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RIVERSIDE-BROOKFIELD Also serving North Riverside $1.00

Vol. 35, No. 43

October 21, 2020

New eatery in Riverside Michael’s Breakfast House opened its doors earlier this month downtown PAGE 12

rblandmark.com

Riverside Caucus reveals 7 hopefuls for trustee nominations PAGE 7 RBHS welcomes two new deans in District 208 PAGE 8

Voters swarm Brookfield to cast ballots early Lines wrap around three sides of village hall, waits of almost 2 hours By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Lauren Sapienza is due to deliver a baby in two weeks, but that didn’t stop her for waiting in line for nearly two hours to cast her ballot for U.S. president and other state and federal offices on the morning of Oct. 19, the first day of early voting, at the Brookfield Village Hall. Sapienza arrived at the village hall at 8:15 a.m., 15 minutes before the doors opened, but the line already wrapped around three sides of the village hall. But she didn’t let that, or the chilly weather, deter her. “It’s an important election. I believe my vote counts See EARLY VOTING on page 10

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

EARLY BIRDS: As the first day of early voting dawned in the Cook County suburbs on Oct. 19, voters lined up around the building at Brookfield Village Hall, waiting as long as two hours to cast their ballots.

Riverside posts 1-week high for new COVID cases Governor says state moving ‘in the wrong direction’ as fall sets in

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Local COVID-19 positivity rates are trending higher and Riverside saw its highest one-

week total of new cases as the area began to feel the first breaths of winter approach, mirroring trends seen both statewide and nationally. On Oct. 19, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker an-

nounced that the statewide rolling positivity rate had increased to 5.4 percent, marking 15 straight days of increases. That came as the state reported an average of 3,662 new cases each day from Satur-

day through Monday. Another 71 COVID-19 positive people died over the three-day period, bringing the Illinois death toll since See COVID-19 on page 13

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The Landmark, October 21, 2020

S P O N S O R E D

C O N T E N T

Discover the sweet side of Berwyn

ake an appointm e n t with your dentist. No matter if you are craving cookies, cake or ice cream, there are options abounding to satiate a sweet tooth in Berwyn. We explored every corner of the city and found a super selection of delightful treats. Read on to learn about our sugary discoveries!

Old Fashioned Candies Sisters Lynn White, Sandra Figatner and Donna Greenwald are carrying on their parents’ legacy at Old Fashioned Candies, 6210 Cermak Rd. Established in 1969 Food Writer by George and Theresa Brunslik, their daughters now keep the 50-year old business going strong. Assorted nut clusters, cordials and cream filled candies await at the shop that is also part museum — Old Fashioned Candies has their original cash register on display -- it maxes out at a sale of $3.99.

MELISSA ELSMO

Cake Bros Bakery Looking for a sweet start to your day? Pop by Cake Bros Bakery, 6737 W. 26th St., for a traditional Mexican pan dulce known as a concha.

Sisters Lynn White, Sandra Figatner, and Donna Greenwald show off a picture of their parents in their Berwyn candy shop.

Melissa Elsmo

Well-lit cases showcase Pierre’s Bakery offerings.

Melissa Elsmo

An assortment of filled chocolates and nut clusters from Old Fashioned Candies in Berwyn

Melissa Elsmo

While the panadería is known for elaborate custom cakes, the Berwyn bakery crafts the bread named for its similarity to a seashell in appearance and customarily enjoyed with hot chocolate or coffee at breakfast time.

Pierre’s Bakery For 17 years Pierre’s Bakery has been serving up a fusion of French and Mexican sweets at 6310 Cermak Rd. Flaky croissants, colorful custom cakes and vanilla flan attract guests, but customers clamor for Pierre’s tres leche cake. The widely popular white cake is soaked in three milks -- evaporated milk, condensed milk and heavy cream — giving each slice its signature texture.

Neveria Naranja Dulce Visit Neveria Naranja Dulce, 6252 Ogden Ave., for an authentic Mexican ice cream shop

experience in Berwyn. Co-owner Angelica Chavez and her family traveled back to Jalisco to perfect their artisan ice cream making techniques. The sweet side of the menu features fruit-forward paletas (popsicles) and classic favorites like hot chocolate ice cream made from Abuelita chocolate. Adventurous sorbet lovers should check out a mangonada. This sweet and sour dessert treat is made from mango sorbet, Tajín, and piquant chamoy. Fresh mango and a tamarind coated straw finish this memorable Berwyn dessert.

Vesecky’s Vesecky’s Bakery, 6634 W. Cermak Rd., is more than 100 years old. Today, fourth generation bakers work to keep their family’s Czech and Bohemian baked goods flying out the door of their Cermak Avenue shop. The Berwyn bak-

ery is known for peddling cider donuts, sweet rolls, filled pastries, butter cookies, sweetheart coffee cakes, kolacky and customizable Kolac. While the shop offers a variety of items every day, traditionalists often venture out for a loaf of Czech Houska—a sweet bread egg studded with raisins.

An Abuelita hot chocolate sundae and a mangonada from Neveria Naranja Dulce

Melissa Elsmo

Assorted conchas from Cake Bros.

Melissa Elsmo

Like a Kolacky, pie shaped Kolac is customizable with up to four toppings if you call ahead.

Melissa Elsmo

The Landmark, October 21, 2020

PEP taps Garvey to top its 2021 candidate slate Ketchmark slated for trustee, along with Cote, Hendricks

IN THIS ISSUE

By BOB UPHUES

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Editor

While the national election campaign is now in its final days, the race for village president, trustee and clerk in Brookfield is just beginning. On Oct. 19, the PEP MICHAEL GARVEY KIT KETCHMARK EDWARD COTE Party, which has con“For myself, I want to see things continue trolled every seat on the village board since 2007, announced its slate moving in the direction I started on,” said of candidates for the April 2021 election, and Ketchmark in a phone interview. “I think most of the names will be familiar to Brook- with this slate and board, the potential makeup may be the least experienced board field voters. The April 2021 Consolidated Election will we’ve had in decades. I think I can help in ask voters to choose a president, three trust- terms of experience.” Asked whether some in Brookfield might ees and a clerk. PEP will look to reshuffle the existing village board, proposing that question PEP’s slating Ketchmark and GarPresident Kit Ketchmark and Trustee Mi- vey over and over, Garvey said their record speaks for itself. chael Garvey swap positions, “I’m just putting my name out with Garvey running to return there,” Garvey said. “If someto the president’s seat and Ketchone wants to run against me, I’m mark looking to regain his forhappy to compare my record. I’d mer position as a trustee. encourage them to run, put their PEP is also running an incumideas out there and we can talk bent for one of the trustee spots about them.” and for clerk, while dipping into Garvey said he expects a conone of the village’s advisory comtest, given the last time Brookfield missions for the third trustee canheld an uncontested election was didate. back in 1993. Since then, there Ketchmark and Garvey had have been one or more slates of been prohibited by the village’s candidates, as well as indepenterm-limit law from running for dents, in each election who have a third consecutive term in their MICHAEL GARVEY chosen to run. present roles. Garvey, an attorney, Candidate for Incumbent Trustee Edward served as village president from Brookfield president Cote, who is running for re-elec2005 to 2013 before running suction to the Board of Trustees on cessfully for two terms as trustee. PEP’s slate, would be one of the “I want to do this more now more experienced trustees if than ever,” said Garvey. “I love he’s elected to another term. The this stuff, and I feel I still have other would be Trustee David something to offer. We’ve gone LeClere, who is in the midst of a long way, but there are still his second consecutive four-year term, but things to do.” Garvey said the slate combines experience who also served a full term from 2007-11. Trustees Katie Kaluzny and Brian Conroy and new ideas, a strategy that’s paid off for the party for the past 15 years. While Ketch- are in the midst of their first terms. Cote, who works in IT planning and engimark and Garvey have been mainstays during that time, PEP since 2005 has nominated neering security and compliance for Verizon, and seated a dozen different candidates for said one thing he learned about being a village trustee during his first term was that it’s trustee. Ketchmark, who owns Brookfield-based a lot more work than you’d think. “It was definitely more time than I had Ketchmark Landscaping and Brick Paving, served as a trustee from 2001-09 and again expected,” said Cote, who is also the village board’s liaison to the public works departfrom 2011-13 before running for the first of ment, Brookfield Public Library and is the his first two terms as president.

“If someone wants to run against me, I’m happy to compare my record.”

Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Kosey Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 JENNIFER HENDRICKS

BRIGID WEBER

board’s finance chairman. Between wading through board meeting packets that can run 200-plus pages every two weeks, trustees interact often with residents and business owners and must understand the implications of planning applications they are casting votes to approve or deny. “The board meetings are the last thing on the agenda,” Cote said, who said he views his role as one of listening to residents. “There are relationships [with the community] to work on that you really have to do if you want to be a trustee,” Cote said. Making her first run for a seat on the village board is Jennifer Hendricks, who is running for trustee as a part of PEP’s slate. While this will be Hendricks’ first election campaign, she has many years of experience in municipal government. For the past 13 years, Hendricks has served on the Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission (she was a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals until it merged with the Plan Commision in 2013). Hendricks also worked for three years as a project manager for the Naperville Park District. She holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in landscape architecture from the University of Illinois and works as a landscape architect for Manhard Consulting, a Lombard-based civil engineering firm. “It’s a big step,” said Hendricks of her hoped-for move from an advisory commission to the village board. “The thought of serving on the board isn’t that intimidating as much as the election. But, generally, I believe in the importance of public service, and being a trustee is a great way to continue to make the community better.” Village Clerk Brigid Weber has been slated by PEP for her second consecutive full term in that role. Weber was elected to a four-year term as clerk in 2017 after being appointed to the job in 2015 following the death of Cathy Colgrass Edwards. Weber previously served as village clerk from 2006-13.

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HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-442-6739 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 E-MAIL buphues@wjinc.com ONLINE www.RBLandmark.com The Landmark is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. The newspaper is available on newsstands for $1.00. A one-year subscription costs $30 within Cook County and $40 outside the county. Advertising rates may be obtained by calling our office. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS 0019-585). Postmaster send address corrections to Landmark, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302. © 2020 Growing Community Media NFP.

The Landmark, October 21, 2020

BIG WEEK

October 21-28 Radio Players get spooky

RAC lets out a laugh

Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St., invites you to laugh along during a new group show “Humor Us,” featuring artists working on the many locations of humor – from the comic object to the politically biting, the silly, the prop – where the overlooked meets the hilarious, the pun and the wonderfully important locations of humor in art making. The show, curated by Stephanie Brooks, opens Sunday, Oct. 25 with an artist reception from 3 to 6 p.m. and runs through Nov. 17. There is no admission charge. Gallery hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday by appointment only. Call 708-442-6400 or email to info@riversideartscenter.com.

The Riverside Township Radio Players present their annual Halloween show, in person, on Friday, Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road in Riverside. The troupe will recreate a pair of seasonal performances from Radio’s Golden Age, including “Nightfall” from the sci-fi program “X Minus One” and “A Spooky Cemetery” from the show “Father Knows Best.” Admission is free. Masks required, temps taken on arrival. Seating will be spread out but families can sit together. Visit riversidetownshipradioplayers.com for more.

FULLERSBURG WOODS

Climate and conservation talks

The League of Women Voters of the LaGrange Area invite you to a pair of climate and nature conservation presentations via Zoom in the coming week.

Meditation at the station

On Thursday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. join Kent Taylor from The Climate Reality Project for “Climate 101,” a data-based, visually compelling presentation on climate change followed by a discussion with climate activist Dave May about the carbon fee and dividend referendum question that will appear on the ballots in Lyons Township. Register at tinyurl.com/LWVLGA-Climate101.

Riverside Public Library invites you to join Gina Barsotti for “Meditation at the Station,” an evening of meditation inside the Riverside train station at 90 Bloomingbank Road on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. Bring your own masks and meet there to wind down at sunset.

Then on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 9 to 10 a.m. attend the league’s virtual presentation on the planned restoration of Salt Creek at Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook. Afterward you’re invited to meet at the dam at 11 a.m. for a 2-mile walk in the Fullersburg Woods in socially distanced, small groups. Register for the presentation at lagrangearealwv.org and RSVP for the walk at LaGrangeLWV@gmail.com.

