Forest Park Review 021523

Doc Ryan’s to be replaced by cannabis dispensar y

Bar set to close, end of March

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

The building housing Doc Ryan’s bar, a Madison Street corridor staple for seven decades, is in the process of being sold to a cannabis dispensary.

In a Feb. 8 announcement on its Facebook page, the bar announced that the building at 7432 Madison St. is being sold, and that March 31 will be its last day. During the Feb. 13 village council meeting, Mayor Rory Hoskins confirmed that the building is being sold to Euphoria LLC, an Olympia Fields based company that is looking to open a dispensary. He touted it as a way to bring in much-needed tax revenue to Forest Park, which, as non-Home Rule town, is more limited in its ability to raise taxes.

To help Euphoria along, the village council voted 4-1 to allow cannabis dispensaries in the corridor by right on Madison Street instead of requiring them to get a Special Use permit. At the request of the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce, it capped the number of dispensaries within the corridor at one. Commissioner Jessica Voogd voted against both measures, arguing that it made no sense to restrict the number of dispensaries and that the conditional use process allowed the

See DOC RYAN’S on page 3

Rory Hoskins

John Doss

Joe Landgrebe

Maria Maxham Ryan Nero

Michelle Melin-Rogovin Ryan Russ Jessica Voogd

DOC RYAN’S Future dispensary

from page 1

village to have more say over who opens the business

Doc Ryan’s originally opened in the 1950s. Brothers Matt and Brian Sullivan bought the bar from long-time owner Jim Shaw, who retired in the fall of 2007. Because it is one of the more spacious bars, it played host to a number of political events. For mer mayor Anthony Calderone hosted several election night victory parties at Doc Ryan’s throughout the 2000s

While police have occasionally gotten calls about customer misbehavior over the years, during a July 26, 2022 liquor license hearing, Police Chief Ken Gross testified that Doc Ryan’s doesn’t have significant issues.

In late August 2022, Craig Veselik and Mike Barz told the Review that they were in the process of buying it from the Sullivans, pending the liquor license transfer and resolution of some other issues. They said they were looking to move the menu beyond classic bar food, as well as to introduce a larger cocktail menu. At the time, they said customers shouldn’t expect to see any changes until the spring of 2023.

In its Facebook post, the bar floated the possibility of opening at another location. But the liquor license is attached to the property Hoskins, who also serves as the village liquor commissioner, confir med that, if Doc Ryan’s moves elsewhere in Forest Park, it would have to get a new liquor license.

The mayor didn’t specify who Euphoria is buying the property from, saying only that there are multiple owners. According to Secretary of State records, Euphoria is owned by Brian Allen, who also owns the Tru Blue Security company. Hoskins said the dispensary would operate between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. – the maximum time span allowed by state law. It would have internal and exter nal security cameras, and it would have security guards. The dispensary is expected to employ between 25 and 30 people.

Hoskins said the Euphoria dispensary would be a welcome source of revenue for local infrastructure projects. He told the Review that he expects it to generate $250,000 a year

Before Feb. 13, Forest Park allowed cannabis dispensaries in industrial districts by right and in commercial districts as

a conditional use But during the Feb. 13 meeting, Hoskins said that approach hasn’t paid of f. There have been several companies interested in opening up dispensaries on Madison Street.

In May 2022, Forest Park’s Planning & Zoning Commission recommended allowing cannabis by right in the Downtown Business District – both sides of Madison Street between Desplaines and Harlem avenues – but the village council didn’t act on that recommendation until Feb. 13. Hoskins said it was something the village originally proposed for a previous applicant.

Forest Park Chamber of Commerce board member Bridget Lane told the council that, while they support the applicant and allowing dispensaries by right on Madison Street, they wanted to cap them at one.

“Respectfully, the Chamber does not want two, or three, or four dispensaries on Madison Street,” she said.

Commissioner Maria Maxham moved to amend the ordinance to reflect the request.

Voogd argued that, given the revenue benefits Hoskins mentioned it made no sense to limit the dispensaries

“I think we all ag ree that a cannabis facility will be a boon for Forest Park,” she said. “It seems counterintuitive to then restrict cannabis shops to just one.”

Commissioner Joe Byr nes responded

On the move

In 1994, Jim Shaw, owner of Doc Ryan’s, lost his lease at 7215 Madison St. and worked over time to tur n the for mer Old Towne West into Doc’s new home. The move would nearly double the size and capacity of the bar and plans to keep the Old Towne West deep dish pizza recipe was a bonus. On Oct. 9, 1994, as the Bears-Saint’s g ame broke for halftime, Shaw invited patrons behind the old bar for one last libation, and bagpiper Tom McNulty led the crowd of 100 into the new Doc Ryan’s at 7432 Madison.

Jill Wagner

that the shops could still open outside Madison Cor ridor, pointing to Bloc dispensary looking to open at the for mer CVS and the fact that they’re allowed by right in industrial areas

Voogd also said conditional use process allows the village some measure of over-

sight that would still be useful.

“By kee ping it at a conditional use, that allows us some control over how this new revenue oppor tunity is coming into the village,” she said.

Voogd voted against the amendment and against the amended ordinance.

Doc Ryan’s w ill be closing on March 31.

Februar y 15-22

BIG WEEK

Candidate Forums

Thursday, Feb. 16, 7-8 p.m.

The Oak Park Public Library presents vir tual candidate forums for the April 6 Municipal Election through March 9. Today’s forum focuses on Oak Park Elementar y School Distric t 97. Hosted by the League of Women Voters of Oak Park & River Forest, in par tnership with the Oak Park Public Library. Register now at oppl.org/calendar

Myster y Discussion Group: ‘Girl A’

Saturday, Feb. 18, 2-4 p.m., Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore

This Abigail Dean novel is par t of Centuries & Sleuths’ regular book discussion series. Please note that you must buy the book at C&S to par ticipate. 7419 Madison St., Oak Park.

Winter Book Buzz Featuring Novelist Elizabeth Wetmore

Friday, Feb. 17, 7-9 p.m., Forest Park Public Library

South Chicago Danc e Theater

Friday, Feb. 17, 7:30-9 p.m., Unity Temple Restoration Foundation

This group’s reper toire is as diverse as the group itself, deftly moving from the classical to the modern. $25-$40, 875 Lake St., Oak Park.

Bobbi Meier: Imper fect Rituals

Saturday, Feb. 18, 2 p.m., Riverside Ar ts Center

This exhibit will be running through the 18th, with viewing times on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 1-5 p.m. On the nal day, there will be a talk with the ar tist herself 32 E. Quinc y, Riverside.

Valentine’s Hangover Reboot

Friday, Feb. 17, 8 p.m., Madison Street Theater

Four comedians, hosted by Todd Glover. $15 in advance, $20 at the door, 1010 Madison St., Oak Park.

Elizabeth Wetmore is the author of Valentine, a justice -seeking novel that takes place in West Texas. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park

Heather Peterson

Friday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m., Calvar y Memorial Church

Solo classical piano concer t, featuring “a joy- lled reper toire of resilence and hope.” 931 Lake St., Oak Park.

Brondihouse

Saturday, Feb. 18, 12:30-2:30 p.m., Oak Park Public Librar y ShaRonda Knott-Dawson will share knowledge about black histor y, spanning centuries with history rooted in West Africa. Recommended for elementar y, middle and high school students. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Mardi Gras with the Hungr y Williams

Tuesday, Feb. 21, 8 p.m., FitzGerald’s It’s that time in New Orleans for Mardi Gras, but that doesn’t mean Berw yn hasn’t caught the spirit. This special Louisiana-by-way-of-Illinois celebration features the jump -blues sounds of the Hungr y Williams, plus plenty of hurricane and gumbo to go around. $20, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berw yn.

Listing your event

Wednesday Jour nal welcomes notices about events that Oak Park and River Forest 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 Jour nal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, 60302

■ Email calendar@wjinc.com

Kribi Coffee aims to grow hours, add alcohol, host events

Co ee shop hopes to achieve relaxed, lounge-like atmosphere

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

Kribi Cof fee’s Forest Park location, 7324 Madison St., is looking to be come more of a specialty cocktail lounge, with music, events and bar ser vice – but only in the evenings.

Abbey Brumfiel, the roastery’s director of operations, said they wanted to be able to take advantage of the fully renovated lounge and be more of community gathering place. The downstairs Ubuntu Lounge already has bar – they just need to get a liquor license to be able to serve alcohol. Kribi plans to serve cocktails in the evening, and customers will still be able order coffees and teas Kribi serves during the day.

Brumfiel said the changes will happen “no later than June,” de pending on how soon they receive a liquor license. Ideally, she said, they want star t evening hours by mid-April. Brumfiel said they are aiming for a re laxed lounge vibe, and while they do plan to host perfor mances, they aren looking for anything loud or disruptive

Previously known as Counter Coffee, the Forest Park coffee shop was remade as Kribi Coffee Air Roasters to reco gnize Jacques Shalo’s Cameroonian heritage. It opened a second location in Oak Park, at 1033 South Blvd., in October 2022.

