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Vol. 38, No. 7

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Also serving North Riverside

February 15, 2023

Brookfield Zoo euthanizes ailing aged orangutan PAGE 11

@RBLandmark

Boys wrestlers advance to individual state finals PAGE 15

Power to the pod

Riversider i id BBryce PPacourek’s k’ capstone Girl Scout project was creating a career podcast to empower girls STORY ON PAGE 3

Riverside homeowners now allowed detached home offices Trustees approve rewrite of code for accessory buildings on residential properties

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Riverside homeowners who since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic have been pining for the opportunity to build a new structure or convert an existing one on their properties for use as a home office can now do so thanks to a change in the zoning code approved unanimously by village trustees on Feb. 2.

The code amendment was more than two years in the making, with the Riverside PlanJACKIE PISANO

See HOME OFFICES on page 11

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The Landmark, February 15, 2023

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The Landmark, February 15, 2023

Riverside teen creates career path podcast for girls

Project earned RBHS senior Girl Scouts’ top award

By JACKIE PISANO Contributing Reporter

Ever since first grade at Central Elementary School, Bryce Pacourek has been a member of Riverside Girl Scout Troop 51401 where she’s made lifelong friendships and embraced principles of good citizenship.

Whether through volunteering, learning about nature at Midwestern campsites or soaking in history lessons on a trip to London, Pacourek has spent the last 11 years enjoying the variety of experiences Girl Scouts offer.

Now in the second half of her senior year at Riverside-Brookfield High School, Pacourek is checking off one of the final items on her adolescent bucket list, completing the Girl Scout Gold Award.

The highest Girl Scouts achievement, the Gold Award can be pursued by a high schooler who has completed her Silver Award, submitted a project proposal to her local Girl Scout council and logged at least 80 hours of work identifying a community need, created a project plan of action, gathered feedback from Girl Scout leadership and launched a project to inspire and educate others.

Pacourek, who previously completed her Bronze and Silver awards, said earning those accolades proved she had what it took to tackle the highest scouting award.

Two years ago, as Pacourek brainstormed Gold Award ideas, she landed on creating a podcast for girls featuring local women from a wide range of professions, speaking about the ins and outs of their careers and the motivations behind their career decisions.

“I’d had this idea for a resource I felt like our community was lacking, especially from personally struggling with deciding what kind of job I wanted to do in the future,” she said. “I figured this would be a very beneficial project.”

Creating the podcast, Pacourek said,

JACKIE PISANO

Bryce Pacourek could be her way of giving back to girls in her community by developing a career resource for girls and providing a place where they could learn about and explore a variety of career paths, regardless of gender norms that often accompany certain jobs and college majors.

“I think girls may limit their career options since they may not have an understanding or awareness of various paths,” she said. “They may also be discouraged to try something due to fear of the unknown.”

“Women in the Workplace,” Pacourek’s podcast, consists of 24 episodes, featuring Riverside and Brookfield women who work in fields including technology, medicine, sustainability, engineering and education.

“I sat down with them and asked them a range of questions, including recommended high school courses, educational requirements, day-to-day activities and pros and cons of their careers, just to get a variety of information that would be beneficial,” Pacourek said.

With episodes ranging from six minutes to 28 minutes in length, Pacourek says her podcast can serve as a vital resource for girls who don’t have an adult female mentor in their field of choice.

“I hope local girls can take this resource

and realize how many career options are out there,” she said. “There’s so many careers that we just don’t know about and that women specifically might be afraid to learn more about or pursue. I hope women in the future step out of their comfort zones and step into careers that may be more male-dominated.”

Pacourek’s project not only taught her about the basics of interviewing, but proved to be a crash course in digital recording and editing. She recorded interviews via Anchor, Spotify’s podcast recording platform. Prior to this project, she had never taken a podcasting or broadcasting course.

“It was kind of challenging to learn how to use all the platforms and different editing softwares,” she said.

Not only did the project teach Pacourek about podcasting and introduce her to women’s stories, it also helped her solidify her post-high school plans.

A three-sport athlete at RBHS — she competes in cross country, basketball and track — next fall Pacourek is headed to the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, to run cross country and track and study exercise science.

“I interviewed a woman in our community who is a physical therapist, and it helped me realize that it’s one of my interests and that I really enjoy that aspect of medicine and helping treat people,” she said.

Having now put the final touches on her project, Pacourek will receive her Gold Award at a ceremony hosted by the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana in June.

As she nears the end of her time in Girl Scouts, Pacourek also hopes local girls can see that the organization is still as relevant as ever.

“I feel like Girl Scouts is a great way to meet new people and create a friend group,” she said. “There’s sort of a stigma that Girl Scouts is all about badges and building campfires, but you learn a lot more than that. You gain a lot of public speaking skills and get to do cool experiences like traveling and meeting people.”

To listen to “Women in the Workplace,” visit spoti.fi/3Jy7JTu

IN THIS ISSUE Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Kosey Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Property transfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Editor Bob Uphues Digital Manager Stacy Coleman Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Sales and Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls, Kamil Brady Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner EMAIL jill@oakpark.com Publisher Dan Haley Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

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

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

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

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The Landmark, February 15, 2023

BIG WEEK

February 15-22

Join the 2023 Citizens Police Academy

There’s still time to register for the 2023 Brookfield Citizens Police Academy, which starts Feb. 23 and meets for 10 weeks each Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. through April 27.

The academy provides an understanding and working knowledge of how law enforcement operates. Participants must be at least 18 years old and a resident of Brookfield.

Contact Officer David Kudla at pdhelp@brookfieldil. gov with questions. Application forms are at brookfieldil.gov/ departments/police-department.

Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle

St. Mary’s presents ‘High School Musical Jr.’

A cast of 29 fourth through eighth graders at St. Mary School, 97 Herrick Road in Riverside, will perform “High School Musical Jr.” in the Parish Center on Feb. 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. and on Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

The fun-filled 60-minute musical, designed for middle school performers, is based on the 2002 Disney Channel movie and subsequent theatrical tour.

Presale tickets are $9 with credit card and can be purchased online at tinyurl.com/ymd62nyy. Tickets at the door are $10 (check only). Seating is general admission.

Aging Care Connections Pride Café Join Aging Care Connections on Feb. 15 from 6 to 7 p.m. either in person at 111 W. Harris Ave. in LaGrange or virtually via Zoom at their Pride Café, providing space for LGBT+ seniors who are interested in age-related or LGBT+ related topics, discussion and social opportunities.

Contact Hanah Sebek at 708-603-2270 or hsebek@agingcareconnections.org to get the Zoom link or with questions or input.

And more Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St., hosts Creativity Fest every Saturday in February from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring creative projects, activities and workshops for all ages Suggested donation of $10 per person each day at the door. Visit riversideartscenter.com for more.

Tickets for Reading Between the Wines 2023, a fundraiser for the Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, to be held Feb. 25 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. are now on sale. Tickets are $35 per person or $50, which ■

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includes the wine tasting and a breakout port tasting (limited to 20 people). Get tickets by clicking the link at riversidelibrary.org.

North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., presents iPhone & iPad Basics on Feb. 16 at 2 p.m., After School Art Escape (child with adult) on Feb. 16 at 4 p.m., Lego Club (child with adult) on Feb. 17 at 4 p.m., Sensory Storytime (child with adult) on Feb. 18 at 10 a.m., Light Painting with a Flashlight (grades 6-12) on Feb. 18 at 1:30 p.m., Morning Munchkin Stories with Miss Karen on Feb. 20 at 10:30 a.m., Silly Science (10-under with ■

Courtesy of Museum of Science and Industry

4

Join curator Margaret Schlesigner as she takes you on a tour inside the beloved Museum of Science and Industry exhibit Colleen Moore’s Enchanted Fairy Castle on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road.

Watch a livestream at the library or at home via Zoom and learn about Moore, a silent film star and philanthropist, and roam from room to room through her famous miniature castle.

Register to attend or obtain a Zoom link at riversidelibrary.org/events.

Movies with Marty screens ‘Loving’ Join film enthusiast Marty Blank at the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, 3541 Park Ave., on Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. for a screening and discussion of “Loving,” a 2016 film starring Ruth Negga and Joel Edgarton based on the true court case of Loving v. Virginia during which an interracial couple fought for their right to marry in 1958 Virginia.

Register to attend by calling 708-485-6917, ext. 130 or at brookfield.evanced.info/signup. adult) on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m., Chair Yoga on Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m. and Story Safari (child with adult) on Feb. 22 at 10:30 a.m. Register for programs online at northriversidelibrary.org/events-new.

Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, 3541 Park Ave., presents Fairytale Storytime on Feb. 16 at 10:30 a.m., Yoga Storytime (ages 3-5) on Feb. 17 at 1 p.m., Chair Yoga (virtual) on Feb. 20 at 11 a.m., Books & Bites Cookbook Club looking at “Sara Mouton Cooks at Home” on Feb. 21 at noon and Will You Be My STEAM Valentine on Feb. 2 at 6 p.m. Call 708-485-6917 or visit online at brookfield.

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Ruth Negga and Joel Edgarton in “Loving”

evanced.info/signup to register for programs.

Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, presents Chess Meet Up (grades K-8) on Feb. 16 at 4 p.m., Friday Storytimes (all ages) on Feb. 17 at 9:30 and 10:15 a.m., Presidents Day Trivia and Games all day Feb. 17-20, Loving Your Inner Child with Nannies for Non-Profits (ages 4+) on Feb. 18 at 12:30 p.m., Mini-Movers Storytime (3-under with caregiver) on Feb. 20 at 9:30 and 10:15 a.m. and Indoor Beach Party (all ages) on Feb. 20 at 2 p.m.

