Forest Park Review 041724

Woman-owned waste haulers move into 1313 Circle Ave.

e historic site will continue to store large trucks, and plans are in place to curb smell, rodents and prioritize aesthetics

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

A new business has moved into the garage at 1313 Circle Ave., a staple since 1920.

It was originally the site of Thomas McQueen’s excavating and paving company, then housed Acme Resin, another waste hauling company and an automobile shop before SBC Waste Solutions recently moved in.

SBC Waste Solutions is a waste management service based out of Broadview that started in 2019. The company serves Chicagoland for commercial hauling and offers residential waste hauling in Bloomingdale, Indian Head Park, Winfield, Broadview and, as of April 1, Berwyn.

“We’ re the only woman-owned [waste hauling] com-

See 1313 CIRCLE on pa ge 7

D209 narrows superintendent search to 3 candidates

Board member Arbdella Patterson calls for a redo

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

It was a rocky board meeting for Proviso Township High School District 209, when the board of education came under fire after narrowing down its search for district superintendent to three candidates

The three finalists are Rena Whitten, Darius Adamson, and Krish Mohip, selected through Hazard Young Attea Associates, the firm that was hired by D209 in 2023 to conduct the superintendent search.

According to Adamson’s LinkedIn, he is the superintendent of the Broward County Public School District in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He has also served as an executive area director for the Orange County Public Schools in Orlando, chief executive officer at University Preparatory Academies and regional superintendent at DeKalb County School District in Atlanta, Georgia.

Mohip, who has experience in Chicago Public Schools, has served as chief officer and chief of schools, as well as deputy chief of schools for CPS. According to his LinkedIn, he is the chief education officer at the Illinois State Board of Education.

Whitten, the only female candidate, serves as the assistant superintendent of student services and equity at Thornton Fractional High School District 215 in Lansing, Ill., according to her LinkedIn profile. It shows that she has been with that district since 2011.

During the board of education meeting April 8, community members expressed their concern and disapproval over the candidates

Carissa Gillespie, a longtime educator at D209, was the first to address the board and expressing her concern about the search. Gillespie said she recently attended a student roundtable discussion and was concerned the student’s voice wasn’t being heard.

“Our young people and this district need representation because representation matters,” Gillespie said. “I ask that you all really do concern what you are putting forth tonight and make sure that the voices of young people are amplified in the spaces.”

Mayor Nathaniel George Booker of the Village of Maywood also spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting, accompanied by Bellwood Mayor Andre Harvey and Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson.

Booker spoke on their behalf, and said D209 needs a superintendent who represents the population of Proviso, and needs unity and healing across the board of education members, as well as a plan for low performing students coming in from feeder schools

“The district needs someone who will deal with compassion for our students, families, teachers, and staff,” Booker said. “Because everybody across the board needs healing.”

“There is a disconnect between the board, the administra-

Prov iso East High School

tion and the buildings they operate in. That needs to change,” Booker added.

The community meetings were disheartening, Booker said, adding that not all candidates were treated equally during the interview process

Arbdella Patterson spoke during the public portion of the meeting Monday night, along with board member Sandra Hixson.

According to Patterson, out of the three finalists, two received a warm welcome and one did not. “He made it very clear ‘I did not feel welcome when I walked into PMSA,’” Patterson said.

Patterson called for the whole search process to be done all over again.

“It was not done fairly,” Patterson said, adding that some people were asked a different number of questions than others. “We need to do this search over. We paid these people $30,000 and look at what we got.”

At least one community member called for the board to be on the same page as the community, students, and faculty from D209 who came out to share their opinions during the search.

“The board needs to engage in a win-win process to collectively determine what we are looking for in a superintendent and rank those characteristics, which should lead to a consensus with the board which will inter led to a consensus

with the community,” she said.

“If you are fighting each other, what example are you setting?” she asked.

Jarrell David, a sophomore at Proviso Math and Science Academy, leads the Superintendent Student Roundtable.

At the meeting, a passionate David said the previous board brought on for mer Supt. James L. Henderson with a 7-0 vote, which included four current board members.

“There are four incumbent board members that voted that 7-0 way that ‘messed our district up,’” David said. “But this would be the second time that Mr. Valtierrez and Board President Grant would have voted for the wrong candidate again.”

“It is too many times that we have people who put their political interest above the students’ interest, you asked us to come together as one team and that is what we did. We gave you the feedback,” he said.

“If you want to start the healing process it begins and ends with all of us,” Hixson said. “Let’s stand in unison, applaud the students and the community for expressing their concerns.”

A superintendent is expected to be named during the upcoming April 23 meeting

Board president Grant said no decision has made yet.

“The only comment I can offer is that we are really pleased with the search that HYA did and we will announce when we have approved a contract,” Grant said.

April 17-27

BIG WEEK

‘Tortured Poets Department’ (Listening Part y)

Friday, April 19, 4 p.m., Rober t’s Westside

Free with RSVP. Must be 21+. Come celebrate the release of Taylor Swift’s new album, The Tortured Poets Department. You will be able to purchase your very own copy of Taylor Swift’s album on vinyl (while supplies last), courtesy of Val’s halla Records. 7321 Madison St., Forest Park

Listing your event

Forest Park Review welcomes notices about events that Forest Park groups and businesses are planning. We’ll work to get the word out if you let us know what’s happening by noon Wednesday a week before your news needs to be in the newspaper

■ Send details to Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, 60302

■ Email calendar@wjinc.com

Oreo Ta ste Testing Challenge

Thursday, April 18, 4 – 5 p.m.,

Forest Park Public Library

Love Oreos? Come try these delicious Oreo avors. Designed for grades 5th, 6th and 7th. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park

48 Hour Film Fest & Gala

Saturday, April 20, 7 p.m., St. Bernardine’s Fearon Hall

The Arts Alliance Forest Park presents the 2nd annual 48 Hour Film Festival and Gala. Competing teams are given 48 hours to incorporate an assigned line of dialog, prop and lm genre in their short will be awarded, including the coveted People Award. This is your chance to vote after the screening Special guest lmmaker Laura Lewis-Barr will be screening her stop-action Film Dumpling and will be available for questions and discussion, along with all the competing teams. Tickets are available in advanc or at the door. Cocktail attire is preferred, but don that stop you from joining in the fun. Popcorn, sof drinks and wine will be available for purchase. more information: www.forestparkarts.org/48-hourlm-festival. 815 Elgin, Forest Park.

The Cicadas Are Coming!

Tuesday, April 23, 6:30 – 8 p.m., Forest Park Public Library

An amazing natural phenomenon will take place in our own backyards this spring: The periodical cicadas will emerge. Come learn about these noisy neighbors and why they are so important. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park

Spring Wine and Ar t Walk

Saturday, April 20, 1 - 5 p.m., Downtown Forest Park

Explore the unique shops and restaurants on Madison. Taste three wines at 17 locations, enjoy locally prepared small bites and the works of local artisans. The cost is $50 per person and includes all tastings plus a free bottle of wine of your choice. Choose from a 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. registration time, then meet us at Forest Park Bank where you’ll receive your wine glass, itinerary and more on the day of the event. Availability of day of ‘walk-in’ spots is not guaranteed, so reserve your spot today at www. exploreforestpark.com/events/ 7348 Madison, Forest Park

Social Circle: ChiGong

Wednesday, April 24, 11 a.m - 1 p.m., Forest Park Public Library

All older adults (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. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park

Reframing Aging Stor ytelling Showca se

Sunday, April 21, 1:30-4 p.m., Forest Park Public Library

Come be inspired by what getting older can look like while promoting real change in the world: transforming together, ageism can be a thing of the past. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park

The Black Oil Brothers w/ Hoover & Harley And The Boys

Saturday, April 20, 6:30 PM, Robert’s Westside Rober t’s Westside presents: The Black Oil Brothers with Hoover & Harley and The Boys. General Admission tickets are $10 plus service fees, while Reser ved Seating is $15 plus service fees and sold in groups of 4 – 6. General Admission seating is limited and available on a rst- come, rst-ser ved basis

‘Sonic 2’ Movie Screening

Friday, April 19, 3:30-5 p.m., Forest Park Public Library Cheer for Sonic, Knuckles as movie Sonic

Designed for grades 3r 7th. 7555 Jackson Bl Forest Park

Lawmakers, cannabis industry call for ban on ‘delta-8’

Other psychoactive hemp products are among the banned items as well

By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois A Growing Community Media partner

Illinois’ largest cannabis business association is pushing to ban the sale of delta-8 THC, an increasingly popular psychoactive substance that’s popped up in corner stores across the country in recent years.

