RIVERSIDE-BROOKFIELD Follow us online! rblandmark.com
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Vol. 37, No. 5
@riversidebrookfieldlandmark @riversidebrookfield_landmark
Also serving North Riverside
February 2, 2022
Brookfield florist announces he’s retiring, closing business PAGE 3
@RBLandmark
Plan for Aldi at North Riverside Mall set for Feb. 7 vote PAGE 8
Brookfield to hike video gambling license fee
AIRBORNE
Trustees set to increase cost from $25 per machine to $250 By BOB UPHUES Editor
Bars and restaurants that offer video gambling in Brookfield will soon pay 10 times more per machine to license them locally. Village trustees are poised to approve increasing the per-machine fee from $25 to $250 at their meeting on Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the council chamber of the village hall, 8820 Brookfield Ave. The increase will become effective immediately upon passage. “I think $250 per terminal per year is a drop in the bucket,” said Trustee Jennifer Hendricks during a discussion of the subject at the village board’s committee of the whole meeting on Jan. 24. Hendricks was referencing the income bar and restaurant owners derive from having the machines in their establishments. Just for the month of December 2021, the average income for the 14 businesses in Brookfield with video gambling machines was nearly $10,000. That figure represents all taxes having been paid to the state and municipality, and the reSee VIDEO GAMBLING on page 9
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
Michael Carolan, of Riverside, goes airborne over a mound of snow at the bottom of the sledding hill at Swan Pond Park in Riverside on Jan. 29. For more photos, visit online at RBLandmark.com.
LTHS parapros rebuff latest contract offer Classroom aides say they’re underpaid, overworked and undervalued By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter
Paraeducators at Lyons Township High feel underpaid and unappreciated. And, last week, the parapros, who have been working
without a contract since the school year began in August, overwhelmingly rejected the school district’s latest contract offer. Seventy-seven percent of the parapros voted against the offer of a four-year contract with a flat $1.55 an hour raise this year
and 3-percent annual increases over the next three years. Just 12 of the 41 members of Lyons Township Paraeducators Association (LTPA) See PARAPROS on page 10
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The Landmark, February 2, 2022
D103 brings interim business manager aboard After being without a business manager for about a month Lyons School District 103 has a new business manager. On Jan. 25 the District 103 Board of Education voted 6-0 to hire Guy Cahill to the post of Interim Business Manager. Cahill, a retired school business manager, replaces Shelia Johnson who resigned about a month ago after spending 21 months at District 103. Cahill is the fifth business manager for District 103 since 2016. The 64-year-old Cahill retired in 2012 as the assistant superintendent for finance and operations for the Galesburg school district. He began his career as a driver education teacher at
Rochester High School near Springfield. Since retiring in 2012, Cahill served two stints as the interim business manager for the Champaign public schools, the most recent which ended in June of 2020. In addition to working for the Galesburg and Champaign school districts, Cahill has worked as the business manager for school districts in Peoria, Pekin and Rich Township High School District 227 in the south suburbs. Although Cahill has spent most of his career working in central Illinois, except for three years working for Rich Township High School District 227, he is a native and resi-
dent of south suburban Park Forest. Cahill graduated from Crete Monee High School and earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from Illinois State University. Cahill has particular expertise in collective bargaining. As a young teacher he was a negotiator for the teachers union at Rochester High School. Since District 103 is currently or will soon be negotiating contracts with unions representing teachers, teacher aides and custodians, that expertise was attractive to school board President Jorge Torres and Superintendent Kristopher Rivera. Cahill said that he had interviews with Tor-
res, Rivera and HR Director Stephanie Koenig. “They primarily brought me on for my expertise in collective bargaining,” Cahill said. Cahill will be paid $750 per five-hour work day. His contract runs through June 30 and is not to exceed $90,000. Cahill said he will work remotely some days and on other days he will work in the district’s administrative center. Cahill said he expects to be involved in the process of hiring a permanent new business manager. “I’d like to think one of my goals is to find a permanent replacement,” Cahill said.
— Bob Skolnik
COVID-19 takes lives of five local residents
While overall new cases of COVID-19 continued to fall in Brookfield, Riverside and North Riverside last week, five more local residents have died after being infected by the novel coronavirus, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. Two Brookfield residents, an 86-year-old woman and a 69-year-old man, died on Jan. 23 and Jan. 29, respectively, according to the medical examiner. That brings the total number of COVID-19 fatalities in Brookfield to 25 since the start of the pandemic in
March 2020. While deaths from COVID-19 initially lagged the explosion of new cases in November, December and early January, there have been nine fatal cases – more than one-third of the total -- in Brookfield since Dec. 20. Two more Riverside residents have also died in the past week and a half from COVID-19. A 65-year-old Riverside woman died on Jan. 24 and a 93-year-old woman died on Jan. 26, bringing the village’s total number of fatalities from the virus to nine.
A majority of Riverside’s COVID-19 fatalities – five of the nine – have been recorded since Dec. 24. North Riverside experienced its first death from COVID-19 in more than a year on Jan. 16, when an 81-year-old woman died from the virus, according to the medical examiner. She was the fifth COVID-19 fatality identified by the Landmark in North Riverside since the pandemic began in March 2020 and the first since Jan. 11, 2021.
For the week-long period ending Jan. 31, Brookfield recorded 147 new cases of COVID-19, the third straight week in which cases declined and the lowest total since mid-December. Riverside cases number held steady at 99 for the week ending Jan. 31, while North Riverside cases dropped to 38 for the week compared to 83 the week prior. That was also the lowest weekly total in that village since mid-December.
— Bob Uphues
The Landmark, February 2, 2022
Brookfield florist retiring to continue fight against cancer
Christopher Mark Flower will close up shop Feb. 28 By BOB UPHUES Editor
A year ago, reeling from a bleak prostate cancer diagnosis, but uplifted by the support he’d received from friends, family, customers and Brookfielders he’d never met, Chris Borzym remained upbeat. “We’re going to make it work,” Borzym told the Landmark last February. “It’s onward and upward. We don’t allow any negativity.” That remained Borzym’s motto during a 2021 that saw him undergo radiation treatment to counteract the Stage 4 prostate cancer he’d developed and still attend to his business, Christopher Mark Fine Flowers and Gifts in downtown Brookfield. And after that remarkable year, the 63-yearold Borzym has decided it’s time to close up shop and retire. He opened his business at 3742 Grand Blvd. in November 2005. “I frickin’ love what I do. It’s been a passion of mine since I was a kid,” said Borzym, who in his 20s operated a small flower shop in Cicero for five years with his aunt before she sold the business. But, another six-week round of radiation treatment last November and then a heart scare in December – his blood pressure had gone through the roof in the past year – got him reassessing things. “It showed me I can’t both take care of myself and the business,” Borzym said. Late last year, Borzym’s husband, Jim Deacon, did some number crunching and con-
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
Chris Borzym, owner of Christopher Mark Fine Flowers and Gifts in Brookfield, is retiring and closing the business on Feb. 28 to focus on his health and lower stress as he continues his fight against prostate cancer. cluded, “You can retire if you want.” “I really didn’t believe him at first, right away,” Borzym said. “I was just not ready for this decision.” After getting a good report in early January from his cardiologist and a very positive report from his oncologist – his PSA levels were back to something resembling normal – Borzym was ready. “When we got back from the doctor,” said Borzym, “I told Jim, ‘Let’s think about retirement.’” The store’s final day of business will be Feb. 28. Borzym leases the space and he’s unsure
BOB UPHUES/Editor
Borzym displays two angels holding light blue hearts, denoting prostate cancer, in the windows of his shop as a tribute to the community that has shown so much support during his battle with cancer.
anyone will be purchasing the business. After Valentine’s Day, he’ll begin liquidating the inventory, including furniture and display cases, with the hope loose ends will be wrapped up by the end of March. After that, Borzym and Deacon may do a little traveling – a trip to northern California may be on the list -- and visit family out of state. But the principal focus will be fighting the diagnosis that overturned Borzym’s life a little more than a year ago. At that time, he had penned a poem which he included in an online journal he’s started as a way to work through his cancer diagnosis. A nurse at Rush University Medical Center found it inspiring enough that she shared it with other patients in the cancer center at Rush. “It’s wonderful to know that what I’ve been going through has now helped someone else,” Borzym said. He also has been floored by the support he’d received in the past year in Brookfield – not just the nearly $50,000 raised online to help supplement his then-inadequate health insurance, but the well wishes, prayers and thoughts from community members. “Whatever anyone believes in, I’ll accept them,” he said. “It just keeps me going.” A physical manifestation of that support can be seen in two angels holding hearts painted light blue, denoting prostate cancer, which someone gave him last year. They are displayed in the front windows of the flower shop, with signs above them reading “Brookfield is community.” “It’s my tribute to everyone here in this awesome town,” Borzym said. “I feel lucky to be alive, and I don’t want to let all that’s happened this last year go to waste.”
