Landmark_051326

R IVERSIDE-BROOKFIEL D

The Brook eld Shops 2026 cohort is

e village hosted a ribbon cutting event on Friday, May 8

By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

Excitement abounded on Friday, May 8, when residents and of ficials alike gathered for the grand opening of the 2026 cohort of the Brookfield Shops retail incubator program.

Live music perfor med by the Paul Abella Trio be gan at 11 a.m. when the six vendor sheds opened their doors,

Michael

RBHS students re ect on their university path

Students set to attend Harvard, Yale, Brown and University of Chicago

By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter

All four of these stories be gin with one theme: Motivation, coupled with an astute understanding that there are no guarantees in life Riverside-Brookfield High School seniors America Castaneda Ruvalcaba, Hanaa Bouguenous, Aryan Her nandez and Sofia Miller will graduate in a few weeks and in the fall, head of f to some of the most prestigious universities in America.

and a ribbon cutting ceremony was held at noon. The event lasted until about 1:30 p.m., though most of the shops are open well into the after noon on Fridays. Most of the vendors are also open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends, with some, like Four Star Handcrafted Coffee and the

Obviously, there was a lot of ef fort and thought over their time at RB that placed them in this position, but there were obstacles, too But when overcome, obstacles become the basis for life skills

The Landmark spoke with all four, looking back at their high school careers, looking forward to their next ste ps and their advice to other students who wish to place themselves in their position.

Mental

Health Care in Reach of Everyone

Riverside’s lead forester departs for Hinsdale

A er more than 2 decades, Michael Collins says his goodbye

By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

Michael Collins, Riverside’s village forester, is making like a tree and leaving.

After more than 20 years of service leadin the village’s forestry efforts, Collins is depa ing the village. His last day will be Saturda May 16, a landscape workday with member of the Olmsted Society of Riverside.

Collins will lay his roots down in Hinsdale as the village’s new superintendent of forestry and grounds, he told the Landmark.

“It was a very hard decision to move I have a lot of lasting relationships in the community, and I will certainly miss all collaborations, partnerships and favo residents,” he said. “I feel like I left the plac better than I found it.”

The move comes just weeks after Collins held his final Arbor Day celebration on day, April 24, where he led Ames Elementary School students in singing “Know Y Oaks” and taught them about the pecan and sweet birch trees that were planted at Repton-Southcote triangle park

Collins named the numerous Arbor Day celebrations he’s attended since joining Riverside at the end of 2004 as one of his favorite memories of working in the village, though he said, “There’s almost too many to count.”

“The most memorable thing would be working with all the volunteers in the community and how engaged the Riverside community is in their landscape. Every day, I would drive across the Barrypoint bridge going to work, and I’d always remind myself that I was taking care of Frederick Law Olmsted’s master works, and I always took a lot of pride in that,” Collins said.

He named numerous residents and community members who had left a mark on him in his 21 and a half years with the village, including one dedicated resident who he called the “Lady on Longcommon.”

“She would routinely donate thousands of dollars to the village annually and put in over 300 or 400 hours weeding on the Longcommon. To me, people like that are an inspiration, and whenever I would thank her, she said, ‘Don’t thank me. I love doing this!’

That’s the kind of community that Riverside is.”

Collins shared a story of a Girl Scouts troop he would meet with after school early

Michael Collins

on in his career in Riverside to cut buck thor n together

“I remember being at a Fourth of July, and a couple young college kids came up to me and said, ‘Mr. Collins! We used to love doing that stuff !’ Stuff like that is amazing,” he said. “When you work in a community for 20 years, to have someone you worked with as a fourth or fifth grader come up to you and express how much they value those experiences, it makes it all the more special.”

The forester said he took an interest in the outside world from an early age.

“I grew up in unincorporated Lombard right by the DuPage River, so, as a young kid, I hiked a lot and biked a lot. Before it was really developed over there, there were all sorts of cornfields and biking trails, the river and frogs and all sorts of crazy stuff. I was drawn to getting lost in the woods at a really young age with my friends.”

He said he had “never even been to Riverside” when he first joined the village’s team after living in Brookfield and working at Cantigny Park in Wheaton.

“I’d always been interested in managing a large-scale forest, like a municipal forest,” he said. “At the time, Kathleen Rush was the village manager, and Mike Houlihan was the director, and they were both very wel-

coming. I think we all connected well in the interview process. They hired me, and we were of f to the races.”

Collins emphasized his gratitude to staff, officials and residents in Riverside, especially members of the landscape advisory commission, alongside his excitement to make more memories in Hinsdale

“I view them as pretty similar communities, actually. Hinsdale’s a bit larger in size but very historic in nature, beautiful homes, and a beautiful setting to perform urban forest management,” he said. “It’s bittersweet.”

In an email, Public Works Director Dan Tabb said Collins’ work has “left a meaningful and lasting impact” on Riverside

“Throughout his tenure, he has guided the village’s urban forest through several significant challenges, including emerald ash borer [beetles], Dutch elm disease, and most recently, spongy moth,” an invasive species that can harm trees during reproduction, Tabb said. “Mike has focused on building a more diversified and resilient tree canopy — one that will benefit the community for generations to come.”

Riverside is now hiring for Collins’ replacement with a starting pay rate of $41.85 hourly, an annualized wage upwards of $85,000.

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Coonley Estate Garden

Brook eld Zoo strike ends with tentative agreement

Union and zoo representatives are still discussing striking workers’ return

By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

After two days, the Teamsters Local 727 strike at Brookfield Zoo Chicago has come to an end after re presentatives from each side reached a tentative ag reement on a proposed four-year contract.

Press releases from both sides of the labor dispute announced the end of the strike the mor ning of Wednesday, May 6, five days after the previous collective barg aining ag reement had expired on F riday, May 1.

Members of the union are expected to vote to ratify the new contract “in the coming days,” according to Teamsters, with striking employees expected to retur n to work at the zoo after the contract is approved

Union workers on the animal care team have already retur ned to work and did not participate directly in the strike, though Teamsters’ statement said they were “ready to join the [picket] line” had the strike continued

T he new contract will see union workers receive wage increases of 20% over the duration of the contract, or 5% per year T he zoo’s final of fer to workers before they voted to strike had included raises of only 14.5% over the four years, about 3.7% per year.

Both of Wednesday’s press releases said the tentative ag reement also includes the continuation of zoo-funded healthcare provided through the union and additional staf fing in the zoo’s animal care and facilities teams

“Today’s tentative ag reement is a major win for our members,” said John Coli, Jr., the union’s secretary-treasurer, in the union’s written statement. “This outcome reflects the strength, unity, and deter mination of our members, and it shows what workers can achieve when they stand to gether.”

In the zoo’s statement, President and CEO Michael Adkesson said the organization’s leaders are “excited” to welcome the striking workers back and move forward.

“This zoo has always been powered by people who care deeply about one another and our mission,” Adkesson said. “This ag reement reflects a commitment to continuing to provide exce ptional care and educational experiences for our guests while supporting the long-ter m health and sustainability of the zoo.”

Sean McGough, a business agent for the union, did not retur n a request for comment on Wednesday.

Union members initially voted on Tuesday, April 28, to authorize the strike due to the zoo’s alle ged unfair labor practices, McGough told the Landmark on April 29. He said then that understaf fing, low wages and low contributions to workers’ healthcare were prominent issues during bargaining that led to an impasse between the two par ties

An ag reement was initially expected to be reached by April 29, when a half day of bargaining was scheduled following a full day on April 27, but Teamsters said the zoo “abruptly ended bargaining early” on April 27 and issued its last, best and final of fer that day.

