NEIGHBORS-June2025

Neighbors, celebrating its 22nd year, is a free monthly publication serving Chicago's western suburbs through over 100 high-traffic drop sites. For advertising rates and more information, visit the website 24/7 at www.neighborsmagazine.com or call 708.343.0205. Follow Neighbors on Facebook and Instagram.

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NISSAN MELROSE PARK

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WILD

WILD WESTDALE

JUNE 27

Broadview celeBrates its

110

th

ANNIVERSARY &

JUNETEENTH

SUCCESS STORIES

THANK YOU,

PAUL

GATTUSO

carl alaimo

WINS SPORTS EMMY

Pictured from left, Tom Leszczynski (OPRF Kiwanis), Frank Bertolli (Frank’s Deli and Bertolli’s Pizza) and

Donna Fantetti Slepicka (River Forest Chocolates) celebrate the designation of the 7900 block of Lake Street as

“Frank Bertolli Way” by River Forest President Cathy Adduci and the Village Board. Frank, who served in the

U.S. Marine Corps for six years prior to becoming an entrepreneur, was also selected as the Grand Marshal for the

2025 Memorial Day Parade—and Frank’s Deli is the newest Neighbors Magazine drop location!

Real American Idols.

Honestly, I can’t pinpoint exactly when it happened. Seems like yesterday I was flying down 22nd

Avenue between home and my grandparents’ house on my Raleigh Chopper, the coolest bike ever made,

faster and better looking than any Schwinn Sting Ray or Krate (even the Grey Ghost). Just sayin.

The big white banana seat on that bike had so much cushion and length that my mom and I often rode

comfortably together. The next thing I know, I’m making car payments, buying lidocaine back patches

in bulk on Amazon, alternating between Tylenol and ibuprofen and wearing an adjustable back brace for

relief on long walks. Apparently, I’m not aging well and I’m whining about having a Medicare card,

wearing dollar store reading glasses and, of course, lots of grey hair. But in less than half an hour one

day last month, I put all of my self-pity and complaining on hold and just stood there in awe.

When I pulled up to American Legion Post 974 in Franklin Park for my poppy last month, Nancy

Stevens and Ilda Benesch were working the driveway area, complete with flags, poppy day history cards

and other patriotic items salvaged from Nancy’s late husband’s sign shop. We talked, we took some

pictures and then I said, “Who’s that on the corner?” Oh, that’s Mike. He collected a bucket full of

money in the first hour he was “on duty.” Mike, in full uniform, was putting himself in harm’s way for

the second time in his life—the first time he was in the U.S. Army serving in World War II, the second

time at the corner of Pacific and Scott Street in Franklin Park where cars were bumper to bumper thanks

to another extra long and slow freight train. I spent all of ten or fifteen minutes trying to talk to Mike but

he was in demand and just too busy exchanging poppies for donations at every open car window so I

just watched him in action. I found out much later that Mike, at 90 years of age, probably had to

squeeze this fundraiser into his hectic schedule. Mike Vallone, I learned, was recently honored by the

Village of Franklin Park for many amazing years of ongoing community service. He serves as a member

of the Franklin Park Library Board of Trustees, the Village’s Senior Citizen Commission, an active

member of Post #974, who also packs and delivers Christmas baskets. Last year, Mike, a member of the

1960 graduating class of St. Joseph’s College in Indiana was the recipient of a forever honor: A court in

the new Waugh Estates neighborhood development will serve as permanent reminder of his devotion—

his “legacy is now etched into the fabric of Saint Joe’s,” according to the College, a lasting tribute that

symbolizes the College’s enduring appreciation for his unwavering support.

And there I was with feeling sorry for myself with a Biofreeze patch on standing next to a real

American hero. We exchanged only a few words but a lengthy interview wasn’t necessary. As I was

leaving, another car pulled into the driveway. Nancy walked over with her poppies but the teenage son

of the driver jumped out of the car and started quickly walking to the corner. He wanted to give his

donation to Mike and shake his hand. It only took a moment to realize that someone you had never met

before, someone you hardly know and may never see again, can shift your thinking so profoundly.

That’s the Mike I want to be like. Unstoppable and magnanimous: “a noble and courageous spirit.”

Grow old with me, neighbors! Enjoy this issue, the start of

summer and every day that the sun shines on your face.

valentino

tina

Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be,

The last of life, for which the first was made...

Youth shows but half; trust God:

see all, nor be afraid!

