Berwyn Magazine Issue 3 2022

continue through the end of the year. If you are a business owner, be

Claudia Thorton Chamber Manager

Michelle Valle-Flores Marketing Coordinator

Marcos Martinez Community Development Specialist

Salvador Plascencia Herman Vander Naald Salvador Figueroa Dr. Olivia Lares Cesar Santoy

Emily Block Special Events Coordinator

Rasheed Jones Accountant

6347 Cermak Rd Unit B | Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 584-1855 • berwyn.bairdwarner.com TIER 4

TIER 6

BAIRD & WARNER

COLLEGE HUNKS HAULING JUNK AND MOVING OF BROOKFIELD

4320 1st Ave Unit 108 | Lyons, IL 60513 (708) 796-1043 collegehunkshaulingjunk.com/brookfield

RITE PRICE AUTO REPAIR

6844 W 16th St | Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 749-7271 ritepriceautorepairs.com TIER

SOPHISTICATED HAIR SALON

6324 W Cermak Rd | Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 317-4177 sophisticatedhairsalon.com

HYFALUTEN

6303 Roosevelt Rd | Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 663-0348 • hyfaluten.website

STATE FARM - JEFFREY HINES

312 Madison St | Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 628-5100 • hinesinsures.com

US MARKETING GROUP INC 6308 Cermak Rd | Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 257-5473 usmarketinggroupinc.com

X-PRESS QUALITY CLEANING Berwyn, IL 60402 (312) 399-8483 x-pressqualitycleaninginc.com

Our City had a great summer this year with many of our beloved, annual events returning as COVID-19 vaccination rates help stabilize the health of our community. As we enter the fall season, a reminder that the Berwyn Public Health District, located at 6600 W. 26th Street, continues to offer FREE COVID-19 boosters and Flu shots in order to keep our families healthy throughout the winter season. Please be sure to schedule your booster or flu shot with them at 708-788-6600.

As our community evolves and in a post-pandemic future, I recognize the importance and power of digital technology in keeping our residents informed about available resources, city programs, municipal services, and connecting residents to the resources and information that matters most to them.

I am happy to announce the City Communications Division has launched its new user-friendly web page that aims to continually improve access to public services and information for the residents and visitors.

The new, service-focused website is mobile-friendly, secured, easy-to-navigate and focuses on the Priorities identified by the community. The website includes Frequently Asked Questions, City News, Community Calendar, Contact Directory, a “How Do I” quick-link section, and a prominent online payment option to facilitate Water Bill Pay and Purchase Vehicle Stickers.

All Berwyn residents are encouraged to give feedback on the website using by emailing communications@berwyn-il.gov and taking the Online Survey at www.berwyn-il.gov .

Please pardon our dust as the road resurfacing work continues throughout our city. This annual process is funded through the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan. Implementation of Green Alleys initiated in October of 2022, moving our city towards a more environmentally sustainable community, improving our storm water management and helping reduce flooding.

With the Holidays soon upon us, please consider the many small businesses including the Berwyn Shops along Roosevelt Road, Cermak Plaza, and in the Depot District area.

To stay connected with our office and for all the latest city news, please follow us on Facebook (@berwynIL), Twitter (@CityofBerwyn), Instagram (@city_of_berwyn), and YouTube (@youtube.com/cityofberwyn).

Sincerely, Mayor Robert J. Lovero

Eddy Mujica, Agent

6333 26th Street Suite 1

Berwyn, IL 60402

Bus: 708-749-1335

eddy.mujica.vaa3u4@statefarm.com

Monday-Friday 9am-5:30pm Saturday 9am-1pm

Hablamos Español

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company

State Farm Indemnity Company

State Farm Fire and Casualty Company

State Farm General Insurance Company; Bloomington, IL

State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas

State Farm Lloyds; Richardson, TX

State Farm Florida Insurance Company; Winter Haven, FL 2001866

The Finish Line Grant program is a redevelopment grant available to business and commercial property owners across Berwyn’s TIF districts. Awards are committed on a first come, first-serve basis! Funding is calculated as a percentage of the total project cost, with a maximum amount of $50,000.00.

