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RIVERSIDE-BROOKFIELD

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Health

Spring 2026

A Special Advertising Section

Wellness and

Guide

$1.00

Special section

Vol. 41, No. 14

April 15, 2026

ANGELA DOLEZAL

Page B1

Volunteers cleaning up Salt Creek this weekend Join the Salt Creek Watershed Network on Saturday morning By STELLA BROWN

COURTESY OF DISTRICT 96

Reasons for Dolezal’s District 96 departure remain murky Former director of teaching and learning denies claims in anonymous letter

By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter

The details of the abrupt departure of former Riverside School District 96 director of teaching and learning Angela Dolezal continue to be murky.

An anonymous letter purportedly sent to each member of the board of education last June noting that “the teachers have no confidence in her ability to lead the District,” along with other performanceSee DOLEZAL on page 9

Staff Reporter

Volunteers are coming together this Saturday for the Salt Creek Watershed Network’s annual spring cleanup within the Salt Creek Woods Nature Preserve. “Every spring, between Earth Day and the end of the month, we organize the neighborhoods along the Salt Creek. The watershed starts up in Palatine, but it runs through, obviously, one of the busiest or most densely populated parts of the Chicagoland area and the country, so it accumulates a lot of stuff along its way,” said Scott Saacke, a a member of the group’s board. Environmentally inclined residents of the region will gather in two teams Saturday mornSee SALT CREEK on page 11

Follow us on Instagram! @riversidebrookfield_landmark Top stories, local government, features, events, dining, art, and sports right at your fingertips!

The Landmark, April 15, 2026

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The Landmark, April 15, 2026

IN THIS ISSUE

Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 General Manager Max Reinsdorf Staff Reporter Stella Brown COURTESY OF A STUDIO ARCHITECTS

This rendering shows what the proposed Eight Corners Restaurant at 3415 Maple Ave. could look like.

Developers want 8 Corners bar and grill to anchor community he said. “We play softball once in a only 30 parking spots, 26 in an on-site lot plus ‘We just want it to be one own,’” while in Brookfield, and there’s the Cordial four street parking spots out front, while vilthat’s also over there, and we kept on driv- lage code would dictate the site have 59 parkbig, happy place,’ says Inn ing by this lot about five or six years ago. We ing spots. “There was testimony given at the planlike, ‘It’s a beautiful view of the skyline. Kent Mills, half of the were ning and zoning commission that, when you What’s going on with this lot?’” Mills said he and Farnan reached out to the look at the Eight Corners neighborhood and developing duo village with their idea, which included a roof- the on-street parking, we know there’s a lot,”

By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

This isn’t the first rodeo for Kent Mills and Mark Farnan, the local developers seeking to turn a vacant lot at 3415 Maple Ave. into a sports bar and grilled called the Eight Corners Restaurant. “Mark and I met as commodities traders at the Chicago Mercantile, I would have to say late ‘90s. We traded for about 15 years, and then the floor shut down,” Mills told the Landmark. “I live in Countryside. Mark lives in LaGrange Park. A lot of my friends that I went to high school with — Lyons Township, I went to — we’re all still friends, and they were friends with Mark, so we always stayed in touch.” In the years since, the pair have backed several bars, including one in Hodgkins, one in Countryside and even one in Naples, Florida, Mills said. “We had an idea. We were like, ‘Alright, you know what? We’re getting older, and maybe it’s time to grow up a little bit and start our

top seating area from the start, and quickly heard back from staff with the affirmative. He said the developing duo would not be onsite in the restaurant’s day-to-day operation, instead opting to hire a couple of local restaurant workers to manage their staff, though they’ll stay involved on the financial side. “We’ll each have an office there, but we’re going to be hands-off,” Mills said. He said they hope to feature live music, trivia nights and golf simulators to attract guests during off-peak hours. “We’re just trying to bring everyone together at a good, safe place,” he said. “We want everyone to be comfortable, but we also want them to enjoy what we built.” The plan for the development went before the village board for initial discussion at its committee of the whole meeting Monday night after the planning and zoning commission unanimously recommended the proposal, including several variations from village code in regard to signage and parking, on March 26. At the committee meeting, Village Planner Scott Viger said the current site plan included

Viger said. “The feeling of staff, certainly the petitioners and the [PZC], was that the parking variation was acceptable based on the proximity of such a large number of onstreet cars.” He said the petitioners are working with the owners of Tischler’s Finer Foods for a possible agreement to allow extra parking in the grocer’s lot, which directly borders the now-vacant site with a fence. Some trustees said the existing parking plan, which would have visitors either enter or exit the on-site lot through the one-way alleyway that starts south of the Citgo gas station and connects to Monroe Avenue, would necessitate new signage so drivers don’t try to enter from Monroe. The developers and their architect, Alexander Kozionnyi of A Studio Architects, said they may implement valet parking to ease the visitor experience. Otherwise, the village board seemed supportive of the proposal and agreed to put the code variations up to a vote at their next board meeting on April 27.

Senior Audience Manager Stacy Coleman Contributing Editor Donna Greene Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial & Digital Design Lead Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls Marketing & Advertising Associate Emma Cullnan Legal Notices Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner EMAIL jill@oakpark.com Operations Associate Susan Babin Social Media and Digital Coordinator Maribel Barrera Senior Advisor Dan Haley

HOW TO REACH US PO Box 6670, River Forest, IL 60305 PHONE: (708) 442-6739 E-MAIL: dhaley@newswellchicago.org ONLINE: www.RBLandmark.com The Landmark is published digitally and in print by NEWSWELL. The newspaper is available on newsstands for $1.00. A one-year subscription costs $57 within Cook County and $95 outside the county. Advertising rates may be obtained by calling our office. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS 0019-585). Postmaster send address corrections to Landmark, PO Box 6670, River Forest, IL 60305. © 2026 NEWSWELL

The Landmark, April 15, 2026

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How do you want to hear from Riverside? Village wants to know The village is seeking resident feedback through the end of April

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By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

Are you satisfied with the way Riverside communicates important inforCall us at 708-447-5092 to learn more mation? Whether the answer is yes, about sheltered care and memory care no or sort of, the village wants to hear at Caledonia Senior Living. CaledoniaSeniorLiving.org from you. “What we’re trying to figure out is what people like, what they want to see more of, how to further engage the community, and in what ways they are Proudly Presents na, where all the ladies in the neighborhood have accessing information,” said Village ager assistant, Annelle, Truvy styles the hair of Manager Jessica Frances. st lady of Chinquapin, Clairee Belcher, local The survey is available online reer woman M’Lynn, and her daughter Shelby, through Riverside’s website and will wn, but the joy and excitement of her wedding stay open through the end of the riad of health complications. As the women of month, Frances said. It asks residents hey ﬁnd comfort (and a fair amount of verbal what kind of communications they er. want to see more of from the village, what kinds they see too often, the best ways to reach people and what would Prices make someone want to subscribe or follow the village. Right now, Riverside staff make use of several avenues to reach the public, Frances said. over 60 years “There are residents that only utilize our newsletter. There are some that By Robert Harling only subscribe to our E-Flash. There Fridays and Saturdays 7:30pm • Sundays 2:30pm are some who get their news through you all at the Landmark. Some watch Scheck 12 Village Commons, North Riverside and under Directed by Karen Levin Riverside TV, and then you have our For tickets, visit www.nrplayers.com or call the number below. socials and YouTube,” she said. “There are multiple ways in which we try to Truvy Jones runs a successful beauty salon in Chinquapin, Order tickets by phone engage with residents. Part of this surLouisiana, where all the ladies in the neighborhood have a standing ne at vey is to try to figure out what the best Scan for info! Saturday appointment. Along with her anxious and eager assistant, ways are.” Truvy styles the hair of many of the women about town: She said the village makes efforts Group ratesAnnelle, available for groups to post online and keep hard copies of wealthy widow and former ﬁrst lady of Chinquapin, Clairee Belcher, of 10 or more for same date its newsletters, too, for residents who local curmudgeon Ouiser Boudreaux ("I'm not crazy, I've just been in

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might not have internet access or the ability to download the digital newsletter, where staff share information at the village, township and county level, thanks to the work of Emily Stenzel, the village clerk, and Kit Wiberg, the communications and marketing manager “Emily has taken a further step, as has Kit, of collaborating with the township, the school district and the library of sharing information. That also goes into different sustainability measures that the board adopted with regards to the Road to 2050 plan,” Frances said. While the village updates residents about upcoming events and other news, Frances said not all communications have to be forward-looking. “Our history posts are one of our top items [on social media], and residents also enjoy the nature pictures that Kit works diligently on,” she said. The village also features residents’ photos, she added. Frances said she believes the village is doing a good job already due to the breadth of people who engage with its communications. “We have individuals that subscribe and follow our social media and our E-Flashes that don’t even live in Riverside. We’ve gotten calls before from people in other communities asking about a particular post, so either we have to unfortunately tell them that’s just for Riverside residents, or we’ll direct them to the right county agency,” she said. Riverside is seeking feedback because staff have learned that residents are “incredibly engaged,” Frances added. “We saw it when we put together the master plan for parks and recreation. We got a statistically valid survey. It looks like we will have pretty close to a statistically valid survey for the feedback we’re getting for this communication survey,” she said. “We’re always getting a lot of responses, which is great, because we want that feedback.”

The Landmark, April 15, 2026

Riverside’s economic commission seeks community The EDC is planning to start a series of coffee chats this summer

Spring A Time for Change

By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

Riverside’s economic development commission wants to connect local business owners with village officials and staff through a series of coffee chats. “One of the ideas that one of the commissioners surfaced was the idea of having a regularly scheduled coffee session with the business community where we could gather around a table and talk about issues and topics that are relevant and important to the business community,” said Larry Forssberg, the chair of the commission. “At the same time, [we could] have a representative not only from the EDC but from the village board and village staff.” The chats would allow residents and business owners a chance to speak directly with the local officials who shape Riverside’s economic policies, he said. “[It’s] a first-hand opportunity for everyone to hear what are the optics of importance, what is it that we need to work on or focus on as a community,” Forssberg added. “We thought this would be a great opportunity to bring the business community together, because that’s not something that we’ve done on an ongoing basis.” He noted that Riverside has its Chamber of Commerce, which brings member business owners together for meetings every few months. Arrick Pelton, who is the president of the Chamber, “serves on the EDC and serves as the voice of the Chamber at our commission meetings,” Forssberg said. “That’s a wonderful thing, but we thought we would take this to another level by inviting all the businesses and the community to participate.” He said the commission — which consists of himself, Pelton, Peter Boutsikakis, Sara Burcheri, Paul MacNerland, Perry Montgomery and Tom Orgler — hopes to finalize the details of the program at their upcoming meeting in May, with plans to host the first coffee chat in June. “We don’t want to let this idea slip away, but we want to make sure we do it right the

pring arrives with quiet insistence, softening the ground and coaxing stubborn buds into bloom. The air shifts, lighter, filled with Scott possibility, as if the McAdam Jr. world is rehearsing renewal. In much the same way, a family business changes when the next generation steps forward to lead. What was once rooted in tradition begins to stretch toward new ideas, technologies, and perspectives. The older generation, like winter, does not vanish but recedes, offering wisdom beneath the surface. Meanwhile, the younger leaders test their instincts, learning when to preserve and when to prune.

