Landmark 081623

New development pitched for 8845

By BOB UPHUES Editor

After plans for an apar tment complex at 8845 Burlington Ave. in Brookfield collapsed more than a year ago, a new development team is pitching another apar tment complex that seeks to take advantage of its location close to the downtown Metra station.

“The Canopy,” as the development is being pitched, would be a three-story, 12-unit building with enclosed parking in the rear topped by a rooftop deck.

The development company is Three Green Ve getables LLC, whose managers are listed by the Illinois Secretary of State as John Fairclough, of Romeoville, and Peter Haleas, of Hinsdale.

See DEVELOPMENT on page 11

STEVE JOHNSTON Volunteer Sophie May, of Riverside, organizes the produce prior to food distribution at the Share Food Share Love Food Pantry on Aug. 12 in Brook eld.

D95 to roll out therapy dog program this fall

Brook Pa

ber is only ears and a shagg

Sailor – that’s his name – is one of therapy dogs in Brookfield-LaGrange District 95

He’ll be there to provide to both students and other staf twice a month.

The school district’s new program was proposed last Cannon, assistant superintendent ing and learning worked throughout the summer identifyin dogs and their Brook Park

S.E. Gross Middle School in Brookfield

Last week, families in the district therapy pr out of if they choose

Cannon is in the final stages of two dogs the second dog dogs have a program affiliated with the Hinsdale Humane Society

Sailor, a 7-year Brook Park a Californ of certified out the countr

“I’m very excited for the enthusiasm sur board level and teacher Landmark in a an excitement ding up to the start of a school year, and this adds another layer of excitement rolling out a new year.”

The two therapy dogs assigned to each building will be onsite twice a month, working with students in the different grade levels.

Cannon has convened a committee of teachers who are meeting to brainstorm how the dogs can be used in each grade. Those interactions could be a way to encourage attendance or work on reading and writing skills. For students who are struggling academically or emotionally, the dogs could be used to help staf f support those students or be calming influences.

“Sailor’s role at [Brook Park School] will

be to visit classrooms, participate in reading sessions and be available to offer support and affection to any student who may benefit from spending time with him,” Cannon wrote in her letter to Brook Park families last week.

Each dog and owner assigned to the school district will be certified and Cannon said she has evaluated each dog’s temperament to make sure they are good fits for the buildings they’ll be working in.

Students who are allergic to dogs or who may be afraid of them can be opted out of the program. The dogs will interact with stu-

dents in designated areas of each school.

Cannon rolled out the therapy dog program to the entire district staf f at institute days scheduled prior to the first day of school on Aug. 23. Even before the institute days, the response from staf f has been very positive, according to Cannon.

“They are already asking if they can have water bowls, dog treats and dog beds in their classrooms,” Cannon told the Landmark. “We will walk through all the logistics prior to the start date for the dog therapy program that is expected to launch in September.”

Brook Park’s rst therapy dog, Sailor -- pictured here with (from le ) Assistant Superintendent Cathy Cannon and Brook Park pr incipals Mike Sorensen and Kelly King -- will visit with students at the school tw ice a month beginning in September.

BIG WEEK

August 16-23

Friday night outdoor concerts

Riverside Parks & Rec invites the public to enjoy its nal outdoor concert of the summer on Aug. 18 from 8 to 10 p.m.

Mosey on over to Big Ball Park, Longcommon and Nor th Delaplaine roads, and catch local favorites The Redmonds and their eclectic mix of rock classics, Americana and originals. Bring a blanket, food and refreshments. Admission is free Brook eld Parks & Rec continues its Friday Night Concert Series on Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. with a per formance by The Sumthins, who play a mix of classic and original rock ‘n’ roll.

The concert is at the band shell in Kiwanis Park, Arden and Brook eld avenues. Bring your coolers, blankets and chairs. Free.

Riverside Cruise Night

Riverside Garage will host its nal Cruise Night of the summer on Aug. 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. in downtown Riverside.

Swing by and wander through a eet of classic cars, hot rods and custom vehicles around Centennial Park on Pine and East avenues. Free admission for spectators. Bring your cameras!

Anyone looking to display a vehicle can call Andy at 708-447-7221.

And more

■ Loca Mocha, 8858 Burlington Ave. in Brook eld (inside the Metra station), welcomes back troubadour Mark Dvorak to the Maria’s Morning Co ee House Series on Aug. 22 at 10 a.m. Free. Donations accepted, CDs and books available for purchase.

■ The Frederick Law Olmsted Society and village of Riverside will hold a Landscape Workday on Aug. 19 from 9 a.m. to noon Akenside/Longcommon Triangle. Come for as long as you like. Supervised children welcome. Bring work gloves and a water bottle. All other supplies and snacks provided. Look for the public works dump truck.

■ Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St.,

Reptile Roadshow

Stop by the North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., and meet a variety of pythons from Ali’s Reptile Den during the next Reptile Roadshow on Aug. 17 from 4 to 5 p.m.

Learn fun facts about reptiles and the importance of preser ving wildlife. For all ages with adult. Register at the Youth Service Help Desk, by calling 708447-0869 or at northriversidelibrar y. org/events.

Movie under the stars

Grab the kids and head on over to Ehlert Park, Elm and Congress Park avenues in Brook eld, on Aug. 19 for the village’s nal Outdoor Movie Night of the summer.

This month, go to in nity and beyond while watching Pixar’s 2022 animated lm “Lightyear,” with actor Chris Evans performing the voice of the iconic space ranger Buzz Lightyear Bring coolers and popcorn and grab a choice spot for the lm, which begins at dusk. Activities start at 7 p.m.

presents “Summer, Joy and Harmony,” featuring paintings by Joe Fournier, at the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, through Sept. 29. Viewing hours are Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

■ The Riverside Farmers Market operates each Wednesday through Oct. 4 from 2:30 to 7 p.m. in Centennial Park, at Forest Avenue and Longcommon Road. The Brook eld Farmers Market returns every Saturday through Oct. 14 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of the Brook eld Village Hall, 8820 Brook eld Ave

■ North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., invites you to Baby & Me (ages 4-24 months w/adult) on Aug. 18 at 10:30 a.m., Lego Club on

Aug. 18 at 4 p.m., a Videogame Tournament (grades 6-12) on Aug. 19 at 1:30 p.m., Big and Little Storytime (children w/adult) on Aug. 21 at 10:30 a.m., Science Explorers (all ages) on Aug. 21 at 4:30 p.m., My First Storytime (4-24 months w/ adult) on Aug. 22 at 11 a.m., a Koko’s Film Club screening of “Blue Bayou” on Aug. 22 at 2 p.m. and Safari ABCs (child w/adult, every other week in Spanish) on Aug. 23 at 10:30 a.m. Register for programs online at northriversidelibrary.org/events.

■ Linda Sokol Francis Brook eld Library, 3541 Park Ave., presents a Dinosaur Dig (grades K-3) on Aug. 17 at 4 p.m., Chair Zumba on Aug. 18 at 1:30 p.m., a Movies with Marty celebration of Alfred Hitchcock’s birthday on Aug. 19 from 1 to 4 p.m.,

Chair Yoga (virtual) on Aug. 21 at 11 a.m., Cards & Co ee on Aug. 22 at 10:30 a.m. and STEAM for Teens: Lemon Volcano on Aug. 23 at 4 p.m. Call 708-485-6917 or visit online at brook eld.evanced. info/signup to register for programs

■ Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, presents Mindful Chair Yoga on Aug. 17 at 11 a.m., Drop-In Tech Help on Aug. 17 from 2 to 3 p.m., Friday Outside Storytime on Aug. 18 at 10 a.m., Storytime at the Community Garden (400 Nuttall Road) on Aug. 22 at 9 a.m. and All in the Family Genealogy Club on Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. To register for programs, visit online at riversidelibrary. org/events.

THE REDMONDS

ALI’S REPTILE DEN

PO LICE REPO RT S

Battery charges for man who grabbed women’s buttocks

North Riverside police charged a 36-year-old Cicero man with two counts of battery and two counts of disorderly conduct after he alle gedly grabbed the buttocks of a woman inside Wendy’s, 7200 25th St., on Aug. 8 and slapping the buttocks of another woman outside Sally Beauty Supply, 7357 25th St., on April 11.

Police arrested the man at his home in Cicero after the victim and her mother identified him in a photo lineup conducted after the Aug. 8 incident.

The two women first encountered the man at the Social Security office at 7222 Cermak Road on Aug. 8, at which time he alle gedly blew kisses at the victim. Later, the women were in line at Wendy’s when the man reported approached one of them, hugged her and grabbed her buttocks before leaving the restaurant and riding away on his bicycle.

Police said the description of the man involved in the Aug. 8 incident was the same as an incident April 11 outside Sally Beauty Supply, about a block away. Police had obtained security video from that incident, which shows a man on a bicycle riding past a woman and slapping her buttocks.

The offender reportedly admitted to those actions in an interview with police after his arrest. Police also noted the man had been arrested in Cicero on Aug. 3, but did not detail what that incident was about.

Vehicle break-ins

■ North Riverside police responded to the 2300 block of 17th Avenue at about 5:10 a.m. on Aug. 12 after a resident called to report that someone had entered her vehicle overnight.

The victim said she noticed the driver’s side door ajar when she went outside at 4 a.m. to take her husband to work. The vehicle had been rummaged through, according to police, but nothing appeared to be missing. The vehicle likely was left unlocked, the victim said.

■ A resident of the 2300 block of 17th Avenue in North Riverside called police

on the morning of Aug. 12 to report that someone had broken into her 2020 Kia overnight and had attempted to steal it.

According to the police report, the driver’s side window of the vehicle had been broken out and the steering column and ignition switch had been tampered with. The victim also reported that her purse, which contained her driver’s license, state ID, passport and credit and debit cards, was missing.

A security camera reportedly captured video of someone wearing a hooded sweatshirt breaking into the car at around 2:30 a.m. Police also reported recovering a screwdriver entangled in a sweatshirt from the passenger seat of the vehicle. Those items did not belong to the victim.

DUI crash

Brookfield police charged a 61-year-old LaGrange Park man with driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs after he alle gedly drove his blue Chevy Equinox of f the roadway and into a house in the 9300 block of Lincoln Avenue on Aug. 11 at 1:10 a.m.

