Landmark 121819

RIVERSIDE-BROOKFIELD Also serving North Riverside $1.00

Vol. 34, No. 51

December 18, 2019

Split decision RBHS boys rebound from Chicago-Christian loss PAGE 18

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rblandmark.com @riversidebrookfieldlandmark

RBHS teacher wants more funds for staffing PAGE 3

@riversidebrookfield_landmark

Guilty plea in Riverside bank robbery PAGE 7

@RBLandmark

Brookfield makes pitch to run D95 aftercare

School officials seek alternative to St. Louise program

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

The Brookfield Recreation Department is poised to apply to run a new aftercare program at Brook Park School next year.

The Brookfield-LaGrange Park School District 95 Board of Education has authorized Superintendent Mark Kuzniewski to publish and send out a request for proposals to run a new after-school program next year for District 95 students.

Sitting in the audience at last week’s school board meeting when the subject was discussed were Brookfield Village Manager Timothy Wiberg and Brookfield Recreation Director Stevie Ferrari.

Ferrari confirmed after the meeting that the Brookfield Recreation Department will be submitting a proposal to run an aftercare program. Ferarri said that the village has been talking to the district occasionally throughout the year about possibly running such a program at Brook See AFTERCARE on page 15

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

SPEEDY DELIVERY: About 15 Riverside-Brookfield High School students and staff packed a bus with about 500 toys, delivering them to the annual WGN Morning News toy drive, after a week-long blitz to raise money to buy presents, which will be distributed by the Chicago Park District.

RBHS toy drive a collective effort

In less than a week, students raise enough money to donate 500 items

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

About 15 Riverside-Brookfield High School students delivered approximately 500 toys to the studios of WGN-TV Friday morning as part

of WGN’s 17th annual Christmas toy drive, culminating an intense weeklong effort during which the Christmas spirit took over RBHS. The local contingent was featured in a brief on-air segment with WGN entertainment reporter and movie

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The Landmark, December 18, 2019

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The Landmark, December 18, 2019

The Landmark, December 18, 2019

Veteran RBHS teacher: Ample reserves to fund more staff

Monti wants to reduce class sizes, hire counselors

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

A veteran Riverside-Brookfield High School teacher is calling upon the District 208 school board to consider taking $1 million out of reserves and spend it to hire more teachers and counselors to reduce class sizes and improve education.

Dave Monti, a biology and zoology teacher who has taught at RBHS for 28 years, addressed the school board at the school board’s Dec. 10 meeting.

It was the second time in three months Monti has addressed the school board, raising concerns about class sizes. In October, he focused on what he said were unsafe chemistry class sizes.

RBHS chemistry classrooms are set up with 12 lab stations to accommodate 24 students, if each student has one lab partner.

This year, however, there is just one chemistry class at RBHS with 24 students.

The other classes are larger, including four honors chemistry classes with 28 students each. The other two honors chemistry classes have 27 students.

In October and again last week, Monti said that hiring one part-time teacher to teach one section of honors chemistry could have gotten class sizes down to no more than 24 students in a classroom.

But administrators say it is not so simple.

While they admit that chemistry classes this year are larger than they would like, they say that it would have been very hard to adjust students’ schedules to fill up another honors chemistry class.

“The timing issue of shifting those students’ schedules wasn’t appropriate,” said District 208 Superintendent Kevin Skinkis.

Skinkis said that while there was money in the budget to hire a part-time teacher for one class, he noted it is not easy to find someone interested in teaching just one class.

“It would have been a tough hire,” said Skinkis.

Skinkis said that typically some students drop honors chemistry, but that didn’t happen this year. He acknowledged that Monti raised a legitimate concern and that administrators plan to address the issue next year.

