CO MMUNITY GUIDE
Susie Goldschmidt, Market President and Denise Warren, Branch Manager
Commited to Forest Park
Whether you’re dining out, or shopping at a local small business, we also think you should be able to get all of your banking done in your neighborhood...with people who love the area as much as you do. Byline is privileged to be a part of the Forest Park community.
To learn more about our commitment, visit bylinebank.com/oprf
Susan
Contributing
Senior
The Forest Park Chamber of Commerce... rce
• Is a voice for business with Village government
• Provides one-on-one member support
• Connects members with peers & community
• Provides visibility for member businesses
• Promotes member business & Forest Park
• Refers Chamber members first
• Connects members with the right resources
• Keeps members up-to-date on important news & all things local
• Is an information resource for Forest Park
• Hosts the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
• Hosts Wine & Art Walk
• Hosts the Casket Races
• Hosts the Holiday Walk
• Supports ribbon cuttings & grand openings
• Sponsors the Holiday decorations on Madison
• Keeps the public informed about local & member events
• Is a wise investment
Is a diverse & collaborative membership working together to make Forest Park the best place for all people & all businesses to thrive
Message from the Chamber
We are pleased to present the latest Forest Park Community Guide. Published annually by the Forest Park Review in partnership with the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce, this guide contains a wealth of information on just about everything you need to know about Forest Park.
LAURIE KOKENES DIRECTOR
Located just ten miles west of downtown Chicago, Forest Park is a vibrant, active, diverse community with an urban vibe, small-town charm. There’s just something about Forest Park that sticks with you. It’s a closeknit community where residents, organizations and local shop owners become fast friends, and are invested in building relationships and community.
With so much to see and do in Forest Park, one stop is never enough. Whether you visit Forest Park to grab a bite to eat or to shop for that perfect gift, you’ll quickly realize that you simply must come back. With all the unique indie shops, local eateries and one-of-a-kind events, there’s always something new to discover -- and trust us, you won’t want to miss a thing. There’s an artist on nearly every corner, a fabulous live music venue, friendly neighborhood bars and so much more. And you won’t find a more welcoming community.
Recreational opportunities and a generous choice of housing options make Forest Park a great place to live, work, shop, dine and play The aquatic center is top notch, and the park district, local library and community center have programs, classes and events for young and old alike. Community events like the ‘best in the west’ St Patrick’s Day Parade, Garage Galleries, Casket Races and the Wine Walk and Garden Walk are just part of the reason people keep coming back.
There’s an abundance of history that would pique the interest of any history buff. Forest Park’s numerous cemeteries are home countless historically-significant grave sites, and you can tour the Haymarket Martyr’s Monument and Radical Row with the local historical society The park is the home of the very popular No Glove Nationals Softball Tournament for 56 years and counting and the 16” Softball Hall of Fame Museum.
Accessibility and multiple transportation options make Forest Park the perfect destination for a day, a weekend or a lifetime.
The Forest Park Chamber of Commerce & Development is a diverse and collaborative membership working together to make Forest Park the best place for all people and all businesses to thrive.
There’s an artist on nearly every corner, and the Forest Park Arts Alliance brings people together through the joy of art. Maker’s Markets, Garage Galleries, Tellers’ Nights, stoop sessions and more are just some of the art experiences waiting for you in Forest Park.
New Residents
Driver ’s License
To receive a driver ’s license or ID card, you must provide a minimum of three acceptable forms of identification to prove name, date of birth, Illinois residency, Social Security number, and a signature comparison. One of these forms should be a certified birth certificate. The nearest Secretary of State Driver Licensing Facility is located in Melrose Crossing, at the corner of Mannheim Road and North Avenue. 1903 N. Mannheim Road. Call 312-793-1010 for more information.
Important Forest Park
Phone Numbers
Forest Park Police and Fire departments: emergency: 911
Fire non-emergency:
708-366-1234
Police non-emergency: 708-366-2425
Forest Park Elementary School District 91: 708-366-5700
Forest Park Public Library: 708-366-7171
Howard Mohr Community Center:
708-771-7737
Proviso Township High School District 209:
708-338-5900
Proviso East High School:
708-344-7000
Proviso Math and Science Academy: 708-338-4100
Proviso Township Mental Health Commission
708-449-5508
Village of Forest Park:
708-366-2323 or 708-615-6202 for the Clerk’s Office
Park District of Forest Park and Forest Park Aquatic Center:
708-366-7500 or 708-488-0664 for the pool during the summer
School Registration
Students should be registered at the public schools prior to the first day of class, preferably during the dates assigned each year for each of the neighborhood schools. Proof of residency — including tax bills, mortgage statements or leases,
as well as a driver ’s license, insurance papers or utility bills — is required. All new registrants must provide birth certificates. For complete information, call the District 91 administrative office at 708-366-5700.
Library Cards
Forest Park Public Library cards are available at no charge to residents with proof of address. Call 708366-7171 or email askus@ fppl.org.
Newspapers
Forest Park Review (weekly) 141 S. Oak Park Ave. Oak Park, IL 60302 708-366-0600 forestparkreview.com
Parking Permits
On-street parking is prohibited in the Village of Forest Park from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. Resident-only permits are available for parking in municipal lots. There are several lots throughout the village but spots are first-come, first-served. Permits may be obtained through village hall. For more information call 708-366-2323. Residents with
overnight guests must call in plates to 708-366-7272 between 8 a.m. to 2 am. to avoid being ticketed.
Forest Park Post Office 417 Des Plaines Ave. 708-366-5790
State and Local Phone Numbers
Attorney General Consumer Protection Bureau
800-386-5438 (Toll Free, Fraud Protection in Chicago) Better Business Bureau 312-832-0500
Chicago Bulk Mail Center 708-583-4362
Cook County Clerk’s Office 708-865-6010 (Maywood Office) 312-603-5656 (Chicago Office)
Cook County Department of Public Health
708-836-8600
Cook County Sheriff’s Police 708-865-4700 (Maywood)
Cook County Clerk’s Office: Bureau of Vital Records (Birth, Death and Marriage Certificates) 312-603-7790
WSSRA family and friends help the duck pick up baby ducks from the Forest Park pool after the duck races during their Splish Splash Summer Bash | FILE
New Residents
Illinois 2-1-1
Free and confidential way to find out about important health and human services programs in your community Call 2-1-1 for information about health care,help paying rent and utility bills, transportation services,job training,mental health and counseling.
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Child Abuse Hotline: 800-252-2873
Illinois Department of Employment Security: 800-244-5631
Illinois Department ofDay Labor Hotline: 877-314-7052
Illinois Department of Human Services:
Customer Help Line: 800-843-6154
Provider Help Line: 800-804-3833
Illinois Department of Revenue: 800-732-8866
Medical Fraud and Abuse: 844-453-7283
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency: 847-294-4000
Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood: 888-584-7888
MacNeal Memorial Hospital Berwyn: 708-783-9100
Rush Oak Park Hospital/ ROPH Emergency Department: 708-660-6000
Poison Control Center: 800-222-1222
Proviso Township Assessor ’s Office: 708-449-4304
Sarah’s Inn (domestic abuse): 708-386-4225
Senior Citizens Consumer Complaints: 800-243-5377
Renters’ Rights Hotline: 312-742-7368
U.S. Post Office: 800-275-8777
U.S. Post Office Inspection Service: 877-876-2455
West Suburban Health Care Oak Park: 708-383-6200
Utilities
The following utility companies serve Forest Park: ComEd: (800) 334-7661
Comcast: (800) 934-6489
Nicor: (888) 642-6748
Vehicle Stickers
CANDY COMPANY
Vehicle stickers are required on all cars and must be purchased and displayed by April 1 each year. Stickers can be purchased online at http://www.forestpark.net/ or in person at Village Hall. Drivers must present their title or state registration. There is a discount for senior citizens. The fee for a passenger car is $35 or $10 for seniors. A late fee is imposed after April 1.
Voter Registration
Residents may register to vote at Village Hall,517 Des Plaines Ave.,during regular business hours (8 a.m.to 5 p.m.) or at ova.elections. il.gov/
The Ferrara Candy Store
has served the community and its employees since November of 1989. Selling sugar and seasonal candies, its roots are deep in the sweet moments it has brought families.
We do not sell chocolate, but we have lots of delightful sugar candy options! Credit cards and cash accepted, and some candy can be purchased by the pound. Stop by for a sweet bite!
Located at: 7301 Harrison St. Forest Park, IL 60130
Hours are: M-F 7:30am-4:30pm / Sat 7:30am-02:30pm.
Surprisingly
Chamber members
Accountants/Tax Services
Dan Bjornson CPA
7518 Madison St., Suite A
708-488-1800
www.danbjornsoncpa.com
Animal Shelter
Animal Care League 1011 Garfield Oak Park
708-848-8155
www.animalcareleague.org
Appliances/TVs
Grand Appliance
7440 Madison St
708-771-4763
www.grandappliance.com
Arts Alliance
Forest Park Arts Alliance forestparkarts@gmail.com www.forestparkarts.org
Attorney
Attorney Kristen Marie Lyons
Law Offices of Kristen M. Kozlowski
773-610-4175 attorneykristen@gmail.com
Auto Repair/Body Shop/Towing
Nob’s Towing 1429 Circle Ave.