In i ts press release, the union sai d it “escalated i ts fight for fair ness” by filing a federal injunction against the zoo the mor ning of T uesd ay, May 5. Up to 14 charges of unfair labor practices are p ending with the National Labor Relations Board, filed by the union against the zoo during the initial ba rga ining process

Re presentatives from each side met the mor ning of Friday, May 1, to continue bargaining until the previous ag reement ended at 11:59 a.m., with the strike be ginning on Monday, May 4. That ag reement was set to expire on April 1 before it was extended by another month to facilitate barg aining.

Brook eld is verifying what some water lines are made of Sta will shut o water access to properties that refuse or don’t respond

By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

Brookfield village staf f are planning to check what material about 85 water service lines in town are made of in order to proceed with the village’s re placement of all leaded lines. To do so, staf f now have the ability to discontinue water and sewer services to unresponsive properties until they allow a village re presentative to inspect their water line connections.

As Brookfield is re placing its lead water lines in accordance with a 2022 state mandate, village staf f and contractors have found a number of lines to be made of unknown material, Public Works Director Lauren Moore told village trustees at their April 13 committee of the whole meeting

Before staf f can proceed with re placing the lines that are made of lead, they must verify whether each line is made of lead

or copper, Moore wrote in a memo from the meeting.

“[The owners of the 85 properties] are not allowing access, or they’re scheduling appointments, and either they’re not there when our crew arrives, or they cancel it and reschedule,” Moore said on April 13.

Without being able to access the property, staf f or contractors would only have a costlier and more time-consuming way to proceed

“There could be a my riad of reasons as to why people are not responsive, but those 85 got to get taken care of.”

LAUREN MOORE Public Works Direc tor

“You’d have to excavate every single one. That’s either us doing it in-house or contracting it at $500 or $600 a piece,” Moore said. “Doing it in-house would be very difficult for us as well because we have a lot of work

going on with water loss mitigation and capital projects, so it would be a big expense.”

At the lower end of Moore’s estimates, contracting out the excavation work for all 85 lines would cost Brookfield more than $42,000.

Moore said the properties in question are the ones left over after public works employees have made “three, four, up to five” attempts to contact each property owner through “mailings, calls and door knocks.”

T he ordinance that trustees approved at their April 27 meeting allows property owners to challenge the village’s discontinuance of their water and sewer

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services by requesting a hearing before Village Manager Tim Wiberg or his designee within 10 days of being notified that action is being taken. T he hearing must take place within five days

Property owners whose water is shut of f can re gain access by allowing staf f to inspect the lines on their property and paying the fee of $75 associated with stopping and starting water connections.

Officials announced earlier this year at the inaugural State of the Village address that Brookfield is set to complete its effor ts to re place all the leaded service lines in town next year

“It’s kind of the home stretch at this point,” Moore said. “Sometimes, it happens, and [the property owner] is just not available. T hey have something going on, or they travel a lot. T here could be a myriad of reasons as to why people are not responsive, but those 85 got to g et taken care of.”

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Gorman unanimously selected as D96 teaching and learning director

Reid, from District 181 in Hinsdale, also OK’d as Blythe Park School principal

By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter

Riverside School District 96 has a new director of teaching and lear ning as well as a new principal at Blythe Park Elementary School.

The Board of Education May 6 unanimously approved Casimira Gor man as the new director of teaching and lear ning, replacing Angela Dolezal, who departed in late March under hazy circumstances.

Gor man, principal at Blythe Park School for the past 12 years, will be replaced by Christopher Reid, who has served as a pupil service administrator in Community Consolidated School District 181 in the Hinsdale area for the past eight years.

ricular committee forward.”

Blythe Park School was named an Exemplary school by the 2024-25 Illinois Report Card under Gor man’s leadership.

“I think that is one of the important things about any school with high achievement,” Ryan-Toye said, “the value of consistency and value of work with your teachers, to have the trust with your teacher colleagues, as teachers strive to improve [their] instruction, students present different needs and challenges.

“She has great skills, technical skills around instructional needs, [and] she’s also provided a lot of professional support and growth for teachers inside and outside the classroom.”

District Superintendent Dr Martha RyanToye said there were more than 50 applicants for the director of teaching and lear ning position. Gor man, who served as an interim in that position upon Dolezal’s departure, is finishing her doctorate.

She says she’s excited to get started fulltime.

“There are so many aspects of this role, but it’s important to look at how all the pieces work together as a system,” Gor man said. “We’re doing an advanced lear ning renewal right now and that aligns with our core programming. All those pieces have to sit together for the bigger picture to come into realization.

“Each part of what I do works as a system. When I filled in this spring, it was one of the responsibilities I was given to move this cur-

Gor man said her immediate oal is to support the advanced lear ning renewal, which she said focuses on “how we are casting a wider net and providing more enrichment opportunities.” She’ll also focus on a standard space report card, where Illinois Lear ning tandards will be noted and teachers will assess specifically how students are performing on a given oal.

As for Reid, Ryan-Toye said he was chosen from a pool of around 40 applicants

“Chris was interviewed by a fairly large team, and I think what really stood out was his overall demeanor and connectedness to the team,” she said. “Climate culture is important to him and we know that is key. Being a connector and a strong collaborator is a strength of his.”

Stepping into an Exemplary school situation may sound challenging, but Ryan-Toye said Reid is up to that challenge.

“I think he was well-read about our [Illinois] Report Card and the strengths of Blythe School and he spoke to that in his interview,” she said. “I am very confident he understands a high-functioning and successful school. Casimira makes sure she mentors and guides, one of the most important aspects of our job is support at the building level and support that principal.”

Riverside now requires permits to remo

e process will allow sta to verify tree

By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

Riverside residents will have to obtain a permit from the village to have trees removed from their property starting in June.

Village trustees unanimously approved an ordinance on Thursday, May 7, requiring a permit before a tree can be removed in order to prevent residents from mistakenly removing trees that grow on Riverside’s property The new law, effective June 1, will not affect tree trimming, Building Inspector Robert Koncius told trustees

The ordinance also establishes a $1,500 deposit that tree contractors must pay as part of the permitting process to cover any potential damage to the parkway in the course of removing a tree, Koncius said. According to a memo from the meeting, the village will return the payment after confirming the parkway was not damaged in the course of the work or put it toward fixing any damage

Initially, Koncius said he recommended Riverside charge residents $25 for each tree removal permit to cover the staff costs of approving them.

“The point is so we can help [inform] the contractor or the resident of, exactly, is that their tree or not,” he said. “We are checking in with our village forester and GIS [geographic information system] application to make sure that it is a tree that is not our tree.”

He said the work of inspecting each tree prior to removal is especially necessary in Riverside due to some quirks of property lines in town.

“In the village of Riverside, our property lines don’t meet up onto the sidewalk as in a typical village They do sometimes go five feet, 10 feet, 15 feet [past the sidewalk]. Unfortunately, a lot of residents don’t know that, so this is another way of catching that” before they mistakenly remove a tree on village property, Koncius said.

Village President Doug Pollock said it fell

a hethr-

ould use -

harg-

ing. $25 for people in Riverside is not a lot, but I’m paying a lot of money to a tree contractor to remove a tree, and now you want me to go get a permit and pay for it?”

Mateo suggested waiting six months or a year before reviewing the program and determining if a fee to recoup costs would truly be necessary.

Trustee Cristin Evans agreed, saying the upcoming summer and fall seasons would likely give staff a solid idea of how much work the new permitting process requires.

Village Manager Jessica Frances underscored another side of the issue: ensuring contractors are properly insured and paying their deposits to avoid as many incidents of work going wrong as possible.

“Sometimes that takes more time than the actual review of the permit,” she said.

She said the village’s double-checking contractors would serve to protect residents against issues in the case something does go

ing in y ya using a hatchet or any kind of small equipment to remove vegetation, that would not require a permit. That would be considered doing general landscaping,” Cyran said.

