ForestParkReview_082725 by Wednesday Journal

Residen expressed conce about noise and tra but the expansio proposal is on hold for

By JESSICA MOR

Earlier this 901 S. Harlem Av for the second time in three seems like that’s not going to happen, now.

According to St village’s building ment, Crystal Car vacuum stalls to the lot the only agenda Planning and Zoning ings. But the PZC meetings after Crystal Car bos withdrew his Crystal Car Wash did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

e new facility o ers ces – which owner Jam er says alleviated pain m his chronic illness

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

There’s now a one-stop shop in Forest Park biohacking — the process of improving permance and health by combining traditional wellness practices and modern technology. The inside of HEAL—Wellness + Longevity looks like a spa, but offers the use of infrared saunas, cold plunge bathtubs and a hyperbaric en chamber. The facility aims to help customers, whether they have a chronic ailment or

Some residents in the area are conSee

on page 3 See CAR WASH on page 13

PHOTO PROVIDED

Owner Neil Rembos in front of Crystal Car Wash

HEAL

Wellness

spa opens from page 1

want to feel more energized, to rid the body of toxins, plus improve cardiovascular, metabolic and autoimmune health.

Oak Park resident Jam Alker, owner of HEAL, is opening the first-of-its-kind facility just blocks from where he lives after he found himself travelling to Naperville or downtown Chicago to access similar offerings. HEAL’s grand opening is on Thursday, though the location is already open to about 150 people who have signed up for one of 250 founding memberships

HEAL’s core services are provided in it seven contrast therapy suites. First-time visitors can rent the suites for $35 an hour, and $49 a session after that. In that 60 minutes they have access to a dry infrared sauna tha heats up to 175 degrees and a rain sho with a filter that removes traces of fluoride chlorine, pesticides and heavy metals from the village’s water. The shower has toxin-free shampoo, conditioner and body wash mad in-house, plus organic cotton towels that ar washed at HEAL with toxin-free products After a shower, customers can use the suite’ cold plunge bathtub

Alker says he usually does three rounds of the sauna, shower and cold plunge within the hour. The contrast therapy, he says, allows the body to burn a significant amount of ories when its core temperature drops, rises, repeatedly. Alker added that the plunges make the body feel more energize by increasing dopamine and norepineph

“You get cardiovascular benefits from warming up so much that your body has pump so much oxygen and so much blood to cool you down that you have a low-key cardio workout when you’re in there,” Alker said. “It’s a very luxurious, calming, peaceful experience, and you’re burning more calories than if you spent all of that time killing yourself on a treadmill.”

clinic also includes an office for a functional medicine doctor who will work out of HEAL a couple days a week. Alker said the doctor will start offering free wellness consultations next month.

“I’m not sh*tting on traditional medicine. If you have a broken bone, if you have a heart attack, if you have a car accident, by all means go to the doctor, go to the hospital,” Alker said. “But if you talk candidly with many doctors and healthcare providers, they’re going to tell you that they are not properly trained to handle autoimmune, chronic fatigue, and chronic inflammation.”

In the middle of the HEAL building is a recovery and meeting room. Seats provide a resting place for those doing an IV drip or red light face masks. But Alker also plans to hold events in the space, including lectures or

Jam Alker in the front waiting room portion of HEAL—Wellness + Longev ity

healing modalities into my protocol.”

“I’m now 54, and I feel like I did in my 30s,” Alker added. “This is what I’m hoping to bring to the community — if some people can feel even remotely close to the way I feel now, I feel like I will have fulfilled that mission to help others.”

Alker shares the story of a new client who came on the first day HEAL was signing up founding members. He said the woman has ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic autoimmune inflammatory arthritis.

At the back of HEAL, there’s a “glam lab” where visitors can get ready after their time in the contrast therapy suites.

The clinic side of HEAL will be fully up and running come next month or October. It includes a wellness-grade hyperbaric oxygen chamber — which Alker says helps expand lung capacity and increase oxygen in the blood — and a red light therapy room with a pulse electromagnetic frequency map, recommended in the wellness industry to improve cellular function, boost collagen production and improve blood circulation. The

bar, you’re actually doing something good for yourself, but in the social environment.”

Last week, for example, he hosted an event with BODYBAR Pilates in Oak Park, where a coach taught meditation and breath work.

“It’s very important to me that we build community here with the whole wellness community of Oak Park, Forest Park and River Forest,” Alker said. “We very much complement what it is they’re doing with the additional recovery and wellness services that we offer here.”

this to the community.”

Service, through biohacking specifically, became even more of Alker’s mission after a chronic illness sidelined his musical career following his first major record deal with Sony. Early during the Covid-19 pandemic, Alker contracted a bacterial infection that led to chronic pain, inflammation and fatigue. He found solace in the types of remedies he offers at HEAL

“I went to several doctors in the traditional healthcare system, and they just weren’t able to heal me. They just wanted to give me more drugs. So I decided to seek help in the holistic community instead,” Alker said. “I had a really profound healing experience when I started to incorporate these other

“She mentioned that she’s been in chronic pain since her childhood. There’s never been a time where she can’t remember being in pain,” Alker said. “She came back literally the next day and she said, ‘I got out to my car, and I sat down in my car, and I thought about it again, and I realized that I was 100% pain free for the first time in my adult life.’”

Alker said the woman now comes in every morning and can get through most of the day without pain.

“That is the ‘why’ behind this,” Alker said, “and why I called it HEAL.”

HEAL—Wellness + Longevity’s grand opening is Aug. 28 from 4 to 8 p.m. at 7210 Circle Park Ave.

JESSICA MOR DACQ

Inside the contrast therapy suites, customers have an hour to access a dr y inf rared sauna, shower and cold-plunge tub.

JESSICA MOR DACQ

Transforming garages to galleries Garage Galleries brought out the browsers Aug. 23

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

The afternoon of Aug. 23, locals sauntered through Forest Park streets and alleyways, enjoying artwork from jewelers, painters, photographers, potters and more.

The 11th annual Garage Galleries, put on by the Arts Alliance of Forest Park, celebrated art from over 100 art vendors based in Forest Park and surrounding areas in more than 40 g arages.

The Garage Galleries event was conceived in 2014 by Forest Park artist Amy Turilli as a way to showcase local artists in a casual setting — by transforming Forest Park garages into temporary galleries for public viewing. Since then, the event has massively grown, from just two garages to nearly four do zen.

As in previous years, the locations of the garage galleries were dispersed through an online, interactive map, and print maps were given to attendees.

