connection and empowerment. This connection created a “neighborly” neighborhood in Oak Park. This was the beginning of the Village of Oak Park addressing Fair Housing, expansion of housing choices, elimination of “white flight”, and the fight against red lining.

same banner, “Neighbors Knowing Neighbors”. This year, through the OPRHC Neighbors Knowing Neighbors program, we successfully reached out to over 500 of our rental residents to provide support during the early intense moments of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the injustice displayed during nationwide riots, OPRHC took a stand and provided support for many community protests. But, as a Black woman leading such a notable agency, I personally realized that was not enough. Oak Park Regional Housing Center has addressed integration for more than four decades, but 2020 has confirmed that it is time that we move toward racial healing and transformation in the communities

Once each group has had the chance to voice their opinions, Neighbors Knowing Neighbors will bring everyone together for one epic discussion in an effort to further break down barriers. We know there’s a direct cost to segregation, and it needs to be publicly addressed. All of the work we plan to do will hopefully be presented on a grander scale in the spring 2021 during the OPRHC and community “Power of Engagement” diversity conference. I know I felt various and intense emotions tied to the election. Now that it is behind us, we need to come together and speak our minds to actively engage our collective problem-solving mindsets. The OPRHC is working to make it as easy as possible to do just that, but it’s equally as important we have as many different people with wholly unique perspectives willing to participate in the conversations.

Please join the conversations.

Forest Park Review, November 11, 2020

Under the proverbial gun, it’s time for proverbs

As John recovers from the election, here is a column that ran in 2016. How the world has, and hasn’t, changed: n these uncertain times, we need the wisdom of proverbs more than ever. For example: ■ The pen is mightier than the sword, but they’re both pretty sharp. ■ When the going gets tough, it’s time to take a nap. ■ You can’t judge a book by its cover but it does account for 20 percent of sales. ■ No man is an island, not even those people living south of Roosevelt. ■ A watched pot never boils — well, actually it does. ■ If it ain’t broke, let me try to fix it. ■ One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, especially in the alleys of Forest Park. ■ If you want something done right, make sure the contractor gets a permit. ■ Absence makes the heart grow fonder; so does absinthe. ■ As Ogden Nash said, “A penny saved is impossible.” ■ People who live in glass houses must be

freezing. ■ Better late than never will not get you out of trouble with your spouse. ■ A picture is worth a thousand words but no one prints pictures anymore. ■ If necessity is the mother of invention, who’s the father? ■ Good things come to those who wait but how many lotto tickets is this guy going to buy? ■ Don’t count your chickens in one basket, or something like that. ■ If you can’t beat ’em, join a health club. ■ Cleanliness is next to dog food in Aisle 4. ■ Easy come, easy go. I just don’t get the “easy come” part. ■ Don’t bite the hand that feeds you, or anyone’s hand for that matter. ■ Too many cooks — use too much salt. ■ A bird in hand is disgusting. ■ There’s no place like home, but I’m sure there are houses with better carpeting. ■ Never look a horse in the mouth, period. ■ Beggars can’t be choosers, but they

JOHN RICE

L O O K

100 FLAGS ON THOMAS AVENUE The newly issued 50 star flag was proudly displayed along Thomas Avenue by Mr. Otto Heckert, the “Flag Man” of 1132 Thomas Ave., in 1960. It was reported at that time that Forest Parkers had more flags on display throughout the village on patriotic holidays than in any other suburban community.

–Jill Wagner

B A C K

I N

need to come up with better stories. ■ God helps those who help set up folding chairs. ■ There’s no such thing as a free lunch, which is why we have dollar menus. ■ The squeaky wheel also turns sideways when you’re trying to push the cart. ■ Hope for the steak, but prepare for the wurst. ■ Don’t keep your friends close — or anyone else for that matter. ■ Actions speak louder than words, especially when you’re using a leaf blower. ■ There’s no time like the present to put off painting the porch. ■ Beauty is in the eye of people who obviously don’t own a mirror. ■ Two heads are better than one, but only if they’re both wearing masks. ■ The grass is always greener at marijuana dispensaries. ■ Desperate deadlines call for desperate columns.

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

T I M E . . .

F O R E S T PA R K

REVIEW Editor Maria Maxham Senior Editor Bob Uphues Contributing Reporters Tom Holmes, John Rice, Bob Skolnik, Jackie Glosniak, Robert J. Lifka Columnists Alan Brouilette, Jill Wagner, Tom Holmes, John Rice Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Designers Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney Sales and Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Marc Stopeck Sales & Development Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Publisher Dan Haley Business Manager Joyce Minich GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA Board of Directors Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-366-0600 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 EMAIL forestpark@wjinc.com CIRCULATION Jill@oakpark.com ONLINE ForestParkReview.com TWITTER @FP_Review Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Forest Park Review,141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302-2901. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS No 0205-160) In-county subscriptions: $28 per year. $42 for two years, $58 for three years. Out-of-county subscriptions: $36 per year. Forest Park Review is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. © 2020 Growing Community Media NFP. F O R E S T PA R K

REVIEW Share photos on Instagram using #fpreview or email alexa@oakpark.com. All photos become property of Forest Park Review for possible future use in print or digital capacities.

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Forest Park Review, November 11, 2020

‘How lucky you are to survive’ Historical Society honors Forest Park veterans

there was no big welcome home for us. My welcome home was my mother, crying and hugging me, and that’s all I needed really.” The controversy about the war, though, ate at him. “I tried to just keep a blank mind By MARIA MAXHAM about it and just avoid it,” Leber said. “And Editor life goes on, you know.” Now, decades later, he said it’s important Feb. 16 is Mike Mohr’s birthday. It will to share the experiences. And it’s important also mark 50 years that he’s been out of the that people, including and perhaps especialarmy. ly young people, are taught about the war. “Those last 50 years have gone by so Joe Byrnes, who currently services as quickly,” Mohr said. “It’s incredible.” a village commissioner, is another one of But the memories will always be part of the vets featured in the banners. He did him. two tours in Vietnam, leaving the military “I always think back of my time in the in September 1969. The memories are still army, and good friends that I lost while clear. In Vietnam he experienced both being in combat. It makes you realize the worst and best times of his life. sometimes how lucky you are to surThe worst, undoubtedly, was a rocket vive. Being in Vietnam, you never hitting his sleeping unit. He remembers knew if you were going to see tomorthe exact day and time: July 15, 12:20 a.m. row, and then you lost people who are There were 20 guys in the unit; three very close to you. It’s a really tough, were killed and eight were wounded. tough ordeal.” But meeting those other soldiers Mohr, president of Mohr Oil, with was one of the best things that ever family ties in town going back to the happened to him. To this day, he talks 1800s, worries that people today, esabout the friends who died; they’re pecially younger people, don’t really still part of his life. And he’s regularknow or understand what that’s like. ly in contact with at least one person “The younger generation takes it he served with, someone he thought for granted, everything that it takes was dead for decades. (For the rest of to keep our freedom and our democthe story, visit forestparkhistory.org/ racy,” Mohr said. joseph-byrnes.html). In 2017, Historical Society of Forest “We watched each other’s backs,” Park board member Nancy Cavaretta said Byrnes. “They were the greatest spearheaded an oral history project, group of guys. When they say ‘band of the goal being to record the stories of brothers’, that’s what it was.” Forest Park veterans. Preserve them. The stories of Mohr, Leber and BySave them. Share them. rnes have been collected and can be Ensure that more people understood ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer viewed and heard on the Historical what it means to have served our Society’s website at forestparkhistory. LOCAL HEROES: In honor of Veterans Day, the Historical Society hung banners featuring Forest Park country in the armed forces. org/our-neighbors-our-heroes.html. The board sought veterans willing to veterans on the soccer field fence at the Park District of Forest Park. be interviewed on tape. The project, which includes recordings of the interviews and photos, is available online at forestparkhistory.org/our-neighbors-our-heroes.html. Non-objectively speaking, it’s a pretty amazing record of the service of Forest Park veterans and the legacy they have created. For Veterans Day 2020, the Historical Society created banners featuring several Forest Park veterans and hung them on the soccer fields at the park district. The banners, sponsored by Mohr, face Harrison Street, so people walking and driving by can see them. Cliff Leber, who also served in Vietnam, is featured on a banner. In the photo, he’s holding a monkey.

