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RIVERSIDE-BROOKFIELD Also serving North Riverside $1.00

Vol. 35, No. 15

April 8, 2020

Lions roar back

rblandmark.com @riversidebrookfieldlandmark

Riverside distillery shifts to sanitizer PAGE 5

2 African lions land at Brookfield Zoo PAGE 3

Follow us Online!

@riversidebrookfield_landmark

First local COVID-19 fatality reported PAGE 7

@RBLandmark

Union protests after Brookfield Zoo furloughs staff

About one third of employees reportedly affected

By BOB UPHUES Editor

The Chicago Zoological Society, which operates Brookfield Zoo, announced on April 5 that it had furloughed or laid off about one third of zoo employees whose jobs are deemed “not critically essential to support the minimum operations of the organization.”

The move comes amid the zoo’s continued closure as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Brookfield Zoo has been closed to the public since March 19 and had been slated to remain closed through the month of April.

But, the union that represents zookeepers at the popular attraction said Monday that it had filed grievance against the zoo in addition to an unfair labor practice charge with the federal Labor Relations Board after, according to Teamsters Local 727, the employees were “immediately furloughed, with no notice, no compensation and in violation of the collective bargaining agreement.”

“I have met few people more passionate about their work then the members at the Brookfield Zoo. No matter the role, these essential workers do it with passion and pride. Brookfield Zoo has never See FURLOUGHS on page 10

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

UNDER A BLANKET OF BLUE: Maggie Hiestand, 12, ties a blue ribbon to a pole along the BNSF train tracks on Brookfield Avenue on April 1, in support of Maxx Kusper, who was injured by an Amtrak train in accident on March 28.

Brookfield rallies as injured boy recovers Blue ribbons and #MaxxStrong signs blanket village after train accident

By BOB UPHUES Editor

The north end of Brookfield is a sea of blue ribbons, lights and signs announcing that the village is #MaxxStrong in an outpouring of support, compassion and hope for the recovery of 11-year-old Maxx

Kusper, who was very seriously injured March 28 by an Amtrak train at the Prairie Avenue crossing.

Reached on April 6, Maxx’s mother, Marcey Raymond Kusper, said her son was slowly recovering, with doctors beginning to bring him out of an induced coma and get him breathing on his own.

“After that, they can really take him off sedation and fully assess him,” Kusper told the Landmark in a text message on Monday. “We are praying for that miracle.”

Last week, she said she has been overwhelmed by the response the family has See MAXX on page 10

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The Landmark, April 8, 2020

The Landmark, April 8, 2020

Brookfield zoo welcomes two African lions 4-year-old brothers fill void left by the death of two others in January

By BOB UPHUES

IN THIS ISSUE Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Editor

Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

January was a tough month for lions at Brookfield Zoo. The zoo’s two older cats – 14-year-old Isis and 15-year-old Zenda – died within two weeks of each other as the New Year dawned, leaving the zoo with no lions in its collection.

That changed on March 17, when Brookfield Zoo welcomed two 4-year-old male African lions, Brutus and Titus – brothers as it turns out – after a recommendation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ African Lion Species Survival Plan, in which Brookfield Zoo participates.

The Species Survival plan, according to an April 1 press release announcing the lions’ acquisition, “is a cooperative population management and conservation program for select species in accredited North American zoos and aquariums. Each plan manages the species to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining population that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable.”

Just how long either or both will reside at Brookfield Zoo is unclear, since the Species Survival Plan also recommends the two lions as candidates for breeding, so they could be on the move if planners identify potential mates elsewhere.

The plan is in place for African lions, because the species is deemed “vulnerable,” according to the Red List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

According to the press release, there are between 20,000 and 30,000 African lions in the wild, concentrated in just 11 protected areas. The greatest threats to the species survival are hunting and loss of habitat due to development and agriculture. A more recent problem, said the press release, is the demand for lions’ bones and body parts by traditional Asian medicine due to a decline in the number of tigers living in the wild.

The lions come from Hogle Zoo in Utah and were introduced to the public – the zoo remains closed through at least the end of April due to the COVID-19 pandemic – via a Facebook Live “Bringing the Zoo to You” keeper chat on April 2. That video is available to watch on the Brookfield Zoo Facebook page (facebook.com/BrookfieldZoo) and on the zoo’s YouTube channel (youtube. com/user/CZSBrookfieldZoo).

Presenting the lions in the video is Bill Zeigler, senior vice president of animal programs for the Chicago Zoological Society, which operates Brookfield Zoo.

Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Kosey Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Editor Bob Uphues Sports Editor James Kay Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Editorial Designers Mark Moroney Javier Govea Advertising Design Manager Andrew Mead Advertising Designers Debbie Becker IT Manager/Web Developer Mike Risher Revenue & Advertising Director Dawn Ferencak Advertising Sales Marc Stopeck, Sales & Development Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Front Desk Maria Murzyn, Carolyn Henning Publisher Dan Haley JIM SCHULZ/ Chicago Zoological Society

Brutus and Titus, the two new African lions at Brookfield Zoo. “Before we had to close the zoo, guests were inquiring as to when we would be getting lions again following the devastating loss of our previous pair,” said Zeigler in the press release. “We wanted to share some happy news during this trying time and are looking forward to when guests can visit the zoo to see Brutus and Titus.”

According to the press release, Titus and Brutus were born Feb. 24, 2016. Once visitors can visit in person again, the lions will be on display in the Big Cat walkway and visitors will be able to distinguish the two through their features. Brutus has a long, dark and straight mane, while Titus’ mane is shorter,

lighter and bit frizzy. Titus is also a bit taller than Brutus.

The press release also states that zoo keepers have also noticed differences in the two lions’ personalities. Brutus appears to be the “calmer” of the pair, while Titus is more active.

“The brothers are very bonded and often sleep next to one another,” the press release states.

Brookfield Zoo is also inviting anyone interesting in helping fund the care of Titus and Brutus to participate in its Animal Adoption program. Information about the program is available on the Brookfield Zoo website at CZS. org/FeaturedCreature.

Associate Publisher Dawn Ferencak Business Manager Joyce Minich

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@wjinc.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 $30 within Cook County and $40 outside the county. Advertising rates may be

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The Landmark, April 8, 2020

North Riverside Library goes virtual

North Riverside Public Library may be closed as the state rides out the COVID-19 pandemic, but you can take part in some programs virtually while staying safe at home.

Everyone is welcome to attend any of the events, which are being done through Facebook Live, conference calls and the teleconferencing app Zoom. Login, dial up and join in.

Meditation and Stretching is held every other Monday, beginning April 20 at 6:30 p.m. Call 800-7475150, Code 1453322. Call in, put your phone on speaker and let the instructor take you through relaxing breathing and movements. Have a sturdy chair and space.

Talented Tuesdays is held every Tuesday at 5:30 pm via Facebook Live on North Riverside Public Library’s Facebook page.

Staff are stuck at home and using the time to learn new skills. Join them to learn something new, from crafts to cooking and more. Certain classes will be bilingual.

Whatcha Readin’ and Watchin’ Wednesday is scheduled for every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Talk books, movies, games and give and get recommendations to get you through isolating. RSVP to bodenl@northriversidelibrary.org for the meeting info.

Game Night Fridays happen every Friday at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Join in and play a smartphone game together. Games may very week to week. You’ll need to be prepared to download an app. RSVP to bodenl@ northriversidelibrary.org for the meeting info.

Seated Tai Chi Moving Meditation will be held April 13 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. RSVP to bodenl@ northriversidelibrary.org for the meeting info.

The library’s Book Club is moving to the phone.

On April 14 at 6:45 p.m., call 800-747-5150 and enter the code 1453322 to join in the discussion of “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry” by Rachel Joyce.

BIG WEEK April 8-15

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Virtual Wright site tours

Unity Temple Restoration Foundation, in partnership with the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, announces Wright Virtual Visits, highlighting Frank Lloyd Wright-designed public sites that are closed due to COVID-19.

Each Thursday at noon, each participating site will share a short video tour of another site via social media. The list of participating sites, with links to their social media profiles, is available at SaveWright.org/WrightVirtualVisits.

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Lucky Plush celebrates 20 years Lucky Plush Productions, the contemporary dance ensemble founded and directed by Riverside resident Julia Rhoads, invites you to celebrate its 20th anniversary during a virtual party planned for Thursday, May 7 at 7 p.m.

Livestream with the Lucky Plush company during a fun-filled night of games, dancing, a live paddle raise and a video retrospective from the comfort of your own home.

All you need to attend is WiFi and a device. Tickets begin at $25 and can be purchased at luckyplush.com/calendar/2020/3/8/plucky-lush-20. A link to the party will be sent by email prior to the event.

Free Ancestry through Riverside Library

If you hold a Riverside Public Library card, you can delve into your family tree using Ancestry.com for free during the month of April.

Ancestry is allowing access from home, instead of at the library. All you need is a card, a computer and a comfy seat to build your family tree.

To get started, visit riversidelibrary.org/genealogy. Ancestry licensing rules require the library to verify your card before they can provide access.

The library has also announced a new digital collection for library card holders. Digital magazines are now available through the app Flipster.

Access is free with your library card. Download the app to your mobile device or tablet or visit riversidelibrary.org for PC access. If you don’t have a library card, you can apply for one online through the library’s website.

RAC offers Boredom Buster Boxes

Looking for a way to stay creative while at home?

Riverside Arts Center is offering Boredom Buster Boxes to give the kids some hands-on fun and keep them away from their screens for a while.

Each box contains 6 pounds of clay, a scoring tool, a sponge, six underglaze colors, a slip, a paintbrush and project and instruction sheets. Order online and RAC will deliver the boxes to your front porch (no contact).

Work on your pieces at your own pace and, once completed and glazed, repack them in the original box for pickup. Pieces will be fired and returned to you, or available for pickup after stay-at-home is lifted.

Contact Shawn Vincent at svincent@riversideartscenter.com if you would like to donate a box and RAC will make sure it goes out to an under-served community.

RAC will deliver to Riverside, North Riverside, Lyons, Brookfield, Berwyn, LaGrange, Oak Park, Austin and Belmont Cragin.

Boxes are $36 members/$40 non-members. Box donations are $36.

Order at riversideartscenter.com/boredom-busterboxes

The Landmark, April 8, 2020

5

Riverside chief: Let cops bond out offenders, for now Weitzel wants officers protected from exposure to COVID-19

By BOB UPHUES Editor BOB UPHUES/Editor

KEEP IT CLEAN: Riverside resident Dan Sweetser purchases a bottle of hand sanitizer from Quincy Street Distillery owner Derrick Mancini on April 4 in Riverside.

Riverside distillery pivots to produce hand sanitizer

Sales of Quincy Street Distillery’s first batch are brisk

By BOB UPHUES Editor

When the state’s bars and restaurants shut down March 16, things got suddenly very dicey over at Quincy Street Distillery, the craft manufacturer of high-end spirits, including vodka, gin, bourbon and moonshine.

The tiny distillery’s tasting room, which has become something of a destination for craft booze aficionados, went dark and the distillery’s distributors went on hiatus.

“Because a large portion of our revenue comes from bar sales, when the order came down to shut, it closed off a major revenue stream for us,” said owner Derrick Mancini.

But because making alcoholic liquor was considered an “essential” business, according to the order, there was room to maneuver.

So, Quincy Street Distillery went into the hand sanitizer manufacturing business.

“This is a way to help us survive,” said Mancini during a phone interview on April 5.

While it took about two weeks to zero in on what it was going to take to get FDA approval of the product – which is made from a World Health Organization-approved formula consisting of ethanol, a bittering agent used to denature it, hydrogen peroxide, glycerin and water – Quincy Street Distillery mixed up its first batch of about 200 eight-ounce plastic bottles late last week.

