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Vol. 37, No. 50

December 14, 2022 @riversidebrookfieldlandmark

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ON PAGE 16

Riverside trustees signal support for higher, denser development

Brookfield’s ‘bridge of sighs’ finally open Ribb cut on $4.85 Ribbon $ million illi project plagued by delays

Code rewrite may allow buildings of up to 66 feet along Harlem and downtown

SEE STORY PAGE 7

By BOB UPHUES Editor

A far-reaching rewrite of Riverside’s zoning code that began in 2020 could come to the village board for a vote in February following months of fine-tuning by village trustees at their meetings this fall and winter.

BOB UPHUES/Editor

See ZONING on page 21

DONATE TODAY ON PAGE 16

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The Landmark, December 14, 2022

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The Landmark, December 14, 2022

Friends celebrate the life of late Brookfield businessman Friends, family gather to remember Chris Borzym

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Back in October, some 500 people rose to their feet to cheer the winner of Dancing with the Chamber, Chris Borzym, who stood in the spotlight, stunned by the honor, clutching his trophy.

About an hour earlier, he’d arrived at the high school, gaunt and weak from treatment for the prostate cancer he’d been battling for two years. Not performing at all was a distinct possibility.

For Borzym, however, the show went on and when he stepped onstage in a psychedelic purple romper to the strains of Kool and the Gang’s “Celebration,” the winner of the competition was never in doubt.

Many of those who applauded Borzym’s bravery that night returned to the high school on Dec. 10, this time in the cafeteria, to remember Borzym, who succumbed to cancer on Dec. 3 at the age 64.

“He brought something that was bigger than life to everyone around him,” said Jeremy Kiser, who had officiated at the wedding of Borzym and his husband, Jim Deacon, 11 years ago and delivered a eulogy at the memorial gathering.

That was a familiar refrain from those who knew Borzym, that and his penchant for perfectionism, from the former cheerleaders he coached at the grade school and high school levels for decades to the customers who grew to be friends while he operated Christopher Mark Fine Flowers on Grand Boulevard in downtown Brookfield for 16 years.

“His artistry and imagination is pure talent,” said Borzym’s sister, Kim. “Chris had a knack for making things beautiful.”

Borzym grew up in south Berwyn, one of 10 children born to Carole and the late Don Borzym. He attended St. Leonard School and Morton West High School before heading to Arizona State University, where he was a Sun Devils’ cheerleader.

Even before that, Borzym coached cheerleading at St. Leonard’s – five members of the 1976 team he coached led those gathered on Dec. 10 in a sendoff cheer. Later, Borzym worked at Riverside-Brookfield High School

FILE

Chris Borzym as an aide and coached the cheerleading team there for 17 years, guiding the 2010 squad to a second place showing at the cheerleading state finals.

“He was a taskmaster. It had to be right, or we’re doing it again,” said Debbie Gentilini, whom Borzym coached at St. Leonard’s and whose family was close with Borzym’s. “He actually brought us all the way to a world competition in Chicago. It was in his blood. I think he was born a cheerleader.”

Borzym left coaching for good in 2010 to concentrate on his then nascent florist business in Brookfield. When the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce welcomed him to town, it sent Betty LeClere, who owns Betty’s Flower and Gifts on Broadway Avenue, to do the honors.

“We were never competitors, from day one,” said LeClere, who provided the table centerpieces filled with Borzym’s favorite flowers, purple irises, at the Dec. 9 gathering. “There were other [competitors] in town, but never with him.”

Mary Vyskocil, Ann Kissel and Rosemary Lynch were all Brookfield customers who became close friends and, in various ways, employees over time at the flower shop.

“I began going in for little things, and he was so welcoming,” Vyskocil said. “Even if

I was not purchasing anything, I’d pop in to say hello to Chris. Then I got to know his sister, who was doing jewelry work there.”

Kissel, who spoke at the gathering, first met Borzym when he accompanied her son, Ryan, to the shop when he was trying to sell ads for a Boy Scout pancake breakfast. Ryan promised to order his next corsage from the store and Borzym accepted the deal, cultivating a new customer at the same time.

“Chris never forgot that brave little scout, just like he never forgot his cheerleaders,” Kissel said.

After Borzym was diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer in late 2020, Lynch, Kissel and Vyskocil launched an online fundraiser to help fund medical expenses, raising nearly $50,000 in the process.

At the end of February, Borzym retired from the business, closing his shop but worked to fulfill commitments he’d already made for customers, working out of Betty’s Flowers. When he agreed to compete in the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce’s dance competition this fall, he did so representing Betty’s.

“About a month ago … Chris danced his last dance and he found the strength to complete the dance, despite his fatigue and exhaustion,” said his sister, Kim. “Chris was so grateful to all of you who made such an impact in his life. … I know Chris left this world knowing he was loved.”

Borzym’s family is creating the Christopher Mark Borzym Cheerleading Fund in his memory. For now, anyone interested in contributing is asked to make checks out to the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce and put “CMBC Scholarship Fund” on the memo line.

The chamber will transfer those donations to the fund when it obtains its EIN number from the IRS.

Read Chris Borzym’s death notice PAGE 23

IN THIS ISSUE

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Kosey Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Editor Bob Uphues Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Michael Romain Digital Publishing & Technology Manager Briana Higgins Staff Photographers Alex Rogals, Shanel Romain Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Sales and Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls, Kamil Brady Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Donor Relations Manager/Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Sales & Digital Development Manager Stacy Coleman Circulation Manager Jill Wagner EMAIL jill@oakpark.com Publisher Dan Haley Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-442-6739 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 E-MAIL buphues@rblandmark.com ONLINE www.RBLandmark.com The Landmark is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. The newspaper is available on newsstands for $1.00.

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The Landmark, December 14, 2022

December 14-21

Pack the trailer at Riverside Foods

BIG WEEK

Riverside Foods, 48 E. Burlington St. in Riverside, hosts a Pack the Truck food drive through Dec. 18. Community members are being asked to fill a trailer with as many non-perishable items as possible. Those items will be donated to the Riverside Township Food Pantry for distribution to those in need in the immediate area.

For convenience, Riverside Foods has assembled pre-made grocery bags and will have deeply discounted cases of products that can be purchased to facilitate the food drive.

Holiday Family Pajama Extravaganza

Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, 3541 Park Ave., hosts its annual Holiday Family Pajama Extravaganza throughout the library on Dec. 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Join library staff and enjoy stories, crafts, music and refreshments while celebrating the holiday season. Be sure to bring your wish list, because Santa will be making a visit.

The event is open to all ages with caregiver.

Registration is required. Call 708-485-6917 or at brookfield.evanced.info/signup online.

LaGrange Area LWV spotlights SAFE-T Act The League of Women Voters of the LaGrange Area will sponsor a presentation on the provisions of the SAFE-T Act recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. The program will be conducted via Zoom on Dec. 20 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Sarah Staudt, senior policy director for the

Radio Players’ annual Christmas show

Wrap and Yap

The Riverside Township Radio Players will present their 24th annual Christmas performance by recreating two shows from Radio’s Golden Age on Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road in Riverside.

The troupe will perform “Christmas Shopping 1954” from “The Jack Benny Program” and “Double Surprise” from the show “My Friend Irma.”

Admission is free and open to the public. Visit riversidetownshipradioplayers.com for more.

Wonder when you’ll find the time to wrap all of those holiday presents? North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., has you covered.

Swing by the library and join your neighbors for a Wrap and Yap during one of two sessions on Dec. 17, from 10:30 a.m. to noon or 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The library will provide the wrapping paper, scissors and tape.

Bring the kids, too. The children’s department will be showing a movie just for them. All children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

And more Riverside Parks & Recreation invites kids to drop off a letter in Santa’s Mailbox, which is located near the water tower on Longcommon Road, by Dec. 20 and, as long as there’s a return address on your letter, you will receive a special note back from Santa.

Brookfield Zoo hosts its 41st Annual Holiday Magic festival of lights on the following dates: Dec. 14-18 and 26-31 from 3 to 9 p.m. Regular zoo admission and parking apply (advance reservation required for South Gate entry). Visit CZS.org/HolidayMagic for more info.

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Chef Shangri-La, 7930 26th St. in North Riverside, hosts live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. featuring performers impersonating rock ‘n’ roll’s classic stars. This weekend’s tributes are Rod Stewart on Dec. 16 and Hugo’s Elvis on Dec. 17.

Santa makes a visit on Dec. 18 from 4 to 6 p.m.

North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 Cermak Road, invites kids to visit Santa in his workshop located in the mall’s center court daily through Dec. 24. Visit northriversideparkmall.com/santaphotos for details.

Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St. presents “Plot Structure,” featuring paintings by Matthew Gir■

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Appleseed Center for Fair Courts, will be the main speaker. She has spent years developing the legislation and working with members of the Illinois House and Senate.

The presentation is open to the public. Register to obtain a link by visiting lagrangearealwv.org.

son; “Continue a Poem,” a group show featuring the work of Nicholas Frank, Lauren Fueyo and Nyeema Morgan; and “Dwell,” an installation of sculptures by Margie Glass Sula, through Dec. 30. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.

There’s also “The Art of Seeing,” featuring botanical boxes by Shilin Hora, at the Riverside Town Hall, 27 Riverside Road, through Dec. 31. Viewing hours are Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit riversideartscenter. com for more.

North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., presents After School Art Escape (child with ■

adult) on Dec. 15 at 4 p.m., Crafterdarks: Boho Winter Wreath on Dec. 15 at 6 p.m., a Club de Lectura discussion of “Deliria” by Laura Restrepo on Dec. 16 at 4 p.m., Morning Munchkin Stories with Ms. Karen (child with adult) on Dec. 19 at 10:30 a.m., Stretching and Meditation (in person) on Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m. and Story Safari (child with adult) on Dec. 21 at 10:30 a.m. Register for programs online at northriversidelibrary.org/events-new.

The Brookfield Elks Lodge, 9022 31st St., hosts bingo the second Sunday of every month. Doors open at 1 p.m. and games start at 2 p.m. with cash payouts.

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The Landmark, December 14, 2022

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Christmas Car Parade a true Brookfield original

Celebrating 6th year, residents drive decorated cars around town, blaring holiday music

By JACKIE PISANO Contributing Reporter

Though Brookfield kicks off each December with its annual Holiday Celebration throughout the village’s business districts, for the past six years a small group of residents has decided to make the yuletide bright with a Christmas caravan of cars, trekking across town to spread seasonal smiles.

According to Izzi Markus, Brookfield resident and organizer of the event dubbed the “Christmas Car Cruise,” the quirky event was the brainchild of Alana Waters-Piper, who simply wanted to start a new, one-of-akind holiday tradition for other like-minded Christmas fanatics in 2017.

“Her goal was to make a fun, neighborhood holiday event,” said Markus, who joined in the fun for year two in 2018. “It started with around 10 cars.”

While Piper moved out of Brookfield a few years ago, Markus said that interest in keeping the program alive stayed and grew into a more highly anticipated event, especially during the height of the pandemic.

“In 2020, [the parade] was an absolutely magical experience, because there were so many kids that came running to their windows and people standing on street corners waiting for the parade to pass by,” she said.

“That’s the year a lot of people began finding out about it.”

That year, those involved in the parade created an official route, sharing it to Facebook so that residents would know which blocks the cars would pass through.

This year, the sixth annual cruise set off from the western portion of Broadway Avenue at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11, first heading southeast through the village, then heading west and back up north, ensuring that the major central thoroughfares in both north

JACKIE PISANO/CONTRIBUTOR

Brookfield resident Larry Baron’s truck

JACKIE PISANO/CONTRIBUTOR

Brookfield resident Rich Nowinski’s truck fashioned truck with a real Christmas tree, and south Brookfield were covered.

“With Ogden, the train tracks and having a light-up lawn nativity scene and a custom different high schools, sometimes the whole model train track, complete with a replica area feels sort of segmented, so I think it’s of the vintage Grossdale train station.

“I like doing this just so I can put a little just a lot of fun to have everyone come together and have a little bit of holiday cheer, Christmas tree in the back of my truck,” and make people laugh and smile,” Markus he said. “That’s how it started, then it got a little out of hand. said.

Every year, the bed The parade is not of the truck is a sponsored by any little different.” local group or busiBrookfield Rich ness; rather, it’s just Nowinski, who has a group of Brookalways enjoyed the fielders looking to have fun. Anyone parade with his who hears about family and neighthe parade either bors, participated via word of mouth for the first time or Facebook is welthis year. With the come to participate. help of his famThis year, close to ily and a neighbor, JACKIE PISANO/CONTRIBUTOR 20 cars and trucks he decked out his Brookfield resident Izzi Markus’ truck. made up the joyful truck with a lightgroup. up lawn Santa, a With car radios Christmas tree, tuned into Christmas music and speakers large color incandescent bulbs and gift cranked up all the way, the group made boxes. its way across Brookfield in vehicles “We watched it for years past and said, decorated with themes ranging from Ma- ‘We should do that one year!,’” he said, rine Corps/Toys For Tots, the Grinch and “and finally, we decided to do it.”

Gremlins, Buddy the Elf, inflatable ChristMarkus says what started as a unique mas dragons, classic Christmas trees and little idea has turned into something memlight-up lawn Santa Clauses. orable and fun for all of Brookfield.

Longtime Brookfield resident Larry “The holidays can be stressful, and we Baron, who has joined in the parade each all need more things to smile about,” she year since its inception, decorated his old- added.

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The Landmark, December 14, 2022

Missing Berwyn man found dead in North Riverside 83-year-old missing since Dec. 1; no foul play suspected

By BOB UPHUES Editor

An 83-year-old Berwyn man reported missing and endangered on Dec. 2 was found dead in the rear area of a North Riverside car dealership around 11 a.m. on Dec. 6.

Jose G. Arevalo, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, had walked away from his residence near 19th Street and Scoville Avenue in Berwyn sometime after 1:45 p.m. on Dec. 1.