708-488-8300
www.nobstowing.com
Our Planet Automotive
7222 Madison St (rear)
708-383-0053
www.ourplanetautomotive.com
Auto Sales/Service
Currie Motors
8401 W. Roosevelt Rd. 708-771-2600
www.curriechevy.com
Hawk Chrysler Dodge Jeep 7911 Roosevelt Rd. 708-366-1001
www.hawkcdj.com
Volvo Oak Park 1140 Garfield St Oak Park
888-450-8164 www.volvooakpark.com
Bakery
Forest Park Bakery 7332 Madison St 708-366-3669
www.forestparkbakery.com
Banks
Byline Bank
1001 Lake St. Oak Park
708-930-1663 www.bylinebank.com
Forest Park Bank 7348 Madison St. 708-222-2800 www.forestparkbank.com
Book Publisher
The Cadence Group
708-689-0908 www.thecadencegrp.com
Bookstore
Royal Christian Bookstore
7610 Roosevelt Rd. 708- 697-5333
www.royalchristianbookstores.com
Boutiques/Shoes/ Accessories
Perfect Fit Fashion 7516 Madison St. 708-657-4224
www.perfectfitfashion4u.com
Team Blonde Boutique Eco Spa & Salon 7442 Madison St 708-771-5590 www.teamblonde.com
Bowling Alley
Circle Lanes
7244 Circle Ave. 708-366-2810
www.circlebowlinglanes.com
Brewery/Cerveceria
Casa Humilde Cerveceria & Cocina
7700 Madison St 708-689-0935 www.casahumildecerveceria.com
Cannabis Dispensary
Parkway Dispensary
7432 Madison St. 773-401-6623
Car Wash
Crystal Car Wash
901 S. Harlem Ave. 708-879-1349
www.crystalcarwashforestpark.com
Spotless Car Wash 7802 Madison St 7343 Roosevelt Rd. 708-771-2945
www.spotlessautowash.com
Catering
Smokey Joel’s Red Hots 708-267-1979
www.facebook.com/smokeyjoelsredhots
Cemeteries
Waldheim Jewish Cemetery 1400 Des Plaines Ave. 708-366-4541
www.waldheimcemetery.com
Chocolates/French Cremes
La Maison de Bonbon
7353 Madison St
708-366-0777
www.lamaisondebonbon.com
Perfect Fit Fashion during Forest Park’s Boutique Crawl
Chamber members
Churches
Living Word Christian Center
7600 Roosevelt Rd.
708-697-5000
www.livingwd.org
Coffee Roastery/Coffee Shop
Kribi Coffee Air Roastery
7324 Madison St. 708-689-8896
www.kribicoffee.com
U3 Coffee
7430 Madison St. 708-303-8508 www.u3coffee.com
Comedy Club
BABS Comedy Club
7316 Madison St 773-916-5565
www.babscomedyclub.com
Communications/ Marketing/Media
DeSoto & State Communications
7301 W. 25th, Ste. 256 North Riverside 773-789-9782
www.desotostate.com
Griffin & Stebbing
708-860-9849
www.griffinstebbing.com
Long Boy Studio
Forest Park
415-910-4917
www.longboystudio.com
Community/Senior Center
Howard Mohr
Community Center
7640 Jackson Blvd.
708-771-7737
www.forestpark.net
Community Leadership Program
Community Connections Fund
922 W. Washington Blvd., #1014
Chicago
www.communityconnectionsfund. org
Contractors/Craftsmen
Forest Park Stucco, Inc.
708-366-3686
www.forestparkstucco.com
McShane Hibbitts
513 Elgin Ave.
708-771-0864
mcshanehibbitts@gmail.com
Cooking Classes/Events
Table & Lain
7322 Madison St. 630-363-0814
www.tablelain.com
Cookies/Sweet Treats/ Ice Cream
The Brown Cow
Ice Cream Parlor
7347 Madison St 708-366-7970
www.browncowicecream.com
Twisted Cookie
7401 Madison St 708-689-8029
www.twistedcookie.com
Counseling Services
Calm Mind Counseling Center
7627 Roosevelt Rd. 773-234-0423 www.calmmindcc.com
Dentists/Orthodontists
Advanced Orthodontic Specialists
Dr Mike Bicknell, DDS, MS 1129 S. Harlem Ave. 708-556-2549 www.smilesbyaos.com
Little Teeth Big Smiles Children’s Dentistry
Jerry Udelson, DDS, PC 1125 S. Harlem Ave. 708-386-5437 www.kidsdentistforestpark.com
Teeth and Things
Dr Daniel Rosales
Dr Jacqueline Magallanes 333 Circle Ave. 708-771-0330 www.teethandthings333.com
Tooth Buds Pediatric Dentistry
Mital Spatz, DDS, PharmD 410 Circle Ave. 708-722-0017 www.toothbudschicago.com/
Digital Equity & Inclusion
Wright To Learn
Forest Park 916-529-3093
www.wrighttolearn.com
Disability Services/ Independent Living Progress Center for Independent Living 7521 Madison St 708-209-1500
www.progresscil.org
Disposal Services
Flood Brothers Disposal 17W609 14th St
Oakbrook Terrace 773-626-5800
www.floodbrothersdisposal.com
Republic Services
5050 W. Lake St Melrose Park 708-345-7050 www.republicservices.com
Joanna, from Twisted Cookie, busy crafting holiday treats
Chamber members
Distributors/ Manufacturers/ Industrial
Burke Beverage
4900 S. Vernon McCook
708-688-2000
www.burkebev.com
Chicago Suburban Lumber
7459 Franklin St
708-771-8181
www.chicagosuburbanlumber.com
Farmington Foods
7419 Franklin St.
708-771-3600
www.farmingtonfoods.com
Ferrara Candy Company
7301 Harrison St.
708-366-0500
www.ferrarausa.com
Dog Grooming/ Boarding/Training
Dog Den Chicago
7211 Franklin St
708-689-0064
www.dogdenchicago.com
Escape Room
Escape Factor
7228 Madison St
708-943-7227
www.escapefactorchicago.com
Event Space/ Community Event Space
Events by Cibula
7503 Madison St
708-689-0536
www.eventsbycibula.com
Robert’s Westside
7321 Madison St
708-689-0486
www.robertswestside.com
Financial Planners
Ben Caruso – Highpoint/LPL
2651 Warrenville Rd., Ste 200 Downers Grove
312-550-1842
www.highpointplanningpartners. com/the-hpp-difference/our-team/ ben-caruso/
Bentron Financial Group
6601 W. North Ave., Ste. 2 Oak Park 708-386-3100
www.bentron.com
Everett Wealth Solutions
Chris Everett 407 Marengo Ave. 708-771-7777
www.everettwealthsolutions.com
Kingsview Asset Management
Joel Foster 111 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago 630-442-1790 www.kingsviewam.com
Waddell & Reed
Eric Van Ness 1111 W. 22nd St. Oak Brook 630-861-5042 www.evanness.wrfa.com
Fitness/Gym
Ferrara Pan Fitness Factory 1525 Circle Ave.
708-689-0538
www.ferrarapanfitness.com
sales@mohroil.com
Chamber members
We, The Collective Fitness
7247 Madison St
847-331-9802
www.wethecollectivefitness.com
Funeral Home
Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home
7319 Madison St.
708-366-2200
www.zimmermanharnett.com
Garden Center
Empowering Gardens
7730 Madison St
708-689-8332
www.empoweringgardensinc.com
Government/ Municipality
Village of Forest Park 517 Des Plaines Ave.
708-366-2323
www.forestpark.net
Graphic Design
Famous Victory Branding & Design
1010 Lake St
Oak Park
312-566-7876
www.famousvictory.com
Grocers
Living Fresh Market
7520 Roosevelt Rd. 708-209-1226
www.livingfreshmarket.com
Hair Salon/Nails/Spa Services
Fantastic Sam’s
7226 Madison St.
708-771-4650
www.fantasticsams.com
Macdaddy
7506 Madison St
708-771-0400
www.macdaddyforestpark.com
Team Blonde Boutique Eco Spa & Salon
7442 Madison St.
708-771-5590
www.teamblonde.com
Handyperson Services
The Oak Park Handyhuman, Inc.