When police arrived at the scene, they reported that the vehicle had snapped a stop sign and then drove through a fence into the gangway between two homes, striking the wall of one, and causing both exterior and interior damage. Other damaged items included a flagpole, a downspout and patio furniture.

Police reported recovering an open bottle of vodka from the back seat of the vehicle. The driver, who was not injured, also reportedly indicated he had taken a prescription opioid within the prior six hours.

These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Riverside, North Riverside and Brookfield police departments, Aug. 7-13, 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

UNDERSTANDING TAXES WHEN A FAMILY MEMBER SIGNS THE PAYCHECK: PART I

Many people work for a family member, whether it’s a child helping out at their parent’s shop or spouses running a business together. When someone is employed by a family member, the tax implications depend on the relationship and the type of business. It’s important for taxpayers and employers to understand their tax situation.

Married people in business together

Generally a qualified joint venture whose only members are a married couple filing a joint return isn’t treated as a partnership for federal tax purposes.

Someone who works for their spouse is considered an employee if the first spouse makes the business’s management decisions and the second spouse is under the direction of the first spouse.

The wages for someone who works for their spouse are subject to income tax withholding and Social Security and Medicare taxes, but not to RITA tax.

Children employed by their parents

If the business is a parent’s sole proprietorship or a partnership in which both partners are parents of the child:

• Wages paid to a child of any age are subject to income tax withholding.

• Wages paid to a child age 18+ are subject to social security and Medicare taxes.

• Wages paid to a child age

21+ are subject to Federal Unemployment Tax.

Congressman, state rep tour RBHS, meet o cials

Want to learn more about issues facing public educators

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

C ong ressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia and state Re p. A bdelnasser Rashid stoppe d by Rive rside-Brookfield High School last week for a get-to-know-you visit . School officials had invited Rashi d (D-Bridgeview), a first-term state re presentative to c ome to the school and meet with top officials. Garcia (D-Chicago), who along with Rashid has b een visitin g area schools before the start of the school year and making the rounds at local municipal b oard meeting s, decided to c ome along. Garcia and Rashid are longtime allies. It was their first visit to RBHS .

Garcia and Rashid visited the school for approximately 90 minutes on Au g. 9. T hey met with Superintendent Kevin Skinkis and school b oard President Deanna Zalas, who gave them a tour of the school.

T hey also talked in the school’s c onference room and met briefly with P rinc ipal Hector Freytas and the rest of the school’s administrat ive team, who we re in the midst of the training session.

“The discussion was about adequacy of state and federal f unding,” Zalas said. “We briefed them on the zoo [ strat eg ic p lanning] project, our c ooperation with the zoo and then we talked about the upc oming school year.”

Rashid was surprised that the gate to the school’s faculty pa rk ing lot was locke d when he and Garcia arrive d at RBHS. Skinkis explained that Brookfield

school during the school year.

Skinkis and Zalas briefed Rashid and Garcia on the ongoing discussions Skinkis has b een having with zoo officials RBHS has long sought to ga in c ontrol over the athletic fields b etween the school building and Brookfield Zoo, wh ich are by the zoo.

Because the zoo uses the fields for overflow parking, RBHS at times cannot use the fields for g ames and vehicle tires chew up the area, making the surface unusable or unsafe. Skinkis said that Rashid was interested in the issues with the zoo.

“It was a nice visit,” Skinkis said.

Rashid said the visit was pa rt of hi s

ongoing ef fort to learn about educatio n i ssues faced by schools in his district.

“For me, the pu rp ose was to really learn more about the needs of schools and public education in my district, ” Rashid said. “Meeting superintendents is a f antastic source of info rm ation and i nsights on education issues.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF RIVERSIDE-BROOKFIELD HIGH SCHOOL

Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (second from le ) and state Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid (third from le ) take a tour of Riverside-Brookeld High School on Aug. 9, guided by school board President Deanna Zalas (far le ) and Superintendent Kevin Skinkis (far right).

Pressure pays o for music supporters at RBHS A er outcry, administration restores class load for choir teacher

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

After a summer of pressure by music supporters at Riverside-Brookfield High School choir teacher Kayley Smetana is back and teaching the same three choir classes that she taught last year.

In the spring, Smetana’s teaching load had been cut to just one class and many music students and their parents feared she would leave RBHS. For three consecutive school board meetings over the summer, music parents, alumni, students and some community allies, turned out in force, imploring the school board to fund three full-time music teachers at RBHS.

Last week, the school board approved increasing Smetana’s teaching load this year to three classes, up from the one that she was given last spring. That is still shy of the five classes that a full-time teacher teaches, so this year Smetana, who is starting her third year at the school, will be paid $39,344.46 as a teacher.

She will also earn $21.50 an hour working as a study hall supervisor and also will be

paid $930 to serve as the faculty sponsor of the A Capella Club.

The administration freed up two classes for Smetana by splitting the jazz band class into two sections and having the school’s other music teachers, James Baum and Matthew Loeb team teach the symphonic band class.

Those adjustments mirrored recommendations made by music supporters and came after three music advocates met with Superintendent Kevin Skinkis, Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction Kylie Lindquist and school board president Deanna Zalas on Aug. 1.

Skinkis and Zalas said that the decision to increase Smetana’s teaching load was made prior to the meeting.

While the music supporters are happy Smetana will again teach all three choir classes, they said that they would continue to press school officials for three full-time music teachers.

“The work is not over because we want her to be full time,” said Lisa Janunas, the president of the RBHS Music and Theater Sponsors parent organization. “We still

have work to do.”

After the open portion of the school board meeting ended on Aug. 8, school board member Bill Durkin briefly spoke to music advocates.

“Thank you for making us aware,” Durkin told the five music supporters.

Music advocate Kara Kesselring said the summer of advocacy and organizing had been empowering.

“It’s been nice rallying the community,” Kesselring said. “It feels powerful and awesome.”

School officials have always maintained that staffing decisions are driven by enrollment and that the only way RBHS can support three full-time music teachers is to increase enrollment in music classes

“I think we had a good discussion with them, and they understand the number of enrolled students need to increase,” Zalas said of the meeting with the music supporters.

Zalas said that bumping up Smetana to three classes this year gives music supporters more time to work to increase interest in music classes among younger students

Skinkis said music teachers at RBHS must build interest in the progr am.

“They need to continue to work to build enthusiasm for the music progr am so that we can sustain numbers that war rant the [staffing], or if those numbers could go up maybe we can add more,” Skinkis said

T he 35 students who signed up for Jazz Band are being split into two sections, an Honors Jazz Ensemble led and taught by Baum and the Jazz Band taught by Loeb.

T he symphonic band class to be cotaught by Baum and Loeb has 47 students in it the first semester but will drop to 36 students second semester.

T he three choir classes that Smetana will teach -- Chamber Choir, Concer t Choir and Madrigal Singers -- will have a combined enrollment of 67 students this semester

Smetana did not respond to a request for comment from the Landmark.

Other music classes being taught this year are Concert Marching Band, Honors Chamber Orchestra, Honors Wind Ensemble, Rock Band, String Orchestra and two classes in studio music production.

RBHS marching band picked for Chicago Thanksgiving parade

For what is believed to be the first time ever the Riverside-Brookfield High School marching band will march in the Chicago Thanksgiving Day parade this November.

“We’re excited to represent our community to the larger Chicago community,” said RBHS band director James Baum. “It’s a huge thing for us. The kids are all really excited, the parents are really excited and hopefully the community will turn out and cheer us on from the sidelines.”

In June, a representative from the parade invited Baum to submit an application for the RBHS band to march in the parade. The application consisted of submitting videos of the band marching and photos of the band in their uniforms.

Baum was recently notified that the band was selected to march in the parade

The parade will take place from 8 to 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23. The band will march down State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street.

Lisa Janunas, the president of the RBHS Music and Theater Sponsors Board, was excited to hear the news that the band will march in the Thanksgiving Day Parade

“We are thrilled that RB’s marching band has been invited to perform in the 2023 Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade,” Janunas was quoted as saying in a press release RBHS issued about the news. “It’s a point of pride to have the marching band represent our school in this high profile, re gional event. There’s nothing like performing outside of the school campus to create lasting memories as students, musicians and representatives of the Riverside and Brookfield communities.”

For years the RBHS band has marched in the Von Steuben Day parade in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago and will do so again this year. This year’s Von Steuben Day parade is on Sept. 9. The parade begins at 2 p.m. at 4100 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago.

e RBHS marching band per forming during the homecoming hal ime show at Riverside Brook eld High School in 2021

— Bob Skolnik

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Growing Community Media hires editor

We have big news to share from Growing Community Media.

We have hired an editor to lead our newsroom, to mentor our newsroom staf f and to guide our ef for ts to grow our reporting and widen our ways of telling stories.

Erika Hobbs is a veteran editor and reporter who has worked in the newsrooms of goodsized re gional dailies (Orlando and Baltimore), at national publications and in digital newsroom startups. She has also been an editor with Patch, a hyperlocal news project, and she has worked toward the launch of her own local digital newsroom called Citizen Grit covering Chicago Heights. Her reporting focus has been in education, equity and social justice. She also has expertise in running investigative projects.

Erika is also active as a member of national journalism organizations including the Poynter Institute, Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) and Journalism & Women Symposium (JAWS).

We have been planning to add this position for a year and began actively searching for the right person to fill this new post this spring. We have talked to many talented journalists. But in interviews with our editorial staf f, with input from members of our board, Erika was our clear choice.

She’ll join us this week and we cannot be more excited.

With Erika leading our newsroom, my role as publisher at Growing Community Media will refocus on growing the organization particularly on our philanthropic and advertising sides.

This is a big, bold moment for GCM as we continue to build a new model for community news that is sustainable for years to come and which always builds connections in the communities we cover.

Always feel free to reach out to either one of us with a question, concer n or suggestion.

I’m at dhaley@wjinc.com. Erika is Erika@ GrowingCommunityMedia.org.

With thanks.

Dan Haley Publisher Growing Community Media

Brook eld church is gone, but legacy lives on in food pantry

Proceeds from Faith Lutheran’s sale in April paid o Share Food Share Love’s mortgage

By BOB UPHUES Editor

A decade ago, the small cong re gation at Faith Lutheran Church in Brookfield could see the warning signs.

