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See how you can still help on page 27

RIVERSIDE-BROOKFIELD $1.00

Vol. 38, No. 48

Also serving North Riverside

November 29, 2023

150-pound bear cubs arrive at Brookfield PAGE 3

HHoliday l d SStrollll 2023 PAGE 13

RBHS marching band shines on Thanksgiving PAGE 8

From Brookfield to the world: Trent James’s magical journey

Two-peat!

The RBHS graduate brought his magic back to the high school this month

By AMINA SERGAZINA Staff reporter

NNazarethh wins i bback-to-back k b k 5AA state titles, il this time after starting the season 0-4

With a quick hand movement, a white handkerchief changes color. It’s a simple magic trick, one shown by his dad, one that forever changed the life of Trent James.

The Riverside-Brookfield High School graduate became a professional magician.

The 27-year-old tours across the globe, dazzling the audience with his magic shows.

STORY BY BILL STONE, PAGE 28

COURTESY OF NAZARETH ACADEMY

T R O P PASS

Your

t o NE W S & C O M

See MAGICIAN on page 10

MUNITY

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The Landmark, November 29, 2023

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The Landmark, November 29, 2023

Brookfield Zoo is the new home for 2 orphaned cubs The brown bears, delivered by FedEx, are still getting acclimated to Brookfield Zoo

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Editor Erika Hobbs Staff Reporters Amina Sergazina, Amaris Rodriguez Digital Manager Stacy Coleman Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Sales and Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Ben Stumpe Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner EMAIL jill@oakpark.com

By AMINA SERGAZINA Staff reporter

Two orphaned brown bear cubs, rescued in Alaska, are the newest residents at Brookfield Zoo. The mother of the two bears began going through neighborhood trash cans in Anchorage and was killed when she came in close contact with humans, said Tim Snyder, vice president of animal care and programs in Brookfield Zoo. Although tragic, it is a common situation when bears live in proximity to people. The bears are attracted to garbage and food left out for pets and wildlife such as birds, and this often leads to the bears being euthanized to remove them from densely populated areas.

According to Brookfield Zoo, approximately 30,000 bears live in Alaska and face threats from habitat loss due to development, mining, logging, and hunting.

The cubs, a brother and sister approximately 10 months old and 150 pounds each, were safely retrieved by Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) Anchor-

IN THIS ISSUE

JIM SCHULZ/CZS-BROOKFIELD ZOO

Publisher Dan Haley Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

A 10-month-old female brown bear cub recently arrived at Brookfield Zoo along with her brother from Anchorage, Alaska.

age officials. After the rescue, the cubs were temporarily housed at the Alaska Zoo. They were able to find their new home in Brookfield through a collaborative effort with the Alaska Zoo and the ADF&G. This is not the first time Brookfield Zoo has collaborated with ADF&G. Back in 1995 the current adult brown bear Axhi and the now-passed Jim were also obtained that way.

When the cubs were rescued, ADF&G knew that Brookfield Zoo was looking for new brown bears after black bear Jim died last year at the age of 27.

On Nov. 3, the cubs were transported to Chicago by animal care specialists from Brookfield Zoo who traveled to Alaska to see JIM SCHULZ/CZS-BROOKFIELD ZOO the bears in person. The A 10-month-old female brown bear cub that recently transportation was faciliarrived at Brookfield Zoo receives a physical exam by tated through the donated assistance of FedEx. veterinary staff.

“They’re the biggest little roly-poly things you’ve ever seen,” Snyder said. “It saddens us how they came to be with us, but we’re happy that they’re here, that we’re able to be ambassadors for them.”

Snyder said that since the bears are young and curious, the zoo made cub-safe modifications to the Great Bear Wilderness enclosure. Last week, the cubs underwent physical examinations to ensure they were meeting their growth milestones. The zoo’s veterinary staff collected blood work, examined the cubs’ extremities and oral cavities, and administered routine vaccinations. Snyder said they are still awaiting results, but the cubs appear to be healthy and currently are in routine quarantine for four weeks.

When cubs are ready to see the public, they will stay together and create a separate enclosure from the brown bear Axhi.

Snyder said they are hoping to have the cubs meet the public within a couple of weeks, but it depends on bears’ adaptation to their new environment and how comfortable they feel.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards, 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 $41 within Cook County and $51 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. © 2023 Growing Community Media NFP.

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The Landmark, November 29, 2023

BIG WEEK

Nov. 29-Dec. 6

Hook & Needle Guild Wed Wednesday, Nov. 29 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library Calling all potential members of the Hook & Needle Guild!

The library’s knitters, crocheters, embroiderers, and quilters are looking for more members to join them at their guild meetings. However, you don’t have to be a professional knitter to join, everyone is welcome. During this maker class, Toni Hergenrother will be the leader, and tea will be served as well.

Relax and unwind your yarn or thread and join the guild!

3541 Park Ave.

Graphic Novel Book Club

Trolley Stop 1: Kris Kringle Market, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Help Brookfield kick off their first Kris Kringle Market by attending this whimsical, wintery market full of holiday fun.

There will be a giant inflatable snow globe which will be a perfect photo opportunity for your family’s Christmas Card.

Additionally, there will be a Snowman who is making snow, a face painter, carolers, holiday music, and more!

Trolley Stop 4: LSF Brookfield Library The Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library will have crafting activities.

Friday Dec. 1, 4 p.m., North Riverside Public Library The North Riverside Public Library invites children and young adults in grades 8-12 to their Graphic Novel Book Club this Friday. This week the club will be continuing the discussion of the Amulet Series that started Oct. 27. The Amulet books are about a brother and sister duo, Emily and Navin, who discovered another world upon trying to save their mother from a kidnapping. There are eight books in the series, all which take readers on a nonstop adventure with the siblings as the amulet in Emily’s hands opens the door to a new world and new adventures! Join the book club in this exciting, action-filled discussion and immerse yourself in Alledia! 2400 S. Desplaines Ave.

Trolley Stop 5 : West Side of the Street on Broadway The West Side of Broadway will have a petting zoo and tree lighting!

Compiled by Grace Harty, Contributing Reporter

Trolley Stop 2 : Historic Grossdale Station Museum,2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Irish Times & Gosia’s 2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

At this stop, participants will attend Irish Times Pub & Restaurant for a Santa meet & greet and Gosia’s Coffee for sugar cookie decorating!

Trolley Stop 6: East and Southside of Broadway The east side of Broadway will have a roller rink and other activities for the kids.

2023 Brookfield Holiday Celebration Saturday Dec. 2, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., The Village of Brookfield

Trolley Stop 3: Grand Avenue Business District Sebastian’s, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Daisy’s Treats, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Trolley Stop 3 will include stops at Sebastian’s and Daisy’s Treats. Sebastian’s will have a wood carver and Daisy’s will have a Make-Your Own-Grinch Hot Cocoa Bombs Station.

The Hot Cocoa Bomb Station will be with no one other than the… the… the GRINCH!

Trolley Stop 7: 3726 Prairie Avenue 2 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Meet Elsa, Anna, and Olaf on Prairie Avenue while making your own reindeer food!

Tree Lighting Ceremony On the corner of Broadway and Washington, as well as at the 8 corners of the business district, the lighting ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. with caroling from the RBHS and S.E. Gross choirs. Participants will await the arrival of Santa 45 minutes past the start time. The lighting of the tree itself will begin at 6 p.m. with a countdown!

Holly Jolly Gingerbread Party Sunday Dec. 3, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Brookfield Zoo’s Discovery Center The Brookfield Zoo’s Women’s Board invites you to bring your friends and family to their 2nd Holly Jolly Gingerbread Party this Sunday for a day of festive fun! Last year went so well that they are bringing it back for the 2nd year in a row!

Participants will engage in decorating gingerbread houses and ornaments, visiting Santa, and taking photos with the zoo’s very own Animal Ambassadors. A brunch buffet will also be provided. Test your family to see if you can all use the power of teamwork to make the best-looking gingerbread house.

Proceeds raised by this event will go toward helping the zoo.

3300 Golf Rd.

CALENDAR EVENTS ■ If you would like your event to be

featured here, please send a photo and details by noon of the Wednesday before it needs to be published.

We can’t publish everything, but we’ll do our best to feature the week’s highlights.

Email calendar@wjinc.com.

The Landmark, November 29, 2023

Brookfield trustees approve two condo, apartments projects Both are expected to be completed by 2025

By AMINA SERGAZINA Staff reporter

Brookfield residents can expect to see a 12-unit condominium complex with a rooftop deck and an enclosed parking garage on Burlington Avenue near the Brookfield Metra Station in the next two years.

Trustees authorized that project Monday night.

The project by developer Peter Haleas, originally was proposed with five angled public parking spaces on the east side of Forest Avenue, adjacent to the site. The parking spaces required widening the street and installing a new sidewalk on the east side, reducing the public parkway on the west side by 2.5 feet. Trustees opted to approve the project without the angled public parking space.

The planning and zoning commission unanimously recommended the approval of the preliminary planned development request after holding two public hearings in August and October. The commission heard from staff, the petitioner, and the public, and found that the project met the standards and criteria for a planned development.

The developer estimates the total cost of the project at $3.2 million. The project is expected to begin construction in spring 2024 and be completed by fall 2025. The project is part of the village’s efforts to revitalize

the downtown area and promote transitoriented development.

One resident of Brookfield spoke up to oppose the project during the meeting, saying that parking would take away greenery and constant lights would negatively affect the residents around.

In other matters, a vacant religious school in Brookfield could soon be transformed into a 23-unit apartment building, after the trustees approved a special use and variances request from a developer.

The approval was for the adaptive reuse of the property of former religious school St. Barbara School at 8900 Windemere Ave. The developer plans to renovate the interior of the building as a living space and add amenities such as a fitness center, a bike room, and a laundry room.

The developer estimates the total cost of the project at $4.5 million. The project is expected to begin construction in summer 2024 and be completed by spring 2025.

The project is part of the village’s efforts to preserve and repurpose historic buildings.

The planning and zoning commission found that the project would be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood and would provide a needed housing option in the village.

The committee also heard from the public, some of whom expressed concerns about the potential impact of the project on parking, traffic, and property values.

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RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP MENTAL HEALTH BOARD

Here to help for 50 years!

JOIN US IN CELEBRATING OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY! The public is invited for cake and coffee, and to hear from supported agencies on how your tax dollars are making a difference in supporting community mental health services.

SATURDAY, DEC. 2 DOORS OPEN AT 12:30 PM EVENT IS 1:00-3:00 PM

Read it online at www.rblandmark.com

RIVERSIDE TOWN HALL AUDITORIUM 27 RIVERSIDE DRIVE, RIVERSIDE

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The Landmark, November 29, 2023

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NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX INCREASE FOR THE VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS I. A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax levy increase for the Village of Brookfield for 2023 will be held on December 11, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at the Village Hall Board Room in the Municipal Building of the Village of Brookfield, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513.

Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the taxing district may contact Brigid Weber, Village Clerk, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513, (708) 485-7344.

II. The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended or abated for 2022 were $12,020,112.

The proposed corporate and special purpose property taxes to be levied for 2023 are $13,103,225. This represents a 9.0% increase over the previous year.

III. The property taxes extended for debt service and public building commission leases for 2022 were $2,774,468.

The estimated property taxes to be levied for debt service and public building commission leases for 2023 are $2,637,750. This represents a 4.9% decrease over the previous year.

IV. The total property taxes extended or abated for 2022 were $14,794,580. The estimated total property taxes to be levied for 2023 are $15,740,975. This represents a 6.4% increase over the previous year.

NOVEMBER 29, 2023 Growing Community Media, NFP.

P O L I C E

R E P O R T S

2 women go on theft spree A woman and a boy were involved in a series of retail thefts at North Riverside Park Mall Tuesday, stealing clothes and a toy gun from three different stores, North Riverside Police said.

According to police, the first theft occurred Nov. 21 around 4:50 p.m. at Foot Locker, where the boy, who was with two women, took a $65 Nike sweatshirt and hid it in a stroller. The store manager noticed the theft and called the police, but the suspects had left the store and headed to the food court.

The police arrived at the mall at 5:55 p.m. and reviewed the surveillance video.