Oak Park
708-303-8615
www.theoakparkhandyhumaninc. com
She Can Fix That LLC
Forest Park
708-515-7563
www.shecanfixthat.com
Hardware
Schauer’s Hardware
7449 Madison St.
708-366-1100
www.schauershardware.com
Healthcare/Health & Safety Services
MR Compassionate Care Coordination, LLC
773-307-3873
Power of Play (POP)
Pediatrics
7421 Madison St. 708-435-4130
www.pop-pediatric.com
Heating Oil/Fuel
Mohr Oil Company
7340 W. Harrison St
708-366-2900 www.mohroil.com
Historical Society
Historical Society of Forest Park
P.O. Box 311
708-232-3747
www.forestparkhistory.org
Hospitals
Riveredge Hospital 8311 Roosevelt Rd. 708-771-7000
www.riveredgehospital.com
Ice Cream Parlor
The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor
7347 Madison St 708-366-7970
www.browncowicecream.com
Ice Sculptures/Dry Ice
Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures
7623 W. Roosevelt Rd. 708-366-3333 www.nadeauice.com
Interior Design
Kathryn Murphy Interiors
7416 Madison St. hello@kmurphyinteriors.com www.kmurphyinteriors.com
Insurance
Mark P. Hanson-State Farm Insurance 7601 Madison St 708-366-0001 www.markphanson.com
McBride Insurance 818 Harrison St. Oak Park 708-613-5844 www.mcbrideinsurance.com
Relation Insurance - Forest Insurance
7310 Madison St Forest Park
708-383-9000 www.relationinsurance.com
Jewelry/Gifts
Accents By Fred 7519 Madison 708-366-9850 www.accentsbyfred.com
Landscaping Professionals
McAdam Landscape Professionals
2001 Des Plaines Ave. 708-771-2299 www.mcadamlandscape.com
Labor Union
Forest Park Firefighters Local 2753
P.O. Box 561, Forest Park 708-366-1234 www.facebook.com/Local2753
Live Music Venue/ Neighborhood Bar
Robert’s Westside
Bobby’s Eastside
7321 Madison St. 708-689-0486
www.robertswestside.com www. robertswestside.com/bobbyseastside/
Liquor Store
Famous Liquors
7714 Madison St 708-366-2500 www.famousliquors.com
Chamber members
Lounges/Taverns
Duffy’s Tavern Forest Park
7513 Madison St
708-366-3887
www. duffystavernforestpark.com
Marketing/Media/ Communications
DeSoto & State Communications
7301 W. 25th, Ste.256 North Riverside 773-789-9782
www.desotostate.com
Griffin & Stebbing Forest Park
708-860-9849
www.griffinstebbing.com
Long Boy Studio Forest Park 415-910-4917
www.longboystudio.com
Massage Therapy
Element’s Massage
7239 Madison St. 708-406-6474
www.elementsmassage.com/forestpark
Inductor ofHealing Wellness Center
7435 Madison St 708-613-5255
www.inductorofhealing.com
Military Surplus
Military & Police Supply
7351 Madison St
708-366-9711
www.militaryandpolicesupply.net
Musical Instruments/ Music Instruction/Sales & Repair/Sheet Music
Kagan & Gaines Music Co., Inc.
7655 W. Roosevelt Rd. 708-771-2152
www.kaganandgaines.com
The Gasse School ofMusic
7641 W. Polk St. 708-488-8117
www.gassesm.com
Nail Salon
J & J Nails
406 Thomas Ave. 773-818-3385
Newspapers/ Publications
Growing Community Media 141 S.Oak Park Ave. Oak Park 708-366-0600
www.forestparkreview.com
Neighbors Magazine 2111 Division,#1 Melrose Park 708-343-0205
www.neighborsmagazine.com
Nonprofit Fundraising Support
Cardinal Advancement Services www.cardinaladvance.com
Chamber members
Park District/Aquatic Center
Park District of Forest Park
Forest Park Aquatic Center
7501 W. Harrison St
708-366-7500
www.pdofp.org www.facebook.com/ FPAquaticCenter
Photo Entertainment/ Photobooth
Bespoke Flipbooks
773-234-2690
www.bespokeflipbooks.com
Physicians/Foot Care/ Eye Care
Dot Doc
7503 Roosevelt Rd.
708-851-8243
www.dotdocservices.com
Forest Foot Care
Lori Lipkin, DPM 7503 Madison St
708-366-3770
Forest Park Eye Care
Anthony J. Garreffa, OD 7417 Madison St 708-366-2020 www.forestparkeye.com
Potter
Bridget Lane Pottery blanepotter53@gmail.com www.blanepotter53.wixsite.com/ mysite
Property Inspections
Property Guidance Inspection
805 Lake St. #274
Oak Park
773-469-3390
www.propertyguidance.net
Public Library
Forest Park Public Library
7555 Jackson Blvd.
708-366-7171
www.fppl.org
Real Estate/Property Management
Ariston Realty
7504 Madison St
708-771-5000
AvenueOne Management 7415 Madison St
773-622-4663
www.av1realty.com
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Chicago
101 N. Oak Park Ave.
Oak Park
708-848-5550
www.berkshirehathawayhs.com
Century 21 SGR, Inc.
Jessie Trevino
312-576-4696 www.jessebtrevino.com
David King & Associates 1011 Lake St., Suite 313
Oak Park
708-445-0505 www.dkacre.com
Extreme Realty
7223 Madison St 773-875-2400 www.extremerealtyhomes.com
The Gillian Group | Dorothy Gillian & Anna Gillian Cramer
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago 101 N. Oak Park Ave.
Oak Park
708.514.6616
www.TheGillianGroup.com
Restaurants/Pubs/ Sports Bars
Cactus Grill
315 S Harlem Ave
708-689-8595 www. cactusgrill.business.site
Caffe DeLuca
7427 Madison St 708-366-9200 www.caffedeluca.com
Casa Humilde Cerveceria & Cocina
7700 Madison St 708-689-0935
www.casahumildecerveceria.com
Charlie’s Restaurant 7427 Roosevelt Rd. 708-771-1969
www.charliesrestaurantfp.wixsite. com/forestpark
Chirrion Mexican Grill
7510 Madison St. 708-689-8123 www.chirrion.com
Chubby’s Hot Chicken 7441 Madison St. 312-874-1285 www.facebook.com/chubbyshotchicken
Di’Vino Restaurant & Bar 1527 Harlem Ave. 708-689-0113 www.divinoforestpark.com
Duffy’s Tavern
7513 Madison St 708-366-3887 www. duffystavernforestpark.com
Elba’s Golden Steer Steakhouse 7635 Roosevelt Rd. 708-771-7798 www.goldensteersteakhouse.com
Fatduck Tavern & Grill
7218 Madison St 708-488-1493 www.fatduckgrill.com
Habrae Thai Café 7230 Madison St 708-689-8852 www.habrae.com
Harvest 365 Restaurant & Fresh Grill
7610 Roosevelt Rd. 708- 488-0415 www.harvest365grill.com
Jimmy’s Place 7411 Madison St. 708-771-7476 www.jimmysplaceforestpark.com
Louie’s Grill 7422 Madison St. 708-488-8889
Madison Park Kitchen 7525 Madison St 708-689-8607 www.mp-kitchen.com
Mexican Republic Kitchen & Cantina 7404 Madison St 708-689-0850 www.mexicanrepublickitchen.com
NRebozo
7403 Madison St. 708-445-0370 www.newrebozos.com
O’Sullivan’s Public House
7244 Madison St. 708-366-6667 www.osullivanspublichouse.net
Piacere Mio
7636 Madison St 708-366-4010 www.piaceremiorestaurant.com
Chamber members
Scratch Public House
7505 Madison St
708-689-8427
www.scratchfp.com
Shanahan’s
7353 Madison St.
708-366-0775
www.shanahanscreole.com
Smoothie King
1016 Lake St.
Oak Park
708-972-1016
www.facebook.com/ SKOakParkLakeSt
Starship Restaurant & Catering
7618 Madison St
708-771-3016
www.starshiprestaurant.com
Retirement Communities
Altenheim
7824 Madison St
708-366-2206 www.thealtenheim.com
American House Oak Park
703 Madison St Oak Park 331-201-0881 www.americanhouse.com/oakpark
Belmont Village 1035 Madison St. Oak Park
708-848-7200 www.belmontvillage.com
Oak Park Arms
408 S. Oak Park Ave. www.oakparkarms.com
708-386-4040
Room Rentals/Boutique Hotel
Events by Cibula
7503 Madison St
708-689-0536
www.eventsbycibula.com
Schools/Academies/ Education
Forest Park Public Schools, District 91
424 Des Plaines Ave.
708-366-5700
www.forestparkschools.org
Triton College
2000 5th Ave. River Grove
708-456-0300 www.triton.edu
Service Clubs/ Organizations Fraternal Order of Eagles #1344
446 Hannah Ave.
708-366-1321
Harlem Maenner und Damenchor
630-545-1015 www.facebook.com/ Harlem.M.D.Chor
Kiwanis Club of Forest Park P.O. Box 514
708-209-1200 www.kiwanis.org
Social Services/Senior Service Agencies
Celebrating Seniors Coalition
418 S. Oak Park Ave.
Oak Park
708-383-8060 www.celebratingseniors.net
Housing Forward 1851 S. Ninth Ave. Maywood 708-338-1724
www.housingforward.org
L’Arche Chicago 7313 Madison St. 708-660-1600 www.larchechicago.org
Oak Park Area Lesbian & Gay Assn. + info@opalga.org www.opalga.org
Sarah’s Inn 24 Hour Crisis line 708- 386-4225 www.sarahsinn.org
Sports Equipment
Play It Again Sports
7443 Madison St. 708-657-4230 www.playitagainsports.com/locations/forest-park-il
Swimming/Water Safety
CAST Water Safety Foundation
7628 Madison St. 708-435-4256 www.castwatersafety.org
Tea Merchants
Todd & Holland Tea Merchants
7311 Madison St 708-488-1136 www.todd-holland.com
Theatre Forest Theatre Company forestparktheatre1@gmail. com www.fptheatre.org
Website Design
Weblinx, Inc.
