Landmark_050725 by Wednesday Journal

The Meathead Method: Flame-kiss your food

Riverside pitmaster is out with his second book

By RISE SANDERS-WEIR Eats Reporter

Serve a plate of BBQ and eaters are happy for a meal, teach them to g rill and they can invite you over for dinner. Meathead – yes, he goes by one name a la Cher or Madonna – is on a mission to bring the science of cooking to the open-flame masses with his new book The Meathead Method

“It’s focused on outdoor cooking, but it’s the same principles for indoor cooking,” Meathead said. “A g rill is really just an oven with a lousy ther mostat.”

T he Riverside-based pitmaster, bestselling writer, and BBQ Hall of Famer has long been an advocate for both the art and science of cooking. He labels his outlook as “nerdist.”

“I try to explain in detail why we’re doing things – and also things you can do that will veer from the path that will not result in disaster,” he said. “I feel it’s really important in both my books to explain the basic core principles. What is fire? What is smoke? What is meat? What are ve g etables? What are they made from? What happens when heat meets meat and so on.”

Meathead’s first cookbook, Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling , covered the back yard basics. His second cookbook digs deeper into methodolo gy.

“I introduced some really interesting new concepts and techniques, like there’s a chapter on how to use koji. Koji is a mold. It ’s used for making miso and soy sauce, and you can use it on food. T here’s a section on MSG and how to use it,” he said.

One technique that he features in the book came to him as a happy observation while lighting charcoal for his grill.

“The best way to start charcoal is to use a device called the charcoal chimney,” Meathead said. “I g et all the charcoal lit. It was around dusk and I

looked at the thing and there was this blue flame coming out of that charcoal chimney. And I went and got a infrared thermometer and holy cow, it’s like over 1000°. It’s like the back end of an F35 fighter. I was planning on just g rilling some steaks, but I ran inside and started chopping, slicing, dicing, and I brought my wok out and put it on top of the chimney.”

Typically, it’s hard, if not impossible to get a wok hot enough on a regular stovetop to effectively cook Chinese favorites.

“When you take those strips of beef or chicken and throw them in some oil in your frying pan. T he first thing that happens is all the water comes out, and so you end up steaming or braising the meat,” he said.

With his wok perched on top of the thousand-degree charcoal chimney, something transfor mative happened

“Boom, it was f antastic. That’s the kind of heat that you g et in a Chinese restaurant. If you love Chinese food, that’s the best way to do it,” according to Meathead.

His book includes BBQ standards, but it goes beyond into recipes and techniques that include Asian, Italian, Spanish and Indian fl avors.

“We do chicken tandoori, Indian style and talk about what happens when you marinate chicken with yo gurt. It’s a combination of the g eek stuf f with some fun food and all of it is cooked on the g rill with the exception of a couple of things like coleslaw,” he said.

“Anyone can use it and cook from it. It’s perfectly fine for beginners. But if you’ re at the intermediate or advanced stage of your cooking experiences, this is a good book, because it’s a bit of a challeng e.”

Meathead’s second opus goes on sale May 13. If, once you’ve taken in all it has to offer, you want more myth busting, tips and recipes, you can find it at Meathead’s website, AmazingRibs.com

Meathead live

Meathead will present a slide presentation called “Old Husband’s Tales, BBQ Myths that Deserve to Die” on May 20 at the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, 3541 Brookfield Ave. The event will take place at 7 p.m. and Meathead will be available to sign copies of his book.

Operations Associate Susan Babin

Darnell Shields, Audra Wilson

HOW TO REACH US

ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-442-6739 ■ FAX 708-467-9066

E-MAIL dhaley@wjinc.com

PROVIDED

By Linda Sokol Francis. E.A.

PAYERS MAY RECEIVE NOTICES CP2100 AND 2100A

THEY FILED AN INFORMATION RETURN WITH ERRORS

When banks, credit unions, businesses and other payers file information returns with data that doesn’t match IRS records, the IRS sends them a CP2100 or CP2100A notice. The notices tell payers that the information returns they submitted have a missing or incorrect Taxpayer Identification Number, name or both.

F.ach notice has a list of payees with the issues the IRS found. Payers need to compare the accounts on the notice with their account records and correct or update their records, if necessary. Payees may also need to correct their backup withholding on payments they received. The IRS sends CP2100 and CP2100A notices twice a year - in September and October and again in April.

Payments subject to backup withholding: CP2100 and CP2100A notices also tell payers that they may be required to backup withhold tax payments. If the payments are reported on the Form 1099 series and

Form W-2G information returns, payments may be subject to backup withholding if the payee doesn’t give their TIN to the payer in the required manner or certify that they aren’t subject to backup withholding for underreporting interest and dividends.

Payments may also be subject to backup withholding if the IRS tells the payer that the payee gave an incorrect TIN and didn’t certify their TIN as required or the payee didn’t report all their interest and dividends on their tax return.

