Forest Park Review 092023

Libraries on edge as bomb threats grow

Forest Park, Oak Park, Chicago and libraries across the state are taking steps to keep pa trons and employees safe.

By STACEY SHERIDAN Senior Reporter

The rising number of bomb threats made ag ainst the state’s public libraries is causing unease among local libraries in the western suburbs of Chicago.

And while all threats have been deemed unfounded, that has not served to make the situation any less frightening in the eyes of librarians.

“We’re all really relieved that these threats have turned out to be false , but, at the end of the day, they’re still threats and those aren’t designed to make people feel comfortable or safe,” said Vicki Rakowski, director of the Forest Park Public Library.

The Oak Park Public Library received threats twice: last Thursday and on Aug. 21, according to Dan Yopchick, spokesperson for the Village of Oak Park The Aug. 21 threat read: “

“There will be a big explosion all over Cook county’s highways and librarys including Chicago gurnee and

See THREATS on pa ge 9

Music venue at former Tap Room space passes rst hurdle

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

Music booking agent Donnie Biggins’s application to open a music venue in the for mer Forest Park Tap Room space was give the ok by the village’s planning and zoning board – even as several residents of nearby condos and homes expressed concerns about traffic and noise from the late-night crowds.

The proposal still needs the village ’s final approval.

Biggins is planning to open Robert’s Westside music performance venue inside a leased space at the corner of Madison Street and Circle Avenue. He plans to lease the space, with a contingency that he receives a conditional use permit and a liquor license. Opening is scheduled for November, according to his application.

T he space’s last tenant, the Forest Park Tap Room bar, which the village shut down last summer, cast a long shadow over Monday’s planning and zoning commission meeting. Several residents living nearby recalled loud late-night crowds disrupting their slee p, and said that they weren’t interested in the re peat. While the commission recommended approval, it attached conditions, including requiring that Biggins set up a dedicated parking area for tour buses and other touring vehicles away from the building, create a dedicated spot for rideshare pick-ups and drop-offs, and kee ping the windows closed while music is playing.

Under the current zoning code, any entertainment venue that’s not a theater that wishes to open in the Madison Street corridor must get a conditional use pe rmit. The commission’s decision is a recommendation – it would be up to the village council to decide whether to concur with it.

Biggins has a long track record as a booking agent, working with Fitzgerald ’s nightclub in Berwyn and, more recently, Forest Park’s Exit Strate gy bar. Until recently, he operated the Golden Dagger music venue in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, but he told the zoning commission that he recently sold it to focus on the Forest Park venue. T he name is a nod to Biggins’ father and Healy’s Westside – the bar that was operated by building

owner and for mer village commissioner Mark Hosty before Tap Room.

During Monday’s meeting, Biggins emphasized that he had experience with managing crowds and said that none of the events he booked in the city or the suburbs caused any significant issues.

“I advocate for venue safety, and I have always been cal in my management style to provide a safe space not only for my patrons, but performing artists as he said.

Biggins said that the will be set up near the east wall, and sound-tampering panels will be added. Park health and safety direction Steve Glinke told the

levels, and he was satisfied that the windows would block most of the noise.

He said that he plans to schedule the events so that performances would end well before the village-mandated 11 p.m. cutof f date. Rushing customers out the door, Biggins said, creates problems, and he wanted to create a adual off-ramp. Acto the application, Westside would be closed on Mondays. It will be open from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 3 m. to 1 a.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to midnight on Sundays.

Biggins said that the bouncers will be checking IDs and

neighboring business or a church” to use their parking lots.

Price also raised concerns about traffic issues by customers taking rideshares to performances. Biggins said that he would work with the village to set up a dedicated pick-up/drop-off point.

Village commissioners Maria Maxham, Ryan Nero and Jessica Voogd attended the meeting, but they didn’t make any comments. They told the Review that they were only there to observe.

Forest Park Arts Alliance board member Bridget Lane said the village doesn’t have many event spaces to begin with, and a performance venue would be a boon for its burgeoning art scene.

“There really a demand in this market for this kind of space,” she said, adding that the arts alliance plans to work with Biggins to see if they could use the space.

Some members of the public who commented indicated that they were leery. John Cabral said he lives on Warren Street, about a block north of the building, He said that while he supports the idea for Robert’s Westside, after his experiences with the Tap Room, he doesn’t want a music venue at that particular spot.

“[My family and I] had experiences, and it’s scary, because people are going to park upon our little street, it’s natural,” Cabral said. “And, at around 2 o’clock, people are going to be coming back to their cars, and we’ll be sleeping, and we’ll be woken up. So that part is worrisome.”

Pe g Callahan, who said she lives “a block and a half” from the building, ag reed that she liked what she heard, but remained concerned about parking.

commission that the fire code effectively caps capacity at 250 people. Biggins said that customers would use the Circle Avenue entrance during major events, and the Madison Street entrance during smaller events, emphasizing that customers would only be able to enter through one of them at a time. Customers who wish to smoke would be directed away from Madsion Street – something that was an issue with Tap Room customers.

In response to questions about needing to soundproof the windows, Biggins said that he has already been testing the sound

whether patrons were coming in inebriated. He said that customers would need to use the Dice ticketing platform, which would recommend the local public transit options and nearby village-operated parking spaces. Pace bus route 318 stops directly in front of the building.

Zoning commissioner Paul Price asked about where tour buses and other vehicles would park, noting the already limited parking and the complicated Circle/ Madison intersection. Biggins said that “it would obviously not be on Circle Avenue” and that he was planning to work with “a

“Help him, if it does get approved, help him figure out the noise thing and the parking and the congestion, which is already a nightmare,” she said.

Raquel Antillera, who lives in a mixeduse building directly across the street, said that after the Tap Room experience, neither she nor her neighbors want anything that could result in rowdy crowds.

“It was the drunk p eople g etting out and the noise is literally 10 f eet aw ay from us, they ’re leaving, they had a few drinks, and I g et it, but it ’s so disrespectf ul for p eople who live there, and that is our home,” she said.

e recommendation includes adding tour-bus parking and ride-share areas among other conditions

DONNIE BIGGINS

September 20-27

BIG WEEK

Move and Groove with Little Parade

Friday, Sept. 22, 1 - 1:45 p.m., Forest Park Public Librar y, Austin Room Celebrate Latin and Hispanic Heritage Month with storytime favorite Little Parade. Karla and Gabe are back with songs in Spanish and English for the preschool crowd. Designed for ages 6 and younger.

7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park.

That's In Illinois? Visiting State Parks

Wednesday, Sept. 20, 6 p.m., Forest Park Public Library

Celeste Brown has a lifelong quest to visit each and every state park in Illinois. So far, she's made it to 89 out of 150, and she'll tell you all about it during this presentation. Besides talking about her favorites, she will also discuss encounters with wildlife and other interesting diversions. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park.

Beginner Baton Twirling

Saturdays, Sept. 16 - Oc t. 21, 1 - 1:45 p.m., Roos Recreation Center, Gym B

Our baton twirling class not only focuses on teaching children how to twirl a baton, it encourges teamwork, poise, hand-eye coordination, spatial awarenes, dance, exiblity, timing, coordination as well as helping children build their self-esteem. No experience necessary, for children ages 5-13. Class is taught by Carol Lites who has 40+ years twirling instruc tion experience. Register: https://bit.ly/BatonFall2023 7329 Harrison Street, Forest Park.

Peruvian Dance Showca se

Saturday, Sept. 23, 3 - 4 p.m., Forest Park Public Librar y, Austin Room Enjoy this cultural showcase of four dances presented in traditional attire by the Center of Peruvian Ar ts. Designed for kids of all ages and their families. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park.

Listing your event

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

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

■ Email calendar@wjinc.com

Bicycle Tour of Forest Home Cemetery 2023

Sunday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Forest Home Cemetery

Amy Binns-Calvey, normally known for hosting tours through the Haymarket monument and Radical Row, will show many famous historical tombstones, plots, mounds and other curiosities. Cyclists will meet at the parking lot behind the cemetery o ce on D esplaines Ave., and will need to sign a waiver to ride on cemetery proper ty. 863 Desplaines Ave., Forest Park.

Author Discussion & Signing With William Kent Kruger

Saturday, Sept. 23, 5-7 p.m., Centuries & Sleuths Mr. Kruger will discuss his book The River We Remember. 7419 Madison St., Forest Park.