They initially thought the suspects had left the mall, but later found them exiting the mall with employees from Finish Line following them.

According to police, the suspects had also stolen a black sweatshirt and a pair of black sweatpants from Finish Line, worth $270, and a toy gun from My Happy Toys, worth $30. The police recovered the merchandise and confirmed the identities of all the people involved.

The woman who was pushing the stroller had a suspended license and a criminal history. She was charged with retail theft and taken to the police station. She was released on pre-trial notice and is scheduled to appear in court in January.

The boy, 9, was related to one woman.

The other woman was not identified in the reports and was not charged.

The store managers from Foot Locker and My Happy Toys did not want to press charges. However, the store manager from Finish Line said they will press charges.

Domestic violence A man was arrested Nov. 23 after he allegedly threw soda at his girlfriend, snatched her phone, and fled the apartment when she tried to call 911.

The 28-year-old man was charged with domestic battery and interference with reporting of domestic violence.

According to the North Riverside police, officers responded to a disturbance call at Cermak Road around 11:44 p.m. and was heard yelling from inside an apartment then knocked on the door. The caller opened the door with liquid stains on her clothing. She told the officers that the man had accused her of texting other people

and threw soda at her. He then took her phone and hung up the 911 call before running away.

Officers searched the area with the help of Riverside Police and located him on the 2200 block of 1st Avenue. He was wearing a black top and blue jeans. The man was taken into custody and transported to the North Riverside Police Department booking room. The woman’s phone was found in his possession.

The man admitted that he had an argument with the woman and that he slapped a cup out of her hand. He said he took her phone and called her father, who told him to leave the apartment. He denied putting his hands on her.

He was booked on one count of domestic battery-insulting nature and one count of interference with reporting of domestic violence. He will be held over for bond court on Thursday. His court date is set for December at the Maybrook courthouse.

Missing person found A woman was found in a fetal position in the forest preserve near Desplaines Avenue early in the morning Nov. 24 after her friend called the police to report her missing. The woman had walked into the woods to relieve herself but did not return to her car. She was extremely intoxicated and taken to Loyola Hospital by the North Riverside Fire Department.

The friend, who had called the police, was also very drunk and belligerent. She had her son in the car with her and the police contacted a family member to come and take the car with the child. A person arrived with a valid driver’s license and took possession of the Audi. No charges were filed against the women.

These items were obtained from the North Riverside Police Department reports dated Nov. 20-27 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded.

Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

Compiled by Amina Sergazina

CAMPUS SPECIALS The Landmark, November 29, 2023

CAMPUS OFFER CAMPUS SPECIALS GOOD SPECIALS

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Friday, Dec. 1 • 3-9pm Sat. Dec. 2 • 9am-3pm • Sun. Dec. 3 • 11-3pm

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Join us for pictures on Sunday December 3 11am-3pm Pets with their people are welcome.

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UPCOMING EVENTS: Radio Play Friday, December 1 at 8 pm Little Theatre Tool Drive Sunday, December 3 from 12-3 pm Riverside Brookfield HS (Door A) Donate any old tools in working condition to the RB Robotics Club!

8700 W. 31st Street | Brookfield, IL 60513 | www.cantata.org | info@cantata.org Offer based on room availability. Move-in subject to applicable apply.

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8700 W. 31st Street | Brookfield, IL 60513 | www.cantata.org | info@cantata.org

Offer based on room availability. Move-in subject to applicable statutes and regulations. Other terms, conditions and restrictions may apply.

8700 W. 31st Street | Brookfield, IL 60513 | www.cantata.org | info@cantata.org

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The Landmark, November 29, 2023

RBHS Band performs in Thanksgiving Day Parade was very exciting because, obviously, ‘You have massive floats; the“ItThanksgiving Day parade is a huge deal especially for the city and it was, of you have big balloons; course, our first time marching in the paso there was a lot of adrenaline, a lot the ‘grandioseness’ of it ofradenervousness, a lot of hope and excitement for it,” said Nick Carradino, a freshwas just unparalleled,’’ man alto saxophone player. “It was a pretty one student said cool experience.”

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing reporter

COURTESY OF GIRLIE DIMAANO

RB drum major Joseph Kampschroeder and the RB band at the Chicago Thanksgiving Day parade.

The members of the Riverside-Brookfield High School marching band had to get up early on Thanksgiving morning. The 100 or so band members had to be at school by 6:30 a.m. But it was worth it to march down State Street and perform in Chicago’s Thanksgiving Day parade.

It was the first time the marching band made the televised holiday event.

The parade featured about 100 floats and 16 marching bands. It was a whole different experience than the other parades the RBHS band had marched in.

“It was in a league of its own,” Carradino said. “You have TV cameras, you have hundreds, if not thousands of bystanders crowding the sidewalks the entire length of the parade. You have massive floats; you have big balloons; the ‘grandioseness’ of it was just unparalleled.”

Tens of thousands of spectators packed the sidewalks along the parade route down

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The Landmark, November 29, 2023 State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Ran- and it was just so interesting to hear all their music and see some similarities and dolph Street.

“It felt like we were in a canyon,” Car- differences in the other schools.”

The band performed four songs: “We radino said. “The skyscrapers just like almost enveloping you. You’re walking, huge are Family,” “Ain’t No Mountain High echoes, it’s just a lot. You have this mas- Enough,” “We Need a Little Christmas,” sive street that you’re marching on, you and “Happy,” as they marched down State. have massive floats, you have crowds, the They went through their set three or four L tracks, it was just the whole experience.” times.

A photo of the RBHS band, with a huge It was a lot to take in.

“It almost felt surreal; like this can’t be balloon of Kermit the Frog hovering over reality, we can’t be in the Thanksgiving them, was on the front page of Friday’s Day parade with all these people watching Chicago Sun-Times.

One band member, drummer Isaiah Sous,” Carradino said.

Band director James Baum agreed that kol, even cut a vacation short so he could participate in the parade. it was an incredible experience.

“There were only a few families that “It was amazing, it was so much more than I thought it would be, actually,” Baum said.

Senior piccolo player Vittoria Gentile said that she felt a lot of pressure performing in front of so many people and television cameras. But ultimately, she enjoyed it.

“It was really very fun,” Gentile said.

It was also pretty cold with the temperature hovering around 40 degrees when the band finally stepped off at about 9:50 a.m. But the band members had some help and two sets of band parents assisted. The Duff family bought handwarmers for the band and Sciacca family bought gloves, some fingerless. That combination, plus the marching and the excitement kept band members from getting too cold.

“I felt great throughout the whole parade and a bunch of other kids did too,” said Gentile, who wore the fingerless gloves LIZ BUOSCIO because she plays a small instruTh e RB band at the Chicago Th anksgiving Day ment. “We actually put our handwarmers inside the gloves and parade. it was such a good idea and they stayed in the entire parade.”

The coldest part of the parade was wait- were out of town,” Baum said. “We had aling around at the staging area for about most the whole band, so it was great.” two hours before stepping off. The band For Gentile, a senior, it was a great way was in the rear portion of the parade be- to cap off her marching band experience at hind the Lithuanian float. During the two RBHS, especially at a time when many muhours of milling about, band members got sic students and their parents have been to interact with some of the other bands at pushing the school to hire three full time the parade. They especially enjoyed seeing music teachers.

“It was such a great opportunity and I and talking with the band from Minnesota think especially with what our school has State University at Mankato.

“It was actually really cool,” Gentile been going through right now it’s a great said. “I think the cold definitely threw us way to show, like, how important the band off, but we right next to three other bands and music program is and the spirit it from other schools, one being a university brings to the kids involved,” Gentile said.

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80 E. Burlington St., Riverside (708) 447-2261 | www.ivinsfh.com NOTICE OF PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX INCREASE FOR RIVERSIDE BROOKFIELD TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 208 I. A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax levy increase for Riverside Brookfield Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois for 2023 will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in Room 201 of the high school at 160 Ridgewood Road, Riverside, IL 60546. Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the taxing district may contact Dr. Kristin Smetana, Assistant Superintendent, Riverside Brookfield Township High School, 160 Ridgewood Road, Riverside, Illinois, telephone number 708-442-7500.

II. The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended for 2022 were $23,023,684. The proposed corporate and special purpose property taxes to be levied for 2023 are $23,802,331. This represents a 3.38% increase over the previous year.

III. The property taxes extended for debt service and public building commission leases for 2022 were $6,239,823. The estimated property taxes to be levied for debt service and public building commission leases for 2023 are $5,905,250.

This represents a 5.36% decrease over the previous year.

IV. The total property taxes extended for 2022 were $29,263,507. The estimated total property taxes to be levied for 2023 are $29,707,581. This represents a 1.52% increase over the previous year.

All hearings shall be open to the public. The corporate authority of the taxing district must explain the reasons for the proposed levy and shall permit persons desiring to be heard an opportunity to present testimony within reasonable time limits as the authority determines.

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The Landmark, November 29, 2023

YOUR

BEST

LIFE

with Lisa Capone Comfort & Joy All Year Holiday gatherings are a time for companionship and good spirits. But many seniors go back to being alone when family and friends depart after the season. Residents in senior living communities, however, continue to be surrounded by friends, neighbors and caregivers year-round. Here are just a few of the social benefits senior living communities offer.

• Sense Of Belonging: senior living communities create a close-knit environment where it’s easy for residents to form strong bonds with each other—helping combat feelings of loneliness.

• Convenience: having amenities such as restaurant-style dining, fitness centers and recreational areas right on campus means residents never need to travel far to socialize or enjoy a healthy meal.

• Emotional Support: being able to share similar experiences, whether they’re health-related or concerning life transitions, with peers can be comforting and uplifting.

MAGICIAN

One-man show from page 1 “For example, I’ll be in Boston one day, the next day I’m in Portland and the next day I’m in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I’m all over the place,” James said. “Travel is probably the hardest part of the job, but I feel so lucky to get to see so much of the country and meet so many different people.”

It’s a long way from his high school performance days.

But Nov. 17, after traveling with his show, James returned to the RBHS stage for one evening to raise money for students through The Riverside Brookfield Educational Foundation.

“I’m really excited to be back. It’s hard to believe that it’s been eight years,” he said.

“Time flies. I have been back at the school which still kind of gives me butterflies in a way being back there.”

Success did not come to James overnight.

Ever since he could remember, James said he was performing everywhere he could get an audience. His first magic performance was inside a UPS store.

James later competed in magic show competitions and won. But James always wanted more. He did not want to be just a good kid magician but a professional, he said.

James got his start at the famous Chicago

PROVIDED

RBHS graduate Trent James got his proffesional start in Chicago.

Magic Lounge on Clark Street, when it was not so well known. Chicagoans still can catch James’ performances there as a guest

Visit Cantata.org for more senior living advice or call (708) 387-8182.

Independent Living•Assisted Living•Memory Support Short-Term Rehab•Long-Term Care•Home Care

PROVIDED

Cute as a button, but Trent James dreamed of being more than a kid magician.

magician from time to time. He’s a one-man show and relies only on himself to come up with the program, costume and tricks.

James does not travel alone. During his time at RBHS, gained two loves – one for performing and one who would be with him for life. That person witnessed James grow physically, personally and as a magician: his high school sweetheart and wife, Gianna.

Gianna has been doing data management and technical support for years, but right now she is looking for a different company.

As the wife of the magician, she said that she is allowed in on some magical secrets.

“We’ve been together for so long, and it’s been really interesting to see each other grow,” Gianna said. “It’s been such a treasure to do that together and having that initial bond of having known each other for so long, I think it’s really special.”

For some time, James and his fiancée lived in Chicago, but three years ago they decided to move back to Brookfield.

“There’s something special about the Midwest for me, the people here, and there’s just something that you don’t find anywhere else in the rest of the country,” James said.

He’ll be live at The Den Theater at 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. in January.

The Landmark, November 29, 2023

Holiday Stroll ■ Brookfield Holiday Celebration PAGE 13

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2023

■ North Riverside WinterFest PAGE 14

Families wait around the tree to get a glimpse of Santa Claus during last year’s Riverside Holiday Stroll.

