Landmark_060425 by Wednesday Journal

RBHSs shortstop Sean Campbell (19) lays out trying to stop a hit by Oak Law n during the IHSA Class 4A Nazareth Regional seminal on May 29.

RBHS could reach land use agreement with Brook eld Zoo

By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter

Legislation that passed the Illinois General Assembly over the weekend could enable Riverside Brookfield High School and Brookfield Zoo Chicago to reach a long-awaited agreement on who can use the baseball field north of the school.

Senate Bill 637, which passed the Illinois House of Representatives on Thurs-

day, May 29, and the Illinois Senate on Saturday, May 31, would make the ag reement possible. State Sen. Mike Porfirio, whose district includes parts of Brookfield, Riverside and neighboring communities, introduced the bill in January. If signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker, the bill would amend the act that re gulates the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s relationship with the Chicago Zoological Society, which operates the zoo.

The change would allow zoo leadership to sublease its land, which it leases from the forest preserves, to nonprofits or government entities like District 208. The zoo now cannot sublease any of its land

The baseball field in question, immediately north of RB, is on forest preserves land that is leased to the zoo. While the zoo has historically permitted the school

See ZOO on page 12

By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter

After months of collecting feedback from residents and the village board, Brookfield’s contracted firm for the project has finished a feasibility study for a potential community center at Ehlert Park complete with a gym, a fitness room, community spaces and even a rooftop ter race

While Brookfield has not for mally engaged

See FEASIBILITY on page 4

STEVE JOHNSTON

R-B student wins Congressional Silver Medal

Hundreds of hours of public service, personal development key for Aryan Hernandez

By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter

The past year has been a whirlwind for soon-to-be Riverside-Brookfield High School senior Aryan Hernandez

Sure, he had plenty of schoolwork to do. He also performed in the fall play and spring musical, and was managing editor of The Clarion student newspaper, where he will be editor-in-chief in the fall.

But there was another side of Hernandez, which was reco gnized by the highest levels of the United States government with the Congressional Award Silver Medal, awarded in April.

Hernand ez earned the distinction by c ommitting to 200 hours of public servic e, 100 hours of personal development, another 100 hours of physical fitness and three days of exploring a new environment or culture.

So, yes, he was crazy busy for almost his entire junior year. But to hear him tell it, the ef fort was worth it, especially with colle ge applications looming.

“It was a sense of pride that it all paid out in the end,” he said. “Not just the award, [but] how much I was able to give back to my community and effectively make a change in the world.”

Two of his biggest c ommunity service c ommitments included helping at the S hare Food S hare Love food p antr y, distributing food and c ommunicating with Spanish-speaking clients. He also tutored a seventh- gr ade student in math in a pr ogr am c alled L earn To Be … via Zoom, because the youngster lives in C alifo rn ia and is involved in the motion picture industr y.

“I still volunteer to this day,” Hernandez said of his work at Share Food Share Love. “It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. It was demystifying about food and security.”

Hernandez is half-Indian on his mother’s side, and is tri-lingual: Gujarati, English and Spanish, which he has taken since sixth grade. At the food pantry, he focused

on helping Spanish-speaking clients, which allowed him to practice that language in a real-world context.

“A lot were immigrants who came to the United States, and seeing all these amazing people who work so hard restored my faith in community,” he said.

As for his tutoring work via Zoom, the young man in California is home-schooled and was a background actor in the movie “Barbie” and the TV sitcom “Abbott Elementary.”

“He’s grown so much, I’m so proud of him,” Hernandez said. “I’m kind of his teacher almost. They have their homeschooling math program, so I focus on that.”

That’s not nearly all Hernandez did to earn his medal, which is currently being produced by the U.S. Mint. He volunteered at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth La Grange hospital, where he completed many tasks, including restocking supplies, answering phones and assisting visitors. And learning. Hernandez is planning on going into dentistry after high school and would like to open his own practice, so the experiences were tangential.

“I was able to see the inner workings of a hospital and see what the patients and doctors are going through … EMTs running in and out, food suppliers, all these cogs in a big machine,” he said.

Jim Franko, a school counselor at R-B,

was Hernandez’s advisor in his project. Earning the medal just made sense, he said.

“He drove the whole process,” Franko said. “He did all of the legwork, he knew all the details and (had it) all laid out. So for me, it was talking him through it a little bit from my perspective.”

Make no mistake, though. None of this was easy. In addition to everything he did, Hernandez focused on weight training at home for the physical fitness aspect of the program. For cultural exploration, he decided to research Spain, partly because he hopes to study abroad there while in colle ge. He focused on museums, artwork, architecture, cathedrals, landmarks and food, among others.

The keyword was balance.

“I had to sometimes step back,” he said. “It was a lot of pushing myself and making sacrifices, but in the end it all paid off.”

Hernandez will be busy once again as a senior. In addition to being the editor of The Clarion, he’ll be a student advisor to the Board of Education with another student. Plus, he’ll be applying to colle ges, which is a process unto itself.

Franko said the f uture is bright fo r Hernand ez .

“He’s one of those students where it doesn’t seem like a burden,” he said, “I sort of have this drive to be whatever the best version of myself is.”

OF DIREC TORS

Eric Weinheimer

Nile Wendor f

Abrahamson, Mary Cahillane, Steve Edwards, Judy Gre n, Horacio Mendez, Charles Meyerson, Darnell Shields, Audra Wilson

HOW TO REACH US

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

E-MAIL dhaley@wjinc.com

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 $45 within Cook County and $65 outside the county. Adver tising rates may be obtained by calling our o ce. 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. © 2025 Growing Community Media NFP.

PROVIDED

AWARD WINNING: Ar yan Hernandez display ing his Congressional award.

render

FEASIBILIT Y Member fees key

from page 1

any firms for work that would culminate in the construction or opening of a community center, the final presentation shown May 27 to the village board included renderings of the exterior and interior of the building and detailed information about the cost to build the center, expected membership pricing models and possible operations cost recovery over the first five years of the center’s lifespan.

The renderings, created by Williams Architects, show a center with tall glass windows and a minimalist, angular design that would face Shields Avenue from its location at Ehlert Park south of the existing fire station.

Travis Tranbarger, a senior project manager at PROS Consulting, one of Williams’ subcontractors for the study, told trustees at the committee of the whole meeting that 86% of the center’s revenue would be projected to come from admission fees, either in the form

of monthly or yearly membership fees or atthe-door charges for non-members.

Slides shown at the meeting suggest membership fees of $30 monthly for Brookfield residents and $40 for non-residents, with discounts for seniors 65 or older and for families with bulk memberships.

For a yearlong membership, the hypothetical revenue model shows individual residents could pay $324, or $27 per month, while non-resident access could cost $432, or $36 per month.

A day pass could cost $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents, while a 10-visit punch card could cost $20 for residents and $30 for non-residents

“We are estimating that members are about 85% residents, and 15% non-resident. This could change as time goes on,” Tranbarger said. “The fees that we came to are within market rate and, in some regards, lower than the current market rate. One of the important things to note, too, is, Brookfield has relatively lower fees across the board with current services, so we felt it was important to not take a huge leap from where you are now to where you may be when the facility

opens with fees.”

He said the proposed cost recovery model — where revenues would be projected to pass 100% of the center’s operating costs in its fifth year — assumes the village would raise membership and admission fees by “at least 4%” each year. The center would be expected to recover about 93% of operating costs in its first year, with that figure increasing year over year until its operations are self-sustaining.

The presentation said the center, if Brookfield pursues it, could be expected to operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. The center would open 356 days a week, closing on Thanksgiving and Christmas as well as for one week over the summer for deep cleaning.

The center would have 123 parking spots, 68 to the east and 55 to the west, with two on each side featuring accessible parking.

Kim Nigro, a senior project architect at Williams, said the community center would likely cost about $27 million to build, including $2 million of escalation costs if construction starts in 2027 on top of $25 million relat-

ed to the construction itself.

Based on Williams’ community engagement, the presentation showed more than 60% of surveyed residents were willing to pay an additional property tax of about $270 per year over 20 years so Brookfield could pay back the bonds it would have to take out for construction.

Andy Dogan, a managing principal at Williams, emphasized that many aspects of the potential center, from its location to its design, come from the Brookfield community

“The building program and the design come directly from those features and amenities that the community told us they were looking for. This is not Williams Architects saying, ‘This is what we think would be great in a rec center.’ It really is driven by this engagement process that we’ve been going through with your community over the last few months,” Dogan said. “We are seeing a lot of support. We are seeing a lot of interest, and a very strong financial case.”

It remains to be seen if Brookfield staff and the village board will decide to pursue the community center as presented to the village

COURTESY OF WILLIAMS ARCHITECTS

ing shows what the front exterior of a communi ty center at Ehlert Park could look like.

...

Endinghungerbyconnectingthefourcornersofourcommunity

e village ups the price per thousand gallons whenever Chicago does

By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter

Brookfield’s annual tradition of increasing residents’ water rates has come to pass yet again.

For bills received after July 1, water customers in Brookfield will pay $16.29 per thousand gallons of water use, a step up of $0.19, or 1.18%, from last year’s rate of $16.10.

According to the village’s new fee schedule, the minimum monthly water bill will be $40.62, meaning the minimum annual cost will be $487.44. Brookfield bills residents for water bimonthly, so the new minimum water bill will be $81.24 for about 5,000 gallons of water across the two-month period. Above the minimum, the amount an individual household is charged will depend on its water usage

Village trustees approved the change on May 27 as part of the consent agenda for

Endinghungerbyconnectingthefourcornersofourcommunity

Endinghungerbyconnectingthefourcornersofourcommunity...

