Altenheim proposes buying back land from the village
e senior living center wants greenspace
and parking
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
At the village council meeting Aug. 26, Altenheim officials made a presentation, proposing to repurchase a portion of land it sold to the village over two decades ago.
The Altenheim, a nonprofit at 7824 Madison St., provides housing for seniors at a below market rate value. While The Altenheim owns the building, the village of Forest Park bought 11 acres around the building from The Altenheim in 2001 for $3.6 million.
Now The Altenheim is looking to buy back a portion of that village-owned land — about 1.5 acres to the building’s west as potential green space and 0.8 acres around the building’s south and west sides. The latter would serve as parking, to accommodate a hypothetical building expansion, and as a buffer for repairs to the building’s exterior.
“On certain walls, there’s not even room to lean up a ladder,” Simone Boutet, The Altenheim’s lawyer, told the Forest Park Review. Boutet and Mark Zinni, a member of
See ALTENHEIM on pa ge 12
e Labor Day shooting on the Blue Line in Forest Park rattled the area’s sense of safety. Authorities say there is no longer a risk. Stor y on page 6.
STEVEN LIFKA
Forest Park ghts underage tobacco sales
Compliance appears high, as underage teens go undercover to help police
By ZOË TAKAKI Contributing Reporter
Businesses in Forest Park seem to be complying with laws that ban the sale of tobacco products to those under 21, with the number of violations issued by the police going down.
For many years, Forest Park police, with the help of a grant, have used underage youth agents to attempt to buy tobacco at business across the village. If those
businesses sell the tobacco product to the agent, they will be issued a citation for Sale of Tobacco Products to Minors.
“We are trying to protect our children, our high school age and middle school children who sometimes make poor choices at a young age and want to pick up a habit that could be detrimental to their health and life,” said Forest Park Police Chief Ken Gross.
The number of citations is going down, indicating to Gross that compliance by businesses is up.
“It seems that the program is effective with the number of citations on the downswing,” said Gross.
According to the chief, in 2021 police wrote five citations; in 2022, 12; in 2023, five; and so far this year just one.
Gross said the program isn’t just about the citations.
“It gives us an opportunity to educate the
retailer and employee about the rules. It also lets them know that we do and will randomly check on their businesses to make sure that the rules are followed,” he said.
Tobacco compliance checks have been a successful tactic used by law enforcement for years as have compliance checks with underaged alcohol sales.
For example, in Oak Park and River Forest, the Alcohol Policy Resource Center started funding alcohol compliance checks in those communities. Police found that the neighborhoods had seen a 20% decrease in the Retail Access Rate of Alcohol by minors since 2012 due to the checks. In addition, since 2018, law enforcement has checked 118 retailers with a 98% pass rate.
Recently, Cook County has added other steps to deter underage tobacco use.
This year the Cook County Board of Commissioners amended the Cook County
Youth Tobacco Control Ordinance, restricting the sale of all flavored liquid nicotine products. This affects underage tobacco use, with 85% of e-cigarette users ages 1217 using flavored e-cigarettes.
According to the Cook County Department of Public Health, this year e-cigarette use has increased by 78% among high school students and 48% among middle school students.
Also, this year, the Cook County Department of Public Health launched the campaign “Unfriend Tobacco: Your Lungs, Your Rules.”
The goal of this campaign is to raise awareness among youth and young adults about the harmful effects of using flavored vape and other tobacco products. This campaign will use ads on streaking audio and social media apps to discuss the harmful effects of tobacco.
D91 schools expand Parent University with three new programs
September program schedule released
By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter
Forest Park’s District 91 schools launched three new programs within its Parent University initiative that will kick of f this month.
D91 will introduce the following three programs:
■ Parent & Pancake Series, designed to help families connect and share parenting tips while enjoying breakfast together.
■ D91 Affinity Groups to provide support for parents with shared backgrounds or interests. This is in partnership with the Forest Park Public Library.
■ Parent University Workshops, which will help parents gain practical skills and knowledge on various topics.
According to Supt. Elizabeth Alvare z, Parent University plays a role in creating a sense of belonging within the D91 community
“When you get involved and participate in your own learning, you’ re not just supporting your child -- you’ re strengthening
our entire community,” Alvare z said in a press release received on Aug. 29.
The district has already released its September schedule, which is as follows:
-Tuesday, Sept. 10, 9 a.m.: GED and HiSET Overview hosted by Triton College at GrantWhite Intermediate Elementary School.
-Friday, Sept. 13, 9:30 a.m.: Affinity Group Kickof f at Let’s Play Work on Circle Avenue
-Tuesday, Sept. 24, 6 p.m.: Positive Behavior Intervention and Support/Bullying Awareness Workshop Empowering Families, One Step at a Time at Grant-White Intermediate Elementary School.
According to the press release, the partnership b etween D91 and local Fo rest Pa rk organizations, businesses and nonprofits helps the districts offer various progr ams for parents to pa rt icipate in and be “active partners” in thei r child’s education.
“This collaborative approach not only fosters a strong sense of community but also ensures that the resources provided address every aspect of a child’s development, including academic growth, socialemotional well-being and overall health,” said Nurys Uceta-Ramos, director of engagement at D91. More information and re gistration details can be found at www.fpsd91.org/page/ parent-university or by emailing Latoya McRae, school eng agement coordinator at D91, at lmcrae@fpsd91.org.