According to a North Riverside police report, security camera video showed Arevalo walking toward the Collision Center north of the main showroom at Zeigler Ford, 2100 Harlem Ave., around 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 1.

Police said Arevalo was found lying on the ground in the northwest area of the property, which is not covered by security cameras. He was

wearing clothing that matched the description family members gave police when they reported him missing.

There were no signs of foul play, police reported, and an investigator from the Cook County Medical Examiner told police Arevalo had on his person a wallet that still contained identification and $70 in cash.

The official cause of death remains pending, the medical examiner reported last week.

Arevalo’s family has created an online fundraiser to pay for funeral expenses. Any money leftover will be donated to fund Alzheimer’s research, according to Arevalo’s daughter Alejandra, who organized the fundraiser. It can be found at tinyurl.com/568n42f2.

As of Dec. 12, the online effort had raised more than $18,000.

Jose G. Arevalo

P O L I C E

R E P O R T S

No arrests after gunshots fired in Brookfield The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office denied a request by Brookfield police for a warrant to search a residence in the 4400 block of Vernon Avenue on Dec. 9, saying police did not have enough evidence that anyone in the residence was responsible for firing more than a dozen gunshots outside of it at 10:55 p.m. that night.

Officers from Brookfield and other agencies responded to the vicinity of Vernon and Gerritsen avenues after several residents of the neighborhood called 911 to report hearing several gunshots.

In the wake of the gunfire, one witness reportedly saw a man wearing gray or white sweatpants running northbound on Vernon Avenue and entering a home on Vernon Avenue just north of Gerritsen.

Police reported recovering 16 shell casings, described as 9 mm Luger rounds, from the lawn area near the southeast corner of the intersection. There were no re-

ports of any person or object being struck by a bullet.

An officer wielding a ballistic shield approached the residence into which the man had been seen entering, but those inside were uncooperative, according to police.

Because the witness did not report seeing the man firing or carrying a gun or give any other description beyond the color of the pants he was wearing, the state’s attorney’s office denied police a search warrant.

Attempted commercial burglary North Riverside police responded to Lacey’s Place, a video gambling parlor at 8415 Cermak Road, on Dec. 6 just after 2:30 a.m. for an activated burglar alarm. Officers arriving at the scene reported that the glass front entrance had been broken but did not appear to be open.

A witness reportedly told police that he observed a man wearing a backpack leave

the parking lot and walk into a nearby alley, heading westbound. Police searched the area without success.

The damage on the door indicated someone had tried to pry it open, according to police.

Car stolen in Brookfield recovered ■ A car stolen from a Brookfield parking lot overnight on Dec. 5-6 was recovered shortly before noon on Dec. 6 parked on a Berwyn street.

The victim called police on Dec. 6 at about 10:20 a.m. to report that her 2018 Hyundai Tucson had been stolen overnight from a parking stall behind a building in the 9000 block of 31st Street.

Police reported that there was glass on the ground, indicating the thief broke out the rear passenger side window to gain

entry. Using GPS technology, police were able to locate the vehicle’s location on Dec. 6 in the 1200 block of Kenilworth Avenue in Berwyn.

According to police, the car’s steering column had been peeled so it could be started using a USB adaptor, which police recovered from the center console.

■ Car thieves struck twice in North Riverside last week in the 2300 block of 15th Avenue, damaging one vehicle in an unsuccessful attempt and stealing another overnight on Dec. 4-5.

Police responded to the block at about 7:30 a.m. after getting a call from the victim of the attempted theft. According to police, the targeted vehicle was a Hyundai Elantra whose rear passenger window had been broken out. The steering column had been peeled and items from the vehicle had been See POLICE REPORTS on page 11

The Landmark, December 14, 2022

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Sighs of relief as Brookfield Avenue bridge reopens Plagued by delays, 19-month project wraps up with Dec. 9 ribbon-cutting

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Of course, it had to rain.

For a project so star-crossed as the construction of the new Brookfield Avenue bridge over Salt Creek, it was only fitting that a ribbon-cutting ceremony held to celebrate its completion on Dec. 9 was performed amid a mist of rain in the gloaming of a late winter afternoon.

For local officials and the engineers responsible for seeing the project through to completion, however, the moment could not have been brighter.

“Lesson number one is don’t ever build a bridge over a creek,” said Village Manager Timothy Wiberg to a laugh from a crowd composed of children from the recreation department’s STARS after-school program and a remarkably large number of residents.

After Village President Michael Garvey, assisted by 6-yearold Lucille Matthews, a first grader in the STARS program, cut the blue ribbon at the east end of the bridge, the assembled crowd walked across the span to its west end, the first time the public had been able to use it since May of 2021.

Garvey referenced the many problems that delayed construction for weeks and sometimes months at a time, the most significant of which was rerouting a Brookfield Avenue water main by digging a trench through the Salt Creek riverbed.

“Everything that could go wrong kind of went wrong,” Garvey said. “We had a little problem getting a water line under the creek and couldn’t get it through. I think it’s kind of appropriate that the solution was to build a dam, because the word ‘damn’ is what I said quite often when Tim [Wiberg] gave me updates on the bridge.”

Constructing this bridge was always going to be more complicated than the last time it was improved. Back in 1986, the village replaced the crumbling bridge deck, which had been built in 1916.

That project took just five months to complete, in part because the 1916 superstructure remained in place. For the new bridge, that old concrete superstructure was to be removed and replaced, eliminating the central pier which impeded the flow of Salt Creek.

The new 109-foot-long bridge is also wider, allowing the village to erect a 5-foot-tall wall separating the pedestrian walkway on the north side of the bridge from the traffic lanes. Another new feature is a semicircular overlook on the bridge’s north side, allowing people to stop and admire the river view.

There are also a pair of decorative lights at either end of the bridge’s north side – one of which remained uninstalled on Dec. 9, because the Illinois Department of Transportation wouldn’t allow its contractor to install it, Wiberg said.

“The absolute worst,” Wiberg said when asked to assess this bridge project with the many municipal infrastructure projects he’s overseen in his two decades as a village manager.

“I’m telling you, I’ve never seen a project this screwed up,” he said. “Some of the problems were our fault, our engineers’

BOB UPHUES/Editor

Adults and kids walk across the Brookfield Avenue bridge over Salt Creek on the afternoon of Dec. 9 aft er officials cut the ribbon signaling the completion of the project, which broke ground in May 2021 and experienced many delays. fault, some were completely beyond our control.”

Wiberg pointed to the uninstalled decorative light pole as an example of the problems beyond the village’s control. Utility-related delays – water, electric and telecommunications -- were among the most irksome for local officials. “[IDOT] wouldn’t let that light be part of their contract because it’s too close to another streetlamp and it doesn’t meet their standards,” Wiberg said. “They would not allow their contractor to do it, so we have to do it next week.”

Jesse Singer, the project engineer from Ciorba Group Inc., hired by the village to lead the bridge-building effort, agreed the project was beset with problems.

“This is probably the most challenging project I’ve ever worked on,” said Singer, who has been an engineer on these kinds of projects for 15 years. “I did not anticipate not being able to get the water main under the river, and the solutions were not great solutions, either.”

Officials believed they could bore a hole under the river to accommodate the water main, but they hit an unknown solid object and had to opt for digging a trench, a $470,000 solution that required getting permission from IDOT, which took three months.

The water main rerouting was completed in March, but

officials worried the project still might not be completed in 2022 when quarry workers went on strike this summer, halting concrete supplies. The strike delayed the project another two months.

When work resumed, however, a stretch of good weather and no more delays allowed the bridge to be competed just as winter set in.

While there still may be some reductions in cost to the village due to the delays it experienced, the project was also substantially over the $3.47 million contract initially approved by the village board in April 2021.

Brookfield Finance Director Doug Cooper said the final cost of the bridge was $4.85 million, of which 80 percent is being funded by a federal grant. The village’s share of the cost comes out to $970,135.

Now that the work is done and the bridge is again open to pedestrians and traffic, however, memories of the aggravation will fade and the village will have an important piece of municipal infrastructure in place for generations.

“I think it’s the nicest bridge around and I can’t wait for you guys to be able to cross it today,” Garvey said prior to cutting the ribbon. “I can’t wait for us to have the Fourth of July parade come all the way through and end up at the park.”

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SPONSORED CONTENT

The Landmark, December 14, 2022

Hephzibah is celebrating its 125th-anniversary celebration with a series of stories about the children and families whose lives were transformed by our programs and services, as well as some of the “Hephzibah Heroes” who helped make our mission possible. We hope you find them as inspiring as we do!

Once a Hephzibah Kid, Always a Hephzibah Kid

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KEITH ELKINS

ur first 125th-anniversary story is about reconnecting. It began in 1935 when two distressed parents—financially strapped and broken in spirit by the relentless hardships

of the Great Depression—were forced to accept the

devastating reality that they could not afford to feed, clothe and care for their two children, Keith and Muriel.

“My parents had gone out to California five or six years earlier,” Keith Elkins wrote decades later in his book, Hephzibah’s Children: 1930 to 2000. “Now, in the depth of the Great Depression, they were driving back to their hometown of Chicago, dead broke with two kids: my sister Muriel and me. Emotionally depleted after failing to find their fortune in California and on the verge of a breakup, my parents could no longer provide for us. On October 23, 1935, they dropped us both off at Hephzibah Home. It was one month after Muriel’s third birthday and one day after my fourth birthday.”

Elkins, now 91, doesn’t remember much else about that day. But he does remember the relative comfort and stability of his life as a “Hephzibah kid.”

“Muriel and I lived at Hephzibah for about three years, and my memories of

the place are very positive,” he says. “We were housed well, fed well, clothed well and taught well. I remember Hephzibah’s backyard playground, where I discovered that I got dizzy on the merry-go-round, that the backs of my bare thighs stuck to the slide in hot weather, that it felt good to swing along the monkey bars and that climbing on the jungle gym was easier than climbing the trees.” He also remembers weekend outings to the Lake Theater and other destinations in the community. “It was just wonderful,” he says.

The siblings’ sojourn at Hephzibah Home wasn’t a long one in the context of a lifetime, but it was an unforgettable one for Elkins, who went on to earn a doctoral degree in educational psychology at the University of Chicago, become a husband and father and enjoy a distinguished academic career as a professor at the SUNY

PROVIDED

A safe haven during the Great Depression: Keith Elkins (fourth from top) lived at Hephzibah Home with his younger sister, Muriel, from 1935 to 1938 . Although he went on to accomplish a great deal in his life, he never forgot his positive experiences at Hephzibah and returned seven decades later to spearhead our first annual Homecoming Weekend for Hephzibah Home alumni in October 2007.

Empire State College in Buffalo, New York.

Throughout his adulthood, he also used his skills and talents to help others by serving as a board member for numerous nonprofits, an advocate for seniors, a benefactor and a volunteer.

Elkins attributes much of his personal

and professional success—as well as the development of the moral compass that guides him—to the “steadiness” that he first experienced at Hephzibah Home.

“Now, toward the end of my life, I’m discovering that Hephzibah shaped me far more than I realized and gave me a sense

SPONSORED CONTENT

The Landmark, December 14, 2022

of inner orderliness that I would not have had otherwise, given the circumstances of my upbringing,” he notes. “It may sound overdramatic, but I do not think that I would have survived my childhood if it had not been for Hephzibah.”

Elkins suspected that there were other former residents who shared his enduring fondness for “this wonderful place” and believed that many of them would appreciate an invitation to return to Hephzibah for a reunion weekend. So in May 2007—during a visit to Oak Park with his wife, Kathleen— he proposed the idea to Hephzibah’s board of directors. The board’s approval was enthusiastic and unanimous.

Elkins immediately began working with Hephzibah staff to set a date for the event, track down former residents and organize the first reunion since Mary Wessels had founded Hephzibah Home in 1897.

But records were spotty for some decades— and finding his fellow alumni proved to be more challenging than he’d anticipated.

During one discouraging week, he sent out four emails, only to have three of them bounce back marked “undeliverable.”

Unwilling to give up on the idea of a reunion, he redoubled his efforts, doggedly combing through old files and conducting Internet searches to find current addresses.

His determined search for other “Hephzibah kids”—which eventually turned up more than two dozen former residents—was fueled by a deep personal need to “return to his roots.”

“I felt a need to reconnect with the place in a more meaningful way than simply coming back and looking around,” he explained to Wednesday Journal reporter Marty Stempniak during an interview for a Summer 2007 article about the upcoming reunion. “I suppose it was the sentimentality of an old man, but I wanted to relive my childhood in some fashion, find out more about my Hephzibah years and learn about the life experiences of my fellow Hephzibah Home alumni.”

By Fall 2007, the 76-year-old’s dream of a Hephzibah Homecoming was finally within reach. For one emotional weekend in October, Elkins and 24 other former residents returned to their childhood haven to share their memories of Hephzibah and reconnect with a place that would always feel like

home in their hearts. The weekend was so successful that staff members immediately began planning the next homecoming celebration.

The following year, Elkins received the Heart of the Home Award at our 2008 Heart of Gold Ball for his efforts to reunite the former residents of Hephzibah Home.

But, even as he was being recognized for his past contributions, he had another project in the pipeline: a written history featuring the recollections of residents

True to his nature as a career academic, the retired college professor was meticulous about his research, contacting former residents and their families, who sent him their stories; poring over “mountains of material” dating back to Hephzibah’s founding in 1897; and reading decades worth of board-meeting minutes to gain a better understanding of the societal shifts that drove Hephzibah’s evolution from a 19thcentury orphanage to the comprehensive child care and child welfare organization

Keith Elkins, PhD, and his daughter, Julie, during a visit to Hephzibah Home in 2007.

“I treasure the gift Hephzibah gave me, which was the gift of hope.”

KEITH ELKINS

who had lived at Hephzibah Home in the decades between 1930 and 2000.

“In June 2008, as I began to outline the book, I wrote: ‘I have begun my life’s work,’” he recalls. “Later, I realized that those were almost the exact words that Hephzibah founder Mary Wessels had used in 1897 when she wrote to a friend: ‘I have begun my work.