Whatis " foodinjustice"?

Endinghungerbyconnectingthefourcornersofourcommunity

Endinghungerbyconnectingthefourcornersofourcommunity...

Whatis " foodinjustice"?

And what can a food pantry do about it?

Whatis " foodinjustice"?

And what can a food pantry do about it?

“Overcomingpovertyisnotagestureofcharity. Itisanactofjustice . Itistheprotectionofafundamentalhumanright , therighttodignity andadecentlife .”

Thereareover 60,000 foodpantriesintheUnitedStates . Manyof themstartedoutdecadesagotohelp "endhunger " intheir communities . Yethungerpersists . Whyisthat ?

And what can a food pantry do about it?

“Overcomingpovertyisnotagestureofcharity. Itisanactofjustice . Itistheprotectionofafundamentalhumanright , therighttodignity andadecentlife .”

— NelsonMandela

Hunger is a local problem.

Thereareover 60,000 foodpantriesintheUnitedStates . Manyof themstartedoutdecadesagotohelp "endhunger " intheir communities . Yethungerpersists . Whyisthat ?

— NelsonMandela

Thereareover 60,000 foodpantriesintheUnitedStates . Manyof themstartedoutdecadesagotohelp "endhunger " intheir communities . Yethungerpersists . Whyisthat ?

NelsonMandela

Weneedmoreactsofjustice .

Foodinjusticeislargelycausedbypoverty. Povertythathaslong beencausedbyunequalopportunitiesinhousing, education, employment , andhealthcare.

Hunger is a local problem.

Weneedmoreactsofjustice .

Hunger is a local problem.

Weneedmoreactsofjustice .

Hunger is a local problem.

Talkingaboutpovertyisseriousbusiness Whichiswhymanyofuswouldrathernottalk aboutit . But oursisacharitablebusinesswithaseriousmission: Alleviatinghungerandthe causesofhunger, withthehelpoflike -mindedvolunteers, donors, andcommunityleaders

Talkingaboutpovertyisseriousbusiness Whichiswhymanyofuswouldrathernottalk aboutit But oursisacharitablebusinesswithaseriousmission: Alleviatinghungerandthe causesofhunger, withthehelpoflike -mindedvolunteers, donors, andcommunityleaders .

Talkingaboutpovertyisseriousbusiness . Whichiswhymanyofuswouldrathernottalk aboutit . But oursisacharitablebusinesswithaseriousmission: Alleviatinghungerandthe causesofhunger, withthehelpoflike -mindedvolunteers, donors, andcommunityleaders

Ourfederalgovernmenthasattimeshelpedto alleviatehungerbydeveloping “safetynet ” programsbased on povertydatarepor tedbytheU S CensusBureau Accordingly, thereare over 7,000 peoplelivingbelowthe “ federalpovertylevel ” within ourpriorityservicearea. Butasimilarnumberofpeoplein our 15-villagearealivein “low-income” households, as determinedbymeasuresofincomeupto 200% abovethefederalpovertylevel

Brook eld raises water rates

Foodinjusticeislargelycausedbypoverty. Povertythathaslong beencausedbyunequalopportunitiesinhousing, education, employment , andhealthcare.

Ourfederalgovernmenthasattimeshelpedto alleviatehungerbydeveloping “safetynet ” programsbased on povertydatarepor tedbytheU S CensusBureau Accordingly, thereare over 7,000 peoplelivingbelowthe “ federalpovertylevel ” within ourpriorityservicearea Butasimilarnumberofpeoplein our 15-villagearealivein “low-income” households, as determinedbymeasuresofincomeupto 200% abovethefederalpovertylevel.

Oursisaregionofincomedisparity.

that day’s village board meeting, meaning they did not discuss it separately.

Brookfield receives its water from the Brookfield-North Riverside Water Commission, which is itself a customer of Chicago’s Department of Water Management.

Evenwithinthe 15 suburbanvillagesourfoodpantryserves , povertyandfoodinjusticecontinuetogohand-in-hand. Thousandsofpeoplelivebelowthepovertyline. Thousandsmore liveinlow-incomehouseholds . This , atatimewhenourfederal governmentislookingforwaystocutsocialprograms . Including “safetynet ” programsthathavebeenproventohelpupliftpeople frompovertyandlow-incomestatus .

Oursisaregionofincomedisparity.

Withintheradiusofafewmiles, over 16,000 of ourneighborsarehavingahardtime puttingnutritionalmeals on thetable. Whatevertermswemayallbemorecomfor table using, wecan’ tescapethefactthatfoodinjusticeisoftencausedbyunequal oppor tunities andthehardshipsofincomedisparity Federalsafetynetprogramsarecrucialto reducing thoseunfairburdens . Andwhen ournation’sleadersactto cutsuchprograms, they becomeactsofinjustice

According to letters attached to a village memorandum, Chicago informed the water commission on Feb. 28 of this year’s price hike — 4% over last year’s rate based on the Consumer Price Index inflation rate for 2024 — and the water commission infor med Brookfield it would pass on the rate increase on April 9.

We're all neighbors here.

Withintheradiusofafewmiles, over 16,000 of ourneighborsarehavingahardtime puttingnutritionalmeals on thetable Whatevertermswemayallbemorecomfor table using, wecan’ tescapethefactthatfoodinjusticeisoftencausedbyunequal oppor tunities andthehardshipsofincomedisparity. Federalsafetynetprogramsarecrucialto reducing thoseunfairburdens . Andwhen ournation’sleadersactto cutsuchprograms, they becomeactsofinjustice

Withintheradiusofafewmiles, over 16,000 of ourneighborsarehavingahardtime puttingnutritionalmeals on thetable. Whatevertermswemayallbemorecomfor table using, wecan’ tescapethefactthatfoodinjusticeisoftencausedbyunequal oppor tunities andthehardshipsofincomedisparity Federalsafetynetprogramsarecrucialto reducing thoseunfairburdens Andwhen ournation’sleadersactto cutsuchprograms, they becomeactsofinjustice

We’reallneighborshere .

Ourfoodpantryissetting outto helpalleviatefoodinsecurityin ourarea. Butto continuethat ascent , weneedthesuppor tof ourvolunteers, donors, andcommunityleaders allwho careto beshareholdersinhelpingprotectwhatisafundamentalhumanright —“ therightto dignityandadecentlife”.

Chicago’s water rate increase went into effect June 1 and will show up on water bills next month for water used this month.

While Brookfield usually raises its water rates each year to align with Chicago’s changes, it took a pause in 2023 after a larger-than-usual increase in 2022 was approved to partially fund the village’s lead water service line re placement project.

Brookfield’s water bills include a 27.1% sewer service fee to cover the cost of maintaining the village’s sewer infrastructure, though the fee excludes the portion of the bill that Brookfield sets aside for the lead line replacements, about $1.66 per thousand gallons.

Individualdignityisthenorthstarthatguidesourorganization. Likesomanyfoodpantries , we’rehelpingtoalleviatehunger. But totrulyupliftthedignityofourneighborsinneed, ourhigher purposeistohelpendthecausesofhungerinourregion. At whichpoint , thequestionisnolongeraboutfoodinjustice , but socialinjustice. Andwhatcanafoodpantry, volunteers , a community, aregionofneighboringvillages orournation’s governmentdoaboutthat ?

Individualdignityisthenorthstarthatguidesourorganization. Likesomanyfoodpantries , we’rehelpingtoalleviatehunger. But totrulyupliftthedignityofourneighborsinneed, ourhigher purposeistohelpendthecausesofhungerinourregion. At whichpoint , thequestionisnolongeraboutfoodinjustice , but socialinjustice. Andwhatcanafoodpantry volunteers , a community, aregionofneighboringvillages orournation’s governmentdoaboutthat ?

Ourfoodpantryissetting outto helpalleviatefoodinsecurityin ourarea Butto continuethat ascent , weneedthesuppor tof ourvolunteers, donors, andcommunityleaders allwho careto beshareholdersinhelpingprotectwhatisafundamentalhumanright —“ therightto dignityandadecentlife”.

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Individualdignityisthenorthstarthatguidesourorganization. Likesomanyfoodpantries , we’rehelpingtoalleviatehunger. But totrulyupliftthedignityofourneighborsinneed, ourhigher purposeistohelpendthecausesofhungerinourregion. At whichpoint , thequestionisnolongeraboutfoodinjustice , but socialinjustice. Andwhatcanafoodpantry volunteers , a community, aregionofneighboringvillages orournation’s governmentdoaboutthat ?

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June 2025

Dear North Riverside Water Customer:

The Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) rule requires all community water systems to provide reports to their customers on the quality of their drinking water. The Village of North Riverside, in conjunction with the City of Chicago and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), is providing the required information pertaining to source water monitoring for the period January 2024 through December 2024.

The Village of North Riverside has provided water that meets all the requirements of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) drinking water standards. The following reports are being provided to help you better understand the quality of the water you consume and use on a daily basis. Consumers with medical conditions may use the water quality analysis provided or request a City of Chicago complete water analysis, to consult with their family doctors. Others may learn ways to better protect their children from the effects of lead in our environment, or how to conserve water in our daily lives. A wellinformed consumer is the best ally the Village has in providing clean, safe water to its customers.