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

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The Landmark, February 15, 2023

5

Ogden Ave. auto repair business looks to expand footprint His plans call for extending the existing Logic Automotive owner building, which includes an office area and two service bays, both to the east and west. proposes increasing The additions would expand Logic Autoto five service bays. service bays from 2 to 5 motive The remaining original building’s facade

By BOB UPHUES Editor

The owner of an automotive repair business on Ogden Avenue in Brookfield seeks two zoning variations from the village in order to expand the existing building on the property.

Andrew Dziduch purchased the property at 9428 Ogden Ave. in July 2020, moving his vehicle repair business Logic Automotive to that location from the service garage at 3039 Maple Ave., where the business started in 2019.

would retain its stucco finish, according to plans submitted to the village. New stainless-steel fascia would be attached to the front edge of new canopies over doors on the front of the building.

The 22-foot-tall additions on either side of the existing 12-foot-tall building would be faced with gray brick and protrude slightly to the south.

The Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on the zoning variation requests at their meeting on Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. in the council chamber of the Brookfield Village Hall, 8820 Brookfield Ave.

BOB UPHUES/Editor

9428 Ogden Ave., Brookfield

RANDALL ARCHITECTS

The owner of the auto repair business at 9428 Ogden Ave. would like to expand the existing building’s footprint (above and at left) to add three more service bays. The plan also calls for new landscaping as well as fencing and facade improvements to make the site more visually appealing.

RANDALL ARCHITECTS

Commissioners will consider the variation requests and are likely to recommend either approving or denying them at that meeting. That recommendation will then go to the Brookfield Village Board, which has the final say on whether or not any variations will be granted.

The building at 9428 Ogden Ave. sits just within the SA-3 zoning district, one of the village’s “station area” districts near its Metra stops. Dziduch is asking for a reduction in the required front greenspace area from 7 feet to 3 feet. The landscaping plan includes an 8-inch high planting bed along the Ogden Avenue lot line with a 30-inch tall metal fence separating the long planter from the parking lot. Plans also indicate a landscaped island, which will also house a

monument sign, at the southeast corner of the property. Two new trees supplied by the village are shown as planned for the grass parkway on the west side of Deyo Avenue.

According to the SA-3 code, the existing building is a non-conforming structure, since the code requires the primary façade to be set back much closer to the Ogden Avenue lot line. The existing building sits far back from the front lot line.

Vehicle repair business are permitted by right in the SA-3 zoning district, and the property in question has served that function for many years. Prior to Logic Automotive, the Galloping Ghost Garage was located there and for several years before that it was Joe’s Garage and served as a Budget rental car business.

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The Landmark, February 15, 2023

Second try for proposed daycare business on 31st St. Latest planning application attempts to address parking, traffic circulation

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Four months after getting the cold shoulder from the Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission regarding his plan to bring a daycare center to the ground floor of the building at 9046 31st St., Pawel Czauderna is giving it another go.

On Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. at the Brookfield Village Hall, 8820 Brookfield Ave., Czauderna’s new application for a daycare center at the 31st Street building will be the subject of a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Last October, commissioners were unimpressed with the daycare plan, unanimously recommending against it amid a hostile reception from neighboring property owners and those renting apartments on the second floor of the building.

Czauderna had requested a reduction in the number of

spaces, according to Village Planner Kate Portillo.

Czauderna is asking for a reduction of required parking spaces from 19 to 15. Seven parking spots will be provided onsite behind 9046 31st St. The daycare business also has a deal in place to rent eight parking spaces from the Brookfield Elks Lodge, about 400 feet to the east at 9022 31st St. In addition to a special use permit to operate a daycare at that location and a zoning variation to reduce the number of required parking spaces, Czauderna will need a special use permit from the village for the shared parking arrangement.

BOB UPHUES/Editor He says in his latest application that shared parking will allow apartment residents access to parking at all 9046 31st St., Brookfield times and allay fears of vehicles visiting the daycare takrequired onsite parking spaces from 20 to 13, which coming up public parking spaces along Park Avenue next to missioners rejected. They were also unimpressed by a ru- the daycare. dimentary floor plan submitted for the daycare business Neighboring business owners had a particular fear and the lack of a traffic circulation plan for child drop-off their customers would lose access to those parking spaces. and pickup.

The latest plan also eliminates a 30-by-21-foot outdoor After that rejection, Czauderna withdrew his applica- playground area in the parking lot behind 9046 31st St., altion to refine his request and specifically solve the onsite lowing vehicles dropping off and picking up kids to enter parking and traffic circulation issues. the parking lot from Park Avenue and then exit by enterThe daycare center’s capacity is 40 children. To accom- ing the alley and circling back to Park Avenue. modate daycare center staff and the tenants from the three With a playground in place, vehicles would have had a residential units, the code requires a total of 19 parking harder time navigating the parking lot.

By Linda Sokol Francis. E.A.

SOME EDUCATOR EXPENSES MAY BE TAX DEDUCTIBLE

T

he educator expense deduction allows eligible teachers and administrators to deduct part of the cost of technology, supplies and training from their taxes. They can only claim this deduction for expenses that were not reimbursed by their employer, a grant or other source.

Who is an eligible educator?

The taxpayer must be a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal, or aide. They must also work at least 900 hours a school year in a school that provides elementary or secondary education as determined under state law.

Things to know about this deduction Educators can deduct up to $250 of trade or business expenses that were not reimbursed. As taxpayers prepare to file, they should remember to keep receipts after making any purchase to support claiming this deduction with their tax records.

The deduction is $500 if both taxpayers are eligible educators and file their return using the

status married filing jointly. These taxpayers cannot deduct more than $250 each. Qualified expenses are the amounts the taxpayer paid with their own funds during the tax year. Deductible expenses include: professional development course fees; books; supplies; computer equipment, including related software and services; other equipment and materials used in the classroom; personal protective equipment, disinfectant, and other supplies used for the prevention of the spread of corona virus This deduction is for unreimbursed expenses paid or incurred during the 2022 tax year. Taxpayers should keep records, such as receipts and other documents that support the deduction with other tax documents. Eligible taxpayers will claim the deduction on Form 1040, Form 1040-SR or Form 1040-NR, attaching Schedule 1, Additional Income and Adjustments to Income.

Linda Sokol Francis, E.A.

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The Landmark, February 15, 2023

P O L I C E

7

R E P O R T S

Man blackmailed after sharing nude photos A 64-year-old man went to Brookfield police on Feb. 7 to report that someone he had sent nudes picture of himself via WhatsApp was blackmailing him.

The man told police that he sent the message to someone he believed to be a woman on Feb. 6 The following morning that party demanded money, threatened to send the nude photos to the man’s family, friends and employer if he didn’t pay.

Despite sending $150 in Visa gift cards to the other party, he told police, there were more demands for money. Despite deleting the app from his phone, he said, he continued to receive messages from someone claiming to be an FBI agent with demands for money.

Police informed the man that the FBI does not solicit money via gift cards from citizens and that he should cease contact with the other party. Police tried to contact the other party multiple time, without success.

Credit card fraud A woman whose vehicle had been burglarized recently in south suburban Lansing contacted North Riverside police on Feb. 6 to report that credit cards taken in that burglary had been used to make purchases at stores in the village that morning just after 11 a.m.

According to police, the offender(s) used five different credit cards to make more than $6,000 in fraudulent purchases at Faze 1, Kids Footlocker, Champs Sports, Footlocker, Journey Kids, Finish Line, Piercing Pagoda and Underground by Journeys at the North Riverside Park Mall as well as Best Buy and T-Mobile.

One of the cards was also used possibly to purchase fuel at the BP gas station on Madison Street in Oak Park. The victim said that an employee at one of the locations where purchases were made described the offender as a person wearing a construction vest.

The vehicle break-in in Lansing occurred at a construction job site, according to the victim.

TP bandits strike, again Riverside’s public works director called police on Feb. 9 to report the latest in a series of thefts of toilet paper from the downtown Metra station, 90 Bloomingbank Road.

According to the police report, toilet paper “has continually been stolen” from the train station and that the latest incident occurred between 11:50 a.m. on Feb. 7 and 1 p.m. on Feb. 8.

Police examined security video from the train station and observed many people entering and exiting the restroom at the train station, but they weren’t able to single out any suspects.

Mall kiosk burglarized An employee of the Shoe MGK kiosk at the North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 Cermak Road, called police on the morning of Feb. 8 to report that about $370 in merchandise had been stolen sometime after he’d closed up the business the previous evening.

According to the police report, the employee closed down the kiosk and took an inventory of the merchandise around 7:15 p.m. on Feb. 7. Security camera video reportedly showed two men tampering with the kiosk at around 11:53 p.m., removing multiple items and exiting the food court doors with items in hand.

It appeared the men had left the movie theater with two women who were not involved in the theft, according to police. The offenders entered two different vehicles in the parking lot, a red sedan and a silver Jeep Cherokee, which were both last seen headed east on Cermak Road.

Criminal damage A resident of the 4400 block of Raymond Avenue, Brookfield, called police on Feb. 8 to report that someone had thrown a rock at her living room window, shattering it, around 4:45 p.m.

The victim told police that about 10 minutes earlier someone had thrown a rock at the glass front door, but it was not damaged.

About three minutes later, another rock struck the living room window, breaking it.

DUI North Riverside police charged a 36-yearold Chicago man with driving under the influence of alcohol, aggravated speeding and obstructing a police officer after being pulled over just after 12:30 a.m. on Feb. 13 for allegedly driving his tan Ford at 65 mph in a 35 mph zone while eastbound on Cer-

mak Road from Desplaines Avenue.

The driver reportedly appeared intoxicated and told police he was driving home from a Super Bowl party. After failing field sobriety tests and being arrested, the man reportedly became combative and uncooperative. He was also cited for having no proof of vehicle insurance.

These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Riverside, North Riverside and Brookfield police departments, Feb. 6-12, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these reports has only been charged with a crime. These cases have not been adjudicated.

