Landmark_092723

Brook eld Fine Arts Festival returns with community murals

By Jackie Pisano Contributing Reporter

It’s undeniable that over the past several years, Brookfielders have worked hard to splash their village on the map as a local destination that embraces community engagement, neighborly camaraderie and public art.

And since 2009, one event in particular — the Brookfield Fine Arts Festival — has served to showcase the ef for ts of dozens of local artists and pave the way for Brookfield residents and others from the western suburbs to connect with local

Riverside cannabis dispensary opens with eyes on future expansion

e village will gain an expected $8.5 million in tax revenue in 10 years

By FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ Staff Reporter

Owners of the new cannabis dispensary, brand ambassadors and some Riverside village of ficials joined the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Riverside’s new dispensary last Thursday.

“The closest dispensary to us is five to six miles away, so a dispensary wasn’t even here for the patients that need the medication and serving communities as a whole,” said Ahmad Joudeh, partner of the Riverside Star Buds dispensary. “We’re excited.”

It is the second Illinois location for the cannabis company Star Buds IL, which owns another dispensary in Burbank

At its Riverside location, it will create 25 to 30 local jobs, Joudeh said.

“We are a community-based and family organization,” said Tiffany Hightower, partner of Star Buds Illinois locations. The company is 66% Black and minority-owned, she said.

The dispensary’s opening means a needed influx in sales tax revenue to the village of Riverside. The village will benefit from a 3% tax on all recreational cannabis sales, in addition to a 1% non-home rule sales tax, 1% Riverside Business District tax and a 1% state retail sales tax.

A conservative estimate has been included in the 2024 budget Village Manager Jessica Frances told the Landmark.

The village’s financial projections estimate sales tax revenue will increase by about $204,000 dollars in 2024, mostly from additional revenue generated by the dispensary and newly opened Sherwin-Williams store.

Star Buds will also purchase the village-owned properties at 363-369 E. Burlington St. and 3320 S. Harlem Ave. The properties are located in the Harlem Avenue Business District, which collects business district taxes at a rate of

Earlier this year, Star Buds explored the properties as options to house their new dispensary. The company ultimately chose the current location as it required less time in renovations.

However, the plan is to relocate the newly opened dispensary on Harlem Avenue to the properties they will own. The company now leases the property at 2704 Harlem Ave. from Milad Nourahmadi. The leased property is a temporary location for the dispensary while the company builds a larger facility with its own parking lot at the properties it will purchase.

Star Buds will invest about $2.8 million in purchasing and renovation costs, documents submitted to the village show. At the request of the village, the company will complete landscaping and signage improvements and install electric vehicle charging stations. To complete these, the village will provide a $90,000 incentive

It is expected the dispensary will bring in sales totaling around $156.5 million dollars over the period 2024-2034. Out of these sales, the company estimates it will create about $8.5 million in tax revenue for the village over the next 10 years. The property is also estimated to pay approximately $840,000 in property taxes over the next 10 years.

Ballerine said it is a “fantastic” opportunity for the village to collect tax revenue on a property that currently generates none at the Sept. 21 board meeting, when the village board unanimously approved the property sale.

Additionally, it is estimated it will generate around $50 million dollars in tax revenue for the county and state.

In return, the village of Riverside offers a $1.7 million taxsharing incentive over the next 10 years to reimburse Star Buds for lost profit related to business district taxes. The company will absorb the business district tax of 1% to keep prices stable across its different locations

It is expected Star Buds will demolish the existing building at 363-369 E. Burlington St. and build a new facility for their dispensary and another retailer

The sale of the properties, including the economic agreement between the village and the company, was approved by the village board at the Sept. 21 board meeting. After closing on the property, construction could begin in late 2023.

Customers can select from a variety of cannabis products, including concentrates, edibles, flowers, pre-rolls, vaporizers, tinctures and accessories. Star Buds distributes several brands like Verano and Cresco, as well as its own premium line from Illinois-grown cannabis Kaviar.

Customers who consume cannabis for medical purposes can get a 30% discount if they present their medical marijuana card upon purchase, Joudeh said.

“Anybody who walks into our stores will feel the type of love and the type of care when we’re talking about our products,” Hightower said.

The dispensary is located at 2704 Harlem Ave.

FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ

Star Buds partners celebrate opening of the new Riverside dispensary on Sept. 21, 2023.

Komarek transformed

Officials and community members from Komarek School District 94 celebrated the comprehensive overhaul of its North Riverside campus in a ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday. The west wing building has been completely transformed into a modern beauty. A new addition to the south, completed last spring,

flows into the old west wing of the school, which was renovated over the summer. Electrical, plumbing and tech upgrades are all part of the project. T he school is also now fully air conditioned.

T he ceremony marked the completion of the two-year, $22 million-project.

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BIG WEEK

Sept. 27- Oc t. 4

Hop Stop 2023

Saturday, Sept. 30, 3 p.m.-6 p.m.

Bring your friends and family and raise your glass to another Hop Stop Festival! Presented by Riverside Foods and the Olmstead Society, this collaboration brings you over 50+ tastings available from craft brewers, cideries, and Quincy Street Distiller y. This festival will provide you with your own commemorative glass where you can taste what every participant has to o er. If you attend, be safe and make sure to either use the free bicycle valet or the Metra which will drop you right on-site. Family activities include art for children, live music, and food vendors. Everyone is welcome. For tickets, visit riversidehopstop.com. Riverside Train Station, 90 Bloomingbank Rd.

Brook eld Fine Arts Festival

Saturday, Sept. 30, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Do you appreciate original, unique, local art? If so, join the Brook eld Chamber of Commerce in the celebration of the arts at Kiwanis Park on Saturday. The Art Festival will include ar of all shapes, sizes, and categories. Artists’ booths will be set up across the park, along with food trucks, craft beer, and wine Families are welcome, for there is art for kids, live music, morning yoga sessions, and even a sidewalk chalk contest! There will even be an art mural for members of the community to contribut their beautiful art to! General Admission is free. Come together with your neighbors and support local, hardworking artists Kiwanis Park, 8820 Brook eld Ave

Navigating College Admissions Successfully in 2023

Wednesday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m.-8 p.m.

Parents and students: college admissions got you scared? Figure out the ins and outs of college admissions with Ron Feuchs and Jackie Tepper from Stand Out for College at the library this Wednesday. The two will conduct a zoom call where they will explain the current landscape of admissions and how it a ects students. Parents and students will learn helpful tips for improving applications, learning up-to-date admissions trends, and timelines for the application process. Increase your student’s chances for acing college admissions by attending this free and bene cial presentation at the library. Register for this event along with others online, by phone, or in person. www.lsfbrook eldlibrary.org

708-485-6917 Linda Sokol Francis Brook eld Library, 3541 Park Ave

Riverside Township Radio Players Show

Friday, Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m.

The Radio Players are back for their 25th season. Twenty- ve years of performances will kick o with an episode of The Magni cent Montague named “Montague’s Father” and The Adventures of Dick Tracy “The Case of the Dark Corridor.”The Radio Players perform old time radio programs and bring them to life on stage. Montague’s Father originally aired in 1951 and The Case of the Dark Corridor in 1946. This show is a great opportunity to see something you have never seen before! Admission is free and will occur in the Auditorium of Riverside Township Hall. Riverside Township, 27 Riverside Rd

Pete’s Diary Rock Night

Friday, Sept. 29, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

If you love rock music, join Pete’s Diary at Kiwanis Park Friday. This night of music is sponsored by The Village of Brook eld Parks & Rec Summer Concert Series Music includes blues-based and classic rock songs from your favorite rock bands, including ZZ Top, Van Halen, Aerosmith, Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and others Pete’s Diary is a Chicago rock band rst formed in 2021. The trio includes Peter Dankelson on guitar, Mac McRae on vocals and bass, and Ryan “Rocky” Johnson on drums. The band just released their debut EP All Screwed Up. Go check them out, admission is free! Kiwanis Park, 8820 Brook eld Ave

Spanish Family Movie Night

Thursday, Sept. 28 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. elebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Brook eld Thursday. Get the full movie night xperience by enjoying some popcorn while watching . Coco, released in 2017, follows Miguel, a young musician, who is trying to follow his dreams in the music industry. This movie is all about bringing people ogether through the love of music and family. To elebrate this month to the fullest, the screening of o will be in Spanish. This evening of fun is free for all families so no need to break open your wallets! Linda ancis Brook eld Library, 3541 Park Ave

Compiled by Grace Har ty, Contributing Reporter

C ALENDAR EVENTS

■ If you would like your event to be featured here, please send a photo and details by noon of the Wednesday before it needs to be published. We can’t publish everything, but we’ll do our best to feature the week’s highlights. Email calendar@wjinc.com.

