Landmark_092326 by Wednesday Journal

RIVERSIDE-BROOKFIELD

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Dolphin calf dies at Brookfield Zoo

Vol. 41, No. 38

September 23, 2026

Page 9

Riverside gets new kayak rental outfitter GREGG VOSS

Rivers R Fun is finding its footing with monthly kayak days this fall

Four Blythe Park Elementary School students came together to beta test the upgraded playground

By STELLA BROWN

Blythe Park students beta test new playground equipment make sure every new piece of equipment was up to snuff for their schoolmates and other youngsters who live in the neighborhood. This was hard work. The design from DLA Architects, approved by the Riverside School District 96 board of

If you’ve found yourself wanting to explore the Des Plaines River but don’t want to cover the expenses to purchase a kayak, Riverside’s new kayak outfitter has you covered. Rivers R Fun is based out of Plainfield, where owners and operators Sharon Wochok and Romano Conte live. The company has rented kayaks for about two years now. “We have a storage unit in Crest Hill where we keep all of our kayaks and our trailers. We put people in the DuPage River and the Fox River currently. People will reach out, and then they pay for the kayak. We drop it off, or they pick it up at our house, and they take it for the day, and then they return it, or we pick it back up,” Wochok told the Landmark of the couple’s business model. This coming Sunday, Sept. 27, will be the pair’s first foray into renting kayaks in Riverside for use in the Des

See PLAYGROUND on page 122

See KAYAK on page 3

Ribbon-cutting draws D96, Riverside village officials

By GREGG VOSS Staff Reporter

Beta testing is crucial in many realms – software, for example, or product development or even creative writing. It’s like a test drive of a concept by a target audience. But what about playgrounds?

Can an existing playground with brand-new equipment be successfully beta-tested to ensure it meets the needs of its target audience? Answer: Absolutely. Four Blythe Park Elementary School students came together the afternoon of Sept. 15 to beta test the upgraded playground nearby to

Staff Reporter

The Landmark, September 23, 2026

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The Landmark, September 23, 2026

KAYAK

Back to the river

IN THIS ISSUE

from page 1 Plaines River, weather permitting. They were scheduled for a first run on Saturday, Sept. 19, but the heavy rain forced them to postpone, Wochok said. “Our next one is next Sunday, and we have to check the river conditions. If it’s overflowing, we don’t want it to be unsafe. We’ll go navigate the river on Saturday and see how it is before we say, ‘Hey, we’re canceling,’ or not. Safety is the biggest importance,” she said. Kayak rentals in Riverside will cost $55 for residents and $60 for non-residents and last two hours each. Village Trustee Alex Gallegos, who connected Rivers R Fun with the village, said that should be enough time to kayak up the Des Plaines River from the entry point at the Scout Cabin to somewhere between 31st and 26th streets before coming back down with the flow of water and exiting near Swan Pond. Gallegos said he had been keeping an eye out for a new outfitter after Riverside’s previous outfitter parted ways with the village about two or three years ago due to changes in their personal life. “Things ended on good terms, but it wasn’t going to go anywhere,” Gallegos said. “I have been talking with other outfitters over the years, existing ones and also ones who wanted to start up. That’s always been part of the radar for discussions. When we had the Regatta in late June, I did find them on Facebook, I messaged them about what their business was like, and it escalated from there.” After outfitting the crew who participated in the 10th annual Riverside Regatta on June 28, Wochok said Gallegos asked her and Conte to keep outfitting kayaks for Riverside and got them in touch with the village’s parks and recreation department. You can book a kayak rental through the department’s website, where a second date on Sunday, Oct. 25, is also available. “They’ve come out here. They’ve scoped out, surveyed the land a little bit and the river. They were able to join for the Regatta as well, and it seems to be a really good fit,” Gallegos said. Wochok said she and Conte are excited to find their footing with Riverside in the autumn and to hopefully gear up with more rentals next year after finding a location aside from the Scout Cabin from which to launch.

Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 General Manager Max Reinsdorf Editorial & Audience Strategist Matthew Schwerha Staff Reporters Stella Brown, Jackie Pisano, Bob Skolnik, Gregg Voss Sports Reporters Bill Stone, Melvin Tate Contributing Editor Donna Greene Editorial & Digital Design Lead Javier Govea Design and Production Associate De Sergio Villalona TODD BANNOR

Designer Susan McKelvey

Paddlers activate colorful smoke bombs during the Riverside Regatta on June 27

Sports Photographer Steve Johnston

“They rent that out usually, so [we have it on] the days that it wasn’t rented out for this year,” Wochok said. “[Parks and Recreation] wanted to see how it worked and how many people signed up and if we need to adjust things. This is kind of a trial run, these last couple weeks here.” Conte said the Des Plaines makes a good spot to kayak due to its ability to be traveled across seasons. “It was interesting, the last time we were in the river. Two weeks ago, we went in, and it was a little bit lower at that time, but we did notice there’s almost a channel in the river, in the center of it, which actually makes it deeper. It’s a little bit nicer to kayak. When the water is a little lower, you still have a means of doing it,” Conte said. Wochok said the love of kayaking started with her and her children, and she spread it to Conte after they met. “I’ve always been kayaking for a long

Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls

time. When my kids were little, I would take them when we’d go on vacation. We’ve kayaked in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, LasVegas. We’ve always rented kayaks; that was one of our things,” she said. Rivers R Fun started in response to Wochok and Conte’s perception that the number of kayaks on the water was decreasing. “We saw that there were a lot of people starting to tube on the rivers, and I’m like, we don’t really want to sit in a tube on these rivers. We should really be renting kayaks out. That is how we started,” she said. “We want to make kayaking accessible and fun for families, for beginners, so that they can enjoy the river and the outdoors as much as we do. You’re in your own little serenity when you’re in the river. You’ll see deer, you’ll see hare, we saw a bald eagle. We couldn’t find the nest, but you’re in a different world that’s away from the bump and grind of everything else.”

C O R R E C T I O N A story titled “Inside Riverside’s use of Flock cameras” that appeared in print Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, misstated the location of one of Riverside’s Flock cameras. It is at East Burlington Street and Longcommon Road, and the camera at Barrypoint, Fairbank and Millbridge roads is not a license plate reader. The Landmark regrets the error.

Marketing & Advertising Associate Emma Cullnan Legal Notices Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner EMAIL jill@oakpark.com Operations Associate Susan Liss Babin Social Media and Digital Coordinator Maribel Barrera Senior Advisor Dan Haley

HOW TO REACH US

P.O. Box 6670, River Forest, IL 60305 PHONE: (708) 613-3300 E-MAIL: dhaley@newswellchicago.org ONLINE: www.RBLandmark.com Riverside Brookfield Landmark is published weekly by NEWSWELL Chicago. Periodicals postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS No. 19-585). Riverside Brookfield Landmark NEWSWELL Chicago is located at 1011 Lake Street St 307, Oak Park IL 60301. The newspaper is available at newsstands for $1. Annual subscription rate in Cook County is $57 and $95 outside of Cook County. Advertising rates available by contacting our office. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Riverside Brookfield Landmark, NEWSWELL Chicago P.O. Box 6670 River Forest IL, 60305. © 2026 NEWSWELL

The Landmark, September 23, 2026

Brookfield nails down comms plan for referendum Meeting residents where they’re at is the name of the game

By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

Brookfield is planning how to reach residents with educational materials ahead of the referendum question that will be posed to voters on Nov. 3, creating a permanent funding source for street repairs if the referendum passes. With just six weeks until Election Day, village staff said they’re working to reach residents in a variety of ways, centralizing information on a dedicated webpage while linking people back to it through materials shared on social media and in real life. The webpage explains the need for the referendum as previous bonds that were taken out to fund road repairs are paid off. If the ‘yes’ votes win out, a one-time increase in the village’s share of tax bills will go into effect at the same time the bond debt expires, cancelling out the decrease that would otherwise be experienced by taxpayers and funneling the money directly into a street improvement program to avoid the extra fees associated with bonds.

Through this mechanism, taxpayers will experience no change in Brookfield’s 15% share of the property tax bill from one year to the next, while the village will create a permanent funding source to implement a road repair cycle over 25 years. Assistant Village Manager Stevie Ferrari said village staff plan to attend existing community events, like the farmers market on Saturdays, the Creative Arts Festival this weekend, Monsters on Mainstreet next month and Little League games. These events will all draw crowds, Ferrari said, giving village staff a chance to reach people in the wild and explain the role the referendum will play. The village is also partnering with the school districts in town to share information at board or PTO meetings. The village has heard back affirmatively from Brookfield-LaGrange Park School District 95 and LaGrange District 102, Ferrari said. With trustees’ approval, which they gave on Monday, Sept. 14, the village will initiate other efforts to meet residents in their locales or to invite them into the village’s space to learn about the referendum.

