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Farmington Foods Refer herefacility to expand in 4two lines PAGE PAGE x Skate park remodel Refer ed here planned in 9two lines PAGE PAGE x

FEBRUARY 3, 2021

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Chicago educator named new District 91 superintendent

Dr. Elizabeth Alvarez says ‘the sky’s the limit’

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Dr. Elizabeth Alvarez is the new superintendent for the District 91 elementary school district. She was unanimously elected by the school board and announced to the public on Jan. 30.

Her contract runs from July 2, 2021 to July 30, 2024.

Alvarez comes from the Chicago Public Schools and as pointed out by board president Kyra Tyler, is the first female and first Latinx superintendent for D91.

She was a middle school teacher for 13 years, and an instructional math and science coach for three.

Alvarez served as an assistant principal for two years, principal for six, and most recently the chief of schools for 18 schools.

In an interview with the Review on Jan. 31, Alvarez said she’s known about Forest Park for a long time, both as an educator and because family members used to live in Oak Park. She’s spent time in town, getting to know the community, enjoying ice cream and tea (she’s a tea drinker) and having nice meals.

“There is a really nice feeling of home in Forest Park,” said Alvarez, who lives in Chicago, about a 20-minute drive away, with her husband. Once COVID restrictions are lifted, though, she said she’ll be everywhere. Alvarez is looking forward to being involved in the community.

See NEW D91 SUPERINTENDENT on page 16

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

A FOND FAREWELL: Village Administrator Tim Gillian retired on Jan. 29, though he’ll be sticking around while a replacement is found. He has served in the village for years, as a commissioner and with the auxiliary police prior to being hired as administrator in 2009.

Retiring village administrator receives outpouring of support

Gillian honored at village council meeting

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

The resolution honoring Village Administrator Tim Gillian upon his Jan. 29 retirement was read at the Jan. 25 vil-

IN Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 THIS Big Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 ISSUE Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

lage council meeting.

It was long, detailing the time Gillian has served the village, first as commissioner of streets and public improvements and later as commissioner of accounts and finance. He was hired as village administrator in 2009, overseeing seven departments, more than 175 employees and a multi-million dollar operating budget.

The resolution mentioned his fair negotiating with unions employees. How under Gillian’s leadership a long-term capital infrastructure plan was developed that included over $42 million of capital improvements during his time as village administrator, including three miles of water main, 15 miles of See TIM GILLIAN on page 5

Some restaurants choose to stay closed

Village one step closer to bringing Chipotle to town

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Forest Park Review, February 3, 2021

Growing Community Media & A Tribe Called Aging Present

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Ageism and Financial Insecurity in America are pervasive. Older folks are invisible in their communities, workplaces, and, sometimes, within their own families. An estimated 25 million won’t have enough money to get through retirement age.

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Forest Park Review, February 3, 2021

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Is there such a thing as a good addiction?

omeone was telling me how her boss confronted her about being a tiny bit late for work 78 times last year. She responded by asking him, “Is there a support group for me?”

What would a group like that be called, Latecomers Anonymous? If there were such an organization, I would have been a charter member. I used to be chronically late for work, until I became self-employed. By eliminating start time and work schedule I solved my tardiness problem.

Still, there are other support groups I could use. I worried that I was addicted to Ed’s Way and wondered if I was powerless over grocery shopping. A cashier assured me that my twice a day habit was “normal.”

Could she be an enabler?

It’s no surprise that I have some obsessive tendencies, having grown up with a host of addictions. My first was rocking the bed, which was cured by some tough love administered by my grandfather, in the form of a fist.

Reading became the next monkey on my back. Fiction, non-fiction, textbooks — I was powerless over print. Now I think I have it under control, though I can’t resist a fresh “New Yorker.” I tell people I only check out the cartoons, but when they hear

me spouting off about mining in Siberia, or the history of knives, they know I’m in denial.

I’m afraid I’ll always be powerless over words, including spoken ones. I’m a chronic re-teller of stories. Although, I never tell people I’ve heard their story before, listeners aren’t afraid to remind me.

Where are the enablers when you need them?

Besides excessive reading, I also engaged in substance abuse as a child — consuming cinnamon-coated graham crackers when I couldn’t get my hands on sugar wafers. There weren’t any self-help groups back then for those cursed with a sweet tooth. Instead, I fell in with other addicts. We spent our whole day gathering money for the candy store. We even turned to crime but were scared straight when our heist of Twinkies and chocolate milk went horribly wrong.

My fondness for cookies faded over the years. Now when it comes to sweets, I’m completely on the wagon. I much prefer the bitter taste of beer and stout, which I believe might contain more calories than sweets.

Today, my twin addictions are televised sports and documentaries. At least, I’m not mainlining reality shows. I know someone who watches show after show with blurred

JOHN RICE

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nudity and bleeped profanity. I don’t know how she follows the story lines. I also see people hooked on cellphones, overdosing on video games and obsessed with their Facebook page.

During the pandemic lockdown, I’ve developed some new addictions. I’m definitely hooked on naps. I also spend a good deal of time staring into space. This is a habit I picked up in childhood. I can still hear my mother yelling, “Stop staring into space!” I also obsessively check for new emails, texts and voice mails.

I’m addicted to old movies. I love watching classic black-and-white films, no matter how many times I’ve seen them. I’ll even watch silent films, though I much prefer “talkies.” I’m even hooked on foreign films.

I really like subtitles. It’s like “reading” a movie. Color films are also popular but it must be some kind of fad.

As for Forest Park, I think we might be addicted to festivals. I’ve never known a town to have so many parties and be so good at hosting them. German Fest, Ribfest, Juneteenth — is there such a thing as a good addiction?

■ 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 . . .

YARBROUGH VISITS LOCAL SCHOOLS In 2002, Illinois State Representative Karen Yarbrough was a familiar face in District 91, visiting many of the schools in town. She shared with the students how a bill becomes a law, and the students suggested she make a law that allows cell phone use in class. She also talked to the students about African American inventors, in recognition of Black History Month.

Karen Yarbrough would go on to become the Cook County Recorder of Deeds and now serves as the Cook County Clerk. She oversees vital records, maintains real estate maps, issues property tax rates and administers elections. Karen Yarbrough is Cook County’s first African American and female clerk.

–Jill Wagner

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 Deb Abrahamson, 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.

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State Representative Karen Yarbrough congratulates a Grant White fourth grader who, with his class, earned first place in his video submission to the Illinois Elementary Heroes Contest.

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, February 3, 2021

Farmington expansion approved, with conditions ‘That man has ruined my life,’ says angry resident

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

On Feb. 1, the Plan Commission approved, with conditions, a proposed addition for Farmington Foods. The two-story addition will be located between, and connecting, the main building and a smaller one-story brick garage building. A roof deck will also be added on a portion of the existing roof to provide a space for employee breaks. The total addition will be approximately a 5.8% increase from the existing building area footprint, according to the proposed plan documents from Farmington Foods.

Village zoning regulations consider any new construction that increases lot coverage by 5% or more a major PUD amendment, which necessitates approval by the Plan Commission and village council.

According to Peter Friedman, legal counsel for Farmington, in a presentation during the meeting, the new construction will not be detrimental to surrounding properties in any say; it will not endanger public health, welfare, or safety in any way; it will not be used for anything not allowed in the I-1 zoning district; and, among other standards Farmington laid forth, it will not cause the hiring of additional employees, so off-street parking requirements will not change.

As Friedman explained, the addition is necessary because when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the food chain was impacted.

Retail and home consumption of products made at Farmington increased, while restaurant needs decreased, changing packaging requirements, which in turn has necessitated a reconfiguration of equipment in order to meet the evolving needs within the food industry.

Farmington, which has been at its current location since 1972, is a food production facility. According to Farmington’s planned development documents, “Farmington continues to process raw and fully cooked pork, beef, poultry and vegetables for human consumption.” All of their production, according to Farmington, is in compliance with zoning regulations and the 2015 Planned Unit Development (PUD) agreement, which was approved unanimously by the village council.

The Feb. 1 meeting seemed simple on paper. Farmington was asking for a relatively small addition to their property that needed Plan Commission approval before a final vote by the village council. But longtime outspoken resident Thomas Kovac, who lives across the street from Farmington, and his attorney Tim Buckley, spoke during the meeting, citing alleged violations of the original PUD and of zoning regulations in town.

Kovac has for years complained about conditions at Farmington that affect him, including noise from trucks and the smell of processing meat. In fact, Kovac is currently involved in litigation with Farmington Foods over alleged violations of the 2015 PUD. During the meeting, he became emotional.

