Forest Park Review 020724

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ForestParkReview.com Vol. 107, No. 6

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REVIEW FEBRUARY 7, 2024

Parky’s Hot Dogs to reopen next week Three months after a car crashed into the restaurant, construction is nearly finished

By JESSICA MORDACQ

Special Section PAGE 11

@ForestParkReview @FP_Review

Like a fish

CAST program teaches kids water safety Story on page 3

Staff Reporter

After more than three months of being closed, Parky’s is finally set to reopen its doors next week.

“I want to be open by Wednesday, but Friday guaranteed,” said Sonya Flores, who co-owns Parky’s with her father. She said she is hoping to reopen by Feb. 9.

On Oct. 27 around 9:30 p.m., a driver crashed into Parky’s Hot Dogs on Harlem Avenue after the restaurant had closed for the day. The car destroyed Parky’s patio, which impacted an interior wall and the kitchen of the beloved local spot.

Flores said that working with Parky’s insurance company caused the delay in reopening the hot dog eatery.

“We’ve just been jumping through hoops and waiting,” Flores said about dealing with Parky’s insurance. “Every time they say something, the deadline gets moved.”

After construction is completed on an interior wall, Parky’s will wait for approval to start construction on the patio.

“Unfortunately, they’re not going to be able to restore our outside the way it was with wood,” Flores said. The patio will look similar to its state before the car crash, TODD BANNOR

See PARKY’S on page 5

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Forest Park Review, February 7, 2024

Happy Valentine’s Day

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Way Back Inn, a local nonprofit organization treating individuals seeking recovery from gambling and substance use disorders, is seeking potential bids for a backup generator for our Oak Park recovery home located at 412 Wesley Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302.

Please contact Anita Pindiur, Executive Director 708-345-8422 ext. 125 • anitap@waybackinn.org

This is a Federally funded project, with the money coming from Oak Park Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and thus is subject to all applicable Federal rules, regulations, and guidelines, including Davis-Bacon and Related Acts. Preference is given to qualifying Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE).

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Forest Park Review, February 7, 2024

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At CAST, water safety can begin before diaper training ends

The Forest Park nonprofit teaches children as young as 6 months self-rescue swim lessons

By TOM HOLMES Contributing Reporter

Liz Huber was in a hotel pool having fun with her 20-month-old daughter — throwing her up in the air, letting her plunge under the water and pulling her back up — when a hotel employee politely chided her.

“I was a little put off by what he said,” Huber said, “but what he told me changed my life.”

The employee, who turned out to be the hotel chef, explained that his daughter was about the same age and that he had enrolled her in a program called Infant Swimming Resource or ISR. In that program, he told her, his two-year-old was taught how to roll over in the water onto her back and float if she fell in the water.

He explained that what Huber was doing put the child in danger, because in having fun she was deceived into thinking that she could fall into the water and without her mother’s assistance pop up and be ok.

Huber later learned that drowning is the leading cause of death for children one to four years old, a statistic confirmed by the CDC. Eventually, Huber quit her job as a teacher in Oak Park and spent hundreds of hours of in-water and academic training to work with infants and toddlers in the pool, while studying topics as varied as behavioral psychology, physiology and anatomy.

She founded CAST in 2018 and used pools in the area for teaching until she opened her own facility with a pool at 7628 Madison St. in 2020.

She explained that the extensive training is essential, partly because she works with children as young as six months old who are nonverbal, and because even when working with kids who can talk, the selfrescue lesson uses sensor motor learning instead of talking.

“This curriculum is completely nonverbal,” she said, “which works well with the many kids we teach who have autism. Kids

TODD BANNOR

Instructor Cheri Slay teaches her pupil, Siena Santoro, how to swim at CAST Water Safety Foundation. on that spectrum are 160 times more likely to drown than kids who aren’t.”

Anna Biggins, who has been with CAST since 2019, said the process runs every day for 10 minutes a day for six weeks.

She acknowledged that when parents come in and learn how committed they have to be, they often react by saying, “Whoa, every day for six weeks?”

“But then,” she said, “midway through the course they are like ‘this is incredible’, and by the end, they are asking what they can do next. When they come here every day, they get to see not only the skills their children are acquiring but the community with other parents that is created.”

“On day one,” Huber said, “Our instructors establish rapport with the parents, talk about poolside routines and discuss the child’s safety. In the water, the first thing is to establish breath control and make sure children are not swallowing water when they go under.

“Once we have established breath control, we work on head orientation and body posture and work on rolling over into a back float. We then teach a sequence

of resting on the back, swimming a little, rolling onto the back and resting, swimming, etc. until the child reaches the edge of the pool.”

The children are not taught traditional swimming as most of us know it. Instead, they learn to put that their face is in the water, to maintain a horizontal body posture, and to use their arms and legs to move through the water. They do not learn class freestyle or other strokes until they’re about five.

Typically, the children whimper and cry for the first session or two, and the instructors have to assure parents that this is normal. Instructors tell parents, “I know he is screaming at you and pulling on your heartstrings, but I have to tell you that he’s not gripping me tightly anymore when we practice, he’s leaning into it, his body is calm and he is giving me sweet little hugs.”

What the crying reveals, Huber said, is not trauma or fear, but simply hard work.

“They cry for two to four days,” she said, “because they’ve been handed by a parent to a stranger, and even though the water temperature is 88 degrees, it is still not 98.6.”

“We are also making them do things they’ve never done before,” she explained.

“They don’t like doing hard things that they’ve never done before. Up till now, they are babies who have experienced nothing but being loved, snuggled and coddled. What they are expressing is anger more than fear, anger that I don’t want to be doing this.

What I want is to be back in the comfort of my parent’s arms.

After a week or so, the kids transition from anger to a kind of satisfaction at acquiring a new skill, and competence or even independence.

CAST is a non-profit organization, although there is no board of directors because they are privately funded, she said, mainly by the Lavin Family Foundation.

CAST has trained 12 instructors and is cooperating with the University of Alabama, Birmingham’s Youth Safety Lab on a study of water competency.

Review readers are welcome to schedule a time to observe a self-rescue swim lesson.

Contact Liz Huber at liz@castwatersafety. org for information.

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Forest Park Review, February 7, 2024

February 7-14

BIG WEEK

Angelina Weld Grimke and the Theatre of the Harlem Renaissance Tuesday, Feb. 13, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Forest Park Public Library Forest Park Theatre’s reading of Rachel by Angelina Weld Grimke follows a discussion of Black artists of the Harlem Renaissance. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park.

Jeff Mauro & The Jewel Bags Saturday, Feb. 10, 6:30 p.m., Robert’s Westside Cook County’s hottest dad band play righteous originals and all the songs you forgot you loved. There will be limited seating open and it will be first-come, first-served. Doors at 6:30, music at 8 p.m. Purchase your tickets at robertswestside.com. 7321 Madison St., Forest Park.

Make your own kaleidoscope Saturday, Feb. 10, 3 - 4 p.m., Forest Park Public Library Create your own fun kaleidoscope. Ages 8 to 10. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park.

