Issuu

RIVERSIDE-BROOKFIELD Also serving North Riverside

$1.00

Vol. 36, No. 16

April 21, 2021

@riversidebrookfieldlandmark

Permanent principal named for Komarek School PAGE 7

Brookfield trustees approve body cams for cops PAGE 10

Families embrace in-person learning in D96

Nearly 80% of students back in classrooms all day By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Last week classrooms were full for the first time this year in the four elementary schools in Riverside Elementary School District 96 as most students returned for full-day instruction for the first time since March 2020. On April 12, the four elementary schools in District 96 began a modified full-day, inSee D96 on page 8

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

BACK IN THE SADDLE: Families in Riverside School DIstrict 96 embraced the decision to move to full-day, in-person instruction as of April 12. About 78 percent of students, including these students in Christina Guastella’s second grade-class at Ames School, are now back in the classroom full-time, including many kids whose families had chosen remote-only learning previously.

Ballerine looks to hit ground running as Riverside president By BOB UPHUES

Transition to new administration has been under way since start of 2021

Editor

The election of a new village president in Riverside did not draw much attention this

spring, because it was an uncontested race. But, the winner of that race, Joseph Ballerine, has been preparing to fill the seat of departing two-term President Ben Sells since the beginning of the New Year.

When Ballerine is sworn into office on May 6, along with trustees Megan Claucherty, Aberdeen Marsh-Ozga and Doug Pollock, who also ran unopposed, he’ll hit the ground running.

“As of Jan. 1, Ben has allowed me to be part of every meeting he’s been in, anything he felt would carry over to the new See TRANSITION on page 16

SUBSCRIBE!

O N LY $ 3 0 fo r 1 3 M o n t h s ! Visit RBLandmark.com • Enter “FREE MONTH”on the “Subscribe “ page for...you guessed it...a FREE month!

The Landmark, April 21, 2021

Olmsted Society Stewards of the land and Olmsted’s Plan

Don’t Miss Our Upcoming Events! April 27 • 6pm Zoom presentation by noted Landscape Architect Spencer Tunnell, “Atlanta’s Historic Druid Hills and Chicago’s Village of Riverside,” a perspective on Frederick Law Olmsted’s First & Last Residential Communities (atlantaolmstedpark.org to register)

April 29 • 7pm Zoom presentation “Home Rain Garden Discussion Panel” (riversidelibrary.libcal.com to register)

May 1 • 9am-Noon Landscape Workday, Riverside Road (RSVP required)

May 15 • 9am-Noon Landscape Workday, Indian Gardens (RSVP required)

May 16 • Noon Olmsted 200 Seed Collecting, Scout Cabin (RSVP required)

May 18 • 7pm Zoom presentation by UIC Student Researchers “Jazz Age Modern: Riverside’s Art Deco & Art Moderne Houses” (riversidelibrary.libcal.com to register)

FYI, the last day to submit poems for the Reﬂections on Riverside Student Poetry Contest is April 30.

Visit olmstedsociety.org or facebook.com/RiversideFLOS for details

The Landmark, April 21, 2021

North Riverside election turnout was about 36% Third highest for municipal contest in suburban Cook County By BOB UPHUES Editor

The Consolidated Election held every two years to choose suburban Cook County municipal leaders and school board members does not exactly fire up the voting public. Where you may get 70 percent of registered voters showing up to cast ballots for U.S. president, you’re lucky to get 20 percent to vote for the people making local spending decisions and setting village priorities. And while voter turnout for the 2021 Consolidated Election, held April 6, was not great, North Riverside managed the thirdhighest turnout of any municipality in suburban Cook County according to election results published by the Cook County Clerk. Unofficially, 1,829 North Riverside residents, or 35.87 percent, cast ballots in the April 6 election. The only municipalities with higher turnouts were Lyons (40.8 percent) and tiny McCook (40 percent), where just 64 total ballots were cast. Both Lyons and North Riverside also featured bitterly contested elections for mayor and trustee, which certainly drove turnout there. In villages where there were no contested municipal elections – like Brookfield and Riverside – turnout was positively dismal. Riverside’s voter turnout was 11.84 percent, while Brookfield’s was a minuscule 9.08 percent. Looking at the precinct-level results in North Riverside also provides some insight into how voters in different parts of

IN THIS ISSUE Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Kosey Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 JOSEPH MENGONI

HUBERT HERMANEK JR.

the village cast their ballots. Even though Joseph Mengoni won the three-way race for mayor by a comfortable margin – by nearly 20 percentage points over his two opponents, incumbent Mayor Hubert Hermanek Jr. and Trustee Marybelle Mandel – Mengoni didn’t win every precinct. Hermanek’s 82 votes in Riverside Township Precinct 12, which includes everything south of 26th Street and the 2500 blocks of Desplaines, Keystone and Forest avenues, were enough to win that area. Mengoni and Mandel had 69 and 67 votes, respectively in Riverside 12. The incumbent mayor also had a strong showing in Riverside 6, his home precinct, where his 112 votes trailed Mengoni’s 140, but were far ahead of Mandel’s 63. Mandel, who finished second overall in the race, did not win any precinct, but she came close in Riverside 13, her home precinct. There she finished just 15 votes behind Mengoni, 197-182. Hermanek fared poorly in Riverside 12 with 105 votes. Where Mengoni finished strongest was not in his home precinct of Riverside 6 but in Riverside 7 – bounded by First Avenue, 9th Avenue, 24th Street and 26th Street – where he took in 60 percent of the vote. Mengoni also won about 52 percent of the votes in Proviso Township Precinct 102, outperforming his overall share of the vote, which was 46.6 percent. Mandel’s 510 votes finished ahead of Hermanek by just 53 votes. In the race for village clerk, incumbent Kathy Ranieri swept every precinct over Carmen Circelli, while the North Riverside United Party trustee slate of Terri Sarro, Fernando Flores and Jason Bianco swept all but one precinct over the People Before Politics Party slate of Kevin Melvin, Sandra Greicius and Richard Wagner and independent Allan Pineda. Melvin finished second in Riverside 12, three votes ahead of Flores and 23 votes behind Sarro. Financial disclosures made by each of

MARYBELLE MANDEL

the three camps also shed some light on where backing came from and how those funds were spent. The winning North Riverside United Party raised $23,055 on top of the $11,036 the party transferred into its coffers when the VIP Party dissolved as a political committee. Among the party’s top contributors, according to its first-quarter filing with the Illinois State Board of Elections, was Scheck Mechanical Corporation, which contributed $5,000. The company was founded by former longtime Mayor Richard Scheck, who contributed $300 individually to North Riverside United, as did his wife, Judith Scheck. Westmont resident John F. Simpson, an attorney, contributed $2,000, while the paving contracting firm Riccio Construction and the village’s engineering firm, Frank Novotny and Associates, each contributed $1,000. The party spent the most of the three camps during the campaign, $11,084, including $6,200 for mailing and $2,200 for website design. Friends of Hubert E. Hermanek Jr. raised $12,350 during the first quarter of 2021, with the largest contribution, $2,000, coming from Paramedic Services of Illinois, the village’s paramedic provider. Contributing $1,000 were West Town Bank, Joe Rizza Ford, The Sweet Spot and Feroz Jalal, a self-employed businessman whose address is not listed in the filing. Hermanek spent just $2,600, including a $1,600 spend on a billboard sign. People Before Politics reported raising $4,850, the least amount of the three camps during the first quarter of 2021, and while almost all of those donation are listed as “itemized,” the party’s filing with the state does not list the donors. The political committee reported spending $6,298, leaving it $1,448 in the hole at the end of the filing period. About $4,100 of the party’s expenditures were for printing political literature, signs and palm cards.

Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Editor Bob Uphues Equity Editor/Ombudsman Michael Romain Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Digital Strategist James Kay Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Designers Javier Govea, Mark Moroney Sales and Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls Sales & Development Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner E-MAIL jill@oakpark.com Publisher Dan Haley Business Manager Joyce Minich

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

HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-442-6739 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 E-MAIL buphues@wjinc.com ONLINE www.RBLandmark.com The Landmark is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. The newspaper is available on newsstands for $1.00. A one-year subscription costs $34 within Cook County

#1 AGENT IN RIVERSIDE FOR 2020!* *In units + volume based on MREDLLC.COM 1/20-12/20. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

THE SHEILA GENTILE GROUP • LIVE LOCAL • WORK LOCAL

708.220.2174 • www.SheilaGentile.com

and $44 outside the county. Advertising rates may be obtained by calling our office. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS 0019-585). Postmaster send address corrections to Landmark, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302. © 2021 Growing Community Media NFP.

The Landmark, April 21, 2021

BIG WEEK

April 21-28

Wish Olmsted a Happy 199 Frederick Law Olmsted organizations both local and national will celebrate the renowned landscape architect’s 199th birthday in the coming week with a pair of special watch parties. Olmsted 200 invites you to screen the documentary “Olmsted and America’s Urban Parks” for free and at your convenience anytime from April 24-26 and then join other Olmsted fans for a live panel discussion moderated by Justin Worland, Time magazine’s climate correspondent, on April 26 from 5:30 to 6:30 (EDT). Register by visiting tinyurl.com/uk5yp56b. Once registered you’ll receive a link to watch the film and join the panel discussion. Then, on Tuesday, April 27 at 6 p.m. (CDT) join the Olmsted Linear Park Alliance for the Zoom presentation “Atlanta’s Historic Druid Hills and Chicago’s Village of Riverside.”

Landscape architect Spencer Tunnell will take you back in time to explore how the two communities were designed to build a sense of community, equity and greenspace for all.

Earth Day recycling event at Brookfield Zoo Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road in Brookfield, presents Earth Day: A Party for the Planet on Saturday, April 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. During the day, the zoo will be hosting a recycling event, affording the perfect opportunity, in an environmentally friendly way, to dispose of items that have been taking up space in your basement or garage. People will be stationed in the zoo’s main north parking lot (31st Street and Golfview Avenue) collecting a variety of unwanted items, including electronics, textiles and used books. For a complete list of acceptable and unacceptable items, visit CZS.org/PartyPlanet. Follow the signs directing vehicles to enter the parking lot off of 31st.

And more Riverside Arts Center, 34 E. Quincy St., presents the Riverside-Brookfield High School Advance Placement Art Exhibition through May 15 in the Freeark Gallery. The gallery is open by appointment by emailing to info@riversideartscenter.com. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. ■

North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., offers a number of virtual programs through Facebook Live (facebook.com/NRPL2400), conference calls and the teleconferencing app Zoom. ■

Science of climate change

FREDERICK LAW OLMSTED

For adults, the Spanish Language Book Club/ Club de Lectura en Espanol meets on Zoom on April 23 at 10:30 a.m. to discuss “En la Tierra de los Primeros Besos” by Paola Calasanz. There’s also Spice Club: Brazilian Farofa via Zoom on April 24 at 1:30 p.m. and Decor DIY Tuesday via Facebook Live on April 27 at 5:30 p.m. Register at northriversidelibrary.org/events-new for Zoom access. For kids there’s ABCs and 123s (ages 3+) via Zoom on Mondays at 10:30 a.m.; Story Safari (ages 3+) via Zoom on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.; and Lego

North Riverside Public Library invites you to a special Zoom presentation “The Science of Climate Change” on Thursday, April 22 at 7 p.m. In this presentation, politics is put on the backburner and the focus is on science. What does the science say is happening to the planet? Where does the data come from? What might be in our future according to past and present data? A short Q&A will follow. Register to attend by visiting northriversidelibrary.org/events-new or by calling 708-447-0869.

Now hear this!