PETE’S DIARY

National Olmsted group honors Riverside’s Guardi

Riverside resident Constance Guardi has been selected by the Olmsted Network Board of Directors as this year’s recipient of the Caroline Loughlin Volunteer Service Award, which was established in 2005 to recognize “extraordinary dedication and commitment to the preservation of the Olmsted legacy.”

Named after Caroline Loughlin — a trustee, officer and longtime supporter of the National Association for Olmsted Parks — the award has been given to trailblazers such as Charles Beveridge, Newt Levee, Susan Rademacher, Gerry Wright and Lucy Lawliss for their efforts to promote and protect the Olmsted legacy.

The National Association of Olmsted Parks, now rebranded as the Olmsted Network, received a bumper crop of nominations from around the nation, but Guardi surpassed them all.

In the congratulatory letter, the president and CEO of the Olmsted Network wrote, “I can think of no more worthy recipient and look forward to bestowing it on you!”

Guardi is a longtime member and a leader in the Frederick Law Olmsted Society of Riverside. She also has been a member of the Riverside Historical Commission for 38

She is co-author of the Arcadia book “Riverside” and facilitated the PBS program “10 Towns That Changed America,” hosted by Geoffrey Baer

Guardi worked closely with the Illinois Institute of Technology to create the display at the Riverside train station, which features a permanent pictorial exhibit on Riverside history titled “Picturing Riverside” and coordinated and implemented Riverside celebrations for the Olmsted 200 anniversary.

The award will be presented at the Sept. 21 awards dinner in Milwaukee at the Grohmann Museum.

Promoted

Brookfield resident Kristen Reingruber in July was named director of assessment, instruction and evaluation for Hinsdale School District 181.

Re in gr uber , who was elected to the BrookfieldLaGrange Park District 95 Board of Education in April, previously was principal of Monroe Elementary School in Hinsdale, which is also in District 181.

On campus

■ Johnathan Wells, of Riverside, was among the 900-plus students at Bradley Unieoria receiving degrees during

commencement ceremonies in May. Wells graduated with Bachelor of Science degrees in computer science and music.

■ Riverside resident Louie Marcou in May graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in media arts and game development from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

■ Skyler Nash, of Brookfield, graduated from the University of Ver mont with a bachelor’s degree in community and international development.

■ Kiera Notz, of Brookfield, was among the roughly 620 members of the Carthage College Class of 2023 receiving degrees at the school’s commencement festivities in May in Kenosha. Notz graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and was also named to the 2023 spring semester dean’s list.

■ Among those named to the Bradley University dean’s list for the 2023 spring semester for achieving a semester grade-point average of at least 3.5 on a 4-point scale were Brookfield resident Anthony Kelly and Riverside residents Danika Apostolovich and Victor Tierrafria-Marte

■ Austin Halfpenny, of Brookfield, was named to the 2023 spring semester dean’s list at Hamilton College on Clinton, New York, for earning a semester GPA of at least 3.5.

A rising junior majoring in economics and Hispanic studies, Halfpenny is a RiversideBrookfield High School graduate

■ Augustana College in Rock Island announced last month that among those named to the 2023 spring semester dean’s list for maintaining a GPA of at least 3.5 were Brookfield residents Alexander Ardisana

(biology/Spanish for professional use) and Elizabeth Considine (psychology/public health), Riverside residents Grace Fuechtmann (music education) and Sylvia Harvin (mathematics/middle grades math) and North Riverside resident Olivia Blood (communications sciences and disorders).

■ Brookfield resident Matthew Agnew and North Riverside resident Liliana Favela were named to the 2023 spring semester dean’s list at Carthage Colle ge in Kenosha for achieving semester GPAs of at least 3.5.

■ Liam Fahey, of Brookfield, was named to the 2023 spring semester dean’s list at the University of Dallas in Irving, Texas, for earning a semester GPA of at least 3.5 and Dawsey Fahey, of Brookfield, was named to the school’s honor roll for earning a semester GPA of at least 3.0.

■ Colin Griffin, of Riverside, was named to the 2023 spring semester president’s list at the Colle ge of Charleston (South Carolina) for ear ning a semester GPA of at least 3.8. Griffin is majoring in business administration.

■ Brookfield resident Nathaniel Rulich was named to the 2023 spring semester dean’s list at Kalamazoo (Michigan) College for ear ning a semester GPA of at least 3.5.

■ Riverside resident Katie Culloden was named to the 2023 spring semester dean’s list at Emerson College in Boston for attaining a semester GPA of at least 3.7.

■ Sophie Bowie, of Brookfield, made the 2023 spring semester dean’s list at the Georgia Institute of technology in Atlanta for ear ning a semester GPA of at least 3.0.

By EREZ BEN-AKIVA

Matthew Buckley doesn’t mind public speaking, but he doesn’t like talking about himself.

It’s fitting then that Buckley, who was recognized Sept. 20 as Person of the Year for 2023, wants people to know the award from the Riverside Township Lions Club means a lot not only to him but to the two departments he oversees as the community’s director of public safety

“There’s so many people that do so much for this village,” Buckley said. “All of my employees here on the police and fire departments, they work tirelessly all the time to make me look good. So for me, it’s not about me accepting this award. It’s about us.”

Buckley first began working for Riverside’s fire and water departments in 1988. Ten years later, he joined the police department of nearby Lyons while continuing with the fire department in Riverside. Buckley be-

came Riverside’s full-time fire chief in 2018.

The transition in 2021 to director of public safety, a role in which he leads both the police and fire departments, was “seamless” for Buckley

“The biggest part of it is I knew the department already,” Buckley said. “I knew the employees Our two departments have always worked very close together, which you don’t always get to see in some places w here police are separate from fire and the two don’t really inter mingle a lot. We’re all in one building for the most part We work very closely together, always have.”

The second oldest of five boys and two girls, Buckley grew up in Riverside Looking for a community to raise a family, his parents moved to the village from Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood when he was two months old

“Technically, I guess I’m a lifer here in Riverside I’ve been here over 54 years, even though I don’t look that old,” Buckley said, laughing.

Some of Buckley’s work entails responding to calls from members of the Riverside community having “their worst day.” And certain calls have particularly stuck with Buckley Like it was yesterday, he remembers the tragedy on May 5, 1990, when a motorist’s vehicle drove through a T-ball game at Harrington Park, killing three children.

“It was things for ing, ‘This want to help not always easy For Buckley is also an ously rece mer deputy ley said S he got into Sher man 2019 and died later that y

According to Buckley first rode in an antique fire engine, rather than a convertible, during the village’s July Fourth parade, which Buckley then replicated this year

“I’m sort of living up in his shoes right now,” Buckley said. “And taking over where he left off and really keeping everybody together and bringing everybody together because that’s what he was all about. And he was always about the community.”

Buckley also enjoys running, which he tries to do at least twice a week. Running through various courses and streets around town gives him a dif ferent vision of the village

“There’s times where I’ll be out running and I’ll call my guys and ‘Hey, I just saw a

Public Safety Director Matthe Buckley named Person of the Pollock named Riverside’s Acting Village President

over here and keep an eye on this’ or speeding in the area or different things that are occurring,” Buckley said. “And they’re like, ‘All right, you’re out for a run. I get it.’ But it gives me a better perspective of the village also.”

Buckley doesn’t view the Person of the Year recognition as a culmination of things for him. He’s been asked before if he’ll do anything beyond the role he currently holds, and he doesn’t have a decision.

“I truly enjoy Riverside,” Buckley said. “The village here treats me very well. Our village board does a great job, so it would be very dif ficult to leave Riverside But there’s always oppor tunities out there for something dif ferent, but I haven’t really explored anything.”

By FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ Staff Reporter

Riverside’s village board said farewell to Joseph Ballerine as he resigned from his position as village president at last Thursday’s village board meeting.

“It’s been a good run,” Ballerine said as he thanked Riverside village of ficials and residents

Immediately after, the village board appointed Douglas Pollock, who until Sept. 21 served as a trustee Pollock presented his resignation as trustee at the same meeting.

He will serv president 2025. Pollock’ lage gover his extensi ment, are able assets

“It is a this chair, being appointed.

Village reco gnized ued service tion, followe

thanked Balleriine for his service not only the village, but also Cook County and the state.

Ballerine announced his intention to retire from village gover nment by late September.

Village of ficials also thanked Ballerine for his service and commitment to the village during the past three decades. He was elected village president in 2021 and previously occupied several seats in the village’s ver nment.

“You’ve had an incredible impact and verside was lucky to have had you for

Douglas Pollock led soon

‘So for me, it’s not about me accepting this award.