Exploring Black Space: An Introduction to Afrofuturism & Character Creation Sunday, Feb. 11, 2 - 3:30 p.m., Forest Park Public Library Community Room What is Afrofuturism? Why is it important? Afrofuturism is an artistic movement that explores elements of Black history and culture through the lens of fantasy and science fiction in literature, music and art. In this workshop, learn about the fascinating history behind Afrofuturism and how you can use it as a design instrument to create new worlds, exciting characters and mesmerizing heroic mythology. Join artist Keaton Belle for a hands-on workshop. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park.

Tellers’ Night Tuesday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m., Robert’s Westside Arts Alliance Forest Park will host Tellers’ Night. Tellers this month are Jonathan Broeker, Tracy Fowler, Anne Beall, Paul Teodo, James Petersen and Susan Rohde. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Tickets $15 / $10 for FPAA members. For more information visit www.forestparkarts.org. 7321 Madison St., Forest Park.

Shrinky Dinks Friday, Feb. 9, 4 - 5 p.m., Forest Park Public Library Decorate and create your own mini art that you can use for whatever you like. Ages 8 to 13. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park.

Galentine’s Brunch Sunday, Feb 11, 8:45 – 9:45 a.m., Let’s Play Work After you get your sweat on at Body Ignite, join a heartwarming Galentine’s brunch exclusively for the mothers in your life. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with treats from Broken Tart, mini-yogurt parfaits with Greek yogurt and berries, as well as coffee from Kribi. For tickets, visit: www. tinyurl.com/ptzkuwtc. 7228 Circle Ave., Forest Park.

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

week before your news needs to be in the newspaper.

■ Send details to Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, 60302 ■ Email calendar@wjinc.com

Forest Park Review, February 7, 2024

PARKY’S It’s back

from page 1 this time with a canopy constructed out of aluminum.

Although Parky’s reopening is on the horizon, the car crashed into the restaurant during a busy season for many businesses.

“It happened at a really horrible time,” Flores said of the late-October crash. “You had the holidays right after that.” She adds, “We’ve been hurting.”

The damage cost Flores an estimated

since her mother, who started working there in the ‘80s, bought the restaurant from its founder, Eugene Arist, in 1995.

In 2008, Flores bought out her mother, who died in 2021.

“I want to make sure that this place still stands for her memory because she honestly loved this place,” Flores said.

“We’ve been missing it.”

If there was a silver lining in Parky’s temporary closure, it would be that Flores hadn’t had a vacation since she started working at the hot dog spot in 1996.

“This has been the most time off I’ve had in my entire career,” Flores said.

“I’ve learned that I can cook.”

Dominican University Performing Arts Center

THE MACLEAN HOUSE AT CALEDONIA SENIOR LIVING.

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Parky’s hundreds of thousands of dollars in sales and around $90,000 in out-of-pocket construction costs.

Parky’s is among the oldest eateries still open in Forest Park, well-known as one of the few Chicagoland hot dog spots that doesn’t use Vienna beef, instead making sausages in-house.

Parky’s original location opened in 1946 on Roosevelt Road in Berwyn, and its current location on S. Harlem Avenue followed a year later.

Parky’s has been in Flores’ family

Although insurance delays have been frustrating for Flores, she said that Forest Park has been instrumental in getting Parky’s back on its feet.

“I love the Forest Park building department. They’ve helped us through a lot,” Flores said. “It really feels like family with them,” she added, with their customers too. “I’m hoping that the community that pulled us through the pandemic will pull us through this because, honestly, without them, we ain’t s---.”

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Forest Park Review, February 7, 2024

Nourishing Those in Need delivers food and toiletries to the homeless

Latoya Rayner of Forest Park and her family help those who are unhoused across Chicago and the western suburbs.

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

After encountering homeless people in the neighborhoods around her Forest Park home and in Chicago’s West Loop, where she works as a legal assistant for Geico, Latoya Rayner was moved into action.

“One day, I went into the Walgreens in River Forest and saw a man standing in there.

It was nasty outside, so he was in there for shelter. I figured there was something that could be done,” Rayner said, recounting an experience she had in 2021. She started thinking of ways to help the local unhoused community.

“I couldn’t provide them with a house or anything, but I could at least make sure that they have food,” Rayner said.

Rayner started filling bags with nonperishable food items and toiletries, buying the items with her own funds and putting them together in her apartment. She kept the bags in her car and, when she saw someone asking for money on the street, offered them one.

Though it started as a grassroots effort, Nourishing Those in Need became a nonprofit last summer. In 2023, Nourishing Those in Need handed out more than 500 bags to homeless people in Chicago, the suburbs just west of the city, and Elgin, where Rayner grew up and some of her family lives.

The contents of the bags change seasonally. In the winter, they often contain hats, gloves and hand warmers. In the summer, those items are replaced with sunscreen and bug spray. The bags almost always have deodorant, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, socks, water bottles and

non-perishable food.

“To these people who are outside looking for food in the dumpsters or they’re freezing, whatever the situation is, it is a lot,” Rayner said. “I have not come across one person that doesn’t appreciate it.”

Rayner often delivers bags along Harlem Avenue, plus to nearby Metra and CTA Green Line stations. Latoya’s mother, Sophia Rayner, lives in Hyde Park, where she distributes bags that she picks up from her daughter’s apartment. Other members of their family hand out bags near a tent city in Elgin. Some of Rayner’s coworkers help distribute bags in their neighborhoods.

Rayner, her mother and sister, Tunisia Gary-Rayner, also occasionally cook and distribute hot meals to homeless people in Chicago.

“We don’t do it often because, you can imagine, making bags and meals is crazy expensive,” Rayner said. In the future, she hopes to partner with restaurants in Forest Park that can help her make home-cooked meals for the unhoused community.

In June, Nourishing Those in Need will hold its second annual bowling fundraiser. Last year, most of the money was raised during a silent auction, where attendees bid on gift cards and other items donated by local businesses.

As Nourishing Those in Need accesses more funds, Rayner has been able to add more contents to the bags, like CTA day passes to help homeless people get out of the cold, both in the suburbs and the city.

“Our people are Chicago’s people, too,”

PROVIDED

Above: Tunisia Gary-Rayner, Latoya Rayner and Sophia Rayner Left: Contents of Nourishing Those in Need’s bags Rayner said.

“They’re on and off of those trains.”

Chicago’s annual Pointin-Time count, an assessment of those experiencing homelessness that’s compiled in one night, estimated that there were 6,139 unhoused people on any given day in the city in 2023. With an influx of

asylum seekers and migrants, that number has increased.

“It’s impossible to know how many we’ll ever need,” Rayner said of the bags. “There’s no such thing as too much when you know there’s homeless people everywhere.”

Those who want to contribute to Nourishing Those in Need can donate online at https://www.nourishingthoseinneed.org/ donate or go to the nonprofit’s Amazon shopping list to buy in-demand items that are shipped directly to Rayner.

