After Biden bows out, local o cials turn the page to what’s next for Democrats
e area’s federal, state and local o cials weigh in on latest turn of events
By ERIKA HOBBS Editor
Democratic leaders across the Western Suburbs have come out en masse in support of President Joseph Biden’s extraordinary decision to withdraw as the Democratic candidate for president with many ready to endorse the passing of the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris Praise came from elected officials at the state, federal and local levels, including Gov. JB Pritzker, all of whom said Biden’s decision was the courageous and right thing to do for the country and for the Democratic party. Although Harris all but clinched the number of delegates she needed to move on by publication, the 147 del-
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BIDEN
Springing into action
from page 1
egates from Illinois still had not endorsed her However, Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins, a DNC delegate, told Forest Park Review that he backs Harris as the next candidate for United States president.
“I always knew that President Biden would do what he thought was in our country’s best interests,” he told Growing Community Media. “So, I support his decision. He’s been a very consequential President. I will support Kamala Harris.”
On X, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch of the 7th District said: “President Biden has put our country first time and time again. His commitment to moving forward even amidst adversity and personal loss embodies who we are as Americans Today, he has put our country first again.
“I want to thank President Biden for his selfless leadership, and for again putting our country and our democracy ahead of individual ambition. I look forward to working with my colleagues to help move a united Democratic Party forward to victory in November.”
State Rep. La Shawn Ford of the 8th District that includes the Austin neighborhood of Chicago, Oak Park and Forest Park, said in a statement on X that as a pledged delegate to the Democratic National Convention in August for the BidenHarris campaign, that he wanted to “express my appreciation for President Biden’s steadfast commitment to public service and his legacy of prioritizing the nation over politics Our country is at a critical juncture, and it’s crucial for us to unite and ensure that our leaders remain dedicated to unity and progress. I believe that the upcoming ticket will uphold these values and lead us to a resounding victory over Donald Trump, reaffirming our commitment to a brighter and more inclusive future for all Americans.”
Illinois Senate President Don Harmon of Oak Park said, “Joe Biden did … what Donald Trump could not. He put his country first before his own ambition.,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon of Oak Park. “Voters will have a clear choice in 2024 – Donald Trump, who is only concerned about himself, or a candidate for president who believes in something bigger.”
He added, “His presidency will go down in American history as one of our most consequential. His legacy of service to our nation, and specifically to the people of Delaware, is secure. His leadership, faith, and bravery in this moment will live in the memories of the American people for all time because the choice before the American people is now set.”
Rep. Danny K. Davis of the 7th District praised Biden in a statement for his “unwavering dedication to the principles of democracy, justice, and equity.”
He then added his resounding support for Har ris, saying: “Vice President Harris has proven herself to be a dynamic and visionary leader, dedicated to upholding the values we cherish. Her tenure as Vice President has been marked by her tenacity, intellect, and unwavering commitment to justice and equality. She has been a steadfast advocate for the underserved and a powerful voice for those often overlooked ... As the first woman, the first
African American, and the first Asian American to hold the office of Vice President, she has already broken countless barriers and inspired millions. I have every confidence that she will continue to lead with inte g rity, vision, and courage.”
In a statement on X, U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García, whose district includes Brookfield and North Riverside, said, “President Biden is putting the country over his political career and that is the true definition of a leader. His efforts will be remembered by a grateful nation.”
Biden, 81, dropped out of the race after three weeks of pressure from donors and top-ranking Democrats who said they believed he could no longer beat for mer President Donald Trump because of agerelated issues.
Biden stood resolute until Sunday, saying that he was the best candidate to defeat Trump and that he had unfinished business in doing so. He also said is intent on finishing out his term in office.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” he said on his X account. “And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my ter m.”
He also put his full support behind Vice President Kamala Har ris
That Biden has stepped aside as the front-running candidate of any party so close to the election had moved the nation into unchartered waters. For mer president Lyndon B. Johnson, under pressure about the Vietnam War, stepped down in March 1968.
The message from the DCCC remained optimistic.
“Here in Chicago, our mission remains the same. During the convention, we will have an opportunity to show the country and the world who Democrats are and what we stand for,” said Democratic National Convention Chairperson Minyon Moore.
“Over the past year, we have been building the stage – literally and figuratively – for President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Democrats to tell our story to the American people. The historic progress Democrats achieved under the Biden-Harris Administration will still be central to that story, as will the story of what is at stake in this election.”
Illinois Republicans used the opportunity to take a shot at Democrats.
“Today’s announcement is the culmination of years of lies from the Biden White House and Democrats shaming anyone who questioned the fitness of President Biden,” Kathy Salvi, Illinois Republican Party chairperson said in a statement. “Democrats are divided, torn apart by their own duplicity trying to pass off President Biden’s inability to fulfill his role, while Republicans stand united behind President Trump and an agenda of freedom, prosperity, and safety. Democrats have become the party of self-service while Republicans have become the voice of this nation. We as Illinois Republicans must continue to call attention to JB Pritzker’s tax-and-spend, procriminal agenda that drives families away from this state to protect the rest of the nation.”
Reporter Trent Brown contributed to the article.
Vice President Kamala Harris WHITE HOUSE
Presiden Joe Biden
WHITE HOUSE
High and Lonesome
Thursday, July 25, 6:30 p.m., Rober t’s Westside
Rober t’s Westside Presents: High & Lonesome. General Admission – $12 + Service Fees. Reserved Seating –$15 + Ser vice Fees. Purchase tickets at https://tinyurl. com/2s33jfpv, 7321 Madison St., Forest Park
Friday, July 26, 4 - 5 p.m., Forest Park Public Library
Have you ever wanted to tr y snacks from another country? Then try some delicious snacks from foreign lands. Designed for grades 5th, 6th and 7th. Register at fppl.org. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park
Bollywood Family Dance Class
Saturday, July 27,1-2 p.m., Forest Park Public Library - Austin Room
Join us for a lively Bollywood dance class that’s fun for all ages. Get moving to the beat with your family in this inclusive dance program. Register at https://tinyurl. com/mrx9khcn, 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park
BIG WEEK
July 24-31
Mystery Night Featuring Mia Manansala
Tuesday, July 30, 6:30 – 8 p.m., Forest Park Public Library - Austin Room
Join Forest Park mystery novelist Mia P. Manansala for an evening delving into the craft of writing, featuring her latest book in the Tita Rosie’s Kitchen series, Murder and Mamon. Register at https://tinyurl.com/55t9cdma, 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park
Listing your event in the calendar
Forest Park Review welcomes notices about events that Forest Park community groups and businesses are planning. We’ll work to get the word out if you let us know
The Glass Hours at Bobby’s Ea stside
Sunday, July 28, 3 p.m. Rober t’s Westside
The Glass Hours @ Bobby’s Eastside, free to attend and bring $5 to tip the band. 7321 Madison St., Forest Park
Senior Citizen Club of Forest Park
Tuesday, July 30, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.,
Howard Mohr Community Center
Come enjoy co ee, Pokeno, crocheting, good conversation, holiday celebrations, and many more social activities here at the Howard Mohr Community Center. $12 annual fee. Transpor tation is available by appointment for Forest Park residents. Call 708-7717737. Located at 7640 Jackson Blvd, Forest Park.