Last week, Monti broadened his approach, saying the district’s cash reserves are far in

IN THIS ISSUE Big Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Kosey Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Property transfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Editor Bob Uphues Sports Editor James Kay

Courtesy of RBTV

MAKING HIS PITCH: RBHS biology and zoology teacher Dave Monti argues that District 208 has plenty of funds in reserve to fund additional teachers to reduce class sizes in overcrowded departments and hire a counselor to reduce that department’s student-tostaff ratio. excess of what the Illinois State Board of Education considers adequate. He said that some of that money should be spent to hire more teachers and other staff.

“Think of the impact reduced class sizes would have on climate and morale,” Monti told the school board. “And again, this is not just an issue in the science department. After I spoke in October, I was approached by every department in this building for coming up and speaking, and they all said that they have classes that are at levels that most research in education shows has a negative impact on learning.”

The district approved a budget in September that is projecting an operating deficit of about $400,000 this year. But the district is still expected to finish the school year with about $15.8 million in reserves, which is nearly 59 percent of annual expenses.

However, the school board is reserving $2.9 million in the working cash fund for what they hope will be a deal with the Brookfield Zoo to buy the athletic fields directly north of the school that are owned by Forest Preserve District of Cook County.

Excluding that $2.9 million, this year’s anticipated ending operating fund balance

drops to about $12.9, which is 48 percent of operating expenditures. Generally, cash reserves of 33 percent are considered adequate, although many districts like to carry more ample reserves.

Monti asked the school board to think about what could be done if they spent $1 million of the reserves on more staff.

“A couple of [full time equivalents] could be added and spread over the departments that are overcrowded, especially science, social science and world language,” said Monti, who lives in the school district. “A third dean and a second attendance secretary could be added along with a second school nurse. A much-needed counselor could be added to Student Services, one of the highest staff-to-student ratio positions in any area high school.”

RBHS has five counselors for its 1,568 students, a student-to-counselor ratio of 331.6 to 1. Lyons Township High School has a student to counselor ratio of 267 to 1 and also has a full-time college placement coordinator, a position that RBHS does not have.

See MONTI on page 8

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Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Editorial Design Manager Claire Innes Editorial Designer Scot McIntosh Advertising Design Manager Andrew Mead Advertising Designers Bobbi Rollins-Sanchez, Debbie Becker IT Manager/Web Developer Mike Risher Advertising Director Dawn Ferencak Advertising Sales Marc Stopeck Inside Sales Representative Mary Ellen Nelligan Client Engagement Natalie Johnson Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Distribution Coordinator Wakeelah Cocroft-Aldridge Front Desk Maria Murzyn, Carolyn Henning Publisher Dan Haley Associate Publisher Dawn Ferencak Business Manager Joyce Minich Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-442-6739 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 E-MAIL buphues@wjinc.com ONLINE www.RBLandmark.com The Landmark is published weekly on Wednesday

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The Landmark, December 18, 2019

BIG WEEK

December 18-25

Santa rides through North Riverside Santa will make his annual trip through North Riverside via fire engine on Saturday, Dec. 21, bringing holiday cheer to all good girls and boys.

The jolly old elf will make the following stops: 9:05 a.m., 23rd and Park; 9:20 a.m., 23rd and Hainsworth; 9:35 a.m., Traube and Hainsworth; 9:50 a.m., 25th and Burr Oak; 10:05 a.m., 25th and Forest; 10:20 a.m., 30th and Lincoln; 10:35 a.m., 24th St. and 4th Ave.; 10:50 a.m., 24th St. and 7th Ave.; 11:05 a.m., Komarek School; 11:20 a.m., 23rd St. and 15th Ave. Santa’s last stop will be Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care, where he will visit residents. The trip is sponsored by the North Riverside Fire Department in cooperation with th the village boar board.

Celebrate the season with the Muppets Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, invites families to come on in from the cold and get a dose of Christmas cheer by watching “The Muppet Christmas Carol” on Monday, Dec. 23 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Great Room.

Enjoy Kermit, Fozzie and others turn Scrooge’s (Michael Caine) heart to gold in this fun, kidfriendly adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic story of the power of Christmas.

