e de cit has decreased since last year, while property taxes are expected to increase
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
Forest Park commissioners approved the village’s budget for the 2025 fiscal year July 22 with an estimated $9 million deficit
The village council approved the spending of nearly $73 million as part of the village’s annual appropriations, which establishes legal spending limits for the village, often in higher amounts than what is listed in the village’s proposed budget so that the village has authority to use that money
The appropriations passed unanimously among Mayor Rory Hoskins and all four village commissioners who attended the meeting
The village has been running in a deficit for years – that figure stood at about $11 million at the end of 2024’s fiscal year on April 30.
See BUDGET on pa ge 14
No trouble for Flashback, that is, the w inners of the 2024 Park District of Forest Park No Glove Nationals 16” So ball Tournament Champions. ey swept the 56th annual tournament, which by all accounts, was one to remember.
ADAM CUMBEE
Starbucks reopened Thursday
e co ee shop closed in early June for construction
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
The Starbucks at 7231 Madison St. reopened July 25 after nearly two months of being closed for major renovations
Much of the inside of the building has been redone, including an all-new cafe area, bar and back-of-house. The Starbucks’ seating has been cut by about half, though the work area for staff is much larger, according
of Madison Street and Harlem Avenue, and include a Starbucks in it, pulled out of the deal in 2016.
David King, president of real estate fir m
David King & Associates in Oak Park, previously told the Review that he worked with the developer for about two years on the strip mall’s layout.
It is unclear why the developer pulled out, since the development for the strip mall was never sent to the Planning and Zoning Com-
e cup o’ joe w ith the famous logo is back.
to officials from DeJames Builders, the contractor who completed the renovations
Starbucks invested more than $370,000 into that space, said Ryan Nero, commissioner of public health and safety. He announced Starbucks’ reopening at the village council meeting July 22.
The building closed the first week of June for renovations. It is the village’s first and only Starbucks, opening on the corner of Madison Street and Elgin Avenue in 2005. A decade later, a developer who planned to build a strip mall at the northwest corner
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mission or put on a village council agenda. With just one Starbucks in town, locals and passerbys have been missing it since its closure.
“ I’m sure some of you may be ve ry excited,” Nero said about the Starbucks’ reopening during the Ju ly 22 village c ouncil meeting . Starting July 25, Starbucks will be open at 7231 Madison St. from 5 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the weekend
JESSICA MOR DACQ
PureSoul Presents: James Brown & the Masters of Funk
Thursday, August 1, 6:30 p.m., Robert’s Westside
Join us for a tribute show to James Brown and the funk era of the late 60s and 70s. Come ready to dance and experience the excitement of funk music. 7321 Madison St., Forest Park
Holding Onto Hope: A Family Fun Fest
Saturday, August 3, 11:00 a.m., Robert’s Westside
Join us for a day of remembrance and joy, featuring Family Yoga, live music by Little Parade Music, story time and food This event bene ts the Star Legac y Foundation. $15 per person (Ages 3 and under free). For ticket assistance, email Chicago@starlegacyfoundation. org. 7321 Madison St., Forest Park
Tai Chi
Monday, August 5, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Forest Park Public Library - Austin Room
Class involves a series of slow, gentle movements focused on breathing and body awareness. Funded in par t by AgeOptions through the American Rescue Plan Act. Register at https://tinyurl.com/y8d78dx9, 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park
BIG WEEK
July
31-August 7
StoopSessions Rashada Dawan
Join the Arts Alliance Forest Park for an evening concert on a neighbor ’s porch featuring Rashada Dawan. Dawan is an actress and vocalist who grew up on the South Side of Chicago. After pursing acting full time, she was cast as “Shenzi” in Disney ’s The Lion King and joined the Las Vegas cast and Gazelle tour for four years. 1026 Lathrop Ave., Forest Park
Listing your event in the calendar
Forest Park Review welcomes notices about events that Forest Park community groups and businesses are planning. We’ll work to get the word out if you let us know what’s happening by noon Wednesday a week before your news needs to be in the newspaper ■ Email details to calendar@wjinc.com
Social Circle: Scrabble
Wednesday, August 7, 12-2 p.m., Forest Park Public Library
Older adults (55+) are invited to join in for community time. Enjoy a game of Scrabble and connect with others. Funds for this program were provided in part through an award from AgeOptions. Register at https:// tinyurl.com/4dcykf62, 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park
Elephant Sessions
Wednesday, August 7, 6:30 p.m.,
Rober t’s Westside
Rober t’s Westside presents Elephant Sessions. General Admission: $15 + service fees reserved seating: $20 + service fees, (sold in groups of 4-6, General Admission included). 7321 Madison St., Forest Park
Sunday, August 4, 5:30 p.m., Table and Lain
Step into the charming world of French brasseries and uncover the secrets of crafting exquisite dishes that capture the essence of Parisian culinary culture. Join us for a captivating “Brasserie Bites” cooking class, where you’ll learn to create classic brasserie fare with a modern twist. To add to the ambiance, we will be serving French wine with dinner. $95 per ticket at tablelain.com, 7322 Madison St., Forest Park
Aldi construction delayed
e grocery store taking over Bed, Bath & Beyond’s old space was set to open in November before minor setbacks
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
The Aldi grocery store, scheduled to open at 215 Harlem Ave. in November, will likely experience delays, according to village of ficials.
The store’s opening has been pushed back to an unannounced date in 2024.
“We are planning to open a store in Forest Park by end-of-year,” said Laura Branneman, Aldi’s regional division vice president.
The postponement results from contractors in charge of Aldi’s construction discovering a basement underneath the building, which wasn’t on their plans, according to Steve Glinke, the director of Forest Park’s de-
partment of public health and safety.
“They’re under some construction delays, some unforeseen things during the construction process,” said Ryan Nero, commissioner of public health and safety, during a July 22 village council meeting
Contractors met with Aldi in July to determine how to move forward, Glinke said. He added that it could take up to two months to wait for a new engineering design from Aldi and Aries Capital, a Chicago-based real estate and private equity firm that owns the property. The design will then be reviewed by Christopher B. Burke Engineering, the village’s engineering fir m.