IN THIS ISSUE Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Kosey Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Property transfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Editor Bob Uphues Equity Editor/Ombudsman Michael Romain Digital Publishing & Technology Manager Briana Higgins Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Sales and Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Development & Sales Coordinator Stacy Coleman Circulation Manager Jill Wagner E-MAIL jill@oakpark.com Publisher Dan Haley Business Manager Joyce Minich
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 $36 within Cook County and $46 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. © 2022 Growing Community Media NFP.
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The Landmark, February 2, 2022
P O L I C E
PLAY BALL Riverside Little League Registration Now Open BASEBALL | SOFTBALL | TEE BALL Ages 4-12
WWW.RIVERSIDELL.COM
By Linda Sokol Francis. E.A.
CHILD CARE CREDIT INCREASED FOR 2021 ONLY
T
he new tax law increases the amount of the credit and eligible expenses for child and dependent care, modifies the phase-out of the credit for higher earners and makes it refundable. For 2021, the top credit percentage of qualifying expenses increased from 35% to 50%. In addition, eligible taxpayers can claim qualifying child and dependent care expenses of up to: • $8,000 for one qualifying child or dependent, up from $3,000 in prior years, or • $16,000 for two or more qualifying dependents, up from $6,000 before 2021. This means that the maximum credit in 2021 of 50% for one dependent’s qualifying expenses is $4,000, or $8,000 for two or more dependents. When figuring the credit, employerprovided dependent care benefits, such as those provided through a flexible spending account (FSA), must be subtracted from total eligible expenses.
As before, the more a taxpayer earns, the lower the credit percentage. But under the new law, more people will qualify for the new maximum 50% credit rate. That’s because the adjusted gross income (AGI) level at which the credit percentage is reduced is raised substantially from $15,000 to $125,000. Above $125,000, the 50% credit percentage is reduced as income rises, plateauing at a 20% rate for taxpayers with an AGI above $183,000. The credit percentage level remains at 20% until reaching $400,000 and is then phased out above that level. It is completely unavailable for any taxpayer with AGI exceeding $438,000. In 2021, for the first time, the credit is fully refundable. This means that an eligible family can get it, even if they owe no federal income tax.
BROOKFIELD FINANCIAL PLANS, INC. Linda Sokol Francis, E.A. 3439 Grand Boulevard • Brookfield, Illinois 60513 • 708-485-3439 Brought to you as a public service since 1975
R E P O R T S
Burglars grab cash from video gambling ATMs Two North Riverside businesses that offer video gambling were targeted by burglars on consecutive days last week, according to police. Officers responded to Mother’s Day Restaurant, 8815 Cermak Road, for multiple burglar alarm activations at about 4:50 a.m. on Jan. 28. Police found the east side glass door to the restaurant smashed in, with footprints in the snow heading from 9th Avenue to the east door. There were no footprints exiting the building and no tire tracks, according to police. North Riverside officers, with assistance from Brookfield, Riverside and Broadview established a perimeter and searched the building. The video gambling ATM in the rear of the building was found damaged and opened. A small sledgehammer was found atop the machine. About $345 had been removed. Security video showed that two people entered the building at 4:46 a.m. and exited at 4:48 a.m. Both wore masks and gloves. On Jan. 29, police responded to Big Corner Tavern, 8405 Cermak Road, after the owners called to report a similar burglary there. The owners told police that when they arrived to open up the bar that after noon they discovered the rear glass door shattered. Inside they saw the video gambling ATM on the floor and called 911. Police said the ATM was damaged and its cash cartridges were missing. Security camera video showed three men wearing masks and gloves entering the business at about 2:20 a.m. They reportedly made off with more than $14,000 in cash from the ATM.
Vehicles left to warm up stolen ■ A resident of the 3000 block of Prairie Avenue, Brookfield, called police on the morning of Jan. 26 to report that her blue 2016 Ford Explorer had been stolen from her rear driveway. The victim said she had left the vehicle to warm up with the keys inside and the door unlocked at about 6:05 a.m. About five minutes later she heard the sound of a vehicle driving through the alley and came outside at about 6:20 a.m. to find the vehicle missing. On Jan. 28, police learned the vehicle had been located in the 9000 block of Southview Avenue. The vehicle was locked, but the victim was able to unlock it with a spare key. Police said the interior smelled of cannabis and was in disarray, with numerous receipts strewn around, but all of the items that had been inside the vehicle when it was stolen appeared to be intact. According to a security camera video ob-
tained by police, it appears the vehicle was left at the location around 10:35 p.m. on Jan. 27. ■ North Riverside police responded to a residence on 26th Street on the morning of Jan. 26 after a resident called to report the theft of her 2013 Toyota. The victim told police she had left the vehicle unattended and running in the parking lot of her building at about 7:30 a.m. When she returned to the vehicle at 7:45 a.m., it was gone. Police reported no signs of forced entry. ■ A resident of the 2500 block of Park Avenue, North Riverside, called police to report that his 2019 Chevy Trax, which he mistakenly left running and unattended, was stolen. The victim said he had started the vehicle and left it to warm up as he shoveled snow outside the house. When he finished shoveling, he went inside and forgot he left the car running. About an hour later, the victim went outside and found the vehicle gone. According to police, the victim had the vehicle’s GPS service locate and disable it. Police responded to the location where the vehicle was disabled, in the 3900 block of West Monroe Street in Chicago and recovered it.
DUI North Riverside police charged a man, whose age and hometown were not disclosed, with driving under the influence of alcohol after responding to a report of a reckless driver in the parking lot of the BP gas station at 2558 Desplaines Ave. on Jan. 26 at about 10:50 p.m. When police arrived, an officer observed a Cadillac that had collided with a guardrail and was stuck in the snow. The driver was attempting to free the vehicle by accelerating hard and spinning the wheels. Police said the driver appeared intoxicated and reported locating a nearly empty bottle of wine in the center console of the vehicle along with another open bottle of wine on the passenger side floor. In addition to DUI, police charged the man with illegal transportation of open alcohol. These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Riverside, North Riverside and Brookfield police departments, Jan. 2430, 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
The Landmark, February 2, 2022
BIG WEEK
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February 2-9
Kevin Wood as Abraham Lincoln
The ins and outs of composting at home
Visit in person with Honest Abe
The Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library invites you to join Kate Carney from the Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability for the special Zoom program “Composting with Kate” on Monday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. Carney will explain the basics of composting and share options for composting at home. Registration required. Call 708-485-6917 or visit brookfield. evanced.info/signup online.
North Riverside Parks & Recreation invites you to spend some quality time with the nation’s 16th president during “Apple Pie with Abraham Lincoln,” an in-person program on Wednesday, Feb. 9 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Village Commons, 2401 Desplaines Ave. Abraham Lincoln impersonator Kevin Wood will tell you about the 12 turbulent years beginning in 1845 right through the Civil War until 1865. The fee to attend to $25. Call 708-442-5515 or visit the Parks & Rec Facebook page at facebook.com/NRRecreation for more info.
Blood Drive at North Riverside Library
North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., is hosting a Blood Drive on Saturday, Feb. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Anyone age 16+ is eligible to donate blood, which has been scarce during the pandemic. Now is the time to replenish blood banks. Donors get a free gift. Refreshments available. Register for a time by visiting tinyurl. com/2p89updc or scan the QR code on the home page of the library’s website at northriversidelibrary.org.
