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Vol. 38, No. 2

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January 11, 2023

New Aldi set to open later this month PAGE 2

Also serving North Riverside

@RBLandmark

Police pursuit ends in Riverside crash PAGE 5

Riverside’s C4 effort launches with community meeting

Signing off from Springfield

‘Road to 2050’ seeks to engage residents on equitable sustainability initiatives

Riverside’s Michael Zalewski reflects on 14 years as state rep.

SEE STORY PAGE 6

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Riverside last summer joined with more than a dozen neighboring communities in Chicago’s west suburbs to launch the Cross-Community Climate Collaboration – C4 for short – pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while promoting equity and sustainability.

Part of a larger regional effort to address the effects of climate change, C4 members PHOTO BY JERRY NOWICKI

community news. calendar. high school sports. weekend events. restaurant reviews. real estate resources. local schools. shopping. police reports. opinions.

@

See C4 on page 9

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The Landmark, January 11, 2023

Aldi sets grand opening for new store later this month Officials to cut ribbon for North Riverside Park Mall location Jan. 26

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Less than 12 months after getting approval from the North Riverside Village Board, officials from Aldi will gather at the North Riverside Park Mall on Jan. 26 to officially cut the ribbon on the grocery chain’s newest location.

Village Administrator Sue Scarpiniti confirmed the company’s plans to open later this month after ComEd expedited connecting the store to a transformer adequate to support its power needs.

“They’ve been working around the clock to get the store ready,” said Scarpiniti on Jan. 6. “I can’t believe the progress they’ve been able to make since last week.”

Aldi had previously indicated the store would not be open until mid- to late-February at the earliest due to the power supply issue. However, according to Scarpiniti, the village got a little help in the form of Village Trustee Fernando Flores, who retired recently from a 39-year career at ComEd. Flores told the Landmark that ComEd has been experiencing a shortage of transformers and related equipment. After getting a call from the village’s community development department to see if he could pull some strings with his former colleagues, he reached out.

“I still know some people at ComEd, and it turned out they were able to power up the store in less than a week,” Flores said.

The large green box on the south side of the store is the piece of equipment Aldi needed to connect to an underground transformer there to a main transformer elsewhere, Flores said.

“It was part of the job I did before retiring,” said Flores, who retired as an electrical engineer. “Luckily, the grand opening is coming up soon. I like to help whenever I can.”

Scarpiniti said she expected Aldi to pick up an occupancy permit for the new store, whose official address is 7517 Cermak Road, sometime this week. While the store’s grand opening is Jan. 26, said Scarpiniti, it’s possible Aldi could open the

BOB UPHUES/Editor

The new Aldi store, 7517 Cermak Road, in an outlot at the North Riverside Park Mall is the company’s latest prototype, measuring about 20,000 square feet, with wider aisles and a larger produce section. store earlier than that if they have their occupancy permit.

“It’s really close,” Scarpiniti said.

There’s also no word yet on exactly when the Aldi store at 2000 Harlem Ave., which has operated in that location for many years, will close. That retail space, along with the Auto Zone store next door and the parking lot immediately to the east – an area measuring 2.06 acres -- is being listed for sale by CBRE for $3.3 million.

The new store is the latest Aldi concept, measuring nearly 20,000 square feet with a parking lot for about 70 cars. The store is larger than previous Aldi concepts, featuring wider aisles and a larger produce section.

It’s the latest major tenant for Seritage Growth properties, the real estate investment trust that owns the mall’s north anchor location, which includes the two-story 180,000-squarefoot former Sears retail space, the freestanding former Sears Auto Center building, which houses Blink Fitness, and the parking lots to the north and west.

Last year, the clothing retailer Forman Mills opened in the second-floor anchor space. The entertainment venue Round One occupies about 45,000 square feet of the ground floor space, with Amita Health taking up another 10,000 square feet.

Seritage continues to market the remaining 25,000 square feet of ground floor retail space.

Feds earmark $840K for traffic signal upgrades on Harlem, Cermak Late in December, Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (D-4th) announced $27 million in federal funding for communities in his district, including $840,000 for the suburban bus service Pace to install traffic signal prioritization equipment for Harlem Avenue and Cermak Road.

The equipment, which will be installed at 30 traffic signals on Harlem Avenue from Cermak Road to Ogden Avenue and on Cermak Road from 54th Avenue to Harlem Avenue, will allow Pace bus drivers to communicate

with the traffic signals to shorten red lights or lengthen green lights to keep buses on schedule.

The federal funding will pay for installing the equipment at 24 of the 30 signals. The total project cost is $1.05 million, with equipment and installation pegged at about $35,000 per intersection.

Pace spokesperson Maggie Daly Skogsbakken said Pace will use state and Regional Transportation Authority capital funds to cover the balance of the cost for installation.

The signal improvements are connected to Pace’s plans to make Harlem Avenue and Cermak roads, which Daly Skogsbakken said “have some of the heaviest bus ridership in Pace’s service area,” part of the agency’s new Pulse rapid-transit network.

“Pace has been working for many years with the Regional Transportation Authority, IDOT, and Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways on implementing transit signal priority in these corridors,” said Pace Executive Director Melinda

Metzger. “We all see the positive impact this will have on travel times and reliability, improving access to employment, education, medical care, and essential resources for those we serve.”

It is unclear when Pace will begin installation of the equipment. The funding was approved as part of the federal government’s 2023 Fiscal Year omnibus spending package signed into law by President Joe Biden on Dec. 29.

— Bob Uphues

The Landmark, January 11, 2023

Riverside trustees throw support behind library officials

Village president, 4 other elected officials commend blocking book ban

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Four Riverside village trustees and the village’s president on Jan. 5 expressed public support for the staff and trustees of the Riverside Public Library, lauding them for resisting calls by two local residents to pull the book “Gender Queer” from the library’s collection.

Library Director Janice Foley informed library trustees last month that a committee of library staffers, including Foley, had informed the two women who requested the book ban that the title would remain in the collection, although it would be moved from the Teen Room to the adult graphic novel section.

The ban request and the staff ’s decision to keep “Gender Queer” in the collection was listed as an agenda item for the library board’s Jan. 10 meeting, which took place after the Landmark’s print deadline.

Village Trustee Edward Hannon broached the subject of the book ban request at the end of the village board’s Jan. 5 meeting, commending library officials for their response to it.

“Given the topic of the book, transgender

COURTESY OF RIVERSIDE TV

Riverside President Joseph Ballerine offered support on Jan. 5 for Riverside Public Library officials who refused to pull the book “Gender Queer” from circulation after two residents objected to it. and queer topics, I like the idea that our library provides that resource for young people who are struggling, that they can go to our library and find that material to figure out ‘what are these thoughts in my head, why am I different, who can I reach out to,’” Hannon said. “And our library continues to be a resource for all people, any sort of education materials, and do so without fear.”

It became clear, however, that other trustees had also decided to comment on the subject, with at least two others, Trustee Megan Claucherty and President Joseph Ballerine, reading from prepared statements.

Claucherty cited American Library Association data stating that in 2022, book bans in U.S. schools and public libraries had reached their highest levels since the ALA began tracking that data more than two decades ago.

“These book bans typically seek to limit access to books that offer empathy, knowledge and power to young people,” Claucherty said. “And they disproportionately affect books by and about LBGTQ [individuals] and people of color.”

Ballerine, meanwhile, said the library board and staff had his “full confidence” and that it was not appropriate to remove a book that may be helpful to someone in the community.

“It should not matter if a book is applicable to me, or makes me feel uncomfortable,” Ballerine said. “It’s important to recognize the material may be helpful to other people in our community and, therefore, we should not be censoring materials.”

Trustee Cristin Evans also spoke in support of the library’s decision to keep “Gender Queer” in circulation, calling the request to ban it “disappointing” and “harmful.”

“The thing that bothers me the most is that it becomes a harmful discussion, even with all the support that we have here in the village for maintaining our collection,” Evans said. “There’s still a level of bigotry that is fueling this discussion, and that’s harmful to people, to kids that live in this town.”

Trustee Aberdeen Marsh-Ozga complimented library staff for their “professionalism” in responding to the book ban request and pointed out “Gender Queer” was a recipient in 2020 of an ALA’s Alex Award, given annually to 10 books that, according to the ALA website, are “written for adults that have special appeal to young adults, ages 12 through 18.”

LSF Brookfield Library to host ‘listening sessions’ Jan. 12-18 The Board of Trustees at the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, 3541 Park Ave., is soliciting input from the public during a series of “listening sessions” the library is conducting as part of its strategic planning process, which launched last October.

The library will host two Zoom and two inperson listening session over the next week on the following dates: ■ Thursday, Jan. 12 at 10:30 a.m. (at the library) ■ Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. (on Zoom) ■ Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 6:30 p.m. (at the

library) ■ Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 6:30 p.m. (on Zoom) The sessions are limited to 25 people and registration is required at brookfieldlibrary. info. Zoom links will be emailed to attendees prior to those sessions.

According to a press release announcing the listening sessions, “the library is interested in hearing how members of the Brookfield community currently use the library and what they desire from future library service.”