FILE

first time and build a foundation that we could rest upon for many years to come,” he said. For those unfamiliar, the EDC is an advisory group that meets every other month to discuss matters related to retail businesses, commercial development and sales tax revenue in Riverside. “The village board will send us issues or topics that are going on, that they’re looking for some feedback on, and we provide that feedback. We have a diverse group of commissioners,” Forssberg said. “Our focus is basically on business recruitment and retention for the community and making sure that momentum for the local business community is continuing to trend upwards.” Forssberg has been a member of the commission since 2020, he said, when thenVillage President Joe Ballerine tapped him

to fill a vacant seat. “COVID was shutting everything down, and there were massive concerns about how small businesses were going to survive, especially restaurants. I have experience in economic development through my work, so I thought I should share my knowledge and expertise,” he said. “[Ballerine] asked me if I would volunteer, and that’s how I got involved. I thought it was a good fit.” Later on, he became the chair of the group when the previous chair had to step away due to personal circumstances, he added. “It was hard to deny that,” he said. “It was a natural transition to step up to that role, but we have a lot of talented people on the EDC. Any one of them could step into the role as chair and do a great job. They’re all very committed.”

Mistakes can happen, just as late frosts threaten blossoms, yet growth continues. Customers notice subtle differences: a refreshed look or a different voice. Still, the core remains intact, nourished by years of care. Spring teaches that change is not an ending but a continuation. As seasons turn, so too does leadership, ensuring that what was planted long ago continues to thrive in new and unexpected ways for years ahead. We are excited for the future as McAdam, like spring, moves into the next generation of leadership.

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The Landmark, April 15, 2026

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NEWSWELL Chicago publications earn 43 awards in annual contest Landmark, Journal, Austin Weekly, and Review have strong showing By DAN HALEY Interim Editor

The news and design staff of Wednesday Journal, Austin Weekly News, Forest Park Review and Riverside-Brookfield Landmark has won 43 awards in the 2025 Illinois Press Association editorial contest it was announced last week. The wins crossed categories of hard news reporting, features, special projects, photography, page design and websites. The Review topped the list of winners with 14 awards, nine of those for Jessica Mordacq, a staff reporter for both the Review and the Austin Weekly News. In addition to recognition for news, government beat and business reporting, Mordacq was honored for her obituary on Dorothy Gillian, a longactive Forest Parker who died in 2025. Mordacq is also appreciated for winning what the old-timers here are certain is the organization’s first-ever Agriculture Reporting award. That was for her coverage of Opportunity Knocks making an agreement with the Village of Forest Park to use land at the Altenheim for its very small farm/very

large garden. Austin Weekly was recognized for its investigative work on West Suburban Medical Center, as well as notable features and obituaries. The twice-annual West Side Magazine was honored among special sections. The Riverside-Brookfield Landmark earned 11 wins, five of them for the work of Stella Brown, staff reporter. In addition to news, government, business and features, the Landmark received notice for its annual Answer Book special, for overall page design and for best website. Wednesday Journal won 13 awards for a range of news and features including features by Gregg Voss, Jessica Mackinnon and Bill Dwyer. Ken Trainor won for his original columns, and the Viewpoints section he edits was honored as one of the top editorial page sections. The Journal also was recognized for photography, page design and its website. The paper’s annual Answer Book and the 2025 Election Guide were honored among special sections. The paper’s Juneteenth section was recognized for Distinguished Coverage of Diversity. In June, the press association will host its annual conference, which includes the announcement of the final placement in each category. Also at that luncheon, General Excellence in various circulation categories and the overall Sweepstakes trophies will be awarded. A year ago, Mordacq and the Review won the David B. Kramer trophy for the top small circulation paper in the state.

The Landmark, April 15, 2026

Local journalism matters. That’s why we made a bold decision to protect its future. The RB Landmark is now part of NEWSWELL, a nonprofit journalism organization that provides resources, technology, and long-term support to community newsrooms across the country. This partnership strengthens our foundation while keeping everything that matters the same. Our newsroom remains local. Our staff remains in place. Our commitment to this community is unchanged. With the added support of NEWSWELL, we are better positioned than ever to continue delivering the independent, communityfocused journalism our readers rely on. Same mission. New chapter. Stronger future.

All donations support local operations.

The Landmark, April 15, 2026

Brookfield will provide free compost 22 cubic yards of soil amendment will be available the first week of May

By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

Brookfield is set to provide 22 cubic yards of free, finished compost that will be available for residents to take home in the first week or two of May. Village trustees were supportive of the initiative at Monday night’s committee of the whole meeting after Jennifer Dowd, a member of Brookfield’s conservation commission, pitched the pilot program, which will cost the village only $500. The compost will live in a pile north of the recreation shed where Kiwanis Park meets the parking lot behind village hall. Residents will be able to access the compost and take as much as they want as long as supplies last. Trustee Katie Kaluzny passed her fellow board members bags of finished compost as Dowd, who is also a founding board member of the nonprofit Illinois Food Scrap & Composting Coalition, made her presentation, explaining the benefits of providing residents with compost. “Finished compost helps soil to retain water, so for all of us with big puddles in front of our houses, having compost that we put on our lawns and on our plants will help reduce flooding. It adds nutrition to the soil for growing plants and trees,” Dowd said. “When people talk about having a compost pile in the village, there’s a lot of, ‘Oh gross, it’s going to smell bad. What are we doing? Why are we thinking of having a pile of this?’” she added. “I want to hold the pile and show everybody this is a really, really rich soil amendment. You mix it in with dirt, and it provides nutrition to our soil. It is not gross. It does not smell bad.” Finished compost, which can include organic waste, yard waste and food scraps, is treated in a way that breaks it down fully and kills pathogens, resulting in a stable, earthy-smelling final product, Dowd said. The plan is for the compost to be delivered in the first week of May so that residents can access it during International Compost Awareness Week from May 3-9. The afternoon of May 9, Brookfield will host a “BYOBucket” event where residents can learn about the benefits of finished compost before bringing it home. “This has been really well received in

COURTESY OF THE VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD

An East Dundee processing facility for Green Soils Management, which will provide Brookfield with 22 cubic yards of compost in May, is pictured. [other] communities, and we’ve coordinated this whole International Compost Awareness Week perfectly with Project N.I.C.E.,” Brookfield’s annual beautification event, Dowd said. “Should our residents not take every last grain of compost from the pile, the village can then use it and incorporate it into the work of Project N.I.C.E. two weeks later.” This year, Project N.I.C.E., which stands for Neighbors Involved in a Clean Environ-

ment, will take place May 16 in partnership with the Salt Creek Watershed Network. Green Soils Management, which will provide the compost, tests it for contaminants and certifies it, Dowd said. She said the program plays into Brookfield’s sustainability plan by creating healthier gardens and encouraging residents to start composting if they don’t already. “Food scraps are actually a really valuable resource, and when we throw our food

scraps away in the garbage, they get taken to a landfill, and when they decompose, they are creating a part of the climate problem that we have because of the methane that’s released,” Dowd said. “When food scraps go to compost, they don’t create that methane. There’s a very small amount that gets made, but way less than we’re dealing with in landfills. Just to note, the average American throws out, doesn’t use, wastes a quarter of the food that they purchase.”

The Landmark, April 15, 2026

DOLEZAL

No resignation letter from page 1 based concerns, was not the reason for Dolezal’s departure Supt. Martha RyanToye told the Landmark. The Riverside-Brookfield Landmark made a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for that letter, and Dolezal’s presumed resignation letter. The district provided the former, but Ryan-Toye noted in the FOIA response “that this anonymous letter was not the reason for Angela Dolezal’s resignation.” As for the resignation letter, Dolezal said Monday she did not provide one, which was corroborated by Ryan-Toye. When asked if the resignation was verbal, RyanToye said, “I’m not going to comment on the details regarding her process.” When asked if the district required a formal letter of resignation for legal reasons, Ryan-Toye said, “Not necessarily.” The school board approved Dolezal’s resignation at a special meeting March 26 that lasted less than five minutes. Board president Wesley Muirheid declined to speak on the record about the matter Monday. A handwritten note purportedly from Muirheid at the bottom of the anonymous letter, signed “Wesley,” noted it was received via U.S. Postal Service on June 13, 2025.

Multiple concerns The anonymous letter accused Dolezal of “verbal fights with staff members” and said she allegedly “spent money on the CKLA program last year only to have to buy another version this year,” apparently referring to the Core Knowledge Language

Arts curriculum. Further, it claimed she members regarding complaints about Anallegedly “ordered a principal to let go the gela. Martha wanted our insight regarding Hollywood/Central librarian so she could these complaints.” hire her friend.” A bulleted list recapping that meet“You need to do your due diligence and ing noted that “these letters did catch the look into her hiring practices,” the letter board’s attention” and that Ryan-Toye stated. “Also, our current contract states “said she is going to work with Angela rethat there will be no more Professional De- garding the complaints in the letters and velopment. This was led other concerns we have by Angela. … Some Union discussed.” members are Riverside/ Ryan-Toye is planning Brookfield tax payers (sic) to retire in 2027, and and we are demanding Dolezal recently was a fisome answers.” nalist for the superintenIn a prepared statement dent position at Oak Park Monday, Dolezal denied School District 97 but the claims. was not selected. By a 5-0 “The anonymous letter board vote, with two memshared with the Board bers absent, that board contains false statements approved Terri Bresnathat are without merit han, superintendent of Community Consolidated and do not reflect my School District 59. Prior leadership, my integrity, to her tenure at District or my longstanding com96, Dolezal was principal mitment to students, staff at Longfellow School in and district improveANGELA DOLEZAL Oak Park for 13 years. ment,” she said. Former D96 administrator The REC email noted “I unequivocally reject that, “We told Martha that the allegations contained members are worried that in it and remain deeply Angela may be replacing proud of the student-cenher when she retires. Antered, systems-level work gela is interested in bewe advanced in District 96 to strengthen teaching, learning and sup- coming superintendent, but Martha feels port for every child. Out of respect for the the board will do a full search for the best professional relationships that continue candidate.” LaForge and King would provide no furthere, I do not intend to comment further.” ther insight on the anonymous letter nor email. REC email recounts superintendent meeting the“The REC will not be commenting on An email purportedly sent by Riverside this,” they said via email Friday. When asked if Dolezal’s resignation was Education Council union co-presidents Claire LaForge and Rachel King to their related to her application for the District members on June 25, 2025 noted that they 97 superintendent’s position, Ryan-Toye “had a meeting with Martha regarding an was clear that it was not after the March 26 anonymous letter sent to all seven board special board meeting.

