Forest Park Review 032223

Doc Ryan’s cannabis dispensar y deal falls through

Bar is still planning to close at the end of March

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

A cannabis dispensary license holder pulled out of the deal to buy the building that houses Doc Ryan’s bar, 7432 Madison St., leaving the future of the building up in the air.

On Feb. 8, the bar announced on Facebook that the building is being sold and that March 31 will be its last day. Mayor Rory Hoskins subsequently told the Review that the building is being sold to Euphoria LLC, an Olympia Fields-based company that planned to open a cannabis dispensary.

On Feb. 13, the village council voted 4-1 to allow cannabis dispensaries to open on Madison Street by right instead of requiring the council to approve any new dispensaries on a case-by-case basis.

At the time, Hoskins said the deal wasn’t final and Euphoria was doing its due diligence. By early March, rumors started circulating that the company had pulled

See DOC RYAN’S on pa ge 3

Panda Café settles liquor code citations, agrees to pay $150 ne

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

Village prosecutor Sharon O’Shea and Weijun “John” Zhou, owner of Panda Café, 7600 Madison St. reached a settlement after the restaurant and bar was cited for staying open and serving liquor after hours, and for having a DJ at an event without obtaining a village enter tainment license

Panda Café was originally cited for two instances of staying open and serving alcohol after 1 a.m. – the current cutof f for establishments with liquor licenses – but one of the citations was dropped. They were later cited for the entertainment license issue. On March 10, Mayor Rory Hoskins, acting in his capacity as the village liquor commissioner, issued a Notice of Emergency closure. The hearing on the citations was originally scheduled for April 12, but the emergency closure pushed it up to the mor ning of March 17.

entertainment licenses to avoid confusion with the similarly named public place of amusement licenses), and while the council took a very hands-on role in approving the licenses, the commissioners agreed on Oct. 24 to dele gate that authority to village administrators.

On Sept. 6, 2021, the cutof f was extended to 1 a.m. for most liquor license holders, include Class A license holders.

On Feb. 27, Panda Café was cited for staying open and serving liquor at 1:26 a.m., and on March 5 for being open at 1:05 a.m. During the March 17 hearing, O’Shea said the latter citation was a “misunderstanding,” and the village dropped it

She said that, as was the case with Foundry FP event space, 7503 Madison St. on Nov. 3, they didn’t want to penalize the first-time violators too harshly, but they also wanted to nip any potential issues in the bud before they escalated. Under the terms of the settlement, Zhou will pay the fine, and the closure order was lifted effective March 17 at 4 p.m.

Village attorney Steve Hinton, who presided over the hearing, accepted the settlement.

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.

A safe & smart choice.

Building owner Jack Zayed, who helped Zhou with translation, said it was an honest mistake. Until May 16, 2021, the cutof f time was 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends, and Zayed said they simply never realized the change happened. Zayed and Zhou were provided with the current version of the liquor code, and they agreed that Panda Café will abide by the rules going forward.

In May 2021, the village council curtailed closing time for bars, including Class A liquor license holders such as Panda Café, to 11 p.m. This came in response to rising concerns about rowdy crowds at Madison Street bars. The concerns also led the village to enforce an ordinance requiring

“We don’t expect [to see] any more misunderstandings,” he said.

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 availability in our Memory Care Assisted Living Small House

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

OF OUR CALEDONIA STAFF IS VACCINATED

Panda Café opened on Nov. 19, 2019. It has been one of the longest-lasting businesses in this location since 2009. Before that, 7600 Madison St. went through six restaurants that stayed open an average of 1-2 years. The previous decade saw considerable turnover as well. Since the decades long days of the 24-hour Venture Restaurant, it has housed Ambrosia Café, Bistro Marbuzet, Madison Street Grill and Rocco’s

Family

Bed Bath and Begone

Customers who stopped at Bed, Bath and Beyond’s Forest Park location, 215 Harlem Ave., two days before it closed on March 19, found rows of barr shelves and a few bits of inventory tossed on the shelves at the front.

The store was among 87 locations closed over the past two months as the company hovers on the brink of bankruptcy. The closures were announced on Jan. 30.

When the Review visited the store on March 17, employees hung around, chatting. Photos on the wall advertised all the office furniture and store fixtures available for sale. The staf f brought out file cabinets, and even ladders and enormous shelves in the back of the store were on sale

DOC RYAN’S Uncertain future

from page 1

out of the deal. While the mayor confirmed the rumor, he said he has not received an explanation on why Euphoria decided not to go through with it.

This leaves the fate of the building uncertain. Matt Sullivan, who bought the bar from longtime owner Jim Shaw in the fall of 2007 and whose name was listed on the state liquor license as of Feb. 28, did not respond to calls and emails seeking comment. When the Review visited Doc Ryan’s last week, a bartender on duty confirmed that the bar would close on March 31.

According to Secretary of State records, Euphoria is owned by Brian Allen, who also owns the Tru Blue Security company. The license allows him to open a dispensary anywhere in Cook County.

When the village council allowed cannabis dispensaries by right, they capped the number of dispensaries at one. This would mean another license holder could still

open a dispensary somewhere on Madison Street. Dispensaries are also allo right in industrial areas, but the conditional use still applies for commercial areas outside Madison Street.

Euphoria’s decision came after the village council voted unanimously on 27 to allow the Bloc cannabis dispensary to open inside the for mer CVS location 7216 Circle Ave.

Doc Ryan’s has been in business since the 1950s and was a go-to venue for cal events — most recently, mayoral candidate John Doss’ campaign kick-o draiser. But the bar also had a record misbehavior — though Forest Park Chief Ken Gross testified at a liquor commission hearing last year that things ha improved in recent years.

While the bar’s Facebook page the possibility of relocating elsewher liquor licenses are tied to addresses. If it moves elsewhere in Forest Park or to some other municipality, it will have to start from scratch to get new local and state liquor licenses.

The bar’s current state liquor license expires at the end of February 2024.

IGOR STUDENKOV/Sta Repor ter

Author Discussion & Signing With Frances McNamara

Saturday, March 25, 12 - 2 p.m., Centuries & Sleuths

Frances McNamara, author of the mystery novel Molasses Murder In A Nutshell, will be inter viewed by her friend and former publisher Emily Victorson. 7419 Madison St., Forest Park.

Social Circle: Stories in the Circle with Susan Rohde

Wednesday, March 29, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Forest Park Public Librar y Austin Room

We want the librar y to be your happy place. All seniors (55+) are invited to join in for some special community time each week. We’ll talk and share interests, enjoy guest speakers, and keep ourselves active, engaged, and well-informed. Register: https://fppl.evanced.info/signup/ Calendar. 7555 Jackson Blvd, Forest Park

BIG WEEK

March 22-29

Dino Works

Wednesday, March 29, Wonder Works Children’s Museum

Paleontologists of all ages, unite! The dinosaurs have o cially taken over the museum until April 2. There will be dinosaur ar t projec ts, fossil exploration, a giant T-Rex, plus a whole lot more. $13 for members, $26 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased at https://wonder-works.org/2023- dino -works/. 6445 Nor th Ave., Oak Park.

Steve Forber t

Saturday, March 25, 8:30 p.m., FitzGerald’s This veteran Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter might have been one of the earliest ar tists doing what we now call Americana, mixing stor ytelling folks with roots-rock dynamics. $25, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berw yn.

Tag; You’re It!

Monday, March 27, 4 - 5 p.m., Forest Park Public Librar y Austin Room

Can you stay hidden? Or will you be discovered? Find out in our fun mix ture of tag/ hide -and-seek with ashlights. Designed for ages 11-18. Register: https://fppl.evanced info/signup/ Calendar. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park.

Latin Music Night

Wednesday, March 22, 7-9 p.m., Great Sip Cafe

Live music from the Suenos Latin Jazz Trio plus Dominican food and (nonalcoholic) drink for sale. $10/$20 (suggested donation for musicians). 818 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park.

Common Edible Mushrooms: the Foolproof

S unday, March 26, 2 - 3:30 p.m., Forest Park Public Librar y Austin Room

Forager Hunter Le Duc will teach par ticipants how to identify four common edible mushrooms Hunter will present visual samples and recipes

Bach’s St. Matthew ’s Pa ssion

Saturday, March 25, 6 p.m. and Sunday, March 26, 4 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church

These per formances are a collaboration between the Bach Cantata Vespers Choir & Orchestra and Chicago Choral Ar tists. Soloists include tenor Derek Chester as the Evangelist. Former WFMT program host Carl Grapentine will present a lecture on the music one hour before each per formance. The Sunday concert will be live-streamed. Childcare will be available in the church nurser y during live per formances This presentation was originally scheduled for March 2020, but was cancelled because of the pandemic. 7300 Division St., River Forest

New electric vehicle charger is coming to Constitution Court

Village previously considered two stations to replace non-working one

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

The Village of Forest Park is looking to install an electric vehicle (EV) charging station at the southeast corner of Constitution Court on Madison Street.

While the EV charger company 350 Green LLC installed a charging station in the south end of Constitution Court’s parking meter median back in the early 2010s, Village Administrator Moses Amidei said it is no longer functional, and the company went out of business years ago. That is why, in recent years, the village tried to find a re placement. While Forest Park was able to obtain a $7,500 grant to install two charging station at Constitution Court, it failed to secure an Invest in Cook grant,

and the village’s average income is too high to qualify for most other grants.

During the Feb. 27 village council meeting, Amidei laid out an alternative plan that would involve one charger instead of two and put it on the east side of Constitution Court, near the utility boxes at the southeast corner. The village would also be looking into leasing a charging station rather than buying it to give Forest Park more flexibility as the technology changes. While the council didn’t settle on whether the charger would have one plug or two plugs, overall, they expressed support of the concept.

