North
Riversider
People & Progress in a Pandemic SPECIAL REPORT TO RESIDENTS SUMMER 2020
Looking ahead to our future: Everyone counts.
The 2020 Census is happening now. You can complete your Census online, by phone or by mail. The results of the Census determine how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding will flow into communities like North Riverside every year for the next decade. That funding matters to us and to every town, no matter the size— supporting school lunches, public transportation, roads, hospitals, seniors, families in need and all of us in times of disaster. The Census helps everyone! Be counted. Visit www.2020census.gov.
A Message from Mayor Hermanek
Clearly, this isn’t your usual Village newsletter. Then again, few things have been routine or ordinary for anyone over the past six months. A full-blown pandemic has changed all of our lives dramatically, forcing us to shelter-in-place in our homes to stop the spread of the coronavirus; then record rainfall in May compounded our alreadystressful lives; and, as agitated protestors made their way through North Riverside, residents and businesses alike were victims of vandalism and looting like we have never experienced in our town’s history. Could a small town like ours survive one battle after another in such a short period of time? The answer is not only a resounding “yes” but this issue is a testament to our strength and perseverance, our plan of action, our togetherness, our successful efforts to communicate regularly and adhere to state and federal guidelines while tackling every challenge before us—and any future challenges that might arise. This issue is a testament to not only the officials and employees who have exceeded expectations under these circumstances, never shutting down Village services even for a day, but also to our residents who proved that even apart we are better together. We are prepared to move forward with a strategy and with renewed purpose for the present and the future. You will be amazed, inspired and reassured by this issue—and by our united campaign. Mayor’s column continues on page 2
WHENEVER POSSIBLE: EAT • SHOP • ENJOY LOCAL • OUR BUSINESSES THANK YOU!
Our Amazing People. Our Plan for Progress.
from the mayor
On June 1st, Chicago and the BrookfieldNorth Riverside Water Commission raised their rates to buy Lake Michigan water 7% but we are NOT passing it on to our residents! The Village will absorb the nearly $350,000 water rate hike to spare our residents this added financial burden in the midst of a crisis. —Mayor Hubert Hermanek, Jr.
One of the things I’ve learned over the last few months: you can’t cancel the spirit of North Riverside. We’ve been forced to cancel all of our favorite community events and popular programs—summer concerts, our 4th of July celebration, the Biggest Block Party, our bus service (now running again), the Handyman, even our Youth Scholarship luncheon and we can all agree to put those things on hold for the greater good. But as we proceed safely into the next phases of this pandemic, we are also proceeding with unstoppable determination to move the Village forward in a united effort to support our local economy, utilize every method of technology to keep the lines of communication open between the Village and residents, offer expanded and improved Village services and, through whatever means possible, keep reinventing ways to stay apart but together. Clearly, the pandemic took its toll on our sales tax and other revenues but we remain determined to bounce back. As a team, we went into full-court press, tightening our belts while, at the same time, focusing our attention on what we could do to alleviate the stress our residents were facing. As a result, we waived all Village penalties and late fees and suspended water shut-offs. We were the only town to offer curbside renewal of vehicle stickers to our residents; the third in the state to mandate face masks; and we made every effort to provide the most current and factual information to residents in these trying times. We also stepped up every effort to celebrate our graduating classes, with a 100-plus car parade from Veterans Park for Komarek grads, another parade for Riverside-Brookfield grads, countless birthday ride-by events for residents of all ages plus the incomparable concepts brought to life by our Parks & Recreation Department such as the Mobile DJ, door decorating, virtual bingo, Window Egg Hunt and Scavenger Hunts, just to name a few. Read more about our reinvented Rec and our jacked-up social media presence in this issue! As Mayor, the one tradition that I insisted on forging ahead with is the Youth Scholarship program. While our ability to raise record-setting donations was curbed this year, we golfed for our kids on August 10th at Riverside Golf Club, following all restrictions and safety guidelines. It is imperative that we continue to generate funds to support our students with the rising cost of their education as well as those who need assistance paying for Recreation offerings, just as we have since the program was founded by Mayor Scheck in 1995. Since that time, we have raised more than half a million dollars and provided more than 1,000 of our own residentstudents with a scholarship toward reaching their academic goals and I pledge to do my very best to accommodate every request this year. Lastly, for those who have not seen my letter posted to the Village’s website, the Village of North Riverside will not allow or tolerate any form of discrimination or racism. This includes residents, Village employees and those who visit here. We are an inclusive community. I support anyone who wishes to exercise their First Amendment rights to peacefully assemble and protest, however, I do not condone and will not tolerate any violence, looting or unlawful conduct in our Village and I want to take this opportunity to send a loud and proud thank you to our Police Department, Fire Department, paramedics, Public Works crew, Recreation, and all Village employees—I consider them all first responders during this crisis and I can tell you with absolute certainty that your Village staff, every person and every shift, has given 110% during these challenging months. Then again, they always do. I hope you will take the time to read about our collective progress and the ordinary residents that are extraordinary heroes, in my opinion. If you need something, reach out to any of us. We’re here for you. We’re here to help, in good times and in unprecedented times. Be safe and be well.
