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Brookfield Zoo brings hands-on conservation to Austin Branch Library

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Vol. 41, No. 41

October 14, 2026

Page 10

It is Windmills vs. ACE, on a Superintendent Sunday all about sun, softball, memories profile report Locals battle but fall 10-3 to White Sox-affiliated Amateur City Elite By GREGG VOSS Staff Reporter

There may be nothing better than sitting in the bleachers on a cloudless, 80-degree day, watching a ballgame. But in mid-October? The day after the Chicago White Sox season ended in Cleveland – a game I didn’t get to see because the wi-fi went out at my house? Yes, Saturday night was a tough evening for me on many levels, but the next afternoon, I felt like I was watching two Sox eras play each other, in softball. On one side of the diamond at North Riverside’s Veterans Park was the Windmills 12U fastpitch squad, made up of players primarily from Oak Park, River Forest and Riverside. They were wearing uniforms reminiscent of the Sox’s 1983 “Winning Ugly” crew, with the bold blue horizontal stripe with red trim across the white jersey. I was just a kid back then, but I remember well Ron Kittle, LaMarr Hoyt and the rest of that team … and the disappointment I felt when they fell in the playoffs. A little like Saturday night, come to think of it. On the other side was Amateur City See SOFTBALL on page 12

outlines desired characteristics of next D96 leader Confidential community survey draws over 350 respondents By GREGG VOSS Staff Reporter

COURTESY OF TALIA SHERIDAN

A Windmills 12U fastpitch hitter takes a big swing at a pitch Sunday at Veterans Park in North Riverside.

The qualities of Riverside School District 96’s next superintendent were prioritized at Wednesday’s board of education meeting at Blythe Park Elementary School. Professionally, the next superintendent should possess leadership, communication and inter-

See SUPERINTENDENT on page 9

The Landmark, October 14, 2026

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The Landmark, October 14, 2026

Grey Phoenix hosts ‘Beauty in Death’ exhibit The exhibit opened Saturday, Oct. 10, and features 13 local artists By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

With Halloween around the corner, get into the spirit of the season with Grey Phoenix Art Studio’s newest exhibit. The art gallery exhibit is featuring the works of 13 different artists inspired by the theme “Beauty in Death.” The exhibit will remain open until Nov. 7, and an opening reception was held on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 7-9 p.m. The reception also featured tarot card readings by Brittany Caldwell, one of the artists in the show. “It was busy from start to finish. Actually, we got to stay a little longer [than 9 p.m.] People were lingering, so that was great. It was a wonderful night,” said Terri Angarone, the owner of Grey Phoenix. “Brittany, who did the tarot card readings, she said she did not pause once. She was busy from start to finish. We had steady traffic coming in. Everyone was really thankful and kept on saying, ‘We’re so glad you’re here in the community.’” While some artists’ interpretations took a more literal route, Angarone said others took the inspiration in different directions.

“Some of them are literal. Others are, a lot of them are rebirth. I’m going to be in the show, and a lot of my stuff focuses on women’s suppression, so it’s a death to the silence that women have had to endure for so long,” she told the Landmark. All of the artists are from the local region, with several from Brookfield, Angarone said. They include Caldwell, Alexandra Brom, Dana Primrose Bloede, Delia Morriss, Shannon Roman Gosciejew, Jerry Loza, Sharon Kluge, Heidi Becker, Matthew Balcer, Matt Geer, Rebecca Marfise, Patricia Browne and Angarone. “I know some of them, and then I put a call out online,” she said of her efforts to find artists for the show. “I didn’t want a ton of artists, so my usual came in, and then I have a few new. I have one guy who’s actually never shown his work before. He’s a printmaker just like I am, and I’m so stoked, because it’s such a niche art thing.” She said she had one artist from Canada who was interested in participating, but she had to turn them down. “They wanted to have a video, and it would have been cool, but I don’t have a projector, and I’d have to keep it dark, so I

had to pass on that,” Angarone said. She said the concept for the show got its start over the summer from Caldwell, a watercolor artist who also has offerings in the studio’s regular retail space. “She popped it in my head: ‘Hey, would you be down for doing a gallery show based on tarot card readings?’ We kind of collaborated together with that. She’s going to be reading tarot cards at the show while showing some of her work,” Angarone said. Angarone said her goal is to support and uplift local artistry. “I feel like a lot of people who maybe own galleries and run different art fairs don’t really know what artists go through and also what it takes to sell your work. I really wanted to be a voice for that because I get it. That was my number one goal with the gallery,” she said. “Secondly is to let people be aware that we exist.” Grey Phoenix opened its doors in February at 3730-32 Prairie Ave. in downtown Brookfield. In addition to gallery shows like Beauty in Death, the studio also hosts art classes for different age groups, open workshop hours for local artists, art for sale and a summer camp in the warmer months.

IN THIS ISSUE

Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 General Manager Max Reinsdorf Editorial & Audience Strategist Matthew Schwerha Staff Reporters Stella Brown, Jackie Pisano, Bob Skolnik, Gregg Voss Sports Reporters Bill Stone, Melvin Tate Contributing Editor Donna Greene Editorial & Digital Design Lead Javier Govea Design and Production Associate De Sergio Villalona Designer Susan McKelvey Sports Photographer Steve Johnston Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls Marketing & Advertising Associate Emma Cullnan Legal Notices Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner EMAIL jill@oakpark.com Operations Associate Susan Liss Babin Social Media and Digital Coordinator Maribel Barrera Senior Advisor Dan Haley

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P.O. Box 6670, River Forest, IL 60305 PHONE: (708) 613-3300 E-MAIL: dhaley@newswellchicago.org ONLINE: www.RBLandmark.com

PROVIDED BY TERRI ANGARONE

Attendees chat and examine the “Beauty in Death” art exhibition at Grey Phoenix on Oct. 10.

Brittany Caldwell, whose art is featured in the exhibition, offered tarot readings at the opening reception.

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

The Landmark, October 14, 2026

4 candidates seek Riverside Caucus endorsement for 2027 3 incumbents and 1 newcomer are running for 3 trustee seats By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

Four candidates are seeking endorsement from the Riverside Community Caucus in their efforts to obtain a spot on the Riverside village board in the upcoming municipal election. Following an Oct. 7 meet the candidates event, the RCC announced the four candidates on Facebook: incumbent trustees Cristin Evans, Alex Gallegos, Jill Mateo and newcomer Sharon Leamy. Evans and Gallegos are seeking a third and final four-year term on the board, having first been elected in 2019. Mateo joined the board in 2023 and seeks a second term

while Leamy is seeking her first term as a village trustee. The RCC is hosting a candidate forum on Sunday, Oct. 18, at 12:30 p.m. at Riverside Township Hall, where the four candidates will gather to answer questions and speak on their plans for the village should they be elected. Village trustees are not on the February primary ballot and participate directly in the consolidated election on April 6, so nominating petitions must be filed with Cook County through the village by Nov. 23 with at least 47 signatures. Leamy was the principal of St. CatherineSt. Lucy Catholic School in Oak Park until June, when she retired after 20 years at the school in various roles. Mateo is an associate professor of biology and psychology at the University of Chicago. Evans is a public information officer at the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. Gallegos is a financial advisor at Osaic Wealth.

