e village is not changing its practice but wants public input about options
By HECTOR CERVANTES Contributing Reporter
As autumn leaves begin to blanket the ground, the Forest Park hosted the first of a series of discussions about the village’s leaf-collection process.
The village currently has no plans to change its current practice and will continue picking up leaves. Officials said they are surveying options as costs increase to collect the village’s 1.6 tons of leaves each season, and as people become more eco-minded about their yard waste. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District also urges municipalities to prevent leaves from clogging drains and waterways, officials said.
Officials added that they also wanted to inform residents that they are paying for leaf collection twice: once when yard waste is collected from the back of the house and again when leaves are collected from the curb.
See LEAVES on pa ge 3
BANNOR
Thursdays for residents south of Madison Street and Fridays for those north of Madison Street, with service delayed by one day during weeks that include New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. Containers must be placed in the alley or at the curb by 6 a.m. on collection day, as containers on private property will not be emptied. Ya rd waste is c ollected from April 1 through November in marke d c ontainers or brown bags, with free “yard waste” stickers available at Vi llage Hall. Le aves
should be ra ke d to the curb for pickup until early December, when c ollection stop s after significant snowfall.
Scott Whitebone, a board member of the environmental control commission; Sal Stella, director of public works; Melin-Ro govin and Entler led the town hall meeting. They answered residents’ questions about the leaf pickup program while discussing an overview of its advantages, challenges and potential alternatives.
Neighboring Oak Park’s Village Board
Madison Street set to close next week
By FOREST PARK REVIEW STAFF Contributing Reporter
Madison Street is scheduled to be closed Oct. 14 as the Canadian National Railroad will be re placing the track structure east of Forest Avenue. The work will include the installation of a new rubber crossing surface. Madison Street
will be closed, with traffic detoured via Lake Street, 1st Avenue, and Harlem Avenue. Detour signs will be posted leading up to the closures. In response to the detours, some area police departments announced they will be running targeted traffic missions in the neighborhood to combat speeding and traffic concerns.
of Trustees voted 5-2 to require residents to bag leaves for collection starting in fall 2024, ending the current practice of raking leaves into street piles. The change aims to address safety concerns like fires, reduced visibility, clo gged drains, parking and biking issues, and the risk of children playing in leaf piles being unseen by drivers.
Forest Park has a partnership with Republic Services, a waste disposal company specializing in solid waste collection and recycling, handles the leaf pickup on various days throughout the season.
Whitebone discussed the b enefits of leaving leaves f allen in the ya rd and not c ollecting them, and stressed that leave s are a natural fert ilizer that enriches soil, reducing the need for harmful chemica l fe rt ilizer s. T hey also b oost soil’s abilit y to absorb water, helping prevent b asement flooding.
“For every one percent of compost added to an acre, the soil c an absorb 20,000 more g allons of water. By leaving leave s in your ya rd over a few year s, you’ll prevent thousands of g allons of water from entering your b asement. This b enefit s b oth the environment and homeowner s,” Whitebone said.
Whitebone added that keeping leaves in one’s yard benefits local wildlife, as many beneficial insects, including bees and fireflies, use them as overwintering habitats. Additionally, collecting leaves incurs environmental costs due to emissions and fuel consumption from trucks and leaf blowers.
The village acknowledged that some residents may have long-standing habits affecting their views on leaf disposal while emphasizing the importance of communicating frustrations with missed pickups. Officials said they ultimately aimed to find community-driven solutions to improve the yard waste pickup experience.
One resident raises a concern about whether raking leaves in the streets and leaves blocking catch basins contribute to flooding issues. Stella confirmed that excess leaves can clog catch basins, preventing water from draining properly and leading to street flooding during heavy rains. He also said that their crew cleans catch basins daily to mitigate this problem, but acknowledged that leaf accumulation and flooding are common occurrences.
“While we have a crew that cleans catch basins daily to mitigate this problem, it’s important to note that leaf accumulation and flooding are common occurrences every year, especially if a different route is full of leaves,” Stella said.
Forest Park is committed to supporting its residents and encourages open communication, Melin-Rogovin said.
“If you’ re frustrated with missed yard waste pickups, it’s important to contact Village Hall or Re public Services directly, as they are responsive to concerns. We need to know about any ongoing issues so we can address them and improve the service,” Melin-Rogovin said.
Clem Snide
Friday, Oc t. 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Rober t’s Westside
Join us for an evening with Clem Snide at Robert’s Westside in Forest Park. Enjoy great music and good company in a relaxed atmosphere — a perfect way to spend your evening. 7321 Madison St., Forest Park
Book Discussion:
‘Too Close to the Flame’
Friday, Oc t. 4, 7 p.m.,
Grace Episcopal Church
Join us for a discussion of Too Close to the Flame: Inside the Southern Killing Machine, led by the author, Rev. Joseph B. Ingle, a UCC minister
The book chronicles Rev. Ingle’s 45 years of ministry to death row inmates in the South. This event is sponsored by Grace’s Peace and Justice Ministry and the Diocese of Chicago’s Peace and Justice Commission. A reception and book signing will follow the discussion. Books are available for $28, payable by cash, check, or Venmo. 924 Lake St., Oak Park
Oc tober 2-9
BIG WEEK
Compiled by Brooke Duncan
Cesar Rosas and The Chi Town Playboys
Sunday, Oc t. 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Rober t’s Westside
Don’t miss Cesar Rosas and The Chi Town Playboys for an evening lled with music and a laid-back atmosphere at Robert’s Westside in Forest Park. Invite your friends for a night out. 7321 Madison St., Forest Park
Tabletop Game Night
Wednesday, Oc t. 9, Forest Park Public Library
Spend an evening at the librar y enjoying a variety of tabletop games.
Compete against each other or work together with games such as Catan, Flashpoint, and Ticket to Ride. Feel free to bring your own tabletop games to share.