Trustee Aberdeen Marsh-Ozga suggested adding language relating to the kind of equipment used that would trigger the need for a permit for the larger equipment that is necessary for a removal of an adult tree, though all six members of the board ultimately voted to approve the ordinance as-is without the inclusion of fees.

“We need to get something on the books to protect public trees, and I’d like to see us approve this tonight and, at the same time, direct staf f to look into that,” Pollock said in response to Marsh-Ozga. For small trees on private property, “You don’t need a permit for that because that can be removed with your chainsaw or handsaw, and there’s no concern about it landing on someone’s house.”

TODD BANNOR

Riverside Tow n Hall

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STUDENTS

Making a path from page 1

America Castaneda Ruvalcaba (Har vard University)

Her f amily moved to Brookfield for better educational opportunities, and therefore, she always knew she wanted to aim for a highly selective university. She’s the first to admit that her dream school changed over the course of high school.

“I planned on studying mechanical engineering, which is part of why I became captain of the robotics team,” she said.

“At that point, MIT was my dream school. Later, after discovering my interest in medicine and biomedical research, I shifted toward neuroscience, which ultimately made Harvard my top choice.”

Like her classmates, she was able to do some pretty special things outside of the classroom. One of the most impactful was her research at the Platanias Laboratory at Northwester n’s Lurie Cancer Center T here, she developed an algorithm to analyze dysregulated g enes in an acute myeloid leukemia cell line. She presented her findings at a cancer research symposium at the University of Chicago and received an award. She’ll return this summer to continue her research

As far as her advice to younger RB students who aspire to be in her position someday, she said be wary of social media.

“I would say not to f all into the trap of ‘T10/T20 roadmap’ social media accounts that claim you need to act a certain way, do specific activities or achieve some perfect test score to g et into a top colle ge,” she said. “Universities are building diverse incoming classes and the things that make you unique matter more than people think.

“Yes, I wrote about cancer research in my applications, but I also wrote about my obsession with rhythm g ames,” she said. “The activities that end up mattering are usually the ones you truly care about, because passion naturally leads to deeper commitment and stronger impact.”

Hanaa Bouguenous (Yale University)

For many months, Bouguenous had planned to attend the University of Chicago, her dream school. But then came Yale; she said she was “in complete shock” because it was so unexpected. Suddenly, she had a big decision to make.

“When I visited UChicago and Yale, the one thing that stood out the most was the war m community at Yale University,” she said. “Walking into the student rece ption center, I was immediately welcomed, my admissions officer even came and found me and everyone just felt open.”

Getting there, howeve r, was a bit dif-

TODD BANNOR

Riverside Brook eld High School

Scott McAdam Jr.

ferent path than her senior cohor t. As an RB freshman, she was more interested in g etting acclimated to high school, so she didn’t participate in a lot of clubs. Her mindset changed junior year, when she noticed that fellow classmates were doing things like finding summer inter nships.

“So as a junior, I be g an searching for oppor tunities that per tained to my interests because I felt like I was behind,” she said. She ultimately got involved in several extracur riculars, in addition to taking a whole host of Advanced Placement classes. She also participated in two neuroscience progr ams during the summer before her senior year to g et a sense of what her desired major would be like

But there’s something else She sugg ests being a big reader

“Always having a book beside me and continuously reading throughout my time at Riverside-Brookfield High School helped me tremendously when I wrote my colle ge essays. By reading many books, you be gin to see what eng aging and passionate writing really sounds like.”

That’s why younger students should star t writing their personal statement essay, which will take several drafts.

“By star ting early, you will give yourself enough time to reflect on who you are as a person and accurately portray that in your writing,” she said.

Ar yan Hernandez (Brown University or Yale University)

Brown’s version of a major is called a concentration, and Her nandez’s will be health and human biolo gy on a dental track. He’s been admitted to Brown, often referred to as the “Happy Ivy,” one of the happiest colle ge campuses in the U.S. But this week he was acce pted of f the waitlist by Yale So suddenly, he has a big decision

to make.

In addition to a sterling academic record at RB, Her nandez has been part of the Clarion student newspaper for four years, leading it as editor in chie f as a senior. In addition to four years in theater, he served as a student advisor to the board of education along with Bouguenous, one of his closest friends. He also did a lot of volunteering, including vir tually tutoring a seventh grader in California via Zoom for over 170 hours.

Very impressive accomplishments to be sure, but there is perspective needed here.

“If you really want to attend a highly prestigious university like an Ivy League, you have to find a balance between doing things that you le gitimately enjoy and pushing yourself outside your comfort zone,” he said. “Things like Clarion and theater were inte gral par ts of my high school career that I would do all over again if I could, but there were also nights where I pushed myself to go to the food pantry or join a Zoom session to tutor even when all I wanted was to lay in bed after a rehearsal that went to 8 p.m.”

Ag ain, consider his perspective.

“You don’ t have to do absolutely everything and work yourself to the bone, but you do have to exer t yourself even when you don’ t necessarily want to,” he said. “Don’t str ive for perfection. Strive for the best you can do.”

Sofia Miller (University of Chicago)

Miller had wanted to attend a highly selective university since she was an RB freshman. As Her nandez of fered perspective, so did Miller

“As high school became more competitive, I definitely experienced periods of self-doubt,” said the future neuroscience

major “I think social media and the Internet can sometimes make the admissions process feel almost impossible or make students feel like they need to accomplish something extraordinary to be considered.

“Toward the end of sophomore year, though, I realized the best thing I could do was focus less on comparison and more on genuinely investing in the things I cared about. ”

For example, including a rigorous course load that focused on her interests in science and medicine, she also spent a lot of time preparing for AP exams and standardized tests. But outside of school, she has trained competitively in dance, averaging up to 15 hours per week, while also participating in varsity poms and teaching dance classes in the community

She also got involved in scientific research through a microbiolo gy lab at Loyola University. She worked there parttime the summer after her sophomore year and full-time the summer after her junior year

As far as her advice to younger classmates, she said pursuing activities that one truly cares about is much more impor tant than things that might seem impressive on an application. Or not.

“Colle g es can usually tell when students are involved in things for just appearances,” she said. “I also think it is much more valuable to invest deeply in a few meaningful commitments rather than trying to do everything at once.”

With all this said, the future for each of these students is bright, but so as w ell fo r the universities they will attend and the field in which they will ultimately find themselves professionally.

T heir le gacy, then, leads straight back to those here at school and the community that inspired them

Healthy Minds Matter

May is Mental Health Awareness Month a time to shed light on an important but often overlooked topic: the mental well-being of older adults. Many seniors face unique emotional challenges, including loneliness, grief, changes in health, or the stress of transitioning to a new lifestyle

Here are some simple, effective ways seniors can support their mental health every day:

Stay Connected: Reach out to family, friends, or neighbors regularly. Even a short conversation can lift your mood

Keep Moving: Gentle exercises like walking, stretching, or chair yoga can boost your energy and reduce stress.

Try Something New: Learning a hobby, craft, or game helps keep your mind sharp and gives you a sense of accomplishment

Stick to a Routine: Daily structure provides a sense of stability and purpose

Get Outside: Fresh air and sunshine can naturally improve your mood

Rest Well: Good sleep supports emotional balance and clear thinking

Mental health matters at every age This May, take small steps each day to care for your mind you deserve it

or call

BROOKFIELD SHOPS

Now, year two

from page 1

Vulg ar Ve g an, opening earlier on weekdays.

F riday’s event was the second time a grand opening has been held at the Brookfield Shops, 11 months after the first ever cohor t opened last June

Libby Popovic, Brookfield’s community development director and one of the master minds behind the progr am, said it was “incredibly validating” to see the incubator open for a second year.