NR
Good
news
positive things happening at the Village
Village services are changing and improving—and not just because of the pandemic. Efforts have been underway to make it easier for residents and businesses to get bills paid, permits processed and questions answered. During the pandemic, Village staff never missed a day, working to unite everyone in difficult times, making everyone’s safety our number one priority and striving to continue to provide necessary as well as unusual and exceptional services, such as: • North Riverside was the only town to offer curbside vehicle sticker renewal • North Riverside provided free homemade face masks (see page 8) • The Village website is updated constantly to provide the most recent and accurate information and soon the website will be revamped to be even more “user friendly” • No more automated attendant! Expect to hear a live response when you call the Village offices. English and Spanish-speaking staff available. • You deserve expanded office hours! Offices are open Monday-Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm; Wednesdays from 8:30am to 8pm; Saturdays from 9am until noon.
DID YOU KNOW?
That North Riverside was the 3rd town in the state to mandate wearing masks in public places? We were ahead of most of Illinois when it came to flattening the curve!
MAKING TRUTHFUL COMMUNICATION ACCESSIBLE TO THE COMMUNITY
EMERGENCY ALERTS: ARE YOU ENROLLED?
The Village’s Community Alert Notification System is a high-speed telephone emergency notification system that delivers messages to targeted areas of the Village or the entire Village. This system proved to be extremely useful in communicating with residents and businesses during the crisis. The system is only as good as the telephone database supporting it. To ensure no one is omitted, all individuals and businesses are urged to enter their contact info into the database at www.northriverside-il.org or call 447-4211 and we will sign you up over the phone.
How can you reach an entire community that is sheltered in place? Through technology like Zoom, our e-newsletters twice each month, water bill notifications and Everbridge community alerts—just to name a few ways we stayed connected in crisis. Watch for our new Facebook page!
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ReC IT’S ALL RIGHT HERE FOR YOU
Parks & Recreation Connect with us! Phone: 708/442-5515 • Fax: 708/442-7310 Web: www.northriverside-il.org Email: recreation@northriverside-il.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/NRRecreation Instagram: @nrrecreation
Keep an eye out fo new Digital Fall F r our Guide to be releasun the end of August!ed by constantly connecteStay Rec on Facebook and to Instagram for favo d classes, awesome rite instructors and mor e!
What’s Coming Up?
VIRTUAL FUN RUN FOR KIDS Each runner will receive a challenge map with a course laid out. Swag bags include lots of cool stuff! VIRTUAL HIGH TEA Get the magical treatment while you sip on delicious tea with a princess in the comfort of your own home. 1ST FAMILY PUMPKIN FLOAT Join us for our first-ever Pumpkin Float, sure to be an illuminating event. CAR BINGO HONK if you have Bingo! We miss Bingo as much as you do so we’re bringing it outdoors to play in your car! PUMPKIN DECORATING CHALLENGE Show off your decorating skills and enter our Pumpkin Decorating Challenge and win prizes. ULTIMATE FAIRY EXPERIENCE Little ones won’t want to miss this! INSANE LEGO COMPETITION: YOUTH AND ADULTS An incredible challenge with prizes! CATS, COFFEE, DOGS & DONUTS Action-packed event with Hinsdale Humane Society’s Low-Cost Vaccination Clinic plus Pet Adoption.
