RIVERSIDE-BROOKFIELD Also serving North Riverside
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Vol. 36, No. 19
May 12, 2021
@riversidebrookfieldlandmark
St. Paul VI chosen as name for newly consolidated parish PAGE 6
Two guilty of conspiracy to commit 2016 Brookfield murder
D96 teachers protest board member’s vaccine remarks PAGE 10
PRACTICE, PRACTICE
Alleged gunman still awaits trial set for later this summer By BOB UPHUES Editor
Two of the three men charged with the 2016 execution-style murder of Brookfield resident Michael Smith have accepted a plea deal and possibly could be free on parole soon. Comfort Robinson, 44, and DeJuyon Johnican, 34, both pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, a Class 1 felony. Robinson pleaded guilty at a hearing on May 7 at the Maybrook courthouse, while Johnican pleaded guilty on May 10. Both men had been MICHAEL SMITH charged in late 2016 with first-degree murder, a Class X felony that would have carried a prison sentence of between six and 30 years. See SMITH MURDER on page 14
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
Matt Huffman (left) of Brookfield, serves as catcher for his 11-year-old daughter and budding softball pitcher, Lily Huffman, on May 8 in Kiwanis Park in Brookfield.
Riverside manager gets new 4-year contract Salary boosted to $190,000; will get 2.5% annual raises By BOB UPHUES Editor
The agenda for the newly constituted Riverside Village Board was a brief one
after the trustees were sworn into office on May 6, but the board’s first official act was a significant one. Trustees voted unanimously to extend the village’s contract with Village Man-
ager Jessica Frances for four more years and raising her salary by 12.5 percent for the second straight year. See FRANCES on page 17
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The Landmark, May 12, 2021
The Landmark, May 12, 2021
IN THIS ISSUE Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Kosey Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
JACKIE PISANO/Contributor
IN HARMONY: Nissa Anderson (left) gives a pointe to Isabella Amaro, 9, of Brookfield, during a recent lesson at her studio in the lower level of Ascension Lutheran Church in Riverside.
Riverside violin studio uses Suzuki method of instruction
Anderson Music Studio located at Ascension Lutheran Church By JACKIE PISANO Contributing Reporter
Since childhood, the joy of music has played an integral part in Nissa Anderson’s life. “[Music] was always something I wanted to do,” she said. “I had been very interested in music since I was 4 years old, begging my older brother to teach me to play songs on the guitar.” Eventually gravitating toward violin, Anderson attended school in LaGrange-Brookfield District 102, where as a fourth-grader she had the opportunity to join the orchestra — an extracurricular most elementary districts don’t offer. By seventh grade at Park Junior High School, Anderson’s parents noticed she was more than just “interested” in violin — she was fixated on the instrument, working tirelessly to master her craft. It was that dedication that convinced Anderson’s parents to enroll her in Suzuki-method violin lessons, whose philosophy encourages learning music in a way that parallels acquiring a native language and emphasizes the development of a child’s character. Moving on to the orchestra at Lyons Township High School, the LaGrange Park native knew that as she approached adulthood, she
couldn’t let her passion for music fall to the wayside. Somehow, Anderson had to make music her life’s calling. “By the end of high school, I realized this is a huge part of my life, and I can’t see myself being happy years down the road if this is not what I’m doing with my life,” she said. Anderson attended Lake Forest College, continuing to play violin, completing Suzuki method training and graduating in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in music education. At first, Anderson had stints teaching violin and viola in public schools and students’ homes. However, she soon realized that bouncing between locations would not be sustainable long term. While teaching at A Sound Education in Brookfield, it dawned on her — why not open a studio of her own? While Anderson, now a Westchester resident, was welcomed by A Sound Education to teach out of their space, one year later she began scouting locations to open her own business in the Riverside area. “Part of why I picked Riverside is because I know Riverside has a pretty strong community, and a community that is particularly supportive of the arts,” Anderson said. “When I noticed that Riverside itself doesn’t have something like this to boast already, I thought, ‘That doesn’t make a lot of sense, so I should fill that need.’” She eventually settled upon a quiet space in the lower level of Riverside’s Ascension Lutheran Church, 400 Nuttall Road. “I really liked the fact that Ascension is right
across from Ames School, because it makes it very easy to locate, and it also makes you feel like you’re in a relatively safe place,” she said. “The church has a beautifully maintained garden and looks like a nice, welcoming space when you pull up.” Officially in the new space since last September, Anderson Music Studio is focused on specifically training students in the Suzuki method. “The Suzuki method is very different from a traditional methodology where the child gets dropped off at their lesson and the parent disappears and then the parent picks them up later,” she said. “The Suzuki method heavily involves the parents in everything we do, so it’s a very collaborative environment where the parent and teacher are working together to nurture this student into a well-rounded performer over the course of several years.” In addition to her teaching, Anderson Music Studio only has one other teacher, Grace Walker, though Anderson says she will soon have to look to add more faculty to her roster. “Part of the Suzuki method specifically is that we are not only trying to nurture these very accomplished musicians that are capable of playing at a really high level, but we’re also very much interested in instilling those transfer skills, like discipline, confidence, poise and perseverance,” she said. Anderson, who has taught children through seniors, says students of all ages are welcome to the new studio. To learn more about the studio, visit andersonmusic.studio.
Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
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 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.
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The Landmark, May 12, 2021
BIG WEEK May 12-19
Drive-thru spaghetti dinner
Get your tickets now for Boy Scout Troop 111’s Drive-Thru Spaghetti Dinner, which will take place Saturday, May 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Riverside Masonic Lodge, 40 Forest Ave., Riverside. Tickets are $10 per person and include a dinner of spaghetti, sauce, Italian sausage, salad, bread and dessert. Online pre-orders at troop111-lgp.square. site accepted through Thursday, May 20. Drive-up orders also available on the day of the event. No in-person dining available.
Experience live jazz, in person
Sts. Peter and Paul Lutheran Church, 250 Woodside Road in Riverside, invite you for an afternoon of live jazz featuring vocalist Terry Sullivan with Tom Muellner on piano and special guest Bill Overton TERRY SULLIVAN on reeds on Sunday, May 16 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person, cash only, at the door. CDC guidelines and expectations will be followed. Please wear a face covering. For more information, call 708-488-1701.
Brookfield Zoo Virtual Spring 5K
The Frederick Law Olmsted Society in partnership with Riverside Public Library presents “Jazz Age Modern: Riverside’s Art Deco and Art Moderne Houses” via Zoom on Tuesday, May 18 at 7 p.m. Student researchers from the urban studies program at the University of Illinois at Chicago – Pauline Hong, Fotini Kaim and Marcus Levigne – will share their findings on the design and history of distinctive homes from the 1920s to the 1940s. Visit riversidelibrary.libcal.com/calendar to register.
The cost is $30 per person. You’ll receive a beanie, numbered bib and completion certificate. Race entries benefit the Chicago Zoological Society Animal Care and Conservation Fund. Register at CZS.org/SpringRun2021
The Frederick Law Olmsted Society and village of Riverside will host their next Landscape Workday on Saturday, May 15 from 9 a.m. to noon at Indian Gardens (exact spot TBD). RSVP required at least 24 hours in advance by emailing to workdays@olmstedsociety.org or calling 708-447-0226. Wear a face covering and bring work gloves and a water bottle. All other supplies and snacks provided. Look for the public works dump truck. ■
North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 Cermak Road, is looking for budding artists to decorate white paper parasols for their Umbrella Art Contest, which runs through the month of May. Open to all ages. Just ■
pick up an umbrella at the mall’s Customer Service Center (M-Sat 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sun 11 a.m.-6 pm.), decorate it at home and return it by May 31. Gift card prizes for best entries. 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. For adults, there’s Deeply Rooted Book Club on ■
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Brookfield Public Library invites you to discover the journeys that members of the Women’s Army Corps (WACs) took during World War II during the Zoom presentation “The Journey to Mollie’s War” on Thursday, May 13 at 7 p.m. Cyndee Schaffer traces the footsteps of her mother, Mollie Weinstein Schaffer, and her fellow WACs when they served in Europe in 1944-45. Register to attend and obtain Zoom access info by visiting brookfield.evanced.info/signup.
Riverside’s Jazz Age architecture
Brookfield Zoo is holding its first-ever Virtual Spring 5K Run/Walk through May 30. Choose your time and place – take a hike in a forest preserve, jog a waterfront trail or stroll through your neighborhood.
And more
Go to war with the WACs
May 13 at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. This month, the group will discuss “Eyes on the Prize, Episode 3: Ain’t Scared of Your Jails.”There’s also Stretching and Meditation on May 17 at 6:30 p.m. via conference call (800-747-5150, code 1453322) and a WITS Workout featuring brain health activities on May 18 at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Register at northriversidelibrary.org/events-new for info and 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 Builders Club (ages 5+) via Zoom on Thursdays at 4 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 May 13 at 11 a.m. Call 708-485-6917, ext. 130 or visit brookfield. evanced.info/signup to register for Zoom programs. Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, presents a Sunset Meditation with Gina Barsotti on May 13 at 6 p.m. via Zoom and Riverside Reads discussion of “The Sea” by John Banville outside at the library, weather permitting, on May 18 at 2:30 p.m. Visit riversidelibrary.libcal.com/calendar more info. ■
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The Landmark, May 12, 2021
P O L I C E
R E P O R T S
Cops recover vehicle stolen after March 2020 shooting Riverside police say they have recovered a vehicle involved in a shooting in March 2020 in and around a gas station in the 300 block of East Quincy Street and that they’re seeking a search warrant to enter it to obtain any evidence still inside. The recovered vehicle, a 2006 Chevy Uplander, had been stolen from the driveway of a home in the 300 block of East Quincy Street, just a couple doors down from where a bullet riddled 2004 Chevy Silverado had been abandoned, apparently by someone involved in the March 23, 2020 incident. At the time, police reported that an altercation started at the Amstar gas station, 3346 Harlem Ave., where police recovered two .45-caliber shell casings on the driveway apron to the business. The vehicles then sped west down Quincy Street where more shots were fired, one of them striking a home where the Silverado was found abandoned in the driveway. That vehicle had three bullet holes in it. Police reported finding more .45-caliber ammunition and cannabis inside the Silverado, which was seized by police. But, no one reported seeing the stolen Chevy Uplander for more than a year until Chicago police called on May 6 to report they’d recovered it parked on the street, without license plates, in the 3800 block of North LeClair Avenue. According to witnesses, the Uplander had been on the street for just a couple of days. Chicago police used the vehicle’s VIN number to identify its owner, who had reported it stolen out of Riverside last year. Anyone with information on the case can call Riverside police at 708-447-2127 or send an anonymous tip to crimetips@riverside.il.us.
Rental ad fraud A Berwyn couple went to police on May 7 to report that they’d been victims of an internet scam involving a purported rental property in Brookfield that turned out to be fake. The couple found a listing for an apartment in the 4100 block of Eberly Avenue in Brookfield on Facebook Marketplace and exchanged text messages with the alleged landlord, who provided a rental application and requested “application fees” of $2,420, which the couple paid. When the couple went to look at the apartment, they found it vacant and the “landlord” stopped responding to calls and texts.