7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park
Storytime and Author Visit with
Maria ‘White Cedar Woman’ Des Jarlait
Sunday, Oc t. 6, 2-3 p.m., Forest Park Public Library
Join us for a special reading with Maria Des Jarlait, author of Atika’s Medicine and I Am Not a Costume, in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Maria is from the Arikara tribe of Fort Berthold reservation in North Dakota and Ojibwe from Red Lake, Minnesota. This event is designed for kids 8 and younger and their families. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park
StorySlam
Thursday, Oc t. 10, 6-9 p.m., FitzGerald’s Nightclub
Join us for StorySlam, where stor ytellers, friends, and suppor ters come together for an evening of enter tainment. The event features a dinner bu et from Babygold BBQ, a cash bar, an online auction, and enter tainment. Tickets are available for $100. Premium tickets are also available for $150, with a matching gift included. Purchase tickets at https://tinyurl.com/3jj pfh. 6615 Roosevelt Roadd., Berw yn
LOTE4Kids Online Spanish Stor ytime Series (Virtual)
Thursday, Oc t. 10, 11-11:15 a.m., Virtual
In honor of Latine and Hispanic Heritage Month, we are showcasing Spanish selections from our fantastic online resource, LOTE4Kids Online. This collection features readalong children’s ebooks in a variety of languages, including Afrikaans, American Sign Language, Welsh, and Yoruba. Tune into our series on our library Facebook page for a preview of what’s available. Storytimes will be available to watch on demand, so if you miss the live airing, you can check it out later. This event is designed for ages 6 and younger. Visit https://tinyurl.com/y2txxtut for more information. Virtual
Tellers’ Night
Tuesday, Oc t. 8, 7p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 ) Rober t’s Westside
Join Arts Alliance Forest Park for Tellers’ Night featuring storytellers Patrick Curtin & Holly Birnbaum, Karina Reyes, Erica Katz, Dan Baron, and Susan Rohde, hosted by Margaret Burk. Tickets are $15, or $10 for AAFP members. For more information, visit www.forestparkarts.org. 7321 Madison St., Forest Park
Insights from Multimedia Artist Joe Fournier
Thursday, Oct. 10, 7-8 p.m., Oak Park River Forest Museum
Join us at the OPRF Museum to hear insights and stories from award-winning multimedia artist Joe Fournier, an OPRF graduate and Oak Park resident. In the lead-up to the presidential election, Fournier will share examples of his work and creative process spanning 30 years as a political cartoonist with the Chicago Tribune, covering events from the Clinton administration to the current campaign between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Fournier’s unique visual language addresses the divisive social climate. His work has been exhibited at The National Gallery of Ar t, The Cannes Film Festival, and is included in The Library of Congress. For more information, visit oprfmuseum.org. 129 Lake St., Oak Park
Knockout Farms gr
Cucumbers dream of becoming Knockout Pickles
By RISE SANDERS-WEIR Contributing Reporter
Without knowing it, you’ve probably already eaten Knockout Pickles as you munch on a burger or enjoy a sandwich at local restaurants. These cool cucumbers are the creation of “warriors” who work at Opportunity Knocks, an organization dedicated to building independence and broadening life experiences for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
But where do the pickles come from?
For many hamburger slices, it all starts at an urban farm just east of the ReUse Depot, 50 Madison St. in Maywood.
Cultivation started in April 2016 on a 2,500 square foot plot. The idea was to build both enrichment and job opportunities for Opportunity Knocks participants, whom they call warriors, because they are champions of their own journey. A motto at OK is “do with, not for warriors.”
Some warriors even work at the farm.
“If they have a general interest, we interview them. When they are hired, they’re expected to do everything that any other staf f would do. They arrive on time. They have a set list of things that we do almost every week,” Harlow Righetti, farm coordinator, said. “We make sure that whatever we’re doing a warrior is present because it’s part of the mission.”
Warrior and employee Ron Turner is serious about his job, but he enjoys it too, saying “… harvesting cucumbers, keeping the plants clean. And make sure everything works out well.”
Turner also works selling the abundance of produce with OK at the Riverside Farmer’s Market. Produce is also harvested and eaten by OK program participants who come to the farm as a part of their weekly activities. And some go to the Oak Park food pantry, Beyond Hunger.
Warrior participant and farm volunteer Nick Gomez likes weeding the best.
“We have field days. We’ll plant things, crafts things in the field. We spend a lot of time here. It’s great for skill building. Learning how to grow your own ve getables and tasting them,” said Righetti.
and Callah Barnes, cultivating cukes.
Mike Carmody as a response to the needs of his younger brother, John. An Illinois state-funded support progr am, through the public schools, for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities ends when they turn 23 years old. Mike saw the possibility to create social, recreational and wellness-based progr amming for this community
Programming started officially in 2010. The organization offers a mix of activities covering work, leisure and self-care. Life skills, like shopping and meal preparation, are components of the OK programming. The idea to start making pickles was an outg rowth of those tasks. Then adding the farm was a way to connect what they were already doing with the movement towards more local, sustainable food.
T he farm has thrived for 8 years as a part of that mission, but at the end of this
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.
t this s d
a space that’s a little bit bigger to make it more a ccessible than it is right now.
Her e, wheelchairs sometimes g et stuck, ” said Righetti
Righetti loves when the warriors try cherry tomatoes and cucumbers straight from the vine. And then seeing them enjoy it. “It’s life changing for them and for myself. It’s exciting to see. It’s farm to table, sincerely.”
You can get Knockout Pickles at One Lake Brewing, Alpine Food Shop, Good Earth Greenhouse, Robert’s Westside, Oak Park Country Club, Riverside Golf Club, The Junction Diner, The Happy Apple Pie Shop, The Daly Bagel, Top Butcher Market, The Sugar Beet, Scratch Kitchen. Or if you want to get more involved, you can sign up to volunteer at the farm.
***
More Info: opportunityknocksnow.org
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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RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
Harlow Righetti
Illinois celebrates dispensary openings while manufacturers face signi cant challenges
e state touts its diversity report, but most specialty cannabis businesses have not become operational
By DILPREET RA JU Capitol News Illinois
While Illinois’ cannabis market is booming and the state has made progress in diversifying new licensees, significant hurdles remain for businesses hoping to enter the expanding market, according to an independent review of the industry.
Celebratory news releases have marked several industry successes in recent months – the state saw the opening of its 100th social equity cannabis dispensary and surpassed $1 billion in cannabis sales in 2024.
Gov. JB Pritzker, since signing the Canna-
bis Regulation and Tax Act in 2019, has often repeated that social equity is at the core of Illinois’ cannabis program. In July, he praised a newly commissioned, independent diversity report regarding the industry that identified progress – and hurdles – for the stated diversification goal.
The independent diversity study – commissioned by the state at a cost of $2.5 million by Peoria-based Nerevu Group consulting firm – found that while the state has awarded more licenses to women and people of color than any other regulated market in the United States, white men are still the demographic most likely to have a cannabis license in Illinois.
But the Department of Agriculture’s most recent licensee operation status list shows only about 30% of businesses awarded specialty cannabis licenses are operational. And for some social equity applicants, turning the licenses into a functioning business has been difficult.
Many of the lofty goals set by the law have been slow to materialize for social equity business owners – those who have lived in an area that has been historically impacted by the war on drugs, or if they have been personally impacted. Through last summer, of the almost 50 dispensaries opened by social equity licensees, only 15 were owned by people of color, according to last year’s annual cannabis report from IDFPR.
While state data shows that minority- or woman-owned businesses hold most lowerlevel and specialty licenses, more than threequarters of cultivation licenses are held by companies owned by white men that have dominated the industry since cannabis was legalized for medicinal purposes.
The report proposed several fixes suggested by license holders, including “expanding canopy space for craft growers, permitting infusers to apply for processor licenses, mandating third-party oversight for transporters, and enabling adult use dispensary license
holders to serve under the medical program.”
Barriers to funding
The first cannabis dispensary licensed through the state’s social equity lottery program did not open until late 2022 – nearly a decade after the first cannabis plants and companies took root in Illinois amid its 2013 legalization for medicinal purposes
As part of the 2019 legalization law, lawmakers created a “craft grow” license category that was designed to give more opportunities to Illinoisans hoping to legally grow and sell marijuana. However, existing cultivation centers – often owned by large publicly traded companies – that grew cannabis for the state’s medical program since as far back as 2014 were approved to grow cannabis for adult use dispensaries in late 2019.
The report commissioned by the state’s
See DISPENSARY on pa ge 14
Forest Park Briefs
Cindy Lyons Health Fair returns to Forest Park
The annual Cindy Lyons Health Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 30 at the Howard Mohr Community Center. It will offer free screenings, exams and other services. Residents of Forest Park may also receive free vaccinations against seasonal influenza and COVID-19 booster shots. It is a free event.