HOW TO REGISTER?
In Person. By Phone: 442-5515 Fax: 442-7310 Online: northriverside-il.org Email: recreation@ northriverside-il.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/ NRRecreation
“It’s a different summer at Parks & Rec but over the past few months we experienced some serious love and support from everyone. We absolutely tried to brighten everyone’s day.”
DIRECTOR TERESA MROZIK PARKS & REC
The good news: the Summer Fun Guide had just been completed, full of activities and community events. The bad news: at about the exact same time, the Village received word that the Governor would be shutting down the state. Our first focus was to cancel and reach out to all patrons. A record number of people were registered for camp, classes and trips and we were on the brink of exceeding revenues for our department but, in the end, over 7,000 transactions were officially voided by Parks & Rec staff—five full-time employees worked non-stop from home to ensure that everyone was reimbursed. Although we were working remotely, something we’ve never done before, it was time to collaborate on ways to bring the community together. And we did!
“We Live To Serve and Enhance the Quality of Residents’ Lives” RIGHT NOW, WE’RE JUST DOING IT DIFFERENTLY
For Parks & Rec Director Teresa Mrozik, there’s only one goal: to strive to be better every year. But boosting morale during a pandemic is a daunting task for anyone. The department’s events are usually huge gatherings that bring neighbors together at the Commons but with the entire town sheltered-in-place, it would take some serious brainstorming to cheer up an entire town. “If the residents can’t come to us, we’ll go to them,” Mrozik concluded and Parks & Rec launched a series of events that were so successful that even WGN9 news sent out reporter Erin Ivory on April 21st to do a segment. What started as an old red Public Works pickup truck and one of Program Coordinator Bryant Rouleau’s speakers on April 6th turned into a muchanticipated Mobile DJ Monday event. From costumed Disney characters on board to dance party hits, residents of all ages flocked to their porches and waved from the windows for the weekly visit, which later added birthday shout-outs. The almost-threehour route covered every Village street. Parks & Rec continued to roll out one popular event after another such as the virtual talent show, the Window Egg Hunt, Scavenger Hunts and Door Decorating. Word spread through social media and Parks
& Rec saw a huge spike in their followers— already 73 on Instagram and up to 322 new followers on Facebook, where Rec also posted live jokes, tutorials, magic tricks, science experiments, arts and crafts, cooking demos and other imaginative videos that earned loads of “likes” and lots of comments from residents who were so appreciative of the interaction. The addition of food trucks like Stan’s Donuts and Ofrenda Taco Truck just perpetuated the excitement. As Illinois moved into Phase 4 and North Riverside weighed in with park district officials across the state, the department launched outdoor exercise classes, like kickboxing and Tae Kwon Do, where participants could easily social distance. And, after researching protocols from across the country and extensively training staff, Parks & Rec took the plunge and welcomed 111 kids (originally 240 were enrolled) to Summer Day Camp 2020. “The sound of giggles and play was absolutely thrilling,” reflected Mrozik. “Even though everyone was wearing face masks, we could still see the smiles.” The Village bus is back in business, seniors are happy and even though it’s a new normal, the revised Fun Guide still offers safe ways to enjoy the summer.
FOLLOW PARKS & REC ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM OR CALL 442-5515
Pictured, Scott Kopach (left) and Anthony Ritacca work in the trenches to care for our water mains.
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DIRECTOR TIM KUTT PUBLIC WORKS
All service and maintenance to our streets, trees, water and sewers are in full swing and were never shut down during the crisis. Work schedules were modified at the start of the pandemic and rule changes were implemented such as social distancing, wearing face masks and oneman-per-truck to avoid possible cross-contamination. To ensure the safety of everyone involved, Public Works has suspended the Handyman program temporarily. As soon as it is safe to resume this service and any service that involves entering your home, residents will be notified. We have reopened the electronic drop off center at Public Works as long as you can unload by yourself between the hours of 7 am and 3 pm. Please have proof of residency with you as this service is for residents only!