The sessions will be facilitated by the

Sarah Keister Armstrong, whom the library hired last August to lead the strategic planning process. Library trustees and staff will not be present at the listening sessions in order for the public to feel comfortable speaking freely.

The library board began the strategic planning initiative last fall with an online survey, which more than 1,000 people took, according to Library Director Kimberly Coughran.

Data from that survey is being processed this month.

— Bob Uphues

IN THIS ISSUE Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Editor Bob Uphues Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Michael Romain Staff Photographers Shanel Romain Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Sales and Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls, Kamil Brady Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Donor Relations Manager/Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Sales & Digital Development Manager Stacy Coleman Circulation Manager Jill Wagner EMAIL jill@oakpark.com Publisher Dan Haley Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-442-6739 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 E-MAIL buphues@rblandmark.com ONLINE www.RBLandmark.com The Landmark is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. The newspaper is available on newsstands for $1.00.

A one-year subscription costs $41 within Cook County and $51 outside the county. Advertising rates may be obtained by calling our office. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS 0019-585). Postmaster send address corrections to Landmark, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302. © 2023 Growing Community Media NFP.

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The Landmark, January 11, 2023

January 11-18

BIG WEEK

King in Chicago

Join historian, Chicago sightseeing guide and musician Clarence Goodman as he discusses the rise of race issues around the city and shares stories of how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. took on Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley to push for better living conditions during “In the Belly of the Beast: King in Chicago” on Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Community Room of the Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road.

King’s fight for civil rights brought him to Chicago many times, and his work here resonates today. Register to attend this program by visiting riversidelibrary.org/events.

Credit: National Archives

Addressing teen mental health at home

Nazareth Academy in LaGrange Park continues its Parent Speaker Series on Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. with “Ayúdame a Lidiar con la Depresión, la Ansiedad y Otros Conflictos de Mi Edad” (“Help me Deal with Depression, Anxiety and Other Conflicts of My Age”) which will be conducted on Zoom in Spanish.

The presenter is psychologist Dr. Ferney Ramirez, who will recommend specific ways to address the mental health of teens at FERNEY RAMIREZ home. Register to attend by visiting nazarethacademy.com under the “Parent/Student” tab. The program is free and open to the public.

True Crime Club screens ‘Rewind’

Tai Chi for beginners North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., invites adults to engage in some low-impact, low-stress exercise under the direction of an expert during a Tai Chi lesson scheduled for Jan. 18 at 2:30 p.m.

Register to attend by visiting northriversidelibrary.org/events-new.

And more Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St., presents artist Bobbi Meier’s show “Imperfect Rituals” through Feb. 18. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.

There’s also “Mujer Quetzalcoatl” featuring the work of Alex Velazquez Brightbill, through March 30 in the lobby of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road in Riverside. Viewing hours are Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday ■

from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., presents After School Art Escape (child with adult) on Jan. 12 at 4 p.m., Calming Craft for Kids (child with adult) on Jan. 13 at 4 p.m.,Crafternoons: Snowflake Mobile on Jan. 14 at 1:30 p.m., Morning Munchkin Stories with Miss Karen on Jan. 16 at 10:30 a.m., Family Game Night on Jan. 17 at 3 p.m. and Story Safari (child with adult) on Jan. 18 at 10:30 a.m. Register for programs online at northriversidelibrary.org/events-new.

■

The new True Crime Club at Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, 3541 Park Ave., will screen the award-winning 2019 documentary “Rewind” on Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. in the Meeting Room.

Using 200 hours of home video and interviews with family members, police and a psychiatrist, director Sasha Joseph Neulinger uncovered a dark history of multigenerational abuse hiding in plain sight. A short Q&A with presenter Cortney McInerney will follow the film.

Register by calling 708-485-6917 or online at brookfield.evanced.info/signup.

Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, 3541 Park Ave., presents Protecting Seniors from Identity Theft and Scams on Jan. 12 at 10:30 a.m., Yoga Storytime on Jan. 13 at 1 p.m., Violin Storytime with Anderson Music Studio (ages 4-8) on Jan. 16 at 10:30 a.m. and Chair Yoga (virtual) on Jan. 16 at 11 a.m. Call 708-485-6917 or visit online at brookfield.evanced.info/signup to register for programs.

Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, presents Drop In Tech Help on Jan. 12 from 2 to 3 p.m., a Pokemon Meet Up (grades K-8) on Jan. 12 at 4 ■

■

p.m., Friday Storytimes (all ages) on Jan. 13 at 9:30 and 10:15 a.m., Mindfulness Together meditation with Gina Barsotti on Jan. 13 at 11 a.m. and Family Playtime on Jan. 14 from 10 a.m. to noon.

To register for programs, visit online at riversidelibrary.org/events.

The Brookfield Elks Lodge, 9022 31st St., hosts bingo the second Sunday of every month. Doors open at 1 p.m. and games start at 2 p.m. with cash payouts.

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The Landmark, January 11, 2023

P O L I C E

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R E P O R T S

Car crashes into store, trees during wild pursuit A man who led police on a wild chase southbound on Harlem Avenue from River Forest and then westbound on East Burlington Street where it ended in a fiery crash during the early morning hours of Jan. 7 remained hospitalized awaiting charges on Jan. 9, according to Riverside Public Safety Director Matthew Buckley.

The pursuit unfolded shortly before the offender’s vehicle crashed into a tree at 12:45 a.m. in the 100 block of East Burlington Street, just west of Cowley Road.

Buckley said early on the afternoon of Jan. 9 that no Riverside police were involved in the pursuit and crash. At the time, Riverside officers were responding to an unrelated incident on East Quincy Street, Buckley said and learned of the crash when Berwyn police radioed them.

The driver of the offending vehicle reportedly appeared to be intoxicated, Buckley said, and DUI charges were pending.

Security video shared on Facebook showed a brief part of the incident, where the car is seen spinning out of control while southbound in the 3200 block of Harlem Avenue, crossing over the northbound lanes of traffic and slamming rear-end first through the front wall and all the way into Upscale Audio Exchange, 3225 Harlem Ave. in Berwyn.

The car remains inside the store for several seconds, with a police cruiser stopped directly in front of the store, before accelerating out of the store and back onto southbound Harlem Avenue.

The car then sped down East Burlington Street toward downtown Riverside, hitting “several trees,” according to Buckley.

Berwyn police pulled the driver, who was alone, from the car and used fire extinguishers to put out a fire in the engine compartment.

According to Buckley, the car did not appear to be stolen. River Forest Police Chief James O’Shea told the Landmark that the incident began as an attempted traffic stop on Harlem Avenue near Washington Boulevard.

The officer following the vehicle reported that it was maintaining a normal speed while it continued south but began to accelerate near Roosevelt Road, where River Forest police terminated the attempt to stop it.

It’s not clear when Berwyn police began

pursuing the vehicle. Berwyn police did not return a phone call from the Landmark.

DUI suspected in Brookfield crash Brookfield police charged a 34-year-old Chicago man with driving under the influence of alcohol after he allegedly crashed head on into a car stopped in a left turn lane at the intersection of 47th Street and Eberly Avenue on Jan. 7 at 5:30 p.m.

The man was behind the wheel of a silver Chevy SUV that was traveling eastbound on 47th Street when it reportedly drove through the stop sign at the intersection, crossed the centerline and rammed into the front of a silver Chevy sedan. The impact of the crash sent the sedan backward into the front end of a black Nissan also stopped in the turn lane.

The only person injured in the crash was the driver of the Chevy SUV, who was taken by paramedics to the hospital for treatment.

According to the police report, officers said the SUV’s cabin smelled faintly of cannabis and located a red plastic cup containing suspected alcohol in the front cup holder. Police also reported finding a bag containing about a dozen unidentified pills they suspected of being ecstasy and sent to the Illinois State Police Crime Lab for testing.

In addition to DUI, police cited the driver of SUV with five traffic offenses.

Theft from vehicle North Riverside police responded to the 2500 block of 8th Avenue on Jan. 3 after a resident called to report that someone had entered his vehicle, which was unlocked and parked in front of the house, in the prior two or three days.

The contents of the vehicle had been rummaged through, according to the police report, but the only item reported missing from the vehicle was the victim’s insurance identification card.

about 3:30 p.m., someone stole her purse.

The victim told police that her husband had hung the brown Michael Kors purse on a rack while helping her try on a jacket.

When they turned back around, the purse, containing credit cards, a driver’s license and an iPhone, was gone.

These items were obtained from police re-

ports filed by the Riverside, North Riverside and Brookfield police departments, Jan. 3-8, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these reports has only been charged with a crime. These cases have not been adjudicated.

— Compiled by Bob Uphues

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The Landmark, January 11, 2023

After 14 years, Zalewski bids farewell as state rep Seven-term legislator was force behind sports betting, advocated to fund local projects

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

When Mike Zalewski walked out of the State Capitol on Jan. 10, his 14-year career as a member of the Illinois General Assembly came to end.

Last June, Zalewski was defeated in the Democratic primary to represent the 21st District by Abdelnasser Rashid, who went on to win the November general election against Brookfield Republican Matthew Schultz. Rashid will be sworn in as a new member of the Illinois House of Representatives on Jan 11.