CRISTIN EVANS

ALEX GALLEGOS

JILL MATEO

SHARON LEAMY

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The Landmark, October 14, 2026

Riverside estimates $8.52M tax levy for 2026 With funds directed to the village and library, the combined levy is up 5.82% from last year By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

Riverside officials have determined the estimated tax levy for the village and library for fiscal year 2026. The combined tax levy is estimated at $8.52 million, up 5.82% from last year’s levy of $8.05 million. The funds raised will comprise the majority of the regular operating budgets for both the village of Riverside and the Riverside Public Library, which are separate taxing bodies. A public hearing on the tax levy is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 15, at 6:30 p.m., im-

mediately preceding the village board’s regular meeting. A presentation on the village’s 2027 draft budget is also scheduled for the Oct. 15 meeting before a public hearing on the budget ordinance on Nov. 5. The tax levy and budget ordinance and other documents are set to be adopted by village officials on Dec. 3. The combined tax levy is just one component that will determine the property tax bills that Riverside homeowners will have to pay next year. The village receives about 15% of the revenue from property tax bills while the library receives about 3%, with upward of 70% going toward local schools.

Join the RCC for our

2027 Candidate Forum Sunday, Oct. 18 • 12 p.m. Riverside Township Hall - 2nd Floor Please join the Riverside Submit a question Community Caucus (RCC) for the candidates for a free community forum at RCCIL.org with those candidates seeking our endorsement in the Spring 2027 election for the Riverside Board of Trustees. This event is open to the public. All Riversiders welcome! Read candidate bios and background information on our web site: www.RCCIL.org

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The Landmark, October 14, 2026

Hear a Who like Horton in ‘Seussical’

The North Riverside Players are staging the smorgasbord of Seuss stories this and next weekend By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

Several of Dr. Seuss’s beloved stories are colliding in the North Riverside Players’ upcoming production of “Seussical” on Oct. 16-18 and 23-25 at the North Riverside Village Commons, 2401 Des Plaines Ave. Tickets are available online at $25 for adults, $23 for seniors, $21 for students and $15 for kids 12 and under. The Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m. while the Sunday shows are at 2:30 p.m. With more than 40 cast members, the musical combines elements of many of Seuss’s books for kids into a family-friendly production, director Jay Fontanetta said. “The main storyline is ‘Horton Hears a Who,’ but as long as you’ve got the Whos, then you can bring in the Grinch,” Fontanetta told the Landmark. “There’s references to the Lorax. There’s a number called ‘Havin’ a Hunch’ from [‘Bunches in Hunches’], another one of his books. There’s lyrics that refer to ‘Oh, the Places

PROVIDED BY JAY FONTANETTA

Featuring the Cat in the Hat as the narrator and plot elements of ‘Horton Hears a Who,’ the North Riverside Players’ production of ‘Seussical’ combines several of Dr. Seuss’s stories.

PROVIDED BY JAY FONTANETTA

The cast of “Seussical” gathers for a rehearsal. You’ll Go.’ It’s basically ‘Horton Hears a Who’ but with all these elements from his other books.” Fontanetta said the troupe wanted to put on a fall musical that would be more appropriate for the whole family in an effort to vary the genre in the wake of previous productions. “The last couple of musicals they’ve done were very adult-oriented shows. They did ‘Jekyll & Hyde,’ and the year before that, they did ‘The Wedding Singer.’ These are perfectly good shows, but not really family-friendly, not for kids,” he said. The director said he threw his hat into the ring to direct in the hopes of staging “Shrek the Musical,” but the group ran into trouble when they tried to secure the rights. “They’re on a national hold, so you can’t license ‘Shrek’ right now,” Fontanetta said. “That typically happens if they’re planning some kind of return to Broadway or major national tour.” At the suggestion of North Riverside Players President Al Meyer, the troupe turned instead to “Seussical,” and the rest is history. Fontanetta described the musical as one he holds in unexpected reverence. “I do tend to like darker fare, more serious themes. I like a good black comedy. I love a good murder,” he said. “When they find out how much I like ‘Seussical,’ they’re surprised, but, really, the music is so good, and there’s such a good theme to

it. I love the idea behind the story of, ‘Be independent. Be yourself. Be creative, and things will always find a way to work themselves out.’” He said he also appreciates the wide variety of characters in the show that give many of the 42 actors a chance to shine and have their moment. But having so many cast members can also be a challenge, he said. “This is community theater, and people have lives outside of community theater. They have conflicts sometimes,” he said. Fontanetta said he made his best efforts to schedule rehearsals around the schedules of each of the cast members in order to maximize the group’s time, but sometimes conflicting commitments will leave some actors with work to do outside of rehearsal. “They’re just going to have to learn it on their own and get caught up, or I’ll have to craft time into a different day to review it so the people that missed it can get caught up,” he said. “But I do enjoy a good-sized cast. There’s a really great sense of community or family that comes with working on a show like this with a big cast. And to be perfectly honest, anybody will tell you, cast size correlates to ticket sales.” With 28 years’ experience and a bachelor’s degree in directing theater, Fontanetta said his philosophy for “Seussical” has been to start strong and delegate more tasks as the show gets closer. “I’m very hands-on toward the beginning

PROVIDED BY JAY FONTANETTA

Kara Lyons and Spencer Clark, who play JoJo and the Cat in the Hat, go over their lines together. of the rehearsals because I’m blocking the scenes out or talking to the actors about their characters or how they deliver their lines. I’m working with the choreographer and saying, ‘Here’s how I envision this musical number,’” he said. “As the rehearsal process goes, I start to back off a little bit. Now, I have to trust that the choreographer understands what I want and can do it, and I have to trust that the actors are invested … You have to start adjusting your vision towards the other things, towards the lighting and the costumes and the set.” When opening day comes, Fontanetta said he’s most excited to see his cast’s reaction to the final ovation once the show begins in earnest. “It’s not about me; it’s about them. I think the best shows are the ones where you don’t notice the director made any choices. The shows happen so seamlessly, and the performances are so good, that you forget that there was even a director at all,” he said. “My favorite part is seeing the looks on the faces of the actors who have worked really, really hard these last 10 weeks to get the show up.”

The Landmark, October 14, 2026

2 miles of Harlem Avenue to close for a week Repairs on the railroad south of 26th Street will run from Oct. 19-24 By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

Harlem Avenue is set to close to traffic for nearly a week to facilitate railroad repairs. Starting Monday, Oct. 19, a two-mile stretch of the major thoroughfare is scheduled to close, with the roadway expected to reopen on Saturday, Oct. 24, if weather permits. The resulting detour will take drivers west to First Avenue via Cermak Road or Ogden Avenue, where they can then head back east and continue north or south on Harlem Avenue. Riverside drivers who head east to Harlem may be able to turn right and continue south, according to a map of a similar detour from last year, but the road will be

closed to the north before it reaches the railroad just south of 26th Street. In written statements, Riverside and Illinois Department of Transportation officials urged drivers to expect delays, plan to allow for extra time as they travel past the closure and keep an eye out in order to best obey detour signs. The railroad being repaired is owned by Canadian National Railroad, which is spearheading the construction.