The number of active cong re gants had dwindled to about 50, and it was unlikely that trend was going to reverse itself. The conversation turned to creating a le gacy, one that would keep the spirit of Faith Lutheran Church alive, if only in their memories.

In 2015, they opened the Share Food Share Love Food Pantry in the basement of the church at 3801 Madison Ave. Eight years later, Faith Lutheran Church is no more, but its le gacy mission grows stronger by the day.

“The biggest part is really getting food to people and maybe some non-food items they can’t always get,” said Linda Dumas, a for mer Faith Lutheran cong re gant who serves as the pantry manager for Share Food Share Love.

“We’re always looking for ways to better serve the community,” she added. “This was designed as a community pantry, not as a church pantry, that’s why it never had the church’s name on it. We do want to make sure we have a positive presence and make an impact in the community.”

In November 2021, Share Food Share Love made the leap out of the church basement – they’d outg rown the small space – and into a 7,000-square-foot warehouse at 9030 Brookfield Ave.

The $325,000 purchase was financed by getting a $275,000 mortgage from the property’s for mer owner, Julius Sparaci-

no, who at first used the rear of the warehouse while the food pantry operated in the front two-thirds.

Now, Share Food Share Love plans to expand into the rear space after paying of f the mortgage outright in April. They raised the funds by selling the Faith Lutheran Church property, which Share Food Share Love acquired in late 2022 when it was donated to the 501c3 charity by the congregation.

“When we decided that we had no further options and that we were going to need to close, we had a congregational meeting and voted to turn the proceeds of the building over to the food pantry,” Dumas said. “And that went back to the fact that in 2013, that [legacy] had been our goal.”

Share Food Share Love Food Pantry is a robust operation staffed entirely by volunteers, including pantry manager Dumas; her husband, John, who is the administrative director; and her daughter, Jessie Meyer, one of two pantry coordinators. John and Jessie are also on the nonprofit’s board of directors.

You’ll find volunteers there just about every Tuesday and Friday morning, when main deliveries from the Greater Chicago Food Depository, of which Share Food Share Love is an affiliate, arrive.

The food pantry also receives weekly deliveries of food and other items, like flowers, from Trader Joe’s in LaGrange. Food pantry volunteers also regularly collect food items placed in a drop box at Tischler Finer Foods in Brookfield. Others call Linda Dumas to schedule drop offs at the pantry. She’ll even go to people’s homes to pick up donations herself.

Food distribution takes place every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday mornings from 10 am. to noon. According to Linda Dumas, anywhere from eight to 20 volunteers will be on hand to help register those seeking the pantry’s services and guide them through the main food distribution area.

Some volunteers, like LaGrange Park resident Ken Bahl, work mainly behind the scenes, accepting deliveries and shelv-

ERIKA HOBBS

STEVE JOHNSTON

Marc Abraham, of Brook eld, sets up the cones outside of the Share Food Share Love Food Pantry to direct clients inside dur ing the pantry’s dist ribution day on Aug. 12 at 9030 Brook eld Ave.

ing items. Bahl was not a Faith Lutheran Church member

He found out about the food pantry because his daughter lived near the church. Before moving to LaGrange Park, Bahl had lived for many years in Oak Park and donated to a local food pantry there every holiday season.

When he went to the church one day to make a donation, he found the door locked. On the door, however, was a sign with Share Food Share Love’s website address. After visiting the site, he decided he wanted to volunteer.

“People always say you get more out of it than you put in,” said Bahl. “That’s the case here. Even though I’m helping someone else out, I feel like I’m doing more for myself in a lot of ways.”

Around 40 families are served at each distribution day, said Linda Dumas. People take a number as they arrive and then sit in a waiting room at the front of the building. Those who haven’t used the pantry before are registered, and clients – Dumas said they are starting to use the term “neighbors” because that’s how they want those coming to the pantry to feel – are called by number into the main pantry to “shop” for items

People grab a shopping cart – many donated by Tischler’s – and are guided by a

volunteer past tables stocked with non-perishable items, like canned and dried beans, mac and cheese and peanut butter, picking items they want.

Sponsored Content

St. Paul’s Lutheran School

St. Paul’s Lutheran School was founded in 1902. On December 28, 1902, it was decided to conduct a Christian Day School in conjunction with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Less than one month later, in January of 1903, St. Paul’s Lutheran School was started.

St. Paul’s Lutheran School prepares children for the future by providing knowledge and skills to achieve academic excellence, personal growth, and success in a safe, positive and Classical Lutheran environment. We offer basic education in the core disciplines and humanities: reading, writing, science, mathematics, geography, history, literature, music, and art. Physical education is also an important part of our curriculum. We have high academic standards which seek to promote excellence and achievement from all our students, but we are not an elitist school only for the gifted and advanced learner. We believe that all children can learn, especially when challenged and motivated by specific knowledge, high expectations, exceptional teachers, and the discipline and support of parents. Our low teacher to student ratio makes St. Paul’s Lutheran School an ideal

setting with varying degrees of ability.

St. Paul’s has been founded on the firm foundation of God’s word. Therefore, the children attending our school receive thorough training in Bible history, Bible interpretation, and Christian doctrine. We teach Classical Lutheran Education in order to cultivate the mind and soul of our students and incline them towards God’s truth, goodness and beauty.

Students at St. Paul’s achieve excellence, guided by dedicated faculty who know all of our students as individuals and are dedicated to helping them achieve at their highest possible level. By the time St. Paul’s students are ready for high school, they are equipped to gain acceptance into highly competitive schools. More importantly, they are ready to thrive during their studies and beyond.

St. Paul’s is currently seeking new enrollees for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. Please visit our website: www.spbrookfield. org for more information or to schedule a tour of the school. We also have an open house on Thursday, August 17th from 6:308:30.

They then pass by about a dozen refrigerators and freezers lining the walls, where they can find items like eggs, milk, meat and cheese. On more tables there’s

an assortment of bread and fresh produce – which, at this time of year, includes ve getables from local gardens

There’s yet more items in the back with perishable items stocked in an enormous walk-in fridge/freezer donated and custom built by the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

The next phase, now that Share Food Share Love owns the building free and clear, is to move storage to the rear and increase the “store” space. Linda Dumas said they’d like to create more aisles to mimic a grocery store setup.

When her husband, John, took on the role of administrative director, Linda Dumas was still working full-time and told him not to expect her there very often.

“The second time I was here, I was hooked,” said Linda, who is now retired. “You can actually see the impact you make on people, when you talk to the client who came in. … Often they say to us, ‘We’ve gone to other pantries and you are by far the nicest.’ And that’s what we push, treating people with dignity, always being nice.”

The message of the food pantry is summed up, Bahl said, by the Share Food Share Love sign now affixed to brick front of the warehouse

“The sign out front tells the whole story,” Bahl said. “It’s been a great thing.”

STEVE JOHNSTON

Kathleen Hennelly, of Riverside, gets some instructions from pantry manager Linda Dumas (right) prior to the start of dist ribution day on Aug. 12 at the Share Food Share Love Food Pantry in Brook eld.

LaGrange group seeks volunteers to help complete mural project

Community Center artwork celebrates diversity of village’s east side

By JACKIE PISANO Contributing Reporter

Since 1994, the CommUNITY Diversity Group of LaGrange’s mission has been to educate area residents on how the area’s diversity in racial, ethnic and religious affiliation of neighbors enriches the community.

Over the past three decades, the nonprofit has worked both to advocate for people of colors in the greater La Grange area and remind the majority white population of issues often ing them, whether due to racism, poverty or other isolating factors.

By hosting educational workshops with schools, elected officials and civic groups, annual Diversity Days featuring movie screenings and discussion on race, the annual “Race Unity Rally” each September at LaGrange Village Hall and sponsoring small educational scholarships for children who complete community service hours for area agencies in need, the organization involves LaGrange residents, representatives from local churches and friends from neighboring Brookfield and LaGrange Park

In an ef fort to create a permanent visual reminder of the beauty of that diversity, CommUNITY Diversity Group of La Grange, or CDG, is in the midst of creating

a large mosaic mural at The Community Center, 200 S. Washington Ave., operated by the Park District of LaGrange.

The Community Center — a beloved historic facility that offers park district programming and hosts everything from baby and wedding showers to family reunions, church services and after-school programs — lies smack-dab in the middle of what the organization calls “the culturally rich east side of LaGrange.”

Nancy Bramson, a Brookfield resident who has been a member of CDG for the past five years, says the location encapsulates the past, present and future of the neighborhood, and is exactly what the group was looking for in order to create a unique, community-driven permanent art installation telling the story of the historic neighborhood.

“The Community Center neighborhood in the mid-20th century was a majority African American neighborhood , due in large part to redlining,” she said. “It is a historic neighborhood that has been home to many local activists and leaders, and has always been a proud, self-sufficient and vital contributor to the distinctiveness of this extraordinary community — despite its long history of disinvestment, discrimination and se gregation.”

In 2021, through research and interviews of residents, CDG created the African Americans in Early La Grange Walking Tour, and in 2022, the CDG’s CommUNITY Arts Committee launched the mural project as just another new way of bringing more awareness both to the Community Center and the neighborhood.

“The Arts C ommittee uses a c onsensus decision-making process to ensure the c ontent presented to the public is re presentative of residents and the mosai c project’s mission and vision of bringing unity to the L aGrange area through the powe r of art by building relationships through c ollaborative art projects and eng aging activitie s, ” Bramson said.

This p ast s pring, with guidance from the Green S tar Movement — a Chicagob ased public art initiative with the pu rp ose of revitalizing u rban neighbo rhoods through teamwork — C DG held two d esign wo rkshop s, bringing to g ether more than 30 pa rt icipants and yieldin g an eight-panel d esign sharing the stor y of the c ommunity as told by the c ommunity

Wi th a theme titled “The C ommunity C enter: Past-Present-Future, ” the project will focus on collecti ve images wh ich are cu rrently being turned i nto p anels to be tiled by volunteer s.

From discussions at the d esign wo rkshop s, imagery of a tree was a c ommon theme, and decided upon as being the thread that c onnects the mural. Th e overall d esign will begin with roots, c ontinue with c ommunity c onnections, or outstretched hand s, and end with a frui t tree. Other elements will be unve i led when the mural is completed this fall.