Two of these efforts will be dubbed “lunch and learn” and “libation and learn,” which will see members of village staff or the village board take to businesses around town to provide educational materials to and discuss the referendum with patrons, allowing people to ask questions spontaneously and sandwiching their education between other socialization. “[We’re] providing a variety of opportunities for people to ask questions, and not to come to us only to ask questions but to put staff out in the community,” Ferrari said. A third approach will be known as the “manager meetup,” creating time for residents to meet with Village Manager Tim Wiberg at Village Hall to question him directly about the referendum and Brookfield’s needs. “Oftentimes, residents will feel they want to go to the top with questions, and if they hear it from the top, it feels more secure of an answer. This is an opportunity to go straight to the top and sit down, ask some questions, and hear about it a little more,” Ferrari said. She said this kind of approach could also

benefit residents who work from home and can get away during business hours but who might have busy home lives during the rest of the day preventing them from getting out. “I like all three of the options that were laid out, and we can fine-tune them and pick who goes where,” Village President Michael Garvey said. Additionally, the village will place vinyl banners in Candy Cane Park on Brookfield’s north side and Ehlert Park on its south side, as well as strategically placing yard signs throughout town, to make people aware of the referendum. Both kinds of materials will have QR codes directing residents back to the village’s explainer webpage. After some discussion about the appearance of the banners, members of the board threw their support behind the initiatives brought before them in the countdown to the referendum vote on Nov. 3, even if some are less successful than others. “We have nothing to hide. We’re trying to educate and make ourselves available,” Garvey said. “Every vote does matter. The more people we can educate, the better.”

TODD BANNOR

Volunteers do gardening work at Brookfield Village Hall during Brookfield’s Project NICE spring cleanup on May 16

The Landmark, September 23, 2026

Popular X account says JOIN US JOIN US TO O CELEBRAT C CELEBRATE A E AT ‘Charlie Kirk buttons’ JOIN US TO CELEBRATE TO CELEBRATE were distributed at RB. JOIN JOINUS US TO TO CELEBRATE CELEBRATE The school says otherwise A popular, right-wing social media account falsely claimed the buttons were ‘passed around’ to students By STELLA BROWN

Saturday, October 3rd JOIN US Adult TOOctober CELEBRATE Cantata Life Services Saturday, 3rd

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Fletcher said RB administrators are handling the incident as a disciplinary issue with the two students involved. RBHS Riverside Brookfield High School has is- District 208 Supt. Kevin Skinkis was not sued a statement in the wake of a major so- immediately available to take the Landcial media account claiming buttons mock- mark’s phone call seeking comment. ing slain right-wing activist Charlie Kirk Fletcher provided copies via email of were being distributed to students. D208 policy related to the distribution In a written statement issued Wednesday, of political materials at RB. The poliSept. 16, the high school said the building cies state that district administration immediemployees and board ately addressed the “isomembers shall not perlated incident” involvst form political activiing only two students. ties during work hours cantatafest.org RB spokesperson Kiley or use district resourcFletcher told the Landes in connection with cantatafest.org mark in a text there was Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Support • Short-Term Rehab • Long-Term Care • Home Care political activity and only one button. that students “shall Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Support • Short-Term Rehab • Long-Term Care • Home Care “Riverside Brookfield not be used” to prost High School does not mote a political candicondone the distribudate or issue. tion of political mateThe policies also COURTESY OF LIBS OF TIKTOK rials on campus,” the st state that materials or school said. “We remain This image of a button depicting literature that would committed to maintain- slain right-wing activist Charlie “disrupt the educaing a safe and respectful Kirk with red smears possibly tional process,” violate learning environment representing blood on his face was someone’s rights or for all students.” invade their privacy, posted to social media by far-right The school’s stateinfringe on trademarks Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Support • Short-Term Rehab • Long-Term Care • Home Care ment came after the pop- account Libs of TikTok. or copyright, or that are ular, far-right social me“defamatory, obscene, dia account Libs of TikTok claimed multiple vulgar, or indecent” shall not be posted or buttons — depicting a zoomed-in, cartoon distributed, and all posted or distributed image of Kirk’s face with red smears, pos- materials must have prior approval from Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Support • Short-Term Rehab • Long-Term Care • Home Care sibly referencing his assassination on Sept. Skinkis or his designee. cantatafest.org c antatafest.org 10, 2025 — were “reportedly being passed “Material from candidates and political around to students” at RB, suggesting a larg- parties will not be acceptedIndependent for posting or Living • Assisted Living • Memory Support • Short-Term Rehab • Long-Term Care • Home er number of students may have had them. distribution,” Fletcher wrote in the email. Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Support • Short-T Short-Term -Te -T Term Rehab • Long-T Long-Term -Te -T Term Care r • Home Care re r re Staff Reporter

Cantata Adult Life Services 11am-12pm Open House Brookfield, B r o o k f i e l d , IIL L 31 Street 12pm-2pm8700 Entertainment & Food Brookfield, IL 11am-12pm OpenKids House Saturday, October 3rd Funfor Family& Cantata Life 111am-12pm 1amEntertainment -1FreeEntry 2Adult pm O Open penServices H House ouse& Food 12pm-2pm Entertainment Food 112pm-2pm 2pm-2Saturday, pm8700 E nte31 rOctober taStreet inme3rd nt & F Fo ood Brookfield, Adult LifeIL Services Cantata Funfor Family& Kids Funfor Kids 8700Family& 31 Street 11am-12pm OpenIL House FreeEntry FreeEntry Brookfield, 12pm-2pm & Food cantatafest.org Fun forEntertainment Family & Kids 11am-12pm Open Kids House Free Entry Funfor Family& 12pm-2pm Entertainment & Food FreeEntry cantatafest.org Funfor Family& Kids cantatafest.org FreeEntry

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The Landmark, September 23, 2026

Riverside-Brookfield Landmark Needs You Dear reader, On Sunday our fall fundraising campaign will come to an end. Our goal of raising $10,000 is within reach, but we need your help to get there. We’re grateful to everyone who has already stepped up to support the Landmark. Every gift, no matter the size, brings us closer to our target and helps sustain the community reporting that Riverside and Brookfield depend on. Your support gives our journalists the time and resources to attend meetings, ask questions, follow stories and keep you informed about the decisions and issues affecting your community. For those who haven’t yet joined in: Fall is an ideal time to invest in the kind of local community journalism that keeps Riverside and Brookfield informed and engaged. Whenever you want to know what’s happening with local government, public safety, schools, business, development, culture and more, we are here for you. We cover these

communities week after week because we believe residents deserve reliable, independent reporting about the places they call home. And we want to continue to be here for you in the months and years ahead. Strong local journalism takes sustained community support, especially as the economics of the news business continue to change and the industry contracts. Your contribution helps ensure that the Landmark can keep showing up. If you’ve been thinking about becoming a supporter of the Landmark, this is a great opportunity to do your part for the hometown journalism you rely on. With just a few days left in our campaign, your gift can help put us over the top. Donate today by scanning the QR code. Thank you for reading, and thank you for supporting local journalism.

Sponsored by Riverside Township Sponsored by Riverside Township Sponsored by Riverside Township Sponsored by Riverside Township

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This FREE event only for Riverside Township residents and only is for personal, confidential This FREE event is only for Riverside Township residents and only for personal, confidential documents. No business shredding, This FREE event is only for Riverside Township residents and only for personal, confidential documents. No business shredding, magazines, or junk mail. Each household is residents and only for personal, confidential documents. Nojunk business shredding, magazines, or mail.than Each 3 household is paper. restricted to no more boxes of documents. Nojunk shredding, magazines, mail.than Each 3 household restricted toor nobusiness more boxes ofis paper. magazines,Your or junk mail. Each household is will3 be securely on site by restricted to nodocuments more than boxes of destroyed paper. Your documents will3be securely on site by restricted to noAmerican more than boxes of destroyed paper. Mobile Shredding and Recycling. Your American documents will beShredding securely destroyed on site by Mobile and Recycling. Your American documents will be securely destroyed onof site by Mobile Shredding andtoRecycling. This is a drive-up event; no need get out American Mobile Shredding andtoRecycling. This is a drive-up event; no need get signs out ofat the event, and your car. Place the documents in your trunk, follow the your Place the documents your trunk, follow event, and This is a drive-up event; no the need to the get signs out from ofat the thencar. simply pop the trunk. Wein will remove documents your vehicle This is a drive-up event; nofor need to the get signs out from ofat the thencar. simply pop the trunk. Wein will remove the documents your vehicle and shred them you. your Place the documents your trunk, follow event, and your Place the documents your trunk, follow the signs at the event, and shred them for you. thencar. simply pop the trunk.and Wein will remove the documents from your vehicle then simply pop thePlease trunk.bring We shred will remove theyou. documents your vehicle a non-perishable, unexpired from food item and them for and shred them for you. to bring donate the Riverside Township Pantry! Please a to non-perishable, unexpired Food food item to bring donatea to the Riverside Township Pantry! Please non-perishable, unexpired Food food item For more Please eventtoinfo, callaRiverside Township at (708) 442-4400 bring non-perishable, unexpired food item donate to the Riverside Township Food Pantry! or event visit to our website: donate towww.riversidetownship.org the Riverside Township Food Pantry! For more info, call Riverside Township at (708) 442-4400 or event visit our website: www.riversidetownship.org For more info, call Riverside Township at (708) 442-4400 For more info, call Riverside Township at (708) 442-4400 or event visit our website: www.riversidetownship.org or visit our website: www.riversidetownship.org

Max Reinsdorf

General Manager NEWSWELL Chicago

By Linda Sokol Francis. E.A.