Payers are responsible for any amount they fail to backup withhold and the penalties that may apply.

JULY 4TH PARADE

Construction dictates route from page 1

Village trustees did not for mally approve the route, though they seemed to support it on April 28 at their committee of the whole meeting.

Luke Gundersen, Brookfield’s parks and recreation director, said staffers from several departments, including public works, police and administration devised the new route.

“It utilizes Washington Avenue, which provides ample width with the bike lanes included. Sidewalks along the route are unobstructed and suitable for spectators. It ensures a safe and accessible environment for both participants and viewers, and it maintains the traditional parade start and end points,” he told trustees at the meeting.

The announcers for the parade would likely be stationed at Eight Corners as a natural place for spectators to gather, he added.

Village President Michael Garvey suggested an alternate route, taking Grand Boulevard to Grant Avenue before turning south on Prairie Avenue.

“The only reason I’m a little hesitant about this route is that last stretch along Arden. One side is the oak savannah. There are just residents on the east side of the block, and I don’t know that people would cong re gate,” he said.

Garvey said he also had concerns about the route affecting overnight parking in the area.

“Typically, there’s parking on the east side of Arden that we allow for the [annual] Party in the Park, where people get there very early and set up in the park. Obviously, that area would have to be no parking whatsoever,” he said. “There’s literally dozens, if not hundreds, of people that park, go out there, drop of f stuf f the night before [or] very early the morning of. If we’re going to tell them they can’t do that until after the parade is over or [have them] come in through the parking lot in Kiwanis, I think the logistics of getting people to and from there is something we really got to think about.”

know, through the years, spectator viewing has lined either side of the street. We get great participation, so that was definitely a key consideration for us,” he said.

Gundersen added Brookfield would close down parking along the route for the duration of the parade but could reopen it around 11 or 11:30 a.m. “on the east side of Arden to help bring more pa rking in for the Party in the Park that’ll be starting at 12:30.”

Trustee Katie Kaluzny said she preferred the route along Washington Avenue due to the existing lack of parking.

Trustee Nicole Gilhooley pushed back on Garvey’s concerns about attendance along Arden Avenue.

“I think [the oak savannah] would be a perfect place to sit. I think I would love to watch it from there because there’s space, and as somebody whose house it wouldn’t go past if we changed this, it would be a nice spot to be,” she said.

“I think it’s nice, too, for the people who don’t necessarily want to sit in somebody else’s front yard,” Trustee Jennifer Hendricks added.

Gilhooley said closing parking on Arden Avenue, with residences on only one side of the street, would affect fewer people than blocking it along Grant and Prairie avenues.

She and Trustee Kit Ketchmark suggested ending the parade at the intersection of Arden and Brookfield avenues rather than forcing marchers to continue west toward the central business district or turn into the parking lot at village hall.

“What if you don’t allow them to go into the Brookfield parking lot, either? To [Garvey’s] point, there could be many more cars in there this year,” Gilhooley said. “Maybe you force them to go either east or west on Brookfield Avenue.”

Garvey ag reed it would allow participants in both Brookfield’s and Riverside’s parades that day a natural point to head east toward Riverside.

“Anyone that wants to make the turn west to go on Brookfield Avenue to get into the park can,” he said, “but then you have an escape valve where people can go to the [east] and get out.”

He advocated for village staf f to spread the word early, so residents know what to expect well before the holiday.

Gundersen said for thcoming construction work on the Brookfield Avenue sidewalk was one reason staf f recommended the route down Washington Avenue.

“We don’t know the timeline on that, so that would affect our route going along that way, mainly our spectator viewing. As you

“As always, there’s going to be people that are unhappy with this because there’s a change, and they don’t have the parade,” he said. “Let’s really get this out ahead of time on social media as soon as possible and then follow up. Mention the restrictions that are going to be on Arden.”

Brook eld OKs prelim plans for downtown mixed-use complex

3 commercial, 29 residential units planned for triangle between Fairview and Brook eld avenues

By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter

Development of a mixed-use, 29-unit apartment complex is moving ahead in downtown Brookfield.

Village trustees voiced support April 28 for the preliminary application by Connemara Holdings, LLC, to develop the rental space at 8921 and 8947 Fairview Avenue at the triangle-shaped property between Fairview and Brookfield avenues, just steps away from the downtown intersection with Prairie Avenue and Grand Boulevard.

The plans include three commercial units on the ground floor and 29 residential apar tments across the building’s four floors, of which 22 are two-bedroom, two-bathroom units and seven are one-bedroom, one-bathroom, said Libby Popovic, Brookfield’s community development director.

The business spaces will range in size from 1,859 square feet in the east unit to 2,574 square feet in the west and about 2,800 square feet in the center, Popovic said.

The village board will take a for mal vote on the application at its May 12 regular meeting before incoming Trustee Kyle Whitehead is sworn in to take the seat of outgoing Trustee Edward Côté.