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The Landmark, October 14, 2026

Plymouth Place, pioneer in senior living, is building for boomers

La Grange Park retirement community evolves to meet fresh take on what they want By JACKIE PISANO Staff Reporter

For 84 years, Plymouth Place in La Grange Park has been a vibrant mainstay in the western suburbs, offering thousands of golden agers an independently minded, engaging senior living community offering everything from state-of-the-art residential villas and bustling social calendars to expert care by professionals dedicated to camaraderie and trust. Across eight decades, seniors from dozens of western suburbs have migrated to Plymouth Place, with most choosing the campus to remain close to the hometowns they’re downsizing from, relocate near adult children and grandchildren, or experience a senior living experience that breaks away from the traditional blueprint of retirement care. And this fall, Plymouth Place is continuing to make good on its promise of continuing its senior-focused, future-driven vision with the groundbreaking of its Phase Three project, introducing 38 new independent living villas focused on independence, wellness and daily fulfillment. The groundbreaking on Oct. 7, Plymouth Place, 315 N. La Grange Road, celebrated the construction kickoff of its new residential villas, with community leaders, project partners and construction teams sharing all that’s to come by this time next fall. According to Jay Biere, CEO and president of Plymouth Place since 2018, the motivation behind the campus’ newest developments was clear: to keep pace with an evolving market. Acknowledging that the market for senior living continues to evolve, Biere says the latest wave of retirees — the baby boomers — are entering senior living at a rapid pace and demanding major shifts in how the senior community market both looks and operates.

PROVIDED BY PLYMOUTH PLACE

Renderings showcase up-and-coming amenities to Plymouth Place’s La Grange Park campus — 38 new independent living villas featuring spacious residences designed for contemporary living; interior, ground-level parking for safe, year-round resident and guest access; a stateof-the-art pavilion for gathering and entertainment; and indoor access to the greater Plymouth Place campus and amenities. “What they want — and what they want to do — is different from the existing population,” he said. “Seniors today are looking for high-end quality programming, a focus on wellness, and a strive to remain independent. At Plymouth Place, we hope to continue to offer a variety of choices, options, and safety and security.” Plymouth Place’s campus updates follow a market study conducted by the community, with results showing a strong need for new ways to serve aging adults. Outcomes from Plymouth Place’s research and current resident feedback gave rise to a three-phase rejuvenation project for the campus: Phase One, which consisted of renovating the existing The Landing building to honor existing residents, with a redesign of the lower-level promenade and addition of a brand-new spa, salons, marketplace and multiple dining venues; Phase Two, the creation of The Arboretum Villas — 58 new residential villas offering connect-

ed, maintenance-free living and a Center for Healthy Living surrounded by a 17-acre arboretum; and the current Phase Three, adding on 38 new independent living villas and a multifunction performing arts hall. The development of Phase Two’s The Arboretum Villas was completed ahead of schedule and sold out seven months ahead of its projected sales timeline, something Biere says demonstrates the area’s demand for modern and distinctive independent living concepts. With the groundbreaking of Phase Three, the 38 new independent villas will feature spacious residences designed for contemporary living; interior, ground-level parking for safe, year-round resident and guest access; a state-of-the-art pavilion for gathering and entertainment; and indoor access to the greater Plymouth Place campus and amenities. Biere says that as Plymouth Place nears a century of service to the western suburbs,

its community remains as aware as ever of both the growing population of seniors entering the senior living market and the importance of modern life lived in true community. Currently, around 450 people call Plymouth Place home, from short-term rehab patients to full-time residents. “Here, residents are engaged in a huge way,” he said. “The commitment of the residents and employees really creates the culture of what I would call ‘service to others,’ and the thread that holds it all together really is the importance of serving. We have a term here called ‘servant leadership’ that means others first — and the other piece is we work really hard to honor older adults. Life doesn’t stop or stall when you come to community — whether you’re 62 or 92, life can be tremendous.” For more information about Plymouth Place and its expansion project, visit plymouthplace.org.

The Landmark, October 14, 2026

SUPERINTENDENT

the candidate interviews. For example, on Wednesday he recommended two days of interviews instead of one, considering each interview will be about an hour. “You’re going to have six people to interfrom page 1 view,” he told the board. “All day is a lot.” The superintendent leadership profile personal, managerial, instructional, orga- report covered not only the characteristics nizational and financial skills. the next superintendent should possess, Personally, they should have integrity but district strengths and challenges. and be trustworthy, be a good decision-makFor example, the survey results show er and problem solver, child-centered, com- the district has excellent teachers and mitted to the community, a collaborator, and staff, a supportive community, academic an active listener and critical thinker. achievement, available resources and supThis is current superintendent Dr. Mar- portive parents. tha Ryan-Toye’s final school year, after Conversely, the district is challenged more than a decade at the helm. The board by curriculum, educational options and of education is working with BWP & As- programs, technology, instruction and sociates Ltd., in Libertyville to identify, in- facilities. terview and hire Ryan-Toye’s replacement, None of those things were really a surideally by December. prise, said Dave Barsotti, Dr. Mark Friedman, the chair of the board of educaorganization’s president, tion’s personnel committee. is heading the search for “One thing that did catch the district’s new superme, the survey results and intendent and presented the community forum and the organization’s superininterviews with the board tendent leadership profile and district staff, they don’t report Wednesday based typically match up, but this on multiple data points, time it did,” he said. “That including board member is a good thing. I think it will interviews, feedback from make the interview process various focus groups and easier, because we’re not goa confidential survey that ing to be back between what drew 355 responses. That’s did the survey say and what a lot in his world. did the interviews say.” “For this district size, it Board member Dan Hunt exceeds what we would noragreed. mally get,” Friedman said “It’s good to see there DAVE BARSOTTI of the survey, adding that is alignment between the School board personnel Saturday is the deadline board and the communicommittee chair for qualified candidates to ty,” Hunt said, adding that apply at https://bwpassociboard president Wesley ates.com/searches/. NevMuirheid mentioned at the ertheless, as of Wednesday, meeting “how similar what he had 40 applications from the board’s request list was not only around Illinois, but and what the community across the nation as well. That could top desires. It was good to see so many people out at 50. responding.” “I think they do their homework,” FriedThe next step is the interviews and man said of the applicant pool. “A lot of Hunt said the plan is to not do six interpeople want small, nice communities.” views in one day. But he said that process Friedman said BWP will start screen- would be intense since a lot is riding on ing candidates next week and by Nov. 4 the final decision. Friedman asked each will present the board with a slate of six board member to prepare two questions candidates, whom the board will interview they would pose to each candidate and shortly after that date. Two finalists will one alternate. then be chosen, with a final decision antic“It’s not as in depth as a normal job interipated in December and public announce- view, but this isn’t a normal job interview,” ment in January. Hunt said. “We’ll do our research on the The big challenge for the board, Fried- candidates in advance to get the best imman said, will be coordinating time for pression going forward.”

December hire the goal

“One thing that did catch me, the survey results and the community forum and interviews with the board and district staff, they don’t typically match up, but this time it did.”