In addition to addressing the basement, contractors are fixing the building’s roof and ceiling, doing minor electrical upgrades and switching the property’s utilities. Workers are also adding a space to accommodate deliveries, redesigning the facade to match Aldi’s branding and installing refrigerators, freezers and cashier stations, according to Village Administrator Rachell Entler.
“The addition of Aldi will add a grocery store to the North side of town, giving residents of Forest Park, Oak Park and River Forest another affordable food retailer option,”
O cials say that despite delays, the grocer y store will still open by the end of the year.
Entler previously told the Review. “They have a value that has become something that families are wrapping their hands around. People want food stability and not to spend their whole paycheck on it.”
What will soon be a vital resource for the community has been a long time coming Bed, Bath & Beyond closed at 215 Harlem
Ave. in March 2023. The building has been vacant since.
T hough there’s no official ribbon cutting scheduled yet, when it is, villagers will be anxiously awaiting Aldi’s launch in Forest Park
“We’ll welcome their opening when it comes,” Nero said.
Updates coming to Roosevelt Road, village sidewalks
e village council awarded construction bids for projects to remove Roosevelt Road islands
and
improve sidewalks around town
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
This week, the village council approved Triggi Construction’s $258,117 bid to remove three islands from the middle of Roosevelt Road and Nardulli Construction Company the project to redo stretches of sidewalk around the village
For Roosevelt Road construction, the village received three bids from contractors, and Triggi Construction’s was the lowest,
much cheaper than the $310,695 estimated cost of the project.
In a few weeks, Triggi Construction is expected to begin replacing three medians near 7239, 7410, 7623 and 7635 Roosevelt Road. Decorative walls encasing trees and shrubs will be torn down and become short medians, four-inch-thick concrete slabs under brick pavers
This change is a result of drivers repeatedly hitting the median near Roosevelt Road and Hannah Avenue, which creates a visual obstruction, as the Review has reported
“Anytime somebody hits the median, it’s costing the village approximately $20,000 to fix the decorative concrete, fix and replace any water mechanisms that are there, electrical boxes and any landscaping,” Village Administrator Rachell Entler previously told the Review. “It’s happening more and more.”
T he islands are a safety hazard and a major expense for the village. T he decorative concrete that was used for the walls also is discontinued.
The Village of Forest Park and Christopher B. Burke Engineering, the village’s engineer, have worked with Triggi Construction before and deem them qualified for the job, officials said.
Triggi Construction will finish removing the islands by Oct. 15. Roosevelt Road and the adjacent sidewalk will be open during construction, officials said.
Sidewalk improvements
Nardulli Construction was one of six contractors to bid on the project to replace sidewalks and curbs around the village The contractor bid $45,520 when Christopher B. Burke Engineering estimated the project to cost $60,200. Burke Engineering also reviewed the bid documents.
Sidewalk construction is expected to begin in a few weeks and will include removing and repouring 3,200 square feet of concrete, plus 36 feet of curb and gutter removal. Where grass is dug up, workers will lay down new
topsoil and sod.
Construction will take place in the following areas:
■ 7700 block of Adams Street
■ 1000 block of Beloit Avenue
■ 100, 1300 and 1500 blocks of Circle Avenue
■ 800 block of Elgin Avenue
■ 7200 block of Jackson Boulevard
■ 100, 800 and 1000 blocks of Marengo Avenue
■ 7600 block of Monroe Street
■ 800 block of Thomas Avenue
■ 7700 block of Van Buren Street
■ Intersection of Rockford Avenue and Franklin Street
Construction on the sidewalks and curbs will be completed 20 days after it starts. The village’s public works department estimates work will begin in several weeks, since village staff need to review the contractor’s schedule and ensure necessary permits are in place.
JESSICA MORDACQ
A ban on cell phones in classrooms? D209 isn
Problems, board members say, may likely be a lack of enforcement of current policy
By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter
The Proviso D209 board of education appears to not be ready to accept a ban on cellphones in classrooms.
Interim Supt. Alexander Aschof f and the board discussed the information item at the July 16 meeting. Aschof f said the idea for a cell phone ban came from teachers expressing the need for more help controlling cell phone use in the classroom.
No for mal policy has yet been designed, Aschof f said.
However, several board members pushed back at the idea, saying that a cellphone policy already is in place and it hasn’t been enforced.
“We have a policy in place and we are not enforcing the policy we already have in place. What makes us think that somebody is going to put a phone in a pouch that is locked up,” said board member Arbdella Patterson. “I just don’t see it.”
Under the policy, administrators are permitted to discipline students for “gross disobedience or misconduct,” which includes using a cell phone in any manner that disrupts the educational environment or violates the rights of others, including taking photos in locker rooms or bathrooms, cheating, or in any other way that violates student conduct rules.
The question, Aschof f said, is whether to bolster enforcement or to simply restrict students from using their phones.
Patterson said she has spoken with parents who oppose a ban because they to want to be in communication with their children.
Board member Rodney Alexander said that principals and teachers need to enforce any policy, such as dress codes, and should be held accountable for not doing so
“It’s the same policy. Good luck,” Alexander said. “If you don’t have the parent engagement with this…you’ re going to have some teachers enforcing some teachers not. This will go back to accountability and principals managing the building and everybody being on the same beat of music.”
Alexander also stressed that Proviso should not be compared to another district.
“We can’ t compare school does because we school,” he said. “There are a lot of al climate issues that we the can down the road with, but to pick the ones we think are going to be enforceable when we do across the board.”
Proviso is not alone in trying to crack down on cell phone use in schools.
According to EducationWeek, as of 2024, at least seven states ha or created policies to ban or restrict use of cell phones or pushed local districts to enact their own policies. The two largest school districts, Los Angeles and New York, are also working on policies to strict cell phone use in class.
While there is no ban of the classroom in Illinoi across the state have begun implementing their own policies.
According to WBEZ, in Evanston Township High School, students switch of f their cell phones and store them at the entrance of each classroom. Chicago Public Schools lets each campus set their own policy regarding use.
In 2022, Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 began requiring students to drop of f their phones in a slot organizer in the front of the classroom. According to the Wednesday Journal, a survey administered by the district’s cell phone committee showed that an overwhelming majority of faculty were in strong ag reement to maintaining a phonefree class. After the policy’s implementation, another survey re ported that 72% of teachers noticed a “significant improvement in instructional quality” while 23% said they saw slight improvement.