And more Nazareth Academy, 1209 W. Ogden Ave. in LaGrange Park, will host an in-person open house for parents and prospective students on Oct. 25 at noon and 1 p.m. and on Oct. 26 at 6 and 7 p.m. Guided tours of the campus provided. Face coverings required. To limit numbers, registration is required at nazarethacademy.com. The Hollywood Citizens Association invites you to order your Christmas wreath and holiday decorations during their annual HCA Wreath Sale fundraiser. Orders are due by Oct. 30 and will be delivered Nov. 28. Visit hollywoodcitizensassociation.org. North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 Cermak Road, asks shoppers to donate canned or boxed non-perishable food items during the shopping center’s Fall Food Drive through Oct. 25 at mall’s center court. Donors ■

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will receive a coupon book valid during the food drive. For more info, visit northriversideparkmall.com. Brennan Massage and Spa, 3700 Grand Blvd in Brookfield, continues its campaign to support nurses and hospital workers at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn by donating 5% of every sale toward gift cards for them. The campaign runs through the end of October. The Brookfield Chamber of Commerce continues its 60-to-Win raffle drawings every Thursday through Nov. 19 at 4:30 p.m. at Joe’s Saloon, 9220 47th St. in Brookfield. You can also watch a livestream on the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce Facebook page (facebook.com/BrookfieldIllinois). Winners’names will be posted each week at brookfieldchamber.net. Tune in to Lyons Township High School’s radio station WLTL (88.1 FM) every Friday at 7 p.m. for “Friday Night Lights Classic Games,” featuring ■

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classic broadcasts of football and soccer games from the 1970s and 1980s. North Riverside Public Library is offering the following virtual programs through Facebook Live, conference calls and the teleconferencing app Zoom. Programs include Makerspace Mondays on the first and third Mondays of the month at 7 p.m. and Talented Tuesdays on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 5:30 p.m. both via Facebook Live on North Riverside Public Library’s Facebook page; and Game Night Wednesdays every Wednesday at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Other programs include Spanish Language Book Club/Club de Lectura en Espanol via Zoom on Oct. 23 at 10:30 a.m. (“El Ultimo Coyote” by Michael Connelly); Afternoon Tea and Talk via Zoom on Oct. 24 at 1:30 p.m.; and Stretching and Meditation on Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m. via conference call (800-747-5150, ■

code 1453322). RSVP to bodenl@northriversidelibrary. org or visit northriversidelibrary.org/events for all Zoom meeting access info. Brookfield Public Library offers virtual classes and programs for patrons of all ages throughout the week. Most youth activities will be presented live on the library’s Facebook page at facebook.com/BrookfieldPublicLibrary. For adults, there’s Chair Yoga via Zoom on Oct. 22 at 11 a.m. Register for Zoom access info by visiting brookfield.evanced.info/signup or calling 708-485-6917, ext. 130. The Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, invites you to walk the path along the Des Plaines River and enjoy a story during the “Bats and the Library” Storywalk through Nov. 2 and to join them on Zoom for Jackbox Family Game Night on Oct. 23 at 6 p.m. For adults and families. Visit riversidelibrary.evanced. info/signup for Zoom access info. ■

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The Landmark, October 21, 2020

P O L I C E

R E P O R T S

Remote start sends car into neighbor’s garage Riverside police cited a local man for having an unattended motor vehicle after his driver-less car crashed through a fence and into a neighboring garage in the 7300 block of Ogden Avenue on Oct. 18 at about 2:45 p.m. According to the police report, the man said he parked his 1990 Volkswagen behind his house, shut the vehicle off and carried groceries into his residence. The man related that he’d recently converted the vehicle from automatic transmission to manual, and that he’d left the car in gear when he turned off the motor. At some point, the man accidentally hit the remote start button on his key fob, which caused his in-gear vehicle to move forward and drive through a fence, across a parking lot and into a garage two doors down. The garage door reportedly fell on a 2018 Honda Civic parked inside. No one was injured and the garage reportedly didn’t sustain any structural damage.

Six charged in mall fight North Riverside police charged six men between the ages of 23 and 32 with disorderly conduct after a verbal altercation, apparently over some shoes, turned into a physical fight in front of H&M on the lower level of the North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 Cermak Road, on Oct. 17 at about 4:45 p.m. One of those involved reportedly told police he was at the mall with his brother and a friend when they encountered another group who were “talking some s--- over some shoes,” leading to a physical fight, which reportedly alarmed other shoppers. Security guards were able to detain three of the men, while two others were detained on Cermak Road inside a rideshare vehicle that had picked them up. The sixth was detained by North Riverside police in the parking lot by Amita Health on the north side of the mall.

DUI Brookfield police charged a 24-year-old Brookfield woman with drunken driving and cited her for other traffic offenses after she reportedly had to slam on the brakes of her silver 2005 Toyota to avoid crashing into the Veterans Memorial Circle at Eight Corners and then continued to drive erratically while southbound on Maple Avenue at about 4:20 a.m. on Oct. 14. An officer on patrol in the 9200 block of Broadway Avenue reported that the vehicle appeared to be speeding as it approached the circle before the driver hit the brakes, screeching the tires and skidding for a few

seconds before coming to a stop. The vehicle continued southbound, according to police, swerving into the parking lane in the 3600 block of Maple Avenue and back again while nearly striking a parked car. During the stop, the officer said the driver ate a breakfast burrito and handed him a debit card instead of her driver’s license. The driver failed field sobriety tests and a breath test about an hour after the stop reportedly revealed the woman’s bloodalcohol content to be .163, which is more than twice the legal limit of .08.

Aggravated speeding ■ North

Riverside police charged a 26-year-old Chicago man with aggravated speeding after an officer on patrol reported observing the black Honda motoring at 86 mph in a 35 mph zone while westbound in the 8800 block of Cermak Road on Oct. 17 at about 2:25 a.m. The officer was able to stop the vehicle in the 9000 block of Cermak Road and arrest the driver, who has a Nov. 23 court date at Maybrook. ■ A 24-year-old Thornton man charged by North Riverside police with aggravated speeding just after midnight on Oct. 16 also was charged with drunken driving after an officer stopped him for driving at least 57 mph in a 30 mph zone while westbound in the 7400 block of Cermak Road. An officer was able to stop the vehicle in the 9000 block of Cermak Road and arrest the driver, whose blood-alcohol content reportedly was .186, which is more than twice the legal limit of .08, nearly an hour after the incident.

Actually, never mind A Brookfield woman contacted police just after noon on Oct. 14 to report that she had just returned from walking her dog. Upon entering her unlocked home, she determined that someone had entered the house while she was out and stole her purse from an area near the front door. Police responding to the home reported locating the woman’s purse in the kitchen. These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Riverside, North Riverside and Brookfield police departments, Oct. 1218, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these reports has only been charged with a crime. These cases have not been adjudicated.

— Compiled by Bob Uphues

Maybe it’s just too much. This year has been one shock after another. If you’re looking at your finances, and you just don’t see the way out, maybe it’s time to think about how you can get a fresh start through bankruptcy or Chapter 13. • You can get out from under a mountain of debt, or stretch our your car payments, or catch up on your mortgage so you can stay in your home. • If you have a business, and business is picking up, but the last few months have left you with more debt than the company can carry, maybe a Chapter 11 reorganization is what will get you through these tough time. • We are open and working to help our clients during this crisis. I’m meeting with clients by phone or video, and we can meet, discuss your case, and file for bankruptcy relief, all electronically. I’ve lived in Brookfield for 30+ years, and worked in LaGrange for 8; if there’s a way I can help my neighbors, I will.

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The Landmark, October 21, 2020

Local response to 2020 Census remained strong Statewide and national self-response rates saw declines By BOB UPHUES Editor

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Despite fears that misinformation and an endlessly changing deadline date might depress the response to the 2020 U.S. Census, efforts by local governments and other organizations locally appeared to have kept the decennial effort to count the nation’s population near the forefront of residents’ minds. At 5 a.m. on Oct. 16 the U.S. Census officially stopped accepting responses online – mail-in submissions needed to be postmarked Oct. 15 – and local residents can be proud to know that Brookfield, North Riverside and Riverside households responded at rates greater than they did for the last census in 2010. Leading the way locally was Riverside, where the self-response rate – meaning those who responded directly online, by mail or by phone – was 83.1 percent. That put Riverside in the top 4 percent of cities nationwide (tied for 777th place) in terms of self-response. Riverside’s self-response rate in 2020 represented a 5.1 percent increase over its 2010 Census selfresponse rate.

Brookfield’s self-response rate for the 2020 Census was 81 percent, which placed it among the top 6.6 percent of cities nationwide (tied for 1,278th place) and represented a 3.2-percent increase in self-response from 2010. In North Riverside, the 2020 census self-response rate was 78.6 percent. While lower than its two neighbors, the village self-response rate improved by 0.2 percent from 2010. As for the village’s place nationally, North Riverside tied for 1,998th place – which still placed it among the top 10.4 percent of cities in the United States. Two “cities” in the United States posted a 100-percent self-response rate, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Those were North River, North Dakota, and Balltown, Iowa, each of which have populations of less than

70 people. Illinois’ statewide self-response rate was 71.3 percent, which tied it for sixth among states with Virginia. Placing first for self-response was Minnesota at 75 percent. Illinois’ self-response rate in 2020 was a higher than the 70.5-percent rate in 2010 and the 69-percent self-response rate in 2000. Nationwide, the 2020 Census self-response rate was 66.8 percent, perhaps a bit disappointing given the multiple ways the bureau provided for responding this year for the first time. That’s about the same as the final mailonly response rate in 2010, which was 66.5 percent. The U.S. Census Bureau is reporting that 99.9 percent of households in the United States have been “enumerated,” but that figure is far less revealing than the self-report rate. If households do not self-respond, the census sends out enumerators to personally make contact them and get a response. Sometimes they are successful, but sometimes those visits can result in partial or no results. Those households are still termed “enumerated” since an attempt was made to count them.

Riverside wins county grant for Swan Pond path Village still awaits ruling on using state funds for impervious surface By BOB UPHUES Editor

The village of Riverside learned earlier this month that it has been awarded a $50,000 grant through the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways’ Invest in Cook program, which provides funding for transit and alternative transportation infrastructure projects. This year, the county awarded grants to help fund 30 such projects, with Riverside’s falling into the “alternative transportation” category. The money will go toward reconstructing the 2,078-footlong bike/walking path that winds along the Des Plaines River in Swan Pond Park. The existing asphalt path, which is too narrow and has suffered damage from repeated flooding, was built in 2012 as part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project to remove two dams on the river and regrade the park to improve drainage there. The Riverside Village Board is on the cusp of approving its 2021 operating budget, and included in that document is a $475,000 line item to reconstruct the path. The new path would be widened to 10 feet and be constructed out of exposed aggregate concrete, making it ADA compliant, more durable and accessible for a wider range of uses. The new path is also seen a possible connector to the 55-mile long Des Plaines River Trail, which is still in the final design stage. However, it’s unclear whether the Swan Pond Park path will be able to be constructed in 2021. One of the principal holdups is the fate of $350,000 awarded to the village of Riverside by the Illinois general Assembly in 2019 as part of its Capital Bill. That money was awarded specifically for the construction of a permeable pavement path along the river. Village officials determined such a path would be not only too expensive but impractical. Since Swan Pond Park is in a flood plain and is not connected to the village’s sewer system, a permeable path isn’t seen as necessary.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

A PATH FORWARD? A cyclist looks over at the flood waters in Swan Pond Park while riding a bike along the river trail after heavy rains in May 2019. The village has, through state Rep. Michael Zalewski (D-Riverside), inquired whether the $350,000 state grant can be repurposed for a non-permeable path. Last week, Riverside Village Manager Jessica Frances said she has not yet received an answer on that question and did not know when she might get one. If Riverside gets the OK later this year, there’s still time to begin design engineering in 2021, but that still leaves open the question of whether the state will release the funds in time for construction next year. The job wouldn’t be particularly complicated, said Public Works Director Edward Bailey, who called it “a remove-and-replace job” and likened it to laying a long stretch of sidewalk.

