Ask for sAmmy AlfAno the “neighborhood guy”
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
www.neighborsmagazine.com
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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,
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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.