“It was one of our pet monkeys that wandered around camp,” Leber said. When he was drafted, he went without question. “My country called, and so I went,” he said. Like Mohr, he worries young people today don’t know or understand the Vietnam War. Even at the time, the war was controversial, and some people wanted to act as though it hadn’t happened. Veterans Day is important, Leber said, because it’s a chance to share stories of what did occur. “It’s kind of nice to let people know the experiences we had back then,” he said. “When we came home [from Vietnam],

Four seats open on D91 board in April election Board president announces plans to run again; Rummel seeking seat as well By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Four seats on the District 91 school board will be open in the April 2021 election. Board president Kyra Tyler said she plans seek reelection, but long-time members Mary Win Connor and her husband Eric Connor have said officially that they do not plan to run again. The fourth available seat is that of Kim Rostello, who has also an-

nounced she will not pursue reelection. Resident Steve Rummel, who ran unsuccessfully for the board two years ago, has announced his plans to run again. Pre-COVID, Rummel was a fixture at board meetings, attending almost all of them and sharing his thoughts online, and he continues to attend meetings virtually now. An outspoken supporter of Superintendent Lou Cavallo and D91 in general, Rummel said he wants to see better communication from the district, especially in the form of press releases related to difficult topics or big decisions, such as the original plan to begin school in-person, which was switched last minute to all-remote because of miscommunication between the superintendent and the teachers’ union. “Instead of relying on local media, the district needs to tell its story in its own way,”

Rummel said in an interview on Nov. 8. He’d also like to see documents related to presentations given at board meetings readily available online, so residents and interested parties can see first-hand the materials being discussed or presented. In addition to improved communication, Rummel would like to see data and technology-driven improvements in the district. Some of that, he said, is happening now, with advances and learning forced by remote teaching. Still, there are areas that should be identified where technology could be improved, and teachers should receive training to ensure they keep up with the most recent advances. Rummel also said he would like to see more push for equity initiatives in the district. Finally, Rummel wants to see the district

continue on with the things it’s doing well. “[Ed] Brophy [Assistant Superintendent of Operations] does a great job financially,” said Rummel. “We have great teachers and administrators. We need to keep going in those areas.” On his Facebook candidacy page, Rummel said the following in October: “The last election gave us a board that was far more representative of our community than the one that preceded it, and I supported the board members fully even after I lost. I have continued, and will continue, to support them. I hope to join them, but whichever way the elections go, I will stand by our board, our teachers and staff, and our community.” Other than Tyler, who said she does plan to pursue reelection, no other candidate has officially announced to the Review plans to run for the D91 board in April.

Forest Park Review, November 11, 2020

Nov. 11 – 17

BIG WEEK “Hemingway in Comics” Author Event Join Oak Park author Robert K. Elder for a socially distanced book launch party at Centuries & Sleuths, 7419 Madison St. on Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. Elder’s research into Hemingway’s comic presence demonstrates the truly international reach of Hemingway as a pop culture icon. Wear your mask.

A New Splash Pad! The Park District of Forest Park is developing plans for a new splash pad at the Aquatic Center and they want to hear from you! Please complete the following survey to share your thoughts about what you’d like to see in future improvements and plans: https:// www.surveymonkey.com/r/PDRP_AquaticCenter

Battle of the Stilton Siblings: Thea vs. Geronimo Which detective sibling is better? Join a virtual discussion group designed for middle school kids on Nov. 13 from 4 to 5 p.m. to debate the skills of each. A book-related game will be played too. Sign up at fppl.org/events.

Ready, Set, Español! On Nov. 13 from 10:30 to 11 a.m., pre-k aged kids and their parents are invited join the library for its bilingual English and Spanish story time! This virtual event requires registration at fppl.org/events.

One-on-One Technology Help Public Transportation Tips On Nov. 11 from 10 to 11 a.m., join the Forest Park Library for an orientation on using Metra, Pace and CTA trains and buses in a virtual program that welcomes older adults and those with disabilities to learn about accessible public transit options and traveling independently. Topics include riding during COVID-19, reduced fair and Ride Free programs, and a Q & A with an RTA representative. Sign up or learn more at fppl.org/events.

The Forest Park Public Library is hosting one-onone, 30-minute consultations with patrons to help with technology problems or questions. Common examples include downloading eBooks, setting up a Facebook account, doing a mail merge, building smartphone or laptop skills and more. Book an appointment online by visiting fppl.org/events.

Virtual Playgroup Live on Facebook Join the Forest Park Public Library on Nov. 12 from 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. for a virtual playgroup on Facebook. Ms. Susan will lead preschool aged kids in music and movement, and there will be a story and short activities. No registration is necessary. For more information, visit fppl.org.events.

Forest Park Review, November 11, 2020

Women’s Suffrage display damaged on Election Day

The Women’s Suffrage themed free little library on Madison Street, part of the decorated flowerpot display along the street, was criminally damaged. It was discovered by the reporting officer on Nov. 3, Election Day, at 7:48 a.m.

Multiple cars burglarized On the morning of Nov. 2., multiple reports of items stolen from motor vehicles were made. Cars burglarized included vehicles on the 400 block of Hannah Avenue, the 500 block of Elgin Avenue, the 400 block of Marengo Avenue, the 400 block of Circle Avenue, and the 7400 block of Jackson Boulevard.

Circle Avenue mural vandalized

An unknown offender defaced a mural on the Circle Avenue bridge on Nov. 3. It was discovered by a person walking over the bridge at 7:42 a.m. According to the police report, someone defaced the mural of three signs that read, “No human is illegal,” “Build bridges not walls,” and “No justice, no peace.” The woman who called the police said she had cleaning supplies and would fix the mural.

Bike stolen from garage An unknown offender entered a garage on the 800 block of Thomas Avenue and stole

a GT Bombshell BMX Bike, valued at $750. The theft was reported on Nov. 4, but the resident wasn’t sure when the bike was actually taken. Nothing else was stolen. These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Forest Park Police De-

partment, Nov. 2-8, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these reports has only been charged with a crime. These cases have not been adjudicated.

Compiled by Maria Maxham

2020 voter turnout lower than in 2016 Slight increase in votes for Trump over last presidential election By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Unlike many communities across the country, Forest Park’s presidential election voter turnout was lower this year than it was four years ago.

On Nov. 9, the Cook County Clerk’s Office released election results by precinct and, predictably, the majority of presidential votes in all 11 of Forest Park’s precincts went to the Biden-Harris slate. Although there were more registered voters in 2020 (10,878 vs. 9,402 in 2016), the per-

centage of those who actually cast ballots was lower this year than four years ago (62.9 percent vs. 77.4 percent in 2016). Also different is that this year, a slightly higher percentage of overall votes from Forest Park residents went to Trump. In 2020, a total of 6,791 votes were cast in

the presidential race. Of those, 1,073 or 15.8 percent went to Trump. In 2016, a total of 7,127 votes were cast for president. Of those, 1,033 or 14.5 percent went to Trump.

