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RIVERSIDE-BROOKFIELD Follow us online! rblandmark.com

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Vol. 36, No. 46

@riversidebrookfieldlandmark @riversidebrookfield_landmark

November 17, 2021

Police body cams go operational in Brookfield PAGE 4

Also serving North Riverside

@RBLandmark

Nazareth Academy girls win state volleyball crown PAGE 15

Couple fatally shot inside Riverside apartment

IN THE SWING OF THINGS

Police respond to building, Nov. 13, after report of possible burglary By BOB UPHUES Editor

Riverside police have released very few details about an apparent double murder that took place inside a downtown apartment, the first homicides reported in the village in nearly three decades. Jeremy Lane, 38, who lived in the third-floor apartment at 63 Forest Ave., and Tiata Johnson, 31, See HOMICIDE on page 13

Ophelia Von Kaenel, 6, of Brookfield, gives one of the new swings a go at Candy Cane Park, which opened to the public last week after completion of an eight-month long, $680,000 renovation project funded in part by a $400,000 federal grant.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Brookfield looks to acquire tax-delinquent properties Three have long housed auto repair businesses, one is multifamily residential

By BOB UPHUES Editor

The village of Brookfield will seek to acquire four tax-delinquent properties

through Cook County’s no-cash bid program in order to market them for redevelopment. Trustees unanimously approved an ordinance requesting acquisition of the properties from the county on Nov. 8.

Three of the four parcels are commercial properties which have been used in the past for auto repair businesses, while one is a vacant apartment building. The properties are located at 9400 Ogden Ave., 9100 31st St., 3827

Maple Ave. and 8844 Burlington Ave. “This ordinance would be the first step so we could continue the application,” said VilSee PROPERTIES on page 12

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The Landmark, November 17, 2021

Dear Readers, Thanks to all those who have supported our nonprofit mission at Growing Community Media since our formation in 2019. At our relatively new nonprofit, our leadership has spent the past several months developing our initial strategic plan, and focusing on our mission statement: Growing Community Media connects citizens through community journalism rooted deep in our neighborhoods, based in facts, and reflective of voices not always heard. On the ground, we work to fulfill our mission with projects like our Campaign for Democracy election coverage in our suburban communities and our Delores McCain and Terry Dean Narrative Reporter position on the West Side of Chicago. Every day we report stories of our local athletes and artists, homes and businesses, festivals and meetings, teachers and students, religious communities and nonprofits. All while working to hold our government, institutions and leaders accountable. Every day we host robust conversations among our readers in our opinion pages and on our social media. And we have been able, so far, to keep our content free and available to all, without paywalls. Make no mistake -- producing content that is deeply rooted, fact-based, and reflective of the broad spectrum of voices that call our communities home is anything but free. As a nonprofit newsroom, we depend on the support of readers like you to keep this critical work going. And from now through the end of the year, we have the opportunity to match your new monthly donation 12 times, or double your one time gift up to $1,000 per individual. Your gift now extends the reporting we can do in 2022. Will you help power the broad and deep reporting on our communities that is unavailable anywhere else? If you prefer to make your gift by check, be sure to look for a donation envelope in print copies of this week’s newspapers. www.rblandmark.com/donate or make your check payable to Growing Community Media at 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 With thanks for your ongoing support, Dan Haley Editor and Publisher Growing Community Media


The Landmark, November 17, 2021

RBHS junior perfect on AP computer science exam

Abigail Sokol one of just 335 worldwide to answer every question correctly By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

A Riverside-Brookfield High School junior earned a perfect score last May on the Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles exam, answering every question correctly. Abigail Sokol, of Brookfield, was one of only 335 students in the world to receive every point possible on the exam. “Earning a perfect score on any AP exam is extremely challenging, but especially in computer science,” said Sandy Czajka, who teaches the AP computer science class. “There are many places where a student might misread the code or have a minor calculation error that would result in not earning a perfect score even though the student could earn a 5 on the exam. “Her perfect score not only demonstrates mastery of the computer science content, but is also representative of her critical eye ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer for detail and cool analysis.” Abigail Sokol (above) took both of Riverside-Brookfi eld High School’s AP computer Sokol told the Landmark that she completed the two-hour test in only 30 minutes science offerings last year after falling in love with the subject as a freshman. so she had a lot of time to check her work. Walking out of the test she knew she did man, dabbled with computer game design. “I just took both in the same year because, well, but she had no idea that she would get “Before high school I had sort of messed I guess, I wasn’t sure which one to take and a perfect score. In practice tests she had al- around with making, to be honest, some I figured by taking both I would be covered,” ways made at least one mistake. pretty bad games in Java Script,” Sokol said. Sokol said. “I had always missed one question here Sokol has taught herself much about It wasn’t until her freshman year at RBHS or there, just by not reading the question when her friend Connor Stenson showed computer science and has even designed a correctly or something her to how to create a primitive 4-bit computer with 20 RAM, just like that, just silly miswebsite using HTML for fun. takes, so I was very Sokol loves math and is especially interthat she became fascisurprised that I got a nated by computer sci- ested in the theoretical aspects of computer perfect score,” Sokol science. ence. said. “I’m hoping to potentially get a doctorate “It was super simple She didn’t find out but it kind of blew me in the future,” Sokol said. “I especially enjoy about her perfect score away, and that’s sort the way that sometimes math and computer until a few weeks ago. of what started me science overlap.” “Even though the Having exhausted the computer science just trying to learn as test was maybe not the classes offered at RBHS, next semester Somuch as I could about ABIGAIL SOKOL most difficult test I’ve computers,” Sokol kol will take a class in data structures and Brookfield resident and RBHS junior ever taken, given just said. “And somewhere algorithms at Illinois Institute of Technolmy past knowledge in along that track I real- ogy under a dual credit program that RBHS the subject, I was still ized that I really loved has with IIT. really excited,” Sokol doing it and was really Sokol is fascinated by what computers can said. “If nothing else, I thought it might look good at it.” do. She can code in many different computgood on a college application.” While taking AP Computer Science Prin- er languages and loves the freedom of creatSokol started getting seriously interested ciples last year she also took RBHS’s other ing her own software and not being limited in computer science once she started high Advanced Placement computer science to commercial software. school. course, AP Computer Science A, which ac“I enjoy how you can get computers, de“I’ve been studying computer science cording to the AP College Board “focus[es] vices that seem to control much of our lives, since freshman year and I’ve absolutely fall- on leveraging programming in Java to solve to do pretty much anything you want,” Soen in love with it,” Sokol said. problems.” AP Computer Science Princi- kol said. “I just think it’s really interesting Before high school Sokol, who was home ples, according to the College Board, “focus- and allows much more freedom than only using computer science software.” schooled until entering RBHS as a fresh- es on broader aspects of computing.”

“I enjoy how you can get computers, devices that seem to control much of our lives, to do pretty much anything you want.”

IN THIS ISSUE Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Kosey Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Editor Bob Uphues Equity Editor/Ombudsman Michael Romain Digital Publishing & Technology Manager Briana Higgins Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Sales and Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Development & Sales Coordinator Stacy Coleman Circulation Manager Jill Wagner E-MAIL jill@oakpark.com Publisher Dan Haley Business Manager Joyce Minich

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, 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@rblandmark.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 $36 within Cook County and $46 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. © 2021 Growing Community Media NFP.

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The Landmark, November 17, 2021

Police body cams now live in Brookfield Patrol officers began wearing the devices Nov. 1 on all shifts

By BOB UPHUES Editor

The 6 a.m. roll call on Nov. 1 for officers on the Brookfield Police Department’s day shift was not just the start of another day on patrol. For the first time, officers would be wearing body cameras on their uniforms while interacting with the public. Since that time every Brookfield police officer is required to wear a body camera when they’re responding to calls for service or are out in the community in their official capacity. “It’s one of the biggest technological changes we’ve seen in 30 years,” said Brookfield Police Chief Michael Kuruvilla, who was an early advocate for adopting the technology, even prior to the Illinois General Assembly mandating their use by 2025. “This is huge for us,” he said. At the start of every shift, officers grab one of the recharged cameras from the docking station and have the device’s QR code scanned by the shift supervisor. The camera is mounted on the front of the officer’s uniform – it may take a little practice to make sure the lens is angled correctly – and must be switched on during any interaction with the public. That can be done manually by the officer, but it can also be triggered automatically, said Kuruvilla, in certain circumstances. For example, the body cameras automatically go on any time a police officer activates the emergency lights of a squad car and an officer’s body camera automatically activates any time he or she is in proximity to another officer whose body cam is on. “Because it’s so new we’re still working on what triggers work for us and what don’t,” Kuruvilla said. “Once you’re doing it, you realize how much more complicated things really are.” Right now, because the body cameras and in-car dashboard cameras are separate systems, when responding to a call police must carry a second microphone connected to the in-car camera in addition to the one on the body camera. That situation is expected to change in 2022 with the purchase of new in-car cameras made by Axon, the same manufacturer as the body cameras, but that will take some months to happen. Members of the public who interact with police are also more likely than not – depending on the situation- -- to be

BOB UPHUES/Editor

notified they’re being recorded by the body camera. While that might not be the case during a critical emergency, said Kuruvilla, “99 percent of the time we’ll be relaying that message.” There are also policies regarding where cameras should not be taken – into bathrooms and locker rooms inside the police station, for example. The department has already placed bins outside bathroom and locker room doors, where officers can deposit the cameras before entering. The Brookfield Village Board approved the purchase of the body cameras in early 2021 and the department took possession of the equipment in the summer, but it took some months to finalize the use policy and also address some hesitancy from rank-and-file officers who would be using the cameras every day. “It’s something different and everybody has to get acclimated to a new piece of equipment,” said Richard Bruno, the Brookfield police union’s representative from the Illinois Council of Police. Bruno said the union did demand to bargain the effects of the change in working conditions and the village agreed. “Hopefully everybody was happy,” Bruno said. “There were some changes made at the union’s request, so there was give and take on both sides.”

The language changes to the body camera use policy, said Bruno, were done to make sure it adhered strictly to the police reform statute passed by the Illinois General Assembly. “We wanted the policy to follow no less and no more than required by the act,” Bruno said. “I think they were good changes for everyone involved.” Kuruvilla said patrol officers were also nervous about language in an earlier version of the police reform bill that called for any officer who did not turn on a body camera, especially in cases of use of deadly force, to be charged with a felony. A later revision clarified the language to state such charges would result only in cases in which an officer acted intentionally or willfully to turn the camera off. Still, Kuruvilla said he wanted to be sure officers felt their voices were being heard before the cameras went live. “My intention from the beginning was to try to be as meticulous, methodical and thorough as possible,” Kuruvilla said. “From August to November, I spent time meeting with individual officers and shifts to explain as best as I could, and to reassure them that all of this is for their protection and the community’s.” The department also underwent a fairly comprehensive organizational overhaul this summer, with the retirement of former Chief Edward Petrak, the elevation of Kuruvilla into the top spot and the resulting promotions to fill ranks caused by those moves. “Putting this added burden onto the officers at the same time didn’t seem to be a prudent move,” Kuruvilla said. As of late last week, the department had not been asked to provide body camera video for any court case and none had been requested by citizens although that is seen as inevitable. The video is uploaded after each shift into Axon’s cloud-based storage system. The Cook County State’s Attorney also used that system so providing video evidence in court case discovery can be as easy as dragging and dropping files. As for responding to Freedom of Information requests, it’s unclear exactly what kind of burden that will place on whoever is assigned to redact video. “I have no reservations about doing so, but it is a manpower issue,” said Kuruvilla. “It’ll largely be a function of the command staff and records division.”