“That man has ruined my life,” he said of Albert La Valle, COO and CFO of Farmington, who was present at the meeting. “I have stink; I have smoke; I have noise. It is awful for me and my immediate neighbors. … We can’t stand it anymore.”

Plan Commission Chair Paul Barbahen interrupted Buckley at one point, saying that the meeting that night was only to amend the PUD, not to entertain a history of complaints over the years. “I will rule that out of order,” Barbahen said.

Buckley argued that his client’s objections are in relation to the original PUD, and if it’s currently being amended, other violations should be taken into consideration too. Buckley said that, for example, adding smoking ovens in 2016 was in violation of the original PUD; putting them in should have been considered a major change, which would have needed public vetting, but that never happened.

Barbahen countered that with no evidence or proof, all Buckley is doing is making an allegation. He added that Kovac has been asked several times to cease emailing or communicating with the commissioners since all communications should be done publicly, but Kovac has refused to do so.

A letter from other residents on the block was read, and it expressed concerns similar to Kovac’s, that there would be more noise, more odors and lights, and that it would be harder for the owners to attract renters to their extra unit.

The meeting took a turn when Public Health and Safety Director Steve Glinke, who oversees zoning for the village, spoke.

Glinke said he is called upon to investigate quality-of-life issues for residents, and emails, which included photos and videos, prove that there are some issues related to Farmington’s operations that are causing problems for residents. Trucks idling in the middle of the night, for example, shouldn’t be allowed, Glinke said, but is something he’s seen evidence of happening.

“There are legitimate complaints about trucks running after hours,” Glinke said.

He added that landscaping, part of the original PUD, hasn’t been effective and most of it has died. Complaints, he said, “have been objectively verified. They are not chronic by any stretch of the imagination, but it is happening.”

Glinke and Courtney Kashima, village planner, suggested that the commission vote to approve the expansion with five conditions, which village staff will work on with Farmington over the next month, at which time the village council will get the final vote. The conditions are related to alleged violations from the original PUD, including: idling trucks, truck hours and traffic, screening (such as greenery or fencing), deck light and noise, and cooking hours.

Friedman said, “We strongly disagree with 99 percent of the assertions made tonight.”

After the meeting, Glinke said that addressing original PUD violations in the current expansion “is a cleaner way to handle it. Our goal is to try to get the neighbors and Farmington to live in harmony, and this will provide the best legal protection for residents and the village.”

Kovak responded after the meeting via email that because of ongoing issues with Farmington violating the terms of the PUD, such as installing additional cooking ovens and failing to fully shield or contain their trucks as required by village code, their project shouldn’t be considered.

“Given this very major ongoing violation of the concealment-screening zoning requirements, there should not be allowed any plant expansion whatsoever of any kind,” Kovak wrote. “Our lives in this neighborhood are harmed almost every day

by Farmington activities.”

SMALL EXPANSION, BIG DEBATE: The plan commission approved Farmington’s proposed expansion, but with five conditions in place that the company must work on with village staff.

Rendering by Ridgeland Associates, Inc.

Forest Park Review, February 3, 2021

TIM GILLIAN Years of service from page 1 roadway and five miles of alley improvements.

There were street scaping projects. The installation of cost-saving LED lights. The sewer separation project, new sources of income, grants for improvements.

The list was long and impressive.

But even more impressive was the number of people who showed up at the Zoom meeting to talk about their experiences with Gillian over the years. Family, friends, coworkers.

And the one word that kept coming up again and again was “trust.”

While Gillian has formally retired, he remains on the village payroll on an interim basis until the village council hires his replacement.

Gillian grew up in Forest Park, working at his father’s news stand. He worked at Moran’s Gas Station after school. He attended Proviso East High School. His prom date was his wife, Dorothy. They’ve been married for 43 years.

In the late 1970s, he began volunteering with the Forest Park Police Department as an auxiliary police officer, which he did until 1995, when he was sworn in as an elected official. It was also in the late 1970s that he and his brother-in-law started a cement business, each contributing $600 to the start-up.

When Gillian retired from that same cement business, it was grossing millions of dollars annually, and he oversaw three different unions.

This, he said, provided him with a solid foundation for becoming village administrator of the village of Forest Park.

The application process, he recalls, was long. He interviewed with a committee, then with the entire village council at the time.

But he wasn’t sure he’d get the job.

“I didn’t walk in or out of those interviews thinking it was a done deal,” Gillian said.

Even with 12 years serving as a commissioner, and even with his business experience, he wasn’t sure if the council would find him qualified.

It was a long summer, Gillian said, waiting to find out if he’d get the position. In fact, he described it as “one of the most agonizing times” he could recall. He was retired from his business, and he was flying and teaching flying, but the village administrator position was an uncertainty.

When he was finally hired at the end of the summer, it was by a 3 to 2 vote.

It was that earlier alluded-to trust that helped Gillian start off on the right foot. He worked as an auxiliary police officer and as a commissioner, so he was familiar with many of the police officers.

“I knew the union players,” Gillian said, which facilitated negotiations with them.

Sometimes, he said, contracts were made via a handshake. A room full of lawyers

wasn’t necessary.

Less familiar with the firefighters, it took time for him to develop a solid relationship with union leadership, but he did.

His relationships with and ability to negotiate fair contracts with the unions, in fact, is one of the things he’s most proud of in his years serving as administrator of the village.

“I’m proud the unions have trusted me to work with them on labor agreements,” Gillian said. “I think my relationship with the unions is an outlier as compared to other villages.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the unions granted concessions in the form of raise-freezes, and Gillian attributes his solid relationships with them to that.

Gillian said he’s happy to be retiring, but it’s the people he’ll miss the most.

“They’re more than people I work with,” said Gillian. “I consider them friends.”

And those friends had kind words to say about Gillian.

Commissioner Joe Byrnes, who also grew up in Forest Park, said he’s known Gillian almost his entire life.

“As a matter of fact, when he was part of the auxiliary police, he rode with me. Nothing but the best. Tim, you’ve been a great guy. A great guy as a commissioner and as a village administrator, and a great friend.

Congratulations, a lot of love and a lot of luck in your retirement and good health.”

Jo Ellen Charlton, former village planner, attended the meeting to speak about the impact Gillian had on her life over the years.

“The thing I want to share about Tim, is that one of the standard answers to a common interview question was to describe my perfect boss during the interview,” Charlton said. “And after about the second interview I’d gone through, rather than describing all of these qualities, my answer simply became Tim Gillian.”

Police Chief Tom Aftanas said that he was deputy chief of the police department when Gillian became village administrator.

“You know, the department heads had no idea how you were going to work out what your management style was going to be like,” Aftanas said. “But you have always been fair …You treat all employees with respect and because of that, you not only have our respect, but you have our trust. And trust is not an easy thing to obtain at your level in any organization. On behalf of the police department, myself personally, we’re all sad to see you go. But we’re also happy for you and you deserve it.”

Vanessa Moritz, village clerk and human resources director, who was hired by Gillian said, “You put your trust in me and you made me trust you, by the way you’ve respected and treated me and every other employee in the village. You listen to us. You listen to our ideas … I just can’t even stress how much trust we all have in you.”

Steve Glinke, director of public health and safety and former fire chief, worked closely with Gillian, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. He recalled a large fire in an apartment building on a cold night that displaced dozens of residents.

“Tim approached as he often did and said, ‘Chief, what can I do to help?’ Without a second thought, I said, ‘Tim, I need the Community Center bus here to shelter residents,’” Glinke said. “Not only did he deliver, but he stayed with them until we found temporary housing and shuttled groups to the hotel until the sun rose the next morning.”

Glinke added that Gillian is “not your typical village manager. He’s a lead-from-thefront kinda guy. While hands off, when the shit hits the fan, Tim is always in the mix.”

The current and former mayor, who have both worked with Gillian, also reflected on knowing him over the years.

“Tim has been a friend to me and something of a mentor,” Mayor Rory Hoskins said. But he added that he might not have appreciated what Gillian had to offer at first.

“I didn’t realize how much Tim had to teach, when I first met him,” Hoskins said.

“When I got elected in 2007, I may have been a little cocky. Tim said, if you ever need anything, any advice, you know, don’t hesitate to call. Of course I like to do things the hard way. So I didn’t call.”

Now, though, Hoskins said he works well with Gillian and spoke highly of the improvements the village has seen under his administration.

“Tim, I know you’ve seen this village advance quite a bit socially, economically, all the development that’s going along. And of course, this summer, we’ve had a lot of

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tough conversations … but you know, it’s my pleasure to work with you. And like everyone else said, you’ll be missed.”