And more

p.m. Guests should park in the north lot. Regular admission and parking fees apply. For more, visit CZS.org/Magic or call 708-688-8000.

Aging Care Connections invites area seniors to the Congregate Meals Program Christmas Party on Dec. 19 starting at 10 a.m. at Salerno’s Pizzeria and Sports Bar, 9301 W. 63rd St. in Hodgkins.There’s a $2.50 suggested donation.

Includes coffee and coffee cake, door prizes, raffles, lunch and bingo. RSVP required by calling 708-354-1323.

Riverside Parks and Rec invites children to drop off letters to Santa Claus at a special mailbox that will be placed on the east side of the historic water tower, 10 Pine Ave. Letters received through Dec. 20 will get a response, but the mailbox stays open until Christmas.

Holiday Magic, the annual festival of lights at Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road in Brookfield, returns Dec. 21-22.

The zoo is open each day of the event from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Come early and stay later for the festivities, which begin at 4

Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St., presents a solo show featuring the work of artist Jennifer Oldis-Kryczka through Jan. 4. Gallery hours areTuesday through Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. Free and open to the public.

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The RiversideTownship Lions Club is collecting unwanted Christmas lights for recycling.Working and non-working lights that are for indoor or outdoor use can be dropped off at the Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, or the North Riverside Public Library, 2401 Desplaines Ave., during normal business hours through Jan. 15, 2020.

a collection of new winter hats, scarves, gloves/ mittens and socks for District 204 area children and adults in need.The drive continues through Jan. 14, 2020.

Drop off items at the libraries/discovery centers at either the North Campus, 100 S. Brainard Ave. in LaGrange or South Campus, 4900 S.Willow Springs Road inWestern Springs.

Compassion Factory Art Gallery and Studio, 9210 Broadway Ave. in Brookfield, presents“Symmetry,”an exhibit of work featuring artists BalaThiagarajan and Rita Sharha through Dec. 21. Gallery hours areThursdays from 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, hosts Welcome Winter Storytime/Indoor Snowball Fight on Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. Get ready for an all ages storytime followed by an indoor snowball fight.

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LyonsTownship High School para-educators are holding

North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., hosts a Senior Drop-in on Dec. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon ■

The Landmark, December 18, 2019

Santa and stories at Brookfield Library Celebrate the holiday season at the 18th Annual Holiday Family Pajama Extravaganza on Friday, Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd.

Families are invited to a special after-hours night of festivities that will include holiday-themed stories, crafts, music and games. Holiday treats, including hot cocoa and cookies will be provided. Be sure to bring your wish list, because Santa will be there.

The event is free to attend but advance registration is required by calling 708-485-6917, ext. 140 or by visiting brookfieldlibrary.info.

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An Old Time Radio Christmas The Riverside Township Radio Players present their annual recreations of two Christmas season shows from the Golden Age of Radio on Friday, Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road in Riverside.

This year, the troupe tackles “Back for Christmas” from radio’s outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense, followed by the lighthearted holiday episode “George’s Christmas Presents” from the comedy show My Favorite Husband.

Admission is free. in the Meeting Room. Play cards and socialize every Friday.

For adults and seniors there’s Bingocize on Dec. 19 at 2 p.m.; Writers’ Group (supportive group for writers of all levels) on Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. and Spanish Language Book Club on Dec. 20 at 10:30 a.m. To sign up for senior and adult events, call 708-447-0869 or visit www.northriversidelibrary.org/events.

For kids there’s Lapsit Storytime (toddlers through age 5) on Dec. 19 at 10:30 a.m.; DIY Craft Hour (ages 3-6) on Dec. 20 at 4 p.m.; Makers Make-Fest Saturdays (grades 3-8) on Dec. 21 from 1 to 5 p.m.; Finals Survival Kit Giveaway (for North

Riverside high school students) all day through Dec. 19; and Virtual Reality (grades 5-12) on Dec. 21 from 4-5:30 p.m.