North Riverside looks to increase tax levy by 3% Pension obligations now top $4 million annually By BOB UPHUES Editor

After freezing its local property tax levy for the past two years, North Riverside trustees agreed at a meeting of the village board’s administrative committee on Nov. 8 that they’ll ask for a 3-percent tax levy increase for the 2021 tax year, which is collected in 2022. It’s also the largest tax levy increase the village has sought since 2015, when the board sought a 3.5-percent increase. But, according

to Village Administrator Sue Scarpiniti, the 3-percent increase won’t make a very big dent in the wallets of local homeowners, with the expected hike estimated to be around $10 to $25 depending on the assessed value of a particular home. “The biggest hit will be to the businesses, because their assessments are higher,” Scarpiniti told trustees. “But what taxpayers will pay to North Riverside will be minimal compared to other taxing bodies.” Trustees H. Bob Demopoulos and Marybelle Mandel said they both opposed increasing the tax levy, with Demopoulos saying it was both “too much of a big hit” and also that the $13,000 total levy increase was such

a small amount it wouldn’t make much of an impact compared to the sales taxes coming in from a new grocery store and the village’s places-for-eating tax. Mandel said she opposed it because she didn’t want to place a burden on businesses. “I see the businesses taking a hit right now with employment, cost of goods, and I definitely don’t want to see them struggle or we’re going to end up with more vacant stores,” Mandel said. Trustee Jason Bianco argued that raising the tax levy was critical given the costs to operate the village. “How can we continue to provide these services on $125 a resident?” said Bianco,

referring to the amount the village collects annually in property taxes from the average single-family residential property. “We’ve pretty much maxed out our eating taxes, our sales taxes. We sat here at the budget [workshop] $2 million in the hole and we couldn’t figure out anything.” Trustee Terri Sarro, who chairs the administrative committee, said that while freezing the tax levy made sense in the midst of last year’s pandemic, the village couldn’t afford to keep doing that, especially with the village’s combined police and fire pension obligations ballooning to almost $4.2 million in 2022 – which is seven times See TAX LEVY on page 13


The Landmark, November 17, 2021

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Food pantry given OK to open on Brookfield Avenue Share Food Share Love to serve clients at new location beginning Nov. 30

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Share Food Share Love Food Pantry, an agency of the Greater Chicago Food Depository that has operated out of the basement of a Brookfield church since its founding in 2015, will open the doors to its new location later this month. On Nov. 8, village trustees voted unanimously to approve the food pantry’s special use permit to operate out of a warehouse at 9030 Brookfield Ave., a move that will afford more room to store food for its roughly 250 clients. The food pantry distributes food to those in need twice weekly, on Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the food pantry has distributed prepackaged bags of food to clients outside of the small basement space of Faith Lutheran Church, 3801 Madison Ave. John Dumas, the administrative director of Share Food Share Love Food Pantry, said the food pantry’s last distribution day at the church will be Tuesday, Nov. 23. The food pantry be closed on Saturday, Nov. 27 and then reopen in the new Brookfield Avenue location on Tuesday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. A condition of the special use permit is that Share Food Share Love Food Pantry will not be allowed to use the alley that runs behind the warehouse and abuts single-family residences for any reason. There had been some concern that deliveries and distribution would occur in the alley. However, Dumas said the food pantry did not intend to use the alley, because there was ample parking for clients in the 9000 block of Brookfield Avenue along the railroad right of way. In addition to a front door leading to a waiting area, there’s an overhead garage door in front that will allow for easy delivery of food to the pantry. Share Food Share Love Food Pantry is leasing about 5,000 square feet of the 7,000-square-foot warehouse, with plans to expand into the remainder in the future. The food pantry also intends to purchase the warehouse property from its owner, Main Holdings Inc, which has owned the building since 2009. Although the warehouse sits in the SA-6 zoning district, which calls for residential development, it is one of several

BOB UPHUES/EDITOR

9030 Brookfield Ave. light industrial buildings that have stood for decades along that stretch of Brookfield Avenue. Earlier this year, the village board amended the zoning code to allow those buildings to be used for non-residential purposes if ownership changes. Share Food Share Love is associated with the Greater Chicago Food Depository and serves communities in suburban Cook County, including Brookfield, Countryside, Forest

View, Hodgkins, LaGrange, LaGrange Park, Lyons, McCook, North Riverside, Riverside, Stickney, Summit and Western Springs. While the food pantry was founded by members of the Faith Lutheran Church congregation it has since become an independent nonprofit with its own board of directors. More information can be found at their website at sharefoodsharelove.com.

Brookfield lays out balanced 2022 budget Federal funds help, but higher-than-expected revenues a real boost

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Bolstered by an infusion of federal COVID-19 relief funds, the village of Brookfield expects to end 2021 with a general operating fund surplus of nearly $1.3 million, and with another $1.2 million payment from the federal government due next year, officials are predicting another large cash surplus in 2022. Despite that windfall, Village Manager Timothy Wiberg told elected officials at their 2022 budget workshop on Nov. 4 that even without that federal relief Brookfield would still have ended 2021 in the black.

“What we’ve done over the last three years has set the village up to be in this position where there’s some encouraging news,” said Wiberg. “Yes, the [federal relief funds] certainly will help, but I really want to get across the reality that 2022 looks to be the most positive fiscal year since the village, at least since I’ve been part of the process.” Wiberg was hired as village manager in the latter half of 2018, a year in which the village posted a general operating deficit of more than $500,000. In response the village board in 2019 approved a raft of fee increase, from vehicle stickers to business licenses, parking tickets and ambulance charges. Those actions cut the general fund deficit

drastically in 2019, and in 2020 the village posted a surplus. The good news in 2021 was that revenues by the end of the year are predicted to come in at about $1.9 million higher than budgeted, while expenditures are expected to come in just $50,000 over budget. In the preliminary budget presented to the village board on Nov. 4, revenues in 2022 are estimated at about $22.2 million, a 6-percent increase year over year. Expenditures for 2022 are estimated at $21,587,481, a 14-percent increase year over year. Among the large expenditures included in the 2022 preliminary budget are the purchase of a new quint truck (a combination ladder truck/pumper) for the fire depart-

ment. The estimated $1.25 million cost for the truck, which will replace two older vehicles in the fleet, will be funded largely through an $800,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and federal COVID-19 relief proceeds. Management has also included in the 2022 budget about $1.8 million in capital expenditures, including the replacement of three vehicles in the police department and three trucks in the public works department. Other police department capital expenses include the second installment for a fiveyear plan to fund body cameras for all police See BUDGET on page 13


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The Landmark, November 17, 2021

P O L I C E

R E P O R T S

Catalytic converter thieves hit North Riverside North Riverside police reported three catalytic converter thefts last week in the village, all of them apparently taking place during the early morning hours of Nov. 10. Police responded to the 8700 block of 26th Street at 4:10 a.m. after a resident called to say he was awakened by what sounded like a power tool in use. The victim went outside to investigate and observed one person wearing all black standing next to his vehicle. The person saw the victim and entered the passenger side of a black SUV, which was parked in the victim’s driveway. The SUV drove away eastbound on 26th Street without its lights on. The victim later learned his vehicle’s catalytic converter was missing. Around 8:30 a.m., a resident of the 2400 block of 6th Avenue called to report that the catalytic converter had been sawn from her 2009 Honda CR-V. Security camera video showed the theft took place about 4:10 a.m. and involved two people, one of whom appeared to be holding a handgun. Finally, police responded to the 2300 block of Westover Avenue on the afternoon of Nov. 10 after a resident called to report that it appeared someone had attempted but failed to steal the catalytic converter from his Honda CR-V.

Burglary ruse foiled A resident of the 3000 block of Forest Avenue, Brookfield, recognizing a potential

burglary ruse, called police on Nov. 8 after a man appeared at her door claiming he needed to check the home’s water for contamination. According to the police report, the man arrived at the residence about 5:40 p.m. in a white SUV. The man, wearing a flannel longsleeve shirt rang the front doorbell and told the resident he needed to check the water. When he tried to open the screen door, the resident pushed the man back and said they were calling 911. The man then walked quickly back to the SUV and drove away westbound on 30th Street. Police later learned that a similar incident, involving a man and a vehicle similar to the one reported in Brookfield, had taken place in LaGrange Park about 5:30 p.m. in the 600 block of East 31st Street. In that incident, the man reportedly told the resident he needed to check the water pressure of the home.

DUI at 84 mph North Riverside police charged a 26-year-old Cicero woman with driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs and aggravated speeding after stopping her white Honda, which was allegedly traveling at 84 mph westbound on Cermak Road from Harlem Avenue on Nov. 11 about 1:40 a.m.

The vehicle pulled over for police at First Avenue, where the driver reported drinking vodka and smoking cannabis before getting behind the wheel. Her blood-alcohol content was reportedly .104, which is higher than the legal limit of .08.

items and restaurant supplies. Nothing appeared to have been removed from the storage area, according to the police report.

Stolen vehicle recovered

Riverside police charged a 24-year-old Chicago man with unlawful use of a weapon and aggravated speeding after police stopped the man’s black Subaru, which was traveling at 64 mph in a 35 mph zone while northbound on First Avenue from Forest Avenue on Nov. 11 about 1:35 a.m. During the stop, the police officer asked if there were any firearms in the vehicle. The driver said he had a pistol in his gym bag, which was on the front passenger-side floor. While the man said he had a valid FOID card, he did not possess a concealed carry license. The Taurus 9 mm pistol was loaded with three rounds, police said, and was easily accessible to the driver.

A black 2006 Toyota Matrix, stolen on the afternoon of Nov. 3 from outside a Riverside gas station minimart, was recovered a week later in Chicago’s 10th Police District. The victim reported on Nov. 3 that he went inside the 7-Eleven, 2600 Harlem Ave., about 1:40 p.m., leaving his car unlocked and running in the parking lot. When he left the minimart, the vehicle was gone. Security video showed a car pull into the lot shortly after the victim entered the store. A passenger got out of that vehicle and into the victim’s, driving away a high rate of speed. Chicago police contacted Riverside on Nov. 11 to report that they had recovered the car.