Forest Park Review, February 7, 2024

O B I T U A R Y

Andrew Sloan, 30

Active intellect, music lover We are saddened by the sudden death of Andrew David Sloan, 30, on Jan. 17, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. His life was cut short far too soon. Born in Houston, Texas on June 12, 1993, he was joyfully adopted on June 19, 1996, and grew up in Forest Park. He lived an adventurous life between his homes in Chicago and Arlington, Texas, and spent a significant amount of time on the open road. He always wanted to try new and different things: different schools, lines of work, types of music.

He could talk on so many topics — politics, history, geology, music, writing, sports, philosophy, finance — anything you’d bring up. His love of reading fostered his great intellect. He voraciously read anything from fantasy to history to science fiction, with a special affinity for Harry Potter and Artemis Fowl. He loved music and it grew to become one of his passions throughout his life.

He started playing piano at the age of 6, and advanced through the years to playing the Beatles, the Eagles, and later, some of his own creations with his teacher’s guidance. He also played percussion in band, and loved the beat of rock, hip-hop, and rap, even working at his own rap music creations.

Growing up in Forest Park, he played baseball on the Forest Park district and travel teams, and swam competitively each summer at the family cottage in Canada for the local county swim team. He continued sports in high school and participated on the diving, track, tennis, and football teams. He graduated from grade schools in Forest Park and St. Ignatius College Prep with honors, then pursued additional education at Florida State University where he loved being a Seminole, Triton College, University of Texas Arlington, and Tarrant County Community College.

His love of travel came from his mom and the long family road trips taken during school breaks and summers, visiting 45 states and parts of Canada. He pursued a career in truck hauling, driving cross-country and exploring. In between and on breaks, he stayed with his mom in Chicago sharing all his adventures.

Andrew is survived by his mother, Julianne; his two sisters, Julia and Anna; his grandmother, Joanne; his Aunt Suzanne and Uncle Jonathan; his Uncle John and Aunt Debbie and cousins Christopher and Angelique, Amanda, and Daniel; and his Uncle Robert and Aunt Sheryl and cousins Joseph, Thomas, Jacob, and Matthew.

Relatives and friends held a memorial service, Feb. 3, at Visitation Catholic Church, 779 S. York St., Elmhurst, IL 60126, beginning at 9 a.m., followed by a memorial Mass.

A donation in Andrew’s name to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention would be appreciated.

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Forest Park Review, February 7, 2024

Happy Valentine’s Day From: Forest Park Review To You!

Roses are red, violets are blue... ...Weekly News delivered straight to you!

How to celebrate Black History Month in Forest Park Events in the village and nearby abound

By FOREST PARK REVIEW STAFF Black History Month, Illinois state Rep. La Shawn Ford said in a recent statement “is a poignant reminder of African Americans’ enduring struggles, triumphs and contributions. It stands as a testament to the resilience and unwavering spirit of Black individuals who have navigated and challenged systemic racism, discrimination and the denial of fundamental rights within our society.”

“It’s a crucial opportunity,” he added, “to honor the brave individuals who have tirelessly fought for justice, equality and civil rights.”

The month-long commemoration got its start in 1926 when Carter G. Woodson launched the Negro History Week during the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, according to the NAACP. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, while calling on the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

The accomplishments of African Americans are no less evident in Forest Park.

For example, a sculpture called “The Death of Cleopatra” by Mary Edmonia Lewis, who was of African-Haitian-Ojibwe heritage, once stood at the entrance of the Harlem Racetrack at the corner of Roosevelt and Hannah streets. Activist Lucy Parsons, a leader of the “Poor People’s March” in 1884, is buried in Forest Home Cemetery, among other notable, Black historic figures.

The Forest Park Library has lined up a month’s worth of events, as well as forever resources, to help you honor, celebrate and learn.

Visit ForestParkReview.com/subscribe or call circulation at (708) 613-3340

On Sunday, Feb. 4, participants created the village’s fourth Black History Community Quilt. Each created their own block that was collected and will be sewn into

Community quilts on view at the Forest Park Public Library during the month of February. These quilts were created with squares made by community members during Black History Month in 2021 and 2022. a quilt that will later be on public display.

This year’s theme was a log cabin, a reminder that log cabin quilts were used to signify safe spaces along the Underground Railroad.

Sunday, Feb. 11 at 2 p.m.

Join in Exploring Black Space: An Introduction to Afrofuturism & Character Creation.

In this drawing class, participants will learn about Afrofuturism, a movement that explores elements of Black history and culture through the lens of fantasy and science fiction in literature, music and art. Artist Keaton Belle will lead the class.

Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

People of all ages are invited to attend

Forest Park Review, February 7, 2024

Thinking about a career in local government?

Community • Connection Service • Respect

The Village of Oak Park has job opportunities available.

Please visit www.oak-park.us or scan the QR code

Growing Community Media a non-profit newsroom

Angelina Weld Grimke and the Theatre of the Harlem Renaissance, in anticipation of Forest Park Theatre’s reading of “Rachel” by Weld Grimke. Weld Grimke and the Black artists of the Harlem Renaissance will be discussed.

Saturday, Feb. 17 at 3 p.m.

Bring the kids 10 and under to the Celebrate Black Voices Children’s Author Fair event. Meet and network with local children’s authors, enjoy some live music and participate in drawings for free books. This is designed for kids and their families.

Not exactly Forest Park, but also not that far away Thursday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m.

The Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance highlights the short films of African American filmmakers Taylor Mason and Charles Honeywood, showcasing BIPOC Chicago based artists. This evening includes two short films followed by a dialogue with the filmmakers. Santé is a short film about three estranged siblings who must decide where to spread their dysfunctional father’s remains over the course of a holiday weekend. Pictures Only is set in 1950s Bronzeville. Louise Parker is facing eviction from her home.

Desperate to keep her independence and status, she is introduced to a lucrative performing opportunity. After being offered a promotion, she is left with two

choices, become the headliner, or allow her family to lose everything. Registration is required Pictures Only is set in 1950s Bronzeville. Louise Parker is facing eviction from her home. Desperate to keep her independence and status, she is introduced to a lucrative performing opportunity. After being offered a promotion, she is left with two choices, become the headliner, or allow her family to lose everything. Registration is required.

Thursday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m.

Concordia University in River Forest features jazz vocalist, composer and music educator Ruth Naomi Floyd as she presents “Frederick Douglass Jazz Works,” created in honor of Frederick Douglass (1818-1895). The work comprises her original compositions paired with the actual words from the speeches and writings of the powerful, timeless luminary. “Frederick Douglass Jazz Works” illuminates the themes of tragedy, grief, despair and the injustice of American slavery through the multi-faceted prism of hope, joy, perseverance and triumph.

Sunday, Feb. 25 at 3 p.m.

Oak Park Public Library hosts “Black History Celebration of Gospel Music,” where various gospel choir members and singers journey from Thomas Dorsey through Maverick City Singers.

We’ve got YOU covered.

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Arts Forest Park Review, February 7, 2024

RUTH NAOMI FLOYD

FREDERICK DOUGLASS JAZZ WORKS 7 p.m.