It’s about us,’ he says

Contributing Reporter

MAT THEW BUCKLE Y

DOUGLAS POLLOCK

Bike repair station coming to Riverside

e goal is to have it up and running by the end of fall

By HEC TO R CERVANTES

Contributing Reporter

Work is underway to build a bike re pair station in Riverside after the Riverside Junior Women’s Charity donated money to the community to fund its first bik e repair station.

Sarah Magner, a member of the Riverside Junior Women’s Charity, said she reached out to village of ficials with the proposal. She said the idea came to her after she went on a bike ride with a group

and one of their group members had a bike malfunction.

“I was on a bike ride with a group of women last October and one of them had a bike malfunction. We thought of how Oak Park and Brookfield and the sur rounding areas have bike re pair stations, while Riverside does not have any,” Magner said.

So she reached out to officials.

“The department was in favor of the idea,” said Director of the Parks and Recreation of Riverside Ron Malchiodi. “We have a very active cycling community in Riverside We were interested in serving that community.”

The bike re pair station will be free and open to the public. The Riverside Junior Women’s Charity is in the process of ordering the equipment with the goal to have the bike repair station installed at the end of

fall so people can use it before winter.

Magner also been working with Peter Janunas, the owner of Gears 2 You, a bicycle re pair shop in Riverside

According to Magner, Janunas is closely involved with Cycle Brookfield, a group of citizens of Brookfield and sur rounding suburbs who love cycling and want to make a dif ference.

“Gears 2 You have brought up this idea in the past of a re pair shop and we had a conversation about this and it was valuable getting to understand the maintenance cost, use and where to look for the equipment for bikes,” Magner said.

Riverside Junior Women’s Charity will be donating about $1,500, which will cover the cost of the materials. The Village of Riverside will pay for the installation of the bike re pair station.

Popular crocs Carlita and Buttercup trade

By MORGAN VARNADO

Contributing Reporter

Brookfield’s Ca rl i ta and Buttercup, two f emale O rinoco crocodiles popular at the zoo are now living their best lives in sunny F lorida

The crocodiles, a critically endangered species of crocodile native to the Orinoco River basin in Vene zuela and Columbia, have been transfer red from Brookfield’s Swamp exhibit to the Crocodile Conserva-

tion Center of F lorida. The center house endangered species like these crocodiles that are managed in captivity through one of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums members Brookfield Zoo is one of them. According to reports, Carlita and Buttercup have acclimated nicely to their new place in F lorida.

The pair spent about 11 years at Brookfield Zoo’s Swamp exhibit before being retur ned to the Crocodile Conservation Center of F lorida. They are now under the care

of alligator and crocodile professionals John Brown and Bruce Shwedick in Myakka City, F lorida, while CCCF’s per manent facility is being completed. CCCF has assisted Dallas World Aquarium’s Crocodile Conservation Program for Orinoco crocodiles for many years--the same facility where Carlita and Buttercup hatched.

Carlita and Buttercup were loaned to Brookfield Zoo in 2012 after being hatched in Dallas in March 2008. Carlita’s personal blo g, Candid Croc, infor med guests about

T he bike re pair station will be located downtown on the south side of the train tracks near the existing bike racks and will be adjacent to the Riverside Metra train station.

“We wanted to pick something in the center of town, something focal, we wanted something that if you are driving through town you see it and it’s there,” Malchiodi said.

Magner thinks that this re pair station is important because it is a resource that can be used that will attract many bikers from outside of the Riverside community and will encourage people to stay and enjoy some of the Riverside businesses.

“I think one of the interesting aspects of this project is that it’s a joint ef fort between the village, charity, and a local business,” Malchiodi said.

climate change’s ef fects and conservation ef for ts toward endangered species. They were relocated south based on the recommendation of the Species Survival Plan, a population management and conservation program designed to cultivate a diverse and demographically viable animal population.

Zoos like Brookfield work with the SSP program to best aid the endangered species

these many years,” Village Manager Frances said.

Cook County Board Commissioner Frank Aguilar (16th) joined village staf f to cong ratulate Ballerine on his retirement.

“Thank you Joseph Ballerine for all your work, your commitment and everything you have done for the 16th District and for the village of Riverside,” Aguilar said.

Pollock’s resignation from the village board after three consecutive ter ms leaves an empty trustee seat. The village board will appoint a new trustee to serve in that capacity at a future date.

SENIORS CAN REDUCE THEIR TAX BURDEN BY DONATING TO CHARITY THROUGH THEIR IRA

D204 predicts a $600K budget surplus

approved joining a class action lawsuit against social media companies

By Bob Skolnik Contributing Reporter

Lyons Township High School District

204 Board of Education approved a budget for this fiscal year that projects roughly a $600,000 surplus.

The budget forecasts revenues of $97.1 million and expenses of $96.5 million. At least 94% of the district’s revenues comes from local sources, primarily from property taxes, and 58% of the district’s expenses goes to pay salaries. Another 13% goes toward employee benefits.

figure that includes $2.4 million to pay for projects done last summer

The school board also approved selling up to $27 million in working cash bonds. That borrowing will replace debt that has been paid off and will be used to fund extensive building improvements at both of LT’s campuses. A new cafeteria and new music wing are planned for South Campus

In most cases, distributions from a traditional Individual Retirement Account are taxable in the year the account owner receives them but there are some exceptions. A qualified charitable distribution is one of the few exceptions. A QCD is a nontaxable distribution made directly by the trustee of an IRA to organizations that are eligible to receive taxdeductible contributions. QCDs can’t occur from Simplified Employee Pension plans and Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees IRA.

Making a QCD can benefit the taxpayer by reducing their taxable income while they support qualifying charitable organizations of their choice. The taxpayer doesn’t have to worry about meeting the standard deduction or itemizing deductions with a QCD. Financial institutions report QCDs on Form 1099-R for the calendar year the distribution occurs. There’s no number or letter code on the Form 1099-R that indicates the distribution was a QCD. Here are some QCD Guidelines:

• Taxpayers who make a QCD must be at least 70½ years old on the day of the distribution.

• A QCD will count toward a required minimum distribution.

• The taxpayer must have an acknowledgement of the contribution.

• The amount of the QCD can’t be more than the amount of the distribution that would count as income.

• Declare the QCD as income to claim the charitable

contribution as a deduction.

• The maximum annual exclusion for QCDs is $100,000.

• When filing a joint return, the spouse can also have a QCD and exclude up to $100,000.

• Any QCD more than the $100,000 exclusion limit counts as income like any other distribution.

By Linda Sokol Francis. E.A. Linda Sokol Francis, E.A.

The driver of the surplus is the 5% increase to the tax levy and the continued increase in the corporate personal property replacement tax, according to Director of Business Services Brian Stachacz.

Because LT operates on the accrual method of accounting and the auditing of the past year’s finances is not complete, Stachacz said that he does not yet have the final results on spending in the 2023 fiscal year. He said that the budget will have to be amended after the final costs of facilities improvements scheduled for the summer of 2024 are known.

“We will have a surplus, but how much yet is what we’re still working on,” Stachacz told the Landmark.

Total salaries are expected to increase by 6.2% this year and the costs of employee benefits, mostly health insurance, are expected to increase by 10.6%. LTHS expects to spend $650,000 more on health insurance this year compared with the last fiscal year

Purchased services are expected to increase by 18%, or $2 million, over last year, driven largely by an increase in bus transportation costs The cost of supplies is projected to increase by 8.3%.

Capital expenditures to pay for building renovations are budgeted at $4.4 million, a

Stachacz said that he expects the district will issue about $26.5 million in new working cash bonds.

Last week, school officials also met with officials at Standard & Poor’s to give information about the school’s finances and the bond offering. School officials are hoping to maintain LT’s Triple A bond rating. The bonds will be sold later this year

The school board also voted to join a class action lawsuit against social media companies. About 335 school districts, including Riverside Brookfield High School District 208, Riverside Elementary School District 96 and Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200, have joined the class action suit filed by a California law fir m.

The lawsuit claims that the actions of various social media companies, including Facebook and TikTok, have harmed students and recklessly marketed to minors. The suit claims that the problems created by social media have led to increased spending by school districts as schools seek to mitigate the harms caused by social media

Joining the lawsuit requires no out-ofpocket expenditures by LTHS. The plaintiffs’ attorneys will receive a percentage of the judgement or settlement they get from the social media companies

e school board last week also

Riverside Brookfield High School

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Homecoming Game: 7:15pm at Kennelly Stadium

Brookfield Arts Fair: 9:30am at Kiwanis Park

Woman’s catalytic converter stolen while eating at Chili’s

Two people in a white Infiniti were caught on camera stealing a catalytic converter from a woman’s car while she lunched at Chili’s on the 7000 block of Cermak Road last Thursday.