Burglary Riverside police responded to Michael’s Pancake House, 25½ E. Burlington St., on Nov. 13 about 8:15 a.m. after someone from the business called to report that someone had forced open a basement window to gain entry to a storage room containing food

Traffic stop leads to gun charge

These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Riverside, North Riverside and Brookfield police departments, Nov. 8-14, 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

Parents in D95 petition school board to broadcast their meetings Officials decided to discontinue using Zoom last month By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

A few more than 100 people have signed an online petition calling on the BrookfieldLaGrange Park School District 95 Board of Education to resume livestreaming its school board meetings. But District 95 confirmed receipt of the petition, but school board president Katie Mulcrone said Nov. 15 that the school board does not intend to resume the practice livestreaming all its school board meetings as it had during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Late last week an online petition signed

by 115 people was sent to the district office. The petition asks for the school “to create a policy that implements live streaming, recording and retention of all board meetings and meeting materials, which should be posted online in a conspicuous manner for public viewing.” Jamie Baker, the mother of a kindergartener at Brook Park School who organized the petition and two other district parents, spoke on the matter during the public comment period of the Nov. 11 meeting of the District 95 school board. Baker said the district should use some of its federal pandemic relief money to pay for the cost of livestreaming its meetings.

BOB SKOLNIK/Contributor

Jamie Baker, a Brook Park School parent who organized the petition, called on the D95 school board to resume livestreaming their proceedings during the public comment period of the Nov. 11 school board meeting. “Now more than ever we need transparency,” Baker said. “Use the extra funds to livestream the board meeting and invest in an adequate sound system so taxpayers

and parents can actually hear what’s being spent.” Julie Buscemi is one of the parents who signed the online petition.


The Landmark, November 17, 2021

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Brookfield trustees mull feasibility study for new rec center More discussion needed on how to proceed, get input from public By BOB UPHUES Editor

Brookfield trustees on Nov. 4 gave the OK to keep a $70,000 line item in the village’s 2022 budget to conduct a feasibility study for a new community recreation center, but whether the initiative moves ahead will require additional discussion. Brookfield Recreation Director Stevie Ferrari recommended that the village seek a request for proposals from firms to conduct a study that would determine the community’s interest in such a facility, where it might be located, what it should offer and what it would cost. Such an initiative would essentially restart an effort the village board talked about in late 2019 but fell victim to the COVID-19 pandemic. In December 2019, trustees gave Ferrari the go-ahead to bring in an architect to help identify options as part of a grant application process through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. In a memo to the village board requesting the study be included in the 2022 budget, Ferrari laid out the need for tackling what is becoming an acute space issue for the Brookfield Parks and Recreation Department. Since being hired as director in 2018, Ferrari has expanded the department’s offerings, which now include before- and afterschool programming, more youth camps offerings in winter and summer and more special events. To illustrate how much programming has changed, Ferrari provided trustees with revenue/expense figures from 2018-21 which showed annual revenues rising from about $153,000 to more than $515,000. While

expenses rose as well, from about $322,000 hate to see that happen,” she added. Elected officials were also unable to agree in 2018 to $703,000 in 2021, the percentage of revenues funding expenditures has in- on how the village might go about surveying the community to see what interest is in creased from 47 percent to 73 percent. The department’s lone indoor space for building a new recreation center, what amegeneral programming is located in the lower nities they’d like to see inside such a facility level of the village hall. That space houses and what the appetite might be for funding the District 95 before- and after-school pro- it. Village President Michael Garvey voiced gram as well as SEASPAR’s adult special support for moving forward with a feasibilrecreation Eagles program. The department has two buildings where ity study “as quickly as we can.” “I don’t think the danger is not that the it houses its preschool program and also public is not going to want it, leases gymnasium space from it’s just the next step after that,” District 95 for sports programGarvey said. “The first step is to ming and has recently reached have professionals tell us what out to Riverside School District amenities we need, not what we 96 about leasing space. need to pay.” “We are probably getting close Trustee Katie Kaluzny also to our capacity of what we can supported the study, saying, “It offer given our facility limitamakes sense to do because othtions,” Village Manager Timoerwise we’re just making a lot thy Wiberg told trustees at their of guesses about what it is we 2022 budget workshop on Nov. 4. need.” Making matters worse in 2021 As far as crafting survey queswas a summer storm that floodtions, Kaluzny said, village offied the entire lower level, taking cials could work with the consulthat space offline entirely for TIMOTHY WIBERG tant they hire to do that. seven weeks while it was cleaned Brookfield village manager As an initial step Trustee Briup and renovated. an Conroy suggested a simple “We joke about it, but it’s realonline poll. If such a poll showed ly a substandard space,” Wiberg there was support, that would said. provide trustees with direction But, elected officials on Nov. on moving forward with the fea4 voiced some hesitation about sibility study. fully plunging into such a study “It shows we’re being proacwithout first getting buy-in from tive and trying to get public input,” Conroy the community. “We have to be really careful about hav- said. ing a huge amount of community support Trustee Kit Ketchmark argued that resifor this,” said Trustee Jennifer Hendricks, dents who are already plugged in and tend to who as a former project manager for the support such initiatives would be the most Naperville Park District from 2005-08 “lived likely to respond to such a poll, so it probthrough a nightmare trying to build a rec ably wouldn’t provide an accurate snapshot center.” of support. “Spending $70,000 to $75,000 off the bat Hendricks said that whatever decision the and finding out there isn’t public support village board makes, it was incumbent on for it would be a huge failure and I would officials to communicate what they’re try-

“We joke about it, but it’s really a substandard space.”

ing to accomplish. “I don’t have a problem putting this into the budget as long as we are really, really careful about communication and making sure that this doesn’t automatically get a backlash like, ‘Oh my God, they’re going to build a rec center and my taxes are going to go up and this is a disaster. Let’s all get out there and vote it down,’” Hendricks said. “I think communication and building support for something like this has to be right at the top of the list.”

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(708) 447-2261 | www.ivinsfh.com “I am the parent of a BP and Gross student,” Buscemi wrote when signing the online petition. “I want to know what’s going on now and not in a month. I can’t make it to the meetings with 3 kids and a full-time job. Zoom and recorded meetings would be spectacular.” Paul DiVittorio also signed the petition. “Streaming these meetings cost nothing,” DiVittorio wrote. “The only reason not to do so is the keep the community in the dark regarding meeting content. The community pays for the schools. It has every right to see how its money is spent.” Baker said she found it contradictory that the district would conduct parentteacher conferences by Zoom but no longer livestream school board meetings. “Funny how flexibility is being taken into account in one situation and not the

other,” Baker said. Baker used her own computer to livestream the Nov. 11 school board meeting. She said that eight to 10 people were watching online through her broadcast. Seven parents attended the meeting in person. District 95 had livestreamed its school board meetings for much of this year until deciding last month to stop. At the October school board meeting, Superintendent Mark Kuzniewski said streaming the meetings was cumbersome, the audio was poor, technical problems were frequent and that few people watched. “I just think Zoom itself is a difficult technology to use for our meetings because of how we’re set up,” Mulcrone said. “It’s limited on what you can hear and what you can see and obviously our meetings

are better if you’re in there in person.” Mulcrone said few people have contacted her to ask for the meetings do be livestreamed. “I would say very, very few people have reached out via email,” Mulcrone said. “I’ve received no phone calls. No one approached me.” Mulcrone said she did have a telephone conversation with Baker a couple of weeks ago about the issue. “It went from very limited contact with us to a petition,” Mulcrone said. Mulcrone said the district would consider livestreaming certain meetings when controversial issues arise or when there is great public interest in a certain issue. “But we at this point we do not have a plan to broadcast or Zoom our regularly scheduled meetings,” Mulcrone said.

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The Landmark, November 17, 2021

November 17-24

BIG WEEK Early Hitchcock thriller at Brookfield library

The Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, 3541 Park Ave., invites you to join the library’s movie expert, Marty Blank, for a screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1929 film “Blackmail” -- his first “talkie” -- during Movies with Marty, an in-person program on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. Register to attend at 708-485-6917, ext. 130 or at brookfield.evanced. info/signup.

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ pop-up bar

Santa at North Riverside Mall Visit Santa Claus at his workshop in the lower level center court of North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 Cermak Road, through Christmas Eve on the following dates: Nov. 13-14 and 20-21 from noon to 6 p.m.; Nov. 26-27 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Nov. 28 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Dec. 1-17 from noon to 7 p.m.; Dec. 18-23 from noon to 8 p.m.; and Dec. 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visits with Santa are free, photo packages starting at $25 are available for purchase. Visit the mall’s Facebook page (@NRPMall) for more.

And more Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St., presents the exhibition “Portable Memorials and Abject Objects” featuring the work of Rebecca Keller in the Freeark Gallery through Nov. 27. The FlexSpace Gallery hosts “Proposals and Speculations” featuring the work of Shir Ende and Lancer Livermont through Nov. 20. Gallery hours are Thurs.-Sat. 1-5 p.m. Visit riversideartscenter.com for more. ■

The Brookfield Chamber of Commerce continues its 60-to-Win raffle drawings every Thursday through Nov. 18 at 4:30 p.m. at Joe’s Saloon, 9220 ■

47th St. in Brookfield. You can also watch a livestream on the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce Facebook page (facebook.com/BrookfieldIllinois). Winners’ names will be posted each week at brookfieldchamber.net. Riverside Arts Center presents “Porcelain Utopia: Mid-Century Lustron Homes in Illinois and Beyond,” an exhibit of photographs by Dirk Fletcher in the lobby of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, through Dec. 31. Free. Open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., invites you to explore your family tree by visiting ■

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Take a trip to Bedford Falls for a flaming rum punch and benefit BEDS Plus at the “It’s a Wonderful Life” pop-up bar at Joe’s Saloon, 9220 47th St. in Brookfield on Friday, Dec. 3 and Saturday, Dec. 4 from 7 to 11 p.m. The folks at Compassion United Methodist Church will turn Joe’s Saloon into Martini’s and Nick’s, so come dressed as your favorite character and enjoy movie reenactments, Clarence’s signature drink, raffles and more. Ticket sales ($60 per person/limit 4) have opened online at tinyurl.com/ kyfjsb78 but are limited to 150 per night. Ticket price includes light snacks and full open bar. If available, tickets at the door will cost $75. If you can’t make it in person, you can still participate in the raffles for cash prizes. Just 1,200 raffle tickets will be sold. Purchase raffle tickets ($20 each) online at tinyurl.com/mz53awp4.

their Ancestry Help Desk every Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. through November. There’s also Club de Lectura en Espanol on Nov. 19 at 10:30 a.m. and Mary’s Monthly Movie featuring the 1942 classic “Mrs. Miniver” on Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. Kids ages 4-up can choose either in-person or Zoom attendance for Lapsit Storytime on Nov. 18 at 10:30 a.m.; After School Art Escape (in person only) on Nov. 18 at 3:30 p.m.; Learn with Lester the Llama on Nov. 20 at 10:30 a.m.; ABCs and 123s on Nov. 22 at 10:30 a.m.; Story Safari on Nov. 24 at 10:30 a.m.; and Builders Club (Zoom only) on Nov. 24 at 4 p.m. Kids in grades 6-12 can make paper animals in

the Teen Spot on Nov. 20 at 1:30 p.m. Register for programs at northriversidelibrary.org/ events-new. Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, 3541 Park Ave., invites you to Chair Yoga via Zoom on Nov. 18 and 24 at 11 a.m. and to drop by the Maker Studio anytime on Nov. 19 for Thanksgiving Card Making (supplies provided). On Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. via Zoom cartoonist Mark Anderson teaches kids how to draw their favorite foods in hilarious situations during Andertoons: Turkey Toons. Visit brookfield.evanced. info/signup to register for programs. Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, presents ■

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The Landmark, November 17, 2021

Stockings for troops and vets

Kuratko-Nosek Funeral Home, 2447 Desplaines Ave. in North Riverside, invites you to send troops and local veterans a taste of home for the holidays by participating in their Christmas Stockings for Soldiers & Veterans drive through Dec. 17. Stop in at the funeral home Monday through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and pick up a free stocking to take home, decorate and stuff with Christmas cheer (you’ll receive a list of recommended items). Bring the filled stocking back, and Kuratko-Nosek will ship or deliver them (and also any old cellphones you may wish to donate) to troops abroad and veterans at home. Call 708-447-2500 with questions.