Chapel of Our Lord Free admission

FEBRUARY 2024

FREDERICK DOUGLASS

15 FEBRUARY

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

THURSDAY

cuemnational.org

The Ruth Naomi Floyd Jazz Ensemble comes to the Concordia-Chicago campus for one special performance in which Floyd’s original jazz compositions are paired with the speeches and writings of Frederick Douglass. The public is invited to attend this powerful and inspiring event celebrating the life of a timeless luminary and American hero.

Quality, Affordable, Independent Housing for Seniors

O

ur beautiful 6-story building provides quality, affordable, independent housing for seniors. The Oaks offers studio and one-bedroom apartments, with kitchens and private bathrooms.

Amenities include an award winning interior landscaped atrium, central meeting room, library, laundry facilities, computer learning center, internet access, electronic key entry system, and parking.

On-site management includes 24/7 emergency maintenance service and a senior services coordinator who is available during business hours to assist residents in accessing service

agencies and programs designed specifically for seniors. The Oaks is owned and operated by the Oak Park Residence Corporation and is funded by the US Department of Housing and Ur-ban Development through the 202/ Section 8 Program. Monthly rent is based on the resident’s income, with individuals paying approximately 30% of their monthly income toward rent.

For more information, please visit us at www.oakparkrc.com or contact us at 708-386-5862.

114 South Humphrey • Oak Park, Il 60302 • 708-386-5862 • oakparkrc.com

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A Valentine's Guide Shopping & Gifting

February 7, 2024 11

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Valentine’s-To-Do!

A

re you feeling the Valentine’s Day pressure to plan the perfect day? No worries! Whether you’re in love with friends, family, or that special someone, your search for a perfect Valentine’s Day begins here with our annual Valentine’s Day Guide!

If you are looking for the perfect outfit, dinner, gift, or event, we invite you to browse through our guide for something to treat that special someone or something special to treat yourself. All of the opportunities in this guide are in Forest Park, Oak Park, and River Forest, so this is a great way to support local businesses!

Are you looking for something to do leading up to the day of love?

Check out these featured local events!

• Robert’s Westside | Rock on Madison: Loewy - Wednesday, February 14 @ 6:30 pm

• Comedy Plex | Top Shelf Comedy: Valentine’s Day Edition - Thursday, February 15 @ 8 pm

• Escape Factor | Surprise your Valentine with an escape room experience! | Reserve your room February 14 from noon to 8 pm

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Shrove Tuesday (“Fat Tuesday”) Pancake Dinner

Tuesday, February 13 from 6 to 7pm First United Methodist Church of Oak Park is bringing a bit of the spirit of Mardi Gras (which is French for "Fat Tuesday") with a Pancake Dinner before the ritual of Lenten sacrifices and fasting begins.

Join us for a fun dinner and festive time of fellowship.

Suggested donation: $5 per person; $15 per family Registration is strongly recommended as space is limited.

324 N Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302 RSVP at firstumcoakpark.org Ash Wednesday worship service: Wed., February 14 @ 6 PM

valentine’s day

DINNER TO GO Stay cozy and bring Maya home!

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February 7, 2024 15

VA L E N T I N E ’ S S H O P P I N G & G I F T I N G 2 0 2 4

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16 February 7, 2024

VA L E N T I N E ’ S S H O P P I N G & G I F T I N G 2 0 2 4

Special Advertising Section

Ken Trainor’s “Our Town Oak Park – Walk with Me, in Search of True Community”…

Reasons ‘Our Town Oak Park’ makes a good Valentine’s gift for that special “Oak Park” friend: • They can relive May Madness, Erik’s Deli, Magic Tree Bookstore, playing lob ball in the park, the July 4th parade and fireworks, OPRF graduations, the Lake Theatre, Thursday Night Out, Maze Library, Hole in the Wall ice cream, trick-or-treating on Halloween, Farmers Market and A Day in Our Village • They’ll like it so much, they might move back • If they don’t move back, at least they won’t forget where they came from Our Town Oak Park – Walk with Me, in Search of True Community is for anyone who lives in Oak Park, formerly lived in Oak Park, is about to move to Oak Park, is curious about Oak Park, or might live in Oak Park in the future. In other words, pretty much everyone. You can find it at Book Table, the OPRF History Museum, the Hemingway Birthplace Home, and, if you must, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Great Valentine gift for the “Oak Park fan” in your life!

February 7, 2024 17

VA L E N T I N E ’ S S H O P P I N G & G I F T I N G 2 0 2 4

Special Advertising Section

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Forest Park Review, February 7, 2024

Group challenging Trump’s ballot access in Cook County court hopes for quick decision Judge asked to overturn Board of Elections ruling

By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois

A national voting rights organization is asking a Cook County judge to overturn a ruling from the Illinois State Board of Elections and block former President Donald Trump from being listed on the March 19 Republican primary ballot.

Lawyers for the group Free Speech for People filed an appeal of the election board’s decision immediately after it was announced Wednesday. They are also asking the court to decide the matter in just a few days, before local election officials begin sending out vote-by-mail ballots on Thursday, Feb. 8.

“We think the matter is urgent, both because of the overseas ballots being sent out on Feb. 8, at the earliest, and because of the nature of what is at stake here,” the group’s president, John Bonifaz, said in an interview Friday. “There should not be a candidate who was so clearly disqualified under our Constitution appearing on the ballot for president in Illinois or any other state.”

The legal challenge ran into a minor roadblock Friday when lawyers for the Trump campaign filed a motion to assign the case to a different judge. The case had been assigned to Judge Mary Trew, but in response to the campaign’s motion, the court quickly reassigned it to a different judge, Tracie Porter.

The Trump campaign gave no reason for its request. Illinois law allows each party

Donald Trump faces legal review in Cook County court after the Illinois State Board of Elections rejected a request to remove his name from the 2024 ballot. (Capitol News Illinois illustration by Andrew Adams. Original photo by Gage Skidmore used under CC-SA 2.0 license.)

in a civil action to make one request for substitution of a judge without cause.

“This is a transparent attempt to delay resolution of this matter,” Caryn Lederer, lead counsel for the objectors, said in an interview Friday.

Free Speech for People was founded in 2010 in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which held corporations and other outside groups could

spend unlimited funds on electioneering.

The group describes itself as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works for free and fair elections.

Following Jan. 6, 2021, when thousands of protesters stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to prevent Congress from certifying the results of the 2020 election, Free Speech for People began launching legal campaigns in hopes of preventing public officials who supported the rioters from

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

NEWS FLASH!

running for reelection in 2022.

In June 2021, the group sent letters to chief election officials in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. They contended that if Trump were ever to run for president again, he would be barred by Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits former public officials who take part in an insurrection or rebellion against the United States from holding public office again.

The group also launched unsuccessful attempts to prevent members of Congress who expressed support for the Jan. 6 rioters from running for reelection in 2022.

Those included Republican Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, of Georgia, as well as Paul Gosar and Andy Biggs, of Arizona.

In Illinois, the group is supporting five individuals who signed on to the objection that was rejected by the State Board of Elections and which is now being reviewed by the Cook County Circuit Court.