New legislation filed in Springfield this week revives an ongoing debate over delta-8 and other hemp-derived products, which are totally unregulated in Illinois even as the state approaches the five-year anniversary of legalizing cannabis.

For those who’ve been trying to break into Illinois’ still-young cannabis industry, the state’s inaction on delta-8 is an insult to the thousands of dollars and years of work that some business operators have put into trying to get their businesses of f the ground.

“It is deeply disheartening and, frankly, a betrayal by the state to allow these shops to pop up and call themselves dispensaries,” Ron Miller, a co-owner of his fami lyrun Navada Labs and BLYSS Dispensary in Mt. Vernon, said at a Capitol news conference Thursday.

And for the industry’s lead lobbying group, the Cannabis Business Association

of Illinois, delta-8 re presents other threats, including continued reports of Americans getting sick after consuming unregulated products, and the growing ef for ts to market delta-8 to young people.

At that news conference, CBAI Executive Director Tif fany Ingram stood next to a table filled with delta-8-infused candy and snacks in packaging strikingly similar to the multi-national brands they were designed to imitate. In one hand, Ingram held up a bag of Fritos corn chips and a similarlooking bag of “Fritos” snacks with small cannabis leaves on it.

Additionally, Ingram said, without having to pay cannabis-related taxes or other compliance costs, delta-8 businesses are not only undercutting legitimate licensed dispensaries, but the price is also accessible to kids.

“It says on the door you can only be 21 to come in,” Ingram told Capitol News Illinois of her trips to faux dispensaries in Chicago’s South Loop and Uptown neighborhoods to purchase some of the delta-8 products on display at the news conference. “But no one checked my ID.”

State Re p. Eva-Dina Delgado, D-Chicago, said her 15-year-old daughter has told her that delta-8 products are very accessible to her peers.

“As a parent, there is nothing more scary than to hear stories from your child about how kids are ‘greening out,’” she said. “And when I asked her questions like, ‘Hey, are these kids getting the supply from their parents?’ ... she says, ‘Oh no, we just go to the corner store.’”

In addition to selling the products at corner stores and gas stations, delta-8-focused bakeries have also become a business model in the city of Chicago, according to re porting from the Chicago Sun-Times.

Under Senate Bill 3926, businesses caught selling delta-8 or other unregulated hemp-derived products would face a $10,000 fine. Ingram acknowledged that the threat of fines is only as good as an enforcement mechanism but said the law would at

Cannabis Business Association of Illinois Executive Director Ti any Ingram holds up a bag of Fritos cor n chips and a similar-looking bag of “Fritos” snacks with small cannabis leaves on it. CBAI is urging the state to prohibit sales of delta-8 THC products like the imposter “Fritos.” (Hannah Meisel / Capitol News Illinois)

least allow the state’s Department of Agriculture to investigate the businesses.

Additionally, the bill would create 50 new state licenses for legitimate cannabis dispensaries and 50 new licenses for cannabis infusers, which Ingram said could help bring entrepreneurs currently selling delta-8 into the fold. The measure would also require a state task force to study delta-8 products to ensure their safety, which Ingram characterized as more of a “pause” than an outright ban.

But those already operating in the delta-8 space said the bill would amount to an outright ban on delta-8 and other hempderived products.

Glenn McElfresh, a co-founder of Chicago-based hemp-derived beverage company Plift, called Thursday’s news conference “very frustrating and full of inaccuracies.”

“Many of the claims made today do not re present the thousands of businesses who produce or sell safe, accurately labeled, and tested products,” he said.

State Re p. LaShawn Ford has been pushing for re gulation of delta-8 products, warning that prohibiting them would undermine the criminal justice goals of legalizing cannabis in Illinois. Ford and

state Sen. Lakesia Collins of Chicago are pushing a pair of bills that would restrict the sale of delta-8 products to anyone under 21, along with taxing them and creating a new class of state licenses for hemp businesses.

“We don’t want to re gulate thousands of current businesses out of existence,” Collins said in a statement. “We want re gulation, not termination, when jobs and opportunity are at stake, especially in Black and brown communities.”

Hemp and marijuana are both derived from cannabis plants, but hemp can only contain 0.3 percent or less THC. If it contains more THC than that, it is considered marijuana. In 2018, the annual federal “Farm Bill” made the distribution and sale of hemp and its byproducts legal federally.

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

Products that contain delta-8 THC are pictured next to the original packag ing they resemble. (Hannah Meisel / Capitol News Illinois)

Art accompanies annual wine walk for 2nd year e

Arts Alliance will exhibit local art while participants wait for their wine tastings

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

On April 20, the Fo rest Pa rk C hamber of C ommerce and Development will host i ts annual Spring Wi ne and Art Walk, attracting hundreds of locals and visitor s to the village

This year will be the second time that the wine walk is accompanied by ar t showings. It is org anized by the Forest Park Arts Alliance.

“We realized people were standing in line without anything to do, and it’s fun to look at art,” said Bridget Lane, secretary of the Forest Park Arts Alliance. “People are just enjoying themselves, and art adds to that enjoyment.”

The art will be shown at some of the 17 locations where participants can taste wine

and enjoy small bites on Madison Street. Participants will start at Forest Park Bank at 7348 Madison St. to pick up their wine glass and map with locations of wine tastings and art showings.

The participating artists have previously been involved with the Arts Alliance through events like Garage Galleries, where artists show their work in neighborhood garages, or Makers’ Markets, a popup shop of handmade items.

Lane said the artists, many of whom are from Forest Park and the surrounding suburbs, will advertise to attendees for the Makers’ Market April 27, “which is a much bigger event.”

“The wine walk people come from a fairly broad area, and it introduces them to the fact that there are so many artists in this area,” Lane said.

Forest

The Spring Wine and Art Walk is April 20 from 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $50 and include three wine tastings at 17 locations, plus a free bottle of wine from Famous Liquors to

be picked up within 30 days. Purchase tickets on the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce and Development website.

Forest Park hosts 3rd annual Makers’ Market

e twice-yearly market highlights local artisans and cra speople

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

The third annual Makers’ Market, organized by the Forest Park Arts Alliance, will

retur n to the village April 27.

According to Bridget Lane, secretary of the Forest Park Arts Alliance, the market came out of the Garage Galleries, the organization’s annual neighborhood art walk hosted out of local garages in August.

“As the organization has grown, and our identification with artists has grown, we’ve been able to put together these Makers’ Markets,” Lane said of the Arts Alliance.

at Robert’s Westside, which has expanded since last year so that the Arts Alliance has space to include eight more vendors.

“Because we have so many local artists, this thing fills up so fast,” Lane said. The Arts Alliance has a wait list of artisans if anyone can’t make it last-minute.

But while Garage Galleries artists sell more traditional art, the Makers’ Market is more of a crafts-oriented, homemade shopping experience.

“There are a number of artisans that didn’t really fit with Garage Galleries, but they were fabulous makers,” Lane said. While Garage Galleries focus more on fine art, Makers’ Market artisans often sell items like knit and crocheted pieces, jewelry, pottery and photography. “You’d be amazed at what’s going on in the basements of Forest Park. This is an opportunity for those people to show off their wares and sometimes finance their hobby a bit.”

On April 27, 24 artisans will sell their items

T hose who want to sign up to sell items at future Makers’ Markets — there’s a second annual market for the holidays in late November or December — should consider becoming one of more than 130 members who are a part of the Arts Alliance, Lane said. Membership is $25 a y ear and comes with a reduced fee for a Makers’ Market table and a cheaper price for Ar ts Alliance events.

This year’s spring Makers’ Market is at Robert’s Westside, 7321 Madison St., is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 27 and is free and open to the public.

Park’s w ine walk participants wait in line at the Table and Lain store on Madison Street.

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Racing 3,000 mi

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

Since 1982, Race Across America has hosted an annual bike race from the east to west coast of the United States. The trek is more than 3,000 miles and one of the longest endurance races in the wo Tour de France, by comparison, is 2,200 miles and has daily stages with rest days, whereas Race Across America is a nonstop event.