Salsa Dance Part y for the Preserves

Saturday, Sept. 23, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Thatcher Woods Pavilion

Come celebrate National Public Lands Day with the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Everyone is invited to this Party for the Preser ves. Public Lands Day may be national, but you can celebrate this special day at Thatcher Woods Pavilion in River Forest. Expect a day full of salsa music, dance lessons, bilingual hikes, family activities, and food. Music and lessons are provided by Latin Street Enter tainment. 8030 Chicago Ave., River Forest

To register for your free screening mammogram, call (708) 660-6268.

Do you live in Oak Park, River Forest or Proviso Township and need to schedule a mammogram?

During the month of October, women who live in these communities can receive a screening mammogram for no cost at Rush Oak Park Hospital.*

Now, there’s no reason not to have one.

Breast cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in women — and mammography is the most effective screening tool. Experts at Rush recommend that most women have mammograms every year beginning at age 40.

Do you qualify?

• To qualify, you must not have insurance coverage.

• You must live in Oak Park, River Forest or Proviso Township. Proof of residence will be requested at the time of your visit (e.g., voter registration card, utility bill or personal check).

• Your mammogram must be performed by Oct. 31, 2023.

Digital mammography saves lives.

• We offer the latest technology in breast screening, including 3D mammography (also known as breast tomosynthesis), breast MRI, and hand-held and automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) screening for dense breasts.

Helicopter nds suspects hiding in bushes

Forest Park officers apprehended two men who were wanted for alle gedly committing armed robberies after a Chicago police helicopter flying overhead spotted them hiding in the bushes.

On Sept. 12 around 6:47 p.m., a helicopter alerted officers that a white 2019 Infiniti carryall, fla gged for a possible connection to “several” armed robberies, was making

its way along the Forest Park/Oak Park border, heading south on Harlem Avenue before turning east on Randolph Street into Oak Park, then south on Maple Street. The officers lost sight ofthe car, but the helicopter spotted it a few minutes later in North Riverside, heading north on Harlem Avenue toward Cermak Road. The helicopter kept track ofthe car as it turned east

708.975.0210

ken.vansanten@bairdwarner.com

www.kenvansanten.bairdwarner.com

on Cermak Road. At the Cermak Road/ Kenilworth Avenue intersection, two men got out ofthe Infiniti and ran south on Kenilworth Avenue, entering a yard on the 2000 block and hiding in the bushes.

Two Forest Park officers arrived on the scene and ordered the two men to come out of the bushes. The suspects surrendered.

The Infiniti turned out to be stolen on Aug. 24 from the 1000 block ofDesplaines Avenue in Forest Park

Smoke shop burglary

Four men broke into OG Smoke Shop on the night of Aug. 17, taking the entire cash re gister with them before burglarizing North Riverside’s Betty’s Bistro further south and leading the police on a chase through Chicago’s West Side.

According to witness testimony and the surveillance footage, four men got out of a silver Kia SUV ofunknown model while the driver strayed inside. After failing to shatter the glass door, they were able to pry the glass panel apar t and get in. They grabbed the cash re gister, containing approximately $200 in cash, an entire display case ofelectric cigarettes, and a handful of e-cigarettes from another display case. They left the store within two minutes and headed south on Harlem Avenue.

As Forest Park officers were examining the crime scene, they got a call that North Riverside police was chasing a vehicle matching the Kia’s description following the Betty’s Bistro burglary. The Kia was heading back north on Harlem Avenue. Forest Park officers spotted the car as it flew past them.

The two police departments gave chase as the Kia made its way through the Austin, West Garfield Park and East Garfield Park neighborhoods of Chicago. The police lost track ofthe vehicle in North Lawndale, near the California Avenue and Polk Street intersection.

While searching the area around OG Smoke Shop, police found a grey Magna Excitor bicycle. They took it to the Forest Park police station for safekeeping.

Identity theft

A scammer not only got access to a Forest Park man’s Chase Bank debit card but

stole the re placement card the bank mailed when the victim re ported the scammer.

On Sept. 5, the victim got a call from a man who said he was a Chase Bank representative investigating a suspicious withdrawal. Because the scammer gave the right debit card number, the victim believed the call was legitimate. The scammer asked the victim for his PIN and said he would call the victim back. The scammer didn’t follow through, and the victim realized something was amiss when he called the number and got a busy signal.

He reached out to Chase Bank, which cancelled his card and told him they would mail a new card via UPS by Sept. 7. When the card didn’t arrive, the victim went to a nearby Chase branch and found out that UPS had confirmed delivery. The employee then discovered that someone withdrew $8,000 from the victim’s account using the new debit card.

Chase Bank closed the account to prevent further theft.

These items were obtained from police re ports filed by the Forest Park Police Department and re present a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these re ports has only been charged with a crime. These cases have not been adjudicated.

Compiled by Igor Studenkov

First pumpkin smash will produce a monster mash

Recreation Board seeks vendors, pumpkin-smashing machine

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

Forest Parkers with leftover pumpkins will be able to get rid of them in style at the village’s first-ever Pumpkin Smash event.

The Forest Park Recreation Board is taking a cue from the long-running Park District of Forest Park event while adding some unique touches. Geof f Binns-Calvey, special effects designer and husband of Rec Board Chair Amy Binns-Calvey, is putting together a “smashing device,” where the pumpkins will roll down a chute and get safely smashed into bits. The remains will then be composted re gular organic waste removal contractor, Republic Services

The Pumpkin Smash will take place at the picnic grove at end the owned port Altenheim property on Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Board plans to invite the Forest den Club and other local organizations to set up tables, and reach out to local eateries to provide food. The board hopes this will be a smashing way to end fall festivities as the weather gets colder.

While the Rec Board was originally set up to manage village-operated pocket parks, its mission shifted after the village leased most of the pocket parks to the Park District of Forest Park. One of its mandates was to put together more community events and encourage volunteerism.

The Park District of Oak Park has been holding pumpkin-smashing events at Barrie Park for years—most recently, on Nov. 6, 2022. River Forest’s Roosevelt Middle School has also done pumpkin-smash events the past two years. According to SCARSE, an Addison-based recycling and

Local News

composting advocacy organization, composting pumpkins reduces the amount of methane that gets released in the atmosphere, and the water-rich, nutrient-dense nature of pumpkins makes them a great source of nourishment for the soil.

Amy Binns-Calvey told the Review that “a lot of people” in Forest Park wanted to be able to compost their pumpkins, so it made sense for the village to follow suit.

“This is our inaugural event,” she said. “We hope it will go well, hope it will be something fun and interactive.”

During its Sept. 14 meeting, the Rec Board nailed down the time of the event and discussed what vendors they could

invite. Board member Meghan Hunt sugg ested the Garden Club because it already encourages members to compost and could welcome an opportunity to share information. She also suggested inviting Kribi Coffee, which lists environmental sustainability as one of its major priorities. Members also ag reed to invite Forest Park Kiwanis and discussed the possibility of inviting the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County

The Rec Board decided to do some kind of promotion for Pumpkin Smash during this year’s Casket Race, which takes place on Oct. 21, and possibly get it promoted on the village website and the village newsletter. They also ag reed to reach out to the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce.

The Rec Board will have one more meeting before the Pumpkin Smash, tentatively scheduled for Oct. 12 at 7 p.m., where they are expected to finalize the details.

SHANEL ROMAIN

A group of kids throwing their pumpkins into the large dumpster at Roosevelt Middle School in 2022.

Hess House’s 150-year anniversar y celebrated with renovations and company

breathe new life into the old home.

The multi-unit building was like a unicorn; it ticked all the boxes of what owner Hess was looking for – three units, close to public transportation, has a guest room and in a great community

The unicorn would bring many surprising twists and turns along the renovation journey. The property would need new plumbing, electrical work, and what would be its first layer of insulation to make it a home ready for this century.

By JILL WAGNER

Contributing Reporter

It’s not every day a house in town turns 150, and the anniversary was a great excuse to bring the neighbors together to celebrate

That is just what owner Sarah Hess did. After taking on an extensive twoyear rehabilitation, the Hess House was ready for company.

The house on Lathrop was built before the village of Harlem was incorporated, when Ulysses S. Grant was president, and the prairie dominated the landscape. The home, purchased in 2021, was in need of a care giver that would

Those were not the only sur prises during the rehabilitation, Hess said.