According to Bramson, f eedback from the d esign wo rkshops proved that the project has b een a p ositive community

PROVIDED

experienc e.

“Some expressed that they we re ins pired, uplifted and enlightened,” she said. “Community perspect ives we re valued, and we all learned a little something about each other.”

Fo r l ifelong L aGrange resident Bernadine Sim s, g etting involved in the mural project was a no-brainer. N ot only d oes she d escend from the first Black f amily who move d i nto L aGrang e, but she live s in a home on one of the f amily ’s o riginal proper ties on the village ’s east side

“I wanted to g et involved because it ’s a b eautifying point,” she said. “A lot of the c ommunity takes pa rt in activity at the c enter, and to have something pretty there that reminds them of the unity that we ’re t rying to inco rp orate in the area is a good thing.”

T hough the wo rkshops included mostly L aGrange and Brookfield pa rt icipants, for its upcoming tile-laying wo rkshops in Au g ust and Se p tember, C DG is recr uiting w idely and welcomes residents from all neighboring c ommunities with the g oal of making new friends all wh i le becoming a pa rt of a community art stor y.

Wo rkshops will be held Au g. 22 through Au g. 30 and Sept. 9 at the C ommunity C enter. A ll are one-hour sessions open to pa rt icipants over the age of 9. I nterested pa rt icipants must re gister for time slots at tinyurl .com/bdk85x6u

For more information about CDG, visit communitydiversity.org.

Above, CommUNITY Mosaic Project design brainstorming workshop participants. Below le , a rendering of one of the eight panels that w ill tell the story of the neig hborhood.

DEVELOPMENT

Public hearing on tap from page 1

It’s a company that appears to have jumped into Brookfield with both feet all at once in early 2022, buying three six-unit apartment buildings in the 4500 and 4600 blocks of Grove Avenue that January before Fairclough’s Pima Property Group bought the Burlington Avenue property that February for $385,000.

Three Green Vegetables LLC acquired 8845 Burlington Ave. via quit claim deed on Feb. 28, 2022.

Elevations of the proposed apartment building, which are part of the planned development application on file with the village, depict an apartment block with a main entrance on the Burlington Avenue façade

The front two-thirds of the building is shown as having a 3-foot setback on the north, east and west sides, with the parking structure reaching from lot line to lot line on the east and west.

Haleas, who submitted the planned development application, said he and his partner went that route, rather than simply seeking several zoning variations, because of the substantial size of the proposed building.

“We want to explain what the development is all about rather than doing it piecemeal, to address all of the issues holistically,” Haleas told the Landmark in a phone interview. “I believe this is a significant upgrade on the previous project [which the village board approved in July 2021].”

The Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing on the preliminary planned development application on Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Brookfield Village Hall, 8820 Brookfield Ave.

Any member of the public wishing to provide comment may do so at the hearing or prior to it by emailing correspondence to Village Planner Kate Portillo at kportillo@ brookfieldil.gov.

The Brookfield Village Board will have the final say on whether to approve the preliminary application, which would then trigger a final planned development application,

which will go through the same process

Plans for the 20,000-square-foot building show four two-bedroom apartments on each floor with the smallest (the rear two groundfloor units) at 852 square feet and the largest (the front two units on the second and third floors) at 1,360 square feet.

All of the units have two bathrooms, except for the two ground-floor units at the rear of the building, which have one, according to the plans on file. All of the units feature walk-in closets and open-plan kitchen/living areas.

A one-story extension for the covered onsite parking area is to the south almost to the east-west alley. There are 14 vehicle parking spaces shown on the plans, along with parking for a handful of bicycles

The roof of the extension is proposed as a common open-air gathering area with seat-

ing areas, potted trees and plants.

Plans also indicate that the developers are requesting the village allow them to add four diagonal parking spaces by cutting out a section of the public parkway on the east side of Forest Avenue

With the plan calling for 12 units, the additional diagonal parking would appear to allow the development to meet the zoning district’s parking requirements.

However, the building type itself is not allowed in the zoning district, an issue the Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission had with the prior development. The zoning district calls for townhomes, and the prior project’s architect had to change the design in order to create more ground-floor entrances to give it a more “townhome” feel.

The Canopy as presented is massed like a traditional apartment block, with a main front entrance. There are no other groundfloor entrances except for access through the enclosed parking area to the rear

Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.

Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.

Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.

A safe & smart choice.

A safe & smart choice.

A safe & smart choice.

Choosing a community you can trust has never been more difficult.

Choosing a community you can trust has never been more important.

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.

Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.

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.

We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.

We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.

99% OF OUR CALEDONIA STAFF IS VACCINATED

Immediate availability in our Memory Care Assisted Living Small House

‘Barbenheimer’ provides a big li for local cinemas

e movie theater is everything again. Streaming is just Ken

By STACEY SHERIDAN Senior Reporter

Buzz doesn’t even begin to cover the excitement surrounding “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.” The atmosphere of anticipation generated by the movies and their shared July 21 release date could only be described as a roar.

The cinematic spectacle of the two pictures has resurrected the movie theater experience, raking in a combined $235.5 million at the box office over opening weekend. But are local theaters feeling that success?

“Absolutely. And then some,” said Chris Johnson, CEO of Classic Cinemas, the Illinois-based, family-run theater chain, which operates the North Riverside Luxury 6 at Nor th Riverside Park Mall.

“Barbie,” currently playing at all 16 Classic Cinemas movie theaters, had brought in $1.32 million for the company as of last week. “Oppenheimer,” and its considerable three-hour runtime, has generated $429,038 for Classic Cinemas, playing in 13 of its locations.

Even Classic Cinemas’ smaller theaters are doing big numbers, proving there’s still room for movie theaters in the age of streaming. Lake Theatre in Oak Park has made $113,978 and $45,355 in ticket sales to date for “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” respectively.

“We’ve been sold out since they came out,” said Taylor Griffin, who works the box office at Lake Theatre.

Griffin admitted she’s seen “Barbie” three times, but she’s not the only one enamored with the feature film featuring the tiny-waisted, long-le gged doll played by

“Barbie” has been quite popular with audiences at the North Riverside Luxury 6, too, amassing $116,042 in ticket sales to date. “Oppenheimer” is not playing in North Riverside, due to a limited number of screens. Jason Ibarra, the Luxury 6 assistant manager, contributed to Lake Theatre’s “Oppenheimer” sales by catching the film over there.

Ibarra has been too busy to see “Barbie” but plans to as soon as he can. Nor is he the only man taking an interest in what could easily be written of f as a “chick flick.” While the Landmark was interviewing a mother and daughter about to see “Barbie” in North Riverside, both in matching “Barbie” T-shirts, a male moviegoer interjected his thoughts on the movie that reportedly caused a shortage of pink paint.

“It’s a good movie,” Mario Agatti told the mother and daughter.

“Barbie” has been a family viewing experience for many, including Agatti, who also saw it with his own daughter – and did

just for women. It’s women’s empowerment, but it’s still a good show.”

Diaz played with Barbie dolls growing up, then passed them onto her daughter. Now 11-years-old, Diaz’s daughter had been waiting all day for her mom to get of f work, so they could go see the movie.

A resurgence in movie theater ticket sales has been a blessing for movie makers and theaters alike, as both struggled to draw audiences back to cinema’s postpandemic shutdown.

Now, thanks in no small part to “Barbie” and to a slightly lesser extent “Oppenheimer,” the fear of the movies being another casualty of COVID-19 feels less acute. “Oppenheimer” director Christopher Nolan ag rees.

“I think for those of us who care about movies, we’ve been really waiting to have a crowded marketplace again, and now it’s here and that’s terrific,” Nolan told media publication IGN.

ple out of theaters. From Labor Day 2022 to the present, more than 3.8 million people have seen shows at its theaters.

“We’ve been selling more than we have for years and years, and then you lay over that the ‘Barbenheimer’ success, and it’s just been invigorating,” said Johnson.

Their shared release date and the public’s giddiness has positioned “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” movies not as competitors, but as partners, giving rise to the “Barbenheimer” portmanteau and making for one strange double feature, immortalized in internet history through memes and silly social media posts. Those involved in the films have joined in the fun as well, publicly supporting their cinematic counterparts.

so wearing a pink shirt, which has become something of an unofficial requirement.

Katrina Diaz, the maternal half of the mother-daughter duo seeing “Barbie,” appreciates that more men than expected are seeing the film, which has been alternatingly praised and criticized for its profeminist theme.

“I love that men can come see it and put their pride to the side,” said Diaz. “It’s not

Adding to the bomb and “Barbie” blockbuster experience, Classic Cinemas has been investing in its theaters, with the addition of alcoholic beverages at concession stands and re placing traditional seats in the company’s theaters with luxury, heated recliners, which are available at both Lake Theatre and Luxury 6 Theatre.

Johnson said Classic Cinemas is doing better this year than it did in 2019, just before the threat of viral infection drove peo-

“Oppenheimer” star Cillian Murphy said he couldn’t wait to see “Barbie” and was interested in starring as a Ken doll in its unconfirmed-but-hoped-for sequel. Robbie, who easily stepped into her character’s plastic high heels, posed with “Barbie” director Greta Gerwig in front of an “Oppenheimer” poster, showing of f their tickets to the historical drama.

The opposing narratives of the films, one starring a beloved or infamous toy, depending on who you ask, and the other about the creation of the atomic bomb, inexplicably complement each other, not unlike mixing M&M candy into movie theater popcorn. Explosions of pink married to literal explosions – that’s the magic of “Barbenheimer.”

“It’s really resonating with people,” Johnson said. “And we’re just happy to be a part of it.”

Margot Robbie.

TODD A. BANNOR

Moviegoers dressed as Barbie outside the Lake eatre in Oak Park on July 22, before view ing the new lm.

COURTESY OF WARNER BROS PICTURE - © 2023 - WARNER BROS Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie in Barbie.

The heart of education

Students, parents and alumni appear to have successfully pressured administrators at Riverside-Brookfield High School to find a way to increase the number of classes for a music teacher whose position had been cut to just one class for the 2023-24 school year.

