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Vol. 35, No. 45
@riversidebrookfieldlandmark
November 4, 2020
Riverside Caucus rolls out endorsements for trustee, president PAGE 3
Former North Riverside mayor Votava dies at 92 PAGE 7
As indoor dining ban kicks in, some defy governor’s order Brookfield president says village doesn’t have legal authority to enforce measure By BOB UPHUES Editor
In the wake of Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s ban last week on indoor dining and drinking at bars and restaurants in suburban Cook County as COVID-19 cases surged, the owners of some local establishments have decided – some openly – to defy the order. At least three restaurants/bars in North Riverside and three establishments in Brookfield welcomed customers to partake indoors, prompting village officials to either call or send police officers to remind them of the governor’s order. But local leaders also say they are essentially powerless to stop scofflaws from defying the governor’s ban. “The governor has issued the order, but we don’t believe we have the legal authority to enforce it,” said Brookfield Village President Kit Ketchmark. The governor has made it clear, said Ketchmark, that the burden for enforcement will fall on local authorities, and the Illinois Liquor Control Commission has issued guidance on how local municipalities can enforce the ban on indoor dining by See INDOOR DINING on page 16
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
BACK TO SCHOOL: Freshman work on problems in an Honors Algebra 1 class at RBHS on Oct. 19, the first day students were welcomed back into classrooms. But families have been slow to embrace the new hybrid model, with more than half of students preferring to stay home.
After clamor to reopen, most at RBHS staying home Less than half of students attending classes in person at high school By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter
Some students returned to classes in person at Riverside-Brookfield High School late last month, but it was more like a trickle than a flood.
As the school switched to an optional hybrid learning plan, less than half of RBHS students have chosen to come to school in person. Two weeks ago, freshmen were able to come to school one day a week. Last week was the first week that all RBHS students could come to
school one day a week, if they so chose. “Last week the high school averaged approximately 170 students on campus each day, which is below our original projection of 250 students per day (based See RBHS on page 16
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The Landmark, November 4, 2020
Brookfield asks District 96 to split crossing guard costs Village contemplates asking other school districts for similar deals
By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter
The village of Brookfield would like Riverside Elementary School District 96 to split the costs of the two crossing guards the village provides near Hollywood School, 3423 Hollywood Ave. There is precedent for such a cost-sharing arrangement. In 2014, District 96 agreed to split the cost of crossing guards in Riverside with that village. Now, facing financial pressures because of lower revenues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brookfield wants the same deal. The pandemic has resulted in a revenue shortfall of about $700,000 for the village in 2020, and Brookfield Village Manager Tim Wiberg said he only recently learned of District 96’s cost-sharing deal with Riverside. “Times are tough, so I look for any place I can to reasonably try to save some money,” Wiberg told the Landmark. “They’re already splitting the cost with the village of Riverside. Seems to me to make sense that they should be splitting the cost with the village of Brookfield.” Wiberg acknowledged that the question of who should pay for crossing guards can be a contentious issue, with municipalities believing schools should pay and school officials thinking municipalities should pay for what is a public safety measure. “This is an issue that, quite honestly, drives village managers crazy,” Wiberg said. “Anybody can make a pretty valid argument that it’s the other party’s responsibility.”
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
ON GUARD: Brookfield crossing guard Michelle Luce holds up a stop sign as a student safely crosses the street at Hollywood and Washington avenues on Nov. 2, outside of Hollywood Elementary School in Brookfield. He said that in Lincolnwood, where he worked for 15 years before becoming village manager in Brookfield, the cost of crossing guards is evenly split between the village and the local school district. “To me, that’s the fairest approach,” Wiberg said. In 2014, the District 96 school board ini-
tially balked at splitting the cost of crossing guards with Riverside, saying crossing guards were a public safety issue that the village should handle and not an educational expense. But after the village stood firm, the school board eventually caved and agreed to split the cost of crossing guards with the village.
When presented with the request from Brookfield at a recent school board meeting, District 96 board members seemed willing to split the cost of two Hollywood School crossing guards if Brookfield was also splitting the costs of 10 other crossing guards that serve students in the three other elementary school districts serving Brookfield. “If everybody else is doing it, then I’m find with it,” said school board member Joel Marhoul said. School board member David Barsotti wanted District 96 Superintendent Martha Ryan-Toye to find out if Brookfield was getting payments from other school districts that use crossing guards provided by the village. “I want to make sure we’re not being singled out,” Barsotti said. Brookfield provides crossing guards for students at S.E. Gross School and Brook Park School in Brookfield-LaGrange Park District 95 and at Lincoln School in LyonsBrookfield School District 103 but hasn’t yet asked either of those districts to share the costs of the crossing guards, each of whom is paid $7,200 a year. “You’ve got to start somewhere,” Wiberg said about asking District 96 first. Wiberg said if a cost-sharing agreement is worked out with District 96, he intends to ask Districts 95 and 103 to also split the cost of the crossing guards that serve students in those districts. “I will work collaboratively with the others in the hopes of getting a split deal,” Wiberg said.
Brookfield trustees boost manager’s pay by 5 percent Wiberg’s annual salary now stands at $183,750
By BOB UPHUES
“I think Tim has done an excellent job as village manager,” said Garvey. “We’ve gone through Brookfield trustees on Oct. 26 some difficult times. When we voted unanimously to give Vilbrought him on, these weren’t lage Manager Timothy Wiberg the things we thought he would a 5-percent pay raise, increasing have to help us with, but him and his annual salary to $183,750. his staff have adapted very well. Wiberg was hired in SeptemI think there’s been tremendous ber 2018 after a 15-year stint in ability of leadership due to Tim.” the same job in Lincolnwood. Trustee Ed Cote had similar TIM WIBERG Since taking charge at village praise for Wiberg, saying, “You hall, Wiberg has restructured the can tell since Tim’s come on board the entire management staff, the exception be- changes in our village. They’ve been noticeing Finance Director Doug Cooper, the only able. Everything has been better since he director-level employee predating Wiberg’s has been [here].” arrival. Wiberg replaced Keith Sbiral, who had In voting to approve the pay raise, Trustee started with the village in 2006 as assistant Michael Garvey said Wiberg provided stabil- village manager and worked his way into ity to what had been a tumultuous couple of the top job by 2014. But, things inside village years prior to his arrival. hall soured by 2017 marked by instability in Editor
the Public Works Department leadership and culminating in a mass resignation of the village’s Fire and Police Commission. Structural changes Sbiral planned to make inside village hall – without publicly announcing them and reportedly without apprising elected officials -- in early 2018 put him at odds with President Kit Ketchmark, who told the Landmark a month after Sbiral resigned that his proposed changes were met with “universal concern.” While Wiberg technically did not get a scheduled pay raise resulting in a formal amendment to his contract last year, he was the recipient of a pay bump that had been written into his initial deal. Hired at a base salary of $165,000 in September 2018, Wiberg’s contract called for him to get a $10,000 increase after nine months if he accomplished certain goals and objectives.
The village board voted to approve that pay boost in July 2019 via a resolution recognizing that Wiberg had attained those goals, which included reviewing and recommending staffing levels and organizational structure, completing a study comparing Brookfield’s organizational structure with similar municipalities, revamping the village board packet to make it more user-friendly, overseeing the creation and adoption of the 2019 budget, providing recommendations on improving audio/visual technology in the council chamber, hiring a public works director, overseeing new development projects and developing a plan for implementing the village’s comprehensive plan. With the raise approved last week, the only formal amendment to his contract, Wiberg’s salary has increased by 11.3 percent in a little over two years.
The Landmark, November 4, 2020
Riverside Caucus chooses its slate for president, trustee
IN THIS ISSUE Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
One incumbent endorsed, one bypassed -- contested election looms
Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
By BOB UPHUES
Property Transfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Kosey Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Editor
Riverside is likely to see its first contested municipal election since 2009 next spring with at least four candidates running for village trustee. That stage was set over the weekend as the membership of the Riverside Community Caucus voted to endorse incumbent Doug Pollock and newcomers Aberdeen Marsh-Ozga and Megan Claucherty for trustee. The caucus membership also voted to endorse former trustee Joseph Ballerine for village president. He was the only candidate seeking the caucus’ endorsement in that race. When the dust settled following the membership’s ranked-choice vote on Oct. 31, incumbent candidate Wendell Jisa was left on the outside looking in, along with Adrian Mendoza and Joel Marhoul. Two other candidates, John Carroll and John McGlennon, withdrew from contention prior to last weekend’s caucus vote. Jisa, who was elected to his first term in office in an uncontested race in 2017, told the Landmark he plans to run for trustee as an independent. “I will be running for trustee in the upcoming 2021 election,” Jisa said in an email. “I am confident and hopeful Riverside will re-elect me based on the past four years of service and the need for continuity.” Marhoul, who sits on the Riverside Planning and Zoning Commission as well as the Riverside School District 96 Board of Education, indicated he will not pursue a run for village trustee. “Although I am disappointed to not be on
JOE BALLERINE
MEGAN CLAUCHERTY
the caucus list, I was pleasantly surprised by the slate as it probably challenges some expectations,” Marhoul said in an email to the Landmark. “I was pleased to be recruited and be part of the committee’s process. I will continue to serve the community in my current roles.” Mendoza did not respond to an email from the Landmark seeking information on whether he will run for trustee prior to the newspaper’s print deadline Tuesday. Jisa and the caucus-endorsed candidates will now have to collect signatures and file nominating petitions with the Cook County Clerk in order to appear on the ballot for the April 6, 2021 Consolidated Election. They may do this individually or form a slate to collect signatures as a group. In past elections, the Riverside Community Caucus has aided slates it endorses financially. That won’t be the case this time around, however, after the caucus was forced in 2019 to close its political campaign committee after failing to pay fines levied by the Illinois Board of Elections for violating disclosure filing rules. But Kimber Coombes, the chair of the caucus’ recruiting committee, indicated that the organization would still be a resource for candidates it has endorsed. “Some ways that we can help the candidates include helping to gather signatures, encouraging our members to display yard signs, distribute literature and information to our mem-
DOUG POLLOCK
ABERDEEN MARSH-OZGA
bers via email, and promote their candidacy via our social media platforms,” Coombes told the Landmark. Ballerine, the only Riverside resident who’s announced he’s running for president, said he would welcome joining others endorsed by the caucus to run as a slate. “I’d have no problem putting my name alongside any of them,” said Ballerine, who praised the caucus’ recruiting committee for attracting and vetting candidates. “There were eight very good candidates, all of them qualified and dedicated,” Ballerine said. “Everyone went through a thorough vetting.” The last time Riverside had a contested election of any kind for president and trustee was in 2009, when a slate of candidates – three for trustee and one for president – swept aside a slate endorsed by the Riverside Community Caucus. No one from that slate ran for re-election in 2013 and a caucus-endorsed slate, featured Ben Sells as the presidential candidate and Pollock as one of the three trustee candidates, won unopposed. Ballerine said the prospect of a contested election was fine with him. “Wendell’s a good candidate,” said Ballerine, who served as trustee from 2011-19 after a twoyear stint in the late 1990s. “If it’s contested, it’s contested. I don’t have a problem running on my record.”