Photos by ALEXIS ELLERS

CRIME

Man arrested after suspected drug sale at Thorntons gas station

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

T he evening of Aug. 21, while on patrol, police saw a man quickly walk away from the passenger side window of a car parked at T horntons g as station on Harlem Avenue. According to the police re port, police know T horntons as a common area for the sale and consumption of narcotics. Police ran the re gistration of the car that the man walked up to and saw that it expired earlier this year. T hey pulled the car over on Harlem Avenue after it left the g as station and smelled cannabis inside. Police asked the driver, who said there wasn’t cannabis in the car, to step out so they could search the vehicle. T hey found weed under and on the driver’s seat and suspected Xanax in a pill bottle in the trunk’s wheel well. T he driver was charged with expired re gistration, possession of a controlled substance, possession of cannabis in the passenger area of a car, and manufacturing or delivering a controlled substance.

Suspicious circumstances

Police responded to a man on Aug. 18 who re ported that he lost the keys to his car around noon and, nearly eight hours later, discovered his car stolen. He told police he parked in the 1200 block of Marengo Avenue and initially said the car was his before saying it was bought by his business and was for sale. According to police, the man couldn’t produce a bill of sale and said the car didn’t have any insurance. A police department detective told the responding officer that there’s a current criminal pattern of small dealerships selling cars for cash, then re porting them stolen. These cars have been recovered or connected to crimes after the alle ged stealing, according to the police re port. No one was charged at the time of the re port

Burglary from motor vehicle

On Aug. 18, someone came to the police department to re port their father’s vehicle was broken into. Their father owns a landscaping company and parked a trailer in the 7700 block of Madison Street. A family friend later called to re port that the trail-

er’s doors were open and that there were pry marks and a detached lock. The family didn’t re port anything missing from the trailer, though they said this is the second time the trailer was broken into.

Also on Aug. 18, a man on the 1000 block of Circle Avenue waved down police. There, a man told police his plumbing work van was parked on the street and he was inside briefly cleaning up. When he returned to the van, tools were missing. He told police he could not remember if he locked the van and there was no forced entry. Missing tools include a $4,000 sewer camera and $1,100 sewer locator.

Police were dispatched to the 7700 block of Van Buren Street on Aug. 20 after a woman called to re port that a man was inside her car before he started walking toward the CTA Blue Line station. She told police that she exited her residence to see a man sitting in the driver’s seat of her car. She asked him what he was doing, and he asked if it was her vehicle before walking away quickly. Police found a man matching the woman’s description at the train station and handcuffed him. The woman positively identified him, though the man said he wasn’t in her car and accused her of being racist. He later said he did enter her car because he needed change, which the woman re ported missing. Police also found two debit cards and three insurance cards from multiple people on the man. He was charged with burglary from a motor vehicle.

On Aug 21, a man called police to re port that he went to Planet Fitness and, when he left, discovered his wallet was missing. He told police that his car was in the parking lot and there was damage to the key hole area of the driver’s side door handle. He said nothing was missing from the car except his wallet, which had his ID, a copy of his passport and $25. No one had been charged at the time of the re port

Damage to proper ty

Police were dispatched to an Elgin Avenue residence on Aug. 19 after a caller re ported that his girlfriend broke the window of his car. According to the police re port, officers responded to the address on Aug. 17 and 18 for a domestic disturbance and criminal dama ge to property

re port, respectively. On both days, the girlfriend re por tedly slashed the tires of her boyfriend’s car. Police re ported that, on Aug. 19, both windows on the driver’s side of the man’s car were smashed and that there was a piece of concrete in the grass next to it. Inside the residence, the man immediately said he wanted to sign complaints and the woman was handcuffed. T he man told police that they’d been arguing over the past few days because the woman thinks he’s been cheating on her while pregnant with his child. T he woman admitted to police that she smashed the car windows with a large rock and was charged with criminal dama ge to property

After midnight on Aug. 21, police were dispatched to Madison Street after the caller heard someone break a table at Constitution Court. Police found a couple matching the given description in the 400 block of Thomas Avenue and apprehended them. The man and woman told police that

the man tripped and fell into a table at Constitution Court, breaking the base and leg of the table. The caller told police that the couple walked away laughing, but officers were unable to determine if the damage was on purpose. The man and woman were released from the scene, and if police can determine the damage was done on purpose, they will issue a local ordinance citation.

These items were obtained from Forest Park Police Department reports dated Aug. 18 - 21 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.

Special Program

Sept 29, 2025

Special Program

Sept 29, 2025

MK Pritzker

Sept 29, 2025

MK Pritzker

Pritzker

MK Pritzker

Sept 29, 2025 MK Pritzker

A House that made history

The Illinois Governor’s Mansion, Legacy of an Architectural Treasure

A House that made history

The Illinois Governor’s Mansion, Legacy of an Architectural Treasure

A House that made history

The Illinois Governor’s Mansion, Legacy of an Architectural Treasure

Join us for a special presentation by the First Lady of Illinois, MK Pritzker, sharing the story of the people who populated the Illinois Governor’s mansion over the years and her efforts to restore it to its former glory.

Tickets on Sale August 28

Lunch & Program $60 Program Only $30*

Tickets on Sale August 28

Lunch begins at noon; program to follow at 1:15 pm. Advance reservations required.

Tickets on Sale August 28

Lunch & Program—$60 Program Only—$30*

* Fee waivers available for the program; email pritkzerquestions@nineteenthcentury.org or call 708 -386-2729

Lunch & Program $60 Program Only $30*

Tickets on Sale August 28

Lunch & Program $60 Program Only $30*

Tickets on Sale August 28

Lunch begins at noon; program to follow at 1:15 pm. Advance reservations required.

Lunch & Program $60 Program Only $30*

Lunch begins at noon; program to follow at 1:15 pm. Advance reservations required.

* Fee waivers available for the program; email pritkzerquestions@nineteenthcentury.org or call 708 -386-2729

Lunch & Program $60 Program Only $30* Lunch begins at noon; program to follow at 1:15 pm. Advance reservations required.

Lunch begins at noon; program to follow at 1:15 pm. Advance reservations required.

* Fee waivers available for the program; email pritkzerquestions@nineteenthcentury.org or call 708 -386-2729

178 Forest Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60301

708-386-2729 www.nineteenthcentury.org

* Fee waivers available for the program; email pritkzerquestions@nineteenthcentury.org or call 708 -386-2729

178 Forest Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60301

178 Forest Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60301 708-386-2729 www.nineteenthcentury.org

708-386-2729 www.nineteenthcentury.org

178 Forest Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60301

178 Forest Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60301 708-386-2729 www.nineteenthcentury.org

708-386-2729 www.nineteenthcentury.org

Scarecrow invasion returns

e 5th annual Arts Alliance and Historical Society event kicks o Sept. 6

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

Hundreds of scarecrows will soon decorate yards around Forest Park again throughout October.