I have two boys, ages 6 and 7.’”

that it is today.

“When I was writing Hephzibah’s history, I was struck by the fact that—of the five male Hephzibah Home alumni I interviewed for the book—one became a policeman, another became a career military man and two of us became teachers,” he points out. “I think that says something about the safety, stability and security that life at Hephzibah afforded us.”

By 2009, Elkins’s labor of love was printed, bound and published.

“Hephzibah’s Children: 1930 to 2000 tells the story of how an old-fashioned orphanage responded to seismic changes in social policy and local child care codes,” he noted in the book’s introduction. “It shows how Hephzibah grew from the kindness of one woman sheltering two orphaned boys into a children’s association that offers a wide array of programs—including group homes,

9

daycare, foster care, adoption and family services—for countless children and their families.”

While Elkins was preserving Hephzibah’s past, he was also planning for its future by naming Hephzibah as the beneficiary of a bequest in his will.

“I treasure the gift that Hephzibah gave me, which was the gift of hope,” he explained in 2015 when he and his wife, Kathleen, notified Hephzibah about their planned gift.

“I wanted to return that gift by helping to ensure that Hephzibah can provide as much security, hope and happiness for children in the future as it did for me and my sister back in the 1930s.”

In October 2020—as our anniversary approached and we began to reflect on Hephzibah’s 125-year legacy of helping children thrive and families flourish—we reached out to Elkins via Zoom to learn more about Hephzibah’s lasting impact on his life.

“As one of many Hephzibah kids, my proudest achievement by far is not what I accomplished in my career, but that I was able to break the chain of family dysfunction and give my daughter the safety, security, stability, caring, constancy and fairness that I found only at Hephzibah during my own childhood,” he confided.

When asked about his hopes for Hephzibah’s future, his answer was a simple but powerful one: “My hope is that Hephzibah will always be here to provide a safe haven—because there will always be children and families who need a place like this.”

At the end of the Zoom interview, we had a surprise in store for this alumnus, benefactor and friend: a chorus of happy 89th birthday wishes from our executive director and the children now living at Hephzibah Home.

“Happy birthday, Keith!” said Hephzibah Executive Director Merry Beth Sheets, her face lighting up with a huge smile. “You are such an integral part of our history and our legacy here at Hephzibah. You are so important to us!”

Sheets’ birthday greeting was followed by a chorus of happy birthday wishes from a new generation of happy, healthy “Hephzibah Home kids.” As the youngsters held their hand-drawn and colored birthday cards up to the computer’s camera and shouted, “Happy Birthday, Keith!” one by one—Elkins was visibly moved and momentarily at a loss for words.

“Oh, that’s wonderful!!” he managed to say as he savored the best birthday present ever from the happiest childhood home that he had ever known.

10

The Landmark, December 14, 2022

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11

Villages approve 2022 property tax levy increases Riverside trustees OK 8.68% hike, but village likely will receive less

By BOB UPHUES Editor

For the first time since the state’s property tax cap laws went into effect in the early 1980s, local governments’ abilities to extend their tax levies to the annual increase in the consumer price index will be limited to 5%.

The Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (or PTELL) caps annual property tax levies for non-home rule units of government, like the villages of Riverside, Brookfield and North Riverside, to the CPI or 5%, whichever is less.

In the past decade or more, the CPI has rarely risen above 2 or 3%. In 2022, the CPI stands at a 7% hike. As a result, municipalities will be limited to a property tax levy extension of 5%, although they can ask for a higher figure in order to also capture the tax value of new construction, which is uncapped in its first year.

Tax caps are in effect for funds levied to pay for general municipal operations, but other aspects of the tax levy are uncapped, such as those for debt service.

Riverside trustees on Dec. 1 approved extending the village’s property tax levy for its capped funds by 8.68% for a total capped levy amount of $5,976,306.

Most, if not all of the tax increase re-

quested for the capped funds is being directed in Riverside to police protection, where the requested levy is going from $850,000 in 2021 to $1.45 million in 2022.

The 2023 budget, also passed by Riverside trustees on Dec. 1, includes a line item to create two more patrol officer positions and fill one vacancy.

Another $1,468,495 is being levied to pay police pension obligations, resulting in nearly half of Riverside capped levy extension going toward police operations and pensions.

The village is also requesting $125,000 to fund its special recreation services – an uncapped levy – as well as about $1 million to fund debt service. The total 2022 village tax levy request is about $7.1 million.

It is likely that Riverside will not receive the full amount of the requested levy and the final increase won’t be known until sometime next year when 2022 taxes are collected. The Cook County Clerk typically sets tax rates in the summer.

Delays in sending out second installment tax bills meant the clerk’s office didn’t release tax rates for 2021 taxes collected in 2022 until early December. Those delays also left local municipal administrators scrambling to guess just what their 2021 tax levy extensions amounted

POLICE REPORTS from page 6 strewn about inside and outside.

Meanwhile, another resident of the block reported that his Hyundai Elantra, which was parked in front of his residence, had been stolen overnight. There was broken glass on the parkway next to where the vehicle had been parked.

Chicago police located the vehicle shortly after it was entered into a police database as stolen and was recovered.

■ North Riverside police responded to 23rd Street just west of First Avenue on Dec. 7 at about 6:30 a.m. after a witness called to report that someone had attempted to steal a Dodge Charger.

The witness told police he observed a man wearing a hoodie with the hood up running away from the scene. Ac-

to, resulting in some local governments levying more than they normally would, knowing Cook County would limit those increases to comply with tax cap laws.

Brookfield trustees approve 6% levy hike At their final meeting of 2022, Brookfield village trustees voted to request a 6% increase in their tax levy for capped funds such as police and fire protection, police and fire pensions and day-to-day village operations.

The village hopes to collect about $536,700 more next year in property taxes than it requested in 2021 for this year. Essentially all of that increase will go toward increased police and fire protection funding.

Police and fire operations coupled with police and fire pensions amount to $7.8 million or roughly 82% of the village’s total tax levy request for capped funds of about $9.5 million.

Because the village is levying slightly less in 2022 for debt service, the total tax levy extension request amounts to an increase of 4.5% year over year.

North Riverside seeks levy extension of 5% For the second straight year, North Riv-

cording to police, the rear driver’s side of the vehicle was smashed out and the steering column had been peeled.

The owner of told police that the car has a kill switch that does not allow it to start without a key. The witness told police he heard the sound of breaking glass and looked outside to see a man wearing a gray hoodie exiting the driver’s side of the car. The man then ran across the street and entered another vehicle, which sped off toward First Avenue.

Bank account drained A Brookfield man called police on Dec. 6 to report that he was the victim of bank fraud.

The victim told police that he’d had a similar experience eight months ago while banking with the same institution. In this case, on Dec. 5 someone made four transactions, where $16,500 was transferred from his saving account to his checking account and then withdrawn via cashier’s checks at multiple bank branches in

erside village trustees on Dec. 12 approved asking for an increase in its property tax levy.

Trustees voted 5-1 to extend the 2022 property tax levy by 5%, which would result in a total revenue increase of $606,743 compared to the $577,850 it asked for in 2021. Trustee Marybelle Mandel voted against the levy increase.

North Riverside property tax revenues are so low because for two decades the village board did not request property tax levy extensions, relying instead on sales taxes to fund village operations.

That model has grown increasingly unsustainable and in recent years, elected officials have voted occasionally to increase taxes. Police and fire pension obligations, which North Riverside village boards underfunded for years instead of opting to increase property taxes, have grown to about $4.2 million annually and the village’s 202223 budget calls for general operating expenditures of about $22 million.

Combined local tax revenues – property, sales, video gambling, intergovernmental and miscellaneous taxes -- in 2022-23 are projected to be about $14.4 million.

The owner of an average home in North Riverside pays about $125 to the village annually in property taxes. The lion’s share of local property taxes in all municipalities goes toward school districts.

Wisconsin.

According to police, the victim informed the bank, which had begun “corrective action.”

Christmas decorations damaged again A resident of the 3900 block of Oak Avenue, Brookfield, called police on Dec. 10 to report that for the second time in two months, someone had damaged Christmas decorations outside her home.

As with an incident reported in November, the offender cut the cord on the decorations with a sharp instrument.

These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Riverside, North Riverside and Brookfield police departments, Dec. 5-11, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these reports has only been charged with a crime. These cases have not been adjudicated.

— Compiled by Bob Uphues

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13

M E M O R I A M

Darel Glaser, 66, child stage star was mentor for budding actors

Appeared on Broadway, in feature films and TV in 1960s and ’70s

legend Elaine Stritch. In 1970, Glaser was in the cast of “Cry for Us All,” which ran for nine performances on Broadway. In 1976, he appeared alongside Yul Brynner in “Home Sweet Homer,” a show that started out in San Francisco and made it to the Palace Theater on Broadway only to close after just one

By BOB UPHUES performance.

Editor In 1971, he was cast in the Stanley Kramer film “Bless the Beasts and Children” and Darel Glaser, a child star on the Broadin 1978 was cast in the film “An Enemy of way stage and in Hollywood who would go on to mold a generation of budding actors the People” starring Steve McQueen and through the Riverside Theater Guild, died Charles Durning. He also appeared on TV in Dec. 7, 2022 at his Berwyn home. He was 66 episodes of “Shazam!” and “Marcus Welby M.D.” years old.

Despite his success as a child actor, Born in 1966, Glaser was the only child of Glaser found the transition to George and Susanne Glaser. His adult roles a challenge. father was Riverside Township “When he was a kid, he really supervisor for 29 years and had was that special,” Sheehan said. operated a funeral home on Har“He never had to audition. I met lem Avenue since 1936. him when he was 24, and he’d As a child, he was an actor of spent the last couple of years some reputation, getting his first going to auditions and getting big break at the age of 10 when turned down. I don’t think he he was cast in a national touring could take the rejection.” company of “Oliver!”

Before leaving Hollywood, According to Jeanne Sheehan, however, Glaser got a taste of the Riverside Theater Guild’s DAREL GLASER directing for the stage, and founder and Glaser’s longtime when he returned to Riverside creative partner and close in 1980, George Glaser told Sheehan, whose friend, he was initially cast as a member of the chorus but was thrust into the title role township theater troupe was preparing to stage “Mame,” that his son would direct after the original Oliver’s voice changed.

As Oliver, Glaser first appeared opposite the show.

“We hit it off immediately,” Sheehan veteran Hollywood character actor Walter Slezak in the role of Fagin. The Citizen said. “He told me, ‘I’ll probably only be newspaper reported in August 1966 that here five weeks,’ but he never went back Slezak had left the cast to pursue a televi- and stayed in Riverside for the next 40 sion job and was replaced by John Astin, years. He really liked having a theater he whose TV show “The Addams Family’ had could control and direct.”

Over the next decade, Glaser would just ended after two seasons.

Glaser would go on to play Oliver in Japan transform the auditorium of the Riverside and London, according to Sheehan, and Gla- Township Hall into a theater, essentially ser and his mother would move to New York taking over the space and producing highCity so he could pursue jobs on Broadway. quality productions.

In 1969 and 1970, Glaser was cast as Young After George Glaser’s death in 1994 at the Patrick in two separate touring companies age of 80, Riverside Township reclaimed of “Mame,” one of which starred Broadway the auditorium and the Riverside Theater

BILLY ROSE THEATRE DIVISION, THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

Todd Jones (from left), Darel Glaser and Scott Jacoby in the 1970 Broadway stage production of “Cry for Us All.” Guild made the switch to children’s productions, with Sheehan and Glaser hosting summer theater camps, writing plays and mounting productions.

The young actors trained by Glaser, who directed all of the guild’s productions, wound up as middle schoolers on stage at Hauser Junior High, where Dave Mason staged the school’s theater offerings.

In 2006, Hauser staged “Dracula,” but Mason was sidelined while battling leukemia.

The school’s assistant principal suggested hiring Glaser to fill in and the two met for the first time at lunch across a table at Connie’s in Berwyn, learning about Glaser’s background as an actor himself.

“I also found out the reason why I had so many sixth graders each year who were very talented and very excited to be in the Hauser shows,” Mason told the Landmark.

That meeting would spark a 27-year partnership between Mason and Glaser, who would go on to light all of Hauser’s productions, including the most recent, “Young Frankenstein,” in mid-November.

“It was getting harder and harder for him to walk the three flights of stairs and he had been under the weather with a bad sinus infection,” Mason said. “He told Karina, our co-director, that ‘Young Frankenstein’ might

be his last show. Sadly, it was, and there will be a massive hole in our hearts moving forward.”

Jacob Palka, who co-hosts Riverside’s Fourth of July Parade broadcast on Riverside TV, attended the summer theater camp and was in the cast of that “Dracula” production in 2006 and also became a close friend.

“Darel and I would talk for hours about Broadway, movies, comedy, radio, TV,” Palka said. “He had a wealth of entertainment and pop culture knowledge. I don’t just mean the stuff you find on Wikipedia.

He knew the stories no one else knew. The backstage, behind the scenes stories that you only read about in a person’s memoir long after they’re dead. He was a window to an era of show business that has nearly faded. I am so sad that that window has shut.”

Sheehan told the Landmark that Glaser had been battling a series of health issues for many years. He had moved out of Riverside in 1999 to Westchester, where his mother lived. She died in 2012 and Glaser moved to a south Berwyn apartment.

According to Palka, there will be a celebration of life gathering in mid-January.

There were no funeral service details available at the Landmark’s press deadline.

14

The Landmark, December 14, 2022

North Riverside OKs new contract with police union

Three-year deal is retroactive to May 1, 2021

By BOB UPHUES Editor

North Riverside trustees voted unanimously last month to approve a new three-year contract with the village’s union police officers and sergeants who are represented by the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council. Union members also unanimously ratified the deal, said Sgt. Christopher Devine, president of the local unit of the union.

Unlike the prior five-year contract, which was approved after just a handful of negotiating sessions in 2016, it took 18 months to hammer out this latest deal, including two negotiating sessions with a federal mediator.