Former Mayor Tony Calderone and Gillian were long-time friends and Forest Park natives. Calderone reflected on how the two of them met when they were about 10 years old. They delivered newspapers and played together. As they got older, Calderone, like Gillian, became a member of the Forest Park Auxiliary Police.

“It was during those many years working within the police department that we discovered our true passion for the village,” Calderone said. “Tim’s passion and vision of what this community could and should be was in alignment with mine, and we soon collaborated on our mutual goals.”

They both ran for elected office in 1995 and both became commissioners.

Calderone said Gillian’s passion has always been focused on “let’s try to do the right thing,” which he’s done to this day.

Gillian, he said, is known for a few things, including always wanting to make the community better, a “no B.S. attitude,” his willingness to roll up his sleeves, and knowing the community.

“If you gave him an address, he could tell you the color of the house,” Calderone said.

He added: “While the job in government is never done, there is no question that Forest Park is a better place because of Tim; I am proud to call him my friend.”

Library opens for limited in-person services Capacity enforced; masks must be worn

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

The Forest Park Library has once again opened for limited in-person service. Patrons are allowed to drop-in to use computers and copy machines and to browse collections and check out library items.

Patrons are asked to keep their visits to 30 minutes or less.

Vestibule pick up service is still being offered.

Hours are Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Some guidelines: ■ If you don’t feel well, don’t visit in person.

■ Patrons are asked to limit visits to

once per day.

■ Everyone over two years old must wear a face mask.

■ Good hygiene, such as hand-washing and avoiding face-touching, is expected.

■ A staff member at the entrance will ensure the current capacity limit of 41 people, including staff, is followed. Patrons may need to wait until someone else leaves before entrance is granted.

■ Plexiglass dividers have been erected at transaction points.

■ Social distancing of 6 feet is expected.

■ Food and drinks are not allowed.

■ Nobody under the age of 12 may enter without a parent, guardian or caretaker.

■ Elevators are limited to one person or family unit at a time.

■ Toys and games are currently unavailable.

■ Patrons will not be allowed to study or hang out.

For more details, visit the library’s website at fppl.org.

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Forest Park Review, February 3, 2021

Photo by MARIA MAXHAM

BEST FRIENDS: Forest Parker Alexandra Maxham, daughter of Review editor Maria Maxham, throws a ball for her dog Lotus at the dog park on Circle Avenue.

The dog days of lockdown living Pets help, providing companionship during pandemic

By TOM HOLMES Contributing Reporter

If it seems you’re seeing more dogs walking their owners in Forest Park lately, you’re not alone.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, dog adoptions in the area surged. In fact, Chicago Animal Care and Control experienced a “first” early on in the pandemic: In one day, every single animal on the floor was adopted.

Although social distancing has made adopting more difficult in some ways, and though some families had to surrender pets, unable to meet their financial needs, pet ownership overall has been on the rise, and the pet industry is booming.

Jenny Gonzalez-Olson, who owns the Pet Emporium on Madison Street, offers services such as grooming, boarding, daycare and

dog walking. She suggested several explanations for the increase in dog ownership.

One possibility is that fewer people are having children, or are having children later, and “a man’s best friend is second best.”

A bigger motivation for owning a dog, she said, is companionship. During the pandemic, with people stuck at home and socially isolating, having an at-home friend, even a non-human one, can prevent loneliness “Our dogs are our family,” said Pem Hessing, who is a client of Pet Emporium and the mother of two elementary school-age children. She refers to her dogs as her two additional “furever” babies.

Christina Giannelli also takes her dog to Pet Emporium for grooming.

“Ozzy is an 8.5-year-old Havanese and a lovable ball of fur,” Giannelli said. “I got him after my grandma, who I was a caregiver for, passed away, and he definitely helped fill a hole in my heart. Having his companionship over the past year — when I have barely been able to see friends or family — has meant the world to me. Many days he was the only creature I talked to —even if

he didn’t talk back!”

Mary Jo M’Lady, owner of Furry Angels Petcare on Franklin Street, added that the comfort and companionship a dog brings to its owner is even more important to her elderly clients “because I think they fight loneliness more than younger folk.”

“Especially now with COVID,” GonzalezOlson added, “I think people are finding out what loneliness is. When you are stuck at home, the silence can be very deafening and can lead to depression. Therefore, people are getting pets for companionship, and their need is usually met with a furry friend. There is nothing like doggy kisses and happy tail wags to brighten your day.”

“Many of my clients,” said M’Lady, “have expressed that they would be way more depressed if they had been without their dogs, and I know it’s also been good for my dog owners because, with many of them being home now, they are walking their own dogs and getting exercise that they don’t normally get. And because many of us have been working at home, it’s easier to have a dog or even get a companion for the one you have.”

“The unconditional love of a dog,” Giannelli declared, “is one of the greatest gifts you can experience. Humans completely do not deserve them!”

Dr. Lori Lipkin, a podiatrist with an office on Madison Street, has a 2-year-old shitzubichon fries mix named Coco.

“I started bringing her to the office two days after I got her,” Lipkin said, “because I realized just how much separation anxiety she had. So bringing her was more therapy for the puppy than for the patients.

“But now Coco greets patients at the door, follows them into the office and curls up in their laps.”

The website SPOTS claims that conclusions derived from scientific and longitudinal studies reveal that pet ownership does correlate with reduced blood pressure. Pet owners, they report, also tend to have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and exercise more as they walk their dogs.

“I cannot scientifically prove it,” Lipkin said, “but several patients seem to have lower blood pressure when they are holding her.”

Forest Park Review, February 3, 2021

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Aggravated battery in warming shelter

Police responded to 701 Harlem Ave. on Jan. 31 at 5:06 p.m. after hearing reports of a stabbing. The subject was located and patted down to determine if he had any cutting instruments on him. None were located by the police. He told police that the incident was part of a fight he was having with another person.

The victim was located; his coat was cut, but he was uninjured. He told police that he was in the warming shelter on the platform counting his money, when the suspect ran up and demanded some cash. When the alleged victim said “no,” the suspect pulled out a knife and began swiping it at him and chasing him around the warming shelter.

The victim stated that he is homeless.

of a parking lot in the rear of the 100 block of Lathrop Ave. They were told to come out with their hands up, and they complied. They were handcuffed and taken into custody.

Following the other set of footprints seemed to lead officers to an area where a car might have been parked, and they believe the third suspect fled in a vehicle.

Officers then canvassed the area for the missing backpacks, which the two offenders in custody were no longer carrying. They found them behind some garbage cans. They continued to follow the tracks, which led up a hill and to the fence where the barbed wire

Man claims he was just pretending to pee A group of vehicles were parked on the 7400 block of Madison Street, and occupants were playing music from their cars and dancing and yelling in the street, on Jan. 27 at 11:17 p.m. According to the police report, there have been “recent community complaints regarding this area and the abovedescribed behavior.”

When police arrived, one of the subjects was urinating on the sidewalk and building wall. Police asked for his identification, and he complied. While his name was being run, the suspect began to yell at his friends and at the officer. He was told by the police several times to lower his voice. But the suspect continued to yell, “I know you all don’t have anything better to do, but don’t give me a ticket.”

When provided a citation for public urination, the suspect said he was only pretending to urinate, and since the officer did not actually witness his penis, it was impossible to say with certainty that he had been urinating. His hearing is in March.

Suspects, who may have tagged CTA cars, apprehended After approximately 10 incidents of CTA trains being tagged with graffiti since the start of the year, officers caught two men allegedly about to do damage at 1 Harlem Ave. Officers observed three suspects carrying backpacks behind residences near the CTA train yards on Jan. 26 at around midnight and saw footprints along a path commonly used by offenders to trespass on the tracks and spray paint the cars.

Officers followed the footprints in the snow until they separated, two sets heading west and one headed east. Two males were located crouching behind a boat parked in the rear

and will be held in an attempt to obtain a search warrant.

These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Forest Park Police Department, Jan. 25-31, 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

River Forest

Soap and deodorant stolen A man cleared out several sections of the shelves at Walgreens, 7200 Roosevelt Rd., of deodorant and soap on Jan. 27 at 1:34 p.m.

An employee said she watched a man enter that aisle in the store, and after he left, the products were missing. The value of the items was not known at the time of the report, and the subject was not located.

appeared to be cut and damaged.

CTA Green Line officials reported new graffiti damage to two train cars.