If there are any questions, or if additional information is needed, please contact Matt Kerke, Water Operator, at (708) 762-5892.

Sincerely,

Matt Kerke, Village of North Riverside Water Operator Water Supply:

The Village of North Riverside purchases Lake Michigan potable water from the City of Chicago via the Brookfield-North Riverside Water Commission. City of Chicago water treatment facilities chemically treat and filter the water from Lake Michigan. Once the Water Commission receives the potable water, the water is re-chlorinated to safeguard its quality. As a potable water supplier, the City of Chicago constantly monitors water quality and publishes laboratory results. Copies are public record and can be requested.

For more information, water quality reports can be obtained from the City of Chicago, the Brookfield-North Riverside Water Commission and the Water Department of the Village of North Riverside. Water Commission meetings are conducted every second Wednesday of each month at the Water Commission Offices located at 8636 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513. Information can be obtained by contacting Matt Kerke, Water Operator or Vince Ranieri, Director of Public Works. Copies of this report will not be mailed to each customer but are available by telephoning the Water Department at (708) 762-5892 or online at https://www.northriverside-il.org/570/ Water-Quality-Reports .

Water Quality:

The Illinois EPA considers all surface water sources of community water supply to be susceptible to potential pollution problems. The very nature of surface water allows contaminants to migrate into the intake with no protection only dilution. This is the reason for mandatory treatment for all surface water supplies in Illinois. Chicago’s offshore intakes are located at a distance that shoreline impacts are not usually considered a factor on water quality. At certain times of the year, however, the potential for contamination exists due to wet-weather flows and river reversals. In addition, the placement of the crib structures may serve to attract waterfowl, gulls and terns that frequent the Great Lakes area, thereby concentrating fecal deposits at the intake and thus compromising the source water quality. Conversely, the shore intakes are highly susceptible to storm water runoff, marinas and shoreline point sources due to the influx of groundwater to the lake. Throughout history, there have been extraordinary steps taken to ensure a safe source of drinking water in the Chicagoland area. From the building of the offshore cribs and the introduction of interceptor sewers to the lock-and-dam system of Chicago’s waterways and the city’s Lakefront Zoning Ordinance. The city now looks to the recently created Department of the Water Management, Department of Environment and the MWRDGC to assure the safety of the city’s water supply. Also, water supply officials from Chicago are active members of the West Shore Water Producers Association. Coordination of water quality situations (i.e., spills, tanker leaks, exotic species, etc.) and general lake conditions are frequently discussed during the association’s quarterly meetings. Also, Lake Michigan has a variety of organizations and associations that are currently working to either maintain or improve water quality. Finally, one of the best ways to ensure a safe source of drinking water is to develop a program designed to protect the source water against potential contamination on the local level. Since the predominant land use within Illinois’ boundary of Lake Michigan watershed is urban, a majority of the watershed protection activities in this document are aimed at this purpose. Citizens should be aware that everyday activities in an urban setting might have a negative impact on their source water. Efforts should be made to improve awareness of storm water drains and their direct link to the lake within the identified local source water area. A proven best management practice (BMP) for this purpose has been the identification and stenciling of storm water drains within a watershed. Stenciling along with an educational component is necessary to keep the lake a safe and reliable source of drinking water.

Village Testing: The Village of North Riverside tests the water supply for chlorine content on a daily basis to maintain the optimum levels for the consumers’ needs. On a monthly basis, bacteriological samples

LEGAL NOTICE

VILLAGE OF NORTH RIVERSIDE CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT Public Water Supply For The Monitoring Year 2024

are taken. On a yearly basis, samples are submitted for Total Trihalomethane (TTHM) Analysis. Samples are also provided for lead and copper monitoring on a schedule established by the IEPA. All testing and reports are performed according to the requirements of IEPA. A copy of the IEPA Water Quality Report for the Village of North Riverside and City of Chicago are included later in this report.

Violations:

The Village of North Riverside Water Supply met all the standards set by the EPA. No violations occurred during this period.

Educational Information:

1) Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least some small amounts of contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426- 4791).

2) In Order to ensure tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health

3) Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons, such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

4) Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The Village of North Riverside is responsible for providing high quality drinking water and removing lead pipes but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components in your home. You share the responsibility for protecting yourself and your family from the lead in your home plumbing. You can take responsibility by identifying and removing lead materials within your home plumbing and taking steps to reduce your family’s risk. Before drinking tap water, flush your pipes for several minutes by running your tap, taking a shower, doing laundry or a load of dishes. You can also use a filter certified by an American National Standards Institute accredited certifier to reduce lead in drinking water. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested, contact the Village of North Riverside at (708) 762-5892. Information on lead drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

5) Please visit https://lead-service-line-inventory-3-novotny. hub.arcgis.com/ to view our most recent water service line inventory. Additional information can also be found at https://www. northriverside-il.org/662/Lead-Service-Line-Replacement. Lead and Copper sampling results may be found online at https://www. northriverside-il.org/570/Water-Quality-Reports

6) The Village of North Riverside recommends their customers follow the water conservation recommendations of the IEPA on sprinkling restrictions and restrict sprinkling to the hours between 6:00 am to 12:00 noon and 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm during the period of May 15 to September 15.

Sources of Contamination;

The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.

Contaminants that may be present in source water include:

• Microbial Contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations and wildlife.

• Inorganic Contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining or farming.

• Pesticides and Herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff and residential uses.

• Organic Chemical Contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems.

• Radioactive Contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the EPA prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public health.

Chicago Regulated Contaminants Detected in 2024 (collected in 2024 unless noted) Microbial Contaminants

Total Coliform Bacteria 5% of monthly samples are positive

Lead and Copper

Definitions:

Action Level (AL): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow. Action Level Goal (AGL): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below, which there is no known or expected risk to health. AGL’s allow for a margin of safety.

Water Quality Test Results

Definitions: The following tables contain scientific terms and measures, some of which may require explanation.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water MCL’s are set as close to the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal as feasible using the best available treatment technology

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below, which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLG’s allow for a margin of safety.

mg/l or ppm: milligrams per litre or parts per million or one ounce in 7,350 gallons of water. ug/1 or ppb: micrograms per litre or parts per billion or one ounce in 7,350,000 gallons of water, na: not applicable.

Avg: Regulatory compliance with some MCL’s are based on running annual average of monthly samples.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL): The highest level of disinfectant allowed in drinking water.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG): The level of disinfectant in drinking water below, which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLG’s allow for a margin of safety.

Disinfectants & Disinfection By-Products

Inorganic Contaminants (Collection Date: 2023)

• Note: The state requires monitoring of certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Therefore, some of this data may be more than one year old Not all sample results may have been used for calculating the Highest Level because some maybe part of an evaluation to determine where compliance sampling should occur in the future

LEGAL NOTICE

VILLAGE OF NORTH RIVERSIDE CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT

Public Water Supply For The Monitoring Year 2024

Chicago Regulated Contaminants Detected in 2024 (collected in 2024 (unless noted)

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL): The highest level of disinfectant allowed in drinking water. Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG): The level of disinfectant in drinking water below, which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLG’s allow for a margin of safety.

RegulatedHighest Level Range of Levels Unit of Measurement MCLGMCLViolationLikely Source of Contaminant

Disinfectants & Disinfection By-Products

Chlorine1 1-1 ppm MRDLG =4 MRDLG =4

Total Haloacetic 175-20.4 ppm No goal for total 60 No

TTHM’s (Total Trihalomethane)

of drinking water chlorination. Collection Date: 2024

Not all sample results may have been used for calculating the Highest Level Detected because some results may be part of an evaluation to determine where compliance sampling should occur in the future

NORTH RIVERSIDE WATER SUPPLY ADDITIONAL MONITORING

Our water system has sampled for a series of unregulated contaminants. Unregulated contaminants are those that don’t yet have a drinking water standard set by EPA. The purpose of monitoring for these contaminants is to help EPA decide whether the contaminants should have a standard. As our customers, you have a right to know that this data is available. Below are the results of the four samplings we have for the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances sampling which investigates the frequency of 29 different per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and Lithium in the nation’s drinking water systems.

For more information on the UCMR5 Rule, please visit https://www.epa.gov/dwucmr/fifth-unregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule.

Source Water Location

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT SUMMARY

The City of Chicago utilizes Lake Michigan as its source water via two water treatment plants. The Jardine Water Purification Plant serves the northern areas of the City and suburbs, while the Sawyer Water Purification Plant serves the southern areas of the City and suburbs. Lake Michigan is the only Great Lake that is entirely contained within the United States. It borders Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin, and is the second largest Great lake by volume with 1,180 cubic miles of water and third largest by area.

Source Water Assessment Summary

The Illinois EPA implemented a Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) to assist with watershed protection of public drinking water supplies. The SWAP inventories potential sources of contamination and determined the susceptibility of the source water to contamination. The Illinois EPA has completed the Source Water Assessment Program for our supply.

