RIVERSIDE-BROOKFIELD Also serving North Riverside $1.00
Vol. 35, No. 32
August 5, 2020
They had a Guy North Riverside throws fond sendoff for former administrator PAGE 16
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Komarek School hires co-principals for 2020-21 PAGE 8
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Riverside seeks help identifying carjacking suspect PAGE 11
Third party will handle RBHS remote learning
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ROW, ROW ROW...
Students choosing fully virtual option won’t get high school’s teachers By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter
Riverside-Brookfield High School is offering a both a hybrid instruction plan and a fully remote learning option for the new school year, which begins in two weeks. But the fully remote learning option will be provided by an outside company specializing in online learning -not by RBHS faculty. And students who choose the fully remote option will have to stick with it for the entire first semester. If families choose the hybrid option, students will go to school in person for two mornings a week. The rest of their instruction will be provided online by RBHS faculty. The decision to offer a hybrid model and a remote option came about after the deliberations of a 19-person COVID-19 transition committee established this summer. The committee included four parents. “The committee felt it was very important to provide some form of in-person instruction at least two days a week so that students can build relationships and establish some routines with their classroom teachers,” said District 208 Superintendent Kevin Skinkis. “We’re uncertain on how long we’ll be able to implement this model. Hopefully for first semester but we’ll watch it on a day to day basis and if at any time we feel there’s a need to go a full remote plan.” See RBHS on page 12
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
Kayakers paddle down a placid Des Plaines River in Riverside, enjoying a late summer outing on the water on Friday, July 31.
LTHS puts spotlight on equity School board president: ‘We’re not satisfied’ with achievement gap efforts By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter
A new group has formed this summer to pressure Lyons Township High School to take strong steps to reduce
the achievement gap in academic performance between white students and Black and Hispanic students at LTHS. The group, called Belonging & Equity at LT, also wants to end racism at the high school, which serves the south
half of Brookfield. In response to a groundswell of pressure and concern about race and equity that seemed to accelerate after See LTHS on page 15
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The Landmark, August 5, 2020
The Landmark, August 5, 2020
Despite pandemic, Brookfield barbecue joint still smokin’
Beach Ave. BBQ soon will sell beer and wine as well
IN THIS ISSUE Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Kosey Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
By BOB UPHUES Editor
Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
While most restaurant owners and employees are still adapting to the new realities of running an establishment in the midst of a public health crisis, for Juan Silva and Christopher Chin at Beach Ave. BBQ in Brookfield, it’s the only reality they’ve ever known. And right now, that reality has meant their wood-fired pits have been working nonstop Wednesday through Sunday, smoking whole hogs and Wagyu beef brisket, half chickens and hot links – 800 pounds’ worth a week – over oak logs inside the small wedge-shaped building at 3453 Grand Blvd., overlooking the Veterans Memorial Circle at Eight Corners. That’s a lot of meat. “It is when you actually think about it,” said Chin. “And this isn’t even at full capacity.” According to Chin, there hasn’t been a “normal” month yet for the nascent restaurant, which officially “opened” on April 11, though customers weren’t able to actually enter the eatery until June 3, the first day Beach Ave. BBQ welcomed walk-in customers. “It’s almost like every month is something different,” said Chin. In April and May, customers ordered prepackaged meals for pickup curbside. Since the business had been operating on a popup model selling a limited menu prior to the April 11 open, that wasn’t unfamiliar. During April, when there were sudden shortages of certain items, like chicken, and price spikes on items like beef, the limited menu also served to conserve precious inventory. “We didn’t want a lot of waste because of all the uncertainty,” Chin said. In early June when the state began allowing outdoor dining, Beach Ave. BBQ was able to place six tables along the Grand Boulevard parkway and customers were welcomed inside to place takeout orders. While Silva and Chin were a little leery about opening the space for inside dining in July, they didn’t want to shut out customers, and have the space to accommodate about 16 total. “I don’t think we’ve ever been at capacity, though some people sit inside,” Chin said. “The carryout business is still the majority of what we do.” Beach Ave. BBQ’s menu leans heavily on low-and-slow barbecue staples – ribs, pulled pork, brisket, chicken. Sides are limited, on purpose, but the restaurant has regular specials, like Taco Thursday, smoked wings on Wednesdays and smoked trout.
Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Editor Bob Uphues Sports Editor James Kay Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Designers Javier Govea, Mark Moroney Advertising Designer Debbie Becker Advertising Sales Marc Stopeck Sales and Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls Sales & Development Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Front Desk Maria Murzyn, Carolyn Henning Publisher Dan Haley ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
PIT MASTERS: Beach Ave. BBQ owners (top) Christopher Chin, left, and Juan Silva prepare a takeout order on Aug. 2 during brunch service at the Eight Corners eatery; above right, Chin and Silva prepare a pan of baby back ribs for an order; above left, Silva cuts some Wagyu brisket for a customer’s order. Opening a restaurant has also introduced the partners to a new experience – being employers. When the business was takeout-only, they could pretty much handle the output by themselves. With Chin working full time as a police officer in Forest Park – he handles administrative duties at the restaurant like payroll, catering schedules, licensing and the like – Silva is in the restaurant full time. With smokers going constantly, he’s needed some help. The restaurant is open Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “The only time the pits shut down are from close on Sunday to Tuesday morning,” Chin said. They have three full-time employees to
work the two pits and the line, plus a handful of college kids to fill in, but making it all run smoothly “has been a whirlwind,” Chin said. “When we switched over [to full service] it was a totally different animal,” Chin said. “But it’s working out pretty well. There was a bit of a learning curve timing-wise with the pits. Luckily we got a lot of practice with pre-orders. It was a matter of dialing the time down.” In the next few weeks, Beach Ave. BBQ will also begin selling beer and wine. The Brookfield Village Board is expected to convene a special meeting this week for the sole purpose of voting to create the license. “We’d like to keep the beer local, from breweries in our area,” Chin said. “Beer and barbecue go hand in hand.”
Business Manager Joyce Minich
HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-442-6739 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 E-MAIL buphues@wjinc.com ONLINE www.RBLandmark.com The Landmark is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. The newspaper is available on newsstands for $1.00. A one-year subscription costs $30 within Cook County and $40 outside the county. Advertising rates may be obtained by calling our office. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS 0019-585). Postmaster send address corrections to Landmark, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302. © 2020 Growing Community Media NFP.
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The Landmark, August 5, 2020
BIG WEEK
August 5-12
Brookfield Library digs into Chicago
Brookfield Public Library invites you to uncover the amazing stories of Chicago buildings old and new and the giants of design and engineering who built them during “Dig Deeper: The Foundations of Chicago Architecture” on Monday, Aug. 10 at 2 p.m. The presentation is hosted by historian and author Dave Clark via Zoom. Registration is required at brookfieldlibary.info or by calling 708-485-6917, ext. 130.
Book club discusses ‘The Radium Girls’
North Riverside Public Library invites you to participate in its Book Club discussion via conference call on Tuesday, Aug. 11 at 6:45 p.m. The book under discussion for Aug. 11 is “The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women” by Kate Moore. Copies of the book are available from the library through Hoopla, Libby and RB Digital. Call in at 800-747-5150 and punch in code 1453322.
And more Aging Care Connections hosts Aging Well Neighborhood Online Classes for seniors via Zoom every week. Coming up is Healthy Living for Brain & Body: Tips from the Latest Research on Aug. 6 at 10 a.m.; Senior Strong Fitness on Aug. 7 at 11:15 a.m.; Act II Flicks featuring “Isn’t It Romantic” on Aug. 7 at 3 p.m.; and Coffee & Conversation Support Group on Aug. 10 at 9:30 a.m. Email AWN@agingcareconnections.org for participation links and questions. The Lyons Township Assessor’s Office, 6404 Joliet Rd., Countryside, is open for property tax appeals through Aug. 14. Property owners who seek in-person assistance must make an appointment. Office hours ■
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Triton backpack giveback Triton College, in partnership with West 40, will host its 3rd Annual Backpack Giveback Event on Saturday, Aug. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Triton College campus, 2000 5th Ave. in River Grove. The college will distribute 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to area families free of charge. Registration is strongly encouraged at triton.edu/backpack, though registration doesn’t guarantee a backpack. Families will be asked to remain in their vehicles and drive through campus to the distribution location. Those without vehicles will be served on a walk-up basis in front of Triton College’s H Building. Social distancing will be enforced. All attendees must wear face coverings. are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (closed for lunch noon to 1 p.m.) with extended hours until 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 4. Questions? Call 708-4828300, and choose Option 1. North Riverside Public Library is offering the following virtual programs through Facebook Live, conference calls and the teleconferencing app Zoom. Programs include Talented Tuesdays every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. via Facebook Live on North Riverside Public Library’s Facebook page; Game Night Fridays every Friday at 7 p.m. via Zoom; and Stretching and Meditation via conference call (800-747-5150, code 1453322) on Aug. 10 at 6:30 p.m. RSVP to bodenl@northriversidelibrary.org or visit northriversidelibrary.org/events for all Zoom meeting access info. ■
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Riverside Parks and Rec will host its annual Cori’s Kids Triathlon for kids and adults virtually this summer. The run/bike/swim event is held every year in memory of Cori Sikich, a Riverside college student who died in 2002. The Cori Sikich Foundation was established to provide support, opportunities and tools for children and young adults to live healthy, productive lives. The event is open to anyone age 7 and older, with race distances differing by age group, 7-10, 11-14, 15-17 and 18-up. The cost to enter the event is $23 and registration is open through Aug. 20. Submit your results by Aug. 29. More information and a link to the registration form can be found at riverside.il.us/181/ Coris-Kids-Triathlon-Youth-Adult.