FOREST PARK 2016 ELECTION RESULTS

FOREST PARK 2020 ELECTION RESULTS

SURPRISING RESULTS: Data from the Cook County Clerk’s Office shows that despite there being more registered voters in 2020 than in 2016, less Forest Park residents actually cast ballots. And a slightly higher percentage of presidential votes went to Trump this year than did four years ago. MARIA MAXHAM

Forest Park Review, November 11, 2020

D209 confirms 3 employees test positive for COVID-19 Seven total staff infected since start of school year By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

Three administrative employees in Proviso Township High Schools District 209 have tested positive for COVID-19, a district spokesperson confirmed on Nov. 6. All three employees work at Proviso East High School, but they are not teachers, she said. “Yes, we do have three people who are currently out with COVID-19 positive results and those people who were in contact with them have been notified of possible exposure,” said Nicole Wilson, the district’s communications director. She said that since the school year started, seven D209 employees have been infected with COVID-19 — three from Proviso West, three from Proviso East and one from Proviso Math and Science Academy. None, she said, have been teachers. Wilson said that employees are “encouraged to [self-report] when they have symptoms, as part of our daily health check screener,” which is a phone app. “[The app] asks if you’ve tested positive in the past 14 days, if you’ve traveled or had worsening cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat and other symptoms. We encourage employees to report those symptoms, follow-up with appropriate healthcare experts to determine next steps.” Wilson said that once the district is aware of positive cases, it starts the process of contact tracing, in order to find out who, if any, other people have been in contact with the infected individual. The announcement comes after D209 Supt. James Henderson ordered roughly 300 teachers to return to classes at all three D209 campuses on Oct. 20. The teachers have since been providing virtual instruction to students from smart boards inside of empty classrooms. In a press release, the Proviso Teachers’ Union said Henderson’s decision “was in direct violation of an agreement signed in August by the superintendent and the union, which allows teachers to provide instruction from remote locations while students are not in the buildings.” The union said that heat at Proviso East is not working, “and temperatures in some rooms were reported to be as low as 56 degrees,” according to previous reporting. The union said that East and West “have inadequate hot water for hand washing and cleaning” and a lack of available PPE. They also claimed that rooms were not sanitized while the district closed buildings from March through October. Wilson emphasized that no teachers have tested positive for COVID-19 since return-

ing to classrooms last month, and that the district has an adequate supply of PPE. She added that everyone is required to wear a mask in the buildings. “If they don’t have a mask, they are provided a mask and we continue to disinfect and sanitize our spaces,” Wilson said. “Gloves are also available to those who ask for gloves.” More as this story develops.

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Forest Park Review, November 11, 2020

Music works its charms during a pandemic School owners discuss difficulties and triumphs By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Teaching music during the pandemic involved reinventing the wheel, according to Daniel Gasse, founder and owner of the Gasse School of Music in Forest Park. “Teaching music on Zoom is different than presenting a lecture on Zoom,” Gasse explained. Technology like Zoom might work well for speaking, for classes and basic sharing of information. But for music, which depends on nuance, on the faintest of notes and the silences between them and on perfect timing, finding a way to teach has been difficult. Gasse, who teaches cello, said during inperson lessons, he often has students play a piece along with him. Sometimes they play slow. Sometimes faster. The goal is for the student to follow along exactly as he plays, learning the exact timing, the intricacies of playing the piece perfectly. But over Zoom, that doesn’t work. It’s impossible to work out the timing. “There’s always a delay,” Gasse said. So instead he records himself playing the piece at various tempos, then uploads it to the internet so his students can play along with the recording. Another thing he has discovered is that students need to change the setting on their Zoom app to make it work best for lessons. Zoom, he explained, has a setting that automatically tries to eliminate background noise so the focus is placed on the voices. The program is designed, after all, to accentuate human voices. For music lessons, though, that doesn’t work. If someone’s playing the cello, the program simply hears it as something other than a human voice and tries to numb it like a background noise. It might sound like a small thing, but it’s one of the many lessons he’s learned while teaching music remotely, and because of tests and research and experiments like this, he estimates he spends twice the time he used to for the same amount of money. Fortunately, he hasn’t lost many students, with families willing to work on Zoom or outdoors in groups. He has a few students he sees in-person too, masked and socially distanced. His group classes right now are being held outside in his backyard. Students wear masks while sitting in chairs and play the cello together. With winter around the corner, this won’t be a viable option, he admitted. But the parents, he said, have told him to keep going as long as possible. A few weeks ago, an unseasonably cold day had the temperature hovering around 34 degrees. “But everybody showed up for the lesson,” Gasse said. And they played outside in the cold. Recitals used to be held indoors in a church but now they’re outside. Gasse

income and therefore had to give up lessons,” Bartolozzi said. The pandemic hit hard, with a forced shutdown from March 17 through June 8. When the school was allowed, by state government rules, to reopen, she followed all the guidelines, rearranging her music rooms to comply with safety requirements and keeping everything meticulously clean and disinfected. “We follow very strict guidelines,” Bartolozzi said. The piano room has two pianos, several feet apart. The teacher sits at one, the student at the other. In the voice room, the student and teacher stand apart from one another. The same holds true for the guitar room, where spacing is maintained for safety. Everyone wears a mask, except for voice students when they are singing. “I wish I could say that my business did not get affected negatively, but that’s just not the case,” Bartolozzi said. “Unfortunately, none of the loans or grants were afforded to Bella Angel Music. As well, when there is a drop in income, folks understandably need to cut corners, and sometimes that means no more music lessons.” But, like Gasse, she found silver linings in the pandemic. “I have had a few people contact me saying they wanted to use this time to study music, as it’s something on their ‘bucket list.’ This makes me very happy,” Bartolozzi said, adding that many students, some new, some she’s known for a long time, tell her how much music has helped them through the challenges of recent months. And, most importantly, Bella Angel Music is building back up, she said. “I look at that as a blessing and a testament to the power of music. I also am proud of myself for persevering and staying the course.” In her own life, Bartolozzi has found music to be a profound source of positivity, something that has helped her through difficult times, a comfort she relies on now. “2020 has been a year to reckon with, and I am thankful that I have been able to count on music,” she said. “Whether I am learning a new song, giving my parents a socially-distanced concert, or listening to Photo provided tunes, music is a diversion and a way to be present in ALL DRESSED UP: At Bella Angel Music, Ellen Bartollozi’s students have fun while safely learning instruthe beauty of its sounds.”

School of Music students played outside behind the Roos for their last two performances. During one, it was raining, but everyone came, and everyone sat, under umbrellas, unwilling to miss the performance. The following week was cold and parents arrived with blankets to keep warm while they watched students perform. Again, everyone showed up. Gasse said there was more excitement for the outdoor concert than there’d ever been for the inside ones. “The atmosphere was popping with happiness. The kids were happy to play, and the parents were excited to watch. There was tremendous spirit.” He attributes that to the fact that people take fewer things for granted these days. “When you have to fight for something, you appreciate it more,” he said. “It’s harder to learn an instrument from home, so the students are prouder than they might have been before.” Interestingly enough, Gasse says, students have been making greater strides in music than previously, learning more quickly than they did before the pandemic.

ments and voice.