New mixed-use development breaks ground on Grand Blvd. Building will house 17 one-bedroom units, feature green rooftop deck
By BOB UPHUES Editor
A long-anticipated new mixed-use development broke ground in downtown Brookfield last week, and the developer said he hopes the building could be ready to lease by the end of 2021 or spring 2022 at the latest. Michael Gatto of RMG Realty won village approval for the three-story development at 3704 Grand Blvd., which combines groundfloor commercial and two floors of apartments, in December 2018. Since that time, Gatto has been refining the plan’s details, making a few changes to the de-
sign along the way. Among the changes to the plan are the elimination of a setback that would have created a created a first-floor green roof deck area along the south façade. The final design eliminates the setback and expands the green roof on top of the second floor. The final plan also shrinks the first-floor commercial space from 2,750 square feet to 1,200 square feet and now will offer 17 one-bedroom apartments instead of 11 two-bedroom apartments. There are nine covered, ground-floor parking spaces at the rear of the building, which faces Sunnyside Avenue.
“Demand in the suburbs is extreme for single-bedroom apartments,” said Gatto. “I think that marketplace is significantly easier and stable to rent.” Gatto added that he didn’t want to flood the downtown Brookfield market with two-bedroom apartments. His recently completed sixunit apartment building at 8917 Grant Ave. are all two-bedroom. It is 100-percent leased, said Gatto, with five of the units leasing within a week in June. He also owns a nine-unit apartment building at 8934 Fairview Ave., which includes one-, See DEVELOPMENT on page 7
Editor Bob Uphues Sports Editor James Kay Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Designers Javier Govea, Mark Moroney Debbie Becker Sales and Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls Sales & Development Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner E-MAIL jill@oakpark.com
Publisher Dan Haley Business Manager Joyce Minich
Growing Community Media BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer
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.
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The Landmark, November 4, 2020
BIG WEEK November 4-11
Mark Veterans Days with General Grant Riverside American Legion Post #488 invites the public to mark Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. by livestreaming a presentation by Dr. Curtis Fields, who will virtually interpret three short speeches by Ulysses S. Grant, the Civil War general and 18th president of the United States. Fields will reenact Grant’s first inaugural address; his announcement to Congress of the ratification of the 15th Amendment; and his Des Moines Address, a patriotic speech to veterans that still rings true today. The speeches will be livestreamed to the public on the post’s Facebook page (facebook.com/AmericanLegionRiverside). More Curtis Fields as Ulysses S. Grant information can be found generalgrantbyhimself.com/about.
Writing the perfect cover letter
Need a standout cover letter that employers want to read? North Riverside Public Library can help during Cover Letters Made Simple, a Facebook Live and YouTube presentation to be streamed on Thursday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. Learn how to craft a cover letter unique to you, one that complements your resume and makes an elevator pitch that doesn’t come off as too proud or too weak. Watch at the library’s Facebook page (facebook.com/NRPL2400) or by YouTube.com and typing “North Riverside Public Library” into the search field.
Mater Christi Virtual Turkey Shoot Due to COVID-19, the annual Mater Christi Parish Turkey Shoot will morph into a virtual basket raffle, where 25 baskets will be raffled off on Sunday, Nov. 15 at 3 p.m. Each basket contains a 14- to 16-pound turkey, pumpkin pie, a dozen kolacky, houska, pannettone, rye bread, 5-pound canned ham, prasky, salami and a bag of assorted groceries. There will also be a split-the-pot with cash prizes. Because there will be no physical gathering, raffle tickets must be purchased in advance. Go to materchristichurch.org to download the raffle ticket and spilt-the-pot forms. Call 708-602-1927 with any questions.
And more Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St., presents “Humor Us,” a group show where art and humor intersect, and “In Time and Paradise,” an installation by Kelly Kristin Jones celebrating Illinois women and their fight for women’s rights around the time of the 19th Amendment. The shows run through Nov. 17 and can be seen by appointment Thursday-Saturday from 1-5 p.m. Email to info@ riversideartscenter.com. 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 ■
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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 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 ■
Mall unveils mural, bear naming contest North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 Cermak Road, has unveiled a 3D mural by Chicago artist Oxana Belka in the shopping center’s upper level center court, designed to encourage students to explore and enjoy education.
name. To enter, visit the mural and snap a selfie with the bear. Then post the photo on Facebook or Instagram with a suggested name and the hashtags #NameABear and #NRPMall, and then follow the mall on Facebook and Instagram.
The mural features unique animal characters, such as Coco the Rabbit and an unnamed bear, who the mall is also inviting students to help
The winning name will be selected on Nov. 25 and added to the mural. The winner gets a $100 gift card and giant teddy bear.
Naz launches parent speaker series
CATHY CASSANI ADAMS
Nazareth Academy will launch its 2020-21 Parent Speaker Series on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at noon with a Zoom presentation by Cathy Cassani Adams, whose topic will be “Dealing with Change and Uncertainty for Parents and Teens.” Adams, a therapist-coach and Zen Parenting Radio host will discuss ways to provide children and teens with stability and support in uncertain times. The presentation is free and open to the public, but registration is required by visiting tinyurl.com/y3d35f2v.
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. For adults there’s also Seated Tai Chi Moving Meditation via Zoom on Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m. and NRPL Book Club on Nov. 10 at 6:45 p.m. by conference call (800-747-5150, code 1453322). The book is “Kopp Sisters on the March” by Amy Stewart. RSVP to bodenl@northriversidelibrary.org or visit northriversidelibrary.org/events for adult Zoom meeting access info. For kids, there are the following Zoom programs:
ABCs and 123s on Mondays at 10:30, Stories and Sharing on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. and Lego Builders Club on Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. Register by calling 708-447-0869, ext. 230 or at northriversidelibrary.org/kids/youth-servicesregistration. 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. There’s also Chair Yoga on Nov. 5 at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Register for Zoom access info by visiting brookfield.evanced.info/signup or calling 708-485-6917, ext. 130. ■
The Landmark, November 4, 2020
P O L I C E
R E P O R T S
Handgun stolen from unlocked car in Brookfield A resident of the 9000 block of Burlington Avenue, Brookfield, went to police on the morning of Oct. 27 to report that between Oct. 23 and late on Oct. 26 someone had stolen a Smith and Wesson .38 Special revolver from his unlocked vehicle, which was parked just off the alley. According to the police report, the victim said he typically kept the handgun in the center console or glove box. The victim said there were no signs of forced entry to the vehicle, but that other items also had been moved around inside the vehicle. Private surveillance cameras in the neighborhood reportedly showed two people wearing dark colored hooded sweatshirts running down the alley from east to west at about 9:35 p.m. on Oct. 26, but the video did not show them entering the victim’s vehicle and they did not appear to be carrying any objects while running.
Burglary ■A
resident of the 9500 block of Jackson Avenue, Brookfield, contacted police on Oct. 29 to report that someone had broken into his garage that day and that a surveillance camera had captured the incident. According to the police report, the frame around the garage’s service door was damaged and appeared to have been forced open. A ladder, table saw and miter were missing from the garage. The surveillance camera footage shows a man wearing a hooded sweatshirt and gloves enter the garage and walks out of view before the recording stops. Police said the camera appeared to have been pushed down during the incident. ■ Riverside police responded to a residence in the 100 block of Northgate Road on the morning of Oct. 28 after a homeowner called to report that someone entered the unlocked detached garage overnight and stole about $1,000 worth of tools. The victim told police that his vehicle had been burglarized earlier in October as well, but that he hadn’t reported it. On Oct. 25, however, he found a cellphone in his yard. It was open to the Google Maps app with his address as the most recently searched destination. At that time a single blank check, his driver’s license and a credit card were taken. Several transactions had been made or attempted using those items, according to the police report.
North Riverside vehicle break-ins ■ North Riverside police responded to a residence in the 8900 block of Forestview Drive on Oct. 26 after a resident called to
report that he’d just gotten back home from a weekend trip and noticed his driver’s seat reclined completely and found a cellphone and pack of cigarettes that didn’t belong to him inside the car. Nothing was missing from the vehicle, which likely had been left unlocked. ■ A plumbing contractor doing work at Aldi, 2000 Harlem Ave. in North Riverside, called police on Oct. 29 at about 3:50 p.m. to report that while he was working inside the store, someone shattered the passenger side window of his work truck and removed a sewer camera valued at between $12,000 and $16,000. ■ Police responded to the 2200 block of Lathrop Avenue, North Riverside, on Oct. 28 after a resident called to report that someone entered his vehicle, which was parked on the street and probably left unlocked, and removed an older iPod, a Garmin fitness watch, a tire iron and about $10 in coins. A private surveillance camera reportedly captured two men walking down the middle of the street at about 8:05 p.m. on Oct. 27. One in a gray hoodie enters the victim’s vehicle via the driver’s side door and then exits, leaving with his companion to the north. ■ A resident of the 2200 block of Westover Avenue called police on the morning of Oct. 28 to report that someone had entered his unlocked vehicle, parked on the street, overnight and ransacked the interior but did not remove any items of value.