— Compiled by Bob Uphues

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The Landmark, February 15, 2023

New candidate for office no stranger to local politics North Riverside trustee hopeful Nicholas Tricoci eyes economic redevelopment, community involvement

By BOB UPHUES

dia and elsewhere. Defendants filed motions to dismiss last summer, but there has been no action since last September and the suit will certainly remain pending at the The April 4 election for three North Riverside trustee time of the election.

Despite a lawsuit hanging over the campaign, Tricoci seats is Nicholas Tricoci’s first attempt at winning elective office, but he is not a newcomer to municipal politics. was slated to run with North Riverside United in 2023.

Tricoci sat down with the Landmark on A resident of North Riverside since Feb. 8 for a one-on-one interview at the 2019, the 48-year-old Tricoci grew up and North Riverside Village Commons. lived in Forest Park for most of his life, “When I first started to watch [village and he comes from a family very active board meetings] … it seemed to me that in the governance of that village. certain people on the board just wouldn’t His father, John Tricoci Sr., was the give good input or good reasoning for longtime president of the Forest Park their decisions,” said Tricoci, who was School District 91 Board of Education. It referring specifically to Mandel, who rouwas during his tenure that the district estinely votes against matters up before the tablished its headquarters on Desplaines board, including paying the village’s bills.

Avenue and built a new middle school.

She has never voted to approve a North John Sr. also served as a police and fire Riverside budget during her only ter m on commissioner in Forest Park. the board.

Tricoci’s brother, John Jr., also served He was also referon the District 91 school board, as did his ring to Trustee H. uncle, Mario Tricoci, who also served as Bob Demopoulos, an a Forest Park firefighter. ally of Mandel’s who In addition, Tricoci is the cousin of is not running for reformer longtime Forest Park Mayor election, but who also Tony Calderone during whose tenure has made it a practice Tricoci was a sometimes vocal and conto vote against village frontational advocate. budgets in the past Through Calderone, Tricoci got acbut who also routinely votes for paying quainted with former North Riverside the village’s bills.

Mayor Hubert Hermanek Jr., and Tricoci “They’re voting no to vote no,” Tricoci had another connection to the village’s said. “You can’t agree to pay bills all year political scene through North Riverside and then at the end of the time when the Trustee Jason Bianco, who also grew up budget comes up to vote no, because you in Forest Park. approved it all year by voting yes [to payTricoci is now running for trustee as NICHOLAS TRICOCI part of a slate put forward by North Riving bills].”

North Riverside trustee candidate erside United, the party that succeeded Economic redevelopment is perhaps VIP after internal dissent caused that Tricoci’s most pressing concern as a canlongtime establishment party to crumdidate, speaking at length on that topic ble. during the interview.

In 2021, North Riverside United swept Tricoci said the village ought to explore all three trustee seats and its candidate creating or help create a North Riverside for mayor, Joseph Mengoni, won in a Chamber of Commerce or even a public/ three-way race against Hermanek and Trustee Mary- private development corporation, such as the one Berwyn has to heighten its profile beyond the village’s borbelle Mandel, who heads up a rival trustee slate in 2023.

Tricoci was a part of the party’s 2021 campaign behind ders.

He suggested exploring the creation of a tax increment the scenes, created the North Riverside Voter Insight group on Facebook and began video recording village financing (TIF) district along Cermak Road west of First Avenue to incentivize redevelopment and also beautify board meetings and posting them there.

Following the election Mengoni named Tricoci to the existing commercial properties.

“Now, obviously, not everybody is knowledgeable on a North Riverside Police Pension Board and the North RivTIF, so maybe we bring in a consultant and have him go erside Fire Pension Board.

Tricoci is also still embroiled in a lawsuit filed by Man- over it with the board and describe what TIFs are,” Tridel last year, accusing him and others of defamation dur- coci said. “We want to modernize Cermak Road a little ing the 2021 campaign via statements made on social me- bit, help those buildings.”

Editor

“Listening to the diverse opinions will make us have better balanced decisions.”

Tricoci said after a TIF district is established and starts generating revenue, that money could be put toward initiatives like a façade-improvement program, offering 5050 grants to property owners to improve their buildings.

Running a close second on Tricoci’s interests as a trustee candidate is getting village officials to more directly interact with the public, business and commercial property owners and multifamily property owners to help guide their decision making.

Those kinds of listening sessions could be done quarterly, Tricoci suggested.

“We need more involvement, because listening to the diverse opinions will make us have better balanced decisions,” Tricoci said.

With respect to the difficulty the village board has faced and will continue to face in balancing its annual budget, Tricoci said village departments must continue to look at ways to economize, suggesting that the village look into leasing its vehicle fleet instead of purchasing vehicles outright.

He also said village officials needed to review what it is paying large third-party vendors “to make sure we get the best value for our contracts.”

“We have to be held accountable for fiscal decisions,” Tricoci said.

In terms of raising revenue to assist in balancing the budget, Tricoci said both officials and residents need to educate themselves on options and realize that the village collects a total of about $600,000 in property taxes each year. The village’s budget is about $22 million, with $4 million of that being police and fire pension obligations.

With respect to the idea of pursuing home rule, Tricoci said that while many fear it increases the ability of local government to raise property taxes, something he said he does not want to do, it can be used to increase things like video gambling license fees, the places-for-eating tax and entertainment taxes.

“No matter what I say, it’s got to be a group decision,” said Tricoci. “But I think the education … is what people need to hear.”

Another potential revenue generator, which also would be subject to voter approval, is a tax levied specifically to pay pension obligations. Talking about them with residents shouldn’t be avoided, Tricoci said.

“We have to look at every opportunity to make the bestinformed decision for our village,” Tricoci said. “These are things we need to talk about. If people shoot it down, people shoot it down.”

Tricoci said the village needs to do a better job of promoting its Neighborhood Services Program, created in the early 1990s as both a kind of welcome wagon for new residents and as a resource for residents who may need assistance but don’t know where to turn.

The Landmark, February 15, 2023

9

Czajka seeks third term as North Riverside trustee Lifelong resident says village poised to move forward

By BOB UPHUES Editor

When it comes to the fiscal health of North Riverside, trustee candidate Deborah Czajka acknowledges that it has been a challenge to balance budgets, but she says that she has confidence in the management of North Riverside under Administrator Sue Scarpiniti and Finance Director Ryan Lawler.

“Sue has been very frugal with rainy day funds and stuff like that, so I think Sue has a little bit of a game plan,” said Czajka during a one-on-one interview with the Landmark at the Village Commons on Feb. 8. “I trust her and her guidance with the board so we can make these big financial decisions.”

Scarpiniti officially was named village administrator in May 2021 after serving in an interim capacity for more than a year. She had served as the village’s finance director since 2001.

With respect to concerns about future village revenues, particularly with the impending loss of red-light cameras at Harlem Avenue and Cermak Road for an unknown period of time when reconstruction begins there sometime this year, Czajka said the village had already made some decisions to offset that loss.

She pointed to a new fire department initiative to seek a greater share of Medicaid reimbursement through the state for ambulance services as a revenue generator.

She also said the village’s decision to bring paramedic services in-house and hire more firefighters would cut down significantly on overtime expenses.

Czajka also pointed to an Optimistic that the village’s finances are not in economic development plan jeopardy, Czajka said she currently in development was not in favor of exploras a linchpin for future sucing home rule. cess. The management at “I don’t see that that’s gothe North Riverside Park ing to fly,” Czajka said. “It Mall has reached out to the puts a lot of power into the village in the past week or government, and if you so to inform them of potendon’t get the right people in tial redevelopment of the there, that’s going to hurt.” former Carson Pirie Scott She also ruled out explorproperty, said Czajka.

She also, while declining ing a tax levy to fund pento reveal any details, said sions at this time, saying she plans were in the works to would consider it only as “a redevelop the former bank last resort.” property at the corner of Czajka also said she is not First Avenue and Cermak in favor of creating TIF disRoad. tricts.

“I’m telling you, we’re “I’m not a big fan of going to have some irons them,” Czajka said, adding in the fire,” Czajka said. “I that she feared large investhave really high hopes. And ments by the village in a TIF I really think with a cohedistrict could have a negasive [village] board we’re tive impact if the economy DEBORAH CZAJKA going to move this village turned bad and redevelopNorth Riverside trustee candidate forward. We’ve heard the ment didn’t follow. voices [of residents] and it’s If Czajka is elected on time to act.”

April 4, it will be for her Czajka said the village third term as village trustcould perhaps exert presee. She is running on the sure on the owners of the North Riverside United North Riverside Park Plaza shopping center, slate, along with Nicholas Tricoci and Tony where Urban Air is now the anchor, and the Santucci for one of the three trustee seats up former Frank’s Nursey and Crafts property for grabs. across 25th Street to invest cleaning them up Czajka, 62, was first appointed to the vilor in redeveloping them. lage board in 2013, replacing her ailing hus“Look at all that potential there,” Czajka band, Randall. She was elected as part of a said.

VIP Party ticket for her first full term in 2015

Growing Community Media a non-profit newsroom

“I’m telling you, we’re going to have some irons in the fire.”

and re-elected as a VIP candidate in 2019.

Prior to serving on the village board, Czajka served on the Komarek School District 94 Board of Education for 20 years. She retired from a 21-year career as a paraeducator at Hauser Junior High School in Riverside in June 2022.

Asked why she wants a third term as trustee, Czajka said, “I saw what’s happening in the town and thought, ‘I can’t let it go.’”

“Sue is really good about projecting the future – red-light cameras and all the financial minefields and how are we going to navigate through these minefields,” Czajka added. “And I thought to myself, ‘I’m going to give it a shot and see if we can get through this.’ People paint an awful picture, but Sue and Ryan have been an amazing team, and I know we can do this.”

Raised on the west end of the village, Czajka was introduced to North Riverside politics early on. Her grandfather, Joe Broucek, unsuccessfully ran for mayor in the 1960s.