At Proviso, board member Sandra Hixson said it would really be up to principals to reinforce this type of policy
“You are not really taking students’ cell phones away all day, it is actually during instruction time and they would have a pouch to keep those cell phones in,” Hixson said. Exceptions would be made for students who require a phone as part of their IEP.
Hixson, chair of the policy committee, declined to comment.
Part of a new policy would include requiring students to put away their phones
in secure pouches at the beginning of the class period and would retrieve them at the end of class.
But telling a student to not use their phone versus telling a student to lock their phone away is completely different, Aschof f said.
“If we are going to do this, which will impact every single student, more discussion is needed,” Aschof f said.
Jarrell Davis, a rising junior at Proviso Math and Science Academy, who spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting, said that as a student who was part of the policy committee, he saw littleto-no-difference between the current policy and what the district is discussing.
According to Davis, one of the points discussed in the committee was students using cell phones to talk about fights that were going to happen. Davis said if a fight
is going to happen, it is going to happen re gardless of whether students use their phones to share the information or not.
“Let’s see the policy that we have enforced first,” Davis said. “Let’s see teachers use classroom management time, put it in their syllabus and create students who are able to succeed in a colle ge environment.”
Davis said that as the sole Black male student in the Dual De gree Progr am with T riton C olle ge, he needs to learn selfc ontrol to make sure he is not a target. Prep a ring students to go out in the wo rl d to succeed and not have a target on thei r backs is wh at the district needs to be doing, he said.
“I don’t want to see anymore show politics, I want to see policies enforced,” Davis said. “People who are doing their job to keep their job, not people who just want to do whatever.”
Correction
A story published in print July 24, 2024, titled “One Year after lawsuit, teachers hope for new D209 leadership,” incorrectly identified who teachers were talking about in the subheadline of the story. T he were talking about administrators. We apolo gize for the er ror.
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO
Nationw ide, schools struggle with cellphones in the classr oom.
Forest Park welcomes La Parra’s sister restauran
Expect unique dishes an drinks at this family-run restaurant opening
By ZOË TAKAKI Contributing Reporte
North Berwyn’s La Parra restaurant is welcoming a sister restaurant just one mile away in Forest Park called Di’Vino.
It’s a family business, with the two restaurants having owners from the same family Fer nando Muñoz, Jose Muñoz, Valerio Muñoz and Maria Plascencia are siblings, and Salvador Plascencia is married to Maria. Al five owners have had years of experience at restaurants across the Chicagoland area.
The remodeling at the restaurant is almost done and will feature a dark, sleek interior with moody chandelier lighting. It is expected to open in September.
Di’Vino will feature a menu by chef Jesus Petit, and will change based on what is in season.
The menu will be a mix of traditional and experimental dishes.
“We’ re trying to do old yet new stuf f,” Jose Muñoz said. “We will try to get out of the norm.”
On the menu? Savory waffles with bacon and cheese, ceviches and chilaquiles, to name a few.
“Presentation for us is extremely important.” Jose said, adding that they want to make sure every dish is Instagrammable.
Di’Vino will also have a full bar with unique cocktails
“We will have a mix of classic cocktails and new cocktails you haven’t seen yet,” Jose Muñoz said.
Expect a wide variety of bloody Marys and mimosas on their weekend brunch menu.
“We are going to try to have at least five different flavors of bloody marys and then mimosas, bellinis with different flavors,” he added.
Because all of the owners live in Berwyn, opening their next restaurant in Forest Park made sense.
The family opened their first restaurant La Parra in January 2021, the month that dine-in seating became permissible again in Chicago
PROVIDED
e restaurant’s ve owners anticipate a September opening.
started
Opening a family-run restaurant had been a dream for the family for years.
“At family reunions, we would always talk about opening our own business. We tried more than 10 years ago, but it was really hard. We just kept trying and trying,” Jose Muñoz said. After the COVID pandemic started and many of the restaurants the owners were working at closed, they decided to go all in on La Parra.
“We decided to not start working for somebody else and we would invest all of our time in La Parra and we were very successful,” Jose said.
The restaurant’s names and their meanings — La Parra translating to vineyard in Spanish and Di’Vino translating to wine — are a reminder of their story.
“After COVID, we pretty much lost everything. When you work out in a winery in a vineyard, if your vines freeze out or burn you can lose everything, but if you start working with the roots and you keep working hard it’s going to come into bloom again,” Jose Muñoz said “Now this one will be named Di’Vino, which means wine. Di’Vino is the juice of La Parra.”
Jose said their restaurants strive to bring to g ether residents of Berwyn, Forest Park, Cicero and the other surrounding communities
“If you go to La Para all of our guests are extremely diverse,” he said “It’s really beautiful to see.”
The restaurant is located at 1527 S. Harlem Ave.
TEACHERS
BACK TO SCHOOL DRIVE
Saturday, Aug 3 • 10am-Noon Oak Park Farmers Market at Lake & Scoville
Let New Rose cook for you, with free delivery! Every week, we make 2 soups (serves 2) and 2 entrees (serves 2, 4, or 6). Free delivery to Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park. Dietary restrictions welcome.
Chef/Owner Su Jang newrosecatering@gmail.com 708.261.6908
Enjoy programs, activities, trips and more designed for individuals aged 50 & up with our Active Adult Membership, including:
• Arts & Crafts Workshops
• Fitness Classes
• Day Trips Every Season
• Special Interest & Discussion Groups
• Four Complimentary Pool Visits
• Discounted Festival Theater Tickets
• And much more!
Your membership gives you access to FREE or greatly reduced activities and programs. Only $52 per year
our community today!
Call us at (708) 725-2715 or visit us at pdop.org/activeadults for more details. Most activities are held at Dole Center, conveniently located at 255 Augusta Ave.
SENIOR
living Summer
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Here, you can let your imagination run wild. Customize your home with the perfect paint colors, a stately fireplace, the latest in smart-home technology and more. Just steps from your door, you’ll enjoy over 100 monthly programs and events. At Plymouth Place, staying active is easy and feeling safe and secure at home never felt better.