“I unequivocally reject the allegations contained in (the anonymous letter) and remain deeply proud ... of the work we advanced in District 96.”

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The Landmark, April 15, 2026

SALT CREEK

Weekend cleanup from page 1 ing. Those traveling by water to skim it for trash will meet at the Bemis Woods North footbridge at 7 a.m. while those collecting litter by land will meet at the bridge at 9 a.m. “It’s really improved over the years as far as the trash, but there are still hotspots that are going to be bad: anywhere near major roads, where a bridge crosses the river,” Saacke said. The number of volunteers taking to the creek in kayaks and canoes has grown to about 20 in recent years, Saacke said. “They’re digging up tires, all kinds of stuff that is right along the creek,” he said. “The fact that there are tires that are found every year is a little bit depressing.” The meeting place is accessible via Wolf Road between Ogden Avenue and 31st Street in the unincorporated Forest Preserves of Cook County area that is south of Westchester, west of LaGrange Park, north of Western Springs and east of Oak Brook. After finishing their task of cleaning up the area, the volunteers will come back together for a barbecue lunch. Saacke said people of all ages, especially youth groups, are encouraged to participate, making a compounding difference on the country’s waterways while learning about the history of the area. “It’s a solid creek, but it’s actually a huge tributary to the trash problems that will wind their way into the Des Plaines River, and then eventually into the Illinois River and down the Mississippi River to other cities,” he said. “Whatever we get early has got a huge multiplying effect of what it saves that [would] become other communi-

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Members of the Northern Illinois Canoe and Kayak Club kayak down the creek in 2021. ties’ problems down the stream. … It’s all connected.” As a more involved volunteer with the organization, Saacke said he’s preparing to wake up at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday so he can set up signs directing others and ensure the event goes smoothly. Sometimes, the group’s efforts to clean the creek extend beyond the day of the event, Saacke added. “We take a look at where the trash is located, and if it’s near a business or an industrial area … then we’ll talk to either the community, the municipality, or in some

cases we’ll go into the business, not to confront the owner but to tell them what we’re doing and ask them about the challenges,” he said. “Sometimes, that works, and sometimes, it’s like talking to a brick wall, but it’s a follow-up thing. It’s really gratifying to see it get better.” The Salt Creek Watershed Network has been around since 1998, and Saacke said the annual spring cleanup is its biggest event each year. He said he was “roped into it” by a neighbor more than a decade ago and has slowly increased his dedication to the group over time.

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Saacke said getting out into the world with other people, both like-minded and from different walks of life, excites him the most about the event. “Just being out in this time of year and having a feeling that you’re doing something, even though it feels small but really isn’t. There’s a lot of fulfillment out of that, too, and it’s always fun to see it come together. It always does, no matter the weather,” he said. “We’ve had snow; we’ve had driving rain, but if you’re out there moving around, and you’re doing something like that, it still feels good.”

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The Landmark, April 15, 2026

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STEVE JOHNSTON

Leyden and Lyons Township’s varsity teams line up before their game on the newly dedicated Stacy Ann Baker softball field at Lyons Township, April 7, in Western Springs.

Field of dreams now a reality for LTHS softball Stacy Ann Baker Field dedicated following donation from brother By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

In honor of his younger sister, Mike Baker hit a home run that will benefit the Lyons Township High School softball program for years. The Stacy Ann Baker varsity softball field envisioned with his $3 million donation was officially dedicated, April 7, at the south campus in Western Springs. Stacy, a 1985 LTHS graduate, softball standout and Brookfield native, died in a car accident at age 32 on July 23, 1999. “I wish I could have done this when she was playing,” Baker said at the dedication. “My father (John) loved softball and that’s why my sister was in softball. However,

thinking about it and actually doing it are two different things because you need the money.” Mike Baker, a 1979 LTHS graduate now living in La Grange, has worked at the high school since 1993. He’s currently one of two supervisors for WLTL 88.1 FM, the schooloperated radio station. “Yes, I’ve thought about (this field) for a long time,” Baker said. The vision began taking shape during the summer of 2023. Baker viewed the previous south campus softball diamond with 1985 LTHS graduate Gianna Galanti and Laura Scafidi, two of Stacy’s softball teammates, for input and ideas. Baker first approached the District 204 school board in August, 2023 and LTHS principal Dr. Jennifer Tyrrell the following month. Galanti threw the dedication’s ceremonial first pitch. “It was kind of surreal because (Stacy) See BAKER FIELD on page 14

The Landmark, April 15, 2026

P O L I C E

R E P O R T S

Brookfield man arrested for domestic battery Brookfield police on April 2 arrested a 34-year-old Brookfield man for domestic battery. Around 9:15 p.m., officers responded to the 4300 block of Maple Avenue for a report that someone had knocked someone else out inside a residence. Police made contact with the caller, who said a man had struck them in the face; officers observed a bruise there. Someone else said the man had struck them with a closed fist. Officers entered the residence, where someone provided them with video footage of the initial incident. In the video, the man engaged in a verbal argument before punching someone in the face, causing them to fall to the ground before getting back up and throwing a chair at the man, who then charged at the person, choked them and punched them repeatedly. Officers found the man in the living room, which police said was in disarray with broken chairs and paper scattered throughout. The man told police he had been watching a movie at home when someone came out and yelled at him for smoking near the doorway due to the rain, but he said they did not get into a physical altercation. He admitted to consuming alcohol earlier that evening and expressed concerns about people being after him, police said. The man said he had acted in self-defense after someone threw a chair at his head, but officers did not observe obvious signs of injury. Police arrested the man and transported him to lockup at the Berwyn Police Department, where the man said someone he didn’t know had been breaking into his home and torturing him, according to police. Someone signed a complaint against the man for domestic battery, and police said a court date for the man would be set later.

Missing headlight, expired license Brookfield police ticketed a 30-year-old DeKalb man on April 3 after his car wasfound to be missing a headlight. Around 7:50 p.m., an officer was heading north on Maple Avenue on patrol when

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they observed a black southbound car missing a headlight. The officer made a U-turn and followed the car until it turned west onto Ogden Avenue before activating their squad car’s emergency lights. The car turned into the parking lot at the intersection of Ogden and Raymond avenues. The officer approached the driver, explained the missing headlight as the reason for the traffic stop and asked for the man’s license and proof of insurance. After running the man’s driver’s license, the officer learned it had expired. The officer charged the man with driving with only one headlight and for driving on a license that was more than a year expired. The officer set an April 21 court date and let the man go on his way. These items were obtained from the Brookfield Police Department reports dated March 30 to April 5; they represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

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The Landmark, April 15, 2026

BAKER FIELD Tribute to sister from page 12 would have liked to play on (this field) for sure,” she said. “In my mind, it was a done deal. It was just a matter of when it was going to happen and what it was going to look like. We don’t have many things at LT that have names on it. (Mike’s tribute) makes it just so much more memorable.” Galanti and Scafidi were among Stacy’s numerous teammates and coaches from LTHS, travel softball, and rec leagues during and after high school. A video tribute to Stacy included memories and stories from the pair. STEVE JOHNSTON “Her laugh. She had like a snort when Principal Jen Tyrrell thanks Mike Baker for the donation for the Stacy Ann Baker you got her going,” Galanti said. “She was softball field. just so alive. You’d be outside your locker in school and she’d just be-bop up and be once before – the previous day in a 13-3 loss box and its own lighting, making it even like, ‘Hey, what are you doing?’ She was re- to Montini. With construction still ongo- more attractive for postseason events. ally fast, athletic, great sense of humor.” ing, the Lions’ home and season opener, “It’s definitely a step in the right direcStacy was a pitcher and center fielder for March 19, instead was played at the Ball tion for our program. It’s super-cool to see the Lions. She was named Most Valuable Park at Rosemont. a family dedicate something so big and Player and earned a softball scholarship to “(LTHS players) told me they like this have faith in us to perform,” LTHS senior Northern Illinois. field better than Rosemont,” Baker said. shortstop Ava Jacklin said. 1985 LTHS graduates Laura “Especially for someone who (Wood) Mesmer, Stacy’s catcher, has played at that old varsity Amanda Zayner and Susan Svehla field, it’s awesome. A little and 1986 graduate Michaeleen bit of rain (there), we’d be Nutley also attended. Mesmer, canceled for the whole day.” Zayner and Nutley grew up in Senior Maddy Pieroni hit Brookfield. the Lions’ first home run at “(Stacy) was a great person and the field against Leyden, a a great friend. I always went to her two-run shot to dead center birthday parties when we were litin the first inning for a 2-2 tle,” Mesmer said. “What an amaztie. ing thing for Mike to do.” “I was ecstatic. With the Nutley teaches at Ogden School new fences I’m going to be in La Grange and is the longtime honest, I didn’t think it was softball coach at Park Junior High going to go over and it did,” in LaGrange Park. Pieroni said. “All of the fans “As a teacher in District 102 and were in the stands, it’s a feelseeing my former players on the ing I’ve never felt before. It field, this has been an amazing almost felt professional to sight to see,” Nutley said. “We’re me and not a regular high super-happy to see all of this and school game.” STEVE JOHNSTON very proud of Stacy and the conAt the time of her death, tribution she made to the softball Mike Baker receives a copy of the plaque that will make the field Stacy was preparing to run world.” from Superintendent Brian Waterman. her first Chicago Marathon The dedication preceded the that October. Mesmer said Lions’ 10-3 victory over Leyden Stacy was buried in the because Scafidi is the Eagles’ var“The stands in Rosemont are much bigger. purple dress she had purchased for a Y2K sity assistant coach. The 1986 Oak Park and (But) they were talking about the field.” party for New Year’s Eve 2000. River Forest graduate became high-school Besides beautiful turf, there’s the stateGalanti was among the group that ran friends with Stacy through the same travel- of-the-art video scoreboard in left field. ing team. There also are upgraded bleachers, a press the 1999 marathon in Stacy’s honor wearing commemorative T-shirts. Friends also Current Lions only had been on the field

STEVE JOHNSTON

Gianna Galanti delivers the ceremonial first pitch to Julia Ahrens began raising funds integral in establishing the high school’s Stacy Ann Baker Memorial Scholarship. That’s awarded annually to a female LTHS senior in extracurricular activities based on outstanding character, citizenship and integrity. From 1995 to 2010, Baker also worked three jobs to gain further funds. “Because of those three jobs, because of other people I worked with, I was fortunate enough (to get the money),” Baker said. Galanti also worked at LTHS for decades and retired in 2023. As an LTHS softball player, Galanti recalled before one game how she as first baseman bleached only the left side of her hair, pitcher Stacy dyed the middle and third baseman Carrie Tucek bleached only the right side – all to the bewilderment of then-head coach Deb Snead. “I don’t know who came up with it. It was probably Stacy,” Galanti said. “When you put us all together (bleached), we covered the whole infield – our way of saying we’d take care of the infield.” The new field should create many more memories for the Lions. “I love how you get a view at all of the other sports (like baseball, tennis). We were kind of secluded in that (southwest) corner,” Pieroni said. “Also it brings the energy up. We have a whole new field and we’re dedicating our sport to Stacy Baker and their family for all of their kindness and dedication. It’s almost like we want to play for them as well.”