One of the two men in custody finally admitted that the plan was to tag some train cars that night, but when they got close enough to do so, a CTA employee ran over and told them to leave. He gave police consent to search his phone for photographic evidence of tagging and found none. The other man in custody said he was a photographer, who came along to document the experience, but that he was then done talking to the police, “Period.” His phone was taken

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Forest Park Review, February 3, 2021

Valentine’s Cookies with Cat Join Cat, an enterprising teen with a mission on Feb. 6 from 3 to 4 p.m. to bake cookies. Cat created a Quarantine Cookbook to raise awareness for Beyond Hunger, and she’s joining the Forest Park Public Library to show kids how to make their own magic in their kitchens.

Please register at fppl.org/events if you want to join this Zoom event. The library will be streaming on Facebook as well with a special participation prize for some of our commenters. Feel free to e-mail ys@fppl.org for the cookie recipe in advance of the program.

History Discussion Group Join leader Erin McLaughlin at Centuries & Sleuths, 7419 Madison St., on Feb. 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. The book up for discussion is “The Jersey Brothers: A Missing Naval Officer in the Pacific and his Family’s Quest to Bring him Home” by Sally Mott Freeman.

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month Sarah’s Inn is hosting two sessions, one for parents/adults and one for teens, during February, Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

Dating Download for Parents/Adults: Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m.

Dating Download for Teens: Thursday, Feb. 11 at 6 p.m.

Join the Prevention Team and Youth Committee in a safe space over two separate sessions for two generations to learn from each other.

Through candid conversations, learn what dating looks like in teens today, about dating violence, and how the media can influence understanding what relationships look like. Includes a panel of Sarah’s Inn staff and community partners, where participants can ask questions about dating, teen dating violence and how to continue these conversations at home. Free.

Register: sarahsinn.org/youth-committee.

Feb. 3 – 10

BIG WEEK DIY Nail Art Join the Forest Park Public Library in learning how to make stunning and unique designs on your nails during this virtual event on Feb. 9 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. You’ll learn about professional tools, then see how to replicate those techniques using things around your home. Register at fppl.org/events for the Zoom link.

NAMI Parent and Family Support On Tuesdays at 7 p.m., drop in anytime to a virtual support group that offers hope and shared experiences for family members with a loved one with a mental health condition. To join, create a free login at webex.com, then enter meeting number 126 188 5530, password: Connect. For more on NAMI’s family services, call 708-524-2582 X108 or email bockus@namimetsub.org.

Forest Park Review, February 3, 2021

9

As skateboarding grows in popularity, park district plans redesign $250,000 project will offer a ‘more dynamic’ experience

board meeting in January, is “a 100 percent community driven design.” The top vote for what people wanted is known as a street course area, which consists of stairs, handrails, benches, ledges with a blend of tran-

sition as well, which includes quarter and half pipes.

The entire project will run the park district $250,000, with a portion offset by a $25,000 grant. About $150,000 will be spent on equip-

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

It started with an online survey of Forest Park residents and skate park users. After all who would be the best source for what a skate park redesign would look like. What kind of equipment would they like? What styles of terrain would be best? More technical terms were thrown around, like “bowl/ tranny,” “fun box” and “coffin.”

The survey resulted in a preliminary design from American Ramp to reconstruct the skate park at the Park District of Forest Park, a project subsidized partially by a grant and chosen because of the growing popularity of the skate park locally and skateboarding globally.

The survey, put together by American Ramp, received 46 responses over the course of about two weeks, and the majority of respondents were skateboarders at about the intermediate level, according to Brian Moore, a representative of American Ramp.

The concept, said Moore at the last park

ment and $100,000 on the poured-in concrete.

The ramps are designed and engineered to look and feel like those at the X-games, with steel frames, tan ramps, and black enclosures, said Moore. He also said that skateboarding has grown in popularity not just in Forest Park. In fact, said Moore, skateboarding was supposed to be in the summer 2020 Olympics, but because of COVID-19, it got pushed to 2021.

“But this is the first time that our sport has been recognized as an actual sport and not a fad or a hobby,” said Moore. He added that the new design of the skate park “is more dynamic and offers just a lot more opportunity” than the old one.

Any tweaks to the project plan will be brought up at the February meeting, and park Executive Director Jackie Iovinelli said she doesn’t want to wait too long.

“What we’d like to do with the February board meeting is begin moving forward with the project. Because of the timing that we’re looking at, we don’t want it closed in the summertime, because it’s such a popular piece,” Iovinelli said.

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Forest Park Review, February 3, 2021

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Forest Park Review, February 3, 2021

Why some local restaurants choose to keep dining rooms dark Operating at 0% capacity by choice

By MELISSA ELSMO Food Editor

Empty restaurant dining rooms have become an upsetting hallmark of the COVID-19 pandemic. When suburban Cook County moved into Tier 1 COVID-19 mitigations on Jan. 23, it came as no surprise many eateries opted to open their dining rooms almost instantaneously. Though restaurants and bars are now permitted to host customers indoors at reduced capacity, it is notable several local establishments have intentionally kept their dining rooms closed despite easing COVID related restrictions. The reasons behind the choice to remain closed are as varied as the fluctuating circumstances that led to their closures in the first place.

Diminutive Sen Sushi, 814 S. Oak Park Ave., simply does not have the square footage to re-open at limited capacity. The 28-seat Japanese restaurant is just 1,000 square-feet. In pre-pandemic times Sen bustled with customers perched shoulderto-shoulder at the sushi bar and gathered at tightly arranged tables.

“At 25% capacity we would be allowed to have seven or eight customers in here,” said Varanya Chaiprasert, co-owner of Sen Sushi.

“Just to keep up with carryout orders we have four sushi chefs in here at once plus food packers. We are at capacity with staff alone.”

Chaiprasert also drastically shifted restaurant operations in response to COVID-19.

Take out orders that used to be filled by back of house, are now organized and packaged on long tables in the once-lively dining room. Customers do not enter the restaurant to pick up their orders — maki rolls and miso soup are safely passed through the door of Sen’s winter vestibule enclosure.

Even with extensive precautions in place, Sen had a COVID exposure that forced a temporary closure for deep cleaning and COVID testing. Adding more risk to their current operations simply didn’t feel right given Sen’s close quarters.

“Our staff feel safe within the walls of this restaurant and trust each other to keep safety protocols in place. Our customers appreciate and support our choice to be careful,” said Chaiprasert. “We won’t reopen until restaurant can be filled to 100% capacity.”

Forest Park café, Kribi Coffee, 7324 Madison St., is also keeping their dining spaces quiet while they make a concerted plan for reopening based on medical advice and staff input.

Kribi Coffee owner Jacques Shalo’s wife, Cindy Fellencer, is a Loyola Hospital nurse and deeply involved in coordinating the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. She has been using her medical knowledge to guide Shalo’s decisions and make recommendations related

to reopening.

‘I don’t judge restaurants that have reopened. Personally, I find this scary and want to take it slow,” said the coffee shop owner. “There are so many moving parts to all of this, and this is like nothing we have ever dealt with before. COVID is not a switch you can just turn on and off.”

Shalo is focused on empowering his staff to help make decisions related to reopening and welcomes their participation in making methodical plans to keep everyone safe. On Sunday, Kribi is having an all staff meeting to go through a “re-training” process designed to make sure COVID safety measures like air purification, sanitizing and face shields continue to be a top priority for staff members engaging with the public. Shalo is also ready to hear and address any concerns staff members may have related to opening for indoor service.

“This is a team effort,” said Shalo. “We are working in unison on the frontline. I am ready to hear any and all concerns and will take them seriously. We want people to feel comfortable until vaccines bring the change we need.”

Kristen Alfonsi, co-owner of One Lake Brewing is keeping an eye on customer demand to inform a reopening plan. For now, the craft brewery and restaurant with three floors of dining space, at 1 Lake St. in Oak Park, is sticking to outdoor rooftop dining and carry out despite having a full middle floor of available indoor tables.

One Lake’s vertical layout keeps carryout orders flowing on the first floor and rooftop diners on the third. Reopening the midlevel for limited capacity indoor dining would put the restaurant in the position of “operating three businesses in one” according to Alfonsi.

“Opening the second floor for indoor dining means we would need to bring on more employees,” said Alfonsi. “With such limited capacity and so few tables available we may not be able to guarantee enough customers or hours to make it financially advantageous for new staff members.”

Weighing customer demand and capacity limitations against the desire to pay staff a livable wage makes establishing a reopening timeline difficult. One Lake’s three level scenario is an anomaly but running three businesses on three floors is not an option now. If customer demand increases and restaurant workers were able to be vaccinated the plan to reopen One Lake’s dining rooms would become clearer.