‘Tis the season for the Holiday Stroll Annual Riverside tradition packed with activities, music, snacks and fun

By JACKIE PISANO

F

Contributing Reporter

or 48 years, Riverside’s Holiday Stroll has been the village’s beloved tradition of community, camaraderie and Christmas cheer, marking Riverside’s official start of the holiday season in tandem with the Riverside Chamber of Commerce and dozens of local businesses and civic groups.

And on Friday Dec. 1, Riverside’s downtown and business districts will be greeting neighbors and friends with open arms

from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., providing an evening of yuletide cheer complete with business open houses, entertainment and upbeat activities for the whole family.

Amy Regan, a Riverside resident and area Realtor who is the stroll’s committee chair, says that just as it has for nearly 50 years, the Holiday Stroll promises to spread joy and brighten spirits young and old.

“It’s a great tradition to kick off the holiday season in Riverside and there’s definitely something for everyone,” she said.

“The village will be all lit up, and when it

is, it’s so pretty at night. At the stroll, everyone is just happy and out for a festive evening in downtown Riverside.”

All evening long, Riverside will be bustling with holiday crafts, seasonal snacks and refreshments, Christmas caroling, and of course, the lighting of the village’s official Christmas tree.

Around 5:30 p.m. is when the magic begins. That’s when Santa and Mrs. Claus will hop aboard a fire truck for a short ride and wave in downtown Riverside before arriving at Centennial Park (Longcommon Road and Forest Avenue), mingling

with everyone before helping village officials and kids illuminate the grand tree at 5:50 p.m.

Following the tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus will head right across the street to the Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, for family photo ops. While at the library, enjoy making your own holiday ornament and visit the staff gift shop, including limited edition ornaments made on the spot. Word has it that Santa will be giving small gifts to those who visit him.

See RIVERSIDE on page 19

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The Landmark, November 29, 2023

Holiday Stroll 2023

Happy Holidays from our family to yours

Holiday Stroll 2023

The Landmark, November 29, 2023

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Brookfield gears up for season’s greetings

Annual Holiday Celebration and new Kris Kringle Market set to bring cheer on Dec. 2

By JACKIE PISANO

B

Contributing Reporter

rookfield’s beloved Holiday Celebration — an annual event that unites residents, village officials and business owners in yuletide merriment – returns to kick off the season this Saturday.

But beforehand, this year kicking off the yuletide fun will be the inaugural Kris Kringle Market at the parking lot of Village Hall, 8820 Brookfield Ave. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., check out more than 30 different local vendors selling holiday goods — a great way to get some Christmas shopping done while supporting local entrepreneurs and business owners selling jewelry, home goods, bakery and more. There will be a giant inflatable snow globe for families to hop inside and take photos, face painting for the kids, a letters-to-Santa writing workshop, and live holiday music by students from S.E. Gross Middle School’s band (1:30 to 2

p.m.) and choir (2:30 to 3 p.m.)

And, just like the Chicago-area Christkindlmarkets, Brookfield’s Kris Kringle Market will feature its own personalized mug. Mugs will be for sale at the market while supplies last, and throughout the village, other businesses are planning on selling the mugs as well with their own specialty drinks or gifts inside.

“Brookfield’s Holiday Celebration is a very family-oriented event, and we’re super excited to add this as an attraction,” said Gina Sharenow, a Brookfield resident and Kris Kringle Market organizer. “The idea is to promote local vendors as well as have a great family environment where everyone can intermingle with their children while having fun.”

Sponsored by both the village and Brookfield Chamber of Commerce, this year’s Holiday Celebration will take place Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m. along the Grand Boulevard and Broadway Avenue business corridors.

Luke Gunderson, Brookfield’s director of Parks and Recreation, says Brookfield’s

FILE

Aaron Pesek (left) and Juan Silva roast marshmallows for s’mores outside Beach Ave. BBQ in Brookfield last year.

FILE

Kids pose for a photo inside an inflatable snow globe in the S.E. Gross School gym during the Brookfield Holiday Celebration last year. celebration showcases everyone’s shared love for Brookfield.

“This is always a very good community event with a lot of involvement from businesses and residents, and it’s a great local program to get everyone in the holiday spirit,” he said. “This event is a festive way to show both Brookfield residents and others from the western suburbs everything our village has to offer.”

Throughout the event, two courtesy trolleys will run continuously throughout the Grand Boulevard and Broadway Avenue business districts, with trolley stops closest to activities.

At the historic Grossdale Station and Museum, 8820 ½ Brookfield Ave., pop in for a quick visit before making your way across the street to Irish Times, 8869 Burlington Ave., where visitors can enjoy a holly jolly photo op and share Christmas wish lists with Santa Claus.

Along the Grand Boulevard business district, drop in to the various restaurants and businesses for open houses, complimentary drinks and treats, and camaraderie. Catch live wood carving demonstrations at Sebastian’s Ale & Whiskey House, 8900 Fairview Ave.; make your own funky hot cocoa bombs with the Grinch at Daisy’s Treats & Bakery, 3748 Grand Boulevard; decorate sugar cookies at Gosia’s Coffee Shop, 8836 Brookfield Ave.; and stop in for a photo op and meet and greet with Olaf, Elsa and Anna from Disney’s “Frozen” at Fill My Jar, 3726 Prairie Ave. While there, kids can

also make their own reindeer food to take home and leave on their lawns on Christmas Eve. In between Broadway and Grand, stop in the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, 3541 Park Ave., where you can stay warm inside while making crafts and paying a quick visit to friendly library staff.

Many of the businesses across the east and west Broadway Avenue corridor will have their doors open, ready to greet visitors with samples, treats, crafts and conversation.

Inside the gymnasium S.E. Gross Middle School, 3524 Maple Ave., skaters of all ages can twirl and glide on the indoor roller rink. Holiday crafts and games for kids will also be sponsored at the school, which is conveniently located right down the block from Progress Park, where the Christmas tree lighting ceremony will be held later in the day.

Check out live ice sculpting outside The Compassion Factory, 9210 Broadway Ave., and find new furry friends at the petting zoo at Progress Park, the little slice of park at Eight Corners located at the west corner of Washington and Broadway.

Of course, make sure you don’t miss the evening’s grand finale — the Christmas tree lighting at Progress Park. At 5 p.m., student carolers from S.E. Gross and Riverside Brookfield High School will set the mood with holiday tunes in anticipation for Santa and Mrs. Claus’ arrival via firetruck to Progress Park at 5:45 p.m., where they will merrily lead the crowd in a countdown to light the tree promptly at 6 p.m.

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The Landmark, November 29, 2023

Holiday Stroll 2023

North Riverside celebrates season with annual Winterfest

enjoy comfortable “sleigh rides” around pre-bagged roasted cashews and almonds. celebration.

Santa, sports and laser Winterfest Just for the kids, a face-painting artBryant Rouleau, a lifelong resident and the commons aboard a festively decorated ist will be ready with a brush in hand to assistant with the Recreation Department, trolley led by two trusty horses. lights show help flip the says the event is the perfect way to get into The fun doesn’t stop there — new win- give them the holiday makeup they’ve holiday spirit right here at home before ter fun activities for guests of all ages this always wanted. Or, if painting objects is switch on holiday season the the shopping, travel and other commotions year include the chance to “hit the slopes” more their style, then they can head to the

By JACKIE PISANO

N

Contributing Reporter

orth Riverside is known as the small community with the big heart, so each year when the holidays roll around, it goes without saying that the village is ready to bring on the fun — and bring it big.

To kick off the season, North Riverside’s Winterfest returns on Wednesday Dec. 6., promising attendees an evening filled with good old-fashioned Christmas cheer combined with the neighborly camaraderie on which the village prides itself.

With the fun extended an extra hour this year, visitors are welcome to converge on the front lawn of the North Riverside Village Commons, rom 6 to 9 p.m. for the seventh annual lighting of North Riverside’s holiday tree and third year of the town’s

of the season creep in.

“Winterfest helps bring the community together as the true local kickoff of the holidays, and it’s always just a warm and fuzzy feel-good event for residents young and old,” he said.

Visitors are encouraged to come out as early as possible, as Santa and village officials will be ready to flip the switch and illuminate the tree at 6:30 p.m.

Throughout the evening, Santa and his trusty sidekick, Mrs. Claus, will be rocking around the Christmas tree for photo ops with families.

Kids who have a laundry list of gift requests can write out their own letters to Santa before dropping them off at the special mailbox located at the Village Commons.

While Santa’s posing for the camera and chatting away, two of his beloved Christmas guides will be on site, where guests can

with a mechanical snowboard simulator or glide along an iceless ice rink. Bring your hockey skates from home, or specialty skates will be provided.

To keep warm, find a neighbor and gather around two outdoor fire pits, with ample opportunities to make s’mores and enjoy a cup or two of hot cocoa. And, returning this year will be a vendor selling

Christmas ornament and crafting station and work their magic on some new holiday decor for the home.

No North Riverside holiday event is complete without a grand finale! In lieu of fireworks, this year, Winterfest will debut a laser light show at 8:45 p.m., featuring star showers and holiday shapes set to the sounds of Christmas music.

Winter home decorating competition returns to town

Back for another year for North Riverside residents is the village’s Holiday Home Decorating Competition.

On Thursday Dec. 21 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., folks from the Parks and Recreation Department will drive through town, ranking residents’ home decor entries and offering prizes to the top three houses of each category: Classiest House, Over-

The-Top House and Best Christmas Theme. For bragging rights, winners will receive a winning lawn sign to declare their triumphant status, and photos of home entries will also be posted on Facebook.

The contest is free, but residents must pre-register by phone at 708-442-5515 or via email at recreation@northriverside-il.org.

At RAC, art nurtures community.

To learn more, visit riversideartscenter.com The Riverside Arts Center (RAC) uplifts the arts in our community and beyond through yearround classes, exhibitions, and partnerships.

Make a gift today to support RAC’s work. Your donation sparks creativity and nurtures community!

Photo: Jessica Montalbano

32 East Quincy St. Riverside, IL 60546 riversideartscenter.com

Holiday Stroll 2023

The Landmark, November 29, 2023

Horse And Carriage Ride Loading And Unloading Near Riverside Foods

ST. PAUL VI PARISH —

Friday December 1st 2023 5:30 to 9pm

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The Landmark, November 29, 2023

Holiday Stroll 2023

Happy Holidays! from your friends at the Riverside-Brookfield Landmark

Support and donate here:

Holiday Stroll 2023

The Landmark, November 29, 2023

Onward & Upward A Progress Report to All Neighors:

• Tho s e in Need • Vo lu nteer s • Do no r s • Co m m un it y Leaders Sh are Fo o d Sh are Love | 9030 B ro o k field Ave. | B ro o k field, IL 60513

Share Food Share Love serves 15 local communities. We’re turning 7,000 square feet of former factory space into a true self-help shopping experience where neighbors can learn about available support services.

Together, we’re building a food pantry with a higher purpose.

Food insecurity has become a familiar catch phrase these days. For most of us, the phrase lacks everyday meaning and relevance. But for many of our neighbors, food insecurity is a crushing feeling you live with daily.

Our 501(c)(3) food pantry serves 15 communities.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the poverty levels across those communities range from zero to 15%.

For many of our neighbors, food insecurity means you have survival decisions to make. It means you can barely pay the rent or the mortgage or other bills. Let alone buy the food you and your family need.

Our neighbors in need include single parents, elderly, and others who know what food insecurity means.

But as we have learned here at our pantry, we are all neighbors. We are all just trying to live a better way of life. We don’t want handouts. What we all want is to be able to help ourselves.

To donate, volunteer, become an advocate, or to learn more, please visit: sharefoodsharelove.com

Q4/2023

Here, neighbors can make healthy food choices by learning about the benefits of a balanced variety of available foods.

“Help yourself” is both an aspiration and a call-to-action here. »

We will help neighbors choose the food they need in a dignified way. So, we are converting a 7,000 square foot former factory building into a grocery store experience.

»

We will also help neighbors overcome the causes of their hunger. So, we are incorporating a bilingual advisory center where neighbors can learn about, and be referred to, the support services they need.

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The Landmark, November 29, 2023

Holiday Stroll 2023

Merry Christmas!