Relive classic radio shows

The Riverside Township Radio Players will perform two classic comedies from the Golden Age of Radio during their next free inperson show on Friday, Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road. The troupe will recreate a 1939 episode from the Jack Benny Program where the gang spoofs the movie“The Women” and the 1947 episode “Thanksgiving with the Gillises” from “The Life of Riley.” Masks required for all attending. Visit riversidetownshipradioplayers.com for more.

Get your holiday photos at the library

Have your holiday photos professionally taken in the winter wonderland at North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., during one of three sessions on Nov. 18 and Nov. 19 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register online at northriversidelibrary.org/ events-new or by calling 708-447-0869. A $20 donation is encouraged, and all proceeds go directly toward library programming, technology and other needs.

an Armchair Tour of St. Petersburg by Olga Cardamone on Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Visit the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, the Hermitage and St. Isaac’s Cathedral. There’s also Friday Flix for teens in the Teen Room on Nov. 19 at 3:30 p.m.; a Card and Drawing Workshop for residents of Cantata on Nov. 21 at 12:30 p.m.; Mini-Movers Storytime in the Community Room on Nov. 22 at 9:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.; and Preschool/Kindergarten Storytime on Nov. 23 at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Registration required.

Visit riversidelibrary.libcal.com/calendar to register for programs. Riverside Chess Club, open to anyone age 5 through adult, meets in person each Wednesday at 5 p.m. in Room 30 of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road. Players of all levels welcome. Children under 7 require caregiver over 13. Email sean@riversidechessclub.org for more info. The Brookfield Elks Lodge, 9022 31st St., hosts bingo the second Sunday of every month. Doors open at 1 p.m. and games start at 2 p.m. with cash payouts. Next bingo night is Dec. 12. ■

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HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Visit olmstedsociety.org or facebook.com/RiversideFLOS for details

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The Landmark, November 17, 2021


The Landmark, November 17, 2021

Brookfield teen debuts at Drury Lane in ‘Holiday Inn’

Tap dancer Lily Kocourek performing classic ‘firecracker’ number

ning a life of performance on the big stage. “It’s been very exciting,” she said about rehearsals. “I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time and I’m so happy to be a part of it. I’m looking forward to showing people my tap dancing skills and learning how to act on stage, and singing the few By JACKIE PISANO lines that I have.” Contributing Reporter In her role as Charlie Winslow, Kocourek is slated for the big tap duet number (the t the beginning of 2020, Brookfamous “Firecracker” dance) with characfield resident Lily Kocourek was ter Ted Hanover (played in the film by Fred looking forward to a fun year Astaire). ahead — eighth-grade gradua“Charlie is very naive,” Kocourek said tion, the start of high school and about her character. “She’s younger, but the realization of a lifelong dream of tap she’s a hard worker and she’s very sarcasdancing on stage in a professional theater tic.” production. For rehearsals, Kocourek But a global pandemic says it’s been fun to get to brought that dream to a halt, learn the ins and outs of live leaving Kocourek wondertheater while running lines ing if just when she’d be and dance scenes with her able to realize her goal of fellow actors, including the dancing professionally. other actress who portrays Fast-forward 21 months. Charlie Winslow for half of Now 15 and a sophomore the performance dates. at Riverside-Brookfield Outside of Drury Lane, High School, Kocourek is Kocourek stays busy with ready for her big-stage debut both dance and other exlater this month, starring as tracurriculars. Alongside Charlie Winslow in Drury tapping, she studies ballet, Lane Theatre’s production lyrical and jazz dance and of “Holiday Inn.” LILY KOCOUREK has recently participated in Based on the classic 1942 festivals in downtown Chifilm, “Holiday Inn” follows a retired song-and-dance man’s efforts to cago, Michigan, North Carolina and New bring entertainment to his small Connecti- Hampshire. And, she stays busy at RBHS as cut town. With the help of a talented teacher, well, participating with the Orchesis dance he’s able to turn his farmhouse into an inn team, Repertory Dance Ensemble and poms and produce spectacular shows celebrating team, and running on the cross country and track teams. all holidays. So, what is it about dance that has kept Ko“Holiday Inn” is a family-friendly musical, featuring upbeat dance numbers, laugh- courek involved all these years? “I think being able to dance with all of out-loud comedy and a host of hit songs by celebrated composer and lyricist Irving Ber- my teachers keeps me going, and getting to lin, including the Academy Award-winning experience traveling and dancing with different teachers and choreographers is one “White Christmas.” of the main reasons why I love dancing so Kocourek, who has tapped since the age of 4 at Jo’s Footwork Studio in Western Springs much,” she said. Following “Holiday Inn,” Kocourek says under renowned tap master Jay Fagan, was originally recommended to audition for the she hopes to perform in other professional show in February 2020 by Fagan, who told productions in the area, and in the future her Drury Lane was specifically looking to hopes to perform as a tap dancer on Broadcast a teenage girl with experience in tap way in New York City and abroad. Her advice for local teens who want to dancing for the role of Charlie Winslow. Luckily for Kocourek, three days after she chase after their dream of working in the auditioned for the part, she found out she arts is simple — pursue your passion to the made the cut. However, the pandemic soon fullest. “Work hard in everything you do and keep shut down the entertainment industry and looking for opportunities, because there’s Drury Lane postponed production. This fall, Drury Lane sprang back into ac- always going to be stuff that’s out there and tion, with rehearsals for “Holiday Inn” pick- things you can participate in,” she said. “Do ing back up in October. The show is set to things you love and what makes you happy.” For more information about Drury Lane run Nov. 19 through Jan. 9 at the theater in Theatre and “Holiday Inn,” including purOakbrook Terrace. For Kocourek, the comeback to live per- chasing tickets, visit drurylanetheatre.com/ formance means realizing her goal of begin- holiday-inn

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The Landmark, November 17, 2021

Riverside Golf Club plans $5.6 million clubhouse renovation New golf shop, women’s locker room, al fresco dining areas on the drawing board

for people who seek golf memberships, though the club still has a few openings for those wanting non-golf social memberships, which are capped at 100, McHugh said. “It’s off-the-charts popular now, so we’re trying to provide the right level of services and amenities,” McHugh said. “The reinvestment is due to the influx of newer members.” The club will seek bids for the clubhouse improvements next month, and McHugh said he hopes to have a general contractor hired mid-January so indoor construction can commence in late February. “We’d like to have as much as possible done

by Memorial Day, but for sure we’re hoping for it to be done by the Fourth of July,” McHugh said. A long overdue improvement will include a new women’s locker room while one of the biggest changes to the clubhouse will be moving the golf shop from the north side of the building to a new addition that will be built just south of the main entrance. The new location will put the golf shop next to the practice area and close to the first tee and 18th green. The golf shop will also now have direct interior access from the main entrance of the clubhouse.

“From a member and guest perspective, the experience will be drastically improved,” said Karl Bollnow, the club’s golf professional, who runs the shop and oversees the caddie program. “You’ll be able to get to the shop without going outside on bad weather days.” A golf shop addition on the main floor will also create a new second-floor veranda accessible from one of the two dining rooms. A matching second-floor veranda north of the main entrance will be built above a new office addition that will also be available to members who want to get some work done while at the club. The existing golf shop building on the north side of the clubhouse will be converted into a golf simulator, indoor practice space that will likely house other amenities to encourage year-round use of club facilities. With outdoor dining becoming a more popular option during the pandemic, the club also plans to build a new roughly 4,000-square-foot al fresco patio area that will be covered with louvers that can be closed to allow the patio to be used on rainy days. The new outdoor eating area will also have its own new kitchen area so food won’t have to be routed through the clubhouse as is the case now. The al fresco dining area will be located immediately south of the outdoor swimming pool, where the pool deck is also being expanded. Also in the plan for the area north of the clubhouse is construction of a sport court that can be used for basketball and configured for other games, including pickle ball. Inclusion of a bocce court is being debated by the golf club’s renovation committee, McHugh said.

ties,” according to the text of the ordinance. While it’s not the first time the village has used the county’s no-cash bid program to acquire key parcels of land, it’s the first time Brookfield has sought to acquire more than one property at a time and also the first time it seeks to acquire residential property. The village first used the no-cash bid program to acquire to former Lucas Tire property at 9528 Ogden Ave. in 2004. It would take 11 years to redevelop the site, a time during which the village had to remediate contaminated soil at a total cost of more than $200,000, part of which was paid for by a grant and part by a no-interest loan. In 2015, a new SherwinWilliams paint store opened at that property. In 2014, the village acquired the Brookfield

Bowl property at 3415 Maple Ave. through the no-cash bid program and two years later picked up the adjacent parking lot as well. The bowling alley, which had structural issues, has been demolished. While the village did have at least one plan on the drawing board for the property’s redevelopment into a senior living complex, the deal fell through and the property remains vacant land. With three of the four properties the village seeks to acquire housing car repair/service stations in the past, it’s unknown whether those sites would need soil remediation in order to be redeveloped. “They are in locations where we think we can make better use of them,” Wiberg said of

the properties. “If there is something like environmental contamination, the bottom line is if we don’t do something with them, nobody else will. In the end, the municipality may be the developer of last resort. Either you want these properties to sit vacant and dilapidated forever or we can come in and do something with them and try to get them redeveloped.” If the village does acquire any or all of the properties, any tenants would be evicted. At least one of the properties, at 9100 31st St., does not have a current business license and has a delinquent water bill. While the village would seek to redevelop all of the properties, the ordinance also states that the property at 3827 Maple Ave. could also be used for “municipal parking.”

By BOB UPHUES Editor

The COVID-19 pandemic may have had a negative impact on many food, entertainment and leisure businesses, but one industry that appears to have come through it even stronger is golf. Locally, there’s no better illustration of that trend than at Riverside Golf Club, 2520 Desplaines Ave. in North Riverside, where they’re set to embark on a $5.6 million project that will mark the first major improvement to the clubhouse and related amenities since it was built following a catastrophic fire in the mid-1980s. Thomas McHugh, general manager of Riverside Golf Club, said new memberships at the club spiked in 2020 when many other recreation options were off limits for months at a time. “We’ve had newer members of younger age, which has brought the average age of the membership down,” McHugh said. “In the past year we’ve taken in 60 members, which is two times or three times the normal rate.” With golf seeing a surge in interest, the club has topped out at its capacity of 275 golf family memberships. There is now a waiting list

PROPERTIES

Process takes time from page 1 lage President Michael Garvey. Village Manager Timothy Wiberg said it could take some time for the process to play out, saying the matter would come back to the board table in 2022. Should the village take ownership of the properties through the program, which the county created to get tax-delinquent land back onto the tax rolls, the village “intends to solicit proposals for the redevelopment of the proper-

PROVIDED

Among the improvements planned at Riverside Golf Club is an expanded al fresco dining area south of the swimming pool, covered by a trellis with louvers that can be closed when it rains.

