North
Riversider
Communication Is The Key To Our Community’s Forward Progress A NEWSLETTER FOR OUR RESIDENTS & BUSINESSES WINTER 2023-2024
Happy Holidays!
from our families to yours
Give back this season, if you can There are so many ways to make the holidays brighter for those who are less fortunate. In the Village Commons lobby, there are several collection boxes to make it convenient for anyone who would like to donate to the following causes: • Riverside Township Food Pantry (by 12/18) • Toys for Tots official location (by 12/15) • RB High School is collecting toys for Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago (by 12/21) The North Riverside Police Department is also an official location for Toys for Tots. Bring brand new, unopened and unwrapped toys, books, board games, sporting equipment, cars and trucks for kids up to age 12 to the box in the police station lobby or Commons lobby. Many thanks to those who participated in the Stuff A Squad Toy Drive on December 9 in the Costco parking lot!
“At this time of year especially, most of us reflect upon and count our blessings. I know that I do,” said Mayor Joseph Mengoni. “I am very grateful for your trust, support and friendship. We have much to be thankful for as a Village in 2023— huge strides have been made. In 2024, we will continue to push forward to achieve our goals. This time of year can get hectic but the Village Board and I would like to take a moment to sincerely wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season and a healthy, prosperous new year. We hope that those who attended our Winter Fest and Tree Lighting had an amazing and memorable experience. It was a perfect opportunity for all ages to come together for some cheer!”
from the mayor What’s in store for 2024?
Much more forward progress
Connect with Us
Village Hall: 708-447-4211 www.northriverside-il.org Non-Emergency NR Police: 708-447-9191 Non-Emergency NR Fire: 708-447-1981 Public Works: 708-762-5885 Community Development: 708-762-5900 Parks & Rec: 708-442-5515 recreation@northriverside-il.org www.facebook.com/ NorthRiversideRecreation Instagram: @villageofnorthriversideparksnrec
2024 Board meetings
Generally, 1st and 3rd Monday (except in January), 7 pm January 8, 2024 January 22, 2024 February 5, 2024 February 19, 2024 in the Council Chambers
“Coffee” connection
Stop in for coffee and conversation with the Mayor, Trustees and staff. January 20, 2024 April 20, 2024 July 20, 2024 October 19, 2024 10 am in the Council Chambers
NR
Recap of our hard work. It gives me great pleasure to share a snapshot of upcoming projects throughout this issue that are made possible because we have been and will continue to be relentless when it comes to securing state and federal grants. Never before in the history of PREVIOUSLY IN 2 YEARS North Riverside has there been such diligence in seeking out funds to help us achieve our goals. Here’s a sneak peek at what we’ve secured and what has been or will be accomplished: $700,000. In Summer 2024, we’ll launch our new street lighting program along Des Plaines Avenue, from 26th Street to Cermak Road, thanks to a $700,000 federal surface transportation project grant that the Village received. Currently in the planning and design phase, this project is a key component of the Village’s overall economic development and beautification initiative. $250,000. This state grant will literally “pave the way” for new entrance signs and “wayfinding signs” throughout town, giving us more visibility and marketability for both visitors, businesses and for local points of interest. $300,000. Another state grant will allow us to check two big projects off the list: 1) The installation of new safety fencing behind Public Works and the Police Department, securing the grounds and limiting unauthorized access to critical infrastructure and outside storage areas; 2) Extensive repairs and tuckpointing to the deteriorating exterior of the Police Department due to age and damage from extremely heavy rainfall events. $500,000. To repair the North Riverside Police Department roof. $100,000. This grant will replace the existing heating system and ToxAlert gas detection system at Public Works with more energy-efficient, sustainable systems. $40,000. These Illinois EPA grant funds are already at work helping us identify and inventory all lead service lines in the Village and develop a master plan for the removal and replacement of all lead-based pipes. $350,000 COPS GRANT. This U.S. Department of Justice grant allows us to hire 3 new officers and use the allotted federal money toward their salaries/benefits. The safety of our community is a top priority. $19,000. Awarded to eligible municipalities with large shopping centers, the Organized Retail Theft Crime Grant gives us leverage to provide extra patrols at the mall and implement pro-active strategies to combat current trends in retail crime. $57,314. This FEMA grant was awarded to the North Riverside Fire Department for the