Forest Park police and re o cials o er a reminder about emergency calls
Officials from the police and fires departments remind residents that emergency calls and non-emergency calls that require a response be made to 911.
The change, they said, is a result of the state’s dispatch consolidation requirements that went into effect in May 2017. The Village’s 708-366-2425 number is not to be used to request service for public safety personnel, they said.
Those who call village hall in need of police or fire personnel for either nonemergency or emergency response will be transfer red to the WESCOM dispatch center. From there, a dispatcher will route the call to the appropriate police or fire personnel. WESCOM serves Forest Park, Oak Park, and River Forest, so callers may be asked a series of questions in order to confirm a location.
Shop Small Cr awl comes to the village Saturday
The Shop Small Crawl is back from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5. It’s designed to be an opportunity to support Forest Park’s small businesses. Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Forest Park Food Pantry. This year’s sponsors are Scratch Public House and Shanahan’s
Here is how it works.:
1. Buy a $5 ticket at https://www.exploreforestpark.com/event/forest-parkshop-small-crawl/.
2. Check in during the event’s hours at Twisted Cookie at 7401 Madison St
3. Be one of the first 50 to check in to get a $10 gift card to use while shopping and dining
4. Visit participating businesses and “fill”a Bingo card with stickers provided by merchant
5. If you get at least one Bing o, return your card to be entered to win the grand prize valued at $400 or other prizes.
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 coworkers 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. $18.70/hour. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. and should be returned
Attn: Vanessa Belmonte, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130.
Email: vbelmonte@forestpark.net.
BABs is set to ser ve drinks along with laughs
Forest Park grants new comedy club a liquor license
By HOPE BAKER Contributing Reporter
Forest Park’s newest entertainment venue, BABs Comedy Club, plans to officially open to the public on Oct. 25, and now patrons who are interested in enjoying an alcoholic beverage while watching a live show will be able to do so
The club will feature improv comedy, musical improv, standup, sketch comedy and an array of classes.
BABs Comedy Club has secured an A1 liquor license, but obtaining one was a long process. Owner Emily Ramire z said she reached out to the village about potentially opening a comedy club back in 2022 and soon realized that getting a liquor license would be a challenge.
At the time, the village had a limited number of liquor licenses, and in order to be considered for one an establishment with a license had to close.
Village Administrator Rachell Entler said this has since changed and is no longer the case
“Now we consider each application,” Entler said. “A license can only be granted with the consent of the council, however, there is no limit as to how many licenses can be granted.”
Ramirez got her A1 liquor license for BABs on Sept 16. Although the A1 license will permit them to serve alcohol, Ramire z said she was told that the village is currently drafting a type of liquor license that would be specifically for entertainment venues. What that would look like is not yet clear.
Entler said she does not have a timeline on when or if the additional local liquor license will be presented to the commissioners.
“The entertainment venue liquor license has been talked about. We do not currently have anything in motion other than some conversations,” Entler said.
According To Entler, entertainment licenses have to be submitted monthly.
“For an establishment that’s main purpose is to provide entertainment, we are trying to determine a way to make that part of their liquor license class so we/
they would not have to process an entertainment license every month,” Entler said. “But we still wanted to have jurisdiction over other establishments requests for an entertainment license. It’s not that simple to solve,” she said, which is why the village has an A1 license with monthly entertainment license requests.
Even though the club has not officially opened yet, Ramire z said they have been conducting Thursday night open mics for standup comedians throughout the last few months.
“The response from the community from both re gular patrons and local comedians has been really positive and people have been really excited to watch our progress,” Ramirez said.
Now that BABs has a liquor license, Ramirez said patrons can purchase alcohol at standup open mics every Thursday,
which will continue to take place each week leading up to their grand opening on October 25.
In terms of classes, BABs is going to offer both class packages and drop-in classes. For now, those classes are just for adults.
“It’s really important to me to have different ticket and class pricing options for people so that it’s not cost prohibitive for people who are interested in studying comedy,” Ramire z said.
BABs is now holding auditions for their first comedy sketch show, which will be true crime-themed. The show will run for 6 to 8 weeks.
“To me, this space is meant to be not only for entertainment but also just a fun place for a date night or to just let loose,” Ramire z said. “My hope is that people can go down the strip, have a nice dinner somewhere and then come over here
and have some post-dinner cocktails and watch a show.”
Laurie Kokenes, executive director of the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce and Development, said BABs Comedy Club is the perfect addition to Forest Park’s ever-g rowing entertainment scene, and fits right in with the incredibly creative community of artists and makers.
“These days, consumers tend to crave experiences, and live entertainment creates an environment where people can come together, interact with one another and support local talent.” Kokenes said. “We’ re thrilled BABs chose to call Forest Park ‘home’ and we’re looking forward to the official opening.”
BABS Comedy Club is located at 7316 Madison St, Forest Park. For more information about shows, classes and auditions visit https://www.babscomedyclub.com/
PROVIDED
Emily Ramirez, ow ner of BABs Comedy Club.
First sustainability fair
The Forest Park Environmental Control Commission hosted its first sustainability fair at the Forest Park Public Library Saturday. The free fair was designed to promote environ-
mental sustainability and included community partners who aimed to help educate and entertain visitors of all ages about composting, energy and recycling.
Sign-up table
Happy Apple Pie Shop talks about dessert sustainabilit y
Above: Gri n Museum of Science and Industry Le : Boy Scout sustainabilit y project
Justices unanimously overturn decision that would have voided part of FOID law
By PETER HANCOCK & HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois
T he Illinois Supreme Court earlier this month vacated a lower court r uling and reinstated a statute that authorizes the state to revoke a person’s Firearm Owners Identification card once they’ve been charged with a felony, even if they haven’ t yet been convicted.
The case involved Aaron and Charles Davis, a father and son who were charged with reckless discharge of a firearm, a felony, for alle gedly shooting their rifles into the air over the Fourth of July weekend in 2016.
Soon after the charges were filed, the Illinois State Police revoked their FOID cards pursuant to a provision of the law that authorizes the agency to revoke permits from anyone “who is prohibited from acquiring or possessing firearms or firearm ammunition by any Illinois State statute or by federal law.”
have been charged with, but not convicted of, a felony.
Their attorney, Thomas Maag, of Wood River, also represents one set of plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit in the Southern District of Illinois challenging the constitutionality of the state’s ban on assault-style weapons and large-capacity magazines. A trial in that case was held last week in East St. Louis and a ruling is now pending.
In March 2023, Madison County Judge Ronald Foster granted the Davises’ motion and declared the law unconstitutional as it applied to people charged with, but not convicted of, felonies. He issued a permanent injunction barring the state from enforcing that provision of the law.
The state appealed directly to the Supreme Court, which stayed the lower court order while the appeal was pending. And in a unanimous opinion Thursday, the high court reversed the lower court decision, saying because the Davises had already had their FOID cards reissued, they no longer had standing to sue and claim they were being injured by the law.
Hospital room privacy
In the Davises’ case, ISP relied on a federal law that makes it illegal “for any person who is under indictment for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year to ship or transport in interstate or foreign commerce any firearm or ammunition or receive any firearm or ammunition which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.”