16th Street Theater presents ‘Divercity’
16th Street Theater will replace its regularly scheduled summer show by hosting Tellin’Tales Theatre’s “Divercity,” six virtual shows featuring solo performances by writers and actors with disabilities. “Divercity” features performances by Elizabeth Doll, Melissa Fuller, Nate Woogen, Sarah Bowden, Susan McKean and Theresa Pacione, directed by Tekki Lomnicki. The show will be shown on Vimeo, with a short talk back after each show. Performances are Aug. 7 and Aug. 8 at 8 p.m. and Aug. 9 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 ($8 for people
Brookfield Public Library offers virtual classes and programs for patrons of all ages throughout the week. Most youth activities will be presented live on the library’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ BrookfieldPublicLibrary. Events include literacy classes and Geek Labs, Zumba for Families and Mammals & More. Youth Services will also host a weekly sidewalk art challenge on Sundays. Each week’s winner will receive a gift card to a local business. For adults, there’s Chair Yoga via Zoom on Aug. 6 at 11 a.m. Register for access info by visiting brookfield.evanced.info/signup. Riverside Arts Center is offering Boredom Buster Boxes and Virtual Party Boxes to give the kids some hands-on fun. Each box all the materials needed to complete an art project and instruction sheets. Order ■
Riverside Rec hosts virtual triathlon
with disabilities) plus $2 commission per ticket. Each ticket is for one person, on their honor. Buy tickets at 16thstreettheater.org/ divercity-event-details. In addition, you can join a free Zoom panel “The Future of American Theater for All Abilities” on Thursday, Aug. 6 at 6 p.m. Tekki Lomnicki of Tellin’Tales, Talleri A. McRae of National Disability Theatre and Amber Smock from Access Living discuss the future of American theater for all abilities, moderated by Esteban Andres Cruz, associate artist at 16th Street Theater.
online and RAC will deliver the boxes to your front porch (no contact). Order at riversideartscenter.com/ category/classes/kids-classes. You can also enjoy the annual Members’ and Kids’ Exhibition virtually. Visit the RAC website at riversiartscenter.com, scroll down the home page to the exhibit information and click the “download” button. The exhibition includes all manner of styles and media, from figurative and abstract painting to photography, sculpture, glass and ceramics. Riverside Public Library offers virtual programs for adults, kids and families, including a Take Home Craft for Kids through Aug. 10. Call in and request a craft, and library staff will bring it out to you curbside. Supplies are limited. Call 708-442-6366. ■
The Landmark, August 5, 2020
P O L I C E
R E P O R T S
Two hurt in Cermak Road rollover crash Two people, a 43-year-old Broadview man and a 25-year-old Chicago woman, were hospitalized July 30 after the woman reportedly ran a red right while driving a 2010 Chevy Tahoe westbound on Cermak Road and struck the man’s 2014 Chevy Cruze, which was traveling south on First Avenue through the intersection at about 11:10 p.m. The police report and accident report do not indicate how badly either driver was injured, but paramedics transported both drivers to Loyola University Medical Center. Police reported that the impact of the crash sent the Chevy Cruze spinning into the front end of a 2011 Subaru Forester that was stopped for the red light in eastbound lanes of Cermak Road. The 37-year-old Cicero woman behind the wheel of the Subaru refused medical attention. The Chevy Cruze came to rest in the right turn lane of eastbound Cermak Road just west of First Avenue. Meanwhile, after the impact of the crash, the Chevy Tahoe struck the concrete median of Cermak Road and rolled multiple times before coming to rest in the eastbound lanes of Cermak Road near 2nd Avenue. A police officer who is a certified drug recognition expert interviewed the Chicago woman and determined that neither drugs nor alcohol appeared to have played a role in the crash. Police ticketed the woman for disobeying a traffic signal and driving too fast for conditions.
Motorcyclist reportedly loses control, crashes A man who was injured when his motorcycle crashed on Harlem Avenue near Lindberg Road in Riverside on July 30 at about 2:40 p.m. appears to have simply lost control of the vehicle, according to police. The man, whose name and hometown were not provided by police, was headed southbound on Harlem Avenue when he fell off the bike, which skidded away until it struck a minivan. The motorcyclist also skidded along the street before coming to a stop at the curb. A witness said she saw a black pickup truck speed away from the scene and the motorcyclist said the truck may have cut him off or clipped his front tire, but security video from a nearby business reportedly showed the truck about 200 feet in front of the motorcycle when the driver begins losing control of bike.
Truck stolen in garage burglary ■ Brookfield police responded to the 9000 block of Southview Avenue on the morning of Aug. 3 after a resident called to report his work truck stolen from the garage overnight.
The victim told police that in addition to power tools being taken from the garage, his work truck was also stolen, as the keys were in the garage. ■ North Riverside police responded to a home in the 2400 block of 2nd Avenue on the morning of July 30 after a resident called to report that a bicycle had been stolen from his garage. Security cameras reportedly captured the incident, which took place on July 29 at 2 a.m. The suspect, a Hispanic man in his 20s, wearing a black shirt and a backpack, is seen entering the unlocked service door and exiting a short time later with the bike.
It isn’t time to panic!
Vehicle break-ins, car theft A car stolen from the driveway of a home in the 2200 block of 2nd Avenue, North Riverside, during the overnight hours of July 28-29 may be related to other vehicle breakins in that area the same night. The victim called police when he noticed his white Volkswagen GLI, which had the keys left inside, missing from his driveway. Security video showed a person enter the vehicle, leave it and then return a short time later and drive it away. Another unlocked vehicle parked a few doors down on 2nd Avenue was also broken into overnight that night. Loose change was taken from the vehicle. Unlocked vehicles were also targeted in the 2300 block of 5th Avenue and the 8500 block of Cermak Road.
Aggravated speeding North Riverside police charged a 23-yearold Maywood man with aggravated speeding after an officer on patrol reported seeing a black Chevy Monte Carlo and a silver Dodge 4D weaving in and out of traffic in the 7700 block of Cermak Road on July 31 at about 9:30 p.m. According to police the Monte Carlo sped past the Dodge, reaching 81 mph in a 35 mph zone. The officer pursued the vehicles, with the Monte Carlo turned into the parking lot of the North Riverside Park Mall via the Outer Ring Road. It stopped at 25th Street, where the driver was arrested. He reportedly told police the Dodge had cut him off, sparking a high-speed road rage incident. The officer was unable to stop the Dodge, which drove away to the east. These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Riverside, North Riverside and Brookfield police departments, July 27-Aug. 2, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these reports has only been charged with a crime. These cases have not been adjudicated.
— Compiled by Bob Uphues
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The Landmark, August 5, 2020
State ad campaign promotes masks as COVID positivity rate hits 4% Local case numbers continue to hover at higher levels By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois
COVID-19 cases are on the rise throughout the state and Gov. J.B. Pritzker is hoping a new $5 million state advertising campaign will help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus by encouraging use of face coverings. Pritzker announced the campaign, which has the tagline “It only works if you wear it,” at the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Operations Center in Springfield. The governor said the costs are reimbursable through federal coronavirus relief funds. Pritzker said the campaign will permeate “really every kind of medium that you can think of,” including “a good deal on social media,” cable, broadcast TV, Hulu, YouTube and many other platforms. The governor praised a recent action by Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder, who signed an order imposing fines for Springfield bars and restaurants flouting masking, social distancing and capacity restrictions. It also banned occupancy of standing areas at
bars both inside and outside. “But government action isn’t the only answer,” Pritzker said. “In fact, it’s not enough by itself. We also need all our residents to take this seriously, and to protect themselves.” The added push for face coverings, which have been mandated in the state since May 1, comes as the state’s rolling seven-day positivity rate for COVID-19 tests hit 4 percent Aug. 3. That drove the rolling positivity rate to the highest it’s been since June 11, when it was 4.2 percent. The 1,298 new cases among 28,475 test results reported made for a one-day positivity rate of 4.6 percent. That followed 3,106 combined confirmed cases announced Saturday and Sunday among 78,754 test results reported.
18 new cases in Brookfield, 9 in Riverside On the local level, an upward trend in new COVID-19 cases seen in Brookfield and Riverside a week ago largely continued for the week ending Tuesday morning, Aug. 4. After seeing a spike of 24 new cases a week ago, Brookfield added another 18 residents who tested positive for COVID-19 as of the morning of Aug. 4. That was tied for the third-highest weekly total of new cases in Brookfield since the Cook County Depart-
ment of Public Health began tracking COVID-19 data in March. As of Tuesday morning, a total 243 Brookfield residents had tested positive for COVID-19, including four who have died of the disease. The last Brookfield resident reported to have died from the disease was on June 7. The nine new cases of COVID-19 in Riverside were the most in a one week period since the seven-day period ending May 26, right around the time the state began loosening its stay-at-home restrictions and began allowing activities such as outdoor dining. As of Tuesday morning, Riverside’s total number of COVID-19 cases stood at 121, with two deaths, the last of which was reported on May 4. Three North Riverside residents tested positive for COVID-19 for the week ending on the morning of Aug 4, bringing that village’s total to 90. Three North Riverside residents have died from the disease, with the most recent fatality reported on July 19.
Guv: Wear a mask When asked if the state or local governments should impose fines for those not wearing masks, Pritzker said, “The idea
here is not to chase people down on the street and say, you know, ‘Hey you’re not wearing a mask and I’m going to throw a ticket at you.’” He said the first priority is to ask those without masks to put one on. “People who refuse to wear a mask, people who are entering public premises where they know they’re supposed to wear a mask, and who have been reminded, and who aren’t, those people certainly should be, you know, reminded again by police and ultimately if they’re absolutely refusing in public, they’re putting other people at risk, so it’s worthy of considering a fine at a local level,” he said. The state has now reported 183,241 cases of COVID-19, including 7,526 deaths, since the pandemic began. At the end of Sunday, there were 1,418 people in Illinois reported to be hospitalized with COVID-19. Of those, 347 were in intensive care units and 132 patients were on ventilators. Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, reiterated the need for wearing masks in public as well. “It’s the same message we’ve been echoing since the beginning. We’re all safer and stronger when we go all in Illinois,” she said. Bob Uphues contributed to this report.
By Linda Sokol Francis. E.A.
MANY TAXPAYERS DON’T REALIZE THEY COULD BENEFIT FROM THE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT
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he earned income tax credit benefits millions of taxpayers who qualify by putting more money in their pockets. This money can help with things like food, gas, clothing and even saving for a rainy day. • Taxpayers may be married or unmarried. If married, they must file a joint return. • Those who claim the credit without a qualifying child must meet rules for age, residency and dependency. • For a child to qualify, they must live with the taxpayer for more than six months of the year. • In addition, the child must meet rules for age, relationship, support, citizenship and joint return. • Special rules apply for members of the U.S. military serving in a combat zone. • EITC is a refundable tax credit. This means those who qualify and claim the credit could pay less federal tax, pay no
tax, or even get a tax refund. • To get the credit, taxpayers must file a tax return and claim the credit, even if they don’t owe any tax or aren’t required to file. • Unmarried workers without a qualifying child who earn less than $15,570 may qualify for a smaller amount of the credit. Grandparents: Grandparents who work and are raising grandchildren can also benefit from the EITC. These individuals who are caring for their grandchildren should find out if they qualify. It’s important because they’re often not aware they could claim these children for the EITC.