The same Infiniti is believed to have been involved in catalytic converter thefts in Schaumburg and Mount Prospect last month, North Riverside police said.

According to re ports, Chili’s managers approached a woman who left the restaurant while she was walking to her car and told her a witness had reported seeing someone tampering with her Hyundai.

She started the car and discovered the catalytic converter had been stolen.

An investigation showed the incident had been caught on a CCTV camera. The footage showed two people in the Infiniti pull up to the Hyundai. They got out of the rear passenger door, pulled a jack out of the trunk, and used it to jack up the car and remove the catalytic converter. They then fled the scene.

In the related incident in Mount Prospect, police said, a jack was recovered at the scene and a credit card was stolen. An investigation is ongoing.

Hair products swiped from JC Penney

A man was charged with theft last week after he and a woman he was with stuffed nine hair products into a backpack and walked out of JC Penney in North Riverside without paying for the items, police said.

According to North Riverside police, the pair selected the hair-care items, put them in the bag and walked out—but they were stopped at the door.

The products were valued at $270.

The man, who appears to have no prior criminal background, was ticketed and is expected in court in October.

These items were obtained from the North Ri verside Police Department re ports, dated Sept. 19-25, and re present a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these re ports has only been charged with a crime and cases ha ve not yet been adjudicated. We re port 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 Landmark sta

Board of Education Meeting: October 10 at 7pm

Fall Choir Festival: October 12, 7pm at the Auditorium

160 Ridgewood Road, Riverside, IL 60546

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As a caregiver, if you notice a change in your appetite, decreased immunity, less time for self-care, moodiness, irritability, depression, feeling overwhelmed, or poor sleep patterns, consider taking a break to gain some perspective and recharge.

Many senior living communities offer respite stays—a furnished residence and meal plan—for as short as 30 days. It’s the perfect opportunity for your loved one to try out a community to see if it’s a good fit without making a big change right away. It also allows you to decide if a short-term stay could provide the temporary relief you need, or if a permanent move is in everyone’s best interest.

Remember, if you’re not at your best, it will be challenging to care for others.

Marching success: RB graduate shines as Syracuse drum major

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Not many colle ge sophomores are drum majors of major colle ge marching bands.

But Claire Harrison, a 19-year-old sophomore at Syracuse University from Brookfield, has always been in a hurry to achieve her goals. This year, Harrison, along with two seniors, is a drum major for the Pride of the Orange, the official name of the school’s marching band

Harrison admitted that she was a little surprised to have been chosen to be drum major as a sophomore.

“I knew it was something that I wanted to do eventually but I never figured it would work out this way for sophomore year,” Harrison told the Landmark in a recent telephone interview.

After playing the piccolo in the Syracuse band as a freshman, Harrison, who was a drum major for the Riverside Brookfield High School marching band in her senior year, decided that she would apply to be a drum major now. She figured that going through the process would help her later when she would have a better chance to be selected

But she shined throughout the application process, which consisted of interviews, conducting the Syracuse alma mater and fight song, and teaching a marching band fundamental skill.

“I’m just lucky that the stars aligned for me,” Harrison said.

Harrison said she has loved marching band ever since she joined it in high school because it combines her love for music, teamwork and sports.

“Since the minute I started marching band freshman year in high school, I thought maybe I can do the back bend some day at a major college,” she said, “and here

I am and I’m just so grateful for all people, all the music education, and all the things that I have gotten me to this point because it is one of the greatest things in my life “My colle ge experience and even my high school experience would not have been the same without marching band.”

Being in the marching band is a big commitment, even more so for a drum major, who is considered the band’s leader. On weeks of home football games, the band rehearses for two hours in the evening, four days a week and then has a two- hour morning practice on Saturday. Harrison arrives at practice at least 30 minutes before it starts and leaves at least 15 minutes after practice ends. Before a home football game, the 170-member band performs for about 45 minutes on the steps of a chapel on the quad. Then they march to the Dome, shouting tradition-filled gibberish as they go. Once inside, they play a pregame and halftime show, as well as between plays throughout the game.

Still, Harrison loves the excitement of running onto the field at the JMA Wireless Dome to the roar of a crowd that generally

exceeds 40,000.

“It’s really the coolest thing ever,” she said. “The first time you run out of the tunnel and see all the people and see the dome is a really special moment that I’ll never forget. And to get to be in front of that means the absolute world to me. The fact that all these people that I care so deeply about has chosen me and trust me with the duty of leading them is the greatest honor of my life.”

At one of the first three games this season – Sept. 9 against Western Michig an –Harrison snagged the coveted center ladder position for the pregame show. She got to do the famous back bend when the drum major leans back to let her head or hat top touch the ground behind her.

“One of the coolest things ever,” Harrison said – even more so that night because it was also her birthday, and her mother was in the crowd.

Harrison is double majoring in political science and magazine writing and digital journalism, and minoring in Spanish. In addition, Harrison, who freelanced some

at Claire Harrison of Brook eld snagged the position as a college sophomore is no surprise to those who know her

COURTESY OF NATALIE WIESNET SHELTO N Claire Harrison of Brook eld is one of three Syracuse drum majors.

ARTS FESTIVAL

Vibrant and inclusive

from page 1

artists, all while enjoying the season’s transition to fall.

This year, the fest returns Saturday at Kiwanis Park, featuring more than 50 local artists selling their work with media ranging from jewelry and fiber arts to pottery, printmaking and art from repurposed objects.

“It is definitely more than just art there’s going to be so much to look enjoy at the beautiful pa Shannon Roman Goscieje resident and fest organizer. “After Co vid, I think we all alized that kee money in the community is super im portant and impact ful for the growth of the community, and if you want a beauti ful and vibrant community, you have show up for events like this. Support the people who are working to keep the community together and a beautiful, inclusive space.”

Kicking of f the morning will be a sunrise yoga session at the park’s bandshell from 8 to 9 a.m.

While strolling along the park, music entertainment will be plentiful all day long, featuring the sounds of local and Brookfield-based musicians. The Riverside Brookfield High School jazz ensemble kicks off the music at 9:30 a.m., followed by comedy and bluegrass music from Bluegrass Band at 11 a.m.; Stray Bolts at noon, melding elements of Americana, rock, jazz, country and R&B; young musicians from A Sound Education at 1:30 p.m.; and Evil Burrito performing power pop ballads at 2:30 p.m.

In between browsing art and meeting new artists, patrons can enjoy snacks and drinks, including from food trucks Rollin’ Tamales y Mas, offering Mexican food and ve gan, plant-based tamales, and freshly made-to-order donuts and coffee from The Chicago Donut Company.

The Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Public Library will also be at the event with a setup for kids’ ar t projects

Back for another year will be the Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest, from noon to 2 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded for first-,

second- and third-place winners. Adults 18 and older who are eager to showcase their drawing skills can pre-register at brookfieldartists.org

“You don’t need to go to other suburbs or the city for good art — it’s right here, and we’re your neighbors,” Gosciejew said.

Sponsored by the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce, the fest is planned and organized by the Brookfield Artists Collective — a new local group with the goal of bringing more art to Brookfield and offering resources for artists.

Hosting monthly artist meetups and opportunities to collaborate on area commuis open to a lethora of artists and art of all mediums ommunity art, a highlight est will pportunity rticiompleting ommunity art by felanizer resirone large rone sketched outlines of a variety of people of all ages, along with words such as “Brookfield” and “love,” on several canvases. With different paints available to color in the mural, she hopes visitors get excited about grabbing a paintbrush to fill in the blanks and even add in their own artwork along the way.

“I’m a big advocate for outside murals and I would like to show the importance of outside art and how it makes people feel when they see it after working on it together,” she explained. “It brings together a community and its diversity. It will tie in what we think Brookfield is, and what we want it to be.”

Angarone also created a smaller mural for kids, with whimsical cartoon drawings to be colored in throughout the day.

Gosciejew and Angarone hope to give the murals to either the Village, Chamber of Commerce or library, so they can be displayed and residents can be proud of the public ar t project for years to come

“Our goal with the mural is to get more community involvement and have something really fun that features that collaborative spirit we’re trying to capture,” Gosciejew added.

The Brookfield Fine Arts Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday Sept. 30 at Kiwanis Park, 8820 Brookfield Av e.

Lovingly ripped o from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, and features a bevy of beautiful show girls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits, and French people!