The Landmark, October 21, 2020

Riverside Caucus announces 7 prospective candidates for trustee Group will endorse 3 next month; Ballerine lone presidential candidate vetted By BOB UPHUES Editor

The membership of the Riverside Community Caucus will meet early next month to vote to decide which three of seven candidates – six men and two women -- they will endorse to run for village trustee in 2021. Last week, the caucus posted the names and photos of the prospective trustee candidates, along with questionnaires completed by each one. The caucus is considering just one person for village president, former two-term trustee Joseph Ballerine, who previously confirmed his candidacy to the Landmark in August. Among those seeking the caucus endorsement for trustee are a pair of incumbents, one former and three current attorneys, past and present members of Riverside advisory commissions and community volunteers. The incumbents running for re-election who are seeking the caucus’ endorsement include Doug Pollock, who is seeking a third consecutive term on the village board, and Wendell Jisa, who is finishing up his first term as a trustee. They are joined by John Carroll, a former Cook County State’s Attorney prosecutor who now serves as deputy chief of staff for Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul; Megan Claucherty, assistant general counsel at Harris Associates, a Chicago-based investment company; Joel Marhoul, a civil engineer at T.Y. Lin International and current member of both the Riverside Elementary School District 96 Board of Education and the Riverside Planning and Zoning Commission; Aberdeen Marsh-Ozga, former attorney and present board chair of the regional tourism bureau Visit Oak Park and member of the Riverside Preservation Commission; and Adrian Mendoza, a partner with the Oak Brook-based law firm Lillig and Thorsness, former member of the Riverside Planning and Zoning Commission and current board member of the Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce. “The quality of this array of potential candidates is truly impressive,” said Kevin Smith, president of the Riverside Community Caucus. “The caucus and the residents of Riverside are fortunate that so many fine prospects have stepped forward. It is a testament to the diligent work of our recruiting committee and its chair, Kimber Coombes, that we will have quite a challenge in select-

ing just three individuals to endorse for the vacancies to be filled next year.” John McGlennon, a senior design manager for an engineering firm and a member of the Riverside Parks and Recreation Board, initially was announced as one of the trustee candidates but has withdrawn his name from consideration, Smith said on Oct. 19. The caucus had expected to introduce the prospective candidates at a community forum, but the organization decided to cancel the event due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, the caucus is in the process of producing videos for each candidate. Those should be posted online later this week, according to Smith. The full membership of the caucus will meet in early November to formally endorse candidates, but a date has not been announced. While the candidates seeking caucus endorsement represent a variety of backgrounds, there is a thread running through almost all of their questionnaires, which can be read at riversidecommunitycaucus.org. Asked what they believe to be the greatest challenge facing Riverside, all but one candidate, in one form or another, mentioned village’s financial resources and the impact that has on infrastructure planning, pension obligations and economic development. Carroll was the only candidate who did not mention finances as Riverside greatest challenge. Instead, he pointed to the village’s demographics, saying “Riverside lacks the full spectrum of diversity” found in other places in the city and suburbs and that he looked forward to community discussions on how to address the issue. Once the caucus endorses candidates it will be up to them as to whether they want to form a slate, and they’ll be responsible for collecting signatures for their nominating petitions. Because the caucus was forced to dissolve its political committee in 2019, the organization won’t be involved in formally funding the campaign. Those not endorsed by the caucus will be free to run as independents or form slates of their own. There may also be others in the community who have not yet announced their intentions to run for trustee or president. Riverside’s last contested election for municipal offices was in 2009, and the last one before that was in 2003.

Olmsted Society Stewards of the land and Olmsted’s Plan

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This has been an extraordinary year for the Society. We began 2020 with high hopes for another year of Landscape Workdays, Walking Tours, the Spring Student Poetry Contest, our Educational Programs, and other Special Events. Mid-March, like everyone, we were sidelined with the pandemic and had to reimagine how to safely hold events following CDC Guidelines. We sincerely thank you for your patience and support during a difficult time. Our 2021 Membership Drive begins next month, and we hope we can count on you. Our mission is to sustain Olmsted’s vision for Riverside for generations to come. Please visit our website or Facebook for the latest news, info on how to become a member, renew your membership, or if you wish to make a donation.

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The Landmark, October 21, 2020

Two new administrators step into dean’s role at RBHS Move comes following longtime dean’s retirement and a return to classroom By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

As students return to Riverside-Brookfield High School in the coming weeks, they will learn, as some already have, that there are two new deans this year. Hired over the summer, Cara Weinberg and Alberto Jaquez replaced longtime deans Dave Sibley, who retired in June, and Neil Dughetti, who has returned to the classroom as a science teacher after six years as a full-time dean. Weinberg, 27, is the first full-time female dean at RBHS in at least 20 years, though women have served in the role part time. Weinberg and Jaquez are the only deans at the school, as there are no part time deans. “To be equitable, I wanted to have a female and a male dean,” said Principal Hector Freytas. Weinberg, who grew up in Orland Park, comes to RBHS from Argo High School where she was an AP Government and history teacher for the past five years. She also directed musical theater productions, coached the speech team, served as a teacher team leader and served as mentor for students in an after-school program. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education from the University of Illinois. She holds a master’s degree in political science from the University of Illinois in and a master’s in school leadership from Concordia University. Jacquez, 37, comes to RBHS from Morton High School District 201, where he taught bilingual world history and most recently was the bilingual instructional coach at the Morton Freshman Center. Jacquez grew up in Cicero and his first language was Spanish. His ability to speak Spanish in a big plus, Freytas said. “He can communicate to those families who are Spanish speakers,” Freytas said. “I know I’m bilingual, but as principal I’m dealing with so many things it’s nice to have another administrator that can speak Spanish and communicate with

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

NEW FACES: Cara Weinberg (left) and Alberto Jaquez are the new full-time deans at Riverside-Brookfield High School, replacing Dave Sibley, who retired in June, and Neil Dughetti, who has returned to the classroom as a teacher. our families. It’s definitely a valuable skill set.” Jacquez earned his bachelor’s degree from Millikin University and has earned two master’s degrees, one from UIC and another from Concordia. While at Morton, Jaquez also coached football and wrestling. “They were both very successful teachers at their respective campuses,” Freytas said. “They were teacher leaders, they were coaches, they were club sponsors, they had those leadership attributes in many roles.” During the past two months of remote learning, the deans have been busy dealing with the occasional Zoom bombing incident and making sure students sign in to their classes and do their homework. They have been making home visits to students who have not been engaged in their classes to find out what is going on. They also have been delivering meals to students who qualify for the free lunch program. Although deans are typically seen as disciplinarians, both

Weinberg and Jaquez bring a youthful, friendly and energetic demeanor to their jobs. They hit it off right away. “I think our biggest strength is that we work really well as a team,” Weinberg said. “From the moment I met Alberto, we kind of clicked.” They say that their strengths complement each other. “We definitely realize that we have strengths in certain settings that make us more inclined to work in certain situations,” Weinberg said. While helping his own children last spring during the statewide school shutdown, Dughetti said he realized he missed teaching. And with his good friend Sibley retiring, Dughetti decided it would be a good time to return to the classroom. He is now teaching biology and physics. Dughetti taught for 12 years at RBHS before becoming a full-time dean. “I love the positive experiences with kids in the classroom,” Dughetti said. “I missed it. I felt like I did every positive thing I could as a dean, and I was ready to take on a new challenge.”

Brookfield looks to save big on employee insurance By joining co-op, village expects premium costs to fall by about 20% By BOB UPHUES Editor

The village of Brookfield will be able to realize significant savings on insurance premiums it pays for its employees after being accepted into the North Suburban Employee Benefit Cooperative, effective Jan. 1, 2021. The NSEBC is an insurance pool comprising a dozen municipalities and will provide medical, vision, dental, life and prescription drug coverage for all Brookfield employees, allowing the village to immediately lower the premiums it presently pays working through an individual insurance broker.

Assistant Village Manager George Issakoo said based on a comparison of what the village now pays for premiums versus the rates it will pay as a member of the cooperative starting next year, the village expects to save about $382,000. Brookfield currently pays about $1.8 million annually in health insurance premiums, according to Doug Cooper, the village’s finance director. Based on the expected rates as a member of the cooperative, the village expects to see insurance premium expenses fall by about 20 percent. Village Manager Timothy Wiberg encouraged the village to pursue membership in NSEBC based on his experience as a member of the cooperative when he was the village manager of Lincolnwood. “I told [Brookfield President] Kit [Ketchmark] that there are not many things I can bring you to save this kind of money without degrading services,” Wiberg said.

Wiberg said that unlike obtaining insurance as a single entity through a broker, members of the cooperative pay into a reserve fund and negotiate rates as a larger pool, resulting in more competitive premiums. “There’s no profit motive,” said Wiberg. “The goal isn’t to make money but to save money.” Wiberg said there are other benefits. For example, when municipalities like Lincolnwood were, like the rest of the nation, reeling financially in the wake of the 2008 recession, the cooperative was able to reduce premium costs for its members and take some pressure off municipal budgets by tapping the coop’s reserve fund. “When you’re dealing with private insurance, you don’t get that choice,” Wiberg said. A switch to NSEBC has been in the works for some time, but the key to making it a reality, said Issakoo, was buy in from union police, firefighters and public works employees.

All three bargaining units ratified new contracts with the village earlier this year and all three contain language allowing the village to move its insurance coverage to a cooperative. According to village management, NSEBC’s insurance plan options match or exceed the coverage the village presently provides employees and does it with lower premiums and some increases on out-of-pocket maximum costs for prescription drugs. It will take three years before Brookfield is recognized as a full member of the cooperative and in the first year, the village will have to deposit about $300,000, which can used to offset any annual reserve assessments or excess financial exposure due to claims. At the end of the year, the cooperative will calculate the village’s reserve assessment in order to bring Brookfield on par with other members. After the third year, Brookfield will be considered a full member and will no longer have to pay the new member assessments.

The Landmark, October 21, 2020

North Riverside tweaks rules for handicapped parking Must renew annually to get reserved space in front of your house

By BOB UPHUES Editor

If you are a North Riverside resident who possesses either handicapped license plates or a placard from the Illinois Secretary of State and want to reserve a parking spot on the street in front of your home, you’ll have to follow some new rules beginning next spring. North Riverside trustees voted 5-1 on Oct. 19 to adopt the new handicapped parking program, which seeks to provide those who need it a parking place close to their front doors while providing enough parking for everyone else. The system in place right now, said Village Administrator Sue Scarpiniti, is very loosely enforced and is used by some to clear out a space in front of their homes for friends, family and caretakers, preventing anyone else from using the space. “It’s unfortunate that people don’t want other people parking in front of their homes, but we don’t have that luxury in our community because of how tight the parking is on our streets,” Scarpiniti told trustees at a meeting of the village board’s Development Committee on Oct. 12. There are 41 households presently participating in the program, with a number of

those on residential streets east of Desplaines Avenue, where parking is at a premium. Once a household is granted such a space, the village has no mechanism for checking to see if it’s still needed from year to year. In some cases, the spaces have endured even after those requiring them have died or moved away. According to the new ordinance passed by the village board on Oct. 19, anyone who wants a reserved handicapped parking space in front of their homes must meet specific criteria and will have to renew that permission

annually during the village’s vehicle sticker renewal process. The annual vehicle sticker renewal deadline is April 30. “The goal of the program is to provide the most convenient access for those that have disabilities to their homes,” Scarpiniti said. Applicants must prove they have current handicapped license plates or a placard and they must reside permanently at the home, according to the new rules. The residence must be located in the village’s single-family residential district. No reserved spaces will be allowed along 26th Street, 17th Avenue or Cermak Road. Only one permit per resident will be issued regardless of the number of cars in the household. A distinct vehicle sticker to be affixed on the driver’s side of the windshield will be associated with a specific vehicle, preventing it from being provided to others. Any vehicle parked in the space, other than the one approved for the sticker, will risk getting a $250 parking ticket. The stickers will not be available to caretakers and they will also not be given to residents whose properties have side driveways that provide closer access to their homes’ entrances.

“We want to provide the service to those who need it, but we want to provide them with the closest access,” Scarpiniti said. “Parking is at such a premium on our streets on both the east and west sides of the village that’s it’s difficult to accommodate everybody’s request.” Because the village will now have to enforce the rules, Scarpiniti said applicants will be charged $100 for the first year of the program to help recoup some of the cost for that enforcement and pay for signage. Afterwards, there will be an annual $25 renewal fee plus a $10 fee for the disabled parking vehicle sticker, for a total of $35. The fees, Scarpiniti said, “will be worth it for those who need it and weed out those who don’t want people parking in front of their houses.” Scarpiniti said next year’s operating budget is likely to include a part-time parking enforcement officer to avoid having sworn officers spending time policing residential street parking. Trustee Marybelle Mandel cast the lone vote against the change, saying she favored dropping the $25 annual renewal fee and $65 of the initial fee, which is going toward the purchase of new signs.