The Brookfield Elks Lodge, 9022 31st St., hosts bingo every Monday night. Doors open at 5 p.m. and games start at 7 p.m. minimum cash payout of $2,275 a night, plus pull tabs, lightning, tic-tac and raffles.

The community is invited to jog, walk or run inside on the indoor track at the LyonsTownship High School South Campus fieldhouse, 4900 S.Willow Swprings Road inWestern Springs from 6 to 7 a.m. on days when school is in session through March 20, 2020.

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The Landmark, December 18, 2019

D96 nixes antenna deal for village security cameras

Votes reverses prior decision to allow use of Hauser smokestack

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Last month the Riverside Elementary School District 96 voted 5 to 1, with one abstention, to cancel an intergovernmental agreement with the village of Riverside that would have allowed the Riverside Police Department to install an antenna on the roof of the L.J. Hauser Junior High School to use as a relay point for security cameras the village is planning to install in the northern part of Riverside.

Board member Lynda Murphy cast the only vote to continue the intergovernmental agreement. Board member Wesley Muirheid abstained at the Nov. 20 school board meeting.

Some board members had misgivings earlier this year when the board for a one-year intergovernmental agreement with the village on Feb. 20 on a 3-2 vote with two abstentions.

Since no relay was installed and board members were unsure when the village

“I’m disappointed in their decision, bewould be ready to proceed, board members Shari Klyber and Joel Marhoul decided to cause I think it was an important part of vote no this time instead of abstaining as the overall project,” Weitzel said. “However, we will find another alternative. It will not they did in February.

Board President Dan Hunt, seeing that the stop our street camera program from continuing.” motion was going to be defeated About eight cameras have anyway, voted against the interalready been installed in downgovernmental agreement after town Riverside and the village voting in favor of it in February. is looking to put new security School board member David cameras at the intersection of Barsotti, a strong advocate of Park Place and Woodside Road privacy rights, has been the most as well as at 31st Street and vocal opponent of using school Desplaines Avenue. property for a village owned relay A relay antenna on the Hausantenna.

TOM WEITZEL er smokestack would have al“I don’t think the school should Riverside Police Chief lowed images from those cambe participating in this type of eras to be transmitted to the activity,” Barsotti said. “How can Riverside police station. we be assured that this stuff is not Weitzel emphasized that that going to be abused by those watchthe village only wanted to only install an aning it?”

Barsotti also said that the scope of the vil- tenna, not a camera at Hauser.

“It was only a relay point to shoot a beam lage’s plans has expanded.

“The scope has changed from what we from our camera so we could get the beam originally talked about,” Barsotti said. “It’s back to our facility for the video,” Weitzel said. “There were no camera devices ever part of a much broader initiative.”

Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel said proposed for District 96. It was only an anthat while he respects the school board’s tenna device.”

Weitzel said the village had been hoping right to decide whether to allow the village to use their property, he was disappointed to install the antenna sometime next year.

“We were shooting for some time in March that the school board will not allow the relay or April,” Weitzel said. antenna to be installed at Hauser.

“It will not stop our street camera program from continuing.”

Some school board members said they were not certain when the village had planned to install the relay antenna and did not want to approve an open-ended agreement.

The Hauser smokestack is the highest point in Riverside and thus an ideal spot for a relay antenna, but Weitzel said that village will now look at other locations.

“We will seek out other areas but that one best served our needs,” Weitzel said.

Weitzel said that all of the village’s security cameras are in the public way and only monitor public spaces.

“All of them are pointed in the public way,” Weitzel said.

The video images taken by the security cameras are stored for 90 days and then erased, unless a crime has occurred that makes the video useful.

Weitzel said the decision by the school board will not affect his department’s relationship with District 96.

“I have a great working relationship with the district superintendent and I will continue to and my staff will,” Weitzel said.

“Our number one priority is keeping the kids safe, and we will continue to that.”