The Landmark, April 15, 2026

OBITUARIES

Betty Paisker, 95 Lifelong resident of Brookfield Betty Lou Paisker (nee Fern), 95, a longtime Brookfield resident, died on April 3, 2026. Born on Oct. 28, 1931, in Chicago, she was baptized at St. Andrew Lutheran Church on Nov. 29, 1931. From her earliest days, Betty’s life was firmly rooted in faith, family, and love for others. She attended Luther North High School, graduating in 1950. It was not long thereafter that she met a handsome World War II veteran and the love of her life, Bohumil “Bob” F. Paisker. The two were married in 1954 and shared a deep and devoted partnership for 67 years, marked by loyalty, fondness, and steadfast companionship, until they were separated by death in 2021. After building their home in Brookfield in 1961, she became a devoted member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brookfield, where she was an active participant in the Altar Guild, Bible classes, and choir. Motherhood became one of her greatest joys. She enrolled her son Scott at St. Paul’s Lutheran School, where she faithfully supported every school event and operetta — often sewing many of the costumes by hand. In 1978, they purchased their family home in La Grange Park, where she lived the remainder of her life. She worked during her early years of marriage for Exxon Mobil and later served as an executive assistant at Marsh & McLennan. She was known for her strong work ethic, professionalism, reliability, and quiet competence. Upon her retirement, she cared for her four grandchildren and the tradition continued with her grandchildren attending St. Paul’s where she volunteered reading to the kindergarten and first-grade classes. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion, faith, compassion, and unconditional love. Betty was the wife of the late Bohumil F. Paisker; the mother of Scott (Jessica) Paisker; the grandmother of Zachary (Sofia) Paisker, Lauren (Alec) Muscarello, Hailey Paisker and Max Paisker; sister of

the late Arlene (the late Richard) Scully; and aunt of Tiffany (Kyle) Kinder, Michael Paisker and Brian Paisker. A visitation was held on April 13 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brookfield, interment at Bethania Cemetery, Justice. Memorials appreciated to St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 9035 Grant Ave., Brookfield, IL 60513. Arrangements were handled by Hitzeman Funeral Home Ltd. 9445 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513.

Christine Janiak, 83 Kissy Grandma Christine Marie Janiak (née Kuras), 83, lovingly known as “Kissy Grandma,” died peacefully on March 30, 2026, in McHenry. Born on Oct. 28, 1942, in Chicago, her life was marked by her unwavering faith and dedication to her church community. She had a knack for bringing joy to others, whether through cooking delicious meals for loved ones or sharing a laugh with friends and neighbors. Her sense of humor was infectious; she’d do almost anything for a laugh. She had a passion for thrift shopping and could always find treasures in unexpected places. She delighted in the simple joys of life, creating lasting memories with those she held dear. Her adventurous spirit extended to being a “partner in crime” with the neighborhood moms during her children’s upbringing. Her nickname captured the warmth and affection she showered upon everyone. Her passing leaves a void but also a legacy of love, laughter, and faith that will continue to inspire. Christine was the cherished daughter of Michael and Pauline Kuras, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her children, Kevin (Nikki) Janiak and Susan (Steve) Silhavy; her five grandchildren, Alex (Kyle) Collman, Courtney (Alex) Silcott, Kali (Zachary) Kaminski, Emma Janiak, and Daniel Silhavy; and her two great-grandchildren, Owen and Vivian Collman, with another great-grandson expected soon.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 24 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 9445 31st Street, Brookfield. Mass will be celebrated on April 25 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Louise de Marillac Church, 30th and Raymond, La Grange Park. Interment private at Resurrection Cemetery in Justice.

Elizabeth Squires, 95 Former Brookfield resident Elizabeth E.A. Squires (nee Schneider), 95, of Downers Grove, formerly of Brookfield, died on April 7, 2026. Born on July 26, 1930, she was the wife of the late Lloyd A. Squires; the mother of Richard Sevik, Robert Pedersen and the late Mary Elizabeth (late James) McMillan; and the sister of Carol (late Elbridge) Zwiers and the late Herman Schneider Jr. Visitation on Tuesday, April 14, 9:30 am until time of service, 11 a.m. at JohnsonNosek Funeral Home. Interment private. Arrangements were handled by Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home.

Gerald ‘JT’ Tarbox Entertainer, voiceover artist Gerald Alan “JT” Tarbox, 74, died peacefully on April 10, 2026, in Chicago. JT was a talented on-air radio personality and voice-over artist, known for his smooth and mellifluous voice. He was also a gifted artist, singer and actor. He is survived by his wife, Beverly Tarbox (née Hicks); his son, Nico Tarbox; his brothers-in-law, David Richards, Robert (Grace) Hicks, Blaine Daugs, and Jeffrey (Laurie) Daugs; his sister-in-law, Cheryl (Robert) Browne; and many extended family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Tarbox; his mother, Mildred Tarbox (née Hartwig); his stepmother, Gertrude Tarbox (née Klucznik); and his brother, James (Janie) Tarbox. JT’s life was deeply rooted in faith; he embodied Christian love and will be fondly remembered by his church families at Sts. Peter and Paul and Trinity Lutheran Church for his kind and loving nature, his generosity, and his delightful sense of humor. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 16 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services 9445 31st St., Brookfield. Mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 17 at 10 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Lutheran Church, 250 Woodside Road, Riverside. Private Inurnment at Mt. Emblem Cemetery, Elmhurst. Memorial contributions may be made in JT Tarbox’s honor to: Saints Peter and Paul Lutheran Church, 250 Woodside Rd, Riverside, IL 60546.

Kenneth Frait, 74 Roofer Kenneth Frait, 74, of Brookfield, died on April 9, 2026. He owned a roofing firm. Kenneth was the brother of Larry (Diane) Frait, Linda (Dan) Moss, Deb (Steve) Mathews, Patti (Terry Chatton) Brooks, and Laura (Bobby) Barnes; the uncle of Justin (fiancé Bethani Hincherick) Frait, Kyle (Lindsay) Frait, Colin (Kasey) Moss, Katie (Mike) Brazee, Brian (Michelle) Brooks, Becky (Spencer) Whitman, Zach (Dina) Mathews, Mallory Mathews, Jason Mathews, Alex (fiancé Margaret Boos) Kvasnicka, Briana (Alvaro de la Paz) Kvasnicka, Jeremy (Corinne) Kvasnicka, Brett Kvasnicka and the late Eric Frait; greatuncle of Emmett Frait and Melia, Cruz and Talon Hincherick, Brooke, Brynn, Luke and Jay Frait, Harper and Ella Moss, Eli, Lily, Noah and Ivy Brazee, Andrew Mathews, Dylan Hernandez and Joseph Whitman, Jackson and Nora Brooks, and Emerson O’Dea (Kvasnicka) and Grace Marie de la Paz. He was the son of the late Robert G. Frait and Adeline M. Frait (nee Komarek). A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date, with interment private. Arrangements were handled by Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 9445 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513.

The Landmark, April 15, 2026

Sports

Maietta runs, leaps to success during annual RBHS Relays Five seniors among Bulldogs’ girls track titles; boys throwers win 4x100 RBHS boys track and field

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Senior Sophia Maietta has progressed well for the Riverside Brookfield High School girls track and field team since adding long and triple jump last season. On Saturday, the four-year team member added another new experience – winning at event at the program’s annual Bulldog Relays. Maietta led off the all-senior 4x200-meter relay team with seniors Kira Hanson and Rebecca Dosek and junior Siri Streng (1:53.00) that won by .82. “That was our first win this year and it felt really good,” said Maietta, who ran the first leg. “It was a pretty exciting race. I was in second passing it off and then we made our way up. (Winning) was really nice. It was nice to see that they could finish it through and be tough competitors.” The Bulldogs had five senior titlists and nearly won the team championship. They were a close second to Morton 83-81. Dosek was a member of all three winning relays and senior Addie Vaia and Hanson two each. The 4x800 with Vaia, freshman Natalie Moran, Dosek and junior Elizabeth Moran (10:15.21) ran an impressive time well ahead of last season’s pace. The 4x400 with Hanson, Dosek, Vaia and senior Claire Shadduck won in 4:20.99. Also taking second were junior Ava Alfaro in triple jump (9.05 meters/29 feet-8 1/4 inches), Natalie Moran (1,600 in 5:36.05) and the throwers 4x100 relay of seniors Renata Casey and Hannah Richter and juniors Avery Long and Erica Hill (1:13.55). Finishing third were Maietta in long jump (4.59m/15-0 1/4) and triple jump (8.83m/28-11 3/4) and senior Carley Freeman in shot put (7.73m/25-4 1/2) and discus (20.00m/65-7). Sophomore Aileen Rivera finished third in high jump on a tiebreaker (1.32m/4-4). “I just started long and triple jumping last year so I’ve definitely gotten a lot of experience,” Maietta said. “This year has been a really good year so far.” Maietta and Alfaro both achieved personal bests in triple jump and Maietta added a season best in long jump. The two also run cross country. RBHS head coach Lillian Holubek said they were encouraged to try jumping last year based on their sprinting. Maietta also was part of a fourthplace 4x100 Saturday. Maietta started with long jump and added triple jump right before the 2025 Upstate Eight Conference Meet. She went a solid 28-9 3/4 and competed at sectionals (25-9 1/4), where she

STEVE JOHNSTON

Riverside-Brookfield’s Sophia Maietta competes in the triple jump during the Bulldog Relays, April 11, in Brookfield. was 11th in long jump with her personal best of 15-9 1/2. “I literally learned (triple jump) in a week and I marked all three (at conference). I was really proud of that,” Maietta said. “I want to break 5.0 meters (16-5) and maybe place at sectionals.” Alfaro enjoyed her best mark in triple jump by beating her 27-2 1/2 three days earlier. Alfaro competes in long jump and oftentimes the 400 and was part of a fourth-place 4x800 Saturday. Like Maietta, Alfaro began with long jump and gradually added triple. “I would say we always encourage each other when we’re jumping and make sure that our marks and right before warmups,” Alfaro said. “I still want to improve my 400. I still want to continue improving my triple, maybe around 9 meters (29-6 1/2). And especially at sectionals try to place.”