“Watching these vendors go from the first year to the second year, and seeing New Book Joy going into their own brick-and-mor tar, it’s such a validating experience. It’s so wonderful because it’s such a team project. My entire team with community development, public works, parks, the village manager’s of fice: It’s such a group ef fort, and it ’s so nice to see it implemented,” Popovic told the Landmark.

She said staf f were setting up for the grand opening late the night before and early the mor ning of, though the real work be g an well ahead of time

“This star ted, really, a good eight weeks

We had [to work in] every-two-week hunks on what we were going to be acomplishing because we had to finish the infrastructure and g et the vendors and t the progr am,” she said.

Late last year, the village rece ived near$200,000 from Cook County to improve cour tyard between the two rows of sheds with pavers, community-sourced picnic tables and a designated performance area.

Others who’ve worked on the Brookfield Shops behind the scenes had similar eelings to Popovic’s on Friday.

“It’s so exciting to picture what it was before and to see what it is now,” Village President Michael Garvey said. “To the experience of having alumni aduate it’s exactly what we had hoped to happen. I have high hopes of seethese businesses move on and do that .”

Patrick Greenacre, one half of the consulting duo KPGS, said he felt less nervous than at last year’s grand opening.

“The first year, you got a lot of nerves, a lot of anxiety What are we going to get

right? What did we forg et? Year two, we g et to come back and fix all the things that most people probably didn’t notice from the outside,” Greenacre said. “I’m really proud that it sustained for another year. A lot of business do close, but we got a lot of really good support from the community.”

Indeed, many residents tur ned out to support the vendors with their presences — and their wallets

“It’s a beautiful day. We want to support the local businesses It was so much fun last year,” said resident Pat Cole, who browsed the sheds with her husband, Jonathan Platt.

“I live down the street, so it’s always a pleasure to come and support the small businesses, especially at this time, with the economy going, it feels like we need to be out here to support our community,” Brookfield resident Alexandra Andrews said. “I’m very happy with the new businesses and supporting the businesses from last year. I recommend anybody come out here.”

STELLA BROWN Business & E conomic Development Coordinator Deanne Adasiak speaks at ribbon cutting ceremony.

TODD BANNOR

Brook eld Shops opening day on May 8.

COURTESY OF MEGAN WELCH

e Riverside Brook eld espor ts team’s rst IHSA state meet quali ers were sophomore Declan Gibbs and Mario Kart team Rowan Douglas, Matthew Feeney, Jad Abboud, Ethan Schmeling and Will Hermann.

RBHS esports team shows o game in state meet

All-stater Gibbs, Mario Kart 8 team represent Bulldogs

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Riverside Brookfield High School sophomore Declan Gibbs lost one of his biggest but most intense esports matches of the season May 2. He couldn’t have been happier.

“It was the most fun match I’ve played in a while,” Gibbs said.

He was battling in the Super Smash Brothers Individual semifinals at his first Illinois High School State Association esports state finals at Evergreen Park. This was the first time RBHS had state qualifiers in the meet’s

five-year history, thanks to top-two sectional finishes

Gibbs was third at state with a 3-2 overall record and is the team’s first all-stater.

Sophomores Jad Abboud, Gabriella Bernal-Orihuela, Matthew Feeney and Will Har monn and freshmen Rowan Douglas and Ethan Schmeling qualified as a team in Mario Kart 8 and tied for ninth with a 1-2 record

Both entries were sectional runners-up

“To get out of sectionals felt really incredible,” Gibbs said. “To make it to state, we went into the day feeling like anything we do is on top of what we accomplished. It tur ned out way better than we expected.”

In its first full season, the RBHS esports (electronic sports) team could smile about their quick rise to another level, if not multiple ones Gaining steam despite a late start last season under then new coach Megan Welch, the Bulldogs continue to find success.

Welch expressed further excitement that the Bulldogs are arguably the state’s strongest younger lineup with just one senior in the program (Daniel DeHoyos). Based on their success during the Illinois High School Esports Association regular season, Gibbs and sophomore Daniel Malave have been invited to the Eclipse Scholastic Sports Showcase in Milwaukee.

“This is what I really call our first year as a team,” Welch said. “(Our season recap) was like a long list of mostly first, second and third places. It seems like every time we go somewhere, someone does well and it’s not always the same chunk of people. We honestly have so much that we’ve accomplished and are thankful for.”

The Bulldogs collectively were thankful to reach state Many competed at 2025 sectionals and realized their improvements.

“Our first year as a complete year was surprising,” Feeney said. “(State) was fun. We liked being able to be with other teams we never got to play against before We did a lot better than we thought we were going to do There was definitely a little bit of stress involved because it was state, but the fact that we were even there makes up for it.”

Gibbs’ state semifinal oppo nent was Benet Academy junior and good friend Cruz Jones, the event’s eventual state champion with a 5-1 record in the double-elimination format

“I had a couple more friends there and they made it a big thing we were playing each other,” Gibbs said. “We were smiling through the whole thing. It took the stress away even though it should have been stressful the whole way.”

“This has been a very successful year for us and we still have two more years ahead of us for the sophomores,” Feeney said.

More gamers keep coming. Welch said the players promote the team and perpetuate growth. Welch laughed that players also compliment her coaching growth in giving analytic and strategic advice.

“It’s just really exploded,” Welch said. “These kids will bring their friends and then the friends will be like, ‘This is great.’”

The esports Bulldogs also have grown as teammates. Gibbs said his proudest moment was helping his five-man Smash Crew teammates at the Bradley University tournament.

Riverside Brook eld sophomore Declan Gibbs (r ight) celebrates with Benet Academy junior Cruz Jones a er nishing third and rst in state, respectively, in Super Smash Solos.

Gibbs won his first two best-of-three state matches 2-0 and then 3-0 in the best-of-five quarterfinals. After the tough 3-2 decision to Jones, second-place Lane Tech senior Collin Pato beat Gibbs 3-0.

“I think I played very well. I had a better run against the people (previously) giving me a lot of trouble,” Gibbs said.

The Mario Kart 8 team won its opener over United Township 79-77 but then lost to Normal West 80-76 – two of the bracket’s closest matches. RBHS then was eliminated by Andrew 90-66.

Welch noted that Normal West went on to win the state title. The RBHS match was its closest margin of victory.

thing I did this year,” Gibbs said.

“Skill level is important (in esports) but the main thing you have to have is you’ve got to get along with people,” Feeney said.

Gibbs has another medal to hang by his piano, but this season’s biggest accumulation has been friends from other schools. He and Cruz were at a tour nament in Romeoville when they recognized each other. They began talking and hit it off quickly.

At state, Gibbs and Cruz shared photos with their medals

“I started making connections I didn’t have freshman year. A lot of times, I’d just go to a tournament and be done,” Gibbs said. “This year I met a bunch of people all over Illinois. Working with a lot of those guys and interacting helped me get way better.”

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OF MEGAN WELCH

Drunk Countryside driver found asleep at the wheel

Brookfield police arrested a 24-year-old Countryside man for driving under the influence on April 30.

Around 5:30 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of Congress Park and Raymond avenues on a report of a slumped-over driver inside a running vehicle. One officer attempted to wake the man, who appeared to be sleeping, by yelling and banging on the driver’s window, but the man did not wake up until more officers arrived on the scene and were able to rouse him.

Officers asked the man to place his vehicle in park before stepping out of it, at which point one officer noticed the man had glossy, bloodshot eyes, and other officers observed an empty package for a cannabis oil vape in plain view inside the car. When police asked the man why he was stopped at the intersection, he responded “in unintelligible, slow, slurred speech,” police said.