The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus awarded the grant in April 2022. Forest Park was still on the hook for the remaining $65,000 in estimated project costs.

As a result, Forest Park reconsidered its plans. During the Feb. 27 meeting, Amidei proposed going from two charging stations to one. And instead of having the charger on the island, he proposed putting them between the two parking spots near the southeast corner of the parking lot.

Amidei said the village was looking at getting a higher-capacity, quicker-charging station, which would mean extending the power supply from one of the utility boxes at the south edge of Constitution Court. Extending the power supply from the closest box to the previous location would cost “over $15,000,” but extending the power supply from the smaller supply boxes on the southeast corner to the southeast parking spaces would be cheaper. Putting a charging station a few feet from those boxes would cost around $5,000, and putting a charging station between the two parking spaces on the southeast side would cost around $7,700.

Amidei said that he checked with the Mayors Caucus if Forest Park could make those changes and got their go-ahead. And while the original deadline to start the project was March 31, 2023, it got extended to May 2023.

Amidei recommended leasing a charging station for five years instead of buying it outright. This would give the village flexibility “if the technology changes or we

find another vendor” and avoid a repeat of the current situation.

Mayor Rory Hoskins said he was personally in favor of a two-plug charging station at the east side of Constitution Court, but the commissioners expressed no particular preference.

With $7,000 to spend on electricity and the five-year lease for such a station expected to be worth around $12,000, the cost of the project went down to $19,700 –which brought Forest Park’s share down to $12,200.

Commissioner Ryan Nero wondered if charging will be free. Amidei said that, while the village will pay the electric bill up front, the customers will pay to use the charging station.

Commissioner Jessica Voogd believed that a working EV charging station would benefit the Madison Street corridor.

“A few of my friends have to charge their electric vehicles, and they look for places to do so,” she said. “[While their vehicle is charging], people will grab a bite to eat, go shopping.”

CTA train passenger stabbed with screwdriver during

A fight between passengers on a CTA Blue Line train at the Forest Park ter minal escalated to the point where a 46-year-old Chicago woman stabbed another woman with a flathead screwdriver, police have re por ted

Police were called to the ter minal on March 14 at 1:42 a.m. According to the police re port, both the victim and the alle ged attacker ag reed that the fight star ted after another passenger used the emergency knob to open the train car door – according to the victim, to let her get in. Pulling the knob automatically stops the train. The alle ged attacker yelled at the passenger to leave the knob alone. Both parties said they knew each other from riding the train.

The alle ged attacker, a Chicago woman, claimed that the victim attacked her, and she was merely defending herself. The victim claimed that the alle ged attacker

pushed her first. Either way, the victim got stabbed near the eye.

The alle ged attacker was charged with one count of battery. The victim was taken to the Loyola Medical Center for treatment.

Employee charged with theft

A Forest Park Walmar t employee was charged with theft after alle gedly taking $700 from the cash re gister.

While the theft itself took place on March 3, at around 10:39 p.m., the employee, a 25-year-old Chicago woman, wasn’t arrested until March 15, after Walmar t completed its inter nal investigation.

The security camera video re por tedly showed the woman taking two re gister tills into the “money room” of fice, where she removed cash and tucked it between white sheets of paper. The employee then re port-

edly into her -

covered when Walmar t employees realized that one of the re gisters was $700 shor t.

Sewer cover thefts

Three sewer covers were stolen throughout Forest Park on March 18. The thefts took place in the alley behind a house in the 900 block of Elgin Avenue Two more sewer covers were missing from the 1000 block of Circle Avenue. Somebody also stole a sewer cover in nearby Oak Park, in the 900 block of Wisconsin Avenue

These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Forest Park Police De partment, March 12-18, and re present a portion of the 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

WHY A CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL IS NEEDED IN THE PROVISO SCHOOL DISTRICT

• Charter schools give people choices

• Charter schools are free. (Paid by your taxes) No tuition.

• Charter schools are safe

• Charter schools effect the community in a financially positive way

• Charter schools are favored 2/1 by black + brown parents

• Charter schools are held to a very high standard

• Charter schools historically bring academic accountability and growth to a community

• Charter schools can raise the lifetime income of many students

• Charter schools provide greater flexibility to operating a public school than a traditional public school

• Charter schools give children the ability to be productive individuals enjoying a career that is both financially + spiritually rewarding.

Medina, Kubricht hope to shake up D209 board majority

Proviso Excels candidates call for accountability for Board of Education

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

It is gearing up to be a fierce campaign for the three open seats on the Proviso Township High School District 209 school board in the April 4 election. Following a year of controversy, the Proviso Excels slate hopes to reach voters with the promises of open communication and reinstatement of accountability, something both candidates say currently lacks on the school board.

Claudia Medina, an incumbent, is seeking reelection during this year’s election. Medina, who owns Bilingual Montessori Lab Academy in Forest Park, has dedicated her life to education, with a Masters in Elementary Education as well as serving as a professor for Montessori teacher training. Serving on the Proviso board since 2015, Medina had a hand in the financial restructuring of D209 under for mer Superintendent Dr Jesse Rodriguez and has served on various committees

Currently, Medina hopes for another ter m to continue to advocate for the Proviso community amidst what has been a polarizing few years. Despite the lack of unity on the current board, Medina believes the district holds a special place for many.

“Proviso is a family, it is not an institution and once you become part of Proviso, everybody knows each other and it is a tight knit and war m community,” Medina said, adding that Proviso is a district with very dedicated staff which is trying to survive with the resources given.

Medina is a vocal advocate for teachers, standing by them during the teacher strike in 2022. Under the current board majority, Medina said teachers have seen their working conditions worsen, causing a shortage of teachers at the schools.

“The teachers are struggling, and we are hemorrhaging teachers right now,” Medina said, adding that the district does not have enough teachers to cover all classes, leaving many students without options besides remedial classes Additionally, Medina said remaining teachers have seen their class sizes increased to an unmanageable number, 35 students per teacher

Medina, who was the first Latina elected to the board, said it is important to have leaders who care, are involved, and advocate proactively for families and students to not only

feel safe at school but also in the community, adding she has worked to make Proviso a safe environment for all immigrant and refugee communities.

To move the district forward, Medina would support a current equity study for the district to know the needs of the community and how to better serve families. Two programs which have fallen out of compliance and need attention are ESL and the Special Education program, said Medina, who calls for an increase in translation services to better serve the 30 percent of parents in the district who don’t speak English.

swering questions and quite frankly that includes board members. If you are not part of his ‘Henderson Five,’ he has five board members he communicates to and two he does not.”

“Leadership with integrity,” is what Medina hopes will be in the future of the board after this election as she believes the current board majority is not welcoming to teachers or community input.

As part of her campaign, Medina is running on the promise of requiring an annual superintendent evaluation, fair teacher, support and staff contracts, as well as resolving

the district, also believes that it directly affects Proviso Township taxpayers as well.

“All the communities in Proviso township, the quality of the high school education directly affects their property values. The better quality of education we are able to give means people are going to stay here longer,” Kubricht said. “Education makes people want to stay here, makes people want to buy here, which then in tur n gives us a stronger and solid tax base to continue to fund education and everything else within our district.”

Not impressed with the way the current board operates, Kubricht is a vocal critic of the current board majority and Supt. Henderson, who he believes has created a situation of chaos with cuts in staff, programs, and the mismanagement of finances and spending.

On top of a lack of communication, the current administration structure leaves more to be desired, said Medina.

“Our administrative structure needs to be changed as well,” Medina said. “Dr [James] Henderson has a tendency of switching jobs around so much, nobody knows who to go to and when. We don’t have a good communication system. We have had issues with phones Parents don’t know where to go, who to go to, who addresses this or the other.”

The removal of deans, counselors, and mental health services is weighing strongly on the Proviso community, said Medina, who believes the current board is functioning as a “dictatorial” regime that does not allow for open conversation.

“When people come to talk to the board there is a lot of hostility, a lot of shut down, people don’t listen, there is a lot of denying that things are happening” Medina said. “When people come to us it’s because they are desperate, and they want answers The superintendent has a tendency of not an-

. Additionally, a big issue facing the district is the lack of financial transparency, said Medina, adding the district currently does not have a finance committee, making it hard to have accountability on spending.

Jon Kubricht, who first was going to serve as Medina’s campaign manager, is now her slate mate, hoping to bring his strong finance background to the school board. A resident of Forest Park, Kubricht said he noticed after analyzing the candidates that the district was in need of strong financial guidance.

“I feel like I would be a good balance to educators, to parents,” Kubricht said. “You need to round up the board with a lot of different skill sets and I think my skill set is missing.”

For Kubricht, the biggest concer n facing the district at the moment is the low amount of money currently being spent per student. Not only is this directly affecting students’ quality of education as programs and departments have been defunded or completely cut, but Kubricht, who does not have children in

“The current superintendent tries to create a situation where chaos happens on a daily basis and nobody knows what to do, how to correct it, who to talk to, and chaos rules,” Kubricht said. “I think he does that intentionally, so nobody knows what is going on.”

Open lines of communication with other board members, students, staff, and parents are beneficial to all, said Kubricht, saying that if elected he will use those moments as a lear ning opportunity for him as well. Additionally, Kubricht takes a strong position in knowing the value of the teachers at Proviso.

“Teachers need to be respected and appreciated by the board,” Kubricht said, adding they should have received a fair contract from Henderson from the beginning. “Fair contract, appreciativeness, and responsiveness from the administration is what is needed to give teachers the adequate support they deserve, and our students deserve that as well.”