About half of the inventory sold during the first two days it was for sale at the shop, 39 E. Quincy St. The bottles sell for $8 each. With tax and a $2 deposit – Mancini said he would like as many of the hard-to-source bottles returned so they can be reused – the total comes out to $10.80.

The tasting room is open Wednesday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. Sales are limited to one

bottle per person. Mancini said the distillery is planning to make a second batch of the hand sanitizer this week.

As it appears that the Illinois stay-at-home order and restaurant/bar shutdown may be in place for a while, Mancini said he hopes to be able to ramp up production.

Not only would he sell more of the hand sanitizer to consumers directly, but he said he’d like the distillery to make enough to distribute or sell at a reduced cost to nonprofits, healthcare facilities and to first responders.

To help fund that effort, Mancini has established an online hand-sanitizer fundraiser to help pay for supplies, utilities and other aspects of the effort at gofundme.com/f/quincystreet-distillery-fund-for-hand-sanitizer.

Mancini said if he can ramp up, he would be able to commit the still he uses to produce vodka to the hand-sanitizer effort. That would likely take an upgrade to that still, the cost of which might be aided by a separate fundraiser.

“This problem is not going to go away tomorrow, especially at the local level,” Mancini said. “If we’re living with this for a long time, it might be a long time before we get to an equilibrium stage, and the average person might not be able to get hold of [hand sanitizer] when they need it. That’s what made me think we should do this.”

The foot traffic generated by hand sanitizer sales last weekend had the additional benefit of helping sales of Quincy Street Distillery spirits, which had crashed after the governor’s March 16 restaurant/bar closure order.

“It’s now comparable to before we shut down the bar,” said Mancini, who added that the new product has brought in some firsttimers to the business. “A good percentage of the people who stopped in to pick up hand sanitizer picked up spirits.”

Riverside Police Chief Thomas Weitzel has asked the chief judge of the Cook County Circuit Court to suspend bond hearings in most cases and allow supervising police officers to issue personal recognizance bonds to low-level offenders in order limit the amount of time prisoners interact with police.

Last month, Weitzel wrote to Chief Judge Timothy Evans and Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx with the request, calling the matter “urgent.” As of late last week, Weitzel said he hadn’t heard back from the chief judge.

“No one is listening to the concerns of law enforcement having to deal with these individuals, book them, transport them in our squad cars, drop them off at bond court, and, at times, they may be rejected

if they show signs of illness,” said Weitzel in an email.

“Then it is the police officer’s responsibility to find a hospital to take them to, get them medically cleared by emergency room personnel and then bring them back to the next bond hearing. This is ridiculous and absolutely opens police officers to this contagious disease.”

Weitzel argued that other agencies in the criminal justice system, from the courts, state’s attorney’s office and public defender have issued directives to limit their contact with prisoners who potentially are infected with the novel coronavirus.

Foxx has directed her assistant state’s attorneys to not report to the police stations for felony review, unless the matter is extremely serious and only if police take measures to guarantee their safety, said Weitzel.

Cook County Sheriff ’s Police who interact with prisoners at the courthouses are also directed to prohibit entry to bond court to anyone displaying flu-like symptoms or claiming to have them, according to Weitzel.

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The Landmark, April 8, 2020

P O L I C E

R E P O R T S

Man reportedly robbed during Brookfield drug deal Brookfield police continue to investigate an apparent armed robbery during what was described as a drug transaction behind a currency exchange in the 9400 block of Ogden Avenue on April 4 at about 10:50 p.m.

The 23-year-old victim and a friend flagged down an officer on patrol in the 9500 block of Ogden Avenue to report the robbery, which took place about 15 minutes earlier, according to the police report.

The victim told police he met someone on the social media app SnapChat, who was selling cannabis. They agreed to meet behind the currency exchange, so the victim could buy a bag of cannabis for $20.

When the victim showed up, he was confronted by three men all wearing hooded sweatshirts with the hoods pulled up over their heads, obscuring their faces. The offender wearing a red hoodie reportedly pulled out a black handgun and pointed it at the victim before kicking the victim in the ribs twice and stealing his hat, blue Air Force One gym shoes, jacket and $40 in cash.

The offenders then reportedly ran across the street to a getaway car parked in the alley behind the car wash at Ogden and Eberly. The car was last seen leaving the area southbound on Eberly/East Avenue.

Alleged reckless driver causes crash North Riverside police charged a 43-yearold Burbank man with reckless driving and cited him for other traffic offenses after he reportedly was driving erratically while southbound on First Avenue from 23rd Street before he crashed his white Dodge Caliber head-on into a black Ford truck at a high rate of speed at 26th Street on March 30 about 6:50 p.m.

Police initially got a call of a small white car traveling “in the middle of the road” at a very slow rate of speed on First Avenue at 23rd Street. A woman who witnessed the crash reportedly told police that the white car was traveling at about 60 mph just before impact.

Paramedics transported the driver of the truck to Loyola University Medical Center for treatment of unspecified injuries. The driver of the Dodge Caliber reportedly was unresponsive but breathing when paramedics arrived. He was also transported to Loyola.

On March 31, the offending driver was released from the hospital into police custody and charged. His preliminary court date is May 18 at the Maybrook courthouse.

“SHELTER IN PLACE”

“Shelter in Place” B I N G O Have a ribbon around your tree or sign in your yard for #MAXXSTRONG

Binge-watched 3+ episodes of anything in one sitting

Forgot what day of the week it was

Ordered food from a local establishment for curb-side pick-up

Attended Ms. Clara’s Mini Musician’s virtually

Hosted or attended Virtual gathering of any kind (book club, happy hour, birthday party, etc.)

Had a trip, event or appointment canceled

Stopped for coffee at Loca Mocha or Gosia’s Coffee Shop

Have books or videos on loan from the Brookfield Library

Bought a gift card from a local establishment for a later date

Realized how often you touch your face

Spent time on a hobby

Started or finished a book

Started or renewed your subscription to “The Landmark”

Did some “creative cooking” with whatever you had on hand.

Stayed in your pajamas all day

Cleaned out a closet or cabinet

FREE SPACE

Walked your dog more than once a day.

Brookfield police responded to Window Energy Products at 8941 Ogden Ave., after they received a complaint that the auto windowtinting business was still operating, even though it was not deemed essential in the governor’s March stay-at-home order due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

An officer visiting the business reported that, indeed, an employee was onsite working. Police advised that the business needed to close, and the employee said he would comply.

Alleged tip-jar thief busted The owner of Loca Mocha, 8858 Burlington Ave., Brookfield, declined to prosecute a 64-year-old Berwyn woman for stealing money from the tip jar after she agreed to stay away from the coffee shop in the future, according to police.

The owner called police on April 3 to report that the woman, who frequented the business, had taken several dollars from the jar. Surveillance video reportedly showed the woman take money from the jar as an employee’s back was turned to get her some water.

When the woman returned to the coffee shop the next day, police responded and con-

BINGO

fronted the woman, who admitted taking money, saying she meant to repay it.

New neighbor, wrong door Riverside police responded to an apartment building in the first block of Forest Avenue on April 4 at about 1:45 p.m. after a resident called to report that someone was trying to break into her unit.

When police arrived they located a man in the lobby, who told them he just moved in that day and forgot to count how many flights of stairs he’d walked up before reaching for the knob of a door he thought led to his apartment.

When he found the door was locked, he realized his apartment was one more flight up.

These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Riverside, North Riverside and Brookfield police departments, March 30-April 5, 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

Brought to you by:

April 7, 2020

Shopped at Tischler’s

FREE SPACE

Shut it down

Got donuts from Mary’s Morning Mix-up

Used Hand Sanitizer

Put a puzzle together with 500 pieces or more.

Checked on a friend or family member

Renewed your Brookfield Zoo Membership online

After thoughtful and careful consideration, and with the safety of our community, families and guests as our top priority, the Board of Directors for the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce has decided to cancel the upcoming Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Ehlert Park (scheduled for 4/11/20) as well as postponing the upcoming Annual Street Dance (scheduled for 5/30/20) to a date still TBD. We are in constant communication with our local and state partners as this situation evolves. With the current quarantine mandate for the entire month of April, once we get more information for activity allowance from May onward, we will then make decisions for the remaining events we have scheduled in 2020. We appreciate your understanding as we navigate through this unprecedented time.

Our mission statement says “The Brookfield Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to the continued growth and revitalization of our business districts, as well as the enhancements of the quality of life for both businesses and residents in Brookfield.” Currently our commitment is to remain at home and continue to do our part to keep the entire community as healthy as possible.

If you have specific questions regarding the cancelation and / or postponement, please feel free to call (708-268-8080) or e-mail (info@brookfieldchamber.net). Additionally, please check our website and follow our Facebook page for further updates.

Our thoughts are with all of those impacted by the COVID-19 virus.

Please stay safe and healthy.

Sincerely, Brookfield Chamber of Commerce

BrookfieldChamber.net

The Landmark, April 8, 2020

7

First local fatal COVID-19 case confirmed

73-year-old North Riverside man died from disease, says medical examiner

By BOB UPHUES Editor

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s office has reported the first local fatality caused by COVID-19, the respiratory disease that so far has killed more than 240 statewide.

According to the medical examiner, the 73-year-old man, who resided in a multifamily building in the 2900 block of Lincoln Avenue, died March 31 at Loyola University Medical Center.

Meanwhile, total number of positive COVID-19 cases locally nearly tripled since March 30, according to data being compiled by the Cook County Board of Public Health, which last week formally unveiled its map tracking the spread of the disease.

Brookfield as of Tuesday morning had 21 positive cases, according to the county, while Riverside and North Riverside each had 10.

On March 30, the county had reported about 15 cases total in the three villages.

But all around the villages, numbers in neighboring communities continue to grow.

On April 6, Berwyn and Cicero reported 80 and 95 positive cases, respectively, while For-

est Park had 30, Broadview 17 and LaGrange 19. The village of LaGrange Park had 11 positive cases while Lyons had reported six as of April 7.

No deaths from COVID-19 have been reported in Brookfield or Riverside, but there are reports of serious cases and of at least one case in Riverside where someone suffering from the disease had to be re-hospitalized after being sent home.

“We’re watching the trends very closely to see where this is going,” said Riverside Fire Chief Matthew Buckley. “There’s going to be an uptick in the number of cases. The numbers have been fluctuating, but we’re preparing to handle an increase in numbers.”

Brookfield Fire Chief Jim Adams said that his firefighter/paramedics have been in close contact with a couple of COVID-19 cases, but he said the department has been following protocols for making sure personnel are wearing protective equipment in those cases.

“When we have come into contact, I’d say our exposure can be considered low-risk,” said Adams, who was supposed to start in his new role as the village’s fire chief on April 6, but stepped in early due to the pandemic.

Adams said firefighters have been told to monitor their temperatures twice daily to make sure they aren’t exhibiting any symptoms.

“Everybody’s been relatively healthy,” Adams said.

But, officials remain concerned about a lack of information coming from Cook County, especially information on where first responders might encounter people known to be positive and who are isolating at home.

The Cook County Department of Public Health has been reluctant to share that information with suburban fire and police chiefs.

“It’s sad it’s so slow for the village to find out where the cases are,” said North Riverside Mayor Hubert Hermanek Jr. “We’re seeing the [county map] like you are. I know it’s all new territory for everyone, but it’s very frustrating.”

Hermanek said he did not know of the village’s March 31 fatality until he was informed by the Landmark.

Local officials got a lift April 2, when the Illinois Department of Public Health issued a statement, emphasizing that the Illinois Attorney General has said disclosure of information about COVID-19 patients to local police and fire officials is permitted as an exception to HIPPA laws.

Just how Cook County will respond to that opinion is unclear, especially in light of the fact that Dr. Terry Mason, the chief operating officer of the Cook County Department of Public Health was removed from the job on April 3.