165 Kirkland Circle Oswego www.weblinx.com 630-551-0334
Instructor Cheri Slay teaches her pupil, Siena Santoro, how to swim at CAST Water Safety Foundation | Todd Bannor
Not just an address but a Destination! WE
Come for a community visit… Stay for the Lifestyle…enjoy the charm and many advantages of living at The Altenheim.
Secure Entry and Resident Parking Spacious Apartments and Common Areas
Community Room, Library and Dining Room
Sun Room and Outdoor Courtyard Salon | Free Wi-Fi | Coin Laundry
Coordinated Transportation to Shopping | Social Events | Restaurants Cultural Activities
ofour
continued
part
Our primary focus is the managementof multi-unit apartment rental and Condominium Associations. We presently manage over 1,110 throughout Oak Park, Forest Park and theUIC/Taylor St.district. M&M PropertyManagement Inc. has been apart of the localcommunityfor over 25
Our primary focus is the management of multi-unit apartment rental properties and condominium associations. We presently manage over 1,400 units throughout Oak Park, Forest Park and the UIC/Taylor St. district.
Oak Park, Forest Park and theUIC/Taylor St.district.
M&M PropertyManagement Inc. has been apart of the localcommunityfor over 25 years providing quality housing andmanagement services.
Unit C Oak
IL
4 708-386-7355 M&M Property Management Inc. is proud to have been a part of the local community for 30+ years providing quality housing and management services.
| www.mmpropmgt.com 649 W.
OAK PARK
FOREST PARK
UIC TAYLOR STREET
Max Barajas is serving joy one treat at a time
Contributing Reporter HEC TOR CERVANTES
Cool Truck Treats returns for the 2025 season, offering shaved ice and frozen treats. Max Barajas, owner of both Cool Truck Treats and Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures, runs the business.
Cool Truck Treats, a mobile food truck from Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures, serves frozen treats and shaved ice at events, block parties and private gatherings. Originally, Barajas planned to name it Nadeau’s Shaved Ice Truck but kept it a separate company to streamline operations.
C ool Truck Tr eats serves shaved ice and sweet delights Community
Barajas obtained the necessary certifications and licenses, which he plans to renew this year, and is licensed to operate in Forest Park, Oak Park, North Riverside, Melrose Park, Brookfield and River Forest.
“I only started halfway through the summer, so this year will be my first complete year with it. I’ve done a variety of different events, and last year it was mostly just me in the truck. This year, it will still be me in the truck, but I’m hoping to train employees to make it a more stable summer job,” Barajas said.
This year, Barajas partnered with Brown Cow to supply ice cream sandwiches and ingredients for the truck, while Brookfield chocolatier Annette Pardun from Fill
My Jar offers a separate menu featuring chocolatecovered bananas, pineapple and cheesecake.
“We are trying to do chocolate-covered key lime pie, and they’re all frozen and easily kept within a freezer unit in our truck,” Barajas said.
The most rewarding part of running both businesses is bringing joy to others, as Barajas describes himself as a ‘seller of fun.’ After working in butchering and the restaurant industry, he appreciates that his current ventures offer a more enjoyable and uplifting experience.
“I would say the ice sculptures, of course, kind of speak for themselves in terms of the places we’re going and the things we’re doing. But the Cool Truck as well — people are never sad to see me,” Barajas said. “Maybe if I’m late, but otherwise, they’re always happy to have us at their event and being someone who can sell fun for a living, I think would be almost anybody’s career goal.”
Max Barajas, owner of Cool Truck Treats and Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures, in his food truck. | FILE
CHABAD JEWISH CENTER
Oak Park - River Forest
Chabad is dedicated to providing all people regardless of background, philosophy or level of commitment, an open door environment for strengthening and enhancing Jewish life.
ThePileBookstore:WhereBookLoversHang!
The Pile Bookstore: Where Book Lovers Hang!
Your Home For Everything Jewish!
Visitustograbacoffeeorteaandfindyournewfavorite read.Withnewandusedbooksforallagesandawide varietyofgenres,communityandbookseller recommendations,andasmallcaféandseatingtorelax andenjoythecalmingatmosphere,wehavesomething foreveryone.Checkoutourbookclubsandeventsat thepilebookstore.comandfindacommunityofreaders righthereonRooseveltRoad.HappyReading!
Visit us to grab a coffee or tea and find your new favorite read With new and used books for all ages and a wide variety of genres, community and bookseller recommendations, and a small café and seating to relax and enjoy the calming atmosphere, we have something for everyone. Check out our book clubs and events at thepilebookstore com and find a community of readers right here on Roosevelt Road Happy Reading!
7117B Roosevelt Road, Berwyn, IL
7117BRooseveltRoad,Berwyn,IL 708-320-1001 thepilebookstore.com
Sundays
Sunday School
An hour long small group Bible study
9:30am
ForestParkBaptistChurch
Glorifying God, encouraging everyone to know and follow Jesus wholeheartedly
Worship Services
10:45am
Family worship with Children’s Church & nursery care
Wednesdays
Bible study & prayer 7:00pm
A weekly hour together for encouragement via God’s Word & prayer
We LOVE our community; God cares & He answers prayers. So we pray for every household in our community. Tell us how we can pray for your household! Either scan the QR code, call, or email us at prayer@forestparkbaptist.com.
Engage Christian Church
1000 Elgin engagecc.org
Pastor: Dawayne Choice
Chicagoland Christian Center 848 Ferdinand (773) 785-1700
Forest Park Baptist Church 133 Harlem Ave. 708-366-5091
Forestparkbaptist.com
Pastor: Timothy Hein
Living Word Christian Center
Office: 7306 W. Madison St Services: 7600 W. Roosevelt Rd. 708-697-5000
Mt. Moriah Baptist Church of Christ
500 Hannah Ave. 708-689-8312
mtmoriahchurchil.org
Pastor: Maurice L. Streeter
St. Bernardine Catholic Church 7246 W. Harrison St 708-366-0839
stlstbparish.org/ Pastor: Stanislaw Kuca
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church
305 Circle Ave. 708-366-3226
stjohnforestpark.org
Pastor: Leonard Payton
St. Paul Thai Church
7416 Dixon St.
Primary: (708) 689-8584
Pastor: David Mercurio Bilingual Thai-English services
St. Bernardine Catholic Church
C onservation of Sculptur e and Objects Studio
Contributing Reporter HOPE BAKER
Awarehouse in Forest Park is filled with sculptures and artwork from Chicago and around the world.
The warehouse, located at 900 S. Des Plaines Ave, has been home to the Conservation of Sculpture and Objects Studio for more than 30 years. Founded by Andrzej Dajnowski, the CSOS is dedicated to the conservation of art and architecture.
Both a sculptor and conservator by training, Dajnowski started the CSOS in 1985 after immigrating to Chicago from Poland. Since then, Dajnowski and his team have restored a long list of sculptures, architecture and artwork for cities, parks, government institutions, private companies, museums, galleries and more.
Locally, Dajnowski has worked as a contractor for the Chicago Park District, restoring many outdoor sculptures displayed in the city’s parks. In the summer of 2022, he oversaw the deep cleaning of the iconic bronze lions that stand in front of the Art Institute on Michigan Avenue. The lions, each weighing two tons, were transported to the CSOS in Forest Park for their first deep clean in 21 years.
Dajnowski and his team have also done conservation and restoration work for the Brookfield Zoo, the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Adler Planetarium and Soldier Field.
“In general, the first step almost always is cleaning. The next step is doing repairs, depending on the work that the monument needs,” Dajnowski said.
“The last step, if it’s a bronze sculpture, is the application of a coating that will protect the surface for a long time.”
Over the course of his career, Dajnowski has restored many sculptures after they were vandalized.
“I remake heads, hands, and other small pieces of sculptures,” he said.
“In the case of stone, we apply a graffiti-protective coating so then vandalism is a lot easier to remove.”
In addition to traditional restoration and conservation techniques, CSOS has also been a pioneer in utilizing laser cleaning technology.
“Laser cleaning technology opened a completely new door in conservation,” Dajnowski said. “I don’t have to use chemicals to clean.”
Dajnowski and his team are also experts in safely moving, packing, and installing works of art and monuments.