Susceptibility to Contamination

Further information on our community water supply’s Source Water Assessment Program is available by calling DWM at 312-7422406 or by going online at http://dataservices.epa.illinois.gov/swap/factsheet.aspx

2024 VOLUNTARY MONITORING

The City of Chicago has continued monitoring for Cryptosporidium, Giardia and E. coli in its source water as part of its water quality program. No Cryptosporidium or Giardia was detected in source water samples collected in 2024. Treatment processes have been optimized to provide effective barriers for removal of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts in the source water, effectively removing these organisms in the treatment process. By maintaining low turbidity through the removal of particles from the water, the possibility of Cryptosporidium and Giardia organisms getting into the drinking water system is greatly reduced. In 2023, CDWM has also continued monitoring for hexavalent chromium, also known as chromium-6. USEPA has not yet established a standard for chromium-6, a contaminant of concern which has both natural and industrial sources. Please address any questions or concerns to DWM’s Water Quality Division at 312-744-8190. Data reports on the monitoring program for chromium-6 are posted on the City’s website which can be accessed at the following address below: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/water/supp_info/water_quality_resultsandreports/city_of_chicago_ emergincontaminantstudy.html

For more information, please contact Patrick Schwer At 312-744-8190 Chicago Department of Water Management 1000 East Ohio Street Chicago, IL 60611

Radioactive & Synthetic Organic Contaminants (Chicago)

<0.003 <0.002 <0.005 <0.002 <0.003 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.003 <0.005 <0.004 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.02 <0.004 <0.003 < 9 <0.008 <0.007 <0.005 <0.006 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.004 <0.004 <0.004 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.002 <0.005 <0.002 <0.003 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.003 <0.005 <0.004 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.02 <0.004 <0.003

< 9 <0.008 <0.007 <0.005 <0.006 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.004 <0.004 <0.004 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.002 <0.005 <0.002 <0.003 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.003 <0.005 <0.004 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.02 <0.004 <0.003

Turbidity - Regulated at the Water Treatment Plant - Information Statement: Turbidity is a measurement of the cloudiness of the water caused by suspended particles. We monitor it because it is a good indicator of water quality and the effectiveness of our filtration system and disinfectants.

The percentage of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removal was measured each month and the system met all TOC removal requirements set, unless a TOC violation is noted in the violations section.

LEGAL NOTICE

Lead and Copper

Definitions:

Action Level (AL): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which

water system must follow.

The most recent lead and copper sampling results may be found at https://www.northriverside-il.org/Archive.aspx?AMID=46 or by contacting the Water Department at (708) 762-5892.

the 2024 monitoring period .

Water Quality Test Results

Definition The following tables contain scientific terms and measures, some of which may require explanation

Ave: Regulatory compliance with some MCLs are based on running annua average of monthly samples

Level 1 Assessment: A Level 1 assessment is a study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system.

Level 2 Assessment: A Level 2 assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions.

Maximum Contaminant Level or MCL: The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal or MCLG: The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

Maximum residual disinfectant level or MRDL: The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.

na: not applicable.

mrem: millirems per year (a measure of radiation absorbed by the body)

ppb: micrograms per liter or parts per billion - or one ounce in 7,350,000 gallons of water.

ppm: milligrams per liter or parts per million - or one ounce in 7,350 gallons of water.

Treatment Technique or TT: A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water

Riverside author earns prize for historical ction book

e Friends of American Writers awarded Roberta Hartling Gates’ book about Vichy France

By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter

Riverside author Roberta Hartling Gates has been recognized by the Friends of American Writers, a 103-year-old Chicagoland literary organization, for her historical fiction book, Number 12 Rue Sainte-Catherine: and Other Stories, published last year

A collection of nine short stories, the book covers the life and times of Klaus Barbie, the head of the Gestapo secret police in Lyon, France, after the country became occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II.

Barbie, who came to be known as the Butcher of Lyon, “was a war criminal, one of the last to be tried back in 1987. It describes his early years, his years in Lyon, his years in South America, and, finally, when he’s extradited to France and brought back to stand trial,” Gates told the Landmark. “There is also a story that takes place after his death, a story that reminds the reader that damage done during wartime, and during wartime atrocities, lives on. It has a life of its own.”

The author will be selling copies of the book at the North Riverside Library’s summer reading kick-off party Saturday, June 7, and at Riverside Arts Weekend in Guthrie Park Sunday, June 8.

Gates, who has lived in Riverside for about 40 years, said she was inspired after a trip to the Resistance and Deportation History Center in Lyon, where some of the French Resistance was based. She came across video footage of Barbie’s trial, where he was found guilty of crimes against humanity for his role in torturing Jewish people and members of the resistance during the war. Barbie was sentenced to life in prison, where he died of cancer in 1991.

“When I got home, I thought, ‘I’m going to write about this.’ It wasn’t too difficult to get the court transcripts,” she said.

In the course of her research, “I realized that so many Nazi war criminals, or Nazi of-

ficers, just escaped. They just kind of evaporated after the war. They went back to Germany and sold insurance, or whatever they did, but, because of this big trial, there were a lot of books written about Klaus Barbie, so I had something to start with,” she said. “After I read those books, I started to think about, ‘What was his childhood like? What went wrong? How did somebody, who wanted to be a priest when he was a child, grow up and become this?’”

Gates said it took her a decade to write the book, though that wasn’t her goal; instead, she said it happened naturally in the course of writing a different novel about resistance leader Jean Moulin.

“I was thinking, ‘This is just so hard. I’m going to take a pause and write some stories.’ As I said, I kept writing stories that were either about Barbie or the people that he worked with, or his mistress, or whatever. Then, I finally realized, ‘I have nine stories here. I guess they could be put together into a collection of linked stories,’” she said.

While doing research for Number 12 Rue Sainte-Catherine, Gates said she drew on what she could recall from high school and college French classes to read French history books and biographies.

“I hired a French tutor. It was a wonderful woman who lived out in Plymouth Place [in LaGrange Park], and she was from France. She not only helped me with my French, but she also gave me some very helpful info rmation about French attitudes and mores, and a lot of things that, as an American, you don’t really realize [about French culture],” she said.

Tammie Bob, a member of the Friends of American Writers’ literature awards committee and previous president of the group, said Gates’ collection of stories won this year due to the quality of the author’s writing and her handling of a controversial subject matter.

“One by one, we read it, and it was like, this is a really fantastic book. It takes a very difficult topic. It’s a series of connected short stories. Generally, short story collections — we have awarded them before, but, in general, the stories are inconsistent. There’s a few really good stories and a few that it seems like they were added to round out the collection, but that was not the case here,” she said. “Ev-

Rober

“Number 12 Rue Sainte-Catherine: and Other Stories,” which was recognized by the Friends of American Writers earlier this year.

ery story was like a gem, and every story was in a different style. It was, as far as we were concer ned, masterful writing.”

Number 12 Rue Sainte-Catherine won alongside Michelle Ephraim’s book Green World: A Tragicomic Memoir of Love & Shakespeare. Both authors received a $2,500 cash prize in addition to recognition from the Friends of American Writers, which has been awarding “outstanding” Midwester n authors for their work since 1922.

Gates said she felt her book, published in September 2024, is “tremendously timely.”

“We see fascist leanings all around the world right now. It’s very frightening when a graduate student at a college is surrounded suddenly by men in hoods who drag her off to an unmarked van. I mean, that is like Nazi Germany,” she said, referencing Rümeysa Öztürk, a student at Tufts University in Boston who was detained in Louisiana for more than six weeks after criticizing the school’s response to the Israel-Hamas war.

“I do know from my studies that, really, it only took Hitler a matter of months to declare an emergency and close down the press and send the union guys to prison,” Gates added. “It can happen very fast, and I think it’s something that is applicable to our times.”

Healthy Minds Matter YOUR BEST LIFE with Lisa Capone

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.

Visit Cantata.org for more senior living advice or call (708) 387-1030.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (HSA): PART II

HSAs can be a powerful tool to help save and pay for qualified medical expenses.

Here are more tips about unlocking the potential of your HSA:

Your employer may make contributions

Many employers actually help their workforce pay for health care costs through contributions to their HSA. If you’re enrolled in a high-deductible health plan through your employer, make sure you check to see if this benefit is available to you. ‘’Think of this as an employer contribution for your health,” said Volo. “You won’t get a tax deduction on what your employer contributes, but you will be able to spend it on qualified expenses taxfree or give it the potential to grow over time by investing it.”

You can invest funds held in your HSA

health care costs throughout retirement.

Your HSA is yours to keep

According to a recent survey, 46% of Americans believe they’ll have to forfeit the money in their HSA at the end of the year if they don’t use it. Thankfully, that isn’t the case. Remember, unlike a flexible spending account, there are no use-it-orlose-it rules in your HSA. The account is always yours, even if you change employers, and the money you contribute can be used now and in the future.

The money you contribute to your HSA is taxfree, and it can be invested to potentially grow over time, which is an especially valuable contribution to your retirement nest egg. That’s great news for your wallet when you consider that the average 65-yearold retiring in 2025 can expect to spend $157,500 in

For more information, check out IRS Publication 969, Health Savings Accounts and Other TaxFavored Health Plans, and IRS Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses (including the Health Coverage Tax Credit).

By Linda Sokol Francis. E.A.

Beyond Hunger hosts healthy chef challenge

Having fun while raising funds to ght hunger

By RISE SANDERS-WEIR Eats Reporter

Beyond Hunger’s fifth annual Healthy Chef Challenge was held on Thursday, May 29. The fundraiser brought together supporters, staff, clients and chefs to increase the impact that the organization, for merly known as Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry, makes in the community

After ticket holders arrived at the Goose Island Barrel House in Chicago, they perused several educational stations.