He attributes this to the fact that there are fewer activities for kids these days; ballet lessons and sports have been cancelled. Extracurricular activities at school aren’t being run right now, and many kids aren’t even attending in-person classes. So there is a time void that many of his students have been filling with extra practice hours. Gasse said his school never closed, even in the beginning of the pandemic. “It was kind of a miracle,” he said. He and his wife Sara, who teaches violin and viola, heard about the forced closures of non-essential businesses. They sat down and spent the weekend learning how to teach online. Since then, there have been complications, and they’ve constantly tweaked how they teach, as they’ve learned more about technology. It’s been a non-stop learning experience for them. Ellen Bartolozzi, owner of Bella Angel Music, anther music school in Forest Park, didn’t go the online-lesson route. A few students opted for online lessons, but she found that many didn’t. “This is mainly because many people lost

Forest Park Review, November 11, 2020

Village passes antisemitism resolution Definition to be used as educational resource By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

The village of Forest Park has passed a resolution “confronting and combating antisemitism,” which adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)’s working definition of antisemitism. The resolution doesn’t change or create any new laws, and it shouldn’t be construed to diminish or infringe upon freedom of speech; rather, it provides a “non-legally binding” definition of antisemitism, including contemporary examples, and it will be available as an “educational resource” for the police department and the entire village government. At a Nov. 9 village council meeting, Mayor Rory Hoskins and the four commissioners voted unanimously to pass the resolution, which was brought to the village by Laurence Bolotin and Jason Rosensweig from the American Jewish Committee (AJC) of Chicago. Both Bolotin and Rosensweig spoke at the Nov. 9 meeting, which was held over Zoom. “During the current crisis, we have seen how people have been able to come together and really pull together,” said Bolotin, who serves as the AJC executive director. “And we’ve also seen that times of fear and uncertainty unfortunately could bring out the worst in people as well.” Bolotin said there has been a rise in antisemitism in recent months as well as over the past few years, and he and Rosensweig wanted to present “how Forest Park can take a leading role in addressing this increasing and surprising trend.” Rosensweig explained that the resolution can be used to assist in determining whether a crime or incident might be seen as antisemitic. “It’s a tool that one could use to help decide and help explain to people why you might want to consider a certain incident antisemitic, so it provides this sort of standard, definitional tool. … It does not abridge free speech … and it is definitely nonpartisan. We’ve seen some support from this around the country and around the world from all sides.” In fact, Rosensweig and Bolotin have been working hard to bring the resolution to as many towns and cities across the world as they can. Bolotin said the resolution has been adopted throughout Europe, and now the AJC is turning its attention to the U.S. “We’ve seen a variety of state and city

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and county adoptions coming through, mostly in the last year,” Bolotin said. This includes Florida, where Miami adopted the resolution, as did 10 other towns in south Florida and all of Dade County. “Now we’re looking to bring this to Illinois and get as much recognition and awareness of it as possible,” Bolotin said, “and hopefully move toward things like state of Illinois and city of Chicago adoptions as well.” During the meeting, Hoskins referenced swastikas that appeared around town in

late September as part of a spate of graffiti mostly featuring phallic images. According to the police reports, the damage appeared to be random in nature and not specifically directed at the owners of the homes or vehicles on which they appeared. The cases, which occurred in a few blocks in town and appear to be related, involved drawings of at least 15 penises. In some instances, words such as the F-word or “Republican” were written alongside the images. The phrase “BLM” was included in a few of the defacements as well.

At a village council meeting after that, Hoskins said the swastika drawings would be investigated as hate crimes rather than simple graffiti. He also said recent protests in Springfield, some involving antisemitic imagery directed at the governor, motivated his resolve to get the resolution passed by the village. “When Jason [Rosensweig] contacted me about adopting this resolution, I did not hesitate to offer Forest Park as a testing ground in Illinois,” Hoskins said.

Celebrate a Memory TREE ON TOP OF CAR ORNAMENT Handcrafted in Vietnam

bag sale

THURS , NOV 12 - SUN , NOV 15

25% OFF E VERY THING !

121 Marion St., Oak Park • 708 848 4572 Store hours: Tues-Sat 10-6 • Sun 12-5 *Valid online and in participating stores from Thursday, November 12 at 12:00am EST – Sunday, November 15 at 11:59pm PT. Discount applied at checkout. Check your local store for hours. Store specific restrictions may apply. Not valid with other discounts or purchase of gift cards.

Forest Park Review, November 11, 2020

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN DISTRICT 91?

COMING SOON: Permits are being issued for the proposed Taco Bell at 161 Harlem Ave. Rendering by MRV Architects

District 91 wants your input! Help determine the profile of our next Superintendent! Complete this brief survey! The District 91 Board of Education would like your input as we begin our search for a new Superintendent to lead our school system. We will use the information gathered from focus groups, open forums, and this questionnaire to help create the profile of our next leader.

Taco Bell plans proceed in FP, off the table in OP Permits expected within the next few weeks By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

The survey begins on Wednesday, November 4 and concludes on Friday, November 13. Survey links: D91 Community Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BZXV8B5

D91 Community Survey-Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/B6XZGK9

Thank you for your participation.

Although Ampler Development recently withdrew its application for a Taco Bell location in Oak Park at 6000 to 6020 Roosevelt Rd., their Forest Park project at 161 Harlem Ave. is still proceeding, with permits being issued most likely within the next two weeks, according to Steve Glinke, director of the Department of Public Health and Safety, which oversees zoning for the village. Forest Park is already home to a Taco Bell drive-thru restaurant at 7510 Roosevelt Rd., but the location off Harlem Avenue is predicted to draw a different group of commuting customers and bring in much-needed revenue for the village. The new Taco Bell was given final approval by the village council at the Aug. 10 meeting. Prior to that, the project was vetted by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and the

Plan Commission. The process of permitting began after those approvals, with an outside contractor reviewing all the plans to ensure they meet code. Site engineering is reviewed by Christopher B. Burke Engineering. For this particular project, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and Illinois Department of Transportation will also need to give authorization for the project to begin. Once permits are given, the project needs to begin within one year from council approval. Glinke estimates that for a project of this scale, construction would be quick, maybe 90 days depending on the weather. He predicts the developers might wait until spring before beginning construction. In Oak Park, residents near the potential Roosevelt Road Taco Bell location voiced opposition to the development from the start. Most recently, according to a Wednesday Journal article by Stacey Sheridan, the developer requested a delay to obtain more traffic information at a March 4 ZBA meeting. The following meeting on April 1 was cancelled, and Ampler withdrew the application on Nov. 3.

Forest Park Review, November 11, 2020

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Forest Park Review, November 11, 2020

POCKET PARKS

Improvements planned from page 1 pocket parks ever since she began working for the district in Sept. 2018. Iovinelli said the park district has the expertise to make necessary changes and upgrades and has access to, and knowledge of, grants such as the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program. Gillian has often said that the village isn’t in the business of park maintenance. “We can’t update them the way they should be,” Gillian said in a previous interview. “The park district will be able to do them justice.” Iovinelli spoke at the Nov. 9 village council meeting during which approval of the lease was given. She thanked the mayor and commissioners for working together to make it happen. “It’s a no-brainer collaboration,” Iovinelli said, adding, “On behalf of our board, we want to thank you as a board for working together with us. I’d also like to give a special thanks to Tim [Gillian]. He was great to work with in getting this done.” Next steps will be soliciting community input on what people want to see developed on the pocket-park land. “For the life of me, as someone who’s been around a long time, I can’t tell you exactly

why the village didn’t do this before,” Gillian said. “But it certainly passes the makesense test.” He went on to say that he is “very confident with Jackie’s leadership. … Every resident in town is going to be proud of the move that each of you took tonight. I am eagerly anticipating the first shovel turn at one of the parks.” There are other parks around town, Gillian noted, such as the one on Circle Avenue and Lehmer Street, that are not included in the lease agreement because their ownership is unclear. “I expect that over the next several months we will be able to determine ownership and figure out a way for the park to take over that property as well,” Gillian said. Parks included in the lease are: Reiger Park, 1526 Circle Ave. Lathrop Park, 1138 Lathrop Ave. Popelka Park, 501 Thomas Ave. Remembrance Park, 7341 Randolph St.

PARK TAKES OVER: The Park District of Forest Park is leasing four of the five parks shown on the map. Veteran’s Park is not part of the lease agreement, since the land isn’t owned by the village. Map provided by the Village of Forest Park

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Forest Park Review, November 11, 2020

TOM HOLMES

CONTAINER GARDENING: Dick Biggins (left) and Amy Solares, codirectors of Empowering Gardens, are using shipping containers to house their business during the holiday season.