According to meeting agenda documents, 8921 Fairview Ave., the eastern parcel, is vacant, while 8947 Fairview Ave. is a storage building that will be tor n down.

Popovic said the preliminary approval of the plan allows the developers to move forward with engineering and architectural work without being completely tied to what’s on paper.

“The village needs enough information and data and material to make sure that this preliminary plan would work as it’s being presented. The final planned development process is approved if there’s substantial compliance with the preliminary approval,”

she said.

The developers must apply for final approval within a year of receiving preliminary approval and must construct the building over the two years after that or ask for an extension, Popovic said.

She said the plan included multiple variations from village code for the property, largely related to its triangular shape, including the number of parking spots. Under Brookfield’s village code, the property should have 37 parking spots at 1.25 spots per dwelling for 29 units. The plans include just 15 parking spots, plus bicycle parking that accounts for two spots, leaving 20 spots missing.

A state plaque could mark Riverside’s history

e explanatory panel would sit near the entrance to the Water Tower

By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter

A plaque from the Illinois State Historical Society may soon tell Riverside’s history to all who pass by it

The Olmsted Society of Riverside plans to donate a historic marker to record the village’s importance to state history as it celebrates its 150th anniversary of incorporation this year.

The marker will sit by the entrance to the Water Tower and Riverside Historical Museum, 10 Pine Ave., in Centennial Pa rk downtown, where it will be visible from the street and sidewalk. Village Manager Jessica Frances said village staf f recommended the location out of several in the area that were provided to the Olmsted Society as potential choices.

The plaque will be about 44 inches by 51 inches and stand up to seven feet off the ground, though the height could be lowered, Frances told trustees April 17.

“The Olmsted Society would purchase the

Wright Services Corp

marker, and then public works would install it, and the village would maintain it in perpetuity,” she said.

The group’s proposal shows the total cost for the marker, including the sign itself, the pole, the fee to apply and shipping costs would come out to about $4,900.

The plaque will include a blurb describing Riverside’s origin as a community designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1869 and lauding the village’s “curving streets,” “abundant greenery” and walkable nature.

“We have, of course, the national marker, but it’s kind of hidden in plain sight, and that’s because there are restrictions on the national marker that you can’t put it on a building,” said Cathy Maloney, an Olmsted Society board member, in reference to Riverside’s marker of its status as a National Historic Landmark.

“I’m not sure I could have told you a year or two ago where exactly it is. It is in Centennial Park near the Water Tower,” she added to the Landmark. “I happened across that,

and I was startled. I thought, ‘Huh. I know there’s some state markers. What’s involved in getting state recognition? Certainly, if we have national recognition, wouldn’t we qualify for having state recognition?’ And, since it was the sesquicentenial year, I thought that would be a nice way for the Olmsted Society to mark it, and the board agreed.”

Maloney said it’s not yet “a done deal,” as the Olmsted Society plans to finalize its application to ISHS within the coming week, though she told trustees she had been in contact with the historical society’s staff and expected the group would approve the marker.

She said the Olmsted Society hoped to include Riverside’s original general plan on the marker but that they would need to double-check the extra cost first.

If ISHS does approve the plaque, Maloney said it would take “at least two months” for it to be created and shipped to Riverside.

She said she felt a state marker displayed more prominently than the federal marker would “draw attention” to Riverside’s history.

“When people are aware that there’s some-

Brookfield Chamber of Commerce Business Spotlight

Keith Wright – President 8626 Parkview Ave, Brookfield IL 60513 708-442-5000

www.wrightservicescorp.com

Ihave been a general contractor for 38 years, opening Wright Services in 2005. Since 1987, we have serviced Brookfield and the surrounding areas.

My Father was a contractor, so I grew up working in the trades. Owning my own business was always one of my goals, and I was fortunate enough to start Wright Brothers Construction working with my father and 2 brothers. I always enjoyed working with my hands and I was able to apply the knowledge I gained in college. (BS Finance – UIC)

While WSC has been a general contractor for a number or years, we

thing unique and special here, they tend to regard it a little more closely,” she said. “When my book [‘Olmstead’s Riverside’] was accepted by the editorial board, my publisher told me that a lot of folks on the board hadn’t heard about Riverside and were surprised that Illinois had such a place. I think for Illinoisans … it’s something else for them to be aware of in terms of the history of Illinois and Illinois’ placement in the nation in ter ms of community development.”

Presented by

Wright Services going beyond doors and windows

have recently changed the focus of our business to window and door replacement. Our experience in general contracting gives us a competitive advantage, as we understand all the components of construction, not just windows and doors. We view the sales process as consulting with our clients and provide useful information well beyond the realm of windows and doors. Our business model is based on not using high pressure sales tactics or gimmicks.

has been very welcoming, and the Chamber of Commerce has been a tremendous asset to my business.

The Brookfield building department has also easy to work with.