One was a spice guessing game. Wrapped bottles allowed sniffs and a try to put a name to the smell. Attending this station was a Beyond Hunger Health ambassador

This program trains community members to advocate for healthy cooking and nutrition knowledge that can reduce diseases, such as diabetes.

“I was one of the original ones,” Elijah Stanciel said. “One of the biggest sur pris-

much experience others.

“We hand out recipes and health information to the ones that come to the pantry. Sharing with them and helping people lear n how to eat more healthier,” he said.

At another station college intern dieti-

Beyond Hunger hires next CEO

Beyond Hunger has announced the hiring of Jennie Hull as its next CEO. Hull will succeed Michele Zurakowski, who will retire this month as CEO after almost 20 years of leadership.

Hull comes to Beyond Hunger from Nourishing Hope, one of the largest and longest operating hunger relief orga nizations in Chicago where she has served most recently as interim president and CEO. During her eight years at Nourishing Hope Hull oversaw all client-facing which included pantry programs, home delivery, and Chicago’s first online market. She also grew key par tnerships that provided significant mental wellness programs and critical social services.

emerged as the exceptional leader our organization needs to guide us into our next chapter. Her impressive track record of strategic vision and deep commitment to our mission made her the unanimous choice for this crucial role. We are confident that under Jennie’s leadership, Beyond Hunger will continue to grow its impact and effectively address the critical needs of those we serve. The forward to working closely with Jennie to build upon our foundation of success and advance our vital commitment to food justice.”

“On behalf of the board of directors, I am delighted to welcome Jennie Hull as the incoming CEO of Beyond Hunger,” said Laura Gutier re z, board chair. “After an extensive search process, Jennie

tians showcased an example of a monthly food box that pantry clients receive – fruit, vegetables, proteins, grains – both shelf stable and fresh.

Staff dietitian, Bri Kellogg, explained the contents, which are mostly donated by the local community, both from individuals and grocery stores.

“We prefer not to get candy or baked goods or sweets,” Kellogg said. “We know our shoppers want good, healthy food. We also know that good food is expensive. So there needs to be a bridge there. That’s where we can step in.”

The main event of the evening was the chef challenge. Three acclaimed local chefs used typical pantry box ingredients to create a meal in 45 minutes. The catch was a secret ingredient unveiled at the event: mangos

The competing chefs were Greg Wade of Publican Quality Bread, Javauneeka Jacobs of Frontera Grill and César Murillo of North Pond.

“Competition cooking is really not my bit, but I love bringing money for a good cause, and food insecurity is a big problem,” Wade said. “I’m happy to happy to help with that.”

Jacobs said, “I grew up eating from food pantries. So being able to support it and show people that there’s healthy food and you can get creative to make a meal, that’s something that was really important to me.”

“I am thrilled that the board has selected someone with such deep expertise in food security to lead Beyond Hunger forward. Jennie’s passion and skill at creating strategic programmatic response to community need will provide a seamless throughline for the organization,” said Michele Zurakowski, outgoing CEO.

As the chefs cooked, a silent auction and a paddle raise generated even more funds to support the group’s efforts. All guests were served a light dinner. One won a raffle prize prior to the event to become the “official taster.” Natalie Thompson was seated with the judges to sample the chef ’s meals.

“All three chefs made really delicious dishes,” said Thompson.

Judges were Monica Eng of Axios Chicago and The Chewing podcast, Chef James Roth who is an executive chef and culinary instructor and David Manilow creator of Check, Please!

Chef Murillo plated steamed Swai and a cornmeal crepe with romesco sauce and pickled mango. “The mango that was cut to look like shredded cheese. It was really cute,” said Thompson.

Chef Jacobs’ meal was chicken roulade with escabeche-style vegetables with mango and scalloped potatoes

The winner was Chef Wade’s cornmealcrusted Swai with a carrot fritter and mango sofrito.

“Chef Wade’s dish was unanimous among us.” Thompson said. On whether she’d want to sit at the judges table again, she said, “Absolutely! Next year I’m buying 10 tickets for the raffle.”

Funds raised at the event will provide more than 221,000 meals for local families.

L ANIE HIBEL/FOOD PROJECT

LEFT TO RIGHT: Judge Monica Eng; Contestants Greg Wade, Javauneeka Jacobs, and Cesar Murillo; and judges James Roth and David Manilow.

JENNIE HULL

L ANIE HIBEL/FOOD PROJECT

O cial Taster Natalie ompson

Solution for R-B baseball

from page 1

to use the field for baseball games, the zoo uses it sometimes, too — as overflow parking.

“There was one time, it was a nice day on spring break in March of 2011 or ‘12, and we had our softball and baseball teams playing games [on the field],” Kevin Skins, the superintendent of D208, told the andmark Monday. “The zoo got crowded, and they started to put cars in the outfield, and we had to stop the g ames.”

Now, RB’s teams play baseball and softall at fields owned by local park districts avoid a redo of that day, Skinkis said.

In 2021, the high school came to an reement with the forest preserves for the usage of the land, but the zoo nixed due to a 27% reduction in paved parking in the area. T he year before, the forest preserves rejected a different plan the high school and zoo had ag reed to due to the number of bur oak trees that would ve been removed.

“I’m starting my 15th year at RB, and ve been in conversations with the zoo to try to come up with a solution for the field for over 11 years, and I know this is something that my predecessors had been working on,” Skinkis said. “Over the last two years, I have had some really good conrsations with Dr. Mike [Adkesson] and Jennifer Baader from the zoo, and I think it was in early spring when they gave me a heads-up that they were going to propose legislation to see if that would help us.”

Adkesson is the zoo’s president and CEO while Baader is its senior vice president of vernment af fairs

Baader told the Landmark Tuesday morning the legislation came to be after the zoo tried to find a way to for malize its previously infor mal ag reement with RB.

“We talked with the forest preserves and found out that it’s possible, [but] we didn’t ve legal authority to enter into a more for mal ag reement through our enabling

statute in Springfield,” she said. “The forest preserves, the zoo and the high school all went down to Springfield and met with Sen. Porfirio, Sen. [Javier] Cervantes, Rep. [Abdelnasser] Rashid and Rep. Lisa Hernandez … Those elected officials were able to push a bill quite quickly through the process in Springfield, and we’re so excited that it passed in record time.”

While she said it was too early to comment on the specifics, Baader said a final ag reement between the forest preserves, zoo and high school would likely give control of the field to RB.

“We do not have plans for [the field] under our Next Century Plan over the next 15 years, so instead of having that land sit vacant or as a partially used parking lot, we hope that this bill allows us to utilize the space to the best of its ability by sharing it with the community,” she said.

A press release from Porfirio ’s office suggested RB officials may look to buil d a “new baseball stadium” on the field following a sublease ag reement with the zoo. Skinkis said there are no concrete plans for such a stadium, but D208 would intend to invest in improving the field ’s infrastructure to make it safer for students if a sublease is finalized.

“The ideal situation would be, the school district would provide funds to the zoo so that they can update some other parking areas so that the high school ca n have access to that field and not have to wor ry about cars being parked on the field,” he said.

Skinkis said he was “overwhelmed with excitement” when he learned the bill had passed the Illinois Senate over the weekend.

“If this all comes to fruition and a plan comes in place, I think there will be many, many, many families in the District 208 community that will be happy to see that a resolution has come about,” he said. “The high school is very appreciative to all the local legislators, the zoo staf f, the forest preserves staf f and the community for being patient as we work through this. We are very optimistic about the future.”

Drunk driver arrested after hitting street and stop signs

Riverside police arrested a man, May 26, for driving drunk after his car struck roadway signage. Around 2:22 a.m., two officers responded to a report of a hit-and-run at the intersection of Northwood Road and North Delaplaine Road. A resident, who had called the police, said he was inside his home when he heard a loud crash from the street, followed by “a dragging sound.” When the man went outside, he saw the street sign and stop sign from the intersection’s southeast corner laying in the road with vehicle debris.

One of the officers followed a trail of “noticeable liquid spillage” on the road before coming across a white Nissan stopped with its headlights on near the intersection of Northwood and Akenside roads. The officer observed “heavy damage” to the front passenger side of the car and saw two men awake in the front seats.

The man said he had drunk “a couple” of alcoholic drinks before ag reeing to step out of the vehicle and take field sobriety tests. During the tests, the officer saw the man “wobble and stagger” and fail to follow instructions correctly. The man also ag reed to take a preliminary breath test, which showed .19 blood alcohol content, more than twice the le gal limit.

The officer arrested the man and searched him for weapons and contraband, finding a “drug pipe.” The officer inventoried the man’s car and confiscated another pipe alongside the bottle of vodka. Police had the car towed and later transported the man’s passenger to his home in North Riverside.

At central lockup in Berwyn, the man took another chemical breath test, which showed .195 blood alcohol content. While

After being approached by the officer, the driver said he was OK and had been trying to take his friend home to North Riverside. The man said he didn’t know if he had been involved in a crash and that the car’s damage was already there. According to police, the officer noticed the man had glassy eyes and that he spoke slowly and slur red his words. The officer also saw an open bottle of vodka with liquid inside in the cup holder.

answering questions, the man said he had stopped the car after his friend told him he had struck the curb and a sign. He said he didn’t realize he had hit something before then and was thankful it wasn’t a person. The man apolo gized before police booked him on DUI charges and later released him on pre-trial conditions with a July 18 court date.