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The Landmark, November 17, 2021

HOMICIDE

emailed Nov. 15 by the Landmark about the case, including why the incident was first called in as a burglary, who notified police, whether anyone inside the building reported hearing any gunshots, and whether police had identified a suspect. Local police have only confirmed the shooting deaths of Lane and Johnson, waiting more than 24 hours after responding to

the apartment building to officially classify the case as a homicide investigation. Police have only said they consider the incident as “isolated” and that “there is no threat to the Riverside community.” Yellow crime tape was also placed around Lane’s vehicle, a custom 1980s-era Chevy Monte Carlo, which was parked across the street from the apartment building in the lot of the Riverside Masonic Temple, 40 Forest Ave. Police also seem to have identified Johnson’s vehicle, which appeared to be parked on the street in front of the apartment building. Forest Avenue was closed to traffic for hours as detectives processed the scene late into the night on Nov. 13. The fatal shootings were the first homicides in Riverside since 1992, when David Gevas killed his infant twins, 9-month-old Jessica and John, inside a Harlem Avenue apartment. Gevas is serving a life sentence for the murders at Logan Correctional

Center. The building at 63 Forest Ave. is part of a large, three-courtyard, apartment complex that stretches from 43 to 63 Forest Ave. In January 2019, a resident of the building was charged with attempted murder after shooting a 19-year-old Broadview man through the windshield of a vehicle outside the complex. The shooting reportedly took place after the victim paid Radkiewicz for cannabis with two counterfeit $20 bills for cannabis. When he realized the bills were fake, Radkiewicz ran outside the building and fired four 9 mm rounds through the windshield of the victim’s car, striking the victim twice. The victim survived and Radkiewicz pleaded guilty in August 2019 to aggravated battery with a firearm. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison and remains in custody at the Dixon Correctional Center, where he is eligible for parole in July 2027.

than what neighboring municipalities collect, because from 1989 until 2014 elected officials chose to freeze the local property tax levy and depend instead on sales taxes and other revenue streams to fund the cost of village operations. As a result, the typical single-family homeowner pays about $125 per year in property taxes to fund municipal operations, about 2 percent of the total annual tax bill. In other communities, property taxes paid directly to the municipality account for a much bigger slice of the overall bill. In the Proviso Township portion of Brookfield, for example, the village accounts for about 20 percent of a homeowner’s tax bill. In Riverside, it’s about 15 percent. That’s because over time, those villages increased their tax levies by the amount allowed under state law -- by 5 percent or the

level of the consumer price index, whichever is less. For 2021, the consumer price index is 1.4 percent, but municipalities often request an increase higher than that to capture the full value of any new property development, which is not capped the first year it appears on the tax rolls. While there was plenty of commercial property development in North Riverside between 1989 and 2014, the village never collected property taxes reflecting the value of that improved property. Its failure to do so has resulted in the fact that while North Riverside Park Mall, for example, may pay a total tax bill of more than $4.3 million annually, the village only receives about $93,000 to fund its operations. By increasing its tax levy by 3 percent, North Riverside is hoping to collect about

$13,000 more in property taxes than it received from its 2020 tax levy. While that’s not a large increase, by levying what’s allowed under state law, the village can capture the value of new development reflected in the 7-percent increase in the village’s equalized assessed value of property in 2020. With other new construction wrapping up or about to begin – at the old Jewel grocery store site, at Zeigler Ford and for a new Aldi at North Riverside Park Mall – Scarpiniti said it would be her recommendation for the village to routinely increase its tax levy annually in the future to begin compounding it. “Over time [the property tax base] does build,” Scarpiniti said. “I know $13,000 doesn’t sound like a lot, but over 10 years that $13,000 becomes $13,000 on top of an extra 10 and it starts to compound.”

obsolete, according to a new IT Strategic Plan published by the village in October. Assistant Village Manager George Issakoo told trustees in Nov. 4 that funds were being budgeted to not only upgrade existing cameras but expand their presence throughout the village at key locations, including village-owned buildings. There’s also about $200,000 set aside in the budget to remodel three bathrooms at village hall, one in the police department and two on the main level of the village hall. About 20 years ago one of the bathrooms on the main floor was converted into a closet, leaving the public use of one bathroom. Wiberg said he believed it was possible to renovate those spaces into two separate facilities again.

Another $100,000 will go toward shoring up the steel roof trusses at the public works facility at 4545 Eberly Ave. now that the building has a water-tight roof, installed this year. The budget also includes about $50,000 for additional repairs to the Congress Park train station, where the village this year built a new parking lot and did some repairs to the platform. While the $22 million in bond proceeds that have funded residential street repairs since 2016 has now been expended, Brookfield plans to repairs a little less than a mile of residential side streets in 2022 at a cost of about $2.5 million. There’s also a roughly $715,000 line item in the budget to replace about 1,000 feet of water main on 26th Place

from Maple Avenue to Forestview Avenue. While there are no new full-time jobs included in the 2022 budget, it does propose hiring a second part-time community service officer, which will allow the village to have someone doing parking enforcement at night and on the weekends. The roughly $30,000 expense is expected to be offset by additional parking ticket revenue estimated at $50,000. Wiberg also has included $18,000 in the budget for the village to hire an administrative intern. These part-time interns typically are drawn from master’s degree students in Northern Illinois University’s public administration program. The intern, said Wiberg, likely would be assigned to the fire department.

Cops: ‘Isolated’ incident from page 1 of Danville, were both shot multiple times, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. It’s unclear exactly when the shootings took place. Police, responding to a report of a possible burglary at the apartment on Nov. 13 about 1 p.m., discovered the lifeless bodies of Lane and Johnson inside the unit. A man who was seen to be visibly upset and wailing outside the building about 1:20 p.m., before police cordoned off the building with crime tape, left the scene in a Riverside squad car a short time later. He did not appear to be in custody. Riverside Public Safety Director Matthew Buckley declined to answer questions

TAX LEVY

Pension obligation rising from page 4 greater than the total property tax levy the village takes in annually. The village’s pension obligation in 2022 is increasing by more than $500,000 over what it was obligated to pay in 2021. The village’s total tax levy in 2021 was $561,000. “Doesn’t it make sense going after the tax levy every year barring a catastrophe?” Sarro said. “Why wouldn’t we? Our property taxes of what comes to the village are peanuts.” Property taxes collected specifically for the village of North Riverside are far less

BUDGET

Capital projects from page 5 officers, renovating the police records room and buying new video cameras for police squad cars, a five-year program that comes at a total cost of about $81,000. Another public safety-related expenditure identified in the preliminary budget is about $183,000 to upgrade and expand the village’s security camera system. Rolled out in 2018 with 10 cameras mounted at key intersections and in some parks, the system needs a storage capacity upgrade and is becoming

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JEREMY LANE

Read it online at www.rblandmark.com


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The Landmark, November 17, 2021

Opinion KOSEY CORNER

THE LANDMARK VIEW

Public entitled to more info on shooting

V

iolent crime is rare in Riverside. That’s especially true when it comes to homicide, where until last weekend the most recent incidents occurred in 1992 and 1988. So police should expect that people who live in the community might be more than a little interested in what transpired and, if as police claim, there’s no threat to the community, why they think that. For more than a decade, Riverside residents were kept informed about crime in the village because Riverside had a police chief who believed residents were entitled to basic information when violent incidents took place. Whether that made elected or appointed officials skittish we can’t say. If it did, former Police Chief Thomas Weitzel certainly didn’t let it dissuade him from informing the public about incidents that were going to, one way or another, ignite community conversations on social media and in other settings. His philosophy was to let the public know the facts. It served Riverside well. Weitzel went so far as to create a police department Twitter feed, which actively updated followers on everything from traffic crashes to crime in nearby communities to community event announcements. There hasn’t been a tweet from that account since May 20, the day Weitzel retired. Naturally, we expect police to be vigilant about not revealing details that could jeopardize a sensitive investigation and no one is asking them to do so. But enormous public resources are devoted to public safety in Riverside, as in all towns, and the public is entitled to information surrounding serious criminal activity — information beyond opaque press releases simply acknowledging something happened. Basic factual elements such as, in last weekend’s double murder, when police believe the incident took place, how the shooter gained entry, why the incident initially came in as a possible burglary, whether any residents in the building heard gunshots, and whether police had identified a suspect or have anyone in custody for questioning are basic questions all citizens have. Answering those simple questions jeopardizes nothing, and police ought to do so.

Leveraging the levy

We’ll say it again: All North Riverside elected officials, now and in the future, need to drop the political calculation that keeping local property taxes at ridiculously low levels is in their best political interest. Despite having a regional shopping mall, two car dealerships and several other major retail shopping centers, the village collects a grand total of less than $600,000 annually in property taxes to help fund an operating budget of close to $20 million. Trustees have signaled that they’ll ask the county to increase property taxes by 3 percent and that the strategy will be to do the same in coming years. That’s merely responsible government. North Riverside will continue to struggle to balance its budgets and asking those who benefit from village services to pay their fair share is necessary because that $4 million annual pension contribution won’t pay for itself.

A

Final Sears store closes, ending another chapter

nother one bites the dust! The last of the Sears department stores in Illinois – at Woodfield Mall -- closed Nov. 14, another sad sign of the times. Thinking back we can remember how the big store was a part of the American family, whether you were shopping for home improvement tools, clothing, fashion accessories or toys. Who can forget as every holiday season approached when the big Wish Book would arrive in the mail. We would pore over it, delving into the toy section to see what we’d be asking Santa for. There were those “Sears only” exclusives that really were special and found a place on our list. By the time Christmas came the pages of the big book were folded over and worn. We kept that catalogue until the next one arrived the following year because some items were available year round. You could always wish. How many of you kids wore Sears clothing? The Tough Skin line of clothes was good for those rough and tumble kids who needed that extra patch on the inside of the knee. I know they were worn a lot around this house of tree climbers and baseball sliders.

Sears own line of tools fixed many a handyman’s problems and you knew the tools were of high quality, because they were from Sears. At one time you could even buy a Sears home, something for the ambitious DIY, do-it-yourself. You were able to select your choice from a series of plans. I know one of my knowledgeable readers will fill me in as to where they are locally. I think I know of one in Riverside. Sears had a small store at the Cermak Plaza with limited items before the big store opened in North Riverside. It was also where you picked up your catalogue items. You were sure to meet someone you knew, because everyone shopped at Sears. Maybe you still have some Sears items in your home; appliances were big sellers. So we close the book on another chapter of American life. Most of us remember it fondly and now with a little sadness. Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful to all my readers. You make this job fun for me. To Bob and Dan, thanks guys for giving me this opportunity. To my family and friends, I am so thankful and lucky. We all need to be reminded of how much we do have, and for that be thankful.