Any decision to approach District 96 again will be up to the Riverside Village Board, Weitzel said.

Need a helping of

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

The Landmark, December 18, 2019

New planters to help downtown Brookfield bloom Large flower containers to dot key Grand Blvd. spots next year

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Large flower containers, like the ones that dot LaGrange Road in that village’s downtown, will be coming to the Grand Boulevard business district in Brookfield next spring through a Brookfield Beautification Commission initiative rolled out last week.

Elected officials gave their blessing on Dec. 9 for the commission’s chairwoman, Julie Lauksmen, to move ahead with the initiative.

“These planters will going to the area as an additional exclamation point on what’s already happening,” Lauksmen told village trustees.

“We think that the first impression of pedestrians and traffic and, obviously, the commuters that are coming through on a daily basis are going to see these planters and know that this is a thriving, exciting, fun area.”

At this time, single planters – between 20 and 23 inches tall and 36 to 42 inches in diameter – are slated to be placed at the northeast corner of Brookfield and Prairie, the corner of Prairie/Brookfield/Grand (outside Brookfield Breakfast), the corner of Grand and Brookfield outside Sebastian’s Ale and Whiskey House, on either side of Grand Boulevard at Grant Avenue and south of the tracks on the east side of Prairie Avenue.

In time, said Lauksmen, some of the Fiberglas resin planters may be augmented with one or two smaller companion planters to increase visual interest and bursts of color.

“I do like the trios, but it doesn’t work everywhere,” Lauksmen said. “And we just wanted to start with something and work out the kinks.

You can always build on and order more if everything’s successful.”

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The hope would be for the planters to be delivered in time for them to be planted up during the spring Project NICE event next April, weather permitting.

The commission intends to keep the planters outside year round, changing plantings with the seasons, including holiday decorations and suitable plants like evergreens and red dogwood branches around the Christmas season.

“We also have the Garden Club on board to help us with planting as well as helping us select plants that would go in there,” Lauksmen said.

Lauksmen said that the commission will seek funding from Beautify Brookfield, a nonprofit formed several years ago to support the commission’s efforts, to help cover the roughly $3,000 cost to buy planters, soil and plants.

Village Manager Timothy Wiberg said that the planters would be ordered through the Public Works Department and that the funding, for now, would come from the village’s operating budget.

While volunteers would be responsible for planting the pots and changing displays throughout the year, Lauksmen said the plan was for public works employees to water and weed the planters year round.

While planters will be a new sight along the 3700 block of Grand Boulevard, they’re not new to Brookfield. For many years, terra cotta-colored resin planters have punctuated the streetscape in front of businesses along the north side of the 9100 block of Broadway Avenue.

About a decade ago, the businesses all bought their own pots, which the first year were planted up by the crew at Betty’s Flower and Gifts. After that, businesses were responsible for maintaining and watering the individual planters, some of which are on private property but many of which are in the public right-of-way.

Those planters also are left outside year round.

Man pleads guilty to robbing Riverside bank Robert A. Jocko to be sentenced next spring

By BOB UPHUES Editor

The man charged with robbing a Riverside bank in March pleaded guilty to the offense in U.S. District Court earlier this month and now faces up to 10-plus years in prison when he is sentenced early next year.

Robert A. Jocko, 58, entered a plea of guilty to Judge Thomas M. Durkin at a hearing on Dec. 5 in Chicago.

Sentencing was delayed until after an evidentiary hearing set for March 20, 2020.

Jocko has been held at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago since his arrest in Riverside shortly after he robbed First American Bank, 15 Riverside Road, of $1,465.

Federal prosecutors noted in the plea agreement entered on Dec. 5 that Jocko also robbed the PNC Bank branch at 6655 W. Cermak Road in Berwyn on March 12, and that he used a “dangerous weapon” in the commission of that crime.