The Landmark, October 21, 2020

Pandemic forces campaigners to get creative Local residents writing postcards, phone banking in swing state races

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Politics, like everything else, has been profoundly altered by the pandemic. In a normal year with Election Day just two weeks away, campaign volunteers would be hitting the streets ringing doorbells and knocking on doors trying to persuade voters to vote for their favorite candidates. But in a time of social distancing, talking to strangers up close and personal is frowned upon, so campaigns and activists are concentrating on other time-tested ways to motivate and persuade voters. Local Democratic activists have turned to writing postcards and calling voters. More than 100 area activists have been written around 8,000 postcards to voters in 14 swing states trying to increase Democratic turnout as part of a national program called Postcards to Swing States. The project was developed by the Indivisible Chicago Alliance and two leaders who live in Hinsdale. It has a small office in Clarendon Hills, which has mostly served as a shipping and distribution center. People order postcards in batches and they write on them one of two scripted messages designed to motivate the recipient to vote. The postcards are being mailed to voters in battleground states in the presidential election that typically also have competitive Senate races. Those receiving the postcards are considered likely Democratic voters, but one who do not have a high propensity to vote and could use a little nudge. Troy Klyber, of Riverside, and his daughter, Sophie, 15, have spent the last month writing 100 postcards, split between Florida and Georgia. Little sister Elise, 7, occasionally helps by putting on the 35-cent stamps. The volunteers

PHOTOS PROVIDED

GETTING OUT THE VOTE: Mitzi Norton (left) makes phone calls for congressional candidate Marie Newman on Oct. 17, while Brookfield resident Cathy Bartl (right) writes a postcard to a Michigan voter as part of the Postcards to Swing States project. supply the stamps. Klyber says that in the past he has contributed money to campaigns but this year he wanted to do more and get directly involved. “This is an incredibly consequential election,” Klyber said. “The integrity of our national institutions are on the line. We have a toxic, incompetent, corrupt, incurious, narcissistic bully as our commander-in-chief and it’s essential that we remove him from office, and I will do everything I can to achieve that result.” Klyber learned of the Postcards to Swing States project from Amy Jacksic, who has been coordinating the effort in Riverside.

“I had 46 Riversiders help complete 3,000 swing state postcards,” Jacksic said in an email. “So I was the one who always ordered them before I knew if I would even have anyone to do them.” She figured, based on the response she got to messages posted a Facebook page for local Democrats, that there would be takers. “It was unbelievably easy,” Jacksic said. The Brookfield Indivisible group has gotten involved in a big way, distributing more than 5,000 postcards to around 60 volunteers in the village. One of the postcard writers is Cathy Bartl, who is just about done writing 100 postcards

EARLY VOTING

758 ballots on day one from page 1

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

LINED UP: The lines outside Brookfield Village Hall continued inside the polling place in the council chamber, where voters cast their ballots on 12 touchscreen machines during the first day of early voting on Oct. 19.

and I was scared about mail in voting,” said Sapienza after finally casting her vote at about 10 a.m. Sapienza, 39, was determined to vote on Monday because she didn’t know when her baby would decide to be born. “I don’t know what’s going to come,” Sapienza said. Brookfield Village Hall, 8820 Brookfield Ave., is one of 50 early voting locations in suburban Cook County that opened on Monday, and many residents of Brookfield and neighboring towns didn’t waste any time to go there to cast their votes. Others came to the village hall to drop off ballots they had received in the mail,

spilt between Michigan and Arizona. Bartl, 70, said that she is lifelong Democrat but has never been gotten directly involved in campaigns before. “This particular election has gotten me activated to be involved, because I realized how important it is that we get people out to vote,” Bartl said. “From now on, I will be an activist. This has gotten me fired up.” Mitzi Norton, one of co-founders of Indivisible Brookfield, lives on the same block as Bartl and recruited her. Norton has been a whirlwind during the campaign, working hard for months. In addition to writing more than 400 postcards and recruiting others to do so, she has been phone banking both for Democratic congressional candidate Marie Newman and for other candidates. Last week she was calling voters in a northeast Wisconsin congressional district trying to oust a Republican incumbent as well as making calls for Newman. Norton and other Indivisible activists often phone bank together via Zoom. They keep their computers on mute, but can see each other making calls and can chat or message between calls. “It actually really helps,” Norton said. “I call it the Zumba of election work, or the Zumba of activism. Like any group fitness class, you push yourself that much harder when you’re doing it with other people.” There is one silver lining in the pandemic for political types. Many people have more time on their hands and are bored and looking for something to do. “The blessing in this pandemic time is that people are home and some have greater availability to do stuff where there looking for something new and unique just to kind of keep busy,” Norton said. something they could do without waiting in line. Twelve voting stations were set up at the village hall, two more than typical in the past. By 10:30 a.m., nearly 100 people were waiting in line to vote and the line continued to wrap around the building for hours. When the dust settled on Monday, 758 people had cast their ballots in Brookfield, while another 536 cast ballots in nearby Lyons – some heading there after seeing the line in Brookfield. That was one ballot short of the one-day early voting record of 759 in Brookfield, set the day before the Nov. 6, 2018 general election and exceeding the highest total from the 2016 presidential election by more than 100 votes. In 2016, 410 people cast ballots early in Brookfield on the first day of early voting. In 2018, just 296 voters came out the first day. After that busy first day, the line of voters on Oct. 19 bent around the corner of the

The Landmark, October 21, 2020

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ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

HAPPY TO WAIT: More than 750 people voted on day one of early voting, in Brookfield -- one voter short of the village’s one-day record -- and folks were lined up around the Brookfield Village Hall again before day two of early voting started on Oct. 20. village hall to the police station entrance the country and wanted a better world for before 8 a.m., a half hour before the polls their daughter. opened for the second day of early voting in “There’s a lot happening in the country Brookfield. By 8:20 a.m., the line was begin- right now and we have to look out for each ning to wrap all the way around the back to other,” said Dani Roberts. “There’s too much the northwest corner of the building. hatred and there’s a lot of matters that are Sapienza declined to say who she voted just not being taken seriously.” for, but she gave a few clues, saying that They did not want to take a chance voting she was a big supporter of women’s rights by mail. and that waiting in line for “I’d rather vote early,” Dani nearly two hours while nine Roberts said. “The president is months pregnant was very trying to cause a lot of chaos.” worth it for women and chilThey said that they would wait dren and families. double the time that they did if She was surprised the line they had to, just noting that they was so long before voting had just needed to done in time to even started. make a 1 p.m. appointment. “I thought there was going to David Urso also thought it was be a line, but if I got here early worth it to stand in line to vote. I thought it wouldn’t be that big “An hour and 20 minutes is of a deal,” Sapienza said. worth the wait,” Urso said after But she said that waiting in finally voting at about 10:30 a.m. EVAN ROBERTS line wasn’t too bad. Urso and a companion stopped Early voter “People were very nice; I sat at Dunkin Donuts before voting. on the sidewalk,” Sapienza said. Urso voted to re-elect President Evan and Dani Roberts, who Donald Trump. were waiting in line to vote “I have small children and with their 2-year-old daughter I care about the future of this in tow, were there to vote for Joe Biden for country, and I don’t really care for the way president. the Democrats and liberals are taking it “He’s more truthful,” Evan Roberts said. right now,” Urso said. “I don’t care for the “I don’t know if we have enough time to direction that it’s heading.” talk about all the things I don’t like about Urso said that he wanted to keep the counthe current president. I think his response try capitalistic. to COVID has been a disaster. Trump is “I feel that jobs need to stay here in this very divisive. He’s like a child; the name country and we need to continue to keep calling and the constant lies. That’s a huge bringing them back and not sell out this problem.” country to foreign entities like we seem to be The Roberts say that they usually vote doing under Democratic control,” Urso said. early and they figured the line would be Whomever people supported, voter at shorter than on Election Day. They didn’t Brookfield Village Hall on Monday were anxwant to wait another day to vote. ious to cast their votes, and they didn’t mind “We feel the importance to vote this year waiting to do it. more than ever,” Evan Roberts said. “It was very exciting waiting with a lot The young married couple said they of people who were also excited to vote,” Sapienza said. were dismayed by the current state of

“We feel the importance to vote this year more than ever.”

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The Landmark, October 21, 2020

Cracking the egg code at Michael’s Pancake House

Riverside restaurant newcomer now open for business downtown By MELISSA ELSMO Food Editor

After delays related to COVID-19 dining room closures, Michael’s Pancake House, opened on Oct. 2 at 25 E. Burlington St. in downtown Riverside. The restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. “We have been waiting to open since March. When we finally got the green light, we were ready to go,” said co-manager Edgardo Guadalupe. “Business has been good. I am surprised we did so well.” Other downtown businesses, including Shamrock Garden Florist, Aunt Diana’s OldFashioned Fudge and Riverside Foods, welcomed Michael’s Pancake House to the community by delivering flowers, chocolates and well wishes. “We were happy to be welcomed by our neighboring businesses,” said co-manager Sandra Guadalupe. “We feel like we’re a part of the business community already.” The owners are not strangers to the res-

taurant business -- the original Michael’s Pancake House has been thriving in south suburban Worth for nearly 20 years. The Brookfield residents had been looking to expand for some time and settled on Riverside as it became clear there was no other breakfast-focused restaurant in the community. It appears the Guadalupe family’s instincts were right. Since opening, customers have flocked to the eatery to enjoy an array of diner favorites, but most guests are coming in for breakfast. Michael’s Pancake House is known for their generous portions including “football sized omelets” and fluffy plate-sized pancakes. They also have a curious egg-doubling policy. “Eggs are always doubled at Michael’s Pan-

PHOTOS BY MELISSA ELSMO/Food Editor

A FAMILY AFFAIR: Chef Michael Guadalupe (above, from left) helms the kitchen while his wife, Clara, and children, Edgardo and Sandra, are the management team at Michael’s Pancake House in downtown Riverside. The Popeye Skillet (left), brimming with bacon, spinach and mushrooms came topped with a whopping four eggs despite the fact the menu says it is served with two. cake House,” said co-manager Sandra Guadalupe. “If the menu says two eggs, you’ll get four. If you order three eggs, you’ll get six.” Despite the potential for an egg overload, everything is made fresh at Michael’s Pancake House. The expansive menu includes classic breakfasts, creative crepes, diner

sandwiches, soups and evening specials like pork chops, liver and onions and roast pork with sauerkraut. The space is humble and unassuming, but Michael’s Pancake House offers high value meals served with a smile. Pop by for an egg or eight.

North Riverside trustees back off on flood-protection loans Village board committee unable to come to consensus on preferred solution

By BOB UPHUES Editor

North Riverside trustees have backed off, for now, on a program that would have provided no-interest loans of up to $12,000 to homeowners who wanted to install systems to prevent the kind of basement flooding the village saw back in May and has repeatedly experienced in the past decade-plus. At a meeting of the village board’s Development Committee on Oct. 12, Village Administrator Sue Scarpiniti outlined a flood-mitigation program where the village would set aside $250,000 from its water fund to provide no-interest loans on a first come, first served basis for the installation of either overhead sewers or lift stations. The loans would be available only to singlefamily homeowners who would be responsible for employing a licensed contractor and obtaining permits for the work. The program would have covered any such work completed between Jan. 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021, with homeowners who have already installed sys-

tems since Jan. 1 eligible for the program. Participants would have had four years to pay back the loans. Scarpiniti said the program was intended as a one-time initiative and that, with $250,000 set aside, the program could accommodate between 20 and 22 participants. Scarpiniti and Mayor Hubert Hermanek Jr. developed the proposed flood control loan program in response to discussion trustees had while considering the 2020-21 operating budget in June. Since that time, the village has asked residents via e-newsletters and the village website to let officials know if they’re interested in participating in such a program. Scarpiniti said she’s received some interest from about a dozen people. At the time, trustees said they wanted to assist homeowners who had been subjected to repeated basement flooding amid increasing numbers of heavy rainstorms in recent years. Scarpiniti told trustees it was that direction that led to the proposal discussed last week, and that she was not in favor any such

program. “From a financial perspective, this is not a program I’d normally recommend,” Scarpiniti said. “These are private properties. It’s up to the residents to protect their assets.” But the loan program using water fund reserves was the most financially feasible, said Scarpiniti. Obtaining a loan to fund the program would have interest payments of 3 to 5 percent, and would have added red tape, like credit checks, for homeowners. While trustees on the committee appeared open to some sort of program to help, they disagreed on what kind of program and also feared pushback from residents who might see such a program as an argument against the water infrastructure fee homeowners pay above and beyond their normal water bill. “Right now everyone is complaining about the water rate,” said Trustee Deborah Czjaka, a member of the committee who opposed the loan program. “I’m a little uncomfortable with people saying, ‘I’m paying a water maintenance fee and you’re giving it to 20 people.’”

Trustee Bob Demopoulos, also a member of the Development Committee, said he preferred offering a 50/50 program where the village would not just loan but pay for up to half the cost of installing a flood-control system. He also advocated expanding the types of systems that would be funded to include lower-cost solutions. The village’s Public Works Director Tim Kutt in June had warned trustees against cheaper solutions, saying they were not as reliable as overhead sewers or lift stations. Asked where the village, which is balancing its 2020-21 budget by depleting cash reserves, would find $125,000 for such a program, Demopoulos said, “I’ll save you $100,000, no problem.” Committee member Trustee Fernando Flores said he favored the loan program while Trustee Marybelle Mandel was noncommittal, saying she needed “to get resident input.” In the face of no firm committee position, chairman Trustee Joseph Mengoni tabled the matter.