JOANNE KOSEY

OBITUARIES

William Conmy, 89 Park District of LaGrange Park superintendent (Margaret) Conmy, Frank (the late Nora) William “Bill” Conmy, 89 of Brookfield, Conmy, Christy Conmy and Elizabeth (the died Nov. 13, 2021. late Mike) Garvey; and the uncle of many Mr. Conmy was the superintendent for nieces and nephews. the Park District of LaGrange Park. He A funeral Mass was celebrated Tuesday, was also a founding member of St. LouNov. 16 at St. Louise de Marillac Church, ise de Marillac Church and member of followed by interment at Queen of Heaven the Chicago Pioneer Association, as well Cemetery, Hillside. as founding member of Limerick Hurling A video stream of the funeral will be Club of Chicago (GAA). available to view at memorialslive.com/ He was the husband of the late Margaconmy by day’s end on Nov. 19. ret “Peggy” Conmy (nee Kelly); the father WILLIAM CONMY Memorials are appreciated to Seasons of Maureen (the late Alan) Kitzer, Eileen Hospice Foundation, 6400 Shafer Ct., Suite (Richard) Suhajda and Margaret (Ron) Bor700, Rosemont, Illinois, 60018. ik; the grandfather of Shannon Kitzer, Michael (Kayla Hitzeman Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arFlam) Pignato, Fallon Kelly, Ryan Suhajda, Danny Pigrangements. nato and Erin Suhajda; the great grandfather of AddiSympathy cards can be sent to Hitzeman Funeral son Flam-Pignato; the brother of the late Joan (the late Home, 9445 31st St., Brookfield, 60513, c/o the WilGeorge) Cunningham, Jack Conmy, Kathleen (the late liam Conmy family. Bertie) Supple, Seamus (the late Mary) Conmy, Martin


Sports

@RBLandmark

The Landmark, November 17, 2021

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Roadrunners spike Belvidere for state volleyball crown Trailing in third set, Nazareth comes from behind for first-ever title By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Senior Ivy Schoditsch’s celebration with the Nazareth Academy girls volleyball Class 3A state champions on Nov. 13 became ever more memorable and surprising. Among the fans emerged Schoditsch’s brother, Nate. The Riverside-Brookfield High School graduate who lives in Chicago made an unannounced trip to Illinois State University’s Redbird Arena in Normal. “I didn’t know he was coming so it was awesome,” said Schoditsch, who lives in LaGrange Park. “I saw him in the stands after the game and he was like, ‘Yeah!’ He’s one of my biggest supporters. That was super nice.” The Roadrunners made history as the school’s first girls sports team to capture a state championship. They outlasted Belvidere North 25-18, 20-25, 25-21 after trailing 13-7 in the third set. Nazareth’s football team has captured three state championships. The girls basketball team was second in Class 3A in 2018. “It’s just a great feeling. It’s crazy that we made history,” senior libero Gill Grimes said. “Not everyone gets the opportunity to do this, and just doing it with the best team

BILL STONE/Contributor

Nazareth Academy’s girls volleyball team celebrates the school’s first ever state title in the sport following the Roadrunners’ three-set victory over Belvidere in Bloomington on Nov. 13. and my best friends, it feels great.” The Roadrunners (30-7) boasted a lineup with five college-bound players – Grimes (Michigan State), Schoditsch (Ferris State), seniors Katie Hurta (Indiana) and Abby Reid (Penn) and junior Kitty Sandt (Clemson). Sophomores Lauren Salata and Olivia Austin and junior Emily Risley also played

in the victory. Grimes, Schoditsch, Hurta and Sandt were the only returnees from the volleyball team’s first downstate berth in 2019, which earned third in 3A. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, there was no 2020 state tournament. “Ever since that day we took third place,

we were so excited to make history but we weren’t satisfied,” Schoditsch said. “There’s nothing to say about our team other than that was pure heart. I think Belvidere gave us everything they had,” said Nazareth coach Melissa Masterson. “It was probably a moment I’ll never forget as a coach. I’m sure these players, winning that, is something they’ll never forget either.” Grimes had a career-best 35 digs and finishes with a school-record 1,602. Nazareth needed a single-match season-high 75 digs with 15 from Salata, eight by Hurta and Sandt and seven from Reid. Hurta delivered 15 kills with just one error to surpass 1,000 for her career that includes her freshman season at Lyons Township High School. Other key contributions were from Sandt (16 assists, 8 kills), Schoditsch (4 blocks, 3 kills) and Salata (3 kills). With the Roadrunners trailing 12-6 in the third set, Masterson used her final timeout. Behind four straight points and three straight Hurta kills, they closed to 13-11. Grimes’ four-point serving streak gave them the lead for good at 16-14. Nazareth gained its first match point at 24-19 and won on attack errors by the Blue Thunder (39-3). “Match point is the moment we’ve all been waiting for and working for. [Winning] was the most amazing feeling,” Schoditsch said. “I’m so grateful for this team so to be able to share that with them was just something I’ll never forget and always cherish.”

LTHS places 2 relays in top 12 at state swim meet Bulldogs frosh Vlcek sets new school records in 100, 200 free

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Junior Maggie Adler is the only Lyons Township High School girls swimmer or diver with connections to the last IHSA state meet in 2019, and that was as an alternate. Several Lions earned more first-hand experience than even they anticipated by reaching the state finals in the 200- and 400yard freestyle relays at the new FMC Natatorium in Westmont on Nov. 13. “We went in just trying to have fun. We were happy to be there in general. Making two of the finals was a really big deal for us,” Adler said. “It was a really cool experience, far different from any meet I’ve been in before. The energy was insane. It was like a whole new

experience.” Adler, junior Becky Phillips and sophomore Amelia Mariano finished 10th in the 200 free relay with freshman Audrey Cavaliere (1:35.91) and 11th in the 400 free relay with senior Molly Norgle (3:33.41). “It was just so cool to stand up [for awards], knowing that we were in the top 12 in the state. It’s something I’ll remember for a really long time,” Mariano said. Entries among the six fastest times in Friday’s preliminaries competed for Saturday’s championship heat. The next six raced for seventh through 12th. Riverside-Brookfield High School freshman Hailey Vlcek again broke her school records that she set at sectionals. Vlcek tied for 20th in the 100 free (52.59) and was 13th in the 200 free (1:52.74).

Vlcek was 0.32 from 12th and dropped 0.78 in achieving a nationals cut for her Academy Bullets club season. “When I was younger, I used to doubt myself more,” Vlcek said. “I used to put limitations on myself but now, not really. No more barriers.” “You come in in as a freshman normally you either fold or rise and she did a great job,” RBHS coach Mike Laurich said. “More importantly she had her teammates here cheering for her, deciding how do we all get here next year.” The Lions posted their second-best times in both relays Saturday after season bests Friday’s preliminary heats that dusted respective previous bests from sectionals by 0.78 and 1.87 seconds behind four lifetime bests.

The 400 free relay’s 3:32.09 prelim time was the final qualifier by 0.67. The Lions raced in the first of three heats and nervously watched the scoreboard. “When I tell you it was the most exciting, stressful five minutes of my life, it definitely was,” Mariano said. “If you look at the livestream, you’ll see all of us in a huddle just looking at our phones, refreshing, refreshing. The excitement we got when we refreshed and got 12th was so, so, so cool.” In the 50 free prelims, Adler swam an open lifetime-best 24.26 for 29th. Other LTHS state qualifiers were the 200 medley relay of Mariano, junior Theo Calafeteanu, sophomore Avery Riley and Adler (21st, 1:48.65), senior diver Catherine Bonanno (29th, 179.65 points) and Riley (33rd in 200 individual medley, 2:16.79).


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S P O R T S

The Landmark, November 17, 2021

New coach leads RBHS girls hoops into 2021-22 season Jordan Mack takes over squad that won 2020 conference title By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Jordan Mack initially planned on being the RiversideBrookfield High School girls basketball team’s junior varsity assistant coach for the third straight season. When successful longtime varsity head coach Dallas Till stepped down, Mack was named to that new role in October. “It was sudden, but I’m ready to jump in and take the lead and get the program where it needs to go,” Mack said. “Till [219-74 in 10 seasons] is a great guy, a good basketball mind. He’s been a great mentor. He’s still part of the program in helping us make our way.” Several Bulldogs also will be counted on to handle significantly more responsibility. Senior center Rachel Wilczak is the only currently healthy full-time returning starter from the COVID-shortened 10-4 spring season as senior and Miami (Ohio) softball recruit Hannah Organ recovers from a knee injury. Senior thirdyear varsity player Shannon Malloy started part-time. “[Wilczak’s] probably going to be our No. 1 scoring option. I believe she’ll average double digits in points and rebounds,” Mack said. “We’ll count on [Malloy] a lot for her leadership.” Seniors Nicole Gentile, Madison Lester and Madison Schicker and junior Devon Encher also return. Varsity newcomers are senior Alyssa Chiquito, juniors Liepa Banenas, Luna Lloyd, Lena Lembcke, Ava Marrello and Bryce Pacou-

rek and promising sophomore Emily Organ. Another huge difference is graduating Brenna Loftus, the program’s all-time scoring leader now at Washington University. In 2020, she powered the Bulldogs to Metro Suburban Conference and regional titles. “She was like the superhero,” Mack said. “If you needed something, she was going to get it for you. It’s going to be a little tough [without Loftus], but it’s all about confidence. Once we get confidence, I think we’ll be OK.” Lyons Township: The Lions (13-3) were West Suburban Conference Silver co-champions this spring with York at 7-2 and return four starters -- Winona State recruit and AllWSC Silver senior guard Hailey Markworth, Missouri-St. Louis recruit and senior guard Olivia Mazon, Illinois women’s soccer recruit and senior guard/forward Izzy Lee and junior guard Ella Ornsby. “We lost seniors that contributed greatly, but we do have seniors that are ready and willing to take on new roles,” LTHS coach Meghan Hutchens said. “We are going to try and fight for conference. We are constantly focused on [improvement] when it comes to communication because we already have the skill to be successful. We just have to bring all of the components together to be a bigger threat.” Senior Anna Bryant and junior Ally Cesarini are returning letterwinners. Varsity newcomers are seniors Brigid Dunne and Molly Michalak, juniors Maeve McDougall and Lillian Prendergast, sophomores Grace Hughes, Elin O’Brien and Kennedy Wanless and freshman Nora Ezike. The Lions hope to develop new scoring sources with a balanced attack and strong bench play. “Our bench is young, but if they find their place quickly, they will contribute early,” Hutchens said.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

RBHS girls basketball coach Jordan Mack gives instructions to his players during practice session on Oct. 15 at the high school.