purchase of a stretcher and loading system for our new ambulance. $1.6 MILLION in PERMEABLE PAVERS. A ribbon cutting will mark the completion of the much-anticipated permeable paver project, which is not only beautiful but pivotal in our attempt to control flooding. Up to 500,000 gallons of rainwater will be diverted from our combined sewer system during every future rain event because it will be absorbed naturally, deep inside the ground. What a colossal impact this will have on our green footprint and efforts to alleviate community flooding! Not only do the parking lots look amazing but they are more functional and safer, with improved traffic flow into the Commons’ parking lot, a new drop-off lane for Recreation program participants, and new sidewalks installations. Many thanks to everyone for their patience during the construction. The long-term benefits of our short-term inconvenience will be phenomenal. STANDPIPE RESTORATION. Essential to the well-being of all, I am happy to report that the standpipe was put back into service and the job exceeded expectations. See the back cover for the extra little touch we made to our standpipe. Wishing everyone a happy & safe holiday season, Mayor Joseph Mengoni
0 $3.9M
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4 Holiday garbage pick-up dates 4 Village office closing dates 4 Overnight parking pass reminder 4 Block Captains needed 4 2024 Curbside Electronics pick-up date
Village Hall
Important information from
sings Holiday Garbage, esClo On Hand g Pass Have Guest ParktheinCh turday, ristmas holiday will be Sa
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Block Captains NEEDED to join Neighborhood Services
Do You Live on Forest or Keystone Avenue?
Let’s consider this quote from Mother Teresa at the holidays and throughout the year: “I have a feeling that we are in such a hurry that we do not even have time to look at one another and smile.” Our Neighborhood Services program was founded on making time for one another, reaching out to people and creating "family bonds" between neighbors so that no one ever feels alone. We would love to have you join approximately 80 other Block Captains in the Village who make this unique and compassionate Village program possible. You can even ask your neighbor to help and become Co-Block Captains! Volunteers simply reach out to welcome new neighbors, organize block parties and share resources. He/she helps to open up lines of communication to create a friendly atmosphere on the block. Currently, Captains are needed on these blocks: 2300 Block of Forest 2400 and 2500 Blocks of Keystone If you live on these blocks and you are interested in joining forces with other caring residents, or just need assistance of any kind, call the Village Hall at 708-447-4211 for more information. Thank you all for your big hearts!
OWN A RENTAL PROPERTY? Here’s an important reminder
All single family and multi-family residential properties used as rental properties must be registered with the Village each year and an annual inspection of the property must be completed by a Village inspector. Call the Community Development Department at 708-762-5900 with any questions.
CURBSIDE ELECTRONICS First pick-up of 2024
The first of two pick ups at your home each year is set for April 22, 2024. If you have old computers, keyboards, fax machines, VCRs, video game consoles, etc., get them ready for spring! Limit is 7 items per household and no more than two TVs or monitors. Watch for a reminder in the next newsletter.
KEEP IT LOCAL, PLEASE
At the holidays and all year, too There are countless reasons to shop, eat, drink and be merry locally. No matter what you buy or do, if you do it locally, you’re putting your money back into your community. When you buy local, 68% of your money stays in the local economy. It helps keep residents employed; it lowers the carbon footprint by saving gas and cutting down on emissions from your car; and no more worries about shipping delays. If you’re meeting up with friends and relatives, choose a North Riverside restaurant, coffee shop or venue for your get-together. Keep your gift cards, stocking stuffers and even grocery shopping local, too!
Follow the Village’s official Facebook pages and check the website at www.northriverside-il.org for updates.
PARKS & RECREATION
Holiday HAPPENINGS
Call Parks & Recreation at 442-5515 or stop in for more information or to sign up!
FREE Holiday Home Decorating
LETTERS to SANTA
Drop off your letters to Santa prior to December 15 in the North Pole mailbox located in the Village Commons lobby. Parks and Rec staff will forward the letters to Santa. If you add a return address, Santa will respond!
holiday home decorating Contest
Free to enter but you must pre-register with Parks & Rec. Top three houses will receive a lawn sign declaring their victory. Photos of home entries will be posted on Facebook. Lights must be on between 6 and 7:30 pm. Judging will take place on December 21.
holiday Camps
CONTEST!