By addressing the needs of faculty and students, Kubricht is convinced Proviso

See D209 CAMPAIGN on pa ge 9

CLA UDIA MEDINA JON KUBRICHT

Forest Park has so much potential to grow and develop. I want to continue being a part of the leadership team that makes it happen! Expanding opportunities for everyone in our village, allows us to keep strengthening our community. We are quickly approaching election day and I need your support for RE-ELECTION, to continue to serve. As a team player, and self-starter I believe I have the experience and skills to move Forest Park forward. Please Vote NERO April 4.

Lego rules at the librar y Forest Park hosts

Lego challenge dur ing spring break

By JILL WAGNER

Contributing Reporter

Junior LEGO enthusiasts got their hands-on and minds-on challenge at the Forest Park Library on the after noon of March 20. The teams were filled with wonder and creativity as they designed characters, created headquar ters and a super vehicle or vessel for their creations

With Maui Jones as guest judge and LEGO Master the young developers met the challenge and told their stories. In the solo build challenge, builder Leytan Ealy designed Cor nelius Michael Jr, who was a double agent for the NBA and CIA with a strong belief that America rules Other solo builds included Gamer Bob, who car ried a pickax; Robot Alien Man was able to control a mechanical dragon device that stored deadly potions in his tail, Mr Funny Pants whose fully rotating head could choose being happy or sad with a neck tur n and even a Master Chef that had a chicken in one hand and blowtorch in the other.

Each LEGO junior then branched into the team table challenge to create a homebase The headquar ters were full of details, one even resembled the Prairie style of Frank Lloyd Wright and doubled as a place to detain villains Wyatt Ksander proposed to his tablemates, “how about we make areas on a base then make them all come to gether,” and the table team created a whole neighborhood of hideouts that met the individual needs of the community of super builds. The villain hideout was created by another team, which added a mailbox to the back of the house, a sinister testament to the people who occupied the dwelling that had a cave like entrance.

The third challenge was to create a vessel of transpor tation for the LEGO creations. The wonder ment included builds with helicopter blades, gliding devices, wheels, flames and unlimited capabilities.

Forest Park Librarian and Youth Services Manager Susan Farnum was delighted by the stories created, color combinations and creative statements the LEGO inspired and promised to have future LEGO programs to bring the brick builders to gether for more challenges. Participants took home bricks to enhance their personal collections and keep the creativity flowing.

D209 CAMPAIGN Medina and Kubricht

from page 7

Township would become a district able to attract strong educators, rather than having teachers flee Kubricht said he admires the educators who have stayed amidst the chaos and taken on bigger roles in the lives of their students

“They have done a phenomenal job at stretching the limits of the resources the superintendent is currently giving them,” Kubricht said, praising recent musical perfor mances “The teachers have really stepped it up in filling in the gaps in what has been taken away A lot of the stuff they are doing at this point is not stuff that would nor mally fall under the responsibilities of a teacher They are not getting the appreciation that they should be.”

If the district has any hope of tur ning over a new leaf, Kubricht and Medina say a new board majority is crucial.

“We really need to change the vote count on the board so that the ‘Henderson 5’ no longer rubber stamps everything the superintendent decides and that we can actually make decisions that benefit the students and bring the school back to where it really should be from an educational standpoint,” Kubricht said. “Regardless of whether people support me or my running mate, I do hope everybody will get out and vote on April 4. It is a crucial election, and we need three good people in there that are not connected to the Henderson regime.”

Early voting in the April 4 Consolidated Election began on Monday, March 20 and will continue through April 3.

D209 candidate debate

Candidates for the District 209 Proviso Township High Schools board will meet in a debate on March 27 at 6:30 p.m. Sponsored by the group Best of Proviso it will be held at the Westchester Library, 10700 Canterbury St.

Next week

Forest Park Review will continue its profiles of candidates for the District 209 high school board.

TODD A BANNOR Lego building contest at the Forest Park Public Library on Monday March 20.

LMS/International Mansion: every child has a gift to be shared

Our school can be best described as a ‘Homeschool in School’ style program. We have a full dynamic Spanish Immersion curriculum and are listed by MENSA as a recommended program for gifted students. We are a small school with only 30 students total between Preschool and 8th grade.

What sets us apart?

- Fluency in Spanish Achieved within one year during Preschool years, or within two years during Elementary School years. The Spanish language is spoken throughout as the target immersion

Current subjects, but not limited to, are:

• Penmanship

• Reading/writing

• Math

• Science

• Geography/history

• Logic/coding

• Theater (improv, superhero stage combat, musical theatre)

• Martial arts

language. Academic classes are all taught in English and/or Spanish and English. If weather permits, many of our academic classes are done outdoors.

- Student to teacher ratio: some classes are one on one, two to one, with a maximum of six students to one instructor.

- Daily schedule is customized and flexible.

- Professional and passionate instructors.

- Guest tutors with real life experience.

- No test to enter, no traditional testing.

- Students paired by interest, in mixed age setting.

- Weekly reports sent to parents.

• Art (including painting, clay art, comic book art and more)

• Music (Rock band, intro to most instrument, harmony, chorus)

• Social emotional discussions/Life skills

• Spanish immersion spoken through out the day and taught in lesson format. Russian immersion taught in lesson format.

• Intro to Foreign languages (Hebrew, Italian, chinese, japanese, korean, etc.)

• Physical education: Archery/Ice Skating/ Soccer, and more.

• Chess and board games.

• Architectural design

Bilingual Montessori Lab Academy: empowering every child

The Bilingual Montessori Lab Academy is a Spanish immersion School originated on the foundation that all children can learn and be bilingual. The children at Bilingual Montessori Lab Academy experience nature and Montessori Philosophy in Spanish. We support all learners and turn learning barriers into strengths. Our purpose is to give students the ability to learn in an enriched environment that encourages curiosity, stimulates language, and sets the child free to observe, think, create, and draw their conclusions in both languages. Believing that all children hold infinite potential, our shared purpose is to cultivate life-long learners and to empower every child to create a

more just and harmonious world. Our School is a yearlong primary Spanish immersion program, for threeto seven-year-old, that goes through first grade. We promote growth in all areas of a child’s development: academic, social, emotional, and physical. A key to the Montessori Method is the belief that every child has an inner desire to learn, and we work to cultivate that desire so that each child has a true joy of learning, being bilingual, and a lifelong interest to do so. Children feel at home here. They have a sense of peace and welcome, a feeling of gratitude, and a sense of community. Visit our bilingual community and experience this feeling firsthand! Fall enrollment now open.

SUMMER SOLVED!

Now in Oak Park–Summer Solved with Steve & Kate’s Camp!

If you have children, then you know planning for summer can be a challenge: Choosing a variety of activities. Planning around vacations and friends. Committing to weekly sessions 6 months in advance. But with Steve & Kate’s Camp coming to Oak Park, your entire summer could be solved!

Choice For Kids

Steve & Kate’s Camp, which has been a San Francisco Bay Area staple since 1980, is opening in Oak Park this summer! Steve & Kate’s Camp was founded on the belief that trusting a child helps them build their selfconfidence and helps teach them to trust their own judgment.

Oak Park Campers will design their day in real-time by choosing from a variety of activities including, sewing, stop-motion animation, music, performing arts, makers crafts, bread making, coding, sports &

IN WRIGHT’S STUDIO

A Place to Thrive: Health, Happiness, and Home

How do our homes impact our mental and physical well-being? How can we use architecture to ensure that every person in our community thrives?

Students in grades 3-5 and 6-8 will explore these questions and more as they create vision boards, sketches, and architectural models for a fellow camper!

Info + Registration: FLWRIGHT.ORG/CAMPS

Grades 3-5: June 26 to 30, 8:30-11:30 am

Grades 6-8: July 10 to 14, 8:30-11:30 am

recreation, and more. The children will decide what they want to do and for how long.

Flexibility for Parents

Steve & Kate’s Camp operates a flexible day-pass system where families can sign up for one day here, 22 there, or pay a flat fee, which covers the entire summer. Either way, families can use their passes any day this summer–without advanced notice! If your plans change, they’ll even refund your unused passes automatically at the end of the season. And just like everything else at Steve & Kate’s, kids will get to choose their lunch entree daily. Most of their meals come from local vendors and are prepared just moments before lunch. They throw in snacks and the occasional frozen treat to boot!

Lunch, snacks, and all hours (8am–6pm) are included.

Get Creative In Wright’s Studio

What does “home” mean to you? How does it impact our mental and physical well-being, and the well-being of our friends and family?

Find out during the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust’s 2023 summer camp, A Place to Thrive: Health, Happiness, and Home. Frank Lloyd Wright pioneered a bold new vision for modern architecture and design. Now, campers will work in Wright’s iconic Studio

and explore what home means for themselves, their fellow campers, and the community.

Participants will act as architects and create a unique and personalized home for a fellow camper. Educators, artists, and designers will help students as they create vision boards, sketches and an architectural model for their “client.”

A Place to Thrive is offered for grades 3-5 and 6-8. Limited capacity.

Grades 3-5: June 26 – 30

Mon - Fri, 8:30 - 11:30 am

Grades 6-8: July 10 – 14

Mon - Fri, 8:30 - 11:30 am

For more information contact the education department at 773.389.4261 or email educate@flwright.org.

Day Camps in Frank Lloyd Wright’s Oak Park Studio

Unplug your kids and let them get dirty at Terra Incognito !

We offer fun and educational wheel throwing camps for ages 8 and up. Summer clay camps provide young artists the outlet for exercising both critical and creative thinking through clay. If you want to nurture your child’s creativity, this is the place to be!