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The Landmark, August 5, 2020
North Riverside mayor blasts trustee’s ‘slander’ on Zeigler deal Mandel rebuked for claiming village board’s actions were ‘illegal’ By BOB UPHUES Editor
North Riverside Mayor Hubert Hermanek Jr. publicly rebuked Trustee Marybelle HUBERT HERMANEK JR. MARYBELLE MANDEL Mandel at a special village board meeting At that time six trustees told Hermanek on July 27, calling comments she made at a they supported the idea, according to the meeting two weeks earlier “slander.” memorandum, with one expressing no On July 13, North Riverside trustees voted opinion. Hermanek told the Landmark that 4-2 to approve a generous sales tax rebate trustee was Mandel. incentive to Zeigler Ford, 2100 Harlem Ave. The village prepared a letter of intent, The deal rebates Zeigler Ford half of retail sales taxes on the purchase of auto- which it delivered to Zeigler Ford and vilmobiles for the next 20 years. In exchange, lage trustees, and the item was placed on Zeigler Ford promised to remain in the vil- the July 13 village board meeting agenda lage for the next two decades and undertake per requirements of the Illinois Open Meetings Act. a major renovation and expan“As you can tell from readsion of the showroom and dealing this memorandum, there ership inventory, an initiative was absolutely no misconduct they told officials would double or illegal acts committed with revenues there. respect to the meetings,” HerMandel was one of the trustmanek said during his preees voting against the rebate; pared remarks at the July 27 the other was H. Bob Demospecial meeting, which was poulos. Explaining her vote at called to pass the village’s 2020the time, Mandel said the Zei21 appropriations ordinance. gler rebate proposal “was not “Being accused of wrongdobrought before the board proping by someone ignorant of erly.” the law is not appreciated and “This was not held at a reguuncalled for,” Hermanek said. DEBORAH CZAJKA lar board meeting, and it was “Trustees are elected officials North Riverside trustee not asked of the residents to of this village and should congive their input at a public duct themselves appropriately, meeting and therefore I feel it’s especially at board meetings.” improper and illegal,” Mandel In an email to the Landsaid on July 13. mark following the meeting, Hermanek blasted Mandel’s Mandel confirmed she felt the use of the word “illegal,” sayboard failed to discuss the mating it prompted him to have the ter publicly prior to it being village’s legal counsel write a placed on the July 13 agenda. memorandum of law, a copy of The July 13 meeting was propwhich has been obtained by the Landmark, regarding how the matter was erly noticed and the item was clearly listed as part of that agenda. handled. “No village in this area has ever done this The memorandum, written by Village Attorney Michael Hayes, reveals that Zeigler without a committee meeting being held,” Ford approached the village with the sales Mandel wrote. “It is the residents’ money tax rebate proposal in March and that Her- and they should be made aware of the situmanek spoke to each trustee individually at ation. We had several Zoom meetings prior least once (and in one case twice) in May to to this, they were on Zoom. Why not in May a committee?” get feedback and gauge support.
“That’s why we’re elected. We are elected to make these decisions.”
After being called out by Hermanek on July 27, Mandel continued to insist that the board’s action was improper. “I did not slander the village, the mayor, the administration,” Mandel said. “I just gave my opinion that the meeting was improper in regards to the situation with the Zeigler deal. And I still feel that the residents should have been notified prior to a decision on the vote for it. “There should have been a meeting, whether public through Zoom but it should have been advertised prior to the meeting.” Trustee Terri Sarro, responding to Mandel’s contention that residents should have been notified sooner, said that trustees had been presented with the Zeigler proposal by the mayor and that Mandel had plenty of time to request such a meeting. “If you felt a Zoom meeting was needed, you had two months to request one, and I don’t appreciate being slandered that we did anything illegal, because we did not,” Sarro said. Mandel reiterated that “when it comes to taxpayers’ money, they should be involved in decisions.” To that, Trustee Deborah Czajka responded, “That’s why we’re elected. We are elected to make these decisions.”
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Split board passes appropriations ordinance North Riverside trustees ratified the village’s spending limits for the 2020-21 fiscal year on July 27, voting 4-2 to pass its appropriations ordinance. Trustees Deborah Czajka, Fernando Flores, Joseph Mengoni and Terri Sarro voted in favor of the ordinance, with H. Bob Demopoulos and Marybelle Mandel voting against. The ordinance approves spending roughly $27.7 million across all funds, with about $18.5 million of that total directed to general operations. The two biggest line items in the general operating fund are for the police department and fire department which, combined, account for expenditures of nearly $13.3 million, according to the ordinance passed July 27. By state law, the village was required to pass an appropriations ordinance before the end of the first quarter of the village’s fiscal year, which began May 1.
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The Landmark, August 5, 2020
Komarek School will go with co-principals in 2020-21 School board appoints two administrators to serve in hybrid roles
By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter
There’s new leadership at Komarek School this year – and not just in the superintendent’s office. While Todd Fitzgerald replaced Brian Ganan as superintendent on July 1, Principal Jason Gold quietly also left Komarek School this summer when his contract expired at the end of June. Gold has been replaced by two Komarek administrators who will serve as co-principals as well continue performing the jobs they already had. The new co-principals are Diane Michelini, who is the district’s dean of students, and Caitlin DiLallo, the school district’s director of student services. Both will be paid $20,000 stipends on top of their regular salaries to act as co-principals this year. Michelini will make a total of $89,888 this year, while DiLallo will make $109,880. “They’re both fantastic,” said Ganan, who left Komarek to take over as superintendent of LaGrange School District 105 “They’re both incredibly hard working and absolutely committed to the Komarek community.” Michelini, 38, has been at Komarek since 2008. She started out as a junior high math and science teacher before being named dean of students last year. She attended Komarek as young child for kindergarten, first, and second grades before her family moved to LaGrange Park. “I do have fond memories of the school and the community,” Michelini said. Michelini graduated from Lyons Township High School and Eastern Illinois University. She has a master’s degree in administration from Olivet Nazarene University. DiLallo, 35, is starting her third year at Komarek School. She was initially hired to be the assistant principal in 2018 and last year be-
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
TEAM EFFORT: Komarek School Co-Principals Caitlin DiLallo, left, and Diane Michelini will also continue to perform jobs they had last year, earning an additional stipend for taking on the administrative duties of leading the K-8 school. came the school’s director of student services. Her background is in special education. She’s worked at residential schools, group homes, and at school districts in Wheaton and Huntley before coming to Komarek. DiLallo earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from Roosevelt University. She has two master’s degrees, one from Western Michigan University in teaching kids with low vision and blindness and another in educational leadership from Lewis University. She earned her endorsement as a director of special education from the University of St. Francis. The two co-principals have children the same age and have become friends in the time that they have worked together at Ko-
marek. “We get along very well,” Michelini said. They know that they will face a busy year working their regular jobs as well as serving as co-principals in what will be an unusual school year. “I’m always up for a challenge, so I look forward to it and I’m excited,” Michelini said. “I really love the community that I work in -- the students, the staff, the parents. I think this community is a great place to be a part of.” DiLallo agreed. “We’re very excited about taking this role on together and working on serving the students and community of Komarek,” DiLallo said. “It’s a unique opportunity.”
The move to not renew Gold’s contract and go with co-principals appears to be mostly an economic one. As a one-school district with an experienced former principal as the new superintendent, the new arrangement saves some money. It also gives Fitzgerald a year to get to know the school up close and recommend a path forward in subsequent years. Some in the district have felt that Komarek, as a one-school district, does not need both a superintendent and a principal. Michelini and DiLallo say that they don’t feel that they are competing against each other to possibly become the full-time principal in the future. “I don’t really think about it in that way,” Michelini said. “We just want to give our best effort this year and do what’s best for the students, the staff, the community, and sees where it goes from there.” As young administrators they plan to rely on advice and guidance from Fitzgerald, who was a middle school principal in Brookfield and Oak Park for 14 years. “I think he’ll be a great deal of help, to be honest,” Michelini said. “He’s already been extremely helpful in the short amount of time he’s been here.” Gold, who served as principal at Komarek for four years, could not reached for comment. He submitted a brief four sentence letter of resignation to Ganan and the school board on March 9 and the board accepted his resignation on April 14. He served as principal through June 30. Gold was asked this spring by the Landmark if he was staying at Komarek and he said that he was. That turned out not to be true. No one at Komarek seems to know, or is willing to say, if Gold has a new job. His LinkedIn page online does not show a new job. Komarek school board president Chris Waas did not return repeated messages asking for comment about the new arrangement.
Ogden Avenue planning study delayed until early fall Village received 16 responses, but search continues for community development director
By BOB UPHUES Editor
When Brookfield trustees passed their 2020 budget late last year, one of the larger line items in it was $100,000 earmarked to come out of the Ogden Avenue Tax Increment Financing (TIF) fund for a comprehensive planning study of that key commercial corridor. The baby of then-Community Development Director Ross Klicker, the Ogden Avenue Corridor Study would assess the market realities on the busy state highway, come up with a land-use plan and identify realistic develop-
ment opportunities that sought the highest and best uses for those sites. According to an RFP sent to planning firms back in late March as the COVID-19 pandemic started to tighten its grip in the Chicago area, “The master plan should provide flexibility to allow the village to react and adapt to the changing marketplace and potential opportunities.” At the time, Klicker had hoped a planning firm to lead that study could be identified and chosen by the end of June. However, Klicker himself decamped to the northwest suburbs for a new job in May, putting a crimp into that
plan. Village Manager Timothy Wiberg told the Landmark last week that while the planning study has been delayed, it’s still on the radar. Wiberg replaced Klicker by hiring Martin Bourke, a veteran administrator, on a parttime, contract basis. Bourke had previously filled that role in 2019 while Wiberg conducted a search for a community development director that brought in Klicker. Meanwhile, the village’s RFP for the Ogden Avenue Corridor Study drew an enthusiastic response. Brookfield received 16 responses from planning firms, said Wiberg. However,
instead of going through them right now with an interim director in place, Wiberg said he’s going to wait until Klicker’s full-time replacement is in place. “One of that person’s first tasks is to pare down the list and figure out the process to get the planning firm for the project,” Wiberg said. Last week, Wiberg began interviewing seven candidates for a permanent community development director position. He said he hopes to have a finalist identified by midmonth and to have that person on board by mid-September at the latest.
The Landmark, August 5, 2020
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Brookfield to launch promotion to corral zoo visitors’ bucks Village, Chamber of Commerce partner on rebate initiative By BOB UPHUES Editor
For decades, public officials and residents alike in Brookfield have bemoaned the fact that the village’s business community has been unable to tap into the economic engine that is the area’s largest tourist attraction – Brookfield Zoo. The zoological park draws as many as two million people to its gates every year, but the vast majority of visitors seem oblivious to what Brookfield has to offer. “When I got here, I didn’t know Brookfield had a downtown,” said Village Manager Timothy Wiberg, hired in 2018 after a 15-year run as village manager of Lincolnwood. “Brookfield never did anything to try to capture that builtin market, to capture millions of people.” Within the next couple of weeks, however, Brookfield residents and visitors ought to begin seeing an attempt to do that. The concept is a simple one: If you make a purchase of $15 at Brookfield Zoo –whether that’s for parking or buying souvenirs – you can get that $15 back by spending at least $75 at any Brookfield business. Wiberg said the logistical details are still
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
BIG BUCKS? Brookfield hopes a promotion to rebate any purchase of $15 at Brookfield Zoo after a purchase of $75 or more at a local business will draw new customers into the village’s business districts. being worked out, but the initiative comes through a partnership between the village and the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce. The two entities are splitting the startup costs, which include a $5,000 contract with the digital marketing firm A5 Inc., based in Chicago. The firm will be tasked with creating the campaign and determining how it’s administered. The village and chamber may also split up to $5,000 more in marketing costs related to
the program. Outreach will be both digital ads – such as using geo-fencing to send messages about businesses in the vicinity of the zoo – and banners that will be placed near the zoo to catch the attention of visitors coming to the zoological park. Village and chamber officials had hoped Brookfield Zoo might be able to give the program a little boost by handing out brochures
at the gates as visitors arrive. However, with Brookfield Zoo outsourcing its foodservice and retail sales operations to a third party vendor earlier this year, that wasn’t possible due to a non-compete clause in that contract, Wiberg said. Initially, officials arrived at the $15 figure since it was the amount non-members pay for parking when the visit. But since many visitors are zoo members who don’t pay for parking or pay a deep discount (at the South Gate), they decided to make any $15 expenditure at the zoo eligible for reimbursement in order to capture as many potential customers as possible. Essentially, anyone spending $75 or more at a Brookfield business can present the business with a receipt providing proof of a $15 purchase at the zoo to get the rebate process rolling. The business, the village and the Chamber of Commerce will split the cost of that rebate equally. Brookfield hasn’t set a limit on how much it intends to spend to administer the program or an end date for the promotion. “We’re going to play it by ear,” said Wiberg, who admitted he had no idea how such an effort might be received by zoo visitors or how successful the program might be at driving business into the heart of the village. “It’s another logical step,” he said. “We need to do more to try to help our business districts. We haven’t done enough to capitalize on [the zoo].”