The Riverside Township Radio Players will recreate two more classic shows from the Golden Age of Radio on Friday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. when they perform the episode “Die Hard” from the detective show “Mr. and Mrs. North” and “Exaggeration Troubles” from the family comedy series “The Ozzie and Harriet Show.” The performance will be held in the auditorium of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside. Admission is free. Face coverings are required for all attending and seating will be six feet apart, though families can sit together. Temps taken on arrival. The first 50 people will be allowed admission. Visit riversidetownshipradioplayers.com for more. Builders Club (ages 5+) via Zoom on Thursdays at 4 p.m. Kids in grades 6-12 can play the Jackbox game Bracketeering via Zoom on April 24 at 3 p.m. Call 708-447-0836, ext. 230, email youthservices@ northriversidelibrary.org or visit northriversidelibrary. org/events-new for Zoom meeting access info. Brookfield Public Library offers virtual classes and programs for patrons of all ages throughout the week. Most youth activities will be presented live on the library’s Facebook page at facebook.com/BrookfieldPublicLibrary. For adults, there’s also Chair Yoga via Zoom on April ■

22 at 11 a.m. For teens there’s Teen Take Home: Microgreens via Facebook Live on April 23 at 4 p.m. Pick up a take-and-make kit with supplies and then tune in to learn about food waste and how to plat your seeds. Call 708-485-6917, ext. 130 or visit brookfield. evanced.info/signup to register for Zoom programs. Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, presents Teen Game Night (grades 6-12) on Friday, April 23 at 6 p.m. Grab a mobile device and join on Zoom for an evening of Jackbox games. Visit riversidelibrary. org/calendar.html for more info. ■

The Landmark, April 21, 2021

P O L I C E

R E P O R T S

Another DUI crash reported at First and Forest

Riverside police and paramedics responded to the third suspected alcohol- or drug-related crash in three weeks at the intersection of First Avenue and Ridgewood Road/Forest Avenue on April 15 at about 10:35 p.m. In the latest incident, both drivers suffered what were termed “minor” injuries and did not require hospitalization. According to police, who were able to obtain video of the crash from a village surveillance camera at the intersection, a 61-year-old LaGrange Park man driving a 2016 Ford F-150 pickup truck turned left in front of a Dodge R-15 pickup truck driven by a 35-year-old Maywood man that was southbound on First Avenue and had the right of way. Police said the offending driver was so intoxicated “he could barely stand” and that he admitted drinking vodka prior to driving. Police also reported recovering a fully loaded .38-caliber handgun from an area adjacent to the driver’s seat. While the man had a concealed carry permit, it is against the law to carry a concealed weapon while intoxicated. In addition to driving under the influence of alcohol, the LaGrange Park man was criminally charged with a concealed carry violation. ■ Much earlier that same day, at 1:17 a.m., Riverside police charged a 32-year-old Chicago resident Charles O. Fenner with felony drunken driving, aggravated speeding and other offenses after an officer on patrol clocked his 2017 Nissan traveling at 66 mph while southbound in a 35 mph zone of First Avenue near Ridgewood Road. When police attempted to curb the vehicle, Fenner reportedly turned onto Ridgewood Road and drove over the curb and the sidewalk onto private property. When asked for his driver’s license, Fenner reportedly said he didn’t have one. Police later learned his license had been revoked for prior DUI convictions. He had been arrested for felony DUI in 2012, 2013 and 2015, according to police. ■ On April 12 at 1:30 p.m., Riverside police conducting radar surveillance on First Avenue near Forest Avenue reported clocking a gray BMW going southbound at 80 mph in the 35 mph zone. An officer pulled over the vehicle, driven by a 21-year-old Berwyn man, near RiversideBrookfield High School, and charged him with aggravated speeding.

Aggravated assault Brookfield police charged a 21-year-old man with aggravated assault after he allegedly pointed a BB gun that was a replica firearm at a 57-year-old man after the older man honked his car horn at the former for driving slowly while southbound on Maple Avenue approaching Ogden Avenue at about 2:20 p.m. on April 15.

Both drivers called police claiming the other had pointed a weapon at them, but police later learned the victim did not possess a firearm. The victim told police the offender also was holding the gun by his side as the two exchanged words in the parking lot of CVS on Ogden Avenue.

Argument leads to rollover Brookfield cited a 31-year-old woman for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash and other offenses after she reportedly lost control of her 2016 GMC Terrain, which struck a tree and rolled over onto its side in the 4000 block of Maple Avenue while turning right from westbound Ogden Avenue on April 13 at about 4:05 a.m. Shortly before the crash the driver reportedly got into a verbal altercation with a 30-yearold man who was a passenger, according to the police report. The altercation was never more than verbal, according to police, and neither alcohol nor drugs played a role in the crash. Paramedics took both the driver and passenger to the hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries.

Vehicle break-ins ■ A 78-year-old Oak Park man called police on the morning of April 14 to report that someone had broken into his 2013 Jeep, which was parked in the south lot at Costco, 2500 Harlem Ave., North Riverside. According to police the victim was inside the store for about 20 minutes when he returned to his vehicle at about 11:10 a.m. and observed that a small driver’s side window had been broken out. The vehicle appeared to have been ransacked, police reported, but nothing appeared to be missing, according to the victim. ■ North Riverside police responded to the east parking lot of North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 Cermak Road, on the afternoon of April 17 after a 55-year-old Bolingbrook woman called to report her vehicle had been burglarized. The victim told police she parked her vehicle in the lot at about 2 p.m. and then locked the vehicle upon exiting to go shopping. At about 3 p.m. she returned to find that someone had used a tool to punch out the driver’s side door lock to gain entry. Missing from the vehicle was a Louis Vuitton wallet containing her driver’s license, three credit cards and $1,200 in cash. The victim valued the wallet at $900.

These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Riverside, North Riverside and Brookfield police departments, April 12-18 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these reports has only been charged with a crime. These cases have not been adjudicated.

— Compiled by Bob Uphues

Are Things Getting Back to Normal for You? Perhaps your overall situation is improving, but your finances are still feeling the effects of the pandemic. You can spend years trying to dig out from the wreckage, making little or no progress and affecting your ability to prepare for the future. You might be better off starting anew through bankruptcy or Chapter 13, which can allow you to: • Address out-of-control debt or stretch out your car payments • Catch up on your mortgage or rent payments to stay in your current home or get the time you need to find a new home • Keep your business going with a Chapter 11 reorganization to address debt that you cannot service at current income levels I am meeting with clients safely by phone or video — we can meet, discuss your situation, and file for bankruptcy relief, all electronically. Make 2021 the year you get a fresh financial start!

David P. Lloyd A T T O R N E Y AT L AW

David P. Lloyd, Ltd. 615B S. La Grange Road La Grange, IL 60525 708-937-1264 info@davidlloydlaw.com www.davidlloydlaw.com

The Landmark, April 21, 2021

Riverside sets Parks and Rec repayment schedule for new HQ Final building renovation cost pegged at $722,527 By BOB UPHUES Editor

The Riverside Village Board on April 15 approved an ordinance setting the repayment schedule for the village’s outlay of cash to complete renovations for the Parks and Recreation Department’s new headquarters at 43 E. Quincy St. Parks and Rec, which levies its own taxes as well as collects fees for programs, will repay the village $722,527 over the next 25 years, according to the ordinance passed unanimously by trustees last week. The fund the department will use to repay the village will come from surpluses derived from program fees. In 2020, the Parks and Rec Department ended the fiscal year with a program fee surplus of $172,372. It will use $125,000 of that total to make the first repayment to the village. In subsequent years, depending on the amount of the surplus, the Parks and Rec Department will pay at least $25,000 annually to pay off the investment made by the village to complete the project. The former Memorial Hall at 43 E. Quincy St. had housed village recreation programs from 1968 when Riverside bought the property from the Riverside American Legion, until

1988, when the village sold it. In late 2019, Riverside again acquired the property, paying about $248,000. Since the building is considered a village asset, the Parks and Rec repayment schedule does not include the cost of the property. Initially, the village had estimated it would cost $405,500 to convert the building into the new Parks and Rec headquarters, but costs soon ballooned after officials found out they needed to add expensive fire alarm and fire suppression systems, which included constructing a new water line to the building. The renovations also included constructing ADA-compliant bathrooms, heating and air-conditioning improvements and plumbing and electrical improvements that pushed the costs to $722,527, about 78 percent over budget. The new headquarters, which includes a new multipurpose program space, opened to the public in March. In time it will host dozens of programs for children and adults and it will be available to be rented out for private events. The Parks and Rec Department’s former headquarters at the water tower, 10 Pine Ave., remain available for programs and will also house the department’s early childhood program.

MARKETPLACE ITEMS FOR SALE

ITEMS FOR SALE

ANTIQUE HALL TREE Antique American Hall Tree, solid oak. Excellent condition. 29”w x 78”h x 11”d, with covered shelf and mirror. $159.00. 708-488-8755

BRASS HEADBOARD Solid brass headboard.Originally from Marshall Field’s. $189.00. 708-488-8755

ANTIQUE MUSIC CABINET Antique music cabinet with door and five shelves. Standing on four legs. Mahogany finish. $129.00. 708-488-8755 FRUITWOOD FINISH NIGHTSTAND Solid wood nightstand, fruitwood finish. 1 drawer and 1 bottom shelf. 15”d x 24”w x 24”h. $59.00 708-488-8755 LADDERS 24 FT EXTENSION LADDER $50 WERNER 7 FT STEP LADDER Very good ladder. $50 708-488-8755

QUEEN BED FRAME Queen size bed frame, spring base on wheels. Mattress not included. $59.00. 708-488-8755

WANTED TO BUY WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400 Lost & Found, Items for Sale, and To Be Given Away ads run free in Wednesday Classified. To place your ad, call 708-613-334

ELECTRIC HEDGE TRIMMER $50.00 708-488-8755 BLONDE DRESSER WITH MIRROR 4 drawers. Blonde wood. Very old. Excellent condition. $89.00 708-488-8755 BLONDE CHEST OF DRAWERS 5 drawers. Blonde wood. Very old. Excellent condition. $89.00 708-488-8755

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

BOB UPHUES/Editor

43 E. Quincy St., Riverside

N O T E

F R O M T H E E D I T O R P U B L I S H E R

A N D

Romain named equity editor, education reporter added

rom the first conversations two years ago about transforming our legacy for profit community publications into a pioneering nonprofit model, the goal has been to grow our newsroom. We want to expand our coverage, sharpen our storytelling and stay focused on coverage that no other newsroom can offer. So it is with great enthusiasm that Growing Community Media announces that we have created the post of equity editor and ombudsman and have promoted the terrific and thoughtful Michael Romain to that position. Michael will continue as editor of our Austin Weekly News. But he will step aside as Wednesday Journal’s education reporter covering OPRF and District 97. Joining the staff and growing the newsroom is F. Amanda Tugade as our education reporter. Amanda is a veteran of community journalism having worked at Shaw Media, 22nd Century Media and

as a fellow at City Bureau. Amanda has been freelancing for Growing Community Media in recent months and has done great work. As our education reporter, Amanda will add coverage of River Forest’s District 90 elementary schools, a beat where our coverage has been thin. She will also cover early childhood education stories, mix in private school news and she won’t overlook three colleges serving our communities – Dominican, Concordia and Triton. Michael’s role as equity editor and ombudsman will be wide ranging. He will be regularly reporting on equity related news. He will also be working with our editorial staff to ensure that all of our coverage reflects an equity lens. Michael will have a role in advising our organization on ways Growing Community Media can become more equitable. Finally, Michael will become our ombudsman, our connection between the newsroom and readers. Only a few

The Landmark, April 21, 2021

Michelini tapped as Komarek School principal DiLallo remains on board as director of student services