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The Landmark, October 14, 2026

YOUR

BEST

LIFE with w wi ititthh Li L Lisa isa is sa Ca C Capone apon ap one ne Stay Healthy This Fall As temperatures dip and the air turns crisp, seniors need to take extra steps p to stay healthy and comfo f rtab fo ble through the colder comfortable months. Fall brings beautiful beautifu f l scenery fu but also an increase in flu f u and fl seasonal illnesses. Staying g healthy during colder months is all alll about a to wellness. proactive approach p Here are a few few simple tips to help fe keep you feeling f eling your best this fe season. First, consider scheduling a flu fu fl serious vaccine. The flu f u can pose fl p health h eall th risks, riisk k s, especially especiiall ly for f or seniors, seniiors, and getting vaccinated d reduces your chances of severe illness. Staying active is also key. While outdoor walks might g be brisk, indoor activities like lik k e stretching, g gentle yoga, or using light hand d weights w e ig ht s are a r e great g r e a t ways wa y s to t o keep keep muscles strong and joints flexible. f exib fl b le. Even 15-20 minutes a day can boost energy and mood!

Brookfield Zoo brings hands-on conservation to Austin Branch Library A jaguar pelt and a tiger’s skull were genuine attractions

By ABISOLA DAHUNSI Staff Reporter

Afternoon sunlight streamed through the arched windows of the Austin Branch Library on Oct. 8 as elementary and middle school students gathered in the children’s room for the West Side debut of Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Zoo Adventure Passport (ZAP!) Foundations program. With no live animals in sight, the session relied on hands-on artifacts and activities. When invited to examine a jaguar pelt, for example, several students assumed it was a prop. Learning it was real prompted some to step back, but they soon returned to inspect it alongside skull replicas of domestic housecats and African leopards, science equipment and animal books, including A Tiger Cub Grows Up. For 9-year-old Edson, the materials offered a closer look at features he might otherwise encounter only in books or at the zoo.

“The skull of a tiger was big, and the paws—I learned that they can retract,” Edson recalled. He also added that he plans to visit the zoo with his family and best friend. The October series focuses on animals from the Indomalaya region — including big cats, Indian peafowls, and orangutans. During the Oct. 8 big cat focus, students learned about Whirl, an Amur tiger at Brookfield Zoo Chicago who is missing her tail from an injury sustained as a cub. Whirl’s story gave students a tangible example of how tigers rely on their tails for balance and movement, connecting physical traits to how animals navigate their environments. Alongside the animal-focused lessons, each session incorporates storytelling, animal trivia and a “make and take” craft activity in which children create animal figures using paper handprints. For Brookfield Zoo Chicago, bringing the

program to Austin offers a way to connect with families who may not regularly travel to the nearby attraction. Dylan, a bilingual community engagement coordinator with Brookfield Zoo Chicago, emphasized the effort is part of a broader push to build the zoo’s presence in Chicago neighborhoods. “We really just wanted to grow our presence closer to the city. ... to really bridge the distance between the suburbs and the city of Chicago,” said Dylan. “We’re really trying to make it apparent that we’re a Chicagoland zoo and make our presence known.” Families who participate in the program receive a complimentary pass to Brookfield Zoo Chicago, providing another opportunity to engage with the animals beyond the library sessions. The remaining free ZAP Foundations sessions are scheduled for Oct. 15 and 22 at the Austin Branch Library, 5615 W. Race Ave. Both sessions run from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Finally, focus f cus on seasonal foods fo f ods fo that support pp pp immunity. Fall’s harvest —pumpkins, —pumpk pkins, squash, and apples—are packed d with vitamins that can help your body fe ffend nd off f seasonal bugs. ff Adding warm soups and stews with these ingredients provides both comfort comfo f rt and nutrition. fo By y taking these steps, p you can enjoy enj n oy nj y the th he beauty of fa ffall ll while wh hile staying welll and thriving all season long!

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ABISOLA DAHUNSI

Part of the skull of an African leopard

ABISOLA DAHUNSI

Children gather to feel the pelt of a jaguar

The Landmark, October 14, 2026

SOFTBALL

Sunday softball from page 1 Elite, or ACE, with the current vertical Sox logo on their white jerseys, apropos because the team is sponsored by Chicago White Sox Charities. This is a group made up of players primarily from Chicago’s South Side and is in its first year of existence. If you’re sensing a theme, you’re perceptive. Even though their 2026 season is over, the White Sox played the starring role in this contest, which ACE won 10-3. But this isn’t your typical game story; it’s one about family, personal and professional. “It’s definitely a full-circle moment for me,” said Amy Sheridan, Windmills’ vice president and a team parent. She used to work for the Sox in game operations and helped pull together Sunday’s game with ACE coach Anthony Olivo, senior director of ACE and community baseball programs for the team.

The two worked together for years for the White Sox and when it so happened Olivo launched the ACE 12U team, it only seemed appropriate that they should face off on the field. That was Sunday. (Interesting factoid: Sheridan’s husband, Trent, started his career in ticket sales for the White Sox. He was Sunday’s head coach for the Windmills. Olivo’s wife, Julianne, is the PR director at Brookfield Zoo, someone I’ve worked with plenty. She, too, used to work for the Sox.) Enough setup. There was indeed a game Sunday, and it was competitive. ACE jumped out to a 7-0 lead by the top of the fifth inning, which included a 200-plusfoot home run over the left field wall. A true no-doubter. The Windmills clawed back, though, tallying three in the bottom half. Evie Pisano and Sheridan’s daughter, Tegan, both from Riverside, each walked and came around to score, the latter on a wild pitch. But ACE got three insurance runs in the top of the sixth that set the final score. No matter. Again, this was more than a just game of softball.

COURTESY OF TALIA SHERIDAN

The Windmills 12U fastpitch team took on the Chicago White Sox-affiliated Amateur City Elite (ACE) Sunday at Veterans Park in North Riverside. ACE won 10-3.

“I felt like there was a lot less pressure,” said the Windmills’ Mae Zalewski, from Riverside. “It was kind of like a friendly game, we were just having fun.” Tegan Sheridan, also from Riverside, lamented the fact that the White Sox lost to Cleveland on Saturday, but that didn’t diminish her joy for the game. “It was fun,” she said. “I got to get out of the house and I got to play the sport that I love, and it was fun spending time with my team.” Perhaps Oak Park Windmiller Quinn Schneider said it best: “It was a chill game.” It was an educational experience for some. Sheridan’s other daughter, Talia, is a sophomore at Riverside-Brookfield High School. She brought her digital camera and I asked her to snap photos to accompany this story. I think you’ll agree she did well, but she acknowledged there were some nerves. “I was nervous that my photos wouldn’t turn out really good or wouldn’t be good shots,” she said. Let’s not forget ACE. How did Olivo get his team to play so “together” after only a

few months of existence? “We do a lot of practice,” he said with a smile. “We practice three days a week.” Former Fenwick girls basketball coach Dave Power was in attendance in support of his friends’ daughter. The man won over 1,000 girls basketball games as a coach, but you might not know that he’s also a member of the Illinois Softball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, class of 2006. How has the game changed? “Back in the day, it was methodic,” he said. “Now, you see a lot of people rolling the dice, a double steal, hit and run, and it’s more action.” Which brings up a good point. How many of these kids will go on to play high school softball – and maybe beyond? “That’s a tough one,” Trent Sheridan said. “I don’t know. We’re seventh grade, so you’ve got two more years. We’ve got a lot of girls in other sports, so they’ve got to make some decisions.” But that’s a discussion, and a story, for another day. Sunday was about sun, softball and memories. And the White Sox – then and now.