Brumfiel reflected that the issue with the downstairs basement space has always been that customers, even those who have been inside, don’t necessarily realize it’s even there. It didn’t help that, in November 2021, the lounge flooded, and Kribi spent the next eight months repairing it.

Kribi was closed to indoor dining for much of the first year of the pandemic Brumfiel said the customers were the coffee shop’s lifeblood, and it

PROVIDED

seemed only fitting they would use the lounge to give back to the community

“The community really helped us get through this, so we wanted to really be able to reach out and support it,” she said.

Lounge will showcase ar t by local ar tists. A comedy open mic will take place every first Tuesday of the month, and Kribi hopes to get a “singing open mic” and perfor mances local acts

“We had some inquiries from ar tists who want to perfor m live music,” Brumfiel said.

“Honestly, any way we can showcase our awesome community, we would do it.”

Still, she said they don’t want to have “loud music where you can’t hear yourself talk.”

“Our goal is to have a much more relaxed, chill vibe,” Brumfiel said. “[It] will just be open to everybody to have a quiet drink with their friends.”

The coffee shop is currently open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Brumfiel said they haven’t decided how late Kribi would stay open, but she noted that under Forest Park liquor laws a business can’t have live enter tainment after 11 p.m., so it won’t be later than that.

“We’ ll be more like a specialty cocktail lounge rather than a bar,” she said. “We’ re going to have a limited number of liquors and cocktails available, we’re going to create signature drinks.”

PROVIDED

Kribi Co ee’s dow nstairs Ubuntu Lounge plans to host events and gatherings and will also feature a bar (below le ).

Prospective cannabis dispensar y promises job opportunities, security

Justice Cannabis hopes to open the Bloc dispensary by summer

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

The operators of the Bloc cannabis dispensary, which they’re looking to open inside the for mer CVS building, 25 S. Harlem Ave., said they want to do more than just sell cannabis – they want to benefit the community.

Emerald Coast, which will own the Forest Park dispensary, hired Chicago-based Justice Cannabis Co., to handle the actual operations of Bloc. The company was founded with the goal of doing its part to make the cannabis industry just and equitable. As part of that, they plan to give priority to local residents when it comes to hiring and to also volunteer in the village. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends.

Justice Cannabis spokesperson Lissa

[sic] Druss emphasized that they take security seriously – something that, she argued would benefit the entire area, including the nearby CTA and Metra stations Because cannabis dispensaries are a conditional zoning use, Emerald Coast will go before the Forest Park Planning & Zoning Commission on Feb. 21, and then to the village council for final approval of its plan. Druss said that, if the council approves the application, they expect to open in around 5-6 months

Emerald Coast is co-owned by Justin Frankel of Katohan, N.Y., Alan Dordek of Wilmette, Tyrone Har ris of Bellwood, and Mathew Jose ph Hagglund of Nor mal. Under Illinois law, cer tain applicants, known as the “social equity justice involved” applicants, get a se parate lottery for dispensary licenses, which increases their chanc-

es of qualifying. As veterans, Hagglund and Dordek fall under that category

Emerald Coast got two conditional dispensary licenses on July 22, 2022. It has about six months to secure locations and get any necessary zoning approvals

Justice Cannabis has a cannabis cultivation facility in Edgewood, IL, and it operates multiple dispensaries in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Missouri, Utah and Michigan. It is cur rently working with several companies to open dispensaries in the Chicago area. The dispensaries are all called “Bloc” because, Druss said, they wanted to emphasize the communityorientated nature of their business.

She said that Hagglund, who she described as a “primary owner,” approached them to operate their dispensaries.

“He’s a first-time business owner, and he wants to make sure that he runs the highest, most-exclusive, perfect high-end business possible,” Druss said. “He’s really excited about being a business owner and doing it the right way, and that’s why he fits so well with Justice Cannabis.”

She said that Justice Cannabis chose the location, mentioning its “ample parking” and its location on the Harlem Avenue cor ridor, near the three-way Forest Park/ Oak Park/River Forest border. While she didn’t mention it, the location is near the Harlem/Lake CTA Green Line station and Union Pacific West Metra Line’s Oak Park

station, as well as multiple CTA and Pace bus routes

Druss said the business will only take up 5,000 sq. ft. of the CVS building. There will be “30-40 cameras” and security guards inside and outside the building.

“This is going to be bring much-added security to the for mer CVS location, which becomes a deter rent of crime,” she said.

In order to buy cannabis, customers need to present their drivers license or state ID The staf f will scan the ID, which will not only make sure that they’re eligible, but make sure they don’t buy more cannabis than they’ re allowed. Most customers will simply pick up something they ordered ahead of time, but customers can also browse Druss emphasized that the products on display would be facsimiles. In kee ping with state law, customers wouldn’t be able to sample or use cannabis on the premises

Druss said that Justice Cannabis plans to hire 20-25 people, with local residents getting priority. She added that “we really promote from within,” and that there will be plenty of oppor tunities as the company grows.

“We’ re committed to be woven into the fabric of the community where we serve,” she said. “We have a hire local first edict, we volunteer with the community and get involved in [local community improvement] projects, we clean up.”

Candidate forum for Forest Park mayor, commissioner set for Feb. 28

Live and in-person for rst time since 2019

The spring election season is here with contested races for Forest Park mayor and commissioner Election Day is April 4 and early voting star ts in just four weeks.

The Review, in par tnership with the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce, will spon-

Our Community Needs Community Journalism

It’s not just about crime reports and board meetings

We also need inspiring, funny, heartwarming and, at times, heartbreaking stories about our friends, neighbors and children. Perhaps now, more than ever.

sor a shared for um with candidates for Forest Park mayor and for commissioner on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 6:30. The event will be hosted by District 91 at Grant-White School, 147 Circle Ave.

There will be back-to-back for ums for the two candidates for mayor and for the six candidates for four seats on the village council.

Dan Haley, publisher of the Review, will

moderate Audience members will be asked to submit written questions.

The Forest Park Review is gearing up for the election with candidate profiles underway, a digital candidate guide being planned, questionnaires out to all the candidates, an extensive Voter Guide being prepped for print on March 15 and, we’re glad to say, the retur n of in-person candidate forums as COVID eases

Heel pain is one of the most common conditions I treat" says Dr. Linda Lambert of the River Forest Foot Clinic. If you wake up having di culty putting your feet on the oor, Dr. Lambert can help.

Heel pain or plantar fascitis is caused when the foot attens out with weight bearing. Sometimes a heel spur forms where the plantar fascia

attaches to the heel bone. A heel spur can be diagnosed with an in o ce x-ray.

ere are many ways to treat heel pain without doing surgery. Rest, ice, anti-in ammatory medication, supportive shoes and stretches help in most cases. Custom made orthotic devices or cortisone injections may also be needed.

Tri-villages hope to RAISE Harlem bridge through grant A er

several unsuccessful tries consultant hired to help land fundin

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

Of ficials from Forest Park, Oak Park and River Forest continue to seek funding for the multimillion-dollar project to re place the railroad bridge at the intersection of Harlem Avenue and South Boulevard that is over 100 years old, applying once again for a federal grant, but this time using a consultant.

River Forest of ficials unanimously approved a resolution at the Feb. 13 village board meeting that suppor ts Oak Park’s hiring of a Chicago-based transpor tation consulting fir m to assist in applying for a Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant. Forest Park Village Council approved a similar resolution the same day.

The grant, which could be for as much as $25 million, would be used to fund construction costs for the project. Estimated cost of the project has risen since it was first proposed in 2008 and now stands at $34.6 million.

Harlem is the border between Oak Park on the east and Forest Park and River Forest on the west. The bridge also marks the border between River Forest on the nor th and Forest Park on the south.

The cost of the contract with Sam Schwartz Engineering is $15,000, with River Forest’s share being $3,740, or one-fourth of the total, reflecting the village’s ownership of one-fourth of the bridge. Forest Park’s share also will be $3,750 with Oak Park’s share of $7,500 reflecting that village’s ownership of half of the bridge.

According to the Sam Schwartz website, the fir m has been known “for 25 years as the transpor tation fir m that solves the industry’s most challenging problems by balancing exemplary technical skills with exceptional creative approaches — a com-

bination that work apar t.”

In a memo Forest of ficials Loster, director lic works and ment services

Schwartz was by Oak Park “based on their experience and backg round kno of this project.” said at the Fe ing that River Forest of ficials were approached by Oak Park officials when the grant oppor tunity came to their attention.

“With such a big price tag associated with a project like this, we’re always looking for funding oppor tunities that are applicable,” Loster said. Refer ring to a grant application submitted to the Illinois Depar tment of Commerce and Economic Oppor tunity for funds that would help close out the Phase 1 work that stalled out years ago, he said the RAISE grant “has a bigger award cap and so we’re eyeing that as a source to address construction and construction management costs.”