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Saturday 7:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.

Sunday 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

48 E. Burlington St., Riverside, Illinois 60546 www.riverside-foods.com (708) 447-0324

Be the first to get amazing deals. Sign up at www.riverside-foods. com Your local, family-owned and operated grocery store

Holiday Stroll 2023

RIVERSIDE from page 11 Next door, pop into Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Rd., where choir students from Riverside School District 96 will be caroling from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mr. D’s Magic and Illusion Show will also be taking place there at two different times — 6:45 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. And make sure to take a peek at the student snow globe exhibit throughout the Township Hall’s hallways, handmade by fifth graders throughout Riverside.

Across the street, along Riverside Road, adults are welcome to check out the offerings from the beer truck provided by neighboring Lyons’ business, Buckledown Brewing, which will be located outside First American Bank, 15 Riverside Rd. Inside the bank, kids are welcome to enjoy free popcorn and make holiday crafts, while the acaBELLa bell choir will be performing until 7 p.m.

Walk over to Riverside’s newest restaurant at the Arcade Building, Dulce Mami Cafe, 1 Riverside Rd., for $3 Mexican hot chocolate and free cookies. Its neighboring business, Centre Physical Therapy, will be featuring a variety of kids crafts and holiday snacks, beer and wine samplings from a variety of local vendors.

Then, hop aboard the fun train inside Riverside’s Metra station, where you watch the poms dancers from Riverside Brookfield High School (and even try your hand at one of their routines); watch fun balloon art by Tommy Twister, an annual Holiday Stroll favorite; and get a head start on your holiday shopping by visiting local craft vendors at Santa’s Holiday Market. Find unique buys you won’t get anywhere else, including hand-stamped greeting cards, artisan soaps and candles, upcycled Christmas decorations, hand-painted canvases and one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry.

At the north train station parking lot, civic groups and businesses will be offering complimentary popcorn and hot chocolate, small giveaways and holiday gifts, and selling bags of gourmet coffee.

Along the Forest Avenue/East Avenue corridor, enter the Riverside Masonic Temple, 40 Forest Ave., for even more hot chocolate and popcorn, and the return of the fan-favorite model train display. New this year will be the chance to try your hand at karaoke there, too.

Enjoy cookies, brownies and nonalcoholic beverages at The Sandtrap Grill & Tap, 31 Forest Ave., and afterward, head next door to La Estancia, 25 Forest Ave.,

for some Ponche Navideño — a traditional Mexican hot fruit punch — and a south-ofthe-border seasonal sampling of tamales.

The animals are back this year at Riverside Garage, 19 East Ave. Enjoy model train displays, pony rides and the petting zoo — and don’t forget the hot chocolate served up by Young Life and s’mores from local Boy Scouts.

Across the street right outside the downtown water tower, 10 Pine Ave., visit Riverside Parks and Recreation for an edible craft and chance to visit the museum.

Jogging back to the east side of downtown, enjoy seasonal refreshments at Riverside Plumbing Heating and Cooling, 3 Longcommon Road, and free candy bars for all children at Salon Elia, 5 Longcommon Road.

As always, Burlington Street businesses will be bustling throughout the evening.

Old-fashioned Christmas vibes will abound as horse-and-wagon rides will convey visitors throughout the evening up and down the picturesque street. Take advantage of the opportunity to celebrate the season like Riverside’s first residents did in the late 1800s. Rides begin and end at Riverside Foods, 48 E. Burlington St. Start your Burlington Street adventures at La Barra, 2 E. Burlington St., with live holiday music by singers/songwriters Matt Scharpf and Lou Leone. Pop-up tents will be outside next door at 10 E. Burlington St. featuring a local Girl Scouts baked goods sale and a visit with Buddy the Elf. Grab a Stilts the Giraffe Beanie Baby (while supplies last) at Riverside Bank, 17 E. Burlington St.; snag a candy cane and sing along with the Frozen Robins carolers at Burlington Realty, 21 E. Burlington St.; get the kids’ faces painted at Let Hair Go, 23 E. Burlington St.; enjoy Biscoff, a scavenger hunt and chance to win a free private pilates session at Riverside Pilates, 27 E. Burlington St.; stop in for those classic holiday treats at Aunt Diana’s, 29 E. Burlington St.; catch some spiked holiday eggnog for only $5 at The Chew Chew, 33 E. Burlington St.; indulge in a curated holiday wine tasting at Landmark Kitchen Design, 39 E. Burlington St.; and play corn hole for candy at Athletico Physical Therapy, 51 E. Burlington St. Indulge your artistic side by exploring the pop-up art sale and open house at the Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St.; get free popcorn and candy cane glow sticks at Metal Mites Auto Body, 36 E. Quincy St.; savor churros and Mexican hot chocolate at Black Book Studio, 33 E. Quincy St.; and enjoy even more music and fun activities at the Parks and Recreation Community Center, 43 E. Quincy St.

The Landmark, November 29, 2023

IF SANTA CAN’T BUILD IT, WE CAN. Bring in the box, and we’ll take it from there!

call or text:

636-245-3349 bicycle repair & rentals

Did you know that in addition to service, we also provide new bicycle builds? From trikes to e-bikes, Gears2You has the expertise to get your new ride on the road.

We can even deliver it to your door in time for the holidays!

Join us for some festive fun during the Riverside Holiday Stroll. Enter our raffle for a chance to win a free regular bicycle tune-up!

winter hours

gears2you.com 90 Bloomingbank Rd. Riverside, IL 60546

Monday 12 – 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: 12 – 6 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Closed Sunday & Thursday

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The Landmark, November 29, 2023

Holiday Stroll 2023

Support Brookfield this Holiday Season!

T

he Village of Brookfield’s Economic Development Commission and the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce are excited to introduce the Brookfield Gift Card! The card works like any other debit card but is unique because it can only be used in Brookfield and this partnership is a fantastic new way for the community to support Brookfield businesses.

The Brookfield community has repeatedly proven it understands the importance of supporting local businesses. With that in mind, the Brookfield Gift Card is the perfect way to encourage residents and visitors to the Village to intentionally patronize our local businesses.

This new community gift card may be used at ANY Brookfield business including the gas station, a favorite restaurant, grocery store, coffee shop, retail or service business within the Village boundaries. Additionally, the gift card can be used to pay for a Village water bill, Parks and Recreation programs, and other great programs and events sponsored

by Brookfield organizations that accept credit card payments.

Cards can be purchased by visiting www.enjoybrookfield.com/giftcard, or at Village Hall. Watch social media for other promotions and pop-up locations to purchase cards.

These gift cards are not only a great idea for the holidays fast approaching but also a great way to spread the word to friends and family about all that Brookfield has to offer and show our businesses how important they are to our community.

2326 8TH AVE, NORTH RIVERSIDE WELCOME HOME to this 3-bedroom mid century solid brick single family Raised Ranch style residence where the sunny living room, combined dining room and newly updated modern kitchen flow together for that open floor plan living area. One updated bathroom freshly painted.. Supremely located between NR’s business district, transportation and the bike/walking path spanning miles east to west.

Newly renovated and highly sought after Komarek School district 94 (K-8 and pre-school) and RiversideBrookfield District 208 within walking distance.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy at the NR Library on DesPlaines. ..................................................... $312,500

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Karen Arndt - Broker - 708 305 2912 - info@karenarndt.realtor

Presented by

Holiday Stroll 2023

The Landmark, November 29, 2023

Holiday Celebration Presented by:

BROOKFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD

Saturday, December 2nd 2 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. Grand & Broadway Business Districts More information at Brookfieldil.gov

Santa and Mrs. Clause Meet & Greet at Irish Times Roller Rink @SE Gross Gym Courtesy Trolleys Giant inflatable Snow Globe and Photo Keepsake Make your own Grinch Hot Cocoa Bombs Live in-person Olaf, Elsa and Anna Petting Zoo Live Wood Carving Demonstration Make Homemade Reindeer Food Tree Lighting Food and complimentary treats & drinks throughout various businesses Kris Kringle Market @Village Hall 10:00am-5:00pm

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The Landmark, November 29, 2023

LEGAL NOTICE VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE ORDINANCE NO. 2023-O-4072 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE VILLAGE CODE CONCERNING ACCESS TO THE VILLAGE’S WATER SERVICE AND THE REGISTRATION AND INSPECTION OF MULTI-FAMILY RENTAL PROPERTIES WITHIN THE VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE WHEREAS, the Village of Riverside (“Village”) is a municipal corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Illinois; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Title 8, Chapter 6 of the Village Code of the Village of Riverside (“Village Code”), the Village has established the rules and procedures governing the public’s use and access to potable water service (“Water Service”) from the Village’s water system (“Water System”); and WHEREAS, the President and Board of Trustees of the Village (the “Village Board”) have determined that the provision of Water Service from the Water System is intended to promote the safe, healthful, and lawful use of properties within the Village, and Water Service is not intended to foster activities or conditions that do not comport with the requirements of the Village Code; and WHEREAS, the Village Board has also determined that, as a condition of Water Service, it is necessary and appropriate that the properties served by the Water System be accessible for inspection, review, and testing to best ensure that the Village’s Water System (i) is not being contaminated, (ii) is not otherwise being adversely impacted by or through any such connections, and (iii) is not being used in furtherance of activities or conditions inconsistent with the intended uses of the Water System; and WHEREAS, the Village Board has determined that periodic inspections of premises receiving Water Service from the Water System will best serve the long-term public health, safety, and welfare of all properties receiving Water Service; and WHEREAS, the Village Board has further determined that prompt and thorough inspections of the Water System are necessary to protect the integrity and functionality of the Water System, and the inability to conduct such inspections or the lack of cooperation or interference with such inspection cause the Village to incur additional costs and risks endangering the health and safety of all Water Service customers; and WHEREAS, the Village has established a program (“Rental Registration Program”) pursuant to Section 4-1-19 of the Village Code for the registration of multi-family residential rental properties so as to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the Village by facilitating more effective communication between the Village and rental property owners, the enforcement of minimum standards for maintenance of rental properties to be free from nuisance and substandard, unsafe, and/or non-code compliant conditions, and to aid in the preservation of the character of the Village and its property values; and WHEREAS, the Village Board has determined that the Rental Registration Program is in furtherance of the Village’s efforts of protecting and ensuring the integrity of the Village’s Water System by promoting the inspection of properties connected to the Water System and receiving Water Service; and WHEREAS, the Village Board has determined that it is in the best interest of the Village and its residents to amend the Village Code to provide for periodic inspections of properties receiving Water Service as a condition of such service; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Riverside, Cook County, Illinois, as follows: SECTION ONE: Recitals. The foregoing recitals are hereby incorporated into and made a part of this Ordinance as if fully set forth.

SECTION TWO: Water Regulations. Section 5, titled “Failure to Pay Combined Charges and Other Prohibited

Practices, Shutoff Following Notice and Hearing,” of the owner or occupant in question either by personal (D) Registration.