The Arts Alliance of Forest Park and Historical Society of Forest Park are soon launching the fifth year of their fundraiser, Invasion of the Scarecrows.

This year, 150 scarecrows will be available to order online and pick up at the Park District of Forest Park’s Fall Fest on Sept. 6. There will also be up to 300 scarecrows from previous years of the fundraiser decorating yards throughout town — which owners can include on the Invasion of the Scarecrows map for $5.

To order a new scarecrow this year for $35, visit the Historical Society website at: https://www.forestparkhistory.org/. Kits include a wooden frame, a head, a plastic

bag for stuffing, paint, a paintbrush, plus instructions on how to put the scarecrow together and a sign for the display. Kits for children, which have a smaller frame, are $25. People can also buy a pre-painted face by an artist for $10.

Scarecrows will be set up throughout October, and an interactive map of their locations will be published online by the first of the month. Also in October, people can vote on their favorite scarecrows. There will be prizes for the winners in the four categories of Most Historic, Most Artistic, Most “Forest Park” and People’s Choice. There will also be two new prizes this year, one to honor an existing scarecrow and another to award the block with the highest participation.

The Arts Alliance and Historical Society will award winners with gifts and gift cards from local businesses and organizations in early November.

PHOTO S BY TODD

Above: Taylor Swi and Trav is Kelce

Le : A Minion

Below le : Harry Potter

Below: Home Alone

BANNOR

U.S. News rankings give good marks

nomic back grounds, exposing them to challenging coursework on the path to graduation.” the publication said of its ranking for mula. “The highest ranked U.S. public schools in U.S. News & World Re port’s 2025-2026 Best High Schools rankings are those whose students demonstrated outstanding outcomes above expectations in math, reading and science state assessments, earned qualifying scores on an ar ray of colle ge-level exams, and graduated in high proportions.”

T he top-ranked school in the state this year was Walter Payton Colle ge Prep High School in Chicago with an overall score of 99.82 out 100. Six of the Chicago Public School’s other selective enrollment schools ranked in the top 20 in the state

and top 500 nationally, according to the magazine

Locally the results were:

■ Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy ranked 84th in the state and 2,299th nationally with a score of 87.16.

■ OPRF High School was ranked 34th in the state and 793rd in the United States, with an overall score of 95.57 out of 100.

■ Lyons Township High School was ranked 39th in the state and 884th nationally, with an overall score of 95.06.

■ Riverside-Brookfield Township High School ranked 42nd in Illinois and 983rd in the country with its overall score of

The publication ranked more than 700 schools in Illinois, and more than 18,000 nationally.

High Schools from Metro Chicago dominate the rankings, as only six schools from outside the region were ranked higher than Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy using the magazine’s for mula.

The top five suburban Cook County public schools were New Trier High School in Winnetka, John Hersey High School in Arlington Heights, Glenbrook North and South High Schools in Northbrook and Glenview and Maine South High School in Park Ridge.

Be Proactive: Plant Large Trees & Evergreens

Some of the cooler weather over the past week has offered a refreshing glimpse of the fall season that is quickly approaching. This shift in seasons raises an important question: what does it mean to take a truly proactive approach to landscaping at this time of year?

The best answer is simple yet highly effective: plant large trees and evergreens.

Fall provides some of the most favorable conditions of the entire year for establishing new plantings— lower ground and air temperatures, resulting in rates of evaporation that decrease significantly. This allows more moisture to be retained over a longer period of time—a critical factor in helping new trees develop a strong, healthy root system that will sustain them for years to come.

Also keep in mind that before the ground freezes, it is important to apply anti-desiccant sprays �Wilt-Pruf is recommended) to minimize the moisture loss to transpiration, as cold winter winds are able to pull moisture out of the still-living plant tissues.

When spring rolls around, as the ground unfreezes (along with the snowpack), this early-season hydration is what allows them to “wake up” strong, fueling new growth and giving your landscaping a vibrant head start for the year.

JAVIER GOVEA

Scott McAdam Jr.

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150th birthday celebration for Tarzan author with Oak Park link

Event this Saturday includes a Tarzan yelling competition and lm screening

By LEAH SCHROEDER Contributing Reporter

Don’t be alarmed if you hear Tarzan yells coming from the Lake Theatre this Saturday – it’s just author and Tarzan creator Edgar Rice Burroughs’ 150th birthday celebration.

The Oak Park Historical Society has joined forces with Downtown Oak Park and Lake Theatre for this special occasion to provide Oak Park residents with a screening of a 1984 Tarzan film, remarks about oughs and, of course, a Tarzan yell competition.

Burroughs was originally born on the West Side of Chicago in 1875, but he and his young amily resided in Oak Park during several of his formative years as a new author

“He spent this really important time in Park where he’d write stories for magazines,” Frank Lipo, executive director of the Park Historical Society, said. “Then he ould reserve the rights and then publish them as novels. Then he would work with the movie industry to have movies made.”

At the time Burroughs was a “self-described failure,” Lipo said. But the Chicagoauthor quickly found success as an author of his endary 1912 novel Tarzan the Apes, and other advenscience fiction and fantasy pieces.

wever, Lipo said, it’s still a relatively unknown that the prolific author alled Oak Park home for a

Burroughs’ written contributions and life in Oak Park. Attendees will then have the opportunity to participate in the Tarzan yell contest and watch Greystoke: The Le gend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes at 11 a.m.

than they did when they were younger, but it’s still a big part of their lives.”

“We’re just trying to use a milestone birthday to shine a little bit of light on this author and one of his characters that a lot of people know, but they don’t quite know the story,” Lipo said.

“I think a lot of people have grown up reading these stories and watching these movies, and because of that, it’s sort of become part of their own personal mythology.”

MIKE SCHINDLER

Lipo hopes the celebration taking place Saturday, Aug. 30 at 10 a.m. will help spread awareness about the author’s Oak Park roots. The event will begin with a conversation led by Lipo about

Film programmer, Classic Cinemas

Mike Schindler, a film programmer at Classic Cinemas, said seeing this film on the big screen is a rare opportunity. Despite being released more than four decades ago, the film continues to stand the test of time, Schindler said.