Students learn the skills to make functional pots and decorative clay art both on the wheel and by hand. They will then learn how to decorate their creations using underglazes and glaze. The projects they complete will be food safe, made from non-toxic materials which are all supplied. In addition, students will be shown the firing process, leading to a full understanding of the entire operation. With our low teacher-to-student ratio, every

camper will get the attention they need.

Morning sessions are from 9:00 am until noon for pre-teens (8-12 years old) and afternoon sessions are from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm for teens (13 years old an up). Each session is 2 weeks long, Monday through Thursday, starting on Monday, June 12th. The cost per 2-week session is $330.

Terra Incognito is located at 246 Chicago Ave in Oak Park. It has held Potter’s Wheel camps for over 30 years. Several of our former students are now well-known artists and teachers. We are thrilled to help cultivate the next generation of artists from Oak Park. Visit and sign up at terraincognitostudio.com.

Ascension School Enriches Minds, Bodies and Souls

For over 110 years, Ascension has provided an excellent Catholic education in the spirit of love, kindness, respect, and inclusion.  The strength and support of our Ascension community is notably present in the students’ academic, social, and spiritual education. Our goal is to create a positive atmosphere where students can grow in a safe, challenging and faith-filled learning environment.

With an average student to teacher ratio of 13:1, our faculty recognizes the individuality of each child’s development and has the opportunity to work with our students one on one to help them achieve their academic goals. Our students experience a well-rounded, Catholic education that enriches their minds, bodies and souls.

This year Ascension is one of only 15 Chicago schools entering its second year school partnership with the Museum of Science and Industry. Beginning in

Summer Potter’s Wheel Camps

Fun

preschool, every classroom has access to iPads, chrome books and students are exposed to comprehensive STEM opportunities throughout the year.

We offer both full and half-day programs for our preschool children.  Our preschooler’s day focuses on independent learning, socialization, reading readiness and literacy skills, fine motor and gross motor development.  Ascension School also has an Extended Day Program which offers before school and after school care for our preschool to grade 8 students.

Ascension provides outstanding fine and performing arts programs, extracurricular athletic programs and a number of clubs that promote teamwork, community and inclusion.

Learn about what Ascension School can offer your child with a private tour at school.ascensionoakpark.com

Keystone creates lifelong learners

Successful in-person learning since 1994!

Enrollment is Open for fall 2023

Call or email us to set up a tour and observation. keystonemontessori1994@gmail.com • Instagram: @ksmontessori94

Parent/infant program

Primary Class, ages 3-6

• Toddler Class, ages 2-3

• Elementary and Middle School

A place where children love to learn

7415 W. North Avenue, River Forest, IL 708/366-1080

Frick Kids Art Classes

Kids Love Art!!!!

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want your kids to learn about art. Maybe you want them to get something more. Or maybe they just want to be creative and have fun! Whatever the reason, Frick Kids Art Classes are where its happening!

Nurture your child’s imagination while learning about artists, color, design and more.

Group, semi-private and private lessons available at your home, business or at the Frick Art Studio in Oak Park for Pre-K through 6th graders.

“The beauty of Montessori education is that it takes into consideration the whole child,” said Keystone founder Vicki Shea. “The physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of children are nurtured with their academic development and each child is respected as an individual with unique abilities.”

Montessori education is based on the teachings of Maria Montessori. From her observations of the natural development of children, she believed that a child’s independence, self-esteem and love of learning could flourish with guidance from a properly trained teacher.

Keystone has a class for two-year olds, primary classes for 3-6 year olds, junior and senior elementary classes for 6-12 year olds, and a middle school. There are also parent/infant classes. One hallmark of Montessori education is grouping together children of different ages. “The mixed age classrooms allow students of all ages to benefit from each other,” says Katie Shea, current Director of Keystone. “The younger children have older peers to model themselves after. The older students develop compassion and patience working

with younger students.”

Children learn by working with specially designed ‘materials’ in an ageappropriate, developmentally designed environment that stimulates the senses and encourages exploration. The children are busy, each doing something either individually or in small groups. In one primary classroom a three-year old is mopping the floor, and a five-year old is counting with a bead chain. In the elementary classroom a student is researching snakes and nearby, a group of students is analyzing the grammar of a sentence with the teacher. “Maria Montessori developed materials, classrooms, and a curriculum that lights the fire of lifelong learning in students” says Shea.

Keystone is proud of its consistently high academic achievement and on helping children become well-rounded, responsible citizens. Keystone Montessori, 7415 W. North Ave., River Forest, is holding an Open House on Wednesday, June 28, 4:30–6:30pm. You can also call 708-3661080 to schedule a tour/observation.

The Love of Learning through Art & Play

Teaching art has been Phyllis Frick’s passion her entire life. She began as a camp counselor and instructor at YMCA camps and after school programs as far back as high school. She then became a girl scout leader in college and a cub scout den mother when her two boys became old enough. She went to school to become a pharmacist because that was the preferred way to have a career back in the 70’s when women could have a profession. But her heart wasn’t in it. She always wanted to be more creative.

frickkidsart.com • 630-215-9789

After twenty years of counting pills, she decided to switch directions and get a master of arts in teaching. She taught middle school science for fifteen years in Oak Park and

was always sneaking art into her classes to make it more hands on and interesting for her students. When she and her husband, along with their two young boys bought their home in Oak Park, the first thing she did was gather her boys and the neighbor children together and give them paint and brushes and let them go to town on the playroom walls. A wonderful mural resulted that stayed there until the boys left for college.

Now her lifelong dream of having her own childrens art center has come to fruition. Frick Kids Art will focus on fine arts for kids and teach them the love of learning through art and play. Learn more about our Art Classes at FrickKidsArt.com and 630-215-9789.

Stern Glass works welcomes our younger creatives to GLASS GALAXY SUMMER CAMP!

For our glass artists ages 10-13 we have 3 projects offered this summer from 9am-noon Tuesday through Thursday! Join us June 27-29 to make enameled hanging glass mobiles. Each artist will enamel glass components of their mobile with favorite colors and designs based on their unique interests! Does a fused glass lantern with a galaxy theme of stars, moons, planets or even the make-believe sound exciting? Join us July 9-11 for the amazing fused glass lantern class. Finally come into the studio July 25-27 to make a slumped candy dish with a mosaic of colors and shapes melted together out of glass. High schoolers interested in the arts, looking for creative outlets and expressive means look no further. Join us

for our afternoon Glass Galaxy programs! June 20-23 we will dive into the beauty of stained glass, making celestial panels to hang in the window. If masquerades, mystery or fantasy is more your style then come on in July 5-7 to make a fused/slumped glass mask that’s made specifically to fit your face! Finally explore the world of 360o detail in our Cast Glass Through Mold Making class July 18-21! Each camp session provides your child with community, problem-solving, handskill building, creative growth, and of course lots of fun!

Info/Registration: www.sternglassworks. com/glassgalaxy

Questions: sternglassworks@gmail.com or 708-608-9085.

Summer Cooking Camps at Schoolhouse Kitchen are so fun!

Schoolhouse is celebrating its 6th year of Cooking Camps this Summer.

• HOMESTEADING CAMP - AGES 5-11

Kids will love baking and cooking in our beautiful kitchen studio each day. Learning new recipes, crafting, playing games and making friends is the perfect way to relax and learn.

Young chefs are so happy to bring home what they made to share with you and you’ll enjoy trying our kid approved recipes at home with them, too.

½ day camps - M-F - AM or PM

• T/WEEN COOKING CAMP - AGES 11-15

T/weens are challenged by our well designed projects that teach practical cooking and baking techniques. They build on skills all week long as they explore a variety of fun and creative recipes. Chefs bring home what they made each day to share with you and we send home all recipes at the end of the week.

4-6PM - M-F

Camps are available at our three locations!

River Forest, Portage Park and Wicker Park

349 Ashland Ave. River Forest

Learn more @ www.iloveschoolhouse.com

An inclusive program for you child to explore the endless possibilities of glass-art!

OPINION Get the lead out

Forest Park is stuck in the middle of the pack as towns across Illinois, and the nation, finally face strict and actual state and federal deadlines for replacing lead service water lines

The task is gargantuan whether talking about a small town like Forest Park or nationwide To ensure safe water supplies, you cannot deliver that water through lead pipes. But replacing those pipes is exceptionally costly and a burden that must fall on both local municipalities and, in some form, on homeowners and commercial property owners.

If your town is predominantly lower income, then there may be state and federal grants available. Forest Park did not qualify for that funding, Sal Stella, the village’s public works director, told the village council recently. Or if you live in a largely affluent town, it is possible the municipality can heavily subsidize the cost. Neighboring River Forest, for example, has a program in which it will pay up to $7,500 of the cost of replacing both the village portion of the piping and the homeowner’s segment of lead. Forest Park does not have that kind of cash or cash flow

So instead, with a deadline coming for providing the state with a full inventory of the work to be done in the years ahead, Forest Park has now applied to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for an $8 million loan to get this project underway. Recognize this is a low-interest loan. Will have to be repaid. And the estimated full cost of removing these lead lines in Forest Park is $25 million between now and the ultimate deadline, which is 17 years hence. The village is required to re place a minimum of 6% of the lines each year

There is no arguing that this work must be done as an essential public health measure. There is seemingly not an alter native replacement method that costs less than many thousands of dollars per line.

Hopefully Forest Park will get the low-interest loan. Then officials will have to sort out who will pay the freight on repaying that loan.

Doc Ryan’s demise

We are seemingly counting down the days to the closure of Doc Ryan’s, one of Madison Street’s iconic drinking spots. March 31 remains the announced closing date although the intended future use of the property as a cannabis dispensary is now cloudy.