‘Romeo & Juliet’
Outdoors, multiple dates, 8 p.m., 7 p.m Sundays Oak Park Festival Theatre
William Shakespeare’s famous story of love at rst sight is full of action and swordplay, features some of the Bard’s most memorable language, and ponders the inevitability of a tragic end when the convictions of youth are directly at odds with the commands of their elders. Performances on July 25, 26, 27, 28, and 31. Purchase tickets at https://tinyurl.com/54p7c yc f, Austin Gardens, 167 Forest Ave., Oak Park
Library launches online community calendar
Local organizations can submit an event to the online calendar, where all local happenings populate in one place
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
The Forest Park Public Library is publishing a calendar for the community to list special events going on around town.
Although the library has had a calendar just for its events, the community calendar will feature happenings around the whole village, all in the same place.
Library officials said they started thinking about the calendar as a way to work with its community partners, such as the village, community center, pa district and District 91.
organizations will start a ppearing on the calendar.
The library’s trustees have outlined a few stipulations for the calendar, since anyone can submit an event for the library to review before adding it to the online calendar. If an event doesn’t follow eligibility requirements, library staf f will follow up with the person who submitted it.
The event must be open to the general public and located in Forest Park, although events that are in collaboration with Forest Park and take place outside the village will be allowed.
T he event has to be hosted by one of the f ollowing gr oups: village gove r nment agenc y; gove r nment-affiliated organization; those eligible for village f undin g or c ommunity gr ants; school; or a b usiness, nonprofit or c lub operatin g within the village
“We have been hearing for years from the community about the need for a centralized calendar to find out what is going on in Forest Park,” said Alicia Hammond, the library’s community engagement manager.
The calendar comes as some local organizations have been organizing events on the same day.
“The community center, park district, PTO will have an event catered for all the same age range on the same night,” said Eboni Murray, treasurer of the library’s board of trustees, at a July 15 board meeting. “We saw it so many times.”
So, in late s pring, the l ibrary developed a c alendar with i ts c ommunity partners and featured events from j ust those org anizations.
In the c oming weeks, events from mor e
The calendar would not be for commercial purposes, such as advertising for a for-profit business, or to promote anything discriminatory. Submitted events also shouldn’t be politically partisan in nature.
Board members said they reco gniz e that there might be a bit of a learning curve when it c omes to navig ating wh ich events to a ccept and encouraging locals to use the calendar.
“Right now, our biggest concern is getting people to use it,” said Library Director Vicki Rakowski.
But once the community knows about the calendar, there should be no shor tage of local events to choose from on the library’s website.
“This town has so much good stuf f and a lot of great people,” Rakowski added. “Helping amplify that stuff, that’s the purpose.” Visit the community calendar and submit an event for review at https://cc.fppl.org/.
One year after lawsuit, teachers hope for new D209 leadership
Teachers in suit say union is too cozy with board members
By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter
A little over a year after filing a lawsuit against District 209’s Proviso Township High Schools and its for mer superintendent, three of the four teachers involved say they are still dealing with the emotional and professional damage left behind.
“We are teachers,” said Jenny LaBash, English teacher at Proviso West. “We never expected to be in this position of chaos.”
T he lawsuit, filed March 6, 2023, claimed the district and then Supt. James Henderson “carried out a policy or practice of punishing the Plaintiff teachers for both speech and association rights protected by the First Amendment.”
It also claimed D209 had “unlawfully suspended, discharged, or threatened discharge of the four Plaintiff teachers for repeated public criticism of the serious administrative failings of defendants,” following a twoweek strike by D209 teachers in 2022.
“What our district was going through with that leadership, the district would have probably imploded in some way,” Nicole O’Connor, counselor at Proviso West, said about speaking out. “There were no breaks on that train. There was nothing that was going to stop it.”
The two other teachers in the suit were Carissa Gillespie and Danielle English.
English declined to comment but did say she hoped D209 would be able to find a new superintendent to help move the district forward. The district will begin a second consecutive school year with interim leadership this fall.
According to Gillespie, the teachers faced retaliation for speaking out on district issues and allegedly encouraging students to hold a walkout in support of teachers who were negotiating contracts.
Board member Ned Wagner, along with Grant and Medina, voted against the termination of LaBash.
Board members Samuel Valtier re z, now board president, Arbdella Patterson, then board president, Rodney Alexander, and Grant were not able to be reached by the time of publication.
Settled in July 2023, the lawsuit reinstated LaBash and English, who had previously chosen to resign, to their previous positions, expunged disciplinary suspensions and other disciplines applied to the teachers’ personnel files, and provided back pay for loss of income
LaBash, who has been with the district for six years, said the goal was always to come back to her students, making the lawsuit worth it.
But speaking up came with a price.
O’Connor said there was a lot of sacrifice: their mental
reached other teachers.
“I have more trust issues within the district than I ever had in the past,” Skoupas said, adding she feels like she must watch what she says and document everything. “I am not over that, and I didn’t even go through anything close to what they did. I think many staff members could say that.”
LaBash said she hopes the community have “had their eyes open,” and that they begin to be more involved
According to O’Connor, the situation left a conflict within the Proviso Teachers Union Local 571. O’Connor was a union building representative for West at the time and does not believe the union is properly advocating for teachers, choosing rather to operate “more as a friendship” with administration rather than standing strong.
According to O’Connor there are “benefits” to being friends with administrators and keeping teachers “ignorant, isolated, and inactive.”
Gillespie said Henderson had accused the teachers of being “unethical, immoral and grooming students.”
“None of us knew that was in our personnel file,” Gillespie said. “Even if we wanted to go to other districts and work, we have paperwork that we are unaware of saying that we are accused of grooming students.”
The teachers found out about the accusation after they decided to sue the district, Gillespie said.
D209 declined to comment. Henderson was not able to be reached for comment by time of publication.
During a December 2022 board of education meeting, board members Amanda Grant and Claudia Medina spoke in favor of LaBash and the other teachers, saying the attempted firing and treatment was “retaliation” against the teachers for using their First Amendment rights
“I urge my fellow board members to please stand with the teachers,” Medina said.
health, time with their family, time with their students.
O’Connor said the teachers have been labeled “troublemakers.” LaBash said she was labeled as a “racist.”
“Carissa, Danielle, and Nicole have all taken flak from community members for standing by me as a white woman,” LaBash said tearfully.
Gillespie, a teacher at Proviso for 23 years, said staying was the right choice
“I am not going to abandon them [the students] the way I feel sometimes education abandoned me,” she said, choking back tears. “I am not going to do that to them.”
But the emotional pain lingers.
“It still hurts because I feel like they took something away I can’t get back,” Gillespie said.
The situation has left a strong lingering fear that history will repeat itself.
Anastasia Skoupas, colle ge and career counselor at Proviso West and union representative, said the trauma has
John Wardisiani, president of the Proviso Teachers Union Local 571, said the PTU remains “unwavering” in their fight to improve working conditions at the district.
“We firmly b eli eve that the environment in wh ich teachers wo rk directly impacts student growth and success in every classroom,” Wa rdisiani told Fo rest Pa rk Review via email. “Our c ommitment to a dvo cating for our members has led to significant advancements, especially under the new district leadership. ”
Wardisiani said recent successes, such as the approval of a four-year contract, are a testament to the PTU’s “relentless dedication to supporting every teacher in our unit.”
Despite the challenges they have faced, all teachers said they want better for the district, starting with stable leadership and a superintendent in office.
“There is no oversight of when you have that structured superintendent and their plans, smart goals, objectives and evidence-based results. There is no one being held to those standards of having evidencebased practices because people are just interim-ing almost everywhere,” O’Connor said.
In June, the district announced the extension of Interim Supt. Alexander Aschoff’s contract following a failed superintendent search.