Cathy Adduci, River Forest village president, noted that she and of ficials from Forest Park and Oak Park are working with elected of ficials at the state and federal level to obtain funding for the project.

“That’s the real key,” she said, identifying Illinois Senate President Don Har mon, Illinois Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch and state Senator Kimberly Lightford as being involved on the state level and U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckwor th on the federal level.

Forest Park mayor Rory Hoskins made revamping the bridge a major priority. During a Feb. 13 village council meeting,

he reflected that the issue has been on the table since his first ter m as village commissioner in 2008.

“That traf fic snarl-up [at the bridge] is what hinders development [on the Forest Park side of Harlem Avenue],” Hoskins said. “It would be hard to bring in machines in there and the traf fic is so bad those kinds of things halt development.”

Later during the same meeting, commissioners authorized village administrator Moses Amidei to ag ree to commit the village to paying the local share if the application is successful. This came with a caveat that the village would look for grants and other funding sources to avoid having to cover as much of the local share from its own budget as possible. One of the potential funding sources is the Brown Street TIF, which the village is trying to extend before it expires at the end of 2023.

The bridge was originally built in the 1920s to car ry the Chicago and Nor thwester n Railway tracks over Harlem. It now car ries the tracks of Metra, the Union Pacific Railroad and the Chicago Transit Authority. The purpose of the reconstruction project is to eliminate the congestion problems caused by the configuration of the existing structure, which has remained essentially unchanged since its construc-

tion over a century ag o, despite significant increases in traf fic along Harlem.

Plans from 2018 when the three municipalities unsuccessfully sought grant funding from the U.S. De par tment of Transpor tation (USDOT) called for re placing the existing bridge; lowering the Harlem roadway to reduce truck strikes to the viaduct; and adding pedestrian and aesthetic enhancements The support column in the viaduct also would be removed in an ef fort to improve traf fic in the area.

USDOT of ficials announced in December that $1.5 billion in grant funding would be available through the RAISE discretionary grant program for 2023. The program helps communities around the country car ry out projects with significant local or re gional impact.

RAISE discretionary grants help project sponsors at the state and local levels, including municipalities, tribal governments, counties, and others complete critical freight and passenger transpor tation infrastructure projects. The eligibility requirements of RAISE allow project sponsors to obtain funding for projects that are harder to suppor t through other USDOT grant programs

Igor Studenkov contributed to this re port.

CRIME

Walmart employee steals over $7,800 in merchandise

A Forest Park Walmart employee allegedly stole $7,814 worth ofelectronics from the store throughout January and into early February.

A store employee made the complaint after discovering that four iPhones were missing from a locked room. The only way to access the room was using a key ke pt in the store manager’s office. This led her to review the security footage for Feb. 7, which showed the alle ged thief, a 65-yearold Chicago man, going into the manager’s office, taking the key and opening the storage room. The witness reviewed the security footage as far back as Jan. 16 and saw that the alle ged thief went into the storage room nine times, alle gedly taking eight Samsung tablets, one iPad, eight Apple stylus pencils and four AirPods.

The employee believed that the alle ged thief may have committed other thefts.

As he was taken into custody, the alle ged thiefasked ifthe police could retrieve his belongings from the employe locker. The officers found that the lunch box contained an unopened box of Drakkar Noir cologne, which also came from the store inventory.

The alle ged thiefsaid he only took two iPhones, even after he was told about the surveillance footage. He was charged with one count of retail theft.

Burglary from vehicle

A Loyola University student got his stolen MacBook back thanks to the laptop’s real-time tracking function, but he wasn’t able to recover his wallet.

On Feb. 10, at around 1 p.m., the victim visited his girlfriend on the 300 block of Elgin Avenue. When he went back to his car, a black 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, he discovered that his backpack was missing from the back seat. The backpack had his MacBook, an iPad, his hospital IDs, “various medications” and a wallet containing his driver’s license and bank cards, among other things.

The victim was able to use an application on his phone to track the location ofthe MacBook in real time. It was pinging at the Chicago/Oak Park border, near the intersection of North and Ridgeland avenues.

A police officer checked the nearby pawn shops, but that turned up nothing.

The tracker continued to show the MacBook slowly moving east on North Avenue, into Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. The officer and the victim followed the signal and spotted a pedestrian walking on the north side ofNorth Avenue, near the North Austin branch library, wearing the victim’s backpack.

The police officer ordered the suspect to drop the bag. The suspect did so and immediately took of f running east, toward Central Avenue. The officer asked ifthe victim wanted to press charges. The victim said he did not, and the officer let the suspect go.

After checking the backpack more thoroughly, the victim discovered that his wallet was still missing.

Police chase

Forest Park police officers helped stop a vehicle that was alle gedly stolen from Chicago and may have been involved in several burglaries.

On Feb. 10 at 8:35 p.m., while on routine patrol, officers were aler ted that a Chicago Police Department helicopter was tracking a white 2022 Jeep Cherokee heading west on the Eisenhower Expressway near the Austin Boulevard bridge. The officers drove onto the expressway at Harlem Avenue, but didn’t spot the Jeep, and the Illinois State Police units nearby advised them that the vehicle was further east.

The two police forces worked together to pull the Jeep over. The driver, a 26-year-old Chicago man, and a passenger, a 21-yearold Bellwood woman, were charged with one count of criminal trespass to a vehicle.

These items were obtained from police re ports filed by the Forest Park Police Department, Feb. 6-12, and re present a portion ofthe incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these re ports has only been charged with a crime. These cases have not been adjudicated.

Compiled by Igor Studenkov

Eating your way across Elmwood Park

Village gears up for fifth installment of Restaurant Week

By JACKIE PISANO Contributing Reporter

Whether venturing along the established “Restaurant Row” of North Avenue, “The Circle” district along Conti Parkway, or discovering the myriad of culinary gems dotted across town, the Village of Elmwood Park boasts a booming dining scene with a diverse range of cuisines for everyone.

In celebrating the one-of-a-kind eateries which make Elmwood Park one of Chicagoland’s premiere dining destinations, the village is gearing up to host its annual Restaurant Week, dubbed “Dine-In Elmwood Park,” from Friday, Feb. 17 through Sunday, Feb. 26.

“We’ve worked hard to support our local

restaurateurs and to grow our dining scene in Elmwood Park over the past few years,” said Village President Angelo “Skip” Saviano. “Patrons visiting our restaurants will find good food in a more intimate, local setting than they might find in downtown Chicago.”

For 10 days, 17 restaurants across town will open their doors to sweet deals on menu favorites, guaranteed to keep mouths watering and stomachs full.

While deciding on whether to savor classic Italian dishes, familiar American staples or anything in between, take a sneak peek into the fun:

The Sportz Nook. 7841 W. Grand Ave.

Open since last May, owner David Carlson says his small on size but mighty on menu restaurant guarantees diners a well-rounded night-out experience from the moment they enter until the second they clean off their plates.

“We’re a very clean, friendly atmosphere, and I owe everything to my staff,” Carlson said. “I’ve got great cooks, and our meatballs and meatloaf are our specialties, but honestly, all of the good food and friendly

TheSportzNook: Meatballs are a menu specialty at The Sportz Nook, slow simmered in house-made red sauce and perfect atop spaghetti.

staff is what sets us apart from other establishments.”

During Dine-In Elmwood Park, the elevated neighborhood pub will boast a lunch special of its Reuben sandwich for only $10 and dinner specials of appetizer mussels in a wine garlic sauce for $10 and spaghetti topped with house favorite meatballs for $12. In addition, diners can enjoy a second meal for half-off menu price.

Donny G’s Ristorante and Bar. 7308 W. North Ave.

If a throwback night out reminiscent of old-school Italian lounges and hearty meals is what you’re craving, look no further than Donny G’s.

“We’re all homemade and the best Italian kitchen you can find in the Chicagoland area,” said George Diamanopoulos, restaurant manager. “We have five-star reviews — and with the staff here, it’s a real family restaurant.”

Lunch specials include the meatball sandwich with fries ($10), albacore tuna panini with fries ($11) and cheese ravioli with vodka sauce ($14) — all including a soft drink and scoop of savory gelato.

Vivant: Bon Vivant’s green juices are squeezed in-house with kale, spinach, pear, celery and other fruit juices.

Dinner specials — all served with one glass of red or white house wine and gelato — include chicken scallopini with mushrooms, onions and spinach ($18), pork chop Calabrese in a white wine sauce with spicy

cherry peppers and potatoes ($22) and red snapper Francaise with spinach ($22).

Cafe Cubano. 7426 W. North Ave.

For 22 years, Cafe Cubano has served diners flocking from across Chicagoland for a taste of the most authentic Cuban food north of Miami.