She and her husband, Randall, got involved in local issues on the 1980s after moving to Lathrop Avenue, across the street from the North Riverside Park Mall.

They were active in what was known as the “berm committee,” pushing mall officials to build a landscaped berm along the shopping center’s west border to provide a physical and visual barrier from the neighborhood.

Due to that involvement, the late Mayor Richard Scheck suggested Randall run for a seat on the North Riverside Library Board, which he won. The couple moved back to the west end of the village and Czajka successfully ran for the District 94 school board.

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The Landmark, February 15, 2023

After student rep’s request, RBHS phone system now bilingual

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Dave Fischer, who’s been instrumental in working with our phone company to get the new system set up,” Freytas told the Landmark.

Freytas pointed out the school’s website features Google translate, which can translate the website from English into more than 100 other languages.

“We’ve been striving to bridge the language gap for years, even prior to me,” Freytas said.

Carmona said she is happy that the bilingual phone system is in place and that other Spanish-speaking parents won’t have the same experience her mother did.

Last November, Riverside-Brookfield High School senior Paulina Carmona was on a college visit to Smith College in Massachusetts. Her mother, an immigrant from Mexico who doesn’t speak much English, tried to call the high school to report her daughter’s absence from RBHS but had trouble understanding and navigating the school’s English only phone system.

That gave Carmona an idea.

“I figured it would be a good idea to add a Spanish option, considering that our district is 39 percent Hispanic,” Carmona said.

The following month Carmona met with RBHS Principal Hector Freytas and suggested that the COURTESY OF RBTV school establish a bilingual English/Spanish telephone system. Riverside-Brookfield High School launched a bilingual A few days later Carmona, who automated phone system in January after Paulina is one of two student represen- Carmona (above), student rep to the District 208 tatives to the District 208 school school board, suggested it late last year. board this year, mentioned her suggestion at the school board’s Dec. 13 meeting.

“It feels great because I guess I don’t Freytas and the school board agreed that want any other family to struggle,” Carmoit was a good idea and when the second se- na said. “Since our district is increasingly mester began on Jan. 9, RBHS had a bilin- Hispanic, I think it will benefit a lot of gual phone system in place featuring the people. I think it will just give students and voice of Alberto Jaquez, one of the school’s parents more access to parts of the school deans, for the Spanish-language option. that I think everyone should have access to, Freytas, whose first language was Span- like attendance, and it’s great to know that ish and is bilingual himself, gave credit Dr. Freytas and the administration actufor the quick installation of the bilingual ally takes into account students’ opinions.” phone system to the school’s assistant diAlso at the school board meeting last rector of technology, David Fischer, and November, Carmona suggested that the school send out surveys in both English the school’s phone company.

“I want to give a shout out to my IT team, and Spanish.

The Landmark, February 15, 2023

11

Brookfield Zoo mourns death of orangutan On the heels of the good news last week that it had acquired a new silverback for its western lowland gorilla group, Brookfield Zoo on Feb. 13 shared the sad news that its 44-year-old Bornean orangutan, Ben, was euthanized due to his deteriorating health characterized by “severe arthritis and spinal degeneration.”

At 44 years old, Ben was a geriatric orangutan who had experienced a series of health issues in recent years as he aged. In 2018, he underwent emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix and was diagnosed with heart disease, which had been treated for more than a decade with medication.

Ben’s quality of life, however, increasingly suffered due to the arthritis and spinal degeneration, which required medication to treat the pain. The decision to euthanize Ben came when veterinary staff could no longer keep Ben comfortable. His condition ruled out surgery, according to a press release from the zoo. He was euthanized Feb. 12.

“Ben was such a gentle ape and an incredible father. He could often be seen interacting and playing with his offspring,” said Tim Snyder, vice president of animal care, in the press release. “Additionally, he had a very trusting relationship with his animal care specialists, and voluntarily participated in

training sessions and his own health care.

He will be greatly missed by the staff and the millions of guests who visited him.”

According to the press release, at the time of his death Ben was the second-oldest Bornean orangutan in an accredited zoo in North America. He arrived at Brookfield Zoo in 1992 on a breeding recommendation, and that recommendation turned out to be fruitful.

With his mate, Sophia, Ben sired four offspring, including Kekasih and Heidi, who still live at Tropic World: Africa. Ben also has four grandchildren and one great grandchild.

— Bob Uphues

Ben the orangutan

HOME OFFICES

since the start of the pandemic.

“Every time I talk to someone about this change, they were excited,” he said. “They’ll say, ‘I’ll be working from home at least part time for the rest of my career, and I don’t want to do it in the dining room.’”

While the most common detached home occupation spaces are likely to be constructed above a new garage due to lot coverage limits, the new code also allows accessory structures up to 800 square feet to be built for the sole purpose of accommodating a home occupation.

The code leaves open the possibility of converting an existing garage into one that could accommodate a second-floor home office use, but that could be more complicated than building new, since existing buildings would need to be brought up to code in all aspects.

“Some garages may be more difficult to convert,” Pollock said. “The cost of converting may be too much.”

The total square footage of all accessory buildings can’t exceed 12% of the total lot area, but the buildings now may be up to 20 feet tall in all zoning districts, although any accessory building more than 18 feet tall faces additional setback requirements. Side walls can be a maximum of 12 feet tall and no accessory structure can be taller than the principal building on a lot.

The old code allowed accessory structures to be a maximum of 16 feet tall in multifamily residential districts and up to 18 feet in single-family residential districts.

While new garages with home offices above might be taller than what is allowed now, Pollock said their designs are likely to be superior to ordinary garages.

“One of the things that struck me while walking around and looking at people’s garages was that the ones that have an at-

tic, with dormers, are the more attractive garages,” Pollock said. “They’re more like mini-coach houses, so as a function of urban design, when people build those garages with dormers, it just looks better.”

Accessory buildings still are not allowed in street yards, but they are permitted in side yards on corner lots as long as they are no closer to the street than the principal structure. Accessory buildings may now be fully

heated and air conditioned and may include plumbing facilities, except for showers and bathtubs, which are prohibited unless they are part of a pool house, which is now specifically defined in the code.

Crucially, accessory buildings are not allowed to be used as dwellings and can’t contain cooking facilities. The only exceptions to that prohibition are existing coach houses designated as local historic landmarks.

Adds value from page 1

ning and Zoning Commission and its village board liaison, Trustee Doug Pollock, along with input from other elected officials, refining language over the course of at least a dozen public hearings and meetings.

“The trickiness was getting it right and not creating a lot of non-conformities,” Pollock said. “We wanted to do the minimum necessary to allow people to make use of detached accessory buildings.”

Village trustees first kicked around the idea of allowing home office uses on the second stories of garages in the midst of the pandemic back in September 2020. While officials recognized working from home likely would be a permanent reality, they were not keen on allowing people to simply increase the heights of their garages to accommodate home offices.

Without a code amendment, however, detached home offices would not be allowed at all, at least legally.

“I’m very excited about this amendment, because it provides opportunities for residents to add value and utility to their properties,” Pollock said.

Assistant Village Manager Ashley Monroe, who heads up the Riverside’s Community Development Department, said that while there hasn’t been a groundswell of applications for such structures yet, the code rewrite “opens the door to more convenient use of a property.”

More convenient property use is something Pollock says he has been hearing about

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The Landmark, February 15, 2023

LTHS school board candidate brings educator’s perspective Tim Albores making second run to serve on D204 board

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Tim Albores wants to serve. That’s why he’s making another run for a seat on the Lyons Township High School District 204 school board after finishing sixth in a sixperson field in 2021.

“I think LT is a good school, a very good school. I think it can be better and I think my biggest reason for why I’m doing this again is because I feel the need to give back to my community that has done so much for me and my family,” said Albores in a telephone interview with the Landmark.

Albores, who lives in LaGrange Park, is a director of student services for Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202, the fifth-largest school district in the state. A former social worker, Albores oversees special education at the district’s four high schools and supervises all the district’s social workers.

He believes his background in education would add a perspective not present on the LTHS school board.

“I feel that my experience in education both as a social worker and as an administrator in a very large district lends me knowledge and expertise in how a school system functions, and the work I do in social-emotional learning can be an asset to our district,” Albores said.

Albores, 48, is the father of three girls.

His eldest daughter graduated from LTHS in 2021, his middle daughter is a senior and his youngest is a freshman.

He is an active member of the LTHS Community Advisory Council (LTCAC) and serves on the LaGrange Park Police Commission. He was active in the now inactive LaGrange School District 102 Delegate Assembly and was the Delegate Assembly’s vice president in during the 2016-17 school year.

In 2016, Albores was the co-president of Citizens Supporting District 102, a group that formed to advocate an ultimately successful property tax increase referendum.

“My big push is service,” Albores said, noting his father was a Spanish teacher at Oak Park and River Forest High School, his mother was a social worker and that his family took in foster children when he was growing up.

“I think there should be a focus that our curriculum aligns with those high-stakes tests.”

TIM ALBORES

D204 school board candidate

Albores said that while social-emotional learning is his passion, he thinks LTHS has work to do to improve its curriculum and better align it with the SAT exam to give students the best chance for success after high school no matter what path they take. Albores noted that SAT scores at LTHS have declined recently.

“I do think there should be a focus that our curriculum aligns with those highstakes tests, so that kids have the most opportunity for scholarships for colleges or in the trades,” Albores said.

Albores takes a nuanced position on the controversial issue of whether LTHS should sell the approximately 70-acre tract of undeveloped land it owns in Willow Springs. He said that while he considers himself an environmentalist and

likes to see open land preserved, he understands the school’s desire to sell the property.

“That decision should not be made based on my wants and needs; it has to be made what’s in the best interests of the school district,” Albores said. “I think they need to proceed with consideration of selling it, but I also think there needs to more conversation on the front end involving the community and the community partners to try and find a way to compromise to get the most bang for the buck for LT’s infrastructure that is greatly needed while still trying to be a good neighbor.”