One of this year’s participants is from Forest Park

Philip Hammer, also known as Bo, moved to Forest Park from Washington D.C. in 2020.

Hammer, executive director of the Institute for Mathematical and Statistical novation at the University of Chicag been bike riding for about 20 year cided to participate in Race Across America after his cousin, Patty Ginsburg, was diagnosed with lung cancer. Ginsburg’s husband, Steve Lindbeck, is a “serious clist,” Hammer said, who has part in cycling-based fundraising for the Amer ican Lung Association.

“He’s always had Race Across America in the back of his head as something he’d like to do,” Hammer said.

Lindbeck recr uited Hammer to be a pa rt of an eight-rider team — Rac Across A merica has a race for solo rider s, who must q ualify, as well as twofour- and eight-person teams that do require qualifying times — with the goal to raise $250,000 for the A merican A ssociation.

Though fundraising isn’t a requirement to join the race, many cyclists raise money for causes. Every year, racers raise about $2 million for charities, according to Race Across America.

ing into the Rocky Mountains.

This year, Race Across America starts underneath a pier in Oceanside, California and ends on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The route will climb 175,000 feet and traverse 13 states.

Hammer’s team, Team Breathe America, is one of three eight-person teams

“I love to ride the mountains and climb, so I’m really excited about the first few days,” Hammer said of what he expects to be his favorite part of the race. One of the most challenging parts, he added, might be extreme heat. “The thing that’s a little bit scary for me is managing hydration and not going out too strong.”

Another challenge that Hammer’s team addressed during training is exchanging

cause it’s steeper,” Hammer said.

Hammer is averaging at least 10 hours a week on a bike for interval and endurance training. As the race approaches, he plans to ride more outside. He’s part of a cycling club in the area and rides up to four times a week with other locals from Forest Park, Oak Park and Brookfield.

Hammer will also focus on Team Breathe America’s fundraising, which has raised more than $150,000 for the American Lung

for med the team, they found out another one of Hammer’s cousins was diagnosed with lung cancer.

“That motivated us to double down on our training, increase the fundraising and inspire us to try to do as much as we can to support the American Lung Association’s mission,” Hammer said. “I plan to go out and go my hardest for as long as I can in that 20-minute time and really push myself and do my best to suppor t the team.”

Photo by BEN KNIGHT

Phililp “Bo” Hammer rides during his team, training in Tucson, Arizona earlier this year.

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Village celebrates 4th annual Arbor Day

e celebration, the 2nd organized by the recreation board, will include the planting of a beech tree

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

Forest Park’s recreation board will plant a beech tree and hold other f amilyfriendly festivities to commemorate Arbor Day April 26.

In the afternoon, children in the Park District of Forest Park’s day camp will join the celebration and participate in an interactive craft.

Although the village has celebrated Arbor Day for a few years, 2023 was the first time the event was organized by the village’s recreation board. year will be the organization second in charge

T he village of Fo Pa rk made an official Ar bor Day proclamation at meeting in January 2020 and, to c elebrate, p lanted a tree at the Pa rk Distric of Fo rest Pa rk that April T he following year, the vil lage p lanted a China Sn Peking Lilac tree by the public wo rks de partment.

Arbor Day is the 152-year-old tradition of planting trees to promote and sustain a healthy environment. Newspaper editor and secretary of the Nebraska Territory J. Sterling Morton first pitched the tree planting holiday in January 1872, and Nebraska celebrated the first Arbor Day that April

board. Last year’s Arbor Day attendees colored on paper leaves and wrote down why trees are important and what they like about trees.

The board took down the tree, along with its leaves, and put it in storage, but are bringing it back for this year’s Arbor Day festivities so that locals can add new leaves. Until Arbor Day, the interactive tree will be at Roos Recreation Center, 7329 Harrison St., so visitors can decorate and attach paper leaves.

“You can color it or write a poem or write a little story about what a tree means to you,” Amy BinnsCalvey said.

Also at this year’s celebration, the board will offer up a few tree saplings for locals to adopt. Those interested can sign up and winners will be chosen randomly.

he day after Arbor Day, there will be the fourth annual spring cleanup, and the third hosted by the recreation board. T he event

at 9 a.m. at Roos RecreCenter before attendees split into groups to pick up trash in one of four zones, from south of Roosevelt Road, between Van Buren St. and Harlem Ave. T he village will provide gloves, bags and trash pickers.

The main function of the recreation board was to oversee Forest Park’s pocket parks. When the village’s park district took control of four pocket parks in 2021, the board shifted to focusing on the maintenance and improvement of local green spaces

Last year, the board planted a cherry dogwood tree at the Forest Park Public Library for the first Arbor Day celebration they organized. There, the board also planned a community art project with a tree built out of painted plywood by Geof f Binns-Calvey, the husband of Amy BinnsCalvey, chair of Forest Park’s recreation

“It’s usually a great turnout, and it’s been increasing every year,” Binns-Calvey said. “It makes everyone more conscious of what’s on the ground when you have to actually look down and pick stuf f up I think it raises awareness of how much trash is around, and I think it modifies people’s behavior.”

“We were hoping that people who can’t make it to the spring cleanup might just go out and look at their front yard,” said BinnsCalvey of her wishes leading up to the event. “That lets everybody who’s out there on that day focus on the high-traf fic areas.”

The Arbor Day tree planting will be held at Reiger Park, 1526 Circle Ave.

A day in the dog park

Plum, the golden retriever had lots to say at the dog park and welcomed Nytorv, the American bulldog, to play in the warmth of spring time in Forest Park.

THarlem happenings in the late 1800s

he young town of Harlem (incorporated in 1884), comprised today’s Forest Park and areas of River Forest. From the pages of the weekly German newspaper, the Harlem Post, we can glimpse the German roots of past. As the publisher remarked, such a paper was necessary because the area “is considered one of the most German settlements in Illinois, because the large German papers do not reach this area, and because most residents are not able to understand the English weekly papers.” Its first edition was published on Sept. 12, 1895.

The April 2, 1896 edition included the following news:

■ 25 school-age children were confirmed in the German Lutheran Church in Maywood last Sunday.

■ A petition to the town board trying to prohibit the sale of cigarettes is circulating in Cicero.

■ Our post office in Oak Park is now open from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Sundays. This does not seem to please Oak Park residents, though, and they are circulating a petition to keep it closed on Sundays.

■ The Municipal Relief Department of the Ladies’ Association of River Forest got wind of a place of g ambling and will take the necessary steps to have it closed down.

At this time, an ad for the German physician Fr. Kahle, M.D. can be found with an address of 8 Franklin St. and office hours from 7 to 9 a.m.

Office hours in Junker’s Restaurant, 169 Madison St.: 12 - 1 pm, and 6 - 7 p.m.

Translated by Uli Leib

Photos by JILL WARNER

Man exposes himself at Gar eld Elementary School

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

A man exposed himself during drop-off hours at Garfield Elementary School on Hannah Avenue April 9, police said.

According to Forest Park police, the man stood on the corner of Jackson Boulevard and Hannah Avenue with his hands in his pants and, later, with his shirt off, according to a police report. The Forest Park Police Department also stated that after previous contact with this man, it’s possible he suffers from mental illness. The report does not indicate that they charged or hospitalized him.

“The individual in question is known to suffer from significant mental health challenges. We ask for your understanding and compassion towards the complexity of this situation,” said Jamie Stauder, principal at Garfield, in a statement. “However, the safety of our students and the school community remains our priority.”

Stauder asked parents to call 911 if they or their child sees this man behaving indecently again and said police are considering increased security in the area during pickup and drop-off times

Missing teen found after ‘husband ’ smashes train window

Police were dispatched to the Forest Park Station of the CTA Blue Line April 9 for a domestic battery. A 24-year-old man and 14-yearold teenager he identified as his “wife” were fighting on the train station platform. The man told police they were fighting earlier in the day and the altercation escalated on the El, resulting in the man kicking and smashing a window on the train, an estimated cost of $5,430.93, according to the police report

The woman, whom the man said is pregnant, told police that she and the man got in a verbal argument after they saw her exboyfriend on the train, then the man smashed her phone. She also provided false names to officers, according to the police report. She was taken to the police department, where she correctly identified herself and was found to be a missing juvenile out of Joliet, police said. The Joliet Police Department was notified.