FIRE CHIEF JOHN KISER SPEAKING OF FLOODING...
• Avoid driving through flooded areas and standing water • Do not enter the streets to remove manhole covers, sewer grates or debris as this can cause a greater hazard • Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Use generators at least 20 feet from any doors, windows or vents • Stay away from wires or lines down in and around your yard. Even if they are not electrical, they may still be hazardous and jeopardize your safety if touched
In May, it wasn’t just pouring rain: It was torrential
OUR SYSTEM...AND A NEW VILLAGE FUNDING PROGRAM
Over four days, May 14-17, we experienced torrential flooding and broke the all-time record for rainfall in the month of May. Over eight inches of rain flooded many basements, yards and roads. Despite rumors, there is no “magic button” to open any flood gates and we certainly can’t control Mother Nature. We are extremely aggressive at North Riverside Public Works when it comes to our water mains, hydrants, valves, sewers and the quality of water that you drink. We strive for optimal quality at all times. Few systems can handle storms that
severe and that frequent. Even the Deep Tunnel and MWRD became so full that it slowed down the amount of rain we could send back into their lines, pushing back to our roads and basements. What we can do is educate homeowners on flood control options that will provide peace of mind. There are several types of flood control options available that can stop or slow the “push back” of water into homes. Feel free to contact Public Works and we will be happy to explain the pros and cons of these systems; see below for additional information.
Prevention of Sewer Back-Up: Your Options, Our Plan
Even though torrential rains are a rare occurrence, even the best sump pumps and the most sand bags can’t keep heavy rains from damaging walls and floors and destroying carpeting and furniture in your basement. As if that wasn’t enough to worry about, flooding can also lead to mold. While the Check Valve system and Electronic Gate options for homeowners are less expensive, they are also less efficient and require maintenance. The most reliable and effective measures are expensive. Overhead Sewers, custom built for each home, are considered one of the best ways to waterproof a home. A Lift Station is often referred to as the “ultimate” system for flood control. It’s a large concrete basin that gets installed in your front yard. Waste enters the basin, the pump kicks on and pumps the water to the streetside portion of the sewer, protected by the same principal as over-heads. The basin can hold up to three days of normal usage before charging your line. These two highly-recommended options can cost from $8,000-$15,000, in some cases. NEW: Village Flood Control Loan Program. While many would like to eliminate flooding worries from their lives and enjoy their homes for years to come, very few people can afford the cost. The Village of North Riverside is currently negotiating low or no-interest loans to assist any resident homeowner interested in this type of flood control. The applicant would be totally responsible for 100% of payments on the loan. Please contact the Village staff at 447-4211 to be put on the list for this program. More details on applying will soon be available on the Village’s website and new Facebook page.
“Why did I make a cup for everyone in every department? Because in a situation like this, it takes everyone working together to get the job done.” —Tony Novak, Retired Fire Lieutenant, 7th Avenue resident
A Gift From the Residents of the 2400 Block of 7th Avenue
89 PERSONALIZED COFFEE CUPS FOR EVERY VILLAGE EMPLOYEE
A COFFEE CUP THAT SERVES UP JOY
After he retired, Tony Novak ordered himself a coffee cup that said North Riverside Fire on one side and his name on the other. Every day since he retired in 1997, he drinks out of that cup and it brings back memories of his 28-year career with the department and memories of helping people, saving lives and property. The cup brings him so much joy he decided it was the perfect way to recognize everyone keeping the Village running smoothly during the COVID-19 crisis.