Tickets: www.nrplayers.com • (708) 526-8084

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Theater is located at Scheck Village Commons 2401 S. DesPlaines Ave. North Riverside, IL 60546

October 6 at 7:30pm

October 6 at 7:30 pm

October 7 at 7:30pm

October 7 at 7:30 pm

October 8 at 2:30pm

October 8 at 2:30 pm

October 13 at 7:30pm

October 13 at 7:30 pm

October 14 at 7:30pm

October 14 at 7:30 pm

October 15 at 2:30 pm

Tickets available online at www.nrplayers.com

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

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

To order tickets by mail, detach at dotted line, enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope with check or credit card information and mail this form

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

Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, and features beautiful show girls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits, and French people! The 2005 Broadway production won three Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The outrageous, uproarious, and gloriously entertaining story of King Arthur and the Lady of the Lake will delight audiences as they search Holy Grail and “always look on the bright side of life.” # of Seniors

A safe & smart choice.

A safe & smart choice.

A safe & smart choice.

10 or more for same

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

our

It’s o cial: Zenna Ramos is a Riverside police o cer

Public Safety Director Matthew Buckley

“My kids are so supportive, they are so happy,” Ramos said with teary eyes. “They saw me when I was down, struggling.”

About three do z en residents and law enforcement officers also joined the village in celebrating Ramos’ second chance.

“The strength this young woman has shown for the last too many months — five months — has been amazing,” Ballerine said.

Zenna Ramos stood proud outside the Riverside Town Hall as she was sworn in as a police officer for Riverside’s law enforcement agency.

This moment, heavy with emotion, “means everything” for Ramos and her f amily, she said.

“I’m so happy. I’m just so grateful to be here,” Ramos told the Landmark after being sworn in by Village President Joseph Ballerine last week.

In April, she saw her desire to join the police force halted by a state board’s decision over a 2008 vacated misdemeanor

But at the swearing-in, Ramos’s f amily celebrated the moment in the crowd, joined by Village Board Trustees and

The ceremony culminated the village’s lengthy appeal process on behalf of Ramos. Last month, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board reversed its decision to decertify Ramos. On Sept. 18, the village received a letter confirming Ramos received her waiver of basic training. With this waiver, Ramos was recertified, allowing her to join the Riverside police force. Ramos is set to start her training as police officer on Sept. 23. Upon completion she will start her patrolling duties, Buckley said.

Ballerine thanked State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford (8th) for pushing for Ramos’ recertification. He credited him for helping raise the issue to Governor J.B. Pritzker, who publicly called on her reinstatement

last month.

“The village of Riverside has judged you by the content of your character and today, you are sworn in as Officer Ramos,” Ford stated. “I’m here to congratulate you and your family. Riverside is better because you will be patrolling the streets.”

The state board’s decision sets a prec-

edent over the interpretation of the SAFET Act when it comes to police certification decisions. It is also a victory for the village of Riverside who supported Ramos in appealing the state board’s decision to decertify her. The work to ensure an accurate interpretation of the SAFE-T ACT will continue, Buckley and Ford said.

“There’s gonna be a Ramos law and you’re going to help a lot of officers,” Ford said, adding he is working on required legislative updates. Buckley will continue to support these ef for ts and work with the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, he told this publication.

“We have good people out there that want to be working as police officers,” he said.

Over the past few months, state re presentatives Abdelnasser Rashid and Elizabeth Hernandez also advocated for a second chance for the 37-year-old for mer police officer. State Senator Mike Porfirio also supported the village’s ef for ts to appeal the state board’s decision.

On April 19, the ILETSB decertified Ramos over a 2008 vacated misdemeanor arrest for theft of three shirts valued at $14.99. The state board later explained its decision was based on its interpretation of the SAFE-T Act.

Ramos, who was for merly a Cicero police officer, is ready to serve Riverside residents

“I love Riverside. I can’t wait to get on the streets and serve the community,” she said.

‘I love Riverside. I can’t wait to get on the streets and serve the community,’ she says

By FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ Staff Reporter

TODD A. BANNOR

Riverside Police o cer Zenna Romos’s husband (le ), a Cicero police o cer, pins her badge on her a er her reinstatement to the department. Riverside Police O cer Zenna Ramos with her family (right) outside v illage hall.

TODD A. BANNOR

Riverside Director of Public Safety Matthew Buckley speaks at O cer Zenna Ramos’s reinstatement on Sept. 21, 2023.

RB girls volleyball wins Silver Division at Rich Invitational

Bulldogs are 3-0 in their conference

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Despite many new faces, the Riverside Brookfield High School girls volleyball team has quickly found offensive consistency. With senior Annabel Krueger and sophomore Claire Cameron both back, the Bulldogs most often use a 6-2, two-setter offense.

“It just kind of depends on who we’re playing, but most consistently we like to run the 6-2,” RBHS coach Caitlin Staib-Lipinski said. “We’re running a 6-2 because our hitters are doing well. It gives us more opportunities to get people in, but both Annabel and Claire are putting up great balls. And they’ve both worked on their defense, which is huge.”

Krueger and Cameron, plus junior thirdyear starting middle hitter Sofia Owens, made the all-tournament team Saturday as the Bulldogs finished fifth at the Rich Township Invitational, beating Argo 25-12, 25-12 in the Silver Division championship match.

RBHS (13-10) beat Rich Township 25-14, 2515 in the semifinals. In pool play, the Bulldogs lost the Marist JV 25-19, 25-15 and BradleyBourbonnais 25-23, 23-25, 15-5 and beat Thornwood 25-8, 25-11.

Over the five matches, Owens (24 kills, 9 aces, 5 blocks), Cameron (59 assists, 10 aces) and Krueger (33 assists, 10 digs, 3 aces) were among the Bulldogs’ leaders.

Owens (7 kills) and Cameron (15 digs, 6 aces) had single-match invite bests against Argo. Other contributions were Kelley Ty-

STEVE JOHNSTON

Riverside-Brook eld’s Addie Blomgren (11) and Mackenzie Sloger (6) go up for a block against Westmont Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023 in Brook eld.

ler (14 digs, 14 service receptions), Lucy Boyle (8 kills), Elaina Harazin (4 kills), Krue ger (4 assists), Owens (3 aces) and Mackenzie Sloger (2 aces).

“I like connecting with all of the hitters,” Cameron said. “I really like [our 6-2] because I get to see all of the hitters and it’s just fun playing with the offense when we get to run it.”

In the Metro Suburban Conference, the Bulldogs are in first at the halfway point at 3-0 after beating Westmont 25-6, 25-10, Sept. 20.

“Things are going well. Our goal is to win

conference,” Staib-Lipinski said after that victory. “We’re executing things that we’re doing in practice. We’re working on crossing plays. We’re passing really well. We’re continuing to just better ourselves and not taking anything for granted.”

Cameron (250 assists) and Krueger (115) are getting several hitters the ball.

Owens has 101 kills. Boyle (92) and Sloger (74) also are averaging at least 1.5 kills per set, followed by seniors Addie Blomgren (49) and Emily Organ (36) and Harazin (30).

The balance—and success—should only

improve exponentially.

“Our team is definitely different (this season). We almost have like a whole new team. A lot of seniors came out and we have a lot of younger girls,” Krueger said.

“Playing with new people is always an adjustment. Especially at the beginning of the season, we worked a lot on connections with the middles and just finding out where they want [the ball] and how fast the outsides want it, where they want it.”

Cameron is approaching the one-year anniversary of her mid-season promotion to varsit y.

“I’m used to a lot of [the new varsity] hitters because I was on JV last year, too,” Cameron said.

The past two seasons, the Bulldogs have owned or shared the best division record in the MSC, which is down to one four-team league this season.

The 2021 Blue Division champions dominated Westmont behind Owens and Harazin (5 kills each), Tyler (7 digs), Krueger (11 assists, 3 aces, 5 digs) and Cameron (9 assists).

“We’re on a road to win conference. It was our goal last year and we fell just short (on a tiebreaker) so I’m hoping we can do it,” Owens said.

“The season’s not even halfway over, so I’m excited to see how much we can still improve as it progresses.”

The Bulldogs also played inspired ball against defending 3A state champion St Francis but lost 25-22, 15-25, 28-26. Owens had nine kills in 20 attacks and four blocks and Cameron had five of the team’s 14 aces and Boyle had eight digs. Cameron (15) and Krueger (9) tied the team’s single-match high of 24 assists.

Garvey’s cross training aids each of his 3 sports

By BILL STONE

Contributing

Reporter

Riverside Brookfield High School senior Joey Garvey has flourished as a three-sport athlete through hard work and attention to

the little things. As a golfer, that means a better short game to assist his best season ever.

“I feel my overall game has improved quite much,” Garvey said. “My putting was always a weak part of my game or not how I wanted it to be, but now it is very consistent. Short

game is everything in golf and it helps out a lot to get my putting in a better place.”

The Bulldogs also are in a better place as they prepare for the Class 3A postseason.