The plea agreement details Jocko’s criminal record, which stretches back to 1978 and includes 17 prior convictions for theft, burglary, escape/prison disturbance, possession of a stolen vehicle, battery and forgery, among other offenses.

At the time of the Riverside bank robbery, prosecutors stated, Jocko was under court supervision following a conviction in January for driving without a valid license.

Prosecutors said they would seek a sentence for Jocko of between 100

Olmsted Society

To kick off 2020, the Stewards of the land and Olmsted’s Plan Olmsted Society will host their Annual Meeting on Friday, January 10, 7:00 pm, at the Riverside Village Hall Auditorium.

All are invited. The election of new Officers and business portion of the meeting will be followed by by a presentation, “My Journey into the Wilds of Chicago,” and book signing with photographer, author and conservationist Mike MacDonald. Copies of Mike’s book “My Journey into the Wilds of Chicago: A Celebration of Chicagoland’s Startling Natural Wonders” will be available for purchase.

Happy New Year!

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At the meeting, there will be a Membership Table to drop off your 2020 annual dues or to join the Olmsted Society. We look forward to seeing you!

Refreshments will be provided.

Visit olmstedsociety.org or facebook.com/RiversideFLOS for details

and 125 months, while Jocko’s attorney will seek a sentence between 57 and 71 months, according to the plea agreement.

Judge Durkin is under no obligation to accept either sentencing request and can make his own determination, following an investigation conducted by the federal probation office.

Jocko, wearing a backwards-facing baseball cap, long dark coat, a surgical mask and bright orange gym shoes, walked into the rear entrance of First American Bank on the afternoon of March 18, walked up to a teller and said something the teller understood to mean he wanted to withdraw money from his account.

When she handed Jocko a withdrawal slip, he told the teller to “put the money on the counter” several times while placing a black plastic bag on the counter in front of him.

The teller handed over the cash and Jocko fled from the bank – which is located across the street from the Riverside Police Department – shedding the baseball cap, coat and mask as he ran.

Police apprehended Jocko within minutes in the backyard of a home on East Quincy Street, about 200 yards east of the bank. According to police, witnesses identified Jocko as the bank robber, in part because of the bright orange shoes he was wearing.

In addition, police reported recovering $1,465 from one of Jocko’s socks, a stash that included a $50 bill whose serial number had been recorded by the bank. Jocko reportedly had been living in Brookfield in the week prior to the Riverside bank robbery.

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The Landmark, December 18, 2019

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Officials will seek resident input, mull concepts before applying for funds in 2021

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Whenever Brookfield conducts a survey about what residents want the village to provide when it comes to recreation, a community rec center is invariably at or near the top of the list.

Last week, Recreation Director Stevie Ferrari told members of the village board that a possible way to help fund such a building would be through a grant program administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, which is seeking applications for projects.

And on Dec. 9 elected officials gave Ferrari the OK to bring in an architect for a site visit to nail down options that might be feasible.

But, instead of trying to spin up a concept plan prior to the IDNR’s Jan. 21 deadline, officials will now work with an architect for the next year to come up with a plan that can be submitted for an expected second round of grant applications in 2021.

Ferrari is expected to seek direction from the village board on how to proceed next month.

“We’re taking our time and looking at a project concept for a new building,” Ferrari told the Landmark in a phone interview late last week. “This is such a great opportunity.

I really hope it turns into something.”

Ferrari appeared before the village board on Dec. 9 to pitch trustees on supporting spending $20,000 to $25,000 for an architect to create a concept plan for submission to the

MONTI

‘Where’s the revenue?’ from page 3 The American School Counselors Association (ASCA) recommends a student to counselor ratio of 250 to 1. But according to the ASCA, schools in the state of Illinois have an overall student to counselor ratio of 664 to 1.

Wes Smithing, the president of the District 208 school board, said that with deficits projected for the next few years, this is not the time to be spending down reserves.

“To spend more because there’s money, I’m a little nervous of that.” Smithing said.