The contract is retroactive to May 1, 2021 and expires April 30, 2024.

“It took so long mostly due to navigating everybody’s schedules; however, we did end up meeting twice with a mediator to resolve a few outstanding issues,” said Devine in an email to the Landmark. “Nothing major,

those issues mostly centered around wages and insurance benefits.”

Patrol officers receive base pay raises each year of the contract, with 3.25-percent increases in 2021 and 2023 and a 3.5-percent increase in 2022. Sergeants receive a base pay raise in 2022 of 3.5 percent and in 2023 of 3.25 percent.

However, police officers early in their careers will see annual raises greater than the base-pay increases due to step raises contained in the salary schedule. And the new contract also increased the pay differential between patrol officers and sergeants to 12 percent per step.

For example, a patrol officer who started in 2020 at a salary of $61,989 will have seen that salary increase to $74,005 in 2021 – an increase of 19 percent – due to the step raise.

In the final year of the contract, that same officer will be paid $94,046, a total increase over the life of the deal of 52 percent.

The step raises are in effect for an officer’s first seven years on the force. Patrol officers get additional step raises upon completion of their 20th and 25th years of service. As of May 1, 2023, the base pay for a newly hired North Riverside patrol offi-

cer will be $72,275. The base pay for a patrol officer with 25 years of experience will be $118,133.

Sergeants also receive step raises during their first seven years at that rank. A sergeant making $68,499 in 2020 will be paid $105,331 by the final year of the contract, a total increase of 54 percent.

By the final year of the contract the base pay for a police sergeant with 25 years of experience will be $132,309.

Union members will also pay 1-percent more toward health insurance premiums each year beginning in 2022, when the employee contribution goes up to 16 percent.

During the third year the employee contribution will be 17 percent.

Those increases are in line with the administration’s goal of getting all employees to contribute 20 percent toward health insurance premiums.

Union members were not in favor of another change in the contract, which eliminates language mandating the village employ six sergeants.

“Staffing levels rest with the village, so it was not something we could bargain to impasse over to keep it in the new contract,

and it had to be removed,” Devine said.

“The village indicated when we met that they have no current plans to change sergeant staffing levels at this time, though.”

The contract also includes new language allowing the village to hire experienced officers and start them at a higher pay scale based on their time at another agency. It’s not a true lateral hiring program, Devine said, because those officers will still have to earn seniority benefits, such as paid time off and position on seniority lists.

“The village was interested in this to help attract qualified candidates as there seems to be a lot of police officers moving around from other agencies,” Devine said.

While the departmental policy on use of body cameras is not in the contract itself, both Devine and Village Administrator Sue Scarpiniti told the Landmark that both sides had agreed to the language of the policy. Police officers had input on that language, Devine said.

The contract increases education expense reimbursement (for tuition, books and fees) from $1,000 to $1,250 per term per officer. It also increases field officer training pay to one hour of overtime from a flat rate.

Riverside partnering with business to install EV charger Public charging station coming to Riverside Foods parking lot

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Riverside’s first electric vehicle charging station ought to be up and running in the village’s downtown early next year after village trustees voted unanimously on Dec. 1 to enter into a public-private partnership with a local business.

The EV charging station will be located in the first two onsite parking spaces at Riverside Foods, 48 E. Burlington St., said the store’s co-owner Peter Boutsikakis, and will be able to charge two electric vehicles at the same time.

The charger, which will be a Level 2 device, is coming from a company called Blink, which has a network of charging stations in the Chicago area. Anyone using the Blink app to locate chargers will be

able to find the Riverside location there.

It will be available for use at all times by the general public, not just customers of Riverside Foods.

Boutsikakis has contracted with Forest Park-based Project Green Environmental Solutions and Palatine-based Hummingbird Electric, companies Riverside Food has used to implement other sustainable infrastructure at the store, such as the 64-panel solar array on the roof.

An estimate of cost from Project Green that was included in the village board’s Dec. 1 meeting packet indicates it will cost about $31,300 to install the charging station, including running an underground ComEd electric service line from a transformer on a utility pole at the rea of the property to the charging station.

Riverside Foods is spearheading the installation of the charger, but Riverside is funding 100-percent of the cost. Part of the cost will be funded via a $10,000 grant the village was awarded through ComEd’s Power Communities Program, which requires all the work to be completed prior to

March 31, 2023.

Officials initially mulled using the grant to help fund installation of a four-charger Level 2 EV station in the municipal parking lot at 63 E. Burlington St. However, the cost of that installation was pegged at $85,000 and in order to use the grant work must be completed no later than March 31, 2023. Officials were not confident they could pull off an EV installation in time.

By using the grant in the partnership with Riverside Foods, the village’s total outlay is likely to be no more than $25,000. “[The grant] is enabling us to be able to do this,” said Boutsikakis. “While revenue generation is questionable, this really is an infrastructure project. We’re building the infrastructure for the future.”

Riverside Foods will be responsible for ongoing maintenance of the EV station and power costs. The agreement between the village and Riverside Foods is for 10 years, with the ability to automatically renew it for another five years.

The agreement can be terminated by mutual consent any time after the first five

years of the contract, with the charger being removed as a result.

For at least the first six months, people won’t need to pay to charge their cars at the Riverside Foods EV station, though that’s likely to change in the future so Riverside Foods can offset costs related to its operation and maintenance.

Village trustees on Dec. 1 agreed to amend the agreement with Riverside Foods to include language calling for the village to reimburse Riverside Foods when revenue from the charger falls short of costs. Riverside Foods will provide financial information to demonstrate any financial shortfall.

If both chargers are used three hours a day, according to information provided by the village, the total annual expense to Riverside Foods would be about $1,750. The average hourly rate for charging stations, said Village Manager Jessica Frances, is $1.50 per hour. At that rate, if Riverside Foods would expect total revenues of about $3,300, meaning Riverside Foods would clear about $1,500 in profit on an annual basis.

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The Landmark, December 14, 2022

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The Landmark, December 14, 2022

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Veteran administrator hired as North Riverside rec director Colleen Broderick comes to the village with more than 30 years’ experience

By BOB UPHUES Editor

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Following a three-month search that drew more than 25 applicants, veteran parks and recreation administrator Colleen Broderick has been hired as North Riverside’s new recreation director.

Broderick comes to North Riverside with 34 years of experience as a recreation professional, starting as a program supervisor in 1988 at the Hoffman Estate Park District and serving from 2016-19 as executive director of the Wildwood Park District. She most recently worked as a recreation supervisor in Lincolnwood through the consulting firm GovHR. “I think it was the size of the organization that was attractive,” Broderick said of her decision to apply for the North Riverside opening, created in August when Teresa Mrozik resigned. “It seemed like it was very well-kept and did not have a lot of deferred maintenance. The facilities, programming and special events they handle with the amount of staff they have, it seemed like they were firing on all cylinders.”

North Riverside Village Administrator Sue Scarpiniti said Broderick rose to the top of the applicant pool due to her experience leading a small organization and because she believes Broderick will be a mentor for staff who can step into leadership roles in the future.

“She was very strong in the area of managing a small staff, and she has a lot of administrative experience in the area of policies, procedures and best practices from the municipal and park district side,” Scarpiniti said.

According to Scarpiniti, elected officials were interested in building on the foundation put in place by Mrozik and focus on quality programming rather than quantity, and making sure programs were cost-effective.

“Our programs are well-received, but we’d like a larger percentage be resident partici-

COLLEEN BRODERICK pation,” Scarpiniti said. “We’ve noticed a lot of our programming is utilized by nonresidents.”

Broderick will focus more on the administrative end of recreation operations, leaving most of the hands-on programming to recreation staff. She said she wants to nail down department policies and procedures.

“There’s a sense of ‘this is the way we’ve always done it.’ I want to formalize things so everyone is on the same page, doing best practices and making sure we have all our ducks in a row on the business side of it,” Broderick said.

Broderick also has experience in applying for and obtaining grants, said Scarpiniti, which will be key as the village is expected to face continued financial pressures in coming years.

The most recent grant Broderick obtained was a $72,000 non-matching award for the Wildwood Park District to repair and mitigate flood damage and perform infrastructure repairs to a pair of lakes maintained by that park district. She said she worked closely with a local state representative to help land the grant.

“It’s going to be a matter of touching base with legislators, letting them know what our plans are and building those relationships,” Broderick said.

Filling the recreation director position capped a period of change inside North Riverside Village Hall, with several new hires settling into key administrative positions.

“We’ve had quite a bit of turnover in the last six months, and we’re moving toward a different culture that we’re trying to build,” Scarpiniti said.

Broderick started in her new role on Nov. 16. Her starting salary is $98,000.

Crossword Puzzle 19 The Landmark, December 14, 2022

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The Landmark, December 14, 2022

P R O P E R T Y

T R A N S F E R S

Riverside new build sells for $1.2 million

The following property transfers were reported by the Cook County Clerk from August 2022. Where addresses appear incomplete, for instance where a unit number appears missing, that information was not provided by the clerk’s office.

Brookfield ADDRESS

PRICE

SALE DATE

9135 27th St. 3226 Park Ave. 3138 Arthur Ave. 9521 Garfield Ave. 3738 Blanchan Ave. 3329 Vernon Ave. 4501 Park Ave. 3611 Rosemear Ave. 3415 Oak Ave. 9529 Jackson Ave. 4150 Arthur Ave. 3931 Maple Ave. 4132 Prairie Ave. 3500 Harrison Ave. 3217 Cleveland Ave. 4239 Maple Ave. 9415 Garfield Ave. 4317 Blanchan Ave. 3705 Blanchan Ave. 4228 Prairie Ave. 4132 Park Ave. 3200 Raymond Ave. 9136 Roach Ave. 3412 Vernon Ave. 4501 Blanchan Ave.

$250,000 $300,000 $330,000 $267,000 $305,000 $387,500 $595,000 $220,000 $285,000 $251,000 $265,000 $440,000 $293,000 $275,000 $269,000 $298,000 $100,000 $329,000 $265,000 $306,500 $234,000 $210,000 $323,000 $205,000 359,000

7/11/2022 7/20/2022 7/28/2022 7/08/2022 7/27/2022 7/30/2022 6/13/2022 7/13/2022 7/14/2022 7/05/2022 7/26/2022 7/26/2022 7/25/2022 8/12/2022 8/11/2022 8/08/2022 8/11/2022 7/23/2022 4/19/2022 8/10/2022 8/09/2022 8/02/2022 8/16/2022 8/24/2022 8/04/2022

SELLER

8118 Edgewater Rd. 2351 Northgate Ave. 2338 Lathrop Ave. 9021 24th St. 2316 10th Ave. 2501 Keystone Ave. 2325 10th Ave.

$530,000 $300,500 $285,000 $380,000 $360,000 $350,000 $262,500

7/11/2022 7/20/2022 7/13/2022 7/14/2022 7/27/2022 8/01/2022 7/18/2022

Kirch, Lorraine M TR Kaluzny, Thomas R Dropka, Milissa Chicago Title Land Trust Co TR 7110 Kosik, Michael J De La Torre, Nicanor Vabro, Richard F

Odgen, Melissa M Nevarez, Rebecca Lee Guzman, Gabriela Par, Leonard Taylor, Olga L Flores, Lucia TR Coronado, Janice

2252 Lathrop Ave.

$330,000

8/22/2022

Bystritsky, Anatoliy

Corpus, Michelle Ancho

Fifth Third Bk TR 13261 Jedrzejczyk, Andrew Woods, Gregory Maritato, Anthony Peacock, Amanda Pacione, Phillip Cecala, Rosa CP Investments Wessendorf, Thomas C TR Pons, Charles T TR Baghdadi, Laila Amaya, Fredy A Teizeira, Christina M Suhajda, Eileen E TR Roman, Xavier Tagliere, Nicholas Stosur, Janet TR Schepler, Robert D Chicago Title Land Trust Co TR 214 Redfinnow Borrower LLC Janis, Ann Cooney, Robert J Green, Gail E TR 9136 Chicago Title Land Trust Co TR 1918 Jasien, Leo

North Riverside

BUYER Sabeckis, Carol Erickson, Robert Sandoval, Sandra Matz, Jennifer Lacey, Matthew Craig Granieri, Samuel J Jr Fiandaca, Joseph Trust Avelar, Moises Myers, Debra Schulze, James Artis, Tynesha Bell, Lauren Elkins, Fredrick D Post, William Martinez, Silvia Marentes, Eduardo Krivak, Anthony Nevarez, Abraham Gjondla, Thomas A Donnelly, Mary Kaminski, Jeffrey Brian Golke, Daniel Sharenow, Brian Brustad, Judith Sharbaugh, Daniel

337 Longcommon Rd., Riverside

Riverside ADDRESS

PRICE

SALE DATE

337 Longcommon Rd. 2916 Harlem Ave. 270 Lionel Rd. 291 Gatesby Rd. 251 E. Burlington St. 24 S. Cowley Rd. 100 S. Herbert Rd.

1,200,000 $530,000 $575,000 $690,000 $430,000 $355,000 $667,500

8/03/2022 7/18/2022 7/22/2022 7/19/2022 8/11/2022 8/01/2022 8/09/2022

SELLER

BUYER

Victorian Painters & Gen Contractors Inc Perez, Patricia G Chicago Title Land Trust Co TR 11335 Zaidi, Syed Muhammad Ali Musselman, Michael F Kuziel, Kathleen M McGovern, Michele A Cornolo, Patrick Treto, Luis Rodriguez, Isamael Pineda Hoker, Kyle G Rodriguez, Erik Anthony Armetta, James D Cervantes, Courtney M

The Landmark, December 14, 2022

ZONING

building.