The Landmark, October 21, 2020

COVID19

New cases in local schools from page 1 the pandemic began to 9,236 among 347,161 confirmed cases with more than 6.8 million test results reported. Hospitalizations, intensive care bed usage and ventilator usage for COVID-19 all spiked in the state as of Sunday evening as well. In northeast Illinois, generally, positivity rates are even higher, according to regional data from the Illinois Department of Public Health. The positivity rate in Region 9, which includes north suburban Lake and McHenry counties, increased to 7.3 percent, while Region 10 -- suburban Cook County including the Landmark coverage area -- increased to 6.8 percent. Chicago, which makes up Region 11, increased to 6.2 percent. No new deaths from COVID-19 were reported for the seven-day period ending on the morning of Oct. 20 in Brookfield, Riverside or North Riverside. Deaths per day from COVID-19 statewide are also still down from the high average of 117 in May, but they are higher than the low daily average the state saw in August. “While we continue to see a safer pandemic landscape than back in April and May, in terms of positivity, hospital capacity and community spread … things have changed,” Pritzker said while noting Illinois’ positivity rates are still generally lower than its Midwest neighbors. “Every region of the state has started to move in the wrong direction.”

Riverside posts weekly high The village of Riverside experienced its highest number of new cases of COVID-19 during the seven-day period ending on the

morning of Oct. 20. A total of 18 Riverside residents tested positive for the disease during that time frame, after posting consecutive weeks of 14 and 10 each. While those kinds of numbers seem small, Riverside reported just 10 total cases of COVID-19 in the five weeks between June 2 and July 7. The highest one-week total for Riverside prior to this week was 15 from May 5-12. According to the Cook County Department of Public Health, Riverside’s “recent percent change,” which compares case counts from the past 14 days to the preceding 14 days, Riverside’s caseload increased 25 percent over prior two weeks. In all, since the pandemic began in March, Riverside has recorded 234 cases of COVID-19. Two residents have died. That rate of increase is even more pronounced in North Riverside, where cases in the past two weeks increased 150 percent compared to the previous two-week period. In the past two weeks, North Riverside has reported 14 new cases of COVID-19. That matches the total the village saw added during the five-week period between Sept. 1 and Oct. 6. North Riverside’s total number of cases now stands at 141, with three residents dying from the disease. And while Brookfield did not match its one-week high number of new cases, the village saw its new case rate increase by 27 percent for the two-week period ending on the morning of Oct. 20.

The village saw 22 people test positive for COVID-19 last week, and 20 the week before. The only other time the village saw two consecutive weeks of 20 or more new cases was when the village recorded 20, 20 and 21 for the three-week period between Aug. 18 and Sept. 8. The village’s one-week high is 31, set during the week of May 12-19. Four Brookfield residents have died from COVID-19 since the Cook County Medical Examiner started tracking that data in March.

School districts report new cases Officials at Riverside Elementary School District 96, where students have been attending classes in person since the beginning of the school year, announced in the past week that two more students and a staff member have tested positive for COVID-19. On Oct. 14, Superintendent Ryan-Toye informed the Landmark that an Ames School student, a sibling of another student there who had tested positive the week before, had contracted the disease. The student had not attended class in person since Oct. 5. Officials on Oct. 15, informed parents in an email that a Blythe Park School student had tested positive, but that it was not believed to have been connected to any prior positive cases reported in District 96. Finally, on Oct. 19, the district reported that an employee had tested positive. The employee reportedly is not a teacher and had no close contacts with others in the district. Brookfield-LaGrange Park Elementary School District 95, meanwhile, informed families that two students at Brook Park School in LaGrange Park had tested positive in the past week. One student reportedly contracted it from a parent while the other tested positive after attending a family get-together. Jerry Nowicki of Capitol News Illinois contributed to this report.

C O R R E C T I O N

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The Landmark, October 21, 2020

Opinion KOSEY CORNER

THE LANDMARK VIEW

History says, don’t wait to vote early

arly voting in Illinois is still something of a novelty, not getting off the ground until 2006 and not really becoming a local option until Brookfield was selected as an early voting location for the 2016 presidential election. In that early voting period and, indeed, in every period where Brookfield has served as an early voting location, voter turnout follows a pattern. On the first day, there’s a burst of enthusiasm, which trails off gradually over the following week and then ramps up to much higher voter counts in the waning days of the early voting period. For example, in the 2016 presidential election, 410 people turned out to vote in Brookfield on the first day of early voting. That figure dipped below 400 for the next week, before gradually ticking up until the final days of early voting, with an average of 632 voters during the final three days. In 2018 – not a presidential year – the first-day total in Brookfield was 298 voters. But the day before Election Day in 2018, on the final day of early voting in Brookfield, 759 people cast ballots. We’re here to tell you, if you want to vote early the next few days may be your best bet not to be waiting in line for two hours or more. The physical distancing requirement resulting from the fact we’re still in the midst of a pandemic has perhaps added to the dramatic spectacle of long lines, but what we’re seeing in 2020 is something different in terms of voter turnout. On Oct. 19, the first day of early voting, according to the Cook County Clerk, 758 people cast ballots in Brookfield – one shy of the one-day record set in 2018 and nearly 350 more than cast ballots early on the first day in 2016. On Tuesday morning, even before day two began, the lines around Brookfield Village Hall were just as long as the first day. If history is any indication, toward the end of next week those lines are going to be even longer, so if you have a wish to vote early in person, you had best schedule a time in your calendar for this week. As if 2020 couldn’t get more remarkable.

Budget buster Last week, we published a story about the project to convert the building at 43 E. Quincy St. in Riverside into the new headquarters for the Riverside Department of Parks and Recreation and were somewhat astounded to report that the cost to do that had blown through the original estimate by 61 percent. Including the cost for the village to purchase the property and the revised cost of renovating it, the final tally is reaching close to $1 million, which seems a lot for a relatively modest result. That doesn’t include the cost to build out proper offices and a kitchen, elements postponed at this time to keep costs down. Of course, those will eventually get done but may not even register as a blip on the news screen. This seems like a project that could have been better planned and is cause for some concern given the village’s need to rehabilitate its other aging facilities in the future.

Changing times for Catholic parishes

t was after World War II and the western suburbs started to boom with houses and schools. Churches were being built to satisfy the needs of new residents. St. Mary Parish in Riverside included residents of North Riverside, and soon it became obvious North Riverside needed a parish of its own as Masses were being held at Komarek School. A school also was needed to alleviate the crowded classrooms at St. Mary’s. The year 1956 at St. Mary’s was the last graduating class which included students from North Riverside and that new parish, Mater Christi. The new parish under the guidance of Father A.H. Menarik grew and the classrooms numbered over 40 in each grade. Mater Christi became an active parish. The men’s group, called the Holy Name Society, still meets monthly and holds popular events, including the Turkey Shoot and the Limited Raffle. The women are active with the Women’s Guild, which also meets monthly. Back in the 1950s and 1960s, the students at the schools were taught by nuns so tuition was kept low. However, as the number of nuns became smaller over time, it was necessary to hire lay teachers, which increased the cost of running a parish school. Mater Christi School closed in 2005 after 49 years, with many students going to St.

Mary’s or St. Louise in LaGrange Park. Many priests who have served at Mater Christi went on to new assignments. Father Bob McLaughlin became pastor at Holy Name Cathedral. Monsignor Michael Boland for many years was the head of Catholic Charities in the Chicago Archdiocese. Father Jerry Listecki is now archbishop of Milwaukee. Other priests who served at Mater Christi who became bishops are Father Jeffrey Grob and Father Lou Tylka. Pretty impressive, must be a good training ground. The strong spirit still exists in both parishes, but now it’s inevitable as part of the archdiocese’s Renew My Church initiative, that change is coming. The two parishes could once again become one. It will be interesting to see how it all works out early next year. Voting reminder: You can still mail in your ballot or early vote. I strongly recommend either of these methods for easier voting. Just vote. If you have not registered, you can do it at the early polling place. As the saying goes, “If you don’t vote you can’t complain.” Early voting is held in Brookfield and Lyons at their village halls. Parking is good and the buildings are handicapped-accessible.

JOANNE KOSEY

LETTERS

Testing essential for in-person learning I was disheartened to read your article about the RBHS hybrid learning system that is about to begin “RBHS previews hybrid plan in advance of rollout,” News, Oct. 14. As a former RBHS teacher of almost four decades, I can understand the frustration of remote learning. I cannot imagine the difficulty teachers must be having trying to motivate teenagers via online methods, but isn’t the health of students, staff and RB families more important? Teens do not stay away from each other outside of the classroom. New Trier High School and the Glenbrook high schools have already had COVID outbreaks and had to return to remote learning. Infections and positivity rates are not going down. The weather is getting cooler and more indoor gatherings are certain to take place. Maybe RBHS can take a hint from its feeder district, District 96, which will be conducting rapid saliva testing to whomever wants it. Testing all who enter is the only way to keep everyone safe. I hope the school board and administration will tie massive testing to any in-person learning.

Jan Goldberg Riverside

Celebrating two people who have left us My late mother used to tell me that there are only two certainties in life: death and taxes. She was most likely right. Taxes bring great frustration, and death, especially the passing of people that have impacted your life, brings great sadness. I hope we all look beyond that sadness and reflect on how people really influenced us and embrace their memory and celebrate it. I try to do so all the time. A member of American Legion Post #488 passed away recently. Raymond F. O’Donnell Jr. was a longtime resident of Riverside, but, more importantly, he was our post’s former sergeantat-arms. Raymond was the model of loyalty: he would always show up for meetings. I celebrate Ray for being there, being there, and being See LETTERS on page 15

The Landmark, October 21, 2020

Assessment errors lead to extra tax-appeal period

s a result of errors For homes and condominiin the assessment ums, the plan was to issue a process related to the COVID factor that would reduce coronavirus pandemtheir assessed values by 8 to 12 ic, taxpayers in Oak percent, with the precise reducPark, River Forest and Riverside tion depending on the estimated Townships will have an extra increase in unemployment in a opportunity to file property tax particular neighborhood. appeals this year. Since property owners in In an ordinary year, local the three townships received taxpayers have two main opreassessment notices before the portunities to file appeals -- first pandemic, their appeals would with the Cook County Assesfirst be processed using normal sor’s Office, and then with the criteria, after which the COVID Cook County Board of Review. factor would be applied. Oak Park This year is different, however, Township Assessor Why were there 5,000 erbecause the county assessor’s office made more than 5,000 misrors? takes in processing appeals for the three The assessor’s office did not apply the COtownships. VID factor uniformly. Most properties got These errors, which impact 17 percent of the full COVID reduction, but those that Oak Park properties, 23 percent of River filed successful appeals typically received Forest properties, and 12 percent of Riveronly partial COVID reductions. The corside properties, did not come to light until rections will apply full COVID reductions after the Board of Review’s filing deadline. to the properties that received partial To address this problem, the Cook County reductions. Assessor’s Office first corrected the misIf my COVID reduction factor is 8-12 taken assessments, after which the Board percent, does that mean my taxes will of Review reopened an appeal period for fall by 8-12 percent? all property owners in the three townships. No! Property taxes are driven by the tax The new appeal deadline is Nov. 1. levies of school districts, municipalities, and other taxing districts, and neither the Background Cook County Assessor nor the Board of ReIn February, the county assessor’s office view has the power to reduce those levies. sent reassessment notices to the three The authority of these agencies is instead townships. The mailing of these notices limited to determining the correct value of kicked off an appeal period in which propproperties, which ultimately determines erty owners could appeal the new proposed their share of government tax levies. assessments. If an individual property’s assessment When pandemic-related shutdowns began fell by 8 to 12 percent in an ordinary year, in March, unemployment started rising. the resulting tax reduction would be The county assessor’s office assumed this would lead to significant declines in proper- similar to the assessment reduction. The tax reduction would be offset by a slightly ty values, as happened in the 2008 housing higher property tax rate on all properties crisis, and decided to reduce the value of all residential properties and most business in the community, which would ensure that local governments receive all the revenue properties in Cook County.