For larger rehabilitation projects, the Pay as You Go program offers a 25% investment or redevelopment rebate to property owners in Berwyn’s TIF districts. The rebate is based on TIF increment generated and is rebated as it is earned.

“The funding allowed me to remodel my store and make it a better place to serve and market to my Berwyn community.”

- Navin Fazal, owner of Subway, received a Finish Line Grant to re-design her space at 6301 Cermak Rd

La Parra Restaurant and Bar, a delicious Mediterranean restaurant at 6710 Cermak Ave, completely renovated a vacant storefront with a $225,000 loan from the BDC.

The BDC Commercial and Micro Loan Programs are operated in conjunction with the City of Berwyn to retain and improve Berwyn businesses and to encourage new business investments. The loans may be used for almost any business-related expense, including buildouts, façade improvements, equipment, inventory, and working capital.

Loan applications may be submitted at any time. Applications are available on the BDC website at www.berwyn.net/small-business-lending or may be obtained by contacting Kendra Shaw at kendras@berwyn.net.

To promote preservation and education along Historic Route 66, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded the BDC a $334,900 grant. With these funds, the BDC installed unique art pieces – a giant muffler man, public mural, and mini car spindle.

The BDC will use the remaining dollars to further support Ogden Ave, celebrating its history with wayfinding signage and accommodating new tourism with electric vehicle charging stations.

GROUT TO SHOUT ABOUT LCC

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 491-7110 | grout2shoutabout.com

When you’re searching for someone to fix up your home, you don’t have to look far. Grout to Shout About has spent the last 9 years doing home improvement jobs in the Berwyn area and beyond. Owner Carlos Arce is a lifelong Berwynner and dedicated handyman that has completed over 200 projects. But don’t let the name fool you– he can do more than just grout. Give him a call at 708-491-7110 and find out how he can help you today!

DAVID AVILA - STATE FARM

6612 W Cermak Rd | Berwyn, IL 60402 | (708) 484-4400 davidavilainsurance.com

David J. Avila is your local agent who was raised and still resides in Berwyn. His office is conveniently located on Cermak Rd and East Ave. His bilingual team is composed of courteous and talented staff, as demonstrated by the 100+ five star Google reviews. The team works hard to help meet the needs of their customers by assessing their risks, goals, and understand what’s important to them. Next time you’re in, ask about “Quotes For Good”, where they donate to your favorite 501C3 organization when you quote your home, auto, life, and/or other business needs!

MARIA MUNOZ PROPERTIES INC.

1910 N Clybourn Ave Chicago, IL 60614 | (312) 799-1221 chicagobesthomesales.com

Maria Munoz of Coldwell Banker Realty has been selling homes and working with 1st time home buyers and sellers in Berwyn and the surrounding areas for over 12 years. She specializes in digital marketing and her goal is to provide to as many clients in the Berwyn community with honesty. She has a passion of volunteering for not-for-profit organizations in the community. She adds, “I love Berwyn, because of the beautiful bungalows in the area and the many resources available to homeowners. I love helping so many people which brings joy to my heart.”

JILL WILLEY - STATE FARM

6902 W Cermak Rd Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 749-0390 | jillwilley.com

For over 15 years, Jill Willey has been a State Farm agent working with families and individuals to insure their homes, automobiles, and businesses in the Berwyn area. So if you’re searching for an expert, look no further. With experience in commercial auto insurance, small business insurance, and renters insurance, you can trust Jill to help you get personalized quotes that fit your needs. From protecting your personal articles to providing workers comp insurance for your business, she has you covered! Located in an office with over 50 years of experience, you can call Jill today at 708-749-0390 for your insurance and financial service needs.

Invested in Berwyn. Invested in you.

That’s banking done right. Right now.

That’s Republic Bank of Chicago.

Call Diane Salemi at 708-547-4323 or visit us at 7025 Roosevelt Road in Berwyn today.