From Robert Browning’s 1864 poem “Rabbi Ben Ezra”

Tina Valentino

Executive Editor and Contributor

Winner of a Peter Lisagor Award

for Exemplary Journalism

Dee Tintori • Account Executive

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 1501, Melrose Park, IL 60161-1501

Phone 708.343.0205

E-mail: mel60160@aol.com

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High-traffic distribution in the towns including

Oak Park and River Forest, Bellwood, Berkeley,

North Riverside, Forest Park, Hillside, Maywood,

Melrose Park, Westchester as well as Elmwood

Park, Franklin Park, Northlake, Schiller Park,

River Grove and other communities.

Neighborstm has the edge over other

publications when it comes to readership.

PicK UP a coPY aT oNE oF THESE locaTioNS

Neighbors • 4

Have a suggestion for a busy location? Let us know!

BELLWOOD

n Bellwood Public Library

n Mickey’s Drive-In

n Gioacchino’s Ristorante & Pizzeria

n Bellwood Village Hall

n Currency Exchange on Mannheim

n Center at Stevenson Park

n Proviso Township Transportation

BERkELEy

n Torres Fresh Market

n Republic Bank

n Berkeley Village Hall

n Berkeley Public Library

BERWyn

n Lucky Dog on Harlem Avenue

BROaDvIEW

n Broadview Village Hall

n Broadview Family Restaurant

n Lucky Dog on Cermak

n Dunkin Donuts on Roosevelt

ELMHuRST

n Lezza Spumoni & Desserts

ELMWOOD PaRk

n Judy’s Gaming Cafe

n Armand’s Pizzeria on North Avenue

n Russell’s BBQ

n Elmwood Park Village Hall

n Elmwood Park Public Library

n Elmwood Park Recreation Center

FOREST PaRk

n Forest Park Village Hall

n Harvest 365

n Starship Restaurant

FRankLIn PaRk

n Leyden Community Center

n Leyden Township Main Office

n Pet Paradise Supermarket

n Serna’s Grill, 25th and Grand

n Franklin Park Metra Station

n Al and Joe’s Deli

n American Legion Post #974

n Smart Wash Laundromat

n Franklin Park Public Library

n Park District of Franklin Park

n Franklin Park Village Hall

HILLSIDE

n Hillside Village Hall

n Russo’s Chapels

n Hillside Public Library

MayWOOD

n Carnitas Don Alfredo Original

n Stairway of the Stars

n Poor Boy, 1st & Roosevelt

n Maywood Village Hall

MELROSE PaRk

n Carmel Hall on First Avenue

n Winston Plaza (near Marshalls)

Squabs Gyros on Mannheim

MELROSE PaRk

n Cafe Gaspar Gaming

n Tom’s Steak House

n Carnitas Don Alfredo Original

(on the corner of 25th and Lake)

n Melrose Park Village Hall

n Melrose Park Chamber of Commerce

n Sahara Home Care on North Avenue

n Westlake Urgent Care on Lake Street

n Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

n Dunk Donuts on Lake Street

n Lucky Dog on Lake Street

n Melrose Park Public Library

n Sacred Heart Church

n Harlo Grill on North Avenue

n Veterans Park District Leoni Complex

n 7-11 on Broadway

n PNC Bank, Winston Plaza

n Scudiero’s Bakery & Deli

n Pan American Bank

n St. Paul Lutheran Resale Shop

n IHOP in Winston Plaza

n Tony’s Fresh Market on Mannheim

n Gottlieb Fitness Center

nORTHLakE

n Northlake City Hall

n Cuomo To Go

n Grant Park Recreation Center

n Northlake Public Library

n Casa Scalabrini Village

nORTH RIvERSIDE

n Catie’s Place Gaming Cafe

n Village Commons and Library

RIvER FOREST

n nEW! Frank’s Deli

n Yolk Restaurant on North Avenue

n River Forest Chocolates

RIvER GROvE

n nEW! Liborio Baking Company

n nEW! D’Agostino’s Pizza & Pub

n Quasthoff’s Florist

n Catie’s Place Gaming Cafe

n Triton College

n Rich’s Fresh Market

n Dunkin’ Donuts: River and Grand

n Dunkin’ Donuts (1st and Belmont)

n Blondie’s Diner

n River Grove Public Library

n River Grove Village Hall

n River Park Moose Lodge

SCHILLER PaRk

n Al & Andy’s Restaurant

n Mobil Gas Station, 25th & Irving

n Gambino’s Fresh Market

STOnE PaRk

n Shwings Shrimp & Wings

WESTCHESTER

n Westchester Food Pantry

thanks, rooftop cops!