LOW FINANCIAL LITERACY AND MISPERCEPTIONS SIGNIFICANTLY LIMIT COLLEGE SAVINGS ACCOUNT PARTICIPATION AND SAVING

ccess to higher education remains a significant challenge for many families as college costs rise and public funding declines. Effective college saving strategies can help students offset some of these costs and reduce the burden of their future student loan debt, yet many families do not take up tax-advantage.cl college savings accounts (CSAs), also known as 529 plans. In a new study researchers found that approximately 11 percent of Illinois children were beneficiaries of a 529 plan over the past decade, and while there are households saving through CSAs in almost every ZIP code in the state, participation has been concentrated among those who live in places with higher-income, more educated families. Surveys of representative samples of Illinois parents reveal that low awareness and plan attractiveness played a limited role in explaining disparities in participation. Instead, financial literacy emerges as a critical factor. Among parents

with CSAs, 79 percent scored highly on financial literacy measures, compared to just 32 percent of parents surveyed from a representative sample of the state population. Among parents who do not own CSAs but could save enough to cover 50 percent or more of future college costs, 61 percent still believe their potential savings would not make a substantial difference in covering the future costs of college, a perception that is found across income groups. The researchers also find significant disparities in saving behavior. In 2023, the top 5 percent of account owners held 29.3 percent ($4.97 billion) of total deposits, while the bottom half collectively owned just 8.3 percent ($1.4 billion). The average balance for the top 1 percent was $531,000, compared to $9,000 for the bottom 50 percent.

Linda Sokol Francis, E.A.

3439 Grand Boulevard • Brookfield, Illinois 60513 • 708-485-9224 Brought to you as a public service since 1975

The Landmark, September 23, 2026

Rain, Rain, Go Away

SYDNEY LOVAN

Tatiane Varjao, left, and Miguel Salinas in their store Sea Love on Sept. 10, in downtown Oak Park.

SYDNEY LOVAN

Scented oils for candles line the shelves.

Sea Love Oak Park makes candles and community Local business owners celebrate their culture through connection By SYDNEY LOVAN Staff Reporter

One might think making a candle is all about fun and creating something that smells nice. At Sea Love in Oak Park, it’s so much more – it’s a ritual, it’s a story, and it’s family. Co-owners and spouses Tatiane Varjao and Miguel Salinas opened their store on Marion Street less than a year ago. It is a specialty hands-on candle and perfume crafting experience and the second location of Sea Love for Illinois. Their ties to the company go back further. Their family was first introduced to the Maine-based business during a previous holiday season when Varjao’s mother was going through cancer treatment. Varjao shared she was feeling better and the entire family decided to go to Sea Love in Naperville to spend time together in an easy environment. “For the hour that we set to make candles, everything stopped,” said Varjao. “It became just that warm feeling of family, holidays, en-

joying it, and we loved the experience.” They now welcome everyone in to create the same feeling of peace and belonging with the guiding motto “everybody has a seat at this table.” The shop is located at 121 N. Marion St. “If we have a bar that seats 20, for us it’s more symbolic,” said Salinas. “I think that’s the bigger underlying principle for us is really about wanting to be part of a community, and really being family oriented, and having a spot that people feel welcomed like this is our house.” Varjao immigrated to the U.S. from Brazil as a child and Salinas is a first-generation Mexican-American. They shared that both of their cultures are deeply rooted in community which is reflected in the store culture of acceptance and inclusion. “Being an immigrant, I never in a million years thought that I would watch some of the things that go on, that are going on still. It’s a really scary place to be in society, but I think it’s really scary for immigrants in general because of the unknown where can I go,” said

Varjao. “This is a safe space.” Salinas said his favorite part of running the store is the conversations he gets to have with customers. Someone sharing their story is something he “cherishes” and “doesn’t take lightly.” “As I interact with others, that’s my culture that interacts with you, those are my parents that are interacting with you,” said Salinas. “When you go into a place and you greet people and you embrace and enjoy the dialog, relationships are more important than the time.” The store has over 100 scents to choose from when creating your candle, or they have a newly launched perfume option as well. Customers are able to walk-in, make a reservation or even book a private party, and people of drinking age can enjoy an alcoholic beverage while they craft as the store now has a liquor license. If anyone wonders what the “secret sauce” to a good candle and a good experience at Sea Love is, Salinas put it simply: “It’s relationships. It’s community. It’s family.”

ugust 2026 has brought unusually heavy rainfall to Chicago, with repeated storms leaving us soaked and vulnerable to flooding. Through mid-August, Scott several rounds of McAdam Jr. thunderstorms have produced heavy rain, saturated the ground, and increased the potential for flooding. Although the month is not yet over, it is too early to officially determine if August 2026 will be the wettest August on record. The intense rainfall has significantly impacted many landscapes. Consistently saturated soil has reduced the ground’s ability to absorb additional water, causing rainfall to collect quickly in low-lying areas, and even on the surface, leading to flooding even with proper drainage solutions. Water can move four ways through soil: percolation down, percolation laterally, being absorbed by roots, or through evaporation. When the soil is so heavily saturated, there is nowhere for it to go. The unusually wet conditions show how quickly the landscape can change when repeated storms overwhelm natural drainage systems. Let’s all hope that we are able to dry out soon - for both the landscape, and our own sanity.

2001 Des Plaines Ave. Forest Park • 708-771-2299 www.mcadamlandscape.com

The Landmark, September 23, 2026

Crafted by nature, rooted in the Arts District

New Harrison Street floral shop combines whimsically styled garden bouquets with unique giftables By JACKIE PISANO

learn more about the flowers I endles, incense and houseplants to socks, tea towels and one-of-a-kind joyed growing and the perfect times greeting cards. to grow them.” “My dream is that this is the Two years later, Fullerton creFor as long as Audra Fullerton can replace where you can send someated a business Facebook group, member, creativity has been at the heart of one and say, ‘Hey, just go to Goldselling her whimsically curated her personality. en Hour and give me anything Growing up in Wisconsin, Fullerton first and homegrown flowers for pickthat they have there,’” she said. fell in love with the energy of being on stage up or delivery. “If you’re here to buy a gift for “Every year with the flowers, I and performing live. She turned that passion someone, I want you to be able into a career, studying theater in college and got better at growing and curating to get whatever you want for a relocating to New York City, where she spent the colors that I liked,” she said. “I gift — like a card or candles to go 10 years immersed across the city’s vibrant don’t really love super bright colors with flowers.” — I love muted colors, mauves and theater scene as a professional actor. With flowers sourced through In tandem with her theater work, in 2011, peaches, neutral tones — more garChicago-based floral wholesalers, Fullerton launched The Baker Chick — an den-inspired and organic looking.” Fullerton says all of Golden Hour’s Craving the in-person energy she online blog and social media platform docublooms are regionally grown and menting her journey toward mastering both got from working in-person with sourced from farms across Illinois, self-taught baking and food photography in- people and with her hands, earlier Wisconsin and Michigan. this year, Fullerton told her husside of a small city apartment kitchen. “My flowers are going to be Five years and two kids later, Fullerton and band that she wanted to jump in based on what’s in season, what her husband, Andy, relocated to Oak Park, full time with turning her entreprelooks great at the market that ready to embark on a new journey living in neurial venture into a brick-andweek and what I’m inspired by a place that would provide the perfect urban- mortar business in the neighborseasonally,” she said. “EveryJACKIE PISANO adjacent, family-friendly and arts-centric hood she’s grown to love. thing will always look similar in “I would say, ‘I want my own Oak Park resident Audra Fullerton recently opened Golden vibe the family was looking for. terms of the fullness, but it’s deAfter settling in Oak Park and welcoming flower shop,’ and in my head, I just Hour Flower Studio, a boutique, seasonally inspired flower signer’s choice.” her third child, Fullerton found herself in a knew I only wanted to do it on Harshop in the village’s Arts District. At Golden Hour, Fullerton is creative rut with her blog, prompting her to rison,” she said. “I live so close, marching to the beat of her own explore new creative outlets, including craft- the stores here feel small and cozy, lier this year as a potential location for her drum, straying from traditional and there’s just something about the bricks ing, ornament making and gardening. new chocolate business, Chocolat by Chris- floral arranging and leaning into organic In 2022, Fullerton went all in with learning and the garden units which really appealed tina. But, when the size of the Arts District and contemporary design — a style she calls about everything related to gardening and to me. I really got excited about the idea of location wasn’t the right fit for Nixon’s com- “whimsical and loose.” flowers when the wheels first started turning people coming in, getting to talk with people, mercial kitchen needs, Fullerton and her “I really love something that just feels like for her about turning a casual passion project getting to be in front of people — putting all husband jumped at the chance to explore the it would naturally flow with someone’s home of my previous skills working in theater to into a business opportunity. space and see if it would be the perfect fit for decor,” she said. “What excites me the most “I tend to find a creative endeavor and hy- confidently represent myself.” a new floral shop. is just making something for someone who As fate would have it, Fullerton’s aunt, perfixate on it until I’m expert-level with it,” “I’ve grown to really love south Oak Park,” doesn’t know they’re going to get flowers to she said. “I began growing my own cut flower Christina Nixon, was originally exploring she said. “The minute I walked in, I really bring them joy. I love receiving flowers, and garden in my backyard, and each year, I’d a vacant storefront on Harrison Street ear- liked it. I saw a flash of what it could be and I’d like to receive the kind of flowers that I’m where everything would go. And I live just a making.” five-minute walk from here.” Alongside flower bouquets and arrangeAfter signing the lease at the end of May, ments, Golden Hour also includes monthly Fullerton spent all summer prepping the floral subscriptions with a surprise assortspace at 331 Harrison St. to become the home ment of floral medleys. In addition, Fulfor the new Golden Hour Flower Studio. With lerton also hopes to introduce small classes the help of a small crew, Fullerton completed and workshops, including flower arranging, renovations and buildout in about 12 weeks, wreath making and art with pressed flowers. ready to welcome patrons by mid-September. Golden Hour is open Tuesdays from 12 With her soft business open last week, p.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays through FriAdditional Suburban Chapel Locations Available Fullerton has introduced Golden Hour days from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays Flower Studio as a one-stop local gift shop, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information, visit Specializing in Pre Need & Veteran Care featuring seasonal, garden-inspired floral ar- goldenhourflowerstudio.com or Instagram rangements alongside a curated selection of at goldenhourflowerstudio. 80 E. Burlington St., Riverside (708) 447-2261 | www.ivinsfh.com thoughtful and practical giftables, from canStaff Reporter