Hello Chamber members.

We have had some recent changes at the Berwyn Chamber. My name is Claudia Thornton and I am the new Chamber Manager at the Berwyn Development Corporation. Genesis Valencia also joined as the Chamber Administrative Coordinator and has been a great addition to the team!

We are the new Chamber team at the BDC!

After a 3-year hiatus, many Chamber businesses participated in our lamp post banner program, with over 100 new banners installed throughout the Berwyn area in October 2022. Additional highlights at the Berwyn Chamber include Grand Openings for Chamber members, After Hours events, monthly Women In Business and Non-profit meetings.

Please make sure you save the dates for our Annual Holiday Party on Thursday, December 8th at Connie’s Family Restaurant and our Annual Meeting on Thursday, January 12th at Paisan’s both starting at 5:30 PM.

Best Regards,

Claudia Thornton Chamber Manager

2022 Philanthropic Grant

The Berwyn Development Corporation established a Philanthropic Committee that reviews philanthropic grant applicants twice per year. On September 23rd, 2022 the Berwyn Development Corporation awarded a $2500 Philanthropic check to the first graders of Berwyn South School District 100’s Irving Elementary School. This grant will allow the school to purchase new books for the classes!

Building Strong Leaders WOMEN IN BUSINESS

The Berwyn Development Corporation offers monthly Women in Business Group meetings to Chamber members. They provide educational opportunities and have guest speakers present a topic of value for all. If you are interested in being a speaker or sponsor for the Women in Business meetings, please reach out by emailing info@berwyn.net!

Tier 3 Benefits and above:

- Standard Grand Opening service that includes social media posts and coverage in Berwyn magazine that mails to over 19,000 residents and businesses.

- 3+ social media posts per month.

- Mailing labels for all Berwyn businesses to further market your business.

- Invitations to attend exclusive BDC events.

“As a long-time business owner in Berwyn, I really appreciate the BDC and their support for our businesses and community!

From educational classes to after-hours networking events, they are always there with up-to-date helpful resources. So many marketing opportunities! I look to them when I need referrals to work with other business owners in the area for any projects, as well as finding a great Berwyn store or restaurant. Thank you, BDC!”

2550 S Oak Park Ave | Berwyn, IL 60402

BERWYN INTERSHIP FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

The Berwyn Development Corporation partnered with Morton College to create the Berwyn Internship for Small Businesses. The BDC pairs a Chamber business with a Morton College student for the semester to help create a website and social media. Once the website is completed is live on the internet, the business receives a stipend for 1 year subscription for the website and the student gets a stipend to be used towards future tuition at Morton College. We launched this pilot program in Fall 2021 with 100% success rate for 9 businesses and just launched the Fall 2022 Internship program with 10 businesses/students.

August 29, 2022. - Fall of 2022 Berwyn Internship Kick Off Meeting

WOMEN IN BUSINESS - Oct. 2022 meeting featured Kelly Merydith from Ahimsa Yoga Studio - 3120 S Oak Park Ave

Grand Opening Oct 20, 2022Republic Bank, 7025 Roosevelt Rd

-Diane Garrison of Diane Garrison DDS

In 2022, the BDC successfully launched the Berwyn Shops: A Homegrown Project, a retail incubator designed to provide local entrepreneurs with the support they need to succeed: a storefront, business education, promotion, and resources. This inaugural season launched with 12 women-owned small businesses, offering everything from baked goods and home décor to artisanal accessories and beauty products.

Since grand opening, the 12 incredible business owners have broken sales records, sold out events, secured new contracts, expanded their followings, and even represented the Shops on TV! Specifically, the Berwyn Shops were featured across 14 news outlets, on 2 podcasts, and at the 2022 ITIA Conference. We are incredibly proud of our business owners!

In addition to supporting the 12 businesses, the retail incubator has become a community space for entrepreneurs, artists, and musicians. In fact, the Shops have hosted over 19 pop-up vendors, 11 artists, and 5 musicians!