Front window shattered -- again Brookfield police responded to a residence in the 4300 block of Prairie Avenue on Nov. 1 at about 6:10 p.m. after receiving a report that someone had thrown an object through the front living room window – for the second time in the past three months. The victims told police that they were sitting in the living room watching a football game when they heard the window shatter. They did not see anyone run away or drive off and said they had no problems with any of their neighbors. In early August, someone threw a hammer at the window, shattering it. No one was hurt in either incident and police said they would put a special watch on the residence. These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Riverside, North Riverside and Brookfield police departments, Oct. 26-Nov. 1, 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, November 4, 2020
Zeigler Auto Group buys North Riverside property Ford dealer pays Rizza $8 million for 7-acre parcel on Harlem Ave.
By BOB UPHUES Editor
Two weeks after obtaining a 20-year sales tax rebate deal from the village of North Riverside, Kalamazoo, Michigan-based Zeigler Automotive Group on July 31 paid $8 million to buy the roughly 7-acre of land it had been leasing for its Zeigler Ford dealership at 2100 Harlem Ave. since 2018. The purchase was listed in the latest roundup of property transactions released last week by the Cook County Recorder of Deeds and sets the stage for a major renovation of the dealership Zeigler Automotive Group promised to deliver to the village. “I think it’s a win-win for the village and for Zeigler,” said North Riverside Mayor Hubert Hermanek Jr. of the land purchase. “That location will be beautified, and it’s a well-trafficked corner and will improve sales for everybody around there.” It’s unclear exactly when a renovation or expansion of the existing showroom might break ground. A top Zeigler Automotive Group official did not respond to an email from the Landmark seeking comment. Hermanek said he was told that once a land sale was complete that it would take
between six and nine months for the Zeigler corporate office to approve plans for improvements at the North Riverside dealership. Village Administrator Sue Scarpiniti said that her understanding of the planned improvements included both the renovation of the existing showroom and some new construction. In mid-July, the North Riverside Village Board approved a deal that would rebate 50 percent of all sales taxes from vehicle purchases at Zeigler for 20 years. In exchange, the company pledged to maintain a dealership at the location for 20 years. The agreement also states that the company will begin construction of improvements within three years and that those improvements must be complete within two years of work commencing. Part of the reason the village agreed to such a generous sales tax rebate deal, said Hermanek, was a promise by Zeigler to expand its inventory and sales of vehicles. Without such a deal, according to Hermanek, Zeigler might have sought greener pastures. “Half a loaf of bread is better than no bread at all,” Hermanek said.
BOB UPHUES/Editor
Zeigler Ford, 2100 Harlem Ave., North Riverside Zeigler Automotive Group purchased the property from Rizza Auto Group, which operated Joe Rizza Ford there from 1978 to 2017, when it leased the dealership to McCarthy Ford, based on Chicago’s South Side. McCarthy sold its North Riverside busi-
ness to Zeigler Automotive Group 18 months later as the Michigan-based company sought to expand its footprint in the Chicago market. Zeigler Automotive Group now owns and operates more than 25 dealerships in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan.
Go beyond the Zoo and reward yourself with Brookfield Bucks! Spend $15 at the Brookfield Zoo, and within seven days of visiting the Zoo, bring your receipt to a participating Brookfield Bucks business. If you spend $75, you get $15 off your purchase— on the spot. You can save AND support Brookfield businesses. Participating businesses include: Brookfield Breakfast Superior Barber Shop Zoo City Treats and Bakery Painted Studio Sebastian Ale and Whisky House Joe’s Saloon Compassion Factory Galloping Ghost The Taco Stop The Little Owl Cordial Inn L’Unica Salon Mary’s Morning Mixup Skadarliya Burger Antics Irish Times
Brennan’s Massage and Spa Christopher Mark Flowers Off Broadway Tischler Finer Food Betty’s Flowers Brook Food and Liquor The Shop Salon and Style House LaCabanita Paisan’s Pizzeria Beach Avenue BBQ Leo’s Liquors Pub 78 Ms. Clara’s Mini Musicians Douglas Autobody Laura Atwood Studio
BrookfieldChamber.net
The Landmark, November 4, 2020
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James Votava, former North Riverside mayor and trustee, dies at 92 Community theater patron served as elected official for three decades
By BOB UPHUES
the church council. In addition to being a successful businessman, Mr. Votava was a fixture for more than James R. Votava, a former North Riverside three decades in North Riverside village govmayor and a longtime trustee who helped lay ernment. He served as trustee from 1979-81 before the groundwork for what is now the heart of the community, the Village Commons, died running for and winning election as mayor in 1981. Mr. Votava narrowly lost a Oct. 29, 2020 in Burr Ridge at the re-election bid for mayor four year age of 92. later, but he returned to local govMr. Votava was born Nov. 9, ernment two years later, winning 1927 in Chicago, grew up in Cielection as a trustee in 1987. He cero and served in the U.S. Army would serve in that capacity until Air Corps in the Pacific Theater 2011, when he failed in his final bid during World War II. for office at the age of 83. He was the owner for many “He was the elder trustee when I years of a tool-and-die company, was elected and he took me under Abet Industries, in LaGrange his wing,” said North Riverside Park. He married Eileen M GeistMayor Hubert Hermanek Jr., who hardt in 1961 and, according to JAMES VOTAVA was first elected to the board in their son Kevin, the couple first 2009 as a trustee. “There are few moved to a townhome on Lincoln Avenue before moving to a home in the vil- people that no one can say any unkind word about. But, he was a very nice, gentle man. He lage and raising a family. “My dad was always wanting to give every- was well-respected by everyone he ever met.” While serving as a trustee, Mr. Votava one the benefit of the doubt,” said Kevin Votava. “He always tried to look at the positive.” served for many years as the village board’s The Votavas were active members of the finance chairman. “He never got upset. He would calm the North Riverside Community Presbyterian Church, where Eileen Votava served as a dea- other trustees,” said Guy Belmonte, who con and Mr. Votava as an elder. Both served on was elected trustee in 1989 and would go on Editor
DEVELOPMENT
COVID slowed financing from page 3 two- and three-bedroom units. That building is also fully occupied. “I didn’t want to create a swell of two-bedrooms when we’re the leaseholder of the other two-bedrooms in the area,” Gatto said. Gatto had hoped initially to begin construction at 3704 Grand Blvd. in late 2019 but designing the green roof was trickier than expected and the COVID-19 pandemic slowed financing. “COVID really slowed down the entire world,
especially the banking side of it,” Gatto said. “But now we’re starting to dig and really our only hurdle we’ve got now is lumber pricing.” The exterior materials will include a stonefaced ground floor with wood composite siding covering the upper two floors. As for the green roof, Gatto said having a more substantial rooftop component “adds to the value of the building and the general downtown atmosphere.” Gatto is not done developing property in downtown Brookfield. He said he has a contract to buy the property at 3727 Sunnyside Ave., which sits across the alley from Alphabet Learning Center on Grand Boulevard. The building on that long, narrow 8,300-square-foot parcel served a century ago as a poultry feed store and is now a rental home. Gatto said he expects to close on the property in December. Asked what kind of development he see there, Gatto said he doesn’t have a final concept in mind, but that it would be appropriate for a residential development of at least six units.
PROVIDED
GOING UP: A new three-story, mixed use building which broke ground last week on Grand Boulevard will have 17 one-bedroom apartments and a green roof.
to serve as village administrator. “He was a great guy, very smart.” Mr. Votava won election as mayor at a critical juncture in North Riverside’s history, when it was transforming from a sleepy suburban outpost into a commercial powerhouse, with a new shopping mall, car dealers and other important retail and wholesale businesses. To serve that kind of a community, the village was in the midst of reimagining its own municipal infrastructure, acquiring property over a period of years along the east side of Desplaines Avenue south of the then-Illinois Central Railroad tracks, including an enormous parcel of land that once included the Melody Mill Ballroom. “Around 1983 there were a whole bunch of decisions that needed to be made,” said Al Meyer, who Mr. Votava named to the North Riverside Plan Commission. “The commission created a 10-point plan, which Jim embraced, and all 10 points were achieved over the years, including where to situate the Village Commons. He wasn’t the mayor when it was built, but he’s the guy who put it all in motion.” Meyer and Mr. Votava were also collaborators in what was then called the North Riverside Recreation Community Theater – now the North Riverside Players. In the early days, Mr. Votava was on the community theater’s board
of directors and served for a time as its president. He was also a keen performer who, according to Meyer, had a “good singing voice and was a lot of fun on stage.” Meyer recalled a production in the early 1980s of “Bye Bye Birdie” where Mr. Votava played an appropriate role – as the mayor of the fictional town of Sweet Apple, Ohio. When the theater acquired one and then a second semitrailer to store props and lumber for sets, Mr. Votava let them store the trailers on the property of his business in LaGrange Park. “He was such a generous man,” Meyer said. Mr. Votava was the husband of the late Eileen M. (nee Geisthardt); the father of Kevin and the late Keith; the grandfather of Andrew, Lillian and Amanda; the brother of the late Ronald Votava and brother-in-law of Audrey Votava. Funeral services have been held. Interment was at Eden Memorial Park, Schiller Park. Memorial donations to your local humane society or charity of your choice would be appreciated. Kuratko-Nosek Funeral Home, North Riverside, handled arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at KuratkoNosek.com.
