By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Contributing Reporter
14 Days. $32,000
A 2025 filled with trusted local news
In just the last week, our reporters have been hard at work on stories with deep meaning and impact on these communities we call home. Three stand out.
Reporting for Austin Weekly News and Wednesday Journal, Jessica Mordacq has continued her in-depth coverage of the challenges of new ownership at West Suburban Medical Center. This critical safety net institution needs the attention of an independent local newsroom and we are there to provide it.
Wednesday Journal has been focused on our coverage of the remembrance of Det. Allan Reddins, the Oak Park officer who died in the line of duty on the day after Thanksgiving. From breaking news to coverage of his wake and funeral, the Journal has been present. Reporters Luzane Draughon, Greg Voss and photographers Sam Tucker and Todd Bannor have reported for us – and for you.
Trent Brown, our Riverside-Brookfield Landmark reporter, unpacked the data on how residents voted in the November presidential election. What was the same as recent national elections and what shifted a bit? While the percentages of support for the Democratic and Republican candidates remained quite steady overall votes cast dropped notably from four years ago.
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from page 1
now also received a crash course in local politics.
Mohip presided over his first District 209 Board of Education meeting Dec. 10 at Proviso Math and Science Academy after settling into the superintendent’s chair earlier this month, marking the end to more than a year of uncertainty following the resignation of embattled for mer Superintendent James Henderson in August of 2023.
Mohip takes over leadership of D209 with more than 20 years of experience in urban education, including in Ohio and a recent stint as a leader for the Illinois State Board of Education.
“I’m extremely excited to be here,” Mohip said. “The work that I’ve done in Chicago and in Youngstown is really centered around helping schools that were struggling, schools that were not preforming, and finding ways to bring communities together, bring schools, teachers, students and parents together to really find the recipe to success.
D209 Board president Sam Valtier re z welcomed Mohip and expressed confidence in his experience and vision for the district.
“Krish Mohip is here to do great things,” Valtier re z said. “You guys can think whatever, but when I have that assurance, and those who are spiritually led or believe in a higher being or Christ or God, you guys know what I’m saying, that discernment. Maybe, it’s just me, but Krish is here to do something great and I want my board to support that.”
The board’s search to fill the seat was contentious at times, including during the April 2024 meeting in which Mohip was announced as a finalist for the job.
In the meeting, board member Arbdella Patterson suggested that the search was “unfair,” that the board had wasted $30,000 on the firm that perfor med the search and that the entire process should be done over.
Tensions persist
The search was paused shor tly after, with board members Amanda Grant and David Ocampo both telling The Forest ParkReview that “political pressure” had made it very difficult for the board to reach a consensus on a candidate.
Mohip’s first public meeting as superintendent began tensely as well, with Proviso Township Trustee Gay Chase reading a stern address for the board, and one for Mohip, written by Maywood Mayor Nathanial Booker into the record during the public comments portion of the meeting. Booker’s address criticized the way in which the board handled the search, calling the manner in which they appointed Mohip a “g reat disrespect to the community.”
“Take note to the way you were pushed through as a caution, as quick as you came is as quick as you can leave,” Booker’s statement read. “Shifting the culture and providing effective and transparent leadership will make the community fall in love with you much sooner than holding meetings to sell yourself. Your selling point will be your results not your smile.”
The Forest Park Review also received a news release Monday morning, saying that Proviso Township parents had planned to walk out of the meeting in protest of Mohip’s appointment, but no such protest materialized that evening.
Mohip’s record
Mohip began his career as a Chicago Public Schools kindergarten teacher before becoming the sprawling system’s youngest principal at age 27, according to Mohip’s
Our Community Needs Community
District 209 Superintendent Krish Mobil (far le ) and the D209 Board of Education pose alongside award-winning students from Prov iso West High School
bio graphy on the website for the education consulting agency he co-founded. He was promoted to be Chicago’s deputy chief of schools in 2013 then promoted again to be the city’s chief of schools a year later, according to the resume Mohip provided the school board.
In 2016, Mohip left Chicago to serve as CEO of Schools in Youngstown, OH after the Ohio Legislature passed a controversial law putting the struggling district under state control. Mohip touts a 14% increase in the systems’ high school graduation rate over his three years in the role as one of his major accomplishments in the Buckeye State, according to his resume.
Mohip returned to Illinois in 2019 to work for the Illinois State Board of Education, where he first served as one of the state’s deputy chief education officers. In January of 2023, the ISBE elevated Mohip to interim state superintendent, where he served as the highest education administrator in the state for two months before the ISBE appointed Tony Sanders. Mohip called his time as interim state superintendent “the honor of my life” on Monday. Mohip spent his final year with the ISBE
as chief education officer, according to his resume.
This year, Mohip was also a finalist to be superintendent of the East Baton Rouge Parish Schools, the second largest traditional school district in Louisiana, but withdrew his candidacy in July, according to The Advocate. In 2022, Mohip was also a finalist for the Philadelphia Schools superintendent position, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
He takes over from interim Supt. Alexander Aschof f. The board finished Monday’s meeting by gifting Aschof f a Proviso lettermen’s jacket as a token of appreciation for his leadership over the past year.
Mohip mentioned improving the experiences of English as a Second Language Students, bolstering the district’s financial transparency policies and driving improvement in Proviso Township High Schools students’ performance on standardized tests and advanced placement classes as goals for his time leading the district.
“We are going to ensure that we see growth every single year,” Mohip said. “I’m already inspired by what I’ve seen.”