Suspended license and plates

Brookfield police ticketed a 44-year-old Willowbrook man, May 23, for driving with a suspended re gistration. Around 10:33 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 4300 block of Prairie Avenue when their squad car’s license plate reader picked up on a nearby white Chrysler. After running the car’s license plates through the Spillman police software, the officer learned the car’s re gistration had been suspended due to a lack of insurance.

The officer pulled the car over and asked the driver for his license and proof of insurance, which the man provided. After

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Frunning the man’s information through the Spillman search, the officer learned his driver’s license had been suspended as well.

The officer told the man he would need to legally park his car and have someone else pick him up, as he could not legally continue to drive. The officer issued the man citations for driving with suspended license plates and a suspended driver’s license and set a June 24 court date.

These items were obtained from the Riverside Police Department reports dated May 26 and the Brookfield Police Department reports dated May 19-26; they represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

Compiled by Trent Brown

Presented by

Future Technology Systems Marks 30 Years of Service and Innovation

uture Technology Systems, based in Brookfield, proudly celebrates 30 years in business in 2025. Founded by Allen Goodcase in 1995, the company began in the residential market, wiring newconstruction homes for several high-end builders in the Barrington and North Shore areas. That early work naturally evolved into home automation, home theater, and computer networking, which became a core focus for many years. Over time, the company transitioned into the commercial sector, where it now specializes in designing and installing advanced audio, video, and electronic systems for businesses, schools, museums, houses of worship, libraries, and government agencies throughout the Chicago area.

Technology Systems on the principles of dependability, workmanship, and innovation. Over the years, the company has provided customized solutions in audio/ video integration, sound masking, presentation systems, paging, computer networks, and surveillance—helping clients improve efficiency and performance.

“This milestone is both humbling and exciting,” said Goodcase. “From day one, my goal has been to create practical, high-quality technology solutions that truly work for my clients. I’m grateful for the trust and support I’ve received over the years and look forward to continuing to do what I love.”

With a passion for problem-solving and a lifelong dedication to electronics, Goodcase built Future

With a passion for problemsolving and a lifelong dedication to electronics, Goodcase built Future Technology Systems on the principles of dependability, workmanship, and innovation.

Brookfield offers Future Technology Systems a location with good expressway and Tollway accessibility, attractive amenities, and a strong sense of place.

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Opinion

THE L ANDMARK VIEW

No more cars in the out eld

It is not a done deal, yet. But it is actual progress, and the two parties involved, Riverside Brookfield High School and Brookfield Zoo Chicago, appear very optimistic that new legislation passed through the hurricane of the state legislature’s final days will allow them to resolve an issue which has frustrated both for many years.

Assuming the bill is signed by Gov. JB Pritzker, and it certainly should be, it would allow the zoo to for mally sublease a field north of the high school to District 208. RB could then officially, and in some version of perpetuity, use that field for its baseball and softball teams.

This has been a thoroughly convoluted situation forever. The field is officially under lease by the zoo from the Cook County Forest Preserves. Until now, the zoo was not legally allowed to for mally sublease the land to the school. Legislation brought forward by State Sen. Mike Porfirio makes that deal possible.

While the zoo has allowed RB to use the field for the most part, it has, when its attendance soars, taken over the field for parking cars. You can’t play baseball with cars in the outfield, and cars tend to leave ruts when parked on grass. That’s why RB’s baseball and softball teams play their actual games on local park district fields. Not a great solution.

A zoo spokesperson said the zoo does not have plans to incorporate the field into its master plan and so was open to finally resolving this conflict. Kevin Skinkis, RB’s superintendent, said he was “overwhelmed with excitement” when the legislation passed last weekend. He said that when this deal is final, the school will begin planning for an investment in the space that will make it a suitable home field for RB.

For its part, the zoo will seek other alternatives for its occasional parking crunches. Skinkis allowed the possibility that the school might help the zoo fund such upgrades to its parking.

If you’re looking for a case study in how government — schools, zoos, county, state — can actually work together to solve a nagging problem we have it here.

Irene Machalek, 98

Real estate agent

Irene A. Machalek, 98, of Riverside and Brookfield, died on May 26, 2025. She was an accomplished real estate agent with Century 21 Realtors and a member of the Realtors Association, Sokol, and Ceska Beseda. She was an avid golfer, swimmer and enjoyed bowling, travel and fine dining.

Irene was the sister of the late Mary (late George) Stulik and the late Frank (late Delores) Machalek; the aunt of Judy Potter, Robert Shve gzda, and Thomas (Barbara) Machalek; the great-aunt of Jorie Stern, Matthew, Peter, Jack and Joseph Machalek and the late Jeffrey Potter; and the great-greataunt of Owen and James Machalek.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 3 from 3 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, June 4, 10 a.m. till time of services at 11:15 a.m. at Ivins/Moravecek Funeral Home, 80 E. Burlington St., Riverside, then to St. Mary Church for Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m., followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

Funeral info 708-447-2261 or www. moravecek.com.

Tom Ilic, 88

Carpenter at RB High School

Tomislav “Tom” Ilic, 88, of Riverside, died on May 27, 2025. Born on Sept. 6, 1936, he was a retired carpenter

OBITUARIES

at Riverside Brookfield High School.

Tom was the husband of Pallue (nee Maynard); the father of Lisa (late Robert) Damico, Suzana (Blake) Smith and Brian (Tammy) Ilic; Deka of Serena Ilic and Caleb Smith; brother of the late Milica Stevanovic, late Mico Ilic, and late Mira Zivanovic.

Family and friends will meet at New Gracanica Serbian Monastery, 35240 W. Grant Ave., Third Lake, IL 60046 on Thursday, June 5 for a funeral Mass at 12 p.m., followed by interment New Gracanica Serbian Cemetery.

Funeral info at 708-447-2261 or www. moravecek.com.

He completed graduate studies at Eastern Illinois University with a master’s de gree in economics, then spent numerous years in the financial equity industry with a special emphasis on monetary futures/commodities.

Known for his quick wit, analytical mind, and easy-going demeanor, he had the ability to make friends quickly by putting them at ease by making them laugh.

Daniel is survived by his loving companion of 24 years, Jerri Friend, who says, “You will forever be a part of every breath I take. You are my eternal compass.” He was the son of the late Thomas and Rose (nee Vacovsky) Gribben; stepson of the late Phillys Gribben; brother of Karen Thomas, Carolyn Gribben and the late Tom (Mari) Gribben; uncle of Kelly (Luke) Dussman, Cody Gribben and Daniel Thomas; great-uncle of Penelope Gribben, Evie Dussman and Tommy Dussman Jr.; and is survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Daniel Gribben, 70

Daniel ribben, 70, of Brookfield, of Berwyn, died on April 8, 2025. Born on May 16, 1954 at Loretto Hospital in Chicago and raised in Berwyn, he graduated from Morton West High School in 1972 and was an honor student in math and science. He played varsity football, basketball, baseball and track. He was part of the “Prep Football All-Star Team” in 1971 and the MVP in football for 1969-1970. He attended Hillsdale Colle ge in Michigan on a full football scholarship. Playing wingback/wide receiver, he was named “Outstanding Receiver” in 1974, as well as honorable mention All-Star MVP in 1974. He graduated in 1976 with his bachelor’s de gree in economics.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Irish Times Pub & Restaurant, 8869 Burlington Ave., Brookfield. Please come ready to share memories, laughs and good times.

In lieu of flowers/donations, please light a candle and post a cherished memory of Dan.

Arrangements were handled by Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home, Brookfield. Online condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family at www.JohnsonNosek.com

Georgette Brokopp, 65

CEO, In nity Health Care Sta ng

Georgette Brokopp (nee Lozano), 65, of Brookfield, died on May 20, 2025. Georgette worked as a nurse and enjoyed spending her time crafting and tending to her garden.

Her husband John writes: Georgette cared more for others than herself. She was compassionate and empathetic. I

OBITUARIES

was 38 when she came into my life. She was 29. She brought all her family into my life I had no family except for a few cousins. She started her health-care career as an LPN and worked her way through school after we married on May 20, 1990, to become an RN and earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing. She became CEO of Infinity Health Care Staffing in LaGrange. When she left there, she devoted her life to her family and rked on the sets of local movie and

years of marriage to Georgette was a gift from God, my one love, one lifetime. I look to my precious friends and loving TSA family to give me strength, and of course our sons Jonathan and Joshua, in whom Georgette lives on.

Georgette was the wife of John G. Brokopp and the mother of Jonathan G. and Joshua W. Brokopp.

Memorial visitation and services were held on May 28 at Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home, 3847 Prairie Ave., Brookfield Online condolences, memories and phomay be shared with the family at www.JohnsonNosek.com.

Ivins /Moravecek

Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Family owned since 1885

David Moravecek - Owner Additional

Sports

RBHS softball beats LTHS for 3A regional crown

RBHS wins rst regional since 2022; Nazareth gets third straight

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Junior Kennedy Holakovsky often helps the high-powered Riverside Brookfield High School softball team’s offense as the designated hitter.

“Being the DH comes with pros and cons,” Holakovsky said. “One pro is that you don’t need to worry about making errors in the field that can bring down your energ y. One con is that it can be difficult to stay focused throughout the game.”

Holakovsky’s third home run this season was an unforgettable one, a walk-of f, tworun shot in the sixth inning that completed the Bulldogs’ 11-0 victory over Lyons Township for the Class 4A Hinsdale Central Regional title.