Owner Mayra Fernandez, who runs Cafe Cubano alongside husband Javier, says they’re proud to stay true to their family’s Cuban roots, with recipes passed down from Javier’s father. That authenticity, she says, is what keeps people coming back time and time again.

“We are straight up, 100% Cuban food — no fusion,” she said. “Every time you order something, it’s prepared fresh. When you come into Cafe Cubano, we want you to feel like you’re having authentic Cuban food.”

That care, love and family tradition can be found in the lunch specials of any Cuban sandwich served with Cuban rice for $15. Don’t pass up the chance to savor a classic Cuban sandwich made with ham, Swiss cheese and roasted pork with pickles on freshly baked bread. Or, enjoy the dinner special Cuban bowl, featuring your choice of steak, chicken or pork for $15. Dishes come served complete with a side of fresh plantains.

Bon

Enjoy a medianoche (midnight)

sandwich from Cafe Cubano — a Cuban staple lled with roasted pork, ham and cheese on so , Cuban bread made in-house.

Bon Vivant Juice & Smoothie Bar.

7334 W. Diversey Ave.

These days, smoothie bowls and juice cleanses are all the rage.

Health is wealth, so why not lean into that inner voice telling you to eat more fruits and vegetables and check out Bon Vivant, which focuses entirely on wellness and eating “green.”

Bon Vivant, which began as a traveling food truck in 2017, opened its first brick and mortar location in Elmwood Park in August 2021 after owner Vanessa Alviso and her wife, Jasmin Ortiz, noticed a lack of similar options available in the area.

“We’re a one-stop shop for clean eating in Elmwood Park,” Alviso said. “Our stuff is 100% natural and fresh. A lot of smoothie

SMOOTHIES BUY ONE GET ONE 1/2 OFF

HEALTH SHOTS BUY ONE GET ONE 1/2 OFF $6 OFF ANY VARIETY 6 PACK JUICE BOTTLED

CHIA PUDDING BOWL BUY ONE GET ONE 1/2 OFF

CULVER’S

7542 W. GRAND AVENUE

1 topping

02/23- $3.50 Single Cheeseburgers

02/24- $2 off Dinners

02/25- $2 1-Scoop Frozen Custard with one topping

02/26- $5 Family Fries

LUNCH SPECIALS

SERVED WITH A SOFT DRINK & SCOOP OF GELATO CHOICE OF ONE MEATBALL SANDWICH WITH FRIES $10 ALBACORE TUNA PANINI WITH FRIES $11

CHEESE RAVIOLI WITH VODKA SAUCE $14

SERVED WITH ONE GLASS OF RED OR WHITE HOUSE WINE AND A SCOOP OF GELATO

CHICKEN SCALLOPINI SERVED WITH MUSHROOMS, ONIONS AND SPINACH IN A TOUCH OF RED SAUCE $18

PORK CHOP CALABRESE IN A WHITE WINE SAUCE WITH SPICY CHERRY PEPPERS & POTATOES

RED SNAPPER FRANCAISE SERVED WITH SPINACH $22

3 Tacos of your choice w/ rice, beans, Jarrito/ can drink/bottled water & Churros $17

Macho Nachos with choice of meat & Jarrito/

Meatless Macho Nachos & Jarrito/can drink/ bottled water & Churros

$14

30% off Brunch w/ a

and juice places are not, and we don’t use any additives or sweeteners — it’s all fresh or our own frozen fruit.”

During Dine-In Elmwood Park, enjoy $10 any three- to seven-day detox cleanse, and buy one get one half off deals on fruit smoothies, health shots (turmeric and ginger juices) and chia pudding bowls. All smoothies and bowls are made natural, with no added sugar and no added powders.

Customers must mention “Restaurant Week” for discounts.

For the full list of participating restaurants and deals, visit elmwoodpark.org/ restaurantweek/

DRIVE

DonnyG’s: Donny G’s pork chop Calabrese features a white wine sauce with spicy cherry peppers and potatoes.

Why I suppor t Mayor Hoskins

Since 1970, I have been supporting candidates who share my values and progressive views. I have been particularly impressed by Mayor Rory Hoskins of Forest Park. While a Forest Park commissioner, the mayor infor med me about the CDBG, Community Development Block Grants available in Forest Park. The previous mayor infor med me during a break in a council meeting that I was the first person to request that a certain percentage of CDBG funds were to be utilized to support non-for-profit organizations. He responded that all the money went to Forest Park infrastructure. Rory voted against this CDBG use of monies.

I support Mayor Hoskins for reelection because he:

■ Works with elected officials to procure needed funds to improve Forest Park infrastructure. Obtained $750,000

through the state to tear down the crumbling Altenheim building. Worked with county to establish Covid shot and testing site.

■ Established an Altenheim commission of people with different expertise to find viable ways that benefit the community through taxes and preserving open space.

■ Upgraded pay for female employees to be commensurate with men’s salaries.

■ Collaborates with and is supported by mayors of surrounding communities.

■ Brought back the Citizen’s Police Academy

■ Appointed a diversity commission.

■ Respects cultures and religions as evidenced by the Menorah in Constitution Court.

■ The first mayor in the near west suburbs to sponsor a Juneteenth event.

■ Welcomed new businesses owned by women and a diversity of people.

■ Worked with The Night Ministry and Showers Up to provide services at the end of the Blue Line for our most vulner-

Sawa’s Old Warsaw

able citizens.

■ Ke pt us safe by requiring masks for restaurants and business owners following state guidelines and closing bars disruptive to the community.

Rory is a family man who has successfully raised 3 grown children wife Monique. He continues to suppo and advocate for his youngest son with special needs.

What ’s that smell?

The out-of-town owners of Coast LLC want to open a cannabis dispensary in Forest Park on the southwest corner of Harlem and Circle – as if that site didn’t have enough problems when it was simply a CVS.

Mark Maroney

Polish

LENT

• Broasted cod fish every day, all day!

• Tuesday - Saturday 11am-8pm

• Buffet

Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.

Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.

Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.

A safe & smart choice.

A safe & smart choice.

Choosing a community you can trust has never been more difficult.

Choosing a community you can trust has never been more important.

Choosing a community you can trust has never been more difficult.

Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.

Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.

Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.

We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.

We would be honored for your family to be part of ours. Immediate

We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.

99% OF OUR CALEDONIA STAFF IS VACCINATED

After 75 years, archery shop on Madison will close Episode of ‘Chicago Fire’ lmed at shop airs this week

By JOHN RICE Contributing Reporter

The Archery Custom Shop has been located at 7240 Madison St. since 1948. Its founder, Don Schram, sold bows and equipment, while running two indoor ranges He owned a coach house on Marengo prominently features a totem pole

Schram died in 1995 and the shop “inherited” by Ter ry Pryor, who mar Schram’s widow, Jean. Now, after 28 year Pryor is retiring and selling the proper The shop, though, isn’t going quietly. e pisode of Chicago Fire was filmed there and will air this evening, Wednesday, 15, at 8 p.m. on NBC.

Pryor was 19 when he first came to est Park in 1971. He landed a job at National Blank Book, on Industrial Drive. He star ted hanging out at the archery shop He had had a fiberglass bow when he growing up in Marshall, Illinois. He never lost his love for the spor t.

Pryor worked part-time in the archery shop, doing odds and ends for Schram. also did a lot of shooting on the range. advanced from a recurve bow to a compound bow. He joined the Chicago Bo Hunters, Inc. in Bolingbrook and competed in national tour naments Pryor’s real gift, though, is teaching newcomers how to shoot an ar row.

The shop attracts many novice shooters, some as young as 8. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts come there to shoot and they also host bir thday parties. Pryor is good at teaching be ginners but it has taken a toll on his shoulders.

The shop prospered for years. It sells compound bows that range in price from $500 to $2,500. They also stock recurve bows that cost $200 to $1,000. Besides the bows, the shop stocks everything a shooter needs including ar m guards, ar rows and cases

The shop makes most of its money selling equipment. “The range only pays the utility bills,” Pryor quipped.

The shop has two ranges, a small one

downstairs and a large one upstairs that runs the length of the building. Many of the customers are police of ficers and firefighters, who have a passion for bow hunting. Several Forest Park cops are re gulars. Seventy percent of his customers are tar-

Bow hunting is “up close and personal” compared to hunting with guns Pryor hunts white tail deer in Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. His youngest son, Adam Pryor, also excelled at shooting and became a national champion. Adam served as a stand-in for actor Nicholas Cage, shooting an ar row in the film “The Weather man.”

Another film, The Hunger Games gave the business a real shot in the ar m. Pryor watched the film but found the violence distasteful. He also noted that the star, Jennifer Lawrence, was not demonstrating the proper shooting form

Archery movies may have helped sales but nothing hur t the business more than the Inter net. Customers found cheaper

prices online but didn’t get the re pairs and instruction they receive at the shop Another blow to sales came during the pandemic lockdown. Even their re gular customers stopped coming.