When Tony Novak served on the North Riverside Fire Department, he put his life on the line every day. He rarely reflects on the dangers of his career but he often thinks about how gratifying it was when someone he helped stopped in at the firehouse with cookies, a cake or a meal to show their appreciation to the crew. “It would make our day to know that we made a difference in someone’s life,” said Tony. He retired in 1997, drinks from his favorite personalized mug every day and decided one morning during the state lockdown that it was time to show some appreciation to everyone working to keep the Village running smoothly during the pandemic. “I wrote a letter to all of my neighbors—the 23 homes on the 2400 block of 7th Avenue—with my idea, offering them the opportunity to join me in paying for the cups. Whether they participated or not, I was going ahead with the project on behalf of everyone on this great block.” He set out to get a complete list of names and titles from each department: contacting Chief Kiser and Chief Garcia for all Fire, Paramedics and Police; Tim Kutt for the staff at Public Works; Teresa Mrozik at
Parks & Recreation; Acting Administrator Sue Scarpiniti for the names of everyone in administration; even 911 Dispatch. In total, he placed an order for 89 coffee cups. “I was a public servant once. Everyone working in the Village now is just like me. We do these jobs to help people and that’s exactly what they do every day but, right now, these are extremely stressful circumstances. Firefighters, paramedics and the police especially—these first responders put their lives and their family’s lives at risk not knowing if they will get the virus or bring it home to the people they love,” added Tony. On June 17, from 3 to 6 pm, Tony unveiled the finished project on his front lawn at 2416 7th Avenue. All of the 89 personalized N.R. Hero’s COVID-19 Warriors cups, ordered from Tee-Shirts & Trophies in Brookfield, were on display with a public thanks to each of the families who helped cover the cost. “It was a simple token of appreciation,” said Tony. “I think it turned out really well and I believe that if you show a good example, maybe you’ll inspire someone else to show some kindness.”
Renee Zakosek Audrey Sprague Jackie Sprague Patricia Gargano
Sew What? As COVID-19 numbers spiked in early Spring, Village officials wasted no time trying to flatten the curve in North Riverside. Everyone needed a mask and the Mayor and Board were intent on making sure everyone had what they needed.
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ot everyone has extra fabric around the house and only a handful of people have a lot of it. One of those rare few is resident Renee Zakosek, who has been creating memory quilts, t-shirt quilts and putting her sewing machine to good use for over three decades. As the most effective defense against the coronavirus proved to be hand-washing and face masks, hand-washing was the easy part. But masks, like toilet paper, became impossible to find, putting senior citizens and at-risk individuals at even greater risk. Village Clerk Kathy Ranieri reached out to Renee to find out if she was making any masks and, if so, would she be willing to put her talents to use for the greater good? “I started going through all of my fabric,” said Renee. “I had plenty of material but it was the elastic and flannel that were extremely hard to get. Flannel is what offers the greatest protection. I ordered it but nothing was coming in.” Using the supplies she had on hand, Renee came up just short of the 100 masks that Ranieri had originally needed. To complicate matters, her sewing machine broke down—flannel was hard to get and sewing machines were almost impossible to buy. But she enlisted the help of her husband to pin and iron and the two worked like an assembly line, creating a finished 6x9 colorcoordinated reversible mask about every 20 minutes. Assisting Renee in the effort to protect North Riverside was Audrey Sprague, with her daughter Jackie cutting fabric, as well as Patricia Gargano—these extraordinary residents stitched and trimmed 24/7 for a final tally of nearly 2,000 handmade masks which were given
away, AT NO CHARGE, to Village residents. Highest-risk residents placed their requests with the police department and Public Works delivered them to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Other masks, some purchased from local textile merchant Katrina Ruiz, some donated through former Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin and successful Chicago businessman/philanthropist Willie Wilson were also shared with residents and employees to ensure that anyone who wanted or needed one to protect themselves from exposure would at least have the first level of protection. Zakosek credits the online quilting guilds she belongs to for coming to the rescue. “These guilds shared all the info that everyone desperately needed, patterns for all sizes, even recommending that people use a steam iron on high heat or a steamer instead of washing masks because 1) the water would never reach the temperature of an iron or steamer and it’s the heat that kills the bacteria and 2) this method won’t break down the elastic.” Thrilled that she was able to help her hometown during the peak period, Renee knows full well that we’re not out of the woods yet; she is currently taking orders for kids going back to school and for anyone with special requests (sports teams, hobbies, etc.) through her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ReneeZakosekDesigns/