The charges were later reduced to misdemeanors and each of the defendants had their FOID cards reissued after pleading guilty. After receiving their new cards, the Davises sued, arguing they were denied their constitutional right to keep and bear arms for self-defense during the time their FOID cards were revoked. They sought a declaration that the FOID Card Act is unconstitutional as it applies to people who
The Illinois Supreme Court last week unanimously ruled that patients admitted to a hospital should not have a universal expectation of privacy that would prevent law enforcement from entering a hospital room to question them or search their belongings.
The case stretches back to October 2016, when Cortez Turner arrived at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro with a gunshot wound to the le g.
Emergency room staf f had already been notified that a gunshot victim would be arriving via ambulance, but Turner was dropped of f by a friend two minutes before the ambulance arrived carrying Detrick Rogers, who was fatally wounded by a gunshot to the head.
In the middle of the night, detectives from the Mur physboro Police Department and Jackson County Sherif f’s Office showed up to the trauma room in which Turner was being treated. During the course of being
Bquestioned, Turner agreed to the officers’ request to seize his blood-stained clothing, which was on the counter in the room. Eventually, Turner was implicated in Rogers’ death, an alle ged drive-by shooting. Turner was later charged with first de gree murder in addition to perjury for lying to a grand jury about the murder. After his 2019 conviction, Turner was sentenced to 30
he was “legitimately present” in the trauma room.
Turner’s attorneys tried to argue that he should have the same expectation of privacy as a person who rented a hotel room. But the justices rejected that reasoning, noting that Illinois law requires hospital personnel to call the police when a gunshot victim enters the emergency room.
Content
Bobby’s Eastside is your new favorite Cocktail Bar!
obby’s Eastside is the newest addition to Robert’s Westside. Robert’s Westside was founded and is operated by Donnie Biggins, a lifelong Oak Park and Forest Park resident. You are familiar with his prior work booking the American Music Festival, keeping music alive during the pandemic by curating community pick-up truck & drive-in concerts and programming the annual Oaktoberfest in Downtown Oak Park.
Conveniently located inside Robert’s, Bobby’s Eastside offers a full service bar featuring handmade cocktails, craft beers and premiere non-alcoholic drinks to provide something for all patrons.
Bobby’s Eastside offers free concerts, board games, your favorite sports teams on our TVs, and is available for private events. Like Robert’s, Bobby’s Eastside is another option for families to
the extent to which they protect people depends upon where the people are.”
Rochford went on to explain a six-factor test to determine whether a person should have a reasonable expectation of privacy, eventually reaching the conclusion that the only factor in Turner’s favor was that
gather for milestone achievements and celebrations of life, as well as a space offered to the community for non-profit fundraisers and mutual aid benefits.
We do not serve food, however outside food is welcome. We encourage you to order takeout from our neighboring restaurants and meet up with friends before you catch a show on the mainstage at Robert’s.
Our hours of operation are Wednesday - Sunday. Open @ 3PM on W/TH/F and 11AM on Saturday & Sunday. Happy Hour runs from 4pm - 6pm on W/TH/F.
New Festival Alert: Weekend @ Bobby’s on Friday October 25th & 26th. Come experience two unforgettable nights of live music featuring 12 bands, two stages, themed Halloween costume contests + Ghosts Of Rockstars Past Lip Sync Contest! For information on all our events, visit www.robertswestside.com
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
C APITOL NEWS ILLINOIS FILE PHOTO
A statue is pictured outside of the Illinois Supreme Court chamber.
MacDaddy has been cutting it in Forest Park for 20 years
e hair salon celebrated its anniversar y over the weekend
By ERIKA HOBBS Editor in chief
Back when The Rachel’s star was fading and skunk stripes and side-swe pt bangs were a think, MacDaddy Salon opened its doors on Madison.
Today, they’re more focused on extensions and dimensional color, but the two decades the Madison Street hair salon has been in service is a testament to its Forest Park staying power.
“We’ve seen a change, and it’s all been good,” said stylist Tracy Nero, who has worked for MacDaddy since it opened in 2004.
On Saturday, the salon owned by Stephanie Neubauer celebrated its 20th anniversary with a party for the public. The staf f served cocktails and canapes to those who stopped by to wish them well.
Nero, whose husband is commissioner Ryan Nero, explained MacDaddy started as a two-store operation. Co-owned by Neubauer and Nelson Ameer, MacDaddy opened in the West Loop and Forest Park
For a variety of reasons, the Chicago storefront closed, and Neubauer transfer red the little Forest Park shop.
At the time, “there were a lot of bars on Madison, but they said it as up-and-coming,” Nero said.
“There were also little boutiques and upscale restaurants, and stuf f started popping up, so they decided to make their move,” she said.
Today, it employs seven stylists.
“We are alive and well,” Nero said.
The salon serves men, women and children, and offers color and cuts for ethnic and other hair.
Nero said she, too, has been in Forest Park for more than 20 years.
She loves it, she said, because she can walk to restaurants, shops and even her job.
“It’s the best of both worlds — urban and yet we have a yard and some parking. And it’s a small-town kind of community with
Above: Master stylist Tracy Nero and Macdaddy owner Stephanie Neubauer.
events and quirky little things, like the Casket Races,” she said.
It’s a place that can’t be beat.
MacDaddy is located at 7506 Madison St. For more information, go to https://www. macdaddysalon.com/.
TODD BANNOR
Student threatens Proviso Math and Science Academy on Instagram
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
Police received a call from the Dean of Students from Proviso Math and Science Academy Sept. 25 regarding a student’s Instagram post. The dean told police that a teacher had been approached by several students who were concerned about the post, which included the words “PMSA I’m coming for you” or “PMSA I’m coming to get you,” according to the police report. Police contacted the student’s mother, who said she didn’t know about the Instagram post, but that her son was being bullied at school and has been diagnosed with Autism and ADHD, according to the report. Because of his diagnosis, the mother told police that her son says things he doesn’t mean and doesn’t believe the post is a threat. The dean said the school is following its own policy and have contacted the student’s case manager.
Residential burglary
On Sept. 25, a woman reported to police that she saw a man enter her neighbor’s garage and steal a package. The woman followed the man to the CTA Forest Park Blue Line station, where she identified him to police as the offender. The man had four pairs of stolen shoes worth $450, and he was placed into custody at the train station. He was charged with residential burglary.
Aggravated battery
On Sept. 25, police did a random re gistration check on a car. They learned the registration was expired, and the car’s owner had an active warrant out of DuPage County. When police attempted to pull over the car at Harlem Avenue and I-290, the driver ignored the sirens and merged onto the interstate before pulling over. The driver and passenger were argumentative, according to the police report. Police asked the woman driving to exit her vehicle for fleeing the traffic stop, but she repeatedly refused. As police grabbed her left wrist to force her from the car, she wrapped her right arm through the steering wheel. The woman in the passenger seat grabbed the driver’s seatbelt, obstructing officers from making their arrest. Police ordered the passenger out of the car and she
complied, then attempted to run down I-290 before police grabbed her. When a police officer tried to free the driver’s arm from the steering wheel, she bit him and was forcibly removed from the car. The driver was charged with expired registration and operating a vehicle with expired registration, operating an uninsured car, aggravated battery, possessing cannabis in a motor vehicle, fleeing a peace officer, and eight counts of resisting or obstructing police. The passenger was charged with an in-state warrant and four counts of resisting a police officer.