Local officials argue that the county ought to follow the attorney general’s lead and provide more information to community leaders.

NR extends park closures, cancels programs Village trustees codify mayor’s emergency powers

By BOB UPHUES Editor

On the heels of the governor’s announcement extending the statewide stay-at-home order through the end of April as a way to limit the spread of COVID-19, North Riverside Mayor Hubert Hermanek Jr. announced on April 1 that the village is extending its orders that closed village parks and has canceled additional programs.

“I understand this extension is very stressful and difficult, but I believe it is absolutely necessary,” said Hermanek in a Code Red message he sent to residents. “The next two to three weeks are crucial. Healthcare experts estimate that the number of positive infections will continue to rise until the middle of April and will stay elevated through the early part of May. Staying home and avoiding other people is the best way to

stay safe and flatten the curve.”

The Cook County Department of Public Health on April 6 reported that there were at least 10 positive cases of COVID-19 in North Riverside.

Hermanek also announced that the vehicle sticker renewal period would be extended to May 31 and that renewal notices would be mailed to residents.

Meanwhile, North Riverside’s recreation director, Teresa Mrozik, announced that all indoor and outdoor recreation programs were canceled through the end of April.

The Earth Day Shred Event has been postponed to June 27, while the annual Senior Fair has been postponed to a future date that has not yet been chosen.

The Transportation Exploration Day has been canceled and the star-crossed SpringAutumn Fest – washed out by storms last September and rescheduled for May 8 – has also been scrapped.

Mayor’s emergency powers codified On March 30, the North Riverside Village Board voted unanimously to amend

the village code to more clearly describe the mayor’s emergency powers during extraordinary circumstances.

The village board vote was taken during the first virtual meeting of trustees, who used the video conferencing app Zoom – with a few glitches – as the platform. Other parties wishing to attend the meeting, such as the Landmark, were able to listen in by phone.

The emergency powers amendment passed by trustees grants additional powers to the mayor, including allowing the mayor to declare a local state of emergency, the power to set a curfew, approve previously appropriated expenditures and make emergency purchases, order the closing of retail liquor stores and taverns, order sales or distribution of gasoline to be halted and prohibit the sales of firearms and ammunition.

While the mayor has the power to declare a state of emergency, he has not done so at this time.

The village board will meet just once per month for the time being, with the next village board meeting taking place virtually at 7 p.m. on April 13.

“My hope is that the county will move quickly to implement advising first responders of the location of known COVID-19 cases and of persons under investigation,” said Riverside Village President Ben Sells. “Given the limited stores of PPE [personal protective equipment], our first responders cannot reasonably ‘gear up’ for every call as if they are going into a known infected site. The longer the county delays the longer our first responders are put at increased risk.”

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8

The Landmark, April 8, 2020

Local grocers adapt to meet changing shopping model Riverside Foods adds backdoor pickup service three days a week

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Local independent grocers say they’re still very busy since the stay-at-home order has meant families are cooking in more, and while there remains a steady stream of walk-in customers, some customers would rather avoid close contact with fellow shoppers, at least for the time being.

On Monday, Riverside Foods, 40 E. Burlington St., started its new “curbside” pickup service as more and more people seek to avoid in-store shopping, if possible.

Prior to instituting the service, Riverside Foods delivered to customers in Riverside and nearby towns. The store provided the service, meant to provide an easier PETER BOUTSIKAKIS shopping alternative for senior citiCo-owner, Riverside Foods zens, twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

In the past couple of weeks, however, the sheer number of orders was just getting to be too much.

“There was such a crazy amount of demand that it was hard to be strict on prioritizing the elderly, so we needed another option for people, because we just didn’t have the capacity,” said Peter Boutsikakis, co-owner of Riverside Foods.

“It’s been encouraging, because people want to shop with us.”

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

PIT STOP: Michael Adler, right, loads up groceries for curbside pickup for Aberdeen Marsh-Ozga on April 6 at Riverside Foods on Burlington Street in Riverside.

According to Boutsikakis, Riverside Foods has been assigning extra employees to collect food and ring up the items on those days, and rented a van to make about 100 deliveries over two days last week.

Boutsikakis said he hopes the curbside option will take some pressure off of the delivery service as well as provide another way to keep down crowds inside the store.

Riverside Foods is offering pickup outside the rear door on Monday, Wednesday

and Friday between 4 and 5:30 p.m. Boutsikakis said that people can email orders in any time, but the store has to receive them by 11 a.m. on curbside service days to ensure they can be filled for pickup that day.

In addition to the order, people need to provide credit card information and contact info when they order. More information is available at riverside-foods.com/ pickup.

As customers arrive, they call the store

and let them know their order number so an employee can bring it out back to their vehicle.

Boutsikakis said that the curbside service might continue on after the stay-athome order expires.

“I feel confident we’ll continue this, and I’d like to get to the point where customers can click on items online and offer that for delivery and pickup,” Boutsikakis.

Dennis Tischler at Tischler Finer Foods, 9118 Broadway Ave. in Brookfield, said that while his store does not have a delivery or pickup service yet, he’s been considering such options after customers expressed interest.

Both stores have tightened up social distancing and employee safety measures in the past couple of weeks. Both offer employees the option of wearing masks and gloves, and they have also placed plastic dividers between customers and cashiers at the registers. Tape on the floor reminds customers to keep their distance from one another while standing in line.

But business at both stores remains brisk.

“It’s been encouraging, because people want to shop with us,” said Boutsikakis.

“They want to shop locally, and customers have shown good understanding and patience.”

Boutsikakis mentioned in particular one anonymous donation of gift cards to Sawmilly, a sandwich-centric restaurant across the street, which were used to buy the staff lunch one day.

“It really lets the employees know you’re servicing a community,” Boutsikakis said.

Brookfield launches public safety Twitter feed Tweets will focus on police, fire, public works issues, incidents

By BOB UPHUES Editor

If you’re going to roll out a public safety Twitter feed, there’s probably no better time than during a global pandemic. And while, Brookfield officials hadn’t exactly planned on the timing, the Village of Brookfield Public Safety (@BrookfieldILPS) feed went live on March 30.

The Twitter account had been in the work for some months. Assistant Village Manager George Issakoo, who has been handling the expansion of the village’s footprint on social media, got the ball rolling last October with the launch of the village’s official Facebook page.

That tool has been a valuable one for spreading information about everything from the U.S. Census to voter info, recreation

programs and, more recently, about what the village has been doing to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

A March 26 Facebook post announcing the closure of Brookfield playgrounds got quite a bit of attention, with 73 reactions and 41 shares.

“That’s its real value to us -- to get the information out there and have it reshared,” Issakoo said. “The village’s website is great, but people are only going here if they’re looking for something.”

The Facebook page has picked up a little more than 1,500 followers since it launched six months ago.

“The response has been fantastic,” said Issakoo. “From village staff to board members, people seem pleased with it.”

While the Twitter feed is just over a week old, it’s already picked up more than 220 fol-

lowers. It’s a tool that’ll be used most often by police, although Fire Chief Jim Adams also has the ability to post to the feed.

Deputy Police Chief Michael Kuruvilla will be the main contributor to the feed, said Issakoo. In addition to police- and firerelated information, Issakoo said the Twitter feed is a place where information related to public works – water main breaks, road construction and the like -- will end up.

One of the first tweets was public works/ police related, a reminder that as of April 1, the village’s street-sweeping program was in effect.

“It’s not every bit of information, but it’s a quick snapshot of things that come up that might not reach the level of an [email] alert,” Issakoo said.

Like the Facebook page, the Twitter feed is not meant to be an interactive, closely

COURTESTY OF TWITTER

monitored tool. It’s not checked 24 hours a day and it’s certainly not meant as a way for residents to contact police or fire personnel or report incidents or emergencies.

Anyone needing emergency help should dial 911 and non-emergency calls should be directed to 708-485-8131. Anyone looking to report a problem or to ask a question of village staff are asked to email to help@brookfieldil.gov.

The Landmark, April 8, 2020

9

Riversiders lead 3D printing army to help health workers Hundreds of plastic face shields delivered to hospitals, first responders

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Area residents are stepping up and doing what they can to help medical workers on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. One of the biggest local efforts was begun by 17-year-old Tim Pipal, of Riverside.

Pipal has been using the 3D printer he got for Christmas in 2018 to make face shields for doctors, nurses and other medical professionals.

With the help of his mother, Sue, who jokingly refers to herself as the chief logistics officer, the Pipals have enlisted a host of others to also make face shields and have coordinated the delivery of 410 of them to hospitals and other first responders in just one week.

“It is definitely quite gratifying,” said Tim, who is a junior at Benet Academy in Lisle. “When

you see these printers, they have a lot of power and you don’t really realize that until you see it in an application like this, when you can really just print a piece of plastic and it could be saving someone’s life.”

On March 28 Tim saw a report on the NBC 5 news about a 20-something on the North Side who was using a 3D printer to make face shields for Swedish Covenant Hospital. That got Pipal, who had been using his 3D printer to make flower pots, thinking.

He went to the NBC 5 website and saw a link about how to make a face shield with a 3D printer. It wasn’t hard. The plastic visor of the face shield is made from the kind of plastic report covers that you can get at an office supply store.

Soon, Tim was churning out the face shields on the 3D printer in the basement of his home. It takes

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUE PIPAL

SPEEDY DELIVERY: Tim Pipal hauls a box full of plastic face shields from his car to the medical staff at Glenbrook Hospital in Glenview, an area particularly hard ht by the COVID-19 pandemic.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUE PIPAL

THANKS: University of Chicago Medical Center emergency room workers show their appreciation for the 25 new face shields donated to them by the Pipals. In all, the family has delivered more than 400 protective shields to area hospitals and first responders. him about 50 minutes to make one face shield. Now his printer is running 24 hours a day. Tim says he’s been staying up until around 4 a.m. to monitor the printer, using an app on his smartphone. Once he goes to sleep, his parents take over.

“All hands on deck, just started printing 24/7,” Tim said. “It’s kind of taken over our lives here.”

Sue Pipal has been a whirlwind, using connections and social media to find out who needs face shields and recruiting others to expand production.

Quickly joining the effort were eight other local residents with 3D printers. Tim Pipal and others also persuaded school officials at area schools to help out, and now the 3D printers at RiversideBrookfield High School, L.J. Hauser High School and S.E. Gross Middle School are also spitting out the face shields.

Doc Mack at Galloping Ghost Reproductions in Brookfield has also joined the effort, using his print shop’s 3D printer to make the face shields.

Face shields have been delivered to the Riverside Fire Department, UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago, West Suburban Hospital, the University of Chicago Hospital emergency room, Glenbrook Hospital, Mercy Hospital, Illinois Masonic Hospital, Central DuPage Hospital and others.

The list keeps growing every day.

Sue Pipal estimated that she has requests for nearly 1,000 face shields.

It is a totally voluntary effort. The face shields are delivered for no charge and most of the materials are donated.

The group making the face

shields has created a Facebook page, West Suburban 3D Face Shield Printers, which now has 34 members, to coordinate the effort and share information.

Those with 3D printers who want to start making face shields can join the group or email Sue Pipal at spipal@sbcglobal.net.

People can also help by donating raw materials, including 8.5-by-11inch clear plastic report covers – 10 mil, 1.75 PLA filament of any color for the printers, and quarter-inch knit elastic for the headbands.

“Our ask on social media really took off,” Sue Pipal said. “People are coming to our house donating raw materials, in the form of elastic for the bands that hold the 3Dprinted shield on the doctor’s head.

So much of the raw material we need is sold out of stores. So, we are asking people to dig through their basements.”

Those needing face shields should contact the Facebook group.

“I would say that I have made more virtual friends, whom I have not gotten within six feet of, than I have ever had before,” Sue Pipal said.