Giving Back We Love Our Businesses
Looters showed little mercy on North Riverside’s business community back on May 31 as they targeted North Riverside Park Mall, Best Buy, Binny’s, Kohl’s and shattered the storefront glass at other retailers such as Sally Beauty Supply. Most residents saw the protests on the local news and some took their frustrations to Facebook, devastated for their local businesses that had already suffered enough from the pandemic. “I was one of the people watching on the news, then I drove by and thought I just can’t allow our businesses to take another severe hit,” said Marybelle Mandel. “Residents were posting on Facebook, they wanted to do something.” Terri Sarro, also saw the outcry on social media. “People were saying count me in,” said Sarro and, at the spur of the moment, motivated completely by community spirit, a volunteer clean-up was launched. “I brought garbage cans, brooms and bags from home, residents came, even strangers pulled up to help—about 25-30 in all. We tackled one section at a time, social distancing, with masks and gloves on and I was so appreciative of this show of support for our business community,” added Mandel, who noted that Sally Beauty Supply was one of the hardest hit. Sarro was amazed by the residents who showed up at the mall parking lot ready to sweep up broken glass. “The Mall and many businesses had already done a preliminary clean-up but there was still work to be done and we were
We’ll Figure This Out Together
glad to do it.” Sarro and Mandel, who also happen to be Village Trustees, agreed that the volunteer venture was much more than a cleanup. “It was a negative turned into a positive. Being there, seeing the destruction was very sad. But giving back to the business district, showing our appreciation was more than a really good feeling. It was the ultimate way of saying we should look out for each other.” Sarro also reflected on the good that came from a bad situation. “During those few hours, all of us out there were concerned residents taking great pride in what we have here. Yes, it was absolutely heartbreaking to see that hard-working business owners had to suffer but, at the same time, it was gratifying to be part of something that brought North Riverside residents together for a common cause.”
Clerk Kathy Ranieri and Village Trustee Terri Sarro are proud public servants but they are also moms and residents.”When COVID-19 closed the local schools, Ranieri posted on Facebook that she would be willing to help out any parents who needed cereal and other groceries. As the mother of four, she’s used to having a full pantry. After talking with Sarro and friend Laurie Berscheid, they created a page dedicated to connecting people with needs and supplies. Within hours, the new North Riverside Neighbors Helping Neighbors page had nearly 300 members sharing resources. “The shocking and most gratifying part was that more people wanted to help than be helped. We even offered to just chat with those who are stressed from being physically distant,” Ranieri explained. “No one person has this pandemic figured out, but we believe this page will help us figure things out together.” For Sarro, the response was also overwhelming. “Our first glimpses of all the hoarding prompted us to reach out to people who really need things,” said Sarro. “We decided to draft a note that people could leave on doors because seniors, homebound and at-risk residents most likely don’t have access to Facebook. If someone needs something, we’ll find it. Every day in our town and in every town, someone is down on their luck. This crisis has only made things worse. There is a lot of need but, in North Riverside, there is also a lot of kindness and I think this group will provide supplies—and hope.”
MEET BOB KALLIEN
Key Player in our Plan for Future Progress
THIS CAR
MEANS
WE CARE
When residents see this car, they need to know that it represents continued Village progress—not “Big Brother.” In fact, this car should give all residents greater assurance and peace of mind that the Village cares about them and about their homes more than ever before—because codes are implemented and enforced to ensure your safety and property values. Codes regarding clean-ups, garbage and trash, feeding animals, inoperable vehicles, weeds and bushes and pet ownership, for example, improve everyone’s health and property values. It’s a cooperative effort that can only be successful when everyone does their part. We’re serious about your quality of life and making this town the best it can be.