Arrest on possession of controlled substance

While on patrol April 7, police said they noticed a parked car with tinted windows and temporary registration at Thor ntons gas station, and a registration check came

up with no record of the vehicle. After the car left, police pulled it over at Wisconsin Avenue and Jackson Boulevard. The driver, 20, had a valid Illinois driver’s license and his front seat passenger, 21, said the car belonged to his cousin. Police confirmed it did, according to their report.

An officer asked to search the car and the driver consented before his passenger immediately told police not to since they didn’t have probable cause. The driver handed an officer a blunt that had been in clear view in the center console and added that there was no other cannabis in the car. Officers asked the two young men in the front seat, plus two passengers in the back, to exit the car. Inside a bag in the car was a pill bottle with the passenger’s name on it, although he didn’t have a prescription for the handful of pills inside They were suspected to be various Schedule II narcotics. Schedule II narcotics are those that are highly addictive and illegal without a prescription. The passenger was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and the driver was arrested for driving an uninsured car and possession of cannabis in a car outside its approved container

Failure to register as a sex o ender

On April 8, police were dispatched to Walgreens on the 7200 block of Roosevelt Road on reports of retail theft. A man left the store with a basket of items totaling $214.59 without paying. After an officer approached the young man, he gave the officer his birthday and name, and the information revealed the man was noncompliant for registering as a sex offender with the Kankakee Police Department.

According to the police report, the man told police at the Forest Park Police Department that he lives at a youth homeless shelter in Chicago. He stopped going to the Kankakee Police Department because he doesn’t have a car and, although he said he knows he has to register every 90 days, he hasn’t for at least a year. He was arrested for one count of retail theft and one count of failing to register as a sex offender

These items were obtained from Forest Park Police Department reports dated April 7 through April 9 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

OUR VIEW

The new use on Circle

Circle Avenue from Roosevelt to 16th Street is Forest Park unique. On one side is the frontage of a modest residential neighborhood that stretches east to Harlem Avenue. On the west side of Circle is the mish and mash of a pre-zoning industrial park, which of course backs into a defunct rail line These two uses have uneasily co-existed for decades, almost a century. There have been moments of drama. We reported multiple times on chemical leaks from the old Acme Resin factory.

More recently the stretch has evolved into less industrial and more interesting services with a need for unique spaces. Now a new industrial business has purchased a core section of Circle to house its waste-hauling business. Garbage trucks, yes. But not garbage as it is deposited at out-of-town dumps before coming back to Circle.

We’ll wait to hear from neighbors about this new and active use. We’ll watch for the promised investments in the property. And as we report today, we admire a woman-owned business in what has been a male-owned, sometimes shady, wastehauling business

Things we like

With a week of spring which feels more like summer, we offer three upcoming Forest Park events that feel just like Forest Park

Wine + art

The Forest Park Chamber will collaborate once again with the Forest Park Arts Alliance to host the annual spring wine walk. For the second year, the event will also feature local artists. This is a blend meant to be

As the wine walk has grown in popularity and now features 17 Madison Street locations where ticket holders can sample wine and small bites, adding art showings from the village’s vibrant arts community is a perfect match.

The event is this Saturday. Purchase tickets on the chamber’s website.

Why trees?

We’ve admired the plucky resolve of Forest Park’s recreation board. When its main purpose to exist — watching over the village’s four pocket parks — disappeared in 2021 when village gover nment rightly handed those four spaces over to the park district to manage, the rec board found new ways to serve.

On April 26, Arbor Day, the commission will once again manage Forest Park’s celebration of all things tree-related. In a town that has consciously expanded its focus on the virtues and challenges of its urban forest, marking Arbor Day is important.

And so at 9 a.m. on April 26 at the Roos Recreation Center on Harrison, the rec board will once again invite residents to add paper leaves to its man-made tree, along with their thoughts on why trees make a genuine difference in this town.

Back to the bridge

The Forest Park-affir ming artwork that has decorated the Circle Avenue bridge for the past several years is in rapid decay. So the Arts Alliance, in cooperation with public works, is going to scrub the bridge clean, prime the parapet walls and offer a clean canvas to dozens of Forest Park entities

T he new paint job will take place on May 18 as Brushes on the Bridge returns

Live theater needs live audiences OPINION

To say that Forest Park Theatre’s dramatic reading of Jane Eyre on April 11 was lightly attended would be an understatement. The eight performers outnumbered the five audience members. I don’t understand why these performances aren’t attracting larger audiences. It begs the question: do we really want professional theater in Forest Park?

Director Richard Corley is certainly concerned. For a theater to be successful, the community has to claim nership. He was hoping more villagers would tur n out for the dramatic readings of six exceptional plays, all written by women.

The plays were staged at convenient locations like the American Legion Hall. It was certainly af fordable, with ticket prices ranging from $5-$20. Perhaps watching professional actors read from scripts is a deal-breaker for some. But I found it compelling. Dispensing with sets and costumes forces audiences to focus on the words, ideas and passions of the play.

T he first play I saw was Spay. It was set in a West Virginia town that has been devastated by the opioid e pidemic. One of the characters is an addict, with a loser boyfriend/supplier. A well-meaning woman tries to persuade the young mother to get sterilized, so she ca n’ t bring any more children into her sad world.

The next play I attended, Rachel, finds the title character Rachel Loving questioning whether she should bring children into a racist world. For Jane Eyre, the title role was played by Corley’s daughter, Emma Geer, who is an actress in New York. During the play, I was impressed by how dedicated the cast was to the material. They didn’t seem to mind performing in front of a small audience.

However, Corley said, “They would be more fulfilled with a larger audience.” He had hoped the staged readings would be a cost-effective way to introduce the community to the kind of material the theater wants to present.

Corley is more than a director, he is a “pipeline to talent,” using his position as a theater professor at UIC to bring up-and-coming actors to Forest Park. His young actors made last season’s outdoor staging of Measure for Measure a success.

He is grateful for the $10,000 gift from the village but pointed out that the production cost the theater $35,000. Corley doesn’t see how summer Shakespeare is sustainable without support from local businesses

Some are stepping up. Piacere Mio is again hosting the Forest Park Theatre’s gala, donating all the food and drinks. The gala is this Sunday, April 21, star ting at noon and will feature actors doing scenes from Shakespeare to celebrate the Bard’s bir thday.

Artistic events like plays can be primary drivers of economic growth. Imagine how a theater could benefit our restaurants? Corley hopes to find a home someday for Forest Park T heatre. He envisions a storefront on Madison with 40 seats. Until then, he will continue to stage dramatic readings. Malapert Love will be the final presentation of the series on May 16 and 19.

Whether we have a professional theater depends on us. There are grants available but these grants are awarded to communities that demonstrate a commitment to live theater. This commitment costs money. Actors must be paid. Posters, programs and banners, sets and costumes are a further expense.

Volunteers are needed to serve on a board directors, who help out as usher s. Corley feels for tunate to have volunteers li ke John Grif fin doing the stage lighting. Grif fin is also a vide og rapher who films productions and interviews with the actors.

I want to live in a town that supports professional theater. And I do n’ t want to attend any more productions where the cast outnumbers the audience.

Really, you don’ t know what you’ re missing.

The day the moon and sun aligned

We left at 7:30 a.m. Central Time for a 3:04 p.m. Eastern Time date on the centerline, 20 miles south of Indianapolis. It’s only a 3½ hour drive, but we heard there would maybe be some traffic and due to a series of traumatic childhood events, I tend to be highly fearful of completely anticipatable problems leading to lateness. It’s not like you can call a total eclipse and plead that you need it to wait.

ALAN BROUILETTE

Canine endocrinological fun fact: Current thinking discourages spaying girl dogs of certain breeds until they are fullgrown. I have mentioned before that there is a puppy. The puppy weighs a hundred pounds at nine months and is a ways away from fully grown. She is at the eye-rolling, door-slamming, sassing-back stage of dog puberty, which means no dog park and, more crucially to this story, no boarding. So five entities — three human, two canine — packed into a 4Runner and headed southeast. First stop was a McDonald’s in Hobart, Indiana, for three of us to get breakfast sandwiches and four of us to pee. The puppy is still learning things like “Come!” and “Sit!” and “Come back here, dammit!” and therefore travels like Hannibal Lecter: several leashes attached variously to a harness, a collar, and an antipulling gizmo that is basically decorative. When not being handled, she is zipped in a crate in the cargo area of the back of the car. (She loves all of this, presumably because it signals a ride in the car.)