Gun displayed during traffic tiff A 47-year-old Gary, Indiana, man called North Riverside police to report that another motorist pointed a handgun at him after cutting him off while westbound from North Riverside Park Mall on Cermak Road on May 2 at about 5:10 p.m. The victim told police his vehicle was cut off by a Volkswagen Passat. The victim said as he drove past the VW, he “locked eyes” with the other motorist. At that time, according to the police report, the VW sped up next to his vehicle and the driver displayed a black handgun, loaded a round in the chamber, pointed it at him and yelled, “Now what?” The VW was last seen heading southbound on Desplaines Avenue.
Dirt bike crashes into squad car North Riverside police cited a 22-year-old Maywood man for several traffic offenses after he allegedly drove his dirt bike into a North Riverside police squad car on May 7 at about 5:52 p.m. at the intersection of First Avenue and 23rd Street. According to the police report, the squad car was attempting to make a right-hand turn onto southbound First Avenue at the time of crash, which sent the dirt bike driver somersaulting and landing on the pavement in front of the squad car. Paramedics took the man to Loyola University Medical Center for treatment of “obvious injuries to his right arm.” A friend of the dirt bike rider who witnessed the crash in his rear view mirror, reportedly said he believed the officer intentionally hit the dirt bike. The officer reportedly said he did not see the dirt bike, and the squad’s in-car camera reportedly showed the dirt bike striking the squad, which was traveling at about 3 mph, two seconds after the squad entered the intersection. The accident report states that the dirt bike was traveling northbound on the First Avenue sidewalk at a high rate of speed. The officer would have been looking in the other direction for traffic to clear before turning right. These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Riverside, North Riverside and Brookfield police departments, May 2-9 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these reports has only been charged with a crime. These cases have not been adjudicated.
— Compiled by Bob Uphues
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The Landmark, May 12, 2021
Zalas elected District 208 school board president Riversider is first woman to lead RBHS board in 16 years
By BOB SKOLNIK
president of the board. Towner said that the board explored different options and that Zalas seemed suited The Riverside-Brookfield High School to serve as president right now. “I feel like this is the best fit for the perDistrict 208 Board of Education now has two new members and a new president. On sonalities that we have on the board,” TownMay 4, moments after new members Lorena er said. “It was a matter of figuring out what Gasca and Ryan VenHorst were sworn in, was going to work best for everyone.” Zalas, 48, works as the directhe new school board voted 6 to tor of risk management for Cook 1 to elevate Riverside resident County. She is married to RiverDeanna Zalas to the position of side Village Attorney Michael school board president. Marrs and is the mother of three The previous president, Wes RBHS students, a senior and Smithing, was defeated in his freshmen twins. bid for re-election to the school “I indicated my interest in beboard, finishing last in a field of ing the president,” Zalas said. four in the April 6 election. “I think it was a combination of Zalas has been on the school temperament and engagement board for two years. Laura Hrusin the issues that we have faced ka, the longest-serving member DEANNA ZALAS and that will be facing that was of the school board at 14 years, part of the dialogue I had with cast the only vote against Zalas. Hruska has served on the District 208 the new board members and the old board school board longer than all the other board members.” Zalas is more in line with the progressive members combined. “Ms. Zalas is a newer member on the bent of the new school board, with Gasca, board with half her time dealing with CO- VenHorst and Tom Jacobs, who nominated VID,” said Hruska in a text message to the Zalas for president, all having strong left of Landmark. “It’s always my thought a little center views. Towner describes herself as more experience being on the board is ben- fiscally conservative but socially moderateto-liberal. eficial.” The new board is the most politically libZalas, however, emerged as the consensus choice of old and new members. She also eral District 208 school board in long time, personally reached out to her colleagues perhaps ever. Four of the board members, indicating her interest in seeking the board Zalas, Gasca, VenHorst and Towner work in the public sector. VenHorst and Towner presidency. “She just seems to be really well organized work are educators and Gasca works for Northeastern Illinois University on a fedwhich is what we need,” Gasca said. erally funded project to promote college acRamona Towner, who finished third in the election, was unanimously re-elected vice cess for underserved youth. Contributing Reporter
Zalas is the first female president of the District 208 school board since 2005, when Janice Prescott left the board and position. During that time there have been six different men who have served as school board president. At least two other women, Barbara Purdy and Sherlane Biskowksi, have also served in the past as president of the District 208 school board. Zalas takes over as president after a turbulent year dealing with the pandemic and after a school board campaign in which the teachers’ union, known as the RBEA, supported and funded the joint campaign of Gasca and VenHorst. Teachers did not like comments made by Smithing, Towner, and Hruska who all pushed hard for more in person school earlier in the school year and blamed the teachers union for stymieing those efforts last fall. At one board meeting last fall Hruska suggested contacting the school’s attorney to find ways to force teachers to teach in person. In her two years on the board Zalas has not been especially outspoken but has asked incisive questions and sought to carefully analyze issues that the school board faced. She demands facts and data and often pushed administrators for more information and analysis. Zalas said that with the pandemic ebbing and school expected to return to normal next year, it’s a good time to become president of the board. “We are a real transition point, coming off of COVID, coming off the year that everyone has had,” Zalas said. Zalas said she is looking forward to new initiatives. At her first meeting last week
as president, Zalas proposed establishing a board committee to examine the transition back to normal school and to devise ways to combat the learning loss that has probably occurred during the past year. Last month the school board approved a new mission statement, and Zalas now wants the board to develop new goals. She said current board goals are nearly a decade old and too focused on test scores and Advanced Placement. She wants new goals to reflect the diversity of the students who attend RBHS and reflect all kinds of achievement. “The goals as they are written today are not necessarily comprehensive toward all student achievement, so I think with this new board you’re going to see some focus on setting goals that are demonstrative for all of our students,” Zalas said. Zalas said that she is looking forward to the new ideas and energy that Gasca and VenHorst will bring to the school board, but she firmly rejected the idea that the RBEA will control the new school board. “Some type of change was identified by the voters and these are the elected school board members,” Zalas said. “We have labor negotiations coming up in the next year. I come from a place of fiscal responsibility, so I think any assumption that myself or the board or the administration or the school, is going abdicate our financial responsibilities [is not the case].” Zalas also hopes to lower the temperature at board meetings and in the community. She wants to curb the anger and divisiveness of the past year. “I think there’s an abundance of grace that’s needed from all sides in this,” Zalas said.
New local Catholic parish will be called St. Paul VI Unification of St. Mary, Mater Christi, St. Hugh official July 1
By BOB UPHUES Editor
The newly unified parish comprising St. Mary in Riverside, Mater Christi in North Riverside and St. Hugh in Lyons will be known as St. Paul VI Parish, effective July 1, the Archdiocese of Chicago announced last week. Rev. Thomas May, who is pastor of St. Mary’s and will be the pastor of the consolidated parish, said the decision was announced May 4 at a meeting of the Presbyteral Council. Parishioners had submitted six names – three saints and three names involving the Blessed Mother – to the council, which sought Cardinal Blase Cupich’s final decision. The cardinal, said May, shied away from “Mary”
fundamental philosophy. names, even though St. Mary and “The whole process of Renew Mater Christi already invoke her, My Church is consolidating to in sensitivity to parishioners of make us stronger so we can do our St. Hugh. main mission of evangelization, St. Paul VI, who was canonized to focus on that once again.” in 2018 and would be known to any St. Mary Church and Mater parishioner older than 50, served Christi Church will remain inas pope from 1963-78 and oversaw dividual worship sites and rethe implementation of mandates tain their names, with St. Mary from the historic Second Vatican Church serving as the primary Council. REV. THOMAS MAY parish church and administrative “Pope Paul VI was very into evangelization,” said May. “The center. St. Mary School will serve whole point of the Second Vatican Council as the parish school. was branching out.” St. Hugh Church will celebrate its final Similarly, said May, the Archdiocese of Chi- Mass on June 27, which will also serve as St. cago’s parish consolidation initiative, known Paul VI Parish’s unification celebration. Folas Renew My Church, seeks to reinstill that lowing that Mass, St. Hugh will cease to func-
tion as a church and the archdiocese may sell the property. One potential buyer, said May, could be the Czech Mission of Saints Cyril and Methodius Church, located at 9415 Rochester Ave. in Brookfield. “There’s nothing official yet,” May said. The Mater Christi School building will be renamed the St. Hugh Faith Formation Center and will be used for religious education, adult faith formation and youth ministry for the St. Paul VI Parish. Mater Christi’s pastor, Rev. Matthew Nemchausky, will remain on staff as associate pastor of St. Paul VI Parish and will continue to live in North Riverside. St. Hugh’s pastor, Rev. Robert Marchwiany, is awaiting his new assignment from the archdiocese.
The Landmark, May 12, 2021
New board members seated in District 103 Lyons mayor now in complete command of school board
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Three new members of the Lyons-Brookfield School District 103 Board of Education were sworn in on April 27, giving Lyons Mayor Christopher Getty complete control of the school board. Sara Andreas, Slagjana Aleksikj and Mario Ramirez ran unopposed in the April election as minority bloc incumbents Sharon Anderson, Shannon Johnson and Marge Hubacek all decided not to run for re-election. Andreas is 24 years old and moved to Lyons two years ago. “I was looking for a community where I could afford the property taxes,” said Andreas in a brief interview after her first school board meeting last week. Andreas has served on the Lyons Library Board for the past two years after being appointed to the post. She is a graduate of Colorado State University where she majored in political science and was active in Republican politics. “I’m very excited to serve on the school board and I’m excited to be a young woman in this position,” Andreas said. “I feel like we have a lot of opportunities to make some good change.” At Colorado State Andreas was the president of the College Republicans group, worked as field director for Americans for Prosperity, a conservative and libertarian-oriented group founded by the wealthy industrialists Charles and the late David Koch. She also worked as a field organizer for the Colorado Republican Party. Andreas, who grew up in Lemont, now works as a sales coordinator for her family’s business Robert R. Andreas & Sons, a concrete construction company based in Cicero. The company has been a prolific campaign contributor for decades. Over the last decade it has donated $15,500 to Citizens for Christopher Getty, the Lyons mayor’s campaign committee. Andreas & Sons has also contributed $10,750 to the United Citizens Party, Getty’s political party in Lyons. Andreas & Sons has also donated hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past 15 years to campaign committees for Cicero President Larry Dominick. The company has also donated lesser amounts to state Rep. Lisa Hernandez (D- Cicero) and Hispanic Democrats United, a political action committee based in Cicero. Sara Andreas was an active supporter of Getty’s re-election campaign this, a race in incumbent mayor easily won with 69.25 percent of the vote. Aleksikj, 41, is the mother of three District 103 students, an eighth-grader at George Washington Middle School and twins in fourth
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SWORN IN: New Lyons-Brookfield District 103 school board members (from left) Slagjana Aleksikj, Sara Andreas and Mario Ramirez takes their oaths of office at the April 27 meeting of the school board at George Washington Middle School in Lyons. grade at Costello school. She worked for about five years at the Lyons Public Library until leaving that job last year when the COVID pandemic hit. Aleksikj now runs a small trucking company. She has lived in Lyons for about 10 years. “I have kids in the district, so I really want them to have the best,” Aleksikj said. “So far I’ve been very pleased with how the board’s run, so I will see and learn and go with the flow. I am interested in learning and doing the best for the board.” Ramirez is a former District 103 custodian. He was hired as a full-time night custodian starting on Dec. 1, 2016 but was laid off last year as part of a reduction in force that was based on seniority. Anderson said Ramirez now works for village of Lyons in the public works department, and an employee compensation list for fiscal year 2021 posted on the village of Lyons website indicates a Mario Ramirez working as a Tier II public works employee. Ramirez did not return a call or a text message from the Landmark.