Even a pandemic can’t end the summer fun
Parks and rec departments adjust to allow kids some fun at camps By HENRY WELDON Contributing Reporter
Summer camp might look a little different this year, but it’s not dampening the spirits of kids and counselors. While camp is all about being social, attendees are not letting the virus distance them from having fun. The parks and recreation departments in North Riverside, Riverside and Brookfield have summer camp in session, but children and counselors are required to wear masks and adhere to the CDC’s guidelines. “Both staff and campers seem to be adapting well,” said Stevie Ferrari, director of parks and recreation in Brookfield. In Brookfield, Kiwanis Camp and Teen Rec Camp are being held but without field trips, visits to the pool or onsite entertainers. Despite the challenges, recreation depart-
ment staff are doing everything they can to meet local children’s needs. “The biggest issue is not being able to serve all of the families we can,” Ferrari said. “We are limited by space, capacities, activity limitations and disinfecting schedules.” Ferrari said she’s glad that camp is able to be held this summer. Although it’s been anything but normal, this is a sign that normalcy is slowly but certainly returning. “Our campers’ smiles and giggles keep us motivated to provide more,” Ferrari said. In North Riverside, four different camps are being held this summer. Usually, summer camp consists of 70 to 80 children. This summer, however, only 40 are at camp to allow for adherence to safety protocols. “Seventy percent of time at camp is spent outside,” said Teresa Mrozik, director of parks and recreation in North Riverside. Mrozik said even with the changes this summer, camp is running seamlessly and participants are adapting well. “I can’t lie, everyone is so happy,” Mrozik said. “Kids have been sedentary this summer due to everything being closed, so now that
GET YOUR KICKS: Summer campers get a little fresh air on Aug. 3 by playing kickball in Kiwanis Park. Enrollment this summer has been limited to adhere to state health guidelines.
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
they have the chance to go to camp, they’re just really happy.” To make sure everyone is safe, North Riverside has ensured that everyone wears a mask when social distancing isn’t possible, and they’re reducing movement throughout the day inside their facilities. “This year, the children are assigned to one room for that specific day,” Mrozik said. “We also added drive-thru pickup and drop-off for parents.” She said children are still able to expend some energy even during the middle of a pandemic. “Some parents say their kids are in bed right
after dinner because they’re so tired from being at camp all day,” Mrozik said. Summer camp is being held in Riverside as well. New safety precautions were set in place, allowing the village to not cancel any camps. “More protocols and procedures are in place, but overall, it’s for the better,” said Ron Malchiodi, director of parks and recreation. He said that the counselors played a big part in making Camp ReVamp a success this summer. “I credit our counselors for their creativity this summer,” Malchiodi said. “I believe these procedures made our camp safer overall.”
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The Landmark, August 5, 2020
presents
A Wednesday Journal & A Tribe Called Aging Production
wabi sabi F I L M F E S T I V A L
Our Covid-19 free gift to the community - watch it free on ZOOM in your own home
Appreciating the beauty of impermanence, a quarterly Film Series encouraging everyone to embrace and respect our aging population and the transformation of our society.
Gen
Silent
Friday, August 21 • 10am Gen Silent asks six LGBT seniors if they will hide their lives to survive. They put a face on what experts in the film call an epidemic: gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender seniors so afraid of discrimination, or worse, in long-term/health care that many go back into the closet. And, their decisions are captured through intimate access to their day-to-day lives over the course of a year in Boston, Massachusetts. The film shows the wide range in quality of paid caregivers --from those who are specifically trained to make LGBT seniors feel safe, to the other end of the spectrum, where LGBT elders face discrimination, neglect or abuse. As the film chronicles the challenges that these men and women face, each subject crosses paths with a small but growing group of impassioned professionals trying to wake up the long-term and healthcare industries to their plight. WE WILL BE JOINED BY DIRECTOR STU MADDUX AND PRODUCER JOE APPLEBAUM FOR Q+A AND DISCUSSION FOLLOWING THE MOVIE.
Signature Sponsors
Non Profit Patron Sponsors
Oak Park Township/River Forest Township
Learn more and register at: wabi-sabi-GenSilent.eventbrite.com
The Landmark, August 5, 2020
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ASSISTED LIVING • SHELTERED CARE • MEMORY CARE • SKILLED NURSING
Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.
A safe & smart choice. PHOTOS COURTESY OF RIVERSIDE POLICE
WANTED: Riverside police released this still from surveillance video, showing the man suspected of robbing a delivery driver on East Quincy Street on Aug. 1. The black Ford SUV seen following him on the street allegedly was involved.
Food delivery driver robbed of car in Riverside Police seek public’s help in identifying offenders By BOB UPHUES Editor
Riverside police seek the help of the public in helping identify two people who allegedly robbed a food delivery driver of his vehicle while he was making a delivery in the 200 block of East Quincy Street on Aug. 1 at about 6:50 p.m. The victim, a 20-year-old Berwyn man who was making an Uber Eats delivery for Panera Bread, told police that he was getting out of his vehicle on the apron of a driveway when a man approached from behind, put a hard object in his back and demanded the victim’s wallet, cellphone and car. According to police, the offender got in the victim’s vehicle – a silver Honda sedan with a Panera sign on the top – and was last seen heading east toward Harlem Avenue followed by a black Ford SUV whose driver acted as a lookout. No one was physically injured, and the victim told police he didn’t actually see a weapon. The offender was described as a black male in his late teens or early twenties with a skinny build, about 5-foot-8 and wearing a black knit hat, blue jeans, a red shirt, a black jacket and a surgical mask. Police do not have a description of the Ford SUV driver, as he never exited that vehicle. They did’ however, recover a surgical mask they believe may been worn by one of the offenders. The victim’s customer did not witness the robbery, said police, because he had opted for touchless delivery, where the food is left on the doorstep. Police suspect the victim may have been
Choosing a community you can trust has never been more difficult. Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues. We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.
CALEDONIA SENIOR LIVING IS A COVID-FREE COMMUNITY 2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL 60546 (708) 477-5092 | CaledoniaSeniorLiving.org
A Riverside surveillance camera shows a Ford SUV suspected of being involved in the incident crossing the BNSF tracks southbound on Harlem Avenue. targeted because he was clearly making food deliveries and likely had cash either on him or in his vehicle. Both public and private surveillance cameras showed the black SUV following the delivery vehicle onto East Quincy Street. The victim’s stolen vehicle had not been recovered as of Aug. 3, and police are trying to locate the Ford SUV, whose license plates registered to a Chicago owner. Police were not immediately certain whether the SUV was also stolen. Detectives also investigated whether the East Quincy Street carjacking incident was related to a pair of armed robberies that took place in Oak Park 20 to 30 minutes prior to Riverside broadcasting their incident to area police departments. However, according to Police Chief Thomas Weitzel, they were not. Anyone with information is asked to call the Riverside Police Department at 708-4472127 or email Detective James Lazansky at jlazansky@riverside.il.us.
HOPE
RESILIENCE
R ECOV E RY
Limited availability!
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The Landmark, August 5, 2020
District 103 students will start the year learning remotely With high rate of COVID-19 test positives in Lyons, officials taking cautious approach
By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter
Reacting to a high rate of positive tests for the coronavirus in the village of Lyons, the superintendent of Lyons-Brookfield School District 103 has changed gears and decided to start school remotely this month. Two weeks ago the district had announced on its website that it would start with hybrid model in which students went to class in person twice a week. But a positivity rate of 11 percent of those taking coronavirus tests in Lyons has convinced Superintendent Kristopher Rivera that it would be better for students to attend school remotely for at least the first six weeks. “While we know the best learning takes place in person, there are lives at stake,” Rivera said at the July 28 meeting of the
RBHS
Safety concerns from page 1
Apex Learning providing remote classes Students who choose the fully remote learning option will have their classes provided by Apex Learning, a privately held company based in Seattle. Apex has provided credit recovery instruction for RBHS for a number of years. “The COVID-19 Transition Committee believes that teachers cannot appropriately support different instructional models at the same time,” RBHS Principal Hector Freytas wrote in a letter emailed to parents on July 31. Skinkis said an RBHS staff member will provide some support for those taking Apex classes, but those classes will not be taught by RBHS faculty. The school district will pay the $150-per-student licensing fee required to access Apex Learning classes. “There are online modules and then there are supports from Apex with the instruction of the modules,” Skinkis said. “We’re going to have an Apex teacher that will help answer questions and get students through the process.” Brookfield resident Pam Goodman, the mother of an RBHS senior, said she’s choosing the 100-percent remote option to protect teachers, staff and family. “I don’t think it is fair to ask them to put themselves in harm’s way when there are other alternatives,” Goodman said, especially since in-person attendees will see each teacher just once a week. Goodman, however, is not thrilled about having a third party deliver instruction to RBHS students who choose that option.