RBHS (24-9), the No. 4 seed in the Marist Sectional, played top-seeded Marist (33-2) Tuesday. The winner faces No. 2 Downers Grove North or No. 3 York for the sectional title at 4:30 p.m. Friday.

“When I hit the walk-of f, I felt more of an adrenaline rush. It felt much more exciting compared to the others,” said Holakovsky, a part-time catcher who also homered in the 9-4 re gional semifinal win over Hinsdale Central May 27.

“I wasn’t expecting to hit a home run at the end of the game. I go up to the plate just trying to get on base. None of the others compared. This one, it just felt better.”

The Bulldogs not only felt great about beating their rival and No. 12-seeded Lions (11-19) but also their first re gional title since 2022. Senior third baseman and Northern Kentucky recruit Ellie Megall is the only remaining player from that team.

“It’s so exciting and means a lot to me that for my last season, pull of f the win,” said senior and year varsity senior second baseman Ella Jurgens. “Everybody went in with a really good mindset and were play. LT is a competitive team and knowing we had a close game the last time and knowing that we previously lost to them in the [2023] re gional final definitely helped get that started.”

Freshman Mia Melend home run, a three-run shot, to start the five-run sixth. The Bulld two runs in the bottom of two r uns in the third Freshman winning pitcher threw a two-hitter with six strikeouts three walks and two hit batter (3 for 4) and Melendez Bulldogs’ 11 hits.

“[Re gional titles are] something that’ hard to do so we’re super excited it. T he girls worked super hard all season and have fun playing to RBHS head coach Emma Ja

“We always g et excited [to play LT] so it was nice for us, especially since we had beaten them earlier in the year. It’s tough to beat a team a second time so we’re excited about that. And we always g et a good crowd for the g ame.”

In the first meeting, RBHS won 3-2, May 2, with Pytel getting 14 strikeouts

LTHS junior shortstop Ava Jacklin led of f the third with a single. The Lions had r unners on third and second when Pytel got a full-count strikeout to end the inning. T hey also had r unners on second and first in the sixth after a two-out single by Julia Ahrens.

“We didn’t execute of fensively when we needed to and we played flat with less energy than we’ve had in recent past g ames,” LTHS coach Me g an Quinn said. “Defensively, we beat ourselves and didn’t make fundamental plays. RB

Riverside-Brook eld’s second baseman Ella Jurgens (1) makes the throw to rst base against West Chicago dur ing an Upstate Eight Conference game April 8, 2025 in Brook eld.

played a great game all around.”

T he Lions only graduate three senior starters – first baseman Isabella Evans, right fielder Maddie McLane and center fielder Lucy Dreher. McLane left the g ame in the fifth after injuring her left shoulder colliding with second baseman Maddie Luciano going after a short fly down the right-field line Jacklin and Evans were named all-conference.

“Our team was successful this season in the way we always ke pt a positive attitude no matter some of the outcomes,” Jacklin said. “The main thing some of us returners will take away from the season

is how to battle in adversity and keep a good mindset in the midst of it all.”

In the re gional semifinals, May 27, the Lions beat No. 5 Downers Grove South 9-4 to avenge a 7-3 loss March 26. Junior third baseman Maddy Pieroni was 3 for 4 with a home r un, double and three RBI. McLane (double) and Evans had two hits.

Nazareth softball

The Roadrunners, the No. 3 seed in the 3A St. Laurence Sectional, won their third straight re gional title Friday with a 10-0 victory over Hinsdale South in the Hinsdale South Re gional final.

STEVE JOHNSTON

RBHS, LTHS baseball teams’ seasons end in regional

Riverside’s

Zidlicky

helps Nazareth capture eighth-straight regional title

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Senior shortstop Sean Campbell and his Riverside Brookfield High School baseball teammates hoped to play local rival Nazareth Academy in the Class 3A Nazareth Re gional final. Despite a strong ef fort, however, the Bulldogs lost to Oak Lawn 4-1 in the re gional semifinals Thursday

“It is just disappointing how many barrels we put on balls that were just right at somebody, but I think we played well,” Campbell said. “Mainly we just wanted to keep playing and see how far we could make it and disappointing we couldn’t make it to (the re gional final). But it’s always fun to play good teams (like Nazareth).”

RBHS (19-14), the No. 7 seed in the Reavis Sectional, tied the game 1-1 in the bottom of the second inning as Damian Noe hit a leadoff single and scored on a two-out single by Zach Ryzewski. The No. 10 Spartans (23-14), who homered in the first, pulled ahead 2-1 on a run-scoring double in the fifth and runs in the sixth and seventh inning No. 2 Nazareth (31-6) defeated Oak Lawn 10-0 in Saturday’s re gional final behind winning senior pitcher Chase Zidlicky from Riverside (4 strikeouts, 2 hits allowed in 4 innings). T he Roadrunner s face No. 6 Mt. Carmel (21-13) in Wednesday’s semifinals with the sectional final at 11 a.m. Saturday.

“We talked all year about prepping for g ames that are tight and just came up a little short,” RBHS coach Mark Ori said. “We played well. We thought we hit the ball decent. Defensively, we made three great plays, highlight plays. Their pitcher (John Olejniczak) did a nice job, kept guys of f balance a little bit. Although we got hits, we didn’t capitalize.”

RBHS had seven singles, two by Ryzewski, and stranded four runners in scoring position from the second through fifth innings. The Bulldogs also had runners on second and first in the seventh when a double play ended the game. The “highlight reel” defensive plays kept the Bulldogs in the game. On the RBI double in the fifth, the Bulldogs threw out the trail runner at the plate on the relay from right fielder Ryzewski to first baseman Eli Costello to

Riverside-Brook eld’s Zachar y Ryzewski (11) connects for an RBI tying the game 1-1 against Oak Lawn dur ing the IHSA Class 4A Nazareth Regional semi nal May 29, in La Grange Park

catcher Gino Pigoni. In the third, left fielder Ethan Smith threw out a runner at second trying to extend a single. The fourth began with senior center fielder Jaden Despe making a sprawled-out diving catch with his back to the infield.

“They could have easily went up 5-1, 6-1,” O ri said. “We still had a chance in the seventh with two outs. (Those pl ay s) ke pt us in the g ame.”

In their first year in the Upstate Eight C onference, RBHS finished second in the E ast Division and had four all-conference pl ayers – C ampbell (.449 batting averag e, home r uns, 26 RBI s, 11 d oubles), senior leadof f hitter Smith (,376, 2 HR, 14 RBI s, team-high 36 r uns) and j uniors N oa (.277, HR, 20 RBIs) and pitcher A idan Polich (52, 2.20 earned-run averag e, 44 strikeouts in 35 innings).

“I think this team has grown to g ether as a group and this was an amazing team and season,” C ampbell said. “For myself,

I hit much more XBH (extra-base hits, 14) than I ever have.”

Besides captains C ampbell, Smith and Desp e, the seniors included standout pitcher Mi ke O ppe ga rd (6-1, 1.49 ERA, 39 strikeouts in 37.2 i nnings), who was injured since midseason.

“He c ould have easily packed it up. He was there, willing to do (stats) or talk through stuf f with the pitchers, ” Or i said. “Just the leadership at the senior level is going to be tough to re p lac e. In the of f season, they took charge, r an all of the wo rkouts. If I even of fered an opportunity for an of f day, they wanted to at least come in and hit or do something . Overall, it ’s a hard-wo rk ing group.”

In the Roadrunners’ victory, Zidlicky had four strikeouts and allowed just two hits in four innings. Landon T home (4for-4, tripl e, double, 2 RBIs) and Jimmy O’Connor (2-fo r-3, 2 RBIs) led an 11-hit ef fort

wnship baseball re the No. 3 seed in the Reavis Sectional but had the task of beating No. 5 Mt. Carmel on its field in Saturday’s

The Lions (22-11-1) lost 10-2 after Mt. Carmel (21-13) jumped to a 6-0 lead with three runs in the top of the first and second innings. The Caravan will play No. 2-seed Nazareth (31-6) in Wednesday’s sectional

“From the games we had scouted them, seem to do as well hitting but they came out and were ready to swing, They were a tough-hitting HS coach Kevin Diete said. “In addition to it being their day, it wasn’t our field the ball well (3 er rors) hit the ball well. It speaks to the quality of the sectional but we also to try and host our re gional. I think that would help. When you’re running into a Mt. Carmel or Brother Rice, you’d run into them in the sectionals most likely.” were limited to three hits Mt. Carmel pitcher and Notre Dame commit Connor Elenteny (3 strikeouts, 3 walks), two singles by junior catcher Justin Heydorn and an RBI double from senior designated hitter Noah Fitzgerald.

The Lions tied for third in the West Suburban Conference Silver Division, one victory from sharing the title. Their all-conference players were seniors Tucker King (4-2, 2.07 ERA, 40 strikeouts in 40 innings), Saturday’s starting pitcher, and first baseman Dom Pisciotti (.333, 27 RBIs), junior Lou Ratcliffe (.404, 3 HR, team-high 34 RBIs) and sophomore shortstop Blake Ragsdale (.352, 2 HR, 26 RBIs), who continued to excel after a mid-season elbow injury.

“The best part about the team was they stayed level headed,” Diete said. “We lost a lot of games the last two, three weeks and we were still in the conference fight. To stay level headed, I was very impressed with that. I told the guys coming back we just have to learn from that and keep getting better in what we do.”