PROVIDED
Wine Tasting with Anfora Wine Merchants
Wednesday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m., R Titus Designs
Enjoy a curated selection of wines from Anfora while shopping for last-minute gifts at R Titus Designs Studio. Enter to win ra e prizes with purchase (*see details in-store). RSVP at pp.events/rtitusdesignswinetasting. 143 S Oak Park Ave., Oak Park
Crosstown Exotics Reptile Show
Sunday, Dec. 22, 3 p.m., Forest Park Public Library
Celebrate Shelly ’s “ birthday” with a reptile show by Crosstown Exotics. Discover fascinating creatures and learn all about them in this fun, family-friendly event. Per fec t for kids of all ages. 7555 Jackson Bl vd. , Fo rest Park
Jazz Prayer: Finding the Light
Friday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Celebrate the season with an evening of live jazz, thoughtful readings, and a carol sing-along. Enjoy refreshments at 7:10 p.m., followed by the service at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome. 611 Randolph St., Oak Park
Meet Me for Lunch at Rustico
Friday, Dec. 20, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Rustico
Join the Chamber for a casual sit-down luncheon with small group networking. Enjoy Spanish-Italian fusion dishes like tapas, wood- red pizzas, and homemade pastas while connecting with fellow members. 155 S Oak Park Ave., Oak Park
Carnival’s Christmas Corner
Saturday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m., Oak Park
Bring the whole family to this free holiday event. Enjoy photos with Santa, wish list letter writing, and festive treats like hot cocoa and cider. Fun for all ages. 824 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park
Celebrate Kwanzaa
Monday, Dec. 30, 6 - 8 p.m. Oak Park Public Library
Honor the Black American Harvest celebration with dance, drumming, poetry, and storytelling. Enjoy performances by Hassani Cannon on drums and Kuumba Kids dance, local cuisine, and a Libation Ceremony led by Ade Adeyeme. Open to all. Register at oppl.org/ calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park
This is our nal Big Week page. Don’t worry! We have more events coverage coming soon. For a sneak peak, and to submit events to be included in our new calendar, visit forestparkreview.com/events
BIG WEEKS
December 18-31
Bowling With Santa
Monday, Dec. 23, 1:30 - 6 p.m., Robert’s Westside
Join us for a festive afternoon of bowling with Santa. Wear your best Santa suit or holiday out t and enjoy two games, shoe rental, pizza, and access to pool tables at Circle Lanes. 7321 Madison St., Forest Park
How it works: Check in at Bobby’s: 1:30- 2:30 p.m. Depart as a group to Circle Lanes at 2:45 p.m. Bowling With Santa: 3 - 6 p.m. Head back to Bobby’s at 6 p.m.
Chicago Funk Ma a
Friday, Dec. 20, 6:30 - 10:30 p.m., Robert’s Westside
Kick o the holidays with Chicago Funk Ma a’s mix of originals and covers. Featuring special guests Henry Alden Carpender on trombone and Rufus Parenti on saxophone. Boost your holiday cheer—don’t miss this festive night of funk. 7321 Madison St., Forest Park
Free Sing-Along Messiah Concer t
Sunday, Dec. 22, 3 p.m., First United Methodist Church of Oak Park
Join the Apollo Chorus of Chicago for Handel’s Messiah.
Sing along or simply enjoy as an audience member
Admission is free, with a free-will o ering bene ting Housing For ward. Musical scores available for $10 at the door. Accessible entrance on Oak Park Ave. Details at rstumcoakpark.org. 324 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park
Multiple Goods Fair
Tuesday, Dec. 24, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Compound Yellow
Discover a vibrant selection of unique items, including hot sauce, ceramics, and apparel, at the Multiple Goods Fair Celebrate the season with Compound Yellow and explore the creativity of local makers. 244 Lake St., Oak Park
The Hear twreckers: A Tribute to Tom Petty & The Hear tbreakers
Saturday, Dec. 21, 6:30 - 10:30 p.m., Robert’s Westside
Enjoy a night of Tom Petty hits per formed by The Hear twreckers. General admission tickets are $20, with reser ved seating available for $30 per seat (sold in groups of 4-6). Seating is rst come, rst ser ved for General Admission. Don’t miss this tribute concert. 7321 Madison St., Forest Park
Du Driscoll Nonet Performs: Miles Davis’ ‘Birth of the Cool’
Sunday, Dec. 29, 7:30 p.m., Robert’s Westside
Experience a live per formance of Miles Davis’ Birth of the Cool, a groundbreaking jazz album released in 1957. This per formance will feature the innovative arrangements of Davis’ nonet, blending Afro-American and classical music techniques. Tickets: $20. 7321 Madison St., Forest Park
Compiled by Brooke Duncan
He’s 95 and playing pickleball, what’s your excuse?
e court, Don O’Brien says, is where ‘everyone knows your name’
By HOPE BAKER Contributing Reporter
Age has not slowed down longtime Oak Park resident Don O’Brien.
At 95, O’Brien is a regular on the pickleball courts at Euclid Square Park. He plays every morning with a group that meets seven days a week, as long as the courts are dry and the temperature is not unreasonably cold
“It’s just something to get my body going in the morning,” O’Brien said. “It’s something to do and to look forward to.”
The vibrant and welcoming group at Euclid Square Park is composed of pickleball players of all ages and skill levels. According to Oak Park resident Tim Bannon, the group was for med during the COVID-19 pandemic and has organically grown ever since.
“One thing about this group at Euclid is that we are very democratic,” Bannon said. “You don’t need an invitation. You don’t need to know somebody to join, and you don’t need to be at a certain level. Everybody is welcome.”
Like many of the players at Euclid Square Park, Bannon is impressed by O’Brien’s athleticism and dedication to the sport.
“Don is 95 years old and here he is playing a solid game of pickleball,” Bannon said. “It’s remarkable.”
O’Brien’s commitment to pickleball is particularly evident on mornings after it rains. He keeps a squeegee and a broom in his car, and is known for arriving early in order to dry the courts and make sure they are playable by the time the rest of the group gets there.
“He’s here every single day,” said Hooi Lim, an Oak Park resident who plays with the group.
In November, Lim organized a celebration for O’Brien’s 95th birthday. When O’Brien arrived at the courts, he was greeted by more than 30 pickleball players who sang “Happy Birthday” to him. The group also presented him with a big cake and a new lawn chair to relax in, in-between matches
“At 95 years old, I hope I can still walk prop-
FOODDRIVE
erly let alone play pickleball,” Lim said. “He’s awesome.”
DECEMBER4-24,2024
For O’Brien’s birthday, Lim and her teenage daughter also made O’Brien a custom tshirt. It’s a blue, long-sleeved shirt that says “95 Years Young and Still PickleBalling What’s Your Excuse?”
Prior to picking up pickleball just two years ago, O’Brien was a tennis player. He first learned to play tennis in 1948, while serving in the U.S. Air Force Reserve when he was 19.
Although he always enjoyed tennis, O’Brien did not play very much during the years when he was working and raising his five children with his wife, Margaret Mary.
After retiring in 1991, he joined an open tennis group at Taylor Park and began playing three or four times a week.
“I played with them for many years — actually, 30 years,” he said. “During that time, people in the group came and went.”
It wasn’t until 2021 that pickleball sparked O’Brien’s interest.
“At Taylor Park, I saw people on nearby courts playing this new game, pickleball,” he said.
Since O’Brien noticed that all serves in pickleball have to be made underhand, he was intrigued. Ten years prior, he had tor n the rotator cuff in his right shoulder, which left him unable to serve overhand. Serving underhand was appealing. The smaller court size was also appealing. It looked like the people were having fun.
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Soon after, he learned about a group that played pickleball just two blocks away from his house, at Euclid Square Park, so he dropped by and gave it shot.
“The convenience was too appealing, so I started playing there almost every day,” he said.
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“I just really enjoy the game. I love it.”