“When our contractor peeled the linoleum up from the basement floor, it revealed hardwood floor that was sitting directly on dirt,” she said.

“We just stood there, face to face with the dirt that the house was built on in 1873.”

Over the months of overhauling the house, family and friends have been at Hess’ side, especially her trusted canine, Luna. Keen on meeting the neighbors and making friends, Luna has been key to striking conversations along the block. Many of Luna’s friends were ready to pay tribute to the progress

made just in time for the sesquicentennial that Hess hosted Sept. 9. In meeting neighbors, and swapping stories, Hess has started to peel back the layers of history and learn the lives of people who called this home

So far, she has discovered this was once the home to a carpenter, a tinner and a young man who served in the Second World War. One neighbor, who is in his 80’s, and lived in the area his whole life, said he believes the house was the index house of the block, and the original family had an orchard. There has been one very special coincidence discovered from a 1947 Chicago Tribune classified ad. It read, “DOG lost- White female, short hair, black spot on back, black ears” – an uncanny coincidence because that could describe Luna, too Sarah’s goal of creating the balance between a home that is both calming and energizing have found a welcoming place to build the next chapter in their lives and in the life of house on Lathrop.

Forest Park Kiwanis’s annual Peanut Day a success

wanis Clubs, the weekend creates a space for smaller donations to be collected that add up to make a big impact in the next year.

The Forest Park Kiwanis Club is a service organization that has been giving support to local youth programs in town for 100 years, exactly one century, as the club is celebrating its centennial later this month.

By JILL WAGNER

Contributing

Reporter

Bright orange vests dotted intersections this weekend for the Forest Park Kiwanis’s annual Peanut Day fundraiser.

This year, Ferrara Candy donated cases of Trollis — a sweet and sour candy — to support the efforts of the local club to hand out as a nut-free option. A long tradition of Ki-

The local Kiwanis Club has been a major donor to Forest Park youth sports, school programs, scouting, scholarships, Camp Independence, and more. Over the 10 decades of service the local club sponsored youth activities that fit with the community needs of the time including paying for the first lifeguard at the first public pool in town, sponsoring the local youth football team, and taking busloads of kids to the annual trip to the circus or to see Cubs or Sox games

This weekend the club, with the help of

volunteers, went through nearly 100 pounds of peanuts and Ferrara Candy Trollis. Youth groups, such as scouts, split the collections with the Kiwanis Club. While the final numbers are still being tallied, the club estimates collections to be more than $2,000, which will be distributed throughout youth groups in the next year.

“We are incredibly grateful to all the people who contributed to this year’s peanut drive,” said Kiwanis President, Kristen Lyons, “it takes many hands, big and small, to make the Kiwanis peanut weekend a success, and this year it was.”

PROVIDED

ose familiar volunteers in orange vests are part of a group that has been serving the community for 100 years

e house on Lathrop was built before the village of Harlem was incorporated, when Ulysses S. Grant was president

ANNA CILLAN Sarah Hess with her dog, Luna.

JILL WAGNER e Hess House

Mayor Rory Hoskins took a shi at a corner this weekend to help raise funds for Kiwanis during Peanut Days.

THREATS

from page 1

oak park. It will explode sometime tomor row 8/21/2023,” the threat said.

Local police found all the threats unsubstantiated following searches of all three Oak Park library branches. The threats are still under investigation.

“We all will continue to take any threat seriously, always putting people and safety first,” said OPPL Executive Director Joslyn Bowling Dixon in a statement to Growing Community Media. She declined to be interviewed for the story.

“Receiving emails or chats about threats of explosions— whether it is at our library or neighboring Chicago libraries—is difficult and stressful for our entire library team,” she added in the statement.

Bowling Dixon said that they are working with agencies, including the Oak Park Police Department, state and national library organizations, the Illinois Library Association, and the American Library Association to address these threats.

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, an Oak Park resident, condemned the threats made against libraries in a statement to GCM.

“Threats against our libraries have no place in our society. I support librarians and staf f as they continue to provide welcoming spaces for everyone in our communities,” he said.

And in statement released last week, The American Library Association denounced the attacks. Libraries, they said, are supposed to be a safe haven where people can civilly exchange ideas.

“These ongoing and rising attacks on America’s libraries pose an existential threat to the cornerstone of our democracy. Libraries are committed to upholding and defending the core values of inclusion and free and equal access to ideas and information, which are essential to an informed democratic society,” the statement said.

“The freedom to read is a constitutionally protected right, and reading choices must be left to the reader, and in case of children, their parents.”

Threats of physical harm and harassment are not, they pointed out, protected speech.

Loc al preparation

Threats have been sent in recent days against a growing number of area libraries, including Chicago, Aurora, Bolingbrook, Addison, Joliet, Evanston, Morton Grove and Wilmette. The executive directors of the Brookfield, Riverside, River Forest and Forest Park public libraries all told GCM they are working with law enforcement to protect their staff and patrons in the event their libraries receive a threat. They did not share the specifics of any emergency protocols fearing that could make them vulnerable to attack.

“I, along with – I’m positive – every director in the Chicagoland area, feel very protective of staf f members,” said Kimberly Coughran, director of the Linda Sokol

Brookfield Library.

The threats have disrupted services by forcing targeted libraries to temporarily close doors as a safety precaution. About half a dozen libraries were forced to evacuate last week because of the bomb threats, just as Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias defended the state’s law prohibiting book banning before the U.S. Senate. The law goes into effect Jan. 1.

As secretary of state, Giannoulias also holds the position of the state librarian and, during last Tuesday’s senate hearing, he linked recent threats to partisan political ef for ts to remove materials such as “To Kill a Mockingbird,” from shelves.

“What I am concerned with is political attempts to ban books that are driving libraries to close their doors, stifle creativity, make librarians quit their jobs, and just a few weeks ago, literally have to evacuate due to numerous bomb threats at multiple locations,” Giannoulias told senators.

The same day, another round of threats hit Illinois public libraries, including an anonymous email to the Harold Washington Library in Chicago. The Chicago Public Library ended up closing all of its branches last Thursday.

“The exact same time that I was in D.C., libraries here were forced to close their doors and be evacuated because of bomb threats,” Giannoulias said to NBC

Chicago. “And unfortunately, that’s symbolic of what we’re seeing, literally – our bill was meant to protect libraries and librarians.”

Jonathan Friedman, the director of free expression and education of PEN America, echoed Giannoulias’ beliefs.

“The threats against public libraries in the Chicago area are yet another manifestation of the hostility we are witnessing toward books, ideas and intellectual activity writ large. Library staff and patrons are put at risk by threats of this kind and all Americans who value the freedom to read and learn should be as appalled as we are at PEN America,” Friedman said. A non-profit, PEN America works to raise awareness for the protection of free expression.

Emily Compton, director of the River Forest Public Library, told GCM “people were wondering” if the threats were made based on ef for ts to censor and remove antiracism and LGTBQ+ literature from schools and libraries. Compton, however, said she had no “facts” to back up any speculation.

“Librarians are pretty fact-based,” she said.

PROVIDED

Forest Park Library

The housing market in Forest Park — good news and bad news

Are owners choosing to hold on to existing homes if they are staying in the area?

By Tom Holmes Contributing Reporter

A month ago, Dorothy Gillian, a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway, said that there were only four residential properties on the market in Forest Park at that time

What is going on?!

Sandy Wasiliauskis, a Vice-President at the Forest Park National Bank, explained: Interest rates.

“In order to curb inflation,” she said, “the Federal Reserve Board has been raising their lending rate, and the banks peg their mortgage loan rates to the 10-year Tnote, which has risen from 3.25% in March of 2020 to 8.5% now. A $300,000 loan at 3.25% interest would have a monthly payment of $1,306 back in 2020. Today at a rate of 7.25% the monthly payment for principle and interest would be $2,047.”

That is one reason why home owners aren’t selling. For example, if a home owner in Oak Park has a home loan at 3.25% on a home worth $500,000 and wants to downgrade to a townhouse in Forest Park worth $300,000 but the loan for that is 8 %, the monthly payment for the townhouse would be about the same as for the home in Oak Park.

What home owners are doing, Wasiliauskis said, is choosing to hold on to their

existing homes if they are staying in the area and don’t have to move, and taking out a home equity line of credit, which at the Forest Park Bank goes for 3.99% for the first year, to upgrade their present homes.