Empowering Gardens shows its resilience

Sometimes COVID brings out the best in people By TOM HOLMES Contributing Reporter

When Gov. Pritzker ordered the shutdown in mid-March, Richard Biggins, one of the co-directors of Empowering Gardens, recalled that he and Ana Solares, the other codirector of the nonprofit that employs people with developmental disabilities, were at a loss regarding what to do and whether they would even survive. “The problems,” said Biggins, “seemed insurmountable.” Garden centers, Solares explained, have to order their flowers for the next spring in August, so there she and Biggins were, stuck with thousands of plants arriving at their 7730 Madison St. location soon and with no way to sell them, at least not like they had been since opening in April of 2016. What happened next is one more story of the COVID crisis bringing out the best in Forest Parkers. It certainly brought out the best in Solares and Biggins. “It was challenging,” Solares explained, “because we had all these plants coming in,

but we weren’t able at that time to have any employees on site. In April, Richard and I were the only ones running the business.” So they learned to do business online. Solares took the orders and Biggins delivered. Taking orders alone was a challenge. “Customers would call,” Biggins recalled, “asking for a bunch of those ‘red flowers.’ The problem is there are 2,000 different kinds of red flowers, so because customers could not come in and point to what they wanted, Ana had to engage in long conversations to determine what exactly it was that they wanted. “I sometimes would have to load my pick up with big bales of mulch and then unload them at the customer’s residence. I got in pretty good shape.” For those who wanted to pick up their purchases at curbside, the co-directors developed CDC-compliant guidelines by which the transfer could be made without anyone coming in physical contact. And when using a vacant storefront for a winter space was no longer possible, Solares and Biggins came up with the creative idea of using shipping containers to house their business during the holiday season, which begins this month. One trailer will serve as their office. One will be for their inventory of house plants and the third will be for storage. In a week

or so, customers will be able to go online to www.empoweringgardensinc.org, to make an order from their stock of items specially designed for Thanksgiving and, after Nov. 26, for Christmas The crisis brought out the best in their customers. “Customers were very patient with us,” Solares began. “Because so many people were into gardening while sheltering in place, we often ran out of stock, especially vegetables and herbs. Sometimes they had to stand in line for an hour or more, just to wait their turn.” The crisis brought out the best in a variety of ways. “We had half a dozen wonderful volunteers,” said Biggins. “Even after we were named an essential business, we had a smaller staff working less hours. The volunteers kind of saved our business.” The crisis brought out the best in the business community, too. During the cold snap last May, Exit Strategy and Famous Liquors, which lets Empowering Gardens use their parking lot, offered to store plants during the nights when the temperature outside plunged below freezing. The volunteers rolled the racks of plants inside in both the rain and snow. “If it weren’t for our customers, local busi-

ness people, and our volunteers,” said Solares, “we would have been out of business.” When people ask the co-directors how they keep things going in the midst of uncertainty — renting the land they use and the trailers, working with employees with developmental disabilities, and not knowing what the next year will bring — they said they believe in their mission and so do their customers, volunteers and the business community who support them. They trust each other and the community, and they see the lives of their employees changed. The mission of the nonprofit is “to provide people who have a broad range of disabilities meaningful, long-term, career-oriented employment opportunities in a business growing and creating excellent products.” Customers and friends can support Empowering Gardens by participating in an opportunity called Giving Tuesday. This year, a flyer explains, the Coleman Foundation is matching gifts made to support their mission. Donate online or by check from Nov. 1 to Dec. 1. Make online donations by going to their website or mail checks payable to Empowering Gardens before Dec. 1 to P.O. Box 2161, Oak Park, IL 60303.

Forest Park Review, November 11, 2020

OPINION O U R

V I E W

Civility at home

ver the past four years we have watched with sadness, with worry, with anger as the meanness and lying, the overt racism, the endless strategy of dividing, the absence of human empathy has swept through our national politics. Donald Trump was held to account last week by a decent majority of Americans. But the seeds of this dystopian view of American life go back way further than Trump and his unlikely and repulsive presidency. Our history brings us to Nixon and the Southern Strategy in the 1960s. But there are outbreaks of American viciousness that go back further still and always intersect with racism. Trump, though, gets the credit for recognizing and aligning the putrid veins of hate and ignorance, for unleashing and semi-normalizing the rage. This won’t go away readily or soon, not when whole channels of right-wing cable and the internet provide a gathering place for ongoing venom and misinformation. So, yes, even in this more hopeful moment our worries are profound. And, for the purposes of our readers in Forest Park, we connect the dots of our national decay to the diminishment of civil dialogue and governance that we have at times seen locally. We don’t want to overstate it. And we don’t want to ignore it. But the tenor of political discussion in our hometowns has suffered over these harsh years. We’ve seen it in vile and anonymous electioneering around village council and mayoral races. Clearly we saw it in the endless acrimony over video gaming in town. Now we worry as the unity of the reform movement at District 209 Proviso Township High Schools withers and fractures. Attacks there are getting more personal just as we move to election season locally. Surely we have also seen moments of grace. We’ve seen eyes opened in this moment of racial reckoning. There is Forest Park’s endless impulse to reach out with care to those in unexpected trouble. Now we are weeks away from filing deadlines for Spring elections for school boards at District 91 and 209 and for one board position at the park district. We want to see aspiration for higher office also be aspiration for honest but civil talk about our complex issues of race, of taxes and affordability, of rebuilding from the scourge of COVID-19. This is a moment to give everyone a chance, as President-elect Joe Biden said on Saturday night.

About the Connors

Forest Park elected officials have a propensity for staying long. And if you ordered up DNA tests, you’d find some familial relationships among all our elected boards. We’ve been gratified over the past several years to see more new faces campaigning for office. New blood is good. That said, and while we’ve found it odd, we offer our thanks to Mary Win Connor and Eric Connor as they announce this week that neither will seek re-election come spring to the school board at District 91. They have served side-by-side for a long time and through years where it was hard to scare up anyone who wanted to be elected or appointed to that board. We applaud that service and their caring for Forest Park and its children.

Thanksgiving 2020, where the ideal meets the real

ow it’s supposed to go: On Thanksgiving morning, the alarm goes off at 6. The cook rises and goes to the local greenmarket, hand-selecting the freshest produce for dinner. There is coffee upon returning, and the work begins. Sweet potatoes are peeled and chunked. The (home-made) bread is cubed and the (home-made) stock is heated, filling the kitchen with the aromas of stuffing. There is light music (Vivaldi). The best of the wine is decanted. Someone laboriously, yet lovingly, assembles the pan of Grandma’s sweet rolls that are the family’s longest-standing holiday tradition. Dessert work is under way, too — perfect wedges of Granny Smith apples are sprinkled with lemon juice and the ice cream maker is spinning. The heirloom turkey, brined and air-dried overnight in the fridge, goes into the oven. Family arrives. The children express delight at the smells from the kitchen and show off the construction-paper turkeys they made yesterday at school. The adults open Champagne and talk about politics (everyone is in agreement), Christmas (everyone is well-prepared), and plans to remodel the kitchen (everyone loves the new island). The turkey comes out and is laid ’pon the carving-board to rest while the pan drippings become gravy. The turkey gravy is lush with bits of fond and shreds of meat. The rolls slip cleanly from the pan and the sides are transferred effortlessly from baking pan to serving dishes. The cooks change into fresh clothes for dinner. The turkey is expertly carved. Dinner is served promptly at 2 and ingested in a leisurely manner. Everyone is delighted by the presentation. There is good hot coffee and a nip of apple brandy to go with the pie and ice cream. The adults team up to do the dishes while the children nap, and then all spend a peaceful afternoon and evening together. There might be a board game, or a walk to look at Christmas lights, or even a game of touch football. There are turkey sandwiches as a very late snack, and the clamor for the leftovers leads to careful division of all that remains.