COURTESY OF TALIA SHERIDAN

In a close play, a Windmills 12U third baseman applies a tag on an Amateur City Elite (ACE) runner Sunday at Veterans park in North Riverside.

The Landmark, October 14, 2026

P O L I C E

R E P O R T S

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

CONCRETE

2 catalytic converter thefts reported in Brookfield Brookfield police responded to two reports of catalytic converter thefts on Sept. 29. Around 3 p.m., an officer met with a woman in the police station who reported her car’s catalytic converter had been stolen. She said she had last parked her car on the street near her home on Vernon Avenue the day before around 2 p.m. She noticed a loud sound from the muffler when she started her car around 4:30 a.m. that morning to head to work, police said. A mechanic who inspected the car told the woman someone had cut off the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors. Then, around 5 p.m., an officer responded to a residence on Sunnyside Avenue on another report of a stolen catalytic converter. The officer spoke with a man who said he had not noticed any marks or indicators on his car that it had been broken into when he was leaving for work around 5 a.m., but when his wife went to drive the vehicle later that day, it made a loud noise. The man told police he checked under the vehicle and discovered the catalytic converter had been removed.

Two package thefts, too Brookfield police received two reports on Sept. 30 of packages being stolen. Around 11:45 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a business on Broadway Avenue on a delayed report of a package theft. The complainant told police a package had been stolen from in front of his business on Sept. 28 around 4 p.m. and provided police with video footage of the incident. The man said the stolen items were valued around $105. Then, around 5:15 p.m., an officer contacted a resident on Lincoln Avenue who had called to report another package theft. The woman said her video doorbell had

captured footage of someone taking a package from her door around 3:45 p.m. that day. The woman said the stolen items were worth around $55. Police did not take further action.

Slashed tires Brookfield police on Sept. 30 responded to a report of criminal damage to a vehicle. Around 2:15 p.m., an officer was investigating a domestic call on Kemman Avenue when they learned from a resident that someone had slashed the tires of her vehicle. The officer met with the woman in the alley and observed the vehicle parked there had flat front tires. The officer did not observe any “obvious slash marks” immediately, police said, and the woman said she suspected someone else had let the air out of her tires. She said she last saw her vehicle undamaged at 11:45 a.m. and noticed the damage around 2:10 p.m. Later, around 3:50 p.m., the woman reached police again to share she had located slash marks on both front tires. She provided photos showing the slash marks, which police then realized could be seen from the original photos they took. These items were obtained from the Brookfield Police Department reports dated Sept. 29 to Oct. 5; they represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

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The Landmark, October 14, 2026

OBITUARIES

LETTERS

Snow parking ban is more confusing

Privacy is critical in a democratic society I couldn’t disagree more with Mr. Dobbins regarding Flock cameras. I don’t think it’s crystal clear that security benefits far outweigh the critical privacy rights and concerns of Riverside residents regarding this invasive technology. I don’t want my license plate shared and in a data base where it can be abused. I agree with Mr. Shevitz that residents’ information shouldn’t be collected simply because they drove down Akenside or Longcommon roads. Moreover, before renewing the Flock contract, the board should prove to Riverside residents it is worth the cost and is necessary. And more imperative, that it is not violating the privacy rights of Riverside residents. I would also recommend to the board that they respond Mr. Shevitz’s reasonable questions. Finally, I urge Riverside residents to request that the board answer all relevant questions regarding Flock cameras before renewing the Flock contract.

“Brookfield simplifying its snow ban rule,” published Oct. 7 in Landmark, has me scratching my head. Can this publication clarify the changes? How will Brookfield alert its residents that a snow ban is in effect? Are we supposed to check the village website every time it snows? Do I leave my car on the acceptable side till 8 p.m. the next day? Is there going to be a grace period until the new rules are fully understood? Please clarify the new rules for us.

Joseph Leary

Mary McKevett

Riverside

Brookfield

Allen Balk Do-it-yourselfer Allen Balk, of Riverside, died suddenly on Sept. 25, 2026. He lived his life with devotion to his family, pride in his heritage, and satisfaction from a job well done. Whether he was restoring a car, tackling a home improvement project, or simply spending time with the people he loved, he brought passion, determination, and his unmistakable personality to everything. Above all, Allen was a devoted family man. His family was at the center of his life, and his love for them could be seen in the countless ways he supported, helped, and cared for them over the years. He was also a devoted son to his mother, Philomena, and brother to his recently departed sister, Rosie. Their bond was built over a lifetime of shared memories. His loss has left an immeasurable absence. Allen is survived by his wife, Lori; his daughter, Dana, and her husband, Carter; his mother, Philomena; his sister, Joanne; his nephew, Aidan; and many cousins, extended family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister, Rosemarie “Rosie” Balk. Visitation was held on Oct. 9 at Ivins/ Moravecek Funeral Home, 80 E. Burlington St., Riverside. A funeral Mass was celebrated on Oct. 10 at St. Mary Church, 105 Herrick Road, Riverside.

Flock scrutiny raises more concern Despite recent changes to Riverside’s Flock policies, significant questions remain about the system’s effectiveness, oversight, and control of residents’ information. Four concerns deserve the village board’s attention as it reconsiders the Flock contract. First, the FBI’s reported property crime data show no measurable improvement in Riverside community safety since Flock cameras were installed in March 2024. Reported property crimes increased from 61 in 2023 to 68 in 2024 and 90 in 2025. These figures don’t establish what effect Flock had on individual crimes, but they provide no evidence of an overall reduction in property crime. Second, in response to residents’ concerns, Riverside has restricted datasharing to Illinois agencies and shortened its retention period. Those are meaningful

changes, but they do not resolve the question of downstream control. Once another agency accesses license plate information, can Riverside ensure it is not retained, copied, or shared further? The village has not demonstrated that it can. Third, the village’s review procedures raise another concern: oversight of outside agencies happens after they have already searched Riverside’s data. While Riverside authorizes which agencies can access its system, it does not approve their individual searches in advance, instead relying on subsequent reviews of search logs to identify potential misuse. By then, the information has already been accessed and may have been copied or shared further. Even effective audits cannot undo an improper disclosure. The village needs to explain how this approach provides meaningful control over access

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

to residents’ information. Finally, there is the larger question: What kind of relationship does Riverside government want to have with its residents? Flock routinely collects information about people who are suspected of nothing and makes it available through a searchable surveillance network. Government should have a reason to track someone’s movements before collecting information about them, rather than collecting it first in case it becomes useful later. The board will reconsider Flock on Oct. 15. The information available raises fundamental questions about effectiveness, oversight, access, and control. Riverside should end the contract and remove the cameras.

Mark Shevitz Riverside

Sports

The Landmark, October 14, 2026

RB gains revenge in showdown for UEC East lead Bulldogs avenge 2025 loss to Glenbard East; LTHS falls at Downers North

By MELVIN TATE and BILL STONE

which I appreciate a lot,” Novak said. “They’re also protecting when I’m dropping back for passes and giving me time.”