By BOB SKOLNIK

long time,” Michelini said. “I really enjoy this community in general including the students, parents, staff. … I’m just thrilled After sharing the job of Komto continue working with this arek School principal with Caitcommunity.” lin DiLallo this year, Diane MiDiLallo will stay at Komarek chelini will be the sole principal School in her role as director of of the K-8 institution in North student services, overseeing the Riverside next year. school’s special education serMichelini, 38, who has also vices in addition to other duties. served as Komarek’s dean of DIANE MICHELINI “It was really more about the students for the past two years, strengths of our current staff,” has spent much of her life at Komarek. She went to kindergarten, first and Komarek District 94 Superintendent Todd second grades at Komarek before her family Fitzgerald said about making Michelini the moved from North Riverside to LaGrange sole principal. “Moving to a more traditional Park. She has worked at Komarek since model with one principal made sense. It re2008, teaching junior high math and science ally came down to how to divide up responbefore becoming the dean of students two sibilities.” The co-principal model was a stopgap years ago. “I’ve been part of this community for a measure after former Principal Jason Gold Contributing Reporter

resigned late last year. Gold is now the principal of Fox Meadow Elementary School in South Elgin. Fitzgerald was taking over as superintendent as Gold was leaving and was not familiar with the Komarek staff, so rather than try to make a rushed pick at principal last year he decided to let Michelini and DiLallo share the job and continue in their other jobs to maintain continuity. Michelini and DiLallo had to deal with the unprecedented challenge of helping run a school during a pandemic this year. “It’s been an interesting year to say the least,” Michelini said. “All in all, for as unique as it was, it went very well.” Komarek started the school with all-remote learning but switched to a hybrid model last fall. Currently about half of Komarek students attend school in person for half days. Those students not attending in person

D95 looks for applicants to fill board vacancy Anyone interested needs to apply by May 7 By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Interested in being a member of the District 95 school board? Then send a letter to school board President Katie Mulcrone. The Brookfield-LaGrange Park School District 95 Board of Education has a vacancy, because only three candidates ran for the four seats at stake in the April 6 election. That leaves the school board with only six members. The school board will now appoint a new member, probably in June, to serve at least until the next election in 2023 and is seeking applications from interested residents. To serve on the school board you must live in the district, registered to vote and at least 18 years old. Those interested in being considered for the school board vacancy should send a letter stating their interest to Katie Mulcrone, the president of the school board, at kmulcrone@district95.org.

newsrooms have an ombudsman, and we haven’t yet found a community newsroom that has brought this focus to transparency and accountability between the news gathering process and readers. This growth is only possible and is directly attributable to the generous, passionate investment that so many people

Applications must be received by May 7. The school board will likely interview applicants at its May 13 meeting and then pick a replacement at its June meeting. Last year, Kyle Wood was appointed to board to replace former board President Michelle Maggos, who had resigned from the board. Wood, Barbara Garvey and newcomer Jessica Filbey were the only candidates who ran in the April 6 election. They were sworn in at last week’s board meeting.

Additional 1st grade teacher needed In other District 95 news, the six-person school board last week unanimously approved hiring an additional first-grade teacher at Brook Park School in LaGrange Park, as the school will add a seventh section of first grade next year to accommodate this year’s unusually larger kindergarten class of 161 students. Superintendent Mark Kuzniewski said there is classroom space at Brook Park to handle the additional first-grade class. Kuzniewski said that all other grade levels at Brook Park will continue to have six sections. “We have the ability to house what I would

and organizations in our seven neighborhoods have mustered. We offer a special thanks to the Good Heart Work Smart Foundation for its notable three-year pledge to help fund this initiative. You invested in us. We’re investing in our newsroom. Our gratitude is deep and our plans are

call, right now, a bubble,” Kuzniewski said. Next year’s kindergarten enrollment is projected to be around 150 students so expectations are that except for next year’s first-grade class, all other grade levels at Brook Park will continue to have six sections.

In-person graduation planned Eighth-graders at S.E. Gross Middle School in Brookfield will have an in-person graduation ceremony this year. Gross’s graduation ceremony will be held on Sunday, June 6, at 10:30 a.m. at the RiversideBrookfield High School football stadium. Each graduate’s family will be given three tickets. “We’re excited to do it for the kids,” said S.E. Gross Principal Ryan Evans. “They deserve to be celebrated for all the hard work they have done.” Eighth-graders who don’t feel comfortable, or whose families don’t feel comfortable, attending the in-person graduation will have an opportunity to come to S.E. Gross School during the afternoon of June 6 to get their diploma in the Gross gymnasium and to have a professional photo taken of the graduate.

ambitious. If you are a reader and would consider investing in our independent community newsroom, I’d love to hear your ideas. My email is dhaley@wjinc.com. All the best,

Dan Haley, editor and publisher Growing Community Media

in the hybrid model have continued with 100 percent remote learning throughout 2020-21. Michelini received a two-year contract and will be paid $94,382 next year. Meanwhile, he school’s reading specialist and literacy coach, Danielle Bagdzius, has been promoted to new role as a combination dean of students and instructional coach. “It’s just a change of title, role and responsibilities,” Fitzgerald said.

Golden Wok Restaurant 1122 Maple - 17th Ave. La Grange Park • 354-3930 Finest Cantonese and Mandarin Food at reasonable prices. WE NOW DELIVER TO RIVERSIDE AREA CALL FOR DETAILS

Fast Carry-outs or enjoy Lunch & Dinner in our new Dining Room • Serving Beer & Wine•

Everything Plumbing & Drainage Water Heaters • Drippy Faucets Sump Pumps • Sewage Pumps Clogged Drains

Connell Plumbing 708-531-9478 Free Estimates Mon-Sat 24 hour emergency

Brookfield Resident Licensed & Insured P.L. #058-198117

CALL NOW! 708-531-9478 30 years in business Handyman Services Available

Ivins /Moravecek

Funeral Home & Cremation Services Family owned since 1885 David Moravecek - Owner Additional Suburban Chapel Locations Available Specializing in Pre Need & Veteran Care

80 E. Burlington St., Riverside

(708) 447-2261 | www.ivinsfh.com

The Landmark, April 21, 2021

D96

Long-term subs hired from page 1 person schedule for the first time. Kids and parents alike were excited about the return to full day school. Hollywood School second-grader Isabelle Hlavaty was excited to see friends that she hadn’t seen all year. “Friends that haven’t been there all year came back,” said Isabelle’s mother, Jenni Hlavaty. “She got to see some of her friends that she hasn’t been able to see, so she was like super excited.” Isabelle Hlavaty was also excited that she got to sit at a table in her classroom with a classmate instead of sitting at a separate desk. Nearby was a new boy in her class, who had attended Central School and had been doing remote learning until now. That boy was one of 73 students switching from remote learning to in-person attendance because of the switch to full-day instruction. Only five students switched from hybrid instruction to 100-percent remote learning, because families apparently were concerned about the reduction in social distancing from six feet to three that made full day school possible. Overall 78.2 percent of elementary school students in District 96 are now going to school in person all day, while 21.5 percent still attend school remotely. Most class sizes doubled, because under the hybrid model used prior to last week individual classes were split in two -- with half the class attending in the morning and the other half in the afternoon to maintain six feet of social distancing. The morning and afternoon classes were merged for full-day instruction, so most students stayed with the teacher they have been with all year. “We really want to minimize the change for everybody, but especially for our children,” said District 96 Superintendent Martha RyanToye. The largest class in District 96 is a 26-student second grade class at Central School, which

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

ART APART: Although many kids are back in classrooms, there are still some concessions to the pandemic, as evidenced by this art class at Ames School, where students receive instruction via Zoom. also has two classes of 25 students each. Ames School has three classes of 24 students each and three more of 23 students. District 96 has hired five long-term substitute teachers to act as aides in the largest classes. One new section of 13 first grade students at Ames School was created to accommodate children switching from remote instruction to in-person learning. That section is being taught by Judy Dickerson, who is has a long-term substitute teacher credential and had been working for District 96 as a paraprofessional. It is costing the district about $7,000 each for each of the five new hires. Business Man-

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

BACK IN CLASS: Students in Christina Duve’s fourth-grade class go over an assignment on April 19 at Ames Elementary School in Riverside.

ager Jim Fitton said he expects the district will be able to use federal money from recent stimulus packages to reimburse the district for the approximately $35,000 it is costing to hire the additional staff to help with in-person learning. The change to full-day, in-person school was made after number of parents pushed for it following a survey that showed that most parents wanted children back in the classroom. “This is what our parents wanted,” RyanToye said. “This is what our parents were asking for.” Elementary school students are now attending school from 8:20 a.m. until 10:50 a.m. when they break 80 minutes for lunch. They return to school at 1:10 p.m. and are in school until 2:55 p.m. At the school district’s request most students are going home for lunch. “Parents have been wonderful in terms of their responsiveness,” Ryan-Toye said. At the Central School between 15 and 18 kids have been staying at school for lunch while 16 students have been staying at school for lunch at Ames School. At the district’s smaller elementary schools, Blythe Park and Hollywood, only a handful of kids are staying at school for lunch. Kids who stay at school for lunch typically eat outside if the weather is nice. If the weather is bad they eat indoors while remaining at least six feet apart. The district is providing sack lunches for all kids who want them, whether they go home for lunch or not. The return to full-day, in-person instruction seems to have gone smoothly, but it initially took some time for students to adjust to a lon-

ger school day. “It’s like getting back on a new bike,” said Hollywood School Principal Kim Hefner. “You shift gears a little differently. You might have more gears. But at the end of the week it was so familiar.” Things also went well at Ames School. Students were excited to finally be able to play on the new playground built last summer. “The kids were very excited to see some of their classmates that they haven’t had the chance to be in school with for over a year now,” Ames Principal Todd Gierman said in an email after the first day of full day school on April 12. “The kids were especially excited that today was the first day our students were able to enjoy the new Ames playground during the school day. We opened up the playground today for the first time. Each classroom gets 15 minutes of recess on the playground every day. Overall, the day was a success for students and staff.” But perhaps most excited of all for the return of full day school were parents. “Oh my God, liberated,” said Central School parent Jennifer Fournier when asked about how she felt about the return of full-day school. Since Fournier works in the Arcade Building in downtown Riverside, her twin third-graders just walk to their mother’s office with their sack lunches and eat with her on most days. Even more excited might be Nick Fournier, the father of the twins who supervised the kids for much of the time when they were only going to school in person for half the day. “He really took the brunt of it,” Jennifer Fournier said of her husband. “He’s so excited to get his life back.”

The Landmark, April 21, 2021

Brookfield Avenue bridge replacement contract awarded Late April, early May start date planned; road will be closed through October By BOB UPHUES Editor

The long-awaited replacement of the Brookfield Avenue bridge over Salt Creek will begin soon now that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has awarded a $3,471,604 construction contract to Des Plaines-based Lorig Construction Company, which was the low bidder for the work. That winning bid was roughly a half million dollars higher than the engineer’s $2.9 million estimate for the project. According to Brookfield Village Manager Timothy Wiberg, steel costs are what drove the higher bids. The start date for the project initially was April 15, but now it appears work will not commence until late April or early May. IDOT scheduled a preconstruction meeting with the contractor and the village for April 20, which means work should start within a couple of weeks. The village will hold off on closing Brookfield Avenue to traffic between the village hall driveway and Forest Avenue as long as possible, possibly until mid-May. But, once

work begins, traffic will need to detour around the area until the project is complete. Detour routes include Arden, Washington and Prairie avenues. According to the bid documents for the project, the completion date is the end of October. However, pedestrians will still be able to cross Salt Creek during the entire construction period by using the pedestrian bridge, which is located south of Brookfield Avenue and north of the railroad tracks. The higher-than-expected low bid has also increased what the village must pay as its share of the cost for the project. Prior to the bids being opened, the village expected its share to be about $580,000. That share will now be closer to $694,000. Brookfield will use $600,000 in motor fuel tax funds to pay for the majority of its share. The village board approved the funds for that use at a special meeting on March 31. The new bridge will be wider than the existing span and the entire structure will be replaced from the river bed up. The existing superstructure dates from 1916 and the deck from 1986. When completed the new superstructure

A PA R T M E N T / O F F I C E SUBURBAN RENTALS

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

OAK PARK & FOREST PARK

708-386-7355

MMpropMgmt.com

Apartment listings updated daily at:

Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am – 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue. Or call us toll free at 1-833-440-0665 for an appointment.

SUBURBAN RENTALS OAK PARK: ROOSEVELT/OAK PARK AVE. CORRIDOR 2BR 4RMS close to blue line. On site laundry, parking, heat & water incl. $1200/ month 708-383-9223

R E N TA L S OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION FOREST PARK HIGHLY VISIBLE OFFICE/STORE AVAILABLE FOR LEASE 1350 SF w/ AC & HIGHLY VISIBLE MADISON STREET EXPOSURE. 7607 Madison Street. Village parking lot next door. Bright, clean ofﬁce. Great Madison Street exposure! Call Francis 708-3838574.