eight people. At Mom’s, I put on some music (WuTang). The frenzy begins. The turkey, which I got at a Mexican poultry market on the West Side where they kill them to order, is still slightly feathered and fairly bloody. I get to work with cold water and pliers while Emily shoos the cats away from the dead bird of their dreams. Next I get going on the pan of sweet rolls that are the family’s longest-standing holiday tradition now that refusing to be the one to answer the phone when Grandma calls has been, uh, retired. My brother and his wife arrive with three children and two dogs. It’s clear no one enjoyed the car ride. The dogs lie down in the exact center of the kitchen and will not move again until it is time to leave. Two of the children are visibly angry and scrolling. The third comes into the kitchen and asks what we are having for dinner. This is a trick question; every possible answer — including “Cupcakes!” — will be met with a grimace and gagging noises. My brother turns on the TV, but this being Friday, there is no football. This is good because that means no one will throw anything at the TV this year. (The Lions gave up a backdoor cover late.) Mom begins the process of clearing eight months’ worth of paperwork off the dining room table. (The process begins with careful sorting and ends with a cardboard box and a snow shovel.) The adults express dismay over the imminence of Christmas while the children scroll. The turkey comes out and is put on the carvingboard to rest while I disguise the ingredients of the gravy with a stick blender. I add a little sherry in hopes the children will nap after dinner. The sweet rolls are peeled from the pan with the help of a heated chisel and the baking dishes double as serving dishes because it’s stupid to dirty another dish. I run upstairs to try and find a clean shirt, and the only one that fits is from Señor Frog’s. I elect not to put a dinner jacket over it since there are bikinis and innuendo but no profanity. Someone carved the turkey “to help speed things up.” It looks like it was carved by the dogs. Why does no one ever do the dishes “to help speed things up”? Three hours and 11 minutes later than planned, dinner is served. Three of us are finished eating by the time Mom sits down. The children each take two reluctant bites and ask about dessert. They ultimately ignore the pie and ice cream in favor of leftover Halloween candy. The adults are too tired to handle the dishes so we leave the tower for processing tomorrow. Hugs are distributed amid pleas to accept more leftovers, of which there are a lot. Wouldn’t have it any other way.

ALAN

BROUILETTE

How It Does Go: The alarm goes off at six on Thanksgiving. I shut it off because my brother is working today, so Thanksgiving is tomorrow for us. The alarm goes off at six on Friday. We snooze it till about 8:30 and then leap from bed in a panic. I shoot a Red Bull and start packing. We’re cooking at Mom’s, as this apartment is not suitable for

2020

Holiday

Forest Park Review, November 11, 2020

IT’S TIME TO KICK OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON! PRE ORDERS BEGIN 11/16!

bazaar Holiday items • Pet Items • Gift Baskets

Friday , Dec. 4 • 3-9pm Saturday, Dec. 5 • 9am-4pm Don’t miss our pre-order bake sale items, reserve a slot for pictures with cardboard Santa, or to preview online items visit our website at www.animalcareleague.org. Be sure to mark yourself as "going" on our Facebook event for updates and full schedule information!

All proceeds beneﬁt our shelter and are needed this year more than ever!

Please note that in person shopping capacity will be limited to ensure proper social distancing. Shoppers should be prepared to wait in line. All shoppers will be required to wear a mask.

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Mickey’s is the place!

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Full Slab Dinner

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Italian Beef Sandwich w/ Fries $ .49

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

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Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home

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Forest Park Review, November 11, 2020

FORESTPARKREVIEW.COM New local ads this week

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YOUR WEEKLY AD

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

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

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

HELP WANTED

BUSINESS MANAGER â€“ PART TIME The River Forest Park District is seeking applications for a PT Business Manager working 20 hours a week. Starting Salary $26.45$31.26/HR. A full Job Description can be reviewed at www.rfparks. com/job-opportunities

PART TIME DRIVER

COMMERCIAL/ RETAIL SPACE

Local Co looking for Part time Driver. Must be able to lift 75lbs, Valid Drivers License. Hours 6 am til 12 pm. Email HR@sievertelectric.com

A RETAIL SPACE FOR LEASE IN SHOPPING CENTER: 1600-1635 Sq Ft.

PERSONAL ASSISTANTS TO SUPPORT PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Progress Center is hosting ďŹ ve personal assistant orientations in November. Personal Assistants earn $13.48 an hour to support people with disabilities so that they may live independently in their own homes, instead of institutions. Duties may include dressing, bathing, cooking, toileting, and cleaning. The orientations will be over zoom on November 13 (9:30 a.m.), 17 (9:30 a.m.), 21 (10 a.m.), 24 (9:30 a.m.), and 30 (9:30 a.m.). For information, contact garnold@progresscil or 708-2091500.

â€˘ 321B S. Harlem Ave. Forest Park, IL. â€˘ Very Good Conditionâ€“ Recent Repairs/ Replacement: New ceiling/ďŹ‚oor tiles, New baseboards, New HVAC Unit, Bath Lav & sink/ faucet, Drywall, White primed walls throughout. â€˘ Suitable for almost ANY business type. â€˘ Heavy foot/road trafďŹ c area; Near Oak Park Hospital. â€˘ End space. â€˘ 45-Space Parking Lot!

PUBLIC WORKS The Forest Park Public Works Department seeks a safety oriented individual for the union position of Public Works Laborer/Truck Driver to perform a variety of manual labor tasks requiring varying skill levels. Under general supervision, the position of Public Works operates and maintains the Villageâ€™s infrastructure and buildings. This position works indoors and outdoors throughout the year in all weather conditions. The ideal candidate for this position will be one who can work as part of a team, has a strong work ethic, and is willing to learn and perform a variety of maintenance and construction related activities. Essential job duties include but are not limited to: â€˘ Snow removal with vehicle mounted plows, skid steers, and snow blowers and shovels. â€˘ Care and maintenance of Village owned buildings and properties including mowing, weeding, trash removal, tree management and maintenance, storm drain maintenance. â€˘ Pavement and sidewalk removal and replacement â€˘ Maintenance of trafďŹ c Signage. â€˘ Repair of concrete and asphalt pavement â€˘ Operation of heavy duty construction equipment

RETIRED PASTOR OR SEMINARY STUDENT Small conservative church with a very small, elderly congregation in Forest Park is looking for a retired pastor or a seminary student to lead our 10:00 Sunday morning worship service. Pay will be based on your experience. If you are interested please submit your resume to forestparkucc@yahoo.com TEACHER AND TEACHER AIDE MINI ME BUNCH seeks teacher and teacher aide to enhance and expand daycare serving children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Teacher must have at least Associatesâ€™ degree in Early Childhood Education. Minimum 1 year experience preferred in each position. Must love children and be outgoing, patient, ďŹ‚exible. Contact 773-521-9499.

The individual selected for this position will be required to respond to emergencies outside of regular business hours as needed.

SUBURBAN RENTALS

Experience in all construction related ďŹ elds and disciplines are preferred. Position requires a high school diploma or GED, two years Public Works or construction experience and an Illinois

OAK PARK 2BR 2BA CONDO Condo for rent on a great location near downtown oak park: 2 bedroom 2 bath condo, only electric bill not included. $1400 a month, $1400 deposit. For more information please call 224-475-7929.

Commercial Driverâ€™s License (CDL) or ability to obtain a CDL within 6 months of employment. Position will be open until ďŹ lled, however submittal by November 15, 2020 is encouraged. EOE.

OAK PARK: ROOSEVELT/ OAK PARK AVE. CORRIDOR 2BR 4RMS close to blue line. On site laundry, parking, heat & water incl. $1200/ month 708-383-9223

The application form can be found at: https://www.forestpark.net/ dfp/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ A P P L I C AT I O N - F O R - E M P L O YMENT-Revised-8-8-19.pdf.