Heads Up - Rick Michel and his 16-Piece Orchestra at FitzGerald’s
Sunday, Sept. 15, 12 p.m., FitzGerald’s Catch veteran Las Vegas headliner Rick Michel as he performs live at FitzGerald’s with a 16-piece orchestra, including a string section. Michel, known for his uncanny resemblance to Frank Sinatra’s sound, has toured the world, recently returning from Rio de Janeiro, and heading to San Jose, Costa Rica. Do not miss this special afternoon performance. For more about Rick Michel, visit SinatraForever.com. 6615 W. Roosevelt Road., Berwyn
Red or Blue Album Release
Saturday, Sept. 14, 6:30 p.m., Rober t’s Westside
Join us for our second wave album release in the Oak Park area at Rober t’s Westside, featuring the full band after a successful rst release at FitzGerald’s. General admission tickets are $15, and reserved seating is available for $20. Purchase tickets at https://tinyurl.
September Networking Luncheon
Tuesday, Sept. 10, 1 - 2 p.m., Scratch Public House
Join us at Scratch Public House for the September Networking Luncheon. Gathering time is 11:30 a.m. to noon, with lunch served at noon. Cost is $25 per person. RSVP and pay at https://tinyurl.com/yeynh6uu 7505 Madison St., Forest Park
BIG WEEK
September 4 - 11
Fall Back Into Storytime Concert with Little Lunas
Friday, Sept. 6, 11 a.m., Forest Park Public Library
As educators and teaching artists for over 20 years, the Cervantes sisters merge their love of music and education to bring you Little Lunas, an interac tive and bilingual concert for young audiences. Children learn and have fun with music and movement in this engaging program. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park
Celebrate the Moon Festival
Wednesday, Sept. 11, 4 p.m., Forest Park Public Library
The Moon Festival is the second biggest holiday on the Chinese Lunar calendar after the Lunar New Year. It falls on Sept. 17. The festival celebrates the harvest and the Moon Goddess in her Moon Palace, with rabbits as her companions. Many enjoy moon cakes during this time. Learn about the Moon Goddess and make a Moon Festival craft. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park
Chicago Bears Season OpenerCommunity Potluck
Sunday, Sept. 8, 12 p.m., Rober t’s Westside
Join us for the Chicago Bears Season Opener. Celebrate with a community potluck, Westside and Eastside, 7321 Madison St., Forest Park
Listing your event
Forest Park Review welcomes notices about events that Forest Park groups and businesses are planning. We’ll work to get the word out if you let us know what’s happening by noon Wednesday a week before your news needs to be in the newspaper ■ Email details to calendar@wjinc.com
Compiled by Brooke Duncan
Local ministry, The Bridge, celebrates 20 years of helping those needing a new start
Program focuses on former gang members, addicts and incarcerated
By KATHERINE FRAZER Contributing Reporter
For two decades, The Bridge, based in Forest Park, has been helping and advocating for those coming out of gangs, addiction and incarceration.
Serving as a launching pad for those in need, The Bridge, through weekly meetings, connects people with resources for housing, transportation, jobs and a sense of community as they get back on their feet.
The boots-on-the-ground approach has been the focus of the program since it began, meeting people where they are and connecting with them as they work towards a new life, said Glen Fitzjerrell, the president and founder of Mission: USA. He started The Bridge af-
ter years of prison and gang outreach.
“We created the bridge to kind of be like a bus depot or like an airport, or something where you come in and then all the connections are there,” Fitzjerrell said.
He added: “You have people that we have picked up from the residential drug rehabs and people that we’ve met behind bars that come to the service and they’re kind of not sure that anybody would want to have anything to do with them. Suddenly there’s this slow parade of pastors going past them, and all of them are personally inviting them to the church and saying that they’d have them.”
Originally from Texas, Fitzjerrell moved to Chicago to work with juveniles involved in gang activity as they returned to their communities and adjusted. He noted that people in this position had limited resources and started The Bridge to help
Every Tuesday, 45 to 60 people gather for a typical service. Most attendees receive transportation in one of the program’s vans for an evening dedicated to helping them. There is original music, connections, fel-
lowship and a meal.
The program has volunteers that attend the meetings and help serve meals or do ministry with attendees
Amanda Tollberg has volunteered with The Bridge since 2015 and said she has seen first-hand how encouragement and fellowship helps move lives forward.
“I think people who walk through those doors, it feels different for them,” Tollberg said. “They’re like, ‘Wow, this is a place where I can just be myself and not be judged for my past, and I can just feel free to be myself.’ They can just be seen for who they are and all the hard work that they’re doing despite any challenges.”
At the services, pastors from local churches give brief remarks on topics requested by participants. Fitzjerrell said that the organization partners with churches and pastors all around the Chicago area so that attendees can find community and resources that are convenient to their living situation.
There are about 15 pastors that work with The Bridge, many of whom were
found by scouring local churches for war m and friendly attitudes.
“We would kind of dress down and visit churches as if we were just searching for a church of our own, and kind of see, ‘Was there a warm greeting or was it a comfortable experience?’” Fitzjerrell said. “We ended up visiting hundreds of churches and about one in every 10 churches would make the cut. We’re really selecting the best of the best of the best for these individuals.”
Fitzjerrell hopes to expand his ministry capabilities and work with other populations in need of support. He recently helped for mer attendees of The Bridge start an outreach program for homeless people, a type of project he hopes to do more of in the future.
“For my guys that have come up through The Bridge to kind of take the experience of The Bridge and rebuild relationships … and to see them go to an entirely different environment, take those same skills and add to it their giftedness, their warmth, and so forth and build those relationships,” Fitzjerrell said. “I’ve seen the future, and that’s what it is.”
D209 aims to tackle achievement, chronic absenteeism this year
e
focus is on lagging scores at the East and West campuses
By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter
T he principals from Proviso E ast, Proviso West and Proviso Math and Scienc e Academy presented school improvement p lans to the D209 board of educ ation last month, each with a focus on a ddressing improving achievement scores and absentee rates.