An officer asked the man if he had consumed cannabis before driving his car, to which he said he had around 12:30 a.m. After being escorted to a Brookfield Fire Department ambulance, the man said he had consumed a few cannabis edibles that day and had drunk “a few beers” prior to driving. The man agreed to take standardized field tests and provide a preliminary breath test sample, which showed blood alcohol content of .257.

Police arrested the man for driving under the influence and transported him to the Brookfield Police Station, where they read him his Miranda warning, and he agreed to answer questions.

The man told police he had left work around 1:30 a.m. and arrived at a coworker’s house in LaGrange Park around 1:50 a.m., where he drunk 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of tequila before leaving around 3:30 a.m. in his car. The man agreed to provide a second chemical breath sample around 7:20 a.m., which showed .196 blood alcohol content.

Police charged the man for illegally stopping the car, driving under the influence, driving with a blood alcohol level above 08, and operating an uninsured car. Police released the man in the lobby with a June 9 court date

Illegal rework usage

Brookfield police responded to a re port of shots fired on April 29, but no one was arrested.

Around 9 p.m., officers responded to the 4000 block of Vernon Avenue on the re port

The complainant told telecommunicators she had heard what she believed to be two gunshots around 8:30 p.m. She said she thought they may have been fireworks but thought they were gunshots after checking her camera and witnessing a “small flash” with the noise, police said.

Before arriving on the scene, the officers were on patrol near Prairie and Ogden avenues and heard two loud bangs from fireworks around 8:30 p.m. as well.

Officers canvassed the immediate area for gunshots unsuccessfully, though several neighbors said they also heard the loud noises that they had taken to be fireworks. One officer met with the complainant, who shared camera footage of the flash she witnessed.

Police did not take further action, and no one was arrested.

Raccoon stuck in peanut butter jar

A Brookfield police officer on May 3 responded to a residence near Rosemear and Greenview avenues on a re port of an injured animal.

Before the officer’s arrival, telecommunicators advised that the injured animal was a raccoon with its head trapped in a peanut butter jar. At the scene, the officer was able to secure the jar with the use of their dog snare, which enabled the raccoon to free itself. The complainant thanked the officer for their quick response and resourcefulness.

No further action was taken, and police specified that “no animals were har med.”

These items were obtained from the Brookfield Police Department reports dated April 27 to May 5; they represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

Compiled

by Stella Brown

LETTERS

Eagle Scout projec t deser ves recognition

On behalf of Riverside Presbyterian Church, we wish to publicly thank Jacob Jones for his Eagle Scout project benefitting the entire church community, and to reco gnize his leadership and hard work. With the support of his family, he created nine beautiful raised garden beds, complete with dir t, for our church grounds in time for spring planting. Three will be planted by the residents of the manse located next to the church building; three will be used by the RPC Preschool; and three are for the cong re gation’s Green Team, which seeks to promote eco-friendly practices.

Since 1939, RPC has proudly sponsored Scout Troop 24, of which Jacob Jones is a member We are grateful to Jacob for selecting RPC for this well-executed service project, which will enhance our outdoor space, open up lear ning oppor tunities, and further our cong re gation’s missions of feeding the hungry and being good stewards of the Ear th.

Alice Musick McLean

RPC Elder and Green Team Liaison

Catherine Ventura Troop 24 Chartered Organization Representative

Lupe Navarro, 94 Greatest Grandma

Guadalupe “Lupe” Navarro, 94, of Riverside, died on April 21, 2026. She was born in San Luis Potosí, Mexico to Andres and Maria Diaz de Leon on Dec. 11, 1931. Following their mar riage in 1951, Lupe and Rey embarked on an adventure to Chicago, where they eventually chose Riverside as their home

OBITUARIES

She was quietly strong, endlessly patient, and deeply devoted to her family, which has grown to more than 40. One of the ways she showed her love was through her cooking: chiles rellenos, tamales, chilaquiles, rice, or beans, attest to this She ke pt a cake ready for any moment and guarded her recipes, sharing only a few ingredients and instructions before saying, “and that’s it!”

Her prayer list was long and often delayed bedtime as she added prayers for her growing family. She celebrated her “Dia de su santo,” her saint day each year on Dec 12 and instituted the famous Our Lady of Guadalupe feasts at St. Mary Church. She was a longtime member of the St. Mary Lenten prayer group, who remained friends for a lifetime

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Lupe was also very proud of her work at the young men’s depar tment of the Nor th Riverside Carson Pirie Scott. She was hired shortly after the mall opened in 1976 and proudly helped style many of the youth of the near west suburbs. The sock wall in her de par tment was never as organized as when it was under her watch. When a 4-year-old Spanish-speaking boy, Paco, got se parated from his parents, she calmed him, then set out to search the mall and within 5 minutes, had Paco reunited with parents who had been frantically looking for him. Crisis reed, she retur ned to work talents and interests were many: Cub Scout den mother, olleyball league player, Blythe Park PTA mother, gardener who save any plant with care and love, skillful seamstress, RB country mom who would bring water melon to the summer outs (thoughtfully deseeded), NRT suppor ter who anxiouswaited for her team members at the Chicago Marathon with wedges and bananas, patient Vintage MG Car Club wife, Indianapolis Speedway driver, racing the oval in her ’54 MG TF, with young Marco in the passenger seat sans seatbelts Hallmark cards will suf fer a drop in sales with the passing of one of their most loyal Gold Crown members.

It is said, “To be kind is more impor tant than to be right. Most times what someone needs is not a brilliant mind that speaks but a special heart that listens.” Her heart was always listening.

Lupe is survived by Reynaldo, her husband of 74 years; her sister, Nieves; her children, Reynaldo (Debi), Carlos (Kathy), Luis (Alle gra), Cecilia Williams (Craig), and David (Kelly); her daughter-in-law, Melody; her 11 grandchildren, Reynaldo

(Anabell), John (Wendy), Christina (Salar), Matthew (Lindsey), Adam, Luis (Michaela), Jose ph, David II, Nicholas, Logan, and Lilly; her 19 great-grandchildren, Reynaldo IV, Isabella, Benjamin, Nathan, John Jr., Angelica, Isaac, Carlos, Vincent, Alex, Die go, Aliana, Mateen, Noah, Henr y, Emmy Lou, Lucy Rey, Jonathon, and Nicole; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Car mela and Kika. She lost her youngest son, Marco, to cancer in 2014, which was a challenge to her faith, but she persevered with prayer and her belief in God.

Sincere thanks to the care givers from Young at Heart, who gave her care and attention in her later years. Special thanks to caregivers, Alecia, Amanda, and Giselle.

She believed that hugs gave energy (she was right) and was happy to give that energy when needed. In lieu of flowers, donations to St Mary School, 97 Her rick Road, Riverside, IL 60546 are appreciated — or just hug someone you love and give them some energ y.

Visitation was held on April 28 at Ivins/Moravecek Funeral Home, 80 E. Burlington St., Riverside Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Mary Church, followed by inter ment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

Denise Kreiss, 71

Loved crime novels, classic lms and so ball

Denise F. Kreiss (nee Hubbard), 71, of Brookfield, died on May 8, 2026 in her Brookfield home. Bor n on Nov. 6, 1954 in Berwyn, she worked as a financial analyst and enjoyed puzzles and reading crime novels. She loved classic films and television, nights at Bingo and her softball league.

Denise was the wife of David Paul Kriess, the mother of Jordan David Kreiss and Nicole Ann Kreiss, the sister of Dar nell (Jack) Yao, and the aunt of 23 nieces and ne phews.

Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 15 from 5 to 8 p.m., with Words of Remembrance at 7:30 p.m. at Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home, 3847 Prairie Ave., Brookfield. Cremation private Memorials to the American Cancer Society w ould be appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family at www.JohnsonNosek.com.