Last month, the "Cop on a Rooftop"

fundraiser in Illinois raised a total of $1.2 million

for Special Olympics Illinois. This annual event, a

collaboration between Dunkin' Donuts and the

Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run, has been a

successful fundraiser for Special Olympics

athletes for the past 22 years. Hillside’s

Police Department, with generous

donations from local businesses, raised

over $10,000 for the cause! The

Melrose Park Police Department

reported that it raised $3,090 at the

event held at the Dunkin in Winston

Plaza. 375 Dunkin's across Illinois participated.

Special Olympics transforms the lives of people

with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to

realize their full potential in sports and in life.

summer

things are heating up!

Free, family-friendly events are here

Broadview’s 5th annual

Juneteenth celebration

JUNE 20–22 @ ScHroEdEr ParK

The village of Broadview is proud to host

its 5th annual Juneteenth Celebration. Three

powerful days of culture, community, and

commemoration from Friday, June 20

through Sunday, June 22 at Schroeder Park,

2600 S. 13th avenue. This year’s celebration

is especially meaningful as it also marks

Broadview’s 110th Birthday and embraces

the theme: Honoring african americans and

Labor. It’s more than a festival, it’s a legacy.

Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for

this unforgettable celebration of freedom,

culture, labor and love. Stay connected with

updates and the full schedule at

www.broadview-il.gov.

June 12-june 15 • franklin avenue & calwagner

Franklin Park Fest, railroad day

Good times are planned for the Franklin Park Fest with a daily carnival

opening at 6 pm on June 12 and 13 and 1 pm on June 14 and 15 plus a

beer and wine garden and food vendors all four days. Railroad Day is

Saturday, June 14, 10 am to 3 pm—attendees will be allowed to walk

on and view the interiors of incredible trains and also visit the Fire

Department Museum. Free entertainment includes: Thursday,

June 12: The Class of ‘68 (60s Rock), Chicago Tribute anthology;

Friday, June 13: Starlight City (Pop Rock) and The Divas (Women of

Pop/Soul); Saturday, June 14: Fuze Band (Pop with a Latin groove),

karla & The Phat Cats (Pop Hits), One of the Boyzz (Soulful Rock),

alt 101 (90s alternative) and Hello Weekend (Party Hits).

The annual event wraps up on Sunday, June 15, with a performance by

american English (Beatles Tribute Show) from 2 to 4 pm. For exact times,

more information and to download the flyer, visit the village website’s

homepage for the link at www.vofp.com. To volunteer, call (847) 671-8236.

YEE-HAW! SAVE THE DATE

WILD WILD

WESTDALE

Leyden Township invites you to saddle up and head

over to Westdale Park located at 3045 n. Sandra in

Melrose Park on Friday, June 27 for Wild Wild Westdale!

From 6 to 9 pm, kids will love the bouncy house,

petting zoo, hayrides, face painting, dunk tank and a

caricature artist while adults can mosey on over to the

Margarita Truck, Smokin BBQ Food Truck, Sernas Food

Truck, Tacoselamigazo, My Funnel Truck and much more.

kick back and listen to live entertainment.

REGISTER yOuR CaR

FOR THE SHOW

There will also be a

car show. To register

for the car show,

contact Bobbie at

847-451-5143.

admission is free.

Bring your lawn chairs

and blankets and have a

doggone good time!

a quick guide from

il

ie

ei

summer

things are heating up!

Free, family-friendly events are here

The Concerts in the Circle and Movies in the

Park series are a staple of summertime in

Elmwood Park. Concerts start at 7 pm; car

shows start at 6 pm.

Concerts kick off on June 13 with Libido

Funk Circus on June 13 in conjunction with

the Circle Car Show; 7th Heaven on June 19;

90’s Pop nation on July 10; and Hello

Weekend on July 24. There will also be a

concert featuring american English

on august 22 in conjunction with the

D.a.R.E. Car Show.

Movies will be held at dusk in Central Park

on June 13, June 26 and July 17. Check the

village website at elmwoodpark.org and the

village Facebook page for updates about the

films. The EP Circle is located on Conti

Parkway, off Grand and 76th avenues.

concerts, park parties, pool events!

Park district of Franklin Park

Check your schedule because there are plenty of Park District events

coming up. The District summer concert series starts Tuesday, June 3 at

7 pm at the north Park Baseball Fields, 10040 addison avenue. This year,

bands include The Wayouts on June 3, Rosie & The Rivets on June 10,

Latin Swing Factor on June 17, One night Band on June 24, Second

Hand Soul Band on July 1, The Four C notes on July 8, Chicago Tribute

anthology on July 15, you know Who on July 22 plus the annual Street

Dance on Friday, July 11.