Staff Writers

After losing last year’s Upstate Eight Conference East Division championship at Glenbard East on a 47-yard field goal as time expired, the Riverside Brookfield High School football team had atonement on its mind Friday. “Last year was a really tough loss and it really got to us in the playoff game (a firstround loss),” said RBHS senior quarterback Braeden “Bubba” Novak. “I trusted the team and I knew we were going to come out and get a win tonight.” Buoyed by a punishing ground attack spearheaded by Novak and senior receiver Nico Caputo, the Bulldogs indeed got the job done, defeating the visiting Rams 38-28 to secure at least a share of the UEC East title. “It was huge,” RBHS coach Sam Styler said. “To come out here after last year’s loss, our guys knew there was a lot to play for, and they came out and executed.” The Bulldogs (7-1, 5-0 UEC East) took a 24-7 halftime lead en route to their seventh straight victory. They can achieve their first outright conference title since 2009 with a win at Glenbard South (5-3, 4-1) in the regular-season finale. Glenbard East (5-3, 5-1) won last year’s meeting 45-43 after the Bulldogs took a 4342 lead with 15.1 seconds. “That game still keeps me up at night,” Caputo said. “It was a horrible way to end the (regular) season.” The Bulldogs rewrote history fast on the game’s opening drive as a 69-yard by Novak set up Caputo’s 4-yard touchdown run on the next play. Following a three-and-out defensively, the Bulldogs went downfield on eight plays to score on a 12-yard pass from Novak to Caputo. “Our offensive line did a phenomenal job. They really kept us in the game and carried us forward,” said Caputo, who collected 110 yards on 15 carries and 81 yards on six receptions.

LTHS football

STEVE JOHNSTON

Riverside-Brookfield’s Nico Caputo (3) looks for running room as he returns a kick off against Sandburg during a nonconference game Aug. 21 in Brookfield, IL. Glenbard East got back into the game immediately. Receiver Malachi Miller took a handoff from quarterback Carter Pohlman, went right and found an open Mason Wright for a 47-yard score. The Bulldogs added a pair of secondquarter scores on a 27-yard field goal from Henry Jurgens and a 1-yard keeper from Novak 19 seconds before halftime. On the first play of the third quarter, Pohlman connected with Miller for a 68yard touchdown. The Bulldogs then faced a third-and-14 situation at their 25, but Novak found Caputo for a clutch 27-yard reception and a first down. Novak then used a blend of running and passing to guide the Bulldogs down the field and capped off the drive with another 1-yard keeper. Novak was 11 of 16 passing for 183 yards and had 21 carries for 133 yards. “Bubba was great all night,” Caputo said. “He was hitting his receivers and running all over the place. He played really hard and smart.”

Novak rolled right and hit Caputo for a fourth-down 21-yard TD pass with 6:46 left that provided some breathing room at 38-21. After the Rams closed to within 10 with 5:27 to go and were driving again, RBHS linebacker Brandon Ruiz stripped the ball and Jayden Lee recovered to seal the victory. Other defensive leaders included Dean Mauban (7 total tackles) and Bryan Rimpila (5 total tackles). RBHS rushed for 295 yards and never punted. Like Caputo, Styler and Novak credited the offensive line – center Felix Sanchez, guards Daniel Anparan and Ryan Kubitz, and tackles Joaquin Jara and Charlie Jicha. “They’ve been doing that all year,” Styler said. “Our offensive line is one of the best in the area and what they were able to do tonight, control the clock and establish the run game, was phenomenal. They’re the backbone of this team and they did a (great) job.” “Our offensive line all year has been blocking very good for the run game,

The Lyons Township football team got the better of West Suburban Conference Silver Division frontrunner Downers Grove North in the second half Friday, but by then the deficit was too much. The visiting Lions lost 17-10 after regrouping from a 17-0 halftime hole that included losing a fumble near the goal line just before halftime. “We understand DGN is a great football team, but what we can take is to try not to make simple mistakes like in the first half,” said LTHS senior running back EJ Kuhlman, who rushed for 87 yards with a 5-yard TD run in the third quarter. “We shot ourselves in the foot a ton. In the second half, we cleaned it up and impacted some scores.” The Lions (6-2, 3-2 in Silver), ranked No. 8 in Class 8A in last week’s Illinois media poll, had been tied for first in conference with the Trojans (7-1, 5-1), No. 6 in 7A, who clinched at least a title share. Their regular-season finale is at York (5-3, 3-2), which has beaten the Trojans and Glenbard West (5-3, 3-2) the past two weeks. Kuhlman’s score with 2:10 left in the third quarter was the only one of three drives that got inside the 10 and yielded a touchdown. Wolfie Ketterling converted a 22-yard field goal with 7:11 remaining. Quarterback Brendan McCabe was 9 for 15 passing for 105 yards. Tyler Stamm had two catches for 58 yards. Defensive leaders included Cole Harris (8 tackles), Nate Fitzgerald (6 tackles, 1 for loss) and Gavin Bunnell and Jamison Miller (5 tackles each). Jack Lee had an interception. “(Our defense) really put us in a great spot in that second half. What we needed was a shutout and that’s what they gave us,” Kuhlman said. “We can’t really blame that all on that (lost fumble). We had other chances and an opportunity to win. We just didn’t execute.”

The Landmark, October 14, 2026

S P O R T S

Sloger’s record leads fanfare on RBHS volleyball Senior Night Senior becomes career aces leader; Zavorski wins UEC East No. 1 singles

The RBHS family honored seniors Sloger, Ponnappan, Dunya Kecman, Jenna Noga, Julia Szymczak and Alex Perez, a four-year team manager. The seniors all played against Fenton except Szymczak because of a thumb injury. The current winning streak includes a 25-23, 25-19 home victory over York Sept. 30. The Dukes have eliminated the Bulldogs at the Class 4A York Regional the past two seasons. “That was the game we’ve been wanting to win for so long,” Ponnappan said. “Everyone played lights out. We all played so good together. That game meant the world to me.” “I’ve spent years ending the season crying in their gym and now finally they were in our gym. We kind of took ownership and played how we play,” Sloger said. “I was so happy I could cry again.”

By BILL STONE Staff Writer

Senior outside hitter Mackenzie Sloger was slightly disappointed after the Riverside Brookfield High School girls volleyball team’s home victory Oct. 1. Sloger never could get the one service ace needed to become the school’s outright all-time career leader. Then she thought for a moment. “I didn’t realize our next game was Senior Night (Oct. 6),” Sloger said. “I was like, ‘Whatever force, it’s meant for me to happen on Senior Night.’” And it did. Sloger, in fact, had three aces in the Bulldogs’ 25-19, 25-14 Upstate Eight Conference East Division victory over Fenton. With 296 aces, Sloger has passed the previous career record of 291 by 2017 graduate Dana Rettke, a member of the silver-medal U.S. Olympic women’s indoor volleyball team at the 2024 summer games in Paris. “That’s definitely (an additional honor), beating an Olympian’s record,” Sloger said. Sloger’s historic ace for the Bulldogs (18-8, 5-0 in UEC East) came on her second serve in the first set against Fenton for an 11-7 lead. After a backrow kill on the previous serve, Sloger’s corner serve hit just under the chin of the kneeling Fenton defender and hit the ground. The gym erupted, players and fans alike, including Sloger’s parents, Jennifer (Halusek) and Michael, brother, three aunts, uncle, grandparents and great aunt. “It feels really good. I’m just really happy to know that I have such an amazing team that’s behind me supporting me,” Sloger said. “Today I just focused on the point in front of me. I didn’t think about (the record). I was really happy and just kind of relieved that I got in on my Senior Night. It kind of motivated me to try and get it.” RBHS coach Caitlin Staib-Lipinski acted quickly to get the record-setting ball on the sidelines for safe keeping. Sloger will be presented the ball with her final recordsetting total included after the season.