We hit some modest traffic on the way down, which we had been war ned about. We were not sur prised, and it was actually

kind of nice to think that a few thousand more people than usual would be going to Indianapolis that day specifically because they were interested in seeing a total solar eclipse. It’s always pleasant to feel like people share your interests.

Speaking of which, we saw a rarity: a political billboard by which I was briefly very excited. It read something like: No guns, no wall

Just crime and drugs

And I thought, “Well, here at last is a bold visionary! I am going to send this cat some money!” until someone suggested I was misunderstanding his point and that he probably did not intend to propose we get rid of the first two things in favor of endorsing the latter pairing.

We made it to Franklin without incident. We did see a number of signs in Franklin of fering “Eclipse Parking” for $50 a vehicle, which we took as indicative of char ming optimism about the number of people who might be coming to look at the eclipse, considering that there were thousands and thousands of available (and free) parking spaces within view of all of the signs offering to allow you to park in a driveway for only $50.

As the moon started to journey across the sun, we found one of those gratis parking spaces at a pizza place with a dogfriendly outdoor patio (tip of the hat to bringfido.com), ordered a couple of pizzas, and settled in with our eclipse glasses. It was kind of fun to watch the moon slowly make its way in front of the sun, like watching the real live version of a “phases of the moon” animation at high speed. We ate pizza and checked in on the totality’s

progress until the light began to grow perce ptibly dimmer. Then we just looked up. It is easily one of the most astonishing things I have ever seen, and by far the least accessible. Meteor Crater, the Grand Canyon, Devil’s Tower, Shaquille O’Neal ... but these are all things you can see up close fairly easily. The sun appearing to go out is a completely different story. We had to put some work into this one, and some luck was involved.

Wow.

I cannot imagine the ter ror that an eclipse would have inspired in humans possessed of consciousness and sense of self and all the things that come with a modern brain but yet to acquire any understanding of celestial mechanics at all. Imagine the panic, the confusion, the stories, the genetic memory. “The cold, angry sun” would be told around campfires for a thousand years.

After the event was over, we took the do gs in search of snow cones. (It was 80 in Franklin.) There was a little municipal eclipse festival going on; food trucks and funnel cake and craft merchants and souvenir “I GOT MOONED AT ECLIPSEFEST” T-shirts. Small-town adorable. I love stuf f like this.

About the ride home … it might be a while before I’m really ready to talk about it. The slight traffic we encountered on the way down? We were misled. T he trip back from Franklin was stop-and-go traffic of the sort one usually experiences leaving a stadium parking lot after a major concert all the way from Lebanon to Crown Point. Lebanon to Crown Point is one hundred and eleven miles. It took 10 hours. That’s a long time to be in a car with the people and two dogs.

Totally worth it.

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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: Y24011638 on March 28, 2024 Under the Assumed Business Name of KIND COOPERATIVE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES with the business located at:_1037 SOUTH HUMPHREY AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60304. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s)

MEETING on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 9:00 AM, a virtual meeting will be conducted by Proviso Township High School (PTHS) District 209. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the district’s plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private schools and students homeschooled within the district for the 2024-2025 school year. As a parent of a homeschooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability and who resides within the boundaries of PTHS District 209, you are urged to attend. This meeting is in compliance with the Illinois State Board of Education regulations. Please email rfleming@pths209.org to obtain the Microsoft TEAMS invitation to attend the meeting. For questions, please contact Ms. Ramonda Fleming, District Coordinator at (708) 4974650.

Published in Forest Park Review April 3,

of Oak Park North Fire Station Boiler Replacement Proposal Number: 24-123 Issuance Date: April 17, 2024 There will be a mandatory pre-bid meeting at the North Fire Station, 212 Augusta, Oak Park, IL on Wed April 24, 2024 at 9:00 am. Bid documents may be obtained from the Village website at http:// www.oak-park.us/bid. For questions please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700.

Your right to know... In print • Online

The Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200, located at 201 N. Scoville will conduct a Timely and Meaningful Consultation Meeting which will take place remotely via video/telephone conference on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 10:00am. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the district’s plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private/ parochial schools and who are home schooled within the district for the 2024-25 school year. If you are the parent of a home-schooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability and you reside within the boundaries of Oak Park & River Forest High School District 200, you are urged to attend. If you would like to join the meeting, please contact Shdata Redmond at sredmond@oprfhs.org or call (708) 434-3121 to request the Zoom Link information. Published in Wednesday Journal April 17, 24, 2024

On Monday, May 06, 2024 at 8:30 a.m., Oak Park Elementary School District 97 will be conducting a “timely and meaningful consultation” meeting to discuss plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private/parochial schools and who are home-schooled within the district for the 2024-2025 school year. The meeting will be held at our Central Office located at 260 Madison Street.

If you are a parent/guardian of a home-schooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability, and you reside within the boundaries of Oak Park Elementary School District 97, you are urged to attend. If you have further questions about this meeting, please contact District 97’s Department of Student Services at 708-524-3030.

VILLAGE

OF RIVERSIDE, ILLINOIS NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AN APPLICATION FOR LOCAL LANDMARK DESIGNATION

Notice is hereby given to all interested persons that a public hearing will be held before the Preservation Commission of the Village of Riverside on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 7:00 p.m., in Room 4 of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois, to consider an application for a local landmark designation of 169 Barrypoint Road.

The Petitioner, Errol Kirsch, on behalf of property owners Sonja Lin and Matthew Kerkhof, submitted an application to amend the text of Title 11, Chapter 1, Section 5 Appendix D of the Village Code by adding subsection number 72 to designate the property at 169 Barrypoint Road a local historic landmark. The legal description of the property is as follows:

THE SOUTH 50 FEET OF LOT 2 BLOCK 7 IN FIRST DIVISION OF RIVERSIDE, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER AND A PART OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 2, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN AND PART OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 36, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, AND ALSO A PART OF THE

below the existing grade, backfilling the excavated foundations and basements with crushed aggregate, and termination of Village sanitary sewer connections. The Contractor shall be responsible for arrangement and the coordination of termination with other utility service providers.

Sealed bids will be received up to the hour of 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, the 8th day of May, 2024, in the office of the Village Manager in the Village Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois. All sealed bids received will be publicly opened and read at 11:00 A.M. on the same day, Tuesday, the 8th day of May, 2024, at the Village Hall. An optional site inspection will be held between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 12:00 A.M. on Friday the 3rd day of May, 2024 for all potential bidders interested in submitting a proposal for the work. Submission of a bid shall be conclusive assurance and warranty that the bidder has examined the site of the work and the local conditions affecting the contract and understands all the requirements for the performance of the work. The bidder will be responsible for all errors in its proposal resulting from failure or neglect to conduct an indepth examination. The bidder shall not take advantage of any error or omission in the proposal.

Electronic copies of bidding documents, consisting of the bid proposal, project specifications, and project plans are available from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Co., 9933 Roosevelt Road, Westchester, Illinois 60154. Bidding documents can be requested by emailing info@ehancock.com. No bidding documents will be issued after 4:30 P.M. on Thursday, the 2nd day of May, 2024.

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

Any bidder in doubt as to the true meaning of any part of the bidding documents may request an interpretation thereof from the Village. The bidder requesting the interpretation shall be responsible for its prompt delivery. At the request of the bidder, or in the event that the Village deems the interpretation to be substantive, the interpretation will be made by written addendum issued by the Village.

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

The Contractor and Subcontractor shall comply with all regulations issued pursuant to Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130), and other applicable Federal Laws and regulations pertaining to labor standards. The Village of Brookfield reserves the right to determine the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, to waive irregularities, and to reject any or all bid proposals.

is hereby given by the Board of Education of Riverside School District No. 96 in the Cook County, State of Illinois, that an amended budget for said school district for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, will be on file and available for public inspection by appointment Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm starting the 16th day of April 2024, at the district’s administrative offices on 3340 South Harlem Avenue in Riverside Illinois. To schedule an appointment please email fittonj@district96.org.