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The Landmark, November 4, 2020
IHSA, Gov. Pritzker at odds over winter sports
Athletic association intends to start basketball on Nov. 16 By JAMES KAY Sports Editor
The Illinois High School Association and Gov. J.B. Pritzker have different ideas about the fate of prep sports this winter. Pritzker announced on Oct. 27 the Illinois Department of Public Health upgraded its guidelines to include basketball as a “higher risk” sport after it had been categorized as a “medium-risk” sport for months. He went on to say basketball was not “canceled” but just “put on hold.” The IHSA, which was set to hold a special meeting the day after to discuss the different possibilities of high school sports this winter, alleges it was not aware of the governor and IDPH’s announcement until 15 minutes before Pritzker’s news conference. “About 15 minutes prior to Governor Pritzker’s press conference today, we were alerted that the Illinois Department of Public Health has elevated the sport of basketball from a medium-risk level to a highrisk level,” IHSA executive director Craig Anderson said in a statement shortly after
T O
O U R
Pritzker’s news conference. ‘‘We remain considerate of the recent rise in positive COVID-19 cases in our state. However, in our meeting with IDPH on [Oct. 23], we felt that we presented multiple options that would allow for basketball to be conducted safely by IHSA schools this winter, many of which are being utilized in neighboring states who plan to play high school basketball.’’ On Oct. 28, the IHSA defied Pritzker’s and the IDPH’s orders and released a statement that it will move forward with basketball this winter. Anderson said practices and games can start Nov. 16 and Nov. 30 respectively. Michael O’Brien of the Chicago SunTimes also reported that Anderson stated the IHSA didn’t discuss the legal ramifications of its decision. Pritzker announced on Oct. 29 higher-risk sports would be pushed to next spring or summer, giving a timetable for when sports like football and basketball could return to play. This was a response to criticism that the state was leaving athletic departments and their teams hanging with an indefinite postponement. Meanwhile, the decision to follow Pritzker’s orders or the IHSA’s ruling is, at the moment, in the hands of local school officials. The question people are raising is what happens if one school decides to move forward with basketball on Nov. 16 and a school with-
R E A D E R S
Why we have suspended our weekly sports coverage
New Landmark website coming in the future Editorial Staff
Since the start of the fall semester, we made the tough decision to suspend our weekly high school sports coverage to focus on building our digital presence. Our sports editor, James Kay, has shifted his efforts to creating new websites for all of Growing Community Media’s publications. We understand the frustration coaches, athletes, parents and athletic departments have with this move, but we felt it was necessary for a couple reasons. Since the start of the pandemic, we have lost a severe amount of our advertising revenue and with it our page count has dropped. We decided as a staff our print space should prioritize having news as our main focus since the size of our print
product has shrunk and people engage with those stories more than our sports content. While we have received emails suggesting we made this move because football was moved to the spring, that is not the case. We will not be covering winter sports (including basketball -- despite the IHSA’s plans to disregard Gov. Pritzker’s ruling on winter sports) and spring sports if the situation does not get better. We do plan on writing a general recap of what went on in each season (including fall sports) and updates on what is happening with the IHSA’s plans around COVID-19. We look forward to a time in the future where we can bring back our normal sports coverage and provide stories highlighting athletes’ efforts and accolades. We are also excited to create a robust online experience for our readership and believe all of our coverage, including sports, will be enhanced with a new online look and feel. Thanks for hanging tight and supporting local journalism.
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
BLOCKED: The IHSA and Gov. Pritzker aren’t seeing eye to eye on the state of high school basketball this winter. in the conference chooses to wait until the spring to start its season. While it is expected athletic directors in the same conference will meet to get on the same page, time is of the essence with the IHSA starting basketball up in two weeks. There are also liability issues surround-
ing the potential of COVID-19 spreading if teams were to compete indoors this season. Riverside-Brookfield High School, Lyons Township High School and Nazareth Academy did not return the Landmark’s request for an interview by the time this edition went to print.
Wrapping up the fall season for high school sports Teams compete in postseason
By JAMES KAY Sports Editor
High school sports pushed forward this fall despite COVID-19. One of the effects was delaying high-risk sports like football and soccer. The other was derailing the annual state finals in lower-risk sports given the green light by the IHSA. As a result the final competition for each sport was at the sectional level. Here are the postseason results for teams in our area of coverage.
Girls cross country Riverside-Brookfield High School, Nazareth Academy and Fenwick High School all participated in the Class 2A Sectional at Latin School of Chicago. Out of those schools, Nazareth placed the highest, coming in fourth while Fenwick came in seventh as a team. As for the individual runners, Nazareth’s Colette Kinsella placed ninth (18:30.94
time); Fenwick’s Katie Cahill placed 14th (18.50.98); RBHS’ Bryce Pacourek came in 15th (18:51.74); Fenwick’s Bella Daley placed 16th (18:54.16) and Nazareth’s Samantha Rozmus finished 30th (19:53.46). Lyons Township hosted the Class 3A Sectionals meet and placed third as a team. They had two runners finish in the top-seven. Kate Dickman placed fourth (17:33.29) and Catherine Sommerfield placed seventh (17:44.94).
Boys cross country On the boys side, LTHS dominated much of the field its Class 3A sectional and placed third as a team. They had six runners place in the top-30, including Jocqael Thorpe (6th, 15:07.92), Owen Hays (9th, 15:10.98), Charlie McLawhorn (11th, 15:18.25), Sawyer Madel (16th, 15:34.94), Sam Nowak (25th, 15:49.78) and Matthew Lynch (30th, 15:54.90). See SPORTS on page 15
The Landmark, November 4, 2020
Dear friends, We have some good news – and it is news that makes us proud of our independent, non-profit newsroom here at Growing Community Media. We’ve been chosen to take part in NewsMatch, that’s the national matching-gift campaign that drives donations to nonprofit newsrooms (like this one of ours!) around the U.S. Since 2016, NewsMatch has raised over $100 million for nonprofit journalism. That’s a lot of impact. This is a two-month, end of year project. And it starts today. We know you are actively reading the work of our reporters across our four flags. Thanks to the many of you who have already donated to support this work. And, what about you? to the larger number who follow our work but haven’t donated yet? Here’s the moment to jump in or to make a follow-up donation. With NewsMatch at work we are able to DOUBLE your donation. NewsMatch has put an $11,500 match on the table. So the first $11,500 we raise in the days ahead will turn into $23,000. That’s real money we can put to work reporting in Brookfield, Oak Park, Forest Park or on the West Side. Don’t let this ask slide to the bottom of your to do list. In fact, after you’ve donated and NewsMatch has doubled that donation, mention it to someone you know who values the work we do at Wednesday Journal, Austin Weekly News, Forest Park Review and the Riverside-Brookfield Landmark so they can donate too. With all of our thanks, Dan Haley Editor and Publisher 141 S. Oak Park Ave. Oak Park, IL 60302
To donate, visit www.rblandmark.com/donate
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The Landmark, November 4, 2020
S P O N S O R E D
C O N T E N T
An abundance of Asian delights Egg rolls, noodles and dumplings galore await in Berwyn By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats editor
With restaurant dining rooms in the area shut down once again, we are committed to showcasing the best of Berwyn’s carry-out fare throughout November. Venture to our sister suburb to explore quintessential food to-go including colorful Thai dishes, Japanese Maki Rolls and an array of Chinese cuisine. Food Writer Chicago inventor, Fredrick Weeks Wilcox, patented a “paper pail” in 1894 made from a single piece of paper to make the leak-proof Chinese take-out box that houses fried rice, spicy shrimp and moo goo gai pan more than 125 years later. Chinese cuisine is especially popular take out fare in the United States. And Berwyn has more than a smattering of Chinese restaurants to curb your lo mein cravings. Additionally, savvy food lovers know they can also find their way to fresh sushi and top-quality free-style Thai dishes right on Roosevelt Road. Ready your chopsticks (or a fork if you prefer) and check out a few Asian delights available via carryout in Berwyn.
MELISSA ELSMO
Carry out fare plated up at home from Overseas China including a portion of Overseas China Special Platter and pot stickers.
Melissa Elsmo
Overseas China, 6846 Cermak Rd., has been churning out classic Chinese dishes for 19 years in Berwyn. The restaurant’s unassuming exterior gives way to a surprisingly modern interior well suited to filling COVID compliant carry-out orders. Friendly service is a hallmark of the diminutive establishment offering a wide array of Cantonese and Szechuan dishes. For less than $11 hungry diners can enjoy the generously sized Overseas China Special Platter featuring shrimp, chicken, BBQ pork and an array of vegetables in a garlicy brown sauce. An array of special discounts are available on Overseas China’s website. Jwok Chinese Kitchen, 6641 Roosevelt Rd. and sister restaurant, Sushi Junki, at 6643 Roosevelt Rd., have been bringing Chinese, Thai and Japanese dishes to Berwyn residents for a lucky 11 years. A go-to spot for indecisive diners, a single order can include items from all three menus. Dig deep into the Jwok’s menu to discover dim sum offerings, Korean specialties, and authentic Chinese dishes like fish fillet with ginger and onion. While Jwok offers a multitude of dinner options, their generous lunch specials, served with fried rice and an egg roll, are
A portion of Jwok’s Szechuan Chicken Lunch special with vegetable fried rice and a small wonton soup.
Melissa Elsmo
a high value option and easily split between two hungry diners. Satiate a sushi craving with a thoughtful array of nigiri and maki rolls at Sushi Junki. With more than 30 special rolls to choose from diners have a variety of options. Precede any sushi order with a piping hot bowl of miso soup or crunchy vegetable tempura. Those looking for a quick hit can pop by Wok N’ Roll Express, 6969 Ogden Ave. It A serving of combination lo mein and an egg roll from is nestled in a strip mall and is a classic counter service Wok N’ Roll in Berwyn. Melissa Elsmo joint. The straightforward menu should appeal to fans of American style Chinese food looking to open a to the tofu salad on the menu or enjoy Bodhi’s assorted curries, noodles and rice-based dishfew Chicago-born take out boxes. Food lovers in the know, flock to highly es. Classics like Pad Thai and Panang Curry rated Bodhi Thai Bistro, 6211 Roosevelt Rd., are complemented by a secret menu and rotatfor fresh and flavorful Thai dishes. Vegetarians ing specials. will delight in the highly customizable offer- *ALL DISHES WERE ORDERED FOR CARRY OUT ings and would do well to pay special attention AND PLATED AT HOME
The tofu salad and fresh spring rolls from Bodhi Thai Bistro Melissa Elsmo
Service with a smile at Bodhi Thai Bistro. Melissa Elsmo
P R O P E R T Y
T R A N S F E R S
The Landmark, November 4, 2020
11
Newly constructed Brookfield home sells for $620,000
The following property transfers were reported by the Cook County Recorder of Deeds from August 2020. Where addresses appear incomplete, for instance where a unit number appears missing, that information was not provided by the recorder of deeds.