Learn more about our award-winning continuing care community for adults 62+ at plymouthplace.org or call us at (708) 998-4232
CONNECT & LEARN
LUNCH & ENTERTAINMENT
Kehrein Center for the Arts | 5628 Washington Boulevard
August 9 | 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
CULTURAL & CREATIVE ARTS
National Museum of Mexican Art | 1852 W. 19th Street
July 25 | 1:00–3:00 p.m. To register, email angela@museumofmexicanart.org.
WALKING & WELLNESS CLUB
Salvation Army Freedom Center | 825 N. Christiana Avenue
Meets every Friday from 8:30–10:00 a.m. To register, email programs@mather.com or text (847) 316.1365.
Registration appreciated! Anyone 55+ is welcome at these FREE programs.
THE Y, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME
The West Cook YMCA offers in-person, on-demand, and live-streaming programs that fit your needs and your schedule. All complimentary for members to help you reach your fitness goals, reduce your risk for chronic diseases, provide a safe and welcoming space, and so much more.
AQUATICS
Learn to swim with lessons, participate in a water fitness class, swim laps or join your friends in open swim. .
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FEELING GOOD NEVER GROWS OLD
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TAKE A TOUR TODAY.
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JOIN ONLINE TODAY.
Receive $0 Joiner Fee and 50% off your first month when you join online at westcookymca.org/ join-online.
PROGRAMS FOR YOU
GROUP FTINESS
Offering a wide range of group fitness classes from cardio, strength, water fitness, cycling, yoga, and classes designed specifically for older adults.
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PICKLEBALL
Indoor Pickleball lessons for Beginners and Intermediate and above and Open Court Play.
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YMCA360
Join a live-stream or ondemand class through our Y360 platform and mobile app. Classes include fitness, wellness, and enrichment.
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WELLNESS FOR OLDER ADULTS
COMMUNITY HEALTH FOR YOU
In partnership with the Village of Oak Park, all community health programs at the West Cook YMCA are complimentary and include a membership to the West Cook YMCA for the duration of the program.
BLOOD PRESSURE
SELF-MONITORING PROGRAM
Personalized one-on-one support for developing a blood pressure self-monitoring routine, tips for maintaining a healthy heart, and nutrition education seminars.
ELIGIBILITY:
• At least 18 years old, and
• Diagnosed with hypertension or currently taking antihypertensive medication
• Not have experienced a recent cardiac event
• Not have atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias
• Not be at risk for lymphedema
DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM
Help those at high risk adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles and reduce their chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Fully recognized by the CDC and proven to reduce risk of type 2 diabetes by 58%.
ELIGIBILITY:
• At least 18 years old
• Overweight (BMI ≥25) AND
• Diagnosed with prediabetes via one of three blood tests or previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes
• Not diagnosed with T1 or T2 diabetes
• Not pregnant
If blood test not available, can qualify based on risk factors.
WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM
Designed to help people seeking a healthier weight achieve their goals by making small, modest changes to their daily behaviors and forming sustainable healthy habits.
ELIGIBILITY:
• Must be at least 18 years old, and
• Desire a healthier weight
Not intended for individuals with specialized needs due to chronic disease or onset of a chronic disease.
LEARN MORE
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BUDGET
De cit remains from page 1
“I don’t want people to just hear doom and gloom, we have no money,” Village Administrator Rachell Entler in an early-July budget meeting. “I’m not afraid to tackle this. It is what’s been handed to us.”
Entler’s goal, seemingly shared by the rest of village staff, is to slowly improve Forest Park’s finances yearafter-year
The village may be on its way to just that, as officials have found ways to shrink the deficit from the end of the 2024 fiscal year by about $2 million. A deficit occurs when spending surpasses income, and the village accesses its general fund as a form of revenue.
Factors that have led to Forest Park’s deficit include infrastructure improvement projects, which are funded out of the water fund and restricted funds. While individual departments have stayed under budget for several years, the village overspends in funding capital projects and emergency infrastructure repairs, plus paying employees overtime, according to Entler
The village’s general and water funds are used for day-to-day operations, while all other funds are restricted or assigned. The general fund consists of money from property, state and utility taxes, license and permit fees, plus grants. The water fund covers the cost of running water throughout the village
The general and water fund salaries have up to an 8% allowance for overages to account for contract benefits, overtime and retirement. Operating expenditures have up to a 50% allowance for maintenance and repairs. The same amount is allocated for grants and capital expenses
Amid the village’s deficit, taxes will increase slightly in the 2025 fiscal year It’s unclear exactly how much, since the village presents a levy to Cook County, which officially sets it.
“We have to do our best estimate at what we expect to see come in from our property tax,” said Finance Director Letitia Olmsted during the budget meeting in early July
At the end of 2024, property taxes are
projected to make up 28% of the village’s revenue. The 2025 fiscal year is budgeted with 3% more revenue than last year, or $159,620, all coming from property taxes.
But this increase still won’t be enough to offset the deficit — or the village’s pension obligations, which also pose a challenge when it comes to getting Forest Park into a more positive financial situation.
“By 2040 the pension funds are supposed to be 90% funded,” Olmsted said. But Forest Park’s pension is about 35% funded. “It’s a serious issue,” Olmsted added.
Once the village sees more revenue coming in from other funding sources, Entler said the village council will meet to decide how much should go toward pension funds.
A path out of the red
Entler had organized a series of budget workshops for village staff ahead of the council approval of appropriations. This marks the first time there’s been such discussions with staff, rather than one meeting where department heads present itemized costs, then submit individual budgets to Olmsted.
The first budget meeting in March outlined each department’s wants and needs. The second meeting in April organized these items by cost and priority.
“There’s really not a lot of things that we can kind of cut from our budget without having to cut services,” Entler said.
So far, the village has increased its liquor license fees and, according to Entler, is looking at also raising fees in multiple departments, many of which haven’t increased for decades.
Entler said Olmsted is exploring what it would take to implement a places-of-eating tax. This would likely establish a 1% or 2% tax at restaurants and fast-food spots, generating $500,000 to $1 million for the village, Entler estimated
The village now projects to end the calendar year with a loss and reduction in its fund balance. This will continue a pattern over a decade long, where Forest Park’s revenues have not offset its expenditures.