ALI ELSAFFAR

they are entitled to. Across-the-board COVID reductions, however, will have a much greater impact on tax rates than an individual assessment reduction. Indeed, the COVID reduction will cause tax rates to rise by about as much as assessed values fall (although rates will also be impacted by other factors). The result will be little or no savings for most taxpayers due to the COVID reductions. To get tax savings this year, assessed values generally have to fall by more than the 8-12 percent COVID reductions. But when the county assessor mistakenly gave smaller COVID reductions to taxpayers who filed successful appeals, it appeared that property owners who proved they deserved tax relief would not get it. To counteract this, the 5,000 corrections were made. What if I already filed an appeal with the Board of Review? Appeals previously filed with the Board of Review will be processed, so it will not be necessary to refile your appeal. But it will be possible to submit supplemental evidence if you receive a corrected assessment from the county assessor. The real estate market seems to be doing well despite the pandemic. Why were assessments reduced? Ordinarily, assessors observe the real estate market and attempt to align assessments to the market. The Cook County Assessor’s Office, however, did not follow this practice when determining COVID reduction factors. Instead, the county assessor’s office assumed that virtually all property values would fall during the pandemic. Market data, however, indicates that the office’s assumptions about home values were wrong. Thus far in the pandemic, these values have mostly been stable in the three townships and elsewhere.

Riverside Township assessor can assist Riverside Township property owners who would like to file an assessment appeal during the special period through Nov. 1 can be assisted by staff at the Riverside Township Assessor’s Office, 27 Riverside Road in Riverside. While the office can accept walk-in requests on a limited basis, calling or emailing to make an appointment is preferred. Face coverings are required for anyone entering the building. Call 708-447-7700 or email to assessor@riversidetownship.org.

What impact will all this have on the property tax system? There is a good chance that second installment tax bills next year will be late. Second installment bills cannot be issued until the Board of Review resolves every appeal in Cook County, and the significant delays in processing appeals in the three townships and elsewhere will make it difficult for the board to finish its work on time. In addition, the fact that the market did not decline in the manner anticipated by the COVID reductions undermines tax fairness. A fair tax system requires that properties with higher market values pay a greater share of the tax burden, and properties with lower values pay smaller shares. But the large number of belowmarket valuations brought about by COVID reductions has clouded the standard for determining fair assessments. Ali ElSaffar is Oak Park Township assessor and president of the Cook County Township Assessors Association.

LETTERS Continued from page 14 there, when often others were not. A few years ago, he stopped showing up. We all got worried and, with the help of Police Chief Tom Weitzel, we found out that he was living at the Scottish Home (sorry, I am not good with name changes). I visited him and made sure he received his American Legion cap (all members get their cap from the post free of charge). I paid his dues from that point on so he never had to worry about them. It was the least I could do for him. I celebrate Ray for being a veteran, for being proud of his service, and for just being a solid person. We often had to repeat things for him at meetings because he did not always hear what was said, but he always understand

what the post was trying to do. Post #488 and Sons of the American Legion Squadron #488 proudly salute Ray and his family. He will be missed but never forgotten. Kathleen “Kay” Subaitis also passed away recently. I need to also celebrate her publicly as she was the secretary to the principal when I was a student decades ago at Blythe Park School. Ms. Subaitis was always so warm and kind to me when I entered the principal’s office area. I was frankly scared to enter that area, but that was where the school store was then located. When I needed a pencil or an eraser, I had no option but to enter the area. It was also the location for the mimeograph machine (I remember the smell of that ink like it was yesterday) and often I was re-

sponsible for picking up copies of things for a teacher. Ms. Subaitis made it her mission to teach me to remember my home telephone number. Math has and will never be my favorite subject, and I simply cannot remember numbers. Ms. Subaitis taught me how to remember that telephone number for my old house at 563 Selbourne Road: (312) 4472951. A (312) area code for Riverside – wow, that is a long time ago! It is still one of the few telephone numbers I can remember. I celebrate Ms. Subaitis for never giving up on me. I saw her a few years ago at a North Riverside Library fundraising event. I reminded her of her phone number efforts with me. She smiled and gave me a hug. She will be missed. I will never forget her nor my old telephone number.

Remember to celebrate the lives of those that have passed. Remember to also celebrate the lives of those that are present. Love one another like there is no tomorrow, because one never knows how many more tomorrows there will be in the future.

Joseph Baar Topinka Riverside

Send letters to the Editor Bob Uphues, Riverside-Brookfield Landmark 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 include name, address and daytime phone number for verification

The Landmark, October 21, 2020

OBITUARIES

VILLAGE OF STICKNEY

ANNUAL TREASURER’S REPORT FOR PERIOD ENDING 04/30/2020 REVENUE SUMMARY Property Tax $3,277,884.74; Personal Property Replacement Tax $142,388.57; State Income Tax $667,640.03; Local Use Tax $237,462.17; Cannabis Tax $1,677.89; State Sales Tax $458,219.47; Home Rule Sales Tax $289,979.42; Road & Bridge Tax $24,702.31; Municipal Utility Tax - Electric $298,204.21; Municipal Utility Tax - Gas $467,757.26; Video Gaming Tax $75,347.62; Real Estate Transfer Tax $136,315.00; Real Estate Exempt Fees $2,915.00; Entertainment Tax $378.00; Garbage Fees $312,249.06; Police Fines $543,769.32; Licenses - Business $72,156.50; Licenses - Liquor $9,750.00; Licenses - Cigarettes $150.00; Licenses - Tanks $20,715.00; Licenses - Auto $69,895.00; Licenses - Trucks $18,142.50; Licenses - Animal $3,040.00; Licenses - Amusement $36,150.00; Licenses - Motorcycles $240.00; Permits - Building $105,075.00; Inspection Fees $17,210.00; Local Gas Tax $139,048.92; Semi-Trailer Storage Tax $9,919.00; Miscellaneous $85,821.20; Utility Tax Telephone $90,407.24; Franchise Tax $66,226.93; Special Events Income $28,391.10; Park and Recreation $13,767.24; Ambulance Fees $119,068.50; Reimbursements $20,000.00; Tower Lease $171,298.08; Interest $38,607.28; Grants $38,092.34; Motor Fuel Tax $250,414.64; Water Sales $3,658,754.40; Recycling $1,125.00. Total Revenues $12,019,961.94. EXPENDITURE SUMMARY 5 Alarm $2,741.00; A&F Sewer $107,052.00; Abila $11,607.75; Abra Auto Body Repair $3,075.38; ADP $6,061.46; Air One Equipment, Inc. $ 17,215.60; Airgas USA, LLC $6,779.41; Airy’s, Inc. $8,850.51; Alan Brinker $3,750.00; Alan Kulaga $3,750.00; Alexander Chemical Corporation $3,081.45; Alfred G. Ronan, Ltd. $9,000.00; Altorfer Industries, Inc. $4,292.80; Amalgamated Bank of Chicago $213,652.77; American Solutions for Business $2,509.86; AMJ Spectacular Events $3,570.00; Ampstun Corporation $25,310.00; Anthony A. Rainiero $10,000.00; Anthony T. Bertuca $7,500.00; Autotime $9,984.54; B and B Maintenance, Inc. $7,055.06; Bell Fuels, Inc. $88,514.26; Berglund Construction Company $19,181.24; Best Buy Automotive Equipment $4,650.00; Bluders Tree Service $56,825.00; Blue Cross Blue Shield $512,523.90; Bonnell Industries, Inc. $7,450.00; Bryan Davids Landscaping $14,860.00; Call One $86,789.27; Capers $5,000.00; Cargill Salt Road Safety $26,744.99; Cassidy Tires & Service $8,619.27; Castle Party Rental $3,140.70; CDW Government $18,959.80; Cedar Path Nurseries, LLC $7,209.00; Central Management Services $135,965.00; Cintas $15,990.26; Citizens Bank $31,731.26; City of Chicago $1,950,478.99; Clean Air Concepts $33,046.00; Comcast $25,241.57; ComEd $79,624.27; Computer Information Systems, Inc. $27,768.00; Corneliu Covaliu $4,120.00; Costco Citicard $5,240.49; Cpurx, Inc. $36,382.17; Cummins $ 3,615.54; Currie Commercial Center $55,750.00; Dearborn National $10,565.70; Del Galdo Law Group, LLC $176,034.08; Dell Marketing, L.P. $24,882.95; Diamond Graphics, Inc. $12,210.50; Digital Assurance Certification $3,000.00; DTTC $739,728.92; Eckert Enterprises, Inc. $25,504.10; EJ USA, Inc. $8,961.00; Emcor Services $15,208.79; Emergency Medical Products $2,905.88; Ferguson Waterworks $31,819.85; Frederick Kuchta $5,360.00; GW & Associates, PC $67,100.00; Hall Signs, Inc. $9,391.09; Health Endeavors, SC $12,937.00; IDES $9,948.10; IMRF $181,564.96; Intergovernmental Risk Management Agency $131,448.16; IRS $210,472.21: Johnson Controls Security Solutions $27,000.55; Kane, McKenna and Associates, Inc. $4,443.75; Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. $3,535.67; Lehigh Hanson $8,116.24; Lexipol, LLC $14,915.00; Lindahl Brothers, Inc. $141,345.17; Lyons Pinner Electric Co. $6,824.79; M&J Asphalt Paving Co. $63,942.25; Martin Implement Sales, Inc. $8,526.31; Maurice Moore Memorials $3,435.00; Medical Reimbursement Services $10,538.84; Meggitt Training Systems, Inc. $4,370.55; Menards $10,735.25; Metropolitan Industries, Inc. $4,295.10; Minuteman Press of Lyons $6,030.77; Monroe Truck Equipment, Inc. $7,163.18; MPC Communications & Lighting, Inc. $17,088.00; Municipal Code Corporation $5,255.05; Municipal Emergency Services $9,862.49; Municipal Web Services $9,690.00; National Power Rodding $3,593.75; Nicor Gas $3,801.01; Novotny Engineering $93,397.66; Omega III, LLC $24,650.00; Onsolve, LLC $4,990.00; O’Reilly First Call $11,273.40; Ozinga Ready Mix Concrete, Inc. $6,379.39; Quadient Finance USA, Inc. $4,805.85; Police Pension Fund $1,330,969.53; Ray O’Herron Co., Inc. $7,708.07; Razbit, Inc. $3,120.00; Regional Truck Equipment Co., Inc. $20,369.00; RescueDirect, Inc. $2,736.50; Riccio Construction Corp. $45,358.84; Robert R. Andreas & Sons, Inc $48,940.34; Robert Senese $3,750.00; Scot Decal Company, Inc. $3,846.04; Scott Urbanski $7,425.00; Sealmaster $8,108.44; SF Mobile-Vision, Inc. $7,539.00; Solar Traffic Systems, Inc. $3,880.00; SSA, LLC $6,480.00; Standard Equipment Company $64,205.51; Staples Business Credit $16,887.67; Suburban Fence, Inc. $4,526.00; Sutton Ford $40,261.00; Target Solutions $4,978.50; The Eagle Uniform Co. $3,961.75; Town of Cicero $126,666.00; Twin Supplies, Ltd. $12,220.00; Underground Pipe & Valve, Co. $2,884.00; United States Postal Service $4,762.11; US Bank $2,914.66; Verizon $20,929.72; Waste Management $336,577.02; Webmarc Doors $7,464.24; West Central Municipal Conference $12,941.07; Westfield Ford, Inc. $3,974.33; Widaman Sign $3,605.00; Yuritzy RC Landscaping, Inc. $8,425.00; Expense Disbursements Under 2,500.00 $173,560.88; Total $8,206,135.00. PAYROLL EXPENDITURES UNDER 25,000 Babiarz, Kimberlie A.; Babinec, John; Bartunek, Edward; Becerra, Brigida; Boyajian, Joshua; Branch Jr., Anthony J.; Briggs, Samantha; Brniak, Jacob; Brniak, Ronald; Bruscato, Linda; Caifa, Laura; Carlson, Mark; Casillas, Alejandro; Cass, Todd; Castaneda, Marcela; Chervinko, Keith; Cortez, Danny; Cortez, Jorge; Delgado, John; Dowling, Walter J.; Dzolic, Goran; Farias, Miguel; Fowler, John; Foytik, Richard V.; Geber, Karen; Gesiorski, David; Gilpin, John; Gomez, Luis; Gonzalez, Johnny; Gorski, Michael; Granados, John; Hernandez, Stephanie; Hozzian, John; Hrejsa, Mary; Hunt, Andrew; Johnson, Mark; Kapolnek, Martin J.; Kapolnek, Timothy; Kelm, Nicholas; Kerbs, Donald; Klouda, Brian; Kozubowski, Craig; Lacey, Lillian R.; Maldonado, Franklin; McAdams, Audrey; McCain, Steve; McGee, Austin; Melendez, Nicholas P.; Milenkovic, Mitchell; Miller, Heather A.; Nieto, Roberto; O’Flaherty, Cian; O’Hagan, Harry J.; Olson, David J.; Ortiz, Michael R.; Overton, Wade; Parks, Michael; Posner, Justin; Ramirez, Christian; Rialmo, Joseph M.; Rivera, Julio M.; Rivette, Brandon; Rodriguez, Samuel; Rousseav, Joshua D.; Savopoulos, Sam; Savopoulos, Vasilios S.; Sobota, Eduard; Swasko, Brandon D.; Szocs, Ovidiu; Terrazas, Maribel; Thompson, Brianna M.; Tomaino, Barbara; Torres, Leandra; Walik, Robert; Weber, Michael; White, Daniel; White, Jeffery; Wokowicz, Michael; Zaragoza-Rodriguez, Edgar; Zolo, Hrvoje.; Zuniga, Sergio. 25,000-49,999 Aguinaga, Hugo; Anderson, Jacob; Bessette, Richard; Brniak, Joshua; Callahan, Michael; Lozada, Victoria M.; Lukas, Elizabeth; Martinez, Angel A.; Mercado, Carolina; Noonan, Trevor A.; Nosek, Paul; O’Dowd, Jon; Shifflet, Cassandra; Smith, Robert D.; Soraghan, Matthew D.; Sticha, William F.; Terrazas, Arturo; Walik, Jeffery. 50,000-74,999 Acosta, Andrea; Bessette, Sandra; Davids, Steven; Gesiorski, David; Harris, Eric; Kozelka, Kevin; Medina, Maria G.; Pregara, Darlene; Proctor, Patrick; Santos, Roberto; Silvera, Omari. 75,000-99,999 Babich, Daniel; Coulom, Caleb; Dooley, William; Eiler, Rebecca, Lynn; Ramski, William. 100,000-124,999 Boyajian, Jeffery; Cecconi, Michael; Czech, Douglas; Figueroa, Frank; Flanagan Jr., John; Garcia, Pedro; Guzman, Maria; Iovino, Dominick; Jaczak, Richard; Kozelka, Mark; Lochridge, Collin; Lopez, Joe; McDonald, Ashley; McGuire, Kevin; Merrill, William; Wyant, Robert. 125,000-149,999 Alonzo, Sam; Cruz, Ortiz. Total Payroll Expenditures: $4,439,645.68.