Albores said it appears that the school could have done a better job of communicating with the Willow Springs community about the potential sale. He said perhaps only part of the land could be sold to create a buffer between and development and the neighborhood of single-family homes just to the west.

While he understood the motivation that led to changes in the LTHS grading system a couple years ago, Albores supports changes implemented this year to make homework count towards a student’s final grade and to somewhat limit retakes of tests.

“They’ve done a much better job fixing it,” said Albores, of the revised grading system.

Albores is a supporter of recent efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion at LTHS. “I support it 100 percent,” Albores said.

“The work that the board is doing, that director of equity is putting us in the right direction.”

Albores’ ancestry is third-generation Mexican. If elected, he would be the only Hispanic member of the school board.

Does he think that is significant?

“If I would answer myself strictly for myself, I would say it doesn’t matter,” Albores said. “I would say that you need to have the best people on the board, and I think the best people on the board is a diverse background, with diverse skillsets, diverse careers, talents that can help lead

our district forward, but it may be impactful for other people, and I don’t want to disqualify that.”

Albores said, based on what he knows now, he supports the decision of the school administration not to grant a student chapter of Turning Point USA official school club status, an issue that has caused some controversy at LTHS, with students affiliated with the group claiming that they have been discriminated against based on their conservative political views.

“If it is political group, which is my understanding that it was, and we don’t allow political groups to be part of student clubs and activities on either side and that rule was applied evenly, then, yes, I agree with the decision that was made,” Albores said.

Albores, who said that he is a Democrat, says that it is important the school not take political sides and treats all students fairly.

“I firmly, firmly believe that schools and districts and the board and administration and teachers have got to keep politics out of our schools,” Albores said. “I think it’s the one thing that is dividing us the most and I’m saying that to both sides.

“Our teachers should not be influencing kids politically. I think there is room for discussion about what politics are and there’s always room for those kinds of discussions, but … there needs to be separation of church and state, there needs to be a separation between politics and education.”

Read it online at www.rblandmark.com

P R O P E R T Y

T R A N S F E R S

The Landmark, February 15, 2023

13

Historic Riverside home fetches $1.38 million

The following property transfers were reported by the Cook County Clerk from October 2022. Where addresses appear incomplete, for instance where a unit number appears missing, that information was not provided by the clerk’s office.

Brookfield ADDRESS

PRICE

SALE DATE

SELLER

BUYER

3328 Park Ave. 4035 Forest Ave. 9125 Roach Ave. 4445 Maple Ave. 9033 27th St. 9402 Lincoln Ave. 3638 Madison Ave. 4126 Custer Ave. 3703 Blanchan Ave. 3306 Prairie Ave. 3648 Blanchan Ave. 9328 Lincoln Ave. 8423 Greenview Ave. 9331 Lincoln Ave.

$290,000 $350,000 $399,000 $350,000 $335,000 $310,000 $265,000 $245,000 $240,000 $170,000 $230,000 $325,000 $130,000 $282,000

9/30/2022 9/20/2022 9/28/2022 9/22/2022 9/21/2022 10/05/2022 9/28/2022 9/12/2022 10/04/2022 10/14/2022 8/03/2022 10/13/2022 9/23/2022 9/23/2022

Anderson, Robert P De Carlo, Richard F Thorburn, Patrick J TR Lynch, Deborah A TR Espinosa, Nikolai Albrecht, Eric Brandt, Kenneth H TR Vincent, Kathy Arellano, Irma Zadwornyj, Simon D Adams, Sandra Marys Ln Mussel LLC Kras, Pamela Extr Aurrichio, Allan Sr TR

Joyce, Kelly Villagomez Erick Ramirez Nizzi, Kimberly Pudle, Santiago Gande Haferkamp, Julie M Koustenis, Constantina S Nicholls, Lana BMW Props LLC Gomez, Christian Grandview Cap LLC Battistoni, Catherine J Kan, Vincent Ciraulo, Sheila Mota, Eladia

2964 Desplaines Ave. 2949 Lincoln Ave. 2361 Burr Oak Ave. 2237 19th Ave. 8122 30th St. 2216 S 6th Ave. 2420 Forest Ave.

$222,000 $235,000 $227,000 $489,000 $285,000 $327,500 $362,000

8/25/2022 9/29/2022 8/22/2022 9/07/2022 10/05/2022 9/30/2022 9/29/2022

North Riverside Taylor, William Parratt, Carolyn A Gresko, Mark A TR Biro, Michael J Jr TR Matel, Kenneth T Scarcia, Giuseppe Flynn, John F III

Pusch, Kenneth Gonzalez, Linda Garcia, Nataly Monarrez, Jose A Mantel, Judith A Mares, Gustavo A Strana, Debarch A TR

Do you want to keep your public officials accountable?

84 Riverside Rd., Riverside ADDRESS

PRICE

SALE DATE

SELLER

BUYER

2900 Lincoln Ave. 2257 Forest Ave. 2243 6th Ave.

$7,200,000 $263,000 $290,000

9/16/2022 10/07/2022 9/29/2022

Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr 19013 Spotlite Grp LLC Buczkowski, Richard M

B&L Apartments LLC Ramirez, Esmeraida Behrens, Alison J

299 Bartram Rd. 42 West Ave. 84 Riverside Rd. 359 Longcommon Rd. 364 Shenstone Rd. 202 W. Burlington St. 108 Lincoln Ave., Unit G 373 Herrick Rd. 201 Herrick Rd. 204 E. Burlington St. 68 E. Quincy St.

$438,000 $200,000 $1,380,000 $435,000 $300,000 $265,000 $110,000 $650,000 $600,000 $285,000 $310,000

8/24/2022 10/03/2022 10/18/2022 10/13/2022 10/12/2022 9/14/2022 10/19/2022 10/07/2022 9/06/2022 10/27/2022 10/07/2022

Anastasiou, Alfred Huegelmann, Fay A Waddle, Louis C Schramm, Lisa TR Cichon, Alexandra K Pacific Premier Trust Blank, Marilyn Gates, William B IV Dwyer, Paul Trust Anderson, Michael J Schuelke, Jacqueline A

Partner, Amanda M Sahagun,Veronica Castaneda Schwartz, David Alvarez, Vincent Giovanni Baumann, Margaret MTrust Tillman, Mark V Klementzos, Konstantina Deziel, Mary A TR Skoirchet, Kaitlyn J Filec, Francis G Visteen, Elizabeth

15 Lafayette Rd.

$361,500

9/28/2022

Banda, Mary L

Reyes, Rigoberto

Riverside

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The Landmark, February 15, 2023

Opinion

THE LANDMARK VIEW

L

Leading by example

ast summer, Brookfield trustees adopted a plan called Energize Ogden, a roadmap of sorts for the future redevelopment of the commercial corridor that funnels thousands of vehicles through the middle of the village.

Its legacy as a haven for automobile-centric businesses – repair shops, gas stations, car dealerships and roadside motels – is still very much in evidence, although a little rough around the edges.

Energize Ogden was created to give developers an idea of what Brookfield would like to see happen along that busy throughfare, not just the preferred types of major redevelopment but how existing property owners can share in reshaping the corridor.

While a major streetscape improvement is likely still years away from happening, things are already stirring and local officials need to begin implementing Energize Ogden as soon as possible.

In just the last couple of months, two Ogden Avenue property owners have approached the village with requests for zoning relief. One of the property owners is leasing a non-descript box of a building at 8939 Ogden Ave. to a livery business that would like to warehouse its fleet in the large indoor rear space there.

More recently, the new owner of the property at 9428 Ogden Ave., long home to auto repair businesses, seeks zoning variations to expand the buildings.

Both of these are opportunities to put Energize Ogden into practice and set an example of what Brookfield expects of developers and property owners who want zoning concessions from the village.

In the case of the property at 9428 Ogden Ave., it appears that staff and the owner have already had conversations along those lines. The initial cinderblock additions proposed by the owner are now brick, and there is landscaping, a decorative fence and code-conforming monument sign planned for the area along the property’s front lot line.

Whether such discussions have been had with the property or business owner seeking the warehouse use at 8939 Ogden Ave. is not as clear.

The village’s Planning and Zoning Commission put no conditions on their recommendation in favor of granting a special use permit for the warehouse use. It’s also a tough property to landscape, at least along Ogden Avenue, because the building is built up to the front lot line. Any landscaping would have to take place in what is now the east parking lot.

But the village does hold some cards here, and while the commission may not have imposed any conditions, trustees can certainly add some, whether they have to do with signage or other façade elements.

Brookfield offers property owners in TIF districts, like the one along Ogden Avenue, grants to make façade improvements, so there’s really no excuse for allowing zoning relief without the village getting something in return.

Energize Ogden is beautification in addition to development. Here are two places to get that work started.

KOSEY CORNER

Monti leads RBHS chess team to another state final

Y

ou could say Dave Monti bleeds blue and white. He did his student teaching at Riverside-Brookfield High School, and now he can boast of 32 years there, teaching chemistry, general science, physical science and biology. He created a zoology class that provided students the ability to work with the Brookfield Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, the forest preserve.

Monti also served for eight years as a wrestling coach, a sport he had done in high school with his father as his coach.

Now his passion is chess, and he serves as sponsor and coach of the Chess Club. In addition to wrestling, Monti’s dad taught him chess, which he has been playing since he was 4 years old.

While at one time there had been a Chess Club at RBHS, it had been gone for some time when Monti reinstated it. Since then, Monti has been coach and they have qualified players for state 17 straight years.

Monti says he sees parallels between wrestling and chess and brings those lessons to his chess students.

The Chess Club meets weekly, with Monti setting up the competition schedule using a list of members from the Chess Club Association. This year RBHS’

team finished 101st out of 129 teams at the IHSA Chess State Finals, which wrapped up Feb. 11. During the seven-round tournament, the Bulldogs won twice, lost four times and earned a draw.