Proviso East
P rincipal Ro d ney Hull said E ast rece ived a “targeted” d esignation from the state. According to the I llinois Re po rt Card, “targeted” is defined as a “school
in wh ich one or more student groups is performing at or b elow the level of all ‘ student’ groups in the lowest performing five percent of schools.”
According to Hull, the projected state designation for 2024 is “commendable,” meaning a “school that has no underperforming student groups, a graduation rate greater than 67%, and whose perfor mance is not in the top 10% of schools statewide.”
E ast has 1560 enrolled students, 124 teaching staf f employees, and 78 suppo rt staf f employees.
Hull presented his three goals for East, saying that he likes to ke ep the g oals “small and manageable” and something that c an be monitored throughout the c ourse of the school year
T he first goal is academic, with a focus on increasing the median student growth percentile on the Renaissance Star Reading Assessment from 50% to 55% and from 51% to 56% on the Renaissance Star Math
Assessment from the fall to the spring.
Administration, Hull said, will be foc using on the c ontinuous wo rk of the professional learning c ommunity – an organizational structure that meets re gularly to collaborate on improving teaching skills and academic performance of students – wh ich will examine scores, p lan instruction and assess pr ogr ess
E ast will c ontinue c ommon assessment development and ongoing professional development and suppo rt for staf f on STAR Assessments.
T he second g oal is to reduce cu rrent chronic absenteeism rates by 5% by the end of the school year
According to the 2023 Illinois State Report Card, 66.4% of students at East miss 10% or more of school days per year with or without a valid excuse. This number has nearly doubled since 2021, when 35.8% of students were chronically absent. Daily monitoring of attendance, imple-
mentation and monitoring of a four-to-sixweek intervention progr am for identified students and follow-up referrals to programs at West40 are some of the actions East will be taking to meet this goal.
T he third g oal is to reduce the overall out-of-school suspension rates by 5% by the end of the school year
According to the I llinois Re po rt Card , 220 students rece ived out-of-school susp ensions, but 320 incidents we re re po rted, with Black male students receivin g the most suspensions.
“We really took a deep dive to the causes of what was g etting kids out of school suspension and disrupting their learning,” Hull said. “And having those conversations with students and parents, anybody that was chronically getting in trouble.”
Hull said the g oal of h iring two d eans for East will help suppo rt this process. See ABSENTEEISM on pa ge 7
4 dead in Forest Park shooting on Blue Line train
Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins said he is looking into options to keep the area safe
By ERIKA HOBBS Editor
Authorities are assuring the public that the area is safe after a Labor Day shooting on the Blue Line train in Forest Park that left four people dead.
“Our public safety leaders believe that For-
est Park is safe and that residents can and should enjoy the balance of the holiday weekend,” Mayor Rory Hoskins told Forest Park Review. “It was a brutal incident, but police are confident that the shooter is in custody.”
Hoskins said the village is looking into options.
“We may or may not want to explore whether Forest Park, through Westcom [Wester n West Central Communication Center], will someday have access to CTA’s surveillance system,” he said.
“I’ve heard from the Lt. Gover nor today and from the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs,” Hoskins added. “The latter is offering potential support through their Office of Handgun Violence Prevention.”
What that support looks like is not yet clear Authorities responded to a call at 5:30 a.m. Monday at 711 Desplaines Ave. and found three people dead at the scene. A fourth victim was pronounced dead later at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, according to reports
The victims, whose identities have not yet been released, appeared to have been sleeping and are believed to be unhoused people NBC5 reported the people may have been asleep on different cars.
A suspect is in custody, the news station reported. Forest Park police and CTA security found the shooter on the Pink Line by using surveillance cameras. Robbery may have been a motive.
“We extend our condolences to those who lost their loved ones as a result of this senseless act of crime – our thoughts and prayers are with them,” CTA President Dorval R. Carter Jr. said in a statement.
“Although this was an isolated incident, this heinous and e gregious act of violence should never have occurred, nonetheless on a public transit train,” the CTA said in a statement. “As soon as this matter was reported, CTA immediately deployed resources to assist the Forest Park Police in their investigation into the matter, including review of all possible security camera footage, which proved to be vital in aiding local law enforcement.”
Rep. La Shawn Ford, Ald. Emma Mitts share DNC experiences
e Illinois delegation is bringing back what it learned to constituents
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
Though the Democratic National Convention wrapped Aug. 22 after nearly a week of speeches and fundraising events, local participants hope that its positive effects will be long-term.
“My biggest takeaway was the importance of staying engaged, staying together and always seeing the bigger picture,” said La Shawn Ford, who represents the 8th District in the Illinois House of Representatives. “I’m looking forward to bringing this renewed sense of purpose and optimism back to my constituents, encouraging them to stay involved and continue pushing for Vice President Harris to become the next president for all Americans.”
Said Ald. Emma Mitts of the 37th Ward, “The wisdom that I took from the DNC was that anything is possible. A woman of color becoming the president of the United States was something we never thought to be possible. I’m so proud to not only be witnessing history being made, but it brings me great joy to be a part of it.”
Both Ford and Mitts were at the United Center on Thursday when Vice President Kamala Harris formally accepted the presidential nomination for the Democratic Party, the final speech of the convention.
Mitts said Harris’ speech was inspirational in its entirety, especially when she spoke about her relationship with her mother, who died from colon cancer in 2009.