“We’re going to continue looking at how we can be more efficient at the things that we do,” Entler said.
Village and D91 continue crossing guard partnership
Total cost for 2023-24 was over $20,000
By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter
The Village of Forest Park continues to hire crossing guards as the 2024-25 school year fast approaches.
Dora Murphy, administrative assistant to the chief of police for the Forest Park Police Department, said the department, who handles the hiring for the Village of Forest Park, is always hiring for the position.
With seven current employees, Murphy said alternates are needed to ensure all designated locations are properly staffed.
In recent years, staff retention has remained consistent, Murphy said.
But because a majority of their employees are senior citizens, or people who have already retired and are looking for a part-time gig, backup can be crucial.
According to previous reports, the Village of Forest Park reached out to the Forest Park School District 91 back in 2010 to discuss splitting the cost of employing the guards
Then, Supt. Lou Cavallo brought the item to a vote at a board meeting, saying that it is a service to students and a benefit for the district he wants to see continue.
According to Nurys Uceta-Ramos, director of engagement for D91, the district has maintained the partnership.
“They support our students and our families,” Uceta-Ramos said. “It is a partnership that is ongoing.”
According to Murphy, for the 2023-24 school year, the budget ended at $23,320, with half paid by the school district.
Crossing guards get paid $18.30 an hour and receive an additional $5 per paycheck for uniform upkeep, which the Village provides. Additionally, the Village provides safety equipment, such as reflective vests, to increase visibility and for crossing guards to be easily identifiable to students
Crossing guards work twice a day, from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and then again during dismissal, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Uceta-Ramos said the Village determines how many are needed and where they are needed
Murphy said the closing of Grant-White Elementary, which shuttered in 2022 to consolidate facilities as enrollment declined, played a role in the number of guards needed, since designated intersections near the school no longer needed to be covered.
Currently the Village monitors the following intersections:
Circle Avenue and Madison Street
Circle Avenue and Jackson Boulevard
Circle Avenue and Harvard Street
Circle Avenue and Harrison Street
Circle Avenue and Roosevelt Road
Thomas Avenue and Jackson Boulevard
Des Plaines Avenue and Jackson Boulevard
Murphy said the Village focuses on main areas of crossing between Madison Street and Roosevelt Road. If staffing allows, Murphy said they will sometimes double up crossing guards at busier intersections
While the district does not track the mode of transportation that students take to school, Uceta-Ramos said D91 is in a very walkable community and many families choose to walk to school.
“We very much appreciate them being there, which is why we contribute to the cost,” UcetaRamos said. “We are happy with the partnership and are glad the village invests in having crossing guards for the community, not just for the schools’ purposes.”
“They are not just looking out for kids, they are looking out for everybody at every intersection,” she said. “They are just a very vital piece to ensuring safety during commutes every day.”
Proviso may drop the PSAT for entry into PMSA
e move comes as the district adapts to new state exam requirements
By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter
Proviso High School Township District 209 is c onsidering dropping the PS AT National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test as pa rt of the admissions process for the Proviso Math and Science Academy.
T he move c omes after the I llinois Stat e Board of Education announced that high school students will now take the AC T exam rather than the SAT, wh ich had b een the required test since 2016.
Interim Supt. Alexander Aschof f said during the July 16 board meeting it is no longer in the best interest of incoming eight graders from the district’s 11 foundation schools to use the test for admissions
“I do n’ t b eli eve this is going to be the b est assessment because we are not goin g to be assessing these students on this test later on,” Aschof f said.
According to the meeting agenda, minimal information has been given by the state concerning the administration of the PreACT. This has raised concerns over its use for admissions as a different assessment would be able to provide actionable data for future students as the district would be able to compare scores down the line and measure student growth.
“We wanted to find something that is not only going to be used for admissions but suppo rt teaching and learning as they matriculate through our gr ades,” Aschof f said.
Aschof f is recommending the distric t explore other options for admissions testing and said he is in talks with Renaissance S tar, a service and learning analytics c ompany that provides Pre-K through 12 gr ade educational software and adaptive assessments, to increase the district’s licenses
According to Aschof f, the district already provides students with Renaissance assessments three times a year to every Proviso student. By administerin g the same test, the district c ould c alculate student growth.
Cur rently the PSAT assessment accounts for 35% of a student’s score for admissions.
A second test, the Naglieri Nonverbal
Ability Test, a measurement of ability, accounts for another 35% of dent’s total score. T he remaining 30% is accounted for through a student’s se grade transcript from the core English, math, social studies, and scienc
Aschof f said more information presented to the board in a future
AC T Prep
T he district also will be looking other vendors to assist with A prep aration. It had b een using SAT Suit of A ssessment through a c ontract with the C olle ge Board. But the C olle d oes not offer ACT prep, so a new pa nership is needed .
“We knew that we needed to find someone to partner with to help on the professional development s ide to suppo teachers but most importantly something on the academic s ide to suppo rt d ent so academically they f elt ready it comes time in April,” Aschof f said.
Horizon Education has b een recommended for a $27,000-contract to provide i nstructional suppo rt and a practice assessment at all Proviso schools
In additional to providing the pre-practice test, Horizon’s online platform would design learning based on a student’s results
“Its progr am has a learning path fo r our students,” Aschof f said. “It would be a supplemental piece in the classroom where students log i nto an online portal and do their practicing.”
Teachers would also be able review test scores and a djust their in-class cu rriculum to go over certain areas again if needed to provided a dditional suppo rt , Aschof f said during the meeting .
Under the new state requirements, j uniors will be taking the ACT in the s pring, with sophomores taking the PreACT Secure and freshman students taking the PreACT 9 Secure
ISBE sw itched back to the ACT from the SAT to save money, and because, as State Superintendent of Education To ny S anders said in May, the ACT aligns with the state’s learning standards. T he stateadministered test will include mathemat-
ic s, reading, scienc e, w riting and Englis h language ar ts.
Board President S amuel Valtier re z q uestioned whether the prep c ourses would help cu rrent students becoming higher achievers and improve scores
“Sometimes the administration brings in new initiatives and says, ‘ Okay it ’s $300,000 or $400,000,’ but it takes a whole c ohort to actually g et there and i nstead of spending that $400,000 we ’re spendin g $1.6 million,” Valtier re z said.