Ivins /Moravecek

Funeral Home & Cremation Services Family owned since 1885 David Moravecek - Owner

The Landmark, September 23, 2026

COURTESY OF BROOKFIELD ZOO CHICAGO

Allison, a 20-year-old bottlenose dolphin at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, is pictured with her calf moments after giving birth on Sept. 9, 2026. The calf died on Sept. 16, 2026, at one week of age after rapidly declining following what the zoo described as inconsistent maternal behaviors from Allison.

Week-old dolphin calf dies at Brookfield Zoo

“While Allison demonstrated some of the maternal behaviors required to help her calf thrive, ultimately, they were not consistent or enough to sustain the calf ’s needs,” said Dr. Rita StaceyVondra, the zoo’s senior vice president of programs and impact, in the written statement. Initial assessments showed “some positive maternal behaviors,” according to the zoo, but Allison “struggled with other maternal care” that would have facilitated the calf ’s reaching “critical developmental milestones.” A full necropsy is underway, the zoo said. The results have not yet been released. Allison’s calf is the second dolphin calf that has died in the past two years at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. In June 2025, a four-day-old calf died suddenly after its birth to Allie, a 38-year-old bottlenose dolphin. The calf was meeting its expected milestones before zoo staff “witnessed a rapid, unexpected change in the calf ’s behavior” just minutes before its death, the zoo said in a written release at the time. This isn’t the first time Allison has lost a calf, either. On Dec. 12, 2014, 9-year-old Allison gave birth to a calf that also died at one week of age. According to a Zoo release published in the Landmark, Allison and her calf “began showing concerning behavioral changes in their swimming patterns” just a couple of days after its birth. Veterinary staff intervened on the calf ’s seventh day of life when “increasing problems” became apparent, but the calf died late on the evening of Dec. 19, 2014. Bill Zeigler, then the senior vice president of collections and animal care for the Chicago Zoological Society, said zoo staff were hoping to allow Allison “the chance to gain maternal experience, which is learned,” as a first-time mother before deciding to intervene.

YOUR

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withLisaCapone wi thL hLi Lis isa saC aCa Cap apon witith one ne Experiencing Caregiver C aregiver Burnout?? Caregiver burnout is a growing concern, especially for f r those caring fo fforr aging loved ones. The demands of fo caregiving, while rewarding, g can become overwhelming and d lead lead to emotional, and mental physical, y exhaustion.It’s exh haustion.It’s essential to recognize the signs early y and consider options exhaustion to prevent p exh haustion and ensure quality qual lity care for f r all involved. fo f r Signs. Common signs fo • Look Out for f tigue, irritability, fa y include chronic fatigue, f elings of helplessness, and a decline fe declline feelings in personal health. Caregivers may also experience sleep disturbances, anxiety, and withdrawal fr ffrom om social activities. • Strategies to Reset: It’s important f r caregivers to seek support fo p for and living practice self-care. Senior living communities and respite care services off ffe ff fer relief by providing p profe f ssional fe offer professional f r their loved fo loved ones, allowing care for caregivers time to rest and recharge. Taking a break doesn’t mean giving up on caregiving; rather, it ensures caregivers remain healthy and strong enough g to continue caring for f r their fo loved d ones in the long term. Recognizing g the signs of burnout and seeking hel lp is crucial fo fforr caregivers help and their fa ffamilies. milies.

The bottlenose dolphin calf was born on Sept. 9 and died Sept. 16

Visit Cantata.org for more information or call ((708) 708) 3 87-1 1030. 387-1030.

By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

A week-old bottlenose dolphin calf has died at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. The calf was born on Wednesday, Sept. 9, to Allison, a 20-year-old dolphin. The calf died Wednesday, Sept. 16, after “rapidly declining” early that morning. A release from the zoo on Sept. 16 described the life of the male calf, from the morning of its birth before Allison went into labor through its death one week later. In the release, the zoo said Allison’s maternal care was “not yet consistent,” possibly due to her inexperience as a mother, describing that she allowed the calf to swim further from her than may have been ideal.

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COURTESY OF BROOKFIELD ZOO CHICAGO

A Brookfield Zoo Chicago staffer observes Allison and her newborn calf.

The Landmark, September 23, 2026

Riverside officials oppose bridge, underpass concepts at Harlem Avenue

An ongoing study seeks to improve traffic on Harlem, but officials decry economic impact on Riverside By STELLA BROWN

ern side of the tracks, that would be a little bit tougher, but, again, it’s a question that we would like you to think about.” As an ongoing study seeks methPollock told the Landmark he ods to improve the flow of traffic would prefer to see options impleon Harlem Avenue and near other mented that do not affect the grade road closure points along the BNSF of Harlem Avenue and its connecrailroad, Riverside officials worry tivity to Riverside’s arteries. one set of proposed solutions would “It wasn’t on the materials we had harm the village’s economy. on our [Sept. 17] agenda, but we’d Thomas Murtha, a senior planseen it at one of their community ner at the Chicago Metropolitan meetings. They had one option that Agency for Planning, presented didn’t change the roadway grades at an update to the village board on all. It was more about signage and Thursday, Sept. 17, on the Berwyntiming of lights, things like that Riverside railroad grade crossing that would manage the traffic better study, which got its start in 2019. without changing the foundational, The study’s purpose, according fundamental roadway design,” Polto Murtha’s slide deck, which he lock said. shared with the Landmark over Village Manager Jessica Frances email, is to improve “travel time said construction and implementareliability, safety and mobility” for tion of any of the proposed fixes to all methods of transportation along Harlem Avenue through the study the BNSF corridor, from pedestriare more than a decade away. ans and cyclists to motorists and “I think Mr. Murtha said even emergency vehicles. some of the low-hanging fruit of the BOB UPHUES The study has progressed past non-major construction items are at the point of receiving input from The BNSF railroad crossing on Harlem Avenue is depicted in 2022. least five to 10 years out,” Frances members of the public, Murtha said. “When you’re talking about said, with researchers having colthe major construction, if somelected over the past year public senthing were to happen on Harlem Avimagine that the gas station at Quincy and ing of the road to create an overpass or timent about the need for improveenue, that’s more than 10 years out.” underpass, allowing traffic to flow as the Harlem could no longer exist if it doesn’t ments and ideas for how to achieve them. The scale of the project has made it Murtha said the researchers are also BNSF train passes — would have on Riv- have access to Harlem. Likewise, our busi- “challenging for us [elected officials] in a nesses on Burlington would be impacted, looking for input from Riverside’s officials. erside’s economy. way” to engage with it, Pollock said. “A lot of the options, almost all the op- too, if that suddenly is a dead-end street.” While the formal public comment period “They’re looking out 10, 20 years, and as At the meeting, Murtha suggested keepends on Friday, Sept. 25, Murtha said Riv- tions, would include closing access [from elected officials, our horizons tend to be a erside will be able to submit feedback after Harlem] to Burlington and Quincy, which ing access to one of the streets as a com- little bit shorter, but it’s been fine,” he said. would have, in my opinion, a tremendous promise with the village while still finding that point. Frances said CMAP’s task has naturally Village President Doug Pollock told the negative economic impact on the village,” ways to improve traffic flow on Harlem Av- taken on a longer timeline as it seeks to adenue. Landmark that a resolution will be com- Pollock said. dress issues that have existed for decades. “One thing that we all want to know is In an interview with the Landmark, Polpiled for approval at the board’s Oct. 1 “It’s been a long process, and I think part whether the concern extends to both [Bur- of it was, there were starts and stops based meeting, expressing the collective of their lock expanded on his views. “The problem with any type of under- lington and Quincy] or if we could keep on funding, based on staffing,” Frances opinions on the state of the study and the pass is, to get the right angles going into one open, whether that would address the said. “CMAP is tasked, like President Polproposed solutions to traffic concerns on it to get underneath, you have to start way concern,” Murtha said. “One of the ques- lock said, with something very specific. It Harlem Avenue. One of those opinions, which Pollock back, as far back as Addison” on the north tions that we’ll have is, if we could keep wasn’t the village of Riverside that reached shared at the Sept. 17 meeting, is concern side, he said. “That’s going to cut off park- Burlington open somehow, whether that out to CMAP and said, ‘Hey, how can we over the impact a possible road grade ing and access for Riverside businesses on would address the village’s concerns. With move traffic along?’ The issues on Harlem change — that is, the raising or lower- Harlem as well as on Burlington. I would a potential development along the north- Avenue have been issues since the ’80s.” Staff Reporter