“She encouraged them to never complain about injustices,
but instead to ‘do something,’” Mitts said of the advice that Harris’ mother gave Harris and her sister. “Thinking back on my days growing up in the South, witnessing injustices to the present, if I didn’t ‘do something,’ I wouldn’t have set out to be elected alderman of the 37th Ward, where I have fought injustices for over 25 years.”
Ford said watching Harris’ speech from the United Center floor was “an honor of a lifetime.”
“She displayed unwavering strength, compassion and joy, offering a vision of hope for the future of our country,” Ford said of Harris. “Her leadership inspires confidence, and I’m excited to stand behind her as we move toward a brighter, more inclusive America.”
Ford’s other highlights from the DNC included remarks from the Central Park Five, four of whom appeared on the United Center stage for the DNC’s final night. The men were charged with the assault and rape of a woman jogging through the New York City park in 1989, but were exonerated in 2002 after another man confessed to the crime, which DNA evidence confirmed. At the time, Donald Trump took out a full-page newspaper ad calling for their executions.
“It was a powerful moment that highlighted the importance of criminal justice reform and the need for systemic change,” Ford said of the group’s appearance.
Mitts said she was particularly inspired by Michelle Obama’s speech on the second night of the DNC, and how she highlighted Harris’ strength and accomplishments
“It was also inspiring to see Democrats come together from every state to support this history-making moment,” Mitts said. “I was also proud of the great City of Chicago. There were many negative expectations, but I’m proud to say we represented our city well.”
Ford agreed, giving a special nod to co nvention organizers, paid workers, volunteers, law enforcement officers and others who made the event safe and enjoyable
hough both said he hopes the impact continues.
“We must build on this convention’s positive momentum,” Ford said. “I experienced firsthand the clean streets, efficient transportation and unprecedented kindness from law enforcement, unlike anything I’ve ever seen in Chicago. This level of care and pride should be reserved for more than just a convention. We cannot go back to the way things were.”
Ford added “The DNC was a testament to what Chicago can achieve when we come together, and the success of this convention is something we should strive to maintain every day in our city. Now is the time to ensure that this energy drives us forward into a better future for all.”
Ford stressed that there’s still work to be done before the general election in November.
“Republicans and Democrats have chosen their candidates, and now the election turns to our communities, where every vote matters,” Ford said. “We must carry the message forward and do the work necessary to elect our presidential candidate.”
PROVIDED
Emma Mitts and La Shawn Ford
Proviso West
Principal Elizabeth Martinez said West was currently working on a three-to-fiveyear plan “all based on best practices, data and research.”
Martinez said the focus is on “collective efficacy” with the motto “West is the best.”
The first goal focuses on academics
According to Anne Gottlieb, assistant principal at West, the school chose to focus on ACT benchmarks
“We hope to increase those students meeting those benchmarks in reading and math by 5% in each area,” Gottlieb said.
West will strive to increase the number of juniors meeting ACT grade level benchmarks in reading from 6.9% to 12% and from 3% to 8% in math.
Students have already shown a modest increase in reading since 2021. Math has only improved by .8% during those years.
The second goal for the school year is to decrease the number of out-of-school suspensions by 15%.
According to the 2023 Illinois Report Card, 142 students received an OSS from the 196 incidents reported, with the majority receiving a three- or four-day suspension.
Assistant Principal Akiva Carson said the school uses student data to move students through different tiers, which provide appropriate interventions and better support in the classrooms.
The third goal for West is to decrease the number of tardy students by 10%, as well as decrease the truancy rate by 10%.
“The rationale is to help our students receive the academic support that they need in order to be successful,” said Shamika Jones, assistant principal at West.
The school will be working with a caseload of 25 students who have been identified as needing the “most assistance.” The school will conduct home visits and biweekly reports.
West will also be implementing a Positive Behavioral I nterventions and Suppo rt progr am, an evidence-based framewo rk for suppo rt ing p ositive student b ehavior d esigned to improve social emotional competenc e, academic success and school climate.
“Sometimes the focus has been more on a punitive aspect of it but we want to reinforce behaviors in a positive way,” Jones said.
Proviso Math and Science Academy
Erin Mason, assistant principal of instruction at PMSA, said the school wants to “keep it small and ef fective but go deep,” in their goals for the 2024-25 school year
PMSA shared the similar goals at East and West: academics and attendance but also decided to focus on culture and climate.
The first goal is improving math and reading ACT scores by 5 points for the Spring 2025 semester.
With the announcement of the switch back to the ACT test from the SAT test by the Illinois State Board of Education earlier this year, Mason said that by looking at the junior class and applying the conversion from SAT to ACT scores, students scored the equivalent of a 16.5 in both reading and math during their Fall 2022 PSAT admissions test for PMSA.
Students’ scores have gone up, Mason said, increasing to 18 points in reading and 17 points in math by the spring of 2024. According to Mason the goal is to have students reach the 22-point benchmark by the spring of 2025.
“They are already in really good shape to do that,” Mason said.
To help students reach that g oal, Mason said PMSA will be having walkthroughs in all subject area classrooms on We d nesd ay s, implement 20 minutes of reading twice a week in social studi es and science classes, and ensure cu rriculum-approved texts along with other implementation ste ps
The second goal is to improve culture and climate through a freshman mentor program and to increase the sense of belonging.
Groups of freshmen will be assigned to upperclassman ambassadors to meet every two weeks during lunch. Student surveys will be created and data will be reviewed by the Students Services Team to determine how to address student needs.
The third goal is to decrease chronic absenteeism by 5%.
According to the 2023 Illinois Report Card, 27.6% of students are chronically absent, a 10.3% increase from the 2022 report.