“I’d like to see where we are at 2023.”

District leaders are pointing to 2023, because that is when the bonds issued to pay for the renovation and expansion of RBHS

Illinois Park and Recreation Facility Construction (PARC) grant program next month.

She laid out two options for seeking a grant.

One would be to demolish the existing Recreation House in Ehlert Park and build a new 3,000-square-foot community center in its place.

The other would be a comprehensive overhaul of the existing lower-level recreation hall at the Brookfield Village Hall, including creating a new entrance to the lower level on the west side of the village hall and bringing in direct light to the space, completely reconfiguring interior spaces, renovating the bathrooms and kitchen and installing a new elevator.

Both projects likely would have sought the maximum grant award of $2.5 million, which would have represented 75 percent of the total cost.

Elected officials, and Village President Kit Ketchmark in particular, were skeptical that either plan could be vetted and designed in the six-week time frame available before applications were due to the IDNR. Trustees agreed that Ferrari should scale back the plans and instead focus on remodeling the existing recreation space at the village hall.

However, scaling the project back to essentially cosmetic upgrades would have made the village ineligible for the grant, said Ferrari.

“It wouldn’t qualify unless it was a new build or large-scale remodeling and repurposing,” Ferrari said.

Ferrari learned, however, that the $25 million state grant program rolled out this year is just the first of two such requests for projects, with another $25 million being made available in 2021.

With another grant opportunity on the horizon, Ferrari will re-approach the village board in January for direction on how

to focus planning for a new community recreation facility. It will also allow village officials time to go back to residents and get their input on what a new facility should offer.

After meeting in Brookfield with an architect from the firm Dewberry on Dec. 12, Ferrari said that the cost for building a new facility would likely be the same as trying to comprehensively overhaul the existing village hall space.

As an alternative to building a new facility in Ehlert Park, the architect also said it might be possible to build a new recreation facility to the west of the village hall. The cost for such a building, said Ferrari, would be an estimated $3 million.

Illinois Park and Recreation Facility Construction (PARC) grants must be used to fund brick-and-mortar projects, such as building a new recreation center or remodeling existing buildings for those purposes.

Park districts and municipalities can seek grants of between $25,000 and $2.5 million, and such grants would fund 75 percent of the total project cost. The other 25 percent of the burden must be borne by the local agency.

Both in 2020 and 2021, the IDNR has $25 million to award for projects, and Ferrari said she expects competition for those dollars to be fierce.

“There’s no for-sure odds you can give us in any submission,” Ferrari said about the likelihood of Brookfield winning PARC funding. “It’s a competitive grant, because of the amount of the award that it is.”

Ferrari, however, said that working up a plan would position the village to be prepared for other potential grant opportunities in the future, should the village fail to win a PARC grant.

Calls for applications for PARC grants are infrequent. The last call for projects was five years ago, according to Ferrari.

that took place in 2008 and 2009 will be paid off.

“The goal is try to get to 2023 when the debt comes off of the taxpayers for the bonds and then we’ll see where the district’s at,” Skinkis told the Landmark. “Just to spend just because someone in the community believes the reserve is too high, I don’t believe in that opinion. I think if there is a specific need that needs to be addressed, we should address it.”

Smithing also said that hiring teachers is typically a long-term expense and not just a one-year expenditure.

“To add a million dollars, that’s a million dollars every year compounding,” Smithing said. “Where’s the revenue for that?”

In his eight-minute-long statement last week, Monti also criticized the practice of giving administrators bonuses calling attention to the $23,000 bonus Skinkis received last year and the $52,500 in total bonuses given to top administrators last year.

“Dr. Skinkis gets a bonus for his fiscal responsibility, and I understand that and I appreciate that,” Monti said. “But is it ethical to give one person money for withholding money collected from taxpayers to be spent on their children’s education? My tax dollars should go to the salaries and programs at this school, not to bonuses.”