Senior Nick O’Connor and his fellow RBHS boys throwers ran unopposed in their 4x100 relay at the Bulldog Relays. Their victory still proved to be sweet – and delicious. By finishing in under 60 seconds, O’Connor, seniors Kevin Zuniga and Kaiser Zubek and sophomore Lucas Mota (56.04) were rewarded with a full pizza from the concession stand by RBHS head coach Travis Trevizo. “He was going to give us two but most of us were full after one. Kevin could have kept going,” O’Connor joked. “(Trevizo) said he was really excited for the throwers relay. He really wanted to see us run.” The Bulldogs finished fourth (52 points), 1.5 points behind third-place ACC. The 4x200 relay with juniors Ben Weisman, Jayden Lee and Issaih Gaytan and senior August Favarula (1:38.11) and 4x400 with seniors Emmitt Olson, Clayton Dosek and Quinn Hendricks and junior Bryson Reum (3:39.67) both were second. Taking third were senior Cooper Sahlas (5.66m/18-7 in long jump), junior Kyle Haas (300 intermediate hurdles in 50.10), the 4x100 (Weisman, junior Bryan Rimpila, Lee, senior Jayden Karas in 46.63) and the 4x800 (Olson, Dosek, sophomore Levi Huffman, Hendricks in 8:46.22). The throwers 4x100 ran their race with a heat of the girls 4x100. “We wished some other teams brought enough throwers because while we were throwing, we were kind of realizing a lot of the teams had only two, three guys, not enough for a relay,” O’Connor said. “But it was still fun.” An individual state qualifier in wrestling, O’Connor still is considering the sport in college while enjoying his final track season. His anchor leg was among the highlights of the race. “Everybody was making fun of me, saying I was running weird,” O’Connor said. “I can admit, (my knees) were really high. My strides were short and my legs were moving really fast.” Weisman is among the Bulldogs’ returnees from last year’s sprint relays at the 2025 sectional. Weisman, who was seventh in the 100 Saturday (12.60), was most encouraged by the 4x200 and his leadoff leg. “There’s still things we need to improve on, but overall it was a good race,” Weisman said. “It was the best race of the day for me. Towards the end, I usually die and but I think I finished strong. I think technique-wise, I’ve definitely gotten better coming out of the (starting) blocks and my handoffs have been doing good, too.”

S P O R T S

The Landmark, April 15, 2026

RBHS boys lacrosse builds on historic strides of 2025 New coach Headley has huge senior group; LTHS seeks more success

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Senior Xavier Mrozik-DeJesus and his Riverside Brookfield High School boys lacrosse teammates enjoyed one giant step for the program in 2025. The Bulldogs won their first postseason game in the program’s four-year varsity history by beating Brother Rice 19-0. “It gave all of us a ton of confidence coming into the season,” said Mrozik-DeJesus, a 2025 honorable mention all-stater who will play Division I lacrosse at Mercyhurst (Erie, Pa.). “(Now) we want to make a run in sectionals. I hope to lead by example and show the team that we can still fight with some of the best teams in the area.” The Bulldogs are 3-3 with an enthusiastic lineup led by 14 seniors and new head coach Justin Headley, who grew up with the sport in Maryland and played lacrosse locally at Concordia. Richard Dosek and Jason Kaumeyer are assistant coaches. The degree of the Bulldogs’ B.I.T.E. (Belief, Integrity, Togetherness, Effort) will set the tone. “(Team goals are) define a new culture under a new head coach, set the standard for the younger players and have a successful enough regular season to earn a firstround playoff bye,” Headley said. “(Our keys are) working through adversity, understanding that losses do not define us, striving to be 1 percent better lacrosse players every day and having fun and making lifetime memories. You play relaxed, you play well.” The Bulldogs have won their last two, beating St. Francis 17-8, April 8, and Brother Rice 10-7, March 28. After an 0-2 start, the Bulldogs beat Oswego 19-1, March 25. Other seniors include Troy Alvarez, Benjamin Buoscio, John Evans, Luke Ferguson, goalie Patrick Galloway, Andres Gasca, Peter Laube, Ayden Lumsden, Warren Mason, Damian Nieves, Jacob Retana and Eddie Schook. Mrozik-DeJesus, Ferguson and Galloway are team captains. “Grit and physicality (are strengths). We know how to win and what a great team is supposed to look like,” said Ferguson, a short-stick defensive midfielder. “Staying together and not losing focus (will be keys).”

After beating Brother Rice, RBHS lost to Downers Grove co-op 18-1 in the 2025 sectional quarterfinals and finished 11-7 against more competitive opponents to build upon their program-best 11-6 record of 2024. Mrozik-DeJesus was second on the Bulldogs in goals (37) and assists (9), caused a team-best 21 turnovers and was third in ground balls (43). He was honorable mention all-sectional after being all-sectional in 2024, his first season at RBHS after transferring from Fenwick. Other 2025 statistical leaders included Galloway (145 saves, .686 save percentage), Nieves (15 ground balls, 12 caused turnovers), Mason (21 ground balls, 12 caused turnovers), Schook (5 assists, 21 ground balls) and Retana (28 ground balls). “Team chemistry is a strong suit for us because we have been playing together for so long,” Mrozik-DeJesus said. “Discipline and consistency (will be keys) because those two will keep us fighting through the lows and keep us soaring at the highs.”

faceoffs, 53 winning percentage) and allconference sophomore midfielder Danny Brooks (23 goals, 7 assists), who is injured this season. Also returning from the 2025 roster for third-year head coach Charlie Kidder are seniors Quinn Conniff, Henry Gale, Ian Guerrero, Max Hartford, Lawson Krueger, Jonas Magpayo, Jack McKerr, Nathan McMullen, Charlie Nederhouser, Aidan Possley and Joey Newcomb, juniors Conor Carolan and Charlie Remus and sophomore Caleb Strnic. Seger and McMullen are co-captains. Brooks and returning senior Michael Aylesworth will be managers. “It’s a well-rounded athletic team that excels in all aspects of the game with a willingness to go the extra mile to win,” McMullen said. “We have retained a lot of guys from our state run last year that have stepped up as leaders and also guys that didn’t play want-

ing to meet the expectations. I hope to be a leader on the defense and shut down the other team’s No. 1 guy in order to give my team an edge over the competition.” The Lions opened by Lockport 8-6 March 19 followed by victories over Neuqua Valley 11-5 March 21, Marist 14-13 in overtime March 24, Waubonsie Valley 8-1 April 7 and Maine South 11-9 Thursday. “Staying disciplined, playing together, and maintaining a high level of effort every day will be key. For me personally, being a reliable leader and contributing consistently on both ends will define a successful season,” Seger said. “I think the key is all about determination and not getting settled after a win and looking forward and not backwards,” McMullen added. “As an individual, I think staying at the top of my game and handling injury and weaknesses can be the deciding factor on how I perform.”

LTHS boys lacrosse The Lions captured their second sectional title ever last season but also graduated eight starters. This year’s group hasn’t missed a beat. LTHS is 6-0 after beating Wheaton North 13-8 Saturday. “Last season helped us understand each player’s strengths better. We’ve carried that into this year by focusing on playing to those strengths and building stronger chemistry,” said senior and fourth-year varsity player Tavis Seger. “We’re a well-rounded team with strong depth and talent across every position, making it difficult for opponents to attack a specific weakness.” The 2025 Lions finished 17-4 and came one victory from the state semifinals, losing to Neuqua Valley 10-8 at the super-sectional. The Lions won both the sectional final and semifinal by one goal. Seger was named the Lions’ offensive Most Valuable Player and to the All-West Suburban Conference Silver Division team after collecting 19 goals and 13 assists, which shared the team lead. Other standouts included senior faceoff/ midfielder Xaedon Giannotti-Frye (127 won

STEVE JOHNSTON

Lyons Township’s Tavis Seger (61) tries to get past a Maine South defender during a nonconference game, April 9, in Western Springs.

18 The Landmark, April 15, 2026 HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI • Deadline: Monday at 5 p.m.

Let the sun shine in...

Your right to know...In print • Online

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE AND REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

Interested parties are asked to contact the Chief Safety Officer if a site visit is necessary. The District reserves the right to terminate this contract prior to bids being received, to reject any and all proposals, and to be the sole judge of the value and merit of the proposals offered. Upon review of the proposals received in response to the RFP, the District may enter into a contract with the provider that best meets the needs of the District and that the District best feels meets the safety needs of the District’s students, employees, and the surrounding community. The District reserves the right to waive any irregularities, reject any and all proposals, and to be the sole judge of the value and merit of the proposals offered.

LEGAL NOTICE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS APPLICATION FOR DEMOLITION PERMIT

Notice is hereby given that Oak Park Elementary School District 97 (the District) requests proposals for Professional Crossing Guard Services at approximately 28 locations in the Village of Oak Park, Illinois. These crossings serve: � William Beye Elementary School 230 N. Cuyler, Oak Park, IL 60302 � William Hatch Elementary School - 1000 N. Ridgeland Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302 � Oliver Wendell Holmes Elementary School - 508 N. Kenilworth, Oak Park, IL 60302 � Washington Irving Elementary School - 1125 S. Cuyler Ave., Oak Park, IL 60304 � Abraham Lincoln Elementary School - 1111 S. Grove, Oak Park, IL 60304 � Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Elementary School - 721 S. Highland Ave., Oak Park, IL 60304 � Horace Mann Elementary School - 921 N. Kenilworth Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 � John Greenleaf Whittier School – 715 N. Harvey, Oak Park, IL 60302 � Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School – 325 S. Kenilworth Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 � Percy Julian Middle School – 416 S. Ridgeland Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302 The District’s objective in issuing this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to provide a means by which to select a single qualified contractor (Qualified Contractor) for Professional Crossing Guard Services. Proposals will be received until 12:00 pm on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the District Office, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302, at which time proposals shall be publicly opened. For more information contact Felicia Starks, Chief Safety Officer, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302, (708) 524-3000 fstarks@op97.org. To obtain a copy of the Request for Proposal in its entirety, please visit the District website, https:// www.op97.org, and navigate to the Business Office page under Departments > Business Office > Bids and Proposals. Proposals may be emailed to Felicia Starks, Chief Safety Officer fstarks@op97.org, hand delivered to the District Office, or mailed certified return receipt requested and received any time prior to, but no later than 12:00 pm, Friday, May 1, 2026. Proposals received after the time specified in the Request for Proposals (RFP) may not be considered at the District’s discretion. Mailed proposals submitted must be sealed and clearly marked as: Oak Park Elementary School District 97 District-Wide Professional Crossing Guard Services Proposal Felicia Starks, Chief Safety Officer 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302