Torres re-elected board president In their first act of business, the newly constituted school board unanimously re-elected Jorge Torres as president of the school board. Torres, who works as a building inspector for the village of Lyons, has been president of the school board for the last two years. Winifred Rodriguez was unanimously reelected as board vice-president while Andreas was unanimously chosen to serve as board secretary. Anderson leaves the board after serving on it for 15 years. She was president of the school board from 2013 until 2015.
“I’m grateful for the time that I spent on the board,” Anderson said. “I learned a lot. I made some good friends. I hope that I made a difference in some way.” Johnson and Hubacek each served on the board for one four-year term. They ran on a slate with Anderson in 2017 when all three defeated a slate of Getty-backed candidates, including two incumbents, to wrest control of the school board temporarily from a Gettybacked bloc elected in 2015. But the tables were turned in 2019, when four Getty-backed candidates swept all the seats and defeating longtime incumbent Joanne Schaeffer. “It’s been a tough two years and so I’m relieved,” said Hubacek, the board president from 2017 until 2019, of leaving the board. “The board did not work together. I believe the three of us were kept in the dark. It was unusual: no transparency, no communication. “I’m sure that there are community members who are going to be watching closely on what policies they set and how they spend their money and how they lead the district forward.” Hubacek, who worked as secretary in the school district for 33 years before retiring in 2015, is not optimistic about the new board. “I don’t anticipate questions, I don’t anticipate a lot of information, I don’t anticipate a lot of reports, I don’t anticipate closed sessions, I don’t anticipate any of that because it’s a 7-0 board,” Hubacek said. Johnson, who teaches second grade at a school in Glencoe, said she was proud of her work on the school board. “We did some good work when we had the opportunity,” Johnson said. “I’m confident in knowing that every decision I made was with kids’ best interests in mind.”
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The Landmark, May 12, 2021
Riverside deputy police chief retiring in June William Gutschick will stay during transition to new public safety department
By BOB UPHUES
tions including handling budgeting, scheduling, accounts payable and billing. Gutschick joined the Riverside More changes are on the way police department in 1988 and within the Riverside Police Deduring his career has touched partment as the village transinearly every role the department tions to a combined Department offered while working his way up of Public Safety and Emergency the ranks. He was promoted to Management later this month. sergeant in 2006 and to lieutenant The department’s incoming in 2014. He served as the Riverdirector, Fire Chief Matthew WILLIAM GUTSCHICK side emergency dispatch center Buckley, has been working with supervisor for 11 years. outgoing Police Chief Thomas He was a member of the West Suburban Weitzel in preparing for the latter’s May 20 Major Crimes Task Force forensic team and departure. Last week, Weitzel announced that Deputy a member of the Illinois Impaired Driving Police Chief William Gutschick will be retir- Task Force. “Bill is a talented administrator,” said ing effective June 18. Gutschick, who stepped into the role as deputy chief in 2017 after hav- Weitzel. “He never wanted the limelight as ing served as the operations lieutenant for deputy chief, but in the department he was the department for three years, has served as a very outgoing guy and never shut his door. He is also very well respected by chiefs of a Riverside police officer for 33 years. Gutschick said his plan had been to leave surrounding departments.” Gutschick said what he’ll miss most is the the village the same day as Weitzel, but he decided to stay another month to assist close relationships he’s formed within the Riverside Police Department, with officers Buckley during his transition to director of and their families. public safety and emergency management. “In Riverside we’re a family, and this has “It’s a lot to take on for Matt,” said Gutschick, who as deputy chief has worked mainly been my second family for 33 years,” Gutsbehind the scenes performing critical func- chick said. “We’re a smaller department, so Editor
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you get to know everyone.” During his career, Gutschick had his close scrapes, including one very early on that landed him an IACP DuPont Kevlar Survivors Award. In 1989, Gutschick was conducting a traffic stop on First Avenue near Zoo Woods when his squad car and then he was hit by a passing vehicle. Gutschick’s injuries put him off duty for three months and police never apprehended the hit and run driver, though investigators said Gutschick’s bulletproof vest saved his life. “The vest took the impact,” said Gutschick, who said investigators determined that the vehicle was a Ford van based on the paint transfer left on Gutschick’s jacket. In 2009, Gutschick and three other officers were presented with the Cook County Sheriff ’s Award of Valor for evacuating residents from a burning Harlem Avenue apartment building. The fire started inside an auto repair business next door and spread to the adjacent building. “That was pretty scary,” Gutschick said. While he’s proud of his police work, Gutschick, an avid bowler who carried a 200+ average, said he’s most proud of the 13 years he spent in his hometown of Plainfield teaching children the sport. Together with champion bowler Patti
Schultz, Gutschick nurtured 12 state championships during those 13 years. “I would love to do that again down the road,” Gutschick said.
2 new officers sworn in Riverside also welcomed two new officers into its ranks last week, when Weitzel swore in Sandra Blaylock, 27, and Ryan Spear, 25, during a private ceremony also attended by Buckley on May 3. While Spear will begin training at the police academy, Blaylock comes to the village as a certified officer and is presently in field training in Riverside. Blaylock is a former Riverside community service officer who became a police officer in Willowbrook, resigning that job to come back to Riverside. They fill the vacancies created by former Officer Joseph Mahanna, who left Riverside for another suburban agency, and Weitzel. More police retirements could be on the way, as well, said Weitzel. Several Riverside officers have more than 20 years of service time and a few are approaching 30. As a result, Weitzel said he’s reserved two police academy spots in July for potential new hires the village may end up making.
By Linda Sokol Francis. E.A.
“HOME OFFICE” DEDUCTION ELIGIBILITY
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he “home office” deduction allows qualifying individual taxpayers to deduct certain home expenses in reporting their federal income taxes. The deduction currently is not available to employees because unreimbursed employee business expenses are considered miscellaneous itemized deductions which, under the Tax Cuts Jobs Act of 2017 (the “TCJA”), are not deductible in 2018-2025. Prior to passage of the TCJA, an individual taxpayer’s miscellaneous itemized deductions were deductible to the extent they exceeded 2% of such taxpayer’s adjusted gross income. For purposes of the “home office” deduction, the term “home” includes a house apartment, condominium, mobile home, boat or similar property, as well as structures on the property such as an unattached garage, studio, barn or greenhouse, and eligible expenses include mortgage interest, insurance, utilities,
repairs, maintenance depreciation and rent. As explained in the IRS Tax Tip, there are two basic requirements for the “home office” deduction: The space with respect to which the deduction is claimed must be used exclusively for conducting business on a regular basis. For example, expenses related to al extra room used as an office qualify only f the extra room is used both regularly and exelusively in the business. The home must be the taxpayer’s principal place of business or, if administrative or management activities are conducted at the home, there is no other location to perform these duties.
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The Landmark, May 12, 2021
9
Sells passes the torch in Riverside after 2 terms Says ‘future is bright’ with Ballerine at helm By BOB UPHUES Editor
When Ben Sells was sworn in as Riverside president back in May 2013, the village and its government were in the midst of a transition. A global financial meltdown had forced local governments to make tough choices, not all of them universally supported. At that time, Trustee Sells found himself more often than not in conflict with the then-board majority, which had forced out a longtime village manager, hired one who would learn on the job, attempted to squeeze the Parks and Rec Department into public works and seizing its board’s taxing powers. On May 6, those past conflicts were nowhere in sight and, despite a lingering pandemic that had intruded into every decision and action of the past year, Sells walked away after two terms as Riverside president with a confidence he might not have had coming in. He personally administered the oath of office to his successor, Joseph Ballerine, who credited Sells with leading the village through a series of accomplishments during his tenure as village president. “It’s been 14 years since we met, when you were the [village board] liaison to rec and I was chair. Together we fought for that department and worked jointly to make it what it is today,” Ballerine said in com-
BOB UPHUES/Editor
NEXT UP: Joseph Ballerine is sworn in as Riverside village president by outgoing President Ben Sells (foreground) during a ceremony seating those newly elected to the village board on May 6 at the Riverside Township Hall. ments after being sworn in as president last week. “The tenacity you have for rec can be witnessed in all the initiatives you brought forth as president.” A list of those accomplishments, at least from the past four years, were read aloud by Village Manager Jessica Frances and in-
cluded obtaining nearly $10 million in grants funding which helped complete intersection and streetscape improvements near the downtown Metra station, sustainably repave a commuter parking lot and plan improvements to Swan Pond Park. During that time, the village also created a
pair of business districts and a planned unit development process, teamed with neighboring towns to create a central emergency dispatch center and police lockup and bought and renovated a building to become the Parks and Rec headquarters. “I hope the residents of Riverside look at that [list] closely and see what Jessica and Ben accomplished with support of this board and boards of the last eight years,” said Trustee Doug Pollock, who began his third term as trustee last week, sworn in alongside new trustees Aberdeen Marsh-Ozga and Megan Claucherty. “I speak from experience,” said Pollock, an urban planner who recently retired as village administrator of Burr Ridge. “You’re not ever going to find a better team in a village than Ben and Jessica have. The record speaks for itself.” For his part, Sells credited village staff, the 60 citizens who serve on advisory commissions and his wife, Jill Mateo, for the success he shared. “In the end, all government exists to serve to will of the citizens, and all any generation can do is to try to leave the world a more beautiful place for the next generation to come,” Sells said. “And I believe that here in our little oasis in the last eight years that we’ve done that. “And for that I thank you, the residents of Riverside. The village’s future is bright, especially because this board will be led by an exceptional public servant in Joe Ballerine.”
Garvey again takes reins as Brookfield president Begins third full term, but it’s the fourth time he’s had the job
By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter
The old became new again as Michael Garvey returned to the village president’s chair on May 10 during a formal swearingin ceremony at Brookfield Village Hall. Garvey, who served briefly as village president in 2001 and then from 2005 until 2013, begins his third full term as president, taking the gavel from Kit Ketchmark who has been village president for the past eight years. Garvey served as a village trustee for the past while eight years while Ketchmark was president. Now they are trading places, with Ketchmark returning to his former position as village trustee. Either Garvey or Ketchmark have held the village president position for the last 16 years. Brookfield prohibits elected officials from serving for more than two consecutive terms but places no limits on how many terms any one individual can serve. On
Monday evening, Garvey and Ketchmark simply traded chairs on the dais. Garvey was unopposed in the April election as were PEP Party trustee candidates Ketchmark, incumbent Ed Cote and Jennifer Hendricks. The new trustee, Hendricks, a landscape architect who has served on the Zoning and Planning Commission for the past seven years replaces Nicole Gilhooley, who just finished her second consecutive term. Garvey, 53, noted some people think it is time for someone other than he or Ketchmark, two longtime fixtures in village government, to become village president but noted that no one else filed to run for the office. “If someone wants to run against us, I’m open to competing and putting my name and reputation out against someone else,” Garvey told the Landmark in a telephone interview before the village board meeting. In his final remarks as village president, Ketchmark thanked the village board and
the village staff and pointed to road and park improvements as highlights of his eight years as president. He also pointed to business improvements and getting rid of 4 a.m. liquor licenses. “We have made big investments in our business districts and found more ways for our residents to have fun with new events and new programs,” Ketchmark said. “And we are no longer the last stop in the suburbs for last call.” Over the past year Ketchmark led the village through a challenge that neither he nor anyone else could have predicted, the COVID-19 pandemic. “I believe that this village board, along with staff, have done an enviable job of guiding our village through uncharted and unsettled waters,” Ketchmark said. “And though we are done yet, the light at the end of the tunnel is becoming brighter and brighter.” Ketchmark said he tried to let all residents be heard during his time as village president.