Notice is further given that a public hearing on said amended budget will be held at 7:00 o’clock p.m. on the 15th day of May 2024 followed immediately by the scheduled regular board meeting.

Board of Education

Riverside School District No. 96 Cook County, Illinois

By: Stephanie Gunn Board Secretary Published in RB Landmark

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.

All bidders wishing to obtain bidding documents must be approved by the Village prior to obtaining bidding documents. A non-refundable fee of Fifteen dollars ($15.00) will be required to obtain bidding documents. Proposals will only be accepted from bidders that have obtained bidding documents from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Company.

All bid proposals offered must be accompanied by a bid bond, cashier’s check or certified check in

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals.

To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.

We are excited to announce that Oak Park Children's Therapy Is coming soon!

Services:

Autism Therapy

ABA therapy

Speech therapy

Comprehensive Diagnosed Evaluation

Parents Training

Registration is open!

Call us at: (800) 551-7987

Fax: (312) 530-0515

Email us at info@OakParkChildrenTherapy.com

We are hiring!

Now hiring RBTs and BCBAs

RBT starting at $30 an hour

BCBA starting: $100 an hour

Work in a great environment located at the heart of Oak Park at the intersection of Harlem Ave and North Ave.

Apply by emailing us your resume.

Under the weather?

We’re here to help.

RUSH offers same-day primary care appointments for children and adults at several convenient locations in and around Oak Park.

From colds to checkups to chicken pox vaccinations, our providers can provide quick, high-quality care for a variety of non-emergency health issues.

We also offer on-demand and scheduled video visits, allowing you and your family to get the same top-notch care in the comfort of your own home.

Visit rush.edu/make-an-appointment or call (888) 352-RUSH (7874) to schedule an appointment.

A word

from the OPRF Chamber Executive Director, Darien-Marion-Burton

As spring breathes new life into our community, I am thrilled to extend a heartfelt invitation to the 8th Annual Community Health & Wellness Fair, brought to you by the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce and proudly presented by Rush Oak Park Hospital. Scheduled for Sunday, April 21st, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Community Recreation Center (CRC) in Oak Park, this event is more than just a fair – it’s a celebration of our shared commitment to health, equity, and well-being.

For me, this fair is not just an event; it’s a reflection of our collective dedication to building a healthier, more connected community. As Executive Director of the Chamber, I am deeply passionate about creating opportunities for our residents to thrive, and the Health and Wellness Fair embodies that mission perfectly.

This year’s fair promises to be our most comprehensive yet, with over 80 exhibitors offering a diverse array of services aimed at empowering you to prioritize your health. From vital screenings for blood pressure, blood glucose, A1C, heart health, and bone density provided by Rush Oak Park Hospital to on-site therapy

sessions offered by Diamond Sponsor Centre PT and initiatives addressing social determinants of health showcased by Diamond Sponsor Dominican University, there is something for everyone at this event. But our focus extends beyond physical health – we understand the importance of holistic well-being. That’s why, for the first time, we’re introducing a self-care lounge and a dedicated children’s play area in partnership with Wonderworks Children’s Museum, ensuring that every member of our community leaves feeling rejuvenated and inspired.

Let’s come together to prioritize our well-being and strengthen our

Oak Park residents, meet your newest healthcare advocates, Dr. Katie Maietta and Dr. Stephen Whitfield! These highly skilled physicians have recently joined Lake Street Family Physicians, bringing with them a wealth of experience and a commitment to exceptional patient care.

Dr. Katie Maietta: A Local Expert in Primary Care

Originally from LaGrange Park and now residing in Oak Park, Dr. Katie Maietta has returned to her roots to serve the community she knows and loves. With a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Illinois Wesleyan University, she furthered her education at Penn State

College of Medicine, graduating with dual certifications in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics following her residency at Rush University Medical Center.

Having spent over 11 years as a primary care physician at Loyola, Dr. Maietta is well-versed in treating patients of all ages and genders. Her areas of expertise include preventative medicine, newborn care, adolescent health, and women’s health. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring Chicagoland, and immersing herself in the beauty of nature.

Dr. Stephen Whitfield: A Compassionate Advocate for Inclusive Care

Dr. Stephen Whitfield, a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University and Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, brings a passion for community-focused healthcare to Oak Park. Completing his residency at Northwestern, he is board-certified in family medicine with a specialization in HIV treatment.

Dedicated to addressing healthcare disparities and promoting inclusivity, Dr. Whitfield provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages and genders. He speaks Spanish and

community bonds. Join us on April 21st and take the first step towards a healthier, happier future. For more information and to register, visit OPRF Chamber of Commerce’s website. I look forward to seeing you there!

strives to ensure that every patient receives culturally competent treatment. Outside of his medical practice, he enjoys listening to comedy podcasts, engaging in friendly games of chess, and spending quality time with his siblings.

Together, Dr. Maietta and Dr. Whitfield are committed to delivering personalized, compassionate care to the Oak Park community. Whether you’re in need of routine check-ups, specialized treatment, or simply seeking guidance on your health journey, you can trust that you’re in capable hands with these two exceptional physicians at Lake Street Family Physicians. Please call us to schedule an appointment at 708-5248600.

Darien-Marion-Burton

Your Hearing Journey Starts with Us

In a world filled with vibrant sounds –the laughter of loved ones, the melody of music, the gentle rustle of leaves – experiencing hearing loss can feel isolating and disheartening. However, it doesn't have to be that way. At our clinic, we understand the profound impact that hearing loss can have on your life, which is why we are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective treatment to help you rediscover the joy of sound. Here are just a few reasons why you should choose us for your hearing loss treatment journey:

▪ Expertise and Experience: Our team consists of highly trained audiologists and hearing healthcare professionals who have years of experience in diagnosing and treating various types of hearing loss. Whether your hearing loss is due to aging, noise exposure, or other factors, rest assured that you are in capable hands.

▪ Comprehensive Evaluation: We believe in taking a personalized

approach to hearing healthcare. When you visit our clinic, we will conduct a thorough evaluation of your hearing abilities, taking into account your lifestyle, communication needs, and any specific concerns you may have. This allows us to tailor our treatment recommendations to suit your unique circumstances.

▪ State-of-the-Art Technology: We are committed to staying at the forefront of advancements in hearing healthcare technology. From cutting-edge diagnostic equipment to the latest hearing aid technologies, we offer a range of solutions designed to improve your hearing clarity and quality of life.

▪ Individualized Treatment Plans: We understand that hearing loss is not a one-size-fits-all condition. That's why we take the time to listen to your concerns and preferences before developing a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. Whether you require hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or auditory

rehabilitation therapy, we will work closely with you to find the best solution.

▪ Ongoing Support and Care: Our commitment to your hearing health doesn't end after your initial treatment. We believe in building long-term relationships with our patients and providing ongoing support and care to ensure that you continue to enjoy optimal hearing health for years to come. From regular follow-up appointments to adjustments and maintenance services, we are here for you every step of the way.

▪ Improved Quality of Life: The ability to hear and communicate effectively is essential for maintaining social connections, staying engaged in activities you love, and preserving your overall well-being. By seeking treatment for your hearing loss, you can experience a significant improvement in your quality of life, allowing you to fully participate in conversations, enjoy your favorite hobbies, and reconnect with the world around you.

Don't let hearing loss hold you back from living life to the fullest. Take the first step towards better hearing health today by scheduling a consultation with us. Together, we can help you rediscover the joy of sound and embrace a brighter, more vibrant future.

The Synergy Team can help you feel your best again. Contact us for a supportive, personalized, and holistic approach to weight loss and weight management, nutrition, mental health, and overall wellness.

We o er:

• Medical weight loss

• Nutritional counseling

• Holistic health coaching

Judy Seals, APRN, FNP-C Founder and Nurse Practitioner, Synergy Integrative Health and Wellness

Judy Seals, APRN, FNP-C Founder and Nurse Practitioner, Synergy Integrative Health and Wellness

APRN, FNP-C and Nurse Practitioner, Integrative Health and Wellness

• Mental health medication management

• Ketamine treatment for mental health

• BHRT (bioidentical hormone replacement therapy) for women

You deserve to feel amazing

You deserve to feel amazing

You deserve to feel amazing

708-808-2940

708-808-2940

hello@synergyintegrativehealth.org | synergyintegrativehealth.org

hello@synergyintegrativehealth.org | synergyintegrativehealth.org

708-808-2940

hello@synergyintegrativehealth.org | synergyintegrativehealth.org

- Increase Overall physical and mental wellness

- Increase Agility, Flexibility and Awareness of your Surroundings

- Gain real skills you can use “Just in Case”

- Honor your Life’s purpose: Walk through your world with Poise and Confidence!