Shawn Dahlstrand, owner of Dahlstrand Construction Company, echoed what Wasiliauskis said.

“I’m mainly a remodeling contractor,” he said, “and I can tell you is that things are busy. I have a bunch of customers waiting for bathroom and kitchen remodeling. Three of those projects are in Forest Park. It’s my opinion that a lot of the reason remodeling is so busy right now is because of interest rates. People are remodeling what they have rather than buying new and keeping their low mortgage rates they already have.”

Steve Glinke, director of Forest Park’s Department of Public Health and Safety, which incorporates the building department and the code enforcement department, issued a war ning.

“Any realtor,” he said, “will tell you that the combination of low inventory and high

interest rates is toxic.”

That’s the bad news if you are a buyer looking for a home in Forest Park. The good news, according to Glinke, is that “our housing inventory is robust and solid.” For example, the last two sales on the 7600 block of Monroe in the village sold for “north of 650 K.” In fact, he said, “we are inching our way out of mid-market housing prices, which is a symptom of the quality of our housing stock.”

In addition, Glinke said, there is a lot of affordable housing in this village with big-city access and small-town charm -- if by “affordable” you mean housing that everyday working people can afford. For example, he said, “If you are employed and making $50,000 a year, you can afford a one-bedroom condo in Forest Park We have more affordable housing than the state requires.”

Glinke pointed out the new development at the corner of Circle and Elgin called Forest Oaks that has 56 “income qualified” units. The developer is incentivized by what are referred to as “tax swaps,”

which means that low rents are made possible for the landlord because of breaks on the taxes. Renters qualify for the low rents if they are over 55 and their income is under a certain threshold.

He said that another factor making Forest Park’s housing af fordable is the predominance of rental units. About threequarters of the housing in Forest Park is in multi-unit buildings and the majority of those are rentals. He added that many of the condos in multi-unit buildings are selling for a little more than $100,000.

“Frankly,” Glinke said, “we don’t have a whole lot of room to build anything right now. I have advocated for the North CTA lot to be developed, because nobody is taking the Blue Line anymore. We used to make $400,000 from parking in our lots, while now it’s down to $70,000.”

Wasiliauskis of fered to put the housing market in perspective by looking at how it has behaved in the last forty years. “Rates are still not horrible historically today,” she pointed out, “even though they can be shocking to someone who bought a first home three years ago at a below 3% interest rate. Just ask someone who had a mortgage in the 1980’s and was excited to refinance to lower their interest rate from 15% to 11%. They will tell you today’s rates perhaps are not so bad.”

We’ve got YOU covered.

“Any realtor,” he said, “will tell you that the combination of low inventory and high interest rates is toxic.”

STEVE GLINKE

Director of Forest Park’s Department of Public Health and Safety

“Early detection gave us time to adapt together, as a family.”

If you’re noticing changes, it Alzheimer’s. Talk about visiting a doctor together.

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*A preferred provider of programming from IONS Institute of Noetic Sciences. REGISTER NOW at www.courageus.org

Fall in Love with the Altenheim

The Altenheim is a not-for-profit rental community for individuals who are 55 years of age and older. The Altenheim has been and continues to be a Home, not merely just a place to live. While much has changed in society over the past 136 years, The Altenheim’s culture of caring and respect has remained constant. The Altenheim’s dedication to its mission of providing quality housing in a comfortable setting is as strong and true today as it was at the time of its dedication in 1885.

the finest in independent living. Designed for those individuals who desire the freedom of a carefree lifestyle, Arborwood and Briarwood apartments feature all the comforts of home within an atmosphere rich in history and charm. Located just 10 miles west of downtown Chicago in the village of Forest Park, The Altenheim is conveniently located near major highways and local public transportation. Known for its big city access and small town charm, Forest Park is a friendly community with much

The inscription at the top of the Briarwood building heralds that, “when you enter tranquility awaits you”. The Altenheim is tucked away amongst the mature trees that line Madison and Van Buren Streets. Some say that The Altenheim is a well-kept secret and upon visiting find it to be a hidden Gem where life is fully and vibrantly lived.

The community is situated on a beautifully wooded site, our buildings, Arborwood and Briarwood; offer

to offer. The local library, park district, community center, and village hall are all walking distance.

There’s no place to call HOME quite like The Altenheim! We invite you to come for a visit and stay for the Lifestyle. You will Fall in Love with the charm and many advantages of living at The Altenheim.

7824 West Madison Street, Forest Park 708-366-2206 • www.thealtenheim.com

advantages

It’s hard talking about end-of-life options. This group may help

dying legislation. It would allow mentally capable, terminally ill adults with six months or less to live to have the option to request prescription medication they can decide to take to peacefully end unbearable suf fering.”

By TOM HOLMES

When Jimmy Carter entered hospice care, it made the national news. And it made people across the nation and here at home start thinking about what to do when it’s their time to go, too. Just talking about such decisions is hard.

Forest Park has some help.

The End of Life Options Coalition is the local action team of Compassion & Choices Action Network Illinois, which on its website describes itself this way: “The Network improves care, expands options and empowers everyone to chart their endof-life journey. We envision a society that affirms life and accepts the inevitability of death, embraces expanded options for compassionate dying, and empowers everyone to choose end-of-life care that reflects their values, priorities, and beliefs.”

They help with healthcare equity and dementia care at the end of life, as well as in medical aid in dying.

One goal, said Ro z Byrne, the Co-Chair of the Oak Park/Western Suburbs Action Team, “is to persuade the Illinois legislature to introduce and pass medical aid-in-

Byrne emphasized that her group does not try to dictate to anyone what they should choose re garding how they write the last chapter of their lives.

“Planning and talking about the end of life is a gift to each other,” she said. “Do you want every possible thing done medically to keep you alive as long as possible? Or, would you prefer to discontinue life-extending treatments at some point? Either answer is OK, but if we don’t talk about it and document it—the end of life can often be confusing, frustrating, and even agonizing for patients and their families.

The group began, she said, “when we showed the movie How To Die In Oregon at the main Oak Park library during Celebrating Seniors Week in May of 2019. Since then, the group has grown in the community, educating people about end-of-life care options and mobilizing support for medical aid in dying.”

Forest Park resident Maureen Rafa has been a nurse for 46 years and has had both personal and professional experience with people at the end of their lives.

“I have always supported the hospice concept,” she said.

“My parents were in hospice and died at home. I learned about hospice as a nursing student, and we had an in-service at Dr. Elizabeth Kubler Ross’ home. I have

worked in different capacities in my career including home health and hospice.”

That said, she has been involved with the Oak Park/Western Suburbs Action Team IL End of Life Options Coalition for about three years, because over that nearly halfcentury of experience with death and dying, she has become aware that there are many people who have not had a peaceful death and have suf fered.

Byrne noted that hospice and palliative care are available nationwide, but medical aid in dying is only available in 10 states and the District of Columbia.

“We should not allow your zip code to determine if you have the option to die peacefully or with needless intolerable suffering,” she said.

“There is no right or wrong answer to what medical care options someone may want, she added. “It is up to each individual.”

Renee Dushman said she got involved because of the way her husband, Stanley Dushman, died from pancreatic cancer in November 2009 at 79. The last months of his life were very difficult, she said, because of his pain and her anguish.

“I wish I could have done more to help relieve him of his suffering,” she wrote on the Compassion & Choices website.

Advocates said that it’s important to make end-of-life decisions early because, as an old adage says, “if you do not make decisions in advance about how you want your life to end, someone else will make those decisions for you.” And those decisions may not be what an individual wants.

“Ultimately,” Rafa said, “patients

[should] make their health care decisions. Many do not know that they have the ability to make their own healthcare decisions. They may receive information about their care options from their medical team, but often times they don’t know how to decide what are the best care options for them because they don’t know what questions to ask. Ultimately, it is up to them to decide what care they want and when they no longer want treatment but choose comfort care and quality of life.”

The group also has screened Living and Dying: A Love Story and Bob’s Choice at the Oak Park Library during Celebrating Seniors Weeks. Trained volunteers also have done educational seminars for many groups including River Forest Library Seniors Group, Brookfield Library Seniors Group, Third Unitarian Church, Unity Temple Women’s Group, Scoville Park/ Oak Park Club Residents, First United Church of Oak Park, Brookdale Oak Park, Oak Park/River Forest Rotary, Arbor West Neighbors, Senior Citizens Services Coordinating Council and Suburban Thursday Afternoon Retirees.