The argument for reducing the teaching load for that particular faculty member was that enrollment is down across the board in music and the number of teachers has to align with the amount of interest.

That can be a compelling argument for administrators who are constantly weighing what they can of fer versus what they have to spend to make it happen.

But we’d also argue that when it comes to education in the arts and humanities, dropping enrollments can also be viewed as the le gacy of a self-fulfilling prophecy.

There is a much wider trend, which we are now seeing play out in states across the nation, to strangle what used to be considered the foundation of a liberal education.

Higher education has been, over a long period now, tailored to view its role as a training ground for minting the latest wave of corporate employees, vocational schools for the business sector – the value of an academic major being weighed on its ability to provide a new graduate with the money necessary to pay of f the exorbitant loan payments with their attendant usurious interest rates.

There’s been some movement at the high school level, at least locally, to not view secondary education as preparation for that version of higher education. RBHS is exploring ways, for example, to provide its students with real world experience to enable them to move directly into a chosen profession.

While we have conditioned ourselves to think the result of education ought simply to be a job, that’s incredibly shortsighted from a nation whose very democratic foundation requires a citizenry that is educated and able to think critically about the reality it encounters.

That ability comes through an education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences – one that values critical thinking above all else. We have to resist the self-serving corporate view of education as their training ground.

While certainly students with solid educations in the liberal arts make fine corporate employees, that’s a secondary benefit. The first is to ensure that we have a population capable of governing itself by being able to think critically enough to avoid being manipulated by those interested in profiting from a poorly educated populace.

So, good for RBHS in finding a way to at least maintain the status quo when it comes to music education. Perhaps the administration can increase their own ef for ts at promoting those offerings and others in the liberal arts to counteract falling enrollment in the future.

Opinion

Back home again on Selborne Road

Well, finally after six and a half months, I am back on Selborne Road. Trust me, it hasn’t been an easy six and a half months, spending time at MacNeal Hospital, The Woodlands at Cantata and the rehab center at Cantata.

So here goes for today’s trek home -- a trip I wasn’t sure I was going to make. There had been whispers that Aug. 14 was the day, but nobody told me definitely. Around 10 a.m. they told me they were going to transport me at 11 a.m.

Hey, that means I’ll miss my lunch which would have come between 11:30 a.m. and noon. It sounded pretty good also, a barbeque pork sandwich.

So came the announcement, “They’re here to pick you up.” Don’t I get a chance to put everything together? No, that’s where the aides came in armed with large plastic bags and proceeded to pack everything. I grabbed my purse so I could put my “valuables” like my York Peppermint Patty bars and a few other things.

Now here comes the transport team, both of them guaranteeing they had done this 1,000 times, although

LETTERS Replace trees lost to Komarek construction

As I live a block away from the school, I wish to commend the construction planners and crews who have brought Komarek into the 21st century. On the whole, the work has progressed quickly and quietly, for this we are thankful.

But now as the final shape of the school is coming into focus, I am distressed by how much we have traded trees and gardens for black tar and parking spaces. The five new trees that have been planted seem like an afterthought in the conception of the Komarek remodel.

Before the project, there were three smaller trees on 12th Avenue alone, and 24th Street had the massive shade trees and a garden hard up by the school wall to

I don’t think they were old enough to achieve that number. So, I close my eyes, give my body and, on a count of 1, 2, 3, I’m moved. The kids were stronger than they looked. Safely in the ambulance we go to Riverside and home. I must say the timing was perfect as we opened the doors of C antata -- thunder and rain. Poor me, now we we re all wet. The ambulance service didn’t have anything to put over me, so I ar rive d to Selborne Road sopping wet but finally home. Another flip onto the hospital bed, now a wet bed bu t one at home.

While it may have seemed that there was time for a damp nap, no such luck as it was time for a visit from the service that would be helping us at home

The good thing about being home, and there are many -- I can have more visitors or wave to you as you pass the house. I’ve missed seeing outside.

T hose of you who have sent cards, thank you and if you think I don’ t know who you are, I do. Too bad I wasn’t able to use the flower purse this year T hanks, Jeri.

Now, and I mean it, it’s time for a little snooze

soften the space.

We lost so many trees to the cyclone that tore through North Riverside, some of that canopy needs to be replaced. The trees torn down to make room for the Komarek construction need to be replaced. Finishing the project by covering the entire footprint of Komarek’s property with black tar asphalt seems to me to be a disrespectful way of considering the space we live in as children, villagers and people.

Now we have a large heatsink of black tar at the east end for parking spaces to absorb and radiate heat, and a runway along the south side of the building for cars to line up like at a ter minal at O’Hare.

While I appreciate the start with the five trees we have now, a fair bit more landscaping can and should be incorporated to the property. Now that the heavy lifting of the construction is out of the way, can we please find a bit of time and budget to make room for some more trees and greenery that will grow to honor and shelter Komarek and the children and educators who go there?

Ross LeMesurier, North Ri verside

JOANNE KOSE Y

Frank A. A znar, 65 Riverside resident

Frank A. Aznar, 65, of Riverside, died Aug. 6, 2023 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He was the son of Haydee Porro and the late Jose Aznar, the husband of Rocio and the father of Haydee (Cameron) Harati and Frankie Aznar.

Visitation is Thursday, Aug. 17, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Friday, Aug. 18, from 11 a.m. until time of services at 12:30 p.m., at Ivins/ Moravecek Funeral Home, 80 E. Burlington St., Riverside.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Aug. 18 at 1 p.m. at St. Leonard Church in Berwyn, followed by interment at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Stickney.

Delores Clark, 92 Nurse became pilot

Delores “Dee” Clark, of North Riverside, died July 30, 2023 at 92 years of age.

Delores was born to Georgia and Alex Fairley in Roberts, Illinois. She attended a one-room school in Roberts, graduated from Roberts Township High School in 1948 and West Suburban School of Nursing in 1951.

She returned to colle ge as an emptynester and graduated from the Colle ge of St. Francis in 1982 with a B.S. in public health.

Dee married James Clark in 1953. She worked at Hines Hospital, Amoco Research, the Medical Surgical Department at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Joliet, and -- for 16 years -- at the Grundy County Health Department. Dee became a pilot in 1971.

Dee was active in her church and volunteered at the Rialto Square Theatre for 15 years. She enjoyed crafts, sewing, knitting, scrapbooking, gardening, and most of all spending time with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was a member of the International Flying Nurses association; VFW Post 1824 Auxiliary in Glen Ellyn; and the NinetyNines, an international organization for women pilots.

Dee was preceded in death by Jim, her husband of 65 years. She is survived by their three sons, Michael (Anita Houck), Jay (Janell) and Tim (Tara); nine grandchildren, Justin (Lauren), Jaclyn McKay (Alan), Jason (Aleksandra), Jenna (Kevin) Emery, Caitlin, Haven, Joshua, Caleb, and Hope; and nine great-grandchildren, Mila, Adaiah, Harvey, Seth, Grant, Peter,

Brooks, Reese, and Rhet. She is also survived by brothers Earl Fairley and Merle Fairley (Cathy).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to BSF international at BSFInternational.com, Conference Point Center at lg yc.org or Roberts Gym, ℅ Debbie Burns, 106 W. Weldon St., Roberts, IL 60962.

A memorial service will be held at Calvary Memorial Church of Oak Park, 931 Lake St., on Saturday, Aug. 26, at 10 a.m.

Russell A. Chorley, 87

Worked at Lyons Township High School

Russell A. Chorley, 87, of LaGrange Park, died Aug. 9, 2023.

Mr. Chorley was proud of his hard work in supporting his family. In his early years, he worked as head pasteurizer at Willow Farm Dairy in Brookfield. After serving as part owner of Riverside Mobil Gas Station, he worked for 17 years as the dock supervisor at Lyons Township High School’s South Campus in Western Springs, retiring in 1995.

He was the husband of Betty Ann Chorley (nee Komerska), his lifelong high school sweetheart of 68 years, whom he met at Farragut High School in Chicago; the father of Russell A. (Gina) Chorley Jr. and Jeffrey (Allison) Chorley; the grandfather of Amanda, Jessica (Brian), Katherine, Andrew (Kat) and Jennifer (JT); the brother of Margot, Lee (Joyce), the late Dennis and Edith; and the uncle and great uncle of many nieces and ne phews. Services and inter ment are private. Interment is at Clarendon Hills Cemetery, Darien.

Memorials appreciated to Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care, 2800 Desplaines Ave., North Riverside, 60546 Hitzeman Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements.

Send sympathy cards to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 31st St., Brookfield, 60513, c/o the Russell Chorley family.

Helene A. James, 87

Retired law secretar y

Helene A. James (nee Stanek), 87, of Brookfield, died Aug. 7, 2023 at her Brookfield home.

Ms. James was born July 1, 1936 in Chicago. She worked as a secretary for a law firm before retiring.

She had a great love of animals and enjoyed traveling, playing poker and watching football and the Kentucky Derby. Helene was a kind and selfless person who had an impact on everyone who knew her.

Helene had a deep love for her family and friends and always took the time to have meaningful talks with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She shared her wisdom and insight to teach these important life lessons and for that her f amily will be forever grateful. Helene touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed by all those who knew her

She was the wife of the late Curtis A. James Sr.; the mother of Debra L. (Chris Straka) James, Curtis A. (Efi) James Jr. and the late Sharon L. James; the grandmother of Kelly (Bill Schurman) Andrews, Larry (Robyn) Andrews Jr., John (Rose) Andrews, Christal (Andrew) Beyer, Matthew James, Joanna James; the great grandmother of Breann Andrews, Haley Andrews, Madelyn Andrews, Pearl Beyer, Gabriel Beyer and Avery Andrews; the sister of Gail Stanek Koziel; and a sister-inlaw to many.

Services have been held. Inter ment was at All Saints Polish National Catholic Cemetery, Chicago.

Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements.

Online condolences, memories and photos may be shared at JohnsonNosek.com.

Charles L. Olson, 83

Worked for GM for 31 years

Charles L. “Chuck” Olson died May 16, 2023, surrounded by loving family in his home in Boise, Idaho, at the age of 83.

Chuck was born in Chicago in 1939 to Tage and Amanda (nee Grafstrom) Olson. He attended Bryn Mawr Elementary School and Chicago Vocational High School in Chicago.