To run an obituary

Please contact Ken Trainor by e-mail: ktrainor@newswellchicago.org, before Monday at noon. Please include a photo if possible.

Sports

Another best by Bulldogs’ Dosek secures UEC track title

Sectionals next; RBHS, LTHS badminton entries just miss sta te berths

By BILL STONE

Contributing Reporter

Riverside Brookfield High School senior girls track runner Rebecca Dosek once again rose to the occasion at the Upstate Eight Conference Meet, May 7, in Elgin. Dosek not only ran the 400-meter dash in a lifetime-best 1:00.91, but that gave her the conference championship by .41 over Bartlett senior Maria Aguilar (1:01.32).

“I was happy to have both, but I was more excited about winning,” said Dosek, who previously won the indoor 400 UEC title, March 21, in 1:03.03. “I was really happy because I felt I had a good finish. The last 50 to 100 meters was an exhilarating sprint against (Aguilar).”

The Bulldogs finished ninth in the onedivision format (38 points).

Dosek, who enjoyed three victories in her three events at the home Bulldog Relays, April 11, also was part of the secondplace 4 x 400 relay with seniors Kira Hanson and Addie Vaia and junior Elizabeth Moran (4:28.70) and the 4 x 800 with Moran, freshman Natalie Moran and sophomore Elsie Clark (10:19.62).

Hanson was third in the 400 (1:02.37) and Natalie Moran fourth in the 1,600 (5:31.33) with personal bests.

The Bulldogs compete at the Class 3A St. Ignatius Sectional Wednesday, May 13. Entries who achieve top-two finishes automatically advance to state as well as entries who achieve the state-qualifying standard at the sectional.

The 400 state cut is 58.80 or Dosek could go after the 800 cut of 2:19.53 after a personal-best 2:21.92 April 25.

“(The UEC Meet) made me believe our chances are good (to qualify something),” she said.

LTHS girls track

Junior Lucy Laux and the Lions’ 4 x 400 relay are up after a huge time drop Friday at the West Suburban Conference Silver Division Meet in Wester n Springs. The Lions’ third-place, season-best 4:06.21 with Laux, juniors Mia Toulios and Phoebe Klitchman and senior Sarah Wiggins in their first time together is on the verge of the 4:04.52 state-qualifying standard. The 3A Shepard Sectional is Wednesday, May 13.

“It’s amazing. We dropped 10 seconds so I’m really proud of the team,” Laux said. “Even if we don’t get second at sectionals, I’m really hoping that we qualify for the time.”

Laux and Toulios competed at state as freshmen. Wiggins qualified last year in the 300 low hurdles.

“It’s changed our mindsets completely (to qualify). We’re there and it’s real,” Toulios said.

Laux also was third in the 400 (59.98). Taking fourth were senior Karenna Knop (100 high hurdles in 16.86), Wiggins (300 low hurdles in 49.62), junior Molly Sanchez (3.09m/10 feet-1 1/2 inches in pole vault), sophomore Bianca Taylor (5.28m/17-4 in long jump) and the 4x200 relay (sophomore Jane Weber, Toulios, junior Margeaux Dvorak, Klitchman in 1:49.56).

The Lions were sixth (38 points).

Badminton

RBHS senior Aubrey Kaczmarek and sophomore Demetra Foster came one doubles consolation victory from qualifying for the state badminton meet at the Naperville Nor th Sectional Thursday.

Top-four sectional finishers advance to state. In their state-qualifying match, Kaczmarek and Foster (16-5) lost to York’s

fourth-place Emily Butterly and Abby Saltiel (22-6) to finish 2-2 at sectionals

In singles, RBHS sophomore Mariana Lozano (22-6) also was 2-2 and two consolation victories from state. Senior Rhea McDonald (17-17) and the doubles team of junior Alicia Roman and sophomore Molly Semenske were 0-2.

Combining their singles and doubles results, Kaczmarek (30-13), Lozano (34-6) and Foster (32-6) sur passed 30 victories this season.

At the Glenbard East Sectional, Lyons Township senior Sylwia Siebiesiuk of Brookfield and the doubles team of senior Luci Mini and junior Ellia Gryfakis each came one consolation victory from state Mini and Gryfakis (19-19) were 2-2, losing to Glenbard East’s fourth-place Marija Cheeks and Tailor Washick 21-12, 20-22, 2114 after an opening loss to the Rams.

“I’m so proud of how far within our bracket we got,” said Mini, a four-year program member. “It was really cool to even have the oppor tunity to play at sectionals. Freshman year, I couldn’t imagine making it this far and being No. 1 doubles.”

Mini and Gryfakis met the No 1 challenge after never playing together before Another of their big highlights was an invitational doubles championship at Hinsdale South.

“We were just excited and grateful for another chance (against Glenbard East),” Gryfakis said. “It was a good fight, even though in the end it wasn’t taking home a W.”

Siebiesiuk (18-25) was sixth with a 1-3 sectional record. She lost her qualifying match to fourth-place Metea Valley junior Aashitaa Kumarappan 21-17, 21-17 after winning their earlier match 21-18, 21-16. Siebiesiuk lost to Glenbard East’s Gabi Jackonyte 15-21, 24-22, 21-14 for fifth.

LTHS junior Olivia Lara (13-28) and the doubles team of senior Julia Dillenbeck and junior Sophia Gonzale z were 0-2. Gonzale z subbed for injured junior Sophia Dalgety.

“(Mini and Gryfakis) played really great games,” LTHS coach Stephanie Spytek said. “(Siebiesiuk) excellent. She played hard. She fought through every match. I’m so proud of them.”

STEVE JOHNSTON

Lyons’ Bianca Taylor competes in the long jump dur ing the West Suburban Silver Girls Conference Championship Friday, May 8, 2026 in Western Springs

Bulldogs’ soccer surge falls just short at West Chicago

Bigenwald’s big save helps Lions beat Hinsdale Central, remain atop Silver

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Senior co-captain Sofia Sanchez and her Riverside Brookfield High School girls soccer teammates are becoming known for comebacks. That resolve nearly resulted in an Upstate Eight Conference East Division championship Saturday at West Chicago.

Sanchez converted a 23-yard free kick with 8:13 remaining to cut the deficit, but the Wildcats held on 3-1 to capture that program’s first-ever conference title.

“We didn’t really expect this season to go as well as it did. Just being here, getting this close to conference is really good for us,” Sanchez said. “This game was definitely one of our best this year. We worked for each other and it showed on the field. I think we’re going to continue that in regionals.”

The Bulldogs (8-7-1, 4-2 in UEC East) needed a regulation victory to achieve their conference title after finishing fifth in 2025 and winning six games total. Instead, they tied for second in conference with Glenbard South (9-6-2, 5-1) at 13 points. The UEC awards three points for regulation and overtime victories. If the game goes to penalty kicks, the winning team gets two points and the losing team one RBHS achieved outright title hopes by losing at Glenbard South, May 5. The Bulldogs gained a point losing 3-0 on penalty kicks by forcing a 2-2 tie after falling behind 2-0 with 34:07 remaining. Glenbard South also beat Glenbard East on penalty kicks.

“That was the message the entire week. We worked so hard to put ourselves in this position,” RBHS coach Ivek Halic said. “They’re showing their resiliency, their deter mination to work together so I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

Saturday’s game was scoreless at halftime thanks to RBHS senior goalie Maya Tennicott’s diving save to thwart a breakaway The defense also remained solid with sophomore Megan Tumpach joining senior co-captain Abby Ford at center back. Starting senior co-captain Audrey Raymond attended her sister’s graduation.