Last year, Pryor told his three sons he was shutting down the business They ag reed it was time Pryor had suf fered a hear t attack in 2015, which forced him to reduce the shop’s hours from to 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. His sons don’t want the business and Pryor predicted, “There’s no way it will continue to be an archery shop.”

The Chicago Fire crew, however, was grateful to find it still in operation. In December 2022, a location manager named Fer nando, told Pryor they were looking to film at an archery shop. Fer nando took

some photo graphs and the “director fell in with the location.”

The day before the shoot, a crew came to photo graph the shop. Then they took rything out, furniture, banners and tarThey installed green carpeting and built a false wall. New banners and signs re brought in, including a sign identifying the business as “Chi-Town Archery.”

On the day of the shoot, Pryor ar rived at 4:20 a.m. There were already two Forest Park police cars in place on Madison Street and they would remain for the rest of the shoot. The crew parked a trailer containing a generator and set up a food tent.

Pryor said the crew treated him like a king and he enjoyed delicious food and coffee from the tent. He described the filming as “org anized chaos.” There were over 100 people in the shop, including some retired cops and firemen. They shot from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

After the shoot was finished, the crew used the photo graphs they’d taken to put everything back exactly the way it was “You won’t know we were here,” one of the crew confided. Actually, Pryor will always know they were there, because they gave him the “Chi-Town Archery” sign as a memento.

Sara Janz

(Above) Exterior of Forest Park Archery Custom Shop on Madison Street.

(Le ) Nate, certi ed archery instructor, teaches children how to properly position for shooting.

OPINION

Pot parade

As we noted last week, Forest Park and its mayor, Rory Hoskins, have been pursuing cer tainly the tax revenue and maybe the panache of having a cannabis dispensary in town since its sale became le g al in the state of Illinois

The ride has been bumpy, in part because the state’s rollout of procedures for granting these precious licenses was bumpy. But Forest Park has persevered, and now, somewhat remarkably, it seems the village is about to land not one but two such businesses.

Last week we re por ted on plans to bring a dispensary to what tur ns out to be a por tion of the empty CVS on Harlem near the el viaduct. Today our Igor Studenkov adds some re porting on those plans

But we also re port on the village council’s decision Monday night to shor tcut zoning processes to allow a dispensary on Madison Street by right. And fur ther, the location of the expected dispensary is Doc Ryan’s, one of the street’s iconic drinking destinations. The bar announced on social media over the weekend that it will close on March 31. Its owners held out the possibility it may reopen elsewhere in town. We wouldn’t hold out much hope as the ar rival of pot in Forest Park dovetails neatly, if ironically, with an ongoing ef fort to reduce liquor licenses on Madison Street.

It’s a brave new world. The local tax revenues from cannabis dispensaries are g ame-changers for a small town like Forest Park. Multiply that by two.

That Harlem viaduct

In a moment when America is thankfully flush with infrastructure funding, it is good to see our local communities with their collective hands out to fund rebuilding the nagging bottleneck that is the railroad bridge at Harlem Avenue and South Boulevard

Built more than a century ago, this viaduct is well past a simple definition of obsolescence. It car ries both freight and commuter traffic up top and jams up auto, truck, pedestrian and bicycle traf fic down below. It is too nar row. It is too low.

Our three villages of Oak Park, Forest Park and River Forest have been cooperatively banging their heads on its concrete wall for well more than a decade with nothing to show for it. Now in this moment of infrastructure plenty, the tri-villages are trying a new tactic and are jointly hiring a transit consultant with some specialization in shaking money loose from gover nment entities. The cost is low – just $15,000 split among the villages – and the payoff could be substantial. The ask of the new Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) will be $25 million against an estimated rebuilding cost of $34.6 million.

The other ace in our collective pocket would be our local connections to Springfield power by the names of Speaker Chris Welch, Senate President Don Harmon and Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford. Two Democratic U.S. senators and a Democratic president also won’t hurt.

Outside of the inevitable rebuilding of the Ike, these communities do not have a more immediate transit challenge than this viaduct. Good for the three villages for keeping at this.

Ah, there is nothing quite like a local election

Here we ar till the election. Great excitement is building, debates are scheduled, and the door knocking has be As we get ready to choose local re presentatives w decisions that directly af our quality of life related to public safety, education, infrastructure and economic de opment, we will hear opinions fears and desires unfold. can celebrate democrac a good, healthy sign.

WAGNER

The objective of a sign is to increase the visibility of a candidate’s name and message to try to create the impression of support greater than one’s opponent. Some lawns will host many of the same sign, in dif ferent directions, to really mark their ter ritory and show their great support.

We will see opposing signs in close proximity to one another, a friendly reflection of tensions and beliefs. If we’re really lucky, there will be signs in front of vacant buildings, in public spaces and at the end of Circle Avenue, and a sign might pop up just as the door rises in the last drying moments when you exit Crystal Car Wash. As we get closer to the election, there will likely be stories of vandalism to a sign or theft of a yard sign — the ultimate late-night violation.

Next up will be parade day, with a swar m of suppor ters in candidate T-shir ts will buzz around a car or truck (bonus points if it’s a green one) passing out leaflets branding a candidate or group of candidates. Revelers on Madison will shout with glee and toast good cheer to the generous people willing to serve them.

Then if we are really, really lucky, the campaign mailers will star t to ar rive. Some

th rites, , perhaps a lonely abandoned child, using white Satan , and the fear wing.

hen a campaign mailer or door hanger alludes to anization to Then

it might be announced on social wn unally slipped into in a mailbox (the hor ror!). After all, children’s books are made for promoting a healthy and productive society, electioneering for adults

It is humor (and sarcasm) that gets us all through and I sure love a bingo card to keep score with at a debate. Had a friend give me one for a local election and I was over the moon. Once the themes are fully fleshed out, the card can contain business development, equitable practices, environmental issues, financial state, economic interests, safety, trust, and community pride. The magic phrases and themes in the campaign can add “wife,” “do g,” or “video gaming,” just to name a few key words from past debates into the mix.

While the park district and District 91 have uncontested elections, we can focus our energ y on the contested ones (mayor, commissioner and Proviso District 209) which feature genuinely talented candidates who seem devoted to serving the people of Forest Park and our area, so I am looking forward to hearing their messages and perspectives.

It is dif ficult to be the person elected, managing when the ar rows start flying, so my hat is of f to all my fellow Forest Parkers who are willing to serve. I wish you and our community nothing but the best.

Beyond picking up trash, Forest Park should change sources of trash

Spring never fails to bring up trash as a topic of conversation to Forest Park, as in “OMG there is so much trash in our streets.” And come next spring we forget. Here are some reminders, to see if we can move the conversation and not be stuck in the same spot every year

Yes, there is street trash.

However there is a constant flow of street trash through the year

Street trash is more noticeable after the snow melts because it has accumulated over the winter.

Most residents pick up street trash at different times of the day.

Forest Park Public Works constantly picks up street trash.

Residents that are not able to, or do not routinely pick up street trash in front of their houses, usually pile up more street trash.

Most street trash is food packaging

Most street trash is caused by residents and local businesses

Most street trash comes from garbage bins

Some garbage bins are either re gularly overflowing, open, or are assaulted by local fauna.

Most street trash is plastic because of companies and businesses that channel it

towards us consumers.

Most plastic street trash is from carryout or food and drink packaging, often consumed at home

Only a very small percentage of plastic street trash are facemasks

Plastic trash does not decompose, so it stays put until taken to pollute elsewhere. Recycling does not solve the street trash problem.

Picking up street trash does not solve the street trash problem either

How do I know? I pick up data along with street trash because I have realized that my personal experience can only access a very nar row slice of reality.

Individuals and local businesses can assist in changing the disposable (lack of) culture that has resulted in this situation, by focusing on reusability. There is not one solution to fix it all, but every single person and every single local business can think about this and find concrete ways to reduce the flow of trash that we are ultimately hauling away –because we have the privile ge to do so Let’s make an ef fort to go beyond the band aid attitude of ‘all you can waste’ bigger garbage bins and merely picking up. Let’s reduce waste at the source: as individuals and as a community.

The Science Ar t and Trash project has

For the public record

I am writing to establish, as a candidate for the of fice of village commissioner for the village of Forest Park, that I will not acce pt remuneration from the village for my services should the residents of Forest Park choose to elect me to this position.

I have not discussed this with anyone in village hall, but it is my preference that the stipend allocated for my services should be allocated to the pension funds for our police of ficers and firefighters. However, I have not been elected, so I will not put the cart before the horse

It would have been my preference to handle this after the election, but I recently lear ned that I should have public documentation of my intention (transparency) for my employers. I am not permitted to acce pt remuneration and it is my preference not to.

I work at Nor thwester n University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, where I par tner with our faculty to develop grants to raise funds for medical research; Nor thwester n does not endorse or have anything to do with my activities in Forest Park

It should be noted that those who acce pt funding for their work with the village as commissioners should, and indeed it is a time commitment worthy of compensation. When we compensate elected of ficials we are opening the door to an increased level of re presentation and equity in our community.