The elections board rejected the challenge on the grounds that it did not have statutory authority to decide questions of constitutional law. It also said there was no evidence that Trump knowingly made a false statement when he attested on his candidate filing forms that he was qualified for the office of president.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.

Forest Park Review, February 7, 2024

19

C R I M E

Attempted motor vehicle thefts at car wash, gas station

By JESSICA MORDACQ

tration. The driver received citations for these two offenses, plus two more for being unable to provide proof of insurance and driving with a suspended license.

■ While on patrol on Jan. 31, an officer pulled over a 2001 Ford pickup with a suspended registration. The driver also had a suspended license and received two citations.

Staff Reporter

At a car wash on the 900 block of Harlem Avenue Jan. 30, a woman was drying her 2022 Mercedes-Benz when a man in an Acura SUV pulled into a neighboring spot. He exited the Acura and got behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz before the woman locked him inside her car and began yelling at him. The man exited, returned to his Acura and drove away.

Also on Jan. 30., a woman narrowly averted the theft of her 2019 Audi SUV. After parking at a gas pump on the 200 block of Harlem Avenue, a man entered the driver’s side of her car. As the woman distanced herself and the Audi’s fob from the vehicle, the man got out and approached her, but drove off in a gray sedan when she started yelling. The man stole a wallet inside the woman’s car.

On Feb. 2, a woman reported that on Jan. 31, she parked her four-door sedan on Des Plaines Avenue around 8:45 p.m. When she returned around 12:30 a.m., she found her rear passenger window shattered. No items were missing from the vehicle.

Thefts ■ A man entered a business in the 7200

block of Washington Street on Jan. 30, pocketed $55.34 merchandise and left without paying. Police canvassed the area before detaining the man on the 100 block of Harlem and placing him in custody.

■ After returning from vacation, a man noticed that some of the contents of his toolbox were missing at his work on the 0-100 block of Harlem Avenue. On Jan. 30, he reported that, while he was gone, his colleagues had moved the toolbox to a supervisor’s office and now $300 of tools were gone.

■ On Jan. 30, a woman reported that a package containing a MacBook Pro was stolen from her residence in the 7500 block of Brown Avenue on Jan. 11.

Cannabis citation A business on the 7000 block of Madison Street violated village ordinance on Feb. 1.

Officers entered to place a wanted subject in custody and noticed the smell of cannabis. They confiscated two bags of suspected cannabis and gave the business’ manager a local ordinance citation.

Destruction of property The owner of a property in the 200 block of Des Plaines Avenue filed a report on Jan. 30 because her balcony was damaged. Her neighbor had witnessed a moving truck hit the balcony on Jan. 27, but the vehicle’s registration could not be obtained.

Abandoned vehicle A 2000 Toyota Echo was found abandoned on the 800 block of Thomas Avenue Jan. 30.

The vehicle had tickets dated Jan. 22 on its windshield and major damage to its front end. Police issued another ticket for violating the two-hour parking limit where the car was found, plus one for an abandoned automobile.

Landlord-tenant dispute A woman and her live-in boyfriend visited their property management office on the 1000 block of Des Plaines Avenue Jan. 29. There to ask about maintenance work

orders, the boyfriend began threatening a worker, who had to “drag him out.” Because of this, previous similar experiences and lease violations, the property management company said it will begin eviction proceedings.

Possession of controlled substance Following a premise check at a CTA Blue Line station on Jan. 30, officers noticed a man on a train car holding a bag of an off-white powder and a piece of drug paraphernalia. They arrested him on the 700 block of Des Plaines Avenue for possession of a suspected controlled substance. At the police department, officers found another two bags of white powder in the man’s jacket, which later tested positive for methamphetamine.

Suspended or revoked driver’s license ■ On Jan. 30, a woman was pulled over in the 7300 block of Madison Street for her 2014 Buick’s expired and suspended regis-

Our Community Needs Community Journalism Donate at GrowingCommunityMedia.org

Identity theft ■ A woman in the 500 block of Des Plaines Avenue reported Jan. 31 that her credit card was stolen and used at an ATM in Forest Park earlier that day, resulting in a loss of $203.

■ On Feb. 2, a woman on Harrison Street reported her identity had been stolen. The week prior, she received an email from financial institution CHIME informing her that a checking account had been opened in her name, though she didn’t authorize opening a new account.

These items were obtained from Forest Park Police Department reports dated Jan. 20 through Feb. 2 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

20

Forest Park Review, February 7, 2024

First aldermen endorse Melissa Conyears-Ervin’s congressional run

Alderman Jeanette Taylor and Chris Taliaferro put their support behind Conyears-Ervin amid allegations of unethical conduct

By JESSICA MORDACQ

tions of unethical conduct against Conyears-Ervin. Last year, the city released a 2020 letter from two of Conyears-Ervin’s City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin former staff members. Tiffany Harper, announced endorsements from two Chi- who was Conyears-Ervin’s former chief cago aldermen, the first to support her 7th of staff, and Ashley Evans, a city treaDistrict congressional run. surer employee, said they were fired after Along with the Illinois Nurses Asso- questioning what they call Conyears-Erciation and Chicago Firefighters Local 2, vin’s abuse of power.

Aldermen Jeanette Taylor of Chicago’s Among other complaints, the letter 20th Ward and Chris Taliaferro of the 29th included alleged examples of ConyearsWard have both pledged their endorse- Ervin hiring a former Chicago police ments for Conyears-Ervin, who will be on officer as an assistant, though he lacked the Democratic ballot for the March 19 pri- financial training required for the job. mary election.

It also stated that Conyears-Ervin pres“It’s time for sured BMO Harchange in the 7th ris Bank to give a Congressional Disloan on the buildtrict,” they said in a ing that houses the Feb. 2 news release.

28th Ward office, “Melissa Conyearswhere her husband, Ervin is a working Alderman Jason mom who will get a Ervin, worked at Congress that isn’t the time. Ex-Mayor working for our Lori Lightfoot’s adcommunity back ministration paid on track. She has $100,000 to Harper the energy and viand Evans.

MELISSA CONYEARS-ERVIN sion to bring a new In September, 7th District Congressional candidate focus and commitConyears-Ervin dement to lowering nied the allegations, costs, building up but said she did apour neighborhoods, proach the bank, not and investing in our children’s education. knowing it was wrong.

We’re proud to endorse her.”

“I have never, nor will I ever abuse or misConyears-Ervin, who was elected as the use taxpayer dollars and breach the public city’s treasurer in 2019, has lived in the 7th trust,” Conyears-Ervin said in a statement, District her whole life.

When asked about the allegations, Tom “As a working mother who knows how Bowen, managing partner at New Chicago hard it is to raise a family today, we need Consulting, said, “the Treasurer has anto help families deal with rising costs, swered it in the media and is prioritizing protect abortion rights, and help make what voters in the District have said to her our neighborhoods safer and stronger,” repeatedly: Washington isn’t working, and Conyears-Ervin said in the statement an- they need somebody in this seat to get it nouncing her endorsements. “Our cam- back on track and focus on things that are paign is picking up momentum at a cru- important to them, like lowering the high cial time because the voters of Illinois costs that are affecting people every day know that what’s going on in Washington and investing in communities that need it.” right now isn’t working.”