However, Mason said PMSA’s chronic absenteeism rate for the past year was 21.49%. The goal for this new school year is to decrease to 16.5%.
Implementation will include determining the best attendance reports, establishing firm guidelines for early dismissals, working with MTSS teams to use new systems to pull behavior, attendance, and grades data, and to run quarterly attendance incentives for each grade level.
Co-Sponsors
CRIME Man arrested for burning clothes outside Dunkin’ Donuts
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
police responded to Dunkin’ here a man was standing near the entrance and setting a piece of clothing olice told the man several times to extinguish the fire, but he approached them th the burning clothing item. The ut down the fire and sat down. ed him and carried him to the ar, since he refused to walk, accordrt. He was arrested for reckless vated assault and three counts of resisting an officer.
On the same day, police responded to the Des Plaines and Madison for a car ccident. A man was throwing shoes into the the street, causing cars to swerve. He approached one woman’s car, threw his shoes at her window, then spit on the window and hit it with his hands, according to the police report. The woman changed lanes to get away from the man and hit another car. Police found the man in the 7400 block of Madison Street, where they handcuffed him and took him to the police department. He was charged with assault, resisting a police officer and reckless conduct.
Assault
On Sept. 1, police were dispatched to Walmart because two customers were fighting by the fitting rooms, according to the police report. One customer was talking to himself and screaming, police reported. When police tried to put him in handcuffs, he pulled away, so they forced him to the ground, handcuffed him and removed a pocket knife from his hip. The man requested an ambulance, and he was taken to Loyola University Medical Center for treatment and a mental health evaluation. Customers did not wish to sign complaints against the man, who was not charged, according to the police report.
In-state warrant
On Aug. 30, police were at the Forest Park CTA Blue Line stop for a routine premise check when a CTA employee told police there was someone at the station with a knife. A woman told police that CTA personnel asked a disruptive man to leave a train car and, when he became hostile with the employee,
she defended the employee. The man then hit her in the head and waved a knife at her. Police discovered that the man had a serviceable warrant out of Cook County for failing to appear for a battery charge. He was taken to the police department, where officers found cannabis in his bag. He was charged for his in-state warrant and possession of cannabis under 30 grams
Motor vehicle theft
On Aug. 29, a man reported that he parked his truck in the 7700 block of Roosevelt Road the night before. But when he returned in the morning, the truck was gone. Police said they received no reports of a towed truck from the area. Police told the man he should contact the towing company for the private lot, though he yielded negative results when he did. Police have recorded the vehicle as stolen.
Landlord-tenant dispute
On Aug. 28, a woman living in the 300 block of Marengo Avenue reported that, the previous day, her landlord entered her apartment without her consent. She wasn’t home when the landlord went into her apartment and said there was no emergency incident that would require him to enter her home. She has video footage of the landlord entering her apartment and has said he has tried to, or successfully, entered her apartment when she’s not home on two other occasions. No one has been charged.
Armed robbery
Police responded to the 7200 block of 13th Street. A man was talking on the phone on the street around 10 p.m. when four men approached him with guns and demanded his phone, wallet and backpack. The suspects fled down the 1200 block of the Harlem-Elgin alley and have not been identified.
These items were obtained from Forest Park Police Department reports dated August 27 through September 1 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.
Bloc Dispensary to open in early 2025
A er reapplying for a special use permit,
the
dispensary will likely start interior construction in midSeptember
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
Forest Park will welcome its second dispensary in the new year, following months of delay and a recent reapplication process. The village council approved a conditional use permit for Bloc Dispensary on Aug. 26, allowing the business to open at 7216 Circle Ave., likely in 2025.
The village council approved Bloc dispensary’s opening for its owners, Emerald Coast LLC, in February 2023 after the village’s Planning and Zoning Commission recom-
mended they do so.
But this year, the dispensary experienced delays in getting the permits it needs from the state, according to Village Administrator Rachell Entler
Bloc Dispensary did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication.
Because of the delay on the state’s end, the special use permit that Bloc previously received from the village expired after a year. So, the dispensary had to reapply.
Bloc Dispensary requires a special use permit to open on Circle Ave. It’s a commercially zoned block; under village code, dispensaries are only permitted in industrially zoned areas
“It is not a permitted use,” Entler said of the dispensary and why it needed a special use permit. “Anytime somebody wants to open something that’s not permitted, they have to go through the Planning and Zoning Commission in order to get permission.”
At a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on July 15, Bloc Dispensary reapplied for its special use permit. Board members unanimously voted in favor of the reapplication, and there was no public com-
Environmental Control Commission creates rst annual awards
Submit nominations for the environmental awards by Sept. 30
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
T he Fo rest Pa rk Environmental C ontrol C ommission has announced i ts firs t annual environmental awards for resid ents and groups that have made an impact with sustainability ef for ts and climate action.
“The pu rp ose is to raise awareness and reco gnize residents who have g one above
ment at the meeting.
Therefore, at the Aug. 26 village council meeting, commissioners moved to approve the dispensary’s conditional use permit.
The village council approved the permit on the conditions that the dispensary won’t be detrimental or dangerous to public health, won’t be injurious to the use or enjoyment of area residents, won’t impede the development of the area, has adequate utilities and road access, is provided ingress and egress, and isn’t contrary to the village’s comprehensive plan.
According to the village council’s affirmative vote, the conditional use permit complies with all regulations of the village’s B-2 zoning district and the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act
Entler said that 7216 Circle Ave.’s property owner has completed updates to the building’s facade. She said that they hope to get permits from the village to start renovating the interior by mid-September
Entler added that Emerald Coast LLC expects to open Bloc Dispensary in the first quarter of 2025.
and beyond to make a difference, ” sai d Karen Ro zmus, an ECC board member
T he ECC is made up of seven member s appointed by Fo rest Pa rk Mayo r Ro ry Hoskins. Board members wo rk to protect clean ai r, water, natural resources and public health as it relates to environmental sustainability, p lus provide educational resources about the environment.