RBHS girls tennis

BILL STONE

Riverside Brookfield senior Mackenzie Sloger currently has a school-record 296 career aces. “I think it was meant to be that it happened on Senior Night,” Staib-Lipinski said. “I almost made her serve the same ball (after the record). I kept that ball because I don’t want any other touches. I think it’s a big deal to beat records in high school. And for volleyball, at least (at RBHS), they’re a lot older.” Sloger added two more aces in Thursday’s 25-5, 25-15 UEC East victory over Ridgewood as the Bulldogs extended their winning streak to eight, all in two sets. The Bulldogs played Glenbard South (21-10, 5-0) Tuesday in the winner-take-all showdown to defend their UEC East title. “This season has been amazing. We’ve seen so much improvement,” RBHS senior Asha Ponnappan said. “I think we’ll actually go really far this year. We’re, honestly, a little better than last year and I’m really excited to see the rest of the season.”

Sloger is a confessed stats junkie. Last season, she helped graduated setter Claire Cameron follow her path to becoming the RBHS leader in career assists. Now at 44 aces this season, Sloger knew she needed 40 for the outright career record. Cameron finished with 281. “Claire was talking about it last year. Even if she gets it, I would just get it this year,” Sloger said. “She was like, ‘It’s not a big deal,’ and she already has a bunch of the setting records.” Sloger also now is third in career kills (759) behind Rettke (1,280) and 1989 graduate Mary Jurgens (846). This season, Sloger passed her mother (702, 4th), who was an all-stater for RBHS in 1991 and 1992 and played at UConn. “She was good,” Sloger said. “And my father played 25-plus years after college. It’s a volleyball family.”

Riverside Brookfield senior girls tennis player Paige Zavorski went out a winner as usual at the Upstate Eight Conference East Division Meet Friday. Zavorski earned her third individual title in as many tries. She captured No. 1 singles by winning all three matches in straight sets, including 6-4, 6-3 in the final. “I’m very excited to bring another win for conference this year and to end off my senior season,” Zavorski said. “This one is definitely the best win because it is my last season.” Amanda Krueger was second at No. 2 singles, losing 7-5, 6-1 in her final. Imaan Ahmad (No. 3 singles), Annika Beil and Ella Blomgren (No. 3 doubles) and Adele Alijosius and Vivenne Wegmann (No. 4 doubles) were third. The Bulldogs finished third and third in the final overall standings. They had won conference titles the past three seasons, starting with the 2023 Metro Suburban crown. Paige Zavorski previously captured UEC East Meet titles at No. 2 singles in 2025 and No. 3 singles in 2024. She was second at No. 1 singles at the 2023 MSC Meet. “I did feel some additional pressure because we have been conference champions for a couple of years,” Zavorski said. The Bulldogs play at the 2A York Sectional. Top four singles and doubles finishers qualify for state.

S P O R T S

Cousin connection contributes to LTHS volleyball success

Six cousins among four families on Lions’ varsity, junior varsity teams By BILL STONE Staff Writer

Call it the Cousin Connection for the Lyons Township girls volleyball team. While the Lions’ outstanding 23-3 season has displayed great teamwork, their bond has been strengthened by the family connections of four varsity players with parents from the Carroll clan. The first step was 2024 when senior and four-year starter Taylor Carroll was joined on varsity by senior starting setter Colleen Chambers. Now there are six sisters or cousins from four families among the girls volleyball’s varsity and junior varsity rosters. “We’ve been talking about it for four or five years,” Carroll said. “This has kind of been something my family has talked about since Colleen’s and my freshman years because by the time that we were seniors that there were going to be six of us.” This season, Carroll is joined full-time by sophomore sister Shannon, a 2025 varsity postseason call-up. The latest varsity addition is junior Reagan Veeser, the oldest child in her family. On the JV, there’s freshmen Ginny Veeser, Reagan’s sister, and Kenna Carroll. Kenna is the oldest girl in

The Landmark, October 14, 2026

COURTESY OF JILL BOBER

Cousins Ginny Veeser (left), Reagan Veeser, Colleen Chambers, Taylor Carroll, Shannon Carroll and Kenna Carroll are members of the Lyons Township varsity or junior varsity girls volleyball teams. Taylor and Shannon Carroll and the Veesers each are sisters. her family and sister of sophomore Quinn Carroll from the LTHS football team. “It’s great. Whenever I come here and see all of the cousins, it feels welcoming, just the whole environment,” Kenna Carroll said. The players’ parents each consist of at least one LTHS graduate. Cousins Eileen Carroll (York) and Nora Murdock (New Trier) also play varsity girls volleyball. Beneficial and rewarding for the LTHS cousins and families? Yes. Confusing for almost everyone else? Absolutely. “It’s hard to keep track if you’re not in the family,” Chambers said. “I’m sure it gets confusing even when I’m telling my friends, ‘Yeah, that’s my cousin. That’s my aunt’s daughter.’ They’re always like, ‘Wait. What family is that again?’” The LTHS cousins live no further than four to five blocks from each other. Despite their different ages, the four oldest began volleyball together being driven to the same summer camps. During a recent varsity victory, one of the Lions’ points combined Reagan Veeser serving, Taylor Carroll digging the opposing attack and Chambers setting to Shannon Carroll for the kill. “Whenever we have family parties, all of our aunts and uncles are always asking us about volleyball and how it’s going,” Chambers said. “I think almost every single cousin has played volleyball before, male or female.” Still, this is the first full season that Taylor and Shannon Carroll are teammates. Being two school years apart, they don’t see each other during days at LTHS. Sophomores and freshmen attend the south campus and seniors and juniors attend the north campus, where girls volleyball

matches and practices are based. “I’ve been looking forward to this since Taylor got into high school because she’s always been my role model,” Shannon Carroll said. “Shannon and I are super close and it’s been super fun to have her in kind of my world of high school,” Taylor Carroll said. Taylor Carroll (Xavier) and Chambers (Wisconsin-Platteville) are verbally committed to play college volleyball. Chambers’ mother, Sheila (Carroll), and Veeser’s mother, Noreen (Carroll), were Division I college setters at DePaul and Syracuse, respectively. “I’ve been able to play with Shannon when we were younger but getting to play with Taylor and Colleen their senior year is so fun, their last year in high school,” Reagan Veeser said. “All of us together has been great.” Dennis Carroll, Taylor’s and Shannon’s father, started for the Lions’ third-place Class AA boys basketball team in 1994 and played basketball and tennis at Notre Dame. Peter Carroll, Kenna’s father, also was an LTHS boys basketball standout. “(The cousins) not only get to play with their family but play with some of their best friends on the court as well,” LTHS girls volleyball coach Jill Bober said. “Not only does the Carroll pride run through their veins but the LT pride really runs through their veins. It’s incredible to have the opportunity to coach all of the families.” The Lions are ranked No. 3 overall in the state by IlPrepVolleyball behind Mother McAuley (25-3) and Marist (23-4), who also are both in the Class 4A Argo Sectional.