“One of the challenges we have, not only as a village board, but as a society, is to hear all the voices, and not just the loud ones,” Ketchmark said. “A car has four equally important wheels, not just the one we hear. We have heard so often that Brookfield is a diamond in the rough. For the past eight years as your village president, I hope that I’ve been able to add a little bit of polish to this gem.” Immediately after being sworn in as village president by Cook County Judge Edward Maloney Garvey thanked his family which stood behind him. “They have been my support system forever,” Garvey said. “The first time I got sworn is a village president Jake was five years old. He just celebrated his 21st birthday. They put up so much of me not being home, not being around, sometimes missing the ballgame, missing things and every time we go out to eat in Brookfield they know that I’m going to have to talk to someone and they handle that very, very gracefully.”
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The Landmark, May 12, 2021
D96 teachers protest board member’s comments about staffer Miller apologizes for poor wording but stands behind message
aged to get vaccinated, there are any number of reasons why one may not be currently vaccinated at this time,” Kayastha wrote in the email which was obtained by the Landmark obtained through a public records request. “Until such time that it is mandated, employees have the right to choose whether By BOB SKOLNIK or not they receive the vaccine.” Contributing Reporter Kayastha noted that teachers had taught students in person for months before vacLast week was teacher appreciation week, cines became available at the behest of the and at its May 4 meeting the Riverside Elementary District 96 Board of Education board of education. “In-person staff were in our schools with unanimously approved a proclamation children and other staff members for five thanking teachers for their work. But that’s not why approximately 60 Riv- months without being vaccinated,” Kayaserside District 96 teachers and paraprofes- tha wrote. “To make this remark when consionals, all dressed in red shirts, were at the venient is irresponsible.” Kayastha said that since the Landmark meeting. story appeared multiple teachThey were there for a silent ers have been asked by students protest of comments made by whether they have been vaccioutgoing school board member nated. Staff were also upset that Jeff Miller to the Landmark 11 it seemed to be assumed that the days earlier for a story about a staff member infected the child staff member and a kindergarwhile noting that it could have ten student at Hollywood School been the child who infected the testing positive for COVID-19 staff member. within a day of each other. “In reality, there is no way to The staff member worked concretely determine a point with the kindergarten students of origin,” Kayastha wrote. “To and Miller told the Landmark make statements like this have that staff who have not been made a difficult situation convaccinated should not be intersiderably more difficult. No peracting with students and had a son should have their trust and moral obligation to get vaccinatKATIE KAYASTHA confidence violated in this way.” ed. The teachers, and the teachREC co-president Union members were iners union, called the Riverside structed not to talk to the press Education Council or REC, were during the protest and the union also angry that the Landmark co-presidents were very tight learned that the staff member lipped. who tested positive had not been “We’re just here as members vaccinated against COVID-19. of the District 96 community,” When Miller made his final said union co-president Jen Ohlcomments at the school board meeting, after his replacement had been man, a second-grade teacher at Ames, when sworn in, some teachers and paraprofes- asked why all the teachers were at the meeting. sionals walked out of the room. No union members made any public comSix days before the school board meeting, the union leadership called for Miller to im- ment and the union leaders, who were not in mediately resign from the school board even room where the meeting took place, did not though he had less than a week remaining address the board. Miller and Hunt responded to Kayastha by on his term. On April 28 REC co-president Katie Kay- email the day after receiving her email. Both astha, the student services coordinator at offered some apologies. Hunt apologized on behalf of the district and the school board. L.J. Hauser Junior High School, fired off “Although the ‘District 96 official’ who an email to the Board of Education and Superintendent Martha Ryan-Toye calling for revealed the vaccination status of an emMiller to resign and expressing the union’s ployee is not named, it is clear that private anger that a district official had told the information was shared inappropriately,” Landmark that the staff member at Holly- Hunt wrote in his email to Kayastha. But Hunt also defended Miller and noted wood School had not been vaccinated. “While staff members have been encour- his extensive service during his six years on
“No person should have their trust and confidence violated in this way.”
CREDIT THE PHOTO TO RIVERSIDE TV
WRAPPING UP: Outgoing Riverside District 96 school board member Jeff Miller addresses the board and faculty at his final meeting on May 5 at Ames School in Riverside. the school board. “It goes without saying that his opinions are his alone and not necessarily those of the rest of the board,” Hunt said. “That said, I do support his right to share them with the community.” In his own email to Kayastha and during his more than nine minute-long final statement to the board and community after leaving the board on May 4, Miller apologized for the wording but not the content of his comments that were quoted in the Landmark. “I chose my words poorly but I stand by the message of what I was trying to say, and what I just said, which is that we have a special responsibility in schools right now to either get vaccinated, for the sake of the staff, for your own benefits, and for the sake of the students basically so as not to incur any transmissions in the schools,” Miller said. Miller said he respected the bravery teachers showed earlier in the school by coming to school and teaching in person before vaccines were available. “During the biggest wave of the virus during the winter and fall, it took a lot of courage for our staff members to come to school,” Miller said. “I really admire that courage and dedication.” Miller said that he does believe that those who work with students have a moral obligation to get vaccinated if they can do so. “The availability of the vaccine imposed, and imposes, a social responsibility on all of us to get vaccinated,” Miller said. Miller’s board colleagues heaped praise upon him as he left the school board after six years. Miller served as school board president for his first four years and came
on the board at time when former Superintendent Bhavna Sharma-Lewis, who had a difficult relationship with some board members, was leaving the district. “Six years ago, when we entered the board at the same time, we were in dire need of some leadership you really stepped up into a tough position that took a lot of your time and a lot of your energy, and you were completely dedicated and put the district first all the time,” said board Vice President Lynda Murphy. Hunt pointed out that Miller, a physicist by training, developed on his own the algorithm that the school district now uses to assign students to schools. Miller was known for his intelligence, thoughtfulness and the deep research he did about issues facing the district. He was never afraid to challenge administrators or vendors. He urged a later start to the day at Hauser because research shows that adolescents have trouble going to bed early and do better when the school day doesn’t start so early in the morning. The 8:30 start time has worked well this year and is being continued next year. Ryan-Toye, while noting all the folks in red who were unhappy with Miller’s comments, also praised the outgoing board member. “I know that this has been a challenging week in particular and it’s certainly unfortunate to see you depart in sort of the midst of a bit of a cloud, but I do want to certainly thank you for your integrity and your intellect and your transparency and your honesty and your mentoring and your leadership, and it’s been very much appreciated,” RyanToye said.
The Landmark, May 12, 2021
11
Memorial Day open still possible for Riverside Swim Club Construction ongoing 7 days a week as summer pool season nears
By BOB UPHUES Editor
You might not have noticed with all of the April-like weather we’ve been having the last couple of weeks tha t Memorial Day weekend is less than three weeks away. That weekend, of course, is the traditional start of the pool season over at Riverside Swim Club, 100 Bloomingbank Road. And if you’ve swung past the club lately, you’d have noticed it’s still an active construction site. Still, said the club’s board president Chris Porter, the target date for opening remains Memorial Day weekend or as close as they can get to it. “We’ve got a path to open this pool, if not Memorial Day weekend, then CHRIS PORTER right on it,” Porter RSC board president said. “We don’t really need anything to break for us, except for the Illinois Department of Public Health permits and our fine Riverside village.” Construction on two new pools, a new 5,000-square-foot clubhouse with a wraparound raised deck and new a sport court has been under way since the village approved the club’s plans last August. Years in the planning, a core group of about 400 families made the roughly $5.8
“Our members did a really good job pushing the story out to their friends.”
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
HOME STRETCH: There’s still plenty of work to do on the Riverside Swim Club’s new clubhouse (above) and pool area (below), but club officials still believe they can be up and running by or close to their traditional Memorial Day weekend start date. million club renovation possible with their support in the fall of 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed and altered the
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
pool season in 2020, threw the renovation into question early on, but by summer it was clear the project would happen. Porter said that the club’s membership is now at capacity at 550 families, with 12 on a waiting list. The sight of the new clubhouse behind the construction fencing and the club’s updates on their Facebook page, with construction photos juxtaposed with renderings of the finished product likely prodded some who remained on the fence. “I also think our members did a really good job pushing the story out to their friends and welcoming people that came into the neighborhood and telling them, ‘Hey, look, you better do this.’” The club also sweetened the pot in February by offering new members a $500 discount to join. “That may have helped,” Porter said. The snow and intense cold snap in February shut down construction for a few weeks, but club officials have sought to keep things on schedule by approving their general contractor, Helios Construction Company, to work seven days a week. “We’ve got basically a non-stop construction site for the next four weeks,” said Porter during an interview at the club last week.
While the club will likely need to require reservations for families to use the pool early on – everyone will want to christen the pool, and summer as soon as possible – Porter said it’s also likely that the club won’t have to institute the kinds of restrictions they did last year during the pandemic. Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced last week that the state may move to Phase 5 of Reopen Illinois – a full reopening – as soon as June 11. “If we can get through that first big crush I think we’ll hopefully get to a place where we don’t need to monitor, [where] we’re just monitoring bath load like we would in a normal pool summer,” Porter said. There may be some fine tuning to do once members begin coming in and using the pools and the clubhouse. The club has hired a couple of experienced aquatics managers to help bolster management, said Porter, but with a new clubhouse building and new facilities outside, there may be tweaks. “We’re likely going to need some time after we’re open to calibrate everything but we’re going to get water in the pool in a matter of two weeks,” Porter said. “So, it’s happening.”
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The Landmark, May 12, 2021
As work enters final phase, Brookfield Library board hires movers Staff and materials on track to relocate to new facility in mid-June By BOB UPHUES Editor
In another month, the staff of the Brookfield Public Library will begin the big move across Lincoln Avenue to the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, which is nearing substantial completion. On May 5, moving day got very real for everyone preparing that effort when the library’s board of trustees voted to hire Hallett Movers to conduct that operation. Hallett Movers submitted the secondlowest of five bids submitted for the work. Their bid of $29,800 was a touch higher than the low bid of $29,525 from Armstrong Relocation, but trustees went with Hallett, which specializes in moving library collections and also promised to compete the job in two days versus Armstrong’s five. “They work with libraries hand in hand on plans,” said Library Director Kimberly Coughran of
Hallett Movers. “They work with libraries extensively on that [moving] plan.” Hallett’s 40-page bid included detailed information on how the move would be carried out, including conducting packing seminars with staff to ensure items are packed and labeled appropriately, from file cabinets to books, computer equipment, office machines and even plants. Brookfield Public Library also has experience working with Hallett Movers in the past. In 2006, Hallett used hydraulic lifts to move book cases inside the library to allow for repairs to be made to carpeting. There’s not yet an exact date for when the move will take place, but residents will be receiving a postcard in the mail in June as that day draws closer, said Coughran. When the move is under way, patrons can expect operations to cease for a couple of weeks. Reference librarians will still be available to
Coughran said the target for opening the new library to the public is in July.