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In addition to playing pickleball, O’Brien also enjoys singing. He has been involved in community theater over the years and was also a member of a barbershop quartet up until 2020. In addition to their five children, he and his wife of 71 years also have 10 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
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Describing the atmosphere on Euclid’s pickleball courts each morning, O’Brien said it reminds him of the theme song from the 80s/90s sitcom “Cheers.”
“It’s a place where everybody knows my name,” he said.
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Annual toy drive provides gifts for about 150 families
e event has been a tradition since 1999
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
About 150 Forest Park families received gifts from the mayor’s annual community toy drive Dec. 11.
At Bobby’s Eastside, Mayor Rory Hoskins gathered with local officials and residents to collect unwrapped toys and gift cards to later give out to families who signed up through the Howard Mohr Community Center.
“The purpose of the toy drive is to help our families in need,” said Karen Dylewski, the community center’s director. “The holidays are a very stressful time of year for a lot of people, especially families who don’t have the means right now to provide big meals and purchase presents for their children.”
The village also buys holiday dinners for these families, including ham, sides and desserts. Volunteers wrap and disperse the gifts before Christmas
The number of families served every year depends on the number of gifts and food pantry items that are donated
“We are always aiming to receive as many gifts as possible. It just makes for a brighter Christmas for struggling families,” Dylewski said. “Without this service, some children would not have a Christmas.”
For mer Mayor Anthony Calderone started the toy drive tradition in 1999, when he was first elected. He continued the annual event for the next 20 years and passed it onto
Hoskins when he became mayor.
“It’s a great tradition,” Hoskins said. “The holidays are a time where we get to see our loved ones or reconnect with loved ones.”
Members of the Forest Park Fire Department and Forest Park Police Department also attended the annual toy drive and were instrumental in helping gather the gifts.
In addition to the gifts and food collected for this toy drive, the fire department is also hosting its Fill the Truck food drive through Dec. 24. This food will be used to restock the village’s year-round food pantry at the community center. Donations can be dropped off at the firehouse
(Above) Community members drop o bicycles
(Le ) Mayor Rory Hoskins with Fire Chief Lindsey Hankus (in gray sweater) and re ghters.
Recent incidents prompt heightened Statehouse security
Visitors may experience longer lines at entrances during upcoming sessions
By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois
Visitors coming to the Illinois Statehouse to see their lawmakers in action, or just to tour the historic building, may see longer lines to get through security screening during the upcoming legislative sessions.
Responding to a significant increase in potential threats to lawmakers and the public in recent years, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’s office recently implemented new, emergency rules requiring nearly anyone to pass through security screening upon entering the Statehouse or any building in the Illinois Capitol Complex.
“Unfortunately, the world is not getting safer,” Amy Williams, senior legal advisor in the secretary of state’s office, told a legislative oversight committee Tuesday
One of the more serious threats, Williams said, occurred in March when security officials were notified of an active shooter threat, prompting a lockdown of the complex. The lockdown was lifted after investigators determined there was no credible threat, according to reports at the time
In April, police locked down the Capitol for about an hour as the building was cleared following a bomb threat. Illinois State Police arrested a suspect accused of making the threat the following month.
So far in 2024, Williams told the committee, the Secretary of State Police Department has responded to 17 threats to the Capitol, nearly twice as many as any other year since 2018.
There have also been threats directed at individual lawmakers. In September, a man was arrested for threatening to assassinate Re p. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore.
And on Monday, Dec. 9, Re p. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, re ported an employee in her district office became ill after opening office mail, according to a social media post. The employee was transported to a local hospital, prompting police to evacuate the building and cordon of f a portion of the street while emergency crews
responded.
In October, Williams said, the secretary of state’s office was advised by a security consultant to increase the number of people required to go through security screening to include everyone other than lawmakers, state government employees and other elected officials.
That meant many people who had previously been given unrestricted access to the building – including lobbyists, vendors and members of the news media – now have to go through security screening as well.
“Primarily that decision came about because members of the General Assembly, elected officials, are sensibly background checked by their constituents who choose them to go to the Capitol to do the people’s work on their behalf,” she said. “And state government employees are background checked by their respective agencies. Lobbyists, vendors and members of the press are not subject to any background check.”
To avoid congestion, Williams said the office has set up a “TSA Express-style” screening point at the east entrance of the building for those individuals who previously had unfettered access.
The security changes near the tail end of a three-year, $224 million renovation project that will make permanent changes to the way the public enters and exits the Capitol. That project involves restoration and remodeling of the entire north wing of the Capitol. When it’s completed, sometime in 2025, all public access will be through a new entryway on the north side of the building where people will pass through security screening before entering the building itself.
Until then, visitors will continue entering through either the east or west doors of the building where metal detectors and baggage x-ray machines are located just inside the building.
Lawmakers are tentatively scheduled to return to the Statehouse Jan. 2 for the start of a brief lame duck session. The re gular 2025 session begins Wednesday, Jan. 8.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government covera ge to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
Former cigar lounge property donated to village
Will likely house Chamber of Commerce
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
The village of Forest Park will soon have a new presence on Madison Street in the space that previously housed the cigar lounge Casa de Puros.
At the last village council meeting in November, commissioners unanimously accepted the donation of a property at 7410 Madison Street to the village This week, the village is closing on the building, appraised at $270,000.
“We should have a presence in the middle of Madison,” said Director of the Department of Public Health and Safety Steve Glinke, who called the donated property “a legacy move for the village.”
Glinke and Village Administrator Rachell Entler have inquired about the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce moving into the village’s purchase
Although the Chamber of Commerce has
previously had an office down the street from 7410 Madison Street, after rent doubled with new ownership, Forest Park Bank’s owner Jerry Vainisi offered for the Chamber’s employees – Executive Director Laurie Kokenes and a part-time staff member – to move to the basement at his bank’s 7331 Roosevelt Road location, according to Kokenes
Kokenes said that, while the Chamber hasn’t had any for mal conversations with village staff about moving into the donated storefront, it’s an exciting prospect.
“They are still in the process of settling everything. We’re looking forward to learning more about plans and details when the time is right,” Kokenes said. “There would definitely be some pluses to having the chamber office on Madison again.”
“Our downtown business district showcases the unique mix of independent shops and paints a picture of Forest Park’s smalltown charm. It’s a place where people gather and connections are made,” Kokenes added. “Madison Street is the perfect place for the village to meet with prospective business owners or investors.”