A spin-off book club called The Living & Dying Well Book Club meets bimonthly and discusses books with end-of-life themes

The next Oak Park/Western Suburbs End-of-Life Options Coalition meeting is Thursday, Sept. 28th at the main Oak Park Library on Lake Street from 3:45-5 p.m. and on Zoom with this link: https://tinyurl. com/OPEoLO928.

For more information, visit: compassionandchoices.org/illinois or illinoisoptions.org

‘Planning and talking about the end of life is a gi to each other,’ volunteer says

Contributing Reporter

WeConnect essential news. essential voices.

First-ever village clothing swap on tap this weekend

Community clean-up takes place earlier Saturday with a few changes

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

Forest Park will be holding its first-ever village clothing swap right after the fall community clean up this Saturday.

The idea for the clothing swap came from Forest Parker Ryan O’Connor, who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. They said that they wanted to create an event that will allow Forest Parkers to get some new clothes and get rid of some of their old clothes in an environmentally sustainable manner. O’Connor also wanted an event where youth, especially trans, non-binary and gender nonconforming youth would feel welcome.

They quickly got support from Commissioner Maria Maxham and now-interim Village Administrator Rachell Entler. During a meeting this month, the village council linked the two events together, encouraging those who participate in the morning community clean-up to go to the clothing swap afterwards. The clothing swap will take place at the north end of the village-owned portion of the historic Altenheim property in the afternoon.

at the traditional starting point, Roos Recreation Center. Volunteers will still have the option of returning to Roos after finishing up to get treats

Public Works Director Sal Stella laid out the ground rules – don't walk onto private property, don’t pick up dangerous items such as glass shards and “natural items like leaves.”

Community clean-up volunteers must re gister ahead of time using the link that's currently on the front page of the village website.

O’Connor said the idea for the clothing swap came from a Trans Joy Picnic they attended while studying at the University of Wisconsin Madison.

“It’s just like – it was a wonderful experience of people getting rid of their old clothes to help people to affirm their gender, and build community,” they said.

Swap and Clean

The community clean-up will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Sept. 23, starting at Popelka Park, 501 Thomas Ave., or Roos Recreation Center, 7329 Harrison St.

The community clean-up will kick off at 9 a.m. and wrap up by noon. As before, volunteers will be assigned to one of five zones within the village, and the village will supply pickers, gloves and garbage bags. Volunteers are welcome to bring their own supplies. Unlike past clean-ups, volunteers won’t be starting at one location, Volunteers for the zones in the north half of the village will meet at Popelka Park, while the volunteers for the south zones will meet

The clothing swap will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. at the north tip of the village-owned portion of the historic Altenheim property at 7824 Madison St.

O’Connor has since graduated and moved back to Forest Park, but the memory stayed with them. As someone who studied environmental science, they liked the idea of being able to get rid of clothes without adding to environmental waste. They also felt that many Forest Park village events “are either for small kids or older folks, as opposed to people who are kind of in between.”

When O’Connor ran the idea by their father back in July, he not only supported them but said he’d bring the idea to Maxham, whom he had already scheduled a meeting with for an unrelated reason.

Maxham quickly responded. Within a week, O’Connor met with her and Entler, and they got to work on the plan.

The commissioner told the Review that O’Connor did the planning – she and Entler just helped bring the idea to fruition.

“I just want to kind of allow for it to be like all-ages, everybody from all sorts of backgrounds,” O’Connor said. “[I want it to be] a community-building space. That’s why there’s a picnic, too, where you can sit and chat, where you don’t have to be looking at clothing, you can just hang out if you want.”

They reflected that, as a non-binary person, there were plenty of times they felt uncomfortable at events and venues – for example, if an event took place in a space without gender-neutral restrooms, they would just “hold it in.” O’Connor wanted to make sure the clothing swap wouldn’t be like that.

“Trans people come in all shapes and sizes, and I don’t want them to feel like they can’t be looking at some clothes, [like] dresses,” they said.

The village is accepting new and gently used clothing donations that can be dropped

Our Community Needs Community Journalism

off at the Village Hall, Mohr Community Center and the Play it Again Sports store.

“It’s the same day as the community clean-up, so we scheduled it to be in afternoon,” Maxham said during a village council meeting this month. “[Smokey Joel’s Red Hots] will be serving hot dogs, and it’s also a great opportunity to meet people in the community.”

O’Connor said that, while they worried no one would show up, the early response was encouraging – particularly the fact that someone already donated two chest-binders after they wondered whether anyone would donate any.

Last year’s clean-up was delayed multiple times due to rain, and what was originally supposed to be a spring event got shifted to the fall. While the clothing swap does have an indoor alternative – Mohr Community Center – there is no Plan B for the clean-up

“We just have to hope for good weather,” said Forest Park Recreation Board chair Amy Binns-Calvey

ALEX ROGALS

Cory Billingsley, le , holds the trash bag open for her kids Elouise, 9, and Patrick, 6, all of Forest Park, during the village-w ide clean up in 2022.

Chicken wings were once cheap eats

Get your underappreciated foods now while they’re inexpensive

By DAVID HAMMOND Oak Park Eats

Last month, we sat down at Rioja, a restaurant in Denver’s River North (RiNo), where Chef Jen Jasinski turns out some spectacular dishes. Jasinski is the first Denver chef to win the James Beard Foundation's Best Chef Southwest award, and she’s also in the kitchen at Ponti in the Denver Art Museum.

I’d ordered the halibut, a luscious chunk offish and one ofthe more expensive items on the menu. Halibut is also one ofthe earliest foods I can remember eating at home, and it was once relatively inexpensive

We’ve seen this before: foods once economical are now quite costly. And vice versa.

Erik Williams, the man behind the fish case at Carnivore in Oak Park, told us that some ofthe increase in fish prices is likely due to “trawling/ sustainability laws for American fisheries and changes in demand.”

Some ofthose demand changes are due to the public’s realization that previously ignored foods can be delicious — something some immigrant communities already understand.

Norma Zaragoza ofBirrieria Zaragoza, a wonderful restaurant, told me, “Mom used to get beeftongues for free at a meat packing company because back in the early ’70s, they had no use for them. They caught on when all the Mexicans would line up for them. I just paid $67 for a medium-sized beef tongue!”

As my co-author Monica Eng wrote in

Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites, rib tips, now a staple at many Chicago BBQ joints, were once not even considered worthy of putting on the menu. Then Chicago BBQ pitmaster Myles Lemons of Lem’s Bar-B-Q finally relented and said, “Let's cook them and see what comes ofit.” Now, says his daughter, “We sell large and small combos, and people like them because there is just as much meat as there is on the ribs — en more.”

Years ago, before the supply of chicken increased to meet demand, I remember my aunt in Detroit once served us “mock chicken legs,” meat wrapped around a skewer to simulate a chicken leg. And what was that inexpensive mystery meat that was standing in for chicken? It was the now more costly veal!

Once considered almost too uninteresting to serve customers, chicken wings have become a popular nosh on game days and throughout the year. And now they’re anything but cheap. Chicken wings spiked at an average cost of $4.31 [per pound] for restaurants in October 2021.

Is there a lesson here? Ye s, probably seve r al, and one might be that there’s a lot of d eliciousness out there, and pric e is not a g ood indicator ofhow d elicious a food might be. So maybe it ’s time to ta ke advantage ofless popular c uts, wh ich do n’ t c ommand the highest prices but are many times highly d elicious. Ta ke, for example, chicken thighs: much tastier than chicken wings and breasts, and much less expensive.

At least for the time being.

DAVID HAMMOND

AT FIRST I WAS A LITTLE TAKEN ABACK BY THE WHOLE PEEING STANDING UP THING. BUT I TAUGHT HIM TO THROW A STICK AND NOW HANGING OUT WITH HIM IS THE BEST PART OF MY DAY.

BUT I TAUGHT HIM TO THROW A STICK AND NOW HANGING OUT WITH HIM IS THE BEST PART OF MY DAY.

SURE, AT FIRST I WAS A LITTLE TAKEN ABACK BY THE WHOLE PEEING STANDING UP THING. BUT I TAUGHT HIM TO THROW A STICK AND NOW HANGING OUT WITH HIM IS THE BEST PART OF MY DAY.