Nazareth falls to Fenwick in football state quarterfinals

Roadrunners sprinted to 10-0 lead, but Friars rebounded to advance By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

In recent years, the Nazareth Academy football team has been impossible to beat at Valenta Stadium during the postseason, so the Roadrunners entered their IHSA Class 5A quarterfinal matchup at home with Fenwick on Nov.13 feeling confident, having outscored its two previous opponents on the road 87-20. But although the Roadrunners started well against the Friars, they couldn’t hold a firstquarter lead as their season ended with a 2817 defeat. “I thought we came out to a great start, but in the second quarter, it became a battle,” said Nazareth coach Tim Racki. “We had a couple of self-inflicted penalties, and Fenwick is a good team.” After being stopped three-and-out on the game’s opening possession, Nazareth (7-5) scored on its second drive when freshman quarterback Logan Malachuk (11-of-25, 217 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT) connected with Justin

Taylor (5 receptions, 154 yards, 2 TD) for a 44-yard touchdown pass and a 7-0 lead. The Roadrunners raised their advantage to 10-0 on the next drive as Zack Hayes booted a 26yard field goal. “He’s a special quarterback,” Racki said of Malachuk. “Being in a quarterfinal game as a freshman, he grew up a lot this year.” “Logan is like a little brother to me,” said Nazareth wide receiver Quentrell Harris, who had three receptions for 46 yards. “He came in when we needed a spark, and it’s because of him that we came this far.” But in the second quarter Nazareth struggled to move the ball, and that allowed Fenwick (10-2) to get going offensively and gradually take control. Friars quarterback Kaden Cobb ran for a 6-yard touchdown and then threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Max Reese with 58 seconds left in the half to give Fenwick a 14-10 lead. Both scores came on fourth down, something that wasn’t lost on Racki. “In playoff ball, it usually comes down to three to five plays, and Fenwick made them today,” he said. Fenwick increased its lead to 21-10 early in the third quarter with another Cobb touchdown pass on fourth down, this one three yards to Pat Durkin. But Nazareth got back into the game on its next drive on a busted play.

From his 44, Malachuk fumbled the snap on a drop back, but immediately recovered and found a wide-open Taylor, who turned up field and took it to the house for a 56-yard touchdown. The play energized the Roadrunners and made the score 21-17 Fenwick at the 6:48 mark of the third quarter. “It was a designed play-action; I don’t know what happened in the backfield,” Taylor said. “I just saw the ball in the air and said it was for me. I got it and ran.” After holding the Friars on the next drive, Nazareth got the ball back and moved into Fenwick territory as the quarter ended, thanks to a 14-yard run by Kaleb Miller and a 25-yard reception by Harris. But on the first play of the fourth quarter, Fenwick defensive lineman Suieman Abuaqel picked off Malachuk’s screen pass and went the distance for a 58-yard touchdown that was a backbreaker. “That happens to any quarterback. Logan shouldn’t be hard on himself,” Racki said. “He didn’t see the guy, and that can happen on screens.” After Abuaqel’s interception, Nazareth committed a pair of holding penalties on its next possession that resulted in a punt. Then Fenwick went on a time-consuming drive that - although not resulting in any points - forced the Roadrunners to call all of their timeouts.

Nazareth got the ball back on its 8 with 3:28 left, but Malachuk’s interception to the Friars’ Den Juette effectively ended the game. The Roadrunners’ usual offensive balance was disrupted as they rushed for only 61 yards against Fenwick’s run defense. For the game, Nazareth was outgained in total offense 367 to 278. “They just stopped us,” Harris said. “[Fenwick] wanted it more, and it came down to a couple of plays that mattered. We didn’t get them, and that caused the outcome.” Though the season ended with a loss, the fact that Nazareth made it to the state quarterfinals was quite an achievement. The Roadrunners started 0-3 but rallied to win five of their final six regular-season games to qualify for the state playoffs. “A lot of people counted us out,” said Racki. “But these kids didn’t listen, and it’s hard to block [criticism] out when you’re that age. … Today doesn’t define us. This was a successful season. When you reach the quarterfinals, it isn’t a rebuild.” Malachuk, Miller, Taylor and freshman defensive lineman Gabe Kaminski will lead a strong group of returnees for Nazareth next fall. “Next year, we’re going to come back hard,” Taylor said. “We’re going to remember this feeling; it’s going to be fuel for us.”


The Landmark, November 17, 2021

Growing Community Media

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HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED • NETWORK SPECIALIST Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. DEFINITION To perform various network/system administration, computer support, and operational activities for the Village including computer system setup, configuration, and testing. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Reports directly to the Information Technology Services Director. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES: Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential duties and responsibilities 1. Ensure that best in class customer service is provided to both internal and external customers and also embrace, support, and promote the Village’s core values, beliefs and culture. 2. Configure, test, and deploy network systems, such as, firewalls, routers, switches, wireless equipment, network servers and storage arrays. 3. Configure, test, and deploy system servers, such as, file, print, Internet, e-mail, database, and application servers. 4. Configure, test, and monitor server and end-user systems for security, such as, user accounts, login scripts, file access privileges, and group policy management. 5. Configure, test, and deploy end-user systems, such as, workstations, laptops, mobile devices, printers, and software. 6. Test, configure, deploy, and support security systems, such as, facility access system, video & audio system. 7. Monitor and auditing of networks, systems, and user activities to ensure security and efficiency of systems. Create scripts and reports of detail activities for regular review. 8. Perform and participate in disaster recovery activities, such as, backup procedures, data recovery, and system recovery planning. 9. Assist end-users with computer problems or queries. Troubleshoot systems as needed and meet with users to analyze specific system needs. 10. Ensure the uniformity, reliability and security of system resources including network, hardware,

software and other forms of systems and data. 11. Prepare, create and update user/technical procedure documentations and provide computer training. 12. Assemble, test, and install network, telecommunication and data equipment and cabling. 13. Participate in research and recommendation of technology solutions. Other important responsibilities and duties 1. Train users in the area of existing, new or modified computer systems and procedures. 2. Participate in the preparation of various activity reports. 3. Travel and support remote facilities and partner agencies. 4. Operate, administer and manage the Village and Public Safety computer systems, including E-911 center, in-vehicle computer systems. 5. Prepare clear and logical reports and program documentation of procedures, processes, and configurations. 6. Complete projects on a timely and efficient manner. 7. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 9. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Principals and procedures of computer systems, such as, data communication, hierarchical structure, backups, testing and critical analysis. Hardware and software configuration of. computers, servers and mobile devices, including computing environment of Windows Server and Desktop OS and applications, Unix/Linux OS, VMware, iOS/Android. Network protocols, security, configuration and administration, including firewalls, routers, switches and wireless technology. Cabling and wiring, including CAT5/6, fiber network, telephone, serial communication, termination, and punch-down. Telecommunications theory and technology, including VoiP, serial communication, wireless protocols, PBX, analog, fax, voicemail and auto-attendant. Principles and methods of computer programming, coding and testing, including power shell, command scripting, macros, and

VB scripts. Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment. Technical writing, office productivity tools and database packages. Ability to: Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following: - Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time - Operating assigned equipment - Lift 50 pounds of equipment, supplies, and materials without assistance - Working in and around computer equipped vehicles Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for: - Making observations - Communicating with others - Reading and writing - Operating assigned equipment and vehicles Maintain mental capacity allowing for effective interaction and communication with others. Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance. Work overtime as operations require. Experience and Training Guidelines Experience: Three years of network/system administration in the public or private sector, maintaining a minimum of 75 Client Workstation computers. AND Training: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science or a related field. Certifications in Microsoft Server Administration, Networking, Applications and Cisco Networking. Possession of a valid Illinois Driver License is required at the time of appointment. Vaccination against COVID-19 strongly preferred. WORKING CONDITIONS Work in a computer environment; sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time; continuous exposure to computer screens; work in and around computerized vehicles outdoor and garage facility; lifting heavy equipment, communication cabling and wiring into walls and ceilings.

Discover 20+ jobs available in Downtown Oak Park! Line cook, servers, sales, and more. Visit downtownoakpark.net/ job-listings for details. Budget and Revenue Analyst The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Budget and Revenue Analyst. This position will Serve the public with professional administrative and analytical duties in the areas of budget preparation, purchasing, payroll, data analysis and process improvement. Provides, prepares and maintains records, and financial and statistical reports and analysis which assist in the Village’s ability to improve business processes and gain efficiencies through better use of technology. Budget duties include assisting in the development, analysis and application of performance measures with regard to Village services and resources; preparing, modifying, tracking and monitoring Village expenses and transfers; and conducting budget-related research and analysis. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park. us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. First review of applications November 1,2021. Seasonal Farmers’ Market Manager The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Seasonal Farmers’ Market Manager in the Health Department. This position manages the Oak Park Farmer’s Market including the vendors that sell directly to the public within established guidelines. This is a part-time seasonal position with work from January-mid November and work required on Saturday’s from May through October. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. Open until filled.

LEGAL SECRETARY The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Legal Secretary in the Law Department. This position will perform a variety of responsible and advanced legal secretarial and clerical duties in support of the Law Department; perform complex clerical duties within the assigned work unit; and provide secretarial and administrative support to Law Department staff. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application no later than October 22, 2021.

Starting a New Business?

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST River Forest Public Schools District 90 is seeking to hire a School Psychologist for a full-time position for grades PreK-4th starting in December 2021. To qualify, candidates must have a valid Illinois Professional Education License with endorsement in School Psychology (PreK-4). A Master’s Degree is preferred as well as 5 years of successful educational experience in both general and special education; and at least five years of successful experience in evaluating students, collaborating, and problem-solving with school and District teams. The right candidate will facilitate MTSS meetings, including individual and grade-level planning meetings. Integrate D90 practices around equity and inclusivity into daily work and relationships with students, families and colleagues. Duties include: Completing appropriate psychoeducational assessments for children who have or are suspected of having a disability. Identifying and assessing the learning, development, and adjustment characteristics and needs of individuals and groups, as well as, the environmental factors that affect learning and adjustment. Using assessment data about the student and his/her environment(s) in developing appropriate interventions and programs. Responding to parent and teacher requests for evaluations in accordance with Illinois law and maintaining compliance in accordance with Illinois special education law. Application Procedure: Interested candidates should complete the online application available at district90.org SE Principal Engineer I sought by Enova Financial Holdings, LLC. in Chicago, IL for SE Architectural Design. Apply at jobpostingtoday. com Ref# 33128.

Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice in • Austin Weekly News • Wednesday Journal • Forest Park Review • Riverside/Brookfield Landmark

Call the Experts Before You Place Your Legal Ad! Call Stacy for details:

773-626-6332

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18

The Landmark, November 17, 2021

CLASSIFIED

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG MARKETPLACE

RENTALS & REAL ESTATE

WANTED TO BUY

SUBURBAN RENTALS

CARS WANTED

CLASSICS WANTED CLASSICS Restored or Restored or Unrestored Unrestored Cars & Vintage Motorcycles Cars & Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Import Import Cars: Cars:

Mercedes, Corvette, Mercedes,Porsche, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, MuscleCars, Cars, Ferrari’s,Jaguars, Jaguars, Muscle Mustang & Mopars Mustang & Mopars $$ Top Etc. $$ Top $$ $$allallmakes, makes, Etc.

STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3 BR

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

Best Selection & Service

708-386-7355

MMpropMgmt.com

PIANO FOR SALE

Chickering 1938 grand piano, 5’4”. Good condition. Refurbished and restrung in the past. Buyer must move. Reasonable at $1000.