Conyears-Ervin’s campaign has raised These endorsements come amid allega- more than other candidates – more than Staff Reporter

“Our campaign is picking up momentum at a crucial time because the voters of Illinois know that what’s going on in Washington right now isn’t working.”

COURTESY MELISSA CONYEARS-ERVIN

Melissa Conyears-Ervin $100,000 more than incumbent Congressman Danny Davis, according to data pub-

lished by the Federal Election Commission.

O U R

I

V I E W

Parky’s is back

n a world where fast food has been homogenized — is what Taco Bell coughs up really a taco? Does Domino’s deliver a pizza or a round orb with cheese?

— there is Parky’s. The iconic spot on Harlem has been closed for three months, since an inconsiderate driver crashed the classic angular glass façade and robbed us of the comforting notion that we could, if we chose, always have a Parky’s hot dog. We could blend the thrill and the dread of watching the brown paper bag turn sodden with the grease of the fries.

So good. So wonderfully bad.

Now our Jessica Mordacq reports that Parky’s will be back this week. Possibly today. Wednesday. No later than Friday.

That’s the word from Sonya Flores, who has owned, along with her dad, the blue and orange stand since 1995.

Her mom, who started working at Parky’s in the 1980s, died in 2021. She says the missing months have been a hassle as she dealt with the insurance company. But she allows it has been her first extended time off since 1996.

We understand the need for a break every 28 years.

She has thanks to offer. “I love the Forest Park building department,” she said in what is not an uncommon refrain from locals. And she thanks her steady customers whom she credits with pulling the place through COVID. She needs them now, Sondra says, “because, honestly, without them, we ain’t s---.”

Well said and welcome back.

One bag at a time

We need the big players to help feed those who are without. The federal government. The Chicago Food Depository. Beyond Hunger.

Each is essential at its level. The system is fully busted without each.

But there is something so powerful, positive and gracefilled when one person sees the need of one other person and then reshapes their life to partially fill that need.

Latoya Rayner is a Forest Parker. Back in 2021 she was at the Walgreens in River Forest and saw an unhoused person sheltering in the store against a cold night. How could she help people in that circumstance going forward?

She began by filling bags with non-perishable food and toiletries assembled in her apartment. She stored them in her car and when she saw a person in need, she handed them a bag. “I have not come across one person who doesn’t appreciate it,” she told the Review.

Since then Rayner’s mom, sister and co-workers have joined the effort. Last year the group, which they call Nourishing Those in Need, distributed more than 500 bags.

You can help by donating at nourishthoseinneed.org or go to the nonprofit’s Amazon shopping list.

Forest Park Review, February 7, 2024

OPINION

‘U

21

The Hmong among us

ncle Walt, would you help me understand why immigration is on the news so much?”

Mitty’s nephew Brian texted the pastor of Poplar Park Community Church last Sunday after the 49ers vs. Lions game.

“Hey Brian,” Mitty texted back. “If you’ve been watching the news, you know that some people say immigrants are taking jobs away from Americans; others argue that local governments can’t handle the financial burden to providing social services for them; and others just want everyone to think and look like they do. So why do you ask?”

“You know why, Uncle Walt. You were in high school when the first Hmong were settled in Manitowoc, and now there are like 1,500 of them here, and Manitowoc has a population of only 34,500. For us that’s a lot bigger percentage than the added number recently coming into your area.”

“OK, I see. You’re saying that little Manitowoc has done a better job of integrating the Hmong population than big cities like Chicago have.”

“Yeah, and why are so many people against immigrants? I mean what’s that poem on the Statue of Liberty? Something like, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses …”

“Yearning to breathe free,” Mitty thought, then texted back, “You weren’t born yet, Brian, but you know, not everyone in Manitowoc welcomed the Hmong with open arms.”

“That’s what mom says, but she thinks that even those who were sort of against it, including anyone who wasn’t German or Polish in town, got behind the Immigration Service’s plan because a lot of the Hmong fought with our guys in the Vietnam War.” “I think your mom is right. Just like nowadays, they were seeking asylum. Our government pulled out of Southeast Asia kind of like we pulled out of Afghanistan, leaving thousands of people who helped us vulnerable.”

“But,” Brian protested, “our town did come through for them and now almost everyone here thinks it’s cool that our small community is, you know, multicultural, just like Chicago.”

When on Monday morning Pastor Mitty told his friend and neighbor, Michael, about his online conversation with Brian, Michael said, “Is Brian looking at the situation through rose-colored glasses?”

“Maybe, Michael, but he has second-generation classmates at the high school, so he has firsthand knowledge, and he even took a Hmong girl to Homecoming last October.

“Oh and another thing, I subscribe to the Herald Times Reporter which has been reporting on the Hmong for 40

years now — the good, the bad and the ugly — and I read an article about Mayor Nichols issuing a proclamation a few years ago that established a Hmong American Day. “In the proclamation he declared, ‘Hmong people make up Manitowoc’s largest single minority ethnic group, and are helping to build a vibrant and diverse Wisconsin, contributing socially, politically, and economically to our state, and after more than 40 years in the United States, the Hmong community has progressed to achieving the American Dream, becoming business owners and professionals in Manitowoc. …’”

“Wow, I am surprised,” Michael said when his friend had finished. “Didn’t Manitowoc vote for Trump?”

“They did, Michael. In fact, I’m pretty sure my sister-in-law Susan did along with her neighbors, but somehow that MAGA ideology did not prevent them from seeing those tribal people from halfway around the world as real people who needed her help. In fact, she went to a Thai cooking class and buys her ingredients at the Thai/ Lao Market on Washington Street.”

“Why, Walt? Why would Trump voters accept those foreigners?”

“Don’t know for sure, Michael. Maybe in a small town people have a chance to get to know newcomers as real people instead of as statistics. When a Hmong kid is elected student council president at Lincoln High School, her picture gets in the paper.

“Maybe it’s also because of the way community leaders have framed it. You know, that American Dream thing. The publisher of the Herald Times Reporter didn’t duck the protests about taking jobs away from locals, but a lot of the first generation got jobs washing dishes and mowing other people’s lawns.”

Michael thought about what his friend said and added, “That American Dream thing. Are you saying that as the Hmong who have been born here begin contributing to the community’s prosperity, those third and fourth generation Germans and Poles begin seeing the stories of the new folks in town as similar to the stories they heard their grandparents telling at family reunions?”

“Maybe, Michael. As the Hmong in Manitowoc get into their second and third generations, they start speaking standard English and, I can’t explain it, but their bodies start looking like Americans physically.”

“Susan will sometimes throw names around like Kabzaug and Fwam, as if she has known them her whole life.”

“Forty years is the better part of a lifetime, Walt. Maybe we need time to read the whole book instead of just looking at the cover.”