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During the period where the new library is being readied for public use, Brookfield library patrons can use the LaGrange Park Public Library, 555 N. LaGrange Road, which has agreed to serve as Brookfield’s temporary library. Patrons can pick up SWAN requests and interlibrary loan items at LaGrange Park and they’ll also be able to use the library’s laptop computers and browse their collections. “We’re really grateful to them for serving us during this move,” Coughran said. Meanwhile, work both inside and outside the Linda Sokol Francis Library is nearing the finish line. Carpeting has begun to be laid in the lower-level and flooring is moving ahead on the upper floors. The first sidewalks, at the rear of the library, have been poured and the heating and air-conditioning system is about to be fully operational. If you would like to receive email updates from the library on the progress of construction you can sign up at brookfieldlibrary.info/ newfacility.
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The Landmark, May 12, 2021 Celebrating 35 years as Your Neighborhood Realtor!
Burlington Ave.
Grove Ave.
Forest Ave.
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GOOGLE MAPS
BUILDING SITE: A new 14-unit building is proposed for the lot (highlighted in red) at the southeast corner of Burlington and Forest avenues.
New multifamily development pitched for downtown Brookfield
Planning commission mulls Burlington Avenue plan on May 20
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By BOB UPHUES Editor
The pace of development in downtown Brookfield appears to be accelerating, with a multifamily residential building proposed at 8845 Burlington Ave. If built, it would be the fifth such development in the past four years. The project will be the subject of a public hearing before the Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission on Thursday, May 20 at 7 p.m. at the Brookfield Village Hall, 8820 Brookfield Ave. According to plans submitted to the village, the new transit-oriented 14-unit development would be three stories tall and topped by a roof deck accessible to residents of the building. The existing apartment building, which sits just steps away from the Prairie Avenue Metra station, would be demolished. Plans show that developers are asking for at least two zoning allowances, including for parking and impervious surface coverage. The development, according to the zoning code must have at least 17.5 parking spaces, while the development shows 11 on-
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DRAWING BOARD: Architect’s renderings of the proposed development, above and below, propose a 3-story, 14-unit building at 8845 Burlington Ave. site spaces, which include one handicappedaccessible space. Developers are also proposing 39 bicycle parking spaces as part of their proposal, although it’s unclear whether those would be onsite or ones located at the nearby Metra station. The building, arranged in bays topped by alternating gabled and flat parapet walls, would be clad in gray and dark blue cement board, with balconies protruding from the Burlington and Forest Avenue facades. At its highest point, the building would be 39 feet, 8 inches tall. The development would sit on a 10,343-square-foot-parcel. According to Village Planner Kendra Kuehlem, the petitioner for the project is Jason Huang, a real estate broker with the Downers Grove-based Keller Williams Experience. The property has been held in a real estate trust since 2008, according to Cook County Clerk property records.
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The Landmark, May 12, 2021
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FILE 2016
TARGETED: An evidence technician examines the area around Michael Smith’s car on the day of his murder in January 2016. Three men were charged with his killing that November, two of whom have now pleaded guilty to planning it.
SMITH MURDER
Trial awaits alleged gunman from page 1 In pleading guilty to the lesser charge, both Robinson and Johnican were sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Geary Kull to eight years in prison. But because both men COMFORT ROBINSON DEJUYON JOHNICAN have served roughly half of that sentence already, their stays in a state prison may be morning of Jan. 27, 2016 and Smith was supshort ones. posed to testify that day. Robinson’s attorney Brookfield Police Chief Edward Petrak was granted a continuance and the trial was declined to comment, but noted he was told rescheduled. that both Robinson and Johnican would not Smith drove from court back home to spend much time in state prison. Brookfield and parked his car out front on Robinson had been jailed without bond Forest Avenue. As he did so, Douglas allegedsince mid-December 2016, a couple of weeks ly pulled up next to him in a blue hatchback after his arrest following a year-long investi- and fired around 10 rounds. gation by Brookfield detectives, assisted by Police reported finding the blue hatchback the FBI and the west suburban Major Case two days later. Assistance Team. Johnican was Those who knew “Big Mike” placed on electronic monitoring remembered him as gentle, and last August after posting 10 peraffable. Raised in Oak Park and a cent of his $250,000 bond. graduate of Oak Park and River The third man charged with Forest High School, Smith was first-degree murder is 29-yearmarried with a 3-year-old son at old Jermaine Douglas. He was the time he was killed. identified by police as the man “His mom referred to him as who shot Smith to death at pointher gentle giant,” said Doug Deucblank range as he sat in his car hler, who had lived next door to outside his home in the 3600 the Smith family in Oak Park for block of Forest Avenue. 25 years. JERMAINE DOUGLAS Douglas also appeared in court By mid-November, detectives May 10, and a jury trial for his had identified three suspects. On case has been set to begin July 19 at the May- Nov. 15, 2016 they arrested Johnican without brook courthouse. incident near his home in Cicero and apprehended Douglas after a high-speed chase involving Chicago police and the FBI on Murder victim was trial witness Chicago’s South Side. He reportedly was in The man Douglas allegedly killed was possession of a handgun at the time, though 33-year-old Michael Smith, a security guard police did not confirm whether it was the one who had been called to testify against Rob- used to kill Smith. inson, who was accused of being a felon in Police arrested Robinson two days later on possession of a weapon during an altercation the day he was scheduled to be released from outside of a Chicago nightclub where Smith Danville Correctional Center after serving was working on March 8, 2015. nine months for an offense unrelated to the Robinson’s bench trial was set for the case involving Smith.
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Hello Spring
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The Landmark, May 12, 2021
Opinion
THE LANDMARK VIEW
Season of change in Riverside
I
t may be imperceptible to most people in Riverside, but there’s a ton of change in process with respect to village government. The newly seated president and trustees are perhaps the most visible aspect of that change, but there’s much more taking place behind the scenes. Village Manager Jessica Frances, with a new four-year contract under her belt, has begun a wholesale change of the village hall structure. A new assistant manager – a first for Riverside – will soon join the team and begin the process of staffing up a building department that’s been short of any permanent leadership since the end of February. With construction season well under way, getting those inspector and planner spots filled is vital. Matthew Buckley takes over as the director of public safety and emergency management in just over a week, heading up a consolidated police/fire unit, another first for the village. All of this change follows the departure of two-term President Ben Sells, about whom we’d like to offer a few thoughts. The past eight years have not been without thorny issues for Riverside. The board has wrestled with and heard plenty from residents about video gambling, allowing retail cannabis businesses, how to improve the village’s government buildings, how to regulate vacation rentals in residential districts, the proposed Des Plaines River floodwall, how to address flooding and the changing nature of Swan Pond Park, overhauling the downtown streetscape and more. Sells’ disarming personality, ability to listen and reach consensus, and make hard decisions after careful examination of their impact on the community as a whole have made important initiatives possible with the least amount of drama. And when he or staff ’s decisions appeared to be heading in the wrong direction, Sells’ ego didn’t get in the way of stopping and reconsidering. This is not to say Sells made everyone happy, because some decisions over the past eight years angered residents and business owners. But the fallout was less dramatic, because the decisions weren’t arbitrary. They were backed up with work he often did himself. He’s going to be a tough act to follow.
Support independent media Regulars on this page, we hope, know about the Landmark’s transformation into a nonprofit newsroom under the umbrella of Growing Community Media. We’ve asked before and we’ll ask again for your financial investment in our community news. Thanks to so many of you who have become members. Today, though, we’re asking you to think about the Landmark as a piece of something bigger, something wonderful, something fragile. That is the ecosystem of independent media across all of Chicago. We’re members of the Chicago Independent Media Alliance (CIMA). That is 68 miraculous newsrooms doing everything from arts to ethnic media to neighborhood news. We’re in print, digital, video, podcasts. Each of these newsrooms runs on passion, voice and hope. Today CIMA launches its second annual fund drive and it runs for a month. Every dollar — money from donors like you, to the foundations beginning to see the critical importance of community media — goes back into these journalistic ventures. You can direct your donation to specific members or share it among all the members. Go to savechicagomedia.org to find out more about each remarkable newsroom, including ours. We hope you’ll join in supporting this rich media ecosystem.
KOSEY CORNER
Cool thoughts for warm days ahead
S
o you think ice cream is the favorite summertime refresher? Wrong, Bunky, the list of refreshing cold desserts is a long one. While ice cream may top the list because of its versatility, we have a choice to satisfy your cravings. There is soft serve, frozen custard, frozen yogurt, granita, Popsicles, sorbet and gelato, to name a few. Time was ice cream parlors were among the most popular places to satisfy your sweet tooth, along with the ice cream trucks. Remember Petersen’s in Riverside? And 31 Flavors? Soft-serve made its way into the list of summertime treats after World War II, with small seasonal businesses devoted to making varied dairy creations. There was Snowflake in Lyons and, of course, Polar Bear in North Riverside. On the corner of Maple Avenue and 31st there was a frozen custard stand whose name escapes me. There were also Prince Castle stores in Brookfield and Riverside. Brookfield now has two ice cream shops, and Riverside has soft serve at Aunt Diana’s while Empanadus has gelato. I’m sure there are others. The majority of the products are dairy-based and
some lower in fat than others. Frozen custard will include eggs. Perhaps the longest frozen treat in existence, except for frozen ice, is gelato, which dates back to the late 1600s. Credit Chef Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli with this when he created it to be served in his cafe. Gelato is generally lower in fat, but has more flavoring and includes some sugar. Formerly handmade, gelato became more popular when machines were invented in the 1940s to increase productivity. Convenience is what makes any of the above great unless you want to make your own. I do remember as a child making ice cream and my mom, pouring fruit juice into molds to make “healthy” Popsicles. You can do your own Slurpee and Slushie variations and be creative. Somewhere in my archives I have a recipe for an adult version of a Slushie. I must dig that out in anticipation of warmer days ahead. This column has been the result of years of research, and I will add that no one was hurt doing this research but plenty of happiness was achieved. I am glad to hear your favorite types of summer refreshers and flavors. At present, I like pistachio and Irish cream gelatos.
JOANNE KOSEY
OBITUARIES
Brian Bakalich, 58 Police officer Brian Bakalich, 58, of LaGrange Park, died May 5, 2021. Mr. Bakalich served in the U.S. Army and continued to serve the community as a police officer, retiring after 32 years with the Bellwood Police Department. He was the husband of Sandra Bakalich (nee Joyce); the father of Alexandra Bakalich and Rachel Bakalich; the son of Ruth Bakalich (nee Feddern) and the late Lawrence Bakalich; the brother of Bruce Bakalich and Craig Bakalich; the son-in-law of Rozanne Blair and the late Warren “Bud” Joyce, Jr.; the brotherin-law of Jeannine (Jacques) BRIAN BAKALICH Fleurant, Jennifer Joyce, Kevin (Jennifer) Joyce, Christopher (Kelly) Joyce and the late Warren Joyce III; the uncle of Brendon, Olivia, Collin, Gavin and Jaxon Joyce; and a friend to many. A funeral Mass was celebrated May 11 at St. Louise de Marillac Church, LaGrange Park. Interment was at
Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. Express online condolences at HitzemanFuneral. com. If you wish to send a sympathy card to the family, send it to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 31st St., Brookfield, 60513, c/o the Brian Bakalich family. Hitzeman Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements.
Crystal M. Borowiak, 94 Retired banquet hall waitress Crystal M. Borowiak (nee Erickson), 94, of Cicero, died May 6, 2021. Ms. Borowiak was retired after working as a waitress for a banquet hall. She was the wife of the late Clarence C. Borowiak; the mother of Jeffrey (the late Cynthia) Borowiak, Michael (Patricia) Borowiak and Timothy (Suzanne) Borowiak, the grandmother of Olivia and CRYSTAL M. BOROWIAK Adam; and the sister of the late Peggy (the late Robert) Schillingowski. Services have been held. Interment was at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside.