Felicia Starks, Chief Safety Officer Published in Wednesday Journal April 15, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE In accordance with the Open Meetings Act, this is to advise you that the Riverside Township Mental Health Board will hold the meetings below at the listed locations: Mental Health Board Meeting Notices RTMHB Meeting Wednesday, April 15th @ 6:30p.m. Helping Hand, 9649 W. 55th Street, Countryside, Illinois RTMHB Meeting Wednesday, May 13th @ 6:30p.m. WSSRA, George A. Leoni Complex, 800 N. 17th Avenue, Melrose Park, Illinois RTMHB Community Engagement Committee Tuesday, June 2nd @ 6:30 PM Riverside Township Hall – Community Resource Center, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois RTMHB Meeting Wednesday, June 10th @ 6:30p.m. Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois If you have any questions, please contact Board President, Adam Wilt, at awilt.rtmhb@gmail.com or call Adam at 708-804-4400. Published in RB Landmark April 15, 2026

Public notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing will be held by the Historic Preservation Commission of the Village of River Forest, County of Cook, State of Illinois on Thursday, April 30th, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the Community Room, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois on the following matter: Application #26-04: Certificate of Appropriateness application for the DEMOLITION of the GARAGE at 236 Keystone, River Forest, IL, a structure listed on the Village survey of architecturally or historically significant properties. The applicant is: The Garage Guy, Inc. -dba- Absolute Garage Builders / Vito Ippolito Residents are welcome to attend the April 30th, 2026, Historic Preservation Commission meeting and will be provided an opportunity to address the Historic Preservation Commission regarding the proposed project. All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard at the Public Hearing. A copy of the application and meeting agenda can be found at Village Hall and on the Village website at www. vrf.us. If you cannot attend the Historic Preservation Commission meeting but would like to provide comments to the Historic Preservation Commission, you may submit comments in writing, via letter or email. Comments can be sent to lmasella@vrf.us or 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois 60305. Please call 708-366-8500 with questions. Luke Masella Staff Liaison Historic Preservation Commission Published in Wednesday Journal April 15, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS

APPLICATION FOR DEMOLITION PERMIT

Application #26-02: Certificate of Appropriateness application for the DEMOLITION of the GARAGE at 743 William, River Forest, IL, a structure listed on the Village survey of architecturally or historically significant properties.

Application #26-01: Certificate of Appropriateness application for the DEMOLITION of the GARAGE at 1447 Ashland, River Forest, IL, a structure listed on the Village survey of architecturally or historically significant properties.

The applicant is: Marty Barakat – Beyond Custom co dba Stanley Garage Builders

The applicant is: Mindy Viamontes, AIA - M VIAMONTES ARCHITECTURE + INTERIORS

Residents are welcome to attend the April 30th, 2026, Historic Preservation Commission meeting and will be provided an opportunity to address the Historic Preservation Commission regarding the proposed project. All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard at the Public Hearing. A copy of the application and meeting agenda can be found at Village Hall and on the Village website at www. vrf.us. If you cannot attend the Historic Preservation Commission meeting but would like to provide comments to the Historic Preservation Commission, you may submit comments in writing, via letter or email. Comments can be sent to lmasella@vrf.us or 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois 60305. Please call 708-366-8500 with questions.

Residents are welcome to attend the April 30th 2026, Historic Preservation Commission meeting and will be provided an opportunity to address the Historic Preservation Commission regarding the proposed project. All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard at the Public Hearing. A copy of the application and meeting agenda can be found at Village Hall and on the Village website at www. vrf.us. If you cannot attend the Historic Preservation Commission meeting but would like to provide comments to the Historic Preservation Commission, you may submit comments in writing, via letter or email. Comments can be sent to lmasella@vrf.us or 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois 60305. Please call 708-366-8500 with questions.

Luke Masella Staff Liaison Historic Preservation Commission

Published in Wednesday Journal April 15, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICES

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 To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll the law. All persons are hereby informed that all free at: 1-800-669-9777. dwellings advertised are available on an equal  WJ/FPR/RB LANDMARK  opportunity basis. Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals.

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Your right to know...In print • Online Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com•RBLandmark.com • ForestParkReview.com AustinWeeklyNews.com • PublicNoticeIllinois.com

The Landmark, April 15, 2026

Events

Submit events and see full calendar at rblandmark.com/events

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176 Riverside Rd, Riverside $1,400,000 E AG L L VI

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10 East Burlington Rd, #2C, Riverside $649,000

220 Maplewood Rd, Riverside $1,175,000

256 Blackhawk Rd, Riverside $585,000

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10 East Burlington Rd, #2B, Riverside $829,000

When it comes to selling and buying homes... experience, results and ties to the community make all the difference. Curious about the current real estate market and the impact on your home’s value? Thinking about selling, but need to find your next home first? Can’t find your dream home in this competitive market? Contact one of our local market experts for a free, confidential consultation.

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Special Advertising Section

April 15, 2026 B1

A H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S G U I D E

Health

Spring 2026

A Special Advertising Section

Wellness and

Guide

B2 April 15, 2026

Special Advertising Section

A H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S G U I D E

Your Whole Family Deserves Whole-Person Care to be cared for at the same time—a teenager working through anxiety with a therapist while a parent receives acupuncture, or a couple in session while their child participates in a group. For families stretched by the pace of daily life, having a shared wellness home can create a quiet but powerful sense of connection—a way of saying that health is something this family values and tends to together.

ost of us manage our health in separate boxes—different providers, different locations, and little connection between them. But there is a better way. Garden Health Group, located in River Forest, was built on a simple but powerful idea: when care is connected, people heal more fully—and families function better. Mental and physical health are not separate, and treating them that way often means something important gets missed. At Garden Health Group, mental health therapists and bodywork specialists work side by side in one shared setting. Services include a range of massage therapies, acupuncture, Rolfing, meditation, and yoga—all thoughtfully integrated to support the whole person. The result is something genuinely rare in the western suburbs: coordinated, whole-person care for every member of the family.

That integration is more than a convenience—it’s foundational to how healing works. Stress, trauma, and emotional strain don’t just stay in the mind; they show up in the body. Chronic tension, disrupted sleep, and physical discomfort are often deeply connected to what we carry emotionally. In the same way, anxiety and depression can be meaningfully

improved through movement, breathwork, and body-based therapies alongside traditional talk therapy. When practitioners share both a philosophy and a space, care becomes more consistent, collaborative, and effective. At Garden Health Group, it’s not unusual for different family members

The practice is also deeply rooted in the community it serves. Garden Health Group is a women-owned, locally-owned, OPRF Chamber member practice. Its therapists accept Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield Endeavor HMO, Aetna, Aetna Advantage Medicare, and Medicare, with superbills available for other carriers. Spring is a natural time to take stock of how your family is really doing—and to choose a more connected way to care for your health.

Body & Mind Wellness Embrace Growth Acupuncture Massage Rolfing Thai Massage Cupping Reiki Yoga

Clinical Psychologists Licensed Counselors Social Workers Somatic Therapists Meditation Family Therapy Couples Therapy

Families Couples Adults Children

Aetna | BCBS | Medicare Behind DSW and Whole Foods in River Forest

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April 15, 2026 B3

A H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S G U I D E

FFC Oak Park: How Chicago’s Best Gym Delivers Real Results

A Wo W Word r fr rd ffrom rom th ro tthee Co C Co-Chairs -Ch C air Ch irs ir rs of o th tthee 10th t Annual Co th C mmunity t Health ty t & We th W lln ll lness Fa FFair i ir Community Wellness

A key part of Monica’s What began as t Fitness Formula Clubs, transformation has something that we believe that fitness is been the guidance felt more like a not just about results. It is of our expert trainers. chore turned about building a lifestyle that feels Ten years ago, a seed was planted Oak This year's event every stage of life and Atspans FFC, our trainers intoin a routine sustainable, empowering, and uniquely Park-River —journey a belief every every dimension well-being goofbeyond leading— from she truly your own. Monica Forest Bondoc’s at that maternity and pediatric care, physical and neighbor to theappreciated. resources m aternitty ya nd p ediatric They c are, tto op hysical a nd workouts. FFC Oak Park refldeserves ects exactlyaccess what sets recovery, financial wellness, and insurance e that help them live well. Today, that seed has s educate, support, and Monica now our community apart and why FFC has empower visits beengrown voted Chicago’s Gymcommunity three community's into oneBest of our t 's three ty mostto four navigation. Whether youmembers are welcoming a to understand their times a week, balanced yearscherished in a row. traditions, and this year, we are creating a new baby, raising children, managing your bodies and build approach that includes strength honored to celebrate own health, or supporting an aging loved When Monica joined FFC Oakthe Park10th Annual confidence. For for you. training, group fitness classes, and is something in April 2025, shety searching for Community twas Health & Wellness Fair. one, there here Monica, this meant intentional recovery. consistency. She had I am Sun-Hee Yoon, founder of Sage Lifesty Lifestyle t le ty e Thisis is what whole-community t health look ty looks ks gaining the knowledge Whether she explored different gyms, Concierge, dedicated to helping families like. We hope to see you there. to eventually create challenging herself in a worked with private navigate caregiving and aging with her own routines and feel fully high-energy bootcamp, trainers, and tried classes independent in her fitness journey. fi nding focus in Pilates, intention and to bringing health and like yoga, but nothing or taking time to wellness professionals together to better Founder & Owner, Sage Her Lifestyle Concierge LLC growth has extended far beyond quite clicked. “Fitness recharge in our recovery community. serve community t . Joining me is co-chair ty the physical. Monica has developed felt more likeour something spaces, each visit serves a stronger sense of confidence and I had Lori to doMalinski rather of the Public Health Health Department, Village of Oak Park a purpose.Public “What a new mindset around movement. than something I truly Department at the Village of Oak Park. started as a simple gym What once felt intimidating now feels enjoyed,” she shares. Together, we are proud to present a Fair thatt membership quickly exciting. She has embraced new Fromreflects the moment she the full arc of a healthy life in OPRF. became a routine I look challenges, discovered what works for became part of FFC, that forward to,” she says. her, and found genuine joy in showing began to change.

Sun-Hee Yoon Lori Malinski

up for herself.