Zalewski worked to the end, participating in the last day of the veto session on Jan. 10, marking a fitting end to his seven terms as a state representative.

“I loved the job dearly and I like to think I did it incredibly well. I’m going to miss it a lot,” the 44-year-old Zalewski said. “I’m going to miss my colleagues a lot.”

His colleagues threw a well-attended going away party for him last week at a Springfield tavern, many of whom went door to door for him before the June primary. Zalewski, who served as the chairman of the House Revenue and Finance Committee, was highly thought of in Springfield.

Rich Miller, who writes the Capitol Fax newsletter which provides perhaps the most detailed coverage of the ins and outs of the Springfield and the General Assembly, awarded Zalewski’s his 2022 Golden Horseshoe award as the best Democratic state representative.

“His bipartisanship, consensus building, common sense, attention to detail, and collegiality are rare in the Capitol,” Miller wrote. “His experience and institutional knowledge will be missed more than others. Hate to see you go, Z.” But the high regard that Zalewski is held in Springfield wasn’t enough for him to prevail in the June primary, the first time in his political career that Zalewski faced a tough opponent.

Zalewski always viewed the primary campaign as a referendum on himself. In an extensive interview with the Landmark last October, Zalewski said he thinks he lost because of his 2021 vote against the repeal of a law requiring minors to notify parents before getting an abortion and the impact of the federal indictment of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan on federal racketeering charges.

“They really were a one-two punch,” he said. “I think those two collided into sort of a cloud of skepticism that prevented me from being victorious.”

The federal indictment of Madigan mentions Zalewski’s father, also named Michael Zalewski, as one of the people who got a $5,000 a month consulting contract from ComEd, allegedly for little or no work, after the elder Zalewski retired as the alderman of the 23rd Ward of Chicago. The elder Zalewski has not been charged with any crime.

Zalewski said that he thought his vote against the parental notification repeal was the most important factor in his defeat. The vote angered many progressive voters, especially women.

FILE

Illinois Rep. Mike Zalewski in his Riverside office in the Arcade Building.

The issue took on even more salience after it was leaked last May that the Supreme Court would overturn Roe v.

Wade. Five days before the June 29 primary, the Supreme Court did just that.

“I poorly misjudged the [Supreme] Court’s willingness to overturn Roe versus Wade and again that is one me,” Zalewski said. “If there was even a quantum of doubt in a female voter’s mind that if they felt you weren’t 100 percent for reproductive health rights, they weren’t interested in having you back in Springfield.”

Zalewski said he regretted his vote to repeal the parental notification act, and not just because of the political impact it had on him.

“I should know better than to vote in ways that don’t reflect the will of my constituents, the will of what’s in best interests of Illinois citizens and ultimately sort of prioritize things in a way that’s reflective of the kind of member of the General Assembly that I want to be,” Zalewski said.

“I told people at the doors I wish I had the vote back. Had I to do it all over again, I would have supported the bill.”

Zalewski, who had a reputation for collegiality, said that the political atmosphere of the last year was not hospitable to him.

“I think that [voters] want someone who they perceive is going to fight corruption and fight for reproductive health and fight the forces of Republican extremism,” Zalewski said. “That was all sort of counterintuitive to the sort of campaign I thought was going to be persuasive with voters.”

Going door to door for nearly two months before the primary, got some indication that it would be a difficult

race. One day he went to one home in Riverside that had a Rashid sign in the front yard and got a curt reception from the couple there.

“They were so angry to see me that they said something like ‘thank you for the service’ and they slammed the door in my face,’” Zalewski said. “And I just remember really being mortally wounded by that. … In this instance, I just became unlikable. And likability is one of things I liked to think I had going for me.”

Rashid won nearly 60 percent of the vote in the Riverside portion of the district and 52 percent overall.

“It hurt to lose Riverside,” Zalewski said.

Rashid ran an aggressive campaign, constantly attacking Zalewski for his ties to Madigan and his vote on the parental notification act. But Zalewski said he has no hard feelings and wished Rashid well.

“I think he ran he ran a campaign that was commensurate with what you’d have to do to beat me, and I don’t begrudge him that,” Zalewski said.

Zalewski said while the defeat was difficult for him emotionally, he is now feeling good. Over the summer he and his wife, Carrie, who is the chairwoman of the Illinois Commerce Commission, along with their two oldest children visited Uganda on a trip that included volunteering at an orphanage and sightseeing.

“It was a summer of reflection and healing and doing some things to sort of grieve a little bit … but at the same time feeling like this was an opportunity to move on to whatever’s next.”

Zalewski said he’s proud of his record in the state legislature, particularly the role he played in bringing legalized sports betting to Illinois.

“Sports betting is number one and I don’t say that lightly,” Zalewski said when asked about his biggest accomplishments. “People probably think that’s crazy. But both because of the difficulty of doing it and the amount of capital investment it’s ultimately going to provide.”

Zalewski is also proud of his work to get state funding for projects such as the fountain at Eight Corners in Brookfield, the Ehlert Park splash pad and the new Swan Pond path.

Last week in the veto session of the General Assembly, Zalewski voted in favor of a bill that would do a number of things to protect gender-affirming healthcare and reproductive rights.

In a telephone interview with the Landmark, Zalewski said that he has always been “100 percent pro-choice” on abortion.

Zalewski said he hasn’t decided what he will do next.

He is a lawyer and is currently of counsel to the large law firm Taft.

He still serves as the Riverside Township Democratic Committeeman but said his future will probably not include another run for public office.

“I really do want to move into a private phase of my life and do something different,” Zalewski said.

The Landmark, January 11, 2023

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Brookfield couple the first to wed in 2023

Longtime partners win lottery to get first Cook County marriage license of the year

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

A Brookfield couple was the first to be officially married in Cook County in 2023. Daniel Ferguson and Mandy Fila were wed on the morning of Jan. 3 in a ceremony at the Cook County Clerk’s office in downtown Chicago officiated by Cook County Clerk Karen Yarborough.

The couple won a lottery to receive Cook County’s first marriage license of 2023.

Ferguson, 47, and Fila, 42, are a longtime couple. The ceremony was witnessed by their two children, age 6 and 9, and about a dozen friends and family members.

The clerk’s office received more than 100 entries in the lottery to receive the first marriage license of the year.

“We are thrilled to be gathered together, in person, to witness this unique and special moment in the lives of Mandy and Daniel as they join together in the union of marriage,” said Yarbrough in a press release. “We wish them a lifetime of health and happiness.”

In addition to being married by Yarbrough, the couple received special gifts donated by several Chicago-area establishments including a gourmet steak and lobster dinner gift box provided by Whittingham Meats, a sparkling wine basket provided by Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, dance lessons provided by Duet Dance Studio, a gift card from Eli’s Cheesecake, a couples cooking lesson provided by The Chopping Block, two tickets to a comedy show provided by Laugh Factory Chicago and flower arrangements provided by LaSalle Flower Group.

PHOTO BY BRYAN DOCTER

Brookfield residents Daniel Ferguson and Mandy Fila, accompanied by their two children, were married Jan. 3 by Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough (far right) in a ceremony at the Clerk’s Office in downtown Chicago. The Clerk’s Office received more than 100 entries for the annual first marriage license drawing and Ferguson and Fila were the winners.

13 Month Certificate of Deposit

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The Landmark, January 11, 2023

Softer EAV meant Brookfield TIF revenue declined last year Just two of village’s four districts collected additional property taxes

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Only two of Brookfield’s four tax increment financing districts collected incremental revenue for the 2021 tax year, the Cook County Clerk’s Office said last week in its annual TIF Report, which compiles data from all TIFs in the city of Chicago and suburban Cook County.

Both the Congress Park TIF and the Grand Boulevard TIF generated no new incremental property tax revenue during the 2021 tax year, which was collected in 2022.

Meanwhile, the Ogden Avenue TIF collected $447,575 and the 8 Corners TIF collected $242,098. Those amounts represented year-over-year declines in revenue of about 16% and 20%, respectively, following a trend seen throughout suburban Cook County.

While the city of Chicago saw its overall TIF revenues increase by 15.5% in tax year 2021, the suburbs saw an overall decline of about 13%. The main difference was that 2021 was a reassessment year for Chicago.

The 2021 tax year was not a reassessment year for the communities in the Landmark’s coverage area, and Brookfield total equalized assessed value for all properties combined declined 7.83% from 2020, according to Finance Director Doug Cooper.

It is typical in non-reassessment years for total EAV to fall slightly, but the drop is made up for in years where those properties are reassessed. Brookfield’s EAV has continued to increase steadily since recovering from the 2008 real estate crash,

Annual Brookfield TIF revenues 2017-21 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

Ogden Ave. (2008)

Congress Park (2011) 8 Corners (2016)

Grand Blvd. (2019)

$49,395 4362,427 $393,493 $534,593 $447,575

$0 $0 $0 $0 $0

$205,715 $190,809 $180,064 $302,294 $242,098

--$0 $35,754 $0

$604,736 $0

$619,916 $1,147,539

$29,743 $35,754

Total expenses $355,345 Total revenues $2,363,079

“Every three years when the county performs its triennial assessment, the value increases at a greater amount than the decreases.”