Spend some time with neighbors and park staff enjoying free food,

bubbles, chalk and other play equipment. These gatherings are part of a

six-year park tour with staff visiting every park in the district. June Park

Parties are June 5 at Championship Park and June 26 at Junction Park.

Don’t miss out on Pool on Pacific Events! Penny Plunge on June 8, 1 to 4 pm;

Sunset Swim on June 20, 7:30 to 9:30 pm and Movie night at the Pool, June 27,

8:30 to 10 pm. Fee is daily admission or pool pass.

Move With The Mayor™ is national initiative spear-

headed by the national Forum for Heart Disease &

Stroke Prevention that works with mayors across the

country to challenge their communities to be more

physically active. Mayors encourage their communities

to be physically active to lower their chances of heart

disease and its risk factors like high cholesterol, high

blood pressure, and diabetes and improving mental

health. Maywood residents are invited to join Mayor

nathaniel George Booker for a fitness experience as

well as awareness, education, food, fun and community

on the following dates: Saturday, June 7, 8 am to 10 am

at La Fitness, (200 Broadview Sq); Monday, June 23,

6 pm, Stannard Park; Monday, July 28, 6 pm at Water

Works and Dog Park; august 25, 6 pm at Tot Lot Park.

Follow the Mayor’s Facebook page for more info.

a quick guide from

708-544-0380 • 5201 ST. cHarlES road • BEllwood

Hours: Tuesday thru Thursday, 11am-10pm • Friday and Saturday, 11am-Midnight

Sunday, 2pm to 10pm • Closed Mondays.

KITCHEN CLOSES 30 MINUTES BEFORE CLOSING TIME. PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

PicK-UP or dElivErY SPEcial

18” ParTY cHEESE &

SaUSagE Pizza $27.95

+ Small cHEESE Pizza

REG. $33.95 Gioacchino’s • 544-0380. MUST ADD TAX. Not valid with other offers.

Limit 1 coupon per order. Must present coupon when ordering.

P-Up/Delivery only. Prices subject to change without notice. Expires 6/30/25

PicK-UP or dElivErY SPEcial

gioaccHiNo’S

STadiUm Pizza

cHEESE SalE

$44 (rEg. $50)

SaUSagE SalE

$50 (rEg.60)

SErvES 8-10

ExTra iNgrEdiENTS $11 EacH

+ gET a FrEE Small

cHEESE Pizza

Gioacchino’s • 544-0380. TAX INCLUDED. Must mention coupon when ordering.

P-Up/Delivery only. Prices subject to change without notice. Expires 6/30/25

gioaccHiNo’S

EvErYdaY

FavoriTES!

PicK-UP or dElivErY

SHrimP diNNEr

10

95

PErcH diNNEr

95

cHEESE ravioli

95

mEdiUm

cHEESE Pizza

12

95

cHEESE SaNdwicH

95

Gioacchino’s • 544-0380. MUST ADD TAX.

Not valid with other offers.

Limit 1 coupon per order. Must present coupon when ordering.

Prices subject to change without notice.

Expires 6/30/25

h VOTED #1 h IN WESTERN SUBURBS!

Stuffed, Pan and Thick Pizzas & Lasagna, Spaghetti Sauce

& Panzarotti in a Tribune survey!

Food experts from Chicago Tribune all agreed that Gioacchino’s has

created a taste that placed them among the best pizza restaurants out of

98 in the Chicagoland area. Gioacchino’s was also selected #1 in the

western suburbs in three categories: Thick, Pan and Stuffed Pizza.

Best Spaghetti & Meatballs By Sun-Times Critic Pat Bruno

However, pizza isn’t all that Gioacchino’s excels in. Among their delicious

home made specialties are Lasagna, Cheese and Meat Ravioli,

mouth-watering Mostaccioli; also Chicken Vesuvio, Veal Scallopini,

Veal a la Marsala, Veal a la Francaise, Veal Parmigiana, Baked

Mostaccioli, Chicken Cacciatore, Fettuccine Alfredo, Perch, French Fried

Shrimp, Italian Bacala, Fish Platter and many other Calabrese-style

dishes, including their own Pizza Puffs called Panzarotti.