Michelle Melin-Rogovin Candidate for villa ge commissioner

used the Litterati app since 2017. Its Facebook page can be found @sciartrash. I have personally been picking up trash since 2000 and every single resident I have ever chatted with does the same, very often from even earlier decades!. The Litterati app is available online at Litterati.org Many communities across the world team up with Litterati to address issues of city beautification and waste reduction by enabling residents to gather evidence and create effective change at personal, local and global scales

If you pick up street trash, consider using the Litterati app to track the trash you

pick up and see how accurately your individual experience compares to the data you collect. You may be as shocked as I was when I star ted. Collecting our street trash data also contributes to the global effort. If Forest Park decides to team up with Litterati as a community, that would be a next ste p in gathering evidence to pursue ef fective change at the local level. Forest Park is not alone in being showered with disposable garbage and I believe we can do better in moving forward instead of staying stuck.

Julieta Aguilera Forest Park

Creating a win-win balance for Altenheim

As a resident of Forest Park, I have been following your coverage of the development of the Altenheim property with great interest. I have been delighted to read that the majority of public input given to the Altenheim Advisory Council so far has been in favor of kee ping some of the south end of the property for green space to develop as a park

I realize that green space is at a premium in Forest Park. And so, I have been envisioning the Altenheim property becoming a beautiful, serene setting running along the Des Plaines River, just adjacent to the future Prairie Path extension. Essentially, it would become a “g reen gem” for all of Forest Park to enjoy.

At the same time, I am practical enough to understand the impor tance of revenue for our village. And so, it seems that a careful balance of some revenue-generating, residential development, combined with the beauty of a green space on the south end of the property, would be an Altenheim solution.

The Forest Park Review published in its January 2023, second and third editions, two site plans that were submitted to the Altenheim Advisory Council. Both these site plans make a win-win possible for Forest Park. I would like the Altenheim decision-makers to take another look at those. I’m cer tain the public would like them to do the same

Robert Handler Forest Park

Repor ter Igor Studenkov

Senior Editor Bob Uphues

Digital Manager

Stacy Coleman

Contributing Repor ters Tom Holmes, John Rice, Bob Skolnik, Jackie Glosniak, Robert J. Li a

Columnists Alan Brouilette, Jill Wagner, Tom Holmes, John Rice

Big Week Editor James Porter

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

Designer Susan McKelvey

S ales and Marketing Representatives

Lourdes Nicholls, Marc Stopeck, Kamil Brady

Business & Development Manager

Mary Ellen Nelligan

Circulation Manager Jill Wagner

Editor and Publisher Dan Haley

Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

A primer for rst-time moms

This column first ran on Jan. 25, 2016, which means this baby is now 7. Wonder what stage that would be. Time flies when you’ re having young:

As a public service to first-time moms, like my daughter Nicole, here’s a primer explaining the various stages of childhood:

Stationary: During the first 6 months, your baby can’t move very far under its own power. So if you’ re looking for your baby, always check the place where you last saw them.

Horizontal: As the child grows, they be gin to move about horizontally. Now if you set the baby down, it might be gone when you get back. But, unless the child is wearing corduroy pants, they won’t be able to travel more than a block or so

Ver tical: After about a year, the child gets tired of life at ground level and lear ns how to stand on their own two feet. Vertical children are prone to mishaps. They will make sudden retur ns to the horizontal stage, which will often result in an “owie.”

Verbal: The child next enters the verbal

stage. Their entire vocabulary consists of demands and refusals. When they’re not demanding a treat, they’re refusing to sit in their car seat. Parents may be tempted to call for police backup but even cops will not risk injury by having contact with a 2-year-old. By the way, whenever you say “no” their automatic response will be “why?” Get used to it. School: Your child will reach a stage when they will stop demanding and refusing at home and will instead chatter away in a classroom. Remember, if your child isn’ t home, chances are they’re at school. Try to lear n their schedule

Social: At school, your child is bound to meet other children and sooner or later bring some of them home. Hide your valuables and breakables before they come over. And never allow a child into your house if they’ re car rying their own hammer — or felt-tip marker.

Sullen: After years of being happy and carefree, your child may become sullen. The war ning signs are a pouty expression and constant complaints about being

bored. Do not have any unnecessary contact with the sullen child and don’t offer solutions to their boredom. Have them do household chores, until they take their sullenness outside

Defiant: After years of being passive during their sullen stage, the child will retur n to the verbal stage and be gin to exert their will. Demands and refusals will fly faster than leaves on a windy day. Parents should avoid physical confrontations during this stage. Especially if the child is more vertical than you are. For example, do not try to force them to go to their room. Even SWAT teams have suf fered unacce ptable losses trying to get children to go to their room.

Instead of confrontation, parents should try reason and compromise. For example, “Yes you can have a drum set, as long as you make a living at it” or, “I don’t mind if you get your tongue pierced, as long as you never again open your mouth in my presence.”

With these kind of fir m guidelines, there will be mutual respect between parent and child.

And if not, you can always hide the car keys

Board of Directors

Chair Judy Gre n

Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

HOW TO REACH US

ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302

PHONE 708-366-0600 ■ FAX 708-467-9066

EMAIL forestpark@wjinc.com

CIRCULATION Jill@oakpark.com

ONLINE ForestParkReview.com

Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Forest Park Review,141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302-2901. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS No 0205-160)

In- county subscriptions: $34 per year

$55 for two years, $69 for three years

Out- of-county subscriptions: $42 per year Forest

Working for equity in health care

John Lumpkin, MD, MHP, Proviso East class of 1969, cur rently serves as president of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nor th Carolina Foundation. He was the first African American physician trained in emergency medicine in the country after completing his residency at the University of Chicago, then ear ned his master’s de gree in public health at the University of Illinois. His extensive list of awards, and accomplishments include being the senior vice president of programs at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and director of the Illinois De par tment of Public Health. He continues to acknowledge race and racism in health care and believes community health is a pillar to address racism and equity. In June 2020, he co-authored a paper, “In Health, Not All are Equal,” stating: “Thus, if we truly desire a free, healthy and prosperous society, those who have been denied true equal rights must not only have access to these rights, but also access to an af fordable, equitable and culturally competent health care system.”

A BLA CK HIST ORY L OOK BA CK IN TIME

Cour tesy of the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine

Growing Community Media

PHONE: (708)

HELP WANTED

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Human Resources Generalist in the Human Resources Department. This position will perform a variety of professional and technical functions in support human resource management including orientation, hiring, employee testing, classification analysis, compensation analysis and benefits administration. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www. oak-park.us/jobs. Position opened until filled.

PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Parking Enforcement Officer in the Police Department Field Services Division. This position will perform a variety of duties and responsibilities involved in the enforcement of Village parking regulations; and to provide general information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

IT OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of IT Operations Specialist. The ideal candidate is responsible for the effective operation of information technology services and support across the organization. The IT Operations Specialist serves as a technical expert for the implementation, maintenance and support of systems and networks. The IT Operations Specialist plans and carries out various complex assignments and develops new methods and approaches in a wide variety of IT specialties. Evaluates new and enhanced approaches to deliver IT services; test and optimize the functionality of systems, networks, and data; and define technical requirements. The IT Operations Specialist is responsible for providing various forms of computer-related technical assistance and improving the efficiency of the work of the staff through the use of technology. Interested and qualified applicants can visit our website at http://www.oakpark.us/ for more details.

BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation is looking for a full-time Director of Finance & Administration, who will manage the administrative and financial matters of the congregation in collaboration with church leadership and board officers. This person will participate on and advise the Executive Team and advise governing board on a wide range of financial matters at both the strategic and operational levels including the operational budget and stewardship planning. They will also oversee and adjust processes and operations as necessary to ensure efficient and effective implementation and creation of policies and procedures, as well as supervise some other staff members.

Core Competencies:

● Organization and Planning: Organize and oversee people, funding, materials, and support to accomplish multiple, concurrent goals and activities. Project management and excellent organizational skills

● Vision and Purpose: Commitment to and knowledge of Unitarian Universalist Principles, values, history and worship.

● Trust and Integrity: Is widely trusted to keep confidences, admit errors, and adhere to a transparent set of personal and professional values that are congruent with the ministry of the congregation

● Conflict Management: Recognize and resolve conflicts effectively, applying principles of active listening, collaboration, and equity for both congregants and staff

● Proficiencies: Working knowledge of business and church related software (Google Drive. Constant Contact and Realm or other church database software). Must have excellent project management and professional communication skills. Working knowledge of HR and accounting practices.

You can find out more information about the position at https://unitytemple.org/job-postings/. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to jobs@ unitytemple.org indicating “Director of Finance & Administration” in the subject line.