DOUG COOPER

Brookfield finance director

despite the small declines in EAV it sees in certain years.

Brookfield’s EAV had fallen from $485.3 million in 2010 to $331 million in 2015. It began recovering from the crash in 2016 and,

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as of tax year 2021, had increased to $423.9 million.

“Every three years when the county performs its triennial assessment, the value increases at a greater amount than the decreases,” said Cooper. “So, from that standpoint, there is not a major concern [when there are decreases in EAV].

Properties in Brookfield were last reassessed in 2020, and the village’s total EAV jumped 17.2% that year, resulting in record TIF revenues in all but the Congress Park TIF, which has never generated any increment, since the property within that TIF is all village-owned.

TIF districts expire after 23 years, during which time incremental tax revenue within the boundaries can be used to fund infrastructure improvements, to assemble property and incentivize redevelopment.

If a TIF district, like the Congress Park TIF, doesn’t generate any revenue, im-

provements can be funded via loans which must be paid back. Since its creation in 2011 – more than half of its total life – the village has expended about $605,000 in the Congress Park TIF, principally for infrastructure improvements in and around the Congress Park train station.

The Ogden Avenue TIF has loaned the money for those improvements.

“Because state law allows a transfer of funds from one contiguous TIF to another, we have been funding Congress Park TIF expenditures with Ogden Avenue TIF revenues,” Cooper said.

“Once the Congress Park TIF begins to generate monies, then these funds can be easily swept into the Ogden TIF if necessary or desired. The village has actively continued to pursue the development of the Congress Park site and hopefully will have development in place prior to the dissolution of the TIF.” Since 2008 when it was created, the Ogden Avenue TIF has generated incremental property tax revenue of about $2.36 million and thus far has expended about $355,300.

The 8 Corners TIF has generated about $1.15 million in revenue against expenditures amounting to about $620,000.

The Grand Boulevard TIF, created in 2019, generated all of its revenue during the 2020 tax year, collected in 2021. That year, the TIF district collected about $35,700 against about $30,000 in expenditures to date.

EAV in the Grand Boulevard TIF in 2021 fell below the EAV the area had when it was created, which is why it generated no revenue last year.

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C4

Local team in place from page 1 have made it their goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, using 2010 as the baseline, by 45 percent by 2030 and by 100 percent by 2050.

Exactly how C4 and the rest of the region will get there is a work in progress, but Riverside’s team has already begun that work and will host a public event later this month to gain more input and perhaps recruit more volunteers to start working on the team’s strategic priorities.

The meeting, titled Road to 2050, will be held in the auditorium of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, on Jan. 19 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

“It will serve as an introduction to the concept of a regional climate action plan,” said Aberdeen Marsh-Ozga, a Riverside trustee and the chairwoman of Riverside’s C4 team.

C4 is working in collaboration with consultants from the Urban Efficiency Group and Seven Generations Ahead to support initiatives to combat climate change and promote equitable sustainability outcomes.

Funding comes from a $98,000 Partners for Places grant along with an equal match from the Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation.

The Jan. 19 meeting at the township hall will include a presentation by Wynton Jones, community sustainability coordinator for the Urban Efficiency Group, who is Riverside’s designated consultant.

Jones, along with the Urban Efficiency Group’s president, Darnell Johnson, were present at the first meeting of the Riverside C4 team in December, where they set strategic priorities – place, prosperity, health and well-being, resource regeneration, living infrastructure and connectivity – and their supporting pillars, green generation (education) and eco-networking.

In addition to Marsh-Ozga as chair of the Riverside C4 team, members (and the strategic priorities/pillars they are leading)

include Riverside Trustee Cristin Evans (place); Susie Kahle (prosperity), who is a member of the Riverside Economic Development Commission; John Carroll (health & well-being), who is a Riverside Township Trustee; John Haugland (resource regeneration), a Riverside resident who works for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Lisa Lambros (living infrastructure), who is chairwoman of the Riverside Landscape Advisory Commission; Riverside Assistant Village Manager Ashley Monroe (connectivity); Riverside Elementary School District 96 Superintendent Martha Ryan-Toye (green generation) and Von Tarverdi (eco-networking), who is a member of the Riverside Farmers Market and Riverside Community Garden.

As chair of the Riverside team, Marsh-Ozga last month also participated in C4 “minigroup” session titled Green Landscape Technology, which sought to identify practical ways for local governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as converting public works landscaping equipment to electric versus gas-powered.

In addition to Jones’ presentation, which will emphasize community engagement, those attending the Jan. 19 meeting in Riverside will also have the opportunity to participate in a small-group activity where they can share their visions for Riverside, discuss challenges and identify priorities.

“It’s going to be the beginning of a lot of great conversations,” Marsh-Ozga said.

For those who are not able to attend the Jan. 19 meeting, the Riverside C4 team will be posting an online survey in both English and Spanish on the team’s web page, at riverside.il.us/609/C4-Initiative.

The Riverside C4 team will also hold meetings, which are open to the public, the last Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. in the meeting room of the Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road.

The next meeting of the team will be Jan. 26.

“At that meeting we’ll be sifting through all of the information we got as part of this [Road to 2050] meeting and the survey,” Marsh-Ozga said.

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The Landmark, January 11, 2023

Opinion OBITUARIES

THE LANDMARK VIEW

T

Power play

he Riverside Public Library is not exactly a place you’d consider a hotbed of controversy. It’s nested in a scenic setting overlooking the Des Plaines River in a vaguely medieval building where gargoyles stand sentinel at the rooftops.

But the culture wars playing out elsewhere in the United States, where zealots have succeeded in banning books from libraries in schools and communities and where even the idea that people might not fit neatly into traditional notions of gender is heresy, visited late last year.

Two residents in November called for the removal of the book “Gender Queer” – a memoir told in the form of a graphic novel – from the shelves of the library, saying it amounted to pornography and a tool to “groom” impressionable children – using the latest right-wing outrage terminology meant to strike fear in the hearts of “real” Americans.

Like other book and curriculum ban demands elsewhere in the country, this is about deciding who has power to control information – about the nation’s complicated history, about the impact of race on the American experience and about people who a segment of the population refuses to consider fully human because they don’t conform to their narrow understanding of gender.

In December the library’s staff informed the two residents that the book would remain on the shelves, compromising a bit by moving it from the Teen Room to the adult graphic novel collection.

That wasn’t good enough, and so the library board took up the subject again at their meeting Jan. 10, after the Landmark’s print deadline.

We, of course, don’t know at the time of this writing what transpired at the meeting – that will be the subject of a news article in the days to come – but we have a pretty good idea.

In the week or so since we published our first article on the ban request on Jan. 4, the vast majority of Riverside residents on social media, at least, strongly supported the decision by library staff to keep “Gender Queer” on the shelves.

That’s because it was the correct decision.

Whether some want to believe it or not, non-binary and transgender individuals do exist and they are entitled to the same compassion and empathy we all should provide. Imagine trying as a teenager – is there a more difficult time of life to navigate? -- to understand how and why you are feeling so different than those around you. Imagine there being no resource that can put those thoughts into words. Imagine trying to explain yourself to those who also lack those resources.

Of course, that’s the point. Such conversations make some people very uncomfortable, and simply pretending such concepts don’t exist provides that comfort. And those people are willing to punish those seeking to broach such subjects in order to maintain that comfort.

Here’s the thing: Human existence is complicated and our understanding of it is ever evolving. Those grappling with these ideas will give language to them; it is inescapable.

No one is forcing anyone to read any of it. And no one should have the power to silence it.

Richard B. Barajaz, 75 Served in U.S. Army for 25+ years Richard B. Barajaz, 75, of LaGrange Park, died Jan. 2, 2023.

Mr. Barajaz was born in Landshut, Germany, and emigrated to Texas at age 6 before moving to Illinois.

He joined the U.S. Army in 1966, and after a long and RICHARD B. BARAJAZ distinguished career of more than 25 years on active and reserve duty, he retired at the rank of lieutenant colonel. He also worked as a maintenance supervisor at a metal working company.

Those who knew him were well-acquainted with his strong will, infectious laugh and boundless love for his family, his friends, his three dogs, talking about cars, the military, hunting and watching sports — especially watching his grandson play ice hockey.

He was the husband of Lorelei Barajaz (nee Renn) for more than 53 years; the father of Rick (Dina) Barajaz and Andrea (Brian) Gorski; the grandfather of John, Brian, Zoe, and Alexandra; the son of Gabino and the late Theresa Barajaz; the brother of Theresa, Ingrid, Karl, Wally, Larry, Tina, and Caroline; the brother-in-law of Mike and Bob; and the uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Services are private. Interment is at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood Hitzeman Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements.

Send sympathy cards to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 31st St., Brookfield, 60513, c/o Richard Barajaz family.