Dorothy Kalous, 81 Retired executive secretary Dorothy Kalous (nee Robinson), 81, of Riverside, died Oct. 14, 2020. Ms. Kalous was a retired executive secretary with Reynolds Metals and she enjoyed traveling, art, making jewelry and bird watching. DOROTHY KALOUS She was an avid bridge player and a supporter of Brookfield Zoo and Society of the Little Flower. She was the wife of the late James A.; the sister of the late Marilyn (late Charles) Rener; and the aunt of Charles and Mike (Cecily) Rener, Judith (Mark) Daubenberger and Timothy Rener. Visitation will be on Thursday, Oct. 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 23 from 9 to 9:30 a.m. at Ivins/Moravecek Funeral Home 80 E. Burlington St., Riverside. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Oct. 23 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Church in Riverside. The Mas will be livestreamed at stmaryriverside.org (click Pastoral Care then Funeral Arrangements). Interment is at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations are appreciated to Brookfield Zoo at CZS.org and Society of the Little Flower at littleflower.org.

Evita Otalora, 89 Brookfield homemaker Evita Otalora (nee Puerto), 89, of Brookfield, died Oct. 9, 2020 in Brookfield. Ms. Otalora, who was born Feb. 19, 1931 in Bogota, Colombia, was a homemaker. She was the wife of the late John OtalEVITA OTALORA ora; the mother of Blanca Otalora (Antonio Rocha), Martha Valle (Raziel Valle)

and Amparo Castro (Jose Castro); the grandmother of Mauricio Rocha, Johanna Rocha, Yessenia Castro, Carlos Castro, Andrea Valle; the great-grandmother of Lina Maria Maldonado, Laura Sofia Rocha, Juan Felipe Rocha, David Santiago Martinez, Adriana Caballero, Eva Hernandez and Emilio Castro; the sister of Isabel Rosales, Rosario Puerto, Berenice Martinez and Josefa Camacho; and the aunt of Gladys, Nestor, Henry, Eduardo, Juan Alberto, Fernando, Arturo, Sigfried, Ingrid, Jesus Antonio, Corina, Jose Antonio, Carlos and Adalgiza. Services have been held. Cremation was private. Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements. Online condolences may be offered to the family at johnsonnosek.com.

Maryann Sheehy, 86 Retired nurse Maryann Sheehy (nee Volland), 86, of LaGrange Park and formerly of Garfield Ridge, died Oct. 13, 2020. Ms. Sheehy was a retired nurse. She was the wife of the late John Sheehy; the mother of Mark (Jill McMARYANN SHEEHY Gowan) Sheehy, Glenn (Raymond Rodriguez) Sheehy and Christopher (Tyna Lewandowski) Sheehy; the sister of the late John (Gigi) Volland and Judy (the late Jim) Wiggins; and the aunt of Angela Love and many other nieces and nephews. A funeral Mass was celebrated Oct. 17 at St. Faustina Kowalska Parish (St. Jane de Chantal Church) in Chicago. Entombment was at Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. Memorials are appreciated to the Greater Chicago Food Depositor, 4100 W. Ann Lurie Place, Chicago, 60632. Hitzeman Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements. You can express condolences online at HitzemanFuneral.com or send sympathy cards to the family by mailing to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 31st St., Brookfield, 60513, c/o the Maryann Sheehy family.

Summary Statement of Condition

Fund

Beginning Fund Balance

Revenues

Other Financing Expenditures

Other Financing Sources

Ending Fund Uses

Balance

General Fund

1,410,305

7,196,501

7,713,940

892,866

Water Fund

4,638,145

3,677,594

3,316,902

19,170

5,018,007

Motor Fuel Tax Fund

750,925

267,016

262,016

765,321

Debt Service Fund

597,404

835,687

955,882

477,209

Capital Projects Fund

(88,862)

43,163

277,838

(323,537)

911 Fund

9,170

Police Seizure Fund

9,322

Police Revenue Fund

4,630

I, David A. Gonzalez, Finance Director of the Village of Stickney, Cook County, Illinois, do hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the Annual Treasurer’s Report for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2020.

To run an obituary Please contact Bob Uphues by e-mail: buphues@rblandmark.com, or fax: 708/524-9066 before Monday at noon. Please include a photo if possible.

The Landmark, October 21, 2020

RBLANDMARK.COM New local ads this week

YOUR WEEKLY AD

REACHES SIX SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES: OAK PARK, RIVER FOREST, FOREST PARK, BROOKFIELD, RIVERSIDE, NORTH RIVERSIDE, AND PARTS OF CHICAGO

WEDNESDAY

CLASSIFIED

HOURS: 9:00 A.M.â€“ 5:00 P.M. MONâ€“FRI

Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

Please Check Your Ad: The publisher will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion. Wednesday Journal Classified must be notified before the second insertion. The newspaper reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement.

Place your ad online anytime at: www.RBLandmark.com/ClassiďŹ ed/

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 | BY E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@RBLANDMARK.COM ANNOUNCEMENTS

HELP WANTED

ONLINE ORIENTATION FOR PERSONAL ASSISTANTS Become a Personal Assistant and support people with disabilities. Progress Center is offering free, online personal assistant orientations throughout the month of October. Orientation dates include October 17, October 24 (Spanish Language), October 25, and October 30. After completing the orientation, you will be eligible to work with people with disabilities at $13.48 an hour. For more information, contact Rhychell at rbarnes@progresscil.org

ELECTRICIANâ€™S HELPER PART-TIME Part-time Electricianâ€™s Helper. Must have own transportation. Call for more info. 708-738-3848

HELP WANTED BILINGUAL CCP SUPERVISOR Sahara Homecare is hiring a Bilingual CCP Supervisor for the Melrose Park location. We provide homecare services to seniors through the state-funded Community Care Program. Duties for the position include managing both homecare aides and client cases. Requirements -Able to communicate in both Spanish and English -Minimum High School Diploma -Familiarity with Microsoft OfďŹ ce including Excel -Strong written and verbal communication skills Please send your resume to Human Resources Coordinator Habeeba Nazneen at: habeeban@saharahomecare.com. For more information on job opportunities, please visit https://saharahomecare.com.

HAPPY KIDDâ€™S WEST INC. 6928 W 16th St Berwyn, IL 60513 We are seeking a Director and 2 teachers. Director must be qualiďŹ ed and have Associateâ€™s degree or equivalent. Teachers must be director or teacher qualiďŹ ed. Mon thru Fri. working with Infants to 6 yrs old. Compensable salary negotiable based on experience. Call 773-619-5545 or fax resume to 773-728-5437. TEACHER AND TEACHER AIDE MINI ME BUNCH seeks teacher and teacher aide to enhance and expand daycare serving children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Teacher must have at least Associatesâ€™ degree in Early Childhood Education. Minimum 1 year experience preferred in each position. Must love children and be outgoing, patient, ďŹ‚exible. Contact 773-521-9499.

Selling your home By Owner? Advertise here! Call 708-613-3342.

River Forest Public Schools District 90 is seeking a Permanent Traveling Substitute Teacher for Willard and Lincoln elementary schools Qualifications: a) Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with Elementary Grade School Endorsement b) Successful teaching experience preferred Job Duties: The traveling elementary substitute teacher will be assigned to classes at the elementary schools on a daily basis, as needed. Apply online at district90.org River Forest Public Schools District 90 is seeking a Long-Term Substitute PE Teacher (November 30, 2020 â€“ March 19, 2021) Qualifications: a) Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with Grade-Appropriate Physical Education Endorsement b) Successful teaching experience in physical education preferred c) A Masterâ€™s Degree is preferred Job Duties: Physical Education Teacher will instruct a class in physical education in elementary grades and work cooperatively with other classroom teachers and support area staff. The teacher will be responsible for supervising and managing the class, effectively teaching the curriculum to meet individual needs of children. Apply online at district90.org River Forest Public Schools District 90 has vacancies for Teacher Aides at Lincoln Elementary and Roosevelt Middle schools. Qualifications: a) Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with Endorsements; or Educator License with Stipulations with a Paraprofessional Endorsement. b) Successful instructional assistant experience is preferred in regular education or special education. Job Duties: The instructional assistant in Special Education will work with both general education and special education staff members to support learning for identified child(ren) with special needs. Responsibilities include instructing students in small groups and one-on-one settings. This will also encompass helping students to develop positive interpersonal relationships with peers and adults: utilizing and modeling school behavior management programs: and assist in communications between students, teachers and parents as requested. Apply online at district90.org

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SUBURBAN RENTALS

M&M

property management, inc.

708-386-7355 â€˘ www.mmpropmgt.com 649 Madison Street, Oak Park Contact us for a complete list of available rentals throughout Oak Park and Forest Park.

Apartment listings updated daily at:

Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am â€“ 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue. Or call us toll free at 1-833-440-0665 for an appointment.

SUBURBAN RENTALS

COMMERCIAL/ RETAIL SPACE

FOREST PARK 3BR Jackson Blvd, 3 BR apt., 2nd ďŹ‚oor w/dining room and breakfast nook. New kitchen w/granite & stainless, new bath, central air, free laundry. 2 blocks to blue line, 2 blocks to Madison Street. 1700 + deposit & credit check required. Garage available. 312-802-8291

A RETAIL SPACE FOR LEASE IN A 6-SPACE SHOPPING CENTER: 1600 Sq Ft. â€˘ 321-B S. Harlem Ave./Madison St. area â€“ Forest Park, IL. â€˘ Very Good Condition â€“ Recently Updated. â€˘ Heavy foot/road trafďŹ c area. â€˘ End space. 45-Space Parking Lot! â€˘ For more details: Serious Inquiries ONLY: CALL/TEXT, at: Or: D.B. (708)828-6491

OAK PARK 2BR 2BA CONDO Condo for rent on a great location near downtown oak park: 2 bedroom 2 bath condo, only electric bill not included. $1600 a month, $1600 deposit. For more information please call 224-475-7929. OAK PARK: ROOSEVELT/ OAK PARK AVE. CORRIDOR 2BR 4RMS close to blue line. On site laundry, parking, heat & water incl. $1200/ month 708-383-9223

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT RIVER FORESTâ€“7777 Lake St. *1116 sq. ft. suite *569 sq. ft. with patio OAK PARKâ€“1053 Lake St. *Entire 3rd Floor, 1275 sq. ft. OAK PARKâ€“ 6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. *3 and 5 room office suites Strand& & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011 ď ? ď ? ď ? ď ? ď ? ď ? ď ? ď ? ď ?