“For now, we know we’ve built so much trust with the community because of our COVID compliance and we don’t want to tamper with that,” said Alfonsi. “We’re giving people an experience on the rooftop. Our rooftop may not be for everyone, but if you bring a blanket and keep the hot cocktails flowing it feels like a ski lodge up there. It is just so fun.”

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Forest Park Review, February 3, 2021

Black History Month event series Mayor Hoskins, Senator Lightford participated

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

February is Black History Month (BHM), which began as a week-long event in 1926, and groups in Forest Park have planned a variety of events for all ages to honor, celebrate and explore the history and stories of Black people in U.S. history. These organizations include Forest Park Against Racism (FPAR), the Forest Park Public Library, the Historical Society of Forest Park, and the Midwest Juneteenth Collective.

Marjorie Adam, a FPAR member, conceived of the event series.

“This year’s BHM is coming off of the heels of the pandemic, racial inequality protests, and rioted insurrection — recognizing that this is a collective trauma,” Adam said in a statement from the library. “It was very important to me that we create space for us as a community to reflect, learn, and honor our fellow Americans. Black people have always contributed to our broad American

history. The diversity and complexity of that history isn’t anything to shy away from. On the contrary, it is an integral part of our American culture and ought to be celebrated and mainstreamed.”

Reimagining Freedom in America: The Historical Significance of Juneteenth for All Americans On Jan. 31, guest speakers Mayor Rory Hoskins and Senator KimFile photo berly Lightford LEADERS: Mayor Rory Hoskins (left) and Kimberly Lightford (center), pictured here over the summer, particispoke about the pated in an online discussion about the significance of Juneteenth. significance of Juneteenth for all Bringing Black History to Life: Kucha Americans. Juneteenth, or June 19, is the day that commemorates Union soldiers enforcing the Emancipation Proclamation. & Baba Tony Storytellers Date: Sunday, Feb. 14 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Hoskins brought Juneteenth to Forest Park Link: eventbrite.com/e/bringing-blackin 2009, and it has become an important date and event for residents and others in neigh- history-to-life-tickets-137463207153 ASSISTED LIVING • SHELTERED CARE • MEMORY CARE • SKILLED NURSING Folktales, calls and response, dialect and boring communities. poetry are all part of this 60-minute performance of diverse stories. The presentation Exploring Black Space: An Introwill be accompanied by African drumming, duction to Afrofuturism & Character Now safely moving shekere playing and audience participation, Creation new residents to our including singing and playing instruments.

Date: Feb. 7 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. small, wooded campus.

Link: eventbrite.com/e/exploring-blackQuilting a Beloved Community space-tickets-137462009571 Date: Sunday, Feb. 21 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Learn about Afrofuturism, an artistic Link: fppl.org/events movement that explores elements of Black Dr. Melissa Blount, a Detroit born artist history and culture through the lens of fantasy and science fiction in literature, music and licensed psychologist, will host a virtual sewing circle where you will learn an and art.

Recommended supplies for this workshop embroidery stitch to begin the process of include at least three sheets of paper, a pen- creating a Forest Park community quilt feaChoosing a community you cil and eraser, a blank ink pen, colored pen- turing historical and contemporary Black can trust has never been cils or markers, and an image of yourself. women. more difficult.

All supplies can be picked up in the liThis workshop is geared for high school stubrary’s vestibule at 7555 Jackson Blvd. dents and adults familiar with comic book Our community has an Please plan to return your finished quilt design illustration or live drawings. impeccable record of safety square as it will be joined with others for during the COVID-19 crisis the community’s first Black History Month Panel: How parents can support eqand we will stop at nothing quilt. uity in their community (with HEROS) to make sure it continues.

Date: Feb. 23 from 4 to 5 p.m.

Paul Robeson: 20th Century RenaisLink: fppl.org/events We would be honored for your Join the Forest Park Public Library’s sance Man family to be part of ours.

Date: February 28 at 2 pm youth services manager and representatives from HEROS (Healing Racism in Our These events are sponsored by Avenue Schools) about their transformation from concerned community members to advo- One, the Forest Park National Bank, and the cates. This is the first installment in the li- Forest Park Public Library. For more inforCONTACT US FOR AN OUTDOOR VISIT brary’s Everyday Advocates series, which mation on Black History Month, the event 2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL 60546 highlights the stories of everyday people series, and book and film recommendations, (708) 477-5092 | CaledoniaSeniorLiving.org Limited availability! serving as community builders and change- please go to fppl.org/blackhistorymonth. makers.

A safe & smart choice.

Forest Park Review, February 3, 2021

13

TAKING CARE OF TEENS: In February, Sarah’s Inn is hosting online seminars and a contest for high school students focusing on keeping teens safe while dating.

File photo

Sarah’s Inn puts February focus on teen dating Online discussion and art contest bring attention to relationship violence

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

February is Teen Dating Violence Action Month, and Sarah’s Inn is sponsoring activities to raise awareness and engage teens and families in conversation about relationship violence and promoting healthy relationships.

On Feb. 10 and 11, Sarah’s Inn, a domestic violence agency located in Forest Park, is hosting a two-part virtual event for parents and teens. The focus is on what dating is like for teens today, including online dating, violence, and the effect of media on our understanding of relationships. The goal is to have a candid conversation on teen dating. Panelists will include Sarah’s Inn staff as well as community partners. The event is free and open to teenagers and their parents or guardians. Registration is required at sarahsinn.org/events.

Sarah’s Inn is also sponsoring The Youth Voice Award, an opportunity for local high school students to create a work of art related to ending relationship violence. Two projects will win a $2,000 prize.

According to Sarah’s Inn, the purpose of the contest “is to provide a platform for high school students to express their ideas, experiences, and thoughts around relationship violence.”

Themes include the following questions: How do gender roles (or toxic masculinity) affect dating violence? What effect does do-

mestic violence have on your community?

What role does social media play in the perpetuation of teen dating violence? What would help end relationship violence within your generation?

Students aged 14 through 18 can submit in a variety of mediums, including: writing a poem, essay, short story or script; creating a

video using animation, dance, song, spoken word, and more; create art, such as comic, drawing and illustration, digital art, mixed media, photography and more. Submissions must be received by March 15.

For all the rules, visit https://www.sarahsinntv.org/post/youth-voice-award.

“Youth have a voice. We want to hear it,”

reads the website. “Tell us your ideas, your thoughts, your insight. Write it, record it, dance it, sing it, draw it, it’s up to you. We want to hear your voice however you are comfortable expressing it and wherever your passion lies.”

One step closer to Chipotle ZBA approves ‘Chipotlane’

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

They’re called Chipotlanes, a beautiful portmanteau to describe the drive-thru lanes at some Chipotle restaurants. And the proposed Chipotle at the corner of Madison Street and Harlem Avenue will

have one after the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) unanimously approved the drivethru at a Jan. 19 meeting.

Acting Chair Kerri McBride and board members Kristen Lyons, Kevin Hibbits and Ray Paulin unanimously approved the project, presented by David King on behalf of Midwest Property Group.

King, himself a long-time Forest Park resident, said he could not be more excited about the project.

“Harlem and Madison is the entrance to our town,” King said, “and having a

Rendering provided

CHIPOTLANE: The Chipotle coming to the corner of Harlem Avenue and Madison Street will have a drive-thru for pre-orders only.

healthy, casual, cool and hip restaurant at the corner will be good for Forest Park.”

King is also enthusiastic about the “Welcome to Forest Park” sign that will be part of the project.

The Chipotle drive-thru concept is what King described as a “new cutting-edge concept,” with no menu board, no speaker for ordering, and no ordering allowed from the window, which is only to pick up orders placed ahead of time using the restaurant’s app.

The restaurant will also feature dine-in, as traditionally offered by Chipotle restaurants. The restaurant is a project of Jay Javors of Midwest Property Group, Ltd., and is proposed to be a 2,400 square foot establishment with on-site parking for 23 cars.

According to Steve Glinke, head of Public Health and Safety, the project will be voted on by the village council next. Additionally, IDOT still needs to approve a traffic study for the project, and there are other third-party approvals necessary, such as from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.

14

Forest Park Review, February 3, 2021

OPINION O U R

V I E W

A joyous superintendent

F

orest Park’s District 91 public elementary schools reached a point of inflection. A longserving superintendent, Louis Cavallo, graciously gave the school board a two-year heads up on his pending retirement. Instead of cruising to the so-longs, COVID-19 intervened and put the district, and all others, into an isolating limbo where there were no good solutions for students, teachers or families.