“For someone to get a PUD [approved] they would have to show substantial public benefit way beyond just meeting code,” said Trustee Doug Pollock, who from page 1 acknowledged that the building heights proposed in the amended code would And while there are still some tweaks likely be the most controversial changes. to come, all but one trustee indicated durBut Pollock also said he wouldn’t be ing the latest discussion of the subject at comfortable allowing something taller their Dec. 1 village board meeting that than the Village Center building by right they not only support taller and denser in the central business district. development in what will be designated “I would want to make sure that staff, the B1-TOD zoning district along Harlem trustees and Planning and Zoning ComAvenue between Addison and Lawton mission members, that everyone is aware roads but also in the village’s central that [66 feet] is not as of right,” Pollock business district. said. “You have to do something extraorAll trustees, except for Aberdeen dinary to get that extra height.”

Marsh-Ozga, agreed that buildings up to Trustees also agreed that the zoning 66 feet ought to be allowed by right in the code should be amended to increase proposed B1-TOD district, building heights in the viland most were OK with lage’s R3 Multifamily and buildings of up to 60 feet R4 Office Residence distall by right in the B2 centricts from 38 feet to 48 feet. tral business district.

There are five R4 districts Buildings up to 66 feet in Riverside, one bounded by would also be appropriate Park Place, the Desplaines in the central business disRiver, the BNFS railroad trict as part of a planned tracks and roughly Kimunit development, trustees bark Road, one along Ogden agreed. For comparison, Avenue west of Lionel Road, the water tower is 70 feet one on the north side of tall and the Village Center East Burlington Street bebuilding at 10 E. Burlingtween Delaplaine and HerDOUG POLLOCK ton St. is 50.5 feet tall. bert roads, one on Harlem Riverside trustee “I think we’re trying Avenue from Lindberg Road to encourage density and almost to Addison Road and height,” said Trustee a small section of Harlem Meghan Claucherty.

Avenue immediately north But Marsh-Ozga disof Blackhawk Road. agreed about allowing such There are two R3 districts, tall buildings either along one on the south side of East Harlem Avenue near the Burlington Street between train tracks or downtown.

Delaplaine and Herbert “We had a lot of issues with the Village Roads on both sides of East Burlington Center getting five [zoning] variations to Street just west of the central business be at the height that it’s at,” she said. “I district. think people are starting to become acTrustees also suggested changing the customed to it, but I don’t want to see any proposed code’s limitations on allowing higher, greater development in our cen- office uses on the ground floors of buildtral business district that would compete ings in the Harlem Avenue and downin height with the Village Center and town business districts. then with the water tower. That is getting While trustees understood that retail to be a little bit excessive.” businesses and restaurants were preferThe existing zoning code, Marsh-Ozga able because of the foot traffic they atadded, allowed buildings up to 48 feet in tract, they also acknowledged that filling the central business district. The pro- storefront vacancies was important. posed height for the downtown in the “I think restricting office use given the amended zoning code was 60 feet, but realities of the central business district most trustees were OK with extending is shortsighted,” said Trustee Edward that to 66 feet as part of planned unit de- Hannon. “I think the market will dictate velopment. The additional six feet would what kind of businesses will be highest allow for the construction of a five-story and best uses in that area.”

Aiming for February vote

“You have to do something extraordinary to get that extra height.”

21

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22

The Landmark, December 14, 2022

Opinion KOSEY CORNER

THE LANDMARK VIEW

Long live the bridge It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas

Y

ou’d think constructing what in truth is a pretty short bridge over a minor stream wouldn’t be such a trial, but you’d be wrong, it turns out.

Officials expected when construction of a new Brookfield Avenue bridge over Salt Creek began that in six months cars would be driving over it.

That six months turned into 19 months due to a variety of problems – some entirely out of the control of local officials, but also some, we have to admit, self-inflicted.

Of course, there was nothing to be done about a twomonth delay caused by a strike this summer by union quarry workers, whose walk-off led to an interruption in the supply of concrete, not just to Brookfield but to worksites across northern Illinois.

There wasn’t much that could have been done regarding various staring matches between the village’s contractor and ComEd, which took its sweet time sorting out powerrelated complications in the vicinity of the worksite.

That water main rerouting, though. You’d have thought someone would have seen that one coming. Of course, it’s all water under the bridge now, pardon the pun, but for six long months the need to reroute the Brookfield Avenue water main was a very visible albatross over the project.

At one point during the long work stoppage, some frustrated Robin Trower fan had scrawled the words “Bridge of Sighs” on the side of a very large concrete drainage pipe deposited in the middle of the street in front of the Grossdale Station.

That particular work stoppage also turned out to be costly.

We’re not sure how much can be attributed to that issue, although IDOT approved expending an additional $470,000 to dig a trench through the Salt Creek riverbed to accommodate the new section of water main.

In the end, a construction contract that had been approved by the village board in April 2021 for $3.47 million came in at $4.85 million. That’s about 40% more than the amount of the contract, which also increased the village of Brookfield’s share of the cost from $694,000 to a shade over $970,000.

If there’s an inquest to be conducted that can somehow shave some of that cost, we’d hope that’s in the works.

There’s no doubt, however, that the new bridge is a real upgrade over the spartan, utilitarian structure it replaced. It’s safer and more accommodating for pedestrians and the new superstructure, which does not have a central pier, is better in terms of river flow and reducing the amount of debris that in the past would get caught at that chokepoint.

Despite the problems, construction is over and Brookfield got what it sought in a new bridge. That’s worth celebrating – and hoping we don’t have to repeat any time soon.

S

niff ! Sniff ! Ah, the smells of the season. Balsam. Cedar. Pine. Cookies -- probably the best fragrance of all.

I have admitted to not being a baker, although I have many recipes that I threaten to try. This year I even clipped out some no-bake cookie recipes, how easy would that be? We’ll see. Luckily I do know lots of good holiday bakers, Teresa and Neighbor Nancy. Cousin Josephine makes pizzelles (Nona’s recipe), while Dina bakes yummy things and anything from Rose of Rose’s Catering at the VFW is a winner.

With all the traditional favorites, I have to list panettone, a sweet bread originally from Milan, Italy, as my favorite. It is served around Christmas and New Year’s. It makes a good gift, and I recently gave one to some of our Czech friends and told them it was the Italian answer to houska since there are some similarities. It is delicious toasted with a little butter but can be eaten plain. Go online to see some recipes you might want to try.

Panettone can be translated into “Tony’s bread,” which

just happens to be the title of a book by children’s author Tomie dePaola about a baker who wants to be the most famous baker in Northern Italy.

While teaching at Mater Christi, I and another teacher would read the story and then share panettone with the kids. It might be a fun thing to do with the younger people in your family to introduce them to another tradition. Big kids will like it also.

Panettone is available at Riverside Foods, although I cleaned out their shelf out last week, so you might want to check. You can also try Tischler’s and I have seen it at Walgreen’s and CVS. They also have them in a cupcake size which would be a good stocking stuffer.

There are so many ways to bring seasonal aromas into your home for the holidays. I opt for an artificial tree, candles and different sprays. I can make it smell like a forest at the Kosey house.

So settle yourself down, get comfy have a slice of panettone and an eggnog. I had a delicious one at Chew Chew. That sounds like a good idea: Sign off and send this column, JoAnne, it’s your time.

JOANNE KOSEY

LETTERS

High court needs to ensure fair, accessible elections On Dec. 7, the United States Supreme Court heard the case of Moore v. Harper (the so-called “Independent State Legislative Theory” or ISLT) that will determine if state legislatures have the power and authority to run federal elections in their states without the checks and balances of oversight by their state courts.

Checks and balances are at the cornerstone of democracy, and that oversight protects fairer voting maps and voter rights. This case has the potential to impact voters nationwide, and Illinois voters should be aware of its possible effects.

The League of Women Voters has serious concerns about this case because a ruling adopting ISLT would

give state legislatures nearly unrestricted authority to set the rules for federal elections, prioritizing the ambitions of politicians over the American voter.

Furthermore, if the Supreme Court condones this theory, it will undermine the role of state courts to protect voters when politicians create unconstitutional barriers to voting, draw unlawful voting maps and invalidate direct democracy efforts like ballot initiatives.

In Illinois, the League of Women Voters has worked to advance election law that improves and protects voter access and eliminates barriers to voting. Fair and accessible elections are the cornerstone of our representative democracy.

Removing the power of the governor and the courts to check any action by the state legislature regarding elections would be antithetical to our American system.

Federal 2022 elections may be behind us, but the League of Women Voters continues advocacy for protecting fair elections and voter rights all year long.

Lara Taylor and Michele Niccolai, co-presidents

League of Women Voters of the La Grange Area

The Landmark, December 14, 2022

23

OBITUARIES

Christopher M. Borzym, 64 Owned Christopher Mark Fine Flowers in Brookfield Christopher Mark Borzym, 64, of Forest Park, died Dec. 3, 2022.

Born Nov. 11, 1958 and raised in Berwyn, Mr. Borzym was is the retired owner of Christopher Mark Fine Flowers and Gifts in downtown Brookfield, CHRISTOPHER M. a business he ran BORZYM for more than 15 years.

Prior to opening the shop, he worked as an aide at Riverside-Brookfield High School and served as the school’s cheerleading coach for 17 years. He was also a member of the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce.

His husband, Jim Deacon, said, “Chris had such a zest for life. Chris loves life and was loved by many. You can’t describe Chris in one word because of his vibrant and magnetic personality.

“Chris would love to thank all of you who touched his life. From business owners, customers, cheerleading, friends to family.

“Chris was thankful for all the friendships and the love he found throughout his life.

A life too short, but a great life well -oved and lived. Chris, you will be missed every day in every way.”

Mr. Borzym was the husband of Jim Deacon; the father of Sarah (Andy) Fournier; the grand dad of Sarah’s dog, Shaggy; the friend of Rita and Jeanne; the son of Carole and the late Don Borzym; the brother of Ken (Sharon), Karey (Jim), Kathy (Mike), Kevin (Linda), Kimberly, Kyle (Angie), Kellie (Rob), the late Karen and the late Hap (Terri); the uncle of many nieces and nephews; the son-in-law of Jim and Jane Deacon; and the brother-in-law of Mike (Darlene) Deacon and Bob (Tori) Deacon.

Services have been held.

DuPage Cremations Ltd. and Funeral Chapel handled arrangements.

Violet Ratkovich, 97

Johnny Skala, 57

Worked at Western Electric

Electrician

Violet Ratkovich (nee Novacek), 97, of Brookfield died peacefully Dec. 2, 2022 surrounded by her family.

She was born May 13, 1925 at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Chicago to Emil and Emily VIOLET RATKOVICH (nee Svornik) Novacek. Both her parents were born in Czechoslovakia and taught Violet to speak Czech and honor her heritage.

Ms. Ratkovich went to Eli Whitney Elementary School and graduated from Farragut High School in 1943. She met her husband, Peter, also a graduate of Farragut, in the neighborhood and were married after he returned from serving in World War II on June 8, 1946.

It was a wonderful marriage that lasted 67 years. They had one daughter, Pamela.

After high school Ms. Ratkovich worked at Western Electric in the office, married and moved to Brookfield where she lived for 75 years.

Ms. Ratkovich loved and enjoyed music, playing the piano, concertina and singing with the Mother Singers. She worked as a hostess, joined the PTA, band parents, was a scout leader and joined Golden Agers later in life. She and Peter enjoyed the Moose Lodge, VFW, dancing, playing cards, bowling and being members of the Young at Heart club. They loved to travel with family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Pamela (Robert) Cherry; two grandchildren, Allison (Justin) Cook and Brent (Lisa) Cherry; four great-grandchildren, Dawson Cherry, Madison Cherry, Kennedy Cherry and Mason Cook. She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter, and parents.

Services have been held. Interment was at Woodlawn Cemetery, Forest Park.

Hitzeman Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements.

Send sympathy or Mass cards to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 31st St., Brookfield, 60513, c/o Violet Ratkovich family.

Johnny Skala, 57, of Brookfield, died Dec. 4, 2022.

Mr. Skala worked as an electrician, specializing on fiberoptics. He was an involved, supportive father for both his girls throughout their childhood JOHNNY SKALA and into adulthood.

He rarely missed a gymnastics competition of Andrea’s in the 14 years she competed. He could be found cheering in the stands at almost every one of Allison’s softball games.

He always found a way to be there, even when out of state, traveling as far as Missouri for Allison and Oklahoma for Andrea.

He was so excited for his girls to be married and even more so for the arrivals of his three grandbabies.

Mr. Skala was the father of Andrea (Anthony) Harding and Allison (Theodore) Cook; the grandfather of Peyton, Sadie, and Gavin; the son of Anna Skala (nee Podest) and the late Josef Skala; the brother of Joseph (Francine) Skala and Michael (Angela) Skala; and the uncle of Christine (JT) McLanigan (nee Skala) and Joseph (Erin) Skala.

Services and interment have been held.

Memorials donations are appreciated to NADS (National Association for Down Syndrome), 1460 Renaissance Drive, Suite 102, Park Ridge, 60068.

Hitzeman Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements.

Send sympathy or Mass cards to Hitze-

man Funeral Home, 9445 31st St., Brookfield, 60513, c/o Johnny Skala family.

Jacob J. Witt, 39 North Riverside resident Jacob John Witt, 39, of North Riverside, died suddenly on Dec. 5, 2022.

Mr. Witt loved to travel, especially to Las Vegas, and was a diehard fan of the Chicago Cubs.

He was the son of Misty (Michael) JACOB J. WITT Kosik and Christopher (Julie) Witt; the brother of Kyle (Lindsaye) Witt, Christopher “CJ” Witt, Brittany (Richard) Matyas and Michael (Emily) Kosik; stepbrother of Gerald (Shannon) Erdman and Kristin (Jason) Jordan; the uncle of Cayden Witt and Richard Matyas Jr.; and the grandson of Dorothy Asplund and Jerry and Janet Kosik. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Greta Adams, John Witt, William Simantel and George Asplund. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Family and friends will be received at the Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Road (2 blocks west of Mannheim Road), Westchester, on Friday, December 16 for a memorial visitation from 3 to 8 p.m. There will be a Celebration of Life chapel service at 6:30 pm. Interment will be private.