Suspicious circumstances
Police were dispatched Sept. 27 to Brown Avenue. A woman noticed that a neighboring unit had a broken door frame and the door was open. Police knocked on the door, and a man answered who said he had permission to be at the address. The unit’s homeowner was called, and he told police that the man didn’t have permission to be in his unit. When the homeowner returned from work, he told police that the damage to the door was old and that he placed a work order for the door last year, but it hasn’t been fixed. No one was charged.
Deceptive practices
On Sept. 29, Taco Bell’s store manager reported that she arrived at work to find that the day before, the shift lead took $2,962 from the store’s safe. The shift lead told the manager that a man called the store and told her to take cash to a bitcoin ATM at the gas station on Harlem and Chicago Avenue in order to buy new computers for the store. The employee did and sent the bitcoin to him. She will be required to make restitution if Taco Bell is unable to recover the money, according to the police report
These items were obtained from Forest Park Police Department reports dated September 25 through September 29 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.
STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION
(Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685)
1.Publication Title: Forest Park Review
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3. Date of filing: September 30, 2024
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6. Annual subscription price: $38.00
7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302, Cook Co.
8. Complete mailing address of headquarters or general business office of publisher: (same)
9. Names and complete mailing addresses of publisher, editor and manager editor:
Publisher: Dan Haley, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302
Editor: Erika Hobbs, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302
Managing Editor: same as Publisher
10. The owner is: Growing Community Media NFP, 141 S Oak Park Ave Oak Park IL 60302.
11. Known bondholders, mortgages and other security holders owning or holding one percent or more of the total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities are: None.
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DISPENSARY Equity issues
from page 6
Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office found numerous challenges facing craft grow businesses. For starters, marijuana remains federally illegal, making banks and financiers more hesitant to invest in the industry.
Reese Xavier was awarded a craft grow license through the state’s social equity lottery in 2021, following a highly detailed application process that took him roughly three months to complete. Three years later, even as a recipient of a loan through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, he is still without enough capital to build out his brickand-mortar site for growing cannabis plants
Xavier is still “all in,” but said it’s been difficult to find the necessary funding to begin construction – perhaps the most common and prominent hurdle small cannabis businesses face, as launching grow centers or dispensaries costs millions of dollars.
“A common myth – that I know to be a myth now – was you don’t have to worry about the money. ‘If you win the license, the money will come to you,’” he told Capitol News Illinois. “That is absolutely not true. That’s one of the biggest challenges, access to capital.”
Last year, through DCEO’s social equity loan program, the state provided about $20 million in forgivable loans to a total of 33 licensed craft growers, infusers and transporters. While nearly all of the transporters who were awarded loans are operational today, more than one year later, only 40% of the craft grow and infusion businesses that received loans are up and running.
Last month, DCEO announced more than $5 million in loans to 17 businesses that own more than 20 dispensaries across the state, a majority of which are already open for adultuse sales
Erin Johnson, the state’s top cannabis regulator, told Capitol News Illinois that while state agencies have had to jump federal hurdles, more loans will be available later this year for specialty licensees.
“Capital is a huge challenge for our agencies, given the fact that cannabis is still federally illegal,” she said. “By the end of this year, the application will open up to provide another $40 million in direct forgivable loans to all license types.”
Large companies’ leg up
Xavier owns a license to grow marijuana and make products derived from the cannabis he grows, such as oils for vaporizers and
tinctures, which he can then sell wholesale to dispensaries, which then sell products retail to customers.
Specialty marijuana businesses – several categories which were added to state law when lawmakers legalized recreational cannabis – can be licensed to grow, infuse or transport marijuana products. That means these businesses have fewer avenues to profit as compared to companies that own all-encompassing cultivation centers.
Nearly two dozen major operators are licensed to operate cultivation centers in Illinois. There, they can grow, cure and package marijuana flower, along with other products, like edible cannabis, that they sell to dispensaries.
One challenge for craft growers is that they are limited to 5,000 square feet of canopy space to grow cannabis flower, which “does not generate sufficient profit necessary to secure financial backing,” per the report. The 5,000-square-foot canopy condition also “restricts the ability to produce enough cannabis to build brand loyalty throughout the Illinois market,” according to the report.
The Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act allows the Department of Agriculture to increase canopy space for a craft grower up to 14,000 square feet in 3,000-foot increments. Meanwhile, cultivation centers have up to 210,000 square feet (roughly the size of a city block) to grow cannabis. Some operators own multiple cultivation centers, meaning they can produce anywhere from 15 to more than 120 times the amount of cannabis as an individual craft grow company.
This restriction on craft growers contributes to slow economic growth for craft licensees, according to the state-commissioned report.
Of the 87 licenses awarded to craft grow businesses, only 21 have been approved for construction and 16 of those businesses are operational, according to the Department of Agriculture. Xavier’s craft grow cannabis business, HT 23, is one of five that have been approved for construction but are not yet operational.
The state-commissioned report found flaws in the craft grow business compound for infusers.
“Infusers require a product known as cannabis distillate, which comes exclusively from commercial cultivators,” the report reads.
“Technically, craft growers may produce distillate to sell to infusers, but many reported they are unlikely to do so given their limited canopy space.”
It identified other distillate options for infusers as prohibitively expensive.
“Many infuser participants said cultivators charge far above fair market price for distillate,” it continues. “They also stated cultivators inconsistently price their distillate and
you must have a preexisting relationship with a cultivator to get a fair deal.”
Xavier said he’d like to have more direct conversations with Illinois lawmakers and regulators so they can understand the challenges licensees face.
“These things seem to be simple, and that’s what we’re learning: Everything isn’t simple,” Xavier said, noting he’d like to see the state spending “more time and energy” listening to social equity licensees
Bills introduced during the Illinois General Assembly’s spring legislative session aimed to address issues for small cannabis businesses, like requiring cultivators set aside an amount of concentrate for infusers to purchase, but many of them stagnated without enough support
Other criticisms
A July report by the National Black Empowerment Action Fund, a national advocacy group supporting Black entrepreneurship, criticized Pritzker for allowing a legal framework they say has benefitted major corporations over aspiring Black business owners.
The report contends too few dispensary licenses have gone to businesses owned by people of color
“Pritzker talked the talk, he never walked the walk,” the NBEAF report states, “instead, he let white owners gobble up the most lucrative parts of the market.”
Johnson, the state’s cannabis regulation oversight officer, said the rate of minority dispensary ownership has increased from 20% to about 50% of the state’s dispensaries that have opened since 2020.
For businessowners who do not qualify for the state’s social equity criteria themselves, state law considers those who hire a workforce with at least 50% fitting the state’s benchmark for being impacted by the war on drugs as social equity businesses. However, the number of social equity businesses that qualify as such based on the makeup of their workforce, is unknown even to Johnson, who said state law allows licensees to keep that information confidential.
The NBEAF report found that social equity dispensaries accounted for less than 4% of Illinois’ cannabis industry’s entire fiscal year 2023 sales of more than $1.5 billion.