And more North Riverside Parks and Rec will host a Daddy Daughter Luau on Feb. 18 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Village Commons, 2401 Desplaines Ave. Enjoy dinner, dessert, a DJ and more. Fathers, grandfathers, uncles and big brothers welcome. Register by Feb. 4. Call 708-442-5515. AARP Tax Aid is back at Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, and the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, 3541 Park Ave., to provide free tax assistance for those 60 and older. Volunteers will be at the Riverside Public Library on Wednesdays through April 6 and at the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library on Fridays through April 8. You must register for appointments in person at the respective libraries. Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St., presents ■
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Rising cost of prescription drugs The League of Women Voters of the LaGrange Area will sponsor a program on the rising price of prescription drugs on Tuesday, Feb. 8 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Film Discussion Group
Join movie maven Marty Blank at the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, 3541 Park Ave., on Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. for the next installment of his Film Discussion Series, focusing on critically acclaimed foreign and independent films. The group will view and discuss the Israeli film “God of the Piano,” which tells the story of a mother who goes to extreme lengths to realize her musical dreams through her son, who was born deaf.
The discussion will be led by Dr. Thomas Gochenour of Rush University Medical Center, who will discuss the evolution of the prescription marketplace since 1972 and reference events and legislation that have led prices of some medications to skyrocket. Register by emailing amartonffy@aol.com by Feb. 6. Free and open to the public. Email league@lagrangearealwv.org for more info. “Muse,” an exhibition of photography and costumes by Niki Grangruth and James Kinser, through Feb. 19 and “The Bigger the Fear and Despair …” a two-person show featuring the work of Mayumi Lake and Stacia Yeapanis through February. Proof of vaccine required. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., invites you to drop by the Sewing Help Desk on Feb. 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. and to join Telephone Book Club on Feb. 8 at 6:45 p.m. via conference call (800-747-5150, code 1453322). They’ll discuss “The Tubman Command” by Elizabeth Cobbs. Those in grades 6-12 can come by the library to Make Mini Terrariums on Feb. 5 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Kids ages 4-up can participate in the hybrid programs Lapsit Storytime on Feb. 3 at 10:30 a.m.; After School Art Escape on Feb. 3 at 3:30 p.m.; ■
Learn with Lester the Llama on Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m.; ABCs and 123s on Feb. 7 at 10:30 a.m.; Story Safari on Feb. 9 at 10:30 a.m.; a family Pajama Storytime (Zoom only) on Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m.; and Silly Science, Crazy Construction & Stuff on Feb. 9 at 4 p.m. Register for programs at northriversidelibrary.org/ events-new. Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, 3541 Park Ave., invites you to Chair Yoga via Zoom on Feb. 3 at 11 a.m.; Valentine Card Making in the Maker Studio on Feb. 3 at 6 p.m.; Candy Making (teens/ young adults) with Annette from Fill My Jar on Feb. 5 at 11:30 a.m. in Meeting Room 1; Genealogy Club: Organizing with Evernote on Feb. 8 at 4 p.m.; and Craft Craze: Wooden Hearth Decoration (grades 1-5) in the Storytime Room on Feb. 9 at 4 p.m. ■
Visit brookfield.evanced.info/signup to register for programs. Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, hosts After School DIY for teens on Feb. 9 at 3:30 p.m. Visit riversidelibrary.libcal.com/calendar to register. Through March 25, the Lyons Township High School South Campus Fieldhouse indoor track, 4900 S. Willow Springs Road in Western Springs, will be open to the public from 6 to 7 a.m. on days LTHS is in session. There is no admission charge or fee to use the track. Please bring an ID and be prepared to sign in. 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. The next date is Feb. 13. ■
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The Landmark, February 2, 2022
D95 to decide Feb. 10 whether to broadcast meetings School board members want to limit cost, staff time
By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter
At its next meeting on Feb. 10 the Brookfield-LaGrange Park School District 95 Board of Education will decide whether to livestream its meetings. School board members discussed the issue for nearly an hour at a Jan. 26 committee of the whole meeting. The board is set to vote on a motion to spend nearly $5,000 to purchase microphones and other equipment to create a conferencing hub at the board table that can be linked to a computer to livestream meetings. District 95 had livestreamed its meetings as a result of the pandemic before deciding last fall to stop doing so. Viewership was low, the livestream audio was poor and beset by technical difficulties, and it was difficult for Superintendent Mark Kuzniewski to simultaneously lead meetings and monitor the livestream. School board President Katie Mulcrone appeared opposed to livestreaming meetings, noting that the district does not have access to a school television station such as RBTV, which broadcasts Riverside-Brookfield High School District 208 school board
meetings, or a local public access television channel such as Riverside TV, which broadcasts the meetings of the Riverside Elementary School District 96 school board. Despite the district receiving a petition signed by 116 people calling for livestreaming meetings, Mulcrone said that she is not aware of any great public outcry for it on a routine basis and noted school board meetings are open to the public. “One of the options is to come to our meetings,” Mulcrone said. “I feel very strongly that I don’t want to be reactive [to a petition].” Other board members seemed more open to livestreaming meetings if it can be done relatively inexpensively and not burden staff. Board member Melissa Biskupic said while the board has not typically livestreamed meetings in the past, except during the height of the pandemic, she is open to doing so if it can done relatively inexpensively and not be labor intensive. “I think the expectations have changed,” Biskupic said. “It’s not really about the numbers. It’s about the availability.” After the meeting, Kuzniewski said that
option the board would likely consider at the Feb. 10 meeting would cost about $5,000. “I’m not really sure this is a money issue,” Kuzniewski told the school board. “It’s not going to take books from children. It’s not going to take crayons from children.” But Kuzniewski was adamant that he did not want to do anything that would create more work for his administrative team. School board member Barb Garvey said she was having trouble making up her mind on the issue. “I have gone back and forth on this,” Garvey said. “It’s not a huge part of our budget. I don’t see the direct educational benefit for kids.” Garvey said she was looking for an inexpensive way to stream or broadcast meetings. “I don’t want to make it a strain on our staff,” Garvey said. “I don’t want to make it a strain financially, but I want to include the community as much as we can.” When school board member Meaghan McAteer ran for the school board in 2019, she advocated livestreaming meetings because she had been frustrated as a parent about not knowing what was going on if she
didn’t attend meetings in person. Now that McAteer is on the school board, she says that she’s learned that the issue is more complex than she realized. “Then I get on the board and you kind of see that it is not as simple as it sounds,” McAteer told the Landmark. “There’s the audio component, there’s video, there’s having staff there to run it.” McAteer said that she hasn’t made up her mind yet on how she will vote on the issue. “As of right at this moment I am still considering all the options,” McAteer said. “I’m not sure.” But McAteer said the board wants to resolve the issue one way or the other and move on. McAteer said that she will not base her vote on the petition, something that other board members also seem to feel strongly about. “I think it’s important that it’s clear that we don’t make decisions based on petitions,” McAteer said. “We were elected by the community to represent them, so petitions aren’t how you should be making decisions. I’d be really terrified if my village board started making decisions just based on petitions that were submitted.”