The isolation amplified Cavallo’s long recognized challenges in communicating and connecting. The superintendent has had a tenure of innovation and bold steps. But he lacked the talent to sell that message to families or to the Forest Park community.

It made the challenge for the school board in choosing his successor all the greater.

We have long noted that school boards have a single essential moment: The choice of a superintendent.

Their single employee. The repository of their collected vision. The person who fronts the district in all venues, in moments great and failed.

On Saturday the school board, almost with a giddy pleasure, introduced their choice.

Dr. Elizabeth Alvarez, a veteran of many roles within the Chicago Public Schools, will lead this district beginning July 2. In her virtual introduction, and in a later interview with the Review, Alvarez exuded energy, ideas, passion and caring. Pandemic or no pandemic, Alvarez is going to sweep into these schools and this village with a joyfulness that just might be contagious.

Inevitably and rightly, it was noted that Alvarez will be the district’s first woman leader and the first person of color in this vital role. We don’t doubt for a moment that her gender and her Latina heritage inform the person she is. But pretty quicky it will be Alvarez’s sense of, and appreciation for, building community that will define her.

This district, with so many things right about it, needs a champion to rally it and to sell it and, especially, to challenge it. The school board most certainly saw that need and recognized that Alvarez has the capacity to inspire.

In her conversation with the Review’s Maria Maxham, Alvarez made plain that she will be a presence in Forest Park starting now. And once COVID eases, she said, she will be perpetually visible in all Forest Park arenas.

We’ll close by quoting the Saturday comments of Katherine Valleau, a school board member, local brewery owner, and for many years an energized D91 teacher. Saying she is “over the moon” with the hiring of Alvarez, Valleau then captured what ought to become Forest Park’s anthem. “Welcome to Forest Park.

We are a weird and quirky town, and we’re very happy to have you.”

Weird, quirky and great. That’s our Forest Park. And with schools that just could soar.

Alternate lenses see alternate realities

‘W

hat’s so funny?” Pastor Walter Mitty asked his friend and neighbor Michael Rosenthal, who had started chuckling during their daily check-in and coffee time a few days ago.

“Well, you’re going to have to give a sermon on February 14, right?”

“Yeah. So?” “Walt, that’s Valentine’s Day; then comes Presidents Day; Ash Wednesday is three days after that; it’s in the middle of Black History Month; and the impeachment trial will have begun just the week before. How in the world are you going to cover all of that without going on and on all day?”

“Yeah, I see what you mean,” Mitty replied, taking a deep breath. “And you forgot about the pandemic.”

After ending the call with the usual “take care,” Pastor Walt felt anxiety rising inside.

How could a guy make sense of everything going on these days?

“OK, OK,” he coached himself. “Don’t try to swallow the whole pizza at once. Just go at it one piece at a time.”

He decided to begin “making sense” of life by calling Sharissa Hawkins first, then Dominique and finally Miss Rose and asking them what Black History Month meant to them.

“It’s all about remembering the evil of slavery,” Sharissa replied with a hint of anger in her voice, “and getting white people to understand how that and racism constitute America’s original sin.”

Dominique answered Mitty’s voicemail message in an email saying, “Black History Month is an occasion to celebrate how far my people have come. Twelve years ago a Black president, a couple of weeks ago a person of color sworn in as vice president, and look at me — working in a corner office in the Loop with a view of Lake Michigan.”

“Pastor, you know me. I’d rather sing than talk,” is how Miss Rose answered the question and she began to sing softly over the phone: “Stony the road we trod, bitter the chastening rod, felt in the days when hope unborn had died.”

“Such different perspectives on race,” Mitty said to himself, “and all three are Black. And here I am, a white boy from a small town in Wisconsin trying to wrap my mind around the conundrum of race in this country, and I just heard three people who live in the reality of Blackness giving me three different takes on what it is like to live inside their skin.”

He tried to calm his anxiety. “OK, Walt, you have two whole weeks to get your act together. Let’s see how Valentine’s Day can be related to Black history.”

He felt a little more hopeful when he realized that the theme of Valentine’s Day is love, and surely love is at least part of what it would take to make Dr. King’s dream come true. Thinking about love opened the door of his memory to the music he had listened to on his transistor radio during the ’60s.

What the world needs now is love, sweet love

It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of What the world needs now is love, sweet love No, not just for some, but for everyone.

He knew all the words to Jackie DeShannon’s hit single. The next song on his mental jukebox was by the O’Jays: “People all over the world, join hands. Start a love train.”

Then the New Seekers: “I’d like to build the world a home and furnish it with love.

I’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony.”

Mitty smiled. He was young and idealistic in those days. Living in an alternate universe really.

And that made him think of the mob on Jan. 6 and of eight senators who still questioned the validity of the election.

The concept of alternate universes was beginning to emerge in his mind, the pastor of Poplar Park Community Church realized, as he thought about so many Trump voters not believing that climate change is manmade or that masks can save lives.

Thinking about unity and alternative universes caused his mind to segue to a book discussion held at Bernie Rolvaag’s store way before COVID was even a word in our vocabulary. The discussion was centered on Bishop Desmond Tutu’s The Book of Forgiving, where explained that in his Truth and Reconciliation Commission there were four steps to the healing of South Africa after the end of apartheid.

1. Admitting the wrong and acknowledging the harm; 2. Telling one’s story and witnessing the anguish; 3. Asking for forgiveness and granting forgiveness; 4. Renewing or releasing the relationship.

“Forgiveness,” wrote Tutu in the book, “is nothing less than the way we heal the world.”

“I wonder,” thought Pastor Walt. “Was the good bishop also living in an alternative reality, a fantasyland like many of us were attracted to in the ’60s?”

He then brought up on his computer the service for Ash Wednesday and the confession he and his congregation had spoken so many times over the years.

Most holy and merciful God, We confess to you and to one another …

We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.

We have not forgiven others as we have been forgiven.

Our false judgments, our uncharitable thoughts toward our neighbors, and our prejudice and contempt toward those who differ from us.

Mitty realized that he and Miss Rose and Bishop Tutu lived in a reality that was an alternative to all the others in the spiritual marketplace. That even science can be a good lens for determining facts but can’t explain why medical professionals keep coming to work when following the science would logically lead them to not show up.

“Maybe,” Mitty decided, “no one sees reality clearly, 20/20, without wearing glasses, and we need to view it through multiple lenses in order to see the whole picture.”

TOM

HOLMES

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Forest Park Review, February 3, 2021

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16

Forest Park Review, February 3, 2021

NEW D91

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT: New District 91 Superintendent Elizabeth Alvarez said she wants students to see that the sky’s the limit.

SUPERINTENDENT Excited to start

“First of all, I am very outgoing,” Alvarez said. “So I want to be part of it. I want to be present. I want to get to know people. Hear them out about what they love. I also want to hear about what they’re hoping for, and I’ve only become a better leader by listening and learning.”

Being part of the town is important to Alvarez, too, because the second someone from Forest Park talks about the town, the sense of community is evident in how they describe the environment.

“The way everyone kind of speaks about that climate and culture, the feel of school, the community … you don’t necessarily see that immediately or hear that immediately in other places,” Alvarez said. “It takes a lot of work, years of work, to do.”

Since the close-knit community seems to be there, said Alvarez, what needs to be done is to really hone in on instruction.

“Already, people seem vested in the school, even people who don’t send their children there. So that says a lot to me, that there are a lot of stakeholders who are going to have their input to say, this is how important our school is. So that’s a huge strength that can take years to build.”

The curriculum, she said, is already strong in many ways, but that’s where the focus needs to be. Part of that, she said, is a clear and honest look at the data.

“The part that I would like to see is the conversation pieces that we’re having with curriculum, the conversation pieces we’re having with data and assessments, because many times people tend to be come defensive about their own data,” Alvarez said.

That data, she said, “belongs to all of us.”

Alvarez said she doesn’t want to “over test” children, but monitoring progress is essential. She compared it to the way doctors monitor our health to make sure we’re on the right track. Or dentists regularly see how our teeth are doing.

“We have to monitor to see how much we are learning,” Alvarez said. Then we find gaps where we can focus. That way, nobody falls behind. Tiering is a way to do that, while making sure children at all levels are getting what they need to be successful.”

Her volunteer time, she said, is spent mentoring future leaders for the Latino leadership pipeline; she is currently the president of the Illinois Association of Latino administrators and superintendents.