The Lions beat No. 14 Morton 10-5 in the re gional semifinals May 27. Heydorn was 3 for 3 with a double and three RBI. Ragsdale (double, 2 RBIs), senior Luke Nicholaus (double) and Fitzgerald each had two hits.

STEVE JOHNSTON

Bid Advertisement

Issuance Date: June 5, 2025

Owner: The Board of Trustees, LSF Brookfield Library

Project: 9023 Lincoln Avenue

Demolition

Bid Date: July 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM CDT.

1. Sealed Bids will be Received: LSF Brookfield Library at 3541 Park Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513. Bids shall be submitted in a sealed envelope. Identify the envelope with: 1) Project name; and 2) Bidder’s name. Envelopes must date stamped, upon receipt, to be considered. ALL bidders are required to submit DUPLICATE COPY.

2. Bid Opening: At the LSF Brookfield Library. All bids will be opened publicly and read aloud starting immediately at 11:00 AM CDT. All interested parties are invited to attend.

3. Project Description: Demolition of existing buildings (single family residence, garage and shed), and associated building utility services and hard scape surfaces, including removal of asbestos and UST (per Environmental Reports) and site restoration

4 Examination of Documents: Drawings, environmental report and bid documents may be examined at the office of Manhard Consulting, located at 1 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 2700, Chicago, Illinois 60601. Contact: Donnie E. Manhard III, Phone: (312) 824-3808; email: dmanhard3@manhard. com

5. Procurement of Bid Documents: After 9:00AM on June 5, 2025, qualified contractors can secure Bid Documents from Donnie E. Manhard III at Manhard Consulting, 1 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 2700, Chicago, Illinois 60601. Phone (312-824-3808). There will be a Non-Refundable fee of $25.00 for each hard copy of bid documents. Bid documents will be provided in electronic format (PDF form) at no cost.

6. Pre-Bid Meeting: There will be a non-mandatory pre-bid meeting on Tuesday June 17, 2025 at 10:00AM and interested persons are strongly encouraged to visit the site prior to bidding during normal operating hours.

7. Bid Security: shall be submitted with each bid proposal in the amount of ten percent (10%) of total bid amount made payable to the LSF Brookfield Library.

8. Contractor Requirements:

A. Illinois Prevailing Wage Rates shall apply for this project

B. Written sexual harassment policy in place in full compliance with section 2-105

of the Illinois Human Rights Act.

C. A Drug-Free Workplace in full compliance with Section 3 of the Illinois DrugFree Workplace Act.

D. A fully executed Non-Collusion Affidavit.

9. Contact:

Owner Representative: - Mr. Daniel Eallonardo (630) 9626151

Independent Construction Services, Inc.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive irregularities in the bidding procedure, or accept the bid that in its opinion will serve the best interest. Any such decision shall be considered final. The Owner reserves the right to set aside a bid from a contractor who, in the Owner’s opinion, does not exhibit past experience equal to the size and scope of this project.

Published in RB Landmark June 4, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE

In accordance with the Open Meetings Act, this is to advise you that the next Riverside Township Mental Health Board Committee Engagement Committee meeting will be held on June 17, 2025, at the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois at the hour of 6:30 p.m.

Published in RB Landmark June 4, 2025

Notice of Vacancy and Procedures to Fill Vacancy

Riverside Township hereby gives notice that Trustee John P. Carroll, Jr. has submitted his resignation to accept a judicial appointment. He has stated its effectiveness as of 11:59 PM on May 22, 2025. The Board will accept the resignation and declare a vacancy at its next meeting.

The Board invites letters of interest, with resumes, to fill the vacancy. By law, to qualify, an applicant must be a legal voter and a resident of the township for no less than one year. Resumes must be submitted no later than 3PM on Friday, June 20, 2025

- In Person, during business hours M-Th 9 AM to 4 PM, or Friday 9 AM to 3 PM at the Township Office, in the Town Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, first door on the left.

- By Mail to Vera A. Wilt, Supervisor, Riverside Township, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, IL 60546.

- By Email to: supervisor@ riversidetownship.org

The Board will interview qualified, interested parties by appointment, with the goal of appointing a trustee to fill the unexpired term at its July 8, 2025 regular meeting. The appointment would be to fill the unexpired term, which runs until May 20, 2029.

Published in RB Landmark June 4, 2025

NOTICE OF PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT PERIOD FOR DRAFT PY 2025–2029 CONSOLIDATED PLAN, PY 2025 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN, AND AMENDED CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN

Notice is hereby given that the Village of Oak Park’s Draft 5-Year Consolidated Plan for Program Years (PY) 2025–2029—which includes the PY 2025 Annual Action Plan and the amended Citizen Participation Plan—is available for public review and comment.

The public comment period will run from June 5, 2025, through July 11, 2025.

The draft documents may be reviewed during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, at the following locations:

� Oak Park Village Hall, Neighborhood Services Department, 123 Madison Street

� Oak Park Public Library, Main Branch, 834 Lake Street

� Online at: https://www. oak-park.us/Community/ Community-Services/ Community-DevelopmentBlock-Grant-CDBG-Program

The Consolidated Plan is a strategic planning document required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It identifies housing and community development needs and sets priorities for the use of federal

funds, especially to benefit low- and moderate-income residents. The Annual Action Plan outlines specific projects and funding allocations for PY 2025. The Citizen Participation Plan ensures residents have meaningful opportunities to be involved in the planning and decision-making process.

A Public Hearing will be held on July 11, 2025, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Room 101 of Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302.

Written comments can be submitted by July 11, 2025, to: Vanessa Matheny, Community Services Administrator

Email: grants@oak-park.us

Mail: Village of Oak Park, Neighborhood Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302

Persons requiring special accommodations or translation services should contact the Neighborhood Services Department at (708) 358-5410 or grants@oak-park.us at least 48 hours in advance. Every effort will be made to meet requests for reasonable accommodations to ensure participation.

Published in Wednesday Journal, June 4, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park ��Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302�� will receive electronic proposals until 10�00 a.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025 for Project: 25�02, Resurfacing of Various Locations. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below. In general, this contract includes removal and installation of curb and gutter, sidewalks and sidewalk ramps, and driveways; combined sewer repairs; drainage structure installation and adjustments; pavement patching; full depth pavement removal; coldmilling of bituminous concrete; installation of hot-mix asphalt base, binder and surface courses; installation of HMA vertical elements at various locations; pavement markings; flexible delineators, parkway expansion and restoration; and all appurtenant work thereto.

Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 4�00 p.m. Plans and proposal forms can be found at https://www.oak-park. us/your-government/budgetpurchasing/requests-proposals or at www.questcdn.com under login using QuestCDN number 9721064 for a nonrefundable charge of $64.00.

The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No bid documents will be issued after 4�00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening.

The work to be performed pursuant to this proposal is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq.

THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer

Published in Wednesday Journal, June 4, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids from qualified contractors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2025 for the following:

Village of Oak Park

Water Distribution System Leak Survey

Bid Number: 25-122

Bid documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oakpark.us/bid. For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700 during the above hours.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed Proposals will be accepted for: 2025 Franklin Ave – Keystone Ave Watermain Replacement Project Design Engineering Services

The Village of River Forest is seeking a professional engineering firm (FIRM) to assist the Village with design engineering services for the 2025 Franklin Avenue – Keystone Avenue Watermain Replacement Project. Respondents must be able to demonstrate expertise with all aspects of water main engineering design, land surveying, and easement research. Submittals should include the firm’s qualifications, project team(s), resumes, project approach, and recently completed related engineering work.

The RFP is available for download starting Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at: www.vrf.us/bids

Proposals must be submitted by Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. to:

Village of River Forest

Attention: Jack Bielak P.E., CFM Director of Public Works & Engineering

400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305

Proposals will be considered based on the criteria set forth in the RFP.

No Proposal 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 deadline.

The Village of River Forest reserves the right in receiving these Proposals to waive technicalities and reject any or all Proposals.

Published in Wednesday Journal June 4, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public notice is hereby given that the Board of Education of Riverside School District 96 in Riverside, Illinois will receive sealed bids for:

SECURITY EVALUATION AND UPGRADE

Copies of the Bid Documents including plans and specifications will be available starting June 5, 2025. Bidders can download electronic Drawings and Specifications from the BHFX Plan Room, www.bhfxplanroom.com Printed sets may be ordered and paid for by the contractor.

All bids offered must be accompanied by bid security in the form of certified check or bid bond made payable to the Owner in the amount of not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount of the aggregate of the bid as a guarantee that if the bid is accepted, a contract will be entered into and the performance of the contract properly secured. The successful bidder for the project is required to furnish Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the bid amount, with sureties to be approved by the Owner, and in the form required by the Bidding Documents.

The successful bidder is required to pay the general prevailing wage for work under this Contract as ascertained by the Illinois Department of Labor, and shall submit certified payroll records, in compliance with the Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130) and the requirements of the Bidding Documents.

A pre-bid meeting will be held on June 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Hauser Jr. High School, 61 Woodside Road, Riverside, IL 60546. Bidders must allow sufficient time to register at the building prior to being permitted to proceed to the meeting location.

Bids will be received until 1:00 PM, June 23, 2025, at the District office at 3440 S. Harlem Ave, Riverside, IL 60546. A public bid opening will take place afterwards at 1:30 PM, June 23, 2025 at the District office at 3440 S. Harlem Ave, Riverside, IL 60546.

The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all bids or any part thereof.

Published in RB Landmark June 4, 2025

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

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