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT

QualiďŹ ed individuals interested in being considered for the position should email the application form and resume if desired to: vmoritz@ forestpark.net with Public Works in the subject ďŹ eld. ELECTRICIANâ€™S HELPER PART-TIME Part-time Electricianâ€™s Helper. Must have own transportation. Call for more info. 708-738-3848

RIVER FORESTâ€“7777 Lake St. *1116 sq. ft. suite *569 sq. ft. with patio OAK PARKâ€“1053 Lake St. *Entire 3rd Floor, 1275 sq. ft. OAK PARKâ€“ 6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. *3 and 5 room office suites Strand& & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011

Serious Inquiries ONLY: CALL/TEXT: D.B. (708) 828-6491

ITEMS FOR SALE

PETS

SMALL CHEST Small plastic chest with six dustproof drawers. Pretty burnt orange color, like new. 33â€?h x 12â€?d x 15â€?w. 708-488-8755

FOREVER HOME NEEDED Billy, a 7 year-old-alpha male dog currently in foster care needs a stable home. Large mixed breed. Good with people but not with other dogs or cats. For more info call Elizabeth: 775-233-9121

SMALL METAL FILE CABINET 13â€?w x 30â€?h x 10â€?d. 6 skinny drawers. 708-488-8755

CEMETERY PLOTS 4 FOREST HOME CEMETERY PLOTS 4 Forest Home cemetery plots available together or separately. Garden Sec. 61, Lot 342-A spaces 1,2,3,4. $1800 each, transfer costs not included. Call 847-468-0013 and leave message

ITEMS TO BE GIVEN AWAY FREE SPINET PIANO You arrange and pay for mover. 708-383-7993

WANTED TO BUY

BENCH PRESS WITH WEIGHTS York set includes (4) 3 lb weights; (9) 5 lb weights; (7) 10 lb weights; (2) 50 lb weights together with poles. $79.00 708-488-8755

WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, ďŹ‚ags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers â€“ lead, plastic â€“ other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

SUBURBAN RENTALS

M&M

property management, inc.

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

Apartment listings updated daily at:

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

cat calls

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

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

524-1030

NOVENAS PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (NEVER KNOWN TO FAIL) Oh, most beautiful ďŹ‚ower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me, herein you are my mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth. I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to suc cor in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein you are my mother. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and publish; your request will be granted. CAC

CEMENT

ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed

A&A ELECTRIC

Let an American Veteran do your work

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

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

FIREWOOD

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 Lost & Found, Items for Sale, and To Be Given Away ads run free in Wednesday Classified. To place your ad, call 708-613-3342

CEMENT

MAGANA

C O N C R E T E C O N S T RU C T I O N â€œQUALITY IS OUR FOUNDATIONâ€? ESTABLISHED IN 1987

COMMERCIAL Â˜ INDUSTRIAL Â˜ RESIDENTIAL Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am â€“ 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue. Or call us toll free at 1-833-440-0665 for an appointment. You have jobs. We have readers! Find the best employees with Wednesday Classified! Call 708-613-3342 to advertise.

ELECTRICAL

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

FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.

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

HANDYMAN Mikeâ€™s Home Repair Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Donâ€™t Do

708-296-2060

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

FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small

708-488-9411

HANDYMAN Roofing Repairs Concrete Repairs â€˘ Drywall All types of handiwork Call For Free Estimates

773-637-0692 Ask for John

HAULING BASEMENT CLEANING

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

Attention! Homeimprovement pros!

Reach the people making decisionsâ€“yourÂ target market. Advertise in Wednesday Classified. CallÂ 708/613-3342

Forest Park Review, November 11, 2020

FORESTPARKREVIEW.COM

CLASSIFIED

Public Notice: Your right to know In print • Online • Available to you 24/7/365

HEATING AND APPLIANCE EXPERT

Lic/Bonded 25 yrs experience

PublicNoticeIllinois.com • ForestParkReview.com PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Park District of Oak Park November 19, 2020, 7:30 p.m. 2021 Budget and Appropriation Ordinance

FREE SERVICE CALL WITH REPAIR AND SENIOR/VETERAN DISCOUNT.

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Commissioners of the Park District of Oak Park will conduct a public hearing concerning the adoption of the Park District’s 2021 Budget and Appropriation Ordinance on November 19, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom during the Board of Commissioners’ regular board meeting.

708-785-2619 or 773-585-5000

https://us02web.zoom.us/ j/82143384199?pwd=RlExUjBQVTFsQ1NGR1pybFExTjc1dz09

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

708.749.0011

Meeting ID: 863 7417 0042, Password: 555407; or (312) 626-6799 Dated: November 11, 2020 By: Commissioner Chris Wollmuth Secretary, Board of Commissioners Park District of Oak Park Published in Wednesday Journal 11/11/2020

PLASTERING

PUBLIC NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT OF BIDDING Request of bids for 2021 Rehm Park Improvements.

McNulty Plastering & Stucco Co.

Owner: Park District of Oak Park 218 Madison St Oak Park, IL 60302

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

708/386-2951 • ANYTIME Work Guaranteed

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

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certiﬁcation was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y20004939 on October 20, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of BLACK FAVES with the business located at: 4508 IDLEWILD LANE, HILLSIDE, IL 60162. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: TANISHA BLAKELY 4508 IDLEWILD LANE, HILLSIDE, IL 60162, USA. Published in Forest Park Review 10/28, 11/4, 11/11/2020

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certiﬁcation was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y20004951 on October 20, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of FLAWEDDBLACK with the business located at: 8141 S INGLESIDE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60619. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: THENIKA NEELY, 8141 S INGLESIDE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60619, USA Published in Wednesday Journal 10/28, 11/4, 11/11/2020

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

Let the sun shine in...

HEATING/ AIR CONDITIONING

Furnaces, Boilers and Space Heaters Refrigerators Ranges • Ovens Washer • Dryers Rodding Sewers

The Park District of Oak Park will accept sealed bids for the 2021 Rehm Park Improvements at 515 Garfield Street, Oak Park, IL 60304. The project consists of the existing trees preservation and protection, removal of existing trees, playground equipment footings, playground mulch surfacing, sand surfacing, playground concrete curb, concrete walk pavement, asphalt pavement, fencing, site furnishings or amenities, as specified; installation of new playground play equipment, artificial play turf surfacing, 4’ ht. ornamental metal fence, concrete curb & walk, porous pave, drinking fountain, portable restroom (Portland Loo), drainage and grading, utilities, existing light relocation, site furnishings such as benches, picnic shelter, picnic tables, bike racks, ping pong tables, baggo game set and landscaping. The Park District of Oak Park will receive individual sealed Bids until 2:00 p.m. (CST) on Thursday, December 17th, 2020, at 218 Madison St., Oak Park, Illinois. The bidding documents and requirements will be available on the Park District’s website as of 8:00 am Monday, November 16th, 2020. A non-mandatory pre-bid walk-thru is scheduled for Friday, November 20th, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. (CST) at 515 Garfield Street, Oak Park, IL. Bid bonds will be required by bidding contractors. Copies of the bidding specifications are available via the Park District of Oak Park website at: http://www.pdop.org/bids-and-rfps/ For additional information, contact Chris Lindgren at chris.lindgren@pdop.org or (708) 725-2050. Only the bids prepared in compliance with the bidding documents will be considered. This project must adhere to the Prevailing Wage Act of 2020. The Park District of Oak Park encourages minority and women owned business firms to submit bids for this project. Published in Wednesday Journal 11/11/2020