District 103 Board of Education when he announced the switch to 100-percent remote learning. The 11-percent positivity rate in Lyons of those tested for the presence of the coronavirus compares to a 6-percent positivity rate in Brookfield. The first day of school for District 103 students will be Aug. 21, although teachers will report to work on Aug. 13 to prepare for the school year. Rivera said the remote learning plan this year will be more rigorous and interactive than the remote learning that took place in spring after schools closed their doors in March. It will feature daily interaction between teachers and their classes for about 2.5 hours and will include more time for individual and group work. “We’re prepared to be much more interactive,” Rivera said. “There is not going to
be packages sent home. This is going to be much more engaging.” Although students will be working remotely, teachers apparently will be expected to instruct from their classrooms. They will apparently be required to be in their buildings for five hours a day, although district administrators are meeting with the teachers union to work out the precise details. “Preliminarily we’re going to have them teach from the building,” Rivera said. Requiring teachers to work from the schools could cause difficulties for teachers who have school-age children of their own, who might also be attending schools in districts that are doing remote learning. “Every school district has different plans,” said teachers union President Toni Jackman during the public comment period of the school board meeting. “We have teachers who, their children who are not old
enough to be on their own are also going to be on a different schedule than them. What are they going to do with those kids? That’s a concern for teachers.” Some special-needs students will be allowed to attend school in person. English language learners and homeless students will also be allowed to attend school in person if they need to do so. Rivera said every student in District 103 will be given a device -- most will be Chromebooks -- to help with remote learning. For now, Brookfield-LaGrange Park District 95 and LaGrange-Brookfield District 102 are sticking with the hybrid models they announced for the new school year, with students attending school for half days. Lyons Township High School, Riverside Elementary School District 96 and Komarek School are expected to announce their reopening plans soon
“I think a very small amount of work over the summer could have pulled out the teachers who are interested in teaching online, and could have pulled out the families who were interested in having their children go through an online program, and they could have been matched up,” Goodman said. Families are being asked to choose between the hybrid option and fully remote option and to inform RBHS of their choice by Aug. 5. As of early afternoon on Aug. 3, roughly a third of RBHS families had informed the school of their decisions. Skinkis said that a little more than 10 percent of RBHS families had chosen the fully remote learning option. Peggy Rios, of Brookfield, the mother of sophomore and junior, said she and her husband – both educators themselves – “are torn” about whether to go with the hybrid or remote option. As of Aug 3, they hadn’t decided. “Our issue with the hybrid plan is we don’t feel it’s safe for any schools to open,” said Rios, who is a kindergarten teacher in Lombard. “We’re worried that staff or students are going to get really sick and perhaps die. We don’t want to see a page in the yearbook for those we lost this year. And we also really believe that within two or three weeks every school in the state is going to shut down. Nobody is going to be able to stay open.” RBHS had not planned to offer a fully remote option alongside its hybrid model, but last week the Illinois State Board of Education mandated that schools offer a remote option for students who cannot attend school in person.
Students whose last names begin with the letter A-L will attend first, second, third, and fourth period classes in person on Tuesday mornings and will attend their fifth, sixth, and seventh period classes in person on Thursday mornings. Students whose last names begin with the letter M through Z will attend classes in person on Wednesday and Friday mornings. Sack lunches to go will be provided free for students who qualify for the federal free and reduced lunch program and will be available for purchase by other students. “Everything will be grab and go,” Skinkis said. Students will spend two afternoons a week having 55-minute class periods online with their teachers and classmates. Teachers will teach from their classrooms. On Mondays no students will attend classes in person, but all classes will meet for shortened 25-minute periods virtually. Each class will meet three times a week, once in person and twice online. This will be an increase over the real time connections most students had with their teachers during remote learning last spring. Grades will count and attendance will be taken when classes meet online with their teachers. Students attending classes at RBHS will not be permitted to use their lockers. Students will not be permitted or allowed to change clothes for gym classes. All activities in Wellness classes will be structured so that they can be performed in school clothes. Everyone at the school will be required to wear a face covering while in the building. Hallways will be one way and the passing periods will be staggered to reduce traffic in the hallways. There will be a quarantine room for students exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or has a temperature of greater than 100.4 degrees.
Hybrid model teacher-dependent
Hybrid classes meet once weekly in person Under the hybrid model, students will attend classes in person twice a week during the mornings. They will meet in person with the teacher of each class just once a week.
Skinkis said that the ability of RBHS to continue with the hybrid option will depend upon how many teachers take leaves of absences due to health or child care concerns. As of Aug. 3, Skinkis said that four or five teachers had requested leaves of absences for the fall semester. School will start on Aug. 17, but during the first week students who have signed up for the hybrid option will go to RBHS just one day for orientation. The full hybrid schedule begins Aug. 24. Parents are now making the difficult choice on whether to send their kids back to school in person. “The bottom line, I think my kids need to get back into the classroom, but I’m worried about the schedule, the logistics and the virus too,” said Riverside resident Riia O’Donnell, the mother of twin daughters who will be juniors at RBHS this year. “I suppose we have to man up and get back sometime, but frankly I was hoping they’d delay the start of the year until this virus had waned significantly. I’d rather have had them back full time in October and stay through July.” Students, who have not attended school in person since March 13, are generally anxious to go back to school in person. “I think that the RB plan for the new school year encompasses all the concerns that were brought to light by teachers, students and parents,” said RBHS senior Michael Ciszewski, who served on the transition committee. “The COVID-19 Transition Committee spent a lot of time and effort working on this plan, and I think that for the time being it will be the best option. I will be doing the hybrid option because I want a strong senior year before I head off to college. The education is also better in person.”
The Landmark, August 5, 2020
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Board members chosen for Growing Community Media Diverse blend of experience on inaugural board Growing Community Media, the non-profit recently created to lead independent community newsrooms on the West Side and near west suburbs, announced its inaugural board of directors this week. The six-member board will focus on strategic planning, financial oversight, governance and development. The editorial independence of the newsroom is specifically noted in the organization’s bylaws. There are currently four flags serving seven communities within Growing Community Media. They include Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest, the Austin Weekly News, Forest Park Review and Riverside-Brookfield Landmark.
GARY COLLINS
JUDY GREFFIN
In alphabetical order, here are the members of the board: ■ Gary Collins: River Forest. Banker, currently vice-chair of Old Second Bank. Longtime Wednesday Journal Inc. board member. ■ Judy Greffin: Oak Park. Corporate background at Allstate Insurance. Former chair of Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation. Field Museum board member. ■ Darnell Shields: Austin. Executive di-
DARNELL SHIELDS
SHEILA SOLOMON
rector of Austin Coming Together, leading collective impact organization on the West Side. Longtime supporter of Austin Weekly News. ■ Sheila Solomon: Hyde Park. Leading voice in nonprofit journalism nationally. Board member at City Bureau, McClatchy Journalism Institute. Longtime editor at the Chicago Tribune. ■ Eric Weinheimer. River Forest. Former CEO at ForeFront, innovative Illinois
ERIC WEINHEIMER
NILE WENDORF
resource at the intersection of foundations and non-profit organizations. ■ Nile Wendorf: Oak Park. Co-owner of now defunct Extra newspapers serving Hispanic market across Chicago. Corporate marketing experience. Board service at Unity Temple and 19th Century Club. Dan Haley has been appointed by the board as CEO/president of Growing Community Media.
Businesses make do with coin shortage
Lack of change another effect of COVID-19 By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
In addition to the worldwide health and economic tribulations, the COVID-19 pandemic has also caused a shortage of coinage in the United States that has left many quite literally short-changed. Laundromats, fast food restaurants, currency exchanges and grocery stores in western suburbs have all felt the strain of the limited availability of change. “There is an adequate amount of coins in the economy, but the slowed pace of circulation has meant that sufficient quantities of coins are sometimes not readily available where needed,” reads a July 23 press release from the U.S. Mint. Precautions to slow COVID-19’s spread have decreased retail sales activity and substantially reduced deposits from third-party coin processors, which account for the majority of coins put into circulation, according to the U.S. Mint. In the meantime, businesses are continuing to operate as normally as possible with the limited supply of change in their cash registers, hanging signs in the windows directing customers to pay in exact change or to use alternative payment methods. Brookfield Currency Exchange, 9450 Ogden Ave. in Brookfield, has started rationing its coinage, according to manager Louis,
who declined to give his last name. “We’re rationing people to two rolls of whatever coins we have, because we don’t have any extra,” said Louis. “We’re limited as to what we can have.” The currency exchange has experienced an uptick in customers looking for change. “After you turn them down once or twice, they don’t really come back anymore,” said Louis. While it has enough coins to operate and give change to people who cash checks, Brookfield Currency Exchange can no longer sell coins to customers as it had before the shortage. “We don’t have a problem because we have enough coin amongst us, but we just can’t sell it to the customers like we do sometimes,” Louis said. The 7-Eleven location at 7749 Roosevelt Road in Forest Park has a sign posted on the front door that reads: “Dear Customers, due to a shortage at the federal reserve, we are very short on coins. Please consider paying in exact change or using a debit/credit card. We apologize for any inconvenience.” Sawmilly Sandwich Shoppe in Riverside is among the businesses that have not faced any problems due to the coin shortage. “I’ve heard some of the rumblings about it, but our bank has not notified us or said there was anything we needed to handle differently,” said Scott Zimmer, owner of Saw-
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
PENNY PINCHING: The manager of Brookfield Currency Exchange, 9450 Ogden Ave., said the business has started rationing rolls of coins because of a coin shortage that’s being felt throughout the area. milly, 35 E. Burlington St. Sawmilly still accepts cash payments for orders, but Zimmer said most customers prefer to use credit or debit cards. “I think a lot of people are quite honestly more comfortable using a credit card, and a lot of people prefer to give credit cards over the phone rather than hand them over,” Zimmer said. Askale Phillips, co-owner of Maywood’s Kingston Market Caribbean & African Groceries at 1401 S. 5th Ave., said she had to go to her local currency exchange to source coin for the family-run grocery store. “I was able to get quarters, but I observed the cashier at the currency exchange telling a customer before me that she’s only allowed to sell one roll of quarters,” said Phillips.
The customer in front of her, Phillips said, was looking to buy more than one. Because of that, Phillips only asked for one roll. Kingston Market has run out of quarters more than twice since the shortage started. Most recently, it ran out the weekend of July 25. Phillips thinks that people feel safer not using physical currency during COVID-19 because cash and coins have come into contact with innumerable hands over time. While Phillips said the shortage has affected the store “greatly,” it is not entirely cash-dependent and accepts Apple Pay, as well as credit and debit cards. To restore coin circulation to a healthy state, the U.S. Mint asks citizens to spend their share of coins, deposit them in banks or exchange them for cash.
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The Landmark, August 5, 2020
Opinion KOSEY CORNER
THE LANDMARK VIEW
Outsourcing school
I
n late July, the Illinois State Board of Education recommended that all school districts provide a fully remote learning option to families who are reluctant to send their children into school classrooms with the novel coronavirus pandemic showing no signs of weakening throughout the nation. While Illinois has done better than most in keeping COVID-19 positivity rates low, recent weeks have demonstrated that the state by no means has its arms around this thing. Positivity rates are ticking up statewide and more new cases have popped up locally in the past two weeks than had surfaced in the prior month. And with reports from elsewhere in the nation that students and faculty have contracted COVID-19 after their schools opened their doors in recent weeks, we just don’t see how we’re going to avoid a repeat of last spring, when the governor ordered schools to close and for all instruction to be delivered remotely. School districts locally have prepared for this eventuality in different ways, though some districts already have made the call to begin instruction remotely and see how things go before reopening their doors. For most districts providing both a hybrid in-person model and a fully remote option, those districts’ teachers are providing all instruction. Riverside-Brookfield High School has chosen a different strategy. Any family choosing the fully remote option for their children will have that education provided by a thirdparty company called Apex Learning, which the school district has used in the past for its credit recovery program. If you choose that option – and families have until Aug. 5 to make that decision – you’re stuck with it for a full semester. Our understanding is that even if the school is forced to close its doors to in-person classes in mid-September, those who chose Apex must finish out the semester with the firm, while their classmates who chose the hybrid option get fully remote instruction from the school district’s teachers. This seems not ideal. We have no idea what kind of personal instruction, or how much of it, Apex Learning is capable of providing. We think it’s safe to say that when families bought their homes or chose to lease apartments within District 208’s boundaries, one of the biggest considerations for doing so was to send their kids to RBHS. The line item for District 208 on homeowners’ tax bills reminds them twice a year how much they wanted that for their children. If the school district feels its teachers are fully capable of delivering remote instruction should the school have to close its doors, we’re not quite sure why those who wanted to be remote from the jump couldn’t be accommodated. Apex Learning is not what local families signed up for when they moved here and we have a feeling this is not going to go down well in the end. How are colleges supposed to judge this instruction versus that taught by the school’s own teachers? Are classes equivalent in terms of material and rigor? Of what value will the grades for classes be, comparatively speaking? We guess we’re going to find out.