TOM HOLMES

22

Forest Park Review, February 7, 2024 F O R E S T PA R K

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

Board of Directors Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-366-0600 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 EMAIL forestpark@wjinc.com CIRCULATION Jill@oakpark.com ONLINE ForestParkReview.com Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Forest Park Review,141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302-2901. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS No 0205-160) In-county subscriptions: $38 per year. $70 for two years, $93 for three years.

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Forest Park Review is published digitally and in print

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T

Welcome to the shortest/longest month February contains Groundhog Day, the silliest holiday we celebrate. Punxsutawney Phil is as poor as Phil Connors at predicting weather. The weathercaster failed to predict the blizzard that stranded him in Pennsylvania, while the rodent-caster is right only 37% of the time. Plus, Forest Park has been slammed twice on Groundhog Day with record snowfall. On February 2, 2011, a blizzard dumped 21.2 inches of snow.

Exactly four years later, we dug out from 19.3 inches of the white stuff. My college students braved this blizzard to attend services at Living Word.

Like most college kids, they loved going to church on snowy Sunday mornings. They also enjoyed studying sculptor Edmonia Lewis during Black History Month.

Why was our shortest, gloomiest month chosen for Black History? Because February contains the birthdays of the “Great Emancipator,” Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass. In February 2019, I hosted two book signings to celebrate Black history. The first was on the North Side and drew three people. I ended up stuck with a whole platter of pastries from Twisted Cookie but found plenty of volunteers in the newsroom to scarf them down.

The second book signing was on the

here are many reasons to hate February. The Romans thought so little of it, they originally left it off the calendar.

In 700 B.C., though, they added January and February, so the year would match the length of one trip around the sun. Both months were 28 days long but January somehow gained three more. Twenty-eight days was more than enough for February however. It was named for “Februa” a festival of purification that involved ritual washing.

After the pandemic, we still do plenty of ritual washing.

Then Julius Caesar started Leap Year to keep the calendar accurate. Why add a day to the month we least want lengthened?

Wouldn’t July 32nd have made more sense?

It’s because the Romans were superstitious about numbers and thought the even ones brought bad luck — which doesn’t explain the Ides of March, but still …

February isn’t only our most miserable month, it’s also difficult to spell. That’s because no one pronounces the first “r.” I was training an assistant and the first question she asked was, “How do you spell February?” I can’t blame her. If I didn’t write for this newspaper Wednesday Journal, I’d still be struggling with that word.

JOHN RICE

A

L O O K

B A C K

I N

South Side and drew zero people. This time, I was only stuck with wine, cheese and crackers. The lesson I learned was that Chicagoans don’t leave their homes in February, regardless of Black History events and free refreshments.

What February has in history, it lacks in sporting events. After the Super Bowl, February is a sports desert. This year, though, we have the Summer Olympics in Paris.

This is a competition to see which Parisians can flee their city the fastest. The losers who are stuck behind are practicing their rudeness. All of which has nothing to do with February, but still …

February’s one saving grace may be Valentine’s Day. I’ve had many memorable Valentine’s Days but the memories are mostly embarrassing. There was the time I stood up my wife because a lawyer named Dick Valentine kept me overtime. There was the romantic musical we almost missed because Sizzler was serving all-you-can-eat shrimp.

But I most remember a Valentine’s Day blizzard that forced me to trudge through snow bearing a red rose and a bottle of wine.

Finally, February has Presidents Day. How did we get this holiday? Did one of our chief executives own a mattress store? How do we celebrate if we didn’t like some former presidents, or dislike the current one?

My final question is, why does the shortest month seem longer than all the rest?

T I M E

A Black History Month look back

M

ary Edmonia Lewis, an internationally acclaimed sculptor, who was of Haitian and Native American descent, created the 5¼ foot marble statue, “Death of Cleopatra,” for the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition. This was the first World’s Fair in the United States, honoring the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and Lewis marked the failed “Reconstruction” efforts after the Civil War and the lack of representation from the men and women of color who built the United States. The statue captures the African Queen’s moment of death, just after the fatal bite of a venomous asp.

The statue came to Chicago for the Chicago Interstate Industrial Exposition in 1878, later was located outside of a saloon on Clark Street,

where it was acquired by “Blind John” Condon who owned the Harlem Racetrack at Roosevelt and Hannah. The monument served as a marker for his favorite horse, Cleopatra.

Later Cleopatra was part of the golf course there, then part of the deed when the federal government purchased the land for the Ameritorp Munitions factory.

When the munitions factory closed, she was moved to a salvage yard where Dr. Frank Orland, president of the Historical Society of Forest Park arranged for her return and restoration. It is now on display at the Smithsonian Institute. https://www. sciencesource.com/2270592-edmonia-lewisamerican-sculptor.html

Jill Wagner

Forest Park Review, February 7, 2024 23

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Deadline: Monday at 5 p.m.

PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD Notice of Public Hearing Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission February 22, 2024, at 7:00 PM

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PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed separate bids will be received by the Board of Education, Oak Park Elementary School District 97 (the “Board”) for the following project:

to make an award that in the Board’s sole opinion is in the best interest of the District.

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given to all interested persons that a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Riverside will be held on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the business of the Planning and Zoning Commission may permit, in Room 4 of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois, to consider an application from the Village of Riverside to review and consider various changes to the standards for adult-use cannabis business establishments and medical cannabis dispensing organizations as set forth in the Riverside Zoning Ordinance.

PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD

OAK PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT 97 SD97 – JULIAN MS GENDER NEUTRAL TOILET ROOMS OAK PARK, IL 60302 BID GROUP 1 – GENERAL TRADES, ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL, PLUMBING Bids will be received until 2:00 p.m.

CST on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at the Oak Park Elementary School District 97 Administrative offices, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302, and will be read at 2:15 p.m. CST on that date. Bids shall be submitted in an opaque sealed envelope clearly marked: Oak Park Elementary School District 97 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302 Attention: Bulley & Andrews Project: SD97 – JULIAN MS GENDER NEUTRAL TOILET ROOMS Bid Opening will be held at 2:15pm CST within the board room: Scope of work for Bid Group 1 generally includes: GENERAL TRADES, ELECTRICAL, MECHANCIAL, AND PLUMBING All bids must be submitted in accordance with the bidding instructions contained in the Bidding Documents for the project. Bid security in the form of a bid bond in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the base bid amount shall be submitted with the bid. Should a bid bond be submitted, the bond shall be payable to the Board of Education, Oak Park Elementary School District 97, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302. All documents and information required by the bidding instructions contained in the Bidding Documents for the project shall be submitted with the bid. Incomplete, late or non-conforming bids may not be accepted.

No bids shall be withdrawn, cancelled or modified after the time for opening of bids without the Board’s consent for a period of ninety (90) days after the scheduled time of bid opening.