“Quite often, it is very hard physically but at the end its very rewarding because you see the results,” he said. “That’s what keeps me going. That’s why I don’t want to retire.”
The restoration of the Art Institute’s iconic lion sculptures. | FILE
What State Representative Emanuel “Chris” Welch
Our office can assist you in navigating a wide variety of state services including, but not limited to:
Processing professional license applications with the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation
Referrals for job assistance programs
Referrals on college scholarships and financial aid information
Assisting veterans with state programs and resources
Helping qualified applicants receive care through the Department of Human Services
Helping qualified applicants access unemployment benefits
Mortgage relief assistance from the Attorney General and the Illinois Housing Development Authority
Rep. Welch frequently offers state seminars and programs to create awareness of resources and opportunities for constituents, including:
• Job Resource Fairs
• Electronics Recycling and Shred Days
• Property Tax Appeal Seminars
• Senior Technology Fairs
• Internship Programs for Students
• Citizen Advisory Committees
• Mobile Office Hours
• Town Hall Meetings
• Notary services
• Museum card for constituents to use for free entry into museums
C ommunity Information
Howard Mohr
Community Center
7640 Jackson Blvd.
708-771-7737
Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays Director: Karen Dylewski
The Howard R. Mohr Community Center, named in honor of the late state senator and Forest Park mayor, serves as a hub for both entertainment and social services. From supervising children before and after school to sponsoring weekly senior citizen trips, the community center meets many needs.
Children’s Clubhouse
The Children’s Clubhouse is a before and after school daycare program for children who attend Forest Park public schools, grades K-6. Offered weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the school year Call for free information.
Food Pantry
The Community Education Food Pantry is available to residents in need of emergency food due to temporary unemployment or other financial needs. Donations of canned or boxed, nonperishable food items are accepted year-round. Each Thanksgiving, food baskets are delivered to Forest Park families who are in need. Food and gift baskets are also distributed at Christmas.
Community Fridge
A publicly accessible refrigerator and pantry stocked with publicly accessible food for those with food insecurity..
Pace Bus Passes
Pace bus passes are available to adults at the rate of $20.00 for a 7 day pass. In addition, reduced fare rates for the passes are available to seniors and students.
Rules of the Road Review Class
Offered periodically, the purpose of the course is to help citizens pass the Illinois Drivers License Examination. Call for dates and times.
Senior Activities and Trips
The center offers a number of activities and services for seniors including Wed. trips to a variety of venues (theater, sports, games of chance, special exhibits.) Informational and personal safety seminars are also scheduled throughout the year.
Senior and Disabled Dial-a-Ride
Bus transportation is offered Mon.-Fri. 8:30am - 2:00pm for seniors and people with disabilities. The bus is equipped with a wheelchair lift. The cost is $1.00 each way Service includes trips to doctors, shopping, etc. within Forest Park and two miles outside the village borders. Call at least 24 hours in advance for an appointment.
Senior Bingo and Lunch
Ten games of bingo and lunch are offered to senior citizens for a small fee monthly, the 4th Thursday of each month. Call the center for dates, reservations, and to arrange transportation.
Senior Citizens Club
Meets Tues. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Community Center Offers social activities for seniors, including arts and crafts, card and board games, visiting with old friends and making new ones. The club welcomes members from surrounding communities. Transportation is available to Forest Park residents by appointment.
Senior Income Tax Preparation
The American Association of Retired Persons will be at the center on Monday & Tuesday mornings to assist senior citizens with income tax preparation Feb. - April. This free service and transportation are available by appointment only.
Scouts watch pinewood derby cars at the Howard Mohr Community Center | FILE
Community Info
Senior Movie
A first-run movie is presented at the center once a month, usually the second Thurs. Popcorn is provided. There is no charge. Call for date and time.
Senior Newsletter
Comes out the first Tues. of even-numbered months announcing weekly trips and events. Copies are available at the center, village hall and the library.
Senior Shopping Trips
Mon. Living Fresh & Tony’s Finer Foods, Wed. River Forest Jewel, Thurs. Broadview Aldi, Fri. Walmart. Call the center for schedules or to make an appointment.
Senior Taxicab Discount
Senior citizen taxicab coupon books can be purchased at the center at the cost of $7.50 for $10 worth of coupons. The coupons are used in lieu of cash when paying cab fare and never expire.
State of Illinois Mobile Drivers Service
Offered periodically at the center, this service issues state IDs, renews driver licenses needing eye and/or written tests, for individuals who are within a year of expiration. Also changes information such as new addresses. Current fees apply. The program is open to anyone younger than 75. Those older than 75 must go to a secretary of state facility.
Summer Clubhouse
The Community Center offers a summer daycare for children entering grades K-6. Creative projects, free play, weekly field trips, swimming, structured games, indoor and outdoor sports. This program provides summer adventures that promote a healthy mind, body and spirit. Call for dates and fee information. Senior movie night with free popcorn. | ADOBE IMAGES
Celebrating our 19th year on Madison Street
u Celebrating our 20th year on Madison Street!
Celebrating our 19th year on Madison Street
Direct online ordering is available
u Direct online ordering is available
Direct online ordering is available
Sunday brunch (10am-2pm)
u Sunday brunch (10am-2pm)
Sunday brunch (10am-2pm)
u Catering (please give 48 hours notice)
Catering (please give 48 hours notice)
Catering (please give 48 hours notice)
u Private parties on our 2nd floor (bridal, wedding, and baby showers, birthdays, meetings)
Private parties on our 2nd floor (bridal, wedding, and baby showers, birthdays, meetings)
Private parties on our 2nd floor (bridal, wedding, and baby showers, birthdays, meetings)
2nd floor outdoor patio dining
u 2nd floor outdoor patio dining (subject to private party schedule) 7427 Madison Street www.caffedeluca.com 708-366-9200
(subject to private party schedule)
2nd floor outdoor patio dining (subject to private party schedule)
7427 Madison Street www.caffedeluca.com 708-366-9200
Mama DeLuca
Mama DeLuca
Food & Drink
Angelo O’Leary’s
7522 Madison St
708-689-0864
angeloolearys.com
The Beacon Pub
101 Circle Ave.
708-366-7066
Blueberry Hill
427 Des Plaines Ave. 708-366-8333
Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor
7347 Madison St. 708-366-7970
Browncowicecream.com
Cactus Grill
315 S. Harlem
708-689-8595
cactusgrillmex.com
Caffe DeLuca 7427 Madison St 708-366-9200
caffedeluca.com
Carole’s Next Best Thing 7307 Roosevelt Rd. 708-657-4300
lotsofcrazystuff.com
Casa Humilde Cerveceria 7700 Madison St casahumildecerveceria.com
Charlie’s Restaurant 7427 Roosevelt Rd. 708-771-1969 charliesrestaurantfp.wixsite.com