PSA: Vote by mail, consider being an election judge
C
onsider this your Public Service Column for the week. First, you need to be aware of the latest telephone scams, brought to you by people who obviously have nothing else to do and like to prey on innocent people. So, I got a call from the Publisher’s Clearing House. Really? I didn’t even enter. The caller on the other end informed me I had won the second-place prize and that I’d be receiving a Mercedes. If I would go to the bank to get a $2,500 check for the taxes, they would be there at 3 p.m. A Mercedes would be nice, but I’m happy with my Honda. Click! Two days later I got another call, and I was a winner again. This time they wanted my email address, to which I said “no” and hung up. Normally I don’t answer the phone without checking caller ID, but it wasn’t available on the phone I was using. My advice to you is to be careful, use caller ID and don’t answer the phone if you don’t recognize the number and let the calls go to voicemail. People who really want or need to talk to you will know how to get in touch with you. Although it would be nice to win the Publishers Clearing House.
You have probably recently received information about voting by mail. As a longtime trained election judge, honored for my service by the Cook County Clerk’s Office and recently having participated in a forum with the clerk’s office, I recommend voting by mail. It is safe, and the number of people voting by mail has increased over the years. On Election Day, polling places received the list of those who have voted early or by mail, thus preventing anyone from trying to vote twice. The system originally was meant to accommodate people who would not be available to vote on Election Day, and at one time you needed to state a reason, but now it is available to everyone. Your vote is important and it does count. You might also consider being an election judge. It is a rewarding job for all ages, particularly for high schoolers who can see democracy in action. Information on the November election will be coming out soon. Learn more about becoming an election judge online at cookcountyclerk.com/agency/election-judges. The county clerk’s office is working hard to make it a safe election for all involved.
JOANNE KOSEY
LETTERS
Thanks to Riverside Library for reopening
Painted rock brightened my day
A huge thank you to Riverside Public Library Director Janice Foley and staff for opening the library’s doors to the community. You have well-remembered your mission to provide opportunity for education and entertainment for all ages. You have given us hope that life can return to normal. Thank you!
Dear Facebook, This is the only way I know to thank you for the painted rock you left at my house. I read the story of someone doing this and placing them all around Brookfield; however, I never thought I’d be lucky enough to find one since I’m a senior citizen and I don’t get around that much. You made my day and my heart happy. Thank you.
North Riverside
Brookfield
Sandra Buckley
Send letters to the Editor Bob Uphues, Riverside-Brookfield Landmark 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 include name, address and daytime phone number for verification
J.W. Pokay
The Landmark, August 5, 2020
15
OBITUARIES
Branko Ljubicich, 82 Restaurant/deli owner Branko Ljubicich, 82 of Riverside, died July 30, 2020 in Riverside. Mr. Ljubicich was born June 24, 1938 in Croatia and was a restaurant/delicatessen owner. He was the husband of Addie Ljubicich; the father of Slavica (John) Castaldo and Slavko Ljubicich; the grandfather of Noah Ljubicich and BRANKO LJUBICICH Sofia Castaldo; the brother of Jovanka Abramovich; and the uncle of Aco Abramovich and Mladen Abramovich. Visitation on Tuesday, Aug. 4 from 2 to 8 p.m. at Kuratko-Nosek Funeral Home, 2447 Desplaines Ave. in North Riverside. For the 11 a.m. funeral on Wednesday, Aug. 5, family and friends are asked to meet directly at Most Holy Mother of God Monastery, 35240 Grant Ave. in Third Lake by 10:45 a.m. Interment will follow service at New Gracanica Serbian Orthodox Cemetery, Third Lake.
LTHS
‘We have work to do’ from page 1 the killing of George Floyd this summer in Minneapolis, the LTHS District 204 Board of Education held a special meeting July 27 devoted to the issues of race and equity. About 20 people attended the meeting in person and nearly 100 more watched the meeting online. During the public comment portion of the meeting, eight people commented, mostly critically, about how LTHS treats minority students, saying students of color at LTHS often are viewed with low expectations and placed in lower-level classes than white students with similar grades and test scores. Taikira Nix, of LaGrange, the mother of a 2020 graduate and a rising sophomore, told the school board that her recent graduate’s self-esteem suffered at LTHS when the former Park Junior High honors student was placed in regular college prep classes. She said her daughter was told by some teachers that she should apply to attend the College of DuPage, a community college. “I had to force my daughter, who was once a sunflower, to go away to college because someone here at LT continued to put in her face that she was not good enough to go to a four-year university,” Nix said. Her daughter will be attending the Uni-
Online condolences may be offered to the family at KuratkoNosek.com.
Gary R. Obediah, 69 Union carpenter Gary R. Obediah (Powles), 69, of Brookfield and formerly of Norridge, died July 24, 2020 at his home. Born in Chicago on Oct. 27, 1950, Mr. Obediah was an installer with the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Local 1185 since 1989. He loved books and was an avid reader with eclectic tastes. Music was also an GARY R. OBEDIAH important part of his life, learning guitar and most recently mastering “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on the ukulele. High on his list of hobbies were golf and riding his motorcycle as often as he could. Mr. Obediah was the husband of Laurie (nee Koc); the father of Shale (Mark) Chiappetti, Nina (Brian Berlin) Obediah-Berlin, Maggie (Adam Conard) Obediah, Alison (Matt) Cardoso and the late Amy Evans; the grandfather of Ashley, Nathan, Mark, Alexis, Mariah, Javersity of Illinois at Chicago this fall. That story brought back memories for Michael Thomas, a Black LaGrange Park resident who is a member of the LaGrangeBrookfield Elementary School District 102 Board of Education. Thomas, who graduated from LTHS in 1985, told the Landmark in a subsequent interview that when he was senior at LTHS, a counselor told him he should apply to College of DuPage. “I was told the same thing by counselors back in ’85, to go to COD,” Thomas told the Landmark. “I was not going to accept that. I eventually applied to about 10 universities and got into about seven universities, graduated from the University of Iowa and then went and graduated from University of Chicago Booth School of Business.” Thomas now works as a customer and marketing manager for Dart Container Corporation, where he manages the Solo Cup account at Walmart and Target. He has been involved in a district-sponsored effort to reduce racial disparities in District 102 called CEMA, which stands for Community Equity and Minority Achievement. The achievement gap is wide at LTHS. Black students, who account for only 3.5 percent of LTHS’ enrollment, badly trail their white classmates in test scores. On the 2019 SAT, which was required of all public high school juniors in Illinois, only 13 percent of Black students at LTHS met state standards in English Language Arts and none apparently exceeded standards in ELA
cob, Benjamin, Luke, Violet, Charlie, Roman, Leo; great grandfather of Noelani, Jaycee and Noel; the brother of Sue (John) Zeller, Pam (Joachim) Ungruh and Bill (Gayle) Powles; the uncle of 22 nieces and nephews; and the great-uncle of 36. A celebration of Gary’s life will be planned when it is safe for all of us to get together again. Memorial donations to the American Cancer Society, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1200, Chicago, 60601 would be appreciated. Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements. Online condolences may be offered to the family at JohnsonNosek.com.
Dennis J. Ondrovic, 79 Graphic designer Dennis John Ondrovic, 79, of Brookfield, died Aug. 2, 2020. Mr. Ondrovic was born Jan. 10, 1941 and served in the U.S. Coast Guard. He worked as a graphic designer in the print publication industry. He was the husband of Phyllis M. Ondrovic (nee Maier); the father of Jay Jon (Lynn) Ondrovic, Trina (Mike) Bozzi and Mindy Ondrovic; the granddad of Tannah Bozzi, Cassie Ondrovic, Tenley Bozzi, Teagan Bozzi and Kyle Ondrovic; the brother of Richard (Mary Ann) Ondrovic; and the uncompared to 69 percent of white students and 45 percent of Hispanic students. About 20 percent of LTHS students are Hispanic. Forty-three percent of Black students were ranked in the lowest of the four classifications in ELA. In math only 23 percent of Black students met expectations and apparently none exceeded expectations, while 73 percent of white students and 31 percent of Hispanic students met or exceeded expectations in math. LTHS officials said that they have been working since 2014 to reduce achievement gaps and have reduced the levels of classes to three from five to try to boost equity. “We are not satisfied where we and we do want to reduce these differences between different cohorts of students,” said District 208 school board President Tom Cushing. Thomas in his public comment told the school board they needed to focus on race. “It is very alarming and scary that LTHS does not consider race/ethnicity prominently in its achievement gap work and only focuses on socioeconomic factors,” Thomas said. “While socioeconomic factors should be considered, race/ethnicity should be part of your strategies to close the gap. There are many minority students who are not on free/reduced lunch that are being affected by the achievement gap at LT and are being overlooked.” Board member George Dougherty asked whether administrators should consider abolishing levels or tracking in its classes. LTHS now offers three levels of classes: college prep, accelerated and Honors/AP.
cle of many nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held Thursday, Aug. 6 at 10 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, 2317 S. Wolf Road, Hillside. All are welcome to attend. Face DENNIS J. ONDROVIC coverings and social distancing are required for attendance. Hitzeman Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements. Those who cannot attend may express condolences at HitzemanFuneral.com. If you wish to send a sympathy card or correspondence to the family, send it to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 31st St., Brookfield, 60513, c/o the Dennis Ondrovic Family.
To run an obituary Please contact Bob Uphues by e-mail: buphues@wjinc.com, or fax: 708/467-9066 before Monday at noon. Please include a photo if possible.
“We’re trying to give more of an opportunity for students to come together,” said Scott Eggerding, the director of curriculum and instruction at LTHS. Eggerding said he doesn’t think eliminating all levels of classes is the right approach. “It’s something that we’ve thought about a great deal,” Eggerding said. “I don’t think we’re going to get the result we want if we just abandon levels.” LTHS Superintendent Tim Kilrea acknowledged that minority students are underrepresented in advanced classes. “We have not had equal numbers at the higher course levels,” Kilrea said. Cushing said school board members are reading a book about promoting equity, “Belonging through a Culture of Dignity: The Keys to a Successful Equity Implementation” by Floyd Cobb and John Krownapple, and plan to have a retreat with Cobb when he can travel. Right now Cobb doesn’t want to leave Colorado because of quarantine requirements for those who travel out of state. Kilrea and board members thanked those at the meeting for speaking up and said that they are committed to addressing issues of race of equity. “We know we have work to do,” Cushing said. He said that the meeting was just the beginning of discussions on the subject. “This is an initial conversation tonight. This is not a one-time-only conversation about equity at LT,” Cushing said. “Everyone on this board is passionate about this topic.”