The Village of North Riverside has never had a planner on staff. The Building Department has always handled most projects, approved inspections and dealt with code issues. But as more communities take a closer look at preparing for a thriving future, it is absolutely essential that old zoning ordinances and practices be re-evaluated for the long haul. A comprehensive plan that establishes effective practices for the Village to implement today, together with a framework for what to expect in the years to come, requires an experienced planner. For nearly 40 years, Bob Kallien has helped municipalities look at the “bigger picture,” laying the groundwork of sound practices and steady successes for communities like Naperville and Oak Brook—both testimonials of towns reaching their fullest potential. “My reason for being here in North Riverside isn’t to make changes just because. Or to try to shape North Riverside into something it’s not. My purpose is to simply make
positive changes where they are needed,” clarified Kallien. “I want to apply all that I’ve learned to create a path to a better future for North Riverside, to raise the bar for redevelopment and to promote long-term vision to an alreadystrong community. This is your town but I can add ideas,” said Kallien. “There are opportunities to enforce current codes, to create a better balance while, at the same time, assessing what the future might hold.” Kallien will work closely with Ken Rouleau to enforce codes, which are the standards that exist to keep individual properties and entire communities regulated. “Code is a good thing: it protects you and your investment. A Village that cares is serious about adhering to codes.”
We’re Safe and We’re Grateful: NRPD & NRFD
North Riverside’s Fire and Police Departments took some very drastic measures during the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak to ensure the safety of all personnel, implementing precautions such as wearing masks, gloves, gowns and other necessary PPE equipment and taking temperatures multiple times each day. They were also proud to participate in many birthdays, graduations and other special events and parades to boost community morale. Fire Chief Kiser and Police Chief Garcia thank the residents, business owners and the good Samaritans who donated PPE equipment, water, delicious meals and handwritten cards and letters of support during the crisis.
Coming Soon: Official sources of social media news
The Village of North Riverside and the North Riverside Police Department “official” Facebook pages will be up and running in a few weeks. “We know that many people turn to social media to access real-time information,” said Mayor Hermanek, “but we also know that truthful communication is paramount. We encourage residents to search for and follow these two new pages, which will be updated frequently to ensure that information is current, accurate and a one-stop source for anyone who wants to know more about the Village and the NRPD.”
Neighborhood Services
by Coordinator Carol Spale & block captains Information and Building Blocks of Kindness Can’t Cancel Kindness, Especially When It Comes to our Children
It’s true what we have been saying these past months: Even apart, we’re better together. It hasn’t been easy being apart and, for the kids, missing the school experience, socializing with friends and pivotal moments like their graduations has been especially hard on them. But some of the brightest moments in these fearful and sheltered times have come from our children. I decided to share a few stories and photos of children so you can smile, too, because, during this isolation, they have made me smile many times. For example: Three young siblings left me a cross magnet for the refrigerator and three extras, which I immediately shared with my neighbors who would appreciate them. And did you hear about the young siblings that painted 50 wooden signs with positive messages on them and 60 shapes (stars, hearts, smiley faces) which were distributed to the residents of the Scottish Home? Can you just imagine how much joy that brought to the seniors who were being isolated from their loved ones to stay safe? Better weather gave our North Riverside children an opportunity to express themselves with chalk art and I
happened to walk across one sidewalk with a big HELLO. Isabel created the message below sending good vibes to everyone while someone else gave a shout out to our Fire Department. There was chalk art expressing appreciation to all Village departments! Lastly, I hope you enjoy the smiling faces of the Girl Scout Troop members pictured below who wanted to send a huge shout out to our first responders for keeping all of us safe. The children of North Riverside are learning the Building Blocks of Kindness early and, through these random acts, inspire the rest of us to be positive and grateful, even in trying times.
Important Resources/Info
Please be very careful of pandemic scams. Take a deep breath and think about what solicitors are asking from you when they call, email or text you. When in doubt, contact the North Riverside Police Department. If anyone needs food, visit the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Facebook page for weekly YMCA food distribution, drop an envelope with your address at Riverside Town Hall or call Carol at 447-4932. The “Medical Closet” has crutches, a back brace, bath chair and walkers available to anyone who needs them. Call Carol at 447-4932.