Catherine E. Falbo, 88 Owned Kay’s Beauty Box

CATHERINE E. FALBO

Catherine E. “Kay” Falbo (nee Lachnit), 88, a resident of Riverside for 54 years, died Jan. 7, 2023.

A hairdresser by trade, Ms. Falbo owned and operated Kay’s Beauty Box salon in North Riverside where her slogan was “If your hair

isn’t becoming to you, then you should be coming to us!” She also worked for many years at Daudelin Flowers in Westchester.

She was an active parishioner at St. Mary Church in Riverside. She loved ceramics, arts and crafts, cooking, baking and cookbooks. Kay loved music and dancing, and her and Joe’s favorite song was “This Love of Mine” by Ray Anthony.

Ms. Falbo was the wife of Joseph A. Falbo Sr.; the mother of Joseph A. Falbo Jr. and Richard J. (Ophelia) Falbo; and the sister of Gloria (Richard) Rossi and Betty Batson.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Francis and Ferdinand (Beverly) Lachnit, and was the aunt of numerous nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will be received at the ConboyWestchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester, on Sunday, Jan. 15 from 11 a.m. until time of chapel service at 1:30 p.m. The Rev. Thomas May from St. Mary Church will be officiating. Interment will be private for family only on Jan. 16 at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Please omit flowers.

Arrangements were handled by the Original Kuratko Family, Brian D. Kuratko, director.

Catherine M. Gischlar, 67 Worked at Alro Steel Catherine M. Gischlar (nee Smigaj), 67, of Brookfield, died Jan. 1, 2023 at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood.

Ms. Gischlar was born May 24, 1955 in Chicago and worked as a receptionist/ office administrator at Alro Steel Company.

CATHERINE M. GISCHLAR She was the wife of John Gischlar; the mother of Karen (Dennis) Savicz, Mary (Brian) Misch and Betty (Christian) Holden; and the grandmother of Brittany Shallow, Caitlin Shallow, Zachary Holden, and Abigail Holden.

Services have been held. Cremation was private.

Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements.

Online condolences, memories and photographs may be shared at JohnsonNosek.com.

See OBITUARIES on page 12

Sports

The Landmark, January 11, 2023

11

RBHS girls notch win over Bishop Mac before falling twice Ball movement key against zone in last week’s victory

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Like many long-range shooters, Riverside-Brookfield High School senior Ava Marrello has a fairly constant challenger beside perimeter defenses.

“I would definitely say confiSPORTS ROUNDUP dence is key,” Marrello said. “If I’m feeling off and I let that get to my head, I’ve been working on that for years. If it gets to my head, it’s really hard to keep shooting or even shoot the ball in the first place. I’ll often pass it off.”

Last week was a good shooting week and the Bulldogs were the benefactors in their 42-35 victory over Bishop McNamara on Jan. 3.

Sophomore Alyssa Morris (10 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists) and Marrello (8 points) combined for five threes for RBHS (9-11).

Emily Organ (8 points, 9 rebounds, 6 steals), Niamh Larson (5 points), Luna Lloyd (8 rebounds) and Bryce Pacourek (5 rebounds) also contributed.

Morris had two first-quarter threes and another in the third quarter. Marrello made 3 of 7 shots (2 for 3 threes) with all three of her baskets in the second quarter as the Bulldogs led 23-18 at halftime. Larson also her five points all in the second quarter.

“They were playing a zone, so they gave us opportunities,” Marrello said. “I’ve been making shots this week and I see how other teams react. They’ll face guard or go to man [to man] and they kept it at a zone. We used a lot of ball movement [12 assists on 17 baskets]. It’s not just one person taking those shots. We move the ball really well.”

RBHS suffered its first Metro Suburban Conference Blue defeat to visiting Timothy Christian 59-54 on Jan. 5 and lost at Fenwick 58-27 on Jan. 7.

Organ scored 18 points against Timothy Christian with four rebounds and four steals. Other stat leaders included Pacourek (7 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists), Morris (8 points with 2 threes, 4 assists), Larson (8 points), Lloyd (6 rebounds) and Amanda Buckley (5 points, 3 assists).

Marrello had 10 points against Fenwick with two second-

PHOTO FROM IAN MCLEOD

KICKER: RB’s Ava Marrello (20) attempts to get a shot off before time runs out in the third quarter, while being chased down by the Fenwick team. quarter threes. Kelley Tyler added five points with a three.

RBHS boys basketball The Bulldogs (12-4) used a strong second half to defeat Nazareth 56-43 on Jan. 7.

Stefan Cicic collected 21 points and six rebounds and Steven Brown (14 points) and Marques Turner (12 points) stepped into double figures to help overcome being minus usual starter Will Gonzalez.

Cicic, Brown, Turner and Arius Alijosius (3 points) each had a three-pointer. Hunter Ferguson added four assists.

Trailing 22-16 at the half, the Bulldogs outscored the Roadrunners 13-3 in the third quarter to pull ahead 29-25 and followed with a 27-point fourth quarter.

RBHS girls gymnastics The Riverside-Brookfield High School girls gymnastics

team scored a season-high 130.9 points on Jan. 4 to defeat host Geneseo (season-high 128.40) and Glenbard East (then season-high 119.80) in Upstate Eight Conference dual action.

Lia Christiansen scored a meet-best 35.90 in all-around and had the top scores on all four events -- floor exercise (9.35), vault (9.25), balance beam (8.8) and uneven parallel bars (8.5).

Sarah Lindenberg (32.50) and Annabel Krueger (32.30) also competed as all-arounders. Lindenberg was second on floor (8.5) and Krueger was fourth on uneven bars (7.5) and fifth on beam (8.45).

The Bulldogs’ previous best score was 130.50 on Dec. 1.

On Jan. 7, RBHS finished fourth (128.30) at Andrew’s Erin Olmsted Invitational. Christiansen was fourth in allaround (34.90) and vault (9.1), sixth on uneven bars (8.25) and had a 9.0 on floor. Krueger’s team-best 8.6 on beam shared seventh.

12

S P O R T S

The Landmark, January 11, 2023

Late jumper by Niego seals win over Downers North LTHS boys remain undefeated, at top of league standings

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Lyons Township High School senior guard Jackson Niego recently found his next basketball home when he verbally committed to NCAA Division III Illinois Wesleyan University.

With the game on the line on Jan. 6, the Lions found Niego open for his patented jumper to the right of the lane.

Niego’s basket with 33.7 seconds left lifted the Lions to a hard-fought 39-38 victory over Downers Grove North in the battle of the undefeated West Suburban Conference Silver co-leaders. LTHS trailed 29-18 midway through the third quarter.

“I wasn’t hitting shots the whole first half, even in the third quarter, but coming off the

OBITUARIES Continued from page 10

Robert A. Helebrandt, 92 Carpenter served in Korean War Robert A. Helebrandt, 92, of Stickney and formerly of North Riverside, died Jan. 7, 2023.

Mr. Helebrandt was born July 11, 1930 in North Riverside. He served in the U.S. Army dur- ROBERT A. HELEBRANDT ing the Korean War and was the proud recipient of the Army Occupation Medal (Japan), Bronze Star, Korean Service Medal with five Bronze (C) Stars, Distinguished Unit Emblem, Presidential Unit Citation (ROK), Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the United Nations Medal.

He was a carpenter/plasterer in the construction business and was a member of the American Legion Stickney Post 687 and Carpenters Local Union 1889.

JACKSON NIEGO

NIK POLONOWSKI

ball screen, I was able to knock it down,” said Niego, who scored his four points in the fourth quarter. “I feel like that’s a shot I hit all of the time.”

Nik Polonowski had 14 points with three 3-pointers and six rebounds. Connor Carroll had eight points and Matthew DeSimone (4 points) and Graham Smith (3 points) grabbed seven and six rebounds, respectively.

The Lions (13-1, 4-0) already have 10 victories by 20 points or more, but they struggled offensively for the second straight game against determined man-to-man defense by the Trojans (13-3, 2-2).

Mr. Helebrandt was the husband of Doris Helebrandt (nee Kasper); the father of Susan (Martin) Retzer and Kay Nelson; the grandfather of Robert (Christine) Retzer, Michael (Elizabeth) Retzer, Adam Nelson and Amy Nelson; the great grandfather of Megan Retzer and Abigail Retzer; the brother of the late Vlasta Svoboda; and the uncle of Linda (James) Malone, Robert (Phyllis) Svoboda, Nancy (James) Berard.

Visitation is Friday, Jan. 13 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Kuratko-Nosek Funeral Home, 2447 Desplaines Ave., North Riverside. Interment with military honors is at Woodlawn Cemetery, Forest Park.

Online condolences, photographs, memories may be shared at KuratkoNosek.com.

Memorial donations to the Salvation Army would be appreciated.

Diane Riordan, 81 Worked for slip cover company Diane Riordan (nee Rizzi), 81 of Riverside, died Jan. 9, 2023.

Ms. Riordan was born Jan. 22, 1941 in Chicago and worked as an administrator for a slip cover business.

She was the wife of the late Michael Rior-

The Lions’ alternating between man and a 1-2-2 zone defense helped to spark a 10-1 run to put them ahead 32-30 with 6:15 left and again after Downers North got back-to-back Maxwell Haack threes to lead 36-32.