The Landmark, May 12, 2021
17
OBITUARIES Express online condolences at HitzemanFuneral.com. If you wish to send a sympathy card to the family, send it to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 31st St., Brookfield, 60513, c/o the Crystal Borowiak family. Hitzeman Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements.
Judith F. Hockemeyer, 79 Bank bookkeeper Judith F. Hockemeyer (nee Meyer), 79, of Broadview, died May 5, 2021. She worked as a bookkeeper for a bank. Ms. Hockemeyer was the wife of Donald Hockemeyer; the mother of Deb (James) Barker; the grandmother Riley Barker and Madysen Barker; the sister of Donald (Sue) Meyer and the late Sharon (the late Steve) JUDITH F. HOCKEMEYER Simpson; and the aunt and great aunt of many nieces and nephews. Services have bene held. Interment was at Woodlawn Cemetery, Forest Park. Memorials appreciated to the Brookfield Zoo, 8400 W. 31st St. Brookfield, 60513 or the Amita Health Hospice Care, 901 Martha St, Elk Grove Village, 60007. Express online condolences at HitzemanFuneral.com. If you wish to send a sympathy card to the family, send it to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 31st St., Brookfield, 60513, c/o the Judith Hockemeyer family. Hitzeman Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements.
Mary K. McMahon, 92 Mother of 11, grandmother of 28 Mary Kearin McMahon, 92, of Riverside, died peacefully on May 7, 2021 surrounded by her family. Ms. McMahon led a full life dedicated to her faith and her family. Nothing pleased her more than being surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Eleanor Kearin; the MARY K. MCMAHON wife of the late Francis; the mother of Phil (Catherine), Mary Jo (Dan) Schaeflein, Mike (Mary Beth), Kathy (Joe) Marek, Patti (Greg) Andrews, Bob (Bernadette), Maureen (Jim) Kenneally, John (Sue), Geri, Teri (Dave) Jacobs and the late Eileen; the sister of Eleanor Carroll, Peggy Carey, the late John Kearin and the late Mildred Murray; the grandmother of 28: and the great-grandmother of 15. Visitation is at Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester, on Tuesday, May 11 from 3 to 8 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Church, 126 Herrick, Riverside, on Wednesday, May 12 at 10 a.m. Those planning to attend must sign up with SignUpGenius at stmaryriverside.org (go to funeral planning). The mass will also be livestreamed. The link can be found at the same location. Interment is at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the McMahon Family Young Hearts for Life Memorial Fund, 1901 S. Meyers Road, Suite 350, Oakbrook Terrace, 60181 (YH4L. org) or to St. Mary Church.
FILE
Riverside Village Manager Jessica Frances
FRANCES
Village Manager Cara Pavlicek ($206,378). River Forest Village Administrator Eric Palm, who left that job in February to be village manager of Hofmann Estates had been paid $191,742. In addition to the raise in base salary, the village has from page 1 increased the amount it is paying in annual deferred compensation to Frances from $8,500 to $15,000 and has Effective May 20, Frances will be paid $190,000 annuincreased the amount of paid vacation per year to five ally with annual cost of living increases of 2.5 percent weeks from four. The contract also calls for Frances to per year built into the contact, which expires in May receive $500 per month for a vehicle allowance. 2025, with the end of President Joseph BalSells said Frances’ background as a lerine’s term. By the final year of the confinance director makes her even more tract, Frances will be paid $209,724 a year. attractive as a candidate for top admin“I think she deserves it, because she is the istrative positions. He said she has been best village manager anywhere,” said outrecruited for similar positions for more going Village President Ben Sells in a phone money in recent years. interview with the Landmark on May 6, his “If we hope to keep her, she has to be final day in office. “I’ve had the opportunity paid at a level that she would get someto interact with a lot of mayors, presidents where else,” Sells said. “It’s really imporand administrators, and Jessica has a skills tant to send her a message of the confiset that’s head and shoulders above the next dence and trust we have in her abilities.” person.” Frances was hired as Riverside’s fiThe raises Frances, 40, has received from nance director in 2012. By August 2014 she BEN SELLS the village board over the past three years had been appointed interim village manOutgoing Riverside now puts the Riverside manager in line ager and was named to the job on a pervillage president with the more highly paid managers and manent basis in January 2015 at a salary administrators in the area after lagging beof $117,500. hind many of them for several years. Earlier this year, Frances announced a As recently as January 2018, Frances was sweeping reorganization of village hall, paid $140,000 in annual salary, but her pay combining the police and fire departrate began accelerating in late 2019 when ments under the direction of Fire Chief the village board amended her contract to Matthew Buckley, who takes over officialincrease her pay three times between Nov. ly as director of public safety and emer1, 2019 and Jan. 1, 2021 from $149,971 to $170,865. gency management on May 20, the same day Frances’ The raise moves Frances’ salary above that of Brook- new contract kicks in. field Village Manager Timothy Wiberg ($183,750) and Frances also eliminated the position of community former manager Riccardo Ginex, who makes $187,460 as development director, placing the building department village manager of Oak Brook. under the direction of an assistant village manager, a A survey of nearby communities done by the Land- position that’s new to Riverside, and hiring a professional mark shows that Frances will be paid less than Oak Park village planner.
‘She deserves it’
“Jessica has a skills set that’s head and shoulders above the next person.”
18
The Landmark, May 12, 2021
Sports
@RBLandmark
Top hitter injured, RBHS volleyball looks for others to step up Bulldogs 4-4 after tripping up Marmion in three sets
LTHS off to 3-5 start
By LAUREN RECCHIA and MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporters
The Riverside-Brookfield High School boys volleyball team is off to a 4-4 start to the pandemic-shortened 2021 season, with their latest victory coming in three sets at Marmion Academy (25-23, 22-25, 28-26) on May 7. Junior middle hitter Michael Burns led the way for RBHS with 11 kills and eight blocks in the match, while senior outside hitter Tyler Miller notched eight kills and six digs. “We’ve definitely seen some teams that have more experience than us and we’ve been competitive with them,” coach Dan Bonarigo said. “We were competitive with teams like Brother Rice and Wheaton Academy for stretches, but would give up a run of points and that would be the difference in the match. Marmion had some great players and to pull out that exciting three-set win was great for us.” The Bulldogs lost senior Ben Malone, who would have been one of their top hitters, to a season-ending injury during his second match, prompting the rest of the team to step up. Junior outside hitter Kenny Fedorski has 28 kills and 29 digs on the season, along with Miller (24 kills, four blocks) and senior setter Ben Mulaomerovic (seven kills, 29 digs), who have been contributing consistently for the Bulldogs. “We’ve had a few guys step into that role in
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
DIGGING OUT: Lyons Township High School’s Evan Markworth digs a ball during the Lions’ hard-fought loss to Oak Park and River Forest High School on May 6 in La Grange. Malone’s place,” said Bonarigo. “Fedorski has been playing a lot of that outside hitter position and has been playing really well in his last couple matches. Miller has been playing the outside position all season and has been doing a really nice job. Mulaomerovic is a great leader and is very smart, and he really wants to implement the offense we are asking him to run and make good decisions. He’s been a really bright spot.” Through last week, Burns had a team-high 55 kills and 17 blocks on the year, while senior middle hitter Cruz Herrera has notched 17
kills with six digs and four blocks. Senior libero/outside hitter Jordan McDonough has a team-high 40 digs on the season to go with six assists and five aces. “Herrera is a work horse and is always ready to play his hardest,” Bonarigo said. “Burns has been our go-to guy and one of our top hitters. When our passing has broken down at times and we haven’t been able to get him the ball, that’s where we’ve struggled. He is really a force in the net and if we can get him the ball consistently, we will really have a chance to compete with a lot of teams.”
In his third season as head coach of the Lyons Township High School boys volleyball team, Brad Skendzel is happy to be back working with his players and developing the program after last season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Many of our players were lucky enough to compete in club, which allowed for them to play sooner than our current high school season,” Skendzel said. LTHS is 3-5 this year after dropping a hard-fought match on May 6 against visiting Oak Park and River Forest 22-25, 23-25. Against the Huskies, Sam Levinson led the Lions with five kills, while Jack Siepman added three aces, six assists, and two kills. Siepman, a senior outside hitter/setter, has been one of LTHS’ top players so far, along with senior setter Alex Kostich, senior outside hitter Evan Markworth and junior middle blocker George Taylor. The Lions hope to be a factor in the West Suburban Silver, in which Skendzel sees Downers Grove North, Glenbard West and Hinsdale Central as the top contenders. “I think it will be a close race with many of the teams playing close matches against one another,” said Skendzel. While LTHS wants compete for the conference title, the Lions are already looking at what comes after the regular season – which looks like a full IHSA state tournament. “While it is great to be practicing and playing matches, we are looking forward to postseason competition, and I’m hoping we’ll be able to compete beyond regionals,” Skendzel said.
Strong pitching paves way for RBHS baseball’s solid start Murphy fans 17 during 2-hit shutout over Wheaton Academy By LAUREN RECCHIA Contributing Reporter
The Riverside-Brookfield High School baseball team knew it would have their work cut out this season, but the Bulldogs to date have been holding their own against some tough conference opponents, starting an abbreviated season due to t6he COVID-19 pandemic with a 5-3 record. “We have only played eight games thus far, so the meat of our schedule is still in front of
us,” said head coach Dallas Till. “I would say that the backbone of our team has been our pitching. We have pretty good depth and have seen a number of quality starts.” A large part of the success on the mound has been junior Owen Murphy, who recorded 17 strikeouts in a complete game shutout against Wheaton Academy on April 26. The Bulldogs defeated the Warriors 9-0, with Murphy giving up just two hits and a walk. As of last week, Murphy was 3-1 on the season with a 0.656 ERA and 25 strikeouts. “It was a completely dominating performance,” said Till of Murphy’s shutout of Wheaton Academy. “He was in command from the start and got stronger as the game progressed.” Other contributions to the pitching staff have come from seniors Jeremy Fox (2.86 ERA,
22 strikeouts) and Ethan Taylor (3.50 ERA, three strikeouts), along with juniors Jack Niekrasz (4.06 ERA, seven strikeouts) and Jax Giampietro (2.54 ERA, 17 strikeouts). In addition to his prowess on the mound, Murphy is also one of the Bulldogs’ top hitters. He leads the team with three home runs and is batting .278 with seven RBI. Senior third baseman/shortstop Henry Rausch has a teamhigh 13 hits and is batting .565 with seven RBI. Junior catcher/third baseman Brian Twomey (.318 average, seven RBI), senior outfielder Charlie Buh (.273 average, three hits, one RBI), junior outfielder Matt Novak (.280 average, three RBI), junior first baseman Nic Novak (.263 average, three RBI), sophomore second baseman Rex Dockedorf (.333 average, two RBI) have also been contributing to a solid Bulldog offense.
In addition to win over Wheaton Academy, the Bulldogs have had key wins against conference opponents such as Wheaton St. Francis (7-5 on April 14) and Ridgewood (10-5 on April 19). RBHS also was victorious the second time over Wheaton Academy, beating them 6-2 on April 27 and tallied their fifth win on the season with a 10-0 shutout at Brooks College Prep on May 8. Till knows that if his team can keep consistent, the Bulldogs can get hot at the right time heading into the state tournament. “We have a few conference games remaining and a couple of strong non-conference opponents,” he said. “The key to finishing strong will be staying injury-free and getting better each day. We want to be playing our best baseball when the state tournament starts.”