Gillespie said she would also like to see people on the board who “do not have hidden agendas,” and people who are “transparent” and truly want to “uplift” the district.
And the focus needs to be on the students, said LaBash.
“That is the big difference for me now,” LaBash said. “Control what you can control in your classroom. Your kids are safe with you, they are learning stuff, that is my main focus. I cannot control what anybody else does. I can only control what happens in my room. It’s realistic but it is incredibly sad because it just shows where we are at.”
O’Connor said she trusts the board of education is currently laying down the foundation for the district to move forward.
“This could be the rebuilding it needs but if it is not community driven, if it is not board driven, it is not going to happen,” O’Connor said.
TODD BANNOR
Prov iso West High School teachers Nicole O’Connor, Jenny LaBank and Carissa Gillespie at the school
FP student creates ‘Real Change’ with journaling book for girls
Zoie Joseph was featured at the Kids’ Choice Awards
By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter
If anyone knows how to turn a bad situation into an experience of a lifetime, it is Zoie Joseph, a middle schooler from Forest Park.
Ten-year-old Zoie was featured during this year’s Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards on Saturday, July 13 as one of this year’s winners of the bronze Jefferson Awards
Part of the Nickelodeon Our World initiative, launched to help and encourage kids to make change in the world, the awards are given to the country’s top kid changemakers who are dedicated to their communities.
Zoie was recognized as the author of “Confident Girls: For the curious, brave, and bold girls,” a journal activity book to empower young girls to build self-confidence and lear n to be resilient.
“I wanted to help other girls who might be going through some of the same things I did, like bullying,” Zoie said.
The rising sixth grader at Forest Park Middle School said she drew from those past hurtful experiences and designed the journal activity book around affirmations, journal prompts and other activities to help guide girls through their emotions
“They can write down some things that make them feel more positive about themselves and I hope that after they use the book that they will feel more positive, confident and brave,” Zoie said.
It was through Zoie’s involvement in Jack and Jill of America, an organization dedicated to developing and nurturing future African-American leaders, and its partnership with Nickelodeon that she was nominated for the award.
She was one of four kids selected across the country from the hundreds of nominations, said Monique Norington-Joseph, her mother
“I was super proud of her,” NoringtonJoseph said. “These have been a tough, transitional couple of years. Middle school and fifth grade can sometimes be challenging.”
Norington-Joseph said the idea for the
journaling book was born out of trying to find different ways to help Zoie cope with the bullying she was experiencing after moving to a new school.
“Writing and journaling and she loves to draw…so I just took something that was at the center of who she is and we made a ne gative into a positive,” Norington-Joseph said.
The mother-daughter duo worked on their own journal prompts and other social-emotional activities. That led to the creation of the journaling book.
“It was exciting to see this happen for our Zoie,” Norington-Joseph said. “She is a great young girl. She has a lot to contribute and I think this is going to be great for her moving forward.”
An added benefit, she said, was seeing her daughter’s self-esteem grow
“That was a big deal…. the fact that she is learning how to use her own voice, which is so important for girls,” she said. “Many times our girls sit back and they don’t understand that their voice matters. To see my own child lear n how to take initiative at such a young age to speak up when something isn’t right, even speak up for her own friends, it’s important.”
Zoie’s story and book is gaining recognition. She will be doing various appearances, including a trip to the White House in August, and will be featured in a live interview with CBS to discuss her award.
The journaling book came out in March and is available for purchase on Amazon.
Above: Zoie Joseph was featured on the 2024 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.
Le : Zoie Joseph created a jour naling book “Con dent Girls” to help other girls who experienced bullying
MONIQUE NORINGTON-JOSEPH
Groovin’ in the Grove
Chicago Catz performed at the July 16 show
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
The Village of Forest Park has kicked off its annual Groovin’ in the Grove, a free concert series at the Forest Park Picnic Grove that began in 2005.
The second of three Groovin’ in the Grove concerts took place July 16. Dozens showed up to listen to Chicago Catz, an R&B-pop band that has pl ed in the Chicagoland
for more than 30 years.
From 7 to 10 p.m., locals brought chairs, food and drinks and sat outside as the sun set and the stars came out while vocalists and musicians played into the evening. Concessions were also available for purchase
This year’s Groovin’ in the Grove kicked off June 18 with Lakeside Revival, a classic rock and R&B band that plays throughout Chicago. On Aug. 20, this year’s final performance will be by R&B band, R-Gang Groovin’ in the Grove concerts take place at Forest Park Picnic Grove, 7824 Madison St. For more info about the event, call 708-771-7737.
e band Chicago Catz provides entertainment at Groovin' in the Grove
Photos by TODD BANNOR
OUR VIEW
Residue at D209
Ripples from some seriously dark years at District 209 continue to be felt more than a year after the Proviso Township High School board ousted James Henderson, the chaos superintendent.
Today the Review interviews three of the four D209 teachers who filed a lawsuit against the district in March 2023 after Henderson brought allegations against them and sought their dismissal. Three board members publicly opposed the superintendent with a bare majority backing him.
The suit was settled last July and the teachers were reinstated with back pay and their suspensions expunged from their personnel files
But the residue of those unnecessarily hostile actions remains, with those teachers expressing continued worries about their status in the district, a lack of trust they feel in their interactions, and frustration that a still-divided board failed to hire a permanent superintendent after a long search
We understand those feelings and we know that this historically troubled district cannot actually heal or move intentionally forward until its leadership is secured and a stronger board is in charge. It may take next spring’s school board election to accomplish that necessary step.
After a bitter teachers strike, which Henderson fomented, these teachers also raise concer ns about the current stance of its teachers union in relation to the interim administration. They perceive it may be too cozy.
We do not know the details of that important relationship. That there must always be some level of adversarial tug between a union and management is natural and can be healthy. The mismanagement of the district by Henderson, and the acquiescence of the board majority, took that relationship to a bitter and nonproductive place.
The current head of the union, John Wardisiani, says the union remains “unwavering” in its fight for better working conditions. And he says headway is being made “especially under the new district leadership.” We assume the union head, like all other serious players in this drama, want that leadership to be permanent, with a student-focused plan and a foundational understanding of the power of teachers.
In the meantime, D209 must be ready to strive toward a working relationship between its teachers and its administration and board that is respectful, honest and genuinely student-centered
A calendar for the
whole town
Forest Park’s public library has evolved over the past decade to become an essential collaborator in all things Forest Park. Like a lot of public libraries, it had its more insular eras where it was pretty much centered on only what occurred within its four walls
Now with a more progressive board and a succession of innovative administrators, our library is now a key hub in the orbit of Forest Park We say the same about our park district. And we have increasing hopes for the village gover nment under the leadership of Administrator Rachell Entler.
Right now our enthusiasm is over the community calendar the library is building online. This single point of reference will be a big plus for a village that is ever more active and needs to be more connected and coordinated
OPINION
Assassination attempt, viewed through faith
An article in last Wednesday’s Review contained reactions by elected officials to the attempted assassination of for mer president, and present candidate, Donald Trump.
I decided it would be interesting to have the nine pastors in town respond to the event by viewing it through the lens of their Christian faith, so I emailed all of them, asking for their response and emailed them again with the same request on Friday. None of them responded. Zero. That puzzled me, because I know all of them and in private and off the record, they will wax eloquent on almost any topic where they are able to apply their faith to current events.
HOLMES
As I pondered what was, or wasn’t, going on. I recalled a similar situation when I asked a business owner to respond to the race for president. The reason he gave for declining was that he was afraid. He did not want to put himself, his employees or his property in danger of being har med
In the absence of any explanation by our local clergy, I have to imagine they shared that business owner’s concer n.