Desplaines Ave. resurfacing under way The replacement of the Brookfield Avenue bridge over Salt Creek isn’t the only bridge repair project local motorists will have to plan their trips around this spring and summer. Beginning April 19, the Illinois Department of Transportation will commence resurfacing Desplaines Avenue from 26th Street to 31st Street, which will result in intermittent lane closures. In addition to the pavement resurfacing, IDOT will be installing ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps at corners. However, according to press release people will have access to residences and businesses at all times during the project, which is expected to last through June.

will be realigned so it’s parallel with the river and will be able to support the deck without need for a central pier, which impedes the flow of the river. Instead of a narrow 5-foot wide sidewalk on the north side of the bridge, the new

Starting A New Business?

Call the Experts Before You Place Your Legal Ad! Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice in Journal/Review/Landmark/Austin CLASSIFIED! Call 708/613-3342

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

Also this spring and summer, IDOT is planning to reconstruct the deck of the 31st Street bridge over the Des Plaines River, which runs through North Riverside and Riverside between Desplaines Avenue and First Avenue. During construction traffic patterns will shift and traffic will be limited to one lane in each direction, so motorists should expect delays and plan alternate routes. The project is expected to begin on May 5 with expected completion in mid-July. The improvements are part of the state’s $33.2 billion Rebuild Illinois capital program.

bridge will have a 10-foot-wide walkway on its north side, with a semicircular bumpout, creating a small plaza. A parapet wall will separate the sidewalk from traffic, and the bridge will also be equipped with decorative lighting.

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED HOMECARE AIDES Sahara Homecare is hiring Homecare Aides for our Melrose Park location. We are looking for compassionate caregivers to assist elderly clients with everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, and other errands. Pay starts at $14.00 per hour and ﬂexible hours are available. Please call our Melrose Park ofﬁce at (708) 344-2273 if interested or email Nicole Gray at nicoleg@saharahomecare.com and Greyder Martinez at greyderm@saharahomecare.com.

OFFICE & RETAIL SPACE FOR RENT RIVER FOREST–7777 Lake St. * 1116 sq. ft. * 1400 sq. ft. Dental Office RIVER FOREST–7756 Madison St. * 960 sq. ft. OAK PARK–6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. * 3 & 5 room office suites FOREST PARK–7736 Madison St. *2500 sq. ft. unit Strand & & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011

31st St. bridge deck replacement

We are hiring Relationship Bankers in Oak Park. Check out this opportunity to join a great team! https://wintrust.taleo.net/careersection/2 /jobdetail.ftl?job=2100424&lang=en

HELP WANTED ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INTERN The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualiﬁed candidates for the position of Environmental Health Intern in the Health Department. This full-time seasonal position will provide assistance to the Environmental Health Practitioners in the inspection and local businesses, homes and other establishments to enforce state and local laws and ordinances related to public Health safety; to respond and resolve citizen complaints regarding nuisances and reported epidemics. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/ jobs. Interested and qualiﬁed applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application no later than April 30, 2021. PART-TIME CHEF Oak Park Meal Service looking for an experienced part time chef to manage food prep, cooking, cooling & packaging. Day hours, $15+/hour. Contact Angie via email • angiemontroy@angiespantry.com

ALL POSITIONS AVAILABLE PAPASPIROS RESTAURANT 708-358-1700 • Ask for Spiro

YOUR WEEKLY AD

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

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

The Landmark, April 21, 2021

Brookfield cops to wear body cams by late summer AXON ENTERPRISE, INC

Trustees unanimously approve 5-year contract for equipment purchase, tech support By BOB UPHUES Editor

Brookfield police officers patrolling the village’s streets will be equipped with body cameras sometime later this summer after village trustees voted unanimously to spend $112,174 over the next five years to purchase 16 cameras along with the hardware, software and technical support for the system at the April 12 meeting of the Brookfield Village Board. Earlier this year, the Illinois General Assembly passed legislation mandating that all police agencies in Illinois equip police officers with body cameras, though small municipalities like Brookfield, Riverside and North Riverside have until 2025 to comply. Brookfield will be the first agency within the West Central Consolidated Communications (WC3) emergency dispatch agency, which includes Riverside, North Riverside and McCook, to employ body camera technology. “I feel we are well ahead of the curve on this,” Deputy Police Chief Michael Kuruvilla

told village trustees before they voted to make the purchase last week. Last year amid the civil unrest that followed George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police, Kuruvilla got the go ahead to explore bringing body cam technology to the village. “After George Floyd and since the summer of 2020, I’ve been asked on a regular basis, ‘When is this coming?’” Kuruvilla was a good candidate to research the initiative, because earlier he had chosen body cameras as his area of study while attending Northwestern University Center for Public Safety’s Police School of Staff and Command after being named deputy chief in late 2019. “I started to recognize personally how this tool has been a benefit, particularly for police departments,” Kuruvilla told the Landmark last fall. “Even before all of the tragic things

that have happened this year, this is a topic I thought we were going to have to face sooner than later.” Brookfield will enter into a contract with Axon Enterprise Inc. to provide the cameras and underlying technology, which includes a cloud-based evidence storage system already approved for use by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Axon’s system will also save time in police responding to public records requests for body cam video, because the system features an auto-redaction feature that can blur images of people not involved in an incident. The cloud-based storage is also cost effective in that it can store body camera video for 90 days per state law, and will not force the police department to buy a new computer server system. The village is buying the camera technology through a Minnesota-based municipal purchasing cooperative called Sourcewell, said Kuruvilla. Intergovernmental Risk Management Agency (IRMA), the village’s risk management cooperative is providing the village with a $10,000 grant to help defray the cost of the purchase. Kuruvilla told the Landmark that the village ought to take delivery of the cameras and other hardware and software in the next six weeks and that he expected the system to be

Sawa’s Old Warsaw Come Celebrate early from Restaurant • Catering 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. & Delivery Menu

Sawa’s Old Warsaw

ASSISTED LIVING • SHELTERED CARE • MEMORY CARE • SKILLED NURSING

Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.

operational by the end of July. It will take some time for the department to iron out its body camera use policy and program the system to automatically turn on the cameras when police respond. Kuruvilla said the system can be triggered in a number of ways, from turning on a squad car’s emergency lights to opening the vehicle’s door to unholstering weapons. If one officer’s camera turns on, the system can also turn on the cameras of any Brookfield police officer within 30 feet. Trustee Michael Garvey, a defense attorney with experience using body camera video in criminal cases, said he fully supported the expenditure. “It for the protection of the officers, it’s for the protection of the residents, it’s protection for everyone with whom the police interact,” said Garvey who added the fact that IRMA is chipping in $10,000 demonstrates that they believe it will lower the village’s risk level. “These videos often just solve things pretty easily.” Trustee Edward Cote, who last year urged the village to seriously consider body cameras for police also praised the initiative. “This is the first line of protection, and it’s so important to have everything recorded because that’s where the truth is,” Cote said. “No stories, no bias, no hiding. It’s right there. … This is so important and so necessary.”

Y A D S ’ E ENTIN $15 per person

VAL

FET F U B T AKFAS

Choose three Meats:

__Potato Salad __Macaroni Salad __Chicken (Broasted or baked) __Beet salad __Polish Sausage (fresh or smoked) __Kidney Bean Salad __Sliced Roast Beef __Cucumber Salad __Sliced Baked Ham __Three Bean Salad __Veal Chop Steak __Tossed Garden Salad __Breaded Texas Style French Pork CutletsToast __Sliced Apple wood Roast Bacon Pork __Homemade Cole Slaw __Smoked Scrambled Eggs BBQ Spare Ribs __ Potato Pancakes Meatballs (dill sauce or mushroom Choice of Dessert:  Kiszka gravy) (Polish Sausage) __Apple or Cheese Blintzes (Crepes) __Broasted Sliced Ham Cod Fish with tarter sauce __Assorted Cakes __Stuff Pork Sausage Links ed Cabbage __Kolacki (Apricot and Cherry)  Apple Crepes __Jello Squares (variety of flavors)  Apricot Crepes __Fresh Fruit (peaches, watermelon) Choose three Sides:  Blueberry Crepes __Potato Dumplings Bloody Mary  Cheese Crepes __Potatoes (Broasted, boiled, mashed) • Delivery is available for parties of 20 persons  Fresh Fruit oror Mimosa __Sauerkraut more at $2 per mile charge  Raisin Bread __Sweet Corn only $6  English Muffins __Green Beans • Plates, napkins, knives, forks, serving utensils rolls butter are included with all catering All that plus Apple Juice, Orange Juice, Milk orand Coffee... __Peas and delivery orders __Sliced Carrots __Mixed Vegetables

A safe & smart choice.

BRE

Choosing a community you can trust has never been more difficult. Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues. We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.

For only $9 per person!

• Delivery not available on Holidays

CONTACT US FOR AN OUTDOOR VISIT 2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL 60546 (708) 477-5092 | CaledoniaSeniorLiving.org

Lunch ~ Noodles ‘n Ham 9200 W. 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $9 per person Limited availability!

Dinner ~ BBQBroadview, Pork Ribs Cermak Rd, IL 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. 708-343-9040 $13 per person www.SawasOldWarsaw.com Smorgasbord • Lounge • Banquets • Carry Out • Catering & Delivery 9200 W. Cermak Road • Broadview, IL

www.SawasOldWarsaw.com

The Landmark, April 21, 2021

Exciting News in 2021! Cantata’s Independent Living community is experiencing a

MAJOR RENOVATION! Call today for details on MONTHLY FEES UNDER $2000!

Brookfield police unveil online reporting for non-emergencies Residents can access tool through link on village’s website By BOB UPHUES Editor

The Brookfield Police Department is rolling out a new way to report non-emergency complaints online both as a convenience for residents and as a way to free up officers to perform other duties. Residents can access the reporting module by visiting the Brookfield village website at brookfieldil.gov, clicking “Departments,” selecting “Police Department” and clicking the “online reporting page” link on that webpage. The page can be directly accessed at frontlinepss.com/brookfieldil. The reporting system is the latest module the police department is making available to residents through its partnership with Frontline Public Safety Solutions, the company that also administers the department’s overnight parking, vacation watch and pet registry modules. “What we’ve learned through COVID is that everyone had to adapt and adjust,” said Deputy Police Chief Michael Kuruvilla, referencing the department’s policy changes a year ago, which limited face-to-face contact between officers and residents to incidents of a more serious or emergency nature. While taking citizen complaints in person is valuable in determining how to proceed with an investigation, there are plenty of non-emergency incidents that don’t require an in-person police response – things like

non-criminal damage to property, identity theft and the continuing wave of fraudulent unemployment claim letters. Those are the kinds of incidents Kuruvilla hopes residents will turn to the new reporting module to make their initial complaints. “I’d emphasize this is for lower level, noncriminal reports,” Kuruvilla said. “We hope it’ll be a convenience to the community and free up police officers for other concerns.” Other examples of incidents appropriate for reporting online through the module, according to Kuruvilla, include lost property, graffiti/vandalism and delayed reporting of suspicious incidents. Kuruvilla emphasized that police do not monitor the module 24 hours a day and that if it’s an emergency, you should call 911. There will be one supervising officer whose job will include checking the module for incident reports on a daily basis. Residents should allow up to five days for police to process the incidents in the department’s records management system. If police determine more information is needed, an officer will follow up. The module isn’t meant to be a crime tip line, said Kuruvilla. If you do have information regarding a new or pending criminal matter, Kuruvilla said you should call the Brookfield Police Department at 708-485-8131. The police department lobby is open 24/7, and a red phone in the lobby can put you directly in touch with the central dispatch center, which can have an officer respond to talk to you. “If it has to do with investigations, we prefer using patrol to filter that. We can still take reports face to face or over the phone. Our intention is to make residents comfortable,” Kuruvilla said.

708-485-5665 cantata.org

Bring Mom a Taste of the Best!

B.B.Q. RIBS & CHICKEN BURGERS & HOT DOGS

RibFest Every Day!