PART-TIME ELECTRICIAN’S HELPER

Call for more info. 708-738-3848

Project Manager sought by LG Construction Group LLC (Chicago, IL) to complete subcontractor evals & comparison of bids while overseeing Asstnt PM. Apply at jobpostingtoday. com Ref# 33978.

PARALEGAL

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Paralegal. The ideal candidate will perform a variety of responsible duties in support of the Law Department, including research, document preparation, administrative support to Law Department staff and other related duties. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oakpark.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is open until filled.

DAYCARE CENTER DIRECTOR QUALIFIED TEACHER

Early childhood transcripts needed Immediate opening CALL TODAY! (773) 619-5545.

PRACTICE RELATIONS COORDINATOR

(PRC) - Job description

Little Teeth Big Smiles - Children’s Dentistry is a well-established, state of the art pediatric dental office that loves creating positive dental experiences for the children in our community. Our entire team, including the doctors, dental assistants, and administrative team members are highly trained and passionate about what they do each and every day to provide exceptional dental care and outstanding customer service to every family that enters our office. We are proud to have over 800 5-star Google Reviews that speak to the high level of service we are passionate about providing to our patients.

We have team members who have come from varying backgrounds including: retail, hospitality, fitness, and dental! You could be a part of that team! We believe that the quality of our work is a reflection of who we are. Our team members must possess a commitment to being the best they can be in all areas of patient service. Team members will be empowered to make decisions when an understanding of our philosophy and appropriate skills are acquired. Team members will not only work toward fulfilling their own responsibilities, but will support other team members in fulfilling theirs. Looking to the future our team recognizes that our patients’ needs are ever-changing. We are committed to staying at the cutting edge of pediatric dentistry to assure our patients receive the highest quality care. We believe in providing a safe and comfortable work environment where our team members are encouraged, inspired, and supported by their fellow co-workers.

Maybe you’ve been looking for that positive change in your life and what could be better than knowing you are making a difference in the lives of our patients and their families? We are confident you would love it here and will find the career and company culture that you’ve always wanted!

The Practice Relations Coordinator (PRC) is a very flexible part-time position in a fun environment with great fellow coworkers! We are opening

our brand new office space soon and need someone to help us market this to our patients, referring offices and the community!

Details of the position:

* Responsible for representing our specialty practice to our referral base (existing and potential) through the execution of various networking and relationship building activities

*Includes personal contact with referring office staff and Doctors for the purpose of delivering gifts, hosting lunches and other social activities, and organizing educational events

*Includes administrative and organizational activities such as setting up files and delivery routes, compiling monthly practice statistics and preparation of mailings

*Planning and executing internal and external events.

Who you are:

*Upbeat, positive, self-motivated go-getter, with creative & innovative ideas to market our practice to potential referral sources

* Excellent organization and time-management skills

*Must be somebody who is a genuine people person and thrives on face-toface contact and meeting new people

*Outstanding telephone and customer service skills

* Professional and poised image as you will be representing our practice

*Has a College degree

* Are technologically savvy and possess experience with Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, online marketing, and social networking

*If you are seeking a part-time desk job this is not for you. The majority of your hours will be spent out in the field building up our referral base

* Basic knowledge of pediatric dental terminology and dental office functions will be very helpful but not required

*Also helpful will be knowledge of geography and roads covering our referral base

* Must have a valid driver’s license

To apply for this position please send your resume AND a cover letter telling us why you are the right person for this position!

Education:

• Bachelor’s (Required)

Experience:

• Marketing: 1 year (Preferred)

• Dental office: 1 year (Preferred) Work Location: On the road

Oak Park Residence Corporation is hiring and inviting candidates to apply for:

• Case Manager – HCV Program

• Accounting Clerk (PT)

• Assistant Property Manager

– The Oaks and The FarrellyMuriello Apartments

• Property Assistant/Cleaner –Mills Park Tower

We offer benefits such as 401(k) with employer contribution, Health, Dental, Vision, Life, and Short-term and Long-Term Disability Insurance, EAP, FSA, Professional Development Assistance as well as these added

Benefits:

- PTO, Paid Sick Leave, Paid Vacation, and Paid Holidays

- Tuition Reimbursement

- A Collaborative, Supportive, and Fun Work Environment

For a complete job description please go to our website: Work for OPRC –OPRC (oakparkrc.com) or to apply send cover letter and resume to bswaggerty@oakparkrc.com.

OPRC strives to provide a positive and meaningful work experience, where you can make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Oak Park Residence Corporation is a community-based, non-profit organization. For over 46 years, we have led the way in promoting Oak Park’s housing diversity and economic balance by offering quality apartments at affordable prices.

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CLASSICS

CLASSICS

CLASSICS

BRICKWORK

RITEWAY BRICK RESTORATION

Residential & Commercial

Tuckpointing / Masonry Work

~ Specializing in Chimneys

- Rebuild - RepairedNew Liner Installation Lintel Repairs & Stone Veneer

40 yrs. experience

Fully insured (including Workmans Comp)

708-354-2501

Ritewaybrickglobal.net

WOODWORK

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

HANDYMAN

NOVENAS NOVENAS NOVENAS

NEVER FAIL NOVENA

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, adored and glorified throughout the world, now and for-ever. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I put my trust in you. Holy Mary Mother of Jesus, pray for me. St. Theresa child of Jesus, pray for me.

St. Jude, helper of hopeless causes, pray for me and grant this favorI ask. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days .R.B

PRAYER TO ST. JUDE

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved & preserved throughout the world now & forever.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us.

St. Jude worker of miracles, pray for

us. St. Jude helper of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days. By the 8th day your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail .Publication must be promised. Thank you Jesus. Thank You St . Jude. R.B.

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (NEVER KNOWN TO FAIL)

Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me, herein you are my mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth. I humbly beseech you

from the bottom of my heart to suc cor in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein you are my mother. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and publish; your request will be granted. R.B.

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y23010134 on February 1, 2023. Under the Assumed Business Name of TRAVELS & TREASURES with the business located at: 1016 ERIE STREET, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: TANYA TAYLOR 1016 ERIE STREET, OAK PARK, IL 60302.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 8, 15, 22, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County.

Registration Number: Y23010121 on January 31, 2023 Under the Assumed Business Name of JUST CALL JAK with the business located at: 9119 FRANKLIN COURT, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: JONATHAN MICHAEL CARSTEN 9119 FRANKLIN COURT, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 8, 15, 22, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y23010112 on January 27, 2023 Under the Assumed Business Name of KC KAREN’S CREATIONS with the business located at: 622 HANNAH AVE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: KAREN CHILDS 622 HANNAH AVE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 8, 15, 22, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y23010087 on January 24, 2023 Under the Assumed Business

Name of DONOR 4 A CAUSE SOLUTIONS with the business located at: 930 ONTARIO ST 2D, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: SULE KIVANC-ANCIETA 930 ONTARIO ST 2D, OAK PARK, IL 60302

Published in Wednesday Journal February 8, 15, 22, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE ATTENTION MASON ERIEL D JANA & CARMAX BUSINESS SERVICES LLC.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on 3/27/23, a sale will be held at 1510 Hannah Ave, Forest Park, IL, 60130 to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois against such articles for labor, services, skill or material expended upon a storage furnished

for such articles at the request of the following designated persons, unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. Our records show, your 2015, Kia, Optima with the following VIN 5XXGM4A71FG463634 was towed to our facility per police ordinance. Our records show that the current amount due and owing is $2000.00.

If payment is not received within 30 days Nobs Towing Inc. will enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3.

Published in Forest Park Review February 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE ATTENTION STEWARD JASHAUN & EXETER FINANCE LLC.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on 3/27/23, a sale will be held at 1510 Hannah Ave, Forest Park, IL, 60130 to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois against such articles for labor, services, skill or material expended upon a storage furnished for such articles at the request of the following designated persons, unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. Our records show, your 2014, Nissan, Altima with the following VIN 1N4AL3AP2EN206493 was towed to our facility per police ordinance. Our records show that the current amount due and owing is $2000.00.

If payment is not received within 30 days Nobs Towing Inc. will enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3.

Published in Forest Park Review February 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

ATTENTION LOUVENIA M WILLIAMS & SANTANDER CONSUMER USA.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on 3/27/23, a sale will be held at 1510 Hannah Ave, Forest Park, IL, 60130 to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois against such articles for labor, services, skill or material expended upon a storage furnished for such articles at the request of the following designated persons, unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. Our records show, your 2014, Chevy, Malibu with the following VIN 1G11E5SL3EF283775 was towed to our facility per police ordinance. Our records show that the current amount due and owing is $2000.00.

If payment is not received within 30 days Nobs Towing Inc. will enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3.