Aschof f said that was difficult to answer the q uestion at that time, a ddin g that the district needs a tool specifically for the AC T.
“We do need a tool to progress monitor this specific assessment,” Aschoff said. “It is an important assessment. It is different from the SAT, how it is structured, what it assesses, the distractors and how the assessment was built, everything is dif ferent.”
Aschof f said the b oard will vote wheth-
er to approve the partnership with Horizon during the Au g. 13 board meeting.
Aschof f said the district is also looking i nto a p otential separate partnershi p with Academic T utoring to provide an ACT b ootcamp. This would provide juniors with more “intense” live -instructor learning wh ich c an include after school and Saturday sessions or even blocked out time during the school day to prep fo r the AC T.
“It is looking at wh at is going to meet the needs of our school administratio n b ased on their own p lanning so we ca n wo rk with them to c ustomize wh at thi s b ootcamp looks li ke,” Aschof f said.
Aschof f said the i tem will be brought to the b oard in the near f uture to ask for additional funds to suppo rt the bootcamp.
“The board members have expressed interest in years past,” Aschof f said. “The bootcamp is going to be very targeted at specific times as we near the actual ACT.”
JAVI GOVEA
PMSA Prov iso Math and Science Academy
CRIME
Man hiding gun in car’s seat cushion tries to ee police
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
his thumb. When the man backed away, the woman ran off down Roosevelt Road, but police canvassing the area said they couldn’t find her. The employee said he didn’t want to sign complaints against the woman but wanted medical attention for the bite, which left a minor cut, according to the police report. Dollar Tree’s manager told police that employees are told not to interact with those stealing merchandise and said they also didn’t wish to sign criminal complaints if the woman was found
Catalytic converter theft
Police reported they noticed a car July 22 without a rear bumper and with tinted windows, in violation of Illinois law. When police turned on their lights, they noticed the car’s driver reaching multiple times into the front and back seat, according to the police report. Police pulled over the vehicle at the intersection of Roosevelt Road and Hannah Avenue They reported they smelled cannabis coming from the car and asked the woman driving if she had any firearms in the vehicle. She said she didn’t, officials reported. But police found a firearm inside the front passenger seat’s bottom cushion. When police asked the front seat passenger to put his hands behind his back, he swung his arm and tried to break free from the police’s grip, according to the police report. The woman driving was arrested for possession of cannabis in a passenger area of a car, plus having tinted windows and an improper bumper. The man was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful possession of firearms, possession of cannabis inside a car and resisting officers.
Hit and run
On July 19, police responded to a hit and run in the 7200 block of Madison Street. A woman driving a sedan hit a garden planter and continued driving down Madison Street. Police found her car in the 400 block of Hannah Avenue, though she was not in it, according to the report Before police left the scene, the woman approached police and told them she was driving. She said her power steering malfunctioned, causing her to crash, and she was unable to provide proof of insurance. The woman was arrested for operating an uninsured motor vehicle, criminal damage to gover nment property and leaving the scene with property damage
Theft
A Dollar Tree employee told police July 20 that he saw a woman pacing the aisles before putting three candy bars in her backpack and heading for the exit. He approached her, grabbed the top backpack handle and told her she needed to return the candy bars. During their altercation, the woman hit the employee with her closed fist and bit
Police were dispatched to Circle Avenue July 21 for a report of a masked man underneath a blue Hyundai SUV with a saw. Though no one was under the vehicle when police arrived, they noticed two cut pipes, signifying a catalytic converter theft. The car’s owner told police she would sign complaints if the offender was located.
Welfare check
Police performed a welfare check July 22 at a residence on Hannah Avenue. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services called the police about the address, regarding a registered sex offender who was possibly living there with his girlfriend and her three children, ages 18, 13 and seven months old. The woman who answered the door was the children’s mother, who spoke to police through the door, then stepped outside but would not let them inside, though she said her boyfriend and children were at her mother’s house in Forest Park. She told police that her oldest daughter called DCFS because she was upset at her for kicking her out of the house. She said she’s aware of her boyfriend’s sex offender status, isn’t worried about her children’s safety, and intends to continue dating him. Police advised DCFS of their findings, and DCFS said it would follow up.
These items were obtained from Forest Park Police Department reports dated July 19 through July 22 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
Time for Home Rule talk
Forest Park has operated from some level of financial distress for decades. It has become standard operating procedure in village gover nment. A sort of “we’re basically broke” philosophy has been part of the DNA.
It resulted in largely ignoring the serious aging of the town’s infrastructure and pay inequities on the staff – not to mention little investment in potential economic development, a divisive fight over video gaming, substandard municipal buildings, a dearth of innovation at village hall and a badly underfunded pension plan.
Things may be starting to change, though. The village council just passed a new budget that trims deficit spending a bit. That’s good. Plans in the work to hike a range of fees that have been inexplicably stagnant for years, the village is exploring – and should act quickly to implement – a so-called places-of-eating tax. With all the restaurants and bars in town, this new tax could raise $500,000 to $1 million annually. And it is one of the few added taxes the state allows nonhome rule towns to create
There are also some revenue pluses coming down the line. Forest Park is lucky to have an Aldi coming to Harlem. The car dealership at Roosevelt and Des Plaines is close to expanding. And there will be two pot dispensaries open soon and generating money for the village
The budget process this year under Rachell Entler, the still-new village administrator, also had a new tone this time around. She called for an end to “doom-and-gloom” budgeting and challenged both her staff and the village council to think creatively and to take some chances.
We’d suggest three things at the top:
■ While it had to be mentioned as a possible revenue source, don’t attempt to bring back video gaming. It is not the look you want for a town that aspires to be a dining destination to have gambling machines off in a dank cor ner. And it is still too divisive.
■ Finally decide the future of the Altenheim property owned by the village. If the decision is a short-sighted and backward plan to sell off a good chunk for development, then at least get it over with and start planning how to maximize the revenue.
■ It is time to once again discuss a referendum to bring home rule to Forest Park Yes, it went down in flames 20 years ago. But this is a new day, with many new residents and a good case to be made that the village can be responsible stewards of the greater taxing options it would bring.