On Sept. 19, they clinched their first conference title ever by winning the Metro Subur-

ban Conference meet (342), at a wet and windy Sanctuary in New Lenox, topping host Westmont (355) and Elmwood Park (371).

Junior Josh Udelson was third (11-over-par

See GARVEY on pa ge 14

RB boys soccer nally catch a break

De ection on a free kick provides a much-needed victory

By BILL STONE

Contributing Reporter

Junior Tomas Kunickas and his Riverside Brookfield High School boys soccer teammates couldn’t get a break the past three weeks.

So the Bulldogs created their own, Sept. 20. Kunickas’ free kick i nto the crease near forward Kenzo DeLemos was deflected by an o pposing defender i nto the g oal with j ust 10:45 left to give the Bulld og s a ke y 2-1 Metro Suburban C onference victor y over Ridgewood .

His free kick was near the 20-yard line near the right sideline.

“I just tried to put it in the box, put something dangerous in there and luck just happened and it went in,” Kunickas said. “I think the defender hit it in. He tried to clear it and he tipped it a little bit.”

The Bulldogs (4-7-1, 1-1-0 in MSC) snapped a six-game losing streak and earned their first September victory.

RBHS hadn’t won since Aug. 29 and had endured a 2-1 overtime loss to Andrew, Aug. 31, for the Reavis Tournament title,

GARVE Y

from page 13

83), Gar ve y and j unior Brady McCallum (87) tied for fourth, sophomore C onnor Dominick (91) was sixth, and j unior s C al Milchhoefer and Ben O’Brien (95s) shared ninth.

RBHS earned five of the 10 all-conference awards based on dual and conference meet play: Garvey, Udelson, McCallum, Dominick and junior Mike Oppe gard.

Garvey was named co-MVP.

“Yeah, it felt good. Even with a smaller conference this year, winning is still the same,” Garvey responded.

“Winning is always a positive and even though no one really played as good as they

a last-minute 2-1 loss to rival Morton, and two 1-0 defeats.

Against Ridgewood, the Bulldogs led 17-9 in shots (8-4 in first half). T hey especially had momentum after Kunickas scored first with 29:28 left in the first half after Diego Castillo interce pted a clear and quickly passed

Surging Ridgewood tied the game with 30:07 to go. The Rebels (7-5-1, 1-1-0) were riding a five-game winning streak.

“I’m very pleased with the team’s composure, even giving up that [tying] goal. We stayed disciplined, continued our game,” RBHS coach Ivek Halic said. “It got chippy at the end but a good game all the way around against a good opponent. They played very, very well.”

This year’s revamped MSC has homeand-away matches among all four teams. RBHS lost at Elmwood Park 1-0, Sept. 7, but play host to the Tigers on Thursday.

The Bulldogs were last year’s co-champions. They last won back-to-back MSC titles in 2011-12.

“It’s definitely our main goal this year,” Kunickas said. “Losing our first game kind of set us back a little bit, but we’re going to bounce back in every game of conference.”

Standout midfielder Max Swicionis suffered a hip injury on the foul that resulted in Kunickas’ winning free kick and sat out the rest of the game.

had hoped, we still pulled through and won. It gives us a boost of confidence heading into re gionals and sectionals.”

The Bulldogs now go after a top-three finish at the 3A Glenbrook North Re gional Wednesday to advance to the Lyons Township Sectional Monday at Prairie Bluf f in Crest Hill.

While there are just three teams in this year’s revamped MSC (before the Bulldogs join the Upstate Eight in 2024), they are consistently posting the lowest team scores that RBHS coach Jim Festle can recall in years.

Garvey has qualified individually for sectionals the past two years. Udelson joined him in 2022. Garvey started this season with a first-place 77 at the Reavis Invite, Aug. 10, and has maintained a high level of personal consistency. In nine-hole matches, Garvey has been scoring 37s and 38s.

“I didn’t see [ the winning g oal]. I heard it and I saw the end,” Swicionis said. “A little bit of a pick-me-up even though I was in pain.”

Defensively, the Bulldogs remain hopeful for the return of co-captain Liam Hickey, who has yet to return from a stress fracture in his hip.

Hickey was slated to play center back with junior Massimo Franceschina.

He and the Bulldogs were elated by their first home victory in only their second home game.

“It’s great, especially seeing our fans are

He’s also a veteran leader for a group that returns McCallum from last year’s regional lineup and has three other seniors.

“I try to make sure everyone is friends with each other and having fun. Golf and sports in g eneral aren’t meant to be stressful, even though it can be at times, so I try to use my experience to calm others down and just have fun and impr ove,” Garvey said.

“Our younger class of players has a passion for the game and they love getting better day in and day out. There’s competition and motivation to play your best every day but, most importantly, have fun.”

Garvey is also a reserve guard for the boys basketball team, and he moved into a starting role as shortstop for the baseball team this past spring.

While he’s in golf mode right now, he notes that he tries to dribble and shoot bas-

here screaming our names, giving us their support, seeing our parents,” Franceschina said.

“These past couple of games, where we’ve been losing, we haven’t been possessing well. We have worked on this in practice a lot and it definitely showed. We were able to possess, play some simple passes to build up to the front, creating more chances for our strikers and midfielders to score.”

On Saturday, the Bulldogs tied Solorio 2-2 with a second-half goal. Kunickas again scored twice, with an assist from Will Sessler, following a first-half penalty kick.

kets or play catch with his brother whenever possible.

“Golf is a little different than baseball and basketball in the pace of the game and how much of a mental game it is. Staying in the weight room is a big help for all three sports, and I look forward to getting into the weight room more,” Garvey said.

“I would say every sport has a mental aspect to it, but golf has the biggest. I’ve seen my golf game grow the biggest mentally and it’s helped a lot. Reading putts, staying calm and thinking through shots. These are all things to think about for 18 holes and 4-6 hours at a time. It’s a mental battle that basketball, especially, has helped me get better at. There are times when you are tired and hurting during a practice when you can’t quit. You’ve got to keep going. To appreciate the sun you have to experience the rain.”

STEVE JOHNSTON

Riverside-Brook eld’s Tomas Kunickas (8) works towards the goal against Ridgewwod’s Max Kaczmarczyk (8) Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023 in Brook eld.

Opinion

THE L ANDMARK VIEW

Things we like

So many wonders and graces in these villages covered by the Landmark. Here are three things we like about these towns:

Standing up for O cer Ramos

Had a call Monday from a for mer police officer downstate who had been decertified. He had been following our coverage of the recently recertified Riverside police Officer Zenna Ramos. We do not know the circumstances of this officer’s decertification. But when he asked us how her comeback had come to happen, our answer was clear.

A good person caught in a patently unfair circumstance. And a cascading realization across all levels of government that an injustice was being perpetrated in real time right before our eyes.

We don’t remember ever seeing such an alignment of public officials coming together so forcefully on behalf of an individual. It began within the Riverside Public Safety Department, got the attention of the village government and elected leaders, rose in the ranks of state elected officials, especially State Rep. La Shawn Ford, and he made the case to Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board had no option but to cave and reverse its decision. We expect to see Ford go back to Springfield and tweak the language, part of the momentous SAFE-T Act, to ensure no other officer is sidelined by so ridiculous an early-life er ror as did Of ficer Ramos.

This is what success in governing looks like.

Buckley as Person of the Year

Related/unrelated but Matthew Buckley, public safety director for Riverside, stood up strong for Officer Ramos and he is also Riverside’s “Person of the Year,” as declared by the local Lions Club.

Buckley is a good choice. A lifelong villager — well, he moved here when he was two months old — Buckley has worked in Riverside’s fire department since 1988. In 2021, he was the logical choice to lead a newly created public safety department that melded police and fire services

This is a combination more small towns ought to consider, and they can use Matthew Buckley’s work as a model.

Brook eld’s arts culture

Often we think that good schools, economic development and public safety are the pillars of a vital village. And we’re not knocking them. But in recent years, in various communities our flags cover, we’re coming to see plainly the essential role a vibrant arts community plays in creating spirit and tone in a town.

This weekend is the Brookfield Fine Arts Festival. Since 2009, it has been a lynchpin in the grassroots growth of a local arts community. It is an all-day envelope of 50 local artists displaying and selling their work, yoga, music, food, chalk art. All set in Kiwanis Park

The Chamber of Commerce is a main player here, but much of the organizing is in the hands of the nascent Brookfield Artists Collective

We’ve watched in Forest Park as its arts alliance has grown into an innovative and joy-filled force. And we’ve seen the impact of the arts on Chicago’s West Side where we publish the Austin Weekly.

Arts are unifying. Defining. Expanding. Connecting

LETTERS

The legacy of AAUW

As the Riverside Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) disbands after serving the community for 75 years, we have some thoughts on the organization and the work it has accomplished.