Mickey’s is the place!

Wednesday

Gyros Plate Dinner 1 lb meat, 2 pita breads, fries & 3 cups sauce $10.99

Every day Special!

Gyros with fries $7.99

1/4 Lb Double Cheeseburger

Big Mickey! $ .99

525 N Harlem Ave, Oak Park (708) 848-3333 • 11am - 9pm Daily

The Landmark, April 21, 2021

COVID-19 vaccine pop-up coming to S.E. Gross School Brookfield coordinating with Jewel-Osco to schedule appointments, enlist volunteers By BOB UPHUES Editor

Jewel-Osco is taking appointments for local residents to receive both doses of the

Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination during a popup site it is providing on April 25 and May 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, at S.E. Gross Middle School, 3524 Maple Ave, in

Brookfield. Anyone 16 or older, regardless of insurance coverage or immigration status, is eligible to schedule an appointment. You’ll need to fill out a vaccine consent form at the site. Those with appointments can park in the S.E. Gross Middle School lot off Broadway Avenue to enter the vaccination site, and those with appointments should arrive 15 minutes early (allow more time if you need assistance). Plan to wait 15 minutes after you receive your vaccination so that volunteers and

medical personnel can ensure you feel well enough to leave. You must register online by visiting online at tinyurl.com/34khph56.

Volunteers sought for clinic In order to run the pop-up, the village of Brookfield is also looking for volunteers to help direct attendees to their vaccination tables and assist with other logistical matters. You can sign up to volunteer by filling out a form online at tinyurl.com/xxtw4dkz.

HOME SERVICES CEMENT

CEMENT

MAGANA

C O N C R E T E C O N S T RU C T I O N

FLOORS

HAULING

KLIS FLOORING INC.

BASEMENT CLEANING

New hardwood ﬂooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-ﬁnishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com

“QUALITY IS OUR FOUNDATION” ESTABLISHED IN 1987

HANDYMAN

COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL

HANDYMAN

708.442.7720 '5,9(:$<6 )281'$7,216 3$7,26 67(36 &85% *877(56 6,'(:$/.6 612: 3/2:,1* 67$03(' &2/25(' $**5(*$7( &21&5(7( FREE ESTIMATES LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed

ELECTRICAL

A&A ELECTRIC

Let an American Veteran do your work

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

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

773-637-0692 Ask for John

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

708-296-2060

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

FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small

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

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

LANDSCAPING FAST DELIVERY

Mulch & Topsoil

Premium Shredded Hardwood ��$25/yd Dyed Red/Brown ��$28/yd Playmat��$28/yd Triple Brown ��$28/yd Premium Blend Dark �$34/yd Premium Bark Fines��$42/yd Blonde Cedar ��$48/yd • Spreading Available! • Topsoil, Garden Mix, Mushroom, Super Mix, Compost, Gravel, Sand

SureGreenLandscape�com

847-888-9999 847-888-9999 •• 630-876-0111 630-876-0111

PAINTING & DECORATING CLASSIC PAINTING

Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair Low Cost

708.749.0011

PLASTERING McNulty Plastering & Stucco Co.

Small & big work. Free estimates. Complete Plaster, Stucco & Re-Coating Services

708/386-2951 • ANYTIME Work Guaranteed

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

Lic/Bonded 25 yrs experience

FREE SERVICE CALL WITH REPAIR AND SENIOR/VETERAN DISCOUNT.

708-785-2619 or 773-585-5000

708-488-9411

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

YOUR WEEKLY AD

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

Public Notice: Your right to know • In print • Online • Available to you 24/7/365 PublicNoticeIllinois.com

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

The Landmark, April 21, 2021

Students not immune as COVID cases rise locally Most new contacts reportedly taking place outside of classroom By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

As COVID cases have steadily increased in recent weeks, school children have not been immune. Area schools have been reporting an increase in positive COVID tests among students recently. At Riverside-Brookfield High School, 15 students have tested positive since the school’s fourth quarter began on March 16. Only 20 RBHS tested positive during the entire third quarter. Six RBHS students tested positive in the week ending April 16, four RBHS tested positive in the week ending April 9, and two students tested positive in the week of April 2. Positive tests at RBHS resulted in the girls varsity and JV volleyball teams and the varsity cheerleading teams being forced to quarantine for a time. Some football players, who it’s unclear just how many, also were forced to

quarantine after exposure to a teammate who tested positive in late March. Staff members, who are mostly fully vaccinated, are faring better. No RBHS faculty member has tested positive in more than a month. Eighty-five RBHS students and 13 staff members have tested positive for COVID since the school year began in August. In Riverside Elementary School District 96, nine students have tested positive in the last three weeks. Last week, 33 District 96 students had to quarantine because of exposure to kids who tested positive. Most of the exposures apparently took at place at scouting events, either Cub Scouts or Girl Scouts, said District 96 Superintendent Martha Ryan-Toye. Students who attend Ames School account for five of the nine confirmed cases last week. Three Ames School students tested positive during the week ending April 9 and one Ames student each tested positive during the week ending April 2 and the week ending April 16. Two Blythe Park students tested positive during the week ending April 2. Those were the first positive cases among Blythe Park students since November. No Central School student has tested positive since the week ending March 19 and no Hollywood School student

has tested positive since January, according to data posted on the District 96 website. Only one student at L.J. Hauser Junior High School has tested positive in the last three weeks. Positive tests are also surging in Brookfield-LaGrange Park District 95, where nine students have tested positive in the last two weeks. Almost all of positive cases in District 95 this year have come from exposure outside the school buildings, said District 95 Superintendent Mark Kuzniewski. Twelve District 95 students were in quarantine on April 19, according to the District 95 COVID-19 dashboard posted on the District 95 website. Students must quarantine if they have come within six feet of someone who tests positive for 15 minutes or more. Komarek School Superintendent Todd Fitzgerald said only one Komarek student has tested positive recently. Four students in LaGrange District 102 tested positive last week and 14 students were quarantining on April 19. Superintendents remain confident that there has been little or no transmission of the virus in school. Districts 102 and 96 have been offering saliva screening tests to students and staff, although District 96 officials are disappointed

in the number of students and staff participating in that program. A little less than half of students who have been attending school in person have been getting their salvia tested. The test, which is not a diagnostic test, requires a person to spit into a tube and submit it for testing. Students and staff participating in the saliva testing program are tested once a week. Nearly half of teachers and other certified staff are participating in the free saliva screening test. Some wonder if the teacher participation rate is dropping because teachers in District 96, as in other districts, have had the opportunity to be receive the COVID-19 vaccine. “We continue to encourage people to participate,” Ryan-Toye said. District 96 school board member David Barsotti said during the April 7 school board meeting that he questioned the value of the saliva testing if fewer than half of students and staff were taking the test. But board member Lynda Murphy argued that the testing was still useful in identifying possible positive cases of COVID-19. “I would love to see the numbers higher and I would encourage people to participate,” Murphy said.

Brookfield COVID positivity rate stuck above 8%

Cases drop sharply week over week in Riverside, North Riverside By BOB UPHUES Editor

The number of residents either confirmed or probable for contracting COVID-19 fell sharply week over week in both Riverside and North Riverside as of the morning of April 20, according to the Cook County Department of Public Health. That same drop was not seen in Brookfield, however, where the number of people either confirmed or probable for new cases of COVID-19 remained at levels last seen in January. After four straight weeks of increased new cases, Riverside saw just six new cases during the week-long period ending on the morning of April 20. The prior week’s total of 20 had been the village’s highest since late January, with last week’s totals in line with what the village saw throughout March. Likewise, after seeing the number of new cases spike to 13 the week prior, in North Riverside just five new cases were reported for the week ending on the morning of April 20, roughly in line with where the number of new cases had been through March and the beginning of April. There were no new fatal cases of COVID-19 reported in either Riverside or North Riverside in the past week, and the seven-day rolling positivity rate for the 60546 ZIP code, which includes both Riverside and North Riverside, fell again below 3 percent after spiking to about 6 percent a week earlier. As of April 18, the most recent date listed on the Northwestern University School of Medicine’s online dashboard tracking COVID-19 data, the seven-day rolling positivity rate in the 60546 ZIP code was 2.01 percent.

In Brookfield, where the number of new COVID-19 cases has risen in six of the past seven weeks, there were 48 new cases reported during the week-long period ending on the morning of April 20, one more than the prior week and the highest number since the week ending Jan. 19. While it took more than five weeks for the total number of cases in Brookfield to go from 1,600 to 1,700, Brookfield is

on track to blow past 1,800 cases less than three weeks later. As of the morning of April 20, the village had reported 1,785 total cases with 13 fatalities. There were no new fatal cases of COVID-19 reported in the past week. But, the village’s positivity rate continues to be high, with the seven-day rolling rate as of April 18 reported at 8.32 percent, just a shade lower than the 14-day rate of 8.62 percent.

The Landmark, April 21, 2021

PEOPLE

PHOTOS PROVIDED

BROOK-TASTIC: Receiving Brookie Awards for their businesses from the Brookfield Beautification Commission were (from left) Nichole Mucha of Sebastian’s Ale and Whiskey House; Fidelina, Angel, Alberto and Brittany Guadalupe of Broadway Pancake House; and Brenden O’Toole, Juan Silva, Franco Garcia and Blake Ledford of Beach Ave. BBQ.

Village commission bestows Brookies on local businesses

he Brookfield Beautification Commission recognized three local businesses with their Brookie Awards, given to business owners who have improved their business’ façade and interior space. Once a year, the commission recognizes businesses that have made changes which have improved the general appearance of the village and they hope it inspires other business owners to reinvest in their properties as well. In 2021, the commission recognized Stafa Amin and Nichole Mucha of Sebastian’s Ale and Whiskey House, 8900 Fairview Ave.; Christopher Chin and Juan Silva of Beach Ave. BBQ, 3453 Grand Blvd.; and Fidelina Guadalupe, Alberto Guadalupe and Dionicio Guadalupe of Broadway Pancake House, 9215 Broadway Ave.

service by the Pritzker Military Museum for their oral history initiative. The interview and a full transcript can be accessed online at tinyurl.com/ju39ymyt.

On campus

■ Sophia Arcos, of Riverside, was among the 26 high school students in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin to receive Regional Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation in March. The educational grant program honors Latino high school seniors who excel in the classroom and community and for their excellence in various categories. Arcos, a Riverside-Brookfield High School student, was recognized as the silver award winner for excellence in technology. Awardees receive grants for their education or to fund an idea or community project to encourage “actionable leadership,” The America Legion has recognized Rich- which is HHC’s call to action. ard Dolejs, who is a member of the River■ Riverside resident Alexis side Post #488, for his 60 years of Econie graduated in December continuous membership in the 2020 with a Master of Science deveterans’ organization. Dolejs, gree in sociology from the Uniwho owns a Lyons-based real versity of Wisconsin-Madison estate and property manageduring a ceremony held online ment company, served in the U.S. due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Army during the Korean War. ■ North Riverside residents During his time in the service, Madeline Ackerman and GaDolejs was a special agent in brielle Mandel were initiated the Army’s Counterintelligence into the Elmhurst College chapCorps, stationed in both South ter of the Honor Society of Phi RICHARD DOLEJS Korea and Japan and reporting Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest seon security at Pusan and investilective collegiate honor society gating potential threats to military security. for all academic disciplines. Only the top 10 He was interviewed about his time in the percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors

I’d be honored

are eligible for membership, and initiation requires nomination and approval by a chapter. ■ Riverside native Caryn Hughes, a senior at Roosevelt University in Chicago, was one of five students chosen for the selective Al Golin Fellowship, an opportunity to attend workshops with senior public relaCARYN HUGHES tions executives and interview at major Chicago agencies. Hughes will graduate in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in integrated marketing communications. ■ Riverside resident George Connelly was named to the 2020 fall semester dean’s list at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. ■ Julianne Gannon, of Brookfield, and Caroline Waddle, of Riverside, were named to the 2020 fall semester dean’s list at Ohio University in Athens for attaining semester grade-point averages of at least 3.5 on a 4-point scale. ■ Chris Magno, of Riverside, was among those named to the 2020 fall semester dean’s list at Miami (Ohio) University. To be included on the dean’s list undergraduate students must be among the top 20 percent in each division. ■ North Riverside residents Olivia Blood, Camila Davila and Alivia Ranieri; Brookfield resident Liam Hosack; and Riverside residents DiAngelo Gonzalez and Eva Harvin were among those named to

the 2020 fall semester dean’s list at Augustana College in Rock Island for maintaining a GPA of at least 3.5 during the term. ■ Jonathon Kulhanek, of Riverside, was named to the 2020 fall semester dean’s list at the University of Tampa. A senior majoring in biology, Kulhanek maintained a semester GPA of at least 3.75. ■ Christopher Doherty, of Brookfield, was named to the 2020 fall semester dean’s list at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh for attaining a semester GPA of at least 3.75. ■ Brookfield residents Lane Feary, Jordan Gatsos, Elina Kunickas, Calista Lopez and Megan Riordan and Riverside residents Maya Diaz, Haley Legan and Lucille Roudebush were named to the 2020 fall semester dean’s list at Marquette University in Milwaukee. ■ Maddie Hanrahan, of Brookfield, and Rachel McCarthy, of Riverside, were named to the fall 2020 dean’s list at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington for attaining a semester GPA of at least 3.5. Hanrahan is a senior majoring in vocal performance. McCarthy is a senior majoring in English and psychology. ■ Riverside resident Veronica Cariveau was among the more than 1,400 University of Iowa students who participated in the 27th annual student-led Dance Marathon which raised more than $1.4 million for the university’s Stead Family Children’s Hospital. ■ Riverside-Brookfield High School student Jovanis Prodanich and Lyons Township High School student Kevin Murphy were among those receiving Mary Wheeler See PEOPLE on page 16

Opinion K

udos to the village of Brookfield and its police department for being one of the first in the Chicago suburbs – and certainly in the western suburbs – to move ahead with purchasing and equipping police officers with body cameras. While all Illinois police agencies must eventually equip their officers with the body cam technology, small towns like Brookfield had several years to do so. Despite the leeway and the expense of bringing the technology to Brookfield, elected officials as well as the police command staff made body cams a priority in the 2021 budget. Now, we’d like to encourage the rest of the police agencies which are part of the West Central Consolidated Communications (WC3) emergency dispatch center – which includes Riverside, North Riverside and McCook – to follow suit. So far, Riverside and North Riverside have put off taking the plunge due to the initial financial outlay. The hardware, software and technical support needed to get these systems up and running are not cheap, and once implemented the systems are a perpetual expense that will also include needing to replace equipment and make upgrades as technology changes. But, as the use of body cameras proliferates, we’ve already seen how video from the cameras can be used to either reaffirm or contradict accounts of incidents, particularly violent ones involving police and citizens. There may be some resistance to the cameras on the part of police, but the reality is police officers have chosen their profession and must accept the enormous responsibility that comes with having the capacity to use deadly force. In the end, however, we believe the benefit to police officers will be as great from a training perspective and from the perspective of defending their actions as the benefit to citizens, who deserve an unvarnished record of police interactions. Of course, how police employ the technology – how and when it’s turned on and off – is a critical part of the equation, and we’re happy to learn that the cameras can be switched on automatically, taking out the human element in situations where something like flipping a switch can get lost in the shuffle. With the 2020-21 fiscal year coming to a close in less than two weeks, North Riverside trustees will soon be engaged in making budget decisions for the fiscal year that begins May 1. Our hope is that body cameras will be a priority in North Riverside and that the technology will be adopted and officers equipped by late 2021 or early 2022. As Riverside’s new president and village trustees settle into their roles, we also hope that they make body cameras a priority for the 2022 fiscal year beginning Jan. 1. This is a technology whose time has come and for the benefit of both police and citizens they swear an oath to protect, that technology needs to be employed sooner rather than later.

KOSEY CORNER

THE LANDMARK VIEW

Time to embrace body cameras for cops

The Landmark, April 21, 2021

Craving a little White Castle nostalgia

ime for a little nostalgia. I recently saw that White Castle is celebrating its 100th year, and with one of their restaurants located since at least 1939 at Harlem and Ogden, across the street from Riverside in Berwyn, I thought I’d delve into a bit of history. Founded on March 21, 1921 in Wichita, Kansas, by E.W. “Billy” Ingram, White Castle is what we now call the original fast food restaurant. With only $700 and an idea, he set out to make his little hamburgers, or “sliders” as they became known, a favorite around the country. Now some of you will admit to liking the sliders, while others will not, but most people in this area can conjure an episode in their lives involving White Castle. My friends and I felt that White Castle sliders were best eaten at night, and its hours hours made it possible to get a bite late at night. Late night White Castle sliders became a tradition, so much so that at one of the RBHS Class of 1960 reunions, someone shouted “White Castle” at 11 p.m. and, just like that, we were off on a mission to get 100 sliders. The person at the drive-up window was very nice but

requested next time we call in our order. At the next reunion, sliders were on the menu of the Friday night casual get-together. As requested, we called in our order, which was close to 300 hamburgers. Some diners will remember it as a place for an “inexpensive” date (don’t want to say cheap), maybe an engagement, birthday party and yes, even the odd wedding. I’ve even had a star turn at the drive-thru, with the server excitedly telling me she knew who I was -- the lady who writes the newspaper column. My first thought was, “I don’t have any makeup on, just give me the hamburgers.” So much for fame -- I still had to pay for them. White Castle has come a long way and influenced many a fast food chain. The word “slider” has come to mean a small hamburger or chicken or whatever on a small bun, which is what Billy Ingram had intended. Happy Birthday, White Castle and to the Ingram family, the fourth generation keeping the tradition going. As a matter of fact, I’m having White Castle for dinner tonight, and I’m not ashamed to admit that, to use their phrase, “It’s what I crave.”

JOANNE KOSEY

LETTERS

Caucus system still limits competition I realize I am making my views known a week or two after the Riverside Community Caucus executive committee voiced their opinion on the comments made in the Kosey Corner column of the Landmark. While I don’t always agree with the comments made in the “KK” column, I do feel that the author was correct and the caucus wrong. RCC comment No. 1, regarding vetting of candidates: We have lived in this town for 48 years and if memory serves me correctly, the RCC has always chosen the candidates. Three empty seats, they choose three people to run. Opposing candidates don’t exist because over time it has been proved that you can’t win against the RCC pick. Only twice in the 48 years has anyone had the intestinal fortitude to run on their own. Once a write-in candidate won, which was a miracle, since write-in candidates don’t usually win and the second time was when the village government wanted to institute a major change in the downtown area. Those running on their own did win, but it was a one-off situation. RCC comment No. 2, regarding the Nominating Committee vs. Recruiting Committee: It still boils down to a small group of people deciding our governing body. The

committee supposedly promoted a search by word of mouth, social media, and the Landmark. Word of mouth -- who do you tell? Social media -- what about the people who do not subscribe to social media (yours truly included). Using the Landmark is probably the only legitimate method of communication. RCC comment No. 3, regarding membership. This I find to be the most troubling as this rule is very much like a poll tax of so many years ago. You need to pay to vote? This brings up two questions. What does the RCC do with the money? Is it going to pay off state of Illinois fines for poor management of not following the rules that occurred a few years ago? Why should I pay for the privilege of voting for or against someone who is to govern me? Yes, I did pay my $31 to join, but I joined in October so I couldn’t vote on the group of seven. I believe that the RCC continues its existence because people don’t want to discuss politics, and the RCC method lets them kick the can down the street and not have meaningful discussion.

Paul Marhoul

Riverside See LETTERS on page 16

The Landmark, April 21, 2021

PEOPLE

LETTERS continued from page 15

from page 14

Red flags aplenty in D103 secretary firing For nearly 22 years Glory Smith has worked for School District 103. Apparently she has done at least a good job, because she was repeatedly rehired by the district for over two decades. Now, all of a sudden, she is fired in what looks like the bum’s rush. Red flag. She apparently was given no specific reason or reasons – hidden information. Red flag. Some of the board members believe she should not be fired. Another red flag. No offers of remediation for whoever knows what reason. Red flag. I feel and I am sure many other Brookfield residents feel this is the wrong way to treat someone who has done so much good for Brookfield for decades. Would the adminis-

trators and board members firing her want to be treated in a way that are treating her? As a Brookfield taxpayer, I do not like to see money wasted. I am sure other Brookfielders do, too. Why should we vote for and pay our officials who create situations that generate lawsuits? This present situation looks like it will go in the direction of a lawsuit. I think Brookfield taxpayers do not want administrators and board members who help raise Brookfield property taxes through needless lawsuits. So much of your taxes go for schools already.

Jacqueline Solfronk, Ph.D. Brookfield

TRANSITION

Decision-making doesn’t pause from page 1 administration” said Ballerine, ticking off meetings Sells has had with Army Corps of Engineers officials and the village engineer regarding the proposed Des Plaines River floodwall as well as Sells’ meetings with Village Manager Jessica Frances. Ballerine has also been present with the village board during its executive sessions, closed to the public, where the village board has discussed personnel changes resulting from the restructuring of village hall, real estate matters and other sensitive subjects. The only discussions Ballerine hasn’t been part of have been ones involving client-attorney privilege, since he wasn’t a sworn member of the body. “From the beginning I was extremely fortunate,” Ballerine said. “It’s the first time one administration to the next was given as much access and mentoring.” It’s certainly the first time in recent memory such a long, open transition has happened in Riverside. When Sells took over as president in 2013, he also ran unopposed. But, his predecessor, Michael Gorman, was not a political ally or close friend, as Ballerine is. While Sells assumed the role of president after serving six years as a trustee, he still went into the new role cold. “There was no transition when I took office,” Sells said. “I knew what I knew from

JOSEPH BALLERINE

BEN SELLS

being a trustee.” As soon as it was clear Ballerine would run unopposed, said Sells, he reached out to have Ballerine brought into the inner circle. “I want him to know as much as possible about what is going on as he can so he has a solid foundation, because decision-making doesn’t pause,” said Sells. “Anything I can do to make him better prepared is what I’ve been trying to do.” There are a number of critical decisions that either have been made or are on the horizon that will immediately impact Ballerine’s administration. The first, a comprehensive restructuring of jobs at village hall, is already under way. In a month, Police Chief Thomas Weitzel will retire and Fire Chief Matthew Buckley will take over the new role of director of public safety and emergency management, overseeing all aspects of the village’s police and fire response. Last week, the village board approved the restructuring plan by amending job titles and salary ranges in the village code. The building department will be overhauled and overseen by the as-yet-unnamed assistant village

Scholarship awards of $3,000 each by West Suburban Teachers Union Local 571, of the American Federation of Teachers, for the 2020-21 school year. The scholarships are given to children and grandchildren of union members who have exhibited the highest academic standards and involvement in school and community service. ■ Brookfield resident Ahmad Ayyeh, a senior at Lyons Township High School, was one of six members of the school’s congressional debate team named semifinalists at the IHSA Debate Championships earlier this month. Students follow procedures of senators and representatives in Washington, D.C., writing legislation, working in committees and debating bills and resolutions.

manager, another new position. Those employed in the building department, including the new position of village planner, will report to the assistant manager. Ballerine will also have to guide the village board through the thicket that is the proposed Des Plaines River floodwall, now in the design stage. The floodwall concept is still getting pushback from those it will impact directly on West Avenue and, more recently, from those who believe the wall will damage Frederick Law Olmsted’s design and harm the village’s national historic landmark designation. “It’s going to be tricky, but I think the Army Corps of Engineers has to understand that we’ll be building something that will be here for generations in a historic landmark,” Ballerine said of the floodwall. “The product that they’re giving us has to be in keeping with the community. This isn’t wherever. This is a special community and what’s done here has to be on that level.” While Ballerine, 61, has 10 years of experience as a village trustee and 15 more as a member of the Riverside Parks and Recreation Board, sitting in the village president’s seat is a different responsibility. In addition to simply running village board meetings, the president provides direction on what policies the village board will pursue. “How many initiatives do the trustees bring forward? A handful,” said Sells of the president’s importance in setting the agenda. “That’s the job. … You’re the one who has to have a vision for the future.” Ballerine said he already has a couple of changes in mind. First, he would like to