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The Landmark, February 2, 2022
Resident input sought on widening Grant Avenue near downtown Brookfield Width could be increased by 14 feet between Sunnyside and Forest By BOB UPHUES Editor
Brookfield officials are looking for input from those whose homes are located near Grant Avenue between Sunnyside and Forest avenues as they ponder possibly widening the street by as much as 14 feet when it’s repaved later this year. Trustees requested that village staff reach out to residents during a discussion of possible options for that stretch of Grant Avenue during the village board’s committee of the whole meeting on Jan. 24. “This is a pretty significant change that we’re talking about for the people that live on that street,” said Trustee Brian Conroy. “It kind of changes the whole dynamic of that street. I think we should go a step above and make sure [residents] are properly notified that this is under consideration and this is their opportunity to weigh in.” One of the oldest street pavement surfaces in Brookfield, the one-and-a-half block stretch of Grant Avenue between Sunnyside and Forest is a concrete roadway just 22 feet wide. Parking is allowed on both sides of the street, leaving room for just one vehicle to travel through between two parked vehicles. Because the street is at the north end of the Grand Boulevard business district, it sees higher vehicle counts than some other side streets and it’s sometimes used as a bypass route by southbound drivers who want to avoid the complicated Grand/ Brookfield/Fairview/Prairie intersection just north of the railroad crossing. Village Engineer Derek Treichel on Jan. 24 laid out a pair of options for widening the street, one of which was included in the preliminary cost estimate for repaving the street. That option involves widening the street three feet – 1.5 feet on either side – to create a 7-foot side parking lane on either side of Grant Avenue and a shared 11-foot-wide drive lane. The second option would be to widen Grant Avenue by 14 feet to create two 7-footwide parking lanes and two 11-foot through lanes, which would eliminate the need for vehicles to weave in and out of parked cars to avoid oncoming traffic. “I think the natural growth of downtown is going to be north and east, perhaps along Grant,” said Village Manager Tim Wiberg. “We hope, if things go well, that this natu-
ral progression is where it will go.” Right now, Grant Avenue is not an inviting place for visitors to the Grand Boulevard business district to drive, said Wiberg, because of the tight dimensions of the roadway. “If and when more development happens and the migration is to the north, this sets up much better to be able to accommodate easier, safer parking while keeping two lanes of traffic there at all times.” While widening Grant Avenue by 14 feet will make it easier for vehicle traffic to navigate, eliminating seven feet of parkway on either side of Grant Avenue will result in having to remove 17 trees between Sunnyside and Forest avenues. The second option will also cost an additional $80,000, not counting the $500 cost to replace each tree lost. Beyond those two options, trustees Edward Cote and Katie Kaluzny wondered whether, instead of the parallel parking that would remain along Grant Avenue, the widened roadway could accommodate diagonal parking to increase the number of spaces in and around downtown. “If the guess is that’s where the business district will grow, wouldn’t it be prudent now to try to increase the parking capabilities in that area,” Cote said. But, making Grant Avenue a commercial parking area might be bridge too far for residents there, said Conroy, who added that if he lived along that street, he would oppose increasing parking for non-residential use. Village President Michael Garvey also voiced doubts about diagonal parking on Grant Avenue. “I think the board needs to think very carefully about incentivizing and creating more parking there and encouraging parking from the business district to move that way,” Garvey said. “While we’re always looking for the opportunity to add parking, I don’t know that this is the ideal place to create additional parking at the expense of the residential neighbors in that area.” Wiberg told the Landmark the village intends to invite those living along that stretch of Grant Avenue to a Zoom meeting that will be held sometime in early February. The village board will again discuss the matter at the Feb. 14 committee of the whole meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. at the village hall, 8820 Brookfield Ave.
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The Landmark, February 2, 2022
North Riverside poised to approve Aldi for mall outlot Feb. 7 vote set; Planning and Zoning Commission gives unanimous thumbs up
By BOB UPHUES Editor
A new, freestanding Aldi grocery store could be up and running by the end of 2022 or early 2023 in North Riverside with village trustees poised to formally approve the plan at its meeting on Feb. 7. That action item will be on the village board agenda that night, said Village Administrator Sue Scarpiniti, following a unanimous recommendation for the project by the North Riverside Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 27. “Our intention is to commence work immediately as soon as we have permits in hand,” said Matthew McDonnell, vice president of development and construction for Seritage Growth Properties, which owns the north anchor property at the mall. That property includes not only the roughly 180,000-square-foot former Sears box at the north end of the shopping center but the parking lots immediately north and west of the store along with the former Sears Auto Center building that now houses Blink Fitness. McDonnell told village officials that, depending on weather, it should take nine to 10 months from start to finish to improve the site and build the store. Seritage will be responsible for site improvements, which will include repaving the 72-space parking lot and reconfiguring traffic flow into and out of the site. They will then turn the site over to Aldi to construct the store. “Our aim is to get this done as soon as pos-
PROVIDED
North Riverside trustees are poised on Feb. 7 to approve construction of a new Aldi store, which will be one of the company’s new, larger prototypes (above), in the parking lot north of the former Sears anchor at North Riverside Park Mall. The store will be located in the north half of that lot (below), with parking for 72 vehicles. sible,” McDonnell said. “We’re anxious to get this Aldi up and running.” Seritage has partnered with Aldi to build one of the grocer’s latest prototype locations, a 20,000-square-foot store with a greater focus on and larger displays of fresh products. McDonnell said that the store would be larger
than the one about two miles directly west at 1001 Cermak Road in Broadview. The new store will be far larger than Aldi’s existing North Riverside location, a storefront in a strip mall at 2000 Harlem Ave., which McDonnell confirmed would close.
PROVIDED
“One of the main reasons we’re building this is that the current location is just not big enough,” McDonnell told planning and zoning officials during the Jan. 27 public hearing, which was held virtually. Scarpiniti told commissioners that Aldi and Seritage have incorporated site plan changes suggested by police, fire and community development staff. The companies are still awaiting final approval of storm water detention plans from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. Plans indicate that storm water will be detained in a vault located beneath the Aldi parking lot. The water collected in the vault would be slowly released to avoid flooding and overwhelming the sewers. The sewers serving the mall are not tied into the residential sewer system to the west, Scarpiniti said. The site plan also shows that Aldi will be adding about a quarter of an acre of green space that presently does not exist at the site, which is about 95 percent asphalt parking lot. Plans shows landscaped areas about 35 to 40 feet in width wrapping around the north and east sides of the new store. There are also landscaped islands that define and partially enclose the Aldi site, which will be contained to the north half of the parking lot in front of the former Sears store. A bioswale to assist in detaining storm water currently in the plan may or may or may not move ahead depending on MWRD’s opinion of the overall storm water management plan.
The Landmark, February 2, 2022
9
Early morning fire damages local Chinese restaurant Auto alarm tied to 911 center, quick response helped limit extent
By BOB UPHUES Editor
LaGrange Park’s fire chief said a fire alarm system tied directly to the village’s emergency dispatch center likely saved a local Chinese restaurant from sustaining greater damage from an early morning fire on Jan. 27. Firefighters responded to Golden Wok, 1122 N. Maple Ave., just across the border from Brookfield, when the alarm activated at 1:15 a.m. When firefighters arrived at the restaurant they reported observing black smoke coming from roof vents and light smoke in the front of the restaurant. Inside, there was heavy smoke in the kitchen with a fire burning in the rear where kitchen equipment was located. While firefighters deployed two hose lines in preparation for battling the blaze, others were able to douse the flames using fire extinguishers. No one was hurt and damage to the restaurant was estimated at $5,000. No one was inside the restaurant at the time the fire started. While the cause remains un-
VIDEO GAMBLING Fee hike ‘affordable’ from page 1 maining net income having been split 50-50 between establishment owners and video gambling machine vendors. In December 2021 alone, the pre-tax net income from all 79 video gambling machines in Brookfield was almost $425,000. The ability for non-home rule communities like Brookfield to increase the gambling machine license fee to $250 came via state legislation signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker in December. While home rule communities – municipalities with populations of 25,000 or greater or smaller towns whose voters have approved a home rule referendum – always had leeway to charge higher fees for local video gambling machine licenses, the Illinois General Assembly had set the per-machine fee for non-home rule communities at $25 when the law passed a decade ago. The city of Harvey, a home rule municipality in the south suburbs, charges a per-machine license fee of $1,000, while Countryside charges $750, according to Brookfield Finance Director Doug Cooper. Tinley Park, meanwhile, charges $1,350 per machine, a figure split by the establishment owner and machine vendor. “I know this might be a concern of some of the board members, if not all of you, that
der investigation, a LaGrange Park Fire Department press release indicated the fire “appears to be related to cooking left unattended overnight.” Fire Chief Dean Maggos credited the busi-
ness’ fire alarm system, which connects directly with the Lyons Township Area Communications Center (LTACC) combined E911 dispatch agency, with limiting damage to the building.
“The presence of the automatic fire alarm system … and the quick actions by firefighters helped substantially limit the damage,” Maggos said in a press release, adding he believed the restaurant would be able to reopen in the “very near future.” “This incident could have been significantly worse,” he said. Brookfield and LaGrange firefighters also responded to the call.