The Bidding Documents for the project (which include the bidding instructions for the project and other related documents) will be available Friday January 19, 2024 and are available for viewing/ download online without cost or purchase on the Bulley & Andrews, LLC Google Drive, located at the following link. No username or password is required. https://drive.google.com/ drive/folders/19k -upj1_k5Y_Qo2IvAw VDuSHWladZCdZ The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids or parts thereof, or waive any irregularities or informalities, and

The site will be available for visits by appointment to be coordinated with Bulley & Andrews, LLC. Interested parties may inspect the existing conditions. Schedule an appointment with Michael Damato of Bulley & Andrews in advance if you wish to visit the sites.

All bidders must comply with applicable Illinois Law requiring the payment of prevailing wages by all Contractors working on public works. If during the time period of work, the prevailing wage rates change, the contractor shall be responsible for additional costs without any change to the contract amount. All bidders must comply with the Illinois Statutory requirements regarding labor, including Equal Employment Opportunity Laws.

For additional information on the project, contact Michael Damato of Bulley & Andrews, LLC at mdamato@bulley. com or 847-602-9512.

Dated: 1/19/24 Michael Damato Bulley & Andrews, LLC Published in Wednesday Journal January 24, 31, February 7, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of Dana Louise McKinzie Case Number 2023 CONC 001444 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Dana Louise McKinzie tto the new name of: Dana Louise Allen.

The court date will be held: On March 8, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.at in Courtroom # 12, Zoom link: https://circuitcourtofcookcounty. zoom.us/j/95894921843?pwd=S1RCcmlCZjFpRnVIQUpZU25lRzJFUT09 Meeting ID: 958 9492 1843 Passcode: 226532 Published in Wednesday Journal January 24, 31, February 7, 2024

911 Dispatch/Fire Department RTU #3 Replacement This project includes the replacement of RTU #3 and any roofing, curb, sheet metal, electrical and other associated work required for the proper installation and function of the unit.

The bidding documents will be available for download starting Monday, February 12, 2024 at: www.vrf.us/bids Bids must be submitted by Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at: Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305 The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience, and ability to perform the work.

No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the Proposals without the consent of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of the bid opening.

The Village of River Forest reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 7, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE TO BIDDERS Dairy Products, Vending Machine Supplies and Commercial Food Products The Northern Illinois Independent Purchasing Cooperative (NIIPC) will be receiving Offers on its Request For Proposals for: Dairy Products, Vending Machine Supplies and Commercial Food Products. RFP’s must be received by Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 9:00 AM, in the Business Office, Room 270A, of The Oak Park and River Forest High School, 201 North Scoville Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois. RFP documents may be obtained by contacting Micheline Piekarski at niipcinfo@gmail.com or (708) 434-3142. RFP’s should be placed in a sealed envelope marked: Dairy Products, Vending Machine Supplies, or Commercial Food Products ATTENTION: Micheline Piekarski, Food Service Director.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 7, 2024

Application No.: PZ 24-0001 Petitioner: Village of Riverside Proposed Text Amendments: Various changes to the Village of Riverside Zoning Ordinance relative to adult-use cannabis business establishments and medical cannabis dispensing organizations.

The affected section(s) include, but may not be limited to, Section 106-2 (Use Standards). Among the changes being considered include amending the hours of operation for adult-use cannabis dispensing organizations.

The above application is available for inspection at the office of the Village Clerk, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois 60546. During the Public Hearing the Planning and Zoning Commission will hear testimony from and consider any evidence presented by persons interested to speak on these matters. Persons wishing to appear at this hearing may do so in person or by attorney or other representative and may speak for or against the matters being considered. Communications in writing in relation thereto may be filed at such hearing or with the Planning and Zoning Commission in advance by submission to the Village’s Community Development Department at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois prior to 4:00 p.m. the day of the public hearing.

The Public Hearing may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Dated this 7th day of February, 2024.

Jennifer Henaghan, Chairperson Planning & Zoning Commission Published in RB Landmark, February 7, 2024

Notice of Public Hearing Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission February 22, 2024 at 7:00 PM NOTICE is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Brookfield on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 7:00 PM in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois to consider applications from Nikola Vasiljevic for a special use permit to operate a Commercial Vehicle Repair and Maintenance Business and for a special use permit for accessory outdoor storage related to the most northern parcel associated with 8800 47th Street (PIN 1803423050).

The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/or written comments. Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the meeting to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Kate Portillo, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513, kportillo@brookfieldil.gov, or 708-485-1445. Oral or written public testimony may be given during the public hearing.

The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours.

Please reference PZC Case 24-04.

Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations to participate in any meeting may contact the Village of Brookfield at (708) 485-7344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front and side (south and east) entrances of Village Hall.

NOTICE is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Brookfield on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 7:00 PM in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois to consider a request from Rojo Restaurant Group, LLC, to amend the text of the Village of Brookfield Code of Ordinances, Chapter 62 Section 216 Station Area Use Table to include “Business support service” as a permitted use in the SA-2 Neighborhood Mixed-Use District.

Typical “Business support service” uses include employment agencies, copy and print shops, delivery/ courier service drop-off locations for consumers, caterers, and photo developing labs.

The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/ or written comments.

Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the meeting to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Kate Portillo, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513 and at kportillo@brookfieldil.gov. Oral or written public testimony may be given during the public hearing.

The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodation in order to participate in any meeting may contact the Village of Brookfield at (708) 485-7344 prior to the meeting.

Wheelchair access is available through the front (south) entrance of Village Hall.

By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman.

Published in RB Landmark February 7, 2024

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION; Plaintiff, vs.

DONNA EUDOVIQUE AKA DONNA D. EUDOVIQUE; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 23 CH 7029 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-08-409-001-0000.

Commonly known as 501 48th Avenue, Bellwood, IL 60104.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 7020194122 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3236657

Published in RB Landmark February 7, 2024

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Forest Park Review, February 7, 2024

FALL IN LOVE WITH A NEW HOME 1116 N Euclid Ave Oak Park | $625,000

Kim Wojack | Anne Ferri

605 Home Ave Oak Park | $575,000 Bobbi Eastman

1646 N New England Ave Chicago | $550,000 Steve Green

Elmwood Park | $480,000

Cathy Yanda

711 Washington Blvd 1E Oak Park | $449,000 Steve Green

1140 Highland Ave Oak Park | $447,000 Ann Keeney

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

530 Grove Ln Forest Park | $429,900

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

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

5428 W Jackson Blvd Chicago | $325,000 Porchia Cooper

1707 N Lorel Ave Chicago | $275,000 Curtis Johnson

235 Marengo Ave 5F Forest Park | $250,000 Anne Schaeffer

1035 Randolph St #2 Oak Park | $189,000

241 Washington Blvd 1A Oak Park | $169,000 Steve Green

651 South Blvd #9 Oak Park | $169,000 Michelle Galindo

7840 W North Ave 3L

706 Monroe Ave

River Forest | $1,950,000

Steve Scheuring

1031 Baldwin Ln Oak Park | $509,000 Patricia D McGowan

Catherine Simon-Vobornik

716 S Euclid Ave Oak Park | $899,000 Heidi Rogers

7815 W Westwood Dr

Catherine Simon-Vobornik

Elmwood Park | $120,000

Carla Taylor

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