While the 2023 Annual Cannabis Report from Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation “expects this number to continue growing” as more social equity dispensaries open, NBEAF argues it has taken too long for licensees to gain their footing Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
LETTER
Time to build a bandshell in Forest Park
Daniel Burnham once said, “Make no little plans.” His vision shaped Chicago’s lakefront as a public space designed for the people, and it’s time we apply that same thinking here in Forest Park. The Altenheim space continues to offer us the chance to create something special — something built for the benefit of our citizens, just as Burnham intended with the lakefront. So why not think big?
Years ago, Ralph Di Febo put forward an exciting idea for a “cultural park” in this very space, with support from the National Park Service. It was a bold concept, and while it didn’t materialize at the time, I think it’s worth asking: what happened, and can we relook at this vision?
A permanent bandshell with lawn seating could be the perfect centerpiece for such a park, serving as a gathering spot for concerts, performances, and community events. It’s an idea that puts the public first — exactly what we need to con-
tinue building our “small town charm.”
Just recently, my wife and I attended a concert at Memorial Park in Wheaton. What struck me wasn’t just the music, but how it brought the community together. That’s what we could recreate right here in Forest Park
And we don’t have to shoulder the cost alone. We could create a public-private partnership, bringing in neighboring communities like River Forest, Oak Park, and Maywood to contribute and benefit from this shared space.
It’s not just about revenue, though that will come. It’s about building something that reflects the best of Forest Park — making our town a destination and giving us a place to gather, celebrate, and strengthen our community for years to come.
Let’s dream big, like Burnham did.
Jonathan Pirc Forest Park
Wilma Calderone, 70
Antique retailer, gardener, passiona te cook
Wilma A. Calderone, 70, of Utica, for merly of Forest Park, died unexpectedly on Sept. 21, 2024. Born in Chicago on Sept. 23, 1953 to the late August and Sharon Calderone, she was raised in Forest Park and graduated from Proviso East High School. She succeeded in business as a boutique owner, Mary Kay beauty consultant, and antique retailer. She found joy in trying new recipes, reading books, tending to her many gardens and organizing her vintage collectibles. After many years of hard work, she embraced her retirement by cherishing the simple joys of life — spending time in the comfort of her home, caring for her beloved grandson, and sharing her passion for cooking with family and friends.
Wilma was the sister of Anne (Ron) Fenske, Anthony (Lois) Calderone, Harry Calderone, Sharon (Rick) Busenbark, Dorothy (Matt) Bentel, and David (Barb) Calderone; the mother of Eric Andersen and Michelle Andersen; grandmother to Hayley, Chase, Carter, and Dario; and aunt of many nieces and ne phews.
Visitation was held on Sept. 28, followed by a memorial service at Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home, 7319 Madison St., Forest Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Illinois Valley PADS online, ivpads.com, or mail your donations to Illinois Valley PADS, P.O. Box 1012, LaSalle, IL 61301.
Our beautiful 6-story building provides quality, a ordable, independent housing for seniors. e Oaks o ers studio and one-bedroom apartments, with kitchens and private bathrooms. Amenities include an award winning interior landscaped atrium, central meeting room, library, laundry facilities, computer learning center, internet access, electronic key entry system, and parking.
On-site management includes 24/7 emergency maintenance service and a senior services coordinator who is available during business hours to assist residents in accessing service
agencies and programs designed speci cally for seniors. e Oaks is owned and operated by the Oak Park Residence Corporation and is funded by the US Department of Housing and Ur-ban Development through the 202/ Section 8 Program. Monthly rent is based on the resident’s income, with individuals paying approximately 30% of their monthly income toward rent.
For more information, please visit us at www.oakparkrc.com or contact us at 708-386-5862.
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OUR VIEW
Sneaking up on leaves
Collecting leaves each fall is a major project for any village. There are a lot of leaves. They don’t fall on a precise schedule or confine themselves to convenient spots. In Forest Park, and many other towns, homeowners traditionally rake leaves into the street — along with the rest of the summer garden detritus, which isn’t exactly kosher but is oddly satisfying.
Once they’re in the street there is the challenge of all the parked cars, the rainy days and early snows that make for a sodden mess, all of which must be cleared by a combination of the village’s contracted waste hauler and Forest Park’s crack public works team, which unclogs the drains and sweeps the streets
This is expensive for the village and while the cost is built into the garbage fee every homeowner pays, it all adds up
So village gover nment is undertaking a soft-soap, cajoling-notmandating effort to get Forest Parkers to think differently about those pesky leaves.
A town hall meeting was held last week and featured Village Administrator Rachell Entler, Commissioner Michelle MelinRogovin, Public Works chief Sal Stella, and Scott Whitebone, a member of the village’s Environmental Control Commission.
“You might think about, you know, just consider, maybe if you want to, putting all your leaves in those big old paper bags and dragging them out to the alley. You know, it might be fun,” was the paraphrased message
The secondary message was “Leaves are your friends. They grew on the trees by your house. Doesn’t it feel right that they should also end their lives there, decomposing, re-energizing the dirt, dust to dust and all that?!”
That, of course, is the right answer. Rake your leaves into your flower beds and make your own mulch. Or smash them to smithereens with your lawnmower and let them lay. Or, if you’re really modern, gather them up and compost them.
The wrong answer, on all fronts is to rake the leaves into the street, have expensive and gas guzzling trucks push them into giant piles and then haul them to an unknown landfill, maybe in Iowa.
Over in Oak Park, village officials got out the hammer and decreed that as of this moment, no leaves should ever again be raked into the street, all leaves should be bagged or mulched, and that was final.
This did not go over well with many Oak Parkers who filled the letters pages of our sister newspaper with more vitriol than one might expect leaf-raking to stir.
So credit to Forest Park for trying a less dictatorial route in what is surely a midterm goal to eliminate the scraping of leaves off the streets for over eight weeks each year.
Americans have a fixed view of our lawns and gardens. The grass must be green, well-watered, weed free and well-manicured all summer. And when autumn ends, there should not be a brown leaf in sight. It’s a very limited take on nature, even on urban nature. But moving us past it might be better accomplished by Forest Park’s methods than Oak Park’s.
OPINION
How religion acts as a political in uencer
Rabbi Yitzchok Bergstein helped staff a Chabad Lubavitch booth at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) and some of his rabbi colleagues did the same at the Republican Convention in Milwaukee. The Oak Park rabbi, however, said no Chabad rabbi would be talking about the election in a partisan way from the pulpit, certainly not supporting one of the candidates
In my view his behavior is an example of the proper place of religion in politics and gover nment. First, a reminder of what the First Amendment says” Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances
HOLMES
The First Amendment prohibits gover nment from influencing or interfering with religion, but it has no problem with religion petitioning the gover nment.
With that point in mind, what Rabbi Bergstein was trying to do at the DNC was to influence the delegates to frame what they were doing in ter ms of God’s purposes for the world he created.
“At the booth,” he said, “our purpose was to serve the needs of the Jewish community and to pass along a message of kindness of sharing.”
According to the Orthodox Jewish understanding of creation, on day six of creation, the rabbi said, God did not complete the work of creation. What God did was create human beings with the vocation, duty, and obligation to complete that work
“If you look at the Hebrew text,” he said, “God created the world in its physical form and us to partner with God to perfect the world, to partner with God to bring this world to a higher state of conscious, a state of positivity, of caring, of sharing, of giving.