ITEMS FOR SALE BENCH PRESS WITH WEIGHTS Set includes (9) 5 lb weights; (7) 10 lb weights; (4) 3 lb weights together with poles. $79.00 708-488-8755 COLLECTION ITEM LLADRO STUDIOS About 30 years old. Madonna and Child by Martinez. No. 11. Inscribed in sculpture. Brown porcelain, approx. 2 ft tall. $651.00 708-488-8755 ITEMS FOR SALE CHERRY WOOD CHAIRS Two beautiful cherry wood chairs with leather seats. $60.00 each. FAN $20.00 AUDIX SPEAKERS Two new Audix speakers. $60.00 each. Call Nell 708-383-7892 SMALL METAL FILE CABINET 13â€?W x 30â€?H x 10â€?D. 6 skinny drawers. 708-488-8755

GARAGE/YARD SALES Oak Park

GLASS & HOLIDAY ART SALEÂ 329 S CUYLER AVE SAT 10/24 10AM TO 2PM

Many pieces of beautiful recycled glass garden art, great for Holiday gifts. Handmade cards and Christmas ornaments, set of dishes, storage cabinet, childrenâ€™s bikes and lots, lots more. Masks and social distancing please.

TO BE GIVEN AWAY LEATHER ROCKER/RECLINER Like New, Dark Brown Leather Rocker/Recliner Chair 35â€? wide Interested? Pls call 708.771.9310. No Charge

WANTED TO BUY WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, ďŹ‚ags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers â€“ lead, plastic â€“ other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

NOVENAS PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (NEVER KNOWN TO FAIL) Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me, herein you are my mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth. I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to suc cor in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein you are my mother. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and publish; your request will be granted. R.B. PRAYER TO ST. JUDE May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, gloriďŹ ed, loved & preserved throughout the world now & forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude helper of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days. By the 8th day your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail .Publication must be promised. Thank you Jesus. Thank You St . Jude. R.B. NEVER FAIL NOVENA May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, adored and gloriďŹ ed throughout the world, now and for-ever. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I put my trust in you. Holy Mary Mother of Jesus, pray for me. St. Theresa child of Jesus, pray for me. St. Jude, helper of hopeless causes, pray for me and grant this favor I ask. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days .R.B

CEMENT

MAGANA

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ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed

ELECTRICAL

A&A ELECTRIC

Let an American Veteran do your work

We install plugs for battery-operated vehicles We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs We install Surge Protectors â€˘ Home Re-wiring â€˘ New Plugs & Switches Added â€˘ New circuit breaker boxes â€˘ Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp â€˘ Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential â€˘ Commercial â€˘ Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. â€˘ Bonded â€˘ Ins. â€˘ Low Rates â€˘ Free Est.

708-409-0988 â€˘ 708-738-3848 Sr. Discounts â€˘ 30 Yrs. Exp. Servicing Oak Park â€˘ All surrounding suburbs â€˘ Chicago area

FIREWOOD

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Credit Cards Accepted

FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.

New hardwood ďŹ‚ooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-ďŹ nishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com

GARAGE DOORS Our 73rd Year

Garage Doors &

Smart Door Openers

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Attention! Home-improvement pros! Reach the people making decisions - your target demographic. Advertise in Wednesday ClassiďŹ ed. Call 708/613-3342

The Landmark, October 21, 2020

RBLANDMARK.COM

CLASSIFIED HANDYMAN

PLASTERING

Mike’s Home Repair

McNulty Plastering & Stucco Co.

Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Don’t Do

708-296-2060

CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE Drywall Repair • Painting Fans Installed • Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning • Window Repair

FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small

708-488-9411

HANDYMAN

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PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of HEIDI RUTH RUEHLE-MAY Case Number 20204004288

Roofing Repairs Concrete Repairs • Drywall All types of handiwork Call For Free Estimates

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: HEIDI RUTH RUEHLE-MAY to the new name of: HEIDI RUTH RUEHLE

Ask for John

The court date will be held: On 12/01/2020 at 9:30 a.m. at 1500 Maybrook Avenue, Maywood, Cook County Illinois in Courtroom # 112.

773-637-0692

HAULING BASEMENT CLEANING

Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery. 708-848-9404

HEATING/ AIR CONDITIONING HEATING AND APPLIANCE EXPERT Furnaces, Boilers and Space Heaters Refrigerators Ranges • Ovens Washer • Dryers Rodding Sewers Lic/Bonded 25 yrs experience

FREE SERVICE CALL WITH REPAIR AND SENIOR/VETERAN DISCOUNT.

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LANDSCAPING

Secret Gardener

The

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PAINTING & DECORATING CLASSIC PAINTING Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair Low Cost

708.749.0011

Published in Wednesday Journal 10/7, 10/14, 10/21/2020

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certiﬁcation was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y20004736 on October 6, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of MARISSA KELLEY VIRTUAL ASSISTANT with the business located at: 1410 N 12TH AVE APT 2, MELROSE PARK, IL 60160. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: MARISSA MARIAH KELLEY 1410 N 12TH AVE APT 2, MELROSE PARK, IL 606160, USA Published in Forest Park Review 10/21, 10/28, 11/4/2020

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certiﬁcation was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y20004905 on October 14, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of VONLONGMIRE with the business located at: 1639 N. LOREL AVE., CHICAGO, IL 60639. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: DAVONTE LONGMIRE 1639 N. LOREL AVE. CHICAGO, IL 60639, USA. Published in Wednesday Journal 10/21, 10/28, 11/4/2020

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certiﬁcation was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y20004886 on October 14, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of ETEACH UEXCEL with the business located at: 2027 S. 17TH AVE. APT. 5, BROADVIEW, IL 60155. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: CHERIAMOR HOUSTON 2027 S. 17TH AVE. APT. 5, BROADVIEW, IL 60155, USA.

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PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS The Village of Riverside seeks Letters of Interest and Qualification Statement submittals in response to a Request for Qualifications from qualified, licensed professional engineers and engineering firms for the performance of general civil engineering consulting services, to act as the Village Engineer and to assist Village staff in reviewing development applications and construction plans for compliance with Village and MWRD standards. The Village will follow the Qualifications Based Evaluation and Selection (“QBES”) process set forth in the Local Government Professional Services Selection Act (50 ILCS 510.01 et seq.) in order to select one or more of the successful respondents to perform the foregoing services on an “as-needed” basis. Qualification Statements shall be sent directly to the Village Manager’s Office at 27 Riverside Rd., Riverside, IL 60546 and must be received no later than 4:00 PM (CST) on Wednesday, November 18, 2020. Proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope and marked in the lower left hand corner: REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS VILLAGE ENGINEERING SERVICES Please be at advised that the on-going public health emergency may necessitate changes to Village operating hours or physical access to Village offices; please monitor the Village’s website for any changes or updates related to such hours and access. Prospective bidders may obtain the Request for Qualifications Specifications at the Village’s website www. riverside.il.us or by contacting the Community Development Department, weekdays, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at 708-447-2700. Published by Authority of the Village of Riverside, Illinois Community Development Department Published in RB Lalndmark 10/21/2020

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Written Proposals for Architect Services for the River Forest Park District’s 2020 Platform Tennis Expansion Feasibility Study shall be received until the end of business day, November 5, 2020, emailed to msletten@rfparks.com. Beginning October 16, 2020, proposal information may be obtained electronically from the River Forest Park District website at www.rfparks. com. The Board of Commissioners of the River Forest Park District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive any technicalities or formalities which it deems to be in the best interest of the District. Any questions regarding this bid should be directed to Michael Sletten, Executive Director, at (708) 366-6660.

PUBLIC NOTICES

VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS NOTICE TO BIDDERS AND INVITATION FOR BIDS FOR CUSTODIAL SERVICES FOR THE VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS ISSUED: October 21, 2020 BIDS DUE: 11:00 O’CLOCK A.M. CENTRAL DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME Thursday, November 5, 2020 VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS 8820 BROOKFIELD AVENUE BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS 60513 NOTICE TO BIDDERS AND INVITATION FOR BIDS FOR CUSTODIAL SERVICES FOR THE VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS RECEIPT OF BIDS The Village of Brookfield, Illinois, will receive sealed bids for custodial services to commence January 1, 2021, and ending December 31, 2021, with the option of renewal of the custodial services agreement for each of the subsequent two calendar years subject to an annual review by the Village’s Board of Trustees. The sealed bids will be received at the Village Manager’s office at the Brookfield Village Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513, until 11:00 o’clock a.m. Central Daylight Savings Time on Thursday, November 5, 2020 immediately after which time bids will be opened and publicly read aloud. Any bid unsealed or received after the deadline for submitting bids will not be accepted. Bids must be submitted on the forms provided. Submission of a bid shall be conclusive assurance and warranty that the proposer has examined the proposed work and understands all of the requirements for performance of the work. The proposer will be responsible for all errors in its bid resulting from failure or neglect to conduct an in-depth examination. Sealed envelopes or packages containing a bid shall be addressed to Mr. George Issakoo, Assistant Village Manager and plainly marked “BID FOR CUSTODIAL SERVICES FOR THE VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS” on the outside of the envelope. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from the Office of the Village Manager at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513. No bidding documents will be issued after 4:30 P.M. on Thursday, October 29, 2020. Any questions must be made in writing and shall be addressed to Mr. George Issakoo, Assistant Village Manager, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513 or electronically mailed to the Assistant Village Manager at gissakoo@brookfieldil.gov. The written questions, along with the Village’s responses, shall be circulated to all known prospective proposers without identifying the party submitting the questions. The cut-off for receipt of additional questions shall be 2:00 o’clock p.m. Central Daylight Savings Time on Friday, October 30, 2020, in order to facilitate preparation of any addenda. No inquiry received after that time will be given consideration. Replies and/or addenda will be electronically

mailed to all known prospective proposers by 4:00 o’clock p.m. Central Daylight Savings Time on Monday November 2, 2020. Receipt of any addenda must be acknowledged in writing as part of the proposer’s bid. Bidders shall be responsible for ensuring that they have received any and all addenda. The Village of Brookfield shall not assume responsibility for the receipt by the proposer of any addenda. There is no expressed or implied obligation for the Village of Brookfield to reimburse responding firms for any expenses incurred in preparing a bid in response to this invitation. BID SECURITY Each bid shall be accompanied by a bid guaranty in the form of a bid bond, executed by a corporate surety company, a bank cashier’s check or a certified check payable to the “Village of Brookfield” for not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid. The bid guaranty checks of all, except the two responsive, responsible bidders which the Village determines in its sole discretion to be the bidders with whom the village desires to commence negotiations for a contract, will be returned after the proposals have been checked and tabulated. The bid guaranty checks of the two responsive, responsible bidders will be returned after the contract and the contract bond of the successful bidder have been properly executed and approved. Bid bonds will not be returned. RIGHT TO REJECT BIDS The Village of Brookfield reserves the right to waive technicalities and to reject any and all proposals for any reason deemed in the best interest of the Village of Brookfield. AWARD OF CONTRACT Unless all bids are rejected, the contract award will be made to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder that the Village of Brookfield in its sole discretion determines to be in the best interest of the village. In determining who the lowest responsive, responsible bidder is, the Village of Brookfield will consider all factors that it, in its discretion, deems relevant. October 21, 2020 Village of Brookfield George Issakoo, Assistant Village Manager Doug Cooper, Director of Finance

Published in Landmark October 21, 2020

Published in Wednesday Journal 10/21/2020

Published in Forest Park Review 10/21, 10/28, 11/4/2020

Attention! Home-improvement pros! Reach the people making decisions. Advertise in Wednesday Classified. Call 708/613-3342

Starting a New Business? Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice Here. Call for details: 708/613-3342

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR FFMLT TRUST 2005-FF11, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005FF11 Plaintiff, -v.BRIAN HOLLOWAY Defendants 19 CH 00561 125 SOUTH LOMBARD AVENUE 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 January 23, 2020, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on November 25, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 125 SOUTH LOMBARD AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-08-302-0150000 The real estate is improved with a yellow vinyl siding, one story single family home with a detached two car garage. 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, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. 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. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. 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. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 268445 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 19 CH 00561 TJSC#: 40-595 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 # 19 CH 00561 I3155753

Illinois Classified Advertising Network WANTED TO BUY

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The Landmark, October 21, 2020

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PUBLIC NOTICES

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The Landmark, October 21, 2020

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112.5 Lincoln Ave, 2H, Riverside $109,900

151 Bloomingbank Rd, Riverside $975,000

444 Washington Blvd, #204, Oak Park $195,000

3608 Wenonah Ave, Berwyn $289,900

1123 Cleveland Ave, LaGrange Park $350,000

56 N Cowley Rd, Riverside $399,000

591 E Parkway Rd, Riverside $524,900

192 Waubansee Rd, Riverside $539,000

293 Gage Rd, Riverside $575,000

399 Audubon Rd, Riverside $650,000

4441 Wolf Rd, #401, Western Springs $699,000

321 Delaplaine Rd, Riverside $790,000

144 Scottswood Rd, Riverside $875,000

299 Longcommon Rd, Riverside $879,000

45 Longcommon Rd, Riverside $975,000

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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