China Dragon 2
7600 Madison St. 708-689-0463
chinadragon2.com
Chirrion Mexican Grill
7510 Madison St
708-689-8123
chirrion.com
Chubby’s Hot Chicken
7441 Madison St (312) 874-1285
Circle Inn of Forest Park
7300 Circle Ave.
708-771-2123
Circle Lanes
7244 Circle Ave. 708-366-2810
circlebowlinglanes.com
Di’Vino
1527 S Harlem Ave. (708) 689-0113
divinoforestpark.com
Dolci ChocoLatte Cafe 7247 Roosevelt Road 708.657-4266
Domino’s 7656 Madison St 708-366-6000
Duffy’s Tavern 7513 Madison St 708-366-3887
Dunkin’ Donuts
7200 Circle Ave. 708-366-0810
7600 Madison St. 708-488-9488
dunkindonuts.com
Elba’s Golden Steer Steakhouse
7635 Roosevelt Rd. 708-771-7798
elbas-goldensteersteakhouse.com
Espresso Cafe 7501 Roosevelt Rd. (708) 689-0891
FatDuck Tavern and Grill 7218 Madison St 708-488-1493
fatduckgrill.com
Fiore
7407 Madison St (708) 771-3063 fiorebakes.com
Forest Park Bakery 7332 Madison St 708-366-3669 forestparkbakery.com
Goldyburgers 7316 Circle Ave. 708-366-0750
Habrae Thai 7230 Madison St. 708.689.8852 habrae.com
Happy Chef
1215 S. Harlem Ave. 708-488-8181 happychefil.com
Harvest 365 Restaurant & Fresh Grill
7610 W. Roosevelt Rd. 708-488-0415
harvest365grill.com/
JJ Fish & Chicken
319 Harlem Ave. 708.209.1515
jjfishchickenga.com
Jimmy John’s 350 Circle Ave. 708-488-9070
online.jimmyjohns.com
Jimmy’s Place 7411 W. Madison St. 708-771-7476
jimmysplaceforestpark.com
The Junction Diner 7401 Madison St. 708-771-5276
thejunctiondiner.com
Kribi Coffee 7324 Madison St 708-689-8896
kribicoffee.com
La Maison de Bonbon 7353 Madison St 708-366-0777
facebook.com/LaMaisonDeBonbon
Jose Lopez pours Casa Humilde beer | Chuy Reyes
Food & Drink
Little Caesars Pizza
1215 S Harlem Ave. (708) 405-8688
Louie’s Grill
7422 Madison St
708-488-8889
Macho’s Grill
7300 W. Roosevelt Rd. 708-689-0963
Madison Park Kitchen
7525 Madison St. 708-689-8607
madisonparkkitchen.com
McDonald’s
420 Des Plaines Ave. 708-488-0146
Mexican Republic Kitchen & Cantina
7404 Madison St
708-689-0850
mexicanrepublickitchen.com/
Mr. Beefand Pizza
123 N. Harlem Ave
708-689-0640
mrbeefandpizza.com
Mugsy’s
7640 Madison St
708-366-4445
Nola Louisiana Kitchen (Inside Angelo O’Leary’s)
7522 Madison St
708-689-0864
nolalouisianakitchen.com
NRebozo
7403 Madison St
708.445.0370
newrebozos.com
O’Sullivan’s Public House
7244 Madison St 708-366-6667
osullivansfp.com
Old School Tavern and Grill
201 Des Plaines Ave. 708-771-3663
oldschooltag.com
Papa John’s Pizza
7744 Madison St 708-488-9999
Parky’s Hot Dogs 329 Harlem Ave. 708-366-3090
Petra Falafel
7314 Madison St. 708-657-4002
petrafalafel.com
Piacere Mio
7636 Madison St 708.366.4010
piaceremiorestaurant.com
Pioneer Tap & Liquors
7445 Randolph St 708-771-4909
pioneer-tap-liquors.edan.io
Portillo’s
7740 Roosevelt Rd. 708-383-7557
portillos.com
Robert’s Westside 7321 Madison St 708-689–0486
robertswestside.com
Scratch Public House
7505 Madison St. 708-689-8427
publichouse.scratchfp.com
Shanahan’s 7353 Madison St. 708-366-0775
shanahans.net
Shortstop Lounge 7425 Madison St 708-659-5063
shortstop-lounge.edan.io
Food & Drink
Silverland Bakery
439 Des Plaines Ave.
708-488-0800
silverlandbakery.com
Smokin M’s BBQ
7507 Roosevelt Rd.
708-488-0123
smokinms.com
Starbucks Coffee
7231 Madison St.
708-488-1046
Starship Restaurant & Catering
7618 Madison St
708-771-3016
starshiprestaurant.com
Submarine Tender
200 Des Plaines Ave.
708-366-4690
submarinetender.com
Subway
1300 Des Plaines Ave.
708-366-0873
7328 W. Madison
708-488-9486
subway.com
Tacabron
7330 Harrison St.
708-435-4343
tacabronforestpark.com
Taco Bell
161 S. Harlem
708-405-8041
tacobell.com
Taco Bell
7510 Roosevelt Rd.
708-771-8870
tacobell.com
Thai Time
7634 Madison St
708-771-6955
orderthaitimerestaurant.com
Twisted Cookie
7401 Madison St. 708-689-8029
twistedcookie.com
U3 Coffee
7430 Madison St. 708-303-8508
u3coffee.com
White Crane – Creative Thai & Sushi
819 S Harlem Ave. 708.689.0969 whitecranerestaurant.com
Wingstop
1215 Harlem Ave. 708-689-8060
Yum Thai
7330 Madison St. 708-366-8892
yumthai.app
Rhythm and Blues Cafe
7522 Madison St. 708-979-4031
rhythmandbluescafe.com
Bizzy Bees 26 Lathrop Ave. 708-595-1974
bizzybeesil.com
Bizzy Bees
Caffe De Luca, 7427 Madison St.
FIND YOUR PASSION
MEMBERSHIP FOR ALL
THE Y, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME
The West Cook YMCA offers in-person, on-demand, and live-streaming programs that fit your needs and your schedule. All complimentary for members to help you reach your fitness goals, reduce your risk for chronic diseases, provide a safe and welcoming space for youth, and so much more.
TAKE A TOUR TODAY.
Stop in for a tour and we will show you all that the Y has to offer to meet your needs. Tour guides are available by reservation. Make your reservation today at westcookymca.org/tour.
JOIN ONLINE TODAY.
Receive $0 Joiner Fee and 50% off your first month when you join online at westcookymca.org/joinonline.
AQUATICS FOR ALL
DROWNING PREVENTION designed to reduce children’s risk of drowning by teaching essential water safety skills through our progressive swim lesson program.
LEARN MORE
SWIM LESSONS focus on learning vital water safety skills and stroke development a progressive swim lesson curriculum. Offered for all ages 6 months to adults.
LEARN MORE
COMPETITIVE SWIM TEAM offers competitive swim instruction for swimmers in a supportive team environment for all swimmers at every ability ages 5 to 18.
LEARN MORE
TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS training for First Aid, CPR/AED, and Lifeguarding certifications through experiential hands on learning at Dominican University.
LEARN MORE
CPR/FIrst Aid Lifeguarding
AT THE WEST COOK YMCA
COMMUNITY HEALTH FOR ALL
In partnership with the Village of Oak Park, all community health programs at the West Cook YMCA are complimentary and include a membership to the West Cook YMCA for the duration of the program.
BLOOD PRESSURE
SELF-MONITORING PROGRAM
Personalized one-on-one support for developing a blood pressure self-monitoring routine, tips for maintaining a healthy heart, and nutrition education seminars.
ELIGIBILITY:
•At least 18 years old, and
•Diagnosed with hypertension or currently taking antihypertensive medication
•Not have experienced a recent cardiac event
•Not have atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias
•Not be at risk for lymphedema
DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM
Help those at high risk adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles and reduce their chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Fully recognized by the CDC and proven to reduce risk of type 2 diabetes by 58%.
ELIGIBILITY:
•At least 18 years old
•Overweight (BMI ≥25) AND
•Diagnosed with prediabetes via one of three blood tests or previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes
•Not diagnosed with T1 or T2 diabetes
•Not pregnant
If blood test not available, can qualify based on risk factors.
WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM
Designed to help people seeking a healthier weight achieve their goals by making small, modest changes to their daily behaviors and forming sustainable healthy habits.
ELIGIBILITY:
•Must be at least 18 years old, and
•Desire a healthier weight
Not intended for individuals with specialized needs due to chronic disease or onset of a chronic disease.
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
Re al Estate
S tatistics
This data represents sales of single-family homes and condo/townhomes in Forest Park from March 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025. In addition to total homes sold and average sale prices, we’ve also included two stats: Market Time and Sales Price/Listing Price Ratio that show how rapidly the current market is moving.
■ Market Time is the number of days a property is on the market from the time it is listed until the day that it closes. In “normal” times, a seller might put their home on the market and expect it to go under contract within a month or two Following that, it might take another month for the home to close. A low Market Time number indicates a strong market that favors sellers. Average Market Time for Detached Housing is at 41, which represents a ten day decrease over the same period last year, indicating the market is moving more quickly.
■ Sales Price/Listing Price Ratio indicates the percentage of the listing price that a property was sold for. You might expect this number to be less than 100%, since buyers often try to negotiate discounts off the listing price. If the number is 100%, as it is in Attached Homes, that means sellers are getting exactly what they are asking.
Our thanks to the Oak Park Area Association of Realtors for providing these statistics.
Forest Park Real Estate Stats:
Detached Single Family Home:
Least Expensive Sale: 1031 Marengo Ave. (foreclosure,) $138,000 January 2025
Most Expensive Sale: 7713 Wilcox St (new construction,) $799,000 March 2024
Attached Unit:
Least Expensive Sale: 7231 Randolph St. Unit 1B (0 br/1ba) $75,000 December 2024
Most Expensive Sale: 237 Rockford Ave. (3 be, 2.1 ba,) $600,000 March 2024
Detached Home Stats:
Number of Units Sold: 86
Average Market Time: 41ndays
Median Sold Price: $394,500
Average Sold Price: $412,794
Total Volume of Sales: $35,500,281
Sale Price/Listing Price: 99%
Median Price Increase Over Same Period 2023: 13.5%
Attached Unit Stats:
Number of Units Sold: 118
Average Market Time: 34 days
Median Sold Price: $187,000
Average Sold Price: $225,856
Total Volume of Sales: $26,651,025
Sale Price/Listing Price: 100%
Median Price Decrease Over Same Period 2023: 18.5%
Rental Property Statistics:
Number of Units Rented: 100
Average Market Time: 36 days
Median Rented Price: $1565
Average Rented Price: $1846
Max Rented Price: $4850
Minimum Rented Price: $850
237 Rockford Ave.
7713 Wilcox St
YOUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE AGENT WITH OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE COMMUNITY
OR TEXT LAURA 708 205 7044
YOUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE AGENT WITH OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE COMMUNITY
LAURA@MAYCHRUKREALESTATE.COM
MAYCHRUKREALESTATE.COM
OR TEXT LAURA 708 205 7044 YOUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE AGENT WITH OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE COMMUNITY YOUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE AGENT WITH OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE COMMUNITY
OR TEXT LAURA 708 205 7044
LAURA@MAYCHRUKREALESTATE.COM MAYCHRUKREALESTATE.COM
LAURA@MAYCHRUKREALESTATE.COM
MAYCHRUKREALESTATE.COM
Government
State
Government
Illinois House Speaker/State Representative 7th District
Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch (D) 10055 W. Roosevelt Rd., Suite E Westchester, IL 60154 708- 450-1000
Springfield Office: 249-E Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 217-782-8120
State Representative 8th District
La Shawn K. Ford (D) 5051 W. Chicago Ave. Chicago, IL 60651 773-750-0866
Springfield Office: 239-E Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 217-782-5962
State Senator 4th District
Kimberly A. Lightford (D) www.ilga.gov/senate Senate Majority Leader 4415 W. Harrison St., Suite 550 Hillside, IL 60162 708-632-4500
Springfield Office: 309-H Capitol Building Springfield, IL 62706 217-782-8505
Juneteenth Flag Raising | FILE
Roosevelt
Cermak
Government
Village Hall
517 Des Plaines Ave.
708-366-2323
forestpark.net
Hours:
Village Council
The village is incorporated under a modified commission form of government with the mayor and commissioners elected every four years. Forest Park has five commissioners, four of which are elected at large. The fifth commissioner is the mayor who has the dual role of both mayor and commissioner
■ Mayor Rory E. Hoskins and the Commissioner for the Department of Public Affairs.
■ Commissioner Maria Maxham, Accounts and Finance
■ Commissioner Michelle Melin-Rogovin, Streets and Public Improvements
■ Commissioner Ryan Nero, Public Health and Safety
■ Commissioner Jessica Voogd, Public Property
■ Departments: Department of Public Affairs, Department of Accounts and Finance, Department of Public Health and Safety, Department of Streets and Public Improvements, Department of Public Property
The village council meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Mon. each month in the council chambers on the lower level of Village Hall. A portion of each meeting is reserved for citizens’ comments.
Village of Forest Park
Sal Stella, Director of Public Works
Government
Administrators,Department Heads
■ V illage administrator: Rachell Entler
■ V illage clerk: Vanessa Belmonte
■ Police chief: Ken Gross
■ Fire chief: Lindsey Hankus
■ Health and Safety, Building and Code Enforcement Director: Steve Glinke
■ Public Works Director: Salvatore Stella
■ Community Center director: Karen Dylewski
■ Health inspector: Restaurant inspections are handled through Cook County
Boards, Committees,and Commissions:
■ Board of Health
■ Environmental Control Commission
■ Fire and Police Board
■ Fire Pension Board
■ Library Board
■ Plan & Zoning Commission
■ Recreation Board
■ Safety & Traffic Commission
Important Village Numbers
Fire and police emergencies:
911
For non-emergency calls
Fire: 708-366-1234
Police: 708-366-2425
Mayor’s office: 708-615-6200
Administrator’s office: 708-615-6201
Clerk’s office: 708-615-6202
All-night parking: 708-366-7272
Fire inspection: 708-366-1234
Forestry: 708-366-4876
Health department: 708-615-6276
Street and alley maintenance: 708-366-4876
Water meter hookup and repair: 708-366-2323
HONORING 50 YEARS OF PRESERVATION:
The Historical Society of Forest Park celebrates half a century
New projects and partnerships honor Forest Park’s legacy and history
Contributing Reporter HEC TOR CERVANTES
The Historical Society of Forest Park, founded in 1975, is celebrating its 50th year commemoration this year
Founded on July 4, 1975, the Historical Society of Forest Park was driven by dedicated individuals committed to preserving the village’s history It originated as a major project of the Heritage Committee with support from the Bicentennial Commission.
“Overall, we’ve done a great job of collecting different parts of Forest Park’s history A lot of Forest Park’s history is no longer physically there, so it ’s important to tell those stories,” Historical Society of Forest Park Executive Director Alexis Ellers said.
The 50 year anniversary milestone seeks to increase public awareness through a range of projects and initiatives. All of these initiatives will culminate in a birthday party celebration in November, where the Historical Society of Forest Park will share everything they’ve accomplished and recognize the people who have helped along the way, according to Ellers.
The Historical Society of Forest Park will be at May Day at the Haymarket Martyrs Monument on May 1. The Haymarket Martyrs Monument in Forest Park is a memorial that howwnors the eight labor activists who
were convicted after the 1886 Haymarket Riot, recognizing their contributions to the labor movement and the fight for workers’ rights.
During the event, they will release their new edition of “The Day Will Come”, created in collaboration with the Illinois Labor History Society. This edition will provide updates on the individuals buried at Radical Row. Additionally, they will debut a new book titled “More Dead Than Alive, Forest Park’s Quietest Neighbors”, which will explore the lives of various people buried throughout the cemetery.
“Our overall initiative is to try to get more public awareness of our history. One of the key efforts involves installing plaques to honor architect Henry Fiddelke. He designed about 40 buildings in Forest Park, especially along Madison Street, where many of his buildings are located,” Ellers said.
The Historical Society of Forest Park is collaborating with the Park District to secure signage that will provide information about the individuals after whom the parks are named, such as Rieger Park.
Ellers mentions that the historical society conducts a variety of programming, including cemetery tours and virtual tours of local cemeteries. They’re also collaborating with the Chamber of Commerce on a Madison Street tour and encourage people to explore their website to learn more about the area’s history and get involved in various ways.
Above: Henry Fiddelke, a prolific designer of commercial prop erty and homes at the turn of the 19th century, can be seen along Madison St. | PROVIDED
Left: Dr. Frank Orland, founder of the Historical Society of Forest Park, at the first Tales of the Tombstones, an event with the Oak Park River Forest Historical Society. | PROVIDED
Above: 1946 Parichy Bloomer Girls was part of the National Girls Baseball League and played at the field, now gone, lo cated at Harrison and Harlem in Forest Park. | PROVIDED
Above: Located at 7236 Roosevelt Road, Forest Family Foods in 1936 was one of many local grocers in Forest Park over the decades. | PROVIDED
Left: The Forest Park Amusement Park (1908 1923) boasted the Giant Safety Coaster, the longest, highest and steepest coaster in the United States at the time. | PROVIDED
The Park District
Park District of Forest Park
Administrative Office 7501 W. Harrison St. 708-366-7500
pdofp.org facebook.com/pdofp/
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday/Sunday: Closed
The park district offers a variety of recreational programs throughout the year for all ages and in conjunction with local schools. Each resident receives a seasonal brochure and the Forest Park Review with a list of activities, classes and special events. Early registration is recommended to prevent cancellations.
Board of Commissioners
■ Timothy Gillian, President
■ Kristen Lyons, Vice President
■ Roy Sansone, Treasurer
■ Cathleen McDer mott
■ Betty Alzamora
Staff:
■ Jackie Iovinelli, FOIA Officer, Executive Director
■ Jeff Murphy, Superintendent of Business
■ Danette Krajewski, Superintendent of Recreation
■ Andrew Doss, Superintendent of Buildings and Parks
■ Andrew Cumbee, Marketing and Communications Manager
■ R yan Vilanova, Recreation Supervisor
■ Dominique Mazzulla, Recreation Supervisor
■ Karrie Schlichting, Facility Coordinator
Forest Park PTO Color Fun Run at the Roos Recreation Center | FILE
Parks
Park District of Forest Park Main Campus
Features 17 acres of recreation, both indoor and outdoor space. There are three softball fields, a synthetic-turf multi-use field, two playground areas, six tennis courts, two bocce ball pits, two sand volleyball courts, a separate skate park, an outdoor inline skating rink, an outdoor fitness court, fitness trail, outdoor pavilion and berm seating. The main building has multi-use space with an aquatic center. In addition the park district is home of the 16” Softball Museum and hosts the annual No Gloves National tournament in July
Forest Park Aquatic Center
The Aquatic Center features a zero-depth 367,000 gallon pool, two drop slides, two flume slides, a diving board, lap lanes, a splash pad with interactive play structures, and fullservice concession stand.
Individual pool passes for the 2025 season: residents $75; non-residents $150; senior residents $70; senior non-residents $105; and $15 day-pass for non-members.
Starship employee Christine Flannerg serves food to people includ ing Vic and Janet Scodius of Riverside during the Forest Park Park District 90 year anniversary celebration Friday Nov 15 | FILE
Roos Recreation Center
Opened in 2018, this facility has a full-size gymnasium with indoor walking track, fitness room, shower and multi-purpose room. Membership is available for residents at $220 a year or $29/month and non-residents $319/year or $40/month. Discounts available for seniors and students. Residents who are veterans have free membership.
Parks
Pocket Parks
Rieger Park
1526 Circle Avenue
Renovated in 2024 to feature a playground,a water play area, shelter area, natural berms,a gaga ball pit,open lawn/soccer field area, play mounds and a stage area.