Arrangements were handled by the Original Kuratko Family, Brian D. Kuratko, director.

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

Please include a photo if possible.

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The Landmark, December 14, 2022

The Landmark, December 14, 2022

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Sponsored Content

T

The Environment is Fundamental to Equity in the Community

he Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation is honored to be among the people and organizations nominated for Oak Park’s first-ever Green Awards. We were recognized for providing critical support for the Village of Oak Park’s Climate Ready Plan, a comprehensive and long-range plan to respond to the global climate crisis.

In our recent community needs assessment, summarized in the Community Voices report, we learned that access to green spaces was among the priorities identified by underrepresented communities in our region. Urban green spaces — such as parks, forest preserves, sports fields and gardens — give people room for relaxation, physical activity, peaceful reflection and escape from summer heat. Multiple studies have shown that they reduce stress and enhance both mental and physical health.

Through its PlanItGreen initiative, the Foundation has provided funding for extensive outreach to Black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) and low-to-moderate income residents and youth to provide input into the development of the Climate Ready Plan. Consultant Sydney Jackson reached out to BIPOC organizations, established affinity groups with Village Sustainability Coordinator

Marcella Bondie, and conducted outreach to youth via It’s Our Future and other avenues. Additional outreach includes a “house party” strategy to engage BIPOC residents and those living in low- to moderate-income apartments to take advantage of energy efficiency opportunities linked to the plan.

PlanItGreen has also worked beyond Oak Park and River Forest to support communities in the west Cook County region with initiatives around greenhouse gas emissions reductions, equity and sustainability. To date the project has supported the Village of Broadview with its Solar Corridor initiative; the development of an Illinois Solar for All community solar array in Maywood; and analysis of Bethel New Life buildings in Austin for potential solar arrays. In addition, PlanItGreen collaborated on the development of the Cross Community Climate Collaborative (C4) with 15 mayoral commitments designed to drive climate, equity and sustainability outcomes in black, brown and white communities in west suburban Cook County.

The Foundation’s mission is focused on uniting community members and mobilizing resources to advance a racially just society and equitable outcomes for residents

Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation • oprfcf.org

of west Cook County. Advocating for increased access to green space is just one of the many ways we are working to create a world in which all members of our community have the ability to thrive and prosper. Join us in this work by making a donation to the Foundation today.

26

The Landmark, December 14, 2022

Sports

Lions smother Glenbard West, remain undefeated Defense the key to beating defending state champion Hilltoppers

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Last season’s strong Lyons Township boys basketball team still suffered three double-digit losses at the hands of phenomenal 2022 Class 4A state champion Glenbard West.

Tremendous defense allowed the Lions to savor that kind of victory at the Hilltoppers’ expense on Dec. 10.

“Going into this, I was telling all of the boys that JACKSON NIEGO we owed them 60 points from last year,” joked LTHS senior Nik Polonowski.

The Lions made an early statement in the West Suburban Conference Silver race with a 57-29 road victory after limiting Glenbard West to just a three-pointer the entire third quarter and six points on two threes over the first 13:19 of the second half.

The Lions (6-0, 2-0) turned their 23-17 halftime lead into blowout.

“I think it’s a foundation of our team. It’s defense,” senior guard Jackson Niego said. “[Those Glenbard West losses are] definitely in the back of your mind but we knew new year, new team, so we kind of came into the game with no expectations.”

Niego had 18 points with two 3-pointers and Polonowski had 16 points with four threes. Matthew DeSimone (8 points with 2 threes), Graham Smith (6 points, 9 rebounds), Connor Carroll (4 rebounds, 4 as-

sists) and Carter Reid (3 points, 3 rebounds) also contributed.

The Hilltoppers (5-2, 1-1) graduated all five starters from one of the greatest teams in Illinois history that swept the Lions 7134, 60-28 and 62-50 last season.

“No one game is more important, but this is something that will help the kids build confidence,” LTHS coach Tom Sloan said.

“It’s been a while since we’ve had an opportunity to have a lead in a game against a really good Glenbard team. And they’re good.

The guys played really well, especially in the second half.

A 12-point second half is a pretty good defense.”

Glenbard West hung tough in a deliberate first half in which both teams had just 20 possessions. The Lions MATTHEW DESIMONE maintained the lead behind 8-for-15 shooting with five threes and began pulling away by holding Glenbard West scoreless the final 3:52 and scoring the last five points on a Niego three and Smith putback.

Niego had an eight-point third quarter and scored the Lions’ first three baskets of the period followed by a Smith putback for a 31-17 lead.

“We were defending for two, three minutes at a time [in the first half] and you know at that moment, it’s tough,” Niego said. “You’ve kind of got to get dirty and grind, but we knew it translated over to the second half. You could see they kind of got worn down.”

The Lions’ overall size and mobility showed on both ends. The Hilltoppers were limited to four controlled offensive rebounds and six overall.

A new starter this season, the 6-foot-4 DeSimone only adds to that strength.

“I think we dominated the boards. When

FILE

Nik Polonowski (shown above in action last season) scored 16 points on four 3-pointers during the Lions’ 57-29 win over defending state champ Glenbard West in Glen Ellyn on Dec. 10. LTHS lost to a historically good Hilltoppers squad three times last season. you’re playing like that, it’s a lot easier to win,” DeSimone said. “Somebody had to step up in the offseason. I worked hard just so I could play in these big games.”

The Lions can’t enjoy their victory for long with another tough test from York (45, 1-2) on Dec. 16 in LaGrange.

The Lions won their WSC Silver open-

er 64-33 over Proviso West on Dec. 7 in LaGrange behind Brady Chambers (12 points), Niego (11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists), Smith (11 points, 6 rebounds), DeSimone (9 points, 5 rebounds), Polonowski (5 points), Liam Taylor (4 points), Reid (3 points, 5 rebounds) and Caleb Greer (3 points).

S P O R T S

The Landmark, December 14, 2022

27

St. Ignatius spoils positive week for RBHS boys basketball Cicic pours in 28 points in Dec. 6 win over Ridgewood

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

The Riverside-Brookfield High School boys basketball team enjoyed another successful week and came minutes away from a perfect one.

The Bulldogs defeated Ridgewood 65-46 on Dec. 6 and Chicago Christian 73-40 on Dec. 9 before losing to St. Ignatius 49-43 on Dec. 10 in the Team Rose Shootout at Mt. Carmel High

School in Chicago.

RBHS (6-3, 2-0 in Metro Suburban Blue) led St. Ignatius 20-11 after one quarter and 32-27 at halftime before a rough start to the third quarter that helped the Wolfpack gain a double-digit lead. In STEFAN CICIC the fourth quarter, St. Ignatius held on with free throws after the Bulldogs repeatedly closed within one possession.

“The first four or five minutes of the third quarter, we had a lot of turnovers,” RBHS

coach Mike Reingruber said. “We actually played pretty well for about 28 of the 32 minutes.”

Senior Arius Alijosius (19 points with 2 threes, 7 rebounds, 4 assists) and Rex Dockendorf (6 points) and juniors Stefan Cicic (16 points) and Will Gonzalez (14 points) led the Bulldogs.

The 6-foot-11 Cicic excelled against Ridgewood with 28 points and 11 rebounds as RBHS had 20-plus points in the second and third quarters to pull away. Alijosius added 16 points on 4-for-6 three-point shooting and Gonzalez had eight points and seven assists.

“We were getting [Cicic] the ball in the position to be successful and he played great,” Reingruber said. “Arius, Stef and Will have

been our go-to guys all season. We need some other guys to step up consistently if we want to be as good as we can be.”

Great passing was among the highlights in the victory over Chicago Christian. The Bulldogs led 21-6 after the first quarter.

Senior Hunter Ferguson had a personalbest 10 assists and Gonzalez had seven. Cicic and Alijosius each had 18 points. Senior reserve Moses Soto added nine points with a three.

“Between [Ferguson and Gonzalez], we really shared the basketball,” Reingruber said.

“We need contributions from all over the board. Hunter showed that you not only have to score points to add a lot of value to the team.”

RBHS girls notch fourth straight win on Senior Night Encher returns from injury, hauls down 11 rebounds

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Center Devon Encher especially was happy on Dec. 8 to have recently returned to the Riverside-Brookfield girls basketball lineup from an ankle injury.

It was Senior Night.

“It’s really difficult when you’re injured,” Encher said. “The bench is an important part of basketball, or any sport really, but to have that kind of limitation, it just kind of bogs you down. To come back and then to come back and get these minutes on Senior Night, it’s just setting me up for a really great come-

(5 points). back.”

The Bulldogs (5-5) trailed 20With their five seniors – 16 midway through the second Bryce Pacourek, Encher, Lena quarter before going on a 13-2 run Lembcke, Luna Lloyd and Ava behind an Encher putback, two Marrello -- starting together Marrello threes and five points for the first time since middle school, the Bulldogs caught fire from Tyler. in the second quarter and led the Marrello, who missed her first rest of the way for a 66-61 victory three three-point attempts, made over Westmont. a third straight just before half“I think Senior Night gave us time for a 34-27 RBHS lead.

DEVON ENCHER a lot of emotion,” said Pacourek.

“I was super pumped up and “We were really nervous but also it gave me a lot of adrenaline so really excited to see what we could finally do, I felt like I could run forever. I didn’t feel my all five of us together.” legs,” Marrello said.

Pacourek enjoyed one of her best games The victory also was the Bulldogs’ fourth ever with 15 points and 10 rebounds, three straight and on the heels of a 61-53 overtime assists and three steals. Also contributing victory over Richards on Dec. 3 in which they were Marrello (13 points with 3 threes, 4 as- rallied in the fourth quarter. sists), Lloyd (9 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals), “Westmont was hitting tough shots. Our Encher (7 points, 11 rebounds) and juniors girls came together. They were poised. They Kelley Tyler (12 points) and Amanda Buckley were aggressive, which was good,” RBHS

coach Jordan Mack said.

The Westmont victory also came without two usual starters, junior Emily Organ and sophomore Alyssa Morris.

“The bench was crazy and loud and aggressive and that’s what we needed to pull off the win tonight.” Lembcke said. “I know some people didn’t play but they were still in the game and cheering everyone on.”

Westmont closed within one point late in the third quarter, but Pacourek’s conventional three-point play created a 46-42 lead entering the fourth quarter. RBHS led by at least four throughout the final quarter.

Even the crowd provided a lift. Several friends of Encher wore specially designed Tshirts with her name. One wore a two-sided version to support Encher and Pacourek.

“Those are my friends, some of my best friends,” Encher said. “They wanted to be there to support me, but they also wanted to embarrass me just a little, and that’s OK.”

LTHS take down defending WSC Silver champs Lions beat No. 23 Glenbard West 43-29

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

The Lyons Township boys wrestling team took the first big step toward contending for the West Suburban Conference Silver championship last week.

The Lions, No. 15 in the Dec. 8 Illinois Matmen Class 3A rankings,

won their dual opener on Dec. 9 over No. 23 and defending champion Glenbard West 43-29 in LaGrange.

LTHS continued the momentum on Dec. 10 at their home quad, defeating Fenwick 68-3 and Batavia 43-27 while being edged by Lincoln-Way

Central 34-31.

Going undefeated for the weekend were Griff Powell (106 pounds), Jack Kutchek (120), Claudio Rodriguez See SPORTS ROUNDUP on page 28

JACK KUTCHEK

28

S P O R T S

The Landmark, December 14, 2022

Stung by injury on vault, LTHS gymnasts fall to Oak Park Hepokoski gashes head during Lions’ first event, not seriously hurt

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Lyons Township High School’s girls gymnastics team dropped its West Suburban Conference Silver dual opener 128.85 to 125.60 to Oak Park and River Forest High School on Dec. 7, hampered in part by the loss of sophomore Ava Hepokoski, who sustained a bloody gash to the back of her head during her vault.

After an immediate care trip to Hinsdale, where she received 10 staples, Hepokoski returned in time for the end of the meet to cheer the Lions’ final routines on floor exercise.

“I wanted to see how the team was do-

LTHS opened with 127.70 ing and people were probably at the Hinsdale South Invitaconcerned,” Hepokoski said. tional on Nov. 23. Hepokoski “I’m very proud of them for scored a team-best eighth stepping up after I was taken place 8.75 on vault. out.”

Against OPRF, Hepokoski Junior Emily Tucker won said she got the necessary the uneven parallel bars (8.0) height to successfully flip and all-around (32.90) and seand land her tuck Yurchenko nior Annmarie Holmes won vault, but not enough distance. floor (9.1) following HepokosHer head struck the end of the ki’s injury during the Lions’ AVA HEPOKOSKI vaulting table upon landing. first event.

Hepokoski said there were “Honestly, at first I was very sad because I wasn’t able to compete with no concussion signs, and her staples a teammate I’ve been practicing with should be removed sometime this week.

“I’ve broken my tibia and my wrist bebasically every day, every week, every month,” Tucker said. fore, but I’ve never really had anything

that involved a lot of blood,” Hepokoski said. “I do feel bad for what happened but I’m just proud that they went out there and did well despite of what happened.”

Sophomore Emmy Bertucci was second on uneven bars (7.8) and tied for second on floor (8.5). Tucker tied for third on vault (8.5) and beam (8.0) and Holmes was third in all-around (32.50). Junior Leyla Ochoa made her season debut.

“I was really proud of [floor]. It’s hard going last, especially at the end of a dual meet because it’s a long day,” Holmes said. “Once I started performing, all of my teammates were cheering for me. I wasn’t nervous anymore and I felt it went well.”

RBHS senior gymnast hits first 9 of her high school career Change in beam routine nets improvement for Lindenberg

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Riverside-Brookfield High School senior Sarah Lindenberg has changed her balance beam routine this girls gymnastics season.

She’s already on her way toward perfecting it.

On Dec. 1, Lindenberg was rewarded with the first 9.0 of her four-year high school career in the Bulldogs’ 132.65 to 130.50 loss to Hinsdale South.