HOLLY JOLLY CAMP Don’t want the kids bored at home during their break? Pack a lunch, drink and wear comfy clothes and gym shoes! For ages 3-12 years. Tuesday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. Session 1: December 26-29 Session 2: January 2-5 Fee is $140R/$150NR WINTER BREAK CHESS WIZARDS CHESS CAMP For ages 6-12 Tuesday through Friday, 3 to 6 pm Session 1: December 26-29 Session 2: January 2-5 Fee is $257R/$320NR
Breakfast with SANTA we packed the HOUSE! huge success!
Santa and North Riverside Parks & Recreation send a big thank you to everyone who came out for breakfast and a special visit on Sunday, December 10! Over 200 guests attended the sold-out event—a delicious meal and a good time was definitely had by all!
TRIPS C N , le il v e h s A & te ta Es e r o Biltm largest Biltmore Estate, America’s
Experience the lavish ,a ltmore’s new Antler Village privately-owned home; Bi ing, historical exhibits, and more. din destination for shopping, tour, es a Blue Ridge Parkway Your bus tour also includ silica, Ba gnificent St. Lawrence ma e th d an er nt Ce t Ar lk Fo gister of Historic Places. which is on the National Re Fees starting at $835 per person s). April 4-12, 2024 (five night in for more information! for double occupancy. Stop
Upcoming programs for youth plus stay fit in the new year! Book a birthday party at the Rec! Winter Youth Basketball
Get in the game! Registration for the Winter Youth Basketball League began on November 1. All teams will be drafted by NRPRD Recreation Staff based on player ranking given by parents. Game jerseys included. Games will be held on Saturdays from January 20–March 16. $85 for Pre-K to 2nd Grade $95 for 3rd-8th Grade Registration deadline is December 15 or until limit is reached. Coaches needed!
Spring Soccer League
Registration for the 2024 Youth Spring Soccer season begins January 17. Fee includes team jersey plus end-of-season gift. Game on Saturdays, April 13-June 8. $85 for Pre-K to 2nd Grade $95 for 3rd-4th Grade Coaches needed!
Adult Fitness in the New Year
MUCH MORE FOR 2024 London and Paris in May NIAGARA FALLS AND TORONTO IN JUNE LONDON AND PARIS. May 11-19, 2024. Fees starting at $4,649 pp for double occupancy. Highlights include Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Covent Garden Eurostar Train, Choices on Tour, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower Dinner, Seine River Cruise. NIAGARA FALLS AND TORONTO. June 2-8 2024. Fees starting at $1,039 pp for double occupancy. This bus tour to Niagara Falls and Toronto is experienced from the Canadian side—widely known as the best view. Highlights include the legendary Maid of the Mist boat ride; a visit to the elegant Casa Loma castle; town of Niagara-on-the-Lake; and includes a guided tour of the Niagara Falls area. A passport is required for this trip. Stop in at Parks and Recreation or call 442-5515.
Check out the Fun Guide for fitness programs for every level, from Gentle Yoga and Fit Over 50 to something vigorous to get your heart pumping like Adult Cardio Kickboxing! Tai Chi, Adult Table Tennis, Pickleball Open Gym are perfect ways to kick off the new year.
Birthday Parties at the Rec!
The perfect venue for ages 3-15 is a twohour party for 15 children at the Rec! PARTY PACKAGES Package A: $200R/$250NR Includes space (gym), basic setup (tables and chairs) and equipment. Package B: $275R/$345NR Includes all above plus a party attendant to coordinate games. Package C: $295R/$370NR Includes everything from package A and B plus the use of the B/C room for food /gifts. Ask about party theme options when you pick up request forms at the Recreation Office.
PUBLIC WORKS
VILLAGE & MWRD PAVER PROJECT COMPLETED One of Mayor Mengoni’s top priorities for North Riverside was to “go green” and the $1.6 million dollar green partnership between the Village and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District did that—and more, converting approximately 71,000 square feet of asphalt to permeable pavers while also diverting 500,000 gallons of storm water from the Village’s sewer system during rain events. “Our first major green project is not only beautiful but it will have a major impact on our community and the environment.”