Published in Forest Park Review February 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

ATTENTION ANTONIO RAMIREZ III, XAVIER RAMOS, & EXETER FINANCE LLC.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on 3/27/23, a sale will be held at 1510 Hannah Ave, Forest Park, IL, 60130 to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois against such articles for labor, services, skill or material expended upon a storage furnished for such articles at the request of the following designated persons, unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. Our records show, your 2017, Nissan, Rogue with the following VIN KNMAT2MT9HP557004 was towed

to our facility per police ordinance. Our records show that the current amount due and owing is $2000.00. If payment is not received within 30 days Nobs Towing Inc. will enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3.

Published in Forest Park Review

February 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT OF BIDDING

Request of bids for the Park District of Oak Park Elevator Modernization, 218 Madison St., Oak Park.

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

The Park District of Oak Park will accept sealed bids for Elevator Modernization, 218 Madison St., Oak Park. The project consists of new modernization of the existing WheelO-Vator elevator. The Park District of Oak Park will receive individual sealed Bids until 11:00 a.m. (Central time) on Friday, March 3rd, 2023, at 218 Madison St., Oak Park, IL. The bidding documents and requirements will be available on the link below as of 5:00 pm Wednesday, February 15th , 2023. Two pre-bid meetings for contractors will be held at 9:00 am on February 23rd & 24th at 218 Madison St., Oak Park. Only one pre-bid is mandatory for those that have not seen the existing conditions. Bid bonds will be required by bidding contractors. Copies of the bidding specifications are available via this link: https://www.demandstar. com/app/buyers/bids/408723

For additional information, contact Chris Lindgren at chris.lindgren@ pdop.org or (708) 725 2050. Only the bids prepared in compliance with the bidding documents will be considered. This project must adhere to the Prevailing Wage Act of 2022. The Park District of Oak Park strongly encourages minority and women owned business firms to submit bids for this project.

Park District of Oak Park By: Chris Wollmuth, Secretary Park District of Oak Park 218 Madison St. Oak Park, IL 60302

Published in Wednesday Journal February 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y23010173 on February 9, 2023

Under the Assumed Business Name of MARY CANTU CREATIVE with the business located at: 704 N KENILWORTH AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: MARY CANTU 704 N KENILWORTH AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 15, 22, March 1, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notification of Destruction of Records

Riverside School District 96 will properly dispose of all temporary student files from 2016-2017 on March 30, 2023. Permanent student records are retained for 60 years. A parent/ guardian has the right to copy any student record prior to destruction. To request a copy of your student re-

cord, email Nancy Schuenemann at the District 96 Administrative Offices at schuenemannn@district96.org no later than March 15, 2023. A nominal copying fee may be charged.

Published in RB Landmark

February 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

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:

2023 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, replacement of certain sections of combined sewers, milling and resurfacing certain pavements, pavement reconstruction, removal and replacement of off-street parking, 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 1st day of March, 2023, 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 1st day of March, 2023, 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 22nd day of February, 2023.

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 Thirty dollars ($30.00) 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 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 emailed 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.

BY ORDER

Published in RB Landmark February 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

22-11749a WASHINGTON COM-

MONS PARK PLAY AREA DEVELOPMENT

Notice is hereby given to potential Bidders that the River Forest Park District will be receiving sealed bids for the Play Area Improvements at Washington Commons Park located on 7970 Washington Blvd., River Forest, IL 60305.

The scope of this project is as follows and identified in the document.

1. Demolition/Removal

2. Grading/Drainage

3. Play Area Development

4. Concrete Work

5. Precast Concrete Pavers

6. Site Furnishings

7.Landscape Plantings & Restoration

Specifications may be obtained beginning at 10:00 AM on February 14, 2023 through the BHFX planroom, https://www.bhfxplanroom.com between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. A non-refundable fee will be charged for each requested bid package. See BHFX’s planroom for the cost of both a printed copy and PDF download, or $65.00 for only a PDF download.

Each bid must be placed in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Sealed Bid: ‘Washington Commons Park Play Area Development” and addressed to the River Forest Park District, 401 Thatcher Avenue, River Forest, IL, 60305, Attention: Mike Sletten, Executive Director Bids will be received until 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at which time the bid proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud at 401 Thatcher Avenue, River Forest, Illinois, 60305.

The River Forest Park District Board of Park Commissioners reserves the right to waive all technicalities, to accept or reject any or all bids, to accept only portions of a proposal and reject the remainder. Failure to make such a disclosure will not result in accrual of any right, claim or cause of action by any Bidder against the River Forest Park District. Bids shall not include federal excise tax or state sales tax for materials and equipment to be incorporated in, or fully consumed in the performance

of, the Work. An Exemption Certificate will be furnished by the River Forest Park District on request of the Bidder, for use in connection with this Project only.

The Work of this Project is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq. A prevailing wage determination has been made by the Park District, which is the same as that determined by the Illinois Department of Labor for public works projects in Cook County. The Contract entered for the Work will be drawn in compliance with said law and proposals should be prepared accordingly and provide for payment of all laborers, workers, and mechanics needed to perform the Work at no less than the prevailing rate of wages (or the prevailing rate for legal holiday and overtime work) for each craft, type of worker, or mechanic.

The Contractor selected will also be required to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations and executive orders including but not limited to those pertaining to equal employment opportunity. A Certified or Cashier’s check payable to the Owner, or a Bid Bond in an amount equal to Ten Percent (10%) of the total bid amount must accompany each bid. In addition, each Bidder shall submit a proof of insurance demonstrating the Bidders insurability. Failure to provide a Bid Bond or proof of insurance shall render the bid incomplete and rejected. The Owner will require the successful bidder to furnish a satisfactory Performance and Materials Bond for the total contract amount. Once submitted, no bids will be withdrawn without written consent from the Owners Attorney.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE/PUBLIC NOTICE

UCP Seguin is soliciting bids for a GENERAL CONTRACTOR to renovate a kitchen and an ADA bathroom at one of our residential homes located in the Village of Oak Park, Illinois. Complete Bid Packet can be obtained by contacting Inga Sandoval at: Isandoval@ucpseguin.org.

Pre-bid site inspection is mandatory, and is scheduled to occur by appoint-

ment only. Please contact Inga Sandoval at (708) 222-5641 to schedule an appointment.

Bid Deadline is 10 am on 3/17/23

This is a Federally-Funded (Community Development Block Grant) Project and is subject to all applicable Federal rules, regulations and guidelines, including but not limited to payment of Prevailing Wage.

MBE and WBE contractors are encouraged to bid on this project

Published in Wednesday Journal February 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The Northern Illinois Independent Purchasing Cooperative will be receiving Offers on its Request For Proposals for the following:

Primary Distribution of Food Products and Miscellaneous Non-Food Supplies

Primary Distribution of Bread Products

Primary Distribution of Fresh Produce Products

RFP’s must be received by Thursday March 16, 2023 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) 4343142. RFP’s should be placed in a sealed envelope marked according to the response: Primary Distribution of Food Products and Miscellaneous Non-Food Supplies OR Primary Distribution of Bread Products OR Primary Distribution of Fresh Produce Products. ATTENTION: Micheline Piekarski, Food Service Director.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 15, 2023

VILLAGE OF OAK PARK, ILLINOIS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that a public hearing will be held by the Village of Oak Park

Historic Preservation Commission on March 15, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois on the Historic Landmark nomination for 1201 Fair Oaks Ave, Oak Park, Illinois (P.I.N.: 16-06-204-031-0000).

The public hearing is being held in accordance with the requirements of the Oak Park Historic Preservation Ordinance. The Historic Preservation Commission will take public testimony during the hearing and make and forward their recommendations to the Village Board of Trustees following the conclusion of the public hearing.

For further information on this matter contact the Department of Development Customer Services, Planning Division, Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois Monday-Friday 8:30AM-5:00PM in person, by telephone at (708) 358-5413, or by email at historicpreservation@ oak-park.us

Published in Wednesday Journal February 15, 2023

DOCKET NUMBER: PC 23-01

(Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment-Adaptive Reuse Permit)

HEARING DATE: March 2, 2023

TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the agenda permits.

LOCATION OF HEARING: Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street (Room 201 - Council Chambers) Oak Park, IL 60302

PETITIONER: Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302

REQUEST: The Petitioner seeks text amendments to the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance as follows: (1) an amendment to Article 2 (“Definitions & Rules of Measurement”) by adding a definition of a “Teaching and Learning Center”; (2) an amendment to Article 8 (“Uses”) by adding Teaching and Learning Center to the list of uses; and (3) an amendment to Article 14 (“Zoning Approvals”) by adding a new Section 14.10 (“Adaptive Reuse Permit”).

A copy of the proposed text amendment is on file and available for inspection at the Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The Plan Commission may continue the hearing to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO BE HEARD OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION Oak Park, Illinois 60302

Published in Wednesday Journal February 15, 2023

THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS

Kris Sagan Linda Rooney Kyra Pych

McClelland

Patti Sprafka-Wagner Harry Walsh

Erika Villegas, Managing Broker/Owner Mike Becker Laurie Christofano Marion Digre Morgan Digre Leticia Cruz