ADDRESS
PRICE
3519 Rosemear Ave. 9100 Brookfield Ave. 3105 Morton Ave. 3706 Maple Ave. 9136 Brookfield Ave. 9010 Monroe Ave. 3939 Madison Ave. 4017 Vernon Ave. 9536 Jackson Ave. 4610 DuBois Blvd. 9417 Jackson Ave. 3217 Cleveland Ave. 4166 Blanchan Ave. 3135 Madison Ave.
$390,000 $204,000 $345,000 $340,000 $180,000 $301,000 $620,000 $302,500 $162,000 $153,000 $245,000 $195,000 $273,500 $390,000
4329 Blanchan Ave. 2335 Westover Ave. 2080-2100 Harlem Ave. 2458 5th Ave. 2537 2nd Ave. 2509 3rd Ave.
Brookfield
SALE DATE
SELLER
BUYER
6/23/2020 5/14/2020 8/07/2020 6/30/2020 5/19/2020 5/01/2020 6/17/2020 6/25/2020 7/25/2020 6/09/2020 7/02/2020 6/24/2020 5/29/2020 7/08/2020
Apex Natl Real Est LLC Connerty, Kevin TR Martinez, Cindy Malich, Matthew J TR Scharnak, Joseph William Biziarek, William G Maier, Kevin Wolf, Steven C Harvey, Jan Anita TR Fannie Mae Barrero, Jorge A Smith, Elizabeth M TR Mikula, Colleen A Kevdo, Const Co
Wong, Crystal Saquinaula, Brian Greco, Kyle E Cummens, Joseph Micha Tolbert, Megan Denise Sibley, Corey Hiruelo, Manuel H Kohne, Christopher Q5 Prop LLC Prop 2 Keybell LLC Strom, Melissa Roman, Xavier Aguirre, Horacio Cerullo, Nicholas L
$382,000
6/12/2020
Rehab Sol & Const LLC
Bagby, Dedra
$280,000 $8,000,000 $400,000 $205,000 $270,000
4/28/2020 7/31/2020 7/14/2020 6/29/2020 7/13/2020
North Riverside
Hopek, Douglas R Chicago Title Land Trust Co TR 1084023 Misic, Aleksandar McGann, Kimberly B Martinez, Cristian R
Naujokas, Paul AJZ-North Riverside LLC McGlone, Meghan Chamberlain, Rebecca Patneaude, David
Celebrating 35 years as Your Neighborhood Realtor!
3939 Madison Ave., Brookfield
Riverside ADDRESS
PRICE
SALE DATE
248 Bartram Rd. 338 Northwood Rd. 280 Bartram Rd. 455 Uvedale Ct. 459 Uvedale Ct. 181 N. Delaplaine Rd. 324 E. Burlington St. 186 Akenside Rd. 40 Kimbark Rd. 272 Addison Rd. 419 Longcommon Rd. 292 E Burlington St.
$400,000 $325,000 $575,000 $483,000 $640,000 $950,000 $478,000 $390,000 $259,000 $475,500 $395,000 $316,000
6/22/2020 5/20/2020 6/02/2020 6/17/2020 6/25/2020 6/25/2020 3/12/2020 6/27/2020 6/12/2020 7/15/2020 7/02/2020 8/23/2020
SELLER Tabor, Kevin A Blakely, Greg Salu, Roman N Peters, Elizabeth A Kumar, Shawn Reaf LLC-P5 Ajax 2018-B Reo Corp Dockter, Brent Hong, Joanne Flores, Luis R Longenecker, Beth Cannell, Michael N
BUYER Gill, Laura N Semanski, Carissa A Ross, Brian Croghan, Michael Patrick Jr. Sitkiewicz, Henry L Burdinie, Jordan Sumpter, Tristan Horonzy, Maureen A Schiemann, John Coogan, Patrick Riordan, Seamus Patrick Homer, Zachary M
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Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus. 3601 VERNON AVE. • BROOKFIELD A STUNNING WHITE BRICK 22-YEARYOUNG SPLIT LEVEL. Large “open floor plan” family home with an eat-in kitchen, luxurious living room with a skylight, and formal dining room. There are 4 BRs, 3 full BAs, including an owner’s bedroom with an en suite, a soaking tub and separate shower. Fireplace in the ground floor rec center, plus a sub-basement man cave with a pool table! Brand new BR carpeting, brand new wood and wood laminate flooring in the kitchen, living room, dining room and rec room. White cabinet kitchen with granite counter tops being installed. Central air conditioning. Concrete patio, outdoor gathering place and detached 3 car garage. Walk to the library, access to downtown Brookfield shops, Metra and close to Ogden Avenue. Crisp and clean home that must be seen on the inside!.................................................................... $449,000
Coming November 14! Visit my Community Tree at Brookfield Zoo decorated with my company theme “Home is Where The Heart is!” It will be in section 309 on the Zoo’s North Mall.
Karen Arndt - Broker - 708-447-9907 - info@karenarndt.realtor
A safe & smart choice. Choosing a community you can trust has never been more difficult. Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues. We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.
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12
The Landmark, November 4, 2020
More local students test positive for COVID-19 Brookfield sees its highest 1-week total for new cases By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter
Seven more local school children tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend, including three eighth-graders and one sixth-grader at S.E. Gross Middle School in Brookfield. The sixth grader who tested positive is a sibling of the one of positive eighth-graders. The cases at Gross School were announced Nov. 2 in an email sent to families by Brookfield-LaGrange Park District 95 Superintendent Mark Kuzniewski. The eighth graders had already been quarantining, because they had been friends of and in close contact with another eighthgrader at Gross School who tested positive last week “We’ve got a little pod there of eighth-grade girls who have not been adhering maybe as closely as they should to standards outside of school and this is a result of that,” Kuzniewski told the Landmark. All the Gross students who tested positive were in different cohorts at school, so Kuzniewski said that he was confident that there had been no transmission of the virus at school. The news comes at the close of a period in which the village of Brookfield recorded its
highest number of new COVID-19 cases in a one-week span. For the seven-day period ending on the morning of Nov. 3, Brookfield saw its number of COVID-positive residents jump by 41. The highest one-week total prior to that was 31, between May 12-19. As of Tuesday morning the village had experienced a total of 497 cases, four of them fatal, since the pandemic hit in March. In less than one month, between Oct. 6 and Nov. 3, there were 108 new cases in Brookfield. In Riverside, 16 more residents tested positive for COVID-19 for the week ending on the morning of Nov. 3, increasing the total figure to 268. The village saw 18 new cases in each of the two weeks prior to the most recent week. For the second straight week, 11 people in North Riverside tested positive for COVID-19, raising that village’s total to 163 since the pandemic began in March.
More positive tests in D96 Riverside Elementary School District 96 also announced three new COVID-positive tests on Monday in an email to parents. Two of the students who tested positive are siblings, a student at L.J. Hauser Junior High School and a student at Central School. The other District 96 student who tested positive
over the weekend is a student at Hollywood School. In a bit of good news, the Ames School fifthgrade class that had been quarantining after two students in the class tested positive has been allowed to return to school after a week of remote learning. The students who tested positive have to quarantine for 14 days. One of those students has already completed the required quarantine. “It was our determination that there was not infection transmission in the classroom,” said District 96 Superintendent Martha Ryan-Toye. That determination was based on contact
tracing performed by the district and in consultation with the school nurse and public health authorities. “They made the determination that it was safe to come back to school after the one week,” Ryan-Toye said. Staff members have not been immune. Kuzniewski said a staff member at Brook Park School has recently tested positive for COVID. Two staff members at Lincoln School in Brookfield, which is part of Lyons-Brookfield School District 103, also tested positive recently despite District 103 being the only local See COVID-19 on page 15
District 103 hires new human resources director
Former HR assistant for Orland Fire District tops three other finalists By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter
Lyons-Brookfield Elementary School District 103 has a new human resources director. On Oct. 27 the District 103 Board of Education voted unanimously to hire Stephanie Koenig, 28, replacing Brian Towne who left the district in September to take a job as the assistant village manager for Oak Lawn. Koenig has never worked for a school district before, but she brings a background in graphic arts and web development as well as human resources experience to the job. For the past 4-plus years, Koenig has worked as a human resources assistant and webmaster for the Orland Fire Protection District. She earned a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Robert Morris University in 2014 and is studying for a master’s degree in human resources at Roosevelt University. She expects to earn her master’s de-
gree next year. HR director Lucy McGlynn. We “The potential and the ability were kind of a pair and she alof this young woman is fantaslowed me to take on some big roles tic,” said District 103 Superintento assist her.” dent Kristopher Rivera, who was On Monday, Koenig said that the HR director of the Hammond, she just had the usual first day on Indiana school district before bea new job jitters. ing hired as superintendent in “I’m ready for it,” Koenig said. District 103 in 2019. “She’s going “Obviously, I’m a little bit nervous to bring a very modern skill set because new jobs are nerve-wrackto human resources on top of having, but that’s just the transition to STEPHANIE KOENIG ing on top of having all the coma new job. I feel I’m very ready for petencies that are required. She’s the role.” a very bright young lady and she’s going to do Rivera said he is excited to have someone very well.” with Koenig’s design and web skills in the HR The Orland Fire Protection District covers job. Orland Park, Orland Hills and the unincorKoenig will be paid an annual salary of porated parts of Orland Township and has $72,000. Towne had been paid $115,000. Before about 250 employees. voting to approve the hire, board member Koenig, a native of Blue Island, began Marge Hubacek questioned why Koenig was working at the Orland Fire Protection Dis- being offered a much lower salary than the trict as a graphic design intern while in col- man she is replacing. lege and then became a part time administra“That’s a huge difference,” Hubacek said of tive assistant and webmaster before being the two salaries for the same job. hired as full-time employee in 2016. Rivera explained that Towne, who had been “My experience at Orland Fire really, really the chief of staff to Cook County Sherriff prepared me for this,” Koenig told the Land- Tom Dart among other jobs, had much more mark during her first day of work at District experience than Koenig. He said Koenig, 103 on Nov. 2. “I worked very closely with the could get raises after her first year on the job.