“I think a lot of people have grown up reading these stories and watching these movies, and because of that, it’s sort of become part of their own personal mythology,” Schindler said. “It becomes a big deal for people, because it was a big deal for them when they were kids, and they’ve just grown with the material, and maybe see it differently now

Henry Franke, editor of the Burroughs Bibliophiles, agrees that Burroughs remains a relevant figure today, in part because of his stories.

“He just had a significant imagination, the ability to create new worlds, and yet when he wrote about them, they seemed very plausible and exciting to readers,” Franke said.

“He was about adventure. He was about romance… Most fundamentally, he was an outstanding storyteller.”

Tickets for the screening can be purchased for $5 at classiccinemas.com/tarzan or at the door. Lipo encourages Oak Park residents to attend the event to learn more about a member of their own community

“I’d say to people, have fun with the movie, maybe be goofy and do a Tarzan yell and have a little hoopla, but also learn about some of these people,” Burroughs said. “A guy like Burroughs walked the streets of Oak Park, his kids went to local schools here. He was actually very involved with the community.”

IMAGES COURTESY OF THE OA K PARK HISTORICAL SOCIET Y Edgar Rice Burroughs at work and during World War I.

Austin Green Line renovations underway for 1st time since 1962

e station will fully reopen next year with a new elevator, escalator, stairs and ramp

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

Have you taken the train at, or driven by the wh

the CTA Green Line stop

14 stations currently being renovated, growing the 70% of 146 CTA stops that are ADAaccessible.

“The start of this project work is the first major milestone in the year ahead for CTA’s All Stations Accessibility Program, which will include the opening of six newly accessible rail stations across the City – and demonstrates our commitment to making public transit work for everyone,” CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen said in a statement.

“No matter their zip code, all Chicagoans de-

and Corcoran Place to make the station fully accessible. These include a new elevator, escalator and ADA-compliant ramp, plus reconstructed stairs and an extended platform.

The CTA closed the main entrance of the station in June with work expected to be completed by early next year. Riders still have access to the station through an auxiliary entrance.

“Accessibility is not a luxury, nor is it optional; it is a fundamental right,” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said at the groundbreaking for the station renovations earlier this year. “I am proud that, when completed, this project will transform daily life for residents with disabilities who rely on public transit.”

The Austin Green Line station opened in 1899, was rebuilt in 1962, and hasn’t been updated since.

The Austin station renovations are a part of the CTA’s All Stations Accessibility Program, launched in 2018 to make all CTA stations fully accessible by 2038. Austin is one of

cure federal funding for the Austin Green Line station. “I’ll keep working with our local leaders and the Illinois congressional delegation to make public transportation more efficient, safe and accessible for all of Chicago.”

Over $20 million of the funding for the Austin Green Line station came from the federal Surface Transportation Program, and over $5 million came from Gov. JB Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan.

The CTA already has funding for the 14 stations in the first phase of the All Stations Accessibility Program, plus half the financing for its second phase. Second phase stations will include the Cicero, Pulaski and Austin Blue Line stops on Chicago’s West Side, plus the Oak Park and Ridgeland Green Line stations in the wester n suburbs.

According to a CTA statement, “Funding remains the biggest impediment to achieving a fully accessible rail system. Since the launch of the ASAP Plan, CTA has secured $740.8 million in funding,” but is still seeking finances for phases three and four.

Rendering of the completed CTA Austin Green Line station PROVIDED

Sample 10 vineyards varieties

Elmwood Park’s Sip N’ Stroll brings them all together in one location

SBy RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Contributing Reporter

ome say it takes a village, but in Elmwood Park’s Central Park, 7508 W. Fullerton Ave., you get a vintage.

Sample 10 wines, as well as two spirits, while you amble through the evening on Friday, Sept. 5, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

A $50 ticket to Sip ‘N Stroll grants access to all the pours as well as a commemorative glass to take home. You must be at least 21 in order to partake in the party.

Girls night out? Guys night? Meet up with friends you haven’t seen in a while? Or the crowd you see regularly? No matter who you go with, it’s a great way to discover a new favorite vino.

“Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for a different kind of evening out with friends, this event is sure to satisfy,” said Angelo “Skip” Saviano, Elmwood Park’s mayor.

To keep the party progressing perfectly, pair snacks with your samples.

Food will be available for purchase from Elmwood Park’s own Massa Café Italiano and Elmcrest Banquets. In previous years food offerings included antipasto skewers, antipasto trays and Italian sausage skew-

ers, prepared by the catering specialists at Elmcrest, as well as Italian-twisted sliders filled with chicken parmesan or the classic beef tenderloin sliders, served with blue cheese aioli and caramelized onions. Gelato options from Massa are sure to please the palate, refreshing your tastebuds for another round of spirit samples.

For the fourth year running, this event captures the essence of hospitality that is evident throughout the village. The area has an abundance of restaurants that seemingly encompass the entire world’s food cultures and many bars where friends meet.

“People in Elmwood Park are passionate about good food and drink,” said Saviano.

And they want to share it with you. The outdoor event, held at 75th Avenue and Fullerton, features wine varieties from 10

Wine connoisseurs and the wine curious sample vino for all tastes at a past Sip N’ Stroll.

different vineyards as well as samples of tequila and whiskey from the Sazerac Company of New Orleans.

After a swig or two, you can swing to the sounds of the Bill O’Connell Trio.

Maybe you will like all the offerings or

just one or two will becomes new go-tos. Once you’ve decided, you can gather information on how to purchase bottles from each of the vendors.

Raise a glass to the end of summer!

Provided

Good times await Tickets at: epsipnstroll2025.eventbrite.com

Date: Sept. 5

Time: 5-9 p.m.

Location: Central Park, 2430 N. 75th Ave., Elmwood Park

• Weddings & Receptions

• Cotillions & Quinceañeras

•

• Proms & School Dances Why Elmcrest?

• Customizable Event Packages

• On-Site & O -site Catering

• Elegant spaces for any occasion

• Convenient Location & Ample Parking Elmcrest Banquets 7370 W Grand Ave Elmwood Park, IL 60707 (708) 453-3989 • ElmcrestBanquets.com

Getting to know you

First day of school for D91

Pre-K teacher Jane Catezone talks with a student

Forest Park Middle School Principal Terriyaka Watson shakes hands with student Graeson Aldridge

Rachell Entler (Village Administrator), Shannon Wood (Forest Park Board of Education president), Robert Hubbird (D91 Interim Superintendent) and Mayor Rory Hoskins.

Photos by RACHELLE ERNST

Josiah McRae, a preschool student at Gar eld Elementary School.