Chapter 6, titled “Village Waterworks,” of Title 8, titled service, certified mail (return receipt requested), or by * * * “Public Ways and Property,” of the Village Code is hereby posting on the premises in question in the event that the 2. Registration Period. The rental property registration amended as follows: owner or the owner’s place of residence, upon diligent period shall run from January 1 to December 31 each 8-6-5: FAILURE TO PAY COMBINED CHARGES, FAILURE inquiry, cannot be found. In the event that the owner or year. Registration shall be required annually and shall TO PROVIDE ACCESS, AND OTHER PROHIBITED occupant of a premises subject to a surcharge pursuant be completed prior to January 1 of each year thereafter, PRACTICES, SHUTOFF FOLLOWING NOTICE AND to this paragraph does not provide access to a premises regardless of a property’s initial registration date. The HEARING: pursuant to Section 8-6-6 of the village code within 60 Village shall notify the registered owner of a property Upon the failure of the owner or occupant of any premises days after the imposition of such surcharge, the village in writing if it determines that the property is subject to pay the charges or any portion thereof including may undertake to terminate the supply of water to to the registration requirement, and the owner shall connection charges, water meter repair or replacement said premises in the manner provided in the preceding register the property and comply with all registration costs, within thirty (30) days after such charges are due paragraph. requirements within 30 days of delivery of such written and payable, or in the event such owner or occupant is SECTION THREE: Water Inspection Regulations. Section notice. found to be in violation of the provisions of this chapter 6, titled “Access to Premises,” of Chapter 6, titled “Village 3. Application. Registration shall be on a form provided by pertaining to tampering with the water meter, or of making Waterworks,” of Title 8, titled “Public Ways and Property,” the village, which shall be filled out in its entirety, truthfully an illegal connection or one without a permit, or of making of the Village Code is hereby amended as follows: and accurately. The following shall be provided by the an illegal cross connection or of using a sprinkling system owner: in violation of a proclamation prohibiting the same or of 8-6-6: ACCESS TO PREMISES: * * * maintaining a condition on the property that does not (i) The water account number associated with the comport with the village code or otherwise endangers As a condition of obtaining potable water service from premises. the village’s water system, the supply of water to said the Village’s water system, the village manager and such (hi) Such other information as may be required by the premises shall be subject to being turned off and no water employees of the village as he or she shall designate Village. * * shall be supplied to said premises until the payment of shall have full and free access to all parts of any premises * all arrearages has been made, or the removal of all illegal receiving such water service, and dwellings and buildings (E) Residential Rental Certificates of Compliance. * * connections or cross connections, or the replacement thereon, for the purposes of shutting off or turning on of * of the tampered meter or elimination of sprinkling has water, or examining into the condition of water pipes, 2. Issuance of Certificate. The residential rental certificate occurred, or the violative or endangering conditions examining the interior and exterior of the premises for of compliance shall be issued only after both of the have been corrected, together with an additional charge any condition that may harm the integrity of the Village’s following are completed: of seventy five dollars ($75.00) for service in again turning water system, including without limitation (i) improper (a) Registration of the dwelling containing three on said water supply. An additional one hundred dollar cross connections, (ii) inadequate backflow prevention, (3) or more rental dwelling units with the village’s building ($100.00) charge shall be assessed to the owner or (iii) noncompliant conditions that may negatively impact department; and occupant if such restoration is performed before or after the water system or may undermine the purposes for (b) Inspection by the village code official or their business hours of the village, or on weekends or holidays. which water service is provided, (iv) the waste of water designee, or by such other person or method as No water supply shall be shut off pursuant to this section resources, (v) inadequately insulated water pipes, and authorized by this Section, pursuant to Section 8-6-6 unless written notice shall first be given by the village (vi) examining water meters or service on said premises, of the village code. demonstrating compliance with all to the owner or occupant in question, by regular mail or for the purpose of reading water meters. property maintenance laws, ordinances, and regulations. and personal service or certified mail, which will include SECTION FOUR: Rental Registration Program. Section * * * a signed return receipt, addressed to the person and 19, titled “Rental Inspection and Registration,” of Chapter After2. the code official The has determined that ofacompliance dwellingshall Issuance of Certificate. residential rental certificate be issued only after both of the completed: address last shown on the village’s water billing records, 1, titled “Buildings,” of Title 4, titled “Building Regulations,” containing three (3) orfollowing more are rental dwelling units is in (a) Registration the dwelling containing three (3) or more rental dwelling or by posting on the premises in question where the owner of the Village Code is hereby amended as follows: compliance with allofapplicable property maintenance laws, units with the village’s building department; and or the owner’s place of residence, upon diligent inquiry, ordinances, and regulations, the The code official shall (b) Inspection by the village code official or his or her their designee, or by cannot be found, of the village’s intent to shut off such 4-1-19: RENTAL INSPECTION AND REGISTRATION: issue a residential rental certificate of compliance to such other person or method as authorized by this Section, pursuant to Section water supply and the reason therefor, and offering such the owner. code official has determined 8-6-6 of theunless village the code. demonstrating compliance with all that property ordinances, and regulations. owner or occupant a hearing into the subject matter of the (A) Declaration of Purpose. It is the purpose of this a maintenance dwelling laws, containing three (3) or more rental dwelling After the has determined that a dwelling containing threewater (3) or more proposed water shutoff before the village treasurer; which section to provide for the registration and inspection units iscode notofficial in compliance with all applicable rental dwelling units is in compliance with all applicable property maintenance hearing shall be held not less than seven (7) days following of multi-family residential rental properties within the service or property maintenance laws, and laws, ordinances, and regulations, the The code officialordinances, shall issue a residential rental certificate of compliance to the owner. unless the code official has the receipt of notice thereof. Where, following notice and village so as to protect the health, safety and welfare of regulations. determined that a dwelling containing three (3) or more rental dwelling units hearing (in the event the owner or occupant elects to the residents of the village, to facilitate more effective * is not in compliance * with* all applicable water service or property maintenance laws, ordinances, and regulations. be heard) or expiration of the opportunity to be heard, communication between the village and rental property (F) Fees. * * * determination to shut off the water supply is made, notice owners, to facilitate the enforcement of minimum The owner of a dwelling with rental dwelling units shall pay (A) Declaration of Purpose.

It is the purpose of thisproperties section to provide the (F) fees Fees. for inspections and reinspections as hereinafter standards for maintenance of rental to be for the to the owner will be made in the same manner as above registration and inspection of multi-family residential rental properties within the The owner of a dwelling with rental dwelling units shall pay the fees for provided, and shall further be posted on said premises. free from nuisance and substandard, unsafe and/or non- set forth: village so as to protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the village, inspections and reinspections as hereinafter set forth: code compliant conditions through regulatory process Payments of less than the full amount billed on a combined to facilitate more effective communication betweenathe village and rental property 100.00 owners, rather to facilitate thecomplaint-driven enforcement of minimum standards for maintenance 1. ofAnnual common area inspection than enforcement, to ensure bill will be applied first to pay any late payment penalty rental properties to be freeprovision from nuisance and and substandard, unsafe and/or non2. Rental dwelling units in multi-family buildings 55.00 the continued of safe healthful potable fees and processing charges, then sewerage charges, code compliant conditions through a regulatory process rather than complaintthen any water connection and water meter repair or water to residents through the Village’s water service 3. Reinspection of rental dwelling unit in multi-family building, where 55.00 driven enforcement, to ensure the continued provision of safe and healthful necessary1 thethrough integrity and intended use service of the while replacement charges. potable while water protecting to residents the Village’s water 4. Professional Inspection Fee (for inspections of individual rental 15.00 waterand system, anduse to of aidthe in the preservation of and Additionally, when an owner or occupant of protecting any Village’s the integrity intended Village’s water system, to aid in the of the the character of the village andvalues. its property values. dwelling units performed by a licensed professional building thepreservation character of village and its property premises that receives water service from the village’s inspector of owner’s choosing, and at owner’s cost, during first three (B) Definitions.

Unless theotherwise contextrequire, shall otherwise water system refuses to provide the Village with access (3) years of program) (B) Definitions.

Unless the context shall terms used in this section shall haveterms the following definitions: require, used in this section shall have the following to a premises pursuant to Section 8-6-6 of the village 5. Self-Certification Fee 15.00 code, the village may, upon thirty (30) days’ written * * definitions: * notice, impose a water surcharge fee that doubles 1.

Reinspection fees may be applied when an owner or occupant fails to INSPECTION An inspection of the premises the otherwise applicable charges for water provided provide a 24 hour notice for an inspection cancellation request, fails to pursuant to Section 8-6-6 of the appear or otherwise provide access to the property pursuant to a scheduled by the village pursuant to Section 8-6-2 of the Village village code. inspections, or requests to reschedule building inspections two or more Code until the owner or occupier of the premises WATER The Village’s water system times within one calendar year. The village manager or their designee may SYSTEM described in Title 8, Chapter 6 waive a reinspection fee upon request. provides the village with such access to the premises. of the village code.

Notice of the village’s intent to impose such surcharge (G) Inspections. and the reason therefor shall be given by the village to CONTINUED ON The FOLLOWING PAGE 1. Applicable Codes. village shall utilize the property maintenance laws, *

*

*

ordinances, and regulations, including but not limited to the various codes adopted

(D) Registration. *

*

*

2. Registration Period. The rental property registration period shall run from January 1 to December 31 each year. Registration shall be required annually and

The Landmark, November 29, 2023

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE 1. Reinspection fees may be applied when an owner or occupant fails to provide a 24 hour notice for an inspection cancellation request, fails to appear or otherwise provide access to the property pursuant to a scheduled inspections, or requests to reschedule building inspections two or more times within one calendar year. The village manager or their designee may waive a reinspection fee upon request.

(G) Inspections.

1. Applicable Codes. The village shall utilize the property maintenance laws, ordinances, and regulations, including but not limited to the various codes adopted by the village under Title 4 (Building Regulations) applicable provisions of the village code, as adopted and amended by the board of trustees, as the established standards for the inspection of rental dwelling units pursuant to this chapter.

2. When required. For each dwelling containing three (3) or more rental dwelling units, inspection shall be made to obtain and maintain compliance with the standards of this article based upon the following: * * * (d) Additional inspections may be required for any of the following reasons: (i) A complaint received by the village indicating that there is a violation of the standards or the provisions of the water service or property maintenance laws, ordinances, and regulations adopted by the village, including without limitation those that may directly or indirectly harm the water system or undermine the purposes for which water service is provided; (ii) An observation by the village of a violation of the standards or the provisions of the water service or property maintenance laws, ordinances, and regulations adopted by the village, including without limitation those that may directly or indirectly harm the water system or undermine the purposes for which water service is provided; or * * * 3. Notice of Inspection. The code official shall provide at least twenty-one (21) fourteen (14) days’ notice of the inspection to the owner by regular mail, email, or hand delivery prior to inspection, using the owner-provided registration information. Upon receipt of the notice of inspection, the owner shall notify the tenant of the date and time of the inspection on a form provided by the village, by personal service of the notice to an occupant who is fourteen (14) years of age or older or by placing the completed form under or on the door of the rental dwelling unit at least ten (10) seven (7) days prior to the inspection. The form shall contain a certification that the owner has served such notice. Such notices shall inform the tenant of their right to refuse to consent to the inspection, the potential consequences of such refusal pursuant to section 8-6-5 of the village code, and to require the village to obtain an administrative search warrant.

If the tenant refuses consent to the inspection, then the code official shall be authorized to obtain an administrative search warrant as provided in subsection (G)5 of this section. The code official may establish procedures to assure reasonable notice in certain circumstances, e.g., lack of cooperation by owner, in which case service and posting requirements need not comply with the requirements of this subsection. Inspections may be scheduled with fewer than fourteen (14) days’ notice with the express written or verbal consent by the owner and current occupant (if any).

4. Scope of Inspections. The code official shall, prior to entering an occupied rental dwelling unit, give the owner or owner’s authorized agent a reasonable

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LEGAL NOTICE opportunity to be present during the inspection. The code official, when inspecting the dwelling or rental dwelling unit, shall limit the scope of the inspection to only those items that pertain to the property maintenance laws, ordinances, and regulations applicable directly or indirectly related to water service or the village water system and applicable to the dwelling or rental dwelling unit being inspected.

Unless otherwise specified in a court order or warrant, the code official will not inspect or search personal property of the tenant. The code official, while performing the duties of his/her office, will otherwise fully consider the privacy and dignity of the owner and tenant, and will not enter or open closets, medicine cabinets or the other closed cabinets or lockers unless the code official has reasonable grounds to believe that to do so would establish evidence of code violations including without limitation those directly or indirectly related to water service or the village water system (including the purposes therefor), or unless electric or other mechanical utilities pipes or other areas related to water service can only be reasonably accessed through such closets or cabinets.

If a tenant desires to be present for an inspection and it would result in an unusual hardship for that resident to be present during regular village business hours, the code official shall attempt to conduct the inspection at a time reasonably convenient to the tenant.

5. Administrative Search Warrant. The inspections required by this section shall be administrative in nature. When an owner of a dwelling or a tenant of a rental dwelling unit refuses to allow the code official to inspect the dwelling or rental dwelling unit(s), nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the code official from applying to the circuit court for an administrative search warrant or other court order authorizing such inspection. The code official’s decision whether to obtain an administrative search warrant shall not preclude the code official from (i) ordering the vacation of a rental dwelling unit in a dwelling not having a valid residential rental certificate of compliance, (ii) imposing surcharges, (iii) terminating water service, or from (iii) seeking judicial relief for the unlawful occupancy of a rental dwelling unit in a dwelling with a valid certificate. An application for an administrative search warrant shall not be a waiver of the village’s right to seek other remedies. * * * (H) Violations.