The Landmark, September 23, 2026

P O L I C E

R E P O R T S

Roselle man arrested for punching woman in the face Brookfield police arrested a 59-year-old Roselle man on Sept. 8 for domestic battery. Around 1 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 4000 block of Blanchan Avenue on a report of a domestic battery in which the complainant said the man had hit her in the face and told dispatchers he reportedly had mental health issues. The officer entered the residence in question and made contact with the man, whom they observed had small cuts on his arm, chin and ear. The man said he had gotten the cuts while removing the microwave. When asked if there had been an argument, the man said the woman had declined to help him move the microwave to the garage and got in his way while he moved it, prompting a fight. The man said he did not hit the woman and said he got the cuts from shaving and from a “bad tooth,” according to police. The officer went upstairs and spoke with a third individual, who said the woman had promised to remove the microwave before saying she was too tired and couldn’t help. The person said the man placed the microwave on the stove, at which point the woman decided she could help him, but he then became angry and

hit her, knocking her to the ground. Meanwhile, another officer outside spoke with the woman, who told police the man had punched her in the face and that she was feeling spacy. Police requested firefighter paramedics on the scene to evaluate her. Police asked the woman if she wanted to sign a complaint against the man for domestic battery, but she said no, and an officer told her a complaint would be signed on her behalf due to an independent witness of the incident. Police arrested the man for domestic battery and transported him to lockup at the Berwyn Police Department, where he declined to answer questions. An officer later reported to the hospital in LaGrange and again made contact with the woman, who said she told the man she could not help him move the microwave like she was planning due to wrist issues and a lack of strength. She said the man became angry when she couldn’t help him place the microwave on the stove and began “ripping the microwave off the wall,” according to police. When the woman went to help him, he told her to get out of his face before he punched her in the jaw and pushed her to the ground, she told police.

Intoxicated woman arrested for battery Brookfield police on Sept. 11 arrested a 19-year-old Brookfield woman for battery. Police responded to the 4000 block of Raymond Avenue around 12:40 a.m. on a report of domestic battery. An officer first made contact with one woman, who appeared to have been crying. She said another woman, her friend, attacked her by pulling her hair, punching her, and biting and scratching her. She said she was able to get away from her friend who was upstairs. She said she had no idea why her friend lashed out at her and that she had been incoherent before the altercation, suggesting she may have been intoxicated. The officer observed injuries on the woman’s person, including hair loss. The woman declined medical treatment and said she was unsure if she wanted to sign a complaint against her friend. The of ficer later went on to sign the complaint on her behalf. The officer then spoke with the woman’s friend after she came out of the bathroom. The friend could not answer questions and spoke in gibberish or fragmented sentences, according to police. The officer asked

her if she had consumed any substances that day, and the woman said she had consumed alcohol and marijuana. The officer placed the second woman under arrest due to the signs of injury on the first woman. They placed her in handcuffs and had firefighters arrive to transport her to the hospital due to her being under the influence. The hospital in LaGrange cleared the woman for incarceration, police said, and officers transported her to lockup at the Berwyn Police Department. These items were obtained from the Brookfield Police Department reports dated Sept. 8 to 14; they represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

Compiled by Stella Brown

School bus strikes minor in Riverside

‘It looked worse than what it was,’ police chief says By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

A juvenile was transported to the hospital with minor injuries Tuesday after he was struck by a school bus in Riverside, police said. Public Safety Director Matthew Buckley on Wednesday said the juvenile was riding his bike and crossing Woodside Road

at the intersection of Park Place, near L. J. Hauser Junior High School, when the incident occurred. The bus was traveling north on Woodside Road and had a green light at the intersection when the minor went to cross the road, and it struck him in the crosswalk. Buckley said police know the bus had the green light from witnesses who saw the incident and video surveillance that was ob-

TODD BANNOR

L. J. Hauser Junior High School in Riverside tained from the scene. The juvenile was transported to the hospital on Tuesday with only minor injuries,

Buckley said. “It looked worse than what it was,” Buckley said of the incident.

The Landmark, September 23, 2026

PLAYGROUND

Celebrating Ageism Awareness Day

What kids liked best from page 1

Featuring Raymond Jetson founder and author of Aging While Black The 19th Century Club 178 Forest Avenue, Oak Park, IL Friday, October 9 Doors open at 6:00pm Raymond Jetson’s keynote will be followed by a conversation with members of the Aging In Communities Commission and then questions from the audience. Food provided. Admission is free. Sponsored by the Village of Oak Park Aging in Communities Commission The Book Loft Oak Park will have copies of Aging While Black available to purchase.

education last October and by the village of Riverside the subsequent month, was executed by Shorewood-based D&J Landscaping. The design expanded the previous park’s footprint and will accommodate up to 135 children. But for the beta testers, that’s all bureaucratic mumbo-jumbo … despite the fact that their testing session happened about an hour before a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony, including school board members and village dignitaries. So what did they think, collectively? Impressive. Most impressive. Especially the green tower in the middle of the space, complete with ropes and bridges to cross. Blythe Park fourth grader Teddy Bruesewitz was a big fan. “It’s fun climbing on it,” Bruesewitz said, adding, “It’s way better than the other park. There’s more climbing.” And who doesn’t love climbing, besides

a middle-aged reporter afraid of falling? Bruesewitz’s fifth-grade counterpart, Reagan McShane, was in wholehearted agreement. “I think that it’s very important for kids to have more choices and a lot more things to do to collaborate and work as a team,” she said. Her favorite was the tower, too, especially the bridges. Henry Rogina is a second grader. He said the new park is a huge improvement over the previous version because “all the slides are way better than the old slides and the swings are better.” He also loved an interlocking amalgamation of logs on one end of the park. Finally, there was third grader Charlotte Bennett, who beamed as she climbed on the logs and shimmied her way up the tower. “I think because this is a new experience for our classmates, because this park is more climby than the old park,” Bennett

GREGG VOSS

Riverside School District 96 and Riverside village staff come together for the ribbon cutting ceremony of upgraded playground

The Landmark, September 23, 2026

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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This rendering shows a proposed layout of the new playground at Blythe Park Elementary School. “I think it’s real close,” Pollock said. “It’s said. “I think this is more active.” A little later, the district and village dig- what I expected from seeing the rendernitaries began rolling in, observing a whole ings. The designers did a great job. They gaggle of young’uns playing on the new listened to the community. The colors equipment. As they assembled for the rib- match our scheme in Riverside, natural bon cutting, they also observed with delight colors that fit in with the environment.” Again, lots of meetings and discussions a new blue basketball court behind them. The big question for Wesley Muirheid, made this happen. “This is the way District 96 school government is supboard president, posed to work,” was how the real McPollock said. “LoCoy compared to the cal government in various renderings particular, where that were shown the different taxthroughout the aping bodies cooperproval process? ate for the benefit “Actually, the of both. The school renderings and the animations are aldistrict gets their most identical to the park, we get a park pieces of equipment for all the residents, you have out here,” we did the multiMuirheid said. purpose court.” But while the buRiverside Village reaucratic stuff Manager Jessica might be considered Francis agreed. by some to be mum“Super-happy with bo-jumbo, it was a the outcome,” FranDOUG POLLOCK necessary part of cis said. “Doing a Village President the process to get to park of this size can Tuesday afternoon, come with its chalhe said. lenges. The school “This has been a district was great long time coming,” with us navigating he said. “The school and collaborating district doesn’t actuthose different chalally own this property, so we had to work lenges and coming up with some really with the village … They were interested in great solutions with this final product.” getting a playground done. It fit with their Francis noted she hadn’t actually tried strategic vision along with our strategic vi- any of the equipment, but she pointed to sion. We got the ball moving.” the tower as perhaps her favorite. Nearby, Village President Doug Pollock Then again, they all have merit. was having fun just watching the kids “Any of the pieces, you see the kids smiling and enjoying themselves, along climbing up on it, it makes you feel great,” with the ice cream cart. she said.