CAR WASH

cerned about traffic and increased noise if the expansion is approved

Glinke said that the first cancelled PZC meeting was to give Crystal Car Wash more time to engage the neighborhood about the expansion — a suggestion, according to Glinke, brought up by the car wash’s lawyer.

The Review published a legal notice for a June 16 hearing for Crystal Car Wash’s addition of more vacuum stalls, but that hearing was also cancelled. And there were no PZC meetings in July or August.

were created

A car wash has existed at 901 S. Harlem Ave. for about 40 years, Glinke said. Befor it was Crystal Car Wash, Premier Car W sat at that location. Had Premier moved out and the property had been vacant for over 180 days, its nonconforming use would’ve lapsed. But because Crystal Car Wash moved in before that time expired, it inherited Premier’s nonconforming use

However, the lot across Lexington Street wasn’t grandfathered in. So, like this year, Rembos needed to apply for conditional approval to install more vacuums on the north lot, then have a public hearing with the PZC, whose recommendation the Village Council must ratify to approve more vacuums

This isn’t the first time Crystal Car Wash has sought to expand with more vacuum stalls.

Rembos bought Crystal Car Wash in 2017 and spent a year-and-a-half renovating it. Then in the summer of 2021, the car wash announced plans to spread to the lot just north of its current location. While the stipulations under which the vacuums could run was grandfathered in at the existing location, to expand across Lexington Street, the car wash required zoning relief from the PZC

According to village code, businesses can’t disturb the peace with noise between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. Though Crystal Car Wash’s vacuums run until the business closes at 9 p.m., the code doesn’t apply to businesses that existed before such noise restrictions

After a delayed hearing in May 2022 at the request of Crystal Car Wash’s attorney, in . demolished the vacant home on the proper ty The PZC delayed its vote because of concerns about traffic and noise.

At that PZC meeting and over the previous year, residents expressed their concerns about the vacuum noise. And they called for a traffic study, though the village didn’t require the car wash to complete one

In response to residents, Rembos said he would install a noise-reducing fence, as high as village regulations would allow, on the Lexington Street property. He added that the new vacuums would have noise-reducing holsters and that he would look into modifications at the existing facility.

The following PZC meeting in Dec. 2022 didn’t have Crystal Car Wash on the agenda.

Harmon lawyer says ‘ambiguous’ election law was misinterpreted by state o cials

Kasper goes deep in defending Harmon against $9.8M ne

By BILL DWYER Contributing Reporter

In arguing Wednesday for the dismissal of $9.8 million in fines and forfeitures brought by the I llinois State Board of E lections against State S enate President Don Harmon, veteran election lawyer Michael K asper wo rked to offer a tutorial on why wo rds matter when w riting a statute Harmon, an Oak Pa rk resident, did not attend the hearing wh ich was held in downtown Chicago. Barbara Goodman, an attorney from Northbrook, presided at the hearing. S he said she will take K asper ’s arguments under advisement and then forward her findings to ISBE General C ounsel Marni M. Malowitz.

While no date certain was given, the hearing officer ’s re po rt c ould be released prior to the next ISBE b oard meeting on Sept. 16.

K asper, re presenting Har mon, argued b oth that the ISBE “misinterpreted” the law as w ritten and that the law as w ritten is ambiguous.

arose from a c onflict b etween two clauses: section 9-8.5(b) and section 9-8.5(h).

Section 9-8.5(b), he said, “imposes c ont ribution limits, speaks in terms of ‘election cycles.’”

Section 9-8.5(h), K asper said, “which a ddresses the removal of c ontribution limitations, speaks not in terms of election cycles, but in terms of ‘ elections’ wh ich the whole c onflict here is about the fact that they ’re not necessarily the same thing.”

T he i ssue, K asper said, is “What is the effect of a c andidate self-funding thei r election. T he q uestion is wh at is the duration.” T he answe r, he said, involved b oth time and money.

“There’s a financial limit that g ets remove d by self-funding,” K asper said. “A nd there’s a time limit – election cycle. So there’s two limits a ccording to the (ISBE’s) analysis of subsection (b), (and) the self-fundin g removes only one of those limit s, the financial one, but not the time one.”

T he ISBE did not make any further for mal arguments during the hearing, although Goodman, the hearing officer, had the b oard’s previously filed brie f on her desk.

K asper noted that “about 35 page s of briefs” had b een filed “on the i nterpretation of a relative ly small amount of wo rds.” A mong those subject wo rd s we re “duration,” as well as “candidate” and the distinction in meaning b etween “election” and “election cycle. ” K asper b asically said the law Harmon co-sponsored years ago was at b est ambiguous on the matter at i ssue, saying, “I do n’ t think it c an reasonably be arg ued that this statute is not ambiguous I mean, there’s all kinds of per mutations about that.”

T he statute’s ambiguity, K asper said,

“But subsection (h) says ‘any c ontribution limits,’ if there’s b oth a financial and a time limitation. And section (h) removes any limitations,” K asper said. “W hy d oes (the time element) not get remove d too? Th at would be entirely c onsistent with all c andidates for the offic e. ”

“So it seems to me the operat ive wo rds… the operat ive clause here, is … 9-8.5(h): ‘If a public official c ontributes durin g the 12 months prior to an election an aggregate amount of more than $100,000 all c andidates for that office shall be pe rm itted to a ccept c ontributions in excess of any c ontribution limits imposed by subsection (b). ”

T he operat ive phrase, K asper said, “i s ‘candidates for that office.’” He argued that p eople do not r un for “election cycl e, ” but for “election,” saying, “You ca n only be a c andidate for offic e. Once yo u become a c andidate for an offic e, you remain a c andidate until the election fo r that of fic e. ”

K asper also said that the ISBE ’s i nterpretation would effect ively treat Stat e

House c andidates and State S enate c andidates differently, d ue to the i nherent differences in their elections cycles; re presentatives are up for election every two year s, wh i le senators are up for election twice for four year terms and once for a two year ter m, every decade

Fo r House c andidates, K asper said, “i t has the effect of removing the cap fo r the primar y. If they win the primar y, the caps stay of f for the g eneral. So the whole shooting match the caps are off. ”

If the senator self-funds “on Jan.13th in the m iddle of a two-year term,” (it’s) exactly the same outcome. Caps are of f through the election, primary and g eneral,” Kasper said.