Celebrating our 30th Year as Oak Park’s Original Martial Arts Education Center!

6701 W. North Ave., Oak Park

708-383-3456

NinjaLove makes the world go round!

www.master-sh-yu.com Follow Us!

50% of people who have heart attacks and stroke had “normal ” cholesterol blood tests.

A family history of heart attacks, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, high cholestoral, & strokes is an indicator for having a CIMT test performed

Pawfficer Howie the Police Dog

The CIMT test is an FDA-approved Carotid Artery Ultrasound that:

• Screens for cardiovascular disease, the #1 killer of men and women in the U.S.

• Identifies risk for heart attack and stroke more accurately than traditional methods and is endorsed by The American Heart Association and The American College of Cardiology

• Is non-invasive and without radiation

•A quick, painless, 10- minute test

Hanging out with friendly animals is a great way to reduce stress and feel happier. Come and visit with Pawfficer Howie, the police dog from the Oak Park Police Department. Howie has undergone more than 1,250 hours of service training with SIT Service Dogs to assist with officer wellness, help with victim comfort services for traumatic incidents and increase community engagement at public events. You can even follow Pawfficer Howie on Instagram! Check him out at @pawfficer_howie

Image of CIMT test to analyze blood flow and detect the presence of plaque and atherosclerotic disease of the carotid arteries

Presented by:

SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2024

11AM - 2PM

COMPLIMENTARY PHYSICALHEALTH SCREENINGS | NEW SELF-CARE LOUNGE | KIDS PLAY AREA | FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY | FREE MENTAL HEALTH SCREENINGS

FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. RSVP is encouraged for faster entrance. diamond sponsors

Silver sponsors Gold sponsors Platinum sponsors

Learn more: oprfchamber.org/health-wellness-fair

New Strategy Devised To Engage, Educate, and Connect the Community to Mental Health Resources

The Proviso Township Mental Health Commission launches a new digital media strategy designed to enhance residents’ access to mental health resources in the community. Similar to effective healthcare models that coordinate patient care, health education, and resources, their strategic communication approach follows suit. You may have noticed the tidbits of information, relatable content, and testimonial videos on their social media, which are geared at meeting the community where we are at in our current conceptualization of mental health, engaging with us, and guiding us to next steps in accessing resources.

While the Proviso Township Mental Health Commission has been around for over 50 years,

“It’s refreshing to us to say that we’re making an impact with the resources that we’re providing”

- Commission President, Mike Corrigan

many community members are still learning about the service agencies and resources the PTMHC funds in their own community. The Proviso Township Mental Health Commission ensures that we have prevention and treatment services in our community. These services

include Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Domestic Violence, Developmental Disabilities, Senior Care, Youth Prevention, and Crisis Intervention.

Mental and Physical health go hand in hand and most people will experience symptoms of a mental health condition at some point in their lifetime. The most common mental health conditions are anxiety and depression; conditions most commonly heard of, if not experienced.

In addition to the direct-tocommunity messaging, the commission has taken initiative to provide the communities it services with information and resources that are simple and easy to incorporate into their existing resident communication channels; an effort

4565 W. Harrison Street, Third Floor Hillside, IL 60162

www.ptmhc.org • 708.449.5508

to help keep everyone informed. “It’s refreshing to us to say that we’re making an impact with the resources that we’re providing,” says Commission President, Mike Corrigan.

To learn more or get connected to resources in your community, visit www.ptmhc.org or call (708) 234-TALK(8255). Their friendly and caring team will connect you to resources that are a fit. It’s completely confidential.

You can also learn more by following them on social media.

Facebook: @PTMHC

Instagram: @provisomhc

YouTube: @ProvisoMentalHealth

The Proviso Township Mental Health Commission ensures that you have prevention and treatment services in your community. Services include Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Domestic Violence, Developmental Disabilities, Senior Care, Youth Prevention, and Crisis Intervention.

4565 W. Harrison Street Third Floor Hillside, IL 60162

Connect with us:

4565 W. Harrison Street Third Floor Hillside, IL 60162

Call (708) 234-Talk(8255) or visit ptmhc.org to learn more about resources in your community. It’s completely confidential.

www.ptmhc.org

M: 708.449.5508

www.ptmhc.org

M: 708.449.5508

Vice President Commissioner Secretary Commissioner Treasurer Commissioner Executive Director A. President

Vice President Commissioner Secretary Commissioner Treasurer Commissioner Executive Director A President

Michael A. Corrigan President

Angela D. Walker Vice President Orlando Velasquez Secretary

Cedric D. Giles Treasurer

Jesse D. Rosas Executive Director

Michelle De La Rosa Commissioner

Nicole Gilhooley Commissioner

Thomas D. Olson Commissioner

Translators from Dominican University

The OPRF Chamber is committed to ensuring that every attendee can communicate with providers at the Health & Wellness Fair. Thanks to Dominican University, translators from their Translation and Interpretation Studies Certificate program will be on site all day to assist any attendees who need a helping hand. So encourage everyone you know who might need health services to come along. Language will not be a they need to stay healthy and focus on wellness.

Canker sores hurt—really hurt. These small sores with outsized pain can make eating, talking, and even sleeping diffi cult. But fi rst, what is a canker sore, and how do you know if you have one?

Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues in your mouth or at the base of your gums. Unlike cold

What is a Canker Sore?

sores, canker sores do not occur on the surface of your lips and are not contagious. However, they can be painful and frustrating.

Most canker sores are round or oval with a white or yellow center and a red border. They form inside your mouth — on or under your tongue, inside the cheeks or lips, at the base of your gums, or on your soft palate. You might notice a tingling or burning sensation a day or two before the sores appear.

Know the Six Symptoms of a Canker Sore

• Redness inside your mouth

• A sensation of heat

• Swelling

• Pain

• A yellow-gray lesion with a surrounding red ring

• Challenges with everyday activities such as talking and eating

Need to get Rid of A Canker Sore Fast- Introducing KOURZEQ

J Mataria, Pharmacist (RPh) and owner of Sears’s Pharmacy , has heard from customers for years asking him for a way to heal a canker sore fast. J says, “In the past, there were no products I could really recommend to heal a canker sore quickly. Now, I can confi dently recommend a customer visit their dentist or physician for a KOURZEQ prescription; we can then fi ll their

prescription and get them back to feeling better.”

To contact Sear’s Pharmacy for KOURZEQ or other prescription needs, call 708-386-6304 or visit the pharmacy at 1003 W. Madison, Oak Park.

Online telehealth visit with licensed medical provider BeyondMD. They ship the prescription right to your door. 708.386.6304 1003 Madison St. Oak Park, IL OR

Walk with a Practitioner

The OPRF Chamber has a NEW program at the Health & Wellness Fair this year called “Walk with a Practitioner” a free, healthy, indoor activity to get people moving and connected with medical professionals. Join a local practitioner for a stroll on the CRC’s indoor track and have a chat about what ails you, or get advice on how you can help someone else in your life. No need to register - just pop up to the track, choose your practitioner and get started!

Schedule:

11am - 12noon

- Nurse Kitty Monty, RN - Oak Park Dept of Public Health

- Chris Ward - Way Back Inn, Gambling & Substance Use Disorder Treatment Organization

- Danielle Desire, Acupuncturist, Serenity Holistic Health

12noon - 1pm

- Alexander Neuman, DO - RUSH Oak Park - Primary Care

1pm - 2pm

- Keri Fair, MD - RUSH Oak ParkPrimary Care

- Mahmoud Lotfi, Chiropractor - Royal Health Care

Fitness Classes from Park District of Oak Park

Plan to come by the Community Recreation Center for FREE classes in the second floor Fit Studio. No registration required! Just come along and join in.

Yoga 11:00-11:45am

Strength Training 11:45-12:30pm

Yoga Sculpt 12:30-1:15pm

Strength Training 1:15-2:00pm

Keri Fair, MD

Mahmoud Lotfi, Chiropractor

Nurse Kitty Monty, RN

Alexander Neuman, DO

Chris Ward - Way Back Inn

SAME GREAT REAL ESTATE GROUP WITH MORE TECH!