Glinke also mentioned using the building
as a location for the village to convene with prospective business owners or hold off-site department meetings. Village staff are discussing offering some of the space to the Forest Park Arts Alliance and the Historical Society of Forest Park
Moving onto Madison
The owner of the donated property lives locally and decided to give it to the village because it’s not in a sellable state, according to Glinke. He added that, if the next tenant wanted to remove the built-in desk or the cases that line the walls, it would mean tearing down much of the building’s inside
The village is keeping most of the building as-is, with its dark wooden walls and golden light fixtures. The previous tenants even left behind mounted flat-screen TVs and a sound system. There’s also a small, built-in kitchen at the back of the building.
After the paperwork for the donation is completed, Glinke said the village will start updating the building by cleaning the ductwork and HVAC system. Although the building doesn’t smell like smoke, HVAC cleaning will eliminate any remaining debris or
residue that resulted from previous clientele smoking cigars inside.
The village plans to install burglar alar ms and cameras, plus new awnings. It will pay for most of these initial updates with funds the village received from the American Rescue Plan Act after Covid-19.
At an October meeting when the village council decided how to spend the last of its ARPA money, Entler suggested that the village designate $50,000 of ARPA funding to pay for the donated property’s cost over roughly the next three years. This includes $10,000 for a consultant to help get the property off tax rolls. It also accounts for annual property assessments, which are $4,800 a year, plus heat, electric and Wi-Fi.
Entler also suggested setting aside $8,000 a year for three years to go toward building maintenance.
“This is something we could do a little every year,” Glinke said.
The donated property includes about 1,800 square feet on the building’s ground floor and two parking spaces behind it. The residential units above the donated property will remain untouched
Checklist for Planning Your Next Project
Right now or very soon, most likely you’re on vacation. If so, there’s an even better chance you didn’t wait till the last minute to plan what you’d like to do during this special window of time.
Same goes for planning and implementing an upgrade to your outdoor space. The more lead time you give it, the more satisfied you will be with the outcome. With that 2025 outdoor project in mind, here’s a checklist for success: Planning your project
� Create your wish list
� Establish your budget
� Schedule an initial meeting to discuss your design Decision time
� Review the design, and revise, if needed
� Pick your plants/hardscape products
� Execute a contract
� Obtain the necessary permits (with help from your contractor, if you have one)
Implementation
� The easiest step for a homeowner— this is where you get to sit back and watch your ideas come to life, while our experts do what they do best. And finally, the last and most important step: Enjoy your new outdoor space!
As we enter our 46th holiday season in business, McAdam Landscaping wishes you and your loved ones a happy and healthy new year.
2001 Des Plaines Ave. Forest Park • 708-771-2299 www.mcadamlandscape.com
Pritzker endorses hemp regulation bill
e governor says new, dangerous products threaten children’s safety
By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois
More than five years after Illinois began issuing permits for legal production of industrial hemp, Gov. JB Pritzker said Friday he now favors legislation to bring the industry under tighter regulation.
At a news conference in Chicago, Pritzker said in the short time since both the state and federal gover nments legalized hemp production, a new industry has emerged in which chemicals are extracted from hemp plants to produce intoxicating and potentially dangerous products that are currently unregulated
“Commonly known as intoxicating hemp, this industry is selling hemp-derived products such as delta-8, and they’re using deceptive advertising tactics to market them directly to minors,” Pritzker said. “These products have an intoxicating effect, often to dangerous levels. They’re untested and unregulated and are widely available and accessible to young people.”
Illinois lawmakers passed legislation in 2018 to allow the commercial production of hemp, the same year Congress legalized hemp nationwide through the 2018 Farm Bill. The crop was once commonly used in the United States to make rope, textiles and other products, but it was effectively banned decades ago because of its close botanical relationship with marijuana.
The legislation legalizing hemp anticipated it would again be used to make industrial products, but also for the production of CDB oils that can be extracted from the plant. Those oils, and products made with them, have become popular due to the belief that they have multiple health benefits.
But the recent boom of intoxicating hempderived products has raised new concerns about the need for additional re gulation.
House Bill 4293, which originally dealt with regulation of massage therapists, passed out of the House last spring and was sent to the Senate where it was stripped of its original language and replaced with new language regulating intoxicating hemp-derived products.
The bill would not ban such products but would impose limits on the amount of the intoxicating substance THC they can contain, and it would regulate how those products can be marketed and advertised. It also limits the manufacture and sale of those products to licensed businesses
The amended bill passed out the Senate 54-1 in May and was sent back to the House where no further action has been taken.
“It is vital we move forward towards regulation of hemp and delta-8 products and do so in a way that is equitable and provides opportunities within the evolving industry,”
Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, D-Westchester, said during the news conference. “We support the hemp industry. This is not an effort to bash the hemp industry. We want the hemp industry to survive and thrive and continue evolving.”
The push to impose new limits on the production and sale of intoxicating hemp comes at the same time the Illinois Department of
Agriculture has been working to develop new state regulations to bring the Illinois industry into compliance with new federal regulations.
The legislative Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, which oversees the administrative rulemaking process, gave its approval to those rules Tuesday That came after extensive negotiations with the Illinois Hemp Business Association, a lobby group that represents many small, minority-owned hemp businesses
In a statement, the association said this week it was satisfied with the final negotiated version of the administrative rules, but still had significant concerns about the new hemp regulation bill. The association said it “threatens the industry by potentially banning beneficial components of the hemp plant.”
But the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois, which represents the cannabis industry, issued a statement Friday supporting the legislation.
“We applaud Gov. JB Pritzker’s call to protect consumers and rein in the gray market,” the group’s executive director Tiffany Chappell Ingram said in a statement. “We urge lawmakers to take swift action, as Illinois is already falling behind other states that have adopted meaningful regulations.”
Lawmakers are expected to consider the bill during an upcoming lame duck session, which is tentatively scheduled to begin Thursday, Jan. 2.
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.
Products that contain delta-8 THC next to the original packaging they resemble.
C APITOL NEWS ILLINOIS PHOTO BY ANDREW CAMPBELL
Scott McAdam Jr.
Christmas 2024
Special Advertising Section
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church
305 Circle Avenue, Forest Park (708) 366-3226
www.stjohnforestpark.org Wheelchair Access to Sanctuary Christmas Eve Service
ForestParkBaptistChurch
e Catholic Community of Oak Park invites you to Make Room for Hope during the Advent and Christmas Seasons!