1. Compliance Time Periods. If an inspection reveals any violation, a compliance time period shall be set by the code official, who may establish compliance time periods during which violations must be corrected based on the seriousness and nature of the violation. If the violations do not pose an immediate threat to life safety of the tenants of the dwelling or the occupants of nearby dwellings, or of immediate harm to the village’s water system, the owner of the rental dwelling unit will then be permitted to allow the interim occupancy of the dwelling by tenants during the specified compliance time period.

When the code official finds violations that threaten the life safety of the tenants of the rental dwelling unit or the occupants of nearby dwellings, or of immediate harm to the village’s water system, the code official may deem the dwelling and/or an individual dwelling unit a nuisance and uninhabitable in accordance with applicable law. The code official’s decision shall be subject to appeal as provided by applicable law.

2. Notice of Violations. The code official shall serve notice of the violation(s), and the applicable compliance time period for each violation, on the owner by regular mail, email or hand delivery using the owner-provided registration information. The notice shall include the following:

*

* * (e) An explanation that all violations and warning conditions must be corrected within the compliance time period, or penalties, as described in subsection (J), may result, and the residential rental certificate of compliance will be subject to denial, suspension, revocation or nonrenewal.

3. Appeal. The existence of a violation specified in a violation notice may be appealed to the village manager by requesting a hearing. Said request for a hearing must be received by the village manager within eight (8) days following the date such notice was personally delivered, emailed, or placed in the mail.

If such a request for a hearing is not received within that time period, the code official's determination that a violation exists shall become final. If such a request for a hearing is received, the village manager or their his or her designee shall hold a hearing no later than thirty (30) days after the date the request is received, sending notice of the hearing place and date to the owner. The village manager shall review the evidence submitted at the hearing, and shall make written determination as to whether a violation exists. The village manager's determination shall be final. * * * 5. Minimum Standards. Except as otherwise specified in this section, including subsection (E) (5), no rental dwelling unit shall be occupied or continued to be occupied unless the rental dwelling unit and dwelling in which said unit is located complies with registration and residential rental certificate of compliance requirements of this section, the provisions and standards of the property maintenance laws, ordinances and regulations adopted by the village, and is maintained in a structurally sound condition and kept free from health, fire, and other hazards to life and property. * * * (J) Penalty. Any owner or other person, firm, company, corporation or any agent, employee or contractor who shall fail to register, violate, disobey, omit, neglect or refuse to comply with or resist enforcement of any provision of this section shall, in addition to any other penalty, procedure. or surcharge provided by the village code, be fined not less than one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) nor more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00) for each offense, and each day upon which a violation occurs or continues shall be deemed a separate offense.

SECTION FIVE: Mechanical and Common Area Inspections. Section 20, titled “Multi-Family Dwelling Mechanical and Common Area Property Inspections,” of Chapter 1, titled “Buildings,” of Title 4, titled “Building Regulations,” of the Village Code is hereby amended as follows:

village shall utilize the property maintenance laws, ordinances, and regulations, including but not limited to the various codes adopted by the village under Title 4 (Building Regulations) of the village code, as adopted and amended by the board of trustees, as the established standards for the inspection of multi-family dwelling common space and mechanical areas. The fee for the mechanical and common area inspections shall be one hundred dollars ($100.00).

(C) Scope of Inspections. The code inspector shall, when inspecting the mechanical and common areas of a multi-family dwelling, limit the scope of the inspection to only those items that pertain to the property maintenance laws, ordinances, and regulations applicable to the directly or indirectly related to the village water system or to water service for the building being inspected. The code inspector, while performing the duties of his/her office, will otherwise fully consider the privacy and dignity of the owner and occupants.

(D) Inspectors’ Right of Entry. Any code inspector designated by the village, upon production of adequate identification and receipt of the consent of the owner, occupant, tenant, or authorized agent, is empowered to enter the mechanical and common areas of any multi-family dwelling building, structure or premises, whether completed or in the course of construction consistent with section 8-6-6 of the village code, for the purpose of determining whether such building, structure or premises have been, or are being constructed and maintained in accordance with the all applicable building codes. In the event the owner, occupant, tenant, or authorized agent exercises their right to refuse entry, the village may exercise its right to seek issuance of an administrative search warrant to permit such entry.

SECTION SIX: Notice. Within 90 days of the passage and approval of this Ordinance, (a) the Village shall publish a copy of this ordinance in a newspaper in general circulation within the Village, and (b) print a notice on at least one water bill for each customer stating that the terms of water service have been modified by the adoption of this ordinance with a reference to how a water customer might access this Ordinance.

SECTION SEVEN: Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect 90 days after its passage, approval, and publication in pamphlet form in the manner provided by law.

4-1-20: MULTI-FAMILY DWELLING MECHANICAL AND COMMON AREA PROPERTY INSPECTIONS: *

* * (B) Required Inspection; Fee. When a multi-family dwelling subject to this Section is inspected pursuant to Section 5-2-7 (Inspection of Premises) or Section 8-6-6 (Access To Premises) of this Code, the Fire Inspector shall be accompanied by a code inspector who will inspect the mechanical and common areas of each dwelling. Inspections shall be conducted in order: a) to determine the safety of the occupants of such buildings, structures, or places in the event of fire, panic or accident; b) to examine the working order and state of repair of commonly shared mechanical and utility equipment and spaces; and c) to ascertain whether the Title 4 regulations of this title affecting public health and safety are being complied with. The

4863-9274-3296, v. 4

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The Landmark, November 29, 2023

Opinion New cubs at the zoo

T

Small-town holidays

In today’s Landmark we have coverage of the imminent holiday festivities in our three communities. There is the North Riverside WinterFest, Brookfield’s Holiday Celebration and Riverside’s Holiday Stroll.

Each event holds similarities but each has been crafted and has evolved to be a near-perfect reflection of its community. In North Riverside the Village Commons is the gathering place, as it is throughout the year. Riverside’s stroll is focused on the historic downtown with its train station and landmark public buildings. Its list of festivities is boundless. And in Brookfield there is an expanding day of fun with the first-ever Kris Kringle Market, a vendor fair, taking place in the village hall parking lot. The more traditional afternoon and evening fun will stretch along the Grand Boulevard and Broadway corridors.

These annual events are certainly a lure for shoppers from across the suburbs. But most essentially, they are each a hometown gathering where neighbors see neighbors, good wishes are shared, and the holiday season is launched.

Thanks to the dozens and hundreds of volunteers and organizations that come together to make this magic.

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OBITUARIES

THE LANDMARK VIEW

wo orphaned brown bear cubs have a new home at Brookfield Zoo. The story of their arrival in Brookfield is interesting and at its heart it’s about the growing tension between an estimated population of 30,000 bears in Alaska with a growing and physically expanding human footprint in cities such as Anchorage.

The mother of these two cubs was killed in Anchorage when her foraging got her too close to humans. Local wildlife agents rescued the cubs, placed them in a local zoo while a permanent solution could be found.

That solution was transporting them to Brookfield Zoo. This isn’t the first time the zoo has taken in cubs from Alaska.

Back in 1995, Brookfield also adopted two bears from the same agency in Alaska. When one those bears, Jim, died last year, the zoo was looking to add bears to its collection.

Now 10 months old and 150 pounds, the brother and sister, are transitioning at Brookfield Zoo with medical testing and socializing underway. It may be a time before they are put on public view and then it is likely to be in somewhat separate quarters.

We anticipate some sort of naming contest in our immediate future. It may inevitably tilt toward the baseball team. In which case we lobby for Fergie and Ernie.

The Landmark, November 29, 2023

Anthony Roberts, 59 Traveler, music lover, dessert lover for breakfast, or after dinner again.

Anthony Richard Roberts, 59, of Perhaps even better than dessert was Brookfield, formerly of Mississauga, Cheese Time, which he celebrated with Ontario, Canada, crossed the river on his beloved dog, Happy, every evening.

Nov. 22, 2023. He loved music, everyHe did the very best thing anyone can thing from listening to his favorite do — he made everyone around him betband, the Beatles, to collecting guitars, ter. He will live on through the positive, pedals, and keyboards he kept near his wonderful impacts he had on all of us. computer, should inspiration strike. He His cremation is private. His good composed songs that were so good he refriends, Wayne, Al, and Dave will take fused to play them for anyone. Anthony him on one last hike to find his final and Wendy traveled at every opportuniresting place. ty and explored the world together, from ANTHONY ROBERTS Memorial donations to Parks Canada visiting Machu Picchu to the Great Wall www.parks.canada.ca or the National in China to all but one of the Disney Worlds, and even digging for fossils in the western Park Service www.nps.gov would be appreciated so others can continue to enjoy the great outdoors as United States.

His travels included 10 years flying back and forth much as he did.

Anthony was the husband of Wendy Hummer and from Toronto to Chicago, every single week, to be with his cherished wife, Wendy, whom he married in the father of His Royal Highness Happy Ficklepants 2011. A true-blue Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, he Roberts. He is survived by his brother, Michael Robalso played hockey and enjoyed hiking in his spare erts, his sister-in law, Nahla, his niece, Mya, and his time, conquering the Atlas Mountains and Death nephew, Zakariya.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be Valley with his friends, who truly appreciated his Canadian humor. He loved desserts — after dinner, shared with the family at www.JohnsonNosek.com.

Need a helping of

Call Jill at 708-442-6739 or visit RBLandmark.com and click subscribe

26

The Landmark, November 29, 2023

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The Landmark, November 29, 2023

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28

The Landmark, November 29, 2023

Sports

Kaminski, Colon part of another Nazareth football state title Roadrunners overcome 0-4 start for second straight 5A championship

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Toward the end of the Nazareth Academy football team’s regular season, junior and third-year starter Gabe Kaminski of Riverside made the switch from defensive end to middle linebacker. “[It was] just learning the schemes, learning how to read [the opposition],” Kaminski said. “I played middle linebacker in youth ball, so I think I’m tapping into that a little bit. I picked it up pretty well.”

Already the Roadrunners’ leading tackler, Kaminski achieved his first interception of the season Saturday at the 15-yard line early in the third quarter of the Class 5A state championship game against Joliet Catholic at Illinois State University in Normal.

The play sparked the Roadrunners’ greatest half this season and completed one of the greatest comebacks in Illinois high school football history.

About to possibly fall behind by three scores, Nazareth instead scored 28 unanswered points in the second half and won 38-20 for its second state championship and fifth in program history.

The Roadrunners (9-5) overcame an 0-4 start to become the first team with five losses to even reach a state championship game. The 2022 5A champions (10-4) were the fourth in IHSA history to win a state title with four losses.

“I don’t really think when I play so I don’t know how much I’m going to remember, but celebrating with my teammates for sure,” Kaminski said.

“I’d say it’s a little bit sweeter [this season], going back to back and making more history. We were 2-4 last year and 0-4 this year. That’s just a testament to how [Nazareth coach Tim Racki] builds a schedule.

It’s special for sure.”

Generally only 5-4 teams or better qualify but this year six 4-5 teams earned the last of the 256 playoff berths with the Roadrunners topping that list. Their 56 playoff points (combined victories of opponents) were the highest for any team in Illinois.

All five teams they lost to were at least state quarterfinalists.

Nazareth lost its regular-season finale to St. Francis 35-17 but beat the Spartans 3831 in the semifinals. Joliet Catholic (10-4), which lost to St. Francis 33-28, Sept. 22, led 13-0 Saturday.

“Once I started seeing our guys getting comfortable defensively and [quarterback Logan Malachuk] leading the offense and their getting into a rhythm in the second half, I’m like, ‘We’re going to be OK,’” Racki said.

“I thought I’d seen it all, but going in 4-5 and figuring it out [was memorable]. These kids are mature enough to listen to what we think our solutions can be and I also listen to them. When you have ownership like that, that’s when you figure out problems.”