We were drawn to AAUW because this organization believes in causes larger than ourselves. The Riverside Branch of AAUW has made a difference in women’s lives by helping them attain their educational goals for the past 75 years (The Riverside Branch has awarded over $22,000 in scholarships to girls graduating from Riverside Brookfield High School).

Many of our members have been a special part of our lives over many years, sharing knowledge, engaging women in our community to dream big, and becoming leaders as had so many of the trailblazers who went before us.

Although we understand that free time is almost non-existent in the younger generation, we fervently hope that these women (and men) will continue to join organizations that benefit the community in which we live. The key to life is participation.

There are many worthwhile organiza-

tions that need support, such as the Riverside Junior Women’s Charity, the Lions Club, the Olmsted Society, local boards and our church families. AAUW continues to advance women in our nation.

On a side note, the Riverside Branch’s legacy lives on in the community. The Historical Commission will continue the Poster Contest for Women’s History Month that was begun by the Riverside Branch. Also, during Women’s History Month, the Riverside Public Library will continue to cosponsor a lecture series focusing on famous women underwritten by a grant given to the library by the Riverside Branch.

We both joined AAUW in 1978 — you may also know us as the two early-mor ning walkers who have been doing so for over 40 years. People have commented that they would gauge their time to work by where they would see us on our morning hike We extend our gratitude and best of luck to Bob Uphues on his retirement and to JoAnne Kosey for her support over the years.

Goodbye, Riverside Branch AAUW. Thanks for allowing us to grow and to give back to the community that we love Nanc y Dvorak and Christine Zogas

OBITUARIES

Hushang Javid, 102 Professor of surger y

Hushang Jalal Javid, 102, a for mer resident of Riverside, died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday morning, Sept. 16, 2023. He enjoyed excellent health all the days of his life, gradually growing fatigued over his last month. Born on Aug. 10, 1921 in Tehran, Iran, into a loving extended family environment, he was raised in the Baha’i Faith and embraced their emphasis on education, working diligently to be top in his class. In 1943, he traveled to the U.S. for medical studies with eight other Persian youth, including his younger

brother Farhang and his cousin. He appreciated the op portunities here and established his life in the U.S. serving his country as a captain in the U.S. Ar my in Ta coma, Washington, for several years.

He was a resident of Riverside from 1957-1971.

He lived his life with intense vigor, compassion for others, selflessness and service

OBITUARIES

Continued from page 15

in his profession as a pioneer in the field of cardiac surgery. Deeply interested in furthering his field, he continued his education, earning an MS and a PhD at the University of Illinois. As a professor of surgery at the University of Illinois, he was also president of Cardiovascular Surgical Associates at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke Hospital. He invented a device called the Javid shunt, still used today for Carotid Endarterectomy surgery

Although actively engaged in a busy surgical practice, he also conducted research and authored many research papers and delivered presentations at professional society meetings, nationally and internationally. He was known for being humble and soft spoken, despite his many accomplishments. His generosity of spirit extended far beyond his immediate circle of peers; many were mentored and served by his wise counsel through the years.

As a family man, he was always av able and involved in the lives of his grow ing family, exuding warmth and good humor, positive beliefs and sterling character traits. Outside his intense professional career, he particularly enjoyed gardening and woodworking hobbies.

Hushang Javid was the husband of Dolores Patricia Higgins Javid, enjoying 72 years of married life together. He was preceded in death by his son Leighton in 2016, and is

HARRISON

from page 10

stories for the Landmark last summer, also works for the Daily Orange, the Syracuse school newspaper where she is an assistant copy editor for the news section.

Does she ever sleep?

“Not really,” Harrison said in text message. “I have the rest of my life to sleep.”

Those who knew her at RB are not sur-

CROCS

from page 7

under their care.

Under this program, transfers can happen for a variety of reasons – even if the animal is the public’s favorite – including for breeding or returning them to the wild

survived by three daughters, Linette [Daniel] Kuy, Liana [Reza] Dabir, and Laurel [Tom] Dreger, nine grandchildren, and 13 (soon 15) great-grandchildren.

There will be a private family service on Sept. 23 in Detroit, Michigan.

A memorial service at the Baha’i House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois, will be held on a date to be announced

Emil Kostel, 88 Estimator, so ball coach

Emil S. Kostel, 88, of Brookfield, merly of Nashville, Tennessee and Stickney, died on Sept. 23, 2023 in Berwyn. Born on Dec. 14, 1934, he was a U.S. Ar my veteran. He was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader, was president of the Cantata Resident Board, enjoyed coaching softball, and loved all sports. He worked as an estimator for Ceco Door and Window.

Emil was the husband of the late Carol Ann (nee Lhotka); the father of Donna Kostel and the late Jeff Kostel; grandfather of Ariel O’Brien; brother of the late John (late Emily) Kostelancik; uncle of David (Trish) Kostelancik, Kathy (Jim) Zinsser

prised that Harrison has taken Syracuse by storm.

Back then, she was involved in myriad activities, including serving as a student representative to the school board her senior year while she worked a part-time job. Yet she was always prepared.

“Claire was incredibly dedicated and thorough while she served as student board rep and I imagine she’ll bring those same traits to her new leadership role,” said RB school board president Deanna Zalas

She also was a leader in the RB band

to boost populations.

The Orinoco crocodiles are one of several animals the zoo has worked with. Of the 125 species outlined in the SSP program, Brookfield Zoo shelters 45.

For example, Brookfield Zoo recently sent all but one from a litter of Mexican Grey Wolf pups to be cross-fostered by a den of wild wolves in New Mexico. By transferring the litter of wolf pups, Brook-

To run an obituary

Please contact Erika Hobbs by e-mail: erika@g rowingcommunity.org, or fax: 708/467-9066 before Monday at noon. Please include a photo if possible.

and Ken (Nancy) Kostelancik; and greatuncle of Tim, Danny and Ben Kostelancik.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 26, from 3-8 p.m. at Kuratko-Nosek Funeral Home, 2447 S. Desplaines Avenue, North Riverside. Funeral service will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 10 a.m. in the chapel at Kuratko-Nosek Funeral Home, followed by interment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Forest Park

Memorial donations to the Wounded Warrior Project would be appreciated.

Marie was the wife of the late Clarence (Terry) Mauthe; the sister of Charles (Arlene) Peterson; the aunt of Sharon (Mark) Duffek; great-aunt of Jaimie and Curtis (CJ); and friend of many.

Mary Mauthe, 96 LaGrange

Park resident

Mary (Marie) J. Mauthe, 96, of LaGrange Park, for merly of Morton Grove, died on Aug. 15, 2023.

“She’s just an amazing leader and she did awesome things for the RB band,” said James Baum, director of the band

He added that he couldn’t recall any other RB graduate in the last 20 years who went on to become a college drum major.

Yet as much as Harrison loves band, she has decided against a career in music. For now, marching band is perfect Harrison, who maps her life out years in advance, said she plans to get a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Syracuse’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public

field Zoo may help enrich the genetic diversity of the native wild population. Many of Carlita and Buttercup’s siblings have been returned to Venezuela. Shwedick said a sister of the Crocs has successfully laid eggs in the wild. They hope that Carlita and Buttercup are soon provided with a mate so their offspring will “one day, also become a part of the recovery of this critically endangered species,” he said.

It is her wish that you might occasionally think of her and be glad for having known her. It was also her wish that there be no viewing or funeral. Arrangements were made by Cremation Society of Illinois.

Service and interment by graveside were private

Affairs She hasn’t decided yet what she will do when she leaves Syracuse

“I could see myself having a career in Washington, D.C. and working in the government or working on campaigns, something like that because I have a real passion for that,” Harrison said. “Through some classes I’ve taken I’ve discovered a passion for public policy and research and things like that, but I could also see myself being a reporter chasing a beat, moving across the country, living that scrapy life that everyone always talks about.”

With their part of the Swamp vacant, Brookfield has plans to renovate the enclosure over the winter to transform it into one large aviary.

“This will enhance the habitat for the birds and allow us to increase their flock sizes to allow for more natural behaviors and social structures,” Snyder said, adding that it’s aimed at creating an enhanced experience for zoo guests.

EMIL KOSTEL

MARY MAUTHE

PART-TIME

ELECTRICIAN’S HELPER

Experience or not. Retired person or person looking for extra cash

Call for more information.

Estimator sought by Blue Point Adjusting & Loss Management in Chicago, IL to prvd exprt advc for plcy hldrs rgdg loss & sbmt clms. Reqs BS any field. Mst hv perm auth to wrk in US. Snd rsm & cvr lttr to 5937 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60634

Financial Systems Analyst sought by Tennis Corporation of America in Chicago, IL to support evolution, dsgn, & support of EPM & ERP systems.