T he ECC’s first environmental awards will honor all kinds of pl ayers and projects in the c ommunity. Categories include those for individuals, c ommunity organizations, local businesses and c ollaborative initiative s.
Ro zmus said the number of awards that the ECC gives out will de p end on how many people are nominated.
As we cozy up for Fall 2024, several home decor trends are making waves
Nature-inspired elements are at the forefront, with earthy tones like deep greens, burnt oranges, and rich browns bringing the outside in.
Sustainable materials, such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, and organic fabrics, are also gaining popularity, emphasizing eco-friendly living.
Textured accents are key this season, with chunky knit throws, velvet cushions, and woven rugs adding warmth and depth to interiors.
Statement lighting—think oversized pendants and vintage-inspired chandeliers— is set to illuminate homes with a touch of drama.
Minimalist design focusing on functionality and comfort continues to thrive.
Anyone c an nominate a c andidate fo r an award. T he public may reco gniz e someone’s ef for ts by emailing the nomination fo rm to c ontact@forestpark.net by Se pt. 30.
A mong other c ontact and identifyin g info rm ation, the fo rm asks for the person submitting it to d escribe how the nominee is uniqu e, how they c ontribute to c ommunity sustainability and if the bene fits of their wo rk are measurable.
“We are hoping that winning projects can be re plicated by others,” Ro zmus said. She added that award winners will likely receive a plaque, and possibly, a plant.
“Help us c elebrate those making a p ositive impact in our environment,” ECC officials said in a statement.
Incorporating dual-purpose furniture that maximizes space without sacri cing style is a must.
Botanical prints on wallpaper, artwork, accessories, and fabrics provide a timeless yet contemporary feel, bringing a breath of fresh air indoors.
How do you feel about incorporating some of these trends into your home?
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ADOBE STOCK BEADO
PROPER TY TR ANSFERS
Oak Park home sells for $1.025 million
139 S. Grove Ave., Oak Park
FOREST P ARK
ALTENHEIM
Possible expansion
from page 1
The Altenheim’s board, gave the presentation at the Aug. 26 council meeting
“The way the plot line is set up right now, if they were to put a ladder up on their property, they would be encroaching on village property,” said Rachell Entler, Forest Park’s village administrator.
The current lack of buffer around the building probably served a purpose when The Altenheim first sold it to the village
“The Altenheim decided they probably didn’t have a use for it at that time,” Boutet said. “But nobody can explain to you, ‘Why did you sell right up to your building line?’”
Though Entler wasn’t working for the village when it bought land from The Altenheim in 2001, she said she heard that the village did so with plans to develop the empty plots
“It’s always been my understanding that the village purchased that land, partially because they then would control what went there,” Entler said.
The sale of nearly 1 acre on the building’s south and west sides would not only help The Altenheim create a buffer for construction projects. They also hope to use the area for additional parking spaces to accommodate the potential for 10 more units of housing on the building’s top two floors.
The Altenheim’s expansion isn’t a done deal yet; in fact, it’s not even under contract.
“This is all very preliminary,” Boutet said, adding that, if The Altenheim didn’t get to buy back the land from the village for parking, it would affect the expansion efforts.
In The Altenheim’s proposal to the village council on Aug. 26, Boutet and Zinni also asked for about 1.5 acres just west of the building. Though they don’t yet have an official use for the land, officials said it could become green space or a recreational area for residents
What comes next
Forest Park is a non-home rule municipality (home-rule is granted to municipalities with over 25,000 residents, allowing local gover nment more authority on taxing, etc.). Non-home-rule status means the village council must declare that their property next to The Altenheim is no longer in the best interest of the village to maintain before turning it over.
With the purchase, e Altenheim could gain green space and a parking lot.
“We hope you will ag ree that the land we are requesting is no longer required for the use of the village, or in the best interests of the village to maintain,” Altenheim officials said in a letter to Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins and Village Administrator Entler
The Altenheim’s presentation at the council meeting was just the first step in the process, and no formal action was taken.
“Before they can sell property to us, we have to ask them if they want to,” Boutet said. “But the village has to make a determination that it’s in their best interest, or that it’s obsolete or a surplus.”
Entler said she’s waiting for the council to give staff direction on whether they are interested in The Altenheim’s proposal. If the council wants to sell the proposed land, they would likely direct staff to facilitate a formal survey and get an appraisal before the purchase is voted on at a future meeting.
Boutet said that, if the village council i s interested in selling back its land, The A ltenheim would then submit a purchase proposal.
While she’s unsure what the village
council will decide, Entler said it’s likely they will approve selling back the land to the south and west of The Altenheim building.
“That’s really not anything that, looking at a surface level, the village is going to find useful for development,” Entler said.
No matter the outcome, the village will still own nearly 10 acres to the north and south of The Altenheim building.
The proposal also included a request to sell the village an easement on 10 feet of property to the building’s east to construct a bike path.
In 2020, the village received a grant to cover part of the cost to build a bike and walking path on the east side of The Altenheim building, along Van Buren Street from Madison Street. The village awarded engineering and construction contracts
for the path in late 2022. But land negotiations between the village and The Altenheim stalled any progress through 2023.
“The bike path is on hold because we don’t have the easement that’s needed,” Entler said. The Altenheim is n ow proposing to sell the village the easement.