Joliet Catholic led 20-10 at halftime and were on the verge of scoring again before Kaminski’s interception. His electrifying 32-yard return to the Nazareth 47 concluded with a brief skirmish after a penalized out-of-bounds tackle into the Nazareth sidelines.

The Roadrunners responded with a

STEVE JOHNSTON

Nazareth’s Gabe Kaminski (5) tackles St. Francis’ Tyvonn Ransom (8) during the Class 5A semifinal game Saturday, November 18, in La Grange Park.

3-yard TD pass from Malachuk to Jimmy Penley to close to 20-17 with 37 seconds left in the quarter.

“I think we were just building up to that point,” Kaminski said. “The offense was starting to click and after that [interception], we just took off.”

On their next three possessions, the Roadrunners gained the extended the lead with three consecutive three-play TD drives in the fourth quarter that covered 60, 80 and 46 yards primarily behind Malachuk, who was 23 for 34 passing for 414 yards and four TDs. Penley (7 catches, 163 yards, 2 TDs), Jake Cestone (4 catches, 163 yards, TD) and Trenton Walker (9 catches, 52 yards, TD) were his top receivers.

“Probably [our best half]. The defense got stops and on offense, we were just clicking on all cylinders. We couldn’t be stopped,” Malachuk said. “That [interception] got us all going. The fight and everything, it just got everyone going, amped up.”

Junior Johnny Colon of Brookfield was the holder for senior Andrew Fowler’s five extra points and 20-yard field goal that ended the first half. Even a missed 29-yard

attempt on the Roadrunners’ first secondhalf possession after a defensive three-andout indicated their fortunes were turning.

“Oh, by far that was the best half we played. The defense was lights out and the offense did what it had to do,” Colon said.

“Last year was really special, but this time, we’ve really grown from an 0-4 start. Just celebrating with the team in the locker room after the game, it was amazing.”

Racki has coached all of Nazareth’s state champions since becoming head coach in 2005. He helped to persuade defensive coordinator Keith Lukes to move Kaminski to linebacker.

“I’m a defensive guy at heart. I wanted to put him at linebacker last year and then we finally pulled the trigger,” Racki said.

Stronger and 15 pounds heavier than last season, the 6-foot-3, 230-pound Kaminski had 15 total tackles and 1.5 sacks Saturday to finish with team bests of 132 tackles and 18.5 sacks.

Already with numerous Division I offers, Kaminski was named all-state by the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association and Chicago Catholic League/East

S P O R T S

The Landmark, November 29, 2023

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RB boys basketball reaches VandeMerkt Tourney final Senior standouts Cicic, Brown named alltournament Riverside Brookfield High School senior center Stefan Cicic felt frustrated during halftime of Friday’s pool championship game against Thornwood in the Bulldogs’ annual Bill VandeMerkt Thanksgiving Classic.

“I had four points. Coming down to the locker room, talking to [RBHS coach Mike Reingruber], it’s kind of in my head, ‘I’ve got to win this game. I’ve got to be better,’” Cicic said. “I was really locked in and then second half, I was catching fire.”

Riding that victory, Cicic and the Bulldogs hoped for a similar third quarter in Saturday’s overall championship game. Instead, area-rated Brother Rice pulled away for a 76-62 victory to win the eight-team tournament for the second straight year.

The 7-foot Cicic and senior guard Steven Brown were named to the all-tournament team for the Bulldogs (3-1), who won their pool by beating Thornwood 59-46, Hinsdale South 86-71 on Nov. 22, and Hancock 77-18 on Nov. 21.

Against Brother Rice, sophomore Cam Mercer (20 points with three 3s), Cicic (19 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks) and Brown and senior Mehki Austin (10 points each) scored in double figures.

“They were on fire pretty much the whole game. They’ve got guys who can do it all and obviously for us that was a challenge,” Cicic said. “I feel like we all could have played better, especially me. We’ve just got to learn from the mistakes and move on.”

The Bulldogs trailed Brother Rice 36-30 at halftime and closed to 36-32 on a driving basket by Mercer. But the Crusaders, led by tournament MVP Zavier Fitch (24 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks), scored on each of their last seven possessions of the period, including three 3s and a conventional 3-point play, to open a 61-45 lead.

RBHS scored the first five points of the fourth quarter but never closed to single digits.

“The first half was pretty much back and forth. We got [Cicic] the ball more in the second half but we just didn’t string together enough stops. That’s really what the difference in the game was,” Reingruber said.

“We were never able to get on a run.

They’re a very good team. We just didn’t do a good enough job. I think this team can be a very, very good defensive group as the year goes on. We’ve just got to shore up a few things. I’m confident these guys will bounce back.”

With the Bulldogs leading Thornwood 30-29 at halftime, Cicic took over the game.

Cicic scored the Bulldogs’ first eight points of the third quarter for a 38-33 lead and finished with 10 in the period, three of them dunks. Mercer ended the Bulldogs’ scoring with a basket and free throw enroute to a 48-38 advantage.

“Making shots, posting up, making dunks. That really got the crowd going and

that built up our momentum,” said Cicic who finished with 22 points and eight rebounds, Brown (12 points with four 3s); starting junior Danny Loftus (8 points) and senior Sam Shelven (7 rebounds, 4 assists) also contributed.

“When we get the ball into [Cicic], good things happen,” Reingruber said.

The Bulldogs get another test Saturday at noon against St. Ignatius in the Chicago Elite Classic at the University of Illinois Chicago’s Credit Union 1 Arena.

Only Cicic and Brown saw significant varsity action with last season’s Class 4A regional finalist. For the tournament, Cicic had team highs of 89 total points and 30 rebounds. Brown had 43 points with five 3s, 12 rebounds and team bests of 21 assists, 11 steals and 12 defensive deflections.

Mercer (58 points, 7 threes, 15 rebounds, 3 charges taken), Loftus (24 points, 13 rebounds), Shelven (11 rebounds, 8 assists), Austin (37 points, 9 assists) and juniors Mantas Sleinys and Vince Dockendorf played significant minutes Saturday and Friday.

Cicic (31 points, 10 rebounds) and Mercer (20 points) and Austin (13 points) had big games against Hinsdale South. Cicic (12 points) and Mercer (11 points with three 3s) led the scoring against Hancock.

“The first few games, I’ve been kind of antsy to get out and play. It’s been good to be out there playing, accepting my role, doing what I do when I’m out there and just sharing the court with my friends,” Shelven said.

“We like our energy when we’re on the court and we start getting our runs. We really like how we’re playing together. It was exemplified in [the Brother Rice] game, but our defense, keeping our defense solid, putting a whole four quarters together is the main thing and continuing to move the ball on offense and getting good looks.”

Suburban Catholic Conference Orange Division Lineman of the Year besides his third all-conference team. “[Our success is] just our brotherhood and love for each other,” Kaminski said.

“Just our perseverance. We never got down on ourselves. We took their punches and punched back. I don’t think we surprised ourselves. I knew what this team is capable of. We have so much young talent and the

senior class is amazing.”

Penley put the Roadrunners ahead 2420 with 9:53 left on a 53-yard TD catch in which he dragged the defender the final few yards into the end zone. Walker scored on a 4-yard catch following a 78-yard pass to Cestone, who had the final score on a 40yard pass play with 3:36 to go.

Lesroy Tittle had Nazareth’s first TD on a 41-yard run in the second quarter. JCA

running back HJ Grigsby had 223 of his 278 rushing yards and one TD in the first half.

Grigsby admirably returned from a right ankle injury just before halftime that sidelined him only briefly.

Nazareth senior co-captain and all-conference defensive lineman Brendan Flanagan also excelled after missing two regular-season games with broken bones in both feet and having one foot in a cast. Flanagan re-

turned after another doctor told him that he could play without causing further damage.

Flanagan tweaked his left foot during Saturday’s game, limiting him to running plays.

“It was my senior year and I wanted to go out with a bang. It hurts a little bit but it’s worth it 100 percent,” Flanagan said. “I’ve kind of prided myself on being a leader so if I have a chance, I’m going to take my Advil and go out there and play.”

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

STEVE JOHNSTON

Riverside-Brookfield’s Steven Brown (22) puts up a shot over Thornwood’s Kyvon Thomas (4) during the Bill VandeMerkt Tournament Friday, Nov. 24, in Brookfield.

30 The Landmark, November 29, 2023 Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI

HELP WANTED

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Animal Control Officer in the Health Department. This position will perform a variety of duties involved in enforcing Village ordinances governing the care and keeping of animals in the Village; and to impound, care for and assist with redemption of animals as appropriate. Applicants are encouraged to apply using the following link: https://secure. entertimeonline.com/ta/6141780. careers?ApplyToJob=604191951.

For additional information on the position please visit the Village of Oak Park’s website https://www.oak-park. us/your-government/human-resources-department. This position is open until filled.

BUILDING INSPECTOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Building Inspector in the Development Services Permit Processing Division. This position will inspect new construction, additions and alterations of residential, commercial, industrial and mixed-use buildings and structures; to ensure compliance with applicable building codes and permits; and to perform various related technical duties. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website https://www.oakpark.us/your-government/human-resources-department. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Engineering Technician II in the Public Works Department. The employee performs layout, draft and design drawings from field survey information and field notes for various engineering and planning projects including existing improvements, right-of-way and various utilities and performs a variety of field inspections. 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. Position is open until filled.

GENERAL WAREHOUSE WORKER

General Warehouse worker. Some assembly and build projects. Some other job duties may include but are not limited to general building upkeep, painting, light cleaning, lifting 50lbs+, driving company vehicles on occasion, operating forklifts and scissor lift, assisting in other warehouse tasks such as loading and unloading trucks, shipping and receiving.

Send Resume to Michelle@sievertelectric.com Job Type: Full-time Benefits Salary: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour Schedule: 8 hour shift Monday to Friday Audit Senior (Multiple Openings) (Chicago, IL) for Mazars USA LLP to lead in the planning, execution, reporting & completion of fin’l audits of assigned mfg, distribution, & consumer products clients. Reqs Bach deg in Acctg, Bus Admin, Finance or rltd field of study, & 2 yrs exp in any job title/occupation/position involving Data Analysis, auditing or acctg in a CPA firm or prof’l services practice.

Exp specified must incl 2 yrs exp w/ Microsoft incl Word, Excel & PowerPoint. Exp specified must also incl 1 yr exp w/ each of the following: auditing w/ mfg, distribution, large corporations, multi-national companies or SEC registrants; US GAAP, GAAS or IFRS; ProSystem Engagement or any other audit prep’n s/ware prgm; & analyzing & synthesizing large data sets. Reqs CPA license or CPA eligible. Telecommuting permitted up to 3 days/wk. Reqs up to 25% domestic travel. Salary: $103,771/yr. To apply visit https://wm.wd5.myworkdayjobs. com/en-US/experienced/job/Chicago/Audit-Senior---Multiple-Openings-_R0002590

MARKETPLACE

WANTED TO BUY WANTED MILITARY ITEMS:

Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys.

Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

HOME SERVICES

ELECTRICAL

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Ceiling Fans Let an American Veteran do your work Installed We install plugs for battery-operated vehicles 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.

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

PAINTING

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Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com

CLASSIC PAINTING Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair

Low Cost •708.749.0011

HANDYMAN Mike’s Home Repair

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE

R E N TA L S

STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3 BR Best Selection & Service

OAK PARK & FOREST PARK

708-386-7355

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PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

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: Y23011198 on November 16, 2023 Under the Assumed Business Name of FULWELL 18 CONSULTING with the business located at: PO BOX 265 BROOKFIELD, IL 60513. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: JOHN MILLER, 3415 ARDEN AVENUE BROOKFIELD, IL 60513, USA.

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: Y23011210 on November 21, 2023 Under the Assumed Business Name of TONIC CONSULTING GROUP with the business located at: 1017 N GROVE AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: WILLIAM B. BUNKERS 1017 N GROVE AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA Published in Wednesday Journal November 29, December 6, 13, 2023

opaque sealed envelope and clearly marked “Park District of Forest Park, Aquatic Center – MAIN PUMP ROOM PIPE REPLACEMENT.” The envelope shall be addressed and delivered to and received by the Park District at the following location: Administration Building, 7501 Harrison St., Forest Park, Illinois 60130. No responsibility shall be attached to any person for the premature opening of a bid not correctly identified.