Better, these days, to keep your thoughts to yourself. But, fool that I am, decided to take the baton and run with it. I myself am ordained and have a Doctor of Ministry degree, so give me permission to speak, at least conditionally for the church leaders in town.
Prayer: Dick Durbin was quoted by the Review as saying his thoughts were with everyone affected by the shooting. That’s the socially-accepted response to tragedy in our increasingly secular society
Church-going folks are still comfortable saying that their prayers are with victims of violence, believing that a power greater than ourselves is a player in what goes on in life.
Motive: Law enforcement authorities, the last I heard, are still trying to figure out a motive. Usually what they look for are psychological factors like being bullied, or parental abuse, or depression to explain why someone like Thomas Matthew Crooks, a recent high school graduate, would try to kill the for mer president. Religious people acknowledge that those factors may help explain why Crooks behaved the way he did, but they see another factor at work which is sin and evil. The way Native Americans describe that reality is that, in each of us, there is a good wolf and a bad wolf. To switch metaphors back to the Bible, it’s when we stop orienting our lives toward God that evil starts to control us
Gun Violence: There is a great spiritual irony in the fact that a pro-gun candidate narrowly escaped being killed by a legally purchased assault rifle. But, to be fair, Christians have been ambivalent about violence for the last 1,700 years.
Part of the conundrum for Christians is that, in the Hebrew half of their Bible (aka Old Testament), God is often portrayed as acting very violently, e.g. killing all the first-born children of the Egyptians who had enslaved the people of Israel, while in the second half (aka New Testament) Jesus has more in common with a Hindu named Gandhi than with Evangelical NRA members.
On top of that, for the first 300 years of the Christian church most followers of Jesus were pacifists just like the religious leader they followed.
But then in 313, the Roman Emperor named Constantine not only ended the persecution of Christians but, as a new convert, made the religion legal and Christians ended up in charge and wielding political power.
While they were a minority, maintaining order in society wasn’t their problem. But now that they were in charge they realized that, to keep order in society, they would have to sometimes use force against bad actors.
On top of that they felt compelled to defend their country from enemies, like Ukraine when Putin’s Russia invaded.
C all that historical turning point the end of innocenc e.
Christians developed what is called the “Just War Theory,” which outlined when it was acceptable to use lethal force to protect society.
Except for denominations like the Quakers, most Christians now acknowledge that killing people is sometimes necessary, even acceptable, and under what conditions
The question these days is not if gun violence is permitted but under what circumstances
All of the pastors in town fall right of center on the political spectrum. The last time I was at Living Word, I saw an Israeli flag along with an American flag on the stage. One pastor in town carries a handgun. A couple have voted for Trump. All are supporters of the Second Amendment right to bear arms as interpreted by the NRA.
The irony is that when it comes to abortion the clergy in Forest Park are pro-life, but when it comes to guns they tend to be pro-choice
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Areader asked me to write a column about wisdom. Wisely, I said yes. For me, wisdom is preserving my mental and emotional health in the face of negativity. If I want to prevent anxiety, the coping skills I developed as a private investigator still work. Detective work has a high degree of failure. It took me years to adjust to accomplishing little or nothing
Safeguarding our serenity
Every time I hit a deadend, I told myself I was eliminating a possibility. I finally became comfortable with this level of failure. I hoped for success but didn’t expect it to happen. I could only make intelligent attempts to solve the case. I could not control the results
So I couldn’t have any expectations, assumptions or pre-conceived ideas. Having zero expectations is wise. If we can’t control the situation, why create anxiety about how it’s going to work out? When I faced a high-pressure situation, I refused to speculate about it ahead of time. I vowed to adjust to whatever came. That way, I was living in the moment.
Living in the moment reduces stress. It
starts with slowing things down in the mor ning. When my mind starts to race ahead, I tell myself that all I can do for now is finish my second cup of coffee. When I’m getting cleaned up, I focus on what I’m doing at the moment. It makes shaving much safer.
I also learned that worrying is suffering twice. It’s easy to worry about a deadline. But when I elt the anxiety level creeping up, I had to stop the presses. I refuse to suffer twice about anything, let alone an article.
Preventing this kind of anxiety is a constant battle. It starts with banishing negative thoughts about the past. I also have to silence my inter nal critic, who prejudges what I’m going to write. I taught my writing students to tur n off that voice. I finally took my own advice.
I also have to turn off the negative voices around me. I have no use for critical, judgmental people. I consider them toxic. I refuse to let their fears and anxiety poison my mind. It’s tough enough to keep your sanity without others dragging you down.
I also avoid the relentless pessimism of politics, news and even the weather. I used to be a political junkie until I realized the
Look, Ma, No Gloves!
John Westermayer and Rich Kaczmarski of the Bucketheads took fourth in the 34th Annual No Gloves in 2002. Licorice jumped on the Miller 45’s to take the tournament trophy by winning 7-1. Brothers Randy and Bobby Ross both were awarded the Most Valuable Player Award; both batted over .500 in the tournament. Despite the long hours, hot days and heavy rain that fell for four hours, soaking the field, volunteers, park staf f and enthusiasts maintained the reputation of Forest Park’s excellence in hosting “No Gloves.”
Jill Wagner
pundits don’t know what they we’re talking about. But I still feel a need to be well-infor med, no matter how painful that is Every morning, I grit my teeth and read the newspaper. At night, I force myself to watch the news. One of my favorite activities used to be scrolling my phone for news stories and Facebook updates. Now, I do this very sparingly.
Wisdom means realizing how powerless we are over most situations. It’s about safeguarding our serenity. It means avoiding critical, judgmental people and not being critical and judgmental of others. I hate it when conversation devolves into voicing fears about our scary world. How does that help? I’m trying to eliminate drama, not amplify it.
Leaving something unsaid can be very eloquent. I hold back my stories, so I can listen to others tell theirs. I try to avoid gossip or saying anything that could be used against another. I don’t want to be an “I told you so” or a “know it all” kind of person. Playing dumb has many benefits.
Keeping your sanity in these turbulent times is a full-time job. I’m working on having a healthy perspective and keeping anxiety to a minimum.
Being a die-hard White Sox fan isn’t making this any easier
Photo Josh Hawkins 2002 Forest Park Review archives
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION
CITIZENS BANK, N.A. F/K/A RBS
NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876
THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION
CITIZENS, N.A.
Plaintiff,
-v.-
CLOVER L. MATTHEWS
Defendants 2023 CH 10280 119 47TH AVENUE
BELLWOOD, IL 60104
NOTICE OF SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-
EN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on April 17, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 A.M. on August 14, 2024, 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:
LOT 29 IN BLOCK 25 IN HULBERT’S ST. CHARLES ROAD SUBDIVISION, BEING A SUBDIVISION
IN THE NORTH HALF OF SECTION 8, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Commonly known as 119 47TH AVENUE, BELLWOOD, IL 60104
Property Index No. 15-08-213-0070000
The real estate is improved with a residence.
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, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.
Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.
If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).
IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.
For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030
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.
CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300
E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com
Attorney File No. 14-23-07801
Attorney ARDC No. 00468002
Attorney Code. 21762
Case Number: 2023 CH 10280
TJSC#: 44-1074
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 # 2023 CH 10280
I3248183
PUBLIC
NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is currently engaged in engineering and environmental studies for the improvement of Washington Boulevard from 1st Avenue to Thatcher Avenue in Cook County. The scope of work for the improvement consists of improved safety and mobility of Washington Boulevard by removing and replacing the structure over the Des Plaines River due to the poor condition of the structure. The roadway improvement consists of a road diet to avoid/minimize impacts on both sides of Washington Boulevard which matches the roadway west of 1st Avenue and east of Thatcher Avenue. Pedestrian and bicyclist improvements consist of a 6’ sidewalk on the south side and 5.5’ on-street bike lanes on both sides of the roadway. IDOT is seeking public comments on impacts the Washington Boulevard will have on G.A.R. Woods, Quercus Woods Family Picnic Area, and Thomas Jefferson Woods owned and operated by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (FPDCC).
G.A.R. Woods, Quercus Woods Family Picnic Area, and Thomas Jefferson Woods are protected under federal regulations originally enacted as Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966, which protect public parks, recreation areas, and wildlife and waterfowl refuges, as well as public or private historical sites. IDOT anticipates a de minimis impact finding for G.A.R. Woods, Quercus Woods Family Picnic Area, and Thomas Jefferson Woods, based on the determination that the project will not adversely affect the features, attributes, or activities qualifying the property for protection under Section 4(f).
The project will impact 0.060 acres of Quercus Woods Family Picnic Area, 0.239 acres of Thomas Jefferson Woods, and 0.070 acres of G.A.R. Woods Area of FPDCC for demolition, reconstruction, and access to maintain the proposed structure, connecting proposed drainage improvements, and removal of existing guardrail terminals. Documentation of this proposed action and its impacts, including avoidance, minimization, mitigation, or enhancement measures, will be available at the following locations:
DATE: 7/24/2024 to 8/14/2024
TIME: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday thru Friday PLACE: Illinois Department of Transportation Bureau of Programming – 4th Floor
201 West Center Court Schaumburg, IL 60196
7/24/2024 to 8/14/2024 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday thru Friday Forest Preserve District of Cook County 536 North Harlem Avenue River Forest, IL 60305
An electronic version of this documentation is available on the IDOT website at: https://idot.illinois.gov/ transportation-system/environment/ section-4f-documents.html. Written comments can be submitted at the IDOT office, mailed to the IDOT office, or sent electronically to the above referenced website. Comments received by 8/14/20224 will become part of the public record.
This comment period will be accessible to people with disabilities. Anyone needing special assistance including Spanish interpretation should contact Corey Smith, P.E. at (847) 705-4103. Persons planning to attend who will need a sign language interpreter or other similar accommodations should notify the Department’s TTY/TTD (866) 273-3681 at least five (5) days prior to the meeting.
All correspondence regarding this project should be sent to:
Illinois Department of Transportation 201 W. Center Court Schaumburg, IL 60196-1096
Attn: Bureau of Programming Corey Smith, P.E. (Corey.Smith@ illinois.gov)
Published in Wednesday Journal July 24, 2024
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield, Illinois that bid proposals will be received for the following project:
2024 CATCH BASIN CLEANING PROJECT VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS
This project includes removing debris and cleaning drainage structures at various locations within the Village of Brookfield.
Sealed bids will be received up to the hour of 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, the 14th day of August, 2024, in the Village Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois. All sealed bids received will be publicly opened and read at 11:00 A.M. on the same day, Wednesday, the 14th day of August, 2024, at the Village Hall.
Electronic copies of bidding documents, consisting of the bid proposal, project specifications, and project plans are available from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Co., 9933 Roosevelt Road, Westchester, Illinois 60154. Bidding documents can be
requested by emailing info@ehancock.com. No bidding documents will be issued after 4:30 P.M. on Friday, the 9th day of August, 2024. A non-refundable fee of Fifteen dollars ($15.00) will be required to obtain bidding documents. Proposals will only be accepted from bidders that have obtained bidding documents from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Company
All bid proposals offered must be accompanied by a bid bond, cashier’s check or certified check in an amount not less than Five Percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid, as a guarantee that if the bid proposal is accepted, a contract will be entered into and the performance of the contract properly secured. Checks shall be made payable to the Order of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield. No bid proposal shall be considered unless accompanied by such bid bond or check.
Any bidder in doubt as to the true meaning of any part of the bidding documents may request an interpretation thereof from the Village. The bidder requesting the interpretation shall be responsible for its prompt delivery At the request of the bidder, or in the event that the Village deems the interpretation to be substantive, the interpretation will be made by written addendum issued by the Village.
In the event that a written addendum is issued, either as a result of a request for interpretation or the result of a change in the bidding documents issued by the Village, a copy of such addendum will be emailed to all prospective bidders. The Village will not assume responsibility for receipt of such addendum. In all cases it will be the bidders’ responsibility to obtain all addenda issued.
The Contractor and Subcontractor shall comply with all regulations issued pursuant to Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130), and other applicable Federal Laws and regulations pertaining to labor standards.
The Village of Brookfield reserves the rights to determine the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder, to waive irregularities, and to reject any or all bid proposals.
BY ORDER
THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES
VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS
Published in RB Landmark July 24, 2024
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield, Illinois that bid proposals will be received for the following project:
2024 FIRE HYDRANT PAINTING PROJECT
VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS
This project includes painting approximately 400 fire hydrants at various locations within the Village of Brookfield.
Sealed bids will be received up to the hour of 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, the 14th day of August, 2024, in the Village Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois. All sealed bids received will be publicly opened and read at 11:00 A.M. on the same day, Wednesday, the 14th day of August, 2024, at the Village Hall.
Electronic copies of bidding documents, consisting of the bid proposal, project specifications, and project plans are available from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Co., 9933 Roosevelt Road, Westchester, Illinois 60154. Bidding documents can be requested by emailing info@ehancock.com. No bidding documents will be issued after 4:30 P.M. on Friday, the 9th day of August, 2024. A non-refundable fee of Fifteen dollars ($15.00) will be required to obtain bidding documents. Proposals will only be accepted from bidders that have obtained bidding documents from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Company
All bid proposals offered must be accompanied by a bid bond, cashier’s check or certified check in an amount not less than Five Percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid, as a guarantee that if the bid proposal is accepted, a contract will be entered into and the performance of the contract properly secured. Checks shall be made payable to the Order of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield. No bid proposal shall be considered unless accompanied by such bid bond or check.
Any bidder in doubt as to the true meaning of any part of the bidding documents may request an interpretation thereof from the Village. The bidder requesting the interpretation shall be responsible for its prompt delivery At the request of the bidder, or in the event that the Village deems the interpretation to be substantive, the interpretation will be made by written addendum issued by the Village.
In the event that a written addendum is issued, either as a result of a request for interpretation or the result of a change in the bidding documents issued by the Village, a copy of such addendum will be emailed to all prospective bidders. The Village will not assume responsibility for receipt of such addendum. In all cases it will be the bidders’ responsibility to obtain all addenda issued.
The Contractor and Subcontractor shall comply with all regulations issued pursuant to Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130), and other applicable Federal Laws and regulations pertaining to labor standards.
The Village of Brookfield reserves the rights to determine the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder, to waive irregularities, and to reject any or all bid proposals.
BY ORDER
THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE
The Village of Oak Park --Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302-- will receive electronic proposals until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 15, 2024 for Project: 24-06, Pavement Preservation. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below. In general, the improvements consist of various sized asphalt patches; cleaning and sealing of any cracks, voids, or joints less than 2” inches in width with asphalt cement reinforced by polypropylene or polyester fibers; micro-surfacing application; petroleum maltene‐based rejuvenator application; thermoplastic pavement marking removal & installation; and all appurtenant work thereto. The work will take place in various locations throughout the Village of Oak Park.