Mayor Rory Hoskins, a leading advocate of pot-related tax revenues, confir med the deal is off but said nothing as to the reason why. The simultaneous village approval of a second dispensary nearby does come to mind though.

Drying up local bar venues remains the goal of village hall. So the Doc’s license evaporating seems assured. What comes next at this central location on Madison remains to be seen.

March Madness, referees and human nature

Iwatched the Kentucky vs. Providence game last Friday evening Because the action was very physical and intense, the referees had to be on top of their game as much as the players.

What struck me was that the refs, the players and the coaches all seemed to respect each other. They seemed to realize that to play at that high level, they needed each other

In order to have a great game, you need great players and great referees.

Two reasons: Good referees enable players to go all out. Here’s what I mean. When my friends and I would play basketball outside on Paul Anderson’s driveway, we kind of refereed ourselves. Not only would we quickly reach a consensus about whether a foul was committed but we also did not play with 100% effort We cared about not hur ting each other more than winning the game.

HOLMES

see ’em.” They argue that good refs both reduce cheating and actually keep the game competitive

One striking example of what can happen without good referees in real life is the death of over 43,000 human beings in Turkey — in many cases because developers cheated. There were re gulations in place to make new construction more earthquake-resistant, but architects and engineers used shortcuts to make more money and the gover nment regulators looked the other way.

I’m on the board of my condominium association — five of us are tasked with making decisions that benefit all 51 owners. We have some “republican” owners who complain that we have too many “rules and re gs” and that we enforce them too strictly. We have some “democratic” owners who want to make a rule for every behavior that irritates them.

That restraint was good for our relationships, but it did not promote Final Four excellence. Because we are fallible and mortal humans, we make mistakes, especially when we strive for excellence. Having referees to enforce the rules frees us in a way to compete at the highest levels, to stretch and test the boundaries.

In the Kentucky-Providence game, there were several occasions when players would violently collide with each other. One player would drive toward the basket at full speed and a player on defense would try to prevent him from doing so. Sometimes the refs would call a blocking foul on the defense and sometimes charging on the offense. Trusting the refs to make good calls when collisions happened enabled those magnificent athletes to play with a little more abandon.

But there’s a second reason why good refs are important. Sometimes athletes cheat. Athletes will take perfor mance-enhancing drugs. The Bears linebacker Dick Butkus would famously punch and even bite opposing players in pile-ups!

If you buy my argument that we need referees in order to play in or watch a great game, then the next question is, “How closely should referees call the game?” Should they call a foul every time one player bumps another, or should they let the players play, so the game is not constantly interrupted by free throws and players fouling out of the game before halftime.

In the game of politics, Republicans tend to tell the “referees” to let the players play, to not call so many fouls and thereby squelch the competitive drive. Democrats tend to want the refs to “call ’em like they

Thankfully, the vast majority of our residents understand that when 51 owners and their families live in a six-story building where only four single-family homes once stood, rules have to be made and enforced, rules that restrict their freedom to do whatever they want on the one hand, but on the other hand increase their freedom to live in relative peace with their neighbors

Millions of Trumpers contend that the referees are ruining the game. “Let them play,” is their mantra. Millions of progressives want the refs to call the g ame more closely. They of fer Silicon Valley Bank as exhibit A. They of fer as exhibit B building owners who didn’t want to build according to code but now want FEMA funding to rebuild after their homes were destroyed by hurricanes. Exhibit C is the fact that the states with the highest COVID death rates are the ones that had the weakest mask and quarantine mandates and the least compliance with the mandates that were in place.

Mayors and presidents, Cook County judges and Supreme Court justices, village councils and the U.S. Congress rarely get the balance just right, but it becomes fairly easy to see when the refs are calling the game way too loosely or too tightly.

Maybe that’s why I have been impressed with the way the eight candidates running for of fice in this village are playing the game. So far, I haven’t seen any of them committing any major charging or blocking fouls. Is it possible that the refs — i.e. the citizens who attend council meetings and candidate forums, the Forest Park Review, the Chamber of Commerce, and people on social media — are watching and the candidates know it?

Proviso 209 United will live up to their name

We, the team behind Sandra Hixson, Jenny Barbahen, and David Ocampo, known as Proviso 209 United, would like to share why we are so incredibly passionate about electing these three parents and subject matter experts to the District 209 school board. Elections are a referendum on the incumbents and the following events of the last few years make it incredibly clear that we need refo rm — yes, again.

The cu rrent board unanimously voted to hire the superintendent in August of 2020. At that time, he sold to the board, and our Proviso community including many of us, a vision of greatness for our schools. But it became clear almost two years ago on Feb. 23, 2021, during a surprise Saturday morning board meeting that Henderson had a very different vision of what makes a school district great.

This vision consisted of ending partnerships with PAEC (special education), outsourcing IT, and other radical cuts in the name of turning a profit with austerity budgeting rather than educating our children. As we emailed, called, and pleaded with our trusted board members for clarity, we saw them support the measures dismantling much of the recent progress made.

This was heartbreaking to say the least. We felt defeated. We felt hopeless. Not anymore. Proviso 209 United was for med to restore that hope. Restore our schools. Put our students first. Bring back the values that got the district heading in the right direction: connection with the community, connection with teachers and staf f, fiscal accountability, and transparency. When we do what is right for a united Proviso, we will usher in an era of success for all Proviso students.

After months of searching and careful vetting, in August 2022 we chose and announced our slate of three candidates: Sandra Joseph-Hixson, Jenny Barbahen, and David Ocampo. These three candidates together re present the brightest and best future for the students in our district. It’s that simple.

It is imperative to not just gain a favorable board balance but to also restore decorum and professionalism to the governing body of the school district. Hixson, Barbahen, and Ocampo will be deliberate and methodical as they work to restore transparency and order to the board, thoroughly evaluating the district from top to bottom in a careful review process.

While these are only three seats on a seven-person board, Amanda Grant has officially endorsed our team, and together we will have the ability to effect change from day one. Even though the current board lost its way over the last 2.5 years, we see a bright future for Proviso and District 209.

Sandra Hixson, Jenny Barbahen, and David Ocampo are running for seats on the District 209 Board of Education.

Writer was o base on o cer’s funeral

In response to the letter re garding the traffic jam. How dare the writer complain that the fallen officer was not from Forest Park? Honor the badge, whichever badge that officer wore. As you pointed out, it was one day. This is not an everyday occurrence. We in Forest Park were notified. In that respect, I am disappointed in the Review not offering that as a side note to the letter.

In response to Forest Park leadership, in my opinion the mayor should be the last one to express himself, allowing the commissioners to say their take on the issue without possible bias, sway or influence from the mayor. Leadership allows others to take part in the debate and decision process; otherwise it is not leadership but dictatorship.

Jacquelyn Gawlik

The many voices that ll my day REVIEW

Staff Repor ter Igor Studenkov, Francia Garcia Hernandez, Amaris Rodriguez

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

During the winter, I was stuck in my house for so long, I started to hear voices. It began when I woke up

Bed: “Whoa, where you going, John? It’s only 7:00. C’mon back, I’m still war m.” As I tur n back toward the bed, however, there’s a voice from the next room.

Kitchen: “Yoo hoo, coffee’s on!” I stagger toward the coffee maker.

Bathroom: “Better stop in here first.” After I fill my first cup, I hear a voice from the living room.

TV: “This is TCM. Have you ever watched Singin’ in the Rain? It’s on right now.”

Phone: “It’s time to mindlessly scroll through news stories and social media posts.”

Bathroom: (Clearing throat) “Isn’t it about time we g et the show on the road?” I start to fill the bathtub

Kitchen: “Me again — you haven’t had your banana yet.” As I drop the peel into the container, Garbage speaks up, “Better get me out of here, before I smell any worse.” I pull on boots and shuffle out to the alley

Bathtub: (Alar med) “Hey, hey! Did you

forget about me?!” I shut the overflowing water off and hear a muffled voice from the Medicine Cabinet. “Psst, I’ve got an antacid, think you might need it after that burrito last night.” All leaned up, I go to the bedroom to face my toughest chore.

Sock Drawer: “Hey, we’re in here. Bet you can’t match us.” Sure enough, it’s like playing oncentration. Each time I think I have two identical ones, I notice their subtle differences After settling for close-enough, I finish getting dressed

Shirt: “I don’t want to complain but I’m way past retirement age. Are you sure polyester is still in?” It’s finally time to start work.

Computer: “Important email — oh, sorry about that, I meant spam.” I click on the emails, but the computer interrupts me “Facebook, get your Facebook. And don’t forget to check Linked-In.” After staring at photos of food on Facebook, I find out 37 people want to connect with me on Linked-In Computer: “Isn’t it time we get some work done?”

Kitchen: “Ice-cold water in the fridge. Got to keep hydrated.” Retur ning with a bottle,

the computer won’t shut up about all the articles I have to write.

Ed’s Way: (Shouting from a half-mile away) “I think you need a break and you haven’t made your daily visit.” While buying more bananas, ice tea and pork chops, I banter with the clerk. As I leave, I have the sinking feeling that my social life for the day is over

I can practically hear the computer screaming when I get home. But first, Mail: “Bill, bill, bill, flier, coupon — sorry, no check.” At the end of the day, the familiar voices begin again.

Kitchen: “Better get in here. These pork chops aren’t going to cook themselves.”

Bed: “First a nap, dinner can wait.” You guys are driving me crazy, I think, as I take out the pork chops. After a real conversation with my wife, the voices start up again.

TV: “It’s time to watch Singin’ in the Rain again.”

Couch: “Sit here, it’s soft.”

Fridge: “I have some cold ones inside, they’re not going to drink themselves.”

Car: (Ster nly) “Either call me in or put me away!”