S P O R T S
The Landmark, May 12, 2021
19
Fenwick names Tony Young boys basketball coach Is first permanent African-American varsity head coach in school history
By MELVIN TATE
Young said. “[Then-SIU head coach] Chris its search. “Scott reached out to me and asked if I Lowery invited me to come back to be his were interested, and I was 100 percent in. It’s graduate assistant. We had always talked me getting into coaching, It didn’t take long for Fenwick High a blessing to be in this posiand since I didn’t have a job School to find fill its vacant boys basketball tion,” said Young, who recently finished a four-season stint set up, I took his offer. From head coaching position. there, things took off.” Tony Young was hired May 6 as the new as head coach at Marmion After SIU, Young went to coach for the Friars. He replaces Staunton Academy. Young was a St. Louis University, where Peck, who stepped down April 13 decorated player he said he grew as a coach after eight seasons on the staff, in high school working under Rick Majeincluding the past three as head and college. He rus and Porter Moser. Four coach. was a starter on seasons later, he became In addition to his coaching duSchaumburg High coach at East St. Louis High ties, Young will serve as an assisSchool’s 2002 team School, followed by stops at tant athletic director. that knocked off DFW Speer in Chicago and “Coach Young brings great entop-ranked ThornMarmion Academy. thusiasm, experience running a wood in the state As the first permanent Afbasketball program, and a track TONY YOUNG championship rican-American head coach record of developing studentFenwick basketball coach game. In college, for any sport in Fenwick athletes on and off the court,” TONY YOUNG he was the sixth history, he’s proud to join Fenwick athletic director Scott man on the 2004 the school at a time where Thies said in a press release. efforts are being made to “Fenwick will also benefit greatly from his Southern Illinois University increase the number of miexperience working in various leadership team that advanced to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament. nority students and staff and create more roles at the high school level.” Upon graduation, Young was set to play diversity. In a phone conversation with Wednesday “My passion is watching young men and Journal, Young said the Fenwick job is one overseas, but then fate led him to coaching. “I got injured. I broke my wrist, and while women grow into productive and successthat is hard to not be interested in. And he was excited to hear from the school during I was rehabbing, my contract got canceled,” ful citizens, especially those who look like Contributing Reporter
“I’ll let my players have their autonomy as long as they play right, but you’ve got to play defense.”
me,” he said. “Fenwick has a mission of diversifying the school, and I’m more excited about that part than the actual basketball. I believe in what they’re doing.” Young also knows about the tradition of basketball success the Friars have had over the years, and he wants nothing more than to keep it going. To accomplish this, he’ll install a system that gives the players freedom -- with a caveat. “I love doing things the right way, and I’m looking forward to bringing that mentality to this program,” said Young. “I’m not going to let you do whatever you want at the detriment of our team. I’ll let my players have their autonomy as long as they play right, but you’ve got to play defense.” Young credited Peck for building up the program the past few seasons, and with several returning veterans, the potential is there for Fenwick to be very successful next season. He’s eager to get in the gym with the Friars and get to work, and he offered a message to the Fenwick community. “Next year, you’ll see a team that’s motivated and plays its butt off,” Young said. “I want to make sure the kids are proud to represent Fenwick. When we do that, all the other things will fall into place.”
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The Landmark, May 12, 2021
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BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@RBLANDMARK.COM PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE TO BIDDERS AND INVITATION FOR BIDS VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD RENOVATION OF BROOKFIELD VILLAGE HALL, POLICE DEPARTMENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT RECEIPT OF BIDS The Village of Brookfield will receive sealed proposals for the renovation of the Brookfield Village Hall, Police Department and Community Development Department until 3:00 P.M. Central Daylight Savings Time, Thursday, June 10, 2021, at the Office of the Village Manager, Village of Brookfield, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois, immediately after which time bids will be opened and publicly read aloud. The Project consists of the renovation Brookfield Village Hall, Police Department and Community Development Department located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from the Architect, Charles Grund, the Principal-In-Charge, or Lorena Adame, the Project Manager, at the office of Grund & Riesterer Architects; Voice – 312.372.5353, Fax - 312.372.5367, Email – cjg@ gnrarch.com & lna@gnrarch.com, respectively. No bidding documents will be issued after 4:30 P.M. on Thursday, May 20, 2021. Bid proposals must be submitted on the forms provided. Submission of a bid shall be conclusive assurance and warranty that the bidder has examined the plans, the site of the work and the local conditions affecting the contract and understands all of the requirements for performance of the work. The bidder will be responsible for all errors in its proposal resulting from failure or neglect to conduct an in-depth examination. The Village of Brookfield will, in no case, be responsible for any costs, expenses, losses or changes in anticipated profits resulting from such failure or neglect of the bidder. The bidder shall not take advantage of any error or omission in the plans or proposal. Sealed envelopes or packages containing bids shall be addressed to the Village Manager and plainly marked “BID PROPOSAL FOR THE RENOVATION OF BROOKFIELD VILLAGE HALL, POLICE DEPARTMENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT” on the outside of the envelope. QUESTIONS, CHANGES, CLARIFICATION Any questions that arise must be made in writing and shall be directed by electronic mail to Architect, Charles Grund, the Principal-In-Charge, or Lorena Adame, the Project Manager, at the office of Grund & Riesterer Architects; Voice – 312.372.5353, Fax - 312.372.5367, Email – cjg@gnrarch.com & lna@ gnrarch.com, respectively. The written questions, along with the Village’s responses, shall be circulated to all known potential bidders without identifying the party submitting the questions. The cut-off for receipt of additional questions shall be 3:00 P.M., Central Daylight Savings Time on Thursday, May 27, 2021, in order to facilitate preparation of any addenda. No inquiry received after that time will be given consideration. Replies and/or addenda will be elec-
PUBLIC NOTICES tronically mailed to all known potential contractors by 4:00 P.M., Central Daylight Savings Time on Thursday, June 3, 2021. Receipt of any addenda must be acknowledged in writing as part of the Bidder’s Proposal. Bidders shall be responsible for ensuring that they have received any and all addenda. The Village of Brookfield shall not assume responsibility for the receipt by the Bidder of any addenda. RIGHT TO REJECT BIDS The Village of Brookfield reserves the right to waive technicalities and to reject any and all proposals for any reason deemed in the best interest of the Village of Brookfield. PAYMENT OF PREVAILING WAGES The general prevailing rate of wages in Cook County, Illinois, for each craft or type of worker or mechanic needed to execute the contract or perform the work, also the general prevailing rate for legal holiday and overtime work, as ascertained by the Illinois Department of Labor, shall be paid for each craft or type of worker needed to execute the contract or to perform the work. AWARD OF CONTRACT Unless all bids are rejected, the contract award will be made to the lowest responsive responsible bidder that the Village of Brookfield in its sole discretion determines to be in the best interest of the village. In determining who the lowest responsive, responsible bidder is, the Village of Brookfield will consider all factors that it, in its discretion, deems relevant. Village of Brookfield, Illinois Tim Wiberg, Village Manager Published in RB Landmark May 12, 2021
PUBLIC NOTICE OF AMENDED BUDGET Notice is hereby given by the Board of Education of Riverside School District No. 96 in the Cook County, State of Illinois, that an amended budget for said school district for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020, will be on file and available for public inspection by appointment Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm starting the 15th day of May 2021, at the district’s administrative offices on 3340 South Harlem Avenue in Riverside Illinois. To schedule an appointment please email fittonj@ district96.org. Notice is further given that a public hearing on said amended budget will be held at 7:00 o’clock p.m. on the 16th day of June 2021 followed immediately by the scheduled regular board meeting. Board of Education Riverside School District No. 96 Cook County, Illinois By: Joel Marhoul, Board Secretary Published in RB Landmark May 12, 2021
PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE On Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 9 a.m., Oak Park Elementary School District 97 will be conducting a “timely and meaningful consultation” meeting to discuss plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private/parochial schools and who are home schooled within the district for the 2021-2022 school year. The meeting will be held virtually through Zoom. The details are listed below. If you are a parent/guardian of a home-schooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability, and you reside within the boundaries of Oak Park Elementary School District 97, you are urged to attend. If you have further questions pertaining to this meeting, please contact District 97’s Department of Student Services at 708-524-3030. Meeting Information: Join Zoom Meeting https://op97-org.zoom.us/ j/87544758528?pwd=bUJwREc3WEhqTzMzSVFzSjVFOG5Cdz09 Meeting ID: 875 4475 8528 Passcode: 505448 One tap mobile +13126266799,,87544758528# US (Chicago) +13017158592,,87544758528# US (Washington DC) Published in Wednesday Journal May 12 and May 19, 2021
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for: 2021 Green Alley Improvements This project generally consists of the reconstruction of four alleys, totaling approximately 5,000 square yards of existing concrete alley pavement. This project includes the installation of approximately 750 square yards of pervious pavers and 4,300 square yards of concrete alley pavement. A 6” underdrain is also proposed throughout the length of each alley, with a connection to the existing storm water system. In an effort to minimize resident disruption, construction will be completed in 2 phases, with 2 alleys being completed in each phase. The bidding documents are available for download starting Monday, May 10, 2021 at: www.vrf.us/bids Bids must be submitted by Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at: Public Works Department, 2nd Floor Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305 The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability
PUBLIC NOTICES to perform the work. No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the Proposals without the consent of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of the bid opening. The Village of River Forest reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids. Published in Wednesday Journal May 12, 2021
NOTICE TO BIDDERS: The Village of River Forest is accepting bids for the following project: UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK SYSTEM UPGRADE WORK PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY 45 FOREST AVENUE RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS IES NO. 1020-01 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Scope of Work includes providing all labor, materials, tools, equipment, insurance, and all other services necessary to fully complete the fueling system upgrade work at the Village of River Forest Public Works Facility, as specified in the Bidding Documents. The scope of work includes, but is not limited to, the following: Removal and replacement of concrete pavement, asphalt pavement removal (replacement by others), fuel island concrete and features, surface equipment and components, the in-place upgrade of existing UST systems (6,000-gallon gasoline and 2,000-gallon diesel fuel), including the replacement of all existing tanktop equipment and product piping, the removal and replacement of existing leak detection system and existing fuel management system, and all other work specified to fully complete the project. Refer to the Bidding Documents for detailed information relating to the scope of work, the Base Bid requirements, Alternate Bids, and Unit Price requests. A. Contract will be awarded for the following Work: 1. UST System Upgrade Work, Village of River Forest Public Works Facility, River Forest, Illinois. PROJECT SCHEDULE AND BIDDING REQUIREMENTS On-site work shall begin in August 2021 (or sooner) and shall continue without interruption until fully complete. It has been estimated that this project will take approximately six (6) weeks (thirty (30) business days (shifts) or less) to complete. Bidding Documents will be available on or before May 10, 2021 at the offices of the Village’s Environmental Consultant, Integrity Environmental Services, Inc. (IES), 1240 Iroquois Drive, Suite 102, Naperville, Illinois 60563 or in person at the mandatory
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
Pre-Bid Meeting on May 14, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. Please call (630) 7189133 or e-mail mravanesi@integrityenvsvs.com in advance to insure the availability of the Bid Documents prior to the Pre-Bid Meeting. A mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting and site walk-through will be held at 1:30 p.m. on May 18, 2021 beginning at the Public Works Facility, 45 Forest Avenue, River Forest, Illinois. Failure to attend this mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting will be grounds for bid rejection. Note: Although the meeting will be held entirely outdoors, personal face masks/coverings must be worn at all times and social distancing will be enforced for the duration of the Pre-Bid Meeting.
PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE
Bids are due at 10:00 a.m. on May 26, 2021 at Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois 60305. All bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at that time. Each bid must be accompanied by a Bid Bond or Bid Security in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total Base Bid sum. The Contractor will be required to furnish Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds in the full amount of the Contract Sum, including any chosen Alternate Bids. The Contractor must no pay less than the prevailing rate of wages to all laborers, workmen, and mechanics performing the work under this contract, and must comply with all requirements of the Illinois Wages of Employees on Public Works Act (820 ILCS 130/1-12) and all other requirements as described in the Instructions to Bidders and Prevailing Wage sections of the Bidding Documents. The Village of River Forest will require all bidding Contractors to complete and submit with their bid, the Contractor’s Qualification Statement (AIA A305) included with the Bidding Documents. The Village of River Forest and the Village’s Environmental Consultant will review all Qualification Statements as an integral part of the bid review process. The Village of River Forest reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, reject nonconforming bids, reject conditional bids, waive irregularities in the bidding procedure, or to accept any bid that in its sole opinion best serves the interests of the Village. Published in Wednesday Journal May 12, 2021
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STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of Little Irene Grace Ryu Case Number 20214001675. There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Little Irene Grace Ryu to the new name of: Irene Grace Ryu The court date will be held: On 6/29/2021 at 9:30 a.m. at 1500 Maybrook Drive, Maywood, Cook County in Courtroom # 111. Published in Forest Park Review May 5, May 12, May 19, 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: Y21006683 on April 22, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of TOP TIER PRINTING with the business located at 6436 18TH STREET 1FL, BERWYN, IL 60402. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: LINDA P RICO 6436 18TH STREET 1 FL BERWYN, IL 60402, USA Published in Wednesday Journal May 5, May 12, May 19, 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: Y21006745 on April 27, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of UNIQUELY VICTORIOUS with the business located at 1021 MARENGO AVE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: URVONNIE FRANKLIN 1021 MARENGO AVE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130, USA Published in Forest Park Review May 5, May 12, May 19, 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: Y21006706 on April 26, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of UNIQUE NOTARY SERVICES & TRAINING with the business located at: 1122 N HAYES, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: BEVERLY DENISE SINGLETON 1122 N HAYES, OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA. Published in Wednesday Journal
You have jobs. We have readers! Find the best employees with Wednesday Classified! Call 708-613-3342 to advertise.
PUBLIC NOTICES May 5, May 12, May 19, 2021
PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of VARSHAWN CHRISTOPHER HANSEN Case Number 2021 CONC 000527 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: VARSHAWN CHRISTOPHER HANSEN to the new name of: VERSHAWN CHRISTOPHER HANSEN The court date will be held: on July 12, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Daley Center, Chicago, Cook County in Courtroom # 1704, Calendar 9. Published in Forest Park Review April 28, May 5, May 12, 2021
RIVERSIDE BROOKFIELD TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 208 TIMELY AND MEANINGFUL CONSULTATION FOR PARENTS AND ADMINISTRATORS OF PRIVATE AND HOME SCHOOLED CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES In accordance with the requirements of Section 612(a) (10) of the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act of 2004 (“IDEA 2004”), Riverside Brookfield High School will conduct a Timely and Meaningful Consultation on Friday, May 21, 2021, at 10:00 AM at Riverside Brookfield High School, 160 Ridgewood Road, Riverside, Il 60546---Due to the Pandemic this meeting will be held via Zoom. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss how students with disabilities, who attend private schools or are homeschooled within the district boundaries, will be served by District 208 during the 2021-22 school year. Parents and private school administrators who would like to attend should contact Kevin Baldus, Director of Special Education, at baldusk@rbhs208.net Zoom invitation will be forwarded prior to the meeting. Published in RB Landmark May 5 and May 12, 2021
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
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The Landmark, May 12, 2021
CLASSIFIED
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BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER River Forest Public Schools District 90 is seeking a Part-time (FTE 0.77) Elementary School Physical Education Teacher. Qualifications: Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with Grade-Appropriate Physical Education Endorsement; successful teaching experience in physical education preferred; Master’s Degree is preferred. Job Duties: The part-time PE Teacher will work in partnership with the full-time PE teacher to instruct students in Pre-K through 4th grade on how to develop habits of mind and actions that support good health, fitness and enjoyment of sport and play. The PE teacher will facilitate a learning environment that engages students in learning skills for sport and fitness, as well as SEL skills by growing confidence, sportsmanship and team spirit. Application Procedure: Interested candidates should complete the online application available at district90.org. Please do not send hard copies of supporting documentation, i.e.cover letters, resumes, licensure, etc. to River Forest Schools District 90; instead, upload these materials onto the online job application system for proper processing.
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
SENIOR POLICE RECORDS CLERK The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Senior Police Records Clerk in the Police Department. this employee is responsible for distributing assignments, checking the work of others to ensure compliance with rules, policies, codes or other requirements, and referring matters that require supervisory intervention to the Police Records Supervisor. This employee also performs the full domain of clerical duties in the support of the Police Department including processing and maintaining documents, correspondence and coding reports; and to provide information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Application deadline May 14, 2021.
DRIVER NEEDED NOW HIRING DRIVERS!!!! Lucas Medi Car has an opening for a full time wheelchair van driver. To be considered must have:
SECRETARY/ASSISTANT
CALL (708) 442-7533, MONDAY THRU SUNDAY (10AM TO 4PM)
Part-time, very flexible small law office in Oak Park. Ability to navigate a desktop essential
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.
Email resume to: bob@downslaw.com
ALL POSITIONS AVAILABLE
A PA R T M E N T / O F F I C E Wednesday Journal, April 21, 2021
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
SUBURBAN RENTALS
STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3 BR Best Selection & Service
OAK PARK & FOREST PARK
708-386-7355
MMpropMgmt.com
Apartment listings updated daily at:
Bartenders Bussers Line Cooks Servers
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
ROOMS FOR RENT Large Sunny Room with fridge, microwave. Near Green line, bus, Oak Park, 24 hour desk, parking lot. $125.00. New Mgmt. 312-212-1212
a current Illinois driver license be friendly and courtoues have a good driving recoed must be 18 years or older in age pass a criminal background check
To schedule an interview
SEASONAL FARMERS’ MARKET ASSISTANT The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Seasonal Farmers’ Market Assistant in the Development Customer Services Department. This position will provide administrative support to the Farmers’ Market Manager to allow growers and producers of food to sell directly to the public within established guidelines. This position requires work in inclement weather conditions; some heavy lifting of up to 50 pounds; walking or standing for sustained periods of time. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http:// www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. Open until filled.
We are hiring Relationship Bankers in Oak Park, IL. Visit the link below to check out this opportunity to join a great team! https://wintrust.taleo.net/careersection/2/ jobdetail.ftl?job=2100424&lang=en You can also learn about other career opportunities nearby.
Apply in person after 3pm.
KALAMATA
Greek Cuisine 105 N Marion Street 708-628-3661
MARKETPLACE
R E N TA L S OFFICE /RETAIL FOR RENT 1040 NORTH BLVD OFFICE Sub-lease, Move right in. Private furnished window office 10×15 @1040 North Boulevard, walk to CTA green line and Metra train. Asking $600m + 1m SD. Includes all utilities and internet. Note: this is a 2nd-story walkup space. Conference room available. Call Michael @ 708 383-7900 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 708-383-8574. OFFICE SPACE, PROFESSIONAL SHARED Comfortable furnished. AVAILABLE MAY 1: subletting blocks of time, minimum four hours per week at super reasonable hourly rate.
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.
• • • • •
HELP WANTED
Psychotherapy starter or retiring? Working at home yet need professional setting? It’s a perfect space on border of Oak Park - River Forest in clean building, free street parking, ACCESSIBLE, steps from bus and train. DON’T delay! INQUIRIES: Please phone/text 708-387-9000 MUST include name & profession for response.
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
ITEMS FOR SALE
ITEMS FOR SALE
SPINET PIANO AND BENCH Baldwin spinet piano and bench. Light brown wood finish. $300 obo. 708-386-0087
SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL Shovels and ice breaker. $5 each. 708-488-8755
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 ANTIQUE MUSIC CABINET Antique music cabinet with door and five shelves. Standing on four legs. Mahogany finish. $129.00. 708-488-8755 LADDERS 24 FT EXTENSION LADDER $30 708-488-8755 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
GRANDFATHER CLOCK Perfect condition, oak wood, chimes all work. Everything is perfect. $499.00. 708-488-8755 BRASS HEADBOARD Solid brass headboard. Originally from Marshall Field’s. $189.00. 708-488-8755
GARAGE/YARD SALES Oak Park
MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE 1134, 1128, 1114 S CUYLER AVE + MORE SAT 5/15 9AM – 3PM
Treasure trove o’ fun: Star Wars standups, antique furniture: school desk, deco desk; Asstd.clean, ed. toys & crafts, clothes (Tod -Teen) ceiling lights, draft. table, vint. women’s & So Much More! Preview via FB OP Sales
MASK REQUIRED
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
BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG
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The Landmark, May 12, 2021
local employees . . . happy employees!
Hire Local.
Place an ad on Wednesday Classified’s Local Online Job Board. Go to RBLandmark/classified today! Contact Mary Ellen Nelligan for more information. (708) 613-3342 maryellen@rblandmark.com
The Landmark, May 12, 2021
HOPE. RESILIENCE. RECOVERY. We are here for you.
THRIVE'S LOCAL SERVICES: 24/7 CRISIS TEAM FREE CHECK-IN LINE YOUTH THERAPY ADULT THERAPY GROUP THERAPY PSYCHIATRY SUICIDE AWARENESS & PREVENTION THRIVE TALKS
WWW.THRIVECC.ORG | (708) 383-7500
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G IN M CO
ON SO
W NE
E! IC PR
R ! DE ACT UN TR N CO
W NE
G! IN T LIS
NE 841 Robinhood Ln, LaGrange Park $849,900
W NE
G! TIN S I L
3215 Wenonah Ave, Berwyn $378,000
W NE
3303 S Grove Ave South #604, Berwyn $180,000
G! TIN S I L
272 Blackhawk Rd, Riverside $519,000 R ! DE ACT UN TR N CO
T C U TR S N O C W
ION
337 Longcommon Rd, Riverside $975,000 R ! DE ACT UN TR N CO
W NE
G! IN T LIS
125 Barrypoint Rd, Riverside $511,000 R ! DE ACT UN TR N CO
312 Gage Rd, Riverside $399,000
591 E Parkway Rd, Riverside $549,900
294 Northwood Rd, Riverside $649,000
144 Scottswood Rd, Riverside $799,000
28 Ashland Ave, River Forest $497,000
621 S Plymouth Ct, #207, Chicago $249,000
192 Waubansee Rd, Riverside $539,000
59 East Quincy, Riverside $349,000
R ! DE ACT N R U T N CO
45 Longcommon Rd, Riverside $975,000
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
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