Forest Park needs the ability to get its finances right. This is the moment to make a genuine plan.
OPINION
Pragmatism and changing horses midstream
When I was a boy 60 years ago, one of the sayings I heard was, “Don’t change horses in the middle of the stream.”
In other words, in the middle of a difficult task or challenge, it’s better to stick with the approach or leader you started with than to abruptly change in the middle of what is be gun.
Mayor Rory Hoskins was committed to sticking with the “horse,” i.e. Joe Biden, whom he had been riding since 2020 until that horse decided to no longer move toward the opposite bank. Hoskins was chosen as a Biden delegate to the 2020 Democratic National Convention (DNC) and again for the 2024 DNC, which will be called to order in just 20 days at the United Center
HOLMES
“Despite his age,” Hoskins explained, “at this time last year, I thought that President Biden would be the best person to represent the party in the 2024 general election.”
A lot of political water, however, has gone over the dam in the last 12 months and at this point Hoskins said, “I think that President Biden made the right decision.”
Our mayor might be channeling Kenny Rogers who years ago sang,
You’ ve got to know when to hold ‘em
Know when to fold ‘em
Know when to walk away
And know when to run …
Or, to put it a little more elegantly, many are familiar with the Serenity Prayer attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr which reads, God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
In the wake of Biden’s weak performance in his debate with Donald Trump on June 27, our current president seemed to be focusing on courage to fight on more than the serenity to accept the reality that it’s over Ego and ambition make a two-edged sword that can cut both ways. Biden has wanted to be president for decades, and once he arrived at the White House he accomplished a great deal, but when it was time to let go, his courage had a hard time yielding to serenity.
Most of us, I think, agree that Mayor Hoskins has an ego and ambitions for higher of fice. The results of the last mayoral election in which he defeated a good and experienced man named John Doss by a wide margin reveal that the majority of us in town don’t want his
ambition to get in the way of what’s good for the community.
In that regard, President Biden revealed the same depth of character by being able to accept the inevitable and “hand the torch” to the next generation.
I’ve heard the quip that anyone who actually wants to be president should automatically be disqualified. Ego and ambition can cut both ways
We all know of one politician who will fabricate false narratives and foment violence in his desperate, ambitious attempt to hold onto power.
Biden didn’t do that. He reluctantly but finally came down on the side of both serenity and “the wisdom to know the difference.” My sense is that Rory has the wisdom to sense when to continue the fight and when to retreat.
And when to switch horses midstream.
“Earlier today [July 25],” he told the Review, “I signed a document titled, ‘Official Nominating Petition for President of the United States,’ that was sent to me by the Democratic National Committee. It was sent to me in my capacity as an elected Democratic National Convention delegate. In so doing, I pledged my support for Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s nominee.”
Politics is not religion. No human, especially those running for office, deserve absolute loyalty. We are to love God with all our heart and soul. The last time I looked, that does not apply to politicians
The form of government we call democracy is a strange amalgam of idealism and pragmatism, which seems to be fueled by ambition. The preamble to our Constitution declares that government’s task is to form “a more perfect union.” Not perfect. Just better than it is right now — or maybe sometimes getting us through a tough time without losing too much of what previously had been gained.
Idealism and pragmatism. No one has ever made it to the North Star, yet it has guided travelers for millennia.
At the level of our village, Hoskins won the last election, I believe, not because while he was in office we became the perfect village. Exhibit A: he did not resolve the D209 conundrum. But alleys are being paved incrementally, potholes are being filled and lead pipes are being gradually replaced.
The mayor, the council and village officials are focused on the North Star of perfection while understanding that we will never get there but using it to guide us in the right direction.
Editor Erika Hobbs
Sta Repor ter Jessica Mordacq Amaris E. Rodriguez
Digital Manager Stacy Coleman
Digital Media Coordinator Brooke Duncan
Contributing Editor Donna Greene
Contributing Reporters Tom Holmes, John Rice, Bob Skolnik, Jackie Glosniak, Robert J. Li a
Columnists Alan Brouilette, Jill Wagner, Tom Holmes, John Rice
Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead
Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea
Designers Susan McKelvey, Vanessa Garza
Sales and Marketing Representatives
Lourdes Nicholls, Ben Stumpe
Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan
Circulation Manager Jill Wagner
Publisher Dan Haley
Special Projec ts 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
HOW TO REACH US
ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-366-0600 ■ FAX 708-467-9066
EMAIL forestpark@wjinc.com
CIRCULATION Jill@oakpark.com
ONLINE ForestParkReview.com
Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Forest Park Review,141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302-2901. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS No 0205-160)
In-county subscriptions: $38 per year. $70 for two years, $93 for three years. Out-of-county subscriptions: $58 per year.
As we slowly lose our ability to write in complete sentences, it’s important to lear n the abbreviations that kids are using in their text messages.
A police department distributes a list of these abbreviations It’s called “A Parent’s Introduction to Text Messaging Lingo.” It raises the question: “Could your child be hiding a conversation right in front of your eyes?” It’s important for me to study the list of abbreviation, because I increasingly communicate with my adult children by text, often when we’re in the same room.
doing, I may text back “NOYB.” ometimes, after I tell them it’s none of your business, they reply “WAJ!” No one likes being called a jerk “IMO.” I often add, in my pinion, to a statement, because this is an opinion column. If I offer an opinion about something I’m ignorant about, a reader will text that I’m “IOMH.” Sure, I’m often in over my head. If I was an authority on every topic, it would be “2G2BT.” “FYI” I need the “411” if I’m going to write knowledgably about an issue. I can only hope readers can relate to the topic, otherwise they text “DKDC.”
can text the defendant “TTFN.” I don’t know anyone who says, “Ta Ta For Now” except in texts. “BM&Y” I think kids are using these codes for “KPC.”
Keeping parents clueless is a time-honored tradition with teenagers. They want their parent to “MYOB.” They’re so tired of being asked “RUOK?” It’s not like the parent is their “BFF.” Teens may no longer like “H&K” or being called “QT.” When the parents’ texts them to “PTB,” (please text back)” they may reply “DIKU?”
For example, “WH5” summarizes the foundation of journalism, “Who, What, Where, When, Why.” To find out answers to these questions, I set up interviews by texting the person “A3” or “Anytime, Anywhere, Anyplace.” If I’m running late for the interview, I text “OMW.”