“Altenheim is fully on board with the bike bath,” Boutet said. “We have a meeting of the minds to allow the bike path, but we haven’t come up with a term.”
OUR VIEW
Selling o Altenheim chunks
Nearly a quarter-century after Forest Park’s village gover nment boldly bought 11 acres of land adjacent to The Altenheim senior housing facility, Altenheim now wants to buy back not quite 2.5 acres of that parcel.
The good news is that Altenheim’s proposal for the re-purchase is rooted in part in an early-stage plan to expand its facility a bit. It also wants to add some parking and create a small buffer around its current site. Possible expansion is a happy surprise, given the facility’s modest means in recent decades.
The Altenheim made an initial pitch to the village council in late August. What direction the council might provide to staff as next possible steps in its consideration is unclear. Based on the loony history of village inaction on making a plan to use this fabulous piece of open land in our landlocked community, we’d advise the Altenheim representatives to expect a response no later than 2035.
When it comes to the open Altenheim land, the village has a fir m credo: “What’s the rush?”
There was urgency back in 2001 when the typically conservative village gover nment cobbled together $3.6 million to buy the Altenheim land with the expressed purpose of saving it from becoming a sea of townhouses
That mission has been accomplished. It took two decades but the village got state money to demolish some derelict buildings on the site. The grass has been mowed. Better than 15 years ago two interesting proposals were received for recreational uses. One came from a proposed relocation of the West Cook YMCA, the other from Fenwick High School, then in the market for athletic fields. Both proposals went by the wayside
There have been for mal and infor mal citizen commissions, surveys and public meetings. There are rumblings of selling off a portion of the site for commercial purposes and preserving the rest as planned open space.
But nothing ever happens. Year after year.
This proposal from Altenheim senior housing can only be considered as part of a broader and well-thought-out plan for the overall site. Just selling off 20% of the site to solve a need for the Altenheim makes no sense
Might this be a spur to action? Should be. But we are doubtful.
Mindless murders
The murders, early on Labor Day, of four CTA passengers riding the Blue Line toward the Forest Park ter minus were brutal. Early reports from Forest Park police suggest the passengers might have been sleeping and were shot at close range.
A suspect is in custody. A weapon, possibly used in the murders, has been recovered.
Mayor Rory Hoskins was at the scene and offered reassurance that there was no direct threat to others in our village. He also made the case for more funds for security on the CTA to address safety issues a small department such as Forest Park’s will never be able to provide.
He is right, though we suspect these murders will fade quickly with no response to his call for help.
OPINION
Common sense sayings for a complicated time
In “The Emperor’s New Clothes” by Hans Christian Andersen, a vain emperor is duped into wearing an “invisible” suit of clothes and parades around town. Everyone watching goes along with the pretense, not wanting to appear inept or stupid, until a child blurts out that the king has no clothes on.
We are in the middle of an election season. I hear all sorts of “experts” interpreting what is “really” going on, but sometimes ordinary folks say, “If it looks like manure and smells like manure, it probably is manure.”
My Grandma Mary had a saying for almost every occasion. I know events and issues can be complicated. On the other hand, sometimes Grandma Mary cut through the B.S. with common sense sayings
HOLMES
Here are some that Granny might have used to explain what’s going on right now.
BRIDGING POLARIZATION
One half of the world does not know how the other half lives.
POLITICAL CONVENTIONS
Preaching to the choir
Birds of a feather flock together
PROMISES
Easier said than done If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.
CLIMATE CHANGE
A stitch in time saves nine.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Failing to plan is planning to fail
No pain, no gain
Too little, too late
You can’t unscramble eggs
BIDEN STEPPING DOWN
The best-laid schemes of mice and men oft go awry. There is many a good tune played on an old fiddle.
TRUMP’S CHARACTER
Better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.
Boys will be boys
If you think you know everything, then you’re a jackass
A bad workman blames his tools
A little learning is a dangerous thing
All is fair in love and war
An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. Attack is the best form of defense.
Do unto others before they do it to you.
Do not dish it if you can’t take it
Shallow brooks babble.
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread
Give a man enough rope and he will hang himself.
If wealth is lost, nothing is lost. If health is lost, something is lost; if character is lost, everything is lost.
He who makes a beast out of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man.
It needs a hundred lies to cover a single lie.
One law for the rich and another for the poor.
People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Pride comes/goes before a fall.
Rules were made to be broken.
The only disability in life is a bad attitude.
The pot calling the kettle black.
They that sow the wind shall reap the whirlwind. Zeal without knowledge is fire without light.
KAMALA’S TEMPERAMENT
All the world loves a lover.
Better to light one candle than to curse the darkness. Do unto others as you would have them do to you.
Do not let the bastards grind you down.
Faith can move mountains
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it (Biden’s policies).
If it weren’t for hope the heart would break. It is better to travel hopefully than to arrive.
Two can play at that game.
IDEOLOGY-CULTURE WARS
It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so United we stand, divided we fall
COMPROMISE
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Half a loaf is better than no bread
If God had meant us to fly, he would have given us wings.
Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
CHANGE
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single ste p.
You cannot make an omelet without breaking eggs
A ship in a harbor is safe but that’s not what a ship is for.
Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die.
No pain, no gain.
ANTICIPATING NOV. 5
Do not count your chickens before they’re hatched
Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
Worrying never did anyone any good
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
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Forest Park Review is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. © 2024 Growing Community Media NFP.
Chuck’s art is alley-oop fantastic
At this year’s Garage Galleries walk, artist Chuck Michalak, earned several hundred dollars from selling his paintings. These are watercolors and oils on canvas. They depict fantasy landscapes, populated by unicorns, nymphs and other mythical creatures. Chuck has been creating landscapes like these ever since he was a boy growing up in the working-class neighborhood of Brighton Park.