Polonowski scored five of his six fourthquarter points, a three and two free throws, following a Downers North dunk, to cut the deficit to 39-38.

“We knew this was going to be a tough game to win. Whoever won this game was going to have to earn it,” LTHS coach Tom Sloan said. “It was a battle. The ball didn’t go in the basket at a high rate but the effort was at a high level on both sides.

“They played really tough defense on [Niego] all game and he finally shook himself loose and knocked down a really tough contested 15-footer. That was a big-time shot.”

Usually one of the team’s leading scorers, Niego only took three shots before the fourth quarter. He first scored on a drive to put the Lions ahead 31-30. Smith followed with a free throw.

“That’s one thing to miss shots. It’s another thing to not take shots,” Niego said.

“They’re a great defensive team. They’re big, strong, physical. But there’s going to be other games like that, and we have to be more prepared coming into them.”

This was the Trojans’ first loss since their opener 53-47 to Lake Park in November. The Trojans then were edged by Hinsdale Central 48-46 on Jan. 7.

In winning on Jan. 6, LTHS bounced back from its lone loss to Rolling Meadows 56-42 for the title of York’s Jack Tosh Tournament on Dec. 30.

“This one definitely feels a little better,” Polonowski said. “That Jack Tosh Tournament was awesome but conference play is another level. Every single one is high-level play so it’s great.”

On Jan. 7, Polonowski had 25 points and two blocks as the Lions defeated Perspectives 73-29 at the Hyde Park Classic. Niego (9 points), Liam Taylor (8 points), Carroll (6 points), Caleb Greer and Michael Reilly (5 points each) also were key contributors.

dan; the sister of Carol Rizzi and Michael (Julia) Rizzi; and the aunt of Nicholas Rizzi, Peter Rizzi, and the late Holly Rizzi.

Cremation is private. Online condolences, photos, and memories may be offered KuratkoNosek.com.

Ann Marie Tzoumas, 59

Cynthia Schuette, 64 Customer service rep Cynthia “Cyndi” Schuette, 64, of Riverside, died at Jan. 4, 2023. She worked as a customer service representative for Champion Container Corp.

She was the wife of the late Edwin; the daughter of the late Jacqueline “Jackie” Marie Kourim (nee Dusatko) and the late George T. Kourim; the sister of Thomas (Therese), Christopher (Lisa) and Peter (Jane) Kourim; the aunt of David, Seth, Sarah, Lauren, Leo and Alice; and the great aunt of Elias and Lauren.

Visitation is Friday, Jan. 13 from 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 14 from 9 a.m. until time of services at 9:45 a.m. at Ivins/ Moravecek Funeral Home, 80 E. Burlington St. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Jan. 14 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Church, 105 Herrick Road, Riverside.

Worked as a housekeeper Ann Marie Tzoumas (nee Borem), 59 of Riverside, died Jan. 7, 2023 in Maywood.

Ms. Tzoumas was born May 13, 1963 in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, and worked ANN MARIE TZOUMAS as a housekeeper.

She was the wife of the late James Tzoumas; the daughter of Robert (Lana) Borem and the late Mary Pat Duff; the mother of Danielle (Tim) Bode, Nicole (Victor) Tzoumas-Grant and Ariel Tzoumas; the grandmother of Breanna Kissick, Olivia Bode, Xavion and Yalani Grant; and the sister of Mary Eileen Brooks, the late Patrick and late James Borem.

Visitation is Wednesday, Jan. 11 from 2 to 8 p.m. at Kuratko-Nosek Funeral Home, 2447 Desplaines Ave., North Riverside. Cremation is private.

Online condolences, photographs, and memories may be shared at KuratkoNosek. com.

The Landmark, January 11, 2023 Growing Community Media

13

HELP WANTED

Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

Shipping Manager

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED • NETWORK SPECIALIST Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class.

Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION To perform various network/system administration, computer support, and operational activities for the Village including computer system setup, configuration, and testing.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Reports directly to the Information Technology Services Director.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES: Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential duties and responsibilities 1. Ensure that best in class customer service is provided to both internal and external customers and also embrace, support, and promote the Village’s core values, beliefs and culture.

2. Configure, test, and deploy network systems, such as, firewalls, routers, switches, wireless equipment, network servers and storage arrays.

3. Configure, test, and deploy system servers, such as, file, print, Internet, e-mail, database, and application servers.

4. Configure, test, and monitor server and end-user systems for security, such as, user accounts, login scripts, file access privileges, and group policy management.

5. Configure, test, and deploy end-user systems, such as, workstations, laptops, mobile devices, printers, and software.

6. Test, configure, deploy, and support security systems, such as, facility access system, video & audio system.

7. Monitor and auditing of networks, systems, and user activities to ensure security and efficiency of systems. Create scripts and reports of detail activities for regular review.

8. Perform and participate in disaster recovery activities, such as, backup procedures, data recovery, and system recovery planning.

9. Assist end-users with computer problems or queries. Troubleshoot systems as needed and meet with users to analyze specific system needs.

10. Ensure the uniformity, reliability and security of system resources including network, hardware,

software and other forms of systems and data.

11. Prepare, create and update user/technical procedure documentations and provide computer training.

12. Assemble, test, and install network, telecommunication and data equipment and cabling.

13. Participate in research and recommendation of technology solutions.

Other important responsibilities and duties 1. Train users in the area of existing, new or modified computer systems and procedures.

2. Participate in the preparation of various activity reports.

3. Travel and support remote facilities and partner agencies.

4. Operate, administer and manage the Village and Public Safety computer systems, including E-911 center, in-vehicle computer systems.

5. Prepare clear and logical reports and program documentation of procedures, processes, and configurations.

6. Complete projects on a timely and efficient manner.

7. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

9. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Principals and procedures of computer systems, such as, data communication, hierarchical structure, backups, testing and critical analysis.

Hardware and software configuration of. computers, servers and mobile devices, including computing environment of Windows Server and Desktop OS and applications, Unix/Linux OS, VMware, iOS/Android.

Network protocols, security, configuration and administration, including firewalls, routers, switches and wireless technology.

Cabling and wiring, including CAT5/6, fiber network, telephone, serial communication, termination, and punch-down.

Telecommunications theory and technology, including VoiP, serial communication, wireless protocols, PBX, analog, fax, voicemail and auto-attendant.

Principles and methods of computer programming, coding and testing, including power shell, command scripting, macros, and

VB scripts.

Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Technical writing, office productivity tools and database packages.

Ability to: Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following: - Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time - Operating assigned equipment - Lift 50 pounds of equipment, supplies, and materials without assistance - Working in and around computer equipped vehicles Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for: - Making observations - Communicating with others - Reading and writing - Operating assigned equipment and vehicles Maintain mental capacity allowing for effective interaction and communication with others.

Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance.

Work overtime as operations require.

Experience and Training Guidelines Experience: Three years of network/system administration in the public or private sector, maintaining a minimum of 75 Client Workstation computers. AND Training: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science or a related field. Certifications in Microsoft Server Administration, Networking, Applications and Cisco Networking.

Possession of a valid Illinois Driver License is required at the time of appointment.

Vaccination against COVID-19 strongly preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS Work in a computer environment; sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time; continuous exposure to computer screens; work in and around computerized vehicles outdoor and garage facility; lifting heavy equipment, communication cabling and wiring into walls and ceilings.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Administrative Assistant in the Public Health Department. This position provides a variety of responsible administrative and analytical functions; records and monitors department budget and fiscal requirements of grant-funded programs; oversight of Accounts Payable process; prepares reports and serves as a resource for computerized office applications. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/ jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Parking Enforcement Officer in the Police Department Field Services Division. This position will perform a variety of duties and responsibilities involved in the enforcement of Village parking regulations; and to provide general information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

FINANCE COORDINATOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Finance Coordinator. The ideal candidate will perform a wide variety of responsible and complex administrative, secretarial and clerical duties for the Finance department; and will provide information and assistance to the public regarding department to which assigned. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oakpark.us/jobs.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is open until filled.

COMMUNITY HEALTH ADVISOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Community Health Advisor.

The professional in this position is responsible for a variety of tasks including; promoting a safe health care environment; including health education, outreach and promotion which includes disseminating information, making referrals, and counseling as well as managing caseloads, and performing a variety of tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

First review of applications December 19, 2022.

Clean, safe, fun work with graphic display frames that you’ll see in Wal-Marts, Verizon stores, CTA stations, all over US. Manufacturing No weekends, no evening hours, great pay and benefits. $20-$25 per hour Top rated firm Alpina Manufacturing LLC founded in 1992, locally owned beautiful campus in Galewood, near Mars candy, 3 blocks north of Oak Park. We build and sell display framing systems to customers nationwide including Wal-Mart, Verizon, Circle K, Hospitals, CTA

Apply in person M-F 8am to 4pm • Alpina • 6460 W Cortland St Chicago, IL 60707 www.fastchangeframes.com FULL-TIME POLICE RECORDS CLERK FOREST PARK, IL

The Forest Park Police Department, seeks a Full-Time Civilian Information Management Records Clerk reporting to the Lieutenant of the Criminal Investigations Division. Eligible candidates will be required to pass an aptitude test and an extensive background check. Qualifications include excellent organizational skills, computer skills, the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, good knowledge of English language, and adherence to all police department policies and procedures.