But if a senator “self-funds on Jan. 13th of a four-year term – oh, no – a ccording to the b oard, different analysis, different r ule,” K asper said. “Caps are of f for half the election, for the first half, but not the second half. Th at c ompletely defeats the pu rp ose of treating the legislative c andidates the same

Harmon, who was not present at We d nesd ay ’s hearing, took seve r al actions in December 2022 and January 2023 that led to the current state of af fairs

In December 2022 his c ampaign paid him back for 214 incidental c ampaign expenses Harmon had incu rred over the c ourse of 2 decade s, r anging from a few d ollars to seve r al thousand dollars. Rather than be reimbursed, Harmon had opted to have the expenses re ported to the ISBE as small loans, wh ich we re listed as c ampaign debt

On Dec. 30, 2022, Harmon rece ived repay ments from his c ampaign totaling $295,653.43; they we re re ported on the c ampaign committee’s quar terly re po rt Harmon then sent a large pa rt of that money back to his c ampaign on Jan. 13, 2023, as individual contributions, triggering the funding limitation suspension.

“He filed a contribution above the limit, slightly above the minimum threshold to remove the contribution limits, we all ag ree with that,” Kasper said.

In fact, Harmon contributed $101,329.51 of the returned money to Friends of Don Harmon. On that same day, according to ISBE records, he gave another $66,822.92 as an itemized contribution and sent a “No-

Michael Kasper, state Senate President Don Harmon’s attorney, argues an appeal before the Illinois State Board of Appeals

tification of Self-Funding Letter” to the ISBE, listing the total $168,152.43 in selfcontributed funds, and listing the election date as “Nov. 5, 2024.”

The effect of the self-funding move was nearly immediate. On Feb. 17, the Chicago Land Operators Joint Labor Management PAC contributed $262,000. A month later, it sent another $200,000 to Harmon’s campaign. Between mid-February and late December 2023, in addition to millions of dollars in smaller contributions, Harmon’s campaign fund received $3.9 million from six large unions and two healthcare organizations. That included $1,518,000 from the Chicago Land Operators Joint Labor Management PAC and $1,105,000 from the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Chicago Laborers’ District Council PAC.

Those specific contributions eventually led to the finding by the ISBE that the Harmon campaign had raised funds above the allowable contribution limits.

Toward the end of Wednesday’s hearing, Goodman queried Kasper, “I think that it’s very clear to me that the issue is – the issue is when is the limitation, you know, well, how long does (the campaign contribution li mit) remain lifted essentially, right? ”

K asper re plied, “Cor rect. Co rrect. Right.” Goodman then asked him to give the dates he believed we re applicable.

“March 17, 2026,” K asper re plied. “Bec ause that is the election for wh ich the self-funded c andidate (Harmon) is a c andidate.” He a dded that “9-8.5(h) says ‘ all c andidates for that office.’ T he first opportunity someone c an be a candidate for that of fice is March 17, 2026.”

BILL DWYER

DON HARMON

The car wash mystery

If you like mysteries in the form of Planning and Zoning Commission agendas, then Forest Park has a bit of a potboiler going.

Just why does the owner of the Crystal Car Wash on Harlem Avenue keep pulling his request for a zoning variance to install a batch of car vacuums on a plot of land adjacent to the popular car wash? For multiple months the commission has wound up canceling its meetings because Neil Rembos pulls back his ask for hearing.

This odd story has been going on over the course of years now. Rembos bought an existing car wash at 901 S. Harlem in 2017. He spent considerable time and a lot of money updating the facility into what appears to be a quite successful venture. That led him in 2021 to purchase a lot just across Lexington Street with a plan to install 14 additional car vacuum stalls.

So far, so good. Except that his residential neighbors across the alley hate car vacuums. They are noisy. They run all day and into the evening.

Tur ns out that, while Rembos’ newly upgraded car wash was grandfathered under existing zoning, when he pushed out across the street the new site was not grandfathered. Hence the need for zoning relief

OPINION

OUR VIEW HOLMES

After no planning commission hearings were scheduled for either July or August, it is unclear if Rembos is coming back around to request a zoning change. Meanwhile there is a nice vacant lot on Harlem and relative quiet for neighbors

Things we like

■ The three Proviso Township high schools started a worthy tradition this month as schools opened for a new year

More than 150 local adults turned out on Aug. 14 to war mly and enthusiastically welcome students back to school and offer encouragement. This is a simple but powerful idea that we have seen in other schools. Good for Supt. Krish Mohip for bringing this community connection to our Proviso High Schools

After a bad string of recent years when shouting out students with some love and support seemed like the last point of focus for a failed administration, it was gratifying to see parents, firefighters and local officials, including Mayor Rory Hoskins, lined up to tell these high schoolers that the wide community stands in support of them.

■ Summer is about over. And autumn is here. We know that because Garage Galleries had another happy and successful artist event in Forest Park’s best-swept garages last weekend. The Arts Alliance has built this simple event into an annual boost to the local arts community.

■ Meanwhile, as you know from the Halloween-bursting candy aisles at the Walgreen’s, it is already Halloween! Yep, too soon. But it does mean the Historical Society is readying another great annual event for Forest Park. It’s time to be invaded by scarecrows These small, repeating events offer a civic infrastructure that makes this village special.

September is a month of transitions

The pool has closed and School has opened. The baseball season is ending and the football season is just kicking off.

The ComEd bill will go down because we’re not using the AC. Sweaters get pulled out of cedar chests

Nature bustles with change: Fawns born in the spring are losing their spots Squirrels are storing as they dig in our lawns.

Change is in the air but it’s not the stressful kind of uncertainty that keeps business owners up at night. For me the changing seasons provide a comforting, predictable rhythm to my life.

Not all transitions, however, are comfortable or comforting

When my parents and I said goodbye, my mother had tears in her eyes. I was beginning my freshman year of college. It is supposed to be a happy transition, and it was, but still …

As a pastor I did many weddings, happy transitions, right? Why do weddings sometimes bring out the worst in us?

“Our lives move in chapters, and the shift is often rocky,” wrote social worker Robert Taibbi. The key points in an article on life’s transitions he posted are:

■ Transitions are challenging because they require lear ning new skills and adjusting to changes in our identity

■ Key life transitions include leaving home, marriage, parenthood, midlife, and retirement.

■ It’s important to expect feelings of loss, be patient as you learn new skills, and seek support

Taibbi distinguishes between “script-consistent” transitions, e.g., graduating from school, getting married, and “script-divergent” ones, e.g., sudden illnesses, divorces, discovering that you’re infertile. And as you would expect, script-consistent transitions, though challenging are easier to navigate than script-divergent ones

The day my church closed was a sad day. It felt like a funeral for many of us who gathered for worship for the last time, but it wasn’t painful because it had what Taibbi calls a “rounded ending.”