Bed: “Why don’t you come read your book? I promise it will put you to sleep in five minutes.”

Detective Novel: “Hey, I heard that.”

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.

A L OOK BA CK IN TIME

Circle Pizza located at 410 Circle, show n here in March 1999.

The reasons people suppor t my re - elec tion

I’d like to thank the Review for inviting candidates to write an Op-Ed. I appreciate the opportunities candidates have had to engage the public. Forums, questionnaires, door knocking, and coffees have been wonderful ways we’ve shared our message Folks have heard a lot from the candidates

An amazing group of residents believe in my campaign. It’s their support, and the support of our community, that makes it all worthwhile A few of them wish to share why they volunteer for my re-election campaign for commissioner of Forest Park:

“One reason I am volunteering for Jessica is because she believes in the working people of Forest Park Jessica was instrumental in making sure that the people who build our roads and other infrastructure are paid a living wage and provided health insurance by championing and passing the Responsible Bidder Ordinance in Forest Park Public monies should protect the public and prioritize the working families of Forest Park, and Jessica helps to ensure that it does.” -

Paul Price

“I am volunteering for Jessica Voogd because she cares deeply about Forest Park She thinks about what would be best for the village both now and in the future. She does the research, puts together a plan, and then acts. She brought new ideas to the village around sustainability, then acted by implementing a tree survey, management plan, and worked to get the Tree City USA designation. As commissioner of public property, she worked with Public Works Director Stella to implement a fleet management plan and worked with Finance Director Olmsted to ear mark funds to replace the fleet over time Her commitment and hard work on behalf of the village has ear ned my vote. Join me and vote for Jessica Voogd for Forest Park Commissioner.”

- Kimberly Adami Hasegawa

“I work as a volunteer for Jessica because she has worked hard for us for the past four years. She has a clear vision that includes a commitment to transparency and to responsible and sustainable growth for Forest Park.” -

Karen Considine

“I am volunteering for Jessica’s campaign because of her dedication to the village. Forest Park is a community of hard-working people, and Jessica reflects just that; her hard work on behalf of all of us makes Forest Park better We all want a healthier and safer village, but Jessica actually does the work. She spends countless hours researching options and works cooperatively to make those options a reality From neighborhood cleanup days to the village’s Tree City USA designation, her hard work has made Forest Park a better place to live. The least I can do is support that kind of dedication and commitment. I hope you will join me in voting for Voogd on April 4.” -

Kate Van Winkle

“I volunteer for my wife’s re-election campaign because Jessica’s kindness, patience, deep sense of fair ness and selflessness shows in her tireless work on behalf of the village. It always impresses me how rational and passionate she is about every issue, and how she keeps persevering against any obstacles. Being a public figure is a difficult decision, and I believe she has handled it with grace and humility She suits up every day, rolls up her blazer sleeves and works hard for Forest Park I hope you’ ll join me in supporting Jessica for four more years.”

- Daniel Marcus Jessica Voogd is running for re-election as commissioner on the Forest Park Village Council.

Why we’re di erent … and better

Many from the village of Maywood know me, Mary “May” Larry. I have always found it important to be active in all things I am a part of, especially my community, which I have served since landing here in 1970. I am one of the candidates for Maywood village trustee, on a slate called My Maywood, because I know I can get the job done with knowledge of policies and procedures.

We could promise economic revitalization. But hasn’t nearly everyone over the last 17 years promised that and not produced it? Why? Because it takes a village! When it comes to making decisions on economic projects or next year’s budget or next year’s taxes, no one trustee has more or less power. It takes the whole body to do what is required of them.

That is why it is imperative that the residents help with this very big job — by the beautification of their blocks, helping our senior citizens and youth, participating in MAPS, keeping an eye out for each other, and asking shopkeepers to keep up their place of business while supporting them too One needs to feel the positive energy in a community that will call others to want to be a part of

it. That’s what’s going to bring about economic revitalization.

The trustee’s job is very clear A trustee is part of the legislative body that gover ns the community by approving new revenue sources and expenditures or enacting new legislation allowing for a better tomorrow. Any person who claims they can better our current situation simply by being elected is offering false promises It takes a village!

The My Maywood Team is sure your reader’s won’t let false promises — from those who appear to be career politicians, shady or of questionable character, or those who have recently come on the scene — fool them. Current and past incumbents are proof of what cannot be quickly accomplished.

We can deliver what we promise, through ethical and infor med decisions made in the best interest of the people of the village of Maywood, and expecting nothing less from my running mate Diann W. Baker

Minor inconvenience for a major sacri ce

I cannot stand down, stay silent, in response to the recent letter from a Forest Park resident in the Forest Park Review related to the funeral procession and ensuing cremation of Officer Andres Mauricio Vasquez Lasso, yet another hero taken from us too soon. Yes, traffic was a challenge; however, what challenges do first responders face each day? I would guess many, and I speak from personal experience. The slight inconvenience for me was nothing compared to what Of ficer Vasquez-Lasso’s family and fellow of ficers are experiencing as a result of his selfless service.

I am a retired veteran of the 1st Gulf War, U.S. Navy Corpsman, and have multiple challenges related to my service, but I would not trade those injuries and medical conditions for anything, as I swore to protect and defend all of those who reside in the United States of America, and the greater world.

I do honor and protect the right to free speech and respect the fact that we can and should agree to disagree, so, yes, I respect what the letter stated, yet disagree. I am now a DNP and a professor at a major university in the city of Chicago and many of those I serve live nearby to Forest Park, so I too experienced the “traffic delay” as I was making my way back from clinical sites in Cicero and Brookfield.

My family has resided in Forest Park for over 90 years. I am also a resident. Historically, it was a conscious decision when my grandparents died, that I and my wife would move into a very special house, in a very special village that, typically in my experience, has been kind, patient, and respectful.

I happened to know what was going on, but had I not, I would have tuned into a radio station or used Bluetooth on

my smart device to alert me to traffic and why there was traffic Many of these applications also suggest alter nate routes.

I was actually one of those who stood, respectfully, in the cold wind, near the cor ner of Desplaines and Cer mak along with the ladder trucks from Berwyn and North Riverside, as they crossed ladders and hoisted the American flag, on a street lined with multiple paramedic/EMT rigs, police vehicles from Forest Park, Oak Park, River Forest, and Berwyn as well as other sister communities, while the CPD mounted patrol stood patiently with their trusty steeds, waiting on a cold and windy day, as the procession arrived. Two mounted patrol officers on dark steeds met the hearse and honors — well deserved yet sadly rendered The entire route, through our sister neighborhoods were lined with people paying their respect and blue ribbons were tied on most, if not all trees

Thank you to all who stood up, stood out in the cold, those who respectfully tolerated the slight inconvenience of a few traffic snarls. Thank you to Public Works from North Riverside, Forest Park, and others who closed off streets to allow the procession while keeping the public safe (Public Works rarely get the credit they deserve). Thank you to all of the many CPD Officers who came out, as well as the State Fire Marshall to escort Of ficer Vasquez-Lasso and his family while keeping the public safe. Yet as we say in the Navy (SEALS) “the only easy day was yesterday.”

I respect the opinion of others, but in this case, it was no great inconvenience to honor an individual who gave his all for all of us Tanya “Doc ” Friese

PART-TIME ELECTRICIAN’S HELPER

Call for more info.

708-738-3848

VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Riverside Department of Public Works is seeking energetic, responsible, and motivated applicants who enjoy working outdoors. This is a part-time, seasonal position lasting from approximately May through September. Applicants will be expected to work up to 40 hrs. per week or as scheduled by staff. Primary tasks will include, but not limited to: cutting grass, maintaining athletic fields, general facilities maintenance, flushing hydrants, reading water meters, installing water meters, cleaning/televising sewers, assisting full-time employees, and other duties as assigned.

Applicants must be 18 years old, possess a valid Illinois driver’s license and high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants will be subject to a criminal background check, pre-employment physical and drug/ alcohol screening.

Applications can be downloaded from the Village website at www. riverside.il.us or picked up at the Riverside Village Hall located at 27 Riverside Rd, Riverside, IL 60546. Completed applications should be submitted to the Riverside Village Hall or the Riverside Public Works Department, 3860 Columbus Blvd, Riverside, IL 60546. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. Pay rate is $18/hr.

The Village of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

COLLECTIVE IMPACT MANAGER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Collective Impact Manager in the Village Manager’s Office. Under the general direction of the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Officer, the Collective Impact Manager will be responsible for building and assessing racial equity impact needs and developing a strategic plan to support those needs. This includes driving the initiatives focused on the Racial Equity Action Plan through community assessments, community engagement, data functions, and overall internal and external functions. Applicants are encouraged to apply online at https://secure.entertimeonline. com/ta/6141780.careers?ApplyToJob=537117711 or visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www. oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. Open until filled.

SEASONAL FARMER’S MARKET ASSISTANT

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Seasonal Farmer’s Market Assistant in the Health Department. This position will provide administrative support to the Farmer’s Market Manager to allow growers and producers of food to sell directly to the public within established guidelines. This position requires work in inclement weather conditions; some heavy lifting of up to 50 pounds; walking or standing for sustained periods of time. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. Open until filled.

Property Manager sought by 425 West St James LLC in Chicago, IL to pln & dir apt vwngs & leasng of resdntl real est proprts. Reqs HS

Dipl/GED or equiv & trvl to prprts w/ in Chicagoland area as needed. Mst hv perm auth to wrk in US. Snd rsm & cvr lttr to 1145 W Drummond Pl, Chicago, IL 60614.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

CHURCH MUSICIAN Church Musician IS Available for church services. Experienced, professional, with music degree. Can teach adults and children. Reads music and plays by ear, Hymns, praise & worship anthems, spirituals, contemporary, etc. Call: 312-909-0381.