Responsibilities and duties include subpoena fulfilment, evidence room duties, data entries, general office functions, report creation, and other duties as needed our assigned.

Open until filled. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. or at www.forestpark. net and should be returned Attn: Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130. Email: vmoritz@forestpark.net

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE II

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Customer Service Representative II in the Development Customer Services Department. This position provides customer service to the public by providing a variety of responsible and difficult customer service and receptionist work including high volume telephone traffic; and to perform the more difficult and complex customer service duties depending on the department including but not limited to service requests, permits, parking passes, block party permits, accounts payable processing and vehicle stickers. This position is crosstrained with the other Customer Service Representative IIs in the Village.

Applicants are encouraged to apply online at https://secure.entertimeonline.com/ta/6141780.careers?ApplyToJob=537079168 or visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www. oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

First review of applications January 20, 2023.

   

14

The Landmark, January 11, 2023

CLASSIFIED

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG MARKETPLACE

CARS WANTED

HOME SERVICES

WANTED TO BUY WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys.

Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

CLASSICS WANTED CLASSICS WANTED Restored or Unrestored

or Unrestored Cars &Restored Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Cars & Vintage Motorcycles Import Cars: Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette,Cars: Ferrari’s, Domestic / Import Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, $$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

Ferrari’s, James Jaguars,• 630-201-8122 Muscle Cars, Collector Mustang & Mopars

$$ Top $$ allWANTED makes, Etc. CLASSICS Collector James Restored or Unrestored Cars630-201-8122 & Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Import Cars:

Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Cars, R E N TAMuscle LS Mustang & Mopars

FOR RENT $$OFFICE/RETAIL Top $$ all makes, Etc. OAK PARK THERAPY OFFICES:

Collector James

Therapy offices available on North Avenue. Parking; Flexible leasing; Nicely furnished; Waiting Room; Conference Room.

Ideal for new practice or 2nd location.

708.383.0729 Call for an appt.

630-201-8122

SUBURBAN RENTALS STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3 BR Best Selection & Service

OAK PARK & FOREST PARK

708-386-7355

MMpropMgmt.com

ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed

ELECTRICAL

A&A ELECTRIC

Let an American Veteran do your work

We install plugs for battery-operated vehicles We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs We install Surge Protectors • Home Re-wiring • New Plugs & Switches Added • New circuit breaker boxes • Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp • Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential • Commercial • Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. • Bonded • Ins. • Low Rates • Free Est.

708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848 Sr. Discounts • 30 Yrs. Exp. Servicing Oak Park • All surrounding suburbs • Chicago area

FLOORS

PAINTING

KLIS FLOORING INC.

CLASSIC PAINTING Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/ Plaster Repair Low Cost • 708.749.0011

New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured.

Call: 773-671-4996 • www. klisflooring.com

HANDYMAN CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE Drywall Repair • Painting Fans Installed • Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning • Window Repair

Free estimates Excellent References No Job Too Small

708-488-9411

Mike’s Home Repair Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Don’t Do

708-296-2060

PETS While you’re away, your pets are okay . . . at home

cat calls

Oak Park’s Original Pet Care Service – Since 1986

Daily dog exercising Complete pet care in your home House sitting • Plant care Bonded References

708-524-1030

The Landmark, January 11, 2023

CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed separate bids will be received by the Board of Education, Oak Park Elementary School District 97 (the “Board”) for the following project: OAK PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT 97 SD97 - SUMMER 2023 LIFE SAFETY WORK OAK PARK, IL 60302 BID GROUP 2 – ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL, PLUMBING and GENERAL TRADES Bids will be received until 2:00 p.m.

CST on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at the Oak Park Elementary School District 97 Administrative offices, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302, and will be read at 2:15 p.m.

CST on that date. Bids shall be submitted in an opaque sealed envelope clearly marked: Oak Park Elementary School District 97 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302 Attention: Bulley & Andrews Project: SD97 - SUMMER 2023 LIFE SAFETY WORK – Bid Package 2 Bid Opening will be held at 2:15pm CST within the board room: Scope of work for Bid Group 1 generally includes: Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing & General Trades All bids must be submitted in accordance with the bidding instructions contained in the Bidding Documents for the project. Bid security in the form of a bid bond in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the base bid amount shall be submitted with the bid. Should a bid bond be submitted, the bond shall be payable to the Board of Education, Oak Park Elementary School District 97, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302.

All documents and information required by the bidding instructions contained in the Bidding Documents for the project shall be submitted with the bid. Incomplete, late or non-conforming bids may not be accepted.

No bids shall be withdrawn, cancelled or modified after the time for opening of bids without the Board’s consent for a period of ninety (90) days after the scheduled time of bid opening.

The Bidding Documents for the project (which include the bidding instructions for the project and other related documents) will be available Tuesday January 3rd, 2023 and are available for viewing/download online without cost or purchase on the Bulley & Andrews, LLC One Drive, located at the following link. No username or password is required. https://tinyurl.com/ysfudxfr The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids or parts thereof, or waive any irregularities or informalities, and to make an award that in the Board’s sole opinion is in the best interest of the District.

The site will be available for visits by appointment to be coordinated with Bulley & Andrews, LLC. Interested parties may inspect the existing conditions. Schedule an appointment with Michael Damato of Bulley & Andrews in advance if you wish to visit the sites.

All bidders must comply with applicable Illinois Law requiring the payment of prevailing wages by all

15

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

PUBLIC NOTICES Contractors working on public works.

If during the time period of work, the prevailing wage rates change, the contractor shall be responsible for additional costs without any change to the contract amount. All bidders must comply with the Illinois Statutory requirements regarding labor, including Equal Employment Opportunity Laws.

For additional information on the project, contact Michael Damato of Bulley & Andrews, LLC at mdamato@bulley.com or 847-602-9512.

Dated: 1/3/23 Michael Damato Bulley & Andrews, LLC Published in Wednesday Journal January 11, 18, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE SECTION I REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) NOTICE TO PROPOSERS: The City of Berwyn (hereinafter City) is seeking Design and Construction Engineering Services for the project listed. A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) packet is available at the City Clerk’s Office, City Hall, 6700 West 26th Street, Berwyn, IL 60402, or at https://www.berwyn-il.gov/government/bids-rfps#!/ Sealed Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) will be received at the City Clerk’s Office, until the time and date specified below, for: PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES – DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING CERMAK ROAD WATER MAIN, SEWER AND ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS ADDRESS THE STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS TO: Attention of the City Clerk’s Office, City Hall, 6700 West 26th Street, Berwyn, IL 60402, on or before the submittal date specified below. The SOQ shall be sealed and clearly marked on the front “Statement of Qualifications for Engineering Services”. FAXED OR EMAILED SOQs WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. THE STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS IS DUE NO LATER THAN: 10:00 a.m., on February 3, 2023.

Proposers shall submit three (3) paper copies and one (1) electronic copy of their SOQ in PDF format on a flash drive.

Published in Wednesday Journal January 11, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice Jaycee-Ehlert Park Court Improvements The Village of Brookfield does hereby invite sealed bids for Jaycee-Ehlert Park Court Improvements. Work will include site preparation, construction fencing, temporary soil erosion and sediment control measures, site removals and clearing, earthwork, excavation, and grading; cast-in-place concrete, tennis and pickleball court outfit, basketball posts (alternate), tennis court fencing & gates (10-ft. ht.), sport court asphalt paving & color-coating, concrete paving, and turf seed restoration.

Project manuals, including bid form and specifications, and construction documents are available after 10:00 AM on January 17, 2023 from Accurate Reprographics, www.hitchcockplanroom.com, 2368 Corporate Lane, Suite 100, Naperville, Illinois 60563, phone (630) 4284433 for the non-refundable cost of

PUBLIC NOTICES reproduction.

Bids will be accepted at the Village of Brookfield, 8820 Brookfield Ave, Brookfield Illinois 60513, during regular office hours. All bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked with the Contractor’s name and address, and “Jaycee-Ehlert Park Court Improvements,” on the face of the envelope. Bids must be received no later than 10:00 AM on January 31, 2023. Bids will be opened at the Village of Brookfield at 10:01 AM on January 31, 2023. All bidders will be required to submit Bid Security in the form of a Bid Bond, Certified Check, or Cashier’s Check in the amount of 10% of the Base Bid, payable to the Village of Brookfield.

The Village of Brookfield reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, parts of any and all proposals, or to waive technical errors or omissions in submitted proposals. No submitted bid may be withdrawn until a period of sixty (60) days after the bid opening date, without written consent of the Village of Brookfield. The Village of Brookfield encourages minority business firms to submit bids on this project and the successful contract bidder to utilize minority businesses as sub-contractors for supplies, equipment, services, and construction.