He earned his bachelor ’s de gree in mechanical engineering from General Motors Institute, learning everything from the shop where his father once worked all the way to engineering design and production. He received a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Minnesota and completed the management progr am at the University of Illinois.

In 1961, Chuck married his junior high school sweetheart, Bonnie (nee Bohne) Olson. Together they raised three children, Kurt, Christine and Karen, in Riverside.

Following his 31-year career with General Motors, Chuck and Bonnie took advantage of an early retirement offer and moved to Boise. There Chuck had the opportunity at Morrison Knudsen to assist in refurbishing the locomotives he had originally been involved in building.

This new experience eventually took them on a year-long adventure living in southwest France where he helped build an all-electric high-speed train. They spent another two years in Hornell, New York, seeing it to fruition, and finally returned to Boise to retire.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Bonnie; children Kurt (Jan) Olson, Christine (Craig) Chvatal and Karen (Mark) Binder; grandchildren Jake and Eric Chvatal and Me g an and Lauren Binder. Survivors also include many cousins in the U.S. and Sweden.

A private celebration of life is planned for late summer.

Alan G. Strunc, 80

Retired high school teache r

Alan George Strunc, for merly of North Riverside and Westchester, died peacefully on Aug. 2, 2023, at the age of 80 after a years’ long struggle with early onset dementia.

Mr. Strunc was born to John and Angeline Strunc on May 22, 1943 and spent his childhood and school years in North Riverside. He served his country in Vietnam from 1967-69 and returned grateful he made it home.

He completed his master’s de gree in education and taught for over 25 years at J. Sterling Morton West High School in Berwyn. Mr. Strunc’s one true passion was spending every summer at his cabin in northern Wisconsin, honing his fishing skills and winning a few muskie tournaments along the way.

Mr. Strunc is survived by his wife of 30 years, Carol (nee Huebner). He was the stepfather of Robert (Stephanie) Metzger and Joanna (Carlos Torres) Metzger; the grandfather of Sebastian Torres; the brother of Bruce Strunc, Paul (Betie) Strunc and the late Richard (late Judy) Strunc; and the uncle of many nieces and nephews.

A memorial visitation is F riday, Aug. 18 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Kuratko-Nosek Funeral Home, 2447 Desplaines Ave., North Riverside

Online condolences, memories and photos may be shared at KuratkoNosek.com.

Combo of youth, talent puts RBHS boys golf in good spot

Coach calls team

years

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Joey Garvey and Ben Wilkowski are the lone seniors for one of the youngest Riverside-Brookfield High School boys golf lineups in years.

It’s also appearing to be one of the Bulldogs’ best.

The team’s first three tournament totals, including a first-place 322 at the Reavis Invite on Aug. 10, are better than any 18-hole team totals from 2022.

Four players have enjoyed best rounds of 80 or lower – Garvey (77), junior Brady McCallum (79), sophomore Connor Dominick (79) and junior Josh Udelson (80).

“This is by far the youngest and most talent-

ed of my teams in seven years at RB,” coach Jim Festle said. “A great goal this year would be for our team to advance to sectionals.”

In 2022, Garvey and Udelson were two of the Bulldogs’ four individual qualifiers for the IHSA Class 3A Conant Sectional after shooting 92s at the Payton Regional.

A three-sport athlete, Garvey also served as a team captain last season and was an individual sectional qualifier in 2021.

McCallum also was part of the Payton Regional lineup. More juniors who will see significant action are Michael Oppegard, Cal Milchhoefer, Ben O’Brien, Nate Stanard and Nick Ambrosia. Dominick, Gavin Sharenow and Ronnie Murray from a promising sophomore class will see time in varsity matches as well.

RBHS finished 10th at the 18-team PaytonJones Invite (327) on Aug. 11, nine strokes from sixth, and shot 331 at the Oak Park and River Forest Invite on Aug. 12 at Indian Boundary.

This season’s revamped Metro Suburban Conference includes Elmwood Park, Ridgewood and Westmont.

LTHS volleyball returns strong lineup from regional champ squad

Senior Maggie Kachmarik and her Lyons Township High School girls volleyball teammates tried something new this preseason.

The Lions collectively enjoyed a fun and productive time along with some conditioning on Aug. 11 at North Avenue Beach in Chicago.

“We got some volleyball ‘sisters’ within the program,” Kachmarik said. “We kind of got to know everybody so that was really good for the chemistry, too.”

The Lions graduated some familiar faces, but another solid core should help them continue riding the wave of success.

Five senior starters return, including two 2022 All-West Suburban Conference Silver Division selections – libero Kiley

Mahoney and fourth-year starting setter Abby Markworth, already committed to George Washington University.

The season opener is Aug. 15, after the Landmark’s print deadline, at South Campus against Lockport. With the North Campus fieldhouse under construction, home matches currently are at South Campus or the North Campus’ Vaughan wrestling gym.

“We have a really good returning group and also with the juniors. We also have a freshman, which is really exciting, people that are willing to step up and fill those spots,” Markworth said. “We’re excited to go out and see how we’re able to compete.”

Grace Turner, Anabelle Montgomery

and Kachmarik also were part of the starting rotation. Seniors Lydia Busker, Alita Folkening, Cat Niego, Sienna Olson, Abby Saunders and Laine Violante also are varsity returnees. Newcomers are senior Ava Buckendahl, juniors Kate Badrov, Reagan Far nan, Livia Metrik, Molly Ogden, Madeline Richard and Nina Wasz, and freshman Taylor Carroll.

The 2022 Lions finished 30-8 and captured their second straight IHSA Class 4A re gional before losing 21-25, 25-23, 25-12 to Marist in the LT Sectional semifinals.

The 6-foot Markworth will be inte gral to a more balanced attack after LTHS graduated predominant hitters Kamryn Lee-Caracci (402 kills in 2022) and Grace Brennan (217).

Markworth has 1,750 career assists. She had 814 in 2022 with 78 kills, 188 digs and 49 total blocks

Mahoney (team-best 348 digs) and Kachmarik (212) anchored last year’s back row. Mahoney added a team-best 42 aces with Kachmarik (34) and Markworth (29) close behind. Violante and Far nan will be among other defensive contributors.

The 6-2 Turner should have a breakout season after collecting 161 kills with team bests of a .310 attack percentage and 79 total blocks with 15 solos. Other offensive contributors should include middle Folkening and Montgomery (76 kills, 33 total blocks), Olson and the 6-1 Carroll on the outside.

— Bill Stone

‘youngest and most talented’ in

RBHS’ Cal Milchhoefer hits his tee shot on the 17th hole during the Oak Park and River Forest High School Invitational at Indian Boundary Golf Course on Aug. 12.

New look RBHS volleyball eyes league title in 2022

Bulldogs seek to improve on last year’s 13-20 record

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

As a returning player for the Riverside-Brookfield High School girls volleyball team, senior middle hitter Addie Blomg ren senses a change approaching this season.

“Being a senior is part of it, for sure. It feels like a different energy,” Blomg ren said. “It feels more positive. I just feel a lot more energy for this season than last season.”

T he Bulld ogs hope to build upon the 2022 success they had under coach Caitlin Staib-Lipinski in her first season.

Senior setter/hitter Annabel Krue ger and junior outside hitter Sofia Owens, who both earned All-Metro Suburban Conference Red Division honors, senior defensive specialist Kelley Tyler and sophomore setter Claire Cameron also return, but otherwise the roster is relatively new.

Other players are senior Emily Organ, juniors Aimee Di Battista, Elaina Harazin, Natalie Koltz, Avery O’Shaughnessy and Tatiana Sanchez, sophomore Lucy Boyle and freshman Mackenzie Slog er.

T he season begins with the Plainfield North Invite on Aug. 25-26.

“It’s more of like a fresh team because seven of our seniors left. It’s almost a whole new team,” Owens said. “Definitely just winning conference [is the goal]. Last year, we just fell shor t by one g ame.”

The Bulldogs finished 13-20 in 2022, losing at Whitney Young 25-16, 25-19 in the Class 4A Young Regional semifinals

T hey tied for first in the MSC Red with Bishop McNamara with 5-1 record s, but the Irish were reco gnized as the champion by winning the head-to-head match. With all private schools leaving the MSC, this season’s conference consists of RBHS, Elmwood Park, Ridgewood and Westmont playing each other twice

“We want to win conference and I still want to be the best serving team in the conference. Serving is the first line of attack,” Staib-Lipinski said. “We’ re going to do everything we can to make sure we g et further in the postseason.”

In her third varsity season, the 5-foot-11 Owens improved from 109 to a team-high 130 kills in 2022 and continued progressing of fseason with 1st Alliance club action. Among MSC players, Owens ranked No. 5 in kills

“The past two years I’ve always been close to being No. 1 in the conference in kills so this year I want to achieve that goal,” Owens said.

Krue ger had a team-high 217 assists and Cameron 163 after joining the varsity in mid-season. That gives the Bulldogs options for a tw o-setter of fense or using one as a hitter. Krue ger collected 49 kills as a junior Krue ger (32) and Owens (27) were among leaders in aces. Krueger also hopes to expand her leadership role after being a co-captain last season with g raduated Kira Conroy “I definitely want to contribute to the team with assists and kills, any way that I can, and just be a wellrounded player,” Krue ger said.

T he 6-1 Blomg ren (54) and Owens (50) finished 1-2 in total blocks. After off-season work with 1st Alliance, Blomg ren looks to well surpass last season’s 46 kills

Tyler (117 digs) and Krueger (112) are the top defensive returnees. The Bulldogs graduated their top three dig leaders, including Conroy, who had a single-season school record 386.

“I’m just going to do my best and put everything I have onto the floor and hopefully that’s enough for my team,” Tyler said.

Organ, a three-sport athlete who will play softball at Bradley, rejoins the program after a one-season absence. The large junior class mostly formed last season’s junior varsity.

Sanchez and Di Battista should contribute in the back row. The 5-10 Sloger is showing promise as an outside hitter. Her parents played collegiately.

“I do consider us a young team, even though we do have more upperclassmen,” Staib-Lipinski said. “I’m really hoping our senior class with Emily steps up, positive leadership, really shows [the varsity newcomers] this is how we do Bulldog varsity.”