■ Lyons Township High School has named its March 2021 Students of the Month, nominated by their teachers and then selected by various departments as the most exemplary students in each subject. Among those named were three Brookfield residents, including senior Julio Marmolejo (Furniture and Cabinet Making I), Mesfin Duwell (biology) and Katherine Geisert (digital photo art). In February, Brookfield resident Leila Rivera, a junior, was named Student of the Month for English 3. ■ Brookfield resident Anthony Traverso, a junior at Lyons Township High School, was a member of the Business Professionals of America Club’s economic research team that placed second at the BPA state competition and qualified for the BPA nationals in May. The students are led and coached by teachers Jennifer Walker and Tom Sloan.

empower the chairs of the various village advisory commissions by inviting them to report directly to the village board on initiatives they are pursuing. He also wants the village trustees who serve as liaisons to those commissions to provide regular updates on what those commissions are doing. “I really want commissions to feel they are an important cog in this village,” Ballerine said. Ballerine said he also wants the village to do a better job of recruiting residents to serve on the commissions, to do more outreach in order to engage more people. “We need to cast a wider net,” said Ballerine. “There are so many volunteers in this village. We need to reach out to community organizations and let them know we’re looking for people.” Ballerine also said he’d like to find a way to incorporate Zoom technology into village meetings in the future, post-pandemic, to allow not only people like the village engineer and even residents who want to make public comment to attend without physically making the trip to the township hall. “If we have a good hybrid system, it will save us money and time,” Ballerine said. “The goal is to learn from what we’ve been through this year.” While Sells says there’s probably no incoming president with as much experience as Ballerine, the new president called the responsibility a heavy one. “It’s been a long road and to now say that this is where I’ve come, is an awesome experience,” Ballerine said. “I can’t express the gratitude I have for this village.”

Read it online at www.rblandmark.com

Sports

@RBLandmark

The Landmark, April 21, 2021

Lions net conference title in win over OPRF LTHS soccer wraps up pandemic shortened season with 11-1 record By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

On April 15, the Lyons Township High School boys soccer team clinched the West Suburban Silver conference championship with a hard-fought 2-1 win at Oak Park and River Forest, capping another successful campaign for the Lions. “We always play one-goal games and it always comes down to the end,” said LTHS coach Paul Labbato of the intense rivalry with the Huskies. “It’s always crazy like this. I can’t think of another series where the last few games have displayed this type of intensity.” In the first half, LTHS (11-1) spent the majority of time in OPRF’S end of the field, and the constant pressure finally paid off as senior forward Max Behm scored with 11:30 left to put the Lions ahead 1-0. The opening minutes of the second half saw a role reversal as the Huskies laid siege to the LTHS net. Senior goalkeeper Johnathan Laczynski stood tall, but was eventually beaten by OPRF’s Paul Garcia with 31:16 remaining. The Huskies (5-5-1) continued to apply pressure in an effort to get the go-ahead goal but were unable to finish plays. Then

with 24:18 left, LT senior defender Jackson Turner felt he had scored off a rebound, but the officials ruled the Lions to be offside, and the contest remained deadlocked. However, LTHS gradually increased its pressure, and with 6:23 remaining, sophomore forward Brian Salvino put the Lions ahead to stay with a header set up by a great free kick by Behm. “I ran around the corner and hit the ball off the left hand of the defender,” said Salvino. “It was a great cross by [Behm] and I was able to get my head on it. It’s great to go out with a win, and I did it all for the seniors.” “We tried to put some pressure on them at the end after they got that fantastic goal by [Garcia],” Labbato said of the Lions’ strategy late. “We felt we could switch some momentum and try for the goal.” The victory sealed LTHS’ sixth consecutive conference championship, and despite the circumstances caused by the pandemic, Labbato said the Lions’ hard work paid off. “They were committed to bettering themselves over the past year, and our positive mindset and chemistry really put this season in a great direction,” Labbato said. Labbato credited the seniors for leading the way. “Having been very close to this group of seniors, I was so excited and relieved that these boys who have worked so hard the past few years were able to compete this spring,” said Labbato. “They did it all, and I appreciate the hard work they put in.”

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

GOING UP: Lyons Township’s Jackson Turner (13) goes up for a header during the Lions’ 2-1 victory over OPRF on April 15 in Oak Park, capping a successful 11-1 season.

LTHS softball could be dark horse on the diamond By MELVIN TATE

Young squad two years ago brings more experience in 2021

Contributing Reporter

The Lyons Township High School softball team opened the 2021 season on April 14 with a 10-3 victory over Leyden Township at Bandits’ Stadium in Rosemont. The Lions pounded out 15 hits, including three apiece for Emily Joseph and Ava Paganis and two each for Sarah Karlson, Charlotte McLaughlin and Tess Meyer. On the mound, Lily Hanafin notched the win while splitting pitching duties with Ava Kostecki. Each struck out five Eagles’ hitters. The successful start is what LTHS coach Ni-

cole Paluch was hoping for. “It feels fantastic,” said Paluch, entering her fifth season as the Lions’ skipper. “We’re all itching to get back out there and can’t wait to make up for lost time.” LTHS will count on several returning players to help improve on a 10-15 record during the 2019 season, one that saw many freshmen in the lineup. The experience gained then may be prove to be a benefit this year for the Lions. Kostecki is a senior who is committed to play at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater next year. Hanafin, a junior, led LTHS in batting with a .393 average, while also contributing five home runs and 23 RBI in 2019.

Hanafin’s classmates -- Joseph, Paganis and Anna Bryant -- possess the ability to play multiple positions. Two newcomers who are looking to aid the Lions this season are Meyer and Lillian Prendergast. “Tess is a young but knowledgeable catcher,” Paluch said. “She’s quick behind the plate and has a great sense of the field. We’re excited to see what she does both at and behind the plate this season. Lillian’s quickness on offense and defense will prove to be crucial to the quick pace of our infielders.” Paluch believes LTHS can surprise some teams this season, but she’s simply thankful

to be playing this spring and feels her players have dealt with the uncertainty of the past year. “Many girls created new bonds and got to know their teammates in ways they wouldn’t have been able to on the field,” Paluch said. “We have learned that time is precious and we can’t take anything for granted. As a team, we’re very grateful to have our 2021 season.” LTHS has four games this week, including road contests April 19 at Downers Grove South and April 21 at Glenbard West (both post-press time), then home meetings with Downers Grove North on April 23 and Willowbrook on April 24.

S P O R T S

TheLandmark, Landmark,April April21, 21,2021 2021 The

The Landmark, April 21, 2021

LTHS girls soccer hopes to recapture 2019 form Lions’ last campaign saw them place 4th in state

By MELVIN TATE and LAUREN RECCHIA Contributing Reporter

Last spring, the Lyons Township High School girls soccer team was hoping to build off a very strong 2019, when the Lions placed fourth in the state. But they never got the opportunity, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. “I think it really caught us by surprise. We thought things might be delayed for a couple of weeks, but to lose the whole season was really hard, especially for the seniors,” said LTHS coach Bill Lanspeary, who is entering his 15th season at the helm. This year, LTHS has three seniors from the 2019 team to help with another run at both the West Suburban Silver and state championships in forward Ava Dallavo, defender Elli Kosonovich and midfielder Lily Mattern. “Ava is a quick and skilled attacker, Elli is an outstanding defender and Lily is a fantastic overall player that could play anywhere on the field for us,” Lanspeary said. The Lions will also rely on seniors Reese Komsthoeft, Jordan Lee-Caracci and

Maddie McPartlin as well as junior Eleanor Musgrove to provide experience and leadership. “We seem to be pretty well-rounded. I don’t know that we’ll be dominant in any one aspect, but we appear to be solid overall,” Lanspeary said. He also feels the West Suburban Silver race is hard to assess this year given the missed 2020 season and that some players might opt to play for their club teams given that the IHSA is allowing for simultaneous seasons this year. The conference is usually one of the area’s toughest, and Lanspeary expects it to be competitive again. But he’s also pleased with how well LTHS has dealt with the uncertainties of the pandemic as a team. “They’ve been fantastic. I think many [players] have seen how much they miss playing soccer and being part of our team,” said Lanspeary. “Hopefully, we all appreciate the many great things about athletics, clubs, and activities a lot more.” The Lions open the season with a home match April 20 versus Proviso East (postdeadline), followed by a road contest at Hinsdale Central on April 23.

RBHS eager to return to pitch The Riverside-Brookfield girls soccer team (9-8-2 in 2019) is thrilled to be coming back to the field in 2021, and coach Ivek Halic knows his team is eager to make up for lost time. “I am fortunate to see the girls playing again especially with them missing last season,” he said. “I can speak for all of them by saying we are all eager to begin playing again. The girls must play together and continue to work for each other. If we move the ball effectively and can move off the ball, we will create opportunities and make it difficult for teams to score.” The Bulldogs began their abbreviated 2021 campaign, which features 13 games, on April 15 with a conference matchup against Wheaton-St. Francis, falling 5-0. “We lost to a quality St. Francis side, but the girls did well and were able to create numerous chances,” Halic said. Among the key returning players for the Bulldogs this season are seniors Maddy Georgopoulos, Sofia Arcos and Emily Vranek, and juniors Carmen Guerrero and Amanda DiForti. Freshman Madison Bisiules, Hazel Hall, Niamh Larson

PUBLIC NOTICES

WEDNESDAY

Classified New local ads this week

YOUR WEEKLY AD

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

Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m. Please Check Your Ad: The publisher will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion. Wednesday Journal Classified must be notified before the second insertion. The newspaper reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement.

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

and Ericka Pacheco join this young varsity team this season to bring depth to the squad. “We have a young team that have a high soccer understanding,” Halic said. “Many of our players are playing competitively at travel programs which has helped build the program to where it is today.” The underclassmen along with the experience of the upperclassmen have already shown promise in the early stages of the season, and Halic sees that as one of the team’s biggest strengths. “We graduated a large senior class last year, but I am very pleased with the talented players and the younger players within the program,” he said. “The girls are working extremely hard and have been able to adjust to new positions and formations this early in the season. Along with the leadership of the upperclassmen, I am excited to see the girls playing this season.” After not being able to take the field together last season, The Bulldogs are thankful to be playing again and will make the most of their opportunity to compete. “It is important to not take these opportunities for granted and appreciate the time and moments within the games,” Halic said.

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION DOCKET NUMBER: PC 21-04 & 21-05 (Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment and Special Use Permit) HEARING DATE: May 6, 2021 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits. LOCATION OF HEARING: The Plan Commission will conduct the public hearing remotely with live audio available and optional video. The meeting will be streamed live and archived online for on-demand viewing at www.oak-park.us/ commissiontv as well as cablecast on VOP-TV, which is available to Comcast subscribers on channel 6 and ATT Uverse subscribers on channel 99. The remote public hearing is authorized pursuant to Section 7 (e) of the Open Meetings Act. The Village President has determined that an in-person public hearing is not practical or prudent due to the COVID-19 outbreak during Governor JB Pritzker’s current disaster proclamation. It is also not feasible to have a person present at the public hearing due to public safety concerns related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Written testimony or comments regarding the application may be provided prior to the public hearing by email to planning@oak-park.us. The individual’s name and a reasonable part of their testimony or comment will be read aloud into the record at the public hearing if received no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of the public hearing. If email is not an option, written testimony or comment can

be dropped off in the Oak Park Payment Drop Box across from the south entrance to Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, to be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 6, 2021. All written testimony and comments will be distributed to the Plan Commission and made a part of the official hearing record. Those wishing to provide public testimony at the hearing shall contact the Village Planner at planning@oakpark.us for instructions on attending the live Zoom meeting by 5:00 PM the day of the hearing. Interested persons may also participate in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses by emailing the cross-examination form to clerk@oak-park.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing to sign up. Individuals who sign up to participate in this manner will receive an email from Village staff with information about how to join the meeting online through Zoom web-conference means or by phone. Questions regarding written testimony or comment can be directed to 708-358.5420 or email to planning@oak-park.us. SUBJECT PROPERTY ADDRESS: 213-215 Harrison Street, Oak Park, IL 60304 ZONING DISTRICT: HS – Harrison Street Zoning District LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Lots 45 and 46 in Block 1 in West Harrison Street Subdivision of the North ½ of the Northwest ¼ of the Southwest ¼ of Section 17, Township 37 North, Range 13, East of the Third Principal Meridian, in Cook County, Illinois.