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Equally important is the sense of community she found at FFC Oak Park. Presenting S Sp poOur nsor clubs are designed to be welcoming and inclusive, creating an environment where members support one another at every stage. Monica has built meaningful connections and even inspired those around her to begin their own journeys. Her experience is a reflection of what defines FFC. We combine best-in-class amenities, diverse programming, and a supportive community to create more than just a place to work out. For Monica, and for so many others, FFC has become a second home. 1114 N Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60301 • (708) 383-1114 • FFC.COM/OAK-PARK

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B4 April 15, 2026

Special Advertising Section

A H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S G U I D E

Your Hearing Journey Starts with Us

n a world filled with vibrant sounds – the laughter of loved ones, the melody of music, the gentle rustle of leaves – experiencing hearing loss can feel isolating and disheartening. However, it doesn't have to be that way. At our clinic, we understand the profound impact that hearing loss can have on your life, which is why we are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective treatment to help you rediscover the joy of sound. Here are just a few reasons why you should choose us for your hearing loss treatment journey: ▪ Expertise and Experience: Our team consists of highly trained audiologists and hearing healthcare professionals who have years of experience in diagnosing and treating various types of hearing loss. Whether your hearing loss is due to aging, noise exposure, or other factors, rest assured that you are in capable hands. ▪ Comprehensive Evaluation: We believe in taking a personalized

approach to hearing healthcare. When you visit our clinic, we will conduct a thorough evaluation of your hearing abilities, taking into account your lifestyle, communication needs, and any specific concerns you may have. This allows us to tailor our treatment recommendations to suit your unique circumstances. ▪ State-of-the-Art Technology: We are committed to staying at the forefront of advancements in hearing healthcare technology. From cutting-edge diagnostic equipment to the latest hearing aid technologies, we offer a range of solutions designed to improve your hearing clarity and quality of life. ▪ Individualized Treatment Plans: We understand that hearing loss is not a one-size-fits-all condition. That's why we take the time to listen to your concerns and preferences before developing a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. Whether you require hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or auditory

rehabilitation therapy, we will work closely with you to find the best solution. ▪ Ongoing Support and Care: Our commitment to your hearing health doesn't end after your initial treatment. We believe in building long-term relationships with our patients and providing ongoing support and care to ensure that you continue to enjoy optimal hearing health for years to come. From regular follow-up appointments to adjustments and maintenance services, we are here for you every step of the way. ▪ Improved Quality of Life: The ability to hear and communicate effectively is essential for maintaining social connections, staying engaged in activities you love, and preserving your overall well-being. By seeking treatment for your hearing loss, you can experience a significant improvement in your quality of life, allowing you to fully participate in conversations, enjoy your favorite hobbies, and reconnect with the world around you.

6905 North Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302 • (708) 445-7171 • savehearing.com

Don't let hearing loss hold you back from living life to the fullest. Take the first step towards better hearing health today by scheduling a consultation with us. Together, we can help you rediscover the joy of sound and embrace a brighter, more vibrant future.

Dr. Cynthia Chow

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A H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S G U I D E

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B6 April 15, 2026

Special Advertising Section

A H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S G U I D E

Beyond Prescriptions: 25 Years of Personalized, Integrative Medicine in Oak Park

uly 2026 marks the 25th Anniversary of Integrative Therapies, Ltd.—a milestone that reflects Dr. Carlos Reynes’ longstanding commitment to doing medicine differently and doing it right. Before founding his practice in 2001, Dr. Reynes spent 10 years practicing traditional Internal Medicine at Gottlieb Hospital. During that time, he gained invaluable clinical experience, but also saw firsthand the limitations of conventional care. Too often, medicine focused on managing numbers, suppressing symptoms, and moving patients quickly through the system. That approach never sat well with him. He knew patients deserved more. So in 2001, he stepped away from the traditional model and built Integrative Therapies, Ltd. from the ground up with a clear purpose: to offer care that actually makes sense. His vision was simple but powerful—identify and treat the root cause of illness rather than

just covering it up. Instead of handing out prescriptions to chase lab values or silence symptoms, he wanted to understand why those symptoms were happening in the first place. That philosophy continues to define his work today. With over 34 years of experience, Dr. Reynes along with Cris Ortiz his medical assistant have helped thousands of patients prevent and reverse chronic conditions through a personalized, integrative approach. Dr. Reynes blends the best of conventional medicine with evidencebased natural therapies, always tailoring care to the individual. No shortcuts. No cookie-cutter protocols. Just thoughtful, patient-centered medicine. At the core of his approach is a focus on lifestyle as the first prescription. Nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress are not side conversations— they are foundational. From there,

he builds customized care plans that may include advanced testing, targeted supplementation, hormone optimization, and when appropriate, prescription medications used with precision and purpose. What also sets Dr. Reynes apart is his independence. As a self-employed physician, he is not constrained by insurance companies, corporate systems, or government mandates. That freedom allows him to spend real time with patients, think critically, and deliver care based solely on what is best for the individual—not what fits into a system. Over the past 25 years, Integrative Therapies, Ltd. has become a trusted destination for patients seeking answers—especially in areas like thyroid health and bioidentical hormone optimization for both women and men. Many come after feeling frustrated elsewhere, and finally experience what it means to be heard,

understood, and treated as a whole person. Dr. Reynes is more than a physician— he is a partner, educator, collaborator, and coach. He keeps his practice intentionally small so he can be available when patients need him, delivering the kind of care he would expect for his own family. Twenty-five years in, the mission hasn’t changed—help people take control of their health by addressing the root cause and building a strong foundation for long-term wellness. If you’re ready for a smarter, more personalized approach to your health, visit www. integrativetherapieswellness.com to learn more.

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Dr. Carlos Reynes

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April 15, 2026 B7

A H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S G U I D E

PERSONALIZEDCARE

COMPANIONCARE

RESPITECARE

DEMENTIACARE

SCHEDULE A FREE ASSESSMENT AT 708-665-3325 A Special Advertising

LEARN MORE

firstlighthomecare.com/home-healthcare-oak-park

Section

Holiday 2025

Your Guide to Hol iday Shopping & Din ing in Oak Park, River Forest & Forest Par k

Spring

Performing Arts 2025

Guide

Upcoming Special Sections Forest Park Community Guide • April 29 Mother’s Day • May 6

E AT S 2025

Wright Plus/Home & Garden • May 13

Fall Education & Enrichment Guide

NOV2025

A GUIDE TO LOCAL DIN ING Sponsored by

local scho ols | early

learn ing | tutor ing

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West Side Magazine • June 10 EATS Dining Guide • June 24 Contact Lourdes Nicholls (lourdes@oakpark.com) or Emma Cullnan (emma@oakpark.com) for more information about advertising.

B8 April 15, 2026

A H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S G U I D E

Celebrating our 30th Year as Oak Park’s Original Martial Arts Education Center!

• Authentic Programming Designed, Created and Led by GrandMaster Yu • Emphasis on the Discipline, Wellness and Safety Benefits of Martial Arts Training; creating Community Wellness and Responsible Citizenship

• All Instructors and Masters are Local, trained from within by GrandMaster Yu: consistent, high standards • Safe, Accessible Facility with on-site parking and a caring, Asian-inspired environment in North Oak Park

“GrandMaster Yu is an important part of our community, and personally, part of our family.” – Oak Park Dad “We were referred to you by our son’s OT; we stayed because he feels welcome and we like how you incorporate character building into your instruction and the sense of responsibility.” – Another Oak Park Dad “GrandMaster Yu has a unique ability to instill self-love and self-discipline in children in a purposeful way with structure and humor.” – River Forest Mom “GrandMaster Yu and the Instructors are all amazing: they have had such a positive impact on our daughters!” – Oak Park Mom

JOIN US to Discover how AWESOME you ARE!

6701 W. North Ave., Oak Park

708-383-3456 www.master-sh-yu.com Follow Us!

NinjaLove makes the world go round!

Special Advertising Section

A H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S G U I D E

HOME CARE SERVICES FOR THE SENIORS

April 15, 2026 B9

B10 April 15, 2026

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New Approach Mental Health, PLLC THERAPY FOR A BALANCED LIFE

FIND joy in movement we'll find your pefect fit.

THERAPY

WALK & TALK SESSIONS

STAR U NOW WELLNESS PROGRAM

PODCAST CO-HOST "Sex, Secrets and Sass”

Book your initial 15 minute consultation today, available online or in my Oak Park office.

We carry cute athletic clothes & shoes for men, women, and kiddos trendy jewelry, bags, sunglasses, and the best running gear!

Lively Athletics • 109 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park • 708-358-0605 • livelyathletics.com

newapproachmentalhealth.com amartin@newapproachmentalhealth.com

(224) 603-1751

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Aire A ire S Serv erv ooff O Oak ak P Park arrkk • A Andy nd dyy K Ka Kaczkowski, acczzkow wsskii,, W We WestPoint estPoint FFi Financial inancial G Group roup • A Athletico thletico P Physical hyyssical Th TTherapy herapy • Brookdale Oak Park r • CA rk C CAYR Y Connections • Celebrating YR Seniors r Coalition • Chicago Child Ps rs P y hiatry yc r Associates • CI ry C IMPA IM P R • Collaboration fo fforr Early l Childhood • Comf ly mfo mf fort Ke K epers r • Community rs t Support Services • ty Psychiatry CIMPAR Comfort Keepers Consulting Audiology g Associates/ gy s Th s/ T e Hearing Place • Devo v ted Health • DOTD vo T OC • Elder Care Solutions and Home Companion Solutions • Em TD EEmpower power Fa FFamily mily l ly Associates/The Devoted DOTDOC TTherapy Th erapy • Fi FFirstLight r tLig rs igh ig ght Home Care of o Oak Park r • Fr rk FFrick ick Ki K ds Art • Gif ift if ft of o Hope Org r an & Ti rg TTissue ssue Donor Network r • Greater Fa rk FFamily mily l Health • HEA ly E L We EA W llness + Kids Gift Organ HEAL Wellness Longevity t • Home In ty IInstead stead Oak Park r • Lif rk ife if feSp S an Counseling & Ps P y hological Services • Main Line Benef yc efi ef fits t • MOMENTUM OP • NA N M Metro Suburb MI r an • New rb LifeSpan Psychological Benefits NAMI Suburban Approach Mental Health • Niche Phys y ical Th ys TTherapy erapy • Oak Park r Public Library rk r • Oak Street Health • Progr ry g essive gr v Ps ve P y hiatry yc r • Pure Green • Purp ry r oseCare of rp o Physical Progressive Psychiatry PurposeCare Illinois • Renewal by Anders r en • Roya rs ya y l Health Care • Sage Lif ife if festy tyl ty yle Concierg r e • Sarah's rg ' In 's IInn n • Serenity t Holistic Health • Smart Love ty v Fa ve FFamily mily l Services • Sy ly S yn ynerg rg rgy gy Andersen Royal Lifestyle Concierge Synergy IIntegrative In nteegggrrativvee H ealth & W We ellness • TTh he O CD a nd A nxiettyy C enter • TTh he P earl ooff M ontclare • TTh hresholds • TTh hrivvee C ounseling C enter • Chiro One • United Ve V in & Health Wellness The OCD and Anxiety Center The Pearl Montclare Thresholds Thrive Counseling Center Vein V Va ascular C enterrss • V Vi illage ooff O ak P arrkk • W Wa alllyy''ss H earth • W We est C ook Y YM MC CA A•W We est SSuburban uburrb ban S Sp pecial R ecreation A ssociation Vascular Centers Village Oak Park Wally's Hearth West Cook YMCA West Special Recreation Association