RBHS players at the state tournament included Jack Baird, David Gugliciello, Karl Demegillo, John Frieh, Quentin Rohner, Adrian Sanchez, Nathaniel Smolarek, David Vacca, Dylan Zec and Mateo Gonzalez.

Demegillo, a senior, was victorious in five of his seven matches to lead RBHS. Gugliciello, a sophomore, and Sanchez, a senior, each won four matches.

This year’s team winner was Stevenson High School. One of the RBHS team highlights was winning first place for a school of their size in 2016. Monti and his team enjoyed their experience at the Civic Center in Peoria.

Monti is also president of the Riverside Brookfield Education Foundation and of the school’s Alumni Achievement Award Foundation Committee. He has also worked with the Aaron Semenske Scholarship Program and has coached Little League in Brookfield.

He is married to Brenda, a reading specialist, and are parents of Aaron and Alyssa.

It’s never too late to thank a teacher. Remember, they used to be a student before and know what it’s like. So, thank you, Dave Monti.

JOANNE KOSEY

OBITUARIES

Eileen P. Alioto, 74 Brookfield homemaker Eileen P. Alioto (nee Murrin), 74, of Brookfield, died Feb. 6, 2023 She was a homemaker.

Ms. Alioto was the wife of 53 years to Thomas E. Alioto; the mother of Christopher Alioto and Keri Alioto; the grandma of Ryan, Kaitlyn, Kyle and Sunday; the sister of William (Amy) Murrin, Timothy (Ellen) Murrin and the late Kathleen Clark, Jeanne (the late Paul) Storto and Patricia Fabiano; the aunt of many nieces

and nephews; and a dear friend of Pat and Joan VanHuysse, Bill and Terri Kelly and Tommy and Ann Kelly.

A funeral Mass was celebrated Feb. 11 at St. Louise de Marillac Church, LaGrange Park. Interment was private.

Memorials are appreciated to Mt. Mary University, 2900 Menomonee River Parkway, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53222.

Hitzeman Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements.

Express condolences online at HitzemanFuneral. com. Send sympathy cards to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 31st St., Brookfield, 60513, c/o the Eileen Alioto family.

Sports

The Landmark, February 15, 2023

15

LTHS’ Garelli grapples way to state wrestling finals a broken left thumb suffered during his 160-pound junior is lone with third-place sectional victory.

“There’s a lot to be thankful for, being Lions qualifier from healthy , seeing what I can do,” Garelli said.

“I don’t really pay a lot of attention to the ‘toughest sectional’ rankings, but I knew [Quintana] was No. 3.

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Lyons Township High School junior wrestler Gunnar Garelli already made a successful transition from competing at 126 pounds to 152 pounds. After the sectional pairings were released, Garelli went up another weight, to 160.

“I normally weigh about 161 naturally. I’m giving up a little weight to the guys who are cutting down, but I feel good I don’t have to cut any weight,” Garelli said.

Garelli, state qualifier last year, not only qualified for state again individually at the IHSA 3A Hinsdale Central Sectional on Feb. 11 with a top-four finish. He nearly won the sectional.

Garelli (37-9) was edged 2-1 in a doubleovertime championship epic versus Downers Grove South senior Luke Swan (35-8) in their fourth meeting this season -- the third that went to overtime.

He was the Lions’ lone wrestler to advance to this weekend’s individual state finals. Senior Cooper King (36-6 at 195) and freshman Griff Powell (35-7 at 106) both came one victory from qualifying.

“By far, the toughest sectional. By far,” Garelli said.

“Today just wasn’t our day, unfortunately, but the effort, the way these kids worked, I couldn’t be more proud, just the way they competed,” LTHS coach Griff Powell said.

“They consistently got a lot better and that’s really all you can ask as a coach.”

Garelli also showed his all-state potential for top-six, all-state honors with a 4-3 semifinal victory over West Aurora junior Noah Quintana (37-6), ranked No. 3 at 160 throughout the season.

In 2022, Garelli was 34-12 and 1-2 at state

It means that I can beat anyone in the state.”

In their state-qualifying matches, King lost 8-4 to third-place Oswego senior Cruz Ibarra (37-6) and Powell lost 9-0 to lost to fourth-place Mt. Carmel junior Lukas Tsirtsis (22-14).

RBHS’ Midona wins sectional title After Riverside-Brookfield High School junior boys wrestler Josh Gonzalez lost his opening match 6-3 at 138 pounds at the IHSA Class 2A individual Deerfield Sectional on Feb. 10, he reversed another two-and-done sectional outcome like 2022.

“I just put everything I had on the mat,” Gonzalez said.

With a dramatic comeback, Gonzalez literally fought all the way back to his first individual state meet to join senior qualifiers Joe Midona and Devontae Givens with top-four finishes on Feb. 11.

Midona (31-6 at 220), also a 2022 state qualifier, won the sectional title. Givens (30-16 at 285) and Gonzalez (31-14) were fourth.

After two wrestleback victories, Gonzalez won his state-deciding match 6-5 with a twopoint takedown in the final 20 seconds.

“It’s a big accomplishment. I’ve been trying to work for this my whole high school career. It’s really nice,” Gonzalez said.

“Josh had a great run. He loses his first match and now your back’s against the wall.

And he ends up having probably the most exciting 20 seconds of the tournament with the last-second takedown,” Curby said. “I still go back and watch the film and my heart starts racing. I’m just so excited for what he was able to accomplish.”

Midona and Givens continue to impress in only their second seasons as wrestlers and hope to finish with top-six, all-state honors.

IAN MCLEOD

LT’s Gunnar Garelli (bottom) lost a double overtime heartbreaker in the 160-pound finals to Luke Swan of Downers Grove South during the IHSA sectional meet on Feb. 11, but still advanced to the state meet by finishing second.

Midona has improved significantly from last year’s 20-13 record and 0-2 state performance.

“It feels like a second chance to get back and to do more than I did last year,” Midona said.

Midona’s championship was somewhat anticlimactic, winning by default over Montini Catholic junior Mick Ranquist (26-10).

“It’s kind of a bummer but at the same time you get the first place and the championship,” Midona said. “It’s kind of an iffy win-lose kind of thing.”

In their third-place matches, Gonzalez lost 8-0 to Wheeling junior Patrick Tinsley (29-11) and Givens lost to De La Salle sophomore David McCarthy (25-7) with a pin in 1:53.

Givens won’t soon forget his state-qualifying consolation match victory either. He was in charge 6-0 but then recorded a pin with two seconds left.

Senior Quintavius Murrell (30-13 at 120) and sophomore Matt Elzy (20-11 at 182) were both 3-2 and came one victory from state.

Murrell lost 18-9 to third-place St. Patrick junior Olin Walker (43-6). Elzy was pinned by

fourth-place Fenwick sophomore Matt Paris (18-7) in 5:42.

Undefeated Kaminsky rolls to state finals Undefeated Nazareth Academy sophomore Gabe Kaminski of Riverside earned another trip to the IHSA Class 1A boys wrestling individual state tournament by winning the Coal City Sectional on Feb. 11.

Second at state last year at 220 pounds, Kaminski is 27-0 in the same weight class after capturing the title by beating ReedCuster senior Kody Marschner (36-2) with a pin in 3:00.

Nazareth junior Andrew Fowler (26-13 at 145) and freshman Charlie Dvorak (22-12 at 106) were fourth and also advanced to state with top-four sectional finishes.

Last season, Kaminski (33-5) became Nazareth’s sixth all-stater with a top-six finish. He’s seeking to become the Roadrunners’ second state champion and first multiple all-stater.

16

The Landmark, February 15, 2023

S P O R T S

RBHS gymnast nails vault to punch state meet ticket Christiansen the first gymnast to reach state championships since 2009

By BILL STONE

bars in 2009.

“I was pushing myself every practice, working really hard on vaults, making sure Riverside-Brookfield High School sopho- I could secure a spot at state,” Christiansen more Lia Christiansen was literally down said. “I’ve been training them so much and to her last legitimate chance of reaching I’m just glad I was able to do them well.”

At last year’s sectional, Chrisher first girls gymnastics state tiansen’s 9.05 on floor exercise meet. tied for sixth, .025 points from Christiansen’s first of two top five, and missed the 9.125 atpike Tsukahara vaults had the large cut for the 12 highest reheight and the power. Too much maining scores among the four power. Christiansen over-rotatsectionals. ed and fell backwards onto the This time, floor was her first landing mat. sectional event. She tied for “I was kind of like, ‘This is it, 12th (8.875) yet was only 0.05 shy all or nothing. I’ve just got to do of this year’s 8.925 at-large state it and stick it,’” Christiansen LIA CHRISTIANSEN cut. Christiansen also tied for said. “I thought of opening up 11th in all-around (34.875) and a little bit early and spotting something back towards the wall so I could was 29th on uneven parallel bars (8.275).

“We were hoping [she’d qualify]. That stand up straight and stay on my feet.”

On her second and final try, Christiansen was the goal,” RBHS coach Karen Domzallanded cleanly with a step and received a ski said. “We’re super excited for her and fourth-place 9.325 at the Hinsdale South can’t wait to see her there and be the first Sectional Feb. 7 that automatically quali- in a long time.”

Christiansen said having her strongest fied for the IHSA state preliminaries Feb. 17 in Palatine with a top-five sectional fin- events as her first two probably worked to her advantage. ish.

“I wasn’t tired at all for floor and vault.

She’s the first RBHS gymnast to qualify for state since Sam Brown and Becca I really got to give it my all,” Christiansen O’Neal advanced on the uneven parallel said. “Sometimes I like to see the other Contributing Reporter

competition first to see kind of what I need to do, but it was good the way it happened.”

Also making her second sectional trip, junior Annabel Krueger was 26th on balance beam (8.1) and all-around (32.125).

Sophomore Tatiana Hertogs was 35th on beam (7.45).