Covarrubias seeks third straight golf state meet berth

RBHS girls hope team can nally break state barrier

By BILL STONE

Contributing Reporter

Riverside-Brookfield High School senior Mayan Covarrubias had an impressive second summer of Illinois Junior Golf Association tournament results.

Covarrubias won four consecutive titles, including par-72s at Cog Hill No. 3 and Jackson Park in Chicago.

“It was a really good summer, probably my best summer,” Covarrubias said. “I feel

like right now I’ve improved immensely on my shor t game.”

As Covarrubias seeks her third consecutive IHSA Class 2A individual state berth, she is even more excited about the team.

The Bulldogs return their other two 2022 individual sectional qualifiers -- junior Taryn Schultz and sophomore Lucia Vazzana.

With more varsity returnees in sophomore Tali Schultz, juniors Ellie Megall and Lucy Drenth and seniors Cassidy Erb and Kate Newberry, they also have the depth to contend for at least a sectional team berth.

Other varsity members are senior Jenna Schmidt and Sadie Springer and junior Ella Jurgens. In all, the 23 program mem-

bers are 15 returnees and eight freshmen.

In 2022, the Bulldogs’ 355 at the Shepard Re gional missed out for the last team sectional spot on a fifth-score tiebreaker with Mother McAuley (93 to 99).

“This definitely is our best chance in my five years. Coming back with everybody returning and our depth, I think we have a great chance of breaking that barrier,” RBHS coach Doug Schultz said. “With Mayan, there’s no other way to say it than she’s the best female golfer in RB history. You’re looking at someone who has the potential to be a top-10 golfer in the state.”

Covarrubias tied for 70th at state in 2022 with a 167 (84-83) but had to win a four-hole

playoff for the final berth out of the Hinsdale South Sectional after shooting 79. At 2021 state, she shot 101 and missed the second-day cut.

“One hundred twenty percent that’s the goal. I’m hoping to make it to state,” Covarrubias said. “Hopefully I’ll have someone join me.”

Vazzana, last year’s No. 2 golfer, and the Schultz sisters (no relation to coach Schultz) will generally be the Bulldogs’ other counting scores.

“What’s great is our top four, if not six, are very competitive. They feed of f each other,” coach Schultz said. “Everyone’s pushing to get better.”

BILL STONE

Kelley Tyler (from le ), Annabel Krueger, Addie Blomgren and So a Owens

PART-TIME

Experience or not.

HELPER

Call for more information.

708-738-3848

OAK PARK POLICE DEPARTMENTACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!

Application Deadline is Friday, September 1, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.

How to Apply:

• Complete your application at https:// iosolutions.com by the application deadline.

• Submit all supporting documenta tion by the application deadline.

Police Officer ments:

• At least 21 years of age and have not passed their 35th birthday by closing date for application.

• U.S. Citizen who speaks and under stands English.

• Possess at least 60 hours of college credit at a fully accredited college or university, and also possess a mini mum grade average of “C” by appli cation deadline.

• Possess a valid driver

• Possess a Firearm Owners Identifi cation (FOID) card at the time of hire

Written Exam Information:

A mandatory written exam will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Testing will take place at Oak Park Village Hall (room# 101) locat ed at 123 Madison St. Oak Park, IL 60302. Sign-in will held from 8:30a.m. – 9:00 a.m. tails will be provided to eligible candi dates approximately one week prior to the exam.

About the Village of Oak Park and Police Department:

• Starting Salary: $78,650.74 after 4 years of service $110,953.23

Please contact IOS Recruitment at (800)-343-HIRE or iosolutions.com

garding the application, required documents or testing.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Research Assistant in the Village Manager’s Office. This position will perform a variety of duties including assisting in coordinating aspects of equity and inclusion projects/initiatives, some data collection, data entry and analysis, synthesizing information, report writing, and presentation of results to stakeholders. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website https://www.oak-park.us/ your-government/human-resources-departments.

CARS

CLASSICS WANTED

Restored

CLASSICS WANTED

GARAGE/YARD

Restored

FOREST PARK

GARAGE SALE

815 CIRCLE AVENUE

SAT AUG 19

SUN AUG 20

9AM to 5PM

Toys, Games, Radio Flyer Wagon with cover, Childs guitar, Buzz wheeler bike, Casio Keyboard, Ninja food chopper, Bullet Express Meal Maker, Keurig Coffee Maker, Outdoor Wall Lanterns, Pet carrier, Immersion Blender, Electric Kettle, Fax/Copier, Vicks Humidifier, 10 Ft Round Pool with filter and accessories. These are just the tip of the goodies, we have something for so if you like to hunt for trea-

RIVERSIDE

GARAGE SALE

448 LOUDON ROAD

FRI 8/18 AND SAT 8/19

9 AM TO 4 PM IBM Selectric typewriter, 3-in-1 convertible crib, combo stroller and car seat, much household misc. for all ages and seasons.

FLOORS

KLIS

ROOFING

JOE ROOFING Roofing

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: Y23010865 on August 1, 2023

Under the Assumed Business Name of IMAGINATION STATION LEARNING CENTER with the business located at: 615 SOUTH BLVD C, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: CASHMERE WIGGINS 615 SOUTH BLVD C OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA.

Published in Wednesday Journal August 9, 16, 23, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY.

Request of BARBARA RUTH GIBBS 20234004150

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from:

BARBARA RUTH GIBBS to the new name of: RUTH T. WITTBRODT

The court date will be held:

On 9/19/23 at 11:00 AM at 1500 Maybrook Drive, Maywood, Cook County in Courtroom # 0111

Published in Wednesday Journal August 2, 9, 16, 2023

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: Y23010902 on August 11, 2023

Under the Assumed Business Name of ACCURATE ASSISTANTS with the business located at: 2425 S 16TH AVE, BROADVIEW, IL 60155.

The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: SHANELLE MACK, 2425 S 16TH AVE BROADVIEW, IL 60155, USA

Published in Forest Park Review August 16, 23, 30, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield, Illinois that bid proposals will be received for the following project:

VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING ROOF TRUSS REPAIRS

This project includes improvements to the Village of Brookfield Public Works Building located at 4545 Eberly Avenue consisting of structural repairs to the existing building roof truss system.

Sealed bids will be received up to the hour of 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, the 30th day of August, 2023, in the office of the Village Manager in the Village Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois. All sealed bids received will be publicly opened and read at 11:00 A.M. on the same day, Wednesday, the 30th day of August, 2023, at the Village Hall.

Electronic copies of bidding documents, consisting of the bid proposal, project specifications, and project plans are available from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Co., 9933 Roosevelt Road, Westchester, Illinois 60154. Bidding documents can be requested by emailing info@ ehancock.com and a non-refundable fee of Fifteen dollars ($15.00) will be required to obtain bidding documents. Proposals must be submitted on the forms provided and will only be accepted from bidders that have obtained bidding documents from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Company. No bidding documents will be issued after 4:30 P.M. on Wednesday, the 23rd day of August, 2023. A mandatory site inspection will be required between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M. on Friday the 25th day of August, Monday the 28th day of August, or Tuesday the 29th day of August, 2023 for all potential bidders interested in submitting a proposal for the work.

Submission of a bid shall be conclusive assurance and warranty that the bidder has examined the plans, the site of the work, and the local conditions affecting the contract and understands all the requirements for the performance of the work. The bidder will be responsible for all errors in its proposal resulting from failure or neglect to conduct an in-depth examination. The bidder shall not take advantage of any error or omission in the plans or proposal. Sealed envelopes or packages containing bids shall be addressed to the Village Manager and plainly marked “Village of Brookfield – Public Works Building Roof Truss Repairs Project” on the outside of the envelope.

All bid proposals offered must be accompanied by a bid bond, cashier’s check or certified check in an amount not less than Five Percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid, as a guarantee that if the bid proposal is accepted, a contract will be entered into, and the performance of the contract properly secured. Checks shall be made payable to the Order of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield. No bid proposal shall be considered unless accompanied by such bid bond or check.

Any bidder in doubt as to the true meaning of any part of the bidding documents may request an interpretation thereof from the Village. The

bidder requesting the interpretation shall be responsible for its prompt delivery. At the request of the bidder, or in the event that the Village deems the interpretation to be substantive, the interpretation will be made by written addendum issued by the Village.

In the event that a written addendum is issued, either as a result of a request for interpretation or the result of a change in the bidding documents issued by the Village, a copy of such addendum will be emailed to all prospective bidders. The Village will not assume responsibility for receipt of such addendum. In all cases it will be the bidders’ responsibility to obtain all addenda issued.

The Contractor and Subcontractor shall comply with all regulations issued pursuant to Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130), and other applicable Federal Laws and regulations pertaining to labor standards.

The Village of Brookfield reserves the right to determine the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder, to waive irregularities, and to reject any or all bid proposals.

BY ORDER THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS

Published in RB Landmark August 16, 2023 PUBLIC

Notice is hereby given by the Board of Education of Oak Park and River Forest High School, District 200 of Cook County, Illinois that a tentative budget for said School District for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023 will be available for viewing on the school’s homepage at www.oprfhs. org or by appointment only during school hours at the School District located at 201 North Scoville Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois, from and after 8:00 a.m. on August 18, 2023. For an appointment, email Marian Gerena at: mgerena@oprfhs.org

The Board of Education intends to hold a public hearing on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. in accordance with Public Act 101-640 to receive public comments on the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023. To submit a written comment to be included in the Board minutes, go to: https://forms.gle/ZdgdmsQKugkCYTbk8.

To make oral public comments via Zoom go to: https://forms.gle/uoMfeFNFy6Lo9aEM6.