16
The Landmark, August 5, 2020
North Riverside honors former administrator
Illness, pandemic delayed ceremony, but Belmonte sent off in style By BOB UPHUES Editor
It was all set. Guy Belmonte, who had served as North Riverside’s village administrator for nearly two decades, officially was retiring on March 6. The village’s Neighborhood Services Committee planned to honor him by presenting him with an “Angel Award” at their meeting that month and the village board would give him a sendoff as well. But, life throws you curveballs. Belmonte became seriously ill and was hospitalized, delaying the ceremonies – and then the COVID-19 pandemic arrived and, well, the retirement party would have to wait.
On Aug. 3 – five months late – the day arrived. That night’s meeting of the village board largely was given over to celebrating Belmonte and his career as both an elected and appointed official in North Riverside. Mayor Hubert Hermanek Jr. stood in for the Neighborhood Services Committee, presenting Belmonte with their award. He followed that by reading a proclamation from Illinois Senate majority leader Kimberly Lightford, who has represented North Riverside for years as a state senator, and also awarded Belmonte a plaque recognizing his years of service from the West Central Municipal Conference, whose executive director was in attendance. Police Chief Carlos Garcia also presented a plaque honoring Belmonte, with Hermanek capping off the ceremony with the presentation of a watch and a shadowbox containing a key to the village. Belmonte, assisted by a cane and accompanied by his wife, Cathy, joked that he wouldn’t get emotional since he’d been retired for five months already. But, just a few
BOB UPHUES/Editor
FOND FAREWELL: Mayor Hubert Hermanek Jr. (right) presents retired Village Administrator Guy Belmote with a key to the village during a late sendoff celebration at the Aug. 3 village board meeting. Belmonte retired in March, but events conspired to delay the ceremony for five months. seconds into his brief comments following the presentations and through the standing ovation that followed, he couldn’t hold back. “I owe it all to former Mayor [Richard] Scheck,” said Belmonte, through his tears,
referring to the former longtime mayor who appointed him as administrator in 2001 after Belmonte served two terms as a trustees alongside the mayor. “I enjoyed every minute I was here.”
Brookfield OKs $100,280 contract to fix public works roof Low bid for work comes in well under cost estimate By BOB UPHUES Editor
A long-awaited project to replace the badly deteriorated roof atop the Brookfield Public Works Department building at 4545 Eberly Ave. will kick off this month after village trustees voted 5 to 0 July 27 to approve a contract for the work. Glenview-based Red Feather Group Inc. submitted the lowest of five bids for the job. The company’s bid of $100,280 was far below the village’s estimate for the work, which was $150,000. In recommending acceptance of Red Feather Group’s bid, Village Engineer Derek Treichel said the company understood that it was required to pay prevailing wages to workers and that numerous references gave the firm positive reviews. Bids for the work ranged anywhere from Red Feather’s low bid to the high bid of $175,165. Public Works Director Carl Muell said in a phone interview last week that he expected work to begin in the next two to four weeks, and that he expected the work to take less than a month to complete. The
BOB UPHUES/Editor
Brookfield Public Works building, 4545 Eberly Ave. work, said Muell, won’t impact operations inside the building, which was dedicated in 1964. The roof, like the one at village hall, has a large central flat area framed by pitched edges covered in asphalt shingles, giving
the building a more residential character, particularly its Sahler Avenue facade. “It’s a complete roof job, both the flat roof and shingles,” said Muell, who added he had no idea when the roof was last replaced. “There are a lot of leaks where the
flat roof meets the pitched, so all of that needs to be addressed.” In addition to a complete tear off and replacement of the roof, the job will include some structural work, including the installation of structural steel to support an existing structure that supports a 5-ton hoist. The job calls for some tuck pointing work above windows and overhead doors on the east, north and west sides of the building and for the installation of new gutters and downspouts. Village officials have deferred the roof replacement for years, and considered doing that again in 2020 in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had an impact on operating revenues. But, trustees agreed the project should move forward, as budgeted in 2020, deferring other capital projects instead. One of the projects deferred until 2021 was replacing the roof of the so-called ESDA building, a blocky, two-story brick structure that sits in the center of the public works property, at 4523 Eberly Ave. That building was once the headquarters of the village’s Emergency Services and Disaster Agency, an operation with roots in the Civil Defense Corps established during the Cold War era. The village disbanded ESDA in 2006, and the building is used for public works equipment storage. The estimate for replacing that roof is about $100,000.
@RBLandmark
Sports
The Landmark, August 5, 2020
17
Meet LTHS’ new football head coach Former assistant Jon Beutjer a familiar face with the program By JAMES KAY Sports Editor
What was the players’ reaction to you getting the job? I’ve been very blessed to develop a lot of great relationships with former players. I’ve been overwhelmed and humbled by all the messages that I’ve received from former players, former parents, current parents, current players, and even then future players and future parents as well. I’m very thankful to have such a great support group. I’m excited about it, but very humbled as well.
After former Lyons Township High School football head coach Dan Hartman stepped down from his position Having been a prolific high at the school in July, the Lions were tasked to fill the vacancy he left beschool QB and experiencing hind. success at University of IlliWaiting in the wings was nine-year nois, what can we expect to see LTHS football assistant coach Jon from the offense this upcoming Beutjer. As a former high school footseason? ball star and collegiate and profesWe want our kids to perfect the baJON BEUTJER sional quarterback, Beutjer is ready sics, perfect our schemes, learn how to mold the program to his liking. to block and learn how to tackle. OfHe talked with the Landmark to discuss what fensively, we want to control the clock, move to the future holds for LTHS football. chains and drive the ball down the field and score After being in the program for 10 years, how important do you think it is for you to have the familiarity that you do with the program under these circumstances? Beutjer: I think it helps that I’ve been at LT for 10 years. I’ve gotten to know the community, the kids, the athletic program and former players that came through here. I live in the community also that helps me get to know the younger kids as well. It’s a real honor and a blessing. I’m very humbled to be at such a great school. Since you came to LTHS, was this a goal of yours, to eventually take over the reins to the Lions’ football team? It’s always been at the back of my mind. Watching coach [Kurt] Weinberg very closely and coach [Dan] Hartman and being around Tom Sloan, I’ve been blessed to learn and watch these great coaches at LT. There’s a lot of fine coaches at LT and I feel like this is a great time for me. What are your goals now that you are the leader of the program? Our goals as a coaching staff is to get the best out of each player and help them reach their potential on the football field and in the classroom. We want them to also become the person we know they can become. I believe that when you demand excellence from yourself, and you are a person of high character, and you have great sportsmanship, and you’re a team player, you do all the right things off the field, then the wins will come.
points. Most importantly we have to get the football into the hands of your best players. One of the things that is important for high school sports is recruiting. Your football background speaks for itself but what do you bring to the table in that regard? I have been blessed to continue my relationship with Kurt Weinberg who coached here for a while. For the last eight years, I’ve witnessed college coaches coming in the spring and I’ve gotten to know some of them because [Weinberg] was nice enough to introduce me to a lot of them. So I’ve actually developed relationships with a lot of the colleges, even though those guys bounce around all the time. I have witnessed the way in which [Weinberg] handled recruiters which was great. With football not coming back until the spring, how are you going to get the players ready during this down time? For now, I just started sending the kids workouts and we have had whole-program Zoom meetings. We are soon going to start talking about college recruiting and just keeping them focused. Right now, we are going to have Zoom meetings twice a week but that will change as we get closer to the start of the school year. We are using this as a teachable moment where the staff is teaching [the players] life lessons so they are prepared for life after football. But we are also motivated to get the program going and perform at an extremely high level.
PHOTO BY SALLY CAREY
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS TURNED OFF: Football has been moved to the spring in an attempt to buy the IHSA more time with COVID-19.
IHSA to have four short sports seasons in 2020-2
Football, boys soccer, girls volleyball moved to the spring By JAMES KAY Sports Editor
For months, the IHSA has attempted to get high school athletes back out on the field. After retreating from its initial Phase 4 Return to Play guidelines, the association has decided to attempt a four-season format that would push back the start date for sports considered to be at “higher risk.” While the situation is still fluid, the plan is that the fall season will consist of golf and cross country along with girls tennis and girls swimming and diving. The first season will run from Aug. 10 to Oct. 24. Most notably, fall sports including football, boys soccer and girls volleyball will be moved to the spring, since they are considered to be higher-risk sports. The sports that will compete in the winter season (Nov. 16 to Feb. 13) are basketball, wrestling, boys swimming, cheerleading, dance, bowling and girls gymnastics. The spring (Feb. 15 to May
1) will include football, boys soccer, girls volleyball, badminton, boys gymnastics and water polo. A new summer season (May 3 to June 26) will be occupied by baseball, softball, track and field, girls soccer, boys volleyball, lacrosse and boys tennis. The announcement from the IHSA comes after Gov. J.B. Prtizker’s July 29 press conference, where he announced youth and adult recreational sports would be restricted to a large extent. The state breaks down what goes into the classification of a higher-, mediumand low-risk sport. The sports considered to be at higher risk are boxing, competitive cheer, competitive dance, football, hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, rugby, ultimate Frisbee and wrestling. The sports considered to be at medium risk are basketball. fencing, flag football or 7-on-7 football, paintball, racquetball, soccer, volleyball, water polo and wheelchair basketball. The sports considered to be at low risk are archery, baseball, badminton, bowling, climbing and crew, cross country, cycling, disc golf, scholastic golf, gymnastics, horseback riding, ice skating, ropes courses, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, sideline spirit, skateboarding, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field and weight lifting.
18
The Landmark, August 5, 2020
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PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING BY THE JOINT PLAN COMMISSION/ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH RIVERSIDE Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing will be held by the Joint Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals of the Village of North Riverside on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 6:00 P.M., in the Village Commons, 2401 S. Desplaines Avenue, North Riverside, Illinois.
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PUBLIC NOTICES
All persons desiring to appear and be heard for or against said petitions may attend the Public Hearing. Village of North Riverside Pat Ferriter, Chairman of the joint Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals Published in RB Landmark 08/05/2020
PUBLIC NOTICES
VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE, ILLINOIS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given to all interested persons that a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Riverside will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the business of the Planning and Zoning Commission may permit, in the Riverside Township Hall Auditorium (2nd Floor), 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois, to consider an application from Riverside Swim Club for an expansion of the existing Special Use Permit and several variations to allow for a new club house and pool improvements in the R1-A Zoning District for the property located at 100 Bloomingbank Road.
into street yards or side yards and Section 10-7-3(D) (Decks), which prohibits decks in the street yard.