She is the mother of two grown children.

“I hold the noble title of educator dear to my heart,” Alvarez said.

Her core values, she said, revolve around “bring a sense of belonging in every aspect of schooling.”

As a young child, she said she longed for the feeling of belonging but never felt it in grammar school or middle school. In high

Photo provided

from page 1

school, however, she met teachers who lit her spirit once more.

“They showed me what the power of a teacher can do. They reminded me of my potential, my work, and provided me with that sense of belonging that I longed for.

When you feel you belong, security guards, staff, clerks, aides, teachers, parents, and especially our students, then you are able to put forth your best in all you do, and you believe in yourself. You feel safe, and nurtured where your uniqueness contributes to the diversity of a thriving diverse learning community.”

The sense of belonging, Alvarez said, creates an environment where mistakes are expected and accepted, allowing children to experiment and grow.

“I believe in the power of an educator in the lives of children. I believe in celebrating the whole child. I believe in acknowledging and celebrating our diversity. I believe in positive school climate and culture, that it starts with great leadership with our principals, assistant principals and our teachers.”

Coming into a new district during COVID presents some challenges, such as not get-

ting to meet all the children or staff initially. But Alvarez talked about the positives too. In her experience in her current job, she said she’s seen teacher engagement and relationships burgeon in ways they never did before.

“I have seen teachers who have never spoken to each other before, like emergent bilingual teachers, or our diverse learning teachers, or counselors, nurses … they are really having conversations about what is meaningful and purposeful. Which, in person, didn’t necessarily happen.”

She brought up a concept that D91 teachers have talked about in previous interviews with the Review; that suddenly, with all the COVID-related changes, experienced teachers and principals feel like first year teachers all over again.

“And what do we do in our first years?” asked Alvarez. “We look for support. And that’s exactly what happened during remote learning. We were reaching out to all of our support systems, and we started gaining because of it, and becoming smarter because of it. So that’s something I hope, no, I know, will not change.”

The drawbacks of learning remotely, of course, are obvious. You miss something not talking face-to-face.

“To sit down and actually understand what it means to work in a group … that’s so important,” Alvarez said. Being with adults is another thing children are lacking right now.

“Children are missing out on the interactions of adults, and how we move and how we model for them,” Alvarez said.

As for being the first woman to serve as superintendent in the district, Alvarez said it’s a second first for her, as she was the first female principal of a school in Chicago. While she feels pride in being a role model for both girls and boys, she said first and foremost, the job is the most important thing.

“Honestly, I just saw the work as the work. I didn’t think of being the first female or Latina until people brought it to my attention,” Alvarez said.

But she’s glad, she said, that children, both boys and girls, can look to her and see the road she’s taken.

“They can say, ’Hey, this is what is possible,’ and they walk out of there feeling that I provided a path. It’s making sure that they know the sky’s the limit, honestly. And I could not be where I am now without those types of mentors.”

Alvarez said she thinks she’ll fit in well, because not only did board members describe the town as “quirky” in the interviews, but she describes herself that way too.

She said she’s a White Sox fan, and she’s often seen around wearing her baseball cap with pride. She’s a huge Lord of the Rings fan and enjoys Star Wars too.

She said her quirkiness lends itself to fun, even when kids are learning. During poetry week at previous schools, for example, she’d ask students to keep a poem in their pocket at all times, and sometimes she’d ask them to pull it out and read it.

“Those kind of things make me excited,” said Alvarez, “like children getting excited about poetry.”

Alvarez’ official start date is July 1, but she will begin now, talking to stakeholders and learning about the district.

Board member Katherine Valleau said she’s “over the moon” with the hiring of Alvarez. “She personally blew me away,” Valleau said. “Welcome to Forest Park. We are a weird and quirky town, and we’re very happy to have you.”

Board member Mary Win Connor, who will not be running for reelection in April, said of everything she’s done in her 17 years on the board, “this was the most important.”

Retiring Superintendent Lou Cavallo couldn’t attend the Zoom meeting, but a statement he wrote was read during the meeting.

“I have come to care deeply about the district and community and am very pleased to have such an outstanding individual who has been chosen to lead this community …

I am sure she will do an outstanding job and will lead D91 to a bright future,” said Cavallo.

Forest Park Review, February 3, 2021 New local ads this week

YOUR WEEKLY AD

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

WEDNESDAY

CLASSIFIED

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HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI

Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

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.

Place your ad online anytime at: www.ForestParkReview.com/Classified/

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

SENIOR SERVICES

CITY RENTALS

DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF OF EMS & INFECTIOUS DISEASE The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Deputy Fire Chief of EMS & Infectious Disease in the Fire Department. This position will direct, manage, supervise, and coordinate the programs and activities of the Fire Department’s Emergency Medical Services and Infectious Disease Division; to coordinate assigned activities with other Village departments, divisions, and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Fire Chief and Public Health Director when assigned. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www. oak-park.us/jobs. First review of applications will be February 21, 2021.

SENIOR SERVICES At We All Care Home Care Agency we offer in home care services in senior. We make sure you or your family member safe and comfortable in their home. We assistant with cooking, cleaning, transportation, assistant with vitals, Medication reminder and much more. Feel free to call 773-827-4543

DELUXE 3BR APT 5955 W HURON First Floor. Large kitchen, all electric appliances. Near West Suburban Hospital. Near all public trans. $1150/mo.

Call 773-637-8677 for appt.

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

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SELLING YOUR HOME

BY OWNER? Call Us For Advertising Rates!

708/613-3333

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST HEPHZIBAH CHILDREN’S ASSOCIATION PART TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE Hephzibah Children’s Association is a renowned social service agency in Oak Park, IL that has been helping children thrive and families flourish through innovative community-based programs.

The Day Care Program is accepting applications for February – June, 2021 school year. We seek individuals to provide care and supervision of 5-11-year-old children. Positions are Monday through Friday from 12:15 – 6:00 pm.

Responsibilities include assisting with and monitoring e-learning, supervising arts and crafts, activities, sports, group games, and indoor and outdoor play, lunch and snack, and homework help.

SUBURBAN RENTALS

SUBURBAN RENTALS

OFFICE & RETAIL SPACE FOR RENT RIVER FOREST–7777 Lake St. * 1116 sq. ft. * 1400 sq. ft. Dental Office RIVER FOREST–7756 Madison St. * 960 sq. ft.

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SUBURBAN RENTALS

M&M

property management, inc.

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Apartment listings updated daily at:

• Minimum of 6 semester hours in education, recreation, social work, or related college courses • Experience working with children If you are interested please contact: Amy O’Rourke, Director of Day Care by email at: aorrouke@hephzibahhome.org include letter of interest and resume.

Hephzibah Children’s Association is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. We value, advocate for and support diversity throughout our organization. We embrace a respectful, multicultural, environment for employees and the clients we serve.

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Call 708/613-3333

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

FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.

New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured.

Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com

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

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FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small

HANDYMAN Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am – 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue.

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ITEMS FOR SALE

CEMETERY PLOTS

RALPH LAUREN KING SIZE COMFOTER Ralph Lauren Allison pattern King size comforter used as bedspread.

3 huge matching custom-made shams.

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4 FOREST HOME CEMETERY PLOTS 4 Forest Home cemetery plots available together or separately. Easy access and exit, in desirable Garden Sec. 61, Lot 342-A spaces 1,2,3,4. $1650 each, transfer costs not included.

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WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys.

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Wednesday Classified 3 Great Papers, 6 Communities To Place Your Ad, Call: 708/613-3333

ELECTRICAL

A&A ELECTRIC

708-488-9411

The program begins in February and will be in Oak Park, IL serving 5-11-year-old (K-5th grade) children.

The program will follow the safety guidelines of the IDPH regarding face masks, social distancing and cleaning & disinfecting.

Requirements include:

ELECTRICAL

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708-848-9404

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HEATING/ AIR CONDITIONING HEATING AND APPLIANCE EXPERT Furnaces, Boilers and Space Heaters Refrigerators Ranges • Ovens Washer • Dryers Rodding Sewers Lic/Bonded 25 yrs experience

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

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Includes doors, woodwork, windows, staircases and new woodwork etc. All work done by hand. NO sanders. Your unfinished project my specialty!

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cat calls

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524-1030

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is 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: Y21005627 on January 14, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of CHAD KEAST HAIR with the business located at: 31 G HARRISON ST, OAK PARK, IL 60304. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: CHAD KEAST 1028 RANDOLPH ST 1NW OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA. Published in Wednesday Journal 1/20, 1/27, 2/3/2021

LEGAL NOTICE SERRANO LEGAL SOLUTIONS, LLC Attorney for Petitioner P. O. Box 3581 Oak Park, IL 60303 Attorney for Petitioner STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division.