Lathrop Park
1138 Lathrop
This simple tot lot is a shaded park with playground equipment in a fenced area
Popelka Park
501 Thomas
Renovated in 2023,this park features a tree-house themed playground with swings and has been designed to accommodate children with sensory issues. The park also features two picnic tables under the shade ofmaple trees.
Remembrance Park
7341 Randolph
Renovated in 2024,this park is named for the memorial recognizing three police officers and one fire firefighter who died while serving the community This park has playground equipment and a gazebo for guests to enjoy
Skate Park
708-366-7500 (Park District)
Hours: Open 8 a.m.to 8 p.m.,weather permitting.
West Suburban Special Recreation Association
The Park District of Forest Park,through the West Suburban Special Recreation Association (WSSRA),offers more than 60 programs for local residents with disabilities. All ages and all ability levels are served in these therapeutic recreational activities.Many programs are similar to traditional park district classes,such as the association’s swim lessons,fitness classes and day camp At these programs,a recreation specialist will adjust how skills are taught,how much personal assistance will be given and ifany equipment accommodation is needed.Behavior management plans and other tools are used. Some programs require one-on-one staffing for a participant to be successful.Others are designed so that the competition is at a fair level,as in Special Olympics. For detailed information about WSSRAprograms and equipment accommodations,call 847-455-2100 or stop by the park district to pick up a brochure.
May 2, 2025 May 23, 2025
8:30 am - 2:30 pm
Schools
DISTRICT 91
Forest Park School District 91
424 Des Plaines Ave.
708-366-5700
fpsd91.org
Dr Elizabeth Álvarez, Superintendent
For information about PTA/PTO organizations, please contact individual schools.
Betsy Ross Elementary School 1315 Marengo Ave. 708-366-7498
fpsd91.org
Grades K-2
Tinisa Huff, principal
DISTRICT 209
Proviso Township High Schools
8601 W. Roosevelt Rd. 708-338-5900
www.pths209.org
Krish Mohip Superintendent
Field-Stevenson Elementary School
925 Beloit Ave. 708-366-5703
fpsd91.org
Grades 3-5
Susan Bogdan, principal Forest Park Middle School 925 Beloit Ave.
708-366-5742
fpsd91.org
Grades 6-8
Terriyaka Watson, principal
Garfield Elementary School 543 Hannah Ave. 708-366-6945
fpsd91.org
Grades PreK-2
Jamie Stauder, principal District 91 School Board
Shannon Wood
Monique Cotton Yancy
Monica Angelo
Steve Rummel
Andrea Marello (2 open, unfilled seats)
Proviso East High School
807 S. 1st Ave. Maywood, IL 60153
708-344-7000
pths209.org/east
Rodney Hull, principal
Proviso Mathematics & Science Academy
8601 W. Roosevelt Rd. 708-338-4100
pths209.org/pmsa
Cristin Chiganos, principal
Admission to PMSA is by application only Contact the PMSA office for more information.
Graduating seniors at Proviso Math & Science Academy’s Commencement Ceremony at Credit Union 1 Arena at UIC | Todd Bannor
Krish Mohip begins as Pr oviso Township High Schools Superintendent
Mohip focuses on strengthening unity and building partnerships for long-term success
Contributing Reporter HEC TO R CERVANTES
Krish Mohip, a veteran educational leader with 25 years of experience,has officially taken on the role ofSuperintendent of Proviso Township High Schools District 209,focusing on strengthening unity and community partnerships to drive student success.
Mohip has held key leadership roles in education.He began as principal of Walsh Academy in Chicago before joining Chicago Public Schools’ transformation team as deputy chiefand later chief,over-
seeing 40 schools citywide.He then led Youngstown City Schools in Ohio, where he improved graduation rates and achievement gaps. Returning to Illinois,he served as deputy chiefeducation officer and interim state superintendent before taking on his current role.
Recognizing the opportunity to make a meaningful impact,Mohip was drawn to Proviso Township and District 209 after learning about its needs at the State Board ofEducation and remains excited to work alongside the community to enhance expectations and support student success.
KRISH MOHIP
“I believe our students deserve a fair chance. We’re simply here doing the work, rebuilding a team that will support our teachers,students,families and the entire community,” Mohip said.
On his first day, he released an entry plan,which is available on the district ’s website. The plan outlines his approach to engaging with students,parents,and educators as he familiarizes himselfwith the district.
“I’m going to listen to teachers,community members,and make a conscious effort to be available,be present,and be a part ofthis entire community, both during the school day and after school hours,including weekends.I find myselfin schools almost every day and it ’s been about three months now,” Mohip said.
Some ofthe goals in the entry plan include ensuring a seamless leadership transition, conducting school and system diagnostic reviews and fostering transparency and trust within the district and the community.
When asked about the most rewarding part
ofhis career in education,Mohip responded that the most fulfilling aspect has been helping children become the best versions ofthemselves.
“I just think that I’m here for these students and these teachers.I truly believe that,together, as a community and as a team here within Proviso, we can significantly improve the educational experience for all ofour students,” Mohip said.
District 209 Superintendent Krish Mobil (far left) and the D209 Board of Education pose alongside award winning students from Proviso West High School. | PROVIDED
Schools
A.L.M.A. Arts Language Music Academy
PreK-Kindergarten
1037 Marengo
708.769.4853 almacademyworld.org
Bilingual Montessori Lab Academy 1044 Dunlop Ave. 708-366-4916 bimontlab.com
Gasse School of Music
7641 Polk St 708-488-8117 gasseschoolofmusic.org
Giving Tree
7510 W. Randolph St. 708-209-1555 givingtreeschools.com
The Language and Music School at International Mansion
509 N. Oak Park Ave. Oak Park (708) 524-5252
Montessori Dual Language Academy
314 Circle Ave.
708-771-5030
mla.school
Yoko Avramov, Director
Oak Park Montessori 16 Lathrop Ave
708-435-4309
oakparkmontessorischool.com
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Triton Community College 2000 5th Ave. River Grove 708-456-0300 triton.edu
Speak er Series at Fo r est Park Libr ary
Contributing Reporter HOPE BAKER
For the past four years, The Forest Park Public Library has provided the community with free access to high-quality online events through a program called Illinois Libraries Present. An initiative of the Illinois Library Association, Illinois Libraries Present brings nationally acclaimed speakers, authors, journalists, chefs, graphic novelists, and performers to library audiences through virtual events. A statewide collaboration of more than 200 libraries, the program makes high-profile cultural and educational experiences accessible to member libraries of all sizes and budgets
“We pay a fee to offer these programs virtually to our community,” said Alicia Hammond, community engagement manager for the Forest Park Public Library.
“The series goes through the spring and then takes the summer off.” Hammond said the fall schedule will be announced this summer.
journey and offered some holiday tips and tricks.
Steve Dolinsky, the well-known Food Guy reporter for NBC 5 Chicago, provided a comprehensive Chicago pizza guide for audiences in January. That same month, a virtual event featured stand-up comedian Michelle Buteau.
In February, speakers included award-winning authors James McBride and Amy Tan. A couple of highlights from the spring schedule have been Coralie Adam, an aerospace engineer, and Alexis Nikole Nelson, a forager and.an outdoor educator.
Throughout the current season, which began in October 2024 and wraps up in May, the programming has been eclectic. Jason Reynolds, New York Times best-selling author for young adults and middle-grade readers, spoke during a virtual event that was geared toward youth in October. In November, Chef Art Smith spoke about his culinary
Jabez Patterson, programming committee co-chair for Illinois Present, said library audiences have been pleased by how diverse the speakers and authors have been during the 2024-2025
9to5: The Story of a Movement
“Our main mission is to provide highonline equitable prices for all of our member libraries throughout tterson said. he beauty of it is that people can watch our events from the comfort of their home.”
All events are streamed online, through Zoom. For more information, visit www.illinoislibrariespreThe 2025-2026 schedule will become available on the Forest Park Public Library’s Event Calendar this summer (forestpark.librarycalendar.com/)
Alexis Nikole Nelson
Dan Santat
River Forest
Sustaining Members
– BUSINESS LEVEL CHAMBER MEMBERS –
BABS Comedy Club - Bespoke Flipbooks - Burke Beverage - Byline Bank
Calm Mind Counseling Center - Cardinal Advancement Services
DeSoto & State Communications - Di’Vino Restaurant & Bar - Events by Cibula
Everett Wealth Solutions - Famous Liquors - Fatduck Tavern & Grill
Dr. Anthony Garreffa OD - Jimmy’s Place - Kagan & Gaines Music Co., Inc.
Kathryn Murphy Interiors - Kribi Coffee - Little Teeth Big Smiles/Children’s Dentistry
Macdaddy - Mark P Hanson/State Farm - Mexican Republic - Nadeau’s - Our Planet Auto.
Parkway Dispensary - Perfect Fit Fashion - Robert’s Westside - Schauer Hardware
Spotless Carwash - Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor - The Gillian Group - Todd & Holland – THANK YOU TO OUR
Louie’s Grill