One of my favorite things about being a business owner is the people I meet and the connections I have made. I always enjoy meeting new clients and getting to know them. Many of my clients have become friends.

I lived in Riverside for several years before moving to Brookfield in 2020 and completing an extensive renovation to my new home to include a large home office and a space that I use for window samples. Brookfield

I look forward to ongoing success in Brookfield and contributing to the Chamber and Village in any way that I can. I really appreciate being part of this community and all that it has to offer.

Looking for quality vintage clothing?

Check out Collect by Land, a new Brook eld store

By JACKIE PISANO Contributing Reporter

Locals in search of a place to hunt for quality retro clothing need look no further than Brookfield, as the village is now home to a new business promising shoppers a one-of-a-kind experience purchasing curated, timeless vintage finds

C ollect by L and, wh ich officiall y opened i ts d oors this s pring, is owned and operated by Brookfield resident Jenna L and and located in the rear of another new Brookfield business, L uxxe Honor, at 3745 Grand Blvd.

L and, who is a special events floris t by trad e, says her decision to open up a shop in Brookfield that was pa rt f lor al d esign studio, pa rt retail store, was “truly kismet. ”

“I had b een wo rk ing as an event florist out of my home, wh ich wo rked fo r a wh il e, but I was ready for a dedicated studio spac e, ” she explained. “I reached

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out to the landlord [o f the retail building] about renting j ust the back of the building. Coincidentall y, Jennifer Del Giudice from L uxxe Honor had looked the space earlier that same day and onl wanted the front. We met two days later and i nstantly clicked – our p assions and ener gy aligned. It was meant to be.”

Land, who has lived in Brookfield for the past seven years, says the concept of C lect by Land snowballed from what has slowly transformed over time from “a little COVID project.”

“Collect by L and is all about high q uality, d esigner, and natural materia clothing and a ccessorie s, ” L and said. “I focus on highly wearable pieces – timeless staples, re ga rdless of wh at decade they we re made in.”

Though vintage clothing is a passion of Land’s, she decided to open a physical location due to a big boom in the thrifting and secondhand shopping market among shoppers of all ages and across all socioeconomic demog raphics.

“Once you find a real Chanel piece at

See VINTAGE CLOTHING on page 15

JACKIE PISANO

ONE IF BY LAND: Jenna Land’s new vintage shop shares space with Jennifer Del Guidic Luxxe Honor.

Organic

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PO LICE REPO RT S

Driver in 3-car crash charged for running stop sign

Riverside police cited a woman April 25 for running a stop sign and causing a threecar crash.

At 8:18 p.m., an officer arrived at the triangle of North Delaplaine, Bartram and Michaux roads on a re port of the accident, involving three cars. The officer saw a Buick SUV with front end damage, a Chevrolet sedan whose airbags had gone of f and a Mercedes sedan with damage to the back driver-side door.

The driver of the Buick told police she was driving west on North Delaplaine Road when she stopped at the stop sign at the intersection. As she accelerated through the intersection, the Chevrolet ran the stop sign, she said, and she struck it as it turned left onto North Delaplaine from Michaux Road

The driver of the Chevrolet told police he had stopped at the stop sign on Michaux Road before making the left turn onto North Delaplaine Road. The Buick ran the stop sign, he said, and struck his car as it was almost all the way through the intersection.

The driver of the Mercedes said she was driving east on North Delaplaine Road when she stopped at the intersection with Michaux Road; when the Buick struck the Chevrolet, she said, the Chevrolet struck her car and sustained minor rear damage She told police she could not determine who ran the stop sign.

Another driver who witnessed the crash told police he was heading west on North Delaplaine Road in front of the Buick. He said his car and the Chevrolet stopped at the intersection at “almost the same time.”

The man’s car went through the intersection first before the Buick ran the stop sign and struck the turning Chevrolet, he said.

The officer cited the driver of the Buick for driving on a suspended driver’s license, operating an uninsured vehicle and failing to reduce its speed to avoid a crash. She was sent on her way on pretrial conditions with a June 6 court date

Drunk, sleeping driver arrested

Riverside police April 27 arrested a drunk driver who appeared to have fallen asleep at a stoplight.

Around 3:50 a.m., an officer on patrol came across a car heading south on Harlem Avenue at Ogden Avenue that was stopped at the intersection despite a green light. After confirming the car’s brake lights were on, the officer approached the driver, who they found “appeared to be slumped over asleep behind the wheel” while braking. One passenger also seemed to be asleep, police said.

The officer positioned their squad car in front of the man’s car to prevent him from driving of f when awoken before waking the man up, placing the man’s car into park and turning it of f.

The driver and his passenger both provided police with valid driver’s licenses, but the officer smelled alcohol on the driver’s breath and heard him slur his words. When asked to exit his car, the man did and told police he had drunk four tequila shots earlier

The man ag reed to take field sobriety tests, and the officer noticed indicators of impairment in his behavior, such as pausing to catch his balance and failing to count cor rectly. The man also blew a preliminary breath test, which showed blood alcohol content of .145.