Published in Wednesday Journal, July 24, 2024 LEGAL NOTICE
Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on Thursday, July 25th, at 4:00 p.m. Plans and proposal forms can be found at https://www.oak-park.us/yourgovernment/budget-purchasing/ requests-proposals or at www. questcdn.com under login using QuestCDN number 9232702 for a non-refundable charge of $64.00. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No bid documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening. The work to be performed pursuant to this Proposal is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq. THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer
No GloveNATIONALS
56th Annual Forest Park InvitationalJuly 24-28, 2024
Welcome back, players
and visitors to the 56th Annual 16” No Gloves National Softball Tournament
On our 56th year, we are excited to celebrate another successful tournament! Around 100 volunteers make this event happen with over 245 shifts covered over the four days of great softball. They help us prepare our famous tacos! They serve great refreshments, keeping our fans cool. The shifts can begin as early as 8:00 a.m. Sometimes the evenings can be long. Volunteers may stay until after midnight! Without the volunteers, this event would not be what it is!
Planning for this event begins in the spring. Staff plan for months to ensure we have all the logistics implemented in a timely manner. Over that four-day period, staff begin their days as early as 7:30 a.m. Some nights, they are not home until the next day! For staff, this is something they enjoy being part of. This summer, the park district employs over 200 staff to ensure the park operations are the highest of standard. That high standard is showcased at the Tour nament each year
Each year, the Park District Board of
CONTENTS
Dave Novak: Missed but not forgotten
For the Russ family, softball is a dynast y
2023 Park Disrict of Forest Park No Glove Nationals Champions – Flashback
Brackets
Softball is more than just a game for Dave Bradford
‘Softball strong,’ Becky Koenig aims to give back
Softball Hall of Fame Museum a decade old
REVIEW
Editor Erika Hobbs
Digital Manager Stacy Coleman
Contributing Repor ter John Rice
Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead
Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea
Designers Susan McKelvey
Sales and Marketing Representatives
Lourdes Nicholls, Ben Stumpe
Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan
Circulation Manager Jill Wagner
Publisher Dan Haley
Commissioners supports the funding and operations of the prestigious event. They also spend countless hours behind the grill, selling merchandise and pouring beer to help the successful operations of this event. We thank them for their support!
The most important part of this event is our fans! This year, sadly, we lost our biggest fan, past Director Dave Novak. In 2023, Dave told the story of his favorite part of the tournament. He explained how he loves to sit with the fans and hear their stories of the past, how their year has gone, and who they thought would be the upset. He always felt like he was at a family reunion when he was with the fans. Dave will be missed this year! His spirit will be heard throughout the tour nament!
It continues to be an honor to provide the greatest tournament. We cannot wait to see everyone. Look forward to great softball, good food, and great company!!
See you in the park!
Jackie Iovinelli Executive Director/Co-Tournament Director Park District of Forest Park
Special Projects Manager Susan Walker
Board of Directors
Chair Judy Gre n
Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards,Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer
Executive Director Jackie Iovinelli
Superintendent of Business Je Murphy
Superintendent of Recreation Danette Krajewski
Superintendent of Buildings and Parks
Andrew Doss
Marketing and Communications Manager Adam Cumbee
Recreation Supervisor Ryan Vilanova
■
Board of Commissioners
President Tim Gillian
Vice President Kristen Lyons
Treasurer Roy Sansone
Commissioner Cathleen McDer mott
Commissioner John Doss
GarageGalleries Forest Park
Aug 24, 2024 12 pm – 6 pm
GarageGalleries is a neighborhood art-walk where garages replace galleries. Please join us!
Dave Novak: Missed but not forgotten
Driving force behind No Gloves Tournament has lasting impact
By JOHN RICE Contributing Reporter
“I wish heaven had visiting hours,” Carol Novak said. She is grieving the sudden death on March 12 of her husband of 48 years, Dave Novak. He was a beloved figure in Forest Park, who served as Director of the Park District for many years. Novak was also the driving force behind the No Gloves Tour nament and helped make it the premier softball tournament. Dave summed up his career as, “I was in charge of fun, while having a good time myself.” His partner in fun was Carol, who was not sports-minded at all. “I joined a 16” softball team but never learned the rules.” This was evident when she took off from second base on a fly ball. Her teammates were yelling at her to get back but Carol didn’t know any better.
How could she when her life revolved around teaching gymnastics, ballet and tap for various park districts? Carol, though, became an avid fan of softball, baseball and whatever sports her husband and two sons were playing.
Carol grew up on Lowe Avenue in Bridgeport. She attended Mount Assisi Academy, an allgirls high school in Lemont. The school emphasized the performing arts and Carol found her calling. She started teaching gymnastics and dance for parks in the western suburbs. “There’s no better way to stay in shape than being an instructor,” she said.
Carol stayed in shape, while making Forest Park her base of operations. She lived across the street from the Park, where she taught dance. Meanwhile, Dave grew up in North Riverside. He played football at Riverside-Brookfield HS. He went on to Southern Illinois University, where he earned his degree in Recreation in 1973.
His first job after college was working in maintenance for the Park District of Forest Park Jim Sarno was the director who hired him. Many future leaders of Forest Park worked maintenance at the Park. Their duties included getting the fields ready for the No Gloves Tournament.
NOVAK on pa ge B6
Mike “Moji” Marasovich, Joe “Igg y” Ig yarto and Dave Novak
FOREST PARK BANK honors DAVID A. NOVAK
Dave Novak worked for the Forest Park Park District for 33 years and brought the Annual No Glove Nationals Tournament to Forest Park. He will be missed.
DAVE NOVAK
May 15 , 1951 – March 12, 2024
Sarno had started the No Gloves in 1968 with a field of eight teams. Sarno’s sister made Italian beef, which was the only food served at the tour nament. There was no beer for sale. As the tournament expanded, Richard’s Tavern took over the concessions and introduced beer to the thirsty fans. The Park District saw the No Gloves as a money-maker, so they took over selling food and beverages.
Meanwhile, Carol and Dave had met on Madison Street and started dating in 1975. In 1976, Dave was playing catcher for the Homestead softball team in Forest Park. Just before their wedding day, he tore his meniscus and his leg was in a cast. This didn’t keep the groom from standing up to recite his vows
By this time, Dave had been promoted to Superintendent of Recreation. He also served as an announcer at the No Gloves, while the tournament continued to grow. It went from inviting 16 teams to 32 teams.
“Once we lit all the fields,” Dave recalled, “It became a much bigger thing.”
Running the tournament became Dave’s job. He attended tournaments in other suburbs to scout teams for the No Gloves. The top two Forest Park teams were always invited Dave had many interests apart from softball. He was an early advocate for special recreation. The students and staff of the West Suburban Special Recreation Association always elcome to enjoy the ool. Da
had a very well-rounded upbringing. Carol encouraged them in the arts and they both performed at the Circle Theatre. Their dad played sports with them and coached their teams. They worked on the grounds crew during the No Gloves.
After they were each married, Dan and Nic bought a two-flat across Hannah Street from their parents and lived there for 13 years. Dave and Carol became close with their daughters-in-law and six grandchildren. Dan moved to Wheaton where he is now the Director of Athletics and Facilities for the park district. Nic works there as well, in charge of Buildings and Grounds and Special Events.