“When the Jewish people are referred to as the chosen people, some use it as a derogatory. The perspective of the Torah is that God chose us and gave us the responsibility of guiding and bringing light to the world. That’s the positive aspect of ego. I have an ego not to show off or belittle someone, but when I have an ego, I know that God has given me this mission.”
It’s not just about rights but also about duties. “That’s the difference between the American perspective and the religious Jewish perspective. When people in this culture talk about charity, they talk about doing it out of the kindness of their heart, which means that they
don’t have to do charity if they don’t feel that way.
“But in Hebrew tzedek means justice, which is an obligation, a responsibility to ourselves, to the world and to God.”
Mindful that the High Holy Days fall on the calendar this month during the last lap of the race to the White House, Bergstein said, “On Rosh Hashanah we reflect on this concept of the mission of the human being and reflect on the idea of renewal.”
In a guidebook for keeping the Holy Days, he noted that Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and the other days not only remind us of our purpose and destination but also provide fuel, if you will, for the jour ney
“The seventh month [of the Jewish calendar] is replete with spiritual riches, beckoning us to tap into this extraordinary opportunity and to realize its potential. We complete the jour ney overflowing with mental and emotional inspiration to power us through the entire year.”
So what is the proper role of religion in politics in general and the election on Nov. 5 in particular?
When I was a boy, members of Congress from my denomination were split half and half between Democrats and Republicans. The point, I think, is that religion is about discerning the proper destination, and politics is about the practical challenge of figuring out how to get there, or at least how to work toward “a more perfect union.”
The Bible is not a spiritual GPS telling us when to tur n right and when to turn left.
The Chabad rabbi talked about obligation, mission and duty, not about rights. I hear a lot of political rhetoric about rights these days but not much about responsibilities. Take the issue of gun violence. The debate centers on the right to bear arms vs. regulation, without addressing the spiritual issue of fostering a culture of nonviolence.
I hear a lot of talk about a woman’s right to choose vs. anti-abortion laws and little about fostering a culture where abortion is, in Bill Clinton’s words, “le gal, safe, and rare.”
I hear a lot of whining about what leaders are not doing “for me” in the federal and state gover nments, all the way down to our local condominium associations At the last meeting of my association we set a record with a turnout of 21%. Most owners were not interested in “completing the work of creation.”
Editor Erika Hobbs
Sta Repor ter Jessica Mordacq
Digital Manager Stacy Coleman
Digital Media Coordinator Brooke Duncan
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Contributing Reporters Tom Holmes, John Rice, Jackie Glosniak, Robert J. Li a
Columnists Alan Brouilette, Jill Wagner, Tom Holmes, John Rice
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Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea
Designers Susan McKelvey, Vanessa Garza
Sales and Marketing Representatives
Lourdes Nicholls, Ben Stumpe
Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan
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Publisher Dan Haley
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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
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Starting a business can be scary. Twenty percent of them fail during their first year. We congratulate those who make it Dodgerie is a vintage clothing and homeware shop that opened at 408 Thomas on Aug. 27, 2023. Owner Catherine Dodgson is celebrating this first anniversary by participating in Forest Park’s Shop Small Crawl on Oct. 5.
The synergy of storefronts
This is a unique event that enables shoppers to sample local stores and wares, while making a $5 donation to the Forest Park Food Pantry. Stores, restaurants and bars are offering discounts to shoppers. The Chamber of Commerce organized the event to tap into the synergy of local businesses banding together
Catherine is happy to partner with her fellow business owners. For her, operating a retail business is more than just a job. It’s part of a lifestyle she loves. She has been drawn to vintage items since she was a young girl. She still wears her grandmother’s jewelry and also dons outfits she’s owned for years. These are well-made items that have withstood the test of time. This feeling extends to the products she purchases for the shop. She picks out items that speak to her personally. She refurbishes clothing and
hopes her customers will love it for a long time
Catherine has no use for massproduced clothing. It’s poorly made and not always ethically manufactured. “Disposable” lothing also ends up in landfills. Every year, Americans discard 92 million tons of garments. Cheaply-made furniture meets the same fate. Catherine sells classic pieces that resonate with her Her shop has a tranquil feel. ustomers are impressed by how orderly the displays are. It doesn’t have the cluttered look of a “thrift store.” The newest items include clothing for babies and toddlers. This may have been inspired by the fact that Catherine and her husband David are expecting their first child this autumn.
David is not an employee of Dodgerie but does what he can to help out. He organized a series of listening events, where customers can listen to music on vinyl while enjoying a beverage. The shop is partnering with Anfora Wine Merchants of Oak Park for a listening hour on Oct. 6. Customers can sample wine while enjoying the “Illinois” album by Sujan Stevens
They also plan to partner with Ivy and Birch Floral on Oct. 12 and decorate the shop with floral arrangements. Finally, they will
Rooting for the local gir
riends, family and locals sent well wishes to Louise Sawyer of 424 Elgin, before she headed of f to teach Botany at Wellesley Colle ge in Massachusetts in late September, 1922. Known as “an ambitious student” in high school, as a student at Beloit Colle ge, she went on to teach at Elgin High School, before ing asked to illustrate the “General Botany” textbook at Beloit. She went on to teach Botany at Grinnell Colle ge, Knox Colle ge, and earned her master’s de gree at the University of Chicago.
Jill Wagner
team with Forest Park-based Catan Pisco on Oct. 25. They will provide tastings of piscoinspired cocktails
“Forest Park is a community we love,” Catherine said. “The people here care about supporting local businesses.” She is hoping this support will continue apart from the special events they planned. Dodgerie has survived its first year thanks to a combination of online and in-person sales. She credits her Instagram account, @dodgerie, for being a driver of sales
Forest Park has many business owners like Catherine Dodgson. Their dreams are wrapped up in the realities of how tough it is to run your own business. Retailers especially can feel the randomness of making sales. Some days there are few customers. Yet they keep consistent hours and join organizations that can help, like the Chamber
They still believe in the old-fashioned brick-and-mortar model of doing business — place where they can meet the public and show their products. A place where they can host events and partner with other businesses.
They seek sustainability. With that in mind, Catherine is looking to hire a parttime employee who shares her passion for vintage products. They will be needed when she is on her “maternity” leave
There’s symmetry as well between growing a business and growing a family.
LEGAL NOTICE
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS
Public Notice is hereby given that
a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) of the Village of River Forest, County of Cook, State of Illinois, on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. in the First Floor Community Room of the River Forest Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois on the following matter:
The ZBA will consider an application for major zoning variations submitted by Matt and Liz Heintz, owners of the property at 1105 Park Avenue, who are proposing to construct accessory structures on the property.
Section 4-8-5 of the Village Code provides the Zoning Board jurisdiction to hold public hearings and offer recommendations to the Village Board concerning variations to the Zoning Ordinance.
The applicants are requesting major variations to Section 10-9-7 of the Zoning Ordinance.
Section 10-9-7 of the Zoning Ordinance (10-8-7-C-1) requires the minimum side yard setback to be equal to 10 percent of the lot width or 5 feet, whichever is greater. The minimum required side yard setback for this property is 20 feet. The applicants propose to construct an accessory pergola structure with a setback of 13’-6” from the north property line and an accessory outdoor fireplace with a setback of 8’-5” from the north property line.