The officer arrested the man and had his car inventoried. Police found at least four empty alcohol containers in the car, including tequila, vodka and brandy. The man’s passenger was sent on his way while police transported the man to central lockup in Berwyn.

Police booked the man on charges for driving under the influence and released him on pretrial conditions with a June 6 court date.

These items were obtained from the Riverside Police Department reports dated April 25-27 and the Brookfield Police Department reports dated April 21-28; they represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest

Compiled by Trent Brown

Opinion

THE L ANDMARK VIEW

Working a plan

Villages create Comprehensive Plans for a reason. They want an intentional future. They have goals they seek to accomplish. They have a direction they plan to steer toward.

Brookfield has such a plan. It was updated in 2018. Now, with three property acquisitions completed in 2025, the village is moving toward executing that plan to bring new development in the neighborhood abutting Ogden Avenue and adjacent to the Cong ress Park Metra station.

With a large parcel of land now assembled, and village officials tell the Landmark that the purchase of 9500 Ogden is the final piece of its puzzle, it is ready to move forward. The likely goal is to add multi-use development(s) that will bring added housing density and possibly some new commercial to the area.

This plan accomplishes two things. It continues the village’s focus on remaking the sad mish-mash that is Ogden Avenue, and it furthers ef for ts to build more transit-oriented development that takes advantage of Brookfield’s great asset of Metra access.

This project is possible because of Brookfield’s foresight in creating the Ogden Avenue Tax Increment Financing District years back. The early $2.4 million spent on these three properties have been paid for out of the TIF. This is exactly why TIFs exist.

Libby Popovic, Brookfield’s community development director, says the village is actively talking to multiple developers already about this opportunity. That’s how this process is supposed to work. And with several successful developments either completed or in process, Brookfield certainly must appeal to developers in this moment.

We worry, as we should all worry, about the impacts of tariff chaos on both the broad markets and, specifically, the run up in construction costs tied to economic uncertainty

That said, good for Brookfield for making a plan and working that plan.

Marking histor y

Good for the Olmsted Society of Riverside for seeking out, and then paying for, a prominent historical marker from the Illinois State Historical Society. And obvious good timing with Riverside marking its sesquicentennial in 2025.

The Olmsted Society has applied to the state organization seeking its imprimatur for a marker that will honor the founding of Riverside and its remarkable design by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. That approval seems certain. And now the village and the society have agreed on a spot to install the 44-inch by 51inch plaque near the Water Tower in Centennial Park

The society will pick up the $4,900 cost, public works will handle the installation, and the village will maintain the sign forevermore.

St. Mar y’s volleyball girls unstoppable

St. Mary’s Riverside school sixth-grade girls volleyball team was unstoppable this year. With a 12-0 record, they were the undefeated champions of the Catholic School Volleyball League. Congratulations to the coaches Lucia Roden and Nicole Hayes.

OBITUARIES

Nancy Petrowski, 63 Green Bay Packers fan

Nancy Petrowski, 63, of Woodruff, Wisconsin, for merly of Riverside, died on Dec. 21, 2024. Born on Jan. 23, 1961 in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, the daughter of Herbert and Diane Petrowski, she graduated from Lakeland Union High School and enjoyed retirement life before her passing.

She loved listening to country music, especially Tim McGraw She was a devoted Green Bay Packers fan, rarely missing an opportunity to find someone to bet that they were going to win, while wearing her green and gold. Her daily ritual was watching The Price is Right, and enjoyed guessing the final showcase.

Petrowski and Casey and Brady Creedon; her grandson, Michael Westin Creedon; her siblings, Mark Petrowski, Scott Petrowski, Sue Comp, Rick Petrowski, David Petrowski, Andy Petrowski and Mari Hicks; her aunts, Patricia Puerling and Jane Dodd; her nieces, Angie Jasinski and Nicole Schettino; her friend, Sheryl Monacelli Petrowski; and many other nieces and nephews whom she would always talk about.

Nancy is survived by her children, Steven

She was preceded in death by her parents. A Celebration of Life for Nancy will be held on Saturday, May 17 at Nimsgern Funeral Home Chapel in Woodruff, Wisconsin from noon to 2 p.m.

S.E. GROSS

Construction project

from page 6

The current FACS lab, which was renovated in 2003, will become a fourth early childhood classroom and will be part of a section that will be sealed with doors on either end of the hallway to contain the school’s three- and four-year-old learners. The area will feature two classrooms serving Brookfield-La Grange Park District 95 early childhood students, with the other two serving La Grange Area Department

VINTAGE CLOTHING

Curating a collection

from page 11

thrift store, it’s hard to go back,” she explained. “I think people are starting to realize that polyester is plastic and fast fashion just doesn’t hold up. Vintage offers better quality, better fabrics, and more personality. I have silk blouses for $40 and Armani blazers for $125 – those are things you just can’t find at the mall anymore.”