The Wildcats went ahead 2-0 in the first eight minutes of the second half on a penalty kick and header off a corner kick. With the Bulldogs pressing late to tie, West Chicago scored on a breakaway counterattack with 1:57 to play Sanchez’s central-field direct kick around a three-player defensive wall was her third goal this season.

“I think free kicks are kind of my strong suit,” Sanchez said. “I like taking them and this year I really haven’t had a chance to take an on-shot. This was my first time.”

Against Glenbard South, the Bulldogs struck back quickly with 31:59 and 29:24 left on goals by Charlotte Pinnick and Mia Rodriguez, both assisted by Ruby Boyle.

“Putting ourselves in that position, working back, scraping back just to stay in that game. That’s something special about this group,” Halic said.

Riverside-Brook eld’s goal keeper Maya Tennicott (1) grabs the loose ball against Hinsdale South during a nonconference game, April 11, 2026 in Darien.

In Class 2A this year, the Bulldogs are the No. 5 seed in the St. Francis Sectional.

They open Wheaton Academy Regional play against No. 10 Hancock, May 18, with the winner most likely playing the host No. 3 Warriors (10-4-5), May 22. West Chicago beat Wheaton Academy 3-1, May 7.

LTHS girls soccer

Senior goalie Anna Bigenwald gladly lent a big hand to another big Lyons Township girls soccer victory. Bigenwald’s diving save to her right stopped a penalty kick with 16:57 remaining and preserved the Lions’ 1-0 win over rival Hinsdale Central in the showdown of West Suburban Conference Silver Division frontrunners, May 5, in La Grange.

“It was definitely a fun game. Pulling out the 1-0 win was huge,” said Bigenwald, a Loyola recruit. “I dove and got my fingertips on the ball. I was able to hit it just enough to hit the post and bounce out and Avery Lusk was able to clear it away.”

LTHS (12-2-3, 4-0 in Silver), ranked No. 7 most recently by

ChicagolandSoccer.org, has won five straight and can win the Silver outright with victories over Oak Park and River Forest, Tuesday, and Glenbard West Thursday, May 14.

Carolina Capizzi scored in the first half with Zibby Michaelson assisting. DePaul recruit Capizzi (10 goals, 10 assists) and Mercer recruit Michaelson (12 goals, 3 assists) continue to be the Lions’ scoring leaders.

This was the first penalty kick Bigenwald faced this season. The Red Devils (12-6-2, 4-2) didn’t have another shot on goal after her memorable save

“It was like, ‘Shoot. We’ve kept them scoreless this whole game and now they have arguably their best scoring chance.’ I took a couple of deep breaths and picked a side, and it happened to be the (correct) side,” Bigenwald said. “Penalty kicks are never fun for goalies because it’s a lot of pressure to try and save the ball, but when you do save them it’s one of the best feelings.”

The Lions are the No. 2 seed to Hinsdale Central in the 3A Downers Grove South Sectional. They open LT Regional play against No. 15 Kenwood, May 20, with the winner most likely playing No. 5 Downers Grove North, May 23.

STEVE JOHNSTON

A healthy Carroll lends a hand for LTHS boys volleyball

Five-match winning streak helps Bulldogs clinch at least a share of UEC East

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Lyons Township High School senior boys volleyball player Owen Carroll be gan the season holding a clipboard. The left-handed Carroll broke his right thumb and tore ligaments and tendons near the end of the boys basketball season. He retur ned to the back row, April 14, and full rotation, April 20.

“My coaches had me take notes on what I saw, defensively where I should be, the dif ferent positions,” Carroll said. “I’m used to being on the cour t so being on the bench you see the g ame dif ferently so it was helpful.”

On May 2, Carroll was part of the Lions’ two comebacks to finish 13th at the annual 32-team Lincoln-Way East Invitational.

LTHS senior Brody Lee-Caracci was named to the alltour nament team.

“I feel really blessed about it. I couldn’ t have done it without my team. I couldn’ t have done it without my setters. I’m really grateful to everybody to ear n this,” Brody-Caracci said. “I think our coaches are a big part because when our coaches have energy we also star t to have energy T hen the whole bench star ts to g et happy and after we look to the bench on the cour t, we g et excited. Then all of us star t cheering for each other.”

In the Silver playof f bracket, the Lions (17-11, 4-1 in West Suburban Conference Silver Division) defeated Lockpo rt 12-25, 25-19, 15-11 in their final match after beating Lane Tech 12-25, 25-21, 15-12 and losing their opener to ninth-place Lincoln-Way Central 25-22, 25-20.

In pool play F riday, the Lions beat Warren 23-25, 25-22, 15-13 and lost to Oak Pa rk and River Forest 25-18, 25-20. Riverside Brookfield (16-16, 5-1 in Upstate Eight Conference East Division) won the consolation title of the Cooper bracket and 29th overall. T he Bulldogs finished by beating Mor ton 25-18, 25-14 after earlier beating Minooka 24-26, 25-15, 15-10 and losing to Hinsdale Central 34-32, 25-18. T hey lost to Marist and T rinity (Ky.) in two sets Friday.

T he Lions trailed Lockport 7-3 in the third set but took the lead for good at 9-7 after five straight points served by Lee-Caracci, including two of their five aces in the set. Jack Har tman served for four points with two aces for match point at 14-10.

“It’s that attention to detail that I’ve been talking about, har ping at practice, and fundamentals. I think we cleaned that up in the second and third set (a gainst Lockpor t), which really helped tur n it back into our favor,” LTHS coach Brad Skendzel said.

T he Lions have key three-set Silver wins over Downers Grove Nor th and York. T hey continue using dif ferent lineups and combinations, such as 10 players against Lockpo rt

Lyons Township’s Owen Carroll (8) sends the ball past the Oak Park and River Forest defenders dur ing the Hinsdale Central Sectional semi nal match, May 31, in Hinsdale

Two points after entering of f the bench, Oliver Sordyl had a kill for a 20-17 lead in the second set.

Sophomore Evan DeGraff was promoted for the Downers Grove South Invite April 24-25 and has been part of the two-setter of fense with Michael Becker.

“It’s still a work in progress and I think the guys understand that,” Skendzel said. “Everyone has an opportunity where they make sure when I put you in a spot, you’ re ready to perfor m.”

T he Bulldogs’ Michael Austin (9 kills), Kyle Kummer (12 digs) and Gavin Sharenow (11 digs) helped aveng e their three-set loss to Mor ton in the March 25 opener

RBHS extended the winning streak to five with UEC East wins over Ridgewood May 5 and Glenbard South May 7 and Plainfield East F riday in their Willowbrook Invite opener.

Outlasting Glenbard South 26-24, 23-25, 25-17 secured the Bulldogs at least a share of the UEC East title The

Bulldogs beat co-leader Glenbard East (18-13, 4-1) but lost to Fenton 25-20, 28-26 April 30. T he Rams played Fenton Tuesday in the conference finale

Water polo

Only four teams reach the state finals this season, but both Lyons Township teams once again should be in contention. Both of the Lions’ possible sectional finals Saturday, May 16 and super-sectionals May 19 are at the south campus

The LTHS boys are the No. 1 seed in the nine-team LT Sectional. Riverside-Brookfield is the No 6 seed and opens with No. 3 St. Rita in the Wednesday, May 13 quarterfinals. The LTHS girls are the No 1 seed in their eight-team LT Sectional. Riverside-Brookfield is the No 6 seed in the Fenwick Sectional and plays No. 3 Oak Park and River Forest in the Thursday, May 14 quar terfinals

STEVE JOHNSTON

PUBLIC NOTICES

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 15, 2026, at 9:00 AM at Riverside Brookfield High School, 160 Ridgewood Road, Riverside, Il 60546 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 2026-27 school year. Parents and private school administrators who would like to attend should contact Kevin Baldus, Director of Special Education, at baldusk@rbhs208. net.