CARS WANTED

CLASSICS WANTED

CLASSICS WANTED

Restored or Unrestored Cars & Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Import Cars:

Restored or Unrestored Cars & Vintage Motorcycles

Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars $$ Top $$ all makes, Etc. Collector James • 630-201-8122

Domestic / Import Cars:

Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

CLASSICS WANTED

Collector James 630-201-8122

Restored or Unrestored

Cars & Vintage Motorcycles

Domestic / Import Cars: Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

Collector James 630-201-8122

PUBLIC NOTICE

SUMMONS (Family Law)

CITACIÓN (Derecho familiar)

CASE NUMBER (NÚMERO DE CASO): HF22130927

NOTICE TO RESPONDENT (Name): AVISO AL DEMANDADO (Nombre): ANGELO C GALLARDO

You have been sued. Read the information below and on the next page.

Lo han demandado. Lea la información a continuación y en la página siguiente.

Petitioner’s name is: Nombre del demandante: MERCEDITA M. GALLARDO

You have 30 calendar days after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL-120) at the court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter, phone call, or court appearance will not protect you.

If you do not file your Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnership, your property, and custody of your children. You may be ordered to pay support and attorney fees and costs.

For legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately. Get help finding a lawyer at the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www.courts.ca.gov/ selfhelp), at the California Legal Services website (www.lawhelpca.org), or by contacting your local county bar association.

Tiene 30 días de calendario después de haber recibido la entrega legal de esta Citación y Petición para presentar una Respuesta (formulario FL-120) ante la corte y efectuar la entrega legal de una copia al demandante. Una carta o llamada telefónica o una audiencia de la corte no basta para protegerlo.

Si no presenta su Respuesta a tiempo, la corte puede dar órdenes que afecten su matrimonio o pareja de hecho, sus bienes y la custodia de sus hijos. La corte también le puede ordenar que pague manutención, y honorarios y costos legales.

Para asesoramiento legal, póngase en contacto de inmediato con un abogado. Puede obtener información para encontrar un abogado en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en el sitio web de los Servicios Legales de California (www.lawhelpca.org) o poniéndose en contacto con el colegio de abogados de su condado.

NOTICE—RESTRAINING ORDERS

ARE ON PAGE 2: These restraining orders are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment is entered, or the court makes further orders. They are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them.

AVISO—LAS ÓRDENES DE RESTRICCIÓN SE ENCUENTRAN EN

LA PÁGINA 2: Las órdenes de restricción están en vigencia en cuanto a ambos cónyuges o miembros de la pareja de hecho hasta que se despida la petición, se emita un fallo o la corte dé otras órdenes. Cualquier agencia del orden público que haya

recibido o visto una copia de estas órdenes puede hacerlas acatar en cualquier lugar de California.

FEE WAIVER: If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. The court may order you to pay back all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for you or the other party.

EXENCIÓN DE CUOTAS: Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario un formulario de exención de cuotas. La corte puede ordenar que usted pague, ya sea en parte o por completo, las cuotas y costos de la corte previamente exentos a petición de usted o de la otra parte.

1. The name and address of the court are (El nombre y dirección de la corte son): SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, 24405 AMADOR STREET, HAYWARD, CA 94544 - FAMILY LAW DIVISION

2. The name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner’s attorney, or the petitioner without an attorney, are: (El nombre, dirección y número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante si no tiene abogado, son): SATNESH S. PRASAD, 607 LONGWOOD AVE., HAYWARD, CA 94541

Date (Fecha): OCT 21, 2022

CHAD FINKE, Clerk, by (Secretario, por) SARAH GOUVEIA, Deputy (Asistente)

[SEAL]

Published in the Wednesday Journal March 1, 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: Y23010231 on February 23, 2023

Under the Assumed Business Name of BTE MOBILE NOTARY SERVICES with the business located at: 5927 W. CHICAGO AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60651. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: ERIN WILLIAMS 5927 W. CHICAGO AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60651

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

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

Date: Thursday, April 6, 2023

Time: 7 pm to 8:30 pm

Location: Dole Branch/Dole Center, Oak Park Library, 255 Augusta St., Oak Park, IL 60302

Subject Property Address(es): 505 N. Ridgeland, Oak Park, IL

Proposed Development: 5-story apartment building with parking

Purpose of Meeting: Pre-Planned Development Submittal Discussion

Contacts: Ambrosia Homes, Tim Pomaville, 312-437-8292, tim.pomaville@gmail. com

Published in Wednesday Journal March 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: Y23010313 on March 14, 2023

Under the Assumed Business Name of AADEL ISTAMBULE with the business located at: 1500 ROBIN CIRCLE #212, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60169. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: AADEL ABDALMONEAM ISTAMBULE 1500 ROBIN CIRCLE #212, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60169

Published in Wednesday Journal March 22, 29, April 5, 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: Y23010328 on March 16, 2023 Under the Assumed Business Name of MADAM STYLES with the business located at 2545 W. CATALPA AVE. APT 4C, CHICAGO, IL 60625. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: TOTIANNA POLK 2545 W. CATALPA AVE. APT 4C, CHICAGO, IL 60625

Published in Wednesday Journal March 22, 29, April 5, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT OF BIDDING

Request of bids for the Park District of Oak Park’s Barrie Park Renovations, 1011 S. Lombard, 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 the Barrie Park Renovations., Oak Park. The project consists of new playgrounds, surfacing, site demolition, grading, landscaping, drainage, shade structures, fitness equipment, and more. The Park District of Oak Park will receive individual sealed Bids until 10:00 a.m. (Central time) on Friday, April 14th , 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, March 22, 2023. A non-mandatory on-site pre-bid meeting for contractors will be held at 10:00 am on April 6th at 1011 S. Lombard St, Oak Park. 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/410256

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 March 22, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice to Bidders Village of Forest Park

Time and Place of Opening of Bids:

Sealed proposals for the improvement described below will be received at the office of the Village Clerk, Village Hall, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, Illinois 60130, until 10:00 o’clock A.M., March 30, 2023.

Bids will be accepted ONLY through QuestCDN.com via their electronic VirtuBid online bid service. A virtual bid opening will be held at the day and time of the bid closing.

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web. zoom.us/j/81803711678?pwd=RXpHRFBVSTdSdnloTzRRY24rWWQ0Zz09

Meeting ID: 818 0371 1678

Passcode: 178991

Description of Work:

Name: 2023 Alley Improvements

Location: 900 Block Alley Dunlop-Lathrop, 1100 Block Alley Circle-Marengo

Proposed Improvement: Reconstruction of alleys with Portland Cement Concrete Pavement, subbase granular material, storm sewer and drainage structures, driveway, curb and sidewalk removal and replacement.

Bidders Instructions:

The bidding forms and documents are available from Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd., at www. questcdn.com using login #8427030, upon payment of the sum of Fifty and 00/100 DOLLARS ($50.00), which is not refundable. A QuestCDN login will be required. Contact QuestCDN. com at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance. Contractors must purchase bid documents and be shown on the Bidder’s Planholder List in order to bid. Bids received from contractors who are not in the Bidder’s Planholder List will be rejected.

By Order of: Village of Forest Park, Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, (Awarding Authority)

Published in Forest Park Review March 22, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice to Bidders Village of Forest Park

Time and Place of Opening of Bids:

Sealed proposals for the improvement described below will be received at the office of the Village Clerk, Village Hall, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, Illinois 60130, until 10:00 o’clock A.M., March 30, 2023.

Bids will be accepted ONLY through QuestCDN.com via their electronic VirtuBid online bid service. A virtual bid opening will be held at the day and time of the bid closing. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web. zoom.us/j/81803711678?pwd=RXpHRFBVSTdSdnloTzRRY24rWWQ0Zz09

Meeting ID: 818 0371 1678

Passcode: 178991

Description of Work:

Name: 2023 Water Main Replacement

Location: Ferdinand Ave/ from Roosevelt Rd. to Harrison, Wilcox Avenue from RR to Des Plaines Ave.

Proposed Improvement: Watermain replacement, water service replacements, storm sewer removal and replacement, sewer structure adjustments.

Bidders Instructions: The bidding forms and documents are available from Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd., at www. questcdn.com using login #8428089, upon payment of the sum of Fifty and 00/100 DOLLARS ($50.00), which is not refundable. A QuestCDN login will be required. Contact QuestCDN. com at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance. Contractors must purchase bid documents and be shown on the Bidder’s Planholder List in order to bid. Bids received from contractors who are not in the Bidder’s Planholder List will be rejected.

By Order of: Village of Forest Park, Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, (Awarding Authority)

Published in Forest Park Review March 22, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Annual Town Meeting

Notice is hereby given to the legal voters of the Town of Riverside, in the County of Cook, and the State of Illinois, that the Annual Town Meeting of said town will take place on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, being the second Tuesday of the month, at the hour of 6:01 pm, at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, IL, for the transaction of miscellaneous business of the said town; and after a Moderator having been elected, will proceed to hear and consider reports of the officers, and decide on such measures as may, in the pursuance of the law, come before the meeting; and especially to consider & decide on the following:

Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Election of the Moderator, Oath of the Moderator, Approval of the Minutes from the Last Annual Town Meeting, New Business, Township Reports, Setting the date for the next Annual Town Meeting, and Adjournment.

Jay Reyes Clerk, Riverside Township

March 14, 2023

Published in RB Landmark

March 22, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Riverside Township Budget and Appropriation Ordinance and Public Hearing

Notice is hereby given to the legal voters of Riverside Township that the Township Board has drafted a Tentative Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the 2023 - 2024 fiscal year. Copies of said Budget and Ordinance are available for inspection during regular business hours, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Friday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, in the Township Office at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, IL 60546. A Public Hearing on the Budget and Ordinance will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 6:45 pm in Room 4 of the Riverside Town Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, IL.