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Golden Wok, 1122 N. Maple Ave., LaGrange Park we might be charging another fee on top some other fee we have for those businesses, but I think it’s affordable for them,” Cooper said. No trustees voiced any concern on Jan. 24 that the fee increase would be onerous for establishment. The village stands to collect an additional $17,550 in revenue annually by increasing the gambling machine license fee from $25 to $250. Trustee Katie Kaluzny said she supported the increase but wondered whether the new revenue realized from it could be directed toward initiatives that could improve quality of life in Brookfield. Kaluzny is the village board’s liaison to the Brookfield Beautification Commission and Brookfield Conservation Commission. “It doesn’t seem like [the fee increase] brings that much more money to the village, but I was wondering, with that amount, could it be doing something to better the community like beautification or parks equipment or a park scholarship fund?” Kaluzny asked. Both Hendricks and Trustee Brian Conroy said they supported Kaluzny’s idea about the new revenue going toward specific initiatives. “We can always segregate that money,” said Cooper. “That’s not going to be a problem.” Meanwhile, video gambling made a strong comeback in Brookfield last year after a hit-or-miss 2020 when the machines were offline due to shutdowns because of
the COVID-19 pandemic. Net income from Brookfield video gambling machines in 2021 was a record $4.65 million, and about $1.5 million more than in 2019, the last full pre-pandemic year. The one big difference is that prior to the pandemic, establishments were limited to five machines. They are now allowed a maximum of six. Two establishments in Brookfield where video gambling income rose dramatically in 2021 compared to 2019 were Ryan’s Public House and Tony’s Family Restaurant. In 2021, Ryan’s was the village’s top establishment for video gambling income, taking in $227,174 compared to $135,961 in 2019. Tony’s was not far behind in 2021 at $204,145, a huge jump from the restaurant’s 2019 video gambling income of $72,447. Cordial Inn, which was the village’s unrivaled top video gambling income earner from 2013-19, ranked third in video gambling income in 2021, at $184,337. Slager’s on 47th was fourth in 2021 at $158,981 and Phil’s Sports Bar & Grill was fifth at $158,947. The village of Brookfield’s cut of video gambling taxes – just 5 percent of the total net income – was $232,737 in 2021. The state of Illinois, which takes 29 percent in taxes, reaped a little more than $717 million from video gambling income in 2021, according to information from the Illinois Gaming Board. Total net income in 2021 from video gambling machines in Illinois amounted to nearly $2.5 billion.
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The Landmark, February 2, 2022
PARAPROS Morale low from page 1 voted for the offer, which was not recommended by the LTPA bargaining team. The LTHS administration sidestepped the bargaining team and transmitted the offer through the union’s executive board, a move that ruffled some feathers. This was the second contract offer parapros have voted down. Last fall, they overwhelmingly rejected an offer of a $1 an hour raise in the first year and subsequent 3-percent annual raises. Contract talks are now in mediation with Andrew Hasty, a commissioner from Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, serving as the mediator. One mediation session was held Jan. 27 with the next one not scheduled until March, though it could take place before then. The current starting salary for an LTHS paraeducator is $15.45 an hour. The starting salary for a paraprofessional at Riverside Brookfield High is $16.50 an hour. Many LTHS parapros want a $3 per hour raise, arguing that they are underpaid in comparison with other school districts in the area. Approximately 25 LTHS parapros attended the Jan. 18 meeting of the Lyons Township District 204 Board of Education meeting to indicate their displeasure. One paraeducator, Mary Fran Griffin, addressed the school board during the public comment period of the meeting. She claimed that some parapros are earning
less than the federal poverty level and said that many have to take second and sometimes third jobs to make ends meet. “No matter what we do, we keep falling behind,” Griffin said. Griffin said that three LTHS paraeducators quit their jobs in the week before the meeting. According to some LTHS parapros, many of their colleagues have left the school over the past five years and say that the job losses have resulted in understaffed workforce. They say that LTHS has perhaps 40 percent fewer paraeducators than it did some five or so years ago. “There’s just not enough of us,” Griffin said. “How does LT expect to continue to attract and retain well qualified and educated paras so that we can continue to provide the best education possible to all of our students when the pay is so low? LT has had a para shortage that began four years ago when other districts began paying more.” As of Jan. 31, the LTHS website had openings for four full-time and two part-time paraeducator positions. Some LTHS paraeducators have quit to take jobs in other school districts that pay more. “We are losing the best of the best,” said LTHS paraeducator Vicky Cernetig, who has worked at LTHS for 17 years. “Other paraprofessionals moving to different schools. A girlfriend of mine moved over to Argo at $25 an hour.” Morale among paraeducators, many of whom have college degrees, is low. “When you come to school you dread walking through that door,” said one member of the LTPA, who asked not to be identified because she is not authorized to speak for the
union. Paraeducators typically work with special needs students, sometimes as one-to-one aides or helping a teacher in the classroom. Those working with most severely disabled students have to perform difficult and unpleasant tasks, such as helping students with toileting. Attrition in the ranks means the remaining paraeducators have to work harder and try to cover for each other. “It is so disheartening and so exhausting that you’re in there and you’re sometimes doing the job of two or three paras,” Cernetig said. Cernetig said that not all special needs students are getting the level of service that they should. “Students that should be one on one are not,” Cernetig said. “I know parents have no clue this is going on, because we’ve been told not to talk.” The paraeducator who asked not to be identified said administrators seem either not to know or respect how hard paraeducators work. “Well never turn our backs on the kids; we go above and beyond,” the paraeducator said. “We miss our breaks. We work through our lunches. And now it’s just almost that they feel like this is something that we should do and it’s not right. Somebody should say ‘enough.’” Most parapros want to continuing working at LTHS but said that they need to be paid more. “Most of us want to stay in the community that we’ve grown up in,” said Cernetig, who
graduated from LTHS. “This is in no way a living wage for our area. It’s getting very disheartening, because we started with over a hundred paras and we’re something like 50.” The paraeducators point out that LTHS is a well-funded district. The average teacher salary at LTHS is $115,414 according to the most recent Illinois School Report Card. Parapros point out that they have to contribute as much to their health insurance premiums as teachers, who are being paid much more. They also grumble that LTHS created two well-paid new administrator positions this year yet seem stingy with contract offers to the parapros. “It’s such a small amount for this district,” Cernetig said. “We’ve had it; we’re done. I don’t think you can run a school without the paras.” Yet the paraeducators who spoke with the Landmark said that they don’t want to walk out. “We don’t want to strike, we want a deal,” said the member of the union who asked not to be identified. “We’re trying to work a deal. Who does it hurt? It hurts the kids and we’re trying at all costs to avoid a strike.” LTHS Superintendent Brian Waterman said that the district will continue to work with the LTPA to reach a mutually agreeable contract. “Our BOE and administration is committed to continuing with the mediation process in the coming weeks,” Waterman said in an email. “Ultimately, we and the LTPA share the same goal of reaching a resolution on an agreement that is highly competitive and honors the unique, high level work our paraeducators perform on a daily basis.”
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Opinion THE LANDMARK VIEW
Y
Rev the engine
ou can set your watch to comments on social media that inevitably, and swiftly, appear whenever the Landmark publishes a story about the North Riverside Park Mall. Close it down. Never go there. Waste of space. Often there’s more than a tinge of out-and-out racism involved, given that the mall and many of its stores attract visitors of color to the shopping center. The responses are altogether depressing, if predictable, and also incredibly short-sighted, especially when they come from residents of North Riverside itself. In recent weeks there’s been a bit of news out of the mall, both regarding some pretty important incoming tenants filling valuable spaces. First off, Forman Mills is set to occupy about 90,000 square feet of retail space on the upper floor of the north anchor, where Sears used to be located. In today’s paper, we’ve got a story that essentially says Aldi is an absolute lock to build a new 20,000-square-foot store in the north parking lot of the old Sears property. It’ll replace the small, unappealing Aldi in the strip mall at 2000 Harlem Ave. Both businesses would be considered “discount” retailers, we suppose. But both will also keep North Riverside’s economic engine humming and will result in more sales tax revenue, which is absolutely critical for paying North Riverside’s bills and keeping local property taxes as low as they are. North Riverside Park Mall is the village’s financial powerhouse and local residents should disparage it at their own financial peril. Village government, including the police department, has long worked hand-in-hand with mall management to address safety concerns and sporadic violence that sometimes has erupted. The causes of those problems, however, have deep roots that are no fault of the shopping center itself, just as they are not the fault of other businesses in the Harlem-Cermak area. As the largest single commercial attraction, what happens at the mall gets most of the attention. We believe mall management and the village have responded directly, frankly and aggressively to incidents of the past two-plus years. Since the summer of 2020, those incidents have been few. For the sake of North Riverside, our hope is that the mall continues to thrive as a sales tax generator and economic engine attracting other businesses to the Harlem-Cermak area. So, welcome to Forman Mills, Aldi and their customers. Your money is good here.