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REMEMBERING JIM ZAK
Many of us were very sorry to learn that our longtime friend Jim Zak had passed away. Jim was the past recipient of the Richard Scheck Angel Award from Neighborhood Services because he touched many lives—from a simple greeting at church to his efforts to collect money and distribute groceries to families in need. Jim listened to each person he met and, when people reflected on his life, they talked about his big heart. Jim and his wife Myra, raised Keith (Lora), James (Lynn), Mark (Holly) Zak, Serene (Sal) Russo, Brian (Angela) and Christopher (Julie) Zak; he was the stepfather of Robert (Lisa) Morales and the proud grandfather of 15; brother of Frederick (Joanne), Alan (Linda) and the late Nannette (late Bernard) Richert. We can carry out his legacy by caring for one another during this pandemic and always. Thank you for making a difference, Jim.
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PUBLISHED BY THE
Village of North Riverside
2401 S. Des Plaines Avenue North Riverside, IL 60546-1596
447-4211 • www.northriverside-il.org
MAYOR
PRSRT STD
Hubert Hermanek, Jr.
US Postage PAID North Riverside Permit No. 41
VILLAGE CLERK Kathy Ranieri BOARD OF TRUSTEES Debbie Czajka Fernando Flores H. Bob Demopoulos Marybelle Mandel Joe Mengoni Terri Sarro
POSTMASTER DELIVER TO:
Residential Customer North Riverside, IL 60546
ACTING ADMINISTRATOR Sue Scarpiniti
This Is no
© 2020 in particular, inc.
ordinary Golf Outing
“This pandemic has been devastating for everyone,” said Mayor Hermanek, prefacing his remarks about the annual Youth Scholarship Golf Outing. “Last year was huge for us— the most money ever raised in a single year—and this year we are forced to scale back in every way but no matter what it takes we will absolutely continue the tradition of supporting our students in their academic endeavors and provide scholarships for families who need help with paying for our incomparable recreation programs. If you have ever read just one of the scholarship application essays, you would know why this is so essential. Our young people really are our future and it’s incumbent upon us to be there for them.” Since the inception of the Youth Program and Educational Scholarship Fund nearly 30 years ago, over a half a
THIS IS ABOUT OUR FUTURE million in scholarships have been awarded and more than 1,000 resident students have been assisted. “We had to cancel the annual ceremony and luncheon but Riverside Golf Club once again provided golfers with the most prestigious place to play and our business community gave as much as they possibly could so that we wouldn’t be forced to tell this year’s 56 award recipients that we just couldn’t come through for them,” added the Mayor. “Even though it’s the first time in years we won’t have a photo of our students in the newsletter, here are the names of our 2020 recipients. We wish them all the best. Your Village stands with you!” Congratulations to: Selene Anaya, Scott Andersen, Olivia Blood, Vittoria Blood, Alexander Bogdan, Rommel Bogdan, Trevor Bork, Miranda Bucio, Elizabeth Chavarin, Aliana Chiquito,
Ryan Cicenas, Hannah Decosola, Santa Diaz, Isabelle Echevarria, Angelo Esposito, Anthony Esposito, Alexia Flores, Moira Ford, Garrett Foy, Teresa Godinez, Georgiana Gomorczak, Kellie Halvey, Natalie Jensen, Taylor Jensen, Killian Klotz, Marie Labellarte, Michael Labellarte, Morgan Litavecz, Itzel Mancilla, Katherine Manika, Elizabeth Marquez, Nick Mascitti, Alessia Mollo, Mariano Mollo, Amber O’Brien, Delaney O’Brien, Diego Osorio, Ruby Pelayo, Nataliya Petrenko, Patrick Quaid, Jenna Quinn, Alivia Ranieri, Michael Ranieri, Nadia Ranieri, Andrew Roudebush, Lucille Roudebush, Abigail Salamanca, Alyssa Sarro, Melina Savaglio, Jennifer Schoenheider, Jarod Turina, Alanna Waas, David Waas, Cameron Winkler, Grant Winkler and Danny Zontos.
~ we are a small community with a big heart ~