Winterizing: It’s Important HOSES & FREEZING, FURNACES & HUMIDIFIERS
Any resident with a lawn sprinkling system needs to winterize the lines before they freeze. This requires turning off the water supply to the sprinkler system and removing the RPZ valve to prevent freezing and breaking the valve. In the spring, before re-installing, be sure to have the RPZ valve tested by a certified tester as required by the Illinois EPA. If you haven’t already done so, remove all hoses from outside spigots and turn off the valve that feeds the spigot. Once this is done, open the spigot to release any water left in the line. Doing this will prevent any freezing and cracking and save you from having to replace your water spigot and garden hoses. VERY IMPORTANT! If the water line in your basement is in a
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closet and this room is not heated, you run the risk of having a frozen water line in frigid temperatures. Make sure to keep the door open to allow some heat to enter that closet and, if temperatures are extremely cold, leave your faucet with a constant drip or very small stream to help avoid a frozen line. Also, now would also be an ideal time to ensure that your home heating system is operating efficiently. Simple things you can do as a homeowner include: 1) Replace your furnace filter and humidifier filter; 2) Always allow for plenty of space around your furnace for ventilation; 3) If you haven’t had your heating system checked by a qualified technician now is the best time to avoid failures during the coming cold winter season.
We Take Going Green Seriously
The Village of North Riverside is proud to announce that 42 new parkway trees were planted in town this season to replenish our inventory and diversify the tree population. All trees planted were selected because they generally thrive in our region and climate.
SNOW REMOVAL How We Get Things Done
FIRST the BLITZ
All state or main roadways are done first: Harlem Avenue, Des Plaines Avenue, 31st Street and 26th Street. Four trucks work together in what we call a “Blitz” technique. The “Blitz” creates a safer pathway for both Village vehicles and other motorists.
NEXT: 2X2
You may not want to even think about winter but we gear up all year! The Public Works Department is, as always, on full alert and prepared for anything Old Man Winter might send our way. The Village of North Riverside began taking the necessary steps to combat the winter season months ago, even stockpiling road salt behind the Public Works Facility to ensure Village streets are safe for travel during heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain. Vehicles and equipment are ready and your Public Works staff is primed for another season of outstanding service to the community.
Be A Good Neighbor
SIMPLE STEPS FOR COURTESY AND YOUR OWN SAFETY
4 Following heavy snow falls, please move your vehicles off the street to allow Public Works to clear the snow from curb to curb. 4 Park your vehicles in your garage so there are less cars parked overnight on public streets. Remember, snow plows are enormous vehicles and it is often difficult to maneuver around parked cars and narrow passing lanes. 4 Do not throw snow back into the street and alleys. Those piles freeze up causing potential accidents and make it harder for plows to move down the street. Remember, the plows are designed to push the snow
to the sides of the streets. Trucks simply cannot prevent the snow from being pushed onto the ends of your driveways as it passes by. 4 Please DO NOT attempt to pass Village snow plows on the street. These vehicles are huge and drivers can’t always see you. 4 If you have a fire hydrant on your property, please clear a path to the hydrant. Fire hydrant snow removal is critical because firefighters must be able to identify and quickly access a fire hydrant. A snow encapsulated and obstructed fire hydrant delays firefighting efforts, giving fire more time to grow.
After the Blitz, the trucks split off in 2x2 fashion and start cleaning the side streets. While this plowing is taking place, three Public Works pick-up trucks are out plowing alleys, dead-end roads, off-street parking, and the municipal lots throughout the Village.
THIRD STEP: SALT
Once streets are cleared of snow, salt is steadily applied to prevent freeze-ups. Salt is also applied on the first pass to allow plows to remove the snow down to the pavement. Salt is spread in an eight-foot path using the pitch of the roads to drain the melted snow clear to the curb line, this also melts ice spots to the curb.
LAST: SHOVEL
The final step in the process is to shovel the main walkways along Cermak Road, 26th Street, and Des Plaines Avenue, as well as the Village’s bike path and Commons Park to make sure that all pedestrians have a safe passageway.
POLICE
PROUD TO PARTNER WITH THE SHERIFF
In November, the North Riverside Police Department, in collaboration with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, held a unique disposal event, giving residents the opportunity to stay in their cars and simply pop open their trunks. Residents were encouraged to dispose of unwanted electronic items; take advantage of secure document shredding to help protect their personal identity by properly disposing important documents; and an unused medication disposal, eliminating the risks of accidental or intentional misuse or contaminating the water systems, if flushed. The North Riverside event was a huge success, as cars lined up, filling the Sheriff’s truck to capacity in only an hour and a half.