“After the first year, if things go well, we could consider a different rate,” Rivera said. Koenig was one of four finalists interviewed for the job.
Custodians get new contract At their Oct. 27 meeting, school board members also unanimously approved a new two-year contact with the union custodians, giving them annual raises of 3 percent in both years of the deal. The contract is retroactive to July 1. At first the district wanted a one-year contact but negotiators for the district and Service Employees International Union Local 73 settled on a two-year contract that just focused on wages. Amid the uncertainty of the pandemic, negotiators decided to defer non-economic issues. “We didn’t want to prolong the negotiations,” Rivera said. “We wanted to reward the custodians for the work that they do and then come back to the other details of the contract.” Union steward Jerry Przyzycki, a longtime custodian at George Washington Middle School, said that the custodians voted unanimously to approve the contract.
The Landmark, November 4, 2020
Cordial Inn owner seeks to buy alley next door Proposes area for expanded outdoor dining
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The owner of Cordial Inn, 9207 31st St. in Brookfield, has proposed buying a section of the public alley west of his tavern to connect it to the parking lot he also owns on the other side of the alley. Frank Volpe appeared before the Brookfield Village Board on Oct. 26 to pitch a plan to acquire a little more than 2,000 square feet of land in a roughly 16.5-by-126-foot strip from the 31st Street sidewalk to the Cordial Inn’s rear property line. Access to the alley is already limited by a set of concrete barriers erected several years ago to prevent cut-through traffic from speeding south down the alley from 31st Street. In recent months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cordial Inn has pitched a tent in the alley north of the barrier for an outdoor dining location. Volpe told village trustees that he’d like to erect a more permanent structure that might possibly wrap around the front of the business as an outdoor serving area. He said he’d also like to expand the tavern’s small area set aside for video gambling machines, which have been especially popular at Cordial Inn since they were introduced in 2012. “One of things I did think about is the gaming area is kind of small. We were thinking about putting a sixth game in there, so I think if we did move that wall it might help us a little bit as far as room goes,” Volpe said. “That would be a long-term plan.” Volpe’s family has owned the Cordial Inn since 1965 and he said he has no plans to sell the business. Acquiring the alley would also increase parking for the business, which recently shrank when a neighboring property owner reclaimed land used in the past for parking. Although trustees were somewhat split over supporting an outright sale of the alley to Cordial Inn, they nevertheless directed Community Development Director Michael Schwarz to get an appraisal for the land. According to Schwarz, it could take from three to six weeks to obtain the appraisal and it would cost between $600 and $1,000, which Schwarz said typically is paid for by the party proposing to purchase the land. Schwarz said that from a staff perspective, it’s unlikely the village Community and Economic Development Department would support selling a public alley, since land uses can change over time and the alley might be used for ingress/egress in the future. The land is zoned for commercial development, so there is no need to rezone the property, but a consolidated lot might also result in a future development officials hadn’t anticipated but could be built by right.
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ALLEY PITCH: The owner of Cordial Inn in Brookfield would like to purchase the public alley immediately west of the establishment to expand outdoor seating and connect it to the parking lot west of the alley. Trustee Michael Garvey suggested the village could enter into a long-term lease with Cordial Inn for the use of the alley, giving Volpe room to expand while he still owns the bar while giving the village some protection over future land use. “Our job is to look out for the public property that we own and make sure we do the right thing with it,” Garvey said. “If we give you a long-term lease that allows you to [expand outdoor dining], I don’t see how you’re harmed in any way.” President Kit Ketchmark also questioned if it was in the public interest to sell the land. “The village and its residents own this property,” Ketchmark said. “Is it to the best interest of the residents to provide all this property? Wouldn’t we want to know what we get out of that?” Trustees Brian Conroy and Edward Cote
argued in favor of selling the land, saying it made for a more viable site. “I think it becomes a much more attractive venue when you have a permanent outdoor beer garden, and I think you’d be more apt to enhance the overall value of the area and that piece of property,” Conroy said. “Just to leave this concrete is a waste of opportunity.” Whether the village ends up selling or leasing the property, Volpe would still be on the hook for property taxes assessed against the land since it would be used for a new, commercial purpose. For his part, Volpe, said he’d prefer to buy the land over leasing it. “If I ever did try to sell it, that would cause problem, because then whoever’s going to buy it would have to renegotiate the lease,” Volpe said.
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The Landmark, November 4, 2020
THE LANDMARK VIEW
Invest in our journalism
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iverside-Brookfield Landmark and its three sister pubs are now part of a nonprofit we created called Growing Community Media. And we’re looking for your active financial support to keep our independent community newsroom vital. Nonprofit community journalism is the future of neighborhood news — though we’re proud to offer an unusual and powerful hybrid where we keep selling ads and subscriptions and then add a healthy dollop of donations from readers, larger donors and foundations. That’s our plan. On Monday we teed up the happy news that we’ve been added to the remarkable annual NewsMatch project. This is a national project underwritten by major foundations and at work since 2016. In those few short years, NewsMatch has revved up newsrooms to the tune of $100 million across America. Growing Community Media is one of just 260 nonprofit newsrooms to take part. Here’s how it works, and since we know our villages are at the top of the donor list for WBEZ, this will sound hauntingly familiar — though there is not a tote bag to be had. NewsMatch has put $11,500 on the table. It’s right there in imaginary piles of crisp cash. But to earn that pot of critical cash, we need local donors to raise their own $11,500. The drive has started and continues until Dec. 31 when the lights go out on this gruesome year. We sent the word out Monday morning in an email to the thousands of readers who regularly consume our news digitally from Wednesday Journal, Austin Weekly News, Forest Park Review and Riverside-Brookfield Landmark. By 2 p.m. on Monday we had some early success. More than we hoped for in four hours, a lot less than we need. We’re gratified. We’re greedy. And we’re journalists so we know how to keep asking. One of the first people our publisher, Dan Haley, talked to about 18 months back on the possibility of turning the company into a nonprofit was Steve Edwards. He’s an Oak Parker and the head of editorial content at WBEZ. He saw the public radio comparisons and told Dan that if any towns could replicate that model, we were covering them. So don’t be surprised if we pull off a few fall fund drive perks. Remember, no tote bags. But would you like a lawn sign? We are working hard to raise additional matches, which we will roll out in the weeks ahead. One of them is coming from our outstanding new board of directors who have pooled up a nice round sum we’ll unveil soon. Another match is just starting to shape up. Because here is the news: Our hybrid model, blending advertising and donations, would be working a whole lot better without COVID. The pandemic has taken a shears to our advertising. And while it is slowly recovering, who knows what the months ahead will look like. So we need to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you see our local news as the glue that brings these towns together, we’re asking for you to join us as a donor. Call yourself a member. That feels good. Connect to us at RBLandmark.com/Donate.
Opinion KOSEY CORNER
Not too early to think about the holidays
I
t is not too early to begin your holiday shopping or for yourself and help local organizations. The Riverside Arts Center has been holding Holiday Harvest auction featuring gift and service items. The Arts Center has been keeping busy providing activities for those who are trying to keep busy during COVID-19. Get the details at riversideartscenter.com. The Riverside Branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW) will be selling 10-ounce boxes of Aunt Diana’s Fudge for $7 -- $3 of which will benefit the organization and charities, one being a scholarship. Fudge may be ordered, plain chocolate fudge or with nuts, by contacting Christine Zogas at 708-3739173 or teachbest@aol.com on or before Nov. 24. Beginning Dec. 6, orders can be picked up at 372 Herrick Road. Precautions have been and will be taken to insure the best for all. I suggest that when you make your order(s) that you include at least one for yourself. You deserve it after all this time for being “good.” Big loss: Riverside and Brookfield lost one of their valued citizens last week with the passing of Myron “Mike” Wimmer. At the time of his death, Mike lived in Brookfield with his wife, Louise, who you may know as
the owner of Higgins Glass in Riverside. While a Riverside resident Mike, an architect by profession, was a member of the Riverside Historical Commission. It was during his tenure that the commission was given the building which now houses the Riverside Museum. At the time, it was bare inside with little or no storage space. The conditions were not good for the papers and other items that were in the building. It was then that Wimmer volunteered his expertise and designed the interior as it is now, making sure all was conducive for maintaining papers and items of historical value. As a commissioner, he also was instrumental in helping to decide the placement of the plaque designating its landmark status at the Coonley Estate. Placement of the plaque had been a longstanding problem, since none of the homeowners at the time wanted it on their property. It is now located at the small triangular park across from the Frank Lloyd Wrightdesigned estate. When the couple moved to Brookfield, they brought with them their willingness to get involved and they became active in that village as well. The legacy of Mike Wimmer will be remembered by the two communities as a citizen willing to serve.