LUXXE HONOR

from page 10

Like others in the clean wellness sphere, Del Giudice said that now more than ever is the time for people to begin paying attention to the types of products and ingredients

of Special Education, or LADSE, children of the same age. Combined, the space will handle about 100 youngsters.

The new FACS lab, specifically for sixth, seventh and eighth grade students, will be located just outside the contained area but will be adjacent via a sensory room for early childhood students, including climbing and touch activities.

The new FACS lab will be a significantly larger space and include six workstations, refrigerators and freezers and electric induction ovens. Since S.E. Gross was built in a triangle design, it also provides a nice view of the internal courtyard. Each student spends a trimester in the FACS lab, Evans said, which focuses on careers, cook-

At Collect by Land, shoppers mainly will find women’s clothing, shoes and accessories, but the store also keeps a small supply of carefully selected men’s pieces on the racks as well.

“Since I’m also an event florist, I keep the focus tight so I can do both well,” she said. In addition to hand-picking all of the items in her shop, Land also hand-makes all of the jewelry and makeup tools she sells

“I’m not just stocking shelves – I’m curating a collection,” she said. “And with my floral design studio in the back, Collect by Land is more than a vintage store; it’s a creative space. Stop by and let’s chat cloth-

they use for themselves and in the home.

“Our skin is our largest org an, and what we put on it matters,” she said. “The U.S. still allows thousands of ingredients that are banned in Europe From skincare to cleaning supplies, many everyday products contain hormone disruptors and toxins that affect our physical and mental health. At Luxxe Honor, we believe in taking a preventive, gentle, least invasi

ing, family and early childhood.

Additionally, a new entrance with double doors, compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, will be built within the contained space, so the early childhood students won’t intermingle with middle school students.

Finally, the district is working with the village of Brookfield to build concrete bumpouts on Maple Avenue at Lincoln Avenue to prevent impatient drivers from cutting around traffic waiting to turn.

T here will also be enhanced signaling

The work that will begin May 30 in that space will be asbestos abatement, Evans said, which will include removal of every piece of tile that was installed back in the 1950s.

ing and flowers.”

Land believes Collect by Land will be beneficial to the greater Brookfield community, not just because she says Brookfield is a welcoming village to small business, but because she says vintage shops specifically add special character to a town.

“There’s something special about discovering a hidden gem, and you always remember the piece and the place you found it,” she said. “Right now, I focus on women’s clothing and accessories, but I’m open to expanding if the demand is there.”

As for where she sources pieces for her store, all of Land’s gems are selected by

proach to wellness. Cleaner products mean fewer risks, fewer side effects and a stronger foundation for long-ter m well-being.

As others in the cleaner health movement would argue, Del Giudice said people are happy to be waking up to the need for seeking out alter native products.

“With rising chronic health issues, hormone imbalances and autoimmune con-

It’s a lot of wo rk, but Evans is confident that there won’ t be any surprises along the way.

“This is a renovation project, so while you can come across things that are unexpected, they’ve done a lot of due diligenc e prior to it, to make sure they aren’t r unning into huge unknowns,” Evans said.

Another interested party this summer will be new S.E. Gross principal Lauren Colberg.

“My role will be to make sure we open our doors on Day One, kids know where they are going and teachers know where they are teaching,” she said. “My role will be to make sure we have a Plan A, Plan B and Plan C, because the new year waits for no one.”

her, and she does not currently accept donations, though she is open to possibly exploring the idea of vintage consignment as she gets a feel for what people in the area are gravitating for.

“I grew up in the Chicagoland area and know the city’s best-kept secrets, so I know where the treasures are hiding,” she said. “I’m also planning sourcing trips to other cities later this year, starting with Tokyo.” Collect by Land is open Wednesdays through Fridays from 12 to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information or to contact Land, visit CollectByLand on Facebook and Instagram.

eat – it’s about what we absorb,” she said. “Our skin, our air, our environment all play a role. And, once people see how good they feel when they eliminate hidden toxins, they don’ t go back. It’s not a trend –it’s a lifestyle.”

Luxxe Honor, 3745 Grand Blvd. is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit uxxeHonor.com.

VOLUNTEER WITH US

Join us as a volunteer at the West Side’s premier half marathon, the Bank of America Chicago 13.1! Support participants at Packet Pick-up, at the start and finish lines or on-course as they journey through Garfield, Douglass and Humboldt Parks. Register to volunteer and learn more at chicago13point1.com/volunteer.

Tennicott saves, savors RBHS girls soccer PK win

Bulldogs prevail 6-5 in 10 rounds of penalty kicks to end tough stretch

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Riverside Brookfield High School junior goalie Maya Tennicott won’ t soon forg et seeing the onrush of people – and then not being able to see from the bottom of the jubilation.