“This is the way government is supposed to work, local government in particular, where the different taxing bodies cooperate for the benefit of both. The school district gets their park, we get a park for all the residents...”

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The Landmark, September 23, 2026

LETTERS

Riverside’s public safety facilities are ‘deplorable’ We recently took the tour with Public Safety Director (Matthew) Buckley, of the Riverside Fire and Police facilities. It was an interesting tour. The director knew a lot of Riverside history. He was very personable. And we met some interesting neighbors. More importantly, it was eye opening how dated and substandard the first responders’ buildings are. The living accommodations for the fire department and paramedic personnel were makeshift at best. The jail cells were unusable. The police department was largely located in a moldy, dark basement. The training facili-

ties were dilapidated. Frankly, we were amazed we have been able to attract and retain good police officers and fire and paramedic personnel under these kind of conditions. It will be hard to maintain the kind of highquality Public Safety Departments that we demand, unless we provide responsible facilities. If you take the tour, you will agree that not many of us would agree to work in such deplorable conditions. And you will also see that the very old structures are not susceptible of rehab at any reasonable cost. I also read over the presentation on the

new Public Safety building design and cost that the village put on its website. It was easy to follow. The buildings will be something that we will be proud to have in the center of our town. Of course, it’s the cost that is on every taxpayer’s mind. The estimated cost of the facility may seem high. But after spending many years working in the real estate development business, I concluded the cost for a building this size is reasonable. And according to the architects, who do a lot of this work, the cost per square foot is comparable to what neighboring communities have incurred.

We are going to be asked to approve a referendum to borrow money to pay for the new facilities and to pay taxes that will pay the debt. No one wants higher taxes. But an excellent Public Safety Department is part of what keeps Riverside unique, growing and desirable. A safe community allows our home property values to keep growing. We think it’s in our interest to approve the referendum when it comes up. We encourage you to take the tour and look at the website presentation.

Bob and Terri Charal Riverside

Flock cameras deserve more scrutiny in Riverside The Landmark’s recent story on Riverside’s use of Flock cameras left me with the same question I’ve had since learning about them: Why does a low-crime community like Riverside need to participate in an interconnected system that records the movements of ordinary citizens? I don’t doubt that license plate readers can help police. But anecdotes about their successes aren’t enough to determine whether routinely recording the movements of thousands of innocent people is a reasonable tradeoff. I recently filed a Freedom of Information Act request about Riverside’s Flock data-sharing arrangements. The records

show that Riverside’s two cameras are part of a much larger law enforcement network. According to Riverside’s own records, it shares its Flock network with 450+ other organizations. That context matters when Riverside is described as using “only two” cameras. The question isn’t how many cameras we own, it’s how broadly the information they collect is shared, who can use it, and for what purposes. Riverside has safeguards around how its Flock data can be used and shared. Those protections are important, but they don’t answer the fundamental policy issue: Should Riverside be collecting this

Send letters to the editor Ken Trainor, Riverside-Brookfield Landmark E-mail: ktrainor@newswellchicago.org Please include name, address and daytime phone number for verification.

information at all? The question is especially timely. Communities across the country are reconsidering their relationships with Flock, while Riverside’s contract is up for renewal as part of the upcoming budget process. Before spending more tax dollars on a surveillance network, Riverside residents deserve evidence of its value. How many Riverside crimes have these cameras helped solve? How many arrests or stolen vehicle recoveries resulted? How many plates were scanned to produce those results? Riverside is fortunate to be a safe community, thanks to the efforts of its public

safety staff. Public safety matters, but so does maintaining a community where residents aren’t routinely entered into a searchable law-enforcement database simply because they drove down Longcommon Road. The burden shouldn’t be on residents to demonstrate that surveillance technology has been abused. Government should demonstrate that surveillance is necessary and sufficiently valuable to justify collecting the information. Based on what Riverside has disclosed so far, I don’t believe that case has been made.

Mark Shevitz Riverside

Sports

The Landmark, September 23, 2026

RBHS football ties down another homecoming win UEC co-leaders now 4-1; state-ranked LTHS suffers first defeat

By BILL STONE

He also gave credit to the RBHS football program and the little things, such as the necktie gathering and its “brotherly bonding.” “RB football has been about all of that for me,” Giacomelli said. “They give just so much more than football. They give life experiences.”

Staff Writer

Tim Giacomelli and Will Rio were among the Riverside Brookfield High School football seniors who sure went out in style their final homecoming weekend. On Friday, the Bulldogs won their fourth straight game, 49-20 over Fenton, to remain tied for first in the Upstate Eight Conference East Division. “It’s one of our biggest games of the year. Getting the win with all of my friends and being able to see them the next day makes the next day 10 times better,” Giacomelli said. “It’s obviously sad, our last one (as seniors) but you can’t write that up any better, ending up with the win.” On Saturday morning, the Bulldogs (4-1, 3-0 in UEC East) showcased their talents in other ways. After film sessions and players treated to bowls of cereal, RBHS head coach Sam Styler led a now annual seminar in which players are presented neckties with Styler’s demonstration of how to tie them properly. “This year and last year I see at the homecoming dance people who wore the ties that he gave us,” Rio said. “They’re always making fun (at our meeting) of those who can’t tie a tie. I would say a good 20 percent already knew. Most of the team needed Styler. He stands in the middle and you watch him do it.” The Bulldogs’ offense once again needed little assistance Friday. Senior Nico Caputo returned the opening kickoff 37 yards. Senior quarterback Braeden Novak ran 53 yards on the next play for a 7-0 lead. Three plays after a 21-yard pass to senior Nick Baca to the 18, senior Gideon Bradford scored on an 8-yard run. Giacomelli then enjoyed his third TD reception of the season, a 32-yarder from Novak down the right sideline for a 21-0. “(We) missed that in Week 1 so it was good to come back to it. It was an excellent throw by him and you can’t draw it up much better than that,” Giacomelli said.

LTHS football

STEVE JOHNSTON

Riverside-Brookfield’s Timothy Giacomelli Jr (1) pulls in a catch against Fenton during an Upstate Eight Conference game, Sept. 18, in Brookfield. “It’s surreal, seeing all of your friends that you’ve been going to school with for four years (in the stands) on your way back from the TD. Seeing all of them jumping up and down for you is one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever felt and will be one of the greatest experiences I will ever feel.” Add to that a 48-yard TD pass to Caputo, in which he scurried the final 27 yards down the left sideline eluding two tacklers, and Novak’s 2-yard TD run one second before halftime. RBHS led 35-7. In the third quarter, Tyler Schultz had a 10-yard TD run and Andrew Mauban caught a 17-yard TD pass from Novak for a 49-7 advantage with 3:08 left in the third quarter. The Bulldogs share the UEC East lead with defending champion Glenbard East

(3-2, 3-0), which beat Glenbard South 20-12 Friday. The Rams visit RBHS Oct. 9. “I know for my teammates playing varsity a little longer, a lot of emotions that it was their last (homecoming). Mine was more about showing up for my last homecoming game,” said Rio, a starting defensive back. “We want to win the conference and are doing things every day to do that. I think so far we’ve left everything on the field and put up five pretty good games.” The speedy Giacomelli has emerged as a big-play receiver after the graduation of All-UEC receivers Xavier Mrozik-DeJesus and Jayden Karas. “Being behind (them) last year taught me so much. This year, being able to try and fill those shoes, has made me better in so many ways,” Giacomelli said.

Lyons Township had momentum from a second-quarter 43-yard TD pass from quarterback Brendan McCabe to Owen Matela, but Glenbard West scored two touchdowns to start the third quarter and defeated the Lions 37-16 Friday in Western Springs. The Lions (4-1, 1-1 in West Suburban Conference Silver Division) entered the game ranked a season-high No. 4 for Class 8A in the Illinois State Media Poll. Glenbard West (3-2, 2-1) shared No. 9 in 7A after losing to No. 4 Downers Grove North in Week 4. LTHS led 3-0 in the first quarter on Wolfie Ketterling’s 28-yard field goal in the first quarter after Gavin Bunnell’s interception at the Hilltoppers’ 36. The TD pass to Matela cut the deficit to 13-9 with 4:45 left in the second quarter. The Hilltoppers then drove from their 31 for a 31-yard field goal and a 16-9 halftime lead. They opened the third quarter with an 87-yard scoring drive, including a 55yard run, and followed with an 80-yard TD pass right after McCabe was intercepted in the end zone for a 30-9 lead. EJ Kuhlman scored on a 2-yard pass from McCabe to close to 30-16 with 5:05 left. McCabe passed for 121 yards and Kuhlman rushed for 58 yards. Glenbard West had 252 rushing yards and 351 total yards. The Lions’ Brady Koren had 10 tackles with one for loss and Ian Collins also had an interception. Other tackle leaders were Bunnell (9), Cole Harris (6) and Colman O’Sullivan (5). Harris’ father, Sheldon, is a varsity assistant football coach for the Hilltoppers.