The Lions play at New Trier Oct. 17. Their last West Suburban Conference Silver Division match is Oct. 20 at York with cousin Eileen Carroll among the Dukes’ starters. At least 20 spectators from the related families are expected in Elmhurst. The opposing cousins could meet again in the Oak Lawn Regional final Oct. 29. Taylor Carroll noted the Lions are 4-0 against Eileen. “We’re always chirping at each other through the net. It just makes the game so funny and fun,” Chambers said. “It doesn’t really matter the outcome. That game’s always fun. Our family always comes in general but especially then – when a lot more of them end up coming.” The fans should include John and Mollie Carroll – the players’ grandparents who somehow manage to attend any of their grandchildren’s events as possible – high school and college. Shannon Carroll spoke in awe about her grandparents’ massive daily calendar that organizes sporting events for 29 grandchildren. “They literally go to everyone’s games,” Shannon Carroll said. “It’s been amazing. They always seem to support us. It’s fun to see them there and know they’re there to watch you play.” In 2025, Shannon joined Taylor on the court during the regional semifinal victory over Argo. Kenna Carroll and Ginny Veeser hope to join their four cousins on the postseason roster or at least the remaining two on varsity in 2027. “Maybe we can get a way to play all six of us on the court, but I don’t know if that will happen,” Ginny Veeser said. “That would be fun.”

18 The Landmark, October 14, 2026 HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI • Deadline: Monday at 5 p.m.

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PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF AUDIT REPORT OF RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP Riverside Township hereby provides public notice that an Audit of its funds for the period April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026 has been made, and that a report of such audit dated September 10, 2026 performed by Selden Fox, LTD has been filed with the County Clerk of Cook, Illinois, in accordance with 30 ILCS 15/0.01 et seq. The full report of the audit is available for public inspection at the Riverside Town Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois, during regular business hours 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Friday, except for holidays. Published in RB Landmark October 14, 2026

RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP MENTAL HEALTH BOARD 27 RIVERSIDE ROAD, RIVERSIDE, ILLINOIS 60546 OCTOBER 9, 2026 In accordance with the Open Meetings Act, this is to advise you that the Riverside Township Mental Health Board will hold the meetings below at the listed locations: Mental Health Board Meeting Notices RTMHB Community Engagement Committee Monday, October 19th @ 6:30 PM Riverside Township Hall – Community Resource Center - 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois RTMHB Grant Process Committee Meeting Monday, October 19th @ 7:30 PM Riverside Township Hall – Community Resource Center, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois If you have any questions, please contact Board President, Adam Wilt, at awilt.rtmhb@gmail.com or call Adam at 708-804-4400. Published in RB Landmark October 14, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE Public notice is hereby given that the Board of Education of Riverside Brookfield High School District 208 in Riverside, Illinois will receive sealed bids for: 2027 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REMODEL FOR RIVERSIDE BROOKFIELD HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 208 Copies of the Bid Documents including plans and specifications will be available starting October 14, 2026. Bidders can download electronic Drawings and Specifications from the BHFX Plan Room, www.bhfxplanroom. com. Printed sets may be ordered from BHFX, 80 West Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, and paid for by the contractor. All bids offered must be accompanied by bid security in the form of certified check or bid bond made payable to the Owner in the amount of not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount of the aggregate of the bid as a guarantee that if the bid is accepted, a contract will be entered into and the performance of the contract properly secured. The successful bidder for the project is required to furnish Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the bid amount, with sureties to be approved by the Owner, and in the form required by the Bidding Documents. The successful bidder is required to pay the general prevailing wage for work under this Contract as ascertained by the Illinois Department of Labor, and shall submit certified payroll records, in compliance with the Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130) and the requirements of the Bidding Documents. A pre-bid meeting will be held on October 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM at 160 Ridgewood Road, Riverside, IL 60546, in the Business Office, enter through door A. Bids will be received until 10:00 AM, November 4, 2026, in the Business Office at 160 Ridgewood Road, Riverside, IL 60546, enter through door A. A public bid opening will take place immediately thereafter. The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all bids or any part thereof. Published in RB Landmark October 14, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE TO BIDDERS Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield, Illinois that bid proposals will be received for the following project: Demolition of Existing Structures at 3717 and 3723 Grand Boulevard The work shall include the removal and proper disposal of all hazardous waste (refrigerants, light fixture/bulbs, white goods), the demolition of all existing structures located on this site, the removal and proper disposal of building debris, the removal and disposal of existing foundations, backfilling the excavated foundations and basements with aggregate, the termination of Village sanitary sewer connections, and other related work. Sealed bids will be received up to the hour of 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, the 29th day of October, 2026, in the office of the Village Manager in the Village Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois. All sealed bids received will be publicly opened and read at 11:00 A.M. on the same day, Thursday, the 29th day of October, 2026, at the Village Hall. An optional site inspection will be held between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 12:00 P.M. on Thursday the 22nd day of October, 2026 for all potential bidders interested in submitting a proposal for the work. Submission of a bid shall be conclusive assurance and warranty that the bidder has examined the site of the work and the local conditions affecting the contract and understands all the requirements for the performance of the work. The bidder will be responsible for all errors in its proposal resulting from failure or neglect to conduct an in-depth examination. The bidder shall not take advantage of any error or omission in the proposal.

PUBLIC NOTICES

the bid proposal is accepted, a contract will be entered into and the performance of the contract properly secured. Checks shall be made payable to the Order of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield. No bid proposal shall be considered unless accompanied by such bid bond or check. Any bidder in doubt as to the true meaning of any part of the bidding documents may request an interpretation thereof from the Village. The bidder requesting the interpretation shall be responsible for its prompt delivery. At the request of the bidder, or in the event that the Village deems the interpretation to be substantive, the interpretation will be made by written addendum issued by the Village. In the event that a written addendum is issued, either as a result of a request for interpretation or the result of a change in the bidding documents issued by the Village, a copy of such addendum will be emailed to all prospective bidders. The Village will not assume responsibility for receipt of such addendum. In all cases it will be the bidders’ responsibility to obtain all addenda issued. The Contractor and Subcontractor shall comply with all regulations issued pursuant to Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130), and other applicable Federal Laws and regulations pertaining to labor standards. The Village of Brookfield reserves the right to determine the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, to waive irregularities, and to reject any or all bid proposals. BY ORDER THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS Published in RB Landmark October 14, 2024

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Electronic copies of bidding documents, consisting of the bid proposal, project specifications, and project plans are available from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Co., 9933 Roosevelt Road, Westchester, Illinois 60154. Bidding documents can be requested by emailing info@ ehancock.com. No bidding documents will be issued after 4:30 P.M. on Friday, the 23rd day of October, 2026. All bidders wishing to obtain bidding documents must be approved by the Village prior to obtaining bidding documents. A non-refundable fee of Fifteen dollars ($15.00) will be required to obtain bidding documents. Proposals will only be accepted from bidders that have obtained bidding documents from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Company. All bid proposals offered must be accompanied by a bid bond, cashier’s check or certified check in an amount not less than Five Percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid, as a guarantee that if

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The Landmark, October 14, 2026

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10 E Burlington St, 2J, Riverside $549,500

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1903 Harvey Ave, Berwyn $449,500

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

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