Dave retired from the Park District when he was 55. He became a starter at the Willow Crest Golf Course. The couple enjoyed the perks they received from his employer, the Hilton Corp They became world travelers and visited all 50 states
In 1997, Dave was inducted into the 16” Softball HOF. The Park District also named the tournament MVP trophy in his honor. When he was humbly accepting this “unexpected honor” Dave reflected on his 50 years with the No Gloves.
“So many people come back each year for the No Gloves,” Dave said, “It’s like a high school reunion.” Dave commended the park board for hosting the tournament year after year. “The No Gloves Tour nament put Forest Park on the map.”
Novak’s untimely passing at the age of 73 has left a huge hole in the hearts of his family. He is mourned by his colleagues at the Park District. He will be missed by longtime friends and the many friends he made through softball.
For the Russ family, softball is a dynasty
Will Ryan Russ be inducted into the Hall of Fame?
By JOHN RICE Contributing Reporter
It will be hard for the 2024 No Gloves Tourthe
dynasty. His grandfather, Bob Russ, Sr., his dad Bob Russ, Jr., and his uncle, Randy Russ have all been inducted into the 16” Softball Hall of Fame
the standouts for Flashback was their leftfielder, Ryan Russ
Father and son combinations have long been part of softball, and Ryan and his dad/ coach, Bob Jr., are part of that tradition. In fact, the Russ family has become a softball
d Prep in Elmhurst. He also played for a year on the College of DuPage baseball team. Baseball may have been his game, but Russ grew up sur rounded by softball.
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Recruiting Wheelchair
If you have a permanent physical disability and want to play Chicago’s great game of 16” softball, come join our wheelchair softball programs for youth and adults.
For more information, contact :
Dan Ferreira @ 312-745-2055 or daniel.ferreira@chicagoparkdistrict.com
Larry Labiak @ 312-742-5097 or larry.labiak@chicagoparkdistrict.com
RUSS
What are the chances?
from page B7
“I loved going to the games,” he said.
He especially loved shagging flies in the outfield before No Gloves games. When he was 19, he started playing softball in park leagues. He played outfield and batted in the middle of the lineup. His philosophy at the plate was “hit it where the middle infielder isn’t.”
Russ started out playing for Traf fic and they re gularly qualified for the No Gloves Tournament. The tournament is a high point for the Russ family. Bob Jr. said he enjoys the large crowds who are “into each game.” He added that he appreciates the grounds crews grooming the fields before each game, and likes the atmosphere of kids swimming at the pool while the games are being played. He salutes, he said, all the people who make the tour nament a success
“Volunteers are the heroes of the weekend,” he added.
Many of them are engaged with cooking and serving food and beverages.
“The food is really good,” he said. So is the softball.
“It all starts with playing as a team,” his son said. “Our team is loud and vocal. Everyone is into it.”
Russ recently played in a high stakes game against the
Pharaohs. He handled three chances in left field effortlessly. He hit a line drive to right field for a two-out RBI. It was a battle, but Flashback edged the Pharaohs 6-5.
His team is enjoying a successful season. They won the Westchester Tournament, finished second in the Chicagoland Tournament and took third place in the NorthSouth Tournament. Their record is 34-7. They normally play twice a week in Forest Park and Melrose Park
As defending champs, Flashback are considered favorites at this year’s No Gloves. Like the other top teams, they received a bye for the first round. Their first game will be on Friday night at 7:15 p.m. The team has five sponsors, including O’Sullivan’s Public House in Forest Park, where they head after games.
Russ Jr. said he is proud of his son. He had been an old-school player who played every night. In recent years, the “schedule has lightened up” for younger players like Ryan.
“I’m just proud that Ryan has played the game the right way.”
Away from the softball diamond, Russ is in the fifth year of his apprenticeship for IBEW Local 134. His professional goal is to become a journeyman. His softball goal is to keep winning the No Gloves Tournament.
“I personally want to be inducted into the HOF,” Russ said. If he succeeds, the HOF will need a separate wing for the Russ family
He knows what it will take.
“I have to be on a winning team that wins big tournaments.”
William Russ, Ryan Russ and Bob Russ, Jr. PROVIDED
Softball is more than just a game for Dave Bradford
e game, he said, kept him o the streets
By JOHN RICE Contributing Reporter
Softball can save lives, according to Dave Bradford, who plays for the HighY 16” softball team.
Bradford grew up in the Robert Taylor Homes at 49th and Federal. He and his friends stayed out of trouble by playing baseball near the high-rise buildings. Their equipment was primitive, but they learned the game. He said he believes that having a healthy activity kept them from falling victim to the streets.
“The camaraderie and networking can be life-changing,” Bradford said. The game can save lives.
Bradford joined the baseball team at Jean Baptiste Point Du Sable High School and played for four years. He went on to play baseball for Stillman College, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he majored in medical technology. Although he is only 5’7,” Bradford said he
“played with confidence for a little guy.”
Bradford later switched from baseball to softball. He began playing softball at the elite level in 2003. He started with the Big Dog team and played in West Side tournaments. He made a name for himself in softball after he switched to the Steel Gold team.
He enjoyed even greater success when he joined Rack City. The team was started by his mentor, Charles Tolbert.
He recruited a bunch of great young players. Bradford said the ingredients to become an elite player are, “trust, dedication and availability.” He and his teammates embraced Tolbert’s emphasis on defense.
“Defense wins tournaments,” Bradford said.
His said his coach, Kelly Patton, was like a father to him.
“He kept us out of trouble,” he said. “All the players looked up to him.”
Bradford played seven days a week.
“The stakes are very high on the South Side. It can be very stressful.
Playing softball is like a breath of fresh air.”
Bradford has cut back his softball
playing to three days a week. He is 41 now and said, “When you get older, you lose a step.”
Bradford, though, said he still “loves the big moment, loves the spotlight.” He has enjoyed many big moments playing with High-Y.
Travis Smith owns the team and all the players chip in to pay expenses. It’s one of the rare softball teams not sponsored by a bar. Bradford bats sixth in the line-up. He is right-handed and is known as a “dump hitter” who places the ball over the heads of the infielders.
When they’re not playing softball, the team socializes with group activities.
“We’re like brothers,” Bradford said, “We know how to cheer up our teammates. I love the guys I play with. We have many vocal leaders.”
This year, High-Y played in the NorthSouth Tournament and lost to the 45’s 3-2 in 10 innings.
“The 45’s are a great team,” Bradford said, “Their chemistry is unmatched.” High-Y were also serious contenders at last year’s No Gloves Tournament. “We came in third. We lost to Flashback before the championship game.”
PROVIDED
David Bradford, age 5, standing w ith his father Dave Bradford.
This year, High-Y is among the top eight teams in the No Gloves and will enjoy a first-round bye.
“Tournament seeding gives an advantage to the better teams,” Bradford acknowledged. “We’re hoping to win the No Gloves. There are a lot of hungry teams and everyone is playing with confidence. I’m proud of the team but we take losses tough.”
Bradford added that he has seen more participation in the tournament by Black teams
“More Black teams are stepping up to help expand the game,” he said.
He got his job as safety coordinator at Napleton Chrysler Dodge in Lansing through a softball connection. Ray Czarnik was the president and general manager at Napleton and got Brandford his job. Czarnik is also a member of the 16” Softball Hall of Fame. If High-Y can continue to be successful at the elite level, their turn to be inducted into the HOF will come
David Brandon celebrates with teammates from High-Y.
‘Softball strong,’ Becky Koenig aims to give back
She’s
back to the game
— er, games — a er cancer treatment
By JOHN RICE Contributing Reporter
Becky Koenig grew up in a total sports family and has been playing 16” softball since she was seven. She continues to be high energy, snaring fly balls in the outfield and batting leadoff. She has seen two of her teams inducted into the 16” Hall of Fame: Hang ers (2018) and Brat Pack (2022). K
ball friends during her illness.