Application No.: PZ20-003 (Special Use), PZ20-004 (Variations) Petitioner: Riverside Swim Club Property Commonly Known As: 100 Bloomingbank Rd. PIN: 15-35-413-002
The above application is available for inspection at the office of the Village Clerk, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois 60546. During the Public Hearing the Planning and Zoning Commission will hear testimony from and consider any evidence presented by persons interested to speak on these matters. Persons wishing to appear at this hearing may do so in person or by attorney or other representative and may speak for or against the expansion of the existing special use and the requested variations. Communications in writing in relation thereto may be filed at such hearing or with the Planning and Zoning Commission in advance by submission to the Village’s Building Department at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois prior to 4:00 p.m. on the day of the public hearing.
Special Use Expansion: To expand the existing special use for an outdoor recreation use (Private Swim Club) to allow the construction of a new clubhouse on the site in the R1-A Zoning District, as well as associated new swimming pool and sport court improvements. Variations: The variations sought include, but may not be limited to, variations from the following sections of the Riverside Zoning Ordinance: Section 10-4-5, Table 3 (Residential Districts Bulk Requirements), which establishes the required minimum setbacks and maximum impervious surfaces for the R1-A Zoning District, Section 10-7-3(F) (Fences and Walls), which prohibits fences in the street yard, restricts fence height and permits coated chainlink fences but does not permit privacy slatted chainlink fences, Section 10-7-4 Table 7 (Permitted Encroachments), which limits encroachment of structures
The Petitioner seeks these variations to rebuild a clubhouse, swimming pools, sport court and fence in the R1-A Zoning District. The new clubhouse will encroach into the required rear yard, the total impervious surfaces will exceed the maximum for the R1-A district, the deck will encroach into the street yard, the sport court will encroach into both the street yard and side yard, the fence enclosing the pool area will encroach into the street yard, exceed allowable maximum fence heights and will have privacy slats in the chainlink.
The Public Hearing may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Dated this 5th day of August, 2020. Jill Mateo, Chairperson Planning and Zoning Commission
Published in Landmark August 5, 2020
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PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING BY THE JOINT PLAN COMMISSION/ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH RIVERSIDE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Board of Education of School District No. 91, in the County of Cook, State of Illinois, the tentative budget for said School District for the Fiscal Year 2021 will be available for public inspection at the District Office, 424 DesPlaines Avenue, Forest Park, Illinois, after 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2020. Notice is hereby given that a public hearing on said budget will be held at 6:30 p.m. on the 10th day of September, 2020, at the Forest Park Middle School Cafetorium, 925 Beloit Avenue, Forest Park, in this School District No. 91.
SCOTT J. LEVY (32596) Attorney for Petitioner 1525 East 53rd Street, Suite 504 Chicago, Illinois 60615
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y20003700 on July 21, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of KATHLEEN LANE with the business located at:7243 ROOSEVELT RD STE A, FOREST PARK, IL 60130. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: KATHLEEN LIEFFERS 7243 ROOSEVELT RD STE A, FOREST PARK, IL 60130
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y20003782 on July 23, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of REITON IT PROS with the business located at: 1178 WENONAH AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60304. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: MATTHEW NOTIER 1178 WENONAH AVE OAK PARK, IL 60304.
Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing will be held by the Joint Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals of the Village of North Riverside on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 6:00 P.M., in the Village Commons, 2401 S. Desplaines Avenue, North Riverside, Illinois. At such time and place, the Joint Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals will consider an amendment to Title 17 of the North Riverside Zoning Ordinance Chapter 14 Section 14.01 Application Fees and Section 14.02 Other Fees to increase the current fees. Applicant: Village of North Riverside 2401 S. Desplaines Avenue North Riverside, IL 60546 All persons desiring to appear and be heard for or against said petitions may attend the Public Hearing. Village of North Riverside Pat Ferriter, Chairman of the Joint Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals Published in RB Landmark 08/05/2020
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING On August 10, 2020 at 9:00 a.m., a meeting conducted by Brookfield-LaGrange Park School District 95 will be taking place at S.E. Gross Middle School, 3524 Maple Ave. in Brookfield, in 2nd Floor Conference room. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the District’s plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private and homeschools within the District for the 2020-21 school year. If you are the parent of a home-schooled student who may have or has been identified with a disability and you reside within the boundaries of Brookfield-LaGrange Park School District #95, you are urged to attend. If you have further questions pertaining to this meeting, please contact Mr. Dean Pappas, Director of Student Services, at 708-588-8863. Published in RB Landmark 08/05/2020
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Dated this 5th day of August, 2020 Board of Education School District No. 91 County of Cook State of Illinois Shannon Wood Secretary Published in Forest Park Review 08/05/2020
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y20003407 on July 17, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of AROB DESIGN with the business located at: 7445 ROOSEVELT RD. APT. 308-B, FOREST PARK, IL 60130.. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: ASAD ROBINSON 7445 ROOSEVELT RD. APT. 308-B FOREST PARK, IL 60130. Published in Forest Park Review July 22, 29, August 5, 2020
PUBLICATION NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY Request of Carlos Eduardo Rojas Case Number 20204002757 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Carlos Eduardo Rojas to the new name of: Alex Rojas. The court date will be held: on September 8, 2020 at 9:30 AM at District 4 Court, 1500 Maybrook Drive, Maywood, Cook County in Courtroom Number 0111. Published in Forest Park Review 7/29, 8/5, 8/12/2020
VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE, ILLINOIS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given to all interested persons that a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Riverside will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the business of the Planning and Zoning Commission may permit, in the Riverside Township Hall Auditorium (2nd Floor), 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois, to consider an application for a variation from Section 10-7-3(A)6.D (Accessory Structures in Residential Districts) of the Village of Riverside Zoning Ordinance to allow a detached garage to be constructed less than 3 ft. from the adjoining side and rear lot lines in the R1-A Single-Family Residence District. Application No.: PZ20-005 Petitioners: Michael & Bethany Smolarek Property commonly known as: 471 Selborne Road PIN: 15-25-403-002-0000 The variation is sought from the following Section of the Riverside Zoning Ordinance: Section 10-7-3(A)6.D (Accessory
Structures in Residential Districts), which states that any detached accessory structure should be located a minimum of 3 ft. from any adjoining side or rear lot line. The Petitioners seek this variation to build and replace an existing garage less than 3 feet from the side and rear lot lines in the same location as the previous garage. The above application is available for inspection at the office of the Village Clerk, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois 60546. Persons wishing to appear at this meeting may do so in person or by attorney or other representative and may speak for or against the proposed accessory structure variation. Communications in writing in relation thereto may be filed at such hearing or with the Planning & Zoning Commission in advance by submission to the Village’s Building Department at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois prior to 4:00 p.m. the day of the public hearing. Dated this 5th day of August, 2020. Jill Mateo, Chairperson Planning and Zoning Commission
Published in Landmark August 5, 2020
STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of JUAN RODRIGUEZ, Petitioner and LILIA CASTANEDA BRITO, Respondent, Case No. 2019D-000973. The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before September 1, 2020, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition. DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk. Published in Wednesday Journal 7/29, 8/5, 8/12/2020
Published in Forest Park Review July 29, August 5, August 12, 2020
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y20003755 on July23, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of LOLA PINK with the business located at: P.O. BOX 3725 OAK PARK, IL 60303. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: TATYANA QUALLS 1190 SOUTH KENILTHWORTH, OAK PARK, IL 60304 Published in Wednesday Journal July 29, August 5, August 12, 2020
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION DOCKET NUMBER: PC 20-02 (Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment) HEARING DATE: August 24, 2020 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits LOCATION OF HEARING: The Plan Commission will conduct the public hearing remotely with live audio available and optional video. The meeting will be streamed live and archived online for on-demand viewing at www.oak-park.us/commissiontv as well as cablecast on VOP-TV, which is available to Comcast subscribers on channel 6 and ATT Uverse subscribers on channel 99. The remote public hearing is authorized pursuant to Section 7 (e) of the Open Meetings Act. The Village President has determined that an in-person public hearing is not practical or prudent due to the COVID-19 outbreak during Governor JB Pritzker’s current disaster proclamation. It is also not feasible to have a person present at the public hearing due to public safety concerns related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Written testimony or comments regarding the application may be provided prior to the public hearing by email to planning@oak-park. us. The individual’s name and their testimony or comment will be read aloud into the record at the public hearing if received no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of the public hearing. If email is not an option, written testimony or comment can drop comments off in the Oak Park Payment Drop Box across from the entrance to Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, to be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on August 24, 2020. Questions regarding written testimony or comment can be directed to 708-358.5420 or email to planning@oak-park.us. PETITIONER(S): Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302
REQUEST: The Plan Commission will conduct a public hearing on the text amendment application of the Petitioner for amendments to the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance. The Petitioner seeks an amendment to Article 2 (“Definitions and Rules of Measurement”), Section 2.3 (“Definitions”) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance to add the following definition: “Temporary Educational Day Camp – Remote Learning. A facility which offers on a temporary basis the use of a designated space primarily for remote educational learning opportunities on behalf of local public, private and parochial primary and secondary institutions, including associated after school child care for groups of children up to 18 years of age.” The Petitioner seeks an amendment to Article 8 (“Uses”), Table 8-1 (“Use Matrix”) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance to allow a temporary education day camp – remote learning facility as a permitted use in multiple residential and commercial zoning districts. Finally, the Petitioner has applied for an amendment to Article 8 (“Uses”), Section 8.5 (“Temporary Use Standards”) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance to add a new subsection 8.5(I) to provide for standards for the issuance of a temporary use permit for a temporary education day camp – remote learning facility. A copy of the application and each of the applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at the Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The Plan Commission may continue the hearing to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.
ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO BE HEARD OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Published in Wednesday Journal 8/5/2020
Published in Wednesday Journal 7/29, 8/5, 8/12/2020
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 Thursday August 20, 2020 for Project: 20-9, WATER MAIN VALVE REPLACEMENT. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below. In general, the improvements consist of the removal and replacement of watermain valves ranging in size from 14 inches to 16 inches, including removal, replacement, and additions of valve boxes and valve vaults, watermain fittings, pavement or parkway restoration and traffic control; and all appurtenant work thereto. Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on Thursday August 6th, at 4:00 p.m. Plans and proposal forms can be found at https://www.oak-park.us/yourgovernment/budget-purchasing/ requests-proposals or at www. questcdn.com under login using QuestCDN number 7245401 for a non-refundable charge of $30.00. 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. Locally funded phases of the project are 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 August 5, 2020
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The Landmark, August 5, 2020
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7001 71st Pl, Nottingham Park $249,000
1926 Berteau Ave, Chicago $695,000
59 East Quincy, Riverside $379,000
321 Delaplaine Rd, Riverside $790,000
1128 Washington Blvd, 3A, Oak Park $149,900
200 Addison, Riverside $549,000
404 Selborne Rd, Riverside $479,900
330 Northwood Rd, Riverside $485,000
192 Waubansee Rd, Riverside $549,900
172 Maplewood Rd, Riverside $649,900
L TA N RE
4441 Wolf Rd, #401, Western Springs $759,900
299 Longcommon Rd, Riverside $899,000
151 Bloomingbank Rd, Riverside $1,025,000
201 E Burlington St, Riverside $1,900/mo
AL NT E R
21 S Waiola Ave, La Grange $2,095/mo
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