The Landmark, September 23, 2026

S P O R T S

Gidd finds her footing fast for RBHS cross country Sixth-place freshman, Lions’ Monohan, Radtke, O’Toole excel at invite

By BILL STONE

the heat,” Monohan said. “I went into this race saying just race it like a two-miler, stay with those guys up front and then the last mile is literally all mental. Where like 10, 15 guys passed me (in 2025), this year a couple of guys passed me but I definitely fought all the way until the end. A great step forward and learning how everyone races here.” Radtke’s mother, Meghan (Cusack), is an LTHS graduate and among only a handful in girls cross country program history to compete at the state meet all four years as an individual qualifier or with the team. Radtke improved significantly from 66th at the Kuharic Invite (17:22.2). Last year, sectionals was the conclusion to his progress after Radtke ran 18:58 at First to the Finish freshman year. “I guess I wasn’t into it as much as I am now. After freshman year conference, I ran (17:38.8) and I was like, ‘I have fun doing this. I might as well make the best of this and try my hardest,’” Radtke said. “It was really hot (at Kuharic). I wasn’t mentally in it but First to the Finish I was in it. I feel like I’m locked in for the rest of the season.”

Staff Writer

Riverside Brookfield High School freshman Delaney Gidd enthusiastically approached her first girls cross country race at Peoria’s Detweiller Park Sept. 12. The 3.0mile course is the annual site of the state meet. “I’d been hearing good things from all my teammates and from what people say,” Gidd said. “It was exciting to finally experience it. I’ve seen it in pictures and videos but it was really nice to see what it was actually like.” Could Gidd return for the state meet Nov. 7? She made a case after finishing sixth in 17:42.7 during the hot and humid Class 3A girls race at the First to the Finish Invitational in Peoria. Sophomore Elia Bursua (57th, 19:37.1) also ran well, followed by juniors Anabel Olesiak (130th, 21:17.3), Elsie Clark (131st, 21:17.7) and Evelyn Walsh (155th, 21:44.5), senior Elizabeth Moran (197th, 22:37.0), junior Julia Daniels (230th, 23:46), sophomore Ife Olivia Crook (238th, 24:08.7) and junior Gisselle Miranda (239th, 24:16.2). Gidd, Bursua, Olesiak and Crook ran personal bests and everyone else had season bests. The Bulldogs were 14th (355 points) among 36 teams. “That’s the goal (state). It really boosts my confidence, continuing with the three miles I have to race it all throughout high school,” Gidd said. “I wasn’t too sure because I’ve always been better at like anything below 3K (kilometers). I was really proud to see that I could run pretty fast at three miles, too.” In August, Gidd won Amateur Athletic Union 14-and-under national titles at 1,500 and 3,000 meters. Gidd finished third (18:37.6) in her first taste of high school competition, Sept. 5, at Lyons Township’s Mike Kuharic Invitational, which was 5 kilometers (3.1 miles). “I was trying to gauge what a three-mile (pace) would be. I was pretty happy with it, being my first time ever competitively racing a 5K,” Gidd said. “I’m really happy with how I consistently ran each of my miles (in Peoria).” The RBHS girls and boys annual home invitational Saturday was canceled by poor weather.

LTHS boys cross country Even the heat couldn’t stop Lyons Township junior Ben Radtke from his blazing improvements at the First to the Final Invitational. While junior Brennan Monohan was seventh in a lifetime-best 14:55.6, Radtke was the Lions’ No. 2 finisher with a lifetime-best 15:52.2 for 3.0 miles. That was six seconds faster than Radtke’s 2025 race at sectionals, where the Lions did not qualify for state as a team and no individuals advanced. “I’ll take (15:52) for the heat,” Radtke said. “I just went into it, I guess I was mentally prepared and I just felt good and I went out just did what I had to do.” Senior Colin Shea (60th, 16:10.2), Henry James (69th,

LTHS girls cross country

STEVE JOHNSTON

Riverside-Brookfield’s Delaney Gidd during the Mike Kuharic Invitational at Lyons Township, Sept. 5, in Western Springs. 16:15.7), Evan Ruse (70th, 16:15.8), sophomore Luke Borling (109th, 16:40.6), juniors Colin Flynn (156th, 17:19.5) and Maxwell Thomas (161st, 17:23.2) and senior Franciso Garcia (214th, 18:02.9) rounded out the Lions’ lineup. James, Ruse, Flynn and Thomas also had personal bests. The Lions (242 points) were seventh, 30 points from sixth. “I feel like we have something we need to prove (after 2025) and I feel like we have a pretty strong team,” Radtke said. “We’ve got Brennan and a big pack of four that’s solid.” Coming off a 3A state trip in track, Monohan had something to prove. He was 19th at last year’s invite (15:10.8), but that proved to be his last 3.0 mile of 2025. He ran a 5K two weeks later at Culver Academies in Indiana and then was injured. Monohan also moved up from 13th at Lyons Township’s Mike Kuharic Invite, Sept. 5 (15:36.2 for 5K). “I’m super-pumped because at Kuharic, I mentally broke. I think I did really good, especially (considering)

Lyons Township sophomore Naomi O’Hare has returned to cross country much wiser and faster. After making her 3.0-mile race debut at the 2025 First to the Finish, she was a team-best 81st (20:09.4) and slightly disappointed she couldn’t break 20:00 despite the heat and humidity. Last year, O’Hare ran 23:02.6 at the invite. “It was my first three-mile race so I didn’t really know how to pace myself,” O’Hare said. “This time I just made sure to keep my pace and I did a lot better.” Making her 3.0 debut for the Lions, freshman Viktoria Vidakovic was 102nd (20:39.9), followed by senior Amelia Ludden (106th, 20:48.7), junior Lucy Martinez (132nd, 21:18.6), sophomore Abbey O’Toole (143rd, 21:30.8), juniors Evelyn Thomas (146th, 21:37.6) and Sarah Edell (154th, 21:44.4), sophomore Ellinor Lach (176th, 22:04.4) and juniors Eleanor Meuer (183rd, 22:16.0) and Abigail Elter (193rd, 22:34.7). The Lions were 20th (542). In 2025, O’Hare improved to 19:09.0 by sectionals. On Saturday, she broke 20:00 with a team-best 19:58.0 for seventh in the No. 1 (top) flight at the Minooka Flight Invitational and earned a top-10 medal in the process. “My (season) goal is to get a sub-19:00,” O’Hare said. “I didn’t really know (last season). I wasn’t in it that much. Until the end of the season, I actually did a lot better. Now I know how to get better from the beginning of the season.” The Minooka meet combines results of seven flight races. The Lions’ other finishers were Vidakovic (20:18, 6th in Flight No. 2), O’Toole (21:44, 9th at No. 4), Edell (22:00, 7th at No. 5), Thomas (22:03, 6th at No. 6), Lach (22:10, 7th at No. 7) and Martinez (22:39, 10th at No. 3).

S P O R T S

The Landmark, September 23, 2026

Seniors Milchhoefer, Fakhoury All-UEC again for RBHS golf

Bulldogs share second in overall standings; Provost, Phelan making waves By BILL STONE Staff Writer

Senior Zak Milchhoefer and his Riverside Brookfield High School boys golf teammates faced typical fall weather for the Upstate Eight Conference Meet Monday – rainy and windy. “The course was challenging. It was super wet, torn up pieces in the fairway, but it wasn’t as bad as people were saying,” Milchhoefer said. No problem. Milchhoefer had a team-best 7-over-par 79 and tied for fifth among both divisions at St. Andrews in West Chicago. He was awarded seventh based on a scorecard tiebreaker. “I’ve shot better, I’ve shot worse but I don’t normally find myself shooting in the 70s so I’ll take that any day of the week,” Milchhoefer said. The Bulldogs (331) finished third overall and among UEC East Division teams behind Glenbard South (306) and Glenbard East (325) and three strokes ahead of UEC West champion West Aurora. They tied with Glenbard East for second in the final overall division standings based on dual and UEC Meet results. Sophomore Leo Fakhoury tied for 17th (83), followed by juniors Will Harbeck (84) and Michael Sloger (85), senior Oliver Fakhoury (86), sophomore Bryce Sherman (88), junior Paul Byrne (90) and senior Eliot Kastle (90). RBHS won three straight conference titles starting with the last Metro Suburban Conference crown in 2023 but had lost Thursday’s dual with Glenbard South 149171. The Bulldogs won the Sept. 9 dual with Glenbard East on a fifth-score tiebreaker after both shot 171. Milchhoefer and Oliver Fakhoury did repeat as individual all-conference honorees based on dual and UEC Meet scores.

“We’ve got it three years in a row where we’ve won (team) conference, but both of the Glenbards were really good this year and we lost a couple of good seniors. But it was still a good season,” Oliver Fakhoury said. The Bulldogs compete at the Class 3A Benet Regional at Naperbrook, Sept. 30. The top three teams advance to the Lincoln-Way Central Sectional, Oct. 5, as well as the top 10 individuals not among those teams. “We’re looking at three to four kids to move through, if they play well,” RBHS coach Charlie Pozen said. The RBHS girls compete at the UEC Meet Wednesday, Sept. 23, at St. Andrews and 2A St. Ignatius Regional Sept. 29.