All written and oral comments via Zoom should be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on September 21. Public comments can also be made in person at the public hearing. To join the webinar Board Meeting on September 21, 2023, go to: ht tps://oprfhs-org.zoom.us/ j/89398873748?pwd=VWJRYnRmK2ZORlhmN1FBWFBYOWF1UT09

Passcode: 890767

Published in Wednesday Journal August 16, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES

ADVERTISEMENT FOR NOTIFICATION OF BID FOR PROVISO SCHOOL DISTRICT 209

Gilbane Building Company, Construction Manager, for and acting on behalf of The Board of Education of Proviso Township High School District 209, is receiving lump sum proposals from interested contractors for the Proviso School District Capital Improvements Project. This release includes the following:

Security Camera Improvements work at Proviso East, Proviso West, and Proviso Math and Science Academy. Salt Shed Work at Proviso Math and Science Academy and Underground Well Repair Work at Proviso West. Bid Release 16 includes the following bid packages:

04C Masonry Restoration Work (Proviso East)

12D Salt Shed Work (Proviso Math and Science Academy)

28D Security Cameras Work (Proviso East, Proviso West, and Proviso Math and Science Academy)

33C Underground Well Repair Work (Proviso West)

1. The bid documents will be distributed to bidders on or about Monday, August 14, 2023

2. An in-person Pre-Bid will be held Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 10:00AM

3. The last day for bidders’ questions is Thursday, September 21, 2023, 5:00PM

4. The proposals will be due on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 10:00AM. via www.ibidpro.com.

To bid this project, bidders should prequalify with Gilbane Building Company via Compass at https:// compass-app.com/auth/register. The bid proposals are to be completed online at www.ibidpro.com.

Bid security in the form of a bid bond in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the base bid is required from all bidders. Guarantee Bonds in the form of a Performance Bond and Labor and Material Payment Bond in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the bid will be required from the awarded Bidder.

The work will be done in accordance with the Contract Documents. “FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS INVITATION TO BID MAY RESULT IN THE DISQUALIFICATION OF THE BIDDER”.

This contract calls for the construction of a “public work,” within the meaning of the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/.01 et seq. (“the Act”). The Act requires contractors and subcontractors to pay laborers, workers and mechanics performing services on public works projects no less than the “prevailing rate of wages” (hourly cash wages plus fringe benefits) in the county where the work is performed. For information regarding current prevailing wage rates, please refer to the Illinois Department of Labor’s website at: https://www2.illinois.gov/idol/LawsRules/CONMED/Pages/Rates.aspx. All contractors and subcontractors rendering services under this contract must comply with all requirements of the Act, including but not limited to, all wage, notice and record keeping duties.

The Proviso Township High School District 209 and Gilbane Building Company reserve the right to reject any or all bids. All information submitted as part of this process shall be considered public information under the State Freedom of Information Act unless specifically disclosed on the applicable information by the Bidder. Challenges to such exemptions shall be defended solely by the Bidder

Published in Forest Park Review August 16, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES

OAK PARK TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF OPEN MEETING

On June 10th, 2022, Governor JB Pritzker signed the Decennial Committee on Local Government Efficiency Act (50 ILCS 70). This new law requires Illinois Townships, Road Districts and Multi-Assessment Districts, and all taxing bodies (except counties and municipalities) to convene a committee to study and report on local government efficiency

Oak Park Township Decennial Committee will hold its meetings on the following dates:

August 22, 2023 at 5:30 pm

September 26, 2023 at 6:00 pm

October 24, 2023 at 6:00 pm

Oak Park Township will make residents aware of any changes to the meeting dates and/or time.

The meeting will take place at: 130 S Oak Park Ave. Oak Park, IL 60302

Published in Wednesday Journal August 16, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

WEST CENTRAL CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS (WC3)

SEALED PROPOSAL FOR 9-1-1 Fire Radio System TO BE IN THE HANDS OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WEST CENTRAL CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS, BY 1:30 P.M., THURSDAY, AUGUST 31st, 2023.

BACKGROUND INFO

West Central Consolidated Communications (WC3) is a Joint Emergency Telephone System located in North Riverside, Illinois. WC3 provides emergency and non-emergency communications services to both the police and fire departments from the villages of Riverside, North Riverside, Brookfield, and McCook. A WC# Agency Jurisdictions map has been attached to this Request for Proposal for reference.

WC3 services a jurisdictional area that has roughly 35,000 full time residents, and sees a much higher daily population with multiple large commercial establishments in its area, as well as the Brookfield Zoo. WC3 currently operates on a local VHF fire band that is shared with four other fire departments not serviced by WC3. WC3 and its partner agencies now seek to build out their own repeated VHF radio band for fire operations and have the frequencies to do so.

Additionally, WC3 owns a dark fiber network that may be utilized for connection points and to carry traffic between sites. There is an at-

tached map of this network included as an attachment to this Request for Proposal.

INSTRUCTIONS

All parties intending to submit a proposal must submit a Notice of Intent via email to the Executive Director at bhicks@wccc911.org no later than August 18th, 2023 at 4:00 PM. All parties submitting a notice of intent will be copied on all responses to all questions from all bidders in regards to this Request for Proposal.

All proposals submitted must be made substantially as shown under this specification including total prices and unit prices, as required. All proposals must be signed by an authorized official. Proposals that contain omissions, erasures, alterations, or additions not called for, conditional or alternate proposals unless called for, or that contain irregularities of any kind may be rejected as informal.

Statement of Competency

All proposals submitted shall be accompanied by an experience record showing a statement of competency to perform the work contemplated. This record shall indicate the names, cost of similar projects which the vendor has handled, their addresses and contact person in addition to date of completion. In particular, the proposal shall state if any work has been done with any other governmental agencies.

Delivery of Proposals

Proposals may be delivered by mail or in person. Each proposal shall be submitted in a sealed envelope or package plainly marked to indicate its contents. If forwarded by mail, the proposal shall be placed in an envelope addressed to Bud Hicks, Executive Director (WC3), 2359 Des Plaines Ave., North Riverside, Illinois 60546. If forwarded otherwise than by mail, it must be sealed and delivered to the above. Proposals received after the deadline above will be returned to the vendor unopened.

WC3 reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and waive any technicalities.

For responses and to acquire a copy of the RFP contact Bud Hicks at bhicks@wccc911.org.

Entire RFP available at: https://www.northriverside-il.org/582/ Advertisements-and-Solicitations-ofBids

Bud Hicks West Central Consolidated Communications

Published in RB Landmark August 16, 2023

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FIFTH THIRD BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

Plaintiff, -v.-

100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE

CALENDAR NUMBER: 14-23-Z

HEARING DATE: September 6, 2023

TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits

LOCATION OF HEARING: Room 201 (Council Chambers), Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302

APPLICATION: The Zoning Board of Appeals (“ZBA”) will conduct a public hearing on an application filed by the Applicants, Michael and Molly Monaco, seeking variances from Section 9.3 (N)(2)(c) and Section 9.3 (N)(2)(b) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance which require that a detached garage must be constructed so that access is from the public alley to permit construction of a garage with access from an existing curbcut on Adams Street located within the eight (8’) foot corner side yard setback, sitting approximately three (3’) feet from the corner side lot line at the premises commonly known as 600 Clarence Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Number 16-18-211-001-0000.

1. Section 9.3 (N) (2) (b) of the Zoning Ordinance, which section requires that detached accessory garages are only permitted in the front and interior side yard, to allow the construction of a garage within the corner side yard,

three (3’) feet from the corner side lot line along Adam Street at the Subject Property located at 600 Clarence Avenue; and

2. Section 9.3 (N) (2) (c) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance which require that a detached garage must be constructed so that access is from the public alley to permit construction of a garage that features access from an existing curb-cut on Adams Street at the premises.

A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may also sign up to participate in-person in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses by submitting a cross-examination form or by emailing Zoning@oak-park.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing.

The public hearing may be adjourned by the Board to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

Published in Wednesday Journal, August 16, 2023

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

CALENDAR NUMBER: 13-23-Z

HEARING DATE: September 6, 2023

TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits

LOCATION OF HEARING: Room 201 (Council Chambers), Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302

APPLICATION: The Zoning Board of Appeals (“ZBA”) will conduct a public hearing on an application filed by the Applicant, Jesse Hathaway, seeking a variance from Section 4.3 (Table 4-1: Residential Districts Dimensional Standards) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance requiring a five (5’) foot interior setback, where the existing structure sits 3.41’ from the lot line. The variance would permit a dormer addition on the north side of the home with a proposed .32’ setback, in line with an existing bay window on the residence that sits .32’ from the lot line, at the premises commonly known as 412 Clinton Avenue, Oak Park,

ANTONIO A. BRAVO, THE TREMONT CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION

Defendants

2023 CH 00031

227 W CHICAGO #3 OAK PARK, IL 60302

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-

EN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 6, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 8, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 227 W CHICAGO #3, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-08-102-0211009

The real estate is improved with a residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

Illinois, Property Index Number 16-07-325-003-0000 (“Subject Property”), in the R-5 Two-Family Zoning District.

A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may also sign up to participate in-person in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses by submitting a cross-examination form or by emailing Zoning@oak-park.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing.

The public hearing may be adjourned by the Board to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

Published in Wednesday Journal, August 16, 2023

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com

Attorney File No. 14-22-09619

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762

Case Number: 2023 CH 00031

TJSC#: 43-2462

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2023 CH 00031 I3226051

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION SANTANDER BANK, N.A.

Plaintiff, -v.KRIS M. KERTGEN, WISCONSIN WINDINGS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS

Defendants

2023 CH 00062 423 S. WISCONSIN AVENUE #1E OAK PARK, IL 60302

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-

EN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 15, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 18, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 423 S. WISCONSIN AVENUE #1E, OAK PARK, IL 60302

Property Index No. 16-07-322-0611017; 16-07-322-061-1043

The real estate is improved with a residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condomini-

um Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g) (1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-

SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C.

15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com

Attorney File No. 14-22-09640

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762

Case Number: 2023 CH 00062

TJSC#: 43-2722

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2023 CH 00062

I3226570

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE FIRST FRANKLIN MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2006-FF14 MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-FF14

Plaintiff, -v.JUANITA J. LACOURT, CHARLES T. GRANT, WELLS FARGO BANK N.A. Defendants 2020 CH 07380 817 S. SCOVILLE AVE OAK PARK, IL 60304

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 16, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 19, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 817 S. SCOVILLE AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60304 Property Index No. 16-18-228-019000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $584,316.19.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number 20 8287.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-

SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650

Chicago IL, 60602

312-541-9710

E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com

Attorney File No. 20 8287

Attorney Code. 40342

Case Number: 2020 CH 07380

TJSC#: 43-3260

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2020 CH 07380

I3227286