Other residents are also helping out however they can.

Riverside resident Riia O’Donnell has been sewing fashionable face masks for medical professionals and others.

The science department at Riverside-Brookfield High School donated 60 goggles and from between 1,400 to 1,800 gloves to McNeal Hospital in Berwyn on March 28.

RBHS chemistry teacher and science department instructional coach Christy Hughes came up with idea after it became appar-

ent that RBHS would be closed until at least May 1. The googles and gloves are normally used by RBHS students doing science, primarily chemistry, experiments.

“The likelihood of us needing those particular items [this year] are very slim,” Hughes said.

Hughes texted her idea to District 208 Superintendent Kevin Skinkis, who quickly approved it. Hughes then contacted area first responders and found out that emergency room at McNeal Hospital needed face masks so she went to RBHS, loaded the boxes of googles and gloves into her car, and drove over to McNeal to deliver them.

“We’re not going to be using these items; they can’t just sit in the schools when people in our communities need them,” Hughes said.

A local Girl Scout troop is also doing what they can. The eighthgrade Cadettes of Girl Scout Troop 50021 have been sending Girl Scout cookies to and making thank you cards for emergency room workers at MacNeal Hospital, West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park and Cook County Hospital.

“It’s the least we can do to support the herculean medical efforts from our area hospitals,” said troop leader Linda Sandusky. “These folks are risking their lives every day to save so many of our friends, neighbors and fellow Chicagoans. It’s the least we can do to let them know that they’re appreciated.”

Sue Pipal said she hopes to keep expanding production of the face shields until everyone who needs one has one.

“I think we’re going to do it until it’s all over,” Sue Pipal said.

10

The Landmark, April 8, 2020

MAXX

T-shirts, signs from page 1 received as word spread on social media.

“The support Brookfield and the Hollywood community have shown us has been overwhelming, amazing and humbling,” said Kusper in an email. “I’ve always loved Brookfield and have been one of its biggest cheerleaders.

I’ve never felt such love.”

The response was immediate and spontaneous.

On March 30, people began blanketing anything upright – trees, light poles, fences, windows -- in blue ribbons and #MaxxStrong hashtags.

“Seeing the town blanketed in blue has just been amazing to see,” Kusper said. “It has especially helped Maxx’s siblings. … Because of the coronavirus, visitors [at the hospital] are restricted. They so want to see their brother.

Seeing the town blanketed in blue, Maxx’s favorite Cubby blue, has been a big help.

Chicago Cubs first-baseman Anthony Rizzo responded to the cause, by sending Maxx a signed photo and a letter wishing him well.

“I know that it must be so difficult to be in the hospital and not have all of your family and friends able to visit,” Rizzo wrote. “I hope you continue [to] be courageous in your daily battle to get healthy and feel better!”

One family friend, Chris Borzym, heard about the campaign to cover the village in blue ribbons and, with his Brookfield floral business on forced hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, sprang into action.

He rounded up a supply of blue plastic tablecloths and, with the help of Maria Verduzco of Loca Mocha, started tying ribbons on every tree that crossed their paths.

“By the time I went home, on Washington Avenue it was absolutely, utterly amazing,” Borzym said. “There was not a tree missed, not a light pole missed. There are literally thousands of these bows all over the place.”

FURLOUGHS

Zoo seeks stimulus funds from page 1 been just a job -- it is a home for animals and workers, alike,” said John Coli Jr., secretarytreasurer of Teamsters Local 727. “When one of Chicago’s most beloved spots unilaterally furloughs dozens of Teamsters workers with no notice or pay, you have to ask yourself if management feels the same way. … To be put out on the street with no notice and no guarantee to pay their bills is unconscionable.”

Zoo officials argue that with no customers coming through the gates, the zoo “has practically no earned revenue stream at this time,” according to a statement announcing that the unpaid furloughs/layoffs were effective April 4 and for an unknown period of time “The duration of the furlough/temporary layoffs is unknown at this time due to the

Kari Giacomelli, a friend of the Kuspers, whose son has been a close friend of Maxx’s since kindergarten and plays Little League baseball with him, has served as a sort of clearinghouse of information about efforts, which have been multipronged, because of the Kusper family’s connections inside and outside of Brookfield – from Brookfield Little League and the Brookfield Nationals baseball club to the Village Field Club in LaGrange Park to her neighbors in Hollywood and north Brookfield to her fellow faculty members at Morton West High School in Berwyn, where she teaches freshman English.

Not to mention the more than 10,500 members of the Brookfield Connections Facebook group, which Kusper administers.

“Maxx is a special kid,” said Giacomelli.

“He’s charismatic, funny, athletic, a friend to everyone. Marcey also has this extended family, and that’s why the community is pulling together.”

The ribbon campaign got a huge boost from

the Facebook, while a group of Marcey’s childhood friends, said Giacomelli, have banded together to have 300 #MaxxStrong signs printed.

Giacomelli said, any donations given by people who receive a sign will go toward Maxx’s recovery. Details on how to get a sign are in a post on Giacomelli’s Facebook page.

Last week, Brookfield Little League sold T-shirts with the #MaxxStrong hashtag on the front and Maxx’s number 23 on the back through April 6 online, with 100-percent of the proceeds going toward Maxx’s recovery. The T-shirts, Giacomelli said, were donated by the Brookfield retailer T-Shirts and Trophies.

“Obviously, the community here has really rallied for Maxx,” said Dave Campbell, who, along with Maxx’s father, Don, has coached Maxx’s Little League and travel baseball teams for the past five years. “It’s been overwhelming. Everyone has just responded in a positive way. He’s just an amazing kid, and we’re praying that he gets well soon.”

Meanwhile, in response to a request from

Brookfield Little League, the Brookfield Citizens Police Academy Alumni donated about three dozen blue light bulbs they had left over from last year’s National Night Out. The Little League organization then began distributing them for people’s front lights.

In addition to the signs hanging in people’s homes, the staff at Hollywood School, where Maxx is a fifth-grader, wrapped all their trees in blue and placed a sign of support in the gymnasium window.

Hollywood School Principal Kim Hefner said blue ribbons adorn trees at all District 96 schools and the teachers are working on a video they can share with Maxx.

“He’s a child who brightens everybody’s day,” Hefner said. “He’s kind-hearted, empathetic and never has a bad word to say to anybody. He’s a leader among the kids, and it’s just extremely tragic.”

Brookfield’s former police chief, Jim Episcopo and his wife, Sue – known for their army of inflatable front-lawn decorations – showed their support by setting up a giant inflatable baseball with the #MaxxStrong hashtag at their Grand Boulevard home.

“The response has been tremendous,” Jim Episcopo said.

Giacomelli said there’s also an effort under way to collect as many photos (Brookfield Little League is urging families to don “rally caps” in their photos) as possible expressing support for Maxx’s recovery. Photos can be emailed to MaxxStrong23@yahoo.com.

“The idea in documenting this is to let Maxx know, “Look how far you’ve come and we’re rooting you on.”

The inability of people to visit Maxx at the hospital or gather to console one another and the family, those other ways of supporting the family have stood in for that personal contact.

“It’s the coming together to tell stories and hug each other are all the things that help humans deal with grief,” Hefner said.

“It’s hard to be so isolated and not be able to support the family by just being present. It makes the ribbons and videos and rally caps more important.”

evolving COVID-19 situation,” the statement said.

While the furloughs/layoffs are in effect, employees will be eligible to apply for unemployment benefits, and they “will continue to receive medical and other benefits for a period of time.”

According to Teamsters Local 727’s announcement of the complaint against the Chicago Zoological Society, union employees have healthcare benefits extended through July 31.

Zoo officials declined to disclose the exact number of employees affected by the furlough/layoff decision, nor would they reveal the number of people the zoo employed prior to the announcement.

All departments of the zoo’s operations were affected by the layoff order, according to the statement, with the Chicago Zoological Society “keeping staff employed who ensure the health and welfare of the zoo’s animal population, maintenance and protection of the buildings and grounds and other critical support system and functions.”

The union said the move places extra stress on those who remain employed as keepers and threatens their safety. In a statement released Monday, the Teamsters argued that “it also seems that that safety of areas requiring special skill and precise care, such as the zoo’s venomous snakes, reptiles, bears, big cats and hoofstock are being compromised as a result of the furloughs.”

In an effort to obtain some financial relief, the Chicago Zoological Society is applying for loans through the federal stimulus program recently approved by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump.

Teamsters Local 727 says it has responded to that new by requesting any information about the furloughs and any federal funding the zoo might receive, saying the Chicago Zoological Society “may have no choice but to reinstate the hardworking Teamsters members to qualify for the money.”

The society’s Board of Trustees and Women’s Board had planned on hosting its largest fundraiser of the year, its annual “Whirl” gala

on April 25. That event is being called a “VirtuWhirl!” and the society is soliciting donations online through its website CZS.org/donate.

An online auction that’s part of the Whirl begins April 23 and closes April 25.

In another bid to maintain its revenue stream through the shutdown, Brookfield Zoo is asking its members to renew now and is asking those who aren’t currently members to consider becoming one. Existing memberships are also being extended in recognition of the existing closure.

“CZS has a preparedness team that has been meeting daily and planning for some time in anticipation of the pandemic extending a number of months,” the society’s statement said.

Earlier this year, the Chicago Zoological Society outsourced its roughly 60 full-time and more than 300 seasonal food service and retail shop operations to a third-party vendor. Those employees are not among the ones affected by April 4 order, although they were impacted by the March 19 shutdown of the zoo.

MaxxStrong fundraisers seek donations to aid family An online MaxxStrong fundraiser has been established to aid the family of Maxx Kusper as he recovers. Within the first week, the GoFundMe effort already had surpassed its original goal of $30,000.

By April 6, more than 520 donors had contributed nearly $43,000 to the fundraiser. Anyone wishing to donate, can do so at gofundme.com/f/48tt2-maxx-strong.

You can also donate money to a MaxxStrong account that has been opened at First National Bank of Brookfield to aid the Kusper family.

Checks should be made payable to MaxxStrong and mailed to First National Bank of Brookfeld, Attn: MaxxStrong, PO Box 209, Brookfield, Illinois, 60513.

PROVIDED

Maxx Kusper

The Landmark, April 8, 2020

11

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SMOKIN’: Beach Avenue BBQ’s smoked beef pastrami pop up sold out on April 4. The pastrami shown here was served with homemade rye bread, stone ground mustard and sauerkraut.

BBQ joint goes pop-up route after opening delayed Pandemic forces new restaurant to temporarily rely on its catering roots

By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats

Beach Avenue BBQ, slated to open at 3453 Grand Blvd. at Eight Corners in Brookfield, put their restaurant opening on hold as the COVID-19 outbreak took hold in Illinois.

Owners, Christopher Chinn and Juan Silva were quick to pivot and remain optimistic that returning to their catering roots will help sustain them through these uncertain times.

“We are committed to moving forward, but questions loom about how long this will last,” said Chinn. “We’re revving the catering back up because, even though we aren’t open yet, we still have bills to pay.”

The restaurant has passed its final village building inspection, but still requires approval from the Cook County Department of Public Health, which handles restaurant inspections for the village of Brookfield, in order to operate.

As the two prepared to open Beach Avenue BBQ’s brick-and-mortar shop, they put their catering business on hold.

The COVID-19 pandemic, however, inspired the neighbors-turned-business partners to return to their event-based roots.

They began catering parties and pig roasts after becoming a popular vendor at the Brookfield Farmers Market, and now they are offering a rotating menu of family-style meals twice a week.

“Our social media followers have been waiting for the restaurant to open since the farmers market ended in October,” said

Chinn. “We’re hoping these dinners tide them over until we can open.”