SURE, AT FIRST I WAS A LITTLE TAKEN ABACK BY THE WHOLE PEEING STANDING UP THING. BUT I TAUGHT HIM TO THROW A STICK AND NOW HANGING OUT WITH HIM IS THE BEST PART OF MY DAY.

Madison St., Forest Park

OPINION

Things we like

As we move into fall, Forest Park is rich with events that are spooky, fun and helpfilled. We’re thinking about the Historical Society’s scarecrows, the Chamber of Commerce Casket Races, and Trick-or-Treat on Madison. But today here are three more positives to note:

A pumpkin smash

Typically we forget about our jack-o-lanter ns which move from the porch to the mantle until the day we realize it has morphed into mush and is now a hideous clean-up job.

Forest Park’s Recreation Board is inventing/borrowing an idea both big fun and environmentally friendly. The first pumpkin smash will take place Nov. 4 on the north end of the Altenheim property. Bring your pre-mush pumpkins over, roll them down a chute and watc them be safely smashed into bits. Who doesn’t like smashing orbs into bits? Especially w it all turns into nutrient-rich compost.

There will also be food and camaraderie.

Kiwanis, a hundred years of help

A sure sign of the changing season is the return of Kiwanis Peanut Day. It took place last weekend and you likely saw an orange-vested volunteer as you made your way around to You may have also noticed that as a bow to nut allergy worries, this year the volunteers offered a peanut alter native in the form of Trollis, a sweet and sour candy. The candy was donated by the always generous Ferrara Candy.

Forest Park’s Kiwanis Club, remarkably, is celebrating its centennial this year. What a milestone of good works and community service. Support of local kids has long been a focus of Kiwanis and the money raised last weekend will go to support youth sports, school program scholarships and camps. Early indications are that more than $2,000 was raised

Clean-up and a clothing swap

This Saturday will bring a two-fer of good works and goodwill to Forest Park. Assuming a cloudless sky, or at least no downpour, the annual community clean-up launches at 9 a.m. What a remarkable event.

Volunteers gather to pick up their tools and garbage bags and then spread out to the south and north sides of town to spruce up the village—a last pickup of trash from the public ways before the leaves fly and then the snow arrives.

This event reflects a pride of place that is inspiring and says a lot about the way residents feel about their hometown. Volunteers need to register in advance and can do so using the link on the homepage of the village’s website.

And then, come afternoon, a brand new event in town: a clothing swap. The brainstor m of Ryan O’Connor, a Forest Parker, was to create a swap that works for the environment, as clothes are recycled, but which is also intentionally inclusive with an idea of being welcoming to young people, especially trans, non-binary and gender nonconforming. Having easy and positive access to clothes which affir m their gender is important to people, as is an easy welcome

O’Connor identifies as non-binary. They took this concept to village officials who have been nothing but positive in helping them pull it together

Going to be a good Saturday in Forest Park.

Collecting coins and goodwill for Kiwanis

Wearing slacks, neat sneakers, a nice blouse, and a pretty necklace under an orange vest, weighted down by pockets gorged with peanuts and candy, I had forgotten how humbling it was to work a corner during Kiwanis Peanut days, as drivers actively avoided acknowledging I was present, despite my smile, vest and willingness to serve.

I cast out when the light was red at Madison, making rs headed southbound along the enue bend. This was a cor ner I worked here in my memory it was familiar, but it took a few trips to find the groove.

Once a couple of generous, kind, souls opened their zone of their vehicles, the walk kward. Slowly I began to get the occaeeting, the thanks, and the couple of bucks or clang of some change that would build up to fuel the rk

There was no way of judging from afar if someone in pity or a curious heart. Some generous through their daily grind, made their way home, still wearing their uniform shirt from Jewel, Opportunity Knocks, or the Police Department. Sometimes a gift would come from a car knocking on the door of the salvage yard and sometimes from a luxury car owner with vanity plates. Givers came in all different shapes and sizes.

WAGNER

It became apparent early that focusing on the people who would not raise an eye or have a moment to spare would not keep up my motivation. While inter nally cursing them seemed like it might help, it only weighed me down.

I practiced the art of paving a way to heaven by focusing only on grateful energy exchanges. It worked. The re petitive trip down the drivers’ side of the vehicles, safely with the rhythm of the traffic light began to feel familiar and exciting. The humble feeling of holding a tin cup never completely washed away, but the harmony of the simple acts of walking for small acts of kindness became invigorating.

Eventually I would find a car or two in a string that would open their wallet or grab loose change to contribute to the cause and melt my discomfort, reminding me of the goodness of humanity. They were always friendly and restorative.

Among the many generous givers on Thursday and Friday included a proud Sox fan opening his wallet despite his team’s struggles, a big donor who was in a white pickup truck, a woman who handed me the $2 bill from her dad that she had stowed away in her wallet, a garbage man who was waiting for my can, Fred in his tiny red electric car, and several pedestrians on the sidewalk who came to me as I made my way from the end of the line back to the starting point when the light shifted to green.

Each dollar and cent became a symbol of goodwill and hope. Over the shifts, my can began to swell, my heart was uplifted, and my feet grew tired. It will be a year before I will be back on the street looking for more goodwill ambassadors who can spare a dime.

Editor Erika Hobbs

Sta Reporter Igor Studenkov, Francia Garcia Hernandez, Amaris Rodriguez

Digital Manager

Stacy Coleman

Contributing Reporters Tom Holmes, John Rice, Bob Skolnik, Jackie Glosniak, Robert J. Li a

Columnists Alan Brouilette, Jill Wagner, Tom Holmes, John Rice

Big Week Editor James Porter

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

Designer Susan McKelvey

Sales and Marketing Representatives

Lourdes Nicholls, Ben Stumpe, Tram Huynh

Business & Development Manager

Mary Ellen Nelligan

Circulation Manager Jill Wagner

Publisher Dan Haley

Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

Squirrels and pears, a poor pairing

I’ve had an uneasy relationship with squirrels for as long as I can remember. I know they won’t hurt me, but they have the capacity to startle. I also had a complete falling out with squirrels when they moved inside the wall of our old house and gnawed away the beams.

When we moved to our present home, they were still startling us but weren’t doing property damage. They did a different kind of damage We had a flourishing pear tree in the yard and the owner used to harvest the pears for canning. He and his wife filled 5-g allon buckets with pears. One day, he discovered the tree was picked clean and suspected a human pear thief.

An investigation showed that squirrels were the true culprits. The backyard fence was just the right height for them to pick pears. They would happily race along the top of the fence, pick the pears and eat them on the spot. They also munched on the pears that had already fallen.

The owner was disappointed he had no pears to harvest. This could be one of the reasons he sold the property. Pear-eating squirrels didn’t bother us. At least the squir-

Board of Directors

Chair Judy Gre n

Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

HOW TO REACH US

ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-366-0600 ■ FAX 708-467-9066

EMAIL forestpark@wjinc.com

CIRCULATION Jill@oakpark.com

ONLINE ForestParkReview.com

Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Forest Park Review,141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302-2901. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS No 0205-160)

In-county subscriptions: $34 per year. $55 for two years, $69 for three years. Out-of-county subscriptions: $42 per year.

els weren’t scattering nuts on the sidewalk and creating a slipping hazard.

This year, the squirrels sudenly stopped eating the pears. This created an ecological imbalance—literally. The tree’s branches were so heavy with uneaten pears, they began to crack. In theory, the humans living here could have harvested the ears. We would probably have one this, if we weren’t lazy and fraid of heights. We also don’t have a passion for pears.

I was mystified, though, about why the squirrels stopped eating pears. So I took a crash course at Squir rel University about the relationship between squirrels and pears. Squirrels typically eat nuts and seeds but they will also eat pears, depending on their availability. The pears also must be ripe Unripe pears have a hard texture and tart flavor that squirrels find unappealing. They also lack enough sugar to provide the squirrel with an “enjoyable reward.” Ripe pears, though, are a delicacy. They have a soft texture and sweet taste. They contain enough nutrients and flavor to become part of the squirrels’ regular diet. All that sugar, though, can be unhealthy. I’m not

A LOOK BACK IN TIME

Treating elected o cials lik

The Kiwanis Club of Forest Park hosted an “Officials Night” in September 1931. All the village officials were “royally entertained” at the restaurant located at the Harlem Golf Club (present day Forest Park Plaza on Roosevelt).