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed separate bids will be received by the Board of Education, Oak Park Elementary School District 97 (the “Board”) for the following project: OAK PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT 97 SD97 - SUMMER 2021 ADDITION & RENOVATIONS BEYE, LINCOLN, LONGFELLOW, WHITTIER OAK PARK, IL 60302 BID GROUP 1 – DEMOLITION, EXCAVATION, CONCRETE, MASONRY, STEEL, GENERAL TRADES, MILLWORK/ CASEWORK, ROOFING, METAL PANELS, DOORS FRAMES & HARDWARE, GLAZING, DRYWALL & ACT, FLOORING, PAINTING, SPECIALTIES, ELEVATOR, WHEELCHAIR LIFT, PLUMBING, HVAC, and ELECTRICAL Bids will be received until 2:00 p.m. CST on Friday, December 11, 2020 at the Oak Park Elementary School District 97 Administrative offices, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302, and will be publicly opened and read at 2:30 p.m. CST on that date. Bids shall be submitted in an opaque sealed envelope clearly marked: Oak Park Elementary School District 97 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302 Attention: Bulley & Andrews Project: SD97 SUMMER 2021 ADDITION & RENOVATIONS

Scope of work for Bid Group 1 generally includes, but is not limited to: Demolition, excavation, concrete, masonry, steel, general trades, millwork/ casework, roofing, metal panels, doors frames & hardware, glazing, drywall & ACT, flooring, painting, specialties, elevator, wheelchair lift, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical. All bids must be submitted in accordance with the bidding instructions contained in the Bidding Documents for the project. Bid security in the form of a bid bond in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the base bid amount shall be submitted with the bid. Should a bid bond be submitted, the bond shall be payable to the Board of Education, Oak Park Elementary School District 97, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302. All documents and information required by the bidding instructions contained in the Bidding Documents for the project shall be submitted with the bid. Incomplete, late or non-conforming bids may not be accepted. No bids shall be withdrawn, cancelled or modified after the time for opening of bids without the Board’s consent for a period of ninety (90) days after the scheduled time of bid opening. The Bidding Documents for the project (which include the bidding instructions for the project and other related documents) will be available Wednesday November 25, 2020 and are available for viewing/ download online without cost or purchase on the Bulley & Andrews, LLC One Drive, located at the fol-

lowing link. No username or password is required. https://bulleyandrews-my. sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/amantel_bulley_com/ EnFU50U2lZJHvgH8M5EOgUsB37AO8_Gejp_4_ry47Ql0mQ?e=AyfkWu The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids or parts thereof, or waive any irregularities or informalities, and to make an award that in the Board’s sole opinion is in the best interest of the District. The site will be available for visits by appointment to be coordinated with Bulley & Andrews, LLC. Interested parties may inspect the existing conditions. Schedule an appointment with Alex Mantel of Bulley & Andrews in advance if you wish to visit the sites. All bidders must comply with applicable Illinois Law requiring the payment of prevailing wages by all Contractors working on public works. If during the time period of work, the prevailing wage rates change, the contractor shall be responsible for additional costs without any change to the contract amount. All bidders must comply with the Illinois Statutory requirements regarding labor, including Equal Employment Opportunity Laws. For additional information on the project, contact Alex Mantel of Bulley & Andrews, LLC at amantel@ bulley.com or 219-678-8383. Dated: 11/5/20 Alex Mantel Bulley & Andrews, LLC

Published in Wednesday Journal November 11 & 18, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certiﬁcation was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y20005127 on November 9, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of FOODIE AND FABULOUS with the business located at: 728 N AUSTIN, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: SHERRIE GREEN 728 N AUSTIN OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA Published in Wednesday Journal 11/11, 11/18, 11/25/20

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certiﬁcation was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y20005108 on November 5, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of LA CUCINA DI SCUDIERO with the business located at: 2113 W LAKE STREET, MELROSE PARK, IL 60160. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: ALEX A SCUDIERO 2113 W. LAKE STREET MELROSE PARK, IL 60160, USA Published in Forest Park Review 11/11, 11/18, 11/25/20

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

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive electronically-submitted proposals for elevator maintenance and repair services until 10:00 a.m. local time on November 27th, 2020 for the following: Village of Oak Park Elevator Maintenance and Repair Services Proposal Number: 20-144 Bid forms may be obtained by calling 708-358-5700 or by e-mailing vics@oak-park.us between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. M-F. Proposals must be e-mailed to vics@oak-park.us . The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those vendors deemed qualified. No proposal documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of proposal opening.

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certiﬁcation was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y20005049 on October 27, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of HAMM FAM ELITE APPAREL with the business located at: 1020 WASHINGTON BLVD UNIT 1B, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: ANTONIA HAMMOND, 7720 S YATES BLVD, CHICAGO, IL 60649, USA, FRANK HAMMOND, 1020 WASHINGTON BLVD #1B, OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA, ROBERT HAMMOND 4907 W PATTERSON AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60641, USA. Published in Wednesday Journal 11/4, 11/11, 11/18/2020

THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Published in Wednesday Journal November 11, 2020

Selling your Condo By Owner? Call to advertise:

PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE SERRANO LEGAL SOLUTIONS, LLC Attorney for Petitioner P.O. Box 3581, Oak Park, IL 60303 Attorney for Petitioner

LEGAL NOTICE LAW OFFICE OF LINDA EPSTEIN Attorney for Petitioner 722 W. Diversey Parkway, Ste. 101B Chicago, iL 60614

STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of MARIA ESPARZA, Petitioner and BRADLEY HILLERVIK, Respondent, Case No. 2020D007886 The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before December 11, 2020, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition.

STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of NELLY R. COLON, Petitioner and KAJ PER WILLIAM PERSSON, Respondent, Case No. 2020 D 006163 The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your Appearance and Response electronically to said Petition in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, on or before December 4, 2020, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition. DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk. Published in Wednesday Journal 11/4, 11/11, 11/18/2020

DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk. Published in Wednesday Journal 11/11, 11/18, 11/25/2020

Starting a New Business this Year?

Call the experts before you place your legal ad! Publish your assumed name legal notice in • Wednesday Journal • Forest Park Review • Riverside/Brookfield Landmark • Austin Weekly News Call Mary Ellen for details: 708/613-3342

Forest Park Review, November 11, 2020

FORESTPARKREVIEW.COM

live local? work local. Find your local job here!

On Forest Park Review’s Local Online Job Board.

Search our ads today at ForestParkReview.com/classified

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

Forest Park Review, November 11, 2020

INC., REALTOR

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

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

CONTRACT PENDING!

Property has been owner occupied by the same family for 50+ years. 1st fl has spacious living rm and dining rm, kitchen and 1/2 bath. 2nd floor has three bedrooms and full bath. Stucco exterior and 2 car detached garage. Great location in south west Oak Park. Needs some updating but livable as-is. 935 Elgin Avenue, Forest Park ........................$489,000 This is a money maker! This early 1970s brick four flat houses two one bedroom apartments on the top floor, a large three bedroom two bath apartment on the first floor, and a large two bedroom two bathroom apartment in the lower level. Tandem parking for 8 cars. Meticulously maintained by the current owner for several decades. The numbers work! This one really won't last long.

SOLD!

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

1028 Beloit Forest Park ....................$289,000 This 3 BR, 2.1 BA home has not been available in over 55 years. It has been meticulously maintained within the same family for that time. This home offers two first floor good sized bedrooms and a large second floor master. Each floor has a full updated bathroom. The first floor living room, with it's vaulted ceilings, fill with sunlight pouring from the front foyer windows. 337 Marengo Avenue, Forest Park ......................$275,000 Fantastic location alert!! Just a stones throw from Madison Street shopping, restaurants, and night life makes this a very desirable piece of real estate! This is two flat is ready for some love and attention. Just stuck in time is all. Or a fantastic de-conversion to single family! So bring your decorating ideas, and be prepared to fall in love!

SOLD!

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

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

Forest Park Review, November 11, 2020

Discover the Tradition of

55+ Senior Apartment Living in your Community “135 Years Young” Winter Move-In Special

FREE!

1st month’s rent FREE! Call for details: 708-366-2206

The Altenheim 7824 West Madison Street, Forest Park, IL 708-366-2206 • www.thealtenheim.com