DOWNTOWN OAK PARK 2BR APT

Call 312-339-2370

2BR, 1BTH apartment for rent. Hardwood floors. Renovated and freshly painted. Small, vintage building. No smoking. No pets. Parking included. 708-657-4226

2BR APT FOR RENT

Collector James Collector James 630-201-8122 630-201-8122

CLASSICS WANTED

Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, A&A ELECTRIC Ceiling Fans Let an American Veteran do your work Mustang & Mopars Installed We install plugs for battery-operated vehicles

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

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

Collector James

630-201-8122

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

FIREWOOD

FIREWOOD UNLIMITED

Fast Delivery MIXED HARDWOODS CBH & MIX 100% OAK CHERRY OR HICKORY 100% BIRCH Seasoned 2 years Stacking Available

847-888-9999 Order online:

www. suregreen landscape.com

Credit Cards Accepted

FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.

New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com

HANDYMAN Mike’s Home Repair Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Don’t Do

708-296-2060

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

FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small

708-488-9411

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

773-637-0692 Ask for John

ROOMS FOR RENT

SUBURBAN RENTALS

ITEMS FOR SALE

Restored or Unrestored Cars & Vintage Motorcycles HOME SERVICES Domestic / Import Cars: HAULING ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL BASEMENT CLEANING

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

LANDSCAPING BRUCE LAWN SERVICE Spring Clean-Up Aerating, Slit Seeding Bush Trimming, Lawn Maintenance brucelawns.com

708-243-0571

OAK PARK & FOREST PARK

PAINTING & DECORATING CLASSIC PAINTING Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/ Plaster Repair Low Cost 708.749.0011

PLASTERING McNulty Plastering & Stucco Co.

Small & big work. Free estimates. Complete Plaster, Stucco & Re-Coating Services

708/386-2951 • ANYTIME Work Guaranteed

Licensed, Bonded, Insured, & EPA Certified Expert craftsmanship for over 50 years

PLUMBING Supreme Plumbing & Sewer Services Installation: kitchens, baths, showers •Sewer Systems Piping Clogged drains •Water heaters

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Quality workmanship & service 20+ years’ experience Locally owned & operated

Free Estimates!

708-955-7844

johnlavin530@gmail.com License #PR-1234

WOODWORK

2 BR, 1 BA, 2nd floor unit of 2-story house. $1350/mo., 2 occ. max. 2 blocks to downtown Forest Park and downtown Oak Park; 1 block to Green Line Harlem stop and Oak Park Metra stop. Hardwood floors, bright and spacious rooms, storage and coin-op laundry in basement, parking space for one vehicle included. 1 year lease required. Tenant pays electric, gas, water. No smoking. No pets allowed. $40 non refundable application fee with a min 690 credit score. Last month’s rent due at signing. Inquire by email at voyageursllc@gmail.com.

CICERO 3724 S 53RD CT

A beautiful 2 flat in South Cicero off 35th st. Features include 3 bedrooms, central air, garage parking. Modern appliances include dishwasher. Utilities separate. $1,700 per month plus security. Lease with option to buy possible. 708-383-8223 or 773-676-6805

Large Sunny Room with fridge, microwave. Near Green line, bus, Oak Park, 24 hour desk, parking lot. $125.00. New Mgmt. 312-212-1212

OFFICE /RETAIL FOR RENT RIVER FOREST–7777 Lake St. * 1116 sq. ft. * 1400 sq. ft. Dental Office RIVER FOREST–7756 Madison St. * 960 sq. ft. OAK PARK–6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. * 3 & 5 room office suites FOREST PARK–7736 Madison St. *2500 sq. ft. unit Strand & & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011

2BDR FOREST PARK APT

Forest Pk Apt- 2nd flr, 1bdrm, 1ba, lg eat-in kitchen, lg livingroom, parking, coin laundry in basement, includes heat, cooking gas and water. close to I290/Blue Line, shops, Loyola Med and Rush- Oak Park Hospital. no smoking-no pets $1100/mo. 1-1/2 mo sec dep. 708-262-2444 or 708598-8898. view by appt only.

Terry's

Woodwork Restoration On-site refinishing of wood

and fiberglass since 1977. Includes doors, woodwork, windows, staircases and new woodwork etc. All work done by hand. NO sanders. Your unfinished project my specialty! References available. Contact Terry Seamans at 630-379-7148 or terryseamans@yahoo.com

Reach the people making the decisions. Place an ad in GCM Classified! Call 773/626-6332

CITY RENTALS AUSTIN RENAISSANCE APARTMENTS

A HUD subsidized affordable Apartment property announces the opening of its waiting list for both One and Two Bedroom Apartments! Resident rent is approximately 30% of gross household income, some restrictions apply. Our property is located on Washington Blvd in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. Apartments offered with an occupancy of one to four persons. Properties feature modern kitchens, include appliances, and offer onsite maintenance. Austin Renaissance will accept requests for application packages by U.S. Mail postmarked no later than , September 15, 2021. Send or email a written request for an application package that includes your name, mailing address. Daytime telephone number, Email address, and the number of persons in your household to: Town Center Realty Group LLC, PO Box 64, Huntley IL 60142-0064 or Email requests to mrpaul.tcrg@gmail.com Application packages available by mail or email delivery only. No walk-ins accepted.

Town Center Realty Group LLC

Illinois Classified Advertising Network COLLECTABLES POSTAGE STAMP SHOW Westin Hotel 400 Park Blvd Itasca IL November 19-21 Hours Fri Sat 10-6 Sun 10-4 Free Parking and Admission Info at www.Chicagopex.org


The Landmark, November 17, 2021

CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICES

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

PUBLIC NOTICES

VILLAGE OF OAK PARK PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD for the: Community Development Block Grant Program Year 2020 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Notice is hereby given that the Village of Oak Park Program Year 2020 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Draft Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) will be available for public review beginning Wednesday, November 17, 2021. The CAPER is the City’s annual CDBG report to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It will reflect the Program Year 2020 results, which began October 1, 2020 and ended September 30, 2021. The Village of Oak Park invites comments on the CAPER. The public comment period will begin

November 17, 2021, and end December 1, 2021 @ 5:00PM CST. The report will be available by visiting the Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302 and at: www.oak-park. us/cdbg. Written comments can be sent to this address to the attention of Development Customer Services, CDBG Department or may be emailed to grants@oak-park. us. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and non-English speaking persons, as needed. Any Public comments will be submitted with the CAPER to the Village Board and HUD.

Published in Wednesday Journal, November 17, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: YY2100806 on November 1, 2021. Under the Assumed Business Name of CFC SERVICES with the business located at: 424 MARENGO AVENUE APT. 1W, FOREST PARK, IL 60130. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: CELESTE ADRENA FRAZIER 424 MARENGO AVENUE, APT. 1W FOREST PARK, IL 60130, USA. Published in Forest Park Review November 10,17, 24 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y21008001 on October 18, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of LEE REALTY CONSULTANTS with the business located at: 1137 HIGHLAND AVE APT 2, OAK PARK, IL 60304. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: AUDREY LEE-MCCLENTON 1137 HIGHLAND AVE APT 2 OAK PARK, IL 60304, USA. Published in Wednesday Journal November 3, 10, 17, 2021

19

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS CHANCERY DIVISION IN THE INTEREST OF Case No. 2021CH02999 NOTICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU, Unknown Heirs of Joseph Wilbourn aka Joe E. Wilbourn, respondents, and to all whom it may concern, that on 10/28/2021 a petition was filed by Emilia Merchen & Jason York in this court and that in the courtroom of Judge Myerson in Chicago, Illinois. On 11/29/21 at 10:15am this case may be heard regarding the abandoned vehicle at 516 Washington Blvd, Oak Park, IL 60302. Court will be held over Zoom. UNLESS YOU APPEAR AT THE HEARING AND SHOW CAUSE TO THE CONTRARY, AN ORDER OF JUDGMENT BY DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU FOR THE TITLE REQUESTED IN THE PETITION. Published in Wednesday Journal November 3, 10, 17, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y21008136 on November 9, 2021. Under the Assumed Business Name of SUTTON PROPERTIES with the business located at: 1140 S DUNLOP AVE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: SUTTON FAMILY PROTECTION TRUST NO. 2 5585 ADA DR SE, ADA, MI 49301, USA Published in Forest Park Review November 17, 24, December 1, 2021

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST; Plaintiff, vs. LORNA J. RANKER; CHARLES K. RANKER; CITIZENS BANK NA; Defendants, 18 CH 2459 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-17-327-034-0000. Commonly known as 1185 S. LOMBARD AVE., OAK PARK, IL 60304. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Mr. Ira T. Nevel at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel, 175 North Franklin Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 357-1125. 18-04613 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3180215

acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 2005452IL_615522 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 19 CH 00561 TJSC#: 41-2313 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 19 CH 00561 I3180795

NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-05-307-028-0000. Commonly known as 1118 N. Austin Boulevard, Oak Park, IL 60302. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Mr. Matthew C. Abad at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Kluever Law Group, 225 West Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 236-0077. SPS000616-20FC1 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3179623

SOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants, 19 CH 4010 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-07-301-021-1004. Commonly known as 1101 SOUTH BLVD., UNIT 204, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Mr. Ira T. Nevel at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel, 175 North Franklin Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 357-1125. 19-01329 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3179601

of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-19-08871 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2019CH11236 TJSC#: 41-2318 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2019CH11236 I3179810

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR FFMLT TRUST 2005-FF11, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005FF11 Plaintiff, -v.BRIAN HOLLOWAY Defendants 19 CH 00561 125 SOUTH LOMBARD AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 23, 2020, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 9, 2021, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 125 SOUTH LOMBARD AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-08-302-0150000 The real estate is improved with a yellow vinyl siding, one story single family home, detached two car garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON SUCCESSOR TO THE BANK OF NEW YORK NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE CIT MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2007-1 ASSET BACKED CERTIFICATES SERIES 2007-1; Plaintiff, vs. JOYCE PILLOW; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 18 CH 6228

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR HIS ASSET SECURITIZATION CORPORATION TRUST 2007OPT1, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-OPT1; Plaintiff, vs. CHARLES T. GRANT; JUANITA J. GRANT AKA JUANITA LACOURT; PRAIRIE PLACE AT 6436 ROOSEVELT CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 19 CH 14415 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, December 6, 2021 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-18-428-043-1019 & 16-18428-043-1064. Commonly known as 6436 Roosevelt Road, Unit 311, Oak Park, IL 60304. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Law Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 3609455. W18-0641 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3179556 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BAXTER CREDIT UNION Plaintiff, vs. JOSHUA T. STEGMEYER, WENDY E. JARVIS, NILES ON MARION CONDOMINIUM AS-

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.MARY WOLFE, CITY OF CHICAGO Defendants 2019CH11236 1028 S AUSTIN BLVD OAK PARK, IL 60304 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 14, 2020, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 15, 2021, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1028 S AUSTIN BLVD, OAK PARK, IL 60304 Property Index No. 16-17-331-015 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition

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The Landmark, November 17, 2021

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

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