Where there’s a will, there’s a scam THE NRPD REMINDS YOU TO BE VIGILANT
According to data released as recently as October 2023, Americans are now receiving an average of 14 spam calls per month, many of them are fraudulent phone calls to trick people into giving money or revealing personal information. The North Riverside Police Department wants residents of all ages, particularly seniors, to know that scammers have lots of tricks up their sleeve so it’s imperative that you read this important information to protect yourself from phone and internet fraud. ROBOCALLS These are the most common consumer complaints regarding communication fraud. They often include false claims such as unpaid taxes, fake prizes, or problems with bank accounts. What should you do? Hang up immediately, register with the National Do Not Call Registry and use call-blocking services. SMISHING Have you received unsolicited mobile text messages with an unfamiliar or strange web link that indicates a USPS delivery requires a response from you? If you never signed up for a USPS tracking request for a specific package, then don’t click the link! This type of text message is a scam called smishing and is intended to lure the recipient into providing their personal or financial information. Report to: spam@uspis.gov.
SPOOFING Scammers disguise contact information to mimic trusted entities, this can involve subtle changes to phone numbers or email addresses. What should you do? Verify the source before responding, especially if personal information is requested. CHARITY SCAMS Scammers are good at creating fake charity organizations or misrepresenting real ones to solicit donations. These scams often emerge after natural disasters or during holiday seasons. What should you do? Research charities through verified platforms and never donate via wire transfers or gift cards. “CAN YOU HEAR ME?” For starters, scammers spoof calls to make them appear to be from a local telephone number. When you answer what you think is a local call, the caller asks if you can hear them or is this (your name)—that’s when they are recording your “Yes” answer to authorize fraudulent charges. This affirmative response is used to claim that you agreed to a purchase or service. What should you do? Never affirmatively answer unfamiliar calls from phone numbers you do not recognize. Hang up on the call immediately and regularly review your financial statements for unauthorized charges. You can also the call to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
SANTA RUN: DECEMBER 23
You don’t want to miss this annual Village and Fire Department tradition! Santa Claus will make his annual trip through North Riverside on Saturday, December 23, bringing holiday cheer to all good boys, girls and our seniors! Mr. Claus will travel through the Village on the fire engine, leaving his reindeer to rest up for their Christmas Eve journey.The Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care will be Santa’s last stop. Join the Mayor, Village Board, Fire and Police Departments as Santa travels throughout town. Santa’s fire truck will stop at the following locations!
9:05 am 9:20 am 9:35 am 9:50 am 10:05 am 10:20 am 10:35 am 10:50 am 11:05 am 11:20 am
23rd & Park 23rd & Hainsworth Traube & Hainsworth 25th & Burr Oak 25th & Forest 30th & Lincoln 24th & 4th 24th & 7th Komarek School 23rd &15th
Keep The Wreath Red
NORTH RIVERSIDE FIRE DEPARTMENT TRADITIONS
The North Riverside Fire Department is once again participating in the “Keep the Wreath Red” holiday fire awareness program, established in 1954 by an Illinois Paid-On-Call Firefighter, Paul Boecker, later adopted by the IFCA (Illinois Fire Chiefs Association) in 1980 to alert residents of fires caused by holiday decorations, and promote prevention through awareness. The program is a visual reminder for all of us to take safety precautions during the holiday season to make it a safe one for our families and loved ones. The goal is to keep all the bulbs on the wreath red. If there is a fire incident due to holiday decorations, a red bulb will be replaced with a white one.
Consider these safety tips: Discard any old lights with frayed or worn cords, cracked sockets or ones where the lights light up intermittently. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect. Keep lit candles away from decorations and anything that can burn. Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged. Keep decorations away from windows and doors. Before heading out or to bed, blow out the candles and turn off all strings of lights and decorations.
FD GRANT $57,314 from FEMA
The North Riverside Fire Department was recently awarded a FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Grant in the amount of $57,314 for the purchase of a stretcher and loading system for the Village’s newest ambulance. The ambulance purchase was approved in June 2022; the Village is expecting delivery from the manufacturer in early 2025. Benefits of new stretcher and loading system are improved design for greater patient safety and comfort plus reduced risk of injury to fire and emergency service personnel.