The Kiwanis, many of whom were local business owners, had arranged for a special presentation by profit engineers, A.J. Luther & Co. on “Modern Merchandising.” The experts infor med the audience that 31% of local buyers patronize stores that are not their “home merchants.” They shared that patrons value trained, courteous sales people, fair prices, merchandise selection, balanced stock, and clean attractive stores. He urged merchants to have a united front and see competition from surrounding centers rather than from one local merchant to another

Jill Wagner

saying our squirrels became diabetic. But they were eating so many pears, their bellies were bulging.

The rest of the university course was about how to prevent squirrels from eating pears. That didn’t interest me. Besides, building a fence to protect the tree had the opposite effect of making it easier for the squirrels to gorge on pears. But I did lear n an important thing from the course: the squirrels had undoubtedly found a new food source

This would explain why they had moved to the other side of the yard and were scattering nuts all over the sidewalk. They weren’t getting the sugar highs they used to get from pears but they were hyper nonetheless. They were startling us and creating a tripping hazard at the same time

Squirrel University didn’t have any tips about enticing squirrels to eat pears. I suppose we could prepare one of the countless pear desserts that are popular this time of the , pear pie or pear cobbler. as the previous owner warned us, get our

I knew there was something good about

Photo: Harlem Golf Club was in operation from 1912 to 1938 on Roosevelt Road. e land was purchased by the Federal Government to produce materials for National Defense, and would become the U.S. Naval Ordnance Plant, Ameritor p Corp.

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MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

Property Management firm specializing in the operation of senior housing seeks individual to assume the role of the Maintenance Technician at one of a 56-unit property located in Forest Park. Position requires considerable interaction with residents and service contractors. Must be available to work on-call for afterhours

emergencies. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 2pm.

• Must have 5 years related work experience in property rehab, general building/property cleaning and equipment maintenance/repair.

• Working experience with painting, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical systems and knowledge of materials and equipment used in building and grounds maintenance.

•Knowledge of boilers, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, mechanical systems, and electrical repair.

Please contact: 708-657-4055 or email tina@housingseniors.com regarding applications & info.

FLOORS

HELP WANTED

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Research Assistant in the Village Manager’s Office. This position will perform a variety of duties including assisting in coordinating aspects of equity and inclusion projects/initiatives, some data collection, data entry and analysis, synthesizing information, report writing, and presentation of results to stakeholders.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website https://www.oak-park.us/ your-government/human-resources-departments.

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

PART-TIME CIVILIAN CALL TAKER FOREST PARK, IL

The Forest Park Police Department, seeks a Part-Time Civilian Information Management Call Taker. Eligible candidates will be required to pass an aptitude test and an extensive background check. Qualifications include high school diploma (or equivalent), good verbal and written skills, working knowledge of the computer and Windows, ability to type accurately, a good working knowledge of the English language, the ability to treat customers and co-workers in a polite manner and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Data entry skills and experience answering telephones/operating a switchboard are preferred.

EVENING AND OVERNIGHT HOURS ARE MANDATORY.

Open until filled. $18.25/hour. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. and should be returned Attn: Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130. Email: vmoritz@ forestpark.net.

POLICE RECORDS SUPERVISOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Police Records Supervisor in the Police Department. This position will manage, supervise, plan and coordinate the activities and operations of the Police Records Division Support Services Bureau, within the Police Department including records maintenance and management services; and coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies and the general public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at https:// www.oakpark.us/yourgovernment/ human-resources-department. First review of applications will be September 22, 2023.

MARKETPLACE

COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Community Service Officer in the Police Department. This position will perform a variety of public service, customer service and law enforcement related duties and responsibilities that do not require the services of a sworn police officer; and to perform a variety of administrative duties. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at https://www.oak-park.us/your-government/human-resources-department. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

FARMERS MARKET MANAGER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Farmers’ Market Manager in the Health Department. This position manages the strategic planning and operation of the Oak Park Farmers’ Market; develops sustainable food strategies; and provides health and nutrition education, programming and promotion for the Village. During the Market season, this position would manage the internal staff and contractors needed to operate the Market, provides staff level support to the Farmers’ Market Commission, and manages vendor relations. The Market season runs from May through October, with the Market itself held outdoors each Saturday. During this time, the work week for this position is Tuesday through Saturday. Year-round, this position will provide nutrition education programming for the community in collaboration with the Health Education and Nursing divisions. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at https://www.oakpark.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. Open until filled.

POLICE RECORDS CLERK

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Police Records Clerk in the Police Department. This position will perform a wide variety of specialized clerical duties in support of the Police Department including processing and maintaining documents, correspondence and coding reports; and to provide information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at https://www.oakpark.us/your-government/human-resources-department.

GARAGE/YARD SALES

BELOIT SALE

900 BELOIT AVE, FOREST PARK FRI, SEPT. 22 & SAT, SEPT. 23

9AM-4PM

Child care center is closed and everything must go! Diaper changing table, cots, toddler chairs, housekeeping sets, cabinets, water & light tables, block sets. Dress – up clothes for preschoolers. Laminator with cart & cutting table, early childhood books, toys, puzzles and curriculum items. Bye- bye buggies, trikes, and scooters. Holiday decorations for all seasons.

NORTHEAST

OAK PARK SALE

1008 N. EAST OAK PARK

8:30AM-3PM

SAT, SEPT 23

Rain or Shine! 35 years of Household misc. Kitchen, garden, LOTS of Chicos women’s clothing, shoes, candles, readers glasses, cookbooks, vases, home decor, Vintage Quilt, table/bed linens, wall art, M/F outerwear, Blow molds.

CARS WANTED

708-296-2060

CLASSICS WANTED

CLASSICS WANTED

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

Restored or Unrestored Cars & Vintage Motorcycles

Domestic / Import Cars:

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

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

Collector James • 630-201-8122

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

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

CLASSICS WANTED

GARAGE/YARD SALES

NORTH LOMBARD SALE

WANTED TO BUY

Collector James 630-201-8122

Restored or Unrestored Cars & Vintage Motorcycles

WANTED MILITARY ITEMS:

833 N LOMBARD AVE, OAK PARK

Domestic / Import Cars:

SAT, SEPT. 23 9-3PM & SUN. SEPT. 24 11-3PM

Many quality items at reasonable prices. Noah ark items, sewing machines, and many other items. Come and see!

Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys.

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

OAK PARK YARD SALE

Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

TOOLS WANTED:

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

I want to buy all your old tools American tools, Wilton Vise, Wood working tools, Machinist tools. Call, Justin C 708-822-8822

1036 N. EUCLID AVE, OAK PARK

SAT. SEPT 23 10AM-4PM

Collector James 630-201-8122

H 708-445-0164

Huge salesman sample sale with gift items in original packaging. Candles, accessories, jewelry, purses, tote bags, teacher gifts, stocking stuffers, holiday items, bath & body. Gently used household items: bedding, auction catalogs, over 200 books, taxidermy, American Girl Dolls, pet items, toaster oven, fine China, Coach purses, games and more! Many new items with Wisconsin Badger’s Logo. Something for everyone!

SUBURBAN RENTALS

616 N. TAYLOR AVE., UNIT #2, OAK PARK, IL.

OPEN HOUSE SAT. 23RD 11-2 PM. OAK PARK RENTAL- $2200/MO

Immediate Occupancy! Oct 1st or sooner. 3

Bedroom, 1 Bath 2 Flat-Second Floor Unit. New Stainless Appliances. Hardwood Floors. Beautiful Architectural features-Stained Glass windows. Builtin bookcases. Sunroom. Deck. Close to Train and expressway and Chicago. Quiet peaceful setting. Must See! No Pets. No Smoking. Tenant pays for electricity. Appointments Call: Kathleen McCarthy, Broker • 630-420-0202

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

VILLAGE OF OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION

DOCKET NUMBER: PC 23-

05 (Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment - Zoning Ordinance Text and Map Amendments)

HEARING DATE: October 5, 2023

TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the agenda permits

LOCATION OF HEARING: Room 201 - Council Chambers, Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street Oak Park, Illinois 60302

PETITIONER: Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302

REQUEST: The Petitioner, the Village of Oak Park, seeks a text amendment to the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance as follows: An amendment to Article 14 (“Zoning Approvals”), Section 14.1 (“Zoning Text and Map Amendment”), subsection B (“Initiation”) regarding property owner authorization for a Zoning Ordinance map or text amendment.