“Navigating transitions is easier if you have rounded endings,” says Taibbi, “where you leave feeling you’ve done a good job and not shackled by tons of regret.”

When I heard that Dorothy Gillian had died I felt sad, but I also said to myself, “Well done, Dorothy. Well done.”

I personally have gone through two script-divergent transitions — divorce and being diagnosed with a disabling neurological disorder — and want to share how my personal experience confir ms the advice Taibbi is giving.

When I went through the divorce, as Taibbi said, it was like I was moving from one chapter in my life to another and because the last chapter was painful it’s tempting to move on to the next chapter as quickly as possible

But it is so important to pay attention to what he calls “the space between chapters.”

Expect a sense of loss and give yourself permission to do good grieving.

“Get support,” he wrote. “It may be a teacher, coach, or mentor to help you learn the skills. It may be a good friend who is emotionally supportive or boldly honest, who can hold you accountable, or it may be a counselor who can do all three. Marching through life is not a solo trek but a group activity.”

Kim Schneiderman, another social worker, writes, “Change is the one constant in life. And yet, we are often surprised when it comes. Our educational system grooms us for progressive levels of security, reinforcing the belief that skill mastery yields the predictable comforts of a settled life. As we age, we are measured by our gains, not our losses, our stability, not our vulnerability. We believe in change as long as the wheel of fortune spins in our favor. However, when it doesn’t work, we may begin to question our preconceived expectations about life.”

She is a big fan of a professor named William Bridges who teaches that there are five fundamental tasks involved in doing transitions well:

1. Disengagement (separation from the familiar)

2. Dismantling (letting of what is no longer needed)

3. Disenchantment (discovering that certain things no longer make sense)

4. Disidentification

5. Disorientation (a vague sense of losing touch with one’s reality).

Bridges has this to say about the space between chapters. “People progress to an uncomfortable but growthfilled neutral zone, an empty in-between time when everything feels as though it’s up for grabs and you don’t quite know who you are or how you’re supposed to behave.”

September is a month of transitions.

So is life

Interim Executive Director Max Reinsdorf

Sta Repor ter Jessica Mordacq

Senior Audience Manager Stacy Coleman

Contributing Editor Donna Greene

Contributing Reporters Tom Holmes, Robert J. Li a

Columnists Alan Brouilette, Jill Wagner, Tom Holmes

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

Designers Susan McKelvey, Vanessa Garza

Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls

Marketing & Adver tising Associate Emma Cullnan

Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan

Circulation Manager Jill Wagner

Operations Associate Susan Babin

Social Media and Digital Coordinator Maribel Barrera

Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

Senior Advisor Dan Haley

Board of Directors

Chair Eric Weinheimer

Treasurer Nile Wendorf

Deb Abrahamson, Mary Cahillane Steve Edwards, Judy Gre n, Horacio Mendez, Charles Meyerson, Darnell Shields, Audra Wilson

HOW TO REACH US

ADDRESS: PO Box 6670, River Forest, IL 6035

PHONE: (708) 366-0600

EMAIL: forestpark@wjinc.com

CIRCULATION: Jill@oakpark.com

ONLINE: ForestParkReview.com

Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Forest Park Review, PO Box 6670, River Forest, IL 60305.

Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS No 0205-160)

In-county subscriptions: $48 per year. $88 for two years, $118 for three years. Out-of-county subscriptions: $82 per year.

A LOOK BACK IN TIME

News from Harlem, August 1899

The Harlem Post was a local weekly newspaper printed in German for the local German population. Its first edition was published on Sept. 12, 1895. The paper’s Aug. 31, 1899 edition contained the following news about events in Harlem: Mr. Reeves had the front of his saloon re painted beautifully.

There’s a special meeting of the Harlem Village Board this evening.

Numerous magnificent homes are being built in Oak Park, and new cement sidewalks are laid.

We would like to make all parents aware that instruction in our public schools starts on Tuesday, Sept. 5.

The Harlem Männerchor (men’s choir) has their choir rehearsal on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. sharp at U. Thode’s Hall. Conductor: Ludwig Rauch. $1.00 cover; requests are being taken during every rehearsal.

Translated by Uli Leib

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Adding context to the budget discussion

Municipal budgeting and finance are important topics that every resident should be infor med about, though managing the village’s finances differs from household budgeting and spending.

We want to provide some context to the budgeting process that was not included in the Review’s reporting, despite several points being raised at the village’s budget meeting.

The budget reflects all reasonably anticipated expenses for the given fiscal year. It does not say what the village will spend. It is a management tool for village staff and the council.

Without these placeholders, budgeted at the full amount, the council cannot act in the best interest of the village. We aim to be the best stewards for Forest Park’s future, and we maximize grants and other sources of funds in our decision-making, using recommendations from experts and staff. As in prior years, just because legal authority exists does not mean we use it. Currently, approximately $9 million in (deficit) authority is budgeted for known infrastructure and current projects, and $6 million is an oper-

ating deficit in FY2026.

The state of Illinois’ Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability as well as the Illinois Municipal League publish forecasts and provide briefings to help us understand how to manage our local finances. Among other data, these forecasts suggest that the state is likely to use FY24 cash flow standards to pay its bills. This means that the cash flow management procedures Forest Park uses, currently $2 million from TIF, a legal procedure, while not optimal, might be necessary in the short term.

A budget deficit is concerning, but it is being managed. The above information explains the origin of $11M of the $15M budgeted deficit: the village anticipates grants, loans, and funding for projects in progress, and cash flows from the state and federal gover nment persist.

We are focused on making wise decisions with our colleagues when authorizing projects and are prioritizing funding for the $4M budgeted operating deficit. We do not “say no just to say no.”

We are not the loudest voices in the room.

We do our homework and focus on our department’s policies and the priorities of the village We are solutions-focused, and when we’ve needed information or guidance, we seek it out. We have been rolling up our sleeves regarding our village’s financial future. We will work with village staff and our colleagues on the council to advance ideas that were introduced in the budget meeting in July when they are fully developed

Our village directors and Finance Director Leticia Olmsted have done an exceptional job in managing our operating budget and reducing our structural deficit. We are for tunate to have staff who are excellent caretakers of our village resources.

We appreciate the opportunity to share these topics about village finances to further engage residents in our village’s financial future. As always, we are available to engage with residents and business owners on any topic of interest.