I let them know I’m on my way, but if I keep them waiting too long, they may text “WRUD.” Instead of telling them what I’m
They don’t know, don’t care about stolen pears! Haven’t they heard about the huge apple heist in Indiana, or is that “TMI.” “AFAIK” (as far as I know) this kind of crime is on the rise. If you think it’s “NP” that a thief can pick an entire orchard clean, then you obviously don’t care for apple cider. I would love to get “F2F” with a thief like that, or the guy who steals my morning newspaper “IRL” (in real life) we don’t find this kind of justice. No, we “G2G” (got to go) to court to see “TPTB” (the powers that be) convict the perpetrator. After they are sentenced, we
Of course, they know it’s their parent texting them. The teen is “J/K” but don’t expect the parent to “LOL.” The parent especially wouldn’t “ROTFL,” they’re too old to roll on the floor laughing. They simply want to know if their teen is “BRD” and wants to come home. When the teen gives them an “ETA,” they can text back “SLAP.”
No, this not threatening violence, it means it sounds like a plan. It is not necessary for the parent to get gushy and text “LYSM,” they can simply type “TOY.” I know that sounds like the parent is promising a present but it just means they are thinking of their kid. They worry about their teen even if they know they’ll “BRB.”
If you think this kind of communication is too confusing, we can stop using letters all together and switch to emojis
Before Target
The Wolf Bros. Fur niture Store at the cor ner of Circle Ave. and Madison St. (now Robert’s West Side), was a new store in June 1920, when this photo was featured on the cover of the Forest Leaves Newspaper. “A large number of people have been attracted to the new store on account of the large exhibition of furniture and household furnishings. This week the demonstration of the Universal Combination Range by a re presentative of the factory is attracting large crowds both in the afternoons and evenings.” The original store advertised selling lamps, refrigerators, kitchen maid kitchen cabinets, furniture for parlors, kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms and baby car riages.
Jill Wagner
A LOOK BACK IN TIME
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 GIVEN 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
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
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION
U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE ON BEHALF FOR CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2021-RP4, Plaintiff(s), vs. SCOTT SCHEMMEL, SVETLANA KAPLIN A/K/A SVETLAN KAPLINA, VILLAGE OF OAK PARK, TUDOR ROSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, STATE OF ILLINOIS, U.S. BANK, N.A. SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO REGENCY SAVINGS BANK, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendant(s), 22 CH 1440 CALENDAR 60 NOTICE OF SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on September 9, 2024, at the hour 11:00 a.m., Intercounty’s office, 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, IL 60602, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-07-323-052-1003 AND 1607-323-052-1007. Commonly known as 424 S. WISCONSIN STREET, UNIT 3N, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The real estate is: condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g) (4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act.. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel, 175 North Franklin Street, Suite 201, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 357-1125. 22-00544 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3249069
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) 2733681 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, 31, 2024
Advertisement to Solicit Bids
Notice is hereby given by the Executive Director of Housing Forward, 1851 South 9th Avenue, Maywood, Illinois, that bids will be received for the following improvements at The Write Inn located at 211 North Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302: Roof membrane replacement, Roof insulation and Masonry Tuckpointing
Bids will be received until 5:00PM, Central Standard Time on August 30, 2024, and emailed to RFP@iff. org. Please direct all bid proposals to Ann Panopio.
The bidding forms and documents will be available to request here (https://iff.org/rfps/). The owner, and owner’s representative have been authorized to refuse to issue plans, specifications and proposals to any person, form or corporation that they consider to be unqualified. Proposal must be submitted on the forms provided.
The bidder is specifically advised that Housing Forward is a Subrecipient of the Village of Oak Park of a grant pursuant to the Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, pursuant to an agreement entered between the Village of Oak Park and Housing Forward. Further, the work must adhere to federal labor compliance requirements (Davis Bacon). Housing Forward and Village of Oak Park have a preference to qualifying Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises. Contractors are expected to make their best effort in maximizing participation.
NOTE: No contracts will be awarded unless the contractor is actively registered with the “System for Award Management (SAM)” and permitted
Summary of Work – The project includes all work described in the Bid Documents including but not limited to all required site prep, scaffolding, temporary shoring, demolition, removal and appropriate disposal of waste materials, replacement, or repair of existing materials to remain, cleaning, and confirmation of water-tight enclosure for all areas of work. This work should be coordinated with Owner to minimize impact to Owner’s operations.
Published in Wednesday Journal July 31, August 7, 14, 21, 28, 2024
OAK PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT 97 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AUGUST 13, 2024 AT 7:00 PM
The Board of Education of Oak Park Elementary School District 97 will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 7:00 pm. The purpose of said hearing will be: To receive public comment on a proposed waiver application to allow District 97 to limit physical education with a licensed physical education teacher to 60 minutes per week for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.
Published in Wednesday Journal July 31, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
e-Learning Program
The Board of Education of Oak Park School District 97 will hold a Public Hearing on August 13, 2024, at 7:00 PM, in-person during the regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting.
The purpose of said hearing will be to receive public comment on the proposed e-Learning Program renewal which, if approved, will permit students’ instruction to be received electronically while students are not physically present in lieu of the district’s scheduled emergency days. This program is allowed under Section 10-20.56 of the School Code [105 ILCS 5/10-20.56]. Notification of this hearing is provided to families and is posted in the newspaper more than 10 days prior to the scheduled Public Hearing.
If approved, the e-Learning Program renewal will be implemented for a three year term.
BOARD OF EDUCATION, Oak Park School District 97
Published in Wednesday Journal July 31, 2024
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Board of Education of School District No. 91, in the County of Cook, State of Illinois, the tentative budget for said School District for the Fiscal Year 2025 will be available for public inspection at the District Office, 424 DesPlaines Avenue, Forest Park, Illinois, after 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. Notice is hereby given that a public hearing on said budget will be held at 6:30 p.m. on the 12th day of September, 2024, at Grant-White School, 147 Circle Avenue, Forest Park, in this School District No. 91.
Dated this 31st day of July, 2024
Board of Education School District No. 91 County of Cook State of Illinois