The Nativity of the Lord
Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24
Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24
3:30 pm Mass, Schola Choir | Ascension Church
3:30 pm Mass, Ascension Schola | Ascension Church
4:30 pm Mass, St. Edmund Choir | St. Edmund Church
4:30 pm Mass, St. Edmund Choir | St. Edmund Church
5:30 pm Mass, Choristers and String Ensemble | Ascension
3:00 pm Mass | St. Giles Church
3:00 pm Mass | St. Giles Church
5:00 pm Mass | St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy Church
5:00 pm Mass | St. Giles Church
5:00 pm Mass | St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy Church
5:30 pm Mass, Choristers and String Ensemble | Ascension Church
11:00 pm Mass, Ascension Choir | Ascension Church
Carols begin at 10:30 pm
11:00 pm Mass, Ascension Choir | Ascension Church
Carols begin at 10:30 pm
9:00 am Mass with organ, instruments | Ascension Church
7:30 pm Family Mass | St. Giles School Gym
5:00 pm Mass | St. Giles Church
7:30 pm Family Mass | St. Giles School Gym
Carols begin at 7:00 am
Carols begin at 7:00 am
10:30 pm Mass | St. Giles Church | Carols begin at 54:44 pm
Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25
10:30 pm Mass | St. Giles Church | Carols begin at 10:00 pm
Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25
9:00 am Mass with organ, instruments | Ascension Church
11:00 am Mass with organ, instruments | St. Edmund Church
11:00 am Mass with organ, instruments | St. Edmund Church
Tuesday, December 31
9:00 am Mass, Praise Choir | St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy
10:30 am Mass | St. Giles Church
9:00 am Mass, Praise Choir | St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy
Christmas Season
10:30 am Mass | St. Giles Church
Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Sunday, December 29
Christmas Season
Regular Weekend Mass Schedule
Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Sunday, December 29 Regular Weekend Mass Schedule
5:00 pm Mass | St. Edmund Church
The Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God
Wednesday, January 1
e Solemnity of Mary, e Holy Mother of God
Mass of anticipation hosted by the Catholic Community of Oak Park
Tuesday, December 31
5:00 pm Mass | St. Edmund Church
Mass of anticipation hosted by the Catholic Community of Oak Park
9:00 am Mass | Ascension Church
9:00 am Mass | St. Giles Church
Wednesday, January 1
Prayer in the Spirit of Taizé for World Day of Peace
7:30 pm | Ascension Church
9:00 am Mass | Ascension Church
9:00 am Mass | St. Giles Church
The Epiphany of the Lord, Sunday, January 5 Regular Weekend Mass Schedule
Prayer in the Spirit of Taizé for World Day of Peace
7:30 pm | Ascension Church
Baptism of the Lord, Sunday, January 12 Regular Weekend Mass Schedule
e Epiphany of the Lord, Sunday, January 5
Regular Weekend Mass Schedule
Baptism of the Lord, Sunday, January 12 Regular Weekend Mass Schedule
For additional information about parish and Catholic Community of Oak Park liturgies, including livestream schedules and links, please see one of our parish websites. ascensionoakpark.org stgilesparish.org
For additional information about parish and Catholic Community of Oak Park liturgies, including livestream schedules and links, please see one of our parish websites.
ascensionoakpark.org stgilesparish.org
Hoskins attends global mayors summit in South Africa
Mayor was in Cape Town to discuss strategies on tackling hate and extremism
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
Mayor Rory Hoskins is back in town after a few days in Cape Town, South Africa, and said he is ready to implement what he learned there at the Strong Cities’ Fifth Global Summit.
The annual event convenes international leaders of local gover nment to share strategies on addressing hate and extremism in their communities. It’s also a way for them to network and meet mutual acquaintances
From Dec. 3 to 5, Hoskins attended the summit with about 70 mayors from around the world, including Europe, the Middle East, Southern and East Africa.
Hoskins told the Review about some of his takeaways from the event.
“There was a lot of talk about the use of renewable ener gies that I found interesting,” Hoskins said, “and some talks about online resources to counter extremism.”
Many of the mayors who attended the summit lead municipalities much larger than Forest Park, Hoskins said. As opposed to having a media department or public information office, like larger cities might, train staff to avoid hackers Forest Park’s Village Hall is taking on this ef fort itself Cyber threats to small units of gover nment were also the
topic amongst a gathering of mayors that Hoskins attended in Barrington Hills, Illinois last month. There, area mayors discussed plans to create a local gover nment cyber alliance to share best practices in preventing internet attacks.
But Forest Park officials aren’t the only ones involved in policing online extremism. Residents also play a role in checking this behavior – a benefit to living in one of the smaller communities represented at the annual summit.
“I’ve shared with members of the conference what we’re doing in terms of the way people in Forest Park sometimes self-police internet chatter by correcting incorrect notions,” Hoskins said.
One example is how locals warned those looking for a property on Facebook Marketplace to avoid rental scams.
Hoskins said a lot of the discussion at the Global Mayor’s Summit also included maintaining social cohesion by providing adequate services for migrant populations
Hoskins gave the example of a delegation from Spain which, after watching how France dealt with a string of riots last year that largely impacted communities of Muslim, Arabic and African immigrants, shared how they addressed the needs of migrants who are coming to Spain’s borders.
“They quickly provide services in terms of housing and other social supports, build new schools and try to get the im-
migrant populations involved,” Hoskins said.
While Forest Park didn’t offer village-sponsored shelters to the wave of asylum seekers who arrived in October 2023, the village still offers resources for migrants through the Howard Mohr Community Center’s food pantry and services like omputer training at the Forest Park Public Library
At an October village council meeting, commissioners unanimously approved the village’s membership in the Strong Cities Network. Although Hoskins attended three Strong Cities events this year in the United States, this was his first global summit with the organization.
Hoskins recalled meeting someone at the summit who knew an official from the Albanian delegation that visited rest Park last summer for discussions about establishing a sister city relationship between the village and the Albanian city of Vlora.
“Forest Park has a really vibrant Albanian community,” Hoskins said.
Such a relationship could foster an exchange of advice on ulture and policy between the two municipalities, he added.
“Some of the things I [took] from the conference [were] how other towns are using their status as sister city communities to foster educational opportunities for young people,” Hoskins said. He added that privately raised funds allow stuents or young adults to travel to another country to lear n about its culture.
Hoskins also learned about Cape Town’s culture as a firsttime visitor to South Africa.
Hoskins’ wife Monique came with him on the trip, and they took some time to travel together, he said. They went to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point in South Africa, where the tlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean meet.
PROVIDED
Rory Hoskins with Mayor Jans Van Zanen of e Hague, Netherlands, one of the co-chairs of the Strong Cities’ Fi h Global Summit.
PROVIDED
American mayors with Mayor Fatiha El Moudni of Rabat, Morocco.
PROVIDED
Rory and Monique Hoskins at Cape Agulhas
CRIME
Juveniles charged with strong-armed robber y on Blue Line
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
On Dec. 6, police were dispatched to the Forest Park Blue Line station for a strongarmed robbery. A man told police that he was riding the train when two suspects came up and demanded his phone. When the man refused, one of the them hit the man’s head with his fist while the other grabbed his backpack. Police took them, both juveniles, into custody, where they were each charged with one count of robbery before being released to their guardians.