“It was one of the best routines I’ve ever done. I was like no matter what the score

SPORTS ROUNDUP from page 27 (132) and Cooper King (195).

In the Illinois Matmen rankings, King is No. 6, Powell No. 8, Gunnar Garelli (152) No. 9 and Ricky Cavaliere (220) honorable mention.

is, I’m proud of this beam formance. routine,” Lindenberg said.

“It was a hit, hit routine,” “I wasn’t wobbly during my Domzalski said. dance or anything. I felt super Lindenberg’s third-place 9.0 strong up there. I was so proud joined two 9s by sophomore of that.”

Lia Christiansen, who won allLindenberg’s new routine around (35.35), vault (9.45), beam is highlighted by a series of (9.3) and floor (8.9). three connected skills as she Christiansen had the lone 9 for moves from one end to the either team on Dec. 7, winning other. While scores often can SARAH LINDENBERG floor (9.1) in the Bulldogs’ 124.45 be arbitrary, especially with to 120.10 victory at Glenbard just one judge, RBHS coach South in their Upstate Eight Conference Karyn Domzalski said this was a great perdual opener.

LTHS girls basketball The Lions (10-1) visit undefeated York (90) on Dec. 16 in an early season showdown for the West Suburban Conference Silver Division lead.

LTHS joined the Dukes at 4-0 in WSC Silver play on Dec. 12 by edging Glenbard West 56-50 behind Ella Ormsby and Elin O’Brien (12 points each) and Nora Ezike (11 points).

Ally Cesarini (13 points) and Kennedy

Wanless and Ezike and O’Brien (12 points each) led the 58-52 nonconference victory at St. Ignatius on Dec. 8.

The Lions topped Oak Park and River Forest 67-29 on Dec. 6 with O’Brien (16 points), Cesarini (14 points) and Emma O’Brien (11 points) in double figures.

RBHS boys wrestling Senior Quintavius Murrell (8-2 at 120 pounds) and Bill Martin (8-2 at 170), junior

Christiansen won all-around (34.65) and swept the other three events -- vault (8.85), beam (8.65) and uneven bars (8.05). Claudia Grusecki tied for second on vault (7.95) and Annabel Krueger was third on beam (8.0), uneven bars (7.4) and all-around (31.15).

On Dec. 10, the Bulldogs (122.20) defeated host Homewood-Flossmoor (120.75) while losing to Neuqua/Waubonsie/Metea Valley co-op (128.05).

Christiansen won all-around (35.00), vault (9.2) and floor (9.3) and was second on beam (8.5) and uneven bars (8.0). Krueger was fifth on vault (7.15).

Josh Gonzalez (9-3 at 138) and sophomore Edgar Mosquera (6-3 at 113) are among the top individual records for the RBHS boys wrestling team.

The Bulldogs (6-3) beat Westmont 78-6 and Bishop McNamara 60-22 in their Metro Suburban Conference triangular meet Dec. 8 and were 1-2 at the Oak Park and River Forest Quad on Dec. 10, beating Providence 45-19 while losing to Hinsdale Central 40-29 and the host Huskies 43-27.

The Landmark, December 14, 2022 Growing Community Media

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HELP WANTED

Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

River Forest Public Schools

River Forest Public Schools, District 90 is seeking an experienced part-time School Psychologist Qualifications:

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

HELP WANTED • NETWORK SPECIALIST Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class.

Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION To perform various network/system administration, computer support, and operational activities for the Village including computer system setup, configuration, and testing.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Reports directly to the Information Technology Services Director.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES: Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential duties and responsibilities 1. Ensure that best in class customer service is provided to both internal and external customers and also embrace, support, and promote the Village’s core values, beliefs and culture.

2. Configure, test, and deploy network systems, such as, firewalls, routers, switches, wireless equipment, network servers and storage arrays.

3. Configure, test, and deploy system servers, such as, file, print, Internet, e-mail, database, and application servers.

4. Configure, test, and monitor server and end-user systems for security, such as, user accounts, login scripts, file access privileges, and group policy management.

5. Configure, test, and deploy end-user systems, such as, workstations, laptops, mobile devices, printers, and software.

6. Test, configure, deploy, and support security systems, such as, facility access system, video & audio system.

7. Monitor and auditing of networks, systems, and user activities to ensure security and efficiency of systems. Create scripts and reports of detail activities for regular review.

8. Perform and participate in disaster recovery activities, such as, backup procedures, data recovery, and system recovery planning.

9. Assist end-users with computer problems or queries. Troubleshoot systems as needed and meet with users to analyze specific system needs.

10. Ensure the uniformity, reliability and security of system resources including network, hardware,

software and other forms of systems and data.

11. Prepare, create and update user/technical procedure documentations and provide computer training.

12. Assemble, test, and install network, telecommunication and data equipment and cabling.

13. Participate in research and recommendation of technology solutions.

Other important responsibilities and duties 1. Train users in the area of existing, new or modified computer systems and procedures.

2. Participate in the preparation of various activity reports.

3. Travel and support remote facilities and partner agencies.

4. Operate, administer and manage the Village and Public Safety computer systems, including E-911 center, in-vehicle computer systems.

5. Prepare clear and logical reports and program documentation of procedures, processes, and configurations.

6. Complete projects on a timely and efficient manner.

7. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

9. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Principals and procedures of computer systems, such as, data communication, hierarchical structure, backups, testing and critical analysis.

Hardware and software configuration of. computers, servers and mobile devices, including computing environment of Windows Server and Desktop OS and applications, Unix/Linux OS, VMware, iOS/Android.

Network protocols, security, configuration and administration, including firewalls, routers, switches and wireless technology.

Cabling and wiring, including CAT5/6, fiber network, telephone, serial communication, termination, and punch-down.

Telecommunications theory and technology, including VoiP, serial communication, wireless protocols, PBX, analog, fax, voicemail and auto-attendant.

Principles and methods of computer programming, coding and testing, including power shell, command scripting, macros, and

VB scripts.

Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Technical writing, office productivity tools and database packages.

Ability to: Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following: - Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time - Operating assigned equipment - Lift 50 pounds of equipment, supplies, and materials without assistance - Working in and around computer equipped vehicles Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for: - Making observations - Communicating with others - Reading and writing - Operating assigned equipment and vehicles Maintain mental capacity allowing for effective interaction and communication with others.

Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance.

Work overtime as operations require.

Experience and Training Guidelines Experience: Three years of network/system administration in the public or private sector, maintaining a minimum of 75 Client Workstation computers. AND Training: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science or a related field. Certifications in Microsoft Server Administration, Networking, Applications and Cisco Networking.

Possession of a valid Illinois Driver License is required at the time of appointment.

Vaccination against COVID-19 strongly preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS Work in a computer environment; sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time; continuous exposure to computer screens; work in and around computerized vehicles outdoor and garage facility; lifting heavy equipment, communication cabling and wiring into walls and ceilings.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Administrative Assistant in the Public Health Department. This position provides a variety of responsible administrative and analytical functions; records and monitors department budget and fiscal requirements of grant-funded programs; oversight of Accounts Payable process; prepares reports and serves as a resource for computerized office applications. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/ jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Parking Enforcement Officer in the Police Department Field Services Division. This position will perform a variety of duties and responsibilities involved in the enforcement of Village parking regulations; and to provide general information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

Associate, Database Administrator (ABN AMRO Clearing Chicago LLC, Chicago, IL - F/T) Provide support for a highly available global SQL Server envrmt; troubleshoot time sensitive production issues in a timely manner.

Rqts: Bach deg or foreign equiv in Comp Sci, Comp Engg, or a rel fld + 4 yrs of progressively resp exp in the position offd or as a D/base Administrator, D/base Analyst, or a rel position. Employer will accept a Master’s deg in the stated field of study in meeting the Bach deg reqmt.

Employer will accept pre- & postMaster’s deg exp. Must have 4 yrs of progressively resp exp w/all of the following: Ensuring stable operation, performance, & availability of production MS SQL Server envrmts through proactive monitoring, maintenance, & mgmt; Supporting & dsgng data warehouse load, master data mgmt, & data quality control processes; Installing & configuring SQL Servers, AlwaysOn Availability Groups, Virtual Machines, & PhysicaL servers according to specs & best practices; Performing code reviews to troubleshoot & optimize T-SQL code & proposing data structure; & able to create stored procedures; Configuring & managing SQL-specific monitoring tools to provide high availability to all the d/bases being managed; Configuring & managing SQL backups & restorations of data as reqd; Dsgng & administering of remote (global) disaster recovery d/base envrmts to incl clustering of servers; & Upgrading d/base envrmts w/ very minimal downtime. To apply, email resume to DL-AACB-CH-Recruitment@abnamroclearing.com & indicate job title. EOE

• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with an endorsement in School Psychology.

• Prefer at least 5 years of successful educational experience in both general and special education; and at least five years of successful experience in evaluating students, collaborating, and problemsolving with school and District teams.

• Master’s Degree preferred.

Demonstrates knowledge of special education legislation and acts in accordance with those mandates; follows policies and procedures of the District. Develops and implements activities that encourage students to be life-long learners.

Identify and assess the learning, development, and needs of individuals and groups, as well as, the environmental factors that affect learning and school success. Uses assessment data about the

students and their environments in developing appropriate interventions and programs. Conducts appropriate individual psychoeducational assessments for children who have or are suspected of having a disability and provides written reports of assessment results.

Participates in all staff conferences of students having received psychological evaluation or reevaluation, including hospital discharge. Provide support to special education personnel including assisting staff with development of functional behavioral analysis and behavior intervention plans, modeling “best practices” and assisting special educators with instructional practices.

For a complete list of duties, please visit our website at https://www.district90.org/about/ employment Interested candidates should complete the online application available at www.district90.org.

Shipping Manager

Clean, safe, fun work with graphic display frames that you’ll see in Wal-Marts, Verizon stores, CTA stations, all over US. Manufacturing No weekends, no evening hours, great pay and benefits. $20-$25 per hour Top rated firm Alpina Manufacturing LLC founded in 1992, locally owned beautiful campus in Galewood, near Mars candy, 3 blocks north of Oak Park. We build and sell display framing systems to customers nationwide including Wal-Mart, Verizon, Circle K, Hospitals, CTA

Apply in person M-F 8am to 4pm • Alpina • 6460 W Cortland St Chicago, IL 60707 www.fastchangeframes.com FINANCE COORDINATOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Finance Coordinator. The ideal candidate will perform a wide variety of responsible and complex administrative, secretarial and clerical duties for the Finance department; and will provide information and assistance to the public regarding department to which assigned. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oakpark.us/jobs.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is open until filled.

COMMUNITY HEALTH ADVISOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Community Health Advisor.

The professional in this position is responsible for a variety of tasks including; promoting a safe health care environment; including health education, outreach and promotion which includes disseminating information, making referrals, and counseling as well as managing caseloads, and performing a variety of tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

First review of applications December 19, 2022.

FULL-TIME POLICE RECORDS CLERK FOREST PARK, IL

The Forest Park Police Department, seeks a Full-Time Civilian Information Management Records Clerk reporting to the Lieutenant of the Criminal Investigations Division. Eligible candidates will be required to pass an aptitude test and an extensive background check. Qualifications include excellent organizational skills, computer skills, the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines,

good knowledge of English language, and adherence to all police department policies and procedures.

Responsibilities and duties include subpoena fulfilment, evidence room duties, data entries, general office functions, report creation, and other duties as needed our assigned.

Open until filled. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. or at www.forestpark. net and should be returned Attn: Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130. Email: vmoritz@forestpark.net

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Oak Park, Illinois (Chicagoland) www.collab4kids.org Since its beginnings in 2002, the Collaboration for Early Childhood (the Collab) has embraced the vision that all children should arrive at kindergarten safe, healthy, ready to succeed and eager to learn. The Collab’s focus has always been on how much impact the organization could have on the youngest among us in the community.

The Executive Director will be charged with taking the organization into its next phase of organizational life. He/She/They will have the opportunity to leverage the organization’s expanded influence and funding, potentially beyond the state of Illinois. The Executive Director will enhance the organization’s advocacy profile and will help shape a policy agenda for early learning. He/She/ They will help expand the organization’s opportunities for revenue generation, diversification, and strategic partnerships. Most significantly, the Collab will continue to serve as one of the state’s primary thought leaders in early childhood education.

The minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required, though a master’s or advanced degree is preferred.

The salary range for this position is between $120,000 and $140,000

and will be commensurable with experience. The Collab offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to 12 paid holidays, vacation days and group health insurance, as well as a retirement plan.

It is the policy of the Collaboration to afford equal employment opportunities regardless of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, religion, marital status, disability, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, order of protection status, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. This policy of equal employment applies to all aspects of the employment relationship, including but not limited to: initial consideration for employment; job placement and assignment of responsibilities; performance evaluation; promotion and advancement; compensation and fringe benefits; training and professional development opportunities; formulation and application of human resource policies and rules; facility and service accessibility; and discipline and termination.

Applications are being received by Kittleman & Associates, LLC. For more information or to apply, please visit https://bit.ly/3tBKpLu (click on the Apply button at the bottom of the page to upload a current resume and letter of interest).

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The Landmark, December 14, 2022

CLASSIFIED

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

MARKETPLACE

ITEMS FOR SALE Forest Park

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE 1326 MARENGO AVE SATURDAY DEC 17 11AM-3PM

Department 56 Snow Village and collectible Hallmark ornaments. Cash or Zelle only. Wear a mask please!