Dividing the spoils
When the Illinois General Assembly passed legislation to allow widespread video gambling in bars and restaurants in the state, it really restricted non-home rule municipalities – small towns like Brookfield, Riverside and North Riverside – from setting fees for machine licenses. At $25 a pop for an annual license, it was a bargain for establishment owners and game operators, and they’ve reaped the benefits while the 5-percent cut municipalities get from a tax imposed on net income has been less impactful. In addition to the new $250 fee limit on machine licenses, we wouldn’t be averse to legislators increasing the cut municipalities get. That’ll, of course, have to come out of another pocket, but it seems as if there’s plenty of money going around.
The Landmark, February 2, 2022
11
What are you reading these days?
W
e have all had a lot of time to ourselves over the past year or so, and for many of us it has meant more reading time. My intentions were good but didn’t come to fruition as much as I would like. I was an avid reader as a child, with my love of reading fostered by our next-door neighbor, who I affectionately referred to as Mrs. Limberlegs, a character from one of my favorite books. Mrs. Limberlegs would take her daughter and me to the library and so began my love of books which continued through my teen years and adulthood. Looking at my collection of books from those days I see my set of Nancy Drew books -- I think I have them all. They were created by the publisher Edward Stratmeyer to be the counterpart of the Hardy Boys series. Written under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene, it was apparent even then that it was boys first. I guess that is how I first gained an interest in mysteries. I continued on as an adult reading every Agatha Christi novel. It seems I still have a preference for mysteries and am looking forward to the next John Grisham book. I like biographies, but romance novels not so much. I guess I would rather live romance than read about it.
I did go through a religious period where I read every book by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen and I have his set of writings. History books, particularly local history, Chicago and Riverside, attract my attention. The books from The History Press and Arcadia Publishing will take you to places in the city you were not aware existed. The publishers even have books devoted to towns such as Riverside, Berwyn and Lyons. Read how places were named or about landmarks that have stood silently for years. Easy to purchase, they can be found at your local Walgreens. However, if you want to be part of an interactive murder mystery party, the North Riverside Players are hosting their annual fundraiser Murder Mystery Fundraiser later this month. The dates are Feb. 19 and 20. Visit nrplayers.com for info and to purchase tickets. It’s no mystery: Who other than Riverside’s Mirro Roder played for the Chicago Bears? The answer is John Damore, an offensive lineman who played for the Chicago Bears from 1957-1959. We should also mention Lucien “Lu” Gambino, originally from Berwyn and a Morton High School graduate, who later resided in North Riverside. He played for was the Baltimore Colts from 1948-1949.
JOANNE KOSEY
OBITUARIES
Daniel R. Mega, 73 Purple Heart Vietnam veteran Daniel R. Mega, 73 of Riverside, died Jan. 26, 2022 at his home. Mr. Mega received two Purple Hearts while serving in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. He was a retired manager at Lucent Technologies. He was the husband of Ann; the father of Danny (Patti); the “Pops” of Carmela Ann; the brother of John (Cathy) Mega and Sue (Michael) Sullivan; and an uncle and friend to many. A funeral Mass was celebrated Feb. 1 at St. Mary Church in Riverside. Inurnment will take place Feb. 4 at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. Ivins/Moravecek Funeral Home, Riverside, handled arrangements.
Philip Wanderer, 69 U.S. Postal Service employee Philip Wanderer, 69, of Brookfield, died Jan. 29, 2022. Mr. Wanderer served in the U.S. Air Force and was employed by the U.S Postal Service. He was an avid gardener and amateur chef was happily married to the love of his life for over 40 years. His legacy will live on in his beloved children and grandchildren.
He was the husband of Debra Wanderer (nee Schumacher); the father of Katie (Jon) Poulopoulos, Amanda (Carlos) Lazaro, Sara (Ian) Fitzgerald and Jakob Wanderer; the grandfather of Alex, Devan, Grace, Jack, Ava, Ella, Owen and Mia; and the brother of Walter Wanderer Jr., Rev. Douglas (Laurie) Wanderer PHILIP WANDERER and the late Arthur (Ruthann) Wanderer. Visitation is Thursday, Feb. 3 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 31st St., Brookfield. Lying in State on Friday, Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to time of service at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, cor ner of Park and Grant Ave, Brookfield. Per state mandate, all guests attending any indoor services are required to wear a mask. Interment is at Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery, Oakbrook Terrace. Memorials appreciated to Luther Academy, 6600 N. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46825; to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 9035 Grant Ave., Brookfield, 60513 or a charity of your choice. If you wish to send a sympathy card to the family, send it to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 31st St., Brookfield, 60513, c/o Philip Wanderer family.
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The Landmark, February 2, 2022
Sports
@RBLandmark
Ford looks for deep run into gymnastics postseason RBHS captain holds out hope for state meet bid on floor exercise By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
Riverside-Brookfield High School senior Nora Ford actually had been thinking about her final home girls gymnastics meet Jan. 22 for a while. “Really, I just wanted to have fun and make the last home meet really good,” Ford said. “Being a senior, it’s been a long time coming. I’ve just been looking forward to that one meet I’m going to remember for a long time.” Ford especially will remember the final routine. On her best event, she scored a 9.1 on floor exercise – her first 9 on any event in four varsity seasons – that earned second place at the RB Bulldog Invitational. The Bulldogs finished second with a season-high 130.85 points and followed with a 130.55 on Jan. 29 for third at the Upstate Eight Conference Meet at Glenbard East and third in the final overall standings. Ford’s highest floor score had been 8.9 last season. “Going into it, I was a little calm than usual but ready to go, focused,” Ford said. “Once the music started playing, all of the adrenaline and energy rushed into it, made it super fun. The team was cheering and the crowd was really into it so it made it really fun.” Ford also was third on balance beam (8.5) at
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
RBHS senior Nora Ford hit a career-high 9.1 on floor exercise at the RB Invite on Jan. 22 and could have a shot at qualifying for the IHSA state meet in that event. Postseason competitions begin Feb. 2. the RB Invite and fourth in the event at the Upstate Eight meet (8.6). Ford began gymnastics when she was 5 or 6. Like many RBHS gymnasts, she grew up competing in the feeder program headed by coach Karyn Domzalski. “I really enjoy that there’s four different events. It’s very difficult mentally and physically but I like the idea that there’s always new things to try,” Ford said. As a sophomore, Ford qualified for her first sectionals as an all-arounder with the next-tolast advancing score (30.10). Disappointed by no IHSA postseason in 2021, Ford hopes to again reach sectionals --
especially on floor, where there’s an outside chance a great routine could qualify for the state meet. “Very outside. But possibly,” Ford said. From the 2020 sectional berth, Ford realized the need to improve and she decided to emphasize perfecting fundamental skills on floor. Last club season, Ford saw the payoff on balance beam when she was second at the GIJO (Gymnastics of Illinois Junior Organization) Level 7 state meet. “I tried to go back to the basics because there’s only so much you can do if you have the correct technique,” Ford said. “I just barely qualified [for sectionals in 2020]. I felt so
lucky, like I didn’t earn it but I get to do this. It just made me more hungry and more ready to compete and get new skills and try harder. It was very eye opening.” This season immediately began with a new experience. In her seventh season as coach, Domzalski named Ford as the Bulldogs’ first team captain. Ford received an early-season lift Dec. 4 at Glenbard West when she scored 8.85 on floor. She then worked her way back from spraining her left ankle in mid-December practicing her Tsukahara vault. Ford also has missed meets that conflict with mandatory performances for the school’s honors choir and dance class. She’s also part of the afterschool Orchesis dance club. “[Dancing has] helped my floor routine. It’s grown a lot just with artistry,” Ford said. “[Competing floor], I think generally I just like how excited everyone becomes. And when I hit a floor routine, there’s no other feeling.” Freshman Lia Christiansen was the conference all-around champion (34.80) and was second on beam (8.95), fourth on vault (9.2) and shared fourth on the uneven parallel bars (8.25). At the Bulldog Invite, Christiansen was second in all-around (35.00) and vault (9.05), third on uneven bars (9.2) and fourth on beam (8.45). RBHS previously marked Senior Night for Ford, Leah Kowalski, Fabiana Aranibar and Remy Hilpp on Jan. 19 when the Bulldogs (128.35) competed against Oswego Co-op (140.30). The Bulldogs compete in the IHSA regionals at Downers Grove South on Feb. 2 with hopes of advancing to the Oswego Sectional on Feb. 7.