Suspicious person
A woman living on Polk Street came into the police department Dec. 7 to re port someone on her property. She told police that, around 2 a.m. on Dec. 6, her video surveillance showed a man in her backyard, looking around. He looked into her boy-
friend’s car in the parking lot before leaving. No one was charged.
Leaky dishwasher
Police responded to Kribi Coffee Dec. 9 after receiving a call that water was pouring into the business. An employee told police that they were setting up the coffee shop and noticed lots of water dripping from the ceiling. The resident of the upstairs unit was contacted and let personnel in. They determined the dishwasher was leaking. No one was charged, but a police re port was made for insurance purposes.
Landlord-tenant dispute
On Dec. 7, police arrived at a Hannah Avenue residence to address a tenant’s complaint that her landlord was harassing her. The landlord had just put up a notice on the building’s parking lot that the woman couldn’t use it, or she’d be towed. She also
said the landlord has turned of f electricity for minutes at a time, was re peatedly verbally aggressive in the past, and has tried to evict her and her family, but was denied by a judge. Police told the woman that restricting parking wasn’t illegal. When they asked the landlord about turning of f the electricity, he said the fuse box was inside the tenants’ apar tment. No one has been charged.
Battery
On Dec. 15, police were dispatched to the intersection of Circle and Madison after getting a call that a woman was pushed out of a car. The woman told police that her boyfriend pushed her from a moving U-Haul truck after an argument. Police provided the woman with a domestic violence victim’s rights sheet. The woman refused medical attention, though police said she had minor injuries from falling into the street, and wanted to sign com-
plaints ag ainst the man, who has not been charged.
These items were obtained from Forest Park Police Department re ports dated Dec. 6 - 15 and re present a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these re ports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We re port 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.
State report card a mixed bag for School District 91
While scores improved district-wide, one elementary school now must complete a multiyear improvement plan
By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Contributing Reporter
Forest Park’s elementary and middle school students improved in both math and English language arts testing last year, but one school still fell below state expectations and now must begin a four-year remediation period, according to District 91’s latest Illinois re port card.
State re port cards evaluate schools’ perfor mance in areas that include grade-level proficiency measured by statewide tests, year-to-year student improvement and rates of chronic absenteeism. It uses those results to put schools into ranked categories. D91 spokesperson Nurys Uceta-Ramos said that this round of state data has offered the school district a much-needed opportunity for reflection as it looks to develop a new strategic plan for after 2026.
“As a district we really prioritize using this data,” Uceta-Ramos said. “The data that comes out of state re porting is some of the data we use to guide our approach for an upcoming school year as well as highlight some moments of celebration. We can see what’s working well and what needs to shift in terms of the approaches we’re taking.”
In 2023-24, the district saw 41.4% of students reach proficiency for their grade level in language arts, compared to 31.3% the year before, while 22.3% of students at the districts’ four schools reached proficiency in math, compared to 18.6% the year before. D91 students nar rowly rose above the statewide proficiency rate of 39.4% in ELA, but still lagged eight points behind the statewide math proficiency rate of 26.9%, according to the state re port.
The students’ year-to-year improvement in both math and ELA is encouraging for the district and can be attributed in part to adjustments to how the district has structured its curriculum, Uceta-Ramos said.
“We are now using materials that build upon each other across grade levels,” Uceta-Ramos said. “Additionally, our students
are reading significantly more, which we can attribute to the intentional approach of incorporating more reading and writing opportunities and providing culturally relevant texts through the Rising Voices Library [curriculum]. This comprehensive approach has had a meaningful impact on student eng agement, literacy growth and math proficiency.”
Uceta-Ramos also pointed to a year-overyear drop in D91’s rate of chronic absenteeism and a growth in its enrollment as signs of a district trending in the right direction. However, neither figure for the district has yet recovered to pre-pandemic levels, according to the report.
School results
Betsy Ross Elementary, Garfield Elementary and Forest Park Middle each received “commendable” designations on the state’s 2023-24 re port card, while the state classified Field-Stevenson Intermediate as a “targeted” school, according to the re port card.
“Commendable” schools do not have any subsets of students underperforming and graduate more than two thirds of their students but are not among the state’s top 10% of schools, according to state guidelines. Targeted schools have at least one subset of students performing in line with the bottom 5% of Illinois schools, according to state guidelines. The other two designations the state hands out are “exemplary,” for institutions with students performing in the top 10% of the state, and “comprehensive,” for schools performing in the bottom 5% of the state, according to state re gulations.
Low proficiency rates among Black children in last year’s testing at Field-Stevenson Intermediate, which serves third, fourth and fifth graders, put the school under its new designation, which requires the school to undergo an improvement plan.
The proficiency rates for Black students were half that of the district overall, with only 19.1% of the school’s Black students meeting or exceeding the states’ standard of proficiency in ELA. Only 6% of Black students met or exceeded state standards in math, according to the re port card.
“Field-Stevenson received a targeted support designation this year due to specific student group performance, nar rowly missing a commendable designation by
just two points,” Uceta-Ramos said. “When analyzing the data by student group, it is evident that growth is needed across all groups, particularly as our school serves a predominantly Black/African American population.”
She said they have developed a “robust school improvement plan” to address the deficiencies.
Field-Stevenson’s student body is 43% Black and has a higher rate of low-income students than the other three schools in the district, according to the state re port Schools that receive a targeted designation from the state must embark on a four-year improvement cycle, in which the school must work to “focus on building and/or modifying the systems needed to improve student achievement and perfor mance outcomes,” according to state guidelines.
Field-Stevenson must improve the perfor mance and help more of its Black students meet proficiency standards by the end of the four-year cycle.
“I don’t believe our staf f or leadership is discouraged by this’ if anything it’s just extra motivation to keep putting our best foot forward to support our learners,” Uceta-Ramos said.
Forest Park Middle School FILE
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OUR VIEW
D209’s new leader
Curious. Inauspicious. So totally 209-ish. That’s our reaction to the arrival of Krish Mohip as the new superintendent of the District 209 Proviso Township High Schools
Mohip has impressive credentials, if somewhat topheavy with high-level bureaucratic leadership posts in both the Chicago Public Schools and the Illinois State Board of Education. While notable career accomplishments, those posts must already feel far removed from the rough and tumble — or more accurately, vicious and knife-fighting — ways of D209’s politics.
Consider that Mohip attended his first meeting of the school board on Dec 10 and was welcomed with oddly stern warnings from elected officials serving Proviso Township, but outside the school system, that he should forget the charm offensive and focus on results
Is Mohip going to turn around this deeply troubled school district with a ready smile and an open door? Not entirely. But when he says he will focus on English as a Second Language students and academic performance and financial transparency, he sounds as if he has a proper focus on students, a focus nearly entirely lacking in the last, utterly failed, permanent superintendent.