Section 10-9-7 of the Zoning Ordinance (10-8-7-A) requires a front yard setback based on the average of the existing front yard setbacks of the homes along the same side of the street and on the same block.
The average front yard setback has been calculated to be 52.43 feet.
The applicants propose to construct an accessory pergola structure with a setback of 44’-7” from the west property line.
The legal description of the property at 1105 Park Avenue is as follows:
LOTS 7 AND 8 IN BLOCK 3 IN SUBDIVISION OF PART OF NORTHWOODS, BEING THE NORTH HALF OF THE EAST HALF OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 1, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
A copy of the application will be available to the public at Village Hall and on the Village’s website at www. vrf.us/zoningvariation no less than 7 days prior to the public hearing.
The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting packet will also be available at www.vrf.us/meetings no less than 48 hours prior to the public hearing.
All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. For public comments to be considered by the Zoning Board of Appeals and Village Board of Trustees in their decision, they must be included as part of the public hearing record. Interested persons can learn more about how to participate in the hearing by visiting www.vrf.us/zoningvariation.
Sincerely, Clifford Radatz Secretary, Zoning Board of Appeals
Published in
LEGAL NOTICE
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS
Public Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) of the Village of River Forest, County of Cook, State of Illinois, on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. in the First Floor Community Room of the River Forest Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois on the following matter:
The ZBA will consider an application for a major zoning variation submitted by Steven Hoover, owner of the property at 633 Ashland Avenue, who is proposing to construct an addition onto the existing house.
Section 4-8-5 of the Village Code provides the Zoning Board jurisdiction to hold public hearings and offer recommendations to the Village Board concerning variations to the Zoning Ordinance.
The applicant is requesting a major variation to Section 10-9-5 of the Zoning Ordinance.
Section 10-9-5 of the Zoning Ordinance (10-8-5) allows a maximum Floor Area Ratio of 0.40 (40 percent of the lot area). The proposed addition will increase the Floor Area Ratio to approximately 0.4572.
The legal description of the property at 633 Ashland Avenue is as follows: LOT 44 IN BLOCK 2 IN RIVER FOREST, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF SECTION 12, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, AS SURVEYED FOR THE SUBURBAN HOME MUTUAL LAND ASSOCIATION ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED JUNE 23, 1890 AS DOCUMENT 1291334, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
A copy of the application will be available to the public at Village Hall and on the Village’s website at www. vrf.us/zoningvariation no less than 7 days prior to the public hearing. The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting packet will also be available at www. vrf.us/meetings no less than 48 hours prior to the public hearing.
All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. For public comments to be considered by the Zoning Board of Appeals and Village Board of Trustees in their decision, they must be included as part of the public hearing record. Interested persons can learn more about how to participate in the hearing by visiting www.vrf.us/ zoningvariation.
Sincerely, Clifford Radatz
Secretary, Zoning Board of Appeals
Published in Wednesday Journal October 2, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS
Public Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) of the Village of River Forest, County of Cook, State of Illinois, on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. in the First Floor Community Room of the River Forest Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois on the following matter:
The ZBA will consider an application for a major zoning variation submitted by Cory Croft, owner of the property at 506 Edgewood Place, who is proposing to construct an addition onto the existing house.
Section 4-8-5 of the Village Code provides the Zoning Board jurisdiction to hold public hearings and offer recommendations to the Village Board concerning variations to the Zoning Ordinance.
The applicant is requesting a major variation to Section 10-9-5 of the Zoning Ordinance.
Section 10-9-5 of the Zoning Ordinance (10-8-5) allows a maximum Lot Coverage of 30 percent of the lot area. The proposed addition will increase the Lot Coverage to approximately 33.48 percent of the lot area.
The legal description of the property at 506 Edgewood Place is as follows:
THE NORTH 50 FEET OF THE SOUTH 98 FEET OF LOT 10 IN WALLER AND HUMPHREY’S RESUBDIVISION OF RATTLE AND WALLER’S SUBDIVISION OF PART OF LOTS 2 AND 3 IN THATCHER PARK SUBDIVISION AND LOT 3 IN SUBDIVISION BY ZENOT COBB AND DAVID C. THATCHER IN THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 11, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
A copy of the application will be available to the public at Village Hall and on the Village’s website at www. vrf.us/zoningvariation no less than 7 days prior to the public hearing.
The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting packet will also be available at www.vrf.us/meetings no less than 48 hours prior to the public hearing.
All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. For public comments to be considered by the Zoning Board of Appeals and Village Board of Trustees in their decision, they must be included as part of the public hearing record. Interested persons can learn more about how to participate in the hearing by visiting www.vrf.us/zoningvariation.
Sincerely, Clifford Radatz Secretary, Zoning Board of Appeals
Published in Wednesday Journal October 2, 2024
HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI
Monday at 5 p.m.
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:
2024 Lead Service Line
Replacement Project
The project scope is the full replacement of lead service lines from the water main or from the B-Box through to the interior of the building, including connection to the water meter as identified. Work includes complete connection of the new service line, disconnection of the old lead service line and associated site restoration.
The bidding documents are available for download starting Thursday, September 26, 2024 at:
www.vrf.us/bids
Bids must be submitted by Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 10:00 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 October 2, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: G24000482 on September 13, 2024 Under the Assumed Business Name of HARMONY TREE YOGA with the business located at: 1249 DEERFIELD PKWY, BUFFALO GROVE, IL 60089. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: MEGAN BRANCATO 1249 DEERFIELD PKWY APT 303 BUFFALO GROVE, IL 60089, USA
Published in Wednesday Journal September 18, 25, October 2, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY.
Request of Sarah Jennette Nieman Case Number 20244005683
There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Sarah Jennette Nieman to the new name of: Sasha Jennette Nieman
The court date will be held: On November 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at 1311 Maybrook Dr, Maywood, Cook County, IL 60153 in Courtroom # 0112.
Published in Wednesday Journal September 25, October 2, 9, 2024
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF AUDIT REPORT OF RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP
Riverside Township hereby provides public notice that an Audit of its funds for the period April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024 has been made, and that a report of such audit dated August 30, 2024 performed by Selden Fox, LTD has been filed with the County Clerk of Cook, Illinois, in accordance with 30 ILCS 15/0.01 et seq.
The full report of the audit is available for public inspection at the Riverside Town Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois, during regular business hours 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Friday, except for holidays.
Published in RB Landmark October 2, 2024
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION
U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST Plaintiff, -v.-
CHRISTOPHER J. HANSON, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
Defendants 2022 CH 09656 1138 ERIE ST 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 22, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 A.M. on October 24, 2024, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: THE WEST 37 FEET OF LOT 4 IN SCHULTZS SUBDIVISION IN THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF BLOCK 6 IN KETTLESTRINGS ADDITION TO HARLEM, BEING A SUBDIVISION IN SECTION 7, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 1138 ERIE ST., OAK PARK, IL 60302
Property Index No. 16-07-106-0180000
The real estate is improved with a residence.
Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).
IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 7949876 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. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300
E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com
Attorney File No. 14-22-04152
Attorney ARDC No. 00468002
Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2022 CH 09656
TJSC#: 44-2028
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 09656 I3252359