Behind three 8s, Krueger improved from her 30.175 all-around score at the 2022 sectional.

“Everything was pretty smooth. Everything was solid. I had no big hiccups so overall I was pretty pleased,” Krueger said.

“I was definitely more prepared for what it was going to be like and how to do my routines the way I know how to do them, even though there was so much going on.”

Proctor advances to state on floor Lyons Township High School freshman Carli Proctor is headed to the IHSA state gymnastics meet in Palatine this weekend after her 11th-place 8.95 on floor exercise at the Hinsdale South Sectional on Feb. 7 beat the 8.925 at-large cut for the 12 highest scores from the four sectionals that did not earn top-five finishes.

Proctor is the Lions’ first state competitor since Olivia Kalata in 2018. The Lions (134.075 points) finished sixth in their first

sectional team trip since 2017.

“I wasn’t really thinking about it because I wasn’t really expecting to go to state this year,” Proctor said.

“I’m just looking forward to doing CARLI PROCTOR my routine. There’s nothing after it so there’s nothing to lose.”

Proctor loves her floor routine choreographed by Bojana “Bo” Vujisic from Flying High Gymnastics Club but nearly didn’t compete the routine at regionals because of an ankle injury.

She ended up winning regionals with a 9.35 – a season best by .15. If she hadn’t qualified for sectionals, whatever floor score she got competing for the team wouldn’t have gotten her to state individually.

“I’m just really happy that I decided to do it and just proud of myself,” Proctor said.

At her third sectional, senior Annmarie Holmes tied for 12th on balance beam (8.625), which had an 8.9 at-large state cut, and was 14th on floor (8.825).

Hinsdale Central knocks RBHS girls out of state tourney

Organ sparks secondhalf comeback, but Bulldogs fall short

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Riverside-Brookfield High School junior girls basketball player Emily Organ spent much of the first half of the IHSA Class 4A regional opener on Feb. 13 on the bench with three fouls.

“It was a hard start for me, but I knew I had to come out in the second half and show up for my team,” Organ said. “I’ve been playing with these seniors for a long time and I know how much it means to all

of us to keep our season going.”

After halftime, hardly anything could stop Organ or the No. 11-seeded Bulldogs.

They lost to No. 7 Hinsdale Central 64-57 in the RBHS Regional semifinals, but not before Organ finished with a hard-fought 25 points and 19 of the Bulldogs’ 33 second-half points.

The Bulldogs (11-19) cut a 37-24 halftime deficit to 57-53 with 1:51 remaining.

“It Emily hadn’t gotten into foul trouble, I think the game would have been a little different. And that’s what she is, a gamer,” RBHS coach Jordan Mack said.

Sophomore Alyssa Morris (10 points with 2 threes), seniors Luna Lloyd (8 points) and Bryce Pacourek (4 points, 4 rebounds) and junior Mayan Covarrubias (5 points, 4 rebounds) also were key con-

tributors.

The Bulldogs put aside losing their last three regular-season games, finishing with a 66-49 loss to Aurora Central Catholic Feb. 7 for a 2-6 record in the Metro Suburban Conference Blue.

“It’s so heartbreaking, being our last game, but I know we gave it our all, fought together,” Pacourek said. “[Organ] was very inspiring. Every loose ball, she was on the ground. She gave everything she had.”

After Organ scored the first basket of the fourth quarter to cut the gap to 46-41, the Red Devils (11-18) again pulled away 57-46 with 3:35 to go.

Consecutive baskets by Organ and Luna and a Morris three brought the Bulldogs to within four. The Red Devils responded with a key inside basket by sophomore

Greta Dani with 1:34 left and then scored two consecutive layups as the Bulldogs tried to pressure the ball. The 6-foot Dani scored 10 of her 20 points in the fourth quarter and had seven rebounds.

Organ ignited the comeback with 13 of the Bulldogs’ 15 third-quarter points, including a 3-pointer and four hard-earned free throws.

“I’m super proud of my team. We came into this game being underdogs but we showed up. We didn’t let that determine our mindset,” Organ said.

The Bulldogs graduate five seniors – Luna, Pacourek, Lena Lembcke, Devon Encher and Ava Marrello.

Juniors Niamh Larson, Amanda Buckley Julia Madera also contributed significant minutes.

The Landmark, February 15, 2023 17 Growing Community Media

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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

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y23010134 on February 1, 2023.

Under the Assumed Business Name of TRAVELS & TREASURES with the business located at: 1016 ERIE STREET, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: TANYA TAYLOR 1016 ERIE STREET, OAK PARK, IL 60302.

for such articles at the request of the following designated persons, unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. Our records show, your 2015, Kia, Optima with the following VIN 5XXGM4A71FG463634 was towed to our facility per police ordinance.

Our records show that the current amount due and owing is $2000.00.

If payment is not received within 30 days Nobs Towing Inc. will enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3.

to our facility per police ordinance.

Our records show that the current amount due and owing is $2000.00.

If payment is not received within 30 days Nobs Towing Inc. will enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 8, 15, 22, 2023

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

Registration Number: Y23010121 on January 31, 2023 Under the Assumed Business Name of JUST CALL JAK with the business located at: 9119 FRANKLIN COURT, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: JONATHAN MICHAEL CARSTEN 9119 FRANKLIN COURT, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 8, 15, 22, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y23010112 on January 27, 2023 Under the Assumed Business Name of KC KAREN’S CREATIONS with the business located at: 622 HANNAH AVE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130.

The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: KAREN CHILDS 622 HANNAH AVE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 8, 15, 22, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y23010087 on January 24, 2023 Under the Assumed Business Name of DONOR 4 A CAUSE SOLUTIONS with the business located at: 930 ONTARIO ST 2D, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: SULE KIVANC-ANCIETA 930 ONTARIO ST 2D, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Published in Wednesday Journal February 8, 15, 22, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE ATTENTION MASON ERIEL D JANA & CARMAX BUSINESS SERVICES LLC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on 3/27/23, a sale will be held at 1510 Hannah Ave, Forest Park, IL, 60130 to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois against such articles for labor, services, skill or material expended upon a storage furnished

Published in Forest Park Review February 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE ATTENTION STEWARD JASHAUN & EXETER FINANCE LLC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on 3/27/23, a sale will be held at 1510 Hannah Ave, Forest Park, IL, 60130 to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois against such articles for labor, services, skill or material expended upon a storage furnished for such articles at the request of the following designated persons, unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. Our records show, your 2014, Nissan, Altima with the following VIN 1N4AL3AP2EN206493 was towed to our facility per police ordinance.

Our records show that the current amount due and owing is $2000.00.

If payment is not received within 30 days Nobs Towing Inc. will enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3.

Published in Forest Park Review February 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE ATTENTION LOUVENIA M WILLIAMS & SANTANDER CONSUMER USA. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on 3/27/23, a sale will be held at 1510 Hannah Ave, Forest Park, IL, 60130 to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois against such articles for labor, services, skill or material expended upon a storage furnished for such articles at the request of the following designated persons, unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. Our records show, your 2014, Chevy, Malibu with the following VIN 1G11E5SL3EF283775 was towed to our facility per police ordinance.

Our records show that the current amount due and owing is $2000.00.

If payment is not received within 30 days Nobs Towing Inc. will enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3.

Published in Forest Park Review February 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE ATTENTION ANTONIO RAMIREZ III, XAVIER RAMOS, & EXETER FINANCE LLC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on 3/27/23, a sale will be held at 1510 Hannah Ave, Forest Park, IL, 60130 to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois against such articles for labor, services, skill or material expended upon a storage furnished for such articles at the request of the following designated persons, unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. Our records show, your 2017, Nissan, Rogue with the following VIN KNMAT2MT9HP557004 was towed

Published in Forest Park Review February 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT OF BIDDING Request of bids for the Park District of Oak Park Elevator Modernization, 218 Madison St., Oak Park.

Owner: Park District of Oak Park 218 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302 The Park District of Oak Park will accept sealed bids for Elevator Modernization, 218 Madison St., Oak Park. The project consists of new modernization of the existing WheelO-Vator elevator. The Park District of Oak Park will receive individual sealed Bids until 11:00 a.m. (Central time) on Friday, March 3rd, 2023, at 218 Madison St., Oak Park, IL. The bidding documents and requirements will be available on the link below as of 5:00 pm Wednesday, February 15th , 2023. Two pre-bid meetings for contractors will be held at 9:00 am on February 23rd & 24th at 218 Madison St., Oak Park. Only one pre-bid is mandatory for those that have not seen the existing conditions. Bid bonds will be required by bidding contractors. Copies of the bidding specifications are available via this link: https://www.demandstar. com/app/buyers/bids/408723 For additional information, contact Chris Lindgren at chris.lindgren@ pdop.org or (708) 725 2050. Only the bids prepared in compliance with the bidding documents will be considered. This project must adhere to the Prevailing Wage Act of 2022.

The Park District of Oak Park strongly encourages minority and women owned business firms to submit bids for this project.

Park District of Oak Park By: Chris Wollmuth, Secretary Park District of Oak Park 218 Madison St. Oak Park, IL 60302 Published in Wednesday Journal February 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y23010173 on February 9, 2023 Under the Assumed Business Name of MARY CANTU CREATIVE with the business located at: 704 N KENILWORTH AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: MARY CANTU 704 N KENILWORTH AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 15, 22, March 1, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE Notification of Destruction of Records Riverside School District 96 will properly dispose of all temporary student files from 2016-2017 on March 30, 2023. Permanent student records are retained for 60 years. A parent/ guardian has the right to copy any student record prior to destruction.

To request a copy of your student re-

The Landmark, February 15, 2023 19

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

cord, email Nancy Schuenemann at the District 96 Administrative Offices at schuenemannn@district96.org no later than March 15, 2023. A nominal copying fee may be charged.

bidding documents. A non-refundable fee of Thirty dollars ($30.00) will be required to obtain bidding documents. Proposals will only be accepted from bidders that have obtained bidding documents from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Company.