Our ssp ponsorrss arree allsso on tth he fflllooor — sttooop pb byy and sa ayy hii!! Presenting Pr P rreesenttiiin ng S Sp Sponsor ponsor R Rush ush O Oak ak P Park arrkk H Hospital ospital Pla Platinum l ti la tin inum Sp S Sponsor onsor Meridian Ps P Psychiatric y hiatric Providers yc r rs Gold l Sp ld S Sponsors onsors r Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's rs ' Hospital of 's o Chicago • Rive Riveredge v redg ve d eH dg Hospital ospital Smart Behavior Solutions Sil Silver i ve il v r Sp S Sponsors onsors r Centre Phys rs Physical y ical Th ys TTherapy, erapy, y LLC • Garden Health Group • Gratef y, Grateful efu ef ful H House ouse & Wa W Wayy Back In IInn nn • Wellness Park-River Community Little Steps Pediatric House Calls • Mosaic Counseling and We W llness • Oak Park rk-Rive rk v r Fo ve FForest rest Commun nity t ty Sparkle River FFoundation Fo undation • Oak Park r To rk TTownship w ship wn i • Sp ip S ark r le Aesthetics • Sunrise Senior Living ooff R rk ive ver Fo FForest rest • Are Yo YYou u Winning Really l Wi ly W nning V nue Sp Ve Venue S Sponsor onsor Fi FFitness tness Fo FFormula r ula Clubs rm Medi Media dia di ia Sp S Sponsor onsor We W Wednesday dnesday Journ Journal r al rn

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The Austin HOPE Center — opening later this year at 50 5044 044 W. Chicago Ave. — brings together healing, opportunity, partnerships, and equity in one place. Codeveloped by Lurie Children's and community partners, it will offer pediatric specialty and behavioral health services, community health education, and gathering space for youth and local organizations. We're proud to have Lurie Children's as a Gold Sponsor and even prouder to see them investing in the community this way. Scan the QR code to learn r more. rn

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Building Health Brightening Futures

LEARN MORE

OAK PARK RIVER FOREST

Infant Welfare Society

The Children’s Clinic

childrenscliniciws.org

Advancing the health and well-being of children in need

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FFC Oak Park: How Chicago’s Best Gym Delivers Real Results

t Fitness Formula Clubs, we believe that fitness is not just about results. It is about building a lifestyle that feels sustainable, empowering, and uniquely your own. Monica Bondoc’s journey at FFC Oak Park reflects exactly what sets our community apart and why FFC has been voted Chicago’s Best Gym three years in a row. When Monica joined FFC Oak Park in April 2025, she was searching for consistency. She had explored different gyms, worked with private trainers, and tried classes like yoga, but nothing quite clicked. “Fitness felt more like something I had to do rather than something I truly enjoyed,” she shares. From the moment she became part of FFC, that began to change.

What began as something that felt more like a chore turned into a routine she truly appreciated. Monica now visits three to four times a week, creating a balanced approach that includes strength training, group fitness classes, and intentional recovery. Whether she is challenging herself in a high-energy bootcamp, finding focus in Pilates, or taking time to recharge in our recovery spaces, each visit serves a purpose. “What started as a simple gym membership quickly became a routine I look forward to,” she says.

A key part of Monica’s transformation has been the guidance of our expert trainers. At FFC, our trainers go beyond leading workouts. They educate, support, and empower members to understand their bodies and build confidence. For Monica, this meant gaining the knowledge to eventually create her own routines and feel fully independent in her fitness journey. Her growth has extended far beyond the physical. Monica has developed a stronger sense of confidence and a new mindset around movement. What once felt intimidating now feels exciting. She has embraced new challenges, discovered what works for her, and found genuine joy in showing up for herself.

Equally important is the sense of community she found at FFC Oak Park. Our clubs are designed to be welcoming and inclusive, creating an environment where members support one another at every stage. Monica has built meaningful connections and even inspired those around her to begin their own journeys. Her experience is a reflection of what defines FFC. We combine best-in-class amenities, diverse programming, and a supportive community to create more than just a place to work out. For Monica, and for so many others, FFC has become a second home. 1114 N Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60301 • (708) 383-1114 • FFC.COM/OAK-PARK

Keeping INTO Minds Sharp: Lifestyle Habits — and the Right Community — Can Protect Your Brain STEP FFCHow OAK PARK ENJOY A COMPLIMENTARY DAY WITH VIP ACCESS.

or many Oak Park-area families, the question of how to protect brain health as we age is deeply personal. The good news is science is delivering increasingly clear answers for seniors and families — and they point to the power of everyday habits.

The Alzheimer's Association's landmark U.S. POINTER study found that multidomain lifestyle interventions improved cognition in older adults at elevated risk for cognitive decline. When physical activity, improved nutrition, cognitive engagement, and social connection are combined into a structured program, the impact on brain health becomes even more powerful. Research has1114 shown these also IL have a Lake Sthabits | Oakcan Park, measurable impact later in life, too. (708) 383-1114 That is the philosophy behind

Belmont Village Senior Living Oak Park’s personalized programming — and it's one that resident Dan E. knows firsthand.

When Dan moved in about a year ago, he was quiet, his mobility was limited, and participating in group activities was a struggle. Today, staff and fellow residents know him as "Dan the Man" — one of the most beloved figures in the building. A career in sales had made Dan competitive and driven. At Belmont Village, that spirit found a new outlet. "The ability to work with others," he says, has made all the difference. Working with the therapy team, Dan has improved his posture, balance, and strength in both his arms and legs — gains that have made everyday routines safer and more manageable and recently earned him a new wheelchair that brought

fresh energy to his daily life. Nancy, an Enrichment Leader who assists in running programs at Belmont Village, says it best: "I think if Belmont Village had a prom, Dan would be King."

time engaged in purposeful activities and exhibit far less apathy than those directing their own time.

AT THE CLUB, COMPLETE Dan's journey captures all of this in one story. His warmth has drawn WITHcompelling A toTRAINING Dan also thrives in the cognitive and people him. His drive has fueled real social programming at the heart of progress. And for families across Oak Park SESSION AND TIME IN Belmont Village's approach. Belmont’s thinking about brain health, for a loved one Whole Brain Fitness philosophy engages or for themselves, his experience offers THE residents through physical and mental RECOVERY LOUNGE. an encouraging reminder: it is never too exercise, proper nutrition, lifelong learning, late, and the right community makes all the social connection, and a sense of purpose. CLAIM YOUR VIP PASS difference. For Dan, that means enthusiasm for math, To learn more about Whole Brain art, and music activities — and a growing circle of friends throughout the community.

Fitness and Circle of Friends® at Belmont

Village Senior Living Oak Park, visit Belmont Village's Circle of Friends® belmontvillage.com/oakpark or call 708program supports residents, including 848-7200 to schedule a tour. Dan, with mild cognitive impairment through small group activities seven days a week, designed to create the "just right Home of the OPRF Community Health & Wellness Fair challenge" for each participant. Research Sunday, April 19 | 11 AM - 2 PM has shown that residents in structured programming spend significantly more

B14 April 15, 2026

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Prrreesented by P

No C Cooop pa ayy Requiirrreed

Free F ree entry, free swag bags, and free health scree screenings enin ngs — courtesy of our presenting sponsor, Rush Oak P ark k Hospital. Park No ccatch atch, n no o rreason eason n not ot tto o sshow how u up p. catch, up.

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Cllliiim C mb b,, Siip p,, Reep p peat Rock R ock climbing and a juice bar — good for kids, good d ffor or adults, fun for all. FFC Oak Park brings the amenities. You bringg the ap ppetite. appetite.

Be A Neiigggh hbor This Th his is your community showing up for itself. Come be part of it.

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We're W e're ggrateful rateful tto oh have ave S Smart mart B Behavior ehavior S Solutions olutions aass a Gold Sponsor of this year's fair. If your kkid id h as b een tthrough hrough ttherapist herapist aafter fter ttherapist herapist w ithout clicking, they might be the fresh start has been without yyou're ou're llooking ooking ffor. or. S pecializing iin n ttweens, weens, tteens, eens, aand nd yyoung oung adults, their witty and quirky Specializing therapists use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to make it actually stick. Stop by their table and say hello — or find them year-round at 212 S. Marion St. in Oak Park.

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Way Back Inn’s Young Adult Recovery Home Program The Way Back Inn Young Adult Recovery Home Program, in a partnership with Family Guidance Centers, focuses speciﬁcally on the needs of youth ages 18-24 seeking recovery support from opioid use disorder and/or stimulant use disorder. We help to provide a holistic, culturally responsive recovery experience to help youth rebuild their lives and increase their recovery capital: • Supportive Recovery Housing

• Financial literacy

• Certiﬁed Recovery Support Specialists

• Rental assistance

• Recovery Coach & Recovery Home Manager

• Transportation stipend

• Peer recovery network building

• Family & parenting support

• Recovery capital Contact Way Back Inn at 708-345-8422 or visit www.waybackinn.org for more information. Our main ofﬁce is located at: 104 Oak St., Maywood, IL 60153.

Could I have a problem with gambling? Betting, gaming, wagering – gambling can take many forms. And for some people, gambling can lead to ﬁnancial problems, relationship problems, and depression and anxiety. But you don’t have to feel out of control. Problem gambling can be managed and treated. You have options, and the Helpline offers support and referrals to the programs that work best for you. The ﬁrst step is understanding that some people experience gambling as an addiction, and that there is help.

Call 1-800-GAMBLER, visit AreYouReallyWinning.com, or scan the QR code for help.

These services are funded in full or in part through a State Opioid Response (SOR) Grant (H79TI087748) to the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

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Times are already stressful and the last thing you need to worry about are l-o-n-g wait times. Loretto Hospital is here to support our community and our neighbors!

In need of a test or screening? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Immediate appointments available.*

CALL 773-854-5475 MRI CT Scan X-ray & Ultrasound Mammogram DEXA Scan Gynecological Exams

Colonoscopy Electrocardiogram (EKG) Laboratory Tests Hearing & Eye Exams PSA Screenidngs

*Walk-ins and same day appointments may be available based on insurance authorization requirements.

645 S. Central Ave | Chicago IL | 60644