As a result, 6931 Roosevelt Rd has become a destination for new shoppers and new businesses - none of which would be possible without our 15 community partners. Thank you again to all who have supported this homegrown project!

The Berwyn Shops will be launching its second season in June of 2023! To select next year’s participating vendors, we need YOUR help! We are inviting local small business owners, community stakeholders, Berwyn residents, and prospective shoppers to join the Jury Committee.

Thirteen jurors will be asked to review applications, sample products, and select their top 12 small businesses. With your participation, this project is truly home selected, and home grown!

At the Shops, you will receive:

- A mini storefront - Tailored education - Marketing assistance

VULGAR VEGAN CUPCAKES

The Vulgar Vegan is a custom vegan cupcake bakery and coffee shop that creates uniquely flavored cupcakes that you can’t find in a grocery store! From their Hawaiian French toast-topped Breakfast at Tiffany’s cupcake, that is dusted with edible diamond glitter, to the blueberry lavender delight Damn Right I Got The Blues, there’s a cupcake for all. In addition to their amazing sweet treats, there is a great selection of premium roast coffee on their online store and their shop at the Berwyn Shops!

For 18 years now, La Lupita Restaurant has been serving flavorful Mexican cuisine in the community for all to enjoy. They serve some of the best pozoles in the Chicagoland area, classic Mexican foods, and put a wonderfully progressive twist on vegetarian dishes that anyone can enjoy! Their restaurant is a vibrant and open space, good for eating with friends and family. Let the smell of their homemade tortillas guide you through the doors, and have a drink while you wait for your food!

GAIA RISTORANTE ITALIANO

6822 Windsor Ave | Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 317-4238 | gaiaitaliano.com

Gaia Ristorante Italiano is an upscale, family friendly, casual Italian restaurant located in Berwyn’s Depot District. Come in and start with a drink from their full service bar this winter in their chic space before enjoying a taste of the delightful Cioppino di Pesce that includes mussels, calamari, shrimp, clams, and salmon in a delicious tomato sauce. You can also reserve their private space for up to 70 guests for any of your celebrations. Call or visit their website today for a reservation!

LA PARRA RESTAURANT & BAR

6710 W Cermak Rd | Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 317-5339 | laparrarestaurantandbar.com

Celebrating a special occasion or looking to try something new? La Parra’s Mediterranean inspired flavors are sure to please! Their creamy Fettuccine Frutti di Mare is the perfect combination including shrimp, mussels, octopus, and calamari tossed with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, dry parmesan cheese, and chipotle butter. For the 21 and over crowd, pair it with your favorite glass from their extensive wine selection.

LOOK GOOD

Massage Aholics Relaxation Station

Mobile in Berwyn, IL (708) 637-3196 | luneslionessa.amtamembers.com

Massage Aholics Relaxation Station offers professional massage services, a sauna, salt room, aromatherapy, lymphatic drainage or after surgery care. In addition to having a spa located in Chicago, they offer Mobile Massages! There, they offer services to women, senior citizens, veterans, and can do corporate/church, birthday parties and baby shower events. Bond with others through relaxation and find relief in the hands of a professional! Veterans receive a complimentary half hour service with a referral from a primary care physician.

W3Body - A Women’s Gym

6342 W Cermak Rd | Berwyn, IL (708) 788-0010 | w3body.com

W3Body is a one-stop shop for all your fitness needs – everything under a single roof and accessible to women only! At W3Body, women are provided a full access gym where they can take classes, workout on their own and enjoy the sauna. They have the option to do one of W3’s results-driven programs: one on one personal training, TEAM training, or small group personal training! In celebration of their anniversary, they have expanded their small group area with more strength training equipment!

Grab a quick bite, meal, or protein shake in their cafe that won’t mess up your macros or meet one-on-one with their nutrition coach to see how you can take your goals to the next level! Call or visit today to join!