Questions should be directed in writing to: Stevie Ferrari, Village of Brookfield at sferrari@brookfieldil.gov; or Doug Fair, Hitchcock Design Group at dfair@hitchcockdesigngroup.com Abby Mies, Hitchcock Design Group at amies@hitchcockdesigngroup. com END OF SECTION 000020 Published in RB Landmark January 11, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y23010023 on January 9, 2023.

Under the Assumed Business Name of DANIELMOKMAD SP with the business located at: 1024 WASHINGTON BLVD, APT 302, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: DANIEL MOKRAUER-MADDEN 1024 WASHINGTON BLVD, APT 302, OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA Published in Wednesday Journal January 11, 18, 25, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT FOR NOTIFICATION OF BID FOR PROVISO SCHOOL DISTRICT 209 Gilbane Building Company, Construction Manager, for and acting on behalf of The Board of Education of Proviso Township High School District 209, is receiving lump sum proposals from interested contractors for the Proviso School District Capital Improvements Project. This release includes the following: The final cleaning of the construction spaces following construction and prior to the beginning of school, this pertains to both Proviso East and Proviso West High Schools. Additionally, the abatement of asbestos containing flooring, mastic, ceiling, adhesives, lab countertops, pipe insulation, etc. at both Proviso East and Proviso West High Schools.

PUBLIC NOTICES Bid Release 14 includes bid package 01A Final Cleaning Work – Proviso East, 01B Final Cleaning Work – Proviso West, 02P Asbestos Abatement Work – Proviso East and 02Q Asbestos Abatement Work – Proviso West.

1. The bid documents will be distributed to bidders on or about Tuesday, January 10, 2023 2. An in-person Pre-Bid Meeting and Site Walk-through will be held on Monday, January 16, 2023 at follows: -Pre-Bid Meeting: Proviso East Social Room – 9:00AM -Proviso East Walk-Through– 9:45AM – 10:45 AM -Proviso West Walk-Through– 11:00AM – 12:00AM 3. The last day for bidders’ questions is Thursday, January 26, 2023, at 5:00PM 4. The proposals will be due on Thursday February 2, 2023, at 10:00AM via www.ibidpro.com .

To bid this project, bidders should prequalify with Gilbane Building Company via Compass at https:// compass-app.com/auth/register. The bid proposals are to be completed online at www.ibidpro.com .

Bid security in the form of a bid bond in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the base bid is required from all bidders. Guarantee Bonds in the form of a Performance Bond and Labor and Material Payment Bond in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the bid will be required from the awarded Bidder.

The work will be done in accordance with the Contract Documents. “FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS INVITATION TO BID MAY RESULT IN THE DISQUALIFICATION OF THE BIDDER”.

This contract calls for the construction of a “public work,” within the meaning of the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/.01 et seq. (“the Act”).

The Act requires contractors and subcontractors to pay laborers, workers and mechanics performing services on public works projects no less than the “prevailing rate of wages” (hourly cash wages plus fringe benefits) in the county where the work is performed. For information regarding current prevailing wage rates, please refer to the Illinois Department of Labor’s website at: https://www2.illinois.gov/idol/Laws-Rules/CONMED/ Pages/Rates.aspx . All contractors and subcontractors rendering services under this contract must comply with all requirements of the Act, including but not limited to, all wage, notice and record keeping duties.

The Proviso Township High School District 209 and Gilbane Building Company reserve the right to reject any or all bids. All information submitted as part of this process shall be considered public information under the State Freedom of Information Act unless specifically disclosed on the applicable information by the Bidder.

Challenges to such exemptions shall be defended solely by the Bidder.

Published in Forest Park Review January 11, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE Attention Christensen S A, you are the last indicated owner or lienholder on file with Illinois Secretary Of State. Our records show, your 1999, BMW, 528I with the following VIN WBADM5335XBY16156 was towed to our facility. The current amount due & owing is $2000.00. If payment is not received within 30 days, Nobs Towing Inc. will intend to enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3. Sale of the aforementioned vehicle will take place at 1510 Hannah Ave, Forest Park, IL, 60130 on 2/17/2023.

Published in Forest Park Review January 11, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE Public notice is hereby given that the Board of Education of Riverside School District 96 in Riverside, Illinois will receive sealed bids for: Hollywood Masonry Repair Project Copies of the Bid Documents including plans and specifications will be available starting January 9, 2023.

Bidders can download electronic Drawings and Specifications from the BHFX Plan Room, www.bhfxplanroom.com. Printed sets may be ordered and paid for by the contractor.

All bids offered must be accompanied by bid security in the form of certified check or bid bond made payable to the Owner in the amount of not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount of the aggregate of the bid as a guarantee that if the bid is accepted, a contract will be entered into and the performance of the contract properly secured. The successful bidder for the project is required to furnish Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the bid amount, with sureties to be approved by the Owner, and in the form required by the Bidding Documents.

The successful bidder is required to pay the general prevailing wage for work under this Contract as ascertained by the Illinois Department of Labor, and shall submit certified payroll records, in compliance with the Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130) and the requirements of the Bidding Documents.

A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on January 11, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Hollywood Elementary, 3423 Hollywood Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513. Bidders must allow sufficient time to register at the building prior to being permitted to proceed to the meeting location.

Bids will be received until 1:00 PM, January 27, 2023, at the District office at 3440 S. Harlem Ave, Riverside, IL 60546. A public bid opening will take place afterwards at 1:00 PM, January 27, 2023 at the District office at 3440 S. Harlem Ave, Riverside, IL 60546.

The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all bids or any part thereof.

Published in RB Landmark January 11, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE Forest Park School District 91 STEAM Lab Renovations- Field-Stevenson Intermediate & Forest Park Middle School

to waive informalities to any bid when such is deemed by the Owner to be in the Owner’s own best interests.

SECTION 001100 - ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS PROJECT: STEAM Lab Renovations - Field-Stevenson Intermediate & Forest Park Middle School 925 Beloit Ave, Forest Park Forest Park, IL 60130 Project Number: 220240 ARCHITECT: Wight & Company 2500 North Frontage Road Darien, IL 60561 OWNER: Forest Park School District 91 424 Des Plaines Avenue Forest Park, IL 60130 Sealed bids will be RECEIVED IN DUPLICATE by the Owner at the place, and until the date and time, stated below and there publicly opened and read: PLACE: Forest Park School District 91– District Office 424 Des Plaines Avenue Forest Park, IL 60130 DATE: Wednesday, January 25, 2023 TIME: 3:00 PM Any proposal received after the time and date stated above will be returned to the Bidder unopened.

The competency and responsibility of the Bidders will be considered in making awards. One proposal will be received for the following categories of work:

This advertisement is issued in the name of Forest Park School District 91.

END OF SECTION 001100 Published in Forest Park Review January 11, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y22009998 on December 28, 2022. Under the Assumed Business Name of BEYOND THE NUMBERS with the business located at: 855 N PARKSIDE AVE APT 1R, CHICAGO, IL. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: DANAE ROSARIO 855 N PARKSIDE AVE APT 1R, CHICAGO, IL Published in Wednesday Journal January 11, 18, 25, 2023

LEGAL NOTICE

An optional pre-bid meeting will be held at Forest Park Middle School on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 1:30 PM. The meeting will be followed by a tour of the facilities. This will be the only opportunity to access the building prior to bid.

The Village of Oak Park --Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302-- will receive electronic proposals until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2023 for Project: 23-7, Alley Lighting Improvements. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below. In general, the improvements consist of: removing and disposing of approximately 1050 existing mercury vapor alley lighting assemblies; replacing old lighting assemblies with new alley light assemblies including new LED fixtures, mast arms, wiring, photocells, and connections to the existing ComEd electrical service; and all appurtenant work thereto in alleys throughout the Village of Oak Park.

Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on Thursday January 12th, at 4:00 p.m.

Plans and proposal forms can be found at https://www.oak-park. us/your-government/budgetpurchasing/requests-proposals or at www.questcdn.com under login using QuestCDN number 8360536 for a non-refundable charge of $62.00. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No bid documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening.

The work to be performed pursuant to this Proposal is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq.

THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer

The Owner reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids, and

Published in Wednesday Journal January 11, 2023

GENERAL WORK including demolition, architectural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical work to renovate an existing Staff lounge, computer lab, and home ed classroom into two STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) lab at Field-Stevenson Intermediate School and Forest Park Middle School.

Bid security in the form of a certified check, cashier’s check, or bid bond made payable to Forest Park School District 91, in an amount equal to 10 percent of the base bid is required.

Plans and specifications are available on the BuildingConnected website (www.buildingconnected.com).

All addenda and bidding related correspondence will be distributed on this website. The drawings and specifications for the project can be viewed/downloaded at no cost in the public plan room section of the website. To arrange access to the website, prospective bidders should send requests to John Paul, Wight & Company, at jpaul@wightco.com.

All questions regarding the project should be directed to John Paul, Wight & Company, at jpaul@wightco. com.

Questions must be received in writing, or via email (jpaul@wightco. com), until 12:00 p.m. Thursday, January 19th, 2023.

16

The Landmark, January 11, 2023

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