How Mohip resurfaced in D209 is not fully clear. He was announced in April 2024 as one of three finalists in the search process to replace James Henderson. Then, in typical D209 board dysfunction, school board member Della Patterson pronounced the entire search process as flawed and called for a new search effort.
But now he is here. The superintendent of three high schools with a history of unstable administrative leadership, dysfunctional elected school boards, unhappy but powerful teachers, poor test scores in two of the schools, a seemingly healthy financial picture (but bring on the transparency), and a community that is both tuned out and frustrated
Mohip, to his credit, professes excitement to be at D209. We welcome him.
A presence on Madison
In one of the more creative and unexpected tur ns, Forest Park’s village gover nment is about to take possession of a storefront on Madison Street. It comes in the form of a gift, from the current owner of the commercial condo at 7410 Madison St., to the village
The space, in a quite new mixed-use building on the street, most recently housed a cigar store and lounge. The village will take the space off the tax rolls and make minor updates to the interior and its systems
Then it will offer the space to possibly three local nonprofits who will benefit from the exposure and access of being on the main commercial strip in town. The Forest Park Chamber of Commerce will be making a return to Madison. Also likely moving in will be the Historical Society of Forest Park and the Forest Park Arts Alliance. The village may also use a meeting space in the storefront as a place to meet prospective new businesses considering locating in town. This is an altogether positive move that elevates key nonprofits and centers Madison Street as the hub of Forest Park
OPINION
Why I’m an orthodox Christian agnostic
It may sound paradoxical, but I am an orthodox Christian agnostic:
The orthodox Christian part:
A mainline pastor once said to me, “Evangelicals know they are right. We Presbyterians hope we are right.”
Regarding “knowing,” I resonate with the Presbyterian.
On the one hand, I’m an orthodox Christian. I believe in God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I go to church every Sunday I read the Bible and pray almost every morning
The agnostic part:
HOLMES
In the current English usage of the word “agnostic” means nothing can be known about God. The etymology of the word, however, reveals that gnostic comes from the Greek word “gnosis” which means knowledge and “a” which means not. For example the word “asymmetric” means “not symmetric.” The meaning of “apolitical” is “not interested in politics.”
In my use of the word, agnostic means “I don’t know,” and in that sense of the word there are a whole lot of things I don’t know.
Regarding orthodox Christian teaching, I don’t know how to explain the Trinity — one God in three persons I don’t know how to explain the existence of evil if God is both omnipotent and good. I don’t know how Jesus can be truly human and at the same time truly divine. My list of “I don’t knows” regarding the Bible and religion is very, very long.
Personally, I think that religious folks who “know,” i.e. have an answer for every question, are either smoking something or flat-out lying.
Two of the books on my bookshelves are titled, The Faith to Doubt and The Sin of Certainty. As Hebrews 11:1 declares, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
But my purpose in this column is to talk about “I don’t know” in terms of applying my faith to issues in everyday life.
Abortion for example: Personally, I believe that life begins at conception. Life in some form or another, at least. But the big debate is now about “personhood,” i.e. when does the fetus become human, a person who has constitutional rights
Is it when there is a detectable heartbeat, or is it when the fetus is “viable,” or is it at birth as some rabbis teach? I don’t know. And that makes determining the point at which an abortion is ethically acceptable an issue, which
makes forming a cultural consensus necessary. Separation of church and state for example: I do know that I do not want a Christian version of sharia law imposed on the citizens of the United States. On the other hand, the term “separation of church and state” is nowhere to be found in the Constitution.
According to the Constitution, the state cannot mess with churches but religious people — and atheists and woke people and MAGAs — have every right to participate in the decision-making process of the state — whether you approve of what they stand for or not. Read the First Amendment.
I don’t know where to draw the line between speech that is acceptable and speech that is not.
I don’t know how big the federal government should be.
I don’t know if Governor Pritzker should have closed schools during the pandemic or not.
I don’t know where to draw the line between which guns are permissible to own by citizens and which are not.
I’ve heard some people say, regarding immigration, that we should have high walls and wide gates. I’ve heard other people offer a version of, “Immigrants, immigrants. I’ve had nothing but trouble with immigrants ever since I came to this country.”
I belong to a Thai congregation in which, as far as I know, everyone who was born in Thailand is here legally, but I also hear how hard it can be to get a visa, let alone a green card, let alone U.S. citizenship.
I don’t know exactly how to regulate the flow of migrants into this country.
I don’t know exactly how to respond to homelessness in this country. I’ve had experiences with many unhoused people. One relationship has lasted five years, and my wife and I have invested a lot of time and money into their struggle to stay off the street. I don’t know if we’ve done the right thing with them or not. I don’t know how much time and money is enough.
From a biblical perspective, not knowing has quite a bit of support. In 1 Corinthians 13:12, for example, Paul says, “For now we see in a mirror [which is fogged up after taking a shower] dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.”
Personally, I get irritated with people who have simplistic, black-and-white answers for every knotty issue we in society are trying figure out. Personally, I wish people would say, “I don’t know” more often and “these truths are self-evident” less, but that requires the precious gift of humility
December 18, 2024
Editor Erika Hobbs
Sta Repor ter Jessica Mordacq
Digital Manager Stacy Coleman
Digital Media Coordinator Brooke Duncan
Assistant Editor, Ar ts & Enter tainment Dalal Or fali
Contributing Editor Donna Greene
Contributing Reporters Tom Holmes, John Rice, Jackie Glosniak, Robert J. Li a
Columnists Alan Brouilette, Jill Wagner, Tom Holmes, John Rice
Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead
Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea
Designers Susan McKelvey, Vanessa Garza
Marketing & Adver tising Associate Ben Stumpe
Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls
Business & Development Manager
Mary Ellen Nelligan
Circulation Manager Jill Wagner
Publisher Dan Haley
Special Projects Manager Susan Walker
Board of Directors
Chair Eric Weinheimer
Treasurer Nile Wendorf
Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards, Judy Gre n, Horacio Mendez, Charles Meyerson, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon Audra Wilson
HOW TO REACH US
ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-366-0600 ■ FAX 708-467-9066
EMAIL forestpark@wjinc.com
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Forest Park Review is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. © 2024 Growing Community Media NFP.
Tips for enjoying the holidays
Here are some holiday tips, based on mistakes I’ve made and others I’ve observed:
■ Do not give a 3-year-old a gift card instead of a toy because you didn’t have time to shop. They will cry re gardless of the amount.
■ Family parties are not the place to blindside someone by bringing up an embarrassing story … unless it’s really funny.