“I cried a little bit. My legs kind of gave out a little bit,” Tennicott said. “I just kind of rolled up in a ball [on the ground]. I literally couldn’ t stand anymore.”

Tennicott was under the mammoth group hug after just making her fourth save in penalty kicks – this one the clincher – to give the Bulldogs a 2-1 home victory over Fenton, April 29. RBHS won 6-5 on 10 rounds of penalty kicks that decided the winner after re gulation play ended in a 1-1 tie.

“I kind of blanked out. I don’t really remember much [except] when I made that save and I saw everyone running at me,” said Tennicott, smothered by teammates, RBFC girls youth soccer players and fans, which included several RBHS boys volleyball players.

“It felt nice to hear them chanting my name and the little kids made it better, the environment. That was fun.”

The electrifying victory ended a ninematch losing streak since beating East Aurora 2-1, April 1. The Bulldogs (5-12, 2-3 in UEC East) followed with a 6-0 victory at Ridgewood Thursday and lost at Glenbard East 2-1, Monday.

“I thought she was going to get trampled. I was like, ‘I hope Maya’s OK down there,’” RBHS senior Ella Caputo said.

RBHS shot first in penalty kicks. After the required five round ended tied 3-3, each following round was sudden death.

Tennicott’s final save followed a goal

by sophomore Ruby Boyle that broke the 5-5 tie.

“It felt good to make that shot. My legs are still shaking,” Boyle said. “I was not supposed to take a penalty kick [at first] and then [R-B coach Ivek Halic] said, ‘You’re taking a penalty kick.’ It was pretty scary.”

Caputo, seniors Lucy Drenth and Katie Doyle and juniors Michelle Panduro and Mia Rodriguez also converted penalty kicks for the Bulldogs.

Panduro, who tied the penalty kicks 2-2, scored with 31:49 remaining in re gulation on an assist from Caputo. Fenton (4-6, 1-3) tied the game with 2:39 left — its only shot on goal the entire game. In penalty kicks, Fenton had three chances to win. Two were stopped by Tennicott in sudden death. The other was shot over the goal at 3-3.

“It might not have been pretty, but it feels so good to finally just get a win, no matter how we do it. We fought until the end,” said Drenth, hampered by an ankle injury during warmups.

“It hurt but, you know, powered through. You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.”

Badminton

Riverside Brookfield visits Naperville North and Lyons Township goes to York for IHSA sectional play Thursday Top-four sectional finishers in singles and doubles advance to the state meet.

At their first UEC Meet, the Bulldogs finished seventh of 12 teams and had a 5-6 dual record.

Junior Rhea McDonald (No. 4 singles) and freshman Mariana Lozano (No. 5 singles) both finished third.

The Lions finished fourth at the West Suburban Conference Silver Division Meet after having a 2-3 dual record.

Seniors Mia Graziano and Simone Brown (24-10) were third at No. 1 doubles. They qualified for state in 2024 and Graziano also went to state for doubles as a sophomore.

MAYA TENNICOT T

RUBY BOYLE

Freshmen t right into RBHS softball’s winning ways

Pytel, Melendez, Naylor contribute to Bulldogs’ success

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Riverside Brookfield High School’s Amelia Pytel impressively handles the challenges of being a freshman pitcher on varsity. Her 16 strikeouts in the Bulldogs’ 3-2 victory at rival Lyons Township, Friday, marks already her fourth outing with double-digit strikeouts

“I think it’s more of a mental game than anything. You have to trust your defense and things will go good,” Pytel said. “I’m happy for us as a team. If it wasn’t for our hitting also, we wouldn’t be here, so I’m happy for it and happy about how we’re doing.”

Pytel and fellow freshman starters Mia Melendez and Brailyn Naylor are excelling for the Bulldogs (14-8, 6-2 in Upstate Eight Conference East Division), who beat Fenton 12-1, Monday for their sixth straight victory.

While Pytel pitched against LTHS (6-11) and was No. 7 in the batting order, left-fielder Naylor batted No. 2 and first baseman Me-

lendez batted No. 5.

“It’s a good experience getting to be with my friends and also getting to play the sport we all love,” Naylor said. “It all just kind of combines into one good feeling.”

Pytel held off the persistent Lions just enough after RBHS scored all three runs in the top of the first inning. Senior Ellie Megall had a run-scoring double and junior flex Kennedy Holakovsky followed with a two-run single

“It was a pretty big win,” Megall said. “They’re not in our conference but this is a sectional team and a local team as well so there’s always kind of a rivalry with them.”

The victory also completed five RBHS wins in five days – all on the road. That included 10-2, April 29 at West Chicago (11-8, 8-2) to avenge a 15-3 loss, April 8.

“It’s always great to come to LT and win,” RBHS coach Emma Jarrell said. “It was a really mentally tough week and they did really, really great. To come away with five wins is crazy.”