His journey from Brighton Park to Forest Park has been marked by many detours, adventures and assorted occupations. His mom and dad emigrated from Poland and had a large family. His dad, a laborer for the railroad, took Chuck to hear the blues on 47th Street, Polka music at Pilsen Park, and classical concerts at Grant Park.
His mom was also a fan of classical music. Chuck woke up every morning to the strains of Chopin’s Polonaise. The Michalak family was Slovak, and Polish was spoken in the home. When Chuck was 8, his father died. His mom continued to provide for her family under difficult circumstances
He attended neighborhood schools and went on to Kelly High School. He couldn’t
elate to kids his own age and school bored him. During class time, he drew his imaginary landscapes. This got him in trouble when he was 15, but he has never stopped drawing them. After high school, he went to UIC, where he obtained a degree in Graphic Arts
Chuck tried to break into the world of art and fancied himself becoming the next Peter Max or Andy Warhol. He had some sucess selling his paintings at the Old Town Art Fair. In fact, he made enough money to backpack through Europe
Poland was still behind the Iron Curtain, but Chuck somehow made it to his family’s ancestral village. His relatives greeted him like a prodigal son. He also visited Chopin’s home where he enjoyed concerts. Music is as important to him as art and his taste runs from classical to Iggy Pop.
Back in the states, he tended bar, sold used cars and became a sign painter. He started a company called Sign Design and hand-lettered signs for boats and cars. Hand-lettering was already becoming a lost art and the signs were not cheap. (He later painted signs at Kangaroo Kor ner for a tuition break for his kids).
After working for a spring company in Ft.
Lauderdale, Chuck returned to Chicago. He tended bar at workingman joints where he cashed the patron’s paychecks. He was tending bar at Chesdan’s Pizzeria, when he met his wife, Deb. She was a waitress supporting herself through nursing school.
The couple moved to Forest Park 30 years ago. Their children, Claire and Charlie, attended St. Bernardine’s and thrived, taking dance lessons at Panda Studios. Meanwhile, Deb was completing a 30-year nursing career at Misericordia
Chuck became a real estate broker for his brother-in-law and worked there for 20 years. The real estate crash of 2008 crippled the business and Chuck was forced to sell foreclosed properties. In 2015, Chuck suffered a stroke that paralyzed his right arm. The for merly right-handed artist had to learn how to draw left-handed
The stroke caused Chuck to revert back to a primitive style, but it didn’t stop him from painting. He has hosted Garage Galleries for the past five years. He impressed patrons by painting the Solar System on his garage floor. He has partnered with potter Bridget Lane the last two years. Customers were taken with his paintings and purchased them. Not bad for an artist who had to reinvent himself Chuck continues to find joy producing the kinds of paintings that got him into trouble when he was 15.
Words of wisdom from Bill Buckner
Forest Park Little Leaguers were thrilled to welcome Chicago Cubs first baseman Bill Buckner to their awards ce emony in September of 1979. The award ceremony, outside of the Mohr Community Center, featured the soft-spoken Buckner, who held the attention of the audience, sharing how the Cubs look to their future with young, talented players. also said, “Never forget there is more to life than [baseball]. There’s a need to prepare yourself to do well in other fields.”
Buckner would earn NL MVP in 1980 and was with the Cubs eight seasons, hitting .300 with 81 home runs, 235 doubles and 516 RBI in 974 games. He was traded for pitcher Dennis Eckersley and infielder Mike Brumley when Leon Durham was deemed the future of the Cubs at first base in 1984.
Jill Wagner
Photo: Forest Park Review archives, Sept. 12, 1979. e sign “Forest Park Loves Bill Buckner” hangs over the guest, Bill Bucker, Cubs rst baseman
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for:
FY 2025 Tree Trimming Program
This project consists of the removal of designated parkway trees throughout the Village in addition to stump removal and area restoration.
The bidding documents are available for download starting Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at:
www.vrf.us/bids
Bids must be submitted by Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at:
Public Works Department, 2nd Floor
Village of River Forest
400 Park Avenue
River Forest, IL 60305
The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability to perform the work.
No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the Proposals without the consent of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of the bid opening.
The Village of River Forest reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids.
Published in Wednesday Journal September 4, 2024
STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY.
Request of Vughaingmeh Edwin Mbuh Case Number 20243005947
There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Vughaingmeh Edwin Mbuh] to the new name of: Edwin Mbuh Vughaingmeh
The court date will be held: On October 22, 2024 at 9:00 a.m via Zoom. https://Zoom.US.Download Zoom.Access Code: 967 0125 5353 Password: 680014
Published in Wednesday Journal September 4, 11, 18, 2024
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.
The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law.
This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.
Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals.
To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.
GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA
AND FORGET IT! SHRED IT
Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon
(NOTE: If the trucks fill-up sooner—we finish sooner!)
Forest Park Bank, the locally owned and managed community bank, is pleased to continue the tradition of sponsoring the Annual FREE Sensitive Document Shredding Event in the Municipal Parking Lot located south of the Drive-Up Facility. The Bank has, again, engaged a professional shredding service to shred your documents with an industrial shredder.
Forest Park Bank and Forest Park Police Department personnel will be on site to discuss identity security issues, including ways to protect your identity and what to do if you become a victim of identity theft or financial scams.
You may bring up to two 12” X 12” X 18” boxes of documents to be shred at no charge. Three-ring notebooks and binders with large metal rings cannot be shredded. Staples are allowed. If you have questions about this event, please contact the bank at 708.222.2800 .