Beach Avenue BBQ is known for smoking whole hogs and premium Wagyu brisket over oak wood, but for the past two weeks -- and for the foreseeable future -- they have been changing up their Tuesday and Saturday pop-up menus based on ingredient availability.

Earlier this week Chinn and Silva honored taco Tuesday by offering families smoked pulled chicken, handmade flour tortillas, fresh-made salsa verde and pico de gallo.

Pickle-brined chicken, smoked pastrami and pork ribs have all made appearances on the pop-up menu as well.

Side dishes like pit beans, cornbread and mac and cheese are also drawing accolades. Beach Avenue BBQ is currently taking pre-orders for smoked bone-in hams and assorted (add-on) side dishes for Easter Sunday.

“The response has been great so far,” said Chinn. “Juan and I love to feed people and we still want to share our food with people no matter what.”

Due to limited pit space, Beach Avenue BBQ caps the total number of orders per day and requires a pre-order. Each meal offers generous portions for a family of four and range in price from $40 to $60 each.

Instructions on how to place an order can be found on Beach Avenue BBQ’s Facebook page (facebook.com/beachavebbq).

Saturday’s menus are released on Tuesday and Tuesday’s menus are released on Saturday.

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12

The Landmark, April 8, 2020

Food pantries, social service agencies adapt to new reality As stay-at-home persists, providing services is ever challenging

By JACKIE PISANO Contributing Reporter

With last weekend marking two weeks since Illinoisans have been under a statewide executive stay-at-home order due to the coronavirus pandemic, life as we know it has been radically altered.

Working from home, taking a temporary job to pay the bills, kids attending virtual classes at the kitchen table, wiping down every surface in sight and wearing face masks in public have all become our new normal.

But for some of the area’s most vulnerable residents -- including seniors, the disabled, those with special needs and grappling with food insecurity -- shutdowns and new health guidelines bring their own unique set of challenges.

Several of the community services agencies throughout the Riverside-Brookfield Landmark coverage area have moved quickly to adapt to the current state of affairs for those who need it most.

Food pantries Now in its 40th year, the Holy Guardian Angels Parish Food Pantry remains faithful in its mission of feeding not just parishioners in need, but also those not members of the faith community.

The food pantry — which operates solely from donations by parishioners, area churches and community residents — receives food every Monday morning and distributes the food throughout the day, providing emergency meals and supplemental food to everyone from children to seniors.

Along with nonperishable staples, the pantry also strives to provide recipients with as much fresh produce as possible.

In order to pick up food and avoid pantry crowds, individuals must call ahead and schedule an appointment for pickup within a 15-minute window. While the small pantry is typically operated by a staff of 10-12 regular volunteers, right now, they are operating with four volunteers at a time.

Aida Gatch, pastoral care director with Holy Guardian Angels Parish, foresees a problem with a possible shortage of food because of the projected growth in clientele as many locals are facing tighter household budgets from losing jobs.

“The work is harder because there’s less people, but it’s OK because we have control of who’s coming in at what time,” she said.

However, Gatch adds she is “overwhelmed” with the outpouring of love from the community, with many offering food and monetary donations.

“My heart is just so full of how much people are helping and thinking of us at this time,” she said.

Additionally, the parish’s Medical Lending Closet remains open by appointment, pro-

PROVIDED

TEAM EFFORT: Team effort: Share Food Share Love’s team of volunteers on April 4 pre-packed bags for curbside pickup for those needing food assistance. viding locals with donated medical equip- residents with two pre-packaged tote bags ment including walkers, canes, wheelchairs of food (about 20 pounds of food per bag). and commodes. Those in need of medical The pre-packed bags include a balance of equipment must call ahead for availability nonperishable foods, including canned fruits and vegetables, pastas, sauces, peanut butter, and to schedule a time for pickup.

The food pantry, located at 9300 W. 47th St. soups, beans and cereals.

Food supplied at the pantry in Brookfield, is open Moncontinues to come from the days from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. township’s budget, private The medical lending closet, donations and regular dolocated at 4008 Prairie Ave. in nors. Organizers of Hauser Brookfield, is open Tuesdays, Junior High School’s food Wednesdays and Thursdays drive stopped by the townfrom 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call ship office on April 2, deliver708-295-7336 or email foodpaning items which the pantry try@stbarbarabrookfield.org was running low on. for more.

To receive food from the Riverside Township food pantry, Riverside Townpantry assists low-income ship requires an ID showing residents throughout the AIDA GATCH proof of residency within township and those just Holy Guardian Angels Food Pantry the township. struggling to keep food on the To maintain minimal pertable during this time. son-to-person contact, the “I want people to know that they never have to go hungry,” said Vera township is asking residents to call the TownWilt, township supervisor. “We’re still here ship office one hour in advance to schedule a time for pickup. for you and we will serve you in a safe manAdditionally, the Township has a small ner using social distancing.”

Township residents are eligible to visit roster of volunteers on hand to deliver food the food pantry once a month. But, to main- to residents who are unable to leave their tain social distancing, staff are providing homes or do not have reliable transportation

“My heart is just so full of how much people are helping and thinking of us at this time.”

for pickup.

The food pantry is located at Riverside Township’s office at Riverside Town Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside. Pantry hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday. For questions and to schedule a pickup or delivery, call 708442-4400.

Part of Faith Lutheran Church in Brookfield since December 2015, the Share Food Share Love Food Pantry is continuing to provide an essential service to the community at large in partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

The pantry, which serves residents of Brookfield, Hodgkins, LaGrange Park, Lyons, McCook, North Riverside and Riverside, is inviting people to pick up pre-packaged bags of food curbside, instead of people coming in to “shop.”

To maintain social distancing, volunteers at the pantry select food for recipients, resulting in the distribution of three to four big paper grocery bags for each family.

People may only visit the food pantry once a month. Additionally, the pantry is also able to distribute fresh milk, eggs, bread, meat and produce as provided by the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

Clients are asked to park their vehicles be-

The Landmark, April 8, 2020 hind the church or on the street and wait for a pantry volunteer to serve them. All the pantry is asking from recipients is a name and residential information.

Normally, the pantry, which serves around 180 families a month, is serviced by 80 regular volunteers. But, to avoid crowding, the pantry is keeping the number of volunteers around 10 each session.

“During times like this, it’s really important for us to think outside of just ourselves,” said Linnie Dumas, one of the pantry’s managers. “Eating is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

When people who have never had to come to a food pantry before are faced with the decision, it’s really important to us to be able to be there and help them out. It’s our mission.

Located at Faith Lutheran Church, 3801 Madison Ave., the pantry is open for pickup from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays, with families choosing which day to come.

For more information or to donate money, call 630-347-5390 or visit sharefoodsharelove. com.

dents an opportunity to help by donating relief items, including: Safety and sanitary items (toilet paper, paper towels, antibacterial hand soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and N95 masks); items to help with programming (art supplies, easy puzzles and board games, card games, DVDs, baking supplies); gift cards for food delivery from local restaurants; and cash gifts for meals.

For safety purposes, in-kind donations are being accepted by appointment only. To schedule a drop-off appointment weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., call 708-354-4547.

More information on donations can be found on CSS’ website at https://bit.ly/2XdiWAO. Jimenez says that for a number of group home residents, the quarantine is bringing up challenging conversations of safety and security.

“For some residents it’s hard, because they don’t quite comprehend why this is happening and why they can’t do things they could normally do,” she said.

Jimenez adds that local oversight, including from the mental health commissions at Lyons Township and Proviso Township, Social services have helped CSS remain flexible with due During the statewide stay-at-home order, dates of reports and other governmentCommunity Support Services (CSS), the mandated measures providing the current Brookfield/Cicero nonprofit serving those environment. with intellectual and developmental disabilCEO Diana Farina White said she wants ities, has been mandated to close its two day to reassure the community at large that CSS programs and reallocate many of its staff remains dedicated to keeping both its resito service those living in its eight group dents and staff as healthy and supported as homes, including two in Brookfield and two possible. in Lyons.

“We’re trying to be creative with little reAccording to Michelle Jimenez, vice sources on how we can make sure the resipresident of marketing and development, dents and staff are safe,” she said.

CSS has not faced any emergency needs for UCP Seguin, the nonprofit for individuals medical supplies or food, but is offering resi- with disabilities which services individuals across the Riverside/Brookfield area at its main Cicero location and in group homes throughout the area, is facing its own set of challenges during the coronavirus pandemic.

As ordered by the State of Illinois, all day programs overseen by UCP Seguin are closed through the beginning of May. Therefore, many of the organization’s day staff have been dispatched to provide additional care throughout the 34 group homes in the area.

Each group home is covered by a shift-exchange basis -something which, according to Joe Mengoni, vice president of adult residential and clinical services (and a North Riverside village trustee), is becoming challenging every day.

“Some workers are calling off because of fear of leaving home or needing to take care of their own families,” Mengoni said.

“We’re looking at maybe where we can plug in people who can PROVIDED STOCKED: Riverside Township’s food pantry serves resi- stay in those homes for a twoweek period of time, or the redents of the township through donations they receive mainder of this quarantine.” and from funds set aside in the township budget.

According to Mengoni, UCP

13

PROVIDED

STAYING PUT: CSS group home residents (left to right) James Drewitz, David Jacobson and Chris Smith share a meal at their home in Lyons. CSS is asking for meal donations for its residents as well as on-site staff during this time. Staff are working six days straight without seeing their families.

Seguin has had to raise wages for direct medical appointments (like dialysis) and care staff workers to encourage people to doing weekly grocery shopping trips for come to work, made more difficult by the seniors who do not have reliable transportafact that state-supported agencies like UCP tion or family around to help.

Seguin are not receiving the money they Volunteers, who typically do door-to-door regularly do. grocery service with seniors, Mengoni adds that the ushave shifted to taking grocery age of personal protective lists from its seniors and doing equipment, like face masks the shopping for them, placing and gloves, is “going through groceries outside their doors the roof.” Equipment is beand calling them from the car ing used constantly in the to tell them their groceries group homes, and the norhave arrived. mal flow of supplies are not Seniors are being asked to coming in and instead being leave cash or a check for their redirected to hospitals and groceries for drivers, or call emergency centers treating grocery stores to place orders patients with COVID-19. and pay over the phone.

“We’re trying to do the The volunteers come from a best we can,” he said. “Let’s small roster, rotating between DIANA FARINA WHITE stick together and hopefully, CEO, Community Support Services delivering groceries and mediwe’ll all get through this. It’s cations and transporting for a challenging time.” necessary medical appointTo help compensate staffments ers, secure protective gear Additionally, office staff are contacting regand medical supplies, UCP Seguin as cre- ular clients and doing wellness checks. ated a special COVID-19 emergency fund.

According to Executive Director Judy ManTo help donate goods or funds, visit bit. tel, PeopleCare has about 355 active seniors in ly/3aMr9zA. its system, with 30 percent of those living in area senior homes with their own set of dedicated services. Mantel says about 40 clients a Senior services week are receiving grocery delivery.

PeopleCare, the Riverside nonprofit “At PeopleCare, we take things very perwhich has spent the past 30 years support- sonally and we often times refer to our seing senior citizens and those homebound niors as ‘our seniors’ because we get really throughout Brookfield, North Riverside, protective of them,” she said. “During this Riverside and parts of LaGrange Park and time, we know it’s very scary, and that’s Lyons, typically provides services includ- why we’re reaching out and making calls ing transportation, shopping, visitation and because even though a lot of people may be caregiver support. talking regularly with family, when you can But during this time of social distancing talk with someone else, it’s more reassurand closures of places like banks and hair ing.” salons, PeopleCare has shifted its focus to For information on PeopleCare, call 708providing transportation to only essential 442-1223 or visit peoplecareinc.org.

“We’re trying to be creative with little resources on how we can make sure the residents and staff are safe.”