JOANNE KOSEY
PEP candidates should push to abolish term limits
T
here were many, including myself, who experienced déjà vu when PEP announced their 2021 slate of candidates. Is this 2017? What about 2009? You don’t need 20-20 vision to have seen this movie before. Although the village of Brookfield has term limits, candidates are permitted to run again for the same position after a two-year grace period upon completing their final term. The result is that the same individuals are slated for different positions over and over again. Trustee Michael Garvey has also previously served as a trustee from 1998 to 2001 and went on to serve as village president from 2005 to 2013. As a current trustee, he cannot run for re-election for that same position. Instead, he will again run for mayor. Kit Ketchmark has served as a trustee from 2001 to 2009 and from 2011 to 2013. He was elected president in 2013 and, due to term limits, cannot run for re-election for that same position. Instead, he will again run for trustee. Bridget Weber, the incumbent clerk who will seek re-election, was first named clerk by then President Garvey in 2006 and continued until term-limited in 2013. Once her two-year grace period was over, she again ran
and was elected to a new term as clerk in 2015. While the competency of these candidates is not currently in question, there should be a good discussion about the village’s municipal code on term limits. Currently election of trustees is subject to the Illinois municipal code (65 ILCS 5/3.1-25-75 et seq.). Altering municipal term limits in any capacity would need to be passed via referendum where a majority of Brookfield residents voting approve of the question on the ballot. Our current system gives the perception of transparency and fairness, yet the result is a shuffling of the same people. If PEP is focused with maintaining their candidates in office and the voters of Brookfield are content with their leadership, why not put the question to referendum? It would be a much more honest approach to the public management of the village instead of continuing to play a game of musical chairs. Brookfield resident Christopher Crisanti is the founder and executive director of Prairie State Policy. He holds a MPA and graduate certificate in informatics from Northeastern University.
CHRISTOPHER CRISANTI One View
The Landmark, November 4, 2020
OBITUARIES
Shirley A. Nelson, 84
Dorothy A. Lapp, 92
Riverside resident
Helping Hand Resale Shop volunteer Dorothy A. Lapp (nee Burns), 92, of Brookfield, died Oct. 27, 2020. Ms. Lapp was a volunteer at the Helping Hand Resale Shop and enjoyed her grandchildren, visiting with friends and volunteering. She was a member of St. DOROTHY LAPP Barbara Church. She was the wife of the late Paul G. Lapp Jr.; the mother of Kristine (Lawrence) Wonneberg and Kathleen (Benjamin) Capone; the grandmother of Courtney Wonneberg, Jason (Amy) Capone, Nicole (David) Brainerd, Kyle (Liza Pritchyk) Capone; the great-grandmother of Cecilia and Mia Capone; the sister of Jane Kasal; and the aunt and great-aunt of many nieces and nephews. Services have been held. Interment was at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. Memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, 60601 or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society 954 W. Washington Blvd. #305, Chicago, 60607 are appreciated. Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at JohnsonNosek.com.
COVID19
Schools monitoring cases from page 12 school district that has not allowed students, except for a few special education students, into their buildings. Despite not having in-person school attendance, there have been seven positive tests overall in District 103 this fall. Until this week, District 103 teachers had
SPORTS from page 8
Fenwick placed fourth as a team in the Class 2A Sectional hosted by Latin School and had four runners place in the top 30. Grayden Rill (16.08.26) placed tenth, Nathaniel McKillop (16:14.73) placed 14th, Zac Daley (16:22.65) finished 20th and Lee O’Bryan (16:38.48) ended up in 24th.
Girls swimming RBHS and Fenwick made the trip to Leyden High School to finish off their seasons. The Friars (217) placed first as a team while the Bulldogs (141.5) placed third.
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Shirley Ann Nelson (née Hetman), 84, of Riverside, died surrounded by her loving family on Oct. 27, 2020. “Grandma Shirley” was incredibly genuine, resilient, thoughtful, competitive and lovSHIRLEY A. NELSON ing, traits that she passed on to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an exceptional wife, mother and grandmother, who built unique, special relationships with everyone in her family. Her kindness was constant and immeasurable and could be felt in her fabulous baked cookies and breads, her phone calls just to say “Hi!” and her presence and enthusiasm for every holiday, life event and special occasion. She was a passionate dog lover and sports enthusiast who never missed a Bears or Cubs game … or the opportunity to use her sassy sense of humor to needle her Sox-loving offspring. Ms. Nelson was preceded in death by her parents Sophie (née Schabowski) and Steve Hetman, two infant daughters and her sister, Marilyn Nesper, all of whom she loved deeply.
She was the wife of Dr. William J. Nelson. Family and faith were the foundation of their 64-year marriage. Together they raised seven children with love and devotion: Ken (Karen), Bill, Tom (Anne), Jim (Marci), Rick (Maggie), Lori (Armando) Saltiel and Tim (Ofe). Her amazing legacy also includes 19 grandchildren, Nicole (Jon) Utz, Jessica Saltiel, Cody (Yuliya), Justin (Casey), Julianne (Phil) Pedi, Jennifer Saltiel, David, Sarah, Jerett, Armando Saltiel, Jon, Candice, Kim (Alex) Furth, Paige, Marlea, Hannah, Joe and Eduardo and Sophia Lopez, as well as seven great-grandchildren, Rylie, Jackson, Logan and Avery Utz, Gabriella and Julia Pedi, Noah Nelson and three more on the way. Shirley is also survived by her brothers Steve and Bobby (Marian) Hetman, her sister Theresa (Bob) Terry and brother-in-law Dan Nesper, as well as numerous cousins, godchildren, nieces, and nephews, all of whom she cherished dearly. A private funeral service will be held at Notre Dame Church in Clarendon Hills, Illinois on Saturday, Nov. 14 at noon. Attendance at Mass is by invitation only. However, you are welcome to join via the Mass livestream link at notredameparish.org. A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held this coming spring. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Equestrian Connection, 600 N. Bradley Road, Lake Forest, 60045. Donations can also be made through the company’s website at equestrianconnection.org. Please mention that your donation is being made
Anthony G. Strukl, 74, of Romeoville and formerly of Brookfield, died Oct. 24, 2020 at LaGrange Hospital. Mr. Strukl was born May 19, 1946 in Chicago and was a retired union rigger. ANTHONY STRUKL He was the husband of the late Patricia (nee Rogos); the father of Donnette Strukl and Christina Petracek; the grandfather of Natalie, Steven, Michael, Sierra and Shane; the brother of Susan Wonorski and Nancy (Dennis) Kelso; and the uncle of many. Visitation Tuesday, Nov. 3 from 2 to 8 p.m., with a funeral service at 7 p.m. at Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home, 3847 Prairie Ave., Brookfield. Due to current health regulations, a maximum of 25 people are allowed in the funeral home at any one time. Masks and social distancing are required. Cremation Private. Online condolences may be offered JohnsonNosek.com.
been required to come to school to teach remotely from their classrooms. But at last week’s District 103 school board meeting teachers’ union leader Toni Jackman strongly criticized the district administration for forcing teachers to report to their classrooms, saying that the district was putting teachers’ health at risk. A few days later, on Oct. 30, the administration and union agreed that teachers could teach from home if they wanted to. Superintendents are carefully monitoring the rising COVID case numbers but have not announced any changes. Kuzniewski
and Ryan-Toye point to the apparent lack of in-school transmission as a reason to keep schools open. “Being in school is still good for kids,” Kuzniewski said, adding that he does not see a switch to remote learning in the immediate future. Ryan-Toye was more cautious, saying that she was carefully monitoring the positivity rate in suburban Cook County, which was 10.1 percent in suburban Cook County as of Oct. 30, and that she was ready for District 96 to switch to remote learning if cases continue to increase.
Kuzniewski said kids and families have to be more careful outside of school. “I think some people just have to take more precautions outside of school,” Kuzniewski said, adding that he is worried that Halloween might result in more COVID cases. Since school opened this year 12 District 96 students and eight District 95 students have tested positive for COVID. Both Kuzniewski and Ryan-Toye said that they did not know of any serious health effects for any of their students who have tested positive for COVID-19. Bob Uphues contributed to this report.
In the 200-yard freestyle, Fenwick’s Lindsay Drumm (1:57.14) placed first while RBHS’ Emma McVicker (2:04.50) placed fifth. In the 200-yard individual medley, Fenwick’s Baleigh Racky (2:12.08) finished second and Caroline Strubbe (2:22.30) came in fifth place. Fenwick’s Angelina Cakuls (24.52) and Bulldogs’ Aja McKay (25.36) placed first and third respectively in the 50-yard free. Drumm (57.58) won the 100-yard butterfly with Racky placing second (59.10) and RBHS’ Sophie Bruno coming in fourth (1:00.98). Cakuls (54.30) placed second in the 100yard freestyle and was followed by Bulldogs’ Mary Izzo (54.61) who came in third. Fenwick’s Ryan Grasser (5:19.51) finished
the 500-yard free in second place while RBHS’ Gillian Dowling (5:36.91) placed fifth. In the 100-yard backstroke, Cakuls (57.83) placed second and Racky (59.69) finished third, with Izzo (59.87) and McKay (1:01.21) finishing, respectively, in fourth and fifth. LTHS and Nazareth both participated in the Hinsdale Central Sectional meet. The Lions placed eighth (23 points) and Nazareth placed ninth (11 points). LTHS had two divers place in the top four in the 1 meter event. Emily Jacobs (419.35) and Avery Mavon (403.30) placed third and fourth, respectively.
at this year’s sectionals. The Lions came in fifth as a team (5 points) while the Bulldogs ended in seventh (2). LTHS’ Maggie Brejcha and Sophie Peto came in third place in doubles.
Girls tennis LTHS hosted RBHS and six other teams
in honor of Shirley Ann Nelson. Kuratko-Nosek Funeral Home, North Riverside, handled arrangements.
Anthony G. Strukl, 74 Retired union rigger
Girls golf RBHS and LTHS competed in the same regional event at Glenbard East. The Lions placed fourth as a team (353) while the Bulldogs placed ninth (387). However, LTHS’ Sylvia Kozub shot an 82 while RBHS’ Keanna Keen shot an 86 to advance to sectionals. Keen tied with five other golfers for 11th place (82) while Kozub placed 33rd with a score of 89.