20 23 From our Centennial logo contest to the North Riverside Players’ musical performance of the Village’s history, it’s been a flurry of fanfare honoring our community. From another successful Mayor’s Golf Outing; our July Centennial parade and festival; applauding the Komarek School Renovation Project with State Rep. La Shawn Ford; North Riverside Storm baseball’s inaugural season;
our working visit to Washington, D.C. and time spent with Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth to Commissioner Frank Aguilar’s proclamation passed by the Cook County Board, we’ve been a little busy! The new time capsule was buried for history and we are hard at work on the Village’s bright future!
what a year it’s been!
| what to know about the snow program |
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THE FLAG
Please don’t touch
THIS IS HOW CREWS WILL FIND REGISTERED RESIDENTS
With more than 80 residents registered for the Village’s annual Senior/Disabled Snow Removal Program, these reflective markers (flags) posted in each participant’s parkway prior to the start of the program will make it much easier for crews to identify the homes of those who need service. The application deadline of December 1st has passed, however, anyone still seeking availability information can contact the Village Hall. No guarantees can be made but every effort to accommodate residents is one of the goals of the program. Village-contracted snow removal crews are dispatched after the snow stops and will rotate after every snowfall in excess of two inches. All participants will then be serviced within 24 hours.
residents have registered for this winter’s Senior/ Disabled Snow Removal Program
Contact the Village Hall if: 1) You registered for the program and have not yet received a parkway flag 2) If you are registered for the program but a friend, neighbor or relative cleared your snow, you must notify the Village. If the contractor sees that your residence has been shoveled, a door knocker will be left as proof of no services. Participants who do not receive a no service door knocker will be responsible for reporting the lack of service within 24 hours of an eligible snowfall to avoid being charged for services. If the marker is displayed at your residence, there is only thing that you need to do when it starts to snow: BE PATIENT. When the snow stops, crews will get to work as quickly and efficiently as possible so please be patient and allow them to do their jobs. No amount of impatience will get the job done faster so just “chill” and rest assured that your property will be cleared. Thank you.
PATIENT
Most importantly BE
PUBLISHED BY THE
Village of North Riverside 2401 S. Des Plaines Avenue North Riverside, IL 60546-1596
708/447-4211 • www.northriverside-il.org
PRSRT STD
US Postage PAID North Riverside Permit No. 41
POSTMASTER DELIVER TO:
the ultimate finishing touch
Residential Customer North Riverside, IL 60546
MAYOR
Joseph Mengoni VILLAGE CLERK Kathy Ranieri
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Jason Bianco Debbie Czajka Fernando Flores Antonio “Tony” Santucci Terri Sarro Nicholas Tricoci ADMINISTRATOR Sue Scarpiniti
BIGGEST ONE OF THE YEAR’S
© 2023 in particular, inc.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS. LITERALLY.
The containment system is gone. All of the sandblasting is finished, exterior hatches replaced, cathodic protection installed. The enormous structure that is the cornerstone of the Village’s water delivery system has undergone a major renovation. Now it’s back in service. A lifeline for thousands of people since it was completed in 2001, the standpipe’s thorough overhaul has extended its lifespan for many years to come, adding this to the long list of judicious, carefully-planned decisions made for the people of North Riverside. The standpipe is not only completely renovated but it’s proudly wearing a new badge of honor. Visitors will clearly know now that they are in North Riverside. The NR logo is, of course, prominently displayed on the outside of the tank, but there is also a “loud and proud” important message emblazoned beneath it: “Stay Local,” intended to remind everyone that staying local—supporting and shopping North Riverside— creates jobs, funds Village services and promotes a more vibrant and sustainable community. “Staying local is crucial to sustaining a strong Village economy,” stressed Mayor Mengoni. “Choosing these two words for the standpipe is simply a reminder that supporting local benefits everyone. It not only creates a sense of community pride but it stimulates the economy, provides jobs, supports our schools and library, and even helps the environment because people use less gas and produce less emissions, less shipping is involved. At the holidays and throughout the year, when you shop at one of our stores or choose one of our venues or restaurants, everyone in the community wins.”