LTHS girls look to lock down conference hoops title
Lions clinch tie after downing Glenbard West 63-44 By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
The Lyons Township High School girls basketball team clinched a share of the West Suburban Conference Silver Division title Jan. 28 by beating Glenbard West 63-44 in Glen Ellyn. The Lions (22-3, 10-0 in Silver) can take the crown outright this week with a victory against Oak Park and River Forest [on Feb. 1, after press time] or at second-place Downers Grove North (20-6, 8-2) on Feb. 4. In defeating the Hilltoppers, LTHS received
double-digit scoring from Izzy Lee (17 points), Ella Ormsby (15 points), Hailey Markworth (11 points) and Ally Cesarini (11 points). In nonconference action, the Lions defeated St. Ignatius 60-26 on Staff Appreciation Day on Jan. 29 and Waubonsie Valley 58-46 in overtime Jan. 25. Lee (13 points), Mezan (11 points) and Cesarini (10 points) paced the Lions against St. Ignatius. Lee also had a team-high 19 points against Waubonsie, followed by Markworth (16 points) and Cesarini (13 points). The LTHS boys basketball team lost to topranked Glenbard West for the third time this season, but the 62-50 margin on Jan. 28 in LaGrange was the closest. Nik Polonowski (20 points) and Tavari Johnson (14 points, 5 assists) scored in double figures for LTHS (18-4, 6-2 in WSC Silver). Billy
Bach (8 points), Aidan Sullivan (8 points, 5 rebounds) and Will Carroll (7 rebounds) also contributed. This was the first loss in 2022 for the Lions, who had won eight straight after losing 60-28 to Glenbard West (24-0, 7-0) on Dec. 31 in the championship game of York’s Jack Tosh Classic Tournament. LTHS also lost at Glenbard West 71-34 on Dec. 3.
LTHS bowlers 30th at state meet Lyons Township High School senior Jalen Pfaff tied for 30th on Jan. 29 in the second day of the boys bowling IHSA state meet in O’Fallon. Pfaff ’s total of 2,550 pins (212.5-pin average) came from six games each Friday and Saturday, which included a 256 fifth game. Senior
Dylan Holtz was 67th (2,371, 197.6 average). On Jan. 28, the Lions finished 16th (5,845) and did not advance to Saturday’s round by finishing among the top 12. Holtz (48th, 1,235) and Pfaff (57th, 1,220) advanced individually JALEN PFAFF by being among the 30 highest scorers for those not among the 12 advancing teams. LTHS’ other bowlers on Jan. 28 were junior Drew Escamilla (tied for 88th, 1,165), senior Jack Pochocki (118th, 1,103), junior Tommy Hennessy (943 for 5 games) and senior Xavier Gawel-Barden (179 for 1 game).
The Landmark, February 2, 2022
Growing Community Media
13
HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.
BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG
HELP WANTED POLICE RECORDS CLERK
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.
The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Police Records Clerk in the Police Department. This position will perform a wide variety of specialized clerical duties in support of the Police Department including processing and maintaining documents, correspondence and coding reports; and to provide information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http:// www.oak-park.us/jobs.
SANITARIAN
The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Sanitarian in the Health Department. This position will perform a variety of duties including education and enforcement activities for the promotion and protection of the public health environment. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http:// www.oak- park.us/jobs.
ASSOCIATE CIVIL ENGINEER & SENIOR PROCESS CONTROL ENGINEER
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago will be accepting applications for the following classification(s): Associate Civil Engineer (Original) Senior Process Control Engineer (Original) Additional information regarding salary, job description, requirements, etc. can be found on the District’s website at www.districtjobs.org or call 312-751-5100. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D Project Engineer sought by Summit Design & Build in Chicago, IL to coord & suprvsng proj dsgn & constrctn prcs & daily actvts to ensr proj get compltd on time & wthn budgt. Reqs BS in Civil Eng or rltd & trvl to constrctn proj in Chicagoland area. Must hv perm auth to work in US. Snd cvr ltr n rsm to Nicholas Jones, 1036 W Fulton Mkt, Ste 500, Chicago, IL 60607.
National Accounts Rep Get a job super close to home!
Top rated firm, Alpina Manufacturing LLC, founded in 1992, locally Manufacturing 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. We are seeking a college educated trainee to become an office professional. Work is in person at our beautiful, safe, spread out, elegant executive offices in Galewood. We train, no travel, work in Galewood. Open to any backgrounds. Excellent pay, salary, benefits, friendly caring management, Oak Park owner. Please send resume to careers@fastchangeframes.com. Visit www.fastchangeframes.com/careers for more details. 6460 W. Cortland Street, Chicago, IL 60707
SEASONAL FARMERS’ MARKET MANAGER
The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Seasonal Farmers’ Market Manager in the Health Department. This position manages the Oak Park Farmer’s Market including the vendors that sell directly to the public within established guidelines. This is a part-time seasonal position with work from January-mid November and work required on Saturday’s from May through October. 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. Open until filled.
SAWA’S OLD WARSAW RESTAURANT
Help wanted. Hiring all positions. Apply in person at 9200 W Cermak Rd, Broadview, IL 60155.
PART-TIME ELECTRICIAN’S HELPER
Call contracter for more info. 708-738-3848
JANITORIAL
Part-time. 3-5 days per week. Evening hours 5-9. $13-15/hr to start. Job located in Morton Grove, IL. Must have own transportation. Call Larry for more information. 773636-2505
COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER
The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Community Service Officer in the Police Department. This position will perform a variety of public service, customer service and law enforcement related duties and responsibilities that do not require the services of a sworn police officer; and to perform a variety of administrative duties. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oakpark.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.
PART-TIME COMMUNITY SERVICE COORDINATOR
The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Part-Time Community Service Coordinator (up to 10-15 hrs./week) in the Adjudication Department. Thisperson monitors individuals who have been ordered to provide community service in the Village, coordinates with organizations that provide community service opportunities, etc. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park. us/jobs. Open until filled.
ACCOUNTANT CLERK
The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Account Clerk II. This position which performs a variety of accounting clerical duties involving financial record keeping and/or transactions including accounts payable and receivable and to provide a variety of accounting support to the Development Customer Services Department. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/.
PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE
The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Public Health Nurse in the Health Department. This position will provide professional public health nursing services including health education 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 http://www.oakpark.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is open until filled with first review of apps 2/2/22.
PART TIME DELIVERY DRIVER
Local company looking for part time driver. Must be drug free and have a valid IL DL. Must be able to lift 75lb. $15/hr Email resume: HR@sievertelectric. com
LITIGATION ASSISTANT
Established boutique law firm moving from Chicago Loop to Oak Park, and seeking experienced litigation assistant to work with senior partner. Competitive salary and benefits. Send resume to mkarson@laroseboscolaw.com
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The Landmark, February 2, 2022
CLASSIFIED
BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG RENTALS & REAL ESTATE
MARKETPLACE CARS WANTED
GARAGE SALES Oak Park
GARAGE/MOVING SALE 638 GUNDERSON AVE SATURDAY, FEB 5 1PM-3PM
SUBURBAN RENTALS STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3 BR Best Selection & Service
708-386-7355
Household goods, decorative items, lawn and garden tools, furniture. All items in the garage.