Multicare Health Center

3842-44 S Harlem Ave | Lyons, IL

(708) 442-3050 | multicarehealthcenter.com

Multicare Health Center offers a holistic approach to total health and wellness. For 17 years now, Dr. Ted has been helping patients in the area manage pain, live healthy lifestyles, treat work, auto, and sports injuries, as well as rehabbing them back to health after musculoskeletal injuries and surgeries through PT. In addition to providing chiropractic, physical, and massage therapy, Multicare Health Center also offers acupuncture and a variety of weight loss services that are tailored to your needs! Give them a call today!

6805 W Roosevelt Rd | Berwyn, IL (708) 427-6898 | face2facespastudio.com

Come to Face2Face Spa Studio to experience the work of the knowledgeable Antonette Shearrill and her team! With over 16 years of experience as a Clinical Esthetician, you can expect wonderful results from a day at her spa! Not only does she provide personalized skin care services and suggestions, but she is an educator and looks forward to providing continuing education programs to other estheticians in the future! Book an appointment or call for a consultation, today!

Hobbies & Gifts

Wright Maps Berwyn IL 60402 | (812) 881-1700 curtiswrightmaps.com

As the world becomes more connected through technology, it leaves behind pieces of the past for us to consume as art and history. Curtis Wright is an antique map dealer in Berwyn with an expansive inventory of maps and art that gives us a glimpse of the world as it once was. He has a private gallery where he showcases his maps from around the globe. Take home a piece of history for you or a loved one to enjoy for years to come, today!

Curtis

Berwyn’s Toys & Trains

Located in a former

has been locally

&

and operated since 1992. The

an incredible selection

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that may surprise you!

They are a family owned business and take pride in selling nothing but quality goods to their customers. Take a step inside to discover a new hobby to take on! They carry a variety of character model kits and have knowledgeable staff that can give you solid advice on how to get started or how to progress in your specialty project.

With fair prices and friendly customer service, it’s no surprise as to why Berwyn’s Toys & Trains has been a staple to the community all these years!

“If you can’t find it at Berwyn’s, it’s not worth playing with.”

PLACES YOU MUST STOP AT!

Detour Maps

Berwyn, IL 60402 (773) 759-6463 detourmaps.com

Entire Marketing Group LLC, and its Detour Maps division helps local businesses to re-establish operations to get their stores at full capacity by helping create marketing initiatives for them. Their goal is to work hand in hand with local Berwyn merchants! They want to join efforts by doing their part through the economic recovery process, creating opportunities through promotions and rewards by sharing the advertisement cost. Let’s work together! Contact them at (773) 759-6463.

Pet Supplies Plus

7133 W Cermak Rd Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 318-4243 | petsuppliesplus.com

We are an independently owned and operated neighborhood pet store with a large selection of natural food and treats as well as made in the USA products! Come on in for the GRRREAT experiencefeaturing a self-service dog wash and full-service grooming and all the toys, treats and fun in one place! We are here to help you keep your furry, feathered and scaled friends happy and healthy. We are proud to sponsor our local Berwyn K9 units and PAWcifer Romeo and excited to be part of the beautiful, diverse and vibrant Berwyn

Cigars & Stripes BBQ Lounge

6715 W Ogden Ave Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 484-1043 | stripesbbq.com

Yes, our Bloody Mary IS an appetizer. Perfectly sized and spiced to ignite your taste buds. The choice is yours: locally distilled vodka, tequila, or – the house favorite – whiskey aged in Tabasco barrels. We call that one “The Game Changer,” made famous at the Berwyn historic Route 66 Car Show. Try the Tijuana Street Dog and wash it down with one of the many cold beers we have on tap! If you’re going to try the wings, don’t forget to squeeze that lime!

For almost 25 years, Cigars & Stripes has served as a space for people to gather, enjoy good BBQ, have some beers and a cigar. Come in, share some stories, and get to know one of the most interesting places in the community. Don’t be alarmed by the giant living on the roof!

Psst... Have you recently checked out our brand new mural being painted on the west side of our building? Stop by to see the work of local artist D Harris!