14

The Landmark, April 8, 2020

Opinion KOSEY CORNER

THE LANDMARK VIEW

In tough times, Signs say it all: We are stronger together communities step up

T

he COVID-19 pandemic has thrown everyone’s lives into uncertainty – from lost jobs and shuttered businesses to childcare challenges and fears for the health of loved ones. The prolonged stay-at-home order has everyone champing at the bit to get out and enjoy what ought to be the glories of spring.

And, yet, the forced isolation has motivated many people to think more broadly about this crisis and about what they might do to play a small part in getting us through all of this.

This week, reporter Bob Skolnik has written a story about just such local efforts to help people who are among those most at risk for being infected – healthcare workers who continue to show up every day to care not only for those who have been victims of the virus but others needing skilled care, like 11-year-old Maxx Kusper, who is waging a separate battle of his own in the ICU. Before we get to the effort to help healthcare workers, let’s take a moment to recognize the generosity, both monetarily and of spirit, shown by residents of Brookfield and other communities to the Kusper family.

Blue ribbons and signs may seem simply like good wishes, but can you imagine the impact seeing those examples of support must have on Maxx’s parents as they drive to and from visits to their son every day? It has to be nothing short of powerful and has to continue to fill them with the hope an entire community has for their son’s recovery.

Likewise the efforts by individual residents like Tim and Sue Pipal and those they have enlisted in their campaign to make face shields; Riia O’Donnell, who is sewing masks; and the Cadettes of Girl Scout Troop 50021, who are delivering good cheer through cards and cookies, might seem at first glance like a drop in the ocean due to the sheer number of healthcare workers there are, staffing hospitals, rehab facilities, nursing homes and clinics throughout the Chicago metro area.

But, the selfless acts, which have brought a measure of protection and comfort to hundreds of healthcare workers, stand in contrast to the at times stunningly callous response shown by the top leaders of this nation – their abdication of responsibility to protect the nation’s citizens unreservedly.

The efforts by community residents to fill whatever gaps that exist in protecting healthcare workers displays the kind of leadership and initiative required at this time.

Yes, its footprint might be small, but there many are others in our own communities and those around us engaged in the same kind of work.

They are using their time, when they themselves are challenged by circumstances, to make sure others are safe.

If what you’ve seen from your neighbors and fellow residents aren’t a silver lining in this very dark cloud of a moment, we really don’t know what is.

T

rying times bring people together, and these are trying times for all of us. The coronavirus does not pick and choose. It attacks and affects people in many ways.

For Sara and Jeff Baker it meant hitting upon an idea to unite people to be supportive of one other. And, now, their signs dot Riverside lawns, proclaiming, “We are stronger together.”

Sara Jisa Baker, born and raised in Riverside along with her husband, Jeff, are with Burlington Realty and they wanted to do something. It began with putting a sign in the window of the realty business on East Burlington Street.

“We work here and want to give back,” Sara said.”

But they wanted to do something more than just one sign. With the support of Judy Jisa and the staff at Burlington Realty, the couple chose the wording “We are stronger together” and 300 signs were printed up for distribution.

Word of the signs spread and soon all 300 signs had been distributed. In response, more signs will be printed. With the Bakers doing most of the sign posting, they admitted to putting some sign on friends’ lawns

at night with recipients being pleasantly surprised.

Sara Baker said their signs along with ones people are putting in the windows of their homes and businesses is an example of how the town she loves comes together in times of need.

Walkers will see a variety of things in windows -- gnomes, rainbows, flowers, children’s drawings, anything which will bring smiles to people’s faces. Sara believes this also shows the spirit of Riverside Facebook is an avenue to explore some of the ways your friends and neighbors are staying connected with you and still following the rules. For information on how to receive your own yard, sign contact Sara Baker at 708-567-5015. You never know what might appear on your front lawn.

What else can you do? Stay in, that helps. Wash your hands. Make a mask for yourself for if and when you go out. Simple instructions can be found online.

You don’t have to be a seamstress or a crafty person.

They’re easy to make and will give you something to do.

Thank you Sara and Jeff for reminding us … we are stronger together.

JOANNE KOSEY

LETTERS

Thank you for supporting Riverside Library Riverside residents cherish our local public library and have always supported its development. This was again demonstrated on March 17, 2020, when village voters passed, overwhelmingly, a referendum to finance the completion of our renovation plan for the lower level of our facility.

Your Library Board of Trustees carefully developed this renovation plan over a five-year period to update and improve services for our younger patrons, while maintaining the traditional and historic character of our overall facility.

The Riverside Public Library Board wishes to express our appreciation for the confidence and strong support the Library has received for this project. We especially wish to acknowledge our many “Friends of the Library” as well as the editorial support provided by the Landmark. Our renovated facilities will greatly enhance our ability to meet our patrons’ expectations.

Currently, our library services have been interrupted to comply with Gov. Pritzker’s stay at-home order as our state and nation work to combat the COVID-19 pandem-

ic. But we are ready to resume our services to the community as soon as we are permitted.

Please visit your library often in the coming months to take advantage of the many resources available to serve you, and to watch, with anticipation, the buildout of our lower level facilities.

Thank you again for your loyal support and for making our long planned renovation possible!

Joan Wiaduck , president Ken Circo, vice president Courtney Greve-Hack, secretary Michael Flight, treasurer Michael Hagins, trustee Jennifer Pacourek, trustee Patrick White, trustee

Riverside Public Library Board of Trustees

Local journalism is vital and needs support After over 30 years in government, I have had the privilege to know many great reporters and news outlets.

Sadly, I have seen many of them fold or get absorbed.

The “fourth estate” as it is termed, plays a vital role in

The Landmark, April 8, 2020

15

OBITUARIES

Esther C. Antuna, 88 Riverside homemaker Esther C. Antuna, 88 of Riverside, died April 4, 2020.

She was a homemaker who also worked as an assembler for a manufacturing company.

Ms. Antuna was the wife of Pilar for 68 years; the mother of Pilar (Mariane), Alberto (Loida) and Diana (Peter) Fernandez; the grandma ESTHER C. ANTUNA of Valerie, Emma, Alexis (Jesse) Kristen, Rachel, Kayla, Rebecca, Carli and the late Justin; the great grandma of Cade; the sister of Miguel Cabrera and Jesus Procel.

Services are private. Interment is at Fairview Memorial Park, Northlake.

Ivins/Moravecek Funeral Home, Riverside, handled arrangements.

Mary ‘Sharon’ Borkovec, 83 Former longtime Riverside resident Mary “Sharon” Borkovec (nee O’Rourke), 83, of Westchester; Fennville, Michigan; and a former longtime resident of Riverside, died March 31, 2020.

Ms. Borkovec was born July 23, 1936 and graduated from Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and St. Mary College in Notre Dame, Indiana, where she earned her nursing degree.

She was a housewife most of her life, raising her children and unconditionally supporting her surgeon husband. Ms. Bork-

LETTERS our society.

We do not always agree, but we are incredibly fortunate to have a great news medium in the Landmark locally. Having gone nonprofit recently, I encourage you to subscribe, advertise, donate and follow.

The best information is not always found on social media.

You do not always realize what you had till it’s gone.

Patrick Benjamin

Brookfield

Isolation reveals simple truths Waiting …

We know that we are all in this together, but has our isolation also sheltered us from our simple truths? The feeling in the air is

Patricia L. Hyde, 87

ovec was a devout Catholic, practicing her faith as a member of St. Basil Church in Michigan, St. John of the Cross in Western Springs and St. Mary Church, Riverside.

Ms. Borkovec loved caring for her family, picking blueberries, family parties, quilting, gardening and attending her “Book Bag” book club. Her family and friends will forever remember her for her love of God, love of life, for always seeing the good in people and for watering down ketchup.

She was the wife of Kent F. Borkovec M.D. for 60 years (married on June 27, 1959); the mother of Mary Susan (Maury) Jones, Brian (Mary), John (Kathy), David (Moira) and Dan (Laura) Borkovec; the grandmother of 15; the great-grandmother of four; the sister of Terry (Maureen) O’Rourke; and the daughter of John M. and Genevieve (Peters) O’Rourke.

Due to the COVID-19 virus, services will be private. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Interment is at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Saugatuck-Douglas MARY ‘SHARON’ Public Library, 137 BORKOVEC E. Center St., Douglas, Michigan, 49406 or the American Heart Association (www. heart.org).

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

The family encourages all to share their thoughts and condolences on Sharon’s obituary page which can be found at wwwconboywestchesterfh.com.

Catholic, Mr. Rosati was a dedicated member of St. Mary Parish.

After many years in the food supply business, the family patriarch went on to co-found Patricia L. Hyde (nee McQueen), 87 of Riv- Rosati’s Pizza Franchise with his brothers and children. In his free time, he enjoyed erside, died March 27, 2020.

Ms. Hyde was a retired school teacher in coaching Little League, and hosted many Cicero. She enjoyed going with friends to backyard ball games in the neighborhood.

Mr. Rosati had a true love for the game and performances of the Lyric Opera and Chiwill forever be one of the most devoted Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

She was the wife of the late Judge Louis cago Cubs fans. If he wasn’t on the baseball field, you would find him at the racetrack, J. Hyde. playing cards or in Door County, Wisconsin, Private entombment was at Queen of fishing on the Mink River.

Heaven Cemetery in Hillside.

To Mr. Rosati, no one was a stranger and Ivins/Moravecek Funeral Home, Riverlife was truly about the journey. He was funside, handled arrangements. loving, cheerful and his impulse was always to share whatever he had. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched. His presence and his love of life always brought joy, and his zest and vitality lit up every room.

He is survived by his loving family, wife Fred (Ferdinand) Thomas Rosati, a former Riverside resident who was co-founder Theresa Rosati (Cortina); children Regina Rosati, Stephanie Haack, Rick Roand patriarch of the Rosati’s sati, Michael Rosati (Kay Rosati), Pizza franchise, died March 30, Annamarie Bensfield (Joseph 2020 in Cave Creek, Arizona, at Bensfield), William Rosati (Joanne 102 years of age.

Rosati) and Jeffrey Rosati (Karen Mr. Rosati was born in ChiRosati); grandchildren, Holly Rocago on June 23, 1917 to Saverio sati, Bryan Maas, Melanie Masiand Anna (Mercurio) Rosati. He no, Samuel Rosati, Robert Rosati, had nine siblings, including JoSarah Cohen, Samantha Waterloo, sephine Pirro, Mary Ann Rosati, Lizzy Bensfield, Jake Bensfield, Joanne Czernek, William Rosati, Jimmy Rosati, Jack Rosati, Emily Richard Rosati, Ronald Rosati FRED T. ROSATI Rosati, Jay Rosati, and Allie Roand many nieces and nephews. sati; great grandchildren Alyssa He was preceded in death by siblings Alfred Rosati, Willie Rosati, and Mansfield, Josh Mansfield, Wyatt Rosati, Grace Rosati. Mr. Rosati was a World War Sloan Rosati, Benjamin Waterloo and Charles II veteran, serving in the U.S. Army from Cohen; and caretaker and best buddy Lukasz 1940-45. In 1946, he married Theresa and co- Mezyk.

Due to COVID19 restrictions there will be founded Tolona Pizza Products with family no visitation at this time. The family will have members.

In 1948, Fred and Theresa moved to River- a private graveside service for Mr. Rosati, and side to raise their seven children. A devout a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

that of waiting … for what? Maybe it’s more like a feeling of trying hard to carry on while you slowly realize that you are being stalked by a predator that you cannot see but who is most assuredly in the surrounding woods. A predator who may take you, your loved ones, your job, or at least your false sense of security.

You can see the effects of the arrival of this beast all around you and in the fear and suspicion in your neighbor’s eyes. But the beast itself is invisible … there … lurking.