SAME GREAT REAL ESTATE GROUP WITH MORE TECH!

Gagliardo Group, which includes 4 generations of realtors, has over 20 licensed realtors, who are highly recognized and respected in the Oak Park, River Forest and greater Chicagoland area. They are among the most knowledgeable real estate agents in the field with personal roots in the communities they serve, giving them an “at-home” advantage.

Gagliardo Group, which includes 4 generations of realtors, has over 20 licensed realtors, who are highly recognized and respected in the Oak Park, River Forest and greater Chicagoland area. They are among the most knowledgeable real estate agents in the field with personal roots in the communities they serve, giving them an “at-home” advantage.

We are now part of an innovative real estate company, Compass, that has exceptional marketing strategies and technological tools that streamline the process of buying, selling, or renting a home.

Gagliardo Group, which includes 4 generations of realtors, has over 20 licensed realtors, who are highly recognized and respected in the Oak Park, River Forest and greater Chicagoland area. They are among the most knowledgeable real estate agents in the field with personal roots in the communities they serve, giving them an “at-home” advantage.

We are now part of an innovative real estate company, Compass, that has exceptional marketing strategies and technological tools that streamline the process of buying, selling, or renting a home.

Gagliardo Group, which includes 4 generations of realtors, has over 20 licensed realtors, who are highly recognized and respected in the Oak Park, River Forest and greater Chicagoland area. They are among the most knowledgeable real estate agents in the field with personal roots in the communities they serve, giving them an “at-home” advantage.

Contact one of our agents today to learn more about our real estate programs and services!

Contact one of our agents today to learn more about our real estate programs and services!

We are now part of an innovative real estate company, Compass, that has exceptional marketing strategies and technological tools that streamline the process of buying, selling, or renting a home.

O: 708.771.8040 | Gagliardogrp.com

O: 708.771.8040 | Gagliardogrp.com

We are now part of an innovative real estate company, Compass, that has exceptional marketing strategies and technological tools that streamline the process of buying, selling, or renting a home.

Contact one of our agents today to learn more about our real estate programs and services!

O: 708.771.8040 | Gagliardogrp.com

Contact one of our agents today to learn more about our real estate programs and services!

O: 708.771.8040 | Gagliardogrp.com

Mathnasium’s summer program is convenient for parents and families, as it can be scheduled around summer camp, sports, and vacations! Each child is taught the way they learn best, so they’re able to develop a love for math and achieve their goals. And it’s a fun and engaging activity all on its own! Math-focused games and activities are incorporated into the learning in a lively and supportive atmosphere for a truly enjoyable summer experience. And because they’re having fun, they’re likely to have gained a new level of enthusiasm for the subject and be more eager to apply themselves when school begins.

We tailor a customized learning plan to account for the goals of the individual, whether they need to:

• Close gaps

• Improve fact fluency in addition/ subtraction or multiplication

• Improve problem solving

• Get a sneak peak at the material they will face in the fall

• Become “algebra ready” for their Integrated math course

• Get ready for SAT/ACT tests

Come see what our program offers, how we can appropriately challenge your student and the strategy for moving your student mathematically forward. The customized curriculum is designed for your student based on a grade level assessment, so you truly know if they are sufficiently prepared for the new content headed their way next fall.

Curious if Mathnasium is the right fit for your child? Come in for a FREE TRIAL SESSION to try it out! Call or text today to take advantage of early enrollment discounts! 708-613-4007.

Gagliardo Group is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state and local Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

Gagliardo Group is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state and local Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

Individual&CouplesTherapy•GroupTherapy•Art&PlayTherapy•EMDREatingDisordersTherapy TraumaBasedInterventions•IntegrativeWellnessTherapy•StressReduction/MindfulnessTherapies

HELPINGPEOPLEDEALWITHTHEFOLLOWINGISSUES

Depression&Anxiety•AttachmentDifficulties•EatingDisorders•LGBTQ+issues•SensoryProcessingIssues BipolarDisorder •PersonalityDisorder•GriefCounseling•AdjustmentIssues(Marital,birth,adoption)

Webelievethereisabenefittoyoubyourcollaboratingwithhealthcare partnerstomakethetherapyexperienceforadults,children,couples,and familieshappenininnovativeways.Weseeintegrativetherapyandcounseling asawaytoexplore,develop,andenrichtheselfforyouandyourfamily.

SERVINGMULTIPLELOCATIONS

THROUGHOUTCHICAGOLAND

CHICAGO•3047LincolnAvenue,Suite400

CHICAGO•2600S.MichiganAvenue,Suite211

CRYSTALLAKE•457CoventryLane,Suite116

HINSDALE•15SpinningWheelRoad,Suite406

LIBERTYVILLE•1641N.Milwaukee,Unit9

NORTHRIVERSIDE•7222CermakRoad,Suite703 OAKPARK•715LakeStreet,Suite273

Weacceptmostprivateinsurances,privatepayand willassessasliding-feescalebasedonyourabilitytopay.

773.312.3612

www.innovativecounselingpartners.com

Thanks to our Health Fair Vendors

Attendee Company

Amada Senior Care NorthShore

American House Oak Park

Andy KaczkowskiWestPoint Financial Group

Astra Health

Athletico Physical Therapy

Atlantia Clinical Trials

Austin Oasis

B-Health

Belmont Village Oak Park

Brookdale Oak Park

Celebrating Seniors Coalition

Centre Physical Therapy, LLC

Civinte Candle Bar

Coach Angie RN

Collaboration for Early Childhood Comedy Plex

Community Support Services

Compass College Advisory

Consulting Audiology Associates, LLC; The Hearing Place

Devoted Health

Dominican University

Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital

Family Medical Care

First United Methodist Church of Oak Park Fitness Formula Clubs

Flourish Research

Frick Kids Art

Gottlieb Memorial Hospital-Gottlieb Center for Fitness

Grace Therapy and Wellness Center

Grachan Agency

Grow Collective HealthMarkets

HERIF-Healthcare Education, Research and Innovation Foundation

Individual & Family Connection

JDC Business Solutions

JenCare Senior Medical Center

Julie Naturally LLC

Kadampa Meditation Center

Chicago

Krys Rollins, FNP, PLLC

Lake Street Family Physicians

Mathnasium of Oak Park/River Forest

Meridian Psychiatric Partners

Midwest Alternative Treatment Clinic, PC

Moments at Home Respite Care and Home Services, LLC.

Monarch Psychiatric Services,Ltd

Mosaic Counseling and Wellness

NAMI Metro Suburban

Natalie Walsh Designs

North West Housing Partnership

Novick Orthodontics

Oak Park Arms

Oak Park Children Therapy

Oak Park Elementary School District 97

Oak Park Public Library

Oak Park Township

Oak Street Health

Park District of Oak Park

Kopicki Family Funeral HomesTerry Zachata

Renewal by Andersen

Riveredge Hospital

Royal Health Care

Rush Oak Park Hospital

RUSH Physical Therapy

Sage Lifestyle Concierge LLC

SANDERS & ASSOCIATES

Sarah's Inn

Senior Citizens Center of Oak Park-River Forest

Serenity Holistic Health, Inc

Smart Love Family Services

Stride

SunCloud Health

Synergy Integrative Health and Wellness

The Reiki Brigade

The Sheridan At River Forest

Thrive Counseling Center

TVG-Medulla, LLC/Chiro One Wellness Centers

Victory Centre of Galewood Village of Oak Park

Vivian Juan Malli at The Federal Savings Bank

Way Back Inn

West Suburban Special Recreation Association-WSSRA

Wonder Works Children's Museum

YogaSix Oak Park

LASER HAIR REMOVAL: all skin types

PRP: hair rejuvenation, natural ller

MICRONEEDLING: scar reduction, wrinkle reduction, skin tightening

INJECTABLES: Neuromodulators (Botox, Dysport etc), Fillers (Juvéderm, Voluma etc)

LASER SKIN TREATMENTS

· Laser Facial

· Wrinkle Reduction

· Rosacea

· Age and Sunspots

· Spider Veins

· Onychomycosis

· Wart Removal

· Acne Treatment