42 YEarS iN BUSiNESS! lET NElla caTEr YoUr ParTiES, Big or Small!

708/544-0380

carrY-oUT - dElivErY - diNiNg room!

diNiNg room oPENS aT 3 Pm Fri-SaT-SUN

dElivErY & PicK-UP

14” THiN

crUST Pizza

wiTH cHEESE & SaUSagE

oNlY $21

00

Gioacchino’s • 544-0380. TAX INCLUDED. Not valid with other offers.

Limit 1 coupon per order. Must present coupon when ordering.

Dining Room only. Prices subject to change without notice.

Expires 6/30/25

gioaccHiNo’S SPEcial

2 iTaliaN SaUSagE

SaNdwicHES PlUS

FrEE liTEr oF PoP

oNlY

$12

95

Gioacchino’s • 544-0380. MUST ADD TAX. Not valid with other offers.

Limit 1 coupon per order. Must present coupon when ordering.

Prices subject to change without notice.

Expires 6/30/25

dElivErY & PicK-UP

12” THiN

crUST Pizza

wiTH cHEESE & SaUSagE

oNlY $16

rEg. $21

Gioacchino’s • 544-0380. TAX INCLUDED. Not valid with other offers.

Limit 1 coupon per order. Must present coupon when ordering.

Prices subject to change without notice.

Expires 6/30/25

EVERY

DAY

SPECIAL!

NEW EVERY

DAY SPECIALS

AT

GIOACCHINO’S!

EVERY

DAY

SPECIAL!

Happy Father’s Day!

Neighbors • 10

GREAT

FLEA

MARKETS

OPEN EVERY

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

7AM - 4PM

INDOOR AND OUTDOOR

SELLERS

FREE PARKING

MELROSE PARK

4600 W. LAKE STREET

FRIDAY 7AM-2PM OUTDOORS ONLY

ALSIP

4350 W 129TH STREET

ALSO WEDNESDAY 7AM-2PM

OUTDOORS ONLY

ASHLAND

4200 S. ASHLAND, CHICAGO

TUESDAY 7AM-2PM OUTDOORS ONLY

THURSDAY 7AM-3PM OUTDOORS ONLY

for more information, call

708-344-7300

or visit swap-o-rama.com

NO PLACE LIKE SWAP-O-RAMA!

SHOP LOCAL WITH US!

Texas Hold ‘Em at Legion Post 974

Poker players are invited to try their luck at the Franklin

Park American Legion Post 974, 9757 Pacific Avenue in

Franklin Park on June 8 and 9. Doors open at Noon and

kitchen hours are from 1 to 10 pm.

River Grove Lions Bingo night Fundraiser

Play Bingo and win cash prizes on Friday, June 13 from

6 to 9 pm to raise funds for scholarships for River Grove

senior students at East Leyden High School. Play 12 games

for $30 plus side games and split the pot. Food will be

available for purchase. Doors open at 5 pm at the River

Grove American Legion Hall & Rec Center, 8664 Grand

Avenue. Visit www.rivergrovelionsclub.com for more

information.

Oak Park River Forest Garden Walk

Enjoy a self-guided tour of 8 beautiful and exemplary

private gardens at the 31st annual Oak Park River Forest

Garden Walk on Sunday, June 22, 10 am to 4 pm, rain or

shine. Advance tickets for $20 are available until June 21 at

gcoprf.org; day of the Walk tickets are $25 at the Oak Park

Conservatory, 615 Garfield and Cheney Mansion, 220 N.

Euclid in Oak Park.

Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest June events

at Concordia and outdoors at Cheney Mansion

The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest presents

music of Wagner and Rachmaninoff on Sunday, June 8, at

4 pm at Concordia University’s Chapel in River Forest. A

preconcert conversation begins at 3 pm and a free reception

sponsored by Thrivent follows the concert. Tickets are $30

($35 on concert day), and students through college are

admitted free of charge. Free parking is available in the

structure at 1124 Bonnie Brae, and the Chapel is just west

of the garage. To purchase tickets or for more information,

contact theSymphonyOPRF@gmail.com, visit

SymphonyOPRF.org, or call 708-218-2648.

The Park District of Oak Park and Symphony of Oak

Park & River Forest present ”Music on the Patio” on

Wednesday, June 25, at 7:30 pm at Cheney Mansion,

220 N. Euclid in Oak Park. Registration includes two

beverages, snacks and the concert. Grounds open at 7 pm

and the concert begins at 7:30 pm.

Tickets are $44 with discounts for PDOP residents. This

event is for ages 21+ only. For more information or to buy

tickets, call 708-724-2000.

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