Having spent a lot of time in my younger years in the woods, there is an undeniable feeling in the air when you realize that, while surrounded by beauty and nature, you are not safe.

I have felt this in the middle of the night camping on the side of a foothill as the fire crackles and the light flickers but brings no sense of ease. No respite from the dark that surrounds and shrouds the unseen but all too instinctively known danger.

I have felt it too as my family and I slowly walked through a dense, treetop covered and very silent thicket of woods. This time, the

stalker was not animal at all … something worse … or at least likewise unseeable.

The news drones on. Wash your hands!

The beast is all about and may come to you and yours silently but undeniably because of the slightest slip of your hygiene. Sing the deadpan hopeless birthday song in your head twice while you scrub the invisible stalker away and down the drain.

Social distance! We are all suspects and we are all potential victims. If you love me, leave me alone. Sure talk to me, have virtual meetings with me where we may find some solace that we are still here, but the unspoken topic is the unseen killer of today’s simple joys.

Don’t speak of the future too much! It’s just too painful to bear. The new normal has become the chatter at the virtual water cooler.

I think the new normal is that of the old, nothing new about it. We have just realized that despite all the years of “progress” we are all living on the edge of destruction at all times and we are all, regardless of income, race, or social standing, fully dependent

Retired teacher

Fred T. Rosati, 102

Co-founder of Rosati’s Pizza

upon one another and the earth herself.

In times like these and of old, we have our families. Cherish them now as we used to do more easily. Even though, we may not all be blood, we are all family. Take care, let the divisions subside, and recognize that we all want the same things and have the same needs. We have what we have always had – self-determination, grit, a pinch of hope, our skills, a bit of luck, and each other.

This is not new. My grandparents bought bonds and tended their victory gardens, while the “boys were giving them hell” during WWII. For us, for now, the hardest thing in the world to do … is nothing at all. We are to wait, help where we can, and never again forget the truth of this moment. We are all in this experiment of life together and interconnected. This beast may die but more will come after.

We must return to this humble and simple truth. We are one.

Adan Pope Riverside

16

The Landmark, April 8, 2020

BOND

‘Not helping police’ from page 5 Those prisoners then must be taken by a police officer to a hospital, where emergency room waits have skyrocketed, and wait with them before getting medically cleared and then returning them to bond court, possibly after having to house them again in the local lockup another night.

“This is not helping police,” said Weitzel in a phone interview last week. “Officers are dealing with prisoners who could be contagious, transporting them in their squad cars

and having to house and feed them. … I’m open to any alternative.”

In his letter to Evans and Foxx, Weitzel asked that police command staff be given the latitude to give personal recognizance bonds to offenders arrested for most offenses. He suggested that offenses exempt from that procedure include murder, attempted murder, criminal sexual assault and kidnapping.

“Those charges would have to be reviewed by the State’s Attorney’s Office and go to bond court,” Weitzel wrote in his letter. “These are extraordinary times and we need to use extraordinary measures to stop the spread of coronavirus, so I ask that you take this under immediate review and give the police chiefs in Cook County guidance immediately. This issue is far beyond me as the police chief in

Riverside.”

While he hasn’t heard back from the chief judge, Weitzel said he did receive a call from Cheryl D. Ingram, presiding judge of the Cook County Circuit Court’s Fourth District, which operates out of the Maybrook courthouse.

Ingram suggested the possibility of using the video conference app Zoom to hold bond hearings virtually, with prisoners attending the hearing from the local lockup.

While Weitzel said that might be an improvement, the setup got a lukewarm response from North Riverside Police Chief Carlos Garcia, whose police station serves as the central lockup for villages belonging to West Central Consolidated Dispatch (WC3), including Riverside, North Riverside, Brookfield and McCook.

“The time constrictions are the same and there are manpower issues,” Garcia said. “You still need a guy to conduct the hearing in the lockup, you still have to transport paperwork to Maybrook and a [prisoner] to Cook County Jail. “I don’t know if it’s a solution, because we’re having to hold a prisoner a little longer.”

With Circuit Court judges over the past four years opting to allow low-level and some felony-level offenders to remain free on personal recognizance bonds while awaiting trial, Weitzel said allowing police commanders the temporary ability to make those judgement calls made sense.

“I am in no way asking for carte blanche,” Weitzel said. “Let’s start to execute some commonsense issues and protections for police officers, who are on the front line of this battle.”

Public ServiceAnnouncement Announcement Public Service

1 HANDS Wash them often 1 HANDS Wash them often 2 ELBOW Cough into it 2 ELBOW Cough into it 3 FACE Don’t touch it 3 FACE Don’t touch it 4 FEET Stay more than 3ft apart 4 FEET Stay more than 3ft apart 5 FEEL Sick? Stay Home 5 FEEL Sick? Stay Home Visit: Visit: www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public for more information for more information

Sports

@RBLandmark

The Landmark, April 8, 2020

17

The On Deck Podcast is out now!

Local basketball stars highlighted

By JAMES KAY Sports Editor

In case you missed it, I have launched a sports podcast for Growing Community Media that will cover local sports through audio storytelling and reporting. The goal is to capture stories that can’t be told through print or digital journalism. Right now, there are three episodes available and two are related to teams that the Landmark covers in our sports section.

While the spring sports season suspended for the time being, you can get your local sports fix by finding The On Deck Pod on Apple Podcasts or PodBean. If you have ideas for future episodes, you can email them to ondeckpodmailbag@gmail.com.

Episode Two: One on one with Tricia Liston Tricia Liston left Fenwick in 2010 as one of the best basketball players the program had ever seen and has her number (32) retired at the school.

In this episode, Liston discusses her time adjusting to playing at Duke and how difficult the process was going from college to the WNBA. Since the WNBA has to work around contracts its players have with teams overseas, Liston and other prospects coming out of the draft had to miss their college graduation

ceremonies to be at training camp.

“Honestly I don’t think I ever really did [get the chance to process the life change she made going from college to the WNBA],” said Liston. “It was an extreme roller coaster of emotions going from your college career ending sooner than you wanted it to and losing to a team that meant a little bit more to lose to. And then you go to the WNBA draft and then you have maybe a couple of days before you go to training camp before you even graduate college. It was definitely a crazy time and you don’t have the time to process those emotions.”

Like most WNBA players, Liston had to split time between the WNBA and Europe to make enough money as a professional athlete. She details the process of what it is like to play a sport in a foreign country and how she worked with former athletes with the transition she had to make after retiring from the WNBA in 2016.

“You kind of take a step back and for me, and I am sure most girls feel this way, you don’t really know what’s next,” said Liston during the interview. “It’s not because you haven’t found it, but for 20-something years it was basketball. Having to kind of take that step back of, ‘Okay what does my life professionally look like?’ It’s hard. It’s really hard to find what’s going to keep you ticking the way basketball did.”

Episode Three: One on one with Paul Zilinskas

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

NATURAL SCORER: After Bulldogs’ Paul Zilinskas (No. 10) played his senior year at RBHS, he was rewarded with a scholarship by Quincy University where he will get a chance to flash his offensive prowess.

Zilinskas was 6 years old when he and his mother moved to Chicago from Lithuania. He faced the challenge of adjusting to a new culture and trying to catch up with his peers from an educational standpoint.

“In school, everyone seemed to know what they were doing, and I felt kind of lost since the communication was different for me,” said Zilinskas. “I really wanted to fit in at the time because I felt lost and didn’t know what I was doing at the time. As I got older and I went through elementary school, I started to feel more comfortable and I got some friends. Basketball was the thing that got me more friends at school, which was a really good barrier to kind of break through.”

Zilinskas’ mother, Vilia, was a professional basketball player in Lithuania before she decided to move her and Paul’s life to the United States. She trained him with her vast knowledge of the game and ended up writing a book called, “Basketball Can Change Your Life: A Comprehensive Guide for Coaches, Parents, and Students of the Game.”

He discussed how his mom instilled in him that basketball is more than just what

FILE

SHARPSHOOTER: Former Fenwick star Tricia Liston (No. 32) turned out a solid career in basketball from beyond the arc. She joins James Kay in the second episode of The On Deck Pod. happens on the court and how he was able to take that complete skill set to RBHS after playing at Richards High School for three years.

Two weeks ago, Zilinskas accepted a scholarship from Quincy University to play basketball for them next year. At Quincy, he will get an opportunity to do what he does best: score the basketball.

“Quincy Coach [Ryan] Hellenthal mentioned to me that they really needed a scorer and a shooter ... a player of my type,” said Zilinskas. “I think that’s where I kind of fit into the rotation. During my visit, I got to play with the guys and the whole team in a scrimmage, and I think I fit in well in that short time period, which is what the coaching staff said also. I felt like I was a part of the team, and it was just really fun to get along with the guys, play with them and show what I can do.”

18

The Landmark, April 8, 2020

RBLANDMARK.COM New local ads this week

WEDNESDAY

CLASSIFIED

HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI

Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

Place your ad online anytime at: www.RBLandmark.com/ClassiďŹ ed/

YOUR WEEKLY AD

REACHES SIX SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES: OAK PARK, RIVER FOREST, FOREST PARK, BROOKFIELD, RIVERSIDE, NORTH RIVERSIDE, AND PARTS OF CHICAGO

Please Check Your Ad: The publisher will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion.

Wednesday Journal Classified must be notified before the second insertion.

The newspaper reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement.

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 | BY E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@RBLANDMARK.COM HELP WANTED FOOD SERVICE WORKER – TEMPORARY FT SUMMER The Hephzibah Children’s Association Summer Day Care program is accepting applications for a Food Service Worker to be a full time seasonal employee in our program that runs from June 8th through August 14th. The days and hours are Monday through Friday, from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm.

Responsibilities include preparing and serving snacks and lunch, maintaining established standards of food safety, keeping kitchen, lunchroom and equipment in good and sanitary condition, and meeting all required reporting requirements.

Requirements include: High school diploma or equivalent Quantity cooking experience Food Sanitation Manager Certification (or willingness to obtain by June 8th) Contact: Amy O’Rourke – Director of Day Care at: aorourke@hephzibahhome.org Equal Opportunity Employer.

NETWORK SPECIALIST The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Network Specialist in the Information Technology Department.

The ideal candidate will need to be knowledgeable and capable to apply the principles and procedures of computer systems, such as, data communication, hierarchical structure, backups, testing and critical analysis. Hardware and software configuration of computers, servers and mobile devices, including computing environments of Windows Server and Desktop OS and applications, Unix/Linux OS, VMware, IOS/ Android. Network protocols, security, configuration and administration, including firewalls, routers, switches and wireless technology. Cabling and wiring, including fiber network, telephone, serial communication, termination, and punch-down.

Telecommunications theory and technology, including VoiP, serial communication, wireless protocols, PBX, fax, voicemail and auto-attendant. Interested and qualified applicants can visit our website at http://www.oak-park.us/ for more details.

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

MAINTENANCE PERSON WANTED American Security in Forest Park is seeking an experienced Maintenance Person to work part-time Mon-Fri, 4-6 hours p/day.

SUMMER SEASONAL STUDENT EMPLOYMENT The Village of Oak Park has openings for the 2020 Summer Seasonal Student Employment. Opportunities are in the Engineering, Water & Sewer, Streets Division, and Fleet & Forestry Divisions. Interested applicants must be 18 years old and actively enrolled in a post-secondary academic program. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www. oak-park.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

$17 - $20 p/h, based on your experience and abilities.

You must live within 20 min of 15th & Harlem.

Job Req: Vehicle, Cell phone w/ texting, no criminal record.

Responsibilities: Building repairs and maint, basic electrical & plumbing, light cleaning, & a variety of other tasks.