In re the marriage of LAURA VALDEZ, Petitioner and LINO CHIMALPOPOCA-ABARCA, Respondent, Case No. 2021D430022 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 February 19, 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 1/20, 1/27, 2/3/2021

Attention! Homeimprovement pros!

Reach the people making the decisions – your target demographic.

Place an ad in Wednesday Classifieds!

Call 708/613-3342

18

Forest Park Review, February 3, 2021

CLASSIFIED

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

Let the sun shine in...

Public Notice: Your right to know

In print • Online • Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year ForestParkReview.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLIONIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of JULIAN RICHARD ANDREOTTI Case Number 2020CONC000961 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Julian Richard Andreotti to the new name of: Julian Richard Topete-Andreotti The court date will be held: On February 17, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom Video-conference. Please use the information below to access the hearing.

ZOOM MEETING ID:970 3250 0245 ZOOM PASSSWORD: 895226 CALL IN: 3126266799 Published in Wednesday Journal 1/20, 1/27, 2/3/2021

NOTICE OF DOCUMENT AVAILABILITY NOTICE is hereby given that the Village of Oak Park Draft Program Year 2019 Comprehensive Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (Draft CAPER) will be available for public review and comment during business hours from February 4-18, 2021 on the Village’s website on the HousingGrants webpage and at Village Hall, 123 Madison Street. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and non-English speaking persons, as needed. Program Year 2019 ran from October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020.

As a recipient of federal funding under the Community Development Block Grant, Emergency Solutions Grant and Section 108 Loan Guarantee Programs, the Village is required to submit annual performance reports to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Any comments concerning the Draft CAPER should be submitted in writing to grants@oak-park.us by 5 p.m., February 18, 2021.

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield, Illinois that bid proposals will be received for the following project: 2021 STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS This project will include the replacement of concrete curb and gutter, sidewalks, driveway aprons, and drainage structures, pavement widening, installation of 1,750’ of 8” DIP water main, replacement of certain sections of combined sewers, milling and resurfacing certain pavements, landscaping disturbed areas, and performing other related work.

Sealed bids will be received up to the hour of 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, the 24th day of February, 2021, in the office of the Village Manager in the Village Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois. All sealed bids received will be publicly opened and read at 11:00 A.M. on the same day, Wednesday, the 24th day of February, 2021, at the Village Hall.

Electronic copies of bidding documents, consisting of the bid proposal, project specifications, and project plans are available from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Co., 9933 Roosevelt Road, Westchester, Illinois 60154.

Bidding documents can be requested by emailing info@ehancock.com. No bidding documents will be issued after 4:30 P.M. on Wednesday, the 17th day of February, 2021.

All bidders wishing to obtain bidding documents must be approved by the Village prior to obtaining bidding documents. All bidders must provide proof that they are prequalified with the Illinois Department of Transportation to perform at least 40% of the value of the work before being issued bidding documents. A non-refundable fee of fifteen dollars ($15.00) will be required to obtain bidding documents. Proposals will only be accepted from bidders that have obtained bidding documents

from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Company.

All bid proposals offered must be accompanied by a bid bond, cashier’s check or certified check in an amount not be less than Five Percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid, as a guarantee that if the bid proposal is accepted, a contract will be entered into and the performance of the contract properly secured. Checks shall be made payable to the Order of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield. No bid proposal shall be considered unless accompanied by such bid bond or check.

Any bidder in doubt as to the true meaning of any part of the bidding documents may request an interpretation thereof from the Village.

The bidder requesting the interpretation shall be responsible for its prompt delivery. At the request of the bidder, or in the event that the Village deems the interpretation to be substantive, the interpretation will be made by written addendum issued by the Village.

In the event that a written addendum is issued, either as a result of a request for interpretation or the result of a change in the bidding documents issued by the Village, a copy of such addendum will be mailed to all prospective bidders. The Village will not assume responsibility for receipt of such addendum. In all cases it will be the bidders’ responsibility to obtain all addenda issued.

The Contractor and Subcontractor shall comply with all regulations issued pursuant to Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130), and other applicable Federal Laws and regulations pertaining to labor standards.

The Village of Brookfield reserves the rights to determine the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder, to waive irregularities, and to reject any or all bid proposals.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR OPTION ONE MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2006-3, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-3 Plaintiff, -v.CHARLES T. GRANT, JUANITA J. GRANT, THE PRAIRIE PLACE AT 6436 ROOSEVELT CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION Defendants 2019CH14912 6436 ROOSEVELT RD, 413 OAK PARK, IL 60304 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 5, 2020, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 11, 2021, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 6436 ROOSEVELT RD, 413, OAK PARK, IL 60304 Property Index No. 16-18-428-0431030, Property Index No. 16-18428-043-1054

The real estate is improved with a condo/townhouse.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real

estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county

venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-19-11626 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2019CH14912 TJSC#: 40-2378 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2019CH14912 I3163568

local employees... happy employees!

BY ORDER THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS

Published in RB Landmark 02/03/2021

Published in Wednesday Journal February 3, 2021

Starting a new business in 2021?

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

Hire Local. Place an ad on Wednesday Classified’s

Local Online Job Board. Go to ForestParkReview.com/classified today!

Contact Mary Ellen Nelligan for more information.

(708) 613-3342 • maryellen@ForestParkReview.com

P

Forest Park Review, February 3, 2021

INC., REALTOR

19

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

SOLD!

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

SOLD!

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!

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.

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!

SOLD!

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!

Curbsi de Pick

It’s a B Up! o w l of Sup Valent ine Foo er d To G o!

Upon further review, you must order out!

Burger Moovment 7512 W, North Ave. Elmwood Park burgermoovment.com/ (708) 452-7288 Valentines 12-8pm Superbowl 12-6pm Burgers, Fries and Shakes Call Restaurant, Restaurant Website, ChowNow

Buzz Cafe 905 S. Lombard Ave, Oak Park thebuzzcafe.com/ (708) 524-2899 Monday-Saturday 7am-8pm, Sunday 8am-2pm Coffee, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Homemade, Organic, Vegetarian, Vegan Our Menu: thebuzzcafe.com/menu/ Call Restaurant, Restaurant Website, Uber Eats Check out our Super Bowl party packages with an option to add Kinslaher Beer and our Family

Valentines Day Meal packages with an option to add wine or champagne from Careful Peach!

Cucina Paradiso 814 North Blvd, Oak Park cucinaoakpark.com (708) 848-3434 4pm-8pm Valentines Italian Our Menu: cucinaoakpark.com Call Restaurant, Restaurant Website, Door Dash, GrubHub, chow no

Mickey’s Gyros & Ribs 525 N. Harlem Ave, Oak Park facebook.com/mickeysgyros (708) 848-3333 11am - 9pm every day BBQ Ribs and Chicken, Burgers, hotdogs and beef Our Menu: facebook.com/mickeysgyros

Call Restaurant, Come in for Carry Out Mickey’s Rib Special: 1/2 slab dinner $11.99, full slab $17.99 includes fries or baked potato, coleslaw & garlic bread. Italian beef sandwich w/fries $8.49. Big Mickey double cheeseburger $2.99.

Old World Pizza 7230 West North Ave, Elmwood Park originaloldworldpizza.com (708) 456-3000 Monday 3:30 to 9pm; Tue, wed, Thu and Sun 11am to 9pm; Fri and Sat 11am to 11 pm Pizza Our Menu: originaloldworldpizza.com Call Restaurant, Restaurant Website

Q-BBQ Oak Park 124 N. Marion, Oak Park q-bbq.com (708) 628-3421

11:00 am to 8:00 pm BBQ Our Menu: q-bbq.com/menu Call Restaurant, Restaurant Website, Door Dash, GrubHub, chownow.com Check out our Family Packs-suggested for a family of 4

Wild Onion Tied House 1111 South Blvd. wildoniontiedhouse.com (708) 628-3553 Tuesday-Friday, 4pm-8pm, Saturday-Sunday 12pm8pm Upscale Pub Fare toasttab.com/wild-onion-tied-house/v3 Call Restaurant, Restaurant Website, GrubHub We deliver Large charcuterie tray with a 6-pack and a double batched Tied House Old Fashioned $60

Each of these restaurants paid a very nominal fee to participate in this ad. Thank you for supporting these local businesses!

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Forest Park Review, February 3, 2021

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