Published in RB Landmark February 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield, Illinois that bid proposals will be received for the following project: 2023 STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS This project will include the replacement of concrete curb and gutter, sidewalks, driveway aprons, and drainage structures, pavement widening, replacement of certain sections of combined sewers, milling and resurfacing certain pavements, pavement reconstruction, removal and replacement of off-street parking, landscaping disturbed areas, and performing other related work.

Sealed bids will be received up to the hour of 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, the 1st day of March, 2023, in the office of the Village Manager in the Village Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois. All sealed bids received will be publicly opened and read at 11:00 A.M. on the same day, Wednesday, the 1st day of March, 2023, at the Village Hall.

Electronic copies of bidding documents, consisting of the bid proposal, project specifications, and project plans are available from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Co., 9933 Roosevelt Road, Westchester, Illinois 60154. Bidding documents can be requested by emailing info@ ehancock.com. No bidding documents will be issued after 4:30 P.M. on Wednesday, the 22nd day of February, 2023.

All bidders wishing to obtain bidding documents must be approved by the Village prior to obtaining bidding documents. All bidders must provide proof that they are prequalified with the Illinois Department of Transportation to perform at least 40% of the value of the work before being issued

All bid proposals offered must be accompanied by a bid bond, cashier’s check or certified check in an amount not less than Five Percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid, as a guarantee that if the bid proposal is accepted, a contract will be entered into and the performance of the contract properly secured. Checks shall be made payable to the Order of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield. No bid proposal shall be considered unless accompanied by such bid bond or check.

Any bidder in doubt as to the true meaning of any part of the bidding documents may request an interpretation thereof from the Village. The bidder requesting the interpretation shall be responsible for its prompt delivery. At the request of the bidder, or in the event that the Village deems the interpretation to be substantive, the interpretation will be made by written addendum issued by the Village.

In the event that a written addendum is issued, either as a result of a request for interpretation or the result of a change in the bidding documents issued by the Village, a copy of such addendum will be emailed to all prospective bidders. The Village will not assume responsibility for receipt of such addendum. In all cases it will be the bidders’ responsibility to obtain all addenda issued.

The Contractor and Subcontractor shall comply with all regulations issued pursuant to Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130), and other applicable Federal Laws and regulations pertaining to labor standards.

The Village of Brookfield reserves the rights to determine the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder, to waive irregularities, and to reject any or all bid proposals.

BY ORDER THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS Published in RB Landmark February 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS 22-11749a WASHINGTON COMMONS PARK PLAY AREA DEVELOPMENT Notice is hereby given to potential Bidders that the River Forest Park District will be receiving sealed bids for the Play Area Improvements at Washington Commons Park located on 7970 Washington Blvd., River Forest, IL 60305.

The scope of this project is as follows and identified in the document.

1. Demolition/Removal 2. Grading/Drainage 3. Play Area Development 4. Concrete Work 5. Precast Concrete Pavers 6. Site Furnishings 7.Landscape Plantings & Restoration Specifications may be obtained beginning at 10:00 AM on February 14, 2023 through the BHFX planroom, https://www.bhfxplanroom.com between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday.

A non-refundable fee will be charged for each requested bid package. See BHFX’s planroom for the cost of both a printed copy and PDF download, or $65.00 for only a PDF download.

Each bid must be placed in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Sealed Bid: ‘Washington Commons Park Play Area Development” and addressed to the River Forest Park District, 401 Thatcher Avenue, River Forest, IL, 60305, Attention: Mike Sletten, Executive Director.

Bids will be received until 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at which time the bid proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud at 401 Thatcher Avenue, River Forest, Illinois, 60305.

The River Forest Park District Board of Park Commissioners reserves the right to waive all technicalities, to accept or reject any or all bids, to accept only portions of a proposal and reject the remainder. Failure to make such a disclosure will not result in accrual of any right, claim or cause of action by any Bidder against the River Forest Park District. Bids shall not include federal excise tax or state sales tax for materials and equipment to be incorporated in, or fully consumed in the performance

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

of, the Work. An Exemption Certificate will be furnished by the River Forest Park District on request of the Bidder, for use in connection with this Project only.

ment only. Please contact Inga Sandoval at (708) 222-5641 to schedule an appointment.

The Work of this Project is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq. A prevailing wage determination has been made by the Park District, which is the same as that determined by the Illinois Department of Labor for public works projects in Cook County. The Contract entered for the Work will be drawn in compliance with said law and proposals should be prepared accordingly and provide for payment of all laborers, workers, and mechanics needed to perform the Work at no less than the prevailing rate of wages (or the prevailing rate for legal holiday and overtime work) for each craft, type of worker, or mechanic.

This is a Federally-Funded (Community Development Block Grant) Project and is subject to all applicable Federal rules, regulations and guidelines, including but not limited to payment of Prevailing Wage.

The Contractor selected will also be required to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations and executive orders including but not limited to those pertaining to equal employment opportunity. A Certified or Cashier’s check payable to the Owner, or a Bid Bond in an amount equal to Ten Percent (10%) of the total bid amount must accompany each bid. In addition, each Bidder shall submit a proof of insurance demonstrating the Bidders insurability. Failure to provide a Bid Bond or proof of insurance shall render the bid incomplete and rejected.

The Owner will require the successful bidder to furnish a satisfactory Performance and Materials Bond for the total contract amount. Once submitted, no bids will be withdrawn without written consent from the Owners Attorney.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE/PUBLIC NOTICE UCP Seguin is soliciting bids for a GENERAL CONTRACTOR to renovate a kitchen and an ADA bathroom at one of our residential homes located in the Village of Oak Park, Illinois.

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

VILLAGE OF OAK PARK, ILLINOIS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION

Bid Deadline is 10 am on 3/17/23

MBE and WBE contractors are encouraged to bid on this project Published in Wednesday Journal February 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Northern Illinois Independent Purchasing Cooperative will be receiving Offers on its Request For Proposals for the following: Primary Distribution of Food Products and Miscellaneous Non-Food Supplies Primary Distribution Products

of

Bread

Primary Distribution of Fresh Produce Products RFP’s must be received by Thursday March 16, 2023 at 9:00 AM, in the Business Office, Room 270A, of The Oak Park and River Forest High School, 201 North Scoville Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois.

RFP documents may be obtained by contacting Micheline Piekarski at niipcinfo@gmail.com or (708) 4343142. RFP’s should be placed in a sealed envelope marked according to the response: Primary Distribution of Food Products and Miscellaneous Non-Food Supplies OR Primary Distribution of Bread Products OR Primary Distribution of Fresh Produce Products. ATTENTION: Micheline Piekarski, Food Service Director.

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held by the Village of Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission on March 15, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois on the Historic Landmark nomination for 1201 Fair Oaks Ave, Oak Park, Illinois (P.I.N.: 16-06-204-031-0000).

The public hearing is being held in accordance with the requirements of the Oak Park Historic Preservation Ordinance. The Historic Preservation Commission will take public testimony during the hearing and make and forward their recommendations to the Village Board of Trustees following the conclusion of the public hearing.

For further information on this matter contact the Department of Development Customer Services, Planning Division, Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois Monday-Friday 8:30AM-5:00PM in person, by telephone at (708) 358-5413, or by email at historicpreservation@ oak-park.us.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 15, 2023

Published in Wednesday Journal February 15, 2023

Complete Bid Packet can be obtained by contacting Inga Sandoval at: Isandoval@ucpseguin.org.

DOCKET NUMBER: PC 23-01 (Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment-Adaptive Reuse Permit) HEARING DATE: March 2, 2023 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the agenda permits.

LOCATION OF HEARING: Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street (Room 201 - Council Chambers) Oak Park, IL 60302 PETITIONER: Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302 REQUEST: The Petitioner seeks text amendments to the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance as follows: (1) an amendment to Article 2 (“Definitions & Rules of Measurement”) by adding a definition of a “Teaching and Learning Center”; (2) an amendment to Article 8 (“Uses”) by adding Teaching and Learning Center to the list of uses; and (3) an amendment to Article 14 (“Zoning Approvals”) by adding a new Section 14.10 (“Adaptive Reuse Permit”).

A copy of the proposed text amendment is on file and available for inspection at the Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The Plan Commission may continue the hearing to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO BE HEARD OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Published in Wednesday Journal February 15, 2023

Pre-bid site inspection is mandatory, and is scheduled to occur by appoint-

Let the sun shine in...Public Notice:

Your right to know In print • Online

Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year • OakPark.com • RBLandmark.com • ForestParkReview.com • AustinWeeklyNews.com • VFPress.news PublicNoticeIllinois.com

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The Landmark, February 15, 2023

2 1 E . B U R L I N GTO N R OA D, R I V E R S I D E | 70 8 . 4 47.72 07 NG MI O C

ON SO

NG MI O C

308 Nuttall Rd, Riverside

W NE

G TIN S I L

1510 Franklin Ave, River Forest $750,000

W NE

2558 5th Ave, North Riverside $500,000

ON SO

G TIN S I L

1519 William St, River Forest $697,000

NG MI O C

ON SO

465 Northgate Ct, Riverside

W NE

NG MI O C

ON SO

258 Nuttall Rd, Riverside

320 Nuttall Rd, Riverside $1,100,000

35 West Ave, #2S, Riverside $189,000

4332 N Bernard St, Chicago $640,000

G TIN S I L

1568 Aberdeen Ct, Naperville $319,000

T LO T N CA VA

126 Peachtree Ln, Westmont $248,000

225 S Sangamon St #706, Chicago $485,000

W NE

G TIN S I L

380 Herrick Rd, Riverside $474,900

4534 Arthur Ave, Brookfield $169,900

AL CI R E MM O C

7722 Madison St, River Forest $18/sq ft

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