CARS WANTED

HOME SERVICES

ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed

ELECTRICAL

A&A ELECTRIC

Let an American Veteran do your work

We install plugs for battery-operated vehicles We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs We install Surge Protectors • 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

CLASSICS WANTED CLASSICS WANTED Restored or Unrestored

or Unrestored Cars &Restored Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Cars & Vintage Motorcycles Import Cars: Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette,Cars: Ferrari’s, Domestic / Import Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, $$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

Ferrari’s, James Jaguars,• 630-201-8122 Muscle Cars, Collector Mustang & Mopars

$$ Top $$ allWANTED makes, Etc. CLASSICS WANTED TO BUY

Collector James Restored or Unrestored WANTED MILITARY ITEMS:

Cars630-201-8122 & Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Import Cars:

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

Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Cars, R E N TAMuscle LS Mustang & Mopars

FOR RENT $$OFFICE/RETAIL Top $$ all makes, Etc. OAK PARK THERAPY OFFICES:

Collector James

Therapy offices available on North Avenue. Parking; Flexible leasing; Nicely furnished; Waiting Room; Conference Room.

Ideal for new practice or 2nd location.

708.383.0729 Call for an appt.

630-201-8122

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

OAK PARK & FOREST PARK

708-386-7355

MMpropMgmt.com BERWYN DELUXE 1 BD

32nd st and Oak Park Ave. Huge apartment. Deluxe 3.5 rooms, 1 bdrm. Includes heat, water, storage, parking, appliances, laundry facility, etc. Freshly painted. Close to shopping, parks, hospital, train, stores. 1 month security deposit. 1 year lease. $995 per month.

No pets, no smoking. Avail Nov or Dec. Broker 708-347-2500

FLOORS

HANDYMAN

KLIS FLOORING INC.

CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE

New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured.

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

Drywall Repair • Painting Fans Installed • Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning • Window Repair

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

708-488-9411

DAVID FIGUEROA GENERAL CONTRACTOR

(Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling, Installation of Countertops, Electrical Services) Licensed and bonded.

773-587-6142 Figueroa.dave23@gmail.com

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

708-296-2060

Free estimates Excellent References No Job Too Small

LANDSCAPING BRUCE LAWN SERVICE

Lawn Maintenance Fall Leaf Clean-Up Sodding/Slit Seeding Bush Trimming Senior Discount

brucelawns.com

708-243-0571

PAINTING

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

PETS While you’re away, your pets are okay . . . at home

cat calls

Oak Park’s Original Pet Care Service – Since 1986

Daily dog exercising Complete pet care in your home House sitting • Plant care Bonded References

708-524-1030

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE SUMMONS (Family Law)

órdenes puede hacerlas acatar en cualquier lugar de California.

CITACIÓN (Derecho familiar)

FEE WAIVER: If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. The court may order you to pay back all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for you or the other party.

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

CASE NUMBER (NÚMERO DE CASO): HF22130927 NOTICE TO RESPONDENT (Name): AVISO AL DEMANDADO (Nombre): ANGELO C GALLARDO You have been sued. Read the information below and on the next page.

Lo han demandado. Lea la información a continuación y en la página siguiente.

Petitioner’s name is: Nombre del demandante: MERCEDITA M. GALLARDO You have 30 calendar days after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL-120) at the court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter, phone call, or court appearance will not protect you.

If you do not file your Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnership, your property, and custody of your children. You may be ordered to pay support and attorney fees and costs.

For legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately. Get help finding a lawyer at the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www.courts.ca.gov/ selfhelp), at the California Legal Services website (www.lawhelpca.org), or by contacting your local county bar association.

Tiene 30 días de calendario después de haber recibido la entrega legal de esta Citación y Petición para presentar una Respuesta (formulario FL-120) ante la corte y efectuar la entrega legal de una copia al demandante. Una carta o llamada telefónica o una audiencia de la corte no basta para protegerlo.

Si no presenta su Respuesta a tiempo, la corte puede dar órdenes que afecten su matrimonio o pareja de hecho, sus bienes y la custodia de sus hijos. La corte también le puede ordenar que pague manutención, y honorarios y costos legales.

Para asesoramiento legal, póngase en contacto de inmediato con un abogado. Puede obtener información para encontrar un abogado en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en el sitio web de los Servicios Legales de California (www.lawhelpca.org) o poniéndose en contacto con el colegio de abogados de su condado.

NOTICE—RESTRAINING ORDERS ARE ON PAGE 2: These restraining orders are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment is entered, or the court makes further orders. They are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them.

AVISO—LAS ÓRDENES DE RESTRICCIÓN SE ENCUENTRAN EN LA PÁGINA 2: Las órdenes de restricción están en vigencia en cuanto a ambos cónyuges o miembros de la pareja de hecho hasta que se despida la petición, se emita un fallo o la corte dé otras órdenes. Cualquier agencia del orden público que haya recibido o visto una copia de estas

EXENCIÓN DE CUOTAS: Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario un formulario de exención de cuotas. La corte puede ordenar que usted pague, ya sea en parte o por completo, las cuotas y costos de la corte previamente exentos a petición de usted o de la otra parte.

1. The name and address of the court are (El nombre y dirección de la corte son): SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, 24405 AMADOR STREET, HAYWARD, CA 94544 - FAMILY LAW DIVISION 2. The name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner’s attorney, or the petitioner without an attorney, are: (El nombre, dirección y número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante si no tiene abogado, son): SATNESH S. PRASAD, 607 LONGWOOD AVE., HAYWARD, CA 94541 Date (Fecha): OCT 21, 2022 CHAD FINKE, Clerk, by (Secretario, por) SARAH GOUVEIA, Deputy (Asistente) [SEAL] Published in the Wednesday Journal November 23, 30, December 7, 14, 2022

Public Notice STATE OF ILLINOIS, COUNTY OF COOK, ssCircuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division In re the Marriage of: Nina Obi, Petitioner, and Innocent Obi, Respondent, Case No. 2022 D 005212.

The requisite affidavit for Publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, Innocent Obi, Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, Nina Obi, for Dissolution of Marriage and that said suit is now pending.

Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent file your Appearance and Response electronically to said Petition with the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, on or before January 4, 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.

IRIS Y. MARTINEZ, Clerk.

Published in the Wednesday Journal December 14, 21, 28, 2022.

STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of Ryan Cavario Isom Case Number 20224005929.

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Ryan Cavario Isom to the new name of: Rian Isom The court date will be held: On January 31, 2023 at 11am at FOURTH MUNICIPAL DISTICT COURT OF COOK COUNTY 1500 MAYBROOK DRIVE, MAYWOOD, COOK COUNTY, IL via Zoom.

ZOOM ACCESS CODE: 914 3462 0283 PASSWORD: 988648 Published in Wednesday Journal December 7, 14, 21, 2022

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive proposals from qualified general contractors for the Public Works Center Wash Bay Drainage Improvements Project.

Proposals will be accepted at the Public Works Service Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, until 11:00 a.m. local time on Friday, January 13th, 2023.

Request for Proposals Village of Oak Park Public Works Center Wash Bay Drainage Improvements Proposal Number: 22-134 Issuance Date: 12/14/22 There will be a pre-bid meeting at the Public Works Center, located at 201 South Blvd., Oak Park, IL on Wednesday, December 21st, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Bid forms may be obtained by calling 708358-5710 or by e-mailing vics@ oak-park.us between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. M-F. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No proposal documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of proposal opening.

THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Published in Wednesday Journal December 14, 2022

The Landmark, December 14, 2022

CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICES

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HEARING DATE: January 4, 2023 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits CALENDAR NUMBER: 21-21-Z APPLICATION: The Zoning Board of Appeals (“Board”) will conduct a public hearing on a special use permit application filed by the Applicant, Prosperous Platforms LLC, to operate a day care center (Baby Genius Academy) pursuant to Section 8.3 (Table 8-1: Use Matrix) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance at the property located at 326 Lake Street, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Numbers 16-08-118-0031-0000 (“Subject Property”) in the NC Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District.

A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The Board will conduct the public hearing remotely with live audio available and optional video. The hearing will be streamed live and archived online for on-demand viewing at www.oak-park.us/ commissiontv as well as cablecast on VOP-TV, which is available to Comcast subscribers on channel 6 and ATT U-Verse subscribers on channel 99. The remote public hearing is authorized pursuant to Section 7(e) of the Open Meetings Act. The Village President has determined that an in-person public hearing is not practical

31

or prudent due to the COVID-19 outbreak during Governor JB Pritzker’s current disaster proclamation. It is also not feasible to have a person present at the public hearing due to public safety concerns related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may provide written evidence, testimony and public comment on the application by email to Zoning@oak-park.us or by drop off in the Oak Park Payment Drop Box across from the main entrance to Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, to be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 4, 2023. An individual’s name and their testimony or comment will be read aloud into the record at the public hearing if received no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of the public hearing. Interested persons may also sign up to participate in-person in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses, present evidence, testimony or public comment by emailing Zoning@oak-park.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing. Individuals who sign up to participate in-person will receive an email from Village staff with information about how to join the hearing online through Zoom web-conference means or by phone.

The public hearing may be adjourned by the Board to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

Published in Wednesday Journal, December 14, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HEARING DATE: January 4, 2023 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits CALENDAR NUMBER: 21-21-Z APPLICATION: The Zoning Board of Appeals (“Board”) will conduct a public hearing on a special use permit application filed by the Applicant, Prosperous Platforms LLC, to operate a day care center (Little Leaders Academy) pursuant to Section 8.3 (Table 8-1: Use Matrix) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance at the property located at 404 Lake Street, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Numbers 16-08-118-0031-0000 (“Subject Property”) in the NC Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District.

A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The Board will conduct the public hearing remotely with live audio available and optional video. The hearing will be streamed live and archived online for on-demand viewing at www.oak-park.us/ commissiontv as well as cablecast on VOP-TV, which is available to Comcast subscribers on channel 6 and ATT U-Verse subscribers on channel 99. The remote public hearing is authorized pursuant to Section 7(e) of the Open Meetings Act. The Village President has determined that an in-person public hearing is not practical or prudent due to the COVID-19

outbreak during Governor JB Pritzker’s current disaster proclamation. It is also not feasible to have a person present at the public hearing due to public safety concerns related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may provide written evidence, testimony and public comment on the application by email to Zoning@oak-park.us or by drop off in the Oak Park Payment Drop Box across from the main entrance to Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, to be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 4, 2023. An individual’s name and their testimony or comment will be read aloud into the record at the public hearing if received no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of the public hearing. Interested persons may also sign up to participate in-person in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses, present evidence, testimony or public comment by emailing Zoning@oak-park.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing. Individuals who sign up to participate in-person will receive an email from Village staff with information about how to join the hearing online through Zoom web-conference means or by phone.

The public hearing may be adjourned by the Board to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

Published in Wednesday Journal, December 14, 2022

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE RMAC TRUST, SERIES 2018-G-CTT Plaintiff, -v.ANN W. BELL, MARTIN F. BELL, COMMUNITY BANK OF OAK PARK RIVER FOREST Defendants 2022 CH 02068 1152 HOME AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60304 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 6, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 13, 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: Commonly known as 1152 HOME AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60304

Property Index No. 16-18-326-0020000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $130,513.82.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of

title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

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

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

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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 Alexander Potestivo, POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610, Chicago, IL, 60606 (312) 263-0003.

Please refer to file number 314605.

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.

POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610 Chicago IL, 60606 312-263-0003 E-Mail: ilpleadings@potestivolaw. com Attorney File No. 314605 Attorney Code. 43932 Case Number: 2022 CH 02068 TJSC#: 42-4397 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 # 2022 CH 02068 I3208865

cluding the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

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

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

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

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

For information, contact JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number 21 8680.

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.

JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650 Chicago IL, 60602 312-541-9710 E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com Attorney File No. 21 8680 Attorney Code. 40342 Case Number: 2021 CH 05255 TJSC#: 42-3674 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 # 2021 CH 05255 I3208368

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION CASCADE FUNDING MORTGAGE TRUST HB5 Plaintiff, -v.UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW AND LEGATEES OF WILLIE L. ADAMS, DONNY ADAMS A/K/A DONALD ADAMS, THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES, THOMAS QUINN, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIE L. ADAMS, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2021 CH 05255 806 S. TAYLOR AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60304 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 23, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 5, 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: Commonly known as 806 S. TAYLOR AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60304 Property Index No. 16-17-129-0050000; 16-17-129-006-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $470,390.58.

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-

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION Nationstar Mortgage LLC Plaintiff, vs.

UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF LACEY WILLIAMS AKA LACEY A. WILLIAMS; ARTIST SQUARE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; OLIVE MARIE RIVERA, A MINOR, BY LANGSTON WILLIAMS, JR. AND ALTHEA WILLIAMS, HER GRANDPARENTS AND NEXT FRIENDS; ALTHEA WILLIAMS; LANGSTON WILLIAMS, JR.; JULIE FOX AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF LACEY WILLIAMS AKA LACEY A. WILLIAMS; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 21 CH 5815 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, January 9, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-07-323-055-1011.

Commonly known as 1041 Susan Collins Lane, Unit 304, Oak Park, IL 60302.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g) (4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Law Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455.

W20-0232 ADC INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3208202

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The Landmark, December 14, 2022

2 1 E . B U R L I N GTO N R OA D, R I V E R S I D E | 70 8 . 4 47.72 07 NG MI O C

ON SO

NG MI O C

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308 Nuttall Rd, Riverside

1510 Franklin Ave, River Forest $750,000

465 Northgate Ct, Riverside

380 Herrick Rd, Riverside $474,900

532 Selborne Rd, Riverside $389,900

838 Wesley Ave, #3, Oak Park $155,000

35 West Ave, #1N, Riverside $199,900

126 Peachtree Ln, Westmont $273,000

225 S Sangamon St #706, Chicago $485,000

168 Addison Rd, Riverside $785,000

AL CI R E MM O C

302 River Oaks Dr, Calumet City $300,000

4332 N Bernard St, Chicago $650,000

157 Southcote Rd, Riverside $549,000

7722 Madison St, River Forest $18/sq ft

T LO T N CA VA

4534 Arthur Ave, Brookfield $169,900

When it comes to selling and buying homes... experience, results and ties to the community make all the difference.

Curious about the current real estate market and the impact on your home’s value? Thinking about selling, but need to find your next home first? Can’t find your dream home in this competitive market? Contact one of our local market experts for a free, confidential consultation.

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