Commissioner Michelle Melin-Rogovin Streets and Public Improvements, Public Works

Commissioner Jessica Voogd Public Property, Public Works

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: M25000761 on August 6, 2025. Under the Assumed Business Name of LISAMKEEFE. COM with the business located at: 1173 HOME AVE., OAK PARK, IL 60304. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: LISA KEEFE SCOTT 1173 HOME AVE. OAK PARK, IL 60304, USA

Published in Wednesday Journal August 13, 20, 27, 2025

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: M25000804 on August 18, 2025 Under the Assumed Business Name of NEWLOOK DESIGN STUDIO with the business located at: 907 RIDGE ROAD, WILMETTE, IL 60091. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: STEVE ECONOMOU 1141 SHERMAN AVE, EVANSTON, IL 60202-1335, USA

Published in Forest Park Review August 20, 27, September 3, 2025

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION

Plaintiff, -v.ADELYN V ANDERSON, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING BY AND THROUGH ITS AGENCY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Defendants 2022 CH 09721 1708 WASHINGTON BOULEVARD MAYWOOD, IL 60153

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 3, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 4, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1708 WASHINGTON BOULEVARD, MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-10-323004-0000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

The judgment amount was $245,940.54.

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. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption.

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).

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact CHAD LEWIS, ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 6400 SHAFER CT, STE 325, ROSEMONT,

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IL, 60018 (561) 241-6901. Please refer to file number 22-044489. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc. com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CHAD LEWIS

ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ

SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC 6400 SHAFER CT, STE 325 ROSEMONT IL, 60018 561-241-6901

E-Mail: ILMAIL@RASLG.COM

Attorney File No. 22-044489

Attorney ARDC No. 6306439 Attorney Code. 65582 Case Number: 2022 CH 09721

TJSC#: 45-1460

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 09721

I3270840

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC

Plaintiff, -v.VIVIAN FLORES

Defendants 2025CH01171

839 SOUTH 18TH AVENUE MAYWOOD, IL 60153

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 2, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 18, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 839 SOUTH 18TH AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153

Property Index No. 15-10-331029-0000

The real estate is improved with a gray slate and vinyl siding, two-story single family home.

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).

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) 236-SALE

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. 2520223IL_1175364

Attorney Code. 61256

Case Number: 2025CH01171 TJSC#: 45-1500

Case # 2025CH01171 I3271267

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

TOWD POINT MORTGAGE TRUST 2019-3, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE Plaintiff, -v.-

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, QUANITA BROWN, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF NATHANIEL BROWN, DECEASED, WILLIAM BUTCHER, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR NATHANIEL BROWN, DECEASED, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS

Defendants 2023 CH 05396 319 49TH AVE

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 June 18, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 19, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 319 49TH AVE, BELLWOOD, IL 60104

Property Index No. 15-08-228046-0000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $291,483.89.

For information, contact CHAD LEWIS, ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 6400 SHAFER CT, STE 325, ROSEMONT, IL, 60018 (561) 241-6901. Please refer to file number 23-116728. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.

com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CHAD LEWIS

ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ

SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC 6400 SHAFER CT, STE 325 ROSEMONT IL, 60018

561-241-6901

E-Mail: ILMAIL@RASLG.COM

Attorney File No. 23-116728

Attorney ARDC No. 6306439

Attorney Code. 65582

Case Number: 2023 CH 05396

TJSC#: 45-1652

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

U S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-6

Plaintiff, -v.KOFI OKYERE A/K/A KOFI A. OKYERE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Defendants 2018CH08427 10530 CAMELOT WESTCHESTER, IL 60154

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 11, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 17, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 10530 CAMELOT, WESTCHESTER, IL 60154

Property Index No. 15-20-203021-0000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. 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 151701(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) 794-9876

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

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. 14-18-06643 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2018CH08427 TJSC#: 45-2046

Forest Park Review, August 27, 2025

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/K/A

QUICKEN LOANS, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS INC.

Plaintiff, -v.WAYNE WASHINGTON, DESRI H. WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Defendants

2022 CH 11715

1444 MORRIS AVENUE

BERKELEY, IL 60163

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 25, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 29, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1444 MORRIS AVENUE, BERKELEY, IL 60163

Property Index No. 15-08-105036-0000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $300,141.11.

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.

Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption.

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

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

For information, contact JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 5419710. Please refer to file number 22 0025. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc. com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC

30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650 Chicago IL, 60602 312-541-9710

E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com

Attorney File No. 22 0025

Attorney Code. 40342

Case Number: 2022 CH 11715 TJSC#: 45-1791

Case # 2022 CH 11715 I3271779

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

U S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF AND WITH RESPECT TO AJAX MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2021-G, MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES, SERIES 2021-G Plaintiff, -v.-

TERRENCE L. POWELL, ROBIN BRITT-POWELL

Defendants

2019CH13244

509 NORTH 4TH AVE MAYWOOD, IL 60153

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 18, 2020, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 22, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 509 NORTH 4TH AVE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-11-113-0130000

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

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.

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.

For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 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. 14-19-10752

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762

Case Number: 2019CH13244

TJSC#: 45-2085

Case # 2019CH13244

I3272077

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

TOWD POINT MORTGAGE TRUST

2018-1, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE

Plaintiff, -v.-

SONJA D. MCCOY, KEVIN L. MCCOY

Defendants

2024 CH 11073

1929 S. 7TH AVE. MAYWOOD, IL 60153

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 1, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 2, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 1929 S. 7TH AVE., MAYWOOD, IL 60153

Property Index No. 15-14-310027-0000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $231,114.17.

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.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact CHAD LEWIS, ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 6400 SHAFER CT, STE 325, ROSEMONT, IL, 60018 (561) 241-6901. Please refer to file number 24-229815. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc. com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CHAD LEWIS ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC 6400 SHAFER CT, STE 325 ROSEMONT IL, 60018 561-241-6901

E-Mail: ILMAIL@RASLG.COM

Attorney File No. 24-229815

Attorney ARDC No. 6306439 Attorney Code. 65582 Case Number: 2024 CH 11073 TJSC#: 45-1752

Case # 2024 CH 11073 I3272061

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION

Plaintiff, -v.-

CARLOS CORTEZ, LUBIA SANCHEZ, VILLAGE OF MAYWOOD Defendants 24 CH 01358 1127 NICHOLS LANE MAYWOOD, IL 60153

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 30, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 3, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1127 NICHOLS LANE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153

Property Index No. 15-02-338009-0000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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).

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) 236-SALE

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. 2316946IL_1005559

Attorney Code. 61256

Case Number: 24 CH 01358

TJSC#: 45-1808

Case # 24 CH 01358 I3272128