RBHS girls swimming and diving One of the newer varsity members of the Riverside Brookfield girls swimming and diving lineup, freshman Beatrix Provost had little time for rest. During the 38th annual Riverside Brookfield Invite, Sept. 12, Provost not only competed in the maximum four events but in back-to-back ones, the 50-yard freestyle followed by the 100 butterfly. “It was a little bit of a challenge because after events you’re tired,” Provost said. “You just have to work on staying ready for the next one and making sure you’re prepared and trying your hardest because your teammates are relying on you.” Provost had top-10 finishes in both races and was among the highlights for the Bulldogs in the 10-team field. Senior diver Paige Phelan enjoyed one of her biggest diving victories by winning with 211.25 points for six dives. Senior Maggie McCoy was fifth in the 100 free (56.97) and eighth in the 200 free (2:08.71). Freshman Adelynn Lesniak was ninth in the 100

STEVE JOHNSTON

Riverside-Brookfield’s Oliver Fakhoury tees off during a round at the Village Links of Glen Ellyn, Sept. 17, in Glen Ellyn. breast stroke (1:18.86). Provost was ninth in the 100 fly (1:06.82) and 10th in the 50 free (26.95). The 200 free relay of junior Lizzie Ryan, McCoy, junior Charlene Wang and Provost was sixth (1:47.38) and the 400 free relay of McCoy, Wang, junior Bea Ryan and senior Isabel Rosa was 10th (4:05.45). “I ended up getting one of my best times for the 100 fly. I’m proud of that because I’ve been working on that a lot in practice,” Provost said. “It was pretty busy but I think I also did pretty well. My team really came in to support me. Especially at home meets, we really cheer for each other and you could really feel the support.” Phelan needed her continued improvement after scoring a personal-best 399.25 for 11 dives at last year’s sectional. Her second-place 195.45 at the 2025 RBHS Invite would have finished fifth this time. “I think I’ve made progress by breaking 200 on a six-dive meet and also incorporating some harder dives, even in dual meets,” Phelan said. “I am happy about my performances and scores. I am competing most of the same dives I have been working on, just to hopefully clean them up.”

Provost and Lesniak are among numerous underclassmen that already are impacting the varsity lineup. “Lots of my freshman friends are on varsity and it’s definitely easier with them on it. They’ve always been very supportive,” said Provost, who also was part of the 200 medley relay. “I definitely want to work on pushing harder at relays for my team but also dropping as many (times in) events as I can.”

RBHS boys soccer The Bulldogs (3-6-1, 0-1-1 in UEC East) won their homecoming game over Kennedy 1-0 Friday after tying Elmwood Park 1-1 in their Sept. 15 conference opener. Michael Panduro scored in the first half against Elmwood Park with an assist from Dylan Strobel, but the Tigers tied the game with 23:32 remaining. In the final minute, Max Kaplan stole the ball and led Ruben Briceno, whose shot was deflected by the goalie and went off the right post. RBHS lost to Glenbard South 4-1 Saturday with all goals coming in the second half. Briceno scored the game’s final goal.

18 The Landmark, September 23, 2026 HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI • Deadline: Monday at 5 p.m.

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The Village of Oak Park will receive bids for Dell storage. The full bid document, “26IT-0005 Information Technology,” is available on the Village website www.oak-park.us. Bids will be accepted until September 29, 2026 4PM Central. Published in Wednesday Journal September 23, 2026

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION DOCKET NUMBER: PC 26-06 (Zoning Ordinance Update) HEARING DATE: October 8, 2026 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the agenda permits LOCATION OF HEARING: Oak Park River Forest High School – Large Auditorium, 201 N. Scoville, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 PETITIONER: Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 REQUEST: The Petitioner seeks approval of comprehensive amendments to the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map, commonly known as the “Shape Oak Park” recommended amendments. The proposed amendments, which are intended to address and incentivize missing middle housing types, include, without limitation, the following: • Amendments to Article 2, titled “Definitions and Rules of Measurement,” of the Zoning Ordinance to update terminology and definitions as necessary, including, without limitation: o Modernizing certain terms to replace the word “family” with “unit” and remove the term “accessory building”. o Adding new definitions for “middle housing” typologies, including “middle housing”, “cottage housing”, “courtyard building”, “fiveplex”, “fourplex”, “sixplex”, and “triplex”. o Amending the existing definitions of “accessory dwelling unit”, “accessory structure”, “coach house”, and “impervious surface coverage”. • Amendments to Article 3, titled “Zoning Districts”, of the Zoning Ordinance to consolidate similar residential districts and commercial districts, including, without limitation: o Renaming the R-1 SingleFamily Residential District to N-1 Neighborhood 1 District.

o Consolidating the R-2, R-350, R-3-35, R-4, and R-5 Districts and rename them to N-2 Neighborhood 2 District. o Consolidating the R-6 and R-7 Multi-Family Residential Districts and rename them to N-3 Neighborhood 3 District. o Consolidating the HS Harrison Street and NC Neighborhood Commercial Districts and rename them to M-1 Mixed-Use 1 District. o Renaming the RR Roosevelt Road Form-Based District to M-2 Mixed-Use 2 District. o Consolidating the GC General Commission, MS Madison Street, and NA North Avenue Districts to M-3 Mixed-Use 3 District. • Amendments to Article 4, titled “Residential Districts”, of the Zoning Ordinance to provide purpose statements and bulk, density, and use regulations applicable to the N-1, N-2, and N-3 Districts, including, without limitation, allowing up to 4 principal dwelling units in the N-1 and N-2 Districts. • Amendments to Article 5, titled “Commercial Districts,” of the Zoning Ordinance to provide purpose statements and bulk, density, and use regulations applicable to the M-1, M-2, and M-3 Districts. • Amendments to Article 7, titled “Design Standards,” of the Zoning Ordinance to provide right-size design standards for developments and clarify the design review process for applicants. • Amendments to Article 8, titled “Uses,” to revise the uses in the N-1, N-2, N-3, M-1, M-2, and M-3 Districts to account for various housing types including triplexes, fourplexes, fiveplexes, and sixplexes. • Amendments to Article 9, titled “Site Development Standards,” to provide updated regulations regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

• Amendments to Article 10, titled “Off-Street Parking and Loading,” to provide updated parking regulations associated with the People Over Parking Act. • Amendments to Article 14, titled “Zoning Approvals,” to revise regulations pertaining to Planned Developments and permit then as optional zoning approvals in all zoning districts. • Amendments to Article 15, titled “Nonconformities,” to provide updates to standards for nonconformities in the Village. • Amendments to other provisions of the Zoning Ordinance as necessary to implement the proposed comprehensive amendments. A copy of the proposed comprehensive amendments to the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance and Map will be available for public inspection at Village Hall, Development Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and posted at the following website address: https://engageoakpark. com/shape no later than the end of the business day on Friday, September 25, 2026. All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. The Plan Commission may continue the hearing to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof. The Plan Commission may also consider any related and additional relief that may be discovered during the review of this docket. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO BE HEARD OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION Oak Park, Illinois 60302

Published in Wednesday Journal September 23, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park—Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, IL 60302—will receive PDF proposals via email, at christopher. welch@oak-park.us, until 5:00 P.M. on Wednesday, October 15, 2026, for the following: OnCall Engineering Services Contract. The Village is requesting statement of qualifications from multidisciplined civil engineering consultants for on-call professional engineering services. Selected consultants would support Village staff in areas where assistance is required due to workload or due to specialized technical requirements of certain projects. The Request for Qualifications may be obtained from the Village’s website at https://www. oak-park.us/Building-Business/ Request-for-Proposals starting on Wednesday September 23, 2026. For questions, please email Christopher Welch, Assistant Village Engineer, at christopher. welch@oak-park.us. THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer Published in Wednesday Journal September 23, 2026

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REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR MASTR ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGES TRUST 2007-1, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-1 Plaintiff, -v.WILLIAM D. EDGAR, TD BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, AMY L. EDGAR, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF ELLEN M. RAVITZ, DAMON RITENHOUSE, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR ELLEN M. RAVITZ (DECEASED) Defendants 2025CH04362 123 S EUCLID AVE OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 21, 2026, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 26, 2026, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 123 S EUCLID AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-07-400-0160000 The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, 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, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 7949876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE 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. 14-25-02688 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2025CH04362 TJSC#: 46-1714 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 # 2025CH04362 I3294352

The Landmark, September 23, 2026

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212 Gage Rd., Riverside $895,000

8223 W 30th St , North Riverside $395,000

When it comes to selling and buying homes... experience, results and ties to the community make all the difference. Curious about the current real estate market and the impact on your home’s value? Thinking about selling, but need to find your next home first? Can’t find your dream home in this competitive market? Contact one of our local market experts for a free, confidential consultation.

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