Email your resume to jobs@ americansecurityservices.com or call 708-383-6969 ext. 240 M-F 9a-5

PRESCHOOL ASST DIRECTOR & TEACHER HAPPY KIDD’S WEST INC. We are looking to hire 2 positions: Daycare preschool assistant director teacher qualified and a teacher position. Flexible hours. Associates Degree or credited ECE hours.

Total college credit is a minimum.

Candidate must be fun loving and friendly, and an energetic individual who is knowledgeable in daycare action and DCFS protocol. Degree and experience will determine your hourly salary. Call 708-484-8188 or fax resume to 708-484-8616.

SUMMER PART TIME SEASONAL HELP The Hephzibah Children’s Association Summer Day Care Program is accepting applications for the following part time seasonal opportunity in our summer program that runs from June 8th through August 14th.

Youth Development Specialist – Greeter: Two-hour shifts Monday through Friday from either 7:30-9:30 am or 4:00-6:00 pm. Provide care and supervision of the children. Responsibilities include supervising indoor and outdoor free play, greeting and welcoming parents and children and serving snack. Requirements include H.S. diploma or equivalent and experience working with children.

Contact: Amy O’Rourke – Director of Day Care at: aorourke@hephzibahhome.org Equal Opportunity Employer.

SITUATION WANTED EXPERIENCED CAREGIVER Experienced caregiver licensed in compassionate care seeking employment within a home environment. Salary negotiable. Please call Ms. Tate at 708-691-2770

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT

COMMERCIAL RETAIL SPACE

DOWNTOWN OAK PARK SUBLEASE We are looking to sublease our beautiful, spa-like office. Our office is already set up and is available for sublease in downtown Oak Park.

This office is perfect for a physician, anesthetist, masseuse, and/or acupuncturist. Space is available immediately. Please contact us for pricing and to schedule a tour of the office.

Ask for NikI. 708-613-4417 Nikimoreno33@gmail.com

A RETAIL SPACE FOR LEASE IN STRIP MALL: 1600-1635 Sq Ft. *315 S. Harlem Ave. and Madison St. area - Forest Park, IL. *Very Good Condition-Recently Updated. *Formerly a Cleaners. *Heavy foot/road traffic area. *End space. 45-Space Parking Lot! *For more details; Serious Inquiries ONLY: *EMAIL: poppygator@yahoo.com *CALL/TEXT, at: P.B. (708)250-7997 Or: D.B. (708)828-6491

THERAPY OFFICES FOR RENT Therapy offices for rent in north Oak Park. Rehabbed building. Nicely furnished. Flexible leasing. Free parking. Free wifi; Secure building; Friendly colleagues providing referrals. Shared waiting room; optional Conference. Call or email with questions. Shown on Sundays.

Lee 708.383.0729 drlmadden@ameritech.net

SUBURBAN RENTALS

M&M property management, inc.

708-386-7355 • www.mmpropmgt.com 649 Madison Street, Oak Park Contact us for a complete list of available rentals throughout Oak Park and Forest Park.

Apartment listings updated daily at:

The Forest Park Public Library has set up a phone line to assist Forest Park. Give us a call to talk with library staff. We can help you get a virtual library card, assist with library resources, connect you with job/ business resources, and much more.

Call 708-366-7171 Monday – Friday 11 am – 5 pm Or leave a message at any time.

More info at fppl.org.

AUSTIN CLEAN ROOM With fridge, micro.

Nr Oak Park, Super Walmart, Food 4 Less, bus, & Metra. $116/wk and up.

773-637-5957

Residential Commercial Industrial Licensed Bonded Insured Free Estimates ¡ Veteran Owned

Drives Walks Patios Stamped Concrete Curbs/Gutters Garage Floors Foundations Parking Lots Water Control

devegaconcrete.com ¡ 708-945-9001

MAGANA

C O N C R E T E C O N S T RU C T I O N “QUALITY IS OUR FOUNDATION� ESTABLISHED IN 1987

COMMERCIAL ˜ INDUSTRIAL ˜ RESIDENTIAL

708.442.7720

ITEMS FOR SALE

'5,9(:$<6 Â&#x2021; )281'$7,216 Â&#x2021; 3$7,26 67(36 Â&#x2021; &85% *877(56 Â&#x2021; 6,'(:$/.6 612: 3/2:,1* Â&#x2021; 67$03(' &2/25(' $**5(*$7( &21&5(7(

LENOX CHINA 5 piece place settings Lenox china, Tuxedo pattern

FREE ESTIMATES LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

WATERFORD GLASSES Colleen pattern, 2 water goblets, 2 wine glasses, 5 double old fashioned glasses IRISH CARDIGAN Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s size large.

708-386-6160

CUSTOM ACRYLIC

WANTED TO BUY Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue.

Or call us toll free at 1-833-440-0665 for an appointment.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Call the Library Help Line

ROOMS FOR RENT

CEMENT

Get a Virtual Library Card The Forest Park Public Library has many great online resources available to Forest Park community members. We offer ebooks, streaming movies, digital magazines, Lynda. com, language learning, Ancestry.com, and much more. All you need is a library card! Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a card or need to renew your card? We can help!

Sign up at fppl.org/templibrarycard, email askus@fppl.org, or call 708-366-7171 (Monâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Fri 11 amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;5 pm).

If we arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t there, leave a message.

WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, ďŹ&#x201A;ags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; lead, plastic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; other misc. toys.

Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

PETS While youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re away, your pets are okay . . . at home

cat calls

Oak Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Original Pet Care Service â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Since 1986

Daily dog exercising Complete pet care in your home )PVTF TJUUJOH t 1MBOU DBSF Bonded References

524-1030

Attention! Home-improvement pros!

Reach the people making decisions - your target demographic.

Advertise in Wednesday Classified.

Call 708/613-3342

FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.

New hardwood ďŹ&#x201A;ooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured.

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

The Landmark, April 8, 2020

RBLANDMARK.COM

CLASSIFIED Ceiling Fans Installed

A&A ELECTRIC

Let an American Veteran do your work

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

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

GARAGE DOORS

HAULING

Our 73rd Year

Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery. 708-848-9404

Garage Doors &

Smart Door Openers

Sales & Service Free Estimates

(708) 652-9415 www.forestdoor.com

HANDYMAN

BASEMENT CLEANING

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

708.749.0011

CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE

PLASTERING

Drywall Repair • Painting Fans Installed • Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning • Window Repair

McNulty Plastering & Stucco Co.

FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small

708-488-9411

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

Small & big work. Free estimates.

Complete Plaster, Stucco & Re-Coating Services

708/386-2951 • ANYTIME Work Guaranteed

Licensed, Bonded, Insured, & EPA Certified Expert craftsmanship for over 50 years

PUBLIC NOTICES

708-296-2060

VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD 8820 Brookfield Avenue BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS 60513 LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

HANDYMAN

The Village of Brookfield will be accepting proposals for providing:

Roofing Repairs Concrete Repairs • Drywall All types of handiwork Call For Free Estimates

773-637-0692 Ask for John

HEATING / AIR CONDITIONING HEATING AND APPLIANCE EXPERT Furnaces, Boilers and Space Heaters Refrigerators Ranges • Ovens Washer • Dryers Rodding Sewers Lic/Bonded 25 yrs experience

FREE SERVICE CALL WITH REPAIR AND SENIOR/VETERAN DISCOUNT.

708-785-2619 or 773-585-5000

(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 467-9066 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@RBLANDMARK.COM

PUBLIC NOTICES

ELECTRICAL

Professional Services for Demolition of 4006 Blanchan Avenue Specifications, general information and proposal forms are available in the Office of Community Development, Village of Brookfield, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513 Sealed proposals will be accepted until 12:00 P.M., Friday, April 24, 2020, at the Village of Brookfield Administration Building, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois.

Nothing herein is intended to exclude any responsible firm, or in any way restrain, or restrict competition.

All responsible and eligible firms are encouraged to submit proposals.

The Village reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, to waive informalities or technicalities in any proposal, and to accept the proposal which it deems to be in the best interests of the Village.

Published in RB landmark 4/8/2020

Starting a new business?

Call the experts before you place your legal ad!

Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice here.

Call 708/613-3342.

19

ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Notice Is Hereby Given To the legal voters of The Town of Riverside in the County of Cook and the State of Illinois, that the Annual Town Meeting of said town will take place on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 Being the second Tuesday of the month At the hour of 6:01 P.M. at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, IL for the transaction of miscellaneous business of the said town; and after a Moderator having been elected, will proceed to hear and consider reports of the officers, and decide on such measures as may, in the pursuance of the law, come before the meeting; and especially to consider and decide on the following: Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Election of The Moderator, Approval of the Minutes from the Last Annual Town Meeting, New Business, Setting the date for the next Annual Town Meeting, and Adjournment. .

Liane J. Blauw, Clerk Riverside Township Dated: March 18, 2020 Published in RB Landmark 04/01/2020

RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given to the legal voters of Riverside Township that the Town Board has drafted a Tentative Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the 2020 – 2021 fiscal year. Copies of said budget and ordinance are available for inspection during regular business hours, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Township Office at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, IL 60546. A hearing on the Budget and Ordinance will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at 5:45 p.m. in the Riverside Town Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, IL. Liane J. Blauw Clerk, Riverside Township March 14, 2020 Published in RB Landmark 04/01/2020

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR TRUMAN 2016 SC6 TITLE TRUST Plaintiff, -v.EDILBERTO V. VERZO, MARCELINA C. VERZO, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2019 CH 05533 300-302 NORTH CUYLER AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 23, 2020, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 27, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 300-302 NORTH CUYLER AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-08-107-0090000 The real estate is improved with a multi-family residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-19-04111 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2019 CH 05533 TJSC#: 40-655 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2019 CH 05533 I3148307

TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR FFMLT TRUST 2005-FF11, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005FF11 Plaintiff, -v.BRIAN HOLLOWAY Defendants 19 CH 00561 125 SOUTH LOMBARD AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 23, 2020, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 24, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 125 SOUTH LOMBARD AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-08-302-0150000 The real estate is improved with a yellow vinyl siding, one story single family home with a detached two car garage.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite

1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 268445 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 19 CH 00561 TJSC#: 40-595 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 19 CH 00561 I3148758

to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 267501 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 18 CH 12736 TJSC#: 39-8007 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 18 CH 12736 I3149364

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION SELENE FINANCE LP Plaintiff, -v.LARSENIA HORTON, NEIL SMITH, ASSURANCE RESTORATION & CONSTRUCTION, INC., PRAIRIE HOUSES OWNERS ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 18 CH 12736 14 DIVISION STREET, # 14 OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 16, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 20, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 14 DIVISION STREET, # 14, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-127-0480000 The real estate is improved with a brown brick, three story townhouse with an attached one car garage.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal-opportunity basis.

Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals.

To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.

Wednesday Journal • Landmark • Forest Park Review

20

The Landmark, April 8, 2020

21 E. BURLINGTON ROAD, RIVERSIDE | MYBURLINGTONREALTY.COM | 708.447.7207

475 Shenstone Rd, #102, Riverside $152,900

2341 Hainsworth Ave, North Riverside $219,000

276 Lionel Rd, Riverside $375,000

428 Loudon Rd, Riverside $425,000

539 Selborne Rd, Riverside $439,000

192 Waubansee Rd, Riverside $549,900

74 Woodside, Riverside $599,999

465 Uvedale Rd, Riverside $645,000

172 Maplewood Rd, Riverside $649,900

294 Northwood Rd, Riverside $650,000

82 Lawton Rd, Riverside $745,000

133 Scottswood Rd, Riverside $765,000

321 Delaplaine Rd, Riverside $825,000

181 N Delaplaine Rd, Riverside $949,995

329 Scottswood Rd, Riverside $1,059,000

WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Visit us at www.atproperties.com/agents/Burlington to view all of our properties and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and updates on the local real estate market.