Reqs: BS or foreign equiv. in Comp Sci, Acctg, Finance, Info Systems, or a rltd field & 5 yrs exp in job offd or in rltd analyst role. Must possess exp w/adding value to operators using ERP systems such as Spectrum CSI, Workday, or Adaptive Planning; Office Connect & SQL; & etc. Telecommuting is permitted w/in commutable distance to the ofc. Apply: https:// careers.midtown.com/

PART-TIME CIVILIAN CALL TAKER FOREST PARK, IL

The Forest Park Police Department, seeks a Part-Time Civilian Information Management Call Taker. Eligible candidates will be required to pass an aptitude test and an extensive background check. Qualifications include high school diploma (or equivalent), good verbal and written skills, working knowledge of the computer and Windows, ability to type accurately, a good working knowledge of the English language, the ability to treat customers and co-workers in a polite manner and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Data entry skills and experience answering telephones/operating a switchboard are preferred.

EVENING AND OVERNIGHT

HOURS ARE MANDATORY.

Open until filled. $18.25/hour. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. and should be returned Attn: Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130. Email: vmoritz@ forestpark.net.

POLICE RECORDS SUPERVISOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Police Records Supervisor in the Police Department. This position will manage, supervise, plan and coordinate the activities and operations of the Police Records Division Support Services Bureau, within the Police Department including records maintenance and management services; and coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies and the general public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at https:// www.oakpark.us/yourgovernment/ human-resources-department First review of applications will be September 22, 2023.

COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Community Service Officer in the Police Department. This position will perform a variety of public service, customer service and law enforcement related duties and responsibilities that do not require the services of a sworn police officer; and to perform a variety of administrative duties. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at https://www.oak-park.us/your-government/human-resources-department. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

POLICE RECORDS CLERK

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Police Records Clerk in the Police Department. This position will perform a wide variety of specialized clerical duties in support of the Police Department including processing and maintaining documents, correspondence and coding reports; and to provide information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at https://www.oakpark.us/your-government/human-resources-department.

GARAGE/YARD SALES

FLEA MARKET BERWYN OUTDOOR FLEA MARKET & CRAFT FAIR TRINITY CHURCH

7022 RIVERSIDE DR. SAT. SEPT 30

9AM-2PM

708-484-1818 x3

BLOCK YARD SALE

1000-1050

S. HIGHLAND AVE, OAK PARK SAT, SEPT 29

9AM-12NOON

Tons of great buys on clothes for all ages, toys, housewares, furniture, a/c unit, and collectibles. Many homes are participating! *please note there will be blockades on both ends of the block, you can park on nearby streets*

WANTED TO BUY

WANTED MILITARY ITEMS:

Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

TOOLS WANTED:

I want to buy all your old tools American tools, Wilton Vise, Wood working tools, Machinist tools. Call, Justin C 708-822-8822 H 708-445-0164

SUBURBAN RENTALS

616 N. TAYLOR AVE., UNIT #2, OAK PARK, IL. OPEN HOUSE SUN OCT 1st � 12-3 PM OAK PARK RENTAL- $2200.00/mo

Immediate Occupancy! Oct 1st or sooner. 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath 2 Flat-Second Floor Unit. New Stainless Appliances. Hardwood Floors. Beautiful Architectural features-Stained Glass windows. Builtin bookcases. Sunroom. Deck. Close to Train and expressway and Chicago. Quiet peaceful setting. Must See! No Pets. No Smoking. Tenant pays for electricity.

Appointments Call: Kathleen McCarthy, Broker • 630-420-0202

COMMERCIAL RENTALS

FLOORS

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Village of Riverside Open House Public Information Meeting Notice for Quincy Street Improvements (Central Business District Streetscape Improvement Project)

The Village of Riverside invites you to attend the Open House Public Information Meeting for the Phase I Engineering and Environmental Study for the proposed streetscape and resurfacing of Quincy Street from Riverside Road to the Central Business District Limits. The proposed improvements consist of streetscape and resurfacing of Quincy Street from Riverside Road to the Central Business District Limits. Additional improvements include curb bumpouts, curb and gutter modifications, decorative lighting, and sidewalk modifications. The purpose of this meeting is to present the proposed improvement plans and provide an opportunity for public comment. The details of the Open House Public Meeting are as follows:

Date: October 17, 2023

Time: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Location: Riverside Parks & Recreation Facility 43 E. Quincy St. Riverside, IL 60546

The meeting will be conducted in an open house format, meaning interested persons can attend at any time between 4pm and 6pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to view exhibits and submit comments. Village representatives and project consultants will be present to discuss the project and answer questions.

For additional information, please contact:

Ashley Monroe

Assistant Village Manager Village of Riverside 27 Riverside Road Riverside, IL 60546 Phone: 708-447-2700

Published in RB Landmark September 27, 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: Y23011011 on September 20, 2023

Under the Assumed Business Name of GRATEFUL GOURMET TO GO with the business located at: 535 S HARVEY AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60304. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: MARGARET A CVERCKO 535 S HARVEY AVE OAK PARK, IL 60304, USA

Published in Wednesday Journal September 27, October 4, 11 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 DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION DLJ MORTGAGE CAPITAL, INC. Plaintiff, -v.UNKNOWN OWNERS AND/OR LEGATEES OF BERNARD JOHN HESTER, DECEASED, DIANE MARIE HESTER, BERNARD FRANCIS HESTER, JULIE FOX, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR BERNARD JOHN HESTER, DECEASED, SANTA MARIA CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, USAA FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS

Defendants

2019 CH 11767 210 N. OAK PARK AVE., UNIT GGGAR 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 12, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 16, 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 210 N. OAK PARK AVE., UNIT GG-GAR, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-07-212-0101108 The real estate is improved with a condominium.

The judgment amount was $185,329.09.

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 (driv-

er’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 21 8631.

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. 21 8631

Attorney Code. 40342

Case Number: 2019 CH 11767

TJSC#: 43-2878

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 # 2019 CH 11767 I3228658

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION THE MONEY SOURCE INC.; Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF GERZINE SPENCE

AKA GERZINE L. SPENCE; KRAMER RESTORATION OF DUPAGE COUNTY LLC DBA PAUL DAVIS RESTORATION OF DUPAGE COUNTY; RONNEISHA JINKINS INDIVIDUALLY AND AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF GERZINE SPENCE AKA GERZINE L. SPENCE; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 22 CH 4005

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, October 23, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-21-402-009-0000. Commonly known as 1643 Manchester Avenue, Westchester, IL 60154.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call The Sales

Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 7182183141 ADC INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com

I3229004

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVINGS SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR CSMC

2018-RPL6 TRUST Plaintiff, -v.MELVIN E. KRUMDICK, DAVID E. GEE Defendants 2022 CH 10770 1178 S. ELMWOOD AVENUE 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 July 11, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 12, 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 1178 S. ELMWOOD AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60304

Property Index No. 16-18-429-013-

0000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $151,871.10.

Sale terms: 100% of the bid amount shall be paid in certified funds immediately by the highest and best bidder at the conclusion of the sale. The certified check must be made payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. 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 KELLEY, KRONENBERG, P.A. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 20 N. Clark St., Suite 1150, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 2168828. Please refer to file number M22365. 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. KELLEY, KRONENBERG, P.A. 20 N. Clark St., Suite 1150 Chicago IL, 60602 312-216-8828

E-Mail: ileservice@kelleykronenberg. com

Attorney File No. M22365

Attorney Code. 49848

Case Number: 2022 CH 10770

TJSC#: 43-2893

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 # 2022 CH 10770

I3228527

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION

MATRIX FINANCIAL SERVICES CORPORATION

Plaintiff, -v.RONALD CAILLOUET, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF SUSAN L. CAILLOUET, DAMON RITENHOUSE, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR SUSAN L. CAILLOUET A/K/A SUSAN CAILLOUET (DECEASED)

Defendants 2022 CH 04542 31 LE MOYNE PKWY 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 12, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 25, 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 31 LE MOYNE PKWY, OAK PARK, IL 60302

Property Index No. 16-05-112-0070000

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 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) 794-9876

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. 14-22-09308

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762

Case Number: 2022 CH 04542

TJSC#: 43-2890

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 # 2022 CH 04542

I3229738

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST;

Plaintiff, vs. ALAN SIMKOWSKI; AUSTIN BANK OF CHICAGO; KELLY SIMKOWSKI; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS;

Defendants,

22 CH 10656

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following de-

scribed mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-08-106-001-0000.

Commonly known as 330 N. Ridgeland Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 1496188556

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3229487