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The Landmark, November 4, 2020
INDOOR DINING ‘Very frustrating’ from page 1 temporarily suspending liquor licenses. But local leaders are loathe to take such drastic measures, saying that pulling a liquor license involves a formal process. Privately, municipal risk management providers are telling local officials that pursuing criminal complaints against scofflaws or threatening to suspend liquor licenses could leave municipalities open to costly lawsuits. Ketchmark said local mayors have met via conference call in recent days and generally agree that the governor’s order “doesn’t make sense” and have asked the governor for data supporting his claim that bars and restaurants are a significant source of novel coronavirus transmission. “It’s hard to believe this is what’s causing [COVID-19 cases] to go up so much, said Ketchmark, who added that studies have shown that cases are often transmitted through families attending large private gatherings. Some local bar and restaurant owners feel the same way. On the evening of Oct. 29, a day after the governor’s ban went into effect, Bernadette Ryan, the owner of Ryan Public House on Ogden Avenue in Brookfield, announced on social media that she was defying the ban. “We will continue to follow all of the health and safety guidelines put into place in June,” Ryan said in her Facebook update. “Ryan’s has always prided itself on cleanliness and hygiene and strives to keep our pub as clean and safe an environment for all.” Ryan added that the pub’s outdoor tent would be equipped with heaters for those still
RBHS
One day ‘not worth it’ from page 1
on previous survey data),” said District 208 Superintendent Kevin Skinkis said in an email. RBHS has an enrollment of about 1,600 students, so if all students attended on the day of the week that they are assigned to there would be about 400 students in the building. School officials initially had projected that nearly 70 percent of students would attend school in person. But last week only about 43 percent of RBHS students reported to classrooms in person. The reasons for students not going to school in person vary. Some have stayed away as COVID cases spiked upward in recent weeks, while others felt going to school one day a week to attend class on Zoom -- even with the teacher and a few other students in the classroom -- just wasn’t worth getting up earlier for. “I live with my grandparents already, so it’s already kind of problematic for me to be going out,” said RBHS senior Isabella Linarez, who chose to stay home week. “I believe there isn’t much of a point to go back, since students are just sitting there on Zoom. Nothing is different
uncomfortable with being inside and they would continue to take orders for takeout and curbside pickup. “We have staff who have children, who have healthcare to pay into and who have mortgages and they will not survive on carryout orders alone,” Ryan wrote. “Therefore, our decision to stay open in a responsible and safe manner came with a lot of thoughtful considerations.” After receiving a complaint at about 9 p.m. on Oct. 29, a Brookfield police officer was dispatched to Ryan’s. According to the report filed by the responding officer, he talked to Ryan outside of the pub and provided her with the state’s COVID-19 mitigation information form. Ryan’s was open for indoor service the following morning, as planned. Attempts to reach Ryan by phone and email were not successful. After initially honoring the ban, the management at Sebastian’s Ale and Whiskey House in downtown Brookfield announced on Facebook on Oct. 30 that they were reopening the doors for indoor dining. “We are at a very small fraction of the revenue than normal,” the post stated. “We can’t even make enough to pay our employees that are working. We thought we would be able to get through without opening the inside and keeping everyone employed. That is not an option anymore.” On Nov. 1, Sebastian’s announced it had also set up an impromptu food pantry to benefit “all our industry friends or anyone effected by the indoor dining closures.” “If you need food for you or your kids, we are here for you, no questions asked,” the establishment announced. “We will have a little pantry set up also. It’s not much but please don’t have anyone go to sleep hungry. … “We are all in this together and we will all
get through this. Just call and we will have it ready for you.” Brookfield police did not receive any complaints about the bar/restaurant being open and did not visit there over the weekend. Officers did notify the staff of Phil’s Sports Bar and Grill, also in downtown Brookfield, of the governor’s ban after getting called there on Nov. 1 at about 8:25 p.m. to respond to a report of a fight among six or seven people. Several of those involved had left the bar by the time police arrived. Officers noted in their report that between 10 and 25 people were inside the bar at the time. North Riverside officials, meanwhile, received complaints about three different establishments opening their doors to indoor dining and drinking on Oct. 28. After phone calls to the owners and managers of those places that day, Mother’s Day Restaurant and Tipster’s Village Pub, both on Cermak Road, stopped serving indoors and switched to a takeout/delivery model. Indoor service wasn’t halted at Yia Yia’s Pancake House on Harlem Avenue until Oct. 29 after two police officers visited and advised the manager that the restaurant was in violation of the governor’s order. Police said they did not order the establishment closed or issue any citations but rather asked the manager to comply with the governor’s order. “It’s very frustrating,” said Steve Kallas, manager of Yia Yia’s. “I don’t know how long we’ll be closed down this time, but we haven’t recovered from the first shutdown. Kallas said of the restaurant’s 40 employees only a handful were working Oct. 30, filling takeout orders. “We were going to stay open because our people needed to put food on the table,” said Kallas. “If they keep us closed down like [the
first shutdown], I don’t think we can recover.” Kevin Geiger, the manager at Tipster’s Village Pub, said on Thursday afternoon that the management there had yet to decide on whether to remain open for only takeout/ curbside/delivery service or resume defying the governor’s ban. “Right now we’re in between decisions on what we’re going to do,” Geiger said. “People got to work. We all got bills to pay.” Geiger, like others, questioned how a heated and essentially enclosed tent outside of the establishment was any different than eating inside. He also marveled that customers were still allowed to go inside the bar to play video gambling machines. Before getting a call from the village on the afternoon of Oct. 28, Peter Paleothodoros, the owner of Mother’s Day Restaurant, said business was brisk. “It was a gut punch,” Paleothodoros said of the governor’s indoor dining ban. “We were just about starting to get on our feet and now we take 10 steps back. You try to find the silver lining and there is none.” Paleothodoros said that due to Mother’s Day’s Cermak Road location, they never contemplated setting up a tent for outdoor dining, and for now the restaurant is filling carryout orders. Ketchmark said that while he believes the village doesn’t have the authority to enforce the governor’s ban, he warned that by opening their doors to indoor service, bar and restaurant owners could face public backlash of a different kind. “I’m worried about the potential negative effect on them,” Ketchmark said. “How is that viewed by people? There’s always that potential with social media, and it can take off really fast. I know they’re struggling, but could they make it worse? There’s potential for that, too.”
other than you are at school, and while it may help you get into a routine, I don’t believe it is worth it -- especially if we have to go back only one day a week.” But some students who did attend class in person felt that it was a positive experience. “I felt like I got a lot more done than I did at home,” said senior Lily Adlesick, a student representative to the school board. But Adlesick admitted that it wasn’t a typical classroom experience. She told the school board that she was the only student present in person in one of her classes. The most students present in person in any of her classes was five. Those low numbers apparently discouraged other students from coming to school. “The kids feel like it’s not worth coming in because so few kids are coming,” Adlesick said. Under the hybrid model, students attend can attend school in person one day a week. They attend classes remotely the rest of the week remotely, so every day teachers are teaching some students in the classroom and others remotely at the same time. Classes are all conducted on Zoom or Google Meet. Senior Tess Obuchowski also chose not to attend class in person. She is in the fall play, “Clue,” and already comes to RBHS every afternoon for rehearsals.
“Just between going in for the show and I also have a job that I’ve been working during quarantine, I didn’t want to risk extra exposure by going in,” Obuchowski said. With a slightly modified schedule designed to get students out of the building before lunchtime, class periods are just 35 minutes four days a week. “The whole virtual thing has been very strange, especially with the new schedule,” Obuchowski said. “We get out at 12:35 most weekdays, which is good for getting homework and college applications done and stuff. It’s just so weird to finish early in the day.” Zoom fatigue, staring at a screen for hours, also has been difficult. “You wouldn’t expect it to be tiring because you’re just sitting in a chair all day, but it’s so much harder to focus,” Obuchowski said. The rolling average 14-day positivity rate for the 60546 zip code, which includes Riverside and North Riverside, has risen to 6.54 percent while the rolling average positivity rate for Brookfield has risen to 8.15 percent -- 11.58 percent over the last week. “It is trending in the wrong direction,” Skinkis told the school board at the Oct. 27 school board meeting. The metric superintendents pay the most
attention to, the positivity rate for suburban Cook County, was 10.1 percent as of Oct. 30, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Superintendents pay attention to the suburban Cook County because teachers come from all over the Chicago metropolitan area. One bright side of the sparse in-person attendance at RBHS is that social distancing was much easier to maintain. “Keeping our cohorts small does provide us some flexibility if the numbers were to remain as they are,” Skinkis said. “Our goal right now is to get people in the building in small groups.” Students are using three entrances at RBHS to maintain social distance. Skinkis said if positive cases continue to increase, the school might have to hit an “adaptive pause” in its hybrid model and switch back to 100-percent remote learning until cases decrease. He said he would monitor the numbers closely and decide every Friday what to do the following week. RBHS had been scheduled to move next week to students attending class twice a week, up from the current one day a week. But given the current number of COVID cases Skinkis said that the one-day-a-week schedule would likely continue next week.
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The Landmark, November 4, 2020
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7001 West 71st Place, Burbank $249,000
4533 Lawndale Ave, Lyons $199,000
7240 Ogden Ave, Riverside $485,000
399 Audubon Rd, Riverside $635,000
444 Washington Blvd, #204, Oak Park $195,000
3303 S Grove Ave South #603, Berwyn $159,900
112.5 Lincoln Ave, 2H, Riverside $109,900
293 Gage Rd, Riverside $548,000
3608 Wenonah Ave, Berwyn $289,900
56 N Cowley Rd, Riverside $399,000 L TA N RE
4441 Wolf Rd, #401, Western Springs $699,000
321 Delaplaine Rd, Riverside $790,000
144 Scottswood Rd, Riverside $799,000
45 Longcommon Rd, Riverside $975,000
622 Robinhood Ln, LaGrange Park $2,400/mo
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