Published in RB Landmark April 29, May 6, 13, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

In accordance with the Open Meetings Act, this is to advise you that the Riverside Township Mental Health Board will hold the meetings below at the listed locations:

Mental Health Board Meeting Notices

RTMHB Committee Meeting for Joan Memorial Monday, May 11th @ 6:30 p.m. Riverside Township Hall – Community Resource Center - 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois

RTMHB Nominating Committee Meeting Monday, May 18th @ 6:00 p.m. Riverside Township Hall – Community Resource Center, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois

RTMHB Meeting Wednesday, May 20th @ 6:30 p.m.

WSSRA - George A. Leoni Complex, 800 N 17th Ave, Melrose Park, Illonois

If you have any questions, please contact Board President, Adam Wilt, at awilt.rtmhb@gmail.com or call Adam at 708-804-4400.

Published in RB Landmark May 13, 2026

STATE OF ILLINOIS

VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD

Notice of Public Hearing

Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission

May 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM

NOTICE is hereby given that the Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue Illinois for the purpose of considering a request from Kimberly and Paul Dalbenzio for Variations from:

Section 62.75 Bulk, Yard and Space Requirements to allow an increase in the Maximum Building Coverage from 30% to approximately 40.5% and a reduction in the Minimum Green Space from 40% to approximately 35.3%, and

Section 62 – 453 Damage or Destruction to allow the replacement of a non-conforming garage with a new non-conforming garage.

To allow a replacement garage in an existing “A” Single Family Residential District for property located at 3306 Sunnyside Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513

Legal Description:

LOT 2 IN BLOCK 18 IN BROOKFIELD MANOR IN THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 34, TOWNSHIP 19 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS (PIN 15-34-217-017-0000)

The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/or written comments. Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the public hearing to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Libby Popovic, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513, lpopovic@brookfieldil.gov, or 708485-1113. Oral or written testimony may be given during the public hearing. The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours. Please reference PZC Case 26-06. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Individuals with disabilities requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any meeting should contact the Village of Brookfield (708) 485-7344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front (South) entrance of Village Hall. By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman.

Published in RB Landmark May 13, 2026

Village of North Riverside Joint Planning Commission Public Hearing Notice

Notice is hereby given that the Village of North Riverside Joint Planning Commission will hold a public hearing for the purpose of making a recommendation on a zoning case for a rezoning request for the property commonly known as 8659 Cermak Road, North Riverside, Illinois 60546 (Current Land Use AutoTek), from B-3 Zoning District to B-1 Zoning District.

Date: Thursday May 28, 2026

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: Village Hall 2401 Desplaines Avenue North Riverside, Illinois

All interested persons are invited to attend and be heard. Written comments may be submitted in advance of the hearing to phughes@northriverside-il.org.

For additional information, please contact the Community Development Department at (708) 7625924 during regular business hours.

Published in RB Landmark May 13, 2026

Village of North Riverside Joint Planning Commission Public Hearing Notice

Notice is hereby given that the Village of North Riverside Joint Planning Commission will hold a public hearing for the purpose of making a recommendation on a zoning case for a joint application for the properties commonly known as 8639 and 8645 Cermak Road, North Riverside, Illinois 60546 (Current Land Use: 8639 – Vacant former mechanic shop; 8645 –Landscaping Business).

The applicant is requesting the following:

Conditional Use Approval to permit a Service Station (Gas Station) on the properties located at 8639 and 8645 Cermak Road.

Rezoning Approval for the property located at 8645 Cermak Road from B-1 Zoning District to B-3 Zoning District, in order to ensure that all properties included in the conditional use application are within the same zoning district.

Date: Thursday, May 28, 2026

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: Village Hall, 2401 Desplaines Avenue, North Riverside, Illinois

All interested persons are invited to attend and be heard. Written comments may be submitted in advance of the hearing to phughes@northriverside-il.org.

For additional information, please contact the Community Development Department at (708) 7625924 during regular business hours.

Published in RB Landmark May 13, 2026

STATE OF ILLINOIS VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD Notice of Public Hearing

Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission May 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM NOTICE is hereby given that the Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue Illinois for the purpose of considering a request from IC Collective, Inc. for a Special Use Permit under Section 6225 to allow a Cannabis Dispensary, in an existing SA-3 Mixed Use District at the property located at 9500 Ogden Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513.

Legal Description: LOTS 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, AND 24 IN BLOCK 2 IN GROSSDALE, A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE WEST ½ OF THE WEST ½ OF SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 33 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

(PIN 18-03-102-025-0000, 18-03102-026-0000, 18-03-102-0270000, 18-03-102-028-0000 and 18-03-102-029-0000)

The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/ or written comments. Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the public hearing to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Libby Popovic, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513, lpopovic@brookfieldil.gov, or 708485-1113. Oral or written testimony may be given during the public hearing. The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours. Please reference PZC Case 26-07. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Individuals with disabilities requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any meeting should contact the Village of Brookfield (708) 485-7344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front (South) entrance of Village Hall. By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman.

Published in RB Landmark May 13, 2026

STATE OF ILLINOIS

VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD

Notice of Public Hearing

Village of Brookfield

Planning and Zoning Commission

May 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM

NOTICE is hereby given that the Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue Illinois for the purpose of considering a request from Kinda G Arzon Trust Un for Variations from:

Section 62.268 Required Setbacks to allow a parking lot in the Side and Rear Yards, and

Section 62.289 General Rules to allow “stacked” parking spaces, and

Section 62-450 Extensions; Expansions; Enlargements; Intensity

All to enlarge an existing non-conforming parking lot in an existing “B” Multiple Family Residential District for property located at 8905 Plainfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513

Legal Description:

LOT TWO (2) IN BISHOP’S AND RICHARDSON’S RESUBDIVISION OF PART OF AUSTPITZ AND OAKES BROOKFIELD PARK SUBDIVISION ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED APRIL 27, 1925 AS DOCUMENT 8882205 (PIN 18-03-427-056-0000)

The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/or written comments. Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the public hearing to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Libby Popovic, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513, lpopovic@brookfieldil.gov, or 708485-1113. Oral or written testimony may be given during the public hearing. The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours. Please reference PZC Case 26-05. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Individuals with disabilities requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any meeting should contact the Village of Brookfield (708) 485-7344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front (South) entrance of Village Hall. By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman.

Published in RB Landmark May 13, 2026

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

STATE OF ILLINOIS

VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD

Notice of Public Hearing

Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission May 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM NOTICE is hereby given that the Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue Illinois for the purpose of considering a request from Juan Jacobo for Variations from:

Section 62.75 Bulk, Yard and Space requirements to allow a reduction in the front yard setback 25’ to 12.9’, and Section 62.450 Extensions; Expansions; Enlargements; Intensity to allow an increase in the nonconformity to allow a room addition to an existing single family home in an existing “A-1” Single Family Residential District for property located at 4125 Deyo Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513

Legal Description:

LOTS 19, 20, AND 21 IN BLOCK 5 IN WEST GROSSDALE, BEING A SUBDIVISION IN THE WEST HALF OF THE WEST HALF OF SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS (PIN 18-03-116-019-0000, 18-03116-020-0000, and 18-03-116021-0000)

The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/or written comments. Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the public hearing to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Libby Popovic, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513, lpopovic@brookfieldil.gov, or 708485-1113. Oral or written testimony may be given during the public hearing. The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours. Please reference PZC Case 26-02. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Individuals with disabilities requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any meeting should contact the Village of Brookfield (708) 485-7344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front (South) entrance of Village Hall. By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman.

Published in RB Landmark May 13, 2026

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

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

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

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

To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777. -- WJ/FPR/RB LANDMARK --

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