Jay Reyes Clerk, Riverside Township

March 14, 2023

Published in RB Landmark March 22, 2023

NOTICE

The Riverside Township will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in its Board Room at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, IL 60546. The purpose of the hearing will be to receive comments on the proposal to sell the following bonds:

Not to exceed $500,000 General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2023 to pay the costs of maintenance, including painting, of the H. Wallace Caldwell Bridge, also known as the Riverside Township Pedestrian Bridge, over the DesPlaines River.

At the public hearing, the Township will explain the reasons for the proposed bond issue and permit persons desiring to be heard an opportunity to present written or oral testimony within reasonable time limits. The hearing may be adjourned to another date without further notice other than a motion to be entered upon the minutes fixing the time, place, and date of the reconvened meeting.

JAY REYES, Township Clerk

Published in RB Landmark March 22, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS ORDINANCE NO. 2023-2

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $500,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS (ALTERNATE REVENUE SOURCE), SERIES 2023 OF RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

WHEREAS, Riverside Township, Cook County, Illinois (“Township”), is a duly organized and existing Township created under the provisions of the laws of the State of Illinois, and operates in accordance with the provisions of the Township Code (60 ILCS 1/1-1, et seq.), the Omnibus Bond Acts (5 ILCS 70/8), and the Local Government Debt Reform Act, as amended (30 ILCS 350/1, et seq.) (collectively, the “Act”); and

WHEREAS, the Township is authorized under the provisions of §235-10 of the Township Code to levy a tax for all Township purposes in an amount not to exceed 0.25% (“Corporate Tax Levy”), which qualifies as a revenue source as defined in §3 of the Local Government Debt Reform Act; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Township Trustees (“Board”) has considered and determined that it is advisable, necessary and in the best interest of the Township to pay the costs of maintenance, including painting, of the H. Wallace Caldwell Bridge, also known as the Riverside Township Pedestrian Bridge, over the DesPlaines River (“Project”); and

WHEREAS, the estimated costs of the Project, including legal, financial, underwriting, capitalized interest, if any, bond discount, printing and publication costs, and other expenses is not less than $500,000, and there are insufficient funds on hand and lawfully available to pay such costs; and

WHEREAS, it is necessary and for the best interests of the Township that the Project be undertaken and in order to finance the cost thereof, it will be necessary for the Township to borrow not to exceed $500,000

and in evidence thereof to issue alternate bonds, being general obligation bonds payable from the Corporate Tax Levy (“Pledged Revenues”), as authorized to be issued at this time pursuant to the Local Government Debt Reform Act (“Alternate Bonds”); and

WHEREAS, if the above-mentioned Pledged Revenues are insufficient to pay the Alternate Bonds, ad valorem property taxes upon all taxable property in the Township without limitation as to rate and amount are authorized to be extended to pay the principal of and interest on the Alternate Bonds.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Township Trustees of Riverside Township, Cook County, Illinois, as follows:

Section 1. Incorporation of Preambles. The Board hereby find that all of the recitals contained in the preambles to this ordinance are true, complete and correct and hereby incorporate them into this ordinance by this reference.

Section 2. Determination to Issue Bonds. It is necessary and in the best interests of the Township to provide for the Project as hereinabove described, and there is hereby authorized to be issued and sold the Alternate Bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $500,000. The alternate revenue source to pay debt service on the Alternate Bonds is the Corporate Tax Levy.

Section 3. Publication and Notice. This Ordinance, together with a notice in statutory form (“Notice”) shall be published once within ten days after passage in the Riverside-Brookfield Landmark, being a newspaper of general circulation in the Township, and if no petition, signed by 905 electors of the Township, the same being equal to 7.5% of the registered voters within the Township, asking that the question of the issuance of the Alternate Bonds in the amount not to exceed $500,000 be submitted to referendum is filed with the Township Clerk within 30 days after the date of the publication of this Ordinance and the Notice, then the Alternate Bonds shall be authorized to be issued. A petition form shall be provided by the Township Clerk at the principal office of the Township located at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, IL 60546.

Section 4. Additional Ordinances.

If no petition meeting the requirements of applicable law is filed during the petition period hereinabove referred to, then the Township Supervisor and Board of Trustees may pass additional ordinances or proceedings supplementing or amending this Ordinance, providing for the issuance and sale of the Alternate Bonds, so long as the maximum amount of the Alternate Bonds, as set forth in this Ordinance is not exceeded and there is no material change in the Project or purposes described herein. Such additional ordinances or proceedings shall in all instances become effective in accordance with applicable law. This Ordinance, together with such additional ordinances or proceedings, shall constitute complete authority for the issuance of the Alternate Bonds under applicable law.

Section 5. Severability and Repealer. If any section, paragraph, clause or provision of this Ordinance shall be held invalid, the invalidity of such section, paragraph, clause or provision shall not affect any of the other provisions of this Ordinance. All ordinances, resolutions or orders, or parts thereof, in conflict with the provisions

PUBLIC NOTICES

of this Ordinance are to the extent of such conflict hereby repealed.

Section 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be immediately in full force and effect after passage.

PASSED: March 14, 2023. /s/ VERA

A. WILT, Township Supervisor

ATTEST: /s/ JAY REYES, Township Clerk

NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE

BONDS AND RIGHT TO FILE PETITION

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to Ordinance No. 2023-2 passed March 14, 2023 (“Ordinance”), Riverside Township, Cook County, Illinois (“Township”), intends to issue its general obligation alternate revenue bonds (“Alternate Bonds”) at one time or from time to time as funds are needed up to the amount of but in any event not to exceed $500,000 in aggregate principal amount, in order to pay the costs of maintenance, including painting, of the H. Wallace Caldwell Bridge, also known as the Riverside Township Pedestrian Bridge, over the DesPlaines River.

It is expected that the Alternate Bonds will be paid from the Corporate Tax Levy, and alternatively from ad valorem taxes levied without limitation as to rate or amount upon all taxable property in the Township.

Notice is hereby given that if a petition signed by not less than 905 electors of the Township, the same being equal to 7.5% of the registered voters within the Township, asking that the question of the issuance of the Alternate Bonds in the amount not to exceed $500,000 be submitted to referendum is not filed with the Township Clerk within 30 days after the date of the publication of this Ordinance and the Notice, then the Alternate Bonds shall be authorized to be issued for the Project. Any such petition must be filed with the Township Clerk not later than the close of business on April 21, 2023. Should a petition be so filed, the Township Supervisor and Board of Trustees would cause the question to be submitted to the electors of the Township at the Presidential Primary Election to be held on March 19, 2024. A form of petition is available to any person requesting one in the Township Clerk’s office at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, IL 60546.

/s/ Jay Reyes, Township Clerk

Published in RB Landmark March 22, 2023

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE

FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BROOKFIELD NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to call of its directors, a special meeting of stockholders of First National Bank of Brookfield (the “Bank”) will be held at the Bank’s main office located at 9136 Washington Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois, on April 19, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. to consider and vote whether an agreement and plan of reorganization, whereby a holding company, to be named Brookfield Bancshares, Inc., located in Brookfield, Illinois (the “Company”) would be created, making the Bank its wholly-owned subsidiary under the provisions of the laws of the United States, shall be ratified and confirmed, and to vote upon any other matters as may properly come before the meeting. A copy of the agreement and plan of reorganization, approved by a majority of the directors of the Bank and the proposed holding company, is on file at the institution and may be inspected during business hours.

First National Bank of Brookfield

Phillip Richard President and Chief Executive Of-

ficer

Published in RB Landmark March 15, 22, 29, April 5, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OAK PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT 97, COOK COUNTY, IL

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Board of Education (the “Board”) of Oak Park Elementary School District Number 97, Cook County, Illinois (the “District”), that it will hold a public hearing on the 11th day of April, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at the District Office, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302, to receive public comments concerning the intent of the Board to transfer $3,800,000 from the Tort Immunity Fund to the Operations and Maintenance Fund of the District, pursuant to Section 17-2A of the Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/17-2A).

Any interested person may appear at the hearing and will be heard regarding this matter. After the adjournment of the hearing, the Board may consider a resolution directing the School Treasurer to make such transfer of $3,800,000 from the Tort Immunity Fund to the Operations and Maintenance Fund of the District.

Lonya Boose Secretary Board of Education Oak Park Elementary School District 97

Dated: March 22, 2023

Published in Wednesday Journal March 22, 2023

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR MERRILL LYNCH MORTGAGE INVESTORS, INC., MORTGAGE

PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, MANA SERIES 2007-OAR4

Plaintiff,

-v.ELLEN C. SCHNACK, RANDALL C. SCHNACK

Defendants 19 CH 14891 626 NORTH TAYLOR AVENUE

OAK PARK, IL 60302

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-

EN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 4, 2021, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 19, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 626 NORTH TAYLOR AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302

Property Index No. 16-05-319-0080000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $417,344.71.

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

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

purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

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

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g) (1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

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

For information, contact The sales clerk, LOGS Legal Group LLP Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301, Bannockburn, IL, 60015 (847) 291-1717 For information call between the hours of 1pm - 3pm.. Please refer to file number 19-092500.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

LOGS Legal Group LLP

2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301 Bannockburn IL, 60015 847-291-1717

E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com

Attorney File No. 19-092500

Attorney Code. 42168

Case Number: 19 CH 14891

TJSC#: 43-1045

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 19 CH 14891

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a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g) (4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act

Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Law Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455. W22-0188 ADC

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com

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