P.I.N.: 16-17-302-014-0000 PETITIONER: Jeffrey Bergren (Mosaic Counseling and Wellness, LLC), 1590 W. Algonquin Road, #149, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192 PROPERTY OWNER: Harrison Street Ventures, LLC, 15 Forest Lane, South Barrington, IL 60010 REQUEST: The Petitioner is requesting 1.) a text amendment to Article 8 (“Uses”), Section 8.3 (“Use Restrictions”), Table 8-1 (“Use Matrix) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance, by adding “Outpatient Behavioral Health” as a Special Use (“S”) within the “Use” column for the HS – Harrison Street Zoning District, and 2.) a Special Use Permit to allow an outpatient behavioral health use within the HS-Harrison Street Zoning District at 213-215 Harrison Street (P.I.N. 16-17-302-014-0000). A copy of the application and each of the applicable documents are on the Village Website at www. oak-park.us and also on file and available for inspection at the Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, during current business hours, Monday through Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The Plan Commission may continue the hearing to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO BE HEARD OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION Oak Park, Illinois 60302

Published in Wednesday Journal April 21, 2021

Public Notice: Your right to know • PublicNoticeIllinois.com

The Landmark, April 21, 2021

CLASSIFIED

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

Let the sun shine in... Public Notice: Your right to know In print • Online • Available to you 24 / 7 / 365 RBLandmark.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS FOR THE VILLAGE OF STICKNEY, COUNTY OF COOK, STATE OF ILLINOIS TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2021 at 6:00 PM Notice is given that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Village of Stickney will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 6:00 p.m., at the Village of Stickney Village Hall located at 6533 West Pershing Road, Stickney, Illinois 60402 to take public comment and testimony concerning:

LINE TO A POINT IN THE NORTH LINE OF AFORESAID PERSHING ROAD THAT IS 50 FEET WEST OF THE POINT OF BEGINNING, THENCE EAST IN THE NORTH LINE OF AFORESAID PERSHING ROAD THAT IS 50 FEET WEST OF THE POINT OF BEGINNING, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

An application submitted by the WT Group, 5722 Trillium Blvd, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60192, on March 30, 2021, to the Village of Stickney Zoning Administrator requesting a special use permit to operate a Gas N’ Wash with a gas station with a convenience store, an automobile wash and restaurant at the property located at 3800 South Cicero Avenue, Stickney, Illinois, 60402. (PINs: 16-33-400-038-0000).

ALSO EXCEPTING THAT PART TAKEN BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS IN CASE 87L50570 DESCRIBED AS COMMENCING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SECTION 33 TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH RANGE 13 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN THENCE ON AN ASSUMED BEARING OF SOUTH 89 DEGREES, 49 MINUTES 53 SECONDS WEST ON SOUTH LINE OF SAID SOUTHEAST 1/4 A DISTANCE OF 50.00 FEET TO THE SOUTHERLY PROLONGATION OF THE WEST LINE OF CICERO AVENUE; THENCE NORTH 00 DEGREES 00 MINUTES 00 SECONDS EAST ON LAST DESCRIBED LINE 84.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE SOUTH 44 DEGREES 54 MINUTES 57 SECONDS WEST ON A LINE WHICH INTERSECTS THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH 34.00 FEET OF SAID SOUTHEAST 1/4 AT A POINT DISTANT 50.00 FEET WEST OF THE WEST LINE OF SAID CICERO AVENUE, A DISTANCE OF 39.66 FEET TO A LINE 28.00 FEET WEST OF AND PARALLEL WITH THE WEST LINE IF SAID CICERO AVENUE, THENCE NORTH 00 DEGREES 00 MINUTES 00 SECONDS EAST ON THE LAST DESCRIBED LINE 101.08 FEET; THENCE NORTH 06 DEGREES 08 MINUTES 48 SECONDS EAST 261.50 FEET TO A POINT ON THE WEST LINE OF CICERO AVENUE SAID POINT BEING 417.0 FEET NORTH OF THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID SOUTHEAST 1/4; THENCE SOUTH 00 DEGREES

The Legal Description for the property is as follows: THAT PART OF THE EAST 383 FEET OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 33, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, WHICH LIES SOUTH OF A LINE DRAWN AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE EAST LINE OF AFORESAID SOUTHEAST 1/4 THROUGH A POINT IN SAID EAST LINE WHICH IS 552.11 FEET NORTH OF THE SOUTHEAST CORNER THEREOF OF AFORESAID SOUTHEAST 1/4; EXCEPT THE EAST 50 FEET THEREOF TAKEN FOR CICERO AVENUE AND THE SOUTH 34 FEET THEREOF TAKEN FOR PERSHING ROAD, AND ALSO EXCEPTING THAT PART DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS COMMENCING AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE WEST LINE OF AFORESAID CICERO AVENUE AND THE NORTH LINE OF AFORESAID PERSHING ROAD, THENCE NORTH IN THE WEST LINE OF AFORESAID CICERO AVENUE, A DISTANCE OF 50 FEET TO A POINT, THENCE SOUTHWEST IN A

00 MINUTES 00 SECONDS WEST ON THE WEST LINE OF SAID CICERO AVENUE 333.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. This request will be heard at a public hearing held at the Village of Stickney, Village Court Room, located at 6533 W. Pershing Road, Stickney, IL 60804. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the hearing will also be broadcast via Zoom.us. The Zoom meeting ID is as follows: Meeting ID: 312 915 7558 Passcode: 768782 All persons in attendance (in-person or virtually) at the foregoing hearing shall have an opportunity to give testimony, be heard and ask questions about the project. Further information regarding this application is available through the Zoning Administrator, Josh Brniak (708749-4490), whose office is located at the Village of Stickney Village Hall located at 6533 West Pershing Road, Stickney, Illinois 60402. Any person wishing to give testimony or public comment at the hearing may present said comment or testimony at the hearing (in-person or virtually) or they may submit their comments or testimony at least one (1) hour before the hearing to the Zoning Administrator, Josh Brniak at jbrniak@ villageofstickney.com. Any changes related to the location or manner of attendance of the hearing resulting from any local or national emergency, including but not limited to COVID-19 related state, federal and local restrictions or other emergency declarations by the Village President, the Governor of the State of Illinois or the President of the United States of America, shall be posted on the Village’s website. Publication Date this 21st day of April, 2021. Village of Stickney Zoning Board of Appeals

Published in Landmark April 21, 2021

LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of DIANA ITZEL COSS y LEON, Petitioner and CARLOS BLADIMIR LOPEZ MUNOZ, Respondent, Case No. 2021 D 002918. The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, CARLOS BLADIMIR LOPEZ MUNOZ Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, DIANA ITZEL COSS y LEON, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your Appearance and Response electronically to said Petition with the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, on or before May 12, 2021, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition. DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk. Published in Wednesday Journal April 14, April 21, April 28,2021

NOTICE OF NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING Date: Time: Location:

May 6, 2021 6:00 PM 320 Chicago Ave. Oak Park Subject Property Address: 6545 West North Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Proposed Development: Development and Construction of a New three story, 15 unit rental apartment building with 15 ground floor parking spaces. The applicant is requesting zoning relief for the following: 1.) Increase in density from 12 allowed dwelling units to 15 dwelling units. 2.) A reduction in side yard from a required five feet to zero feet. 3.) Exemption from having a load berth. 4.) Exemption from having Public Art. 5.) A reduction in rear yard at ground floor parking garage from ten feet to zero feet. Purpose of Hearing: Pre-Planned Development Submittal Discussion Contacts: Craig Volpe CMV Development 312-213-4499 Published in Wednesday Journal April 21, 2021

RBLandmark.com

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certiﬁcation was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y21006573 on April 9, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of GRAF JANITORIAL AND MAINTENANCE with the business located at: 1047 DUNLOP AVENUE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: DAVID L GRAF 1047 DUNLOP AVENUE COACHHOUSE BEHIND 1045 DUNLOP, FOREST PARK, IL 60130, USA. Published in Forest Park Review April 14, April 21, April 28, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certiﬁcation was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y210006472 on April 1, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of TOULA’S with the business located at: 632 WOODBINE AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: RENEE ELENA HAAS 632 WOODBINE AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA. Published in Wednesday Journal April 14, April 21, April 28, 2021

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION CITIMORTGAGE, INC. Plaintiff, -v.CALVIN L. SMITH, VILLAGE OF MAYWOOD Defendants 2020CH06802 813 SOUTH 21ST AVENUE MAYWOOD, IL 60153 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 18, 2021, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 13, 2021, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 813 SOUTH 21ST AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-10-328-0050000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The

Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-19-12025 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2020CH06802 TJSC#: 41-438 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2020CH06802 I3166754

Commonly known as 615 North Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611. 19-024425 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3166929

Corporation. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g1).IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, Megan K. Gajewski, KELLEY KRONENBERG Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 150 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2800, Chicago, IL, 60601 (312) 216-8828. Please refer to file number CM19055. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. Megan K. Gajewski KELLEY KRONENBERG 150 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2800 Chicago IL, 60601 312-216-8828 E-Mail: Mgajewski@kelleykronenberg.com Attorney File No. CM19055 Attorney ARDC No. 6276927 Attorney Code. 49848 Case Number: 19 CH 12066 TJSC#: 41-551 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I3167637

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST; Plaintiff, vs. JOANNA SENTER AKA JOANNA D. SENTER; NICHOLAS M. SENTER; POPLAR BANK FKA BANCO POPULAR NORTH AMERICA; Defendants, 19 CH 8670 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, May 17, 2021 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-06-323-025-0000.

Illinois Classified Advertising Network WANTED

FREON WANTED: We pay $$$ for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-291-9169 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS INDENTURED TRUSTEE FOR ANGEL OAK MORTGAGE TRUST I, LLC 2018PB1 Plaintiff, -v.ECHELON INVESTMENT CORP., PATRICK OCENAS, SERENA VICTOR Defendants 19 CH 12066 817 S. CUYLER AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60304 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on April 5, 2021, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 18, 2021, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 817 S. CUYLER AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60304 Property Index No. 16-17-124-0200000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $691,465.75. Sale terms: 100% of the bid amount shall be paid in certified funds immediately by the highest and best bidder at the conclusion of the sale. The amount owed also includes the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The certified check must be made payable to The Judicial Sales

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal-opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777. Wednesday Journal • Landmark • Forest Park Review

The Landmark, April 21, 2021

NG MI O C

ON SO W NE

841 Robinhood Ln, LaGrange Park $849,900 R ! DE ACT UN TR N CO

G! IN T LIS

591 E Parkway Rd, Riverside $549,900 R ! DE ACT UN TR N CO

W NE

G! IN T LIS

2S444 Bancroft, Glen Ellyn $420,000

R ! DE ACT UN TR N CO

R ! DE ACT N R U T N CO

2310 Westover Ave, North Riverside $285,000

8030 River Walk Dr, #4F, Lyons $195,000

R ! DE ACT UN TR N CO

273 Blackhawk Rd, Riverside $450,000

144 Scottswood Rd, Riverside $799,000

45 Longcommon Rd, Riverside $975,000

621 S Plymouth Ct, #207, Chicago $249,000

32-22 Chicago Ave, Oak Park $499,000

354 N Delaplaine Rd, Riverside $469,000

192 Waubansee Rd, Riverside $539,000

152 E Burlington St, Riverside $289,900

59 East Quincy, Riverside $369,000

1317 N Larabee St, #304, Chicago $589,999

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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

W NE