■ If someone gives you a box of candy, do not immediately exclaim, “Great. I can bring this to my next party!”
■ The secret to a successful party is for the hosts to be relaxed but still conscious.
■ Don’t make a speech about how itchy wool sweaters can be just before your sister hands you one.
■ At any holiday gathering, you’ll have more fun asking people questions than telling your stories.
■ If your brain tells you that one more drink will make you feel even better, it’s time for coffee.
■ It’s best not to criticize your host’s
main dish until you’ve tasted it. Tofu turkey can be amazing.
■ Don’t be disappointed when the holidays don’t magically transform your relatives into the people you want them to be. Besides, it wouldn’t be Christmas without Aunt Helen complaining about her hip.
■ If you come from a big family with a wide age range, each person’s view is valid. No one has a monopoly on reality — or knows who really broke the picture window.
■ Gift-ripping jamborees were great growing up but thanks to inflation we now take turns.
■ Small talk can be exhausting. That’s why we need football and sentimental movies to watch.
■ Even though you took psycholo gy in high school and a glass of Merlot makes you even smarter, leave the mental diagnosis of siblings to professionals.
■ When you seat yourself at a table, I recommend the middle, because you’ll have more people to talk to. Also, wedge yourself into a spot where no one can ask you to get up and help.
High-tech, 1970s
style, was all the rage
The 1979 special holiday ad section of the Forest Park Review featured special buys from local businesses, including Trage Brothers at 7440 Madison St. Atari Video Game Console with 25 games and additional Game Ca rtridges (Superman, Casino, Missile Command) were available. In addition, the 4-hour VHS video recorder with remote pause controls was a must-have for those who were ahead of the times. The Trage ad featured additional bargains on a 15-inch portable color TV, microwave ovens, and stereo with cassette tape player/ recorder, turntable and speakers.
Jill Wagner
■ Clearing the dishes is a conversationkiller. It’s best to linger a while until everyone’s done discussing the TV series they’ re streaming.
■ I don’t like when people make flat-out pronouncements that a certain movie or book is good. Just say you liked it.
■ Setting a place for a foreign student or another non-family member can enhance the holiday. I’ll never forget the fun we had with the Iranian students we hosted at the height of the hostage crisis
■ Gossiping can be as delicious as sweet potato casserole, but it leaves a bitter aftertaste.
■ My wife and I have a policy of not giving practical things as presents. I’m still recovering from the time my mother gave me a space heater for Christmas.
■ Naps are not permitted during a holiday party, but sometimes I wish they were.
■ As hosts, we always remind ourselves that we’re not responsible for whether our guests have fun. We can only provide them with food, drinks and hints when it’s time to go.
Merry Christmas and remember: Every time you donate to the “Review” an angel gets his wings.
A LOOK BACK IN TIME
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION
NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT
MORTGAGE SERVICING F/K/A SPECIALIZED LOAN SERVICING LLC Plaintiff, -v.JAIME ROJAS, DAMON RITENHOUSE, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF VILMA TOLEDO, DECEASED, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, VILLAGE OF BELLWOOD, RODRIGO ROJAS, DIEGO ROJAS A/K/A DIEGO FELIPE ROJAS, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF VILMA TOLEDO Defendants 16 CH 15479 120 HYDE PARK AVENUE
BELLWOOD, IL 60104
NOTICE OF SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 6, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 A.M. on January 7, 2025, 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: PARCEL ONE: LOT 159, (EXCEPT THE SOUTH 8-1/3 FEET THEREOF), IN ST. CHARLES ROAD FIRST ADDITION TO PROVISO, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE NORTH HALF OF SECTION 8, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. PARCEL TWO; THE SOUTH 16.67 FEET OF LOT 160, IN ST. CHARLES ROAD FIRST ADDITION TO PROVISO, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE WEST HALF OF THE EAST HALF OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER, (LYING NORTH OF ST. CHARLES ROAD) OF SECTION 8, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS (EXCEPT THAT PART CONVEYED TO THE CHICAGO AND NORTHWESTERN RAILWAY), IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Commonly known as 120 HYDE PARK AVENUE, BELLWOOD, IL 60104
Property Index No. 15-08-216-059-0000
The real estate is improved with a single family 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.
MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. 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.
MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC
One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088
E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com
Attorney File No. 20-05507IL_615449
Attorney Code. 61256
Case Number: 16 CH 15479
TJSC#: 44-3013
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 # 16 CH 15479 I3256364
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION
MATRIX FINANCIAL SERVICES CORPORATION
Plaintiff vs. GINA M. BRADEN
Defendant 20 CH 3059
CALENDAR 60
NOTICE OF SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on January 7, 2025, at the hour 11:00 A.M., Intercounty’s office, 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, IL 60602, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: LOT 2 IN BLOCK 2 IN OLIVER SALINGER AND COMPANY’S WESTDALE GARDENS, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE NORTHWEST FRACTIONAL 1/4 OF SECTION 19, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED DECEMBER 10, 1943 AS DOCUMENT 13191348, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
P.I.N. 15-19-101-065-0000. Commonly known as 1207 DEGENER AVE., ELMHURST, IL 60126. The real estate is: 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 (g1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.
For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel, 175 North Franklin Street, Suite 201, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 3571125. 20-00801
INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3256377
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
OF OAK PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
CALENDAR NUMBER: 22-24-Z
HEARING DATE: January 8, 2025 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 an application filed by the Applicant, Sergiy Zamula, seeking a variance from section 9.3 (B)(8)(a) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance, which section allows a basement accessory dwelling unit on a zoning lot within a singlefamily dwelling unit, to permit the construction of a basement accessory dwelling unit in the building of the existing twofamily dwelling unit by variance at the premises commonly known as 820 S. Maple Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Number 16-18-127-007-0000 (“Subject Property”), in the R-350 Single-Family Zoning District.
A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development 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.
21-24-Z
HEARING DATE: January 8, 2025
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 the Applicant, Sun Wellness Corp., d/b/a/ Massage Envy, to operate a massage service establishment pursuant to Section 8.3 (“Table 8-1: Use Matrix) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance at the property located at 971 Lake Street, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Number 16-07-128-031-0000, in the DT Downtown Business Zoning District.
In addition, Section 8.3 (Table 8-1: Use Matrix) prohibits massage service establishments from being located within the first 50 feet of the street lot line at grade level or on the ground floor of any building within the DT-1 and DT-2 Sub-Districts of
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Downtown. Sun Wellness Corp., d/b/a/ Massage Envy, a massage service establishment, plans to operate on the ground floor of the building within 50 feet of Forest Avenue and Lake Street lot lines.
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 ZBA to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.
in Wednesday Journal,