“The softball community has been amazing,” Koenig said. “They were praying for me and they helped me keep a positive attitude the whole time.” Koenig said she believes her mental attitude helped her physical recovery. Last year, the Y-Me tournament raised $105,000 for cancer research.
Koenig nurtured her love for softball while growing up in the Clearing neighborhood on the South Side. She still lives next door to her childhood home on 63rd Place. Her mom is her next-door neighbor. Her dad, Joe Vinelli, coached his three kids in softball, while turning them into Cubs fans. Koenig continued to excel at softball. She
classes. Koenig was promoted to supervisor at Donovan Park and Year-Round Recreation Leader at Boyce Park.
Koenig recently retired from the Chicago Park District after 32 years. She sai she is looking forward to her first summer away from the parks in 27 years. She need a break from working with kids but savo the memories of watching them grow into adulthood.
Koenig was just becoming an adult her self, when she joined the Bombers softball team at 18.
“I used to play six nights a week,” Koeni recalled.
She continued to play at the elite level fo
Forest Park: Your stop for the ‘No Glove Nationals’ Tournament
Congratulations to the Park District of Forest Park on 56 years of the longest running softball tournament in the nation!
PROVIDED
Amid her packed schedule, Becky Koenig, a cancer survivor, also plays the Y-Me tournament, which raises money for research about the disease.
while the women’s teams are aging,” Koenig said. “Softball culture used to be strong. Now, it’s hard to get 10 players to show up for every game. There are still some good women’s tournaments attracting 6 to 8 teams, but many women don’t play anymore.”
Young women are not taking up the game as they once did. The days of 7-year-old girls playing 16” softball appear to be over. The Chicago Public Schools are offering softball for boys but there are no teams for girls yet. The women’s game might be in decline, but
Koenig’s husband, Scott, has competed at an elite level for years. He often played in the No Gloves Tournament. The couple doesn’t have children, if you don’t count all the kids “Miss Becky” mentored working for the parks.
Koenig attends the 16” Softball Hall of Fame Banquet and watched her for mer teams being inducted. She proudly displays her Brat Pack tattoo. Koenig will also be at Mt. Greenwood Park on August 24th for the Y-Me Tournament. She plans to give back to the people who have given her so much.
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“ e so ball communit y has been amazing,” Beck Koenig said.
Softball Hall of Fame Museum a decade old
A Maag-ic Museum
By JOHN RICE Contributing Reporter
Ju ly 19, 2024 marke d the 10th A nniversary of the founding of the 16” Softball Hall of Fame Museum (HOF). Al Maag, who co-founded the HOF in 1996 with To ny Re ible, is proud of the impact it has had on the wo rl d of softball.
W hen visitors first c ome to the museum, Maag said their reaction is: “I didn ’t
1,000 views for each. W hen they share stories of old teams and inductees, they g et 1,500 to 10,000 views.”
T he museum is also info rm at ive fo r visitor s. “They c an look up old p hotogr aphs,” Maag said. “People are c ontributing p hotos, b alls and jerseys all the time. T heir biggest eng agement with the museum is when they d onate old p hotos T hey ’re kee ping the history alive by adding their storie s. ”
The museum has become a source of softball history. It has an all-volunteer staf f, though Maag said it would be nice to have
softball. Fo r tunately, HOF member Bobby Lopez, org anized a 16” f undraiser at Mt. Greenwood Pa rk , wh ich was advertised on local TV. Maag is hoping it will raise the profile of the spor t.
Ap art from money, the HOF Board c ould use a “changing of the g uard.”
know it was going to be this nice.” Th e museum exceeds expectations with it s displ ay s of vintage softballs, bats and unifo rm s. It has historic p hotos and videos of pl ayers and teams that have b een inducted. T he museum also has an online presence.
John C onenna c onducts a series of podcasts at the museum, where he i nterviews inductees. T hese podcasts are popular with the public and are also preserving the living history of the g ame
“The museum p osts c ontent 4-6 times per day, ” Maag said, “A nd they g et 500-
the resources to pay them. More funding would also allow the museum to upgrade exhibits and extend hours of operation.
Ke e ping history alive and a dding new stories is one of the missions of the HOF But as Maag says, it takes money to sustain the museum.
“Getting sponsors is still challenging,” he said, “We c ould be doing so much more. ” He is gr ateful for sponsors li ke March Manufacturing and Rich Melman. However, the COVID pandemic “ruined co rp orate softball” and dried up d onations. It also devastated industrial leagu e
Maag, Ray To pps and Ron Ku bicki have b een stalwarts for year s, but the b oard c ould use members who are 60 and younger. T hey suf fered a bl ow when b oard member Mark F righetto suddenly p assed aw ay at the age of 69. Fo r tunately, they have Board President Raul Rowan p utting to g ether tournaments and seminars for young people.
Maag remains optimistic that the younger g eneration will ke ep the g ame going. “Softball is not fading. T he g ame is changing and evolving,” Maag said. “Playe rs are playing for f un these days.”
T he old-time veterans used to pl ay ever y day. T he new g eneration d oesn’t have that level of c ommitment. T hey limi t their playing, so they c an spend more time with their families.
Softball may be in decline in i ts birth-
p lac e, Chicago but it ’s spreading to all parts of the c ountr y. “There are softball tournaments in S an Di eg o, L os Angeles and Yuma.” Iowa has long been a softball stronghold and the g ame’s popularit y c ontinues to attract pl ayers and f ans in other states.
T he museum will be open for extended hours during the No Gloves Tournament. Maag is expecting many visitors will ta ke advantage. 2024 will also mark the 15 th A nnive r sary of the founding of Inductee Pa rk . It ’s located next to the museum and features p laques of HOF inductees. It is d ominated by massive bats sur roundin g a giant Clincher softball.
Finally, Maag a ddressed the p assing of long time Pa rk Director Dave Novak. “Dave was always suppo rt ive of the HOF After Dave retired, Larry Piekarcz was also a big help in g etting us the building.” T he for mer g as station has b een transfor med into a fan-friendly museum. Maag c an foresee even more improvements to the museum. “It needs a new sign. To ny Rieibel wants a l ife-size statue of a softball pl ayer.”
PROVIDED
Hall of Fame Museum timeline exhibit on displ ay.
PROVIDED
Mayor Anthony Calderone is surrounded by the so ball board members for the ribbon cutting Hall of Fame in 2014.
The Park District of Forest Park would like
PRESERVE THE STORIES AND HISTORY
*
HONOR
THE BEST * PROMOTE THE GREAT GAME NATIONALLY
Forest Park Highlights
The 16” Hall of Fame Museum is proud to celebrate its 10th year!
Forest Park Highlights
The Chicago 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame was founded in 1996. It is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to preserving the history, recognizing the best of the best on and off the field, and to fostering the growth of the 16 inch game. The 16 Inch Hall of Fame is located in Forest Park, IL. at the corner of Des Plaines and Harrison. Inductee Park was unveiled in 2009 and the museum opened in 2014. Since its inception, the HOF has inducted over 600 former and current softball men and women players, umpires, managers, fans, teams and organizers at annual dinners averaging 500 attendees. Come see our historical photos, videos, uniforms, artifacts and interactive displays on Saturdays from noon to 4pm; with extended hours during the Forest Park Tournament. Always looking for memorabilia, sponsors, and donors; support will allow us to add displays and be open longer.