CLASSICS WANTED CLASSICS Restored or Restored or Unrestored Unrestored Cars & Vintage Motorcycles Cars & Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Import Import Cars: Cars:
Mercedes, Corvette, Mercedes,Porsche, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, MuscleCars, Cars, Ferrari’s,Jaguars, Jaguars, Muscle Mustang && Mopars Mopars Mustang Top $$ Etc. $$$$Top $$allallmakes, makes, Etc.
Collector James Collector James 630-201-8122 630-201-8122
CLASSICS WANTED
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
ITEMS FOR SALE
Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, A&A ELECTRIC Mopars Let anMustang American & Veteran do your work
$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.
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.
Collector James
630-201-8122
708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848 Sr. Discounts • 30 Yrs. Exp. Servicing Oak Park • All surrounding suburbs • Chicago area
FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.
New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com
HANDYMAN 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
MMpropMgmt.com
OFFICE /RETAIL FOR RENT RIVER FOREST–7777 Lake St. * 1116 sq. ft. * 1400 sq. ft. Dental Office RIVER FOREST–7756 Madison St. * 960 sq. ft. OAK PARK–6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. * 3 & 5 room office suites FOREST PARK–7736 Madison St. *2500 sq. ft. unit Strand & & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011
40 in. gas range double oven, side by side: $350 obo Wardrobe cabinet: $195 obo Desk: $195 obo CALL 773-722-0405 CARHARTT JACKET Tan 3/4 length Carhartt jacket with hood for sale. Size 2XL. Excellent condition. $75 Call 708-485-1844 for more info
Restored or Unrestored Cars & Vintage Motorcycles HOME SERVICES Domestic / Import Cars: HAULING ELECTRICAL Mercedes, Porsche,ELECTRICAL Corvette,
Ceiling Fans Installed
OAK PARK & FOREST PARK
BASEMENT CLEANING
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PAINTING & DECORATING CLASSIC PAINTING Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/ Plaster Repair Low Cost 708.749.0011
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HANDYMAN Roofing Repairs Concrete Repairs • Drywall All types of handiwork Call For Free Estimates
WOODWORK Terry's
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and fiberglass since 1977. Includes doors, woodwork, windows, staircases and new woodwork etc. All work done by hand. NO sanders. Your unfinished project my specialty! References available. Contact Terry Seamans at 630-379-7148 or terryseamans@yahoo.com
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The Landmark, February 2, 2022
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 2022 LIFE SAFETY WORK OAK PARK, IL 60302 BID GROUP 1 – ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL, PLUMBING, ROOFING, GENERAL TRADES Bids will be received until 2:00 p.m. CST on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at the Oak Park Elementary School District 97 Administrative offices, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302, and will be virtually opened via zoom and 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 2022 LIFE SAFETY WORK Virtual Bid Opening will be held at 2:15pm CST on 2/10/2022 per link: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web. zoom.us/j/83956673114 Meeting ID: 839 5667 3114 Scope of work for Bid Group 1 generally includes: Electrical, Mechanical, Roofing, 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 25th, 2022 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/k5r9y82r 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 Robert Cotan 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 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 Oppor-
BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG
PUBLIC NOTICES tunity Laws. For additional information on the project, contact Robert Cotan of Bulley & Andrews, LLC at rcotan@ bulley.com or 708-315-8468. Dated: 1/25/22 Robert Cotan Bulley & Andrews, LLC Published in Wednesday Journal February 2, 9, 2022
PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of Mercedes De La Paz Buck Case Number 20224000323. There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Mercedes De La Paz Buck to the new name of Cedes Delapaz Buck. The court date will be held: On Tuesday March 22, 2022 at 11am via Zoom: Meeting ID 936 6870 5913 Password: 826976 at 1500 Maybrook Dr., Maywood, Cook County, IL in Courtroom #0111. Published in Wednesday Journal January 26, February 2, 9, 2022
PUBLIC NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of BEATRIZ MIGUEL-VILLAOBOS, Petitioner, and FRANCISCO ORTIZ-FERNANDEZ, Respondent, Case No. 2022D000652. The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before April 28, 2022, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition. DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk. Published in Wednesday Journal February 2, 9, 16, 2022
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday 22 February at 7:00 p.m. the Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing virtually, via Zoom, to consider a text amendment to Title 9 of the Forest Park Zoning Ordinance and Title 2 “Boards and Commissions” to consider the creation of a combined “Zoning and Planning Commission”. Join Zoom Meeting through this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/ j/86989456916?pwd=SU9DaVJDQ2svSlZ4RHp0WXIxTWdJUT09 Meeting ID: 869 8945 6916 Passcode: 684534 The applicant for this petition is the Village of Forest Park, 517 Desplaines, Forest Park, Illinois. Signed: Kerry McBride Acting Zoning Board of Appeals Chairperson Published in Forest Park Review February 2, 2022
PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield will hold a public hearing at 6:30 P.M. on February 14, 2022 at the Village Board Room in the Municipal Building of the Village of Brookfield, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513 on the Village’s proposed appropriation ordinance, which will serve as the basis for the Village’s 2022 Annual Appropriation Ordinance. The proposed appropriation ordinance will be on file in the Village Clerk’s Office for at least ten (10) days prior to February 14, 2022, and copies thereof will be conveniently available for public examination and copying. Brigid Weber, Village Clerk NOTE: Published in the Brookfield Landmark, February 2, 2022. Published in RB Landmark February 2, 2022
PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT OF RACINE COUNTY Case No. 21-CV-1437 Case Code No: 30101 NATHANIEL C. ERHARDT, Plaintiff, and, WISCONSIN PIPE TRADES HEALTH FUND, UNITEDHEALTHCARE INSURANCE COMPANY, Involuntary Plaintiffs, -v.ALLSTATE FIRE AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY, J.C. MOVERS & LUMPERS SERVICES, INC., DAMILLON D. THOMAS, ERIE INSURANCE EXCHANGE, Defendants. PUBLICATION SUMMONS THE STATE OF WISCONSIN TO: Damillon D. Thomas 215 Des Plaines Avenue Forest Park, Illinois 60130 THE PERSONS NAMED ABOVE AS DEFENDANT: You are hereby notified that the Plaintiffs named above have filed a Complaint for damages against you. Within forty (40) days after the 16th day of February 2022, exclusive of the date just stated, you must respond with a written demand for a copy of the complaint. The demand must be sent or delivered to the Court, whose address is: Clerk of Circuit Court - Racine County 730 Wisconsin Avenue, Racine, Wisconsin 53403 and to Gruber Law Offices, LLC, Attorneys Patrick K. Ritter and Nicholas L. Hermann, the Plaintiff’s attorneys, whose address is: 100 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 2800, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202. You may have an attorney help or represent you. If you do not demand a copy within forty (40) days, the Court may grant a Judgment against you for the award of money or other legal action requested in the Complaint, and you may lose your right to object to anything that is or may be incorrect in the Complaint. A Judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A Judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you own now or in the future and may also be enforced by garnishment of wages or seizure of property. Dated at Milwaukee, Wisconsin this 26th day of January 2022. GRUBER LAW OFFICES, LLC Attorneys for the Plaintiff, Nathaniel C. Erhardt By: /s/Patrick K. Ritter Patrick K. Ritter State Bar No.: 1092393 Email: patrickritter@gruber-law.com Nicholas L. Hermann State Bar No.: 1082796 Email: nh@gruber-law.com POST OFFICE ADDRESS: 100 East Wisconsin Avenue Suite 2800 Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 Telephone: (414) 276-6666 Published in Wednesday Journal February 2, 9, 16, 2022
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
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PROVISO SCHOOL DISTRICT 209 – CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PHASE 2 – SEQUENCE 1 BID RELEASE 9 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: Proviso East Mechanical Equipment prepurchase for work to occur in Summer 2022. PROVISO EAST BP # DESCRIPTION 23L Mechanical Equipment Pre-Purchase – Proviso East The bid documents will be distributed to bidders on or about Thursday, January 27, 2022. An online Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. local time via a virtual Teams meeting. The proposals will be due on Friday, February 11, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. local time via bidder’s prequalification account at www. ibidpro.com. To bid this project, bidders should register with Gilbane Building Company. The qualification application and 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.
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Published in Forest Park Review, February 2, 2022
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LY MI A F ILT MU
LY MI A F ILT MU
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