A copy of the proposed text amendment is on file and available for inspection at the Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The Plan Commission may continue the hearing to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO BE HEARD OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION

Oak Park, Illinois 60302

Published in Wednesday Journal, September 20, 2023

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park --Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302-- will receive electronic proposals until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday October 12, 2023 for Project: 23-8, Madison Street Improvements, MFT #22-0026700-RS. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below. In general, this contract includes removal of roadway, curb/gutter, sidewalk, brick pavers, driveway, lighting, and landscaping/ trees. Other elements include milling and resurfacing of HMA pavement, new brick pavement, new HMA pavement, water main removal/replacement, new water main, new lighting, landscape restoration, planting trees, curb/ gutter, sidewalks, driveways, pavement marking, signage, drainage/ utility lid adjustments, traffic loops/ handhole modifications, maintenance of traffic, and all incidental and collateral work necessary to complete the project as shown on the plans and special provisions.

Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on Thursday September 21, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. Plans and proposal forms can be found at https://www.oak-park.us/yourgovernment/budget-purchasing/ requests-proposals or at www. questcdn.com under login using QuestCDN number 8258675 for a non-refundable charge of $64.00.

The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications only to those contractors

Published

DOCKET NUMBER: PC 23-04 (Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment - Electric Vehicle Charging Station)

HEARING DATE: October 5, 2023

TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the agenda permits

LOCATION OF HEARING: Room 201 - Council Chambers, Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street Oak Park, Illinois 60302

PETITIONER: Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302

REQUEST: The Petitioner, the Village of Oak Park, seeks text amendments to the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance as follows: (1) an amendment to Article 2 (“Definitions & Rules of Measurement”) by adding definitions for electric vehicle types, electric vehicle charging station types and electric vehicle charging station levels; (2) an amendment to Article 8 (“Uses”) by adding “Electric Vehicle Charging Station (Primary)” to the list of

deemed qualified. No bid documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening.

All prospective bidders must prove they are pre-qualified by the Illinois Department of Transportation by providing a certificate of eligibility to the Engineering Division prior to receiving bid documents.

This project is financed with local Village funds and Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) grant funds. The work to be performed pursuant to this Proposal is subject to all state rules, regulations and guidelines including the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq., and Equal Opportunity requirements.

Contractor will be required to comply with the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) for Minorities, Females, and Persons with Disabilities Act (30 ILCS 575/0.01 et seq.). This project will have a BEP utilization goal set by DCEO for a percentage of the grant dollars going to businesses that have been certified as owned and controlled by persons who are minority, female or who have disabilities.

Contractors are required to reach the utilization goals or show good faith efforts to reach the utilization goals. See project manual for details. Non-compliance with the BEP goal and requirements will disqualify the bid.

THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK

Bill McKenna Village Engineer

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

CALENDAR NUMBER: 12-23-Z

HEARING DATE: October 11, 2023

TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits

LOCATION OF HEARING: Room 201 (Council Chambers), Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302

APPLICATION: The Zoning Board of Appeals (“ZBA”) will conduct a public hearing on a special use permit application filed by Driven Car Wash, LLC, Applicant, pursuant to Section 8.3 (“Table 8-1: Use Matrix) and Section 5.4 (Table 5-12: RR District Use Restrictions by Building Type) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance to construct and operate an express car wash facility with an accessory drivethrough at the property located at 6000-6020 Roosevelt Road, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Numbers 16-17-331-024-0000, 16-17-331-025-0000, 16-17-331026-0000, 16-17-331-032-0000, 16-17-331-033-0000 (Premises”)

in the RR Roosevelt Road FormBased Zoning District.

A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may also sign up to participate in-person in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses by submitting a crossexamination form or by emailing Zoning@oak-park.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing.

The public hearing may be adjourned by the ZBA to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

special uses; and, (3) amendments to Article 10 (“Off-Street Parking & Loading”) by adding a new Section 10.1 (G) (“Electric Vehicle Charging Parking Spaces”), amendments to Section 10.3 (“Off-Street Parking Design Standards”), Subsection I (“Electric Vehicle Charging Station) for clarification purposes, and an amendment to Section 10.4 (“Required Off-Street Vehicle and Bicycle Parking Spaces”) by adding a new subsection C(5) regarding required parking spaces.

A copy of the proposed text amendments is on file and available for inspection at the Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The Plan Commission may continue the hearing to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

CALENDAR NUMBER: 15-23-Z

HEARING DATE: October 11, 2023

TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits LOCATION OF HEARING: Room 201 (Council Chambers), Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, 60304

APPLICATION: The Zoning Board of Appeals (“ZBA”) will conduct a public hearing on an application filed by the Applicant, Tyler McCray, seeking a variance requests for: 1) An increase in the maximum building coverage to 62.7%, where the maximum building coverage allowed is 60% of the lot per Section 4.3 (Table 4-1: Residential Districts Dimensional Standards) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance, and 2) An increase in the maximum impervious surface area of the lot to 66.2%, where the maximum impervious surface area allowed is 60% per

Section 4.3 (Table 4-1: Residential Districts Dimensional Standards) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance to permit a ground floor addition at the northeast corner (there is a proposed second floor addition, but requires no vari-

ance) of the existing residential building and a new garage located at the premises commonly known as 600 S. Cuyler Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Number 16-17-109-001-0000 (“Subject Property”), in the R-4 Single-Family Zoning District. A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may also sign up to participate in-person in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses by submitting a cross-examination form or by emailing Zoning@oak-park.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing.

The public hearing may be adjourned by the Board to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

Published in Wednesday Journal, September 20, 2023

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION

DLJ MORTGAGE CAPITAL, INC.

Plaintiff, -v.UNKNOWN OWNERS AND/OR LEGATEES OF BERNARD JOHN HESTER, DECEASED, DIANE MARIE HESTER, BERNARD FRANCIS HESTER, JULIE FOX, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR BERNARD JOHN HESTER, DECEASED, SANTA MARIA CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, USAA FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS

Defendants

2019 CH 11767

210 N. OAK PARK AVE., UNIT GGGAR OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 12, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 16, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 210 N. OAK PARK AVE., UNIT GG-GAR, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-07-212-0101108

The real estate is improved with a condominium.

The judgment amount was $185,329.09.

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 (driv-

er’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC

Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number 21 8631.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650 Chicago IL, 60602 312-541-9710

E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg. com

Attorney File No. 21 8631 Attorney Code. 40342

Case Number: 2019 CH 11767

TJSC#: 43-2878

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 # 2019 CH 11767

I3228658

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION THE MONEY SOURCE INC.; Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF GERZINE SPENCE

AKA GERZINE L. SPENCE; KRAMER RESTORATION OF DUPAGE COUNTY LLC DBA PAUL DAVIS RESTORATION OF DUPAGE COUNTY; RONNEISHA JINKINS INDIVIDUALLY AND AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF GERZINE SPENCE AKA GERZINE L. SPENCE; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 22 CH 4005

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, October 23, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-21-402-009-0000.

Commonly known as 1643 Manchester Avenue, Westchester, IL 60154.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney,

Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 7182183141 ADC INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com

I3229004

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION

WILMINGTON SAVINGS SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR CSMC

2018-RPL6 TRUST

Plaintiff, -v.MELVIN E. KRUMDICK, DAVID E. GEE

Defendants 2022 CH 10770 1178 S. ELMWOOD AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60304

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 11, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 12, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 1178 S. ELMWOOD AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60304

Property Index No. 16-18-429-013-

0000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $151,871.10.

Sale terms: 100% of the bid amount shall be paid in certified funds immediately by the highest and best bidder at the conclusion of the sale. The certified check must be made payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for

inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

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

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact KELLEY, KRONENBERG, P.A. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 20 N. Clark St., Suite 1150, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 2168828. Please refer to file number M22365. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. KELLEY, KRONENBERG, P.A. 20 N. Clark St., Suite 1150 Chicago IL, 60602 312-216-8828

E-Mail: ileservice@kelleykronenberg. com

Attorney File No. M22365

Attorney Code. 49848

Case Number: 2022 CH 10770

TJSC#: 43-2893

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 # 2022 CH 10770

I3228527

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