Public Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. in the First Floor Community Room of the River Forest Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois, to consider amendment(s) to the Village’s Zoning Ordinance which include, but may not be limited to, the following: 1. A Text Amendment to Section 1021 (Land Use Chart) of the Zoning Ordinance to designate child daycare centers as a special use in the C-3 Central Commercial district.

Request of BILLY MICHAEL SMITH Case Number 2023 CONC001645

The petitioner for the Text Amendments is the Village President and Board of Trustees.

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: BILLLY MICHAEL SMITH to the new name of: CASEY WILLIAM STEWART III

This public hearing is being held pursuant to direction given by the Village Board of Trustees for the Zoning Board of Appeals to consider these amendments. For additional information visit www.vrf.us.

The court date will be held: On January 25, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. on Zoom.

Zoom Meeting ID: 91404109299 Passcode: 407193 Published in Wednesday Journal November 15, 22, 29, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss

In re the marriage of MARIA CONCEPCION MUNOZ, Petitioner and AGUSTIN CHINO PEREZ, Respondent, Case No. 2023D003396.

708-296-2060

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS

STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY

Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division.

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

Published in RBLandmark November 22, 29, December 6, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending.

Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before December 18, 2023, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition.

DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk.

Published in Wednesday Journal November 15, 22, 29, 2023

All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. For public comments to be considered by the Zoning Board of Appeals and Village Board of Trustees in their decision, they must be included as part of the public hearing record. If you cannot attend the public hearing but would like to provide input on this matter to the Zoning Board of Appeals you may submit your comments in writing, to Clifford Radatz, Building Official, no later than 12:00 Noon on the date of the public hearing at cradatz@vrf. us or by mailing them to 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, IL 60305.

For further information or for a copy of the proposed text amendments, please contact Village Administrator Matt Walsh at (708) 714-3563 or at mwalsh@vrf.us or visit www.vrf.us.

Sincerely, Clifford Radatz Secretary, Zoning Board of Appeals Published in Wednesday Journal November 29, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE Invitation to Bid The Park District of Forest Park (“Park District” or “Owner”) will receive bids for the Aquatic Center – MAIN PUMP ROOM PIPE REPLACEMENT located at 7501 West Harrison Street, Forest Park, Illinois 60130. Bid Documents, including Instructions to Bidders, Drawings, Technical Specifications, General and any Special Conditions, and Bid Forms, including required Contractor Certifications and Prevailing Wage Determination and Supersedes Notice, are available at Park District of Forest Park Administration Building, 7501 Harrison St., Forest Park, Illinois 60130 commencing on December 1, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

A Pre-bid Meeting will be held at Administration Building, 7501 Harrison St., Forest Park, Illinois, at 12:00 p.m. on December 5, 2023.

Bidders can use this meeting to review the Specifications and allow any Bidders an opportunity to discuss any concerns with the Owner.

Attendance at this meeting by all persons desiring to bid on this Project is recommended.

Each bid shall be placed in an

Bids will be received until 10:00 a.m. on December 15, 2023.

Immediately thereafter, the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids received after that time or at a different location will be rejected and returned to the Bidder unopened.

The Park District of Forest Park reserves the right to waive technicalities, to accept or reject any or all bids, and/or accept only portions of a bid and reject the remainder.

The owner will award the Contract to the lowest, most responsible and responsive Bidder, as determined by Owner. In considering the Bidder’s responsibility, the Owner may evaluate, among other factors, the ability of the Bidder to provide experienced labor sufficient in numbers to timely and properly complete the services, the financial capability of the Bidder, and the performance of the Bidder on other projects Bids shall not include federal excise tax or state sales tax for materials to be incorporated in, or totally consumed in, the prosecution of the Work. The Park District will furnish a tax exemption certificate at the Bidder’s request. The Park District’s tax exemption number shall only be used by the successful Bidder for the Work of this Project.

After the bid opening time, no bid shall be withdrawn or canceled for a period of sixty (60) calendar days.

The Work of this Project is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq. A prevailing wage determination has been made by the Park District, which is the same as that determined by the Illinois Department of Labor for public works projects in Cook County.

The Contract entered into for the Work will be drawn in compliance with said law, and proposals should be prepared accordingly and provide for payment of all laborers, workmen, and mechanics needed to perform the Work at no less than the prevailing rate of wages (or the prevailing rate for legal holiday and overtime work) for each craft, type of worker, or mechanic.

The Contractor(s) selected will also be required to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations, and executive orders, including but not limited to those pertaining to equal employment opportunity.

Direct questions to Jackie Iovinelli, Executive Director, Park District of Forest Park, jiovinelli@pdofpstaff.org, 708-366-7500 x 121.

Published in Forest Park Review November 29, 2023

The Landmark, November 29, 2023 31

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

PUBLIC NOTICE Public notice is hereby given that the Board of Education of Riverside School District 96 in Riverside, Illinois will receive sealed bids for:

Payment Bonds in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the bid amount, with sureties to be approved by the Owner, and in the form required by the Bidding Documents.

The successful bidder is required to pay the general prevailing wage for work under this Contract as ascertained by the Illinois Department of Labor, and shall submit certified payroll records, in compliance with the Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130) and the requirements of the Bidding Documents.

A pre-bid meeting will be held on December 6, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Central Elementary School, 61 Woodside Road, Riverside, IL 60546.

Bidders must allow sufficient time to register at the building prior to being permitted to proceed to the meeting location.

Bids will be received until 1:00 PM, December 20, 2023, at the District office at 3440 S. Harlem Ave, Riverside, IL 60546. A public bid opening will take place afterwards at 1:45 PM, December 20, 2023 at the District office at 3440 S. Harlem Ave, Riverside, IL 60546.

The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all bids or any part thereof.

PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Ames ES Masonry Repair Project Copies of the Bid Documents including plans and specifications will be available starting November 29, 2023. Bidders can download electronic Drawings and Specifications from the BHFX Plan Room, www. bhfxplanroom.com. Printed sets may be ordered and paid for by the contractor.

All bids offered must be accompanied by bid security in the form of certified check or bid bond made payable to the Owner in the amount of not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount of the aggregate of the bid as a guarantee that if the bid is accepted, a contract will be entered into and the performance of the contract properly secured. The successful bidder for the project is required to furnish Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the bid amount, with sureties to be approved by the Owner, and in the form required by the Bidding Documents.

The successful bidder is required to pay the general prevailing wage for work under this Contract as ascertained by the Illinois Department of Labor, and shall submit certified payroll records, in compliance with the Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130) and the requirements of the Bidding Documents.

A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on December 6, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Ames Elementary, 86 Southcote Road, Riverside, IL 60546.

Bidders must allow sufficient time to register at the building prior to being permitted to proceed to the meeting location.

Bids will be received until 1:00 PM, December 20, 2023, at the District office at 3440 S. Harlem Ave, Riverside, IL 60546. A public bid opening will take place afterwards at 1:00 PM, December 20, 2023 at the District office at 3440 S. Harlem Ave, Riverside, IL 60546.

The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all bids or any part thereof.

Published in Riverside-Brookfield Landmark November 29, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE Public notice is hereby given that the Board of Education of Riverside School District 96 in Riverside, Illinois will receive sealed bids for: Central Hauser Site Work Project Copies of the Bid Documents including plans and specifications will be available starting November 29, 2023. Bidders can download electronic Drawings and Specifications from the BHFX Plan Room, www. bhfxplanroom.com. Printed sets may be ordered and paid for by the contractor.

All bids offered must be accompanied by bid security in the form of certified check or bid bond made payable to the Owner in the amount of not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount of the aggregate of the bid as a guarantee that if the bid is accepted, a contract will be entered into and the performance of the contract properly secured. The successful bidder for the project is required to furnish Performance and Labor and Material

Published in Riverside-Brookfield Landmark November 29, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for: 2024 Concrete ADA Ramp Replacement Project (Various Locations) This project consists of the installation of approximately 4,900 square feet of PCC sidewalk ADA ramps, 425 linear feet of PCC curb/gutter, 450 square feet of detectable warnings, 71 square yards of hot mix asphalt patching, and other work incidental thereto.

The bidding documents are available for download starting Friday, December 1, 2023 at:

Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for: 2024 Curb and Sidewalk Replacement Program (Various Locations) This project consists of the installation of approximately 9,000 square feet of PCC sidewalk, 100 linear feet of PCC curb/gutter, 50 square yards of driveway apron and other work incidental thereto.

The bidding documents are available for download starting Friday, December 1, 2023 at: www.vrf.us/bids Bids must be submitted by Monday, December 18, 2023 at 10:15 a.m. at: Public Works Department, 2nd Floor Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305

No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the Proposals without the consent of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of the bid opening.

Bidders shall be prequalified by IDOT for: Concrete Construction The Village of River Forest reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids.

Published in Wednesday Journal November 29, 2023

No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the Proposals without the consent of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of the bid opening.

Bidders shall be prequalified by IDOT for: Concrete Construction The Village of River Forest reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids..

Published in Wednesday Journal November 29, 2023

Published in Wednesday Journal November 29, 2023

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids from qualified vendors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. local time until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, December 22, 2023 for the following: Village of Oak Park 2024 Street Lighting & Traffic Control Materials Pricing Bid Number: 24-110 Bid documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oakpark.us/bid. For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700 during the above hours.

Bids must be submitted by Monday, December 18, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at:

The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability to perform the work.

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed Proposals from qualified consultants at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 for the following: Village of Oak Park 2024 Urban Forestry Consulting and Inspection Services Proposal Number: 24-106 Proposal documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oakpark.us/bid.

For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700 during the above hours.

The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time.

Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability to perform the work.

www.vrf.us/bids

Public Works Department, 2nd Floor Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305

PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids from qualified contractors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 21, 2023 for the following: Village of Oak Park Automatic Transfer Switch Replacement Project Number: 24-109 Bid documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oakpark.us/bid.

For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700 during the above hours.

Published in Wednesday Journal November 29, 2023

Published in Wednesday Journal November 29, 2023

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF HENRYK KWEC, DECEASED, UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS AND LIENHOLDERS AGAINST THE ESTATE OF HENRYK KWEC, DECEASED, UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS AND LIENHOLDERS AGAINST THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF HENRYK KWEC, DECEASED, EWA GEBICKA, 640-44 LAKE STREET CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, DAMON RITENHOUSE, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF HENRYK KWEC, DECEASED Defendants 22 CH 11586 644 LAKE ST., APT. 1C OAK PARK, IL 60301 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 20, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 21, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: PARCEL 1: UNIT 1, ‘’C’’ IN THE 64044 LAKE STREET CONDOMINIUM AS DELINEATED ON A SURVEY OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED REAL ESTATE: LOT 11 IN C B SCOVILLE’S SUBDIVISION OF LOT 22, IN J W SCOVILLE’S SUBDIVISION OF THE WEST ¬Ω OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 7, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN WHICH SURVEY IS ATTACHED AS EXHIBIT ‘’A’’ TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM RECORDED AS DOCUMENT 25033782 TOGETHER WITH ITS UNDIVIDED PERCENTAGE INTEREST IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS IN COOK COUNTY ILLINOIS. PARCEL 2: THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF PARKING SPACE NO. 5 A LIMITED COMMON ELEMENT AS DELINEATED ON THE SURVEY ATTACHED TO THE DECLARATION RECORDED AS DOCUMENT 25033782 IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 644 LAKE ST., APT. 1C, OAK PARK, IL 60301 Property Index No. 16-07-219-0281001 The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $91,216.20.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real

estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 601 E. William St., DECATUR, IL, 62523 (217) 4221719. Please refer to file number 1660117.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC 601 E. William St. DECATUR IL, 62523 217-422-1719 Fax #: 217-422-1754 E-Mail: CookPleadings@hsbattys. com Attorney File No. 1660117 Attorney Code. 40387 Case Number: 22 CH 11586 TJSC#: 43-3730 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 # 22 CH 11586 I3232820

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