Melendez (.393 batting average, team-high 6 home runs and 31 runs batted in), Naylor (.400, 3 RBIs) and Pytel (.360, 2 HR, 13 RBIs) are among offensive leaders along with Megall (.446, 2 HR, 23 RBI), junior Trinity Stevenson (.468, 22 RBIs) and senior Ella Jurgens (.451, 20 RBIs).

On the mound, Pytel is 4-2 in 12 appearances with 95 strikeouts in 50 innings and a 2.94 earned-run average. Melendez (2-1, 3.00 ERA) has pitched 9.1 innings in three games

“We knew that this freshman class was awesome,” Jarrell said. “I guess we didn’t know how great they were going to do on varsity as freshmen and all of them are doing a really, really great job. Brailyn is so fast, Mia hits the ball so hard and Amelia hits and pitches. And they’ve really meshed with the older girls, too. They have a lot of fun.”

Jarrell said the freshmen being together has helped their transition. Pytel and Naylor were teammates on the Brookfield 12-Under all-star softball team that reached the Little League Central Regional in 2023.

“During tryouts, I think we were all really nervous and we all wanted to make [varsity] together and stay together,” Melendez said. “I think we’re all happy that we are because we like playing with each other.”

Naylor agreed there are pressures as freshmen on varsity. Megall, a Norther n Kentucky recruit, understands as a fourthyear varsity star ter.

“I see a lot of myself in them when I was a freshman,” Megall said. “It’s really hard to get pulled up as a freshman and you have a lot of pressure on you to play well and

prove to everyone that you’re able to be on this team. I think that they’re doing a really good job.”

Pytel struck out a season-high 17 in the 8-6 six-inning victory over Evergreen Park March 31. She struck out the last five hitters Friday, the last two after the Lions’ Isabella Evans singled to score Ava Jacklin, who singled, and cut the deficit to one in the sixth inning.

“It’s a rival team, they’re local and in sectionals so it’s a big deal [to win],” Pytel said. LTHS coach Megan Quinn knows Pytel’s talents firsthand. She used to coach her oneon-one

“That riseball that I taught her years ago came back to bite me,” said Quinn with a laugh. “She’s a phenomenal pitcher. They have really good hitters, too. We played a clean, defensive game. We just couldn’t hit. It happens.”

In the fifth, Maddie McLane had a leadoff single and scored on Julia Ahrens’ two-out single. The Lions also stayed close thanks to Lee, who stranded five runners over the final four innings, four in scoring position.

“Lucy threw a very good game,” Quinn said.

The Lions are 2-3 in the West Suburban Conference Silver Division after losing to Glenbard West 8-6 Monday

Northwestern provides special venue for Bulldogs again

RBHS baseball visits coach’s alma mater

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Riverside Brookfield High School baseball coach Mark Ori had an enjoyable homecoming Friday. The only disappointment for the for mer Northwestern University baseball player was the Bulldogs losing to Lincoln-Way West 15-2 at the campus’ Rocky and Berenice Miller Park in Evanston.

“The [Northwestern] stadium has been

updated a great amount in the past 20 years, but it is always special to be back,” Ori said.

“I think it is important for the players to see what it is like to play at the next level. The hope is those they have that goal to see what it is like and have some additional drive to reach their goals. We had a chance to eat at Mustard’s Hot Dog Stand after with the families, which is an additional opportunity to make a memory.”

The Bulldogs (15-8) also had a big road trip in 2024, playing at American Family Field, home of the Milwaukee Brewers. RBHS lost to Libertyville 11-4.

“Unfortunately [including Friday] we lost badly both times, but the overall experience was fun,” Ori said. “I think the

Milwaukee experience was a step above being in a big league stadium, but both were unique opportunities. I know some of the boys get to play on colle ge fields with travel ball, so I would assume the Milwaukee experience was something none have done.

“The hope is the boys appreciate the experience and have additional energy for these games. I understand that it is a privile ge to play in these type of stadiums and have an extreme passion and respect for the opportunity as I lived and played through D-I baseball and professional ball.”

Senior Sean Campbell (.514 batting average, home run, 21 runs batted in), Ethan Smith (.451, team-high 31 runs, 14 RBIs), Eli Costello (.351, 20 RBIs), Brady McCal-

lum (.343, 18 RBIs), Damian Noa (.322, 17 RBIs), Zach Ryzewski (.306, 10 RBIs) and Jaden Despe (.286, HR, team-high 24 RBIs) lead the Bulldogs offensively.

Pitcher Michael Oppe gard is 6-1 in seven starts with a 1.49 earned-run average, .956 WHIP and 39 strikeouts in 37.2 innings. Friday’s loss also snapped a five-game winning streak that has put the Bulldogs among the leaders in the Upstate Eight Conference East Division race at 7-3.

The streak started with a 5-4 victory over Fenwick, April 23, and ended with a 4-1 victory over Reavis, April 30. Both also are in their Class 4A sectional.

RBHS lost to Bartlett 3-2 Saturday and Glenbard East 13-3 Monday