Skinkis pointed out that half of his bonus last year was a retention bonus and that all administrators at RBHS received bonuses last year. This year all administrators’ bonuses will be determined by progress toward the same goals.

In 2020 the school board will work on developing a strategic plan to determine the future direction of the school.

“Where do the taxpayers want to spend the money?” Smithing asked. “Do they want to spend it down, do they want to keep conservative? There’s a lot of competing factors.”

The Landmark, December 18, 2019

9

Brookfield approves zoning for cannabis businesses Local corporation already looking for dispensary location

By BOB UPHUES Editor

It remains to be seen whether the state of Illinois will grant a license for a recreational cannabis dispensary in Brookfield, but elected officials paved the way for the possibility on Dec. 9, with trustees voting 5-1 to amend the zoning code to allow dispensaries and other cannabis-related businesses as special uses in the village’s commercial and industrial districts.

Trustee Brian Conroy was the sole no vote on the amendments to the zoning code, restating his opposition to allowing dispensaries in the downtown and Eight Corners business districts, whose restaurants and other retailers attract families.

“These districts are destinations for families and kids alike,” Conroy said. “To the extent we are able, I think we should promote and endorse family-friendly businesses in these two particular districts.”

While cannabis dispensaries will be allowed as special uses in all commercial districts, their presence will be restricted additionally by a provision in the code that requires them to be more than 100 feet from a pre-existing school or daycare center.

As a result, dispensaries would not be allowed on Broadway Avenue west of the Veterans Memorial Circle due to the presence of S.E. Gross Middle School and Alphabet Learning Center and on a portion of the 3400 block of Maple Avenue due to the presence of Montessori Children’s Community.

Dispensaries also would not be allowed on a good portion of the west side of the 3700 block of Grand Boulevard due to the presence of Alphabet Learning Center’s location there.

Prior to a dispensary or other cannabisrelated business being allowed anywhere in the village, the owners must apply for a special use permit, which triggers a public

hearing before the Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission and final approval by the village board, which can impose other conditions for the business.

While dispensaries will be allowed as special uses in all commercial districts, other related business, such as craft growers, infusers and transportation companies will be limited to industrial zones, either along 47th Street or between Southview Avenue and the BNSF tracks, west of Maple Avenue.

Local cannabis biz seeking license There’s at least one locally owned corporation seeking a location for a cannabis dispensary, and one of its coowners told the Landmark on Dec. 9 that the company would like to open shop in either the Eight Corners district or near the downtown train station.

“Now that the zoning is done, we can move forward and hopefully get a license from the state,” said Nicole Deutsch, a Brookfield

resident and co-owner of Lady Budz LLC, a corporation formed in early December, according to the Illinois Secretary of State’s website.

Deutsch said Lady Budz LLC will apply for a dispensary license by the state’s Jan. 1 deadline, and that she hoped the company would be awarded one of the 75 new dispensary licenses (47 in Cook County alone) the state will create next year.

The state’s existing 55 medical cannabis dispensaries had first crack at obtaining licenses for recreational cannabis sales, and the state has already started awarding those licenses.

Deutsch said that Lady Budz LLC ought to know the fate of its application next May. Asked if the company was looking at locations outside of Brookfield, Deutsch said they had been, but that Brookfield’s approval of zoning for cannabis businesses has now narrowed their focus.

“This is our main focus, to stay in the community,” said Deutsch, confirming they’d prefer an Eight Corners or downtown location over Ogden Avenue or 31st Street.

“That’s where we’re looking. I think there’s a lot of opportunity, open spaces.”

D96 asks Brookfield to help address Hollywood parking School district may be working toward a solution with the zoo

By BOB UPHUES Editor

As Riverside Elementary School District 96 officials continue their quest for offsite faculty parking near Hollywood School in Brookfield, Superintendent Martha RyanToye directly appealed to the village board last week for help.

At the village board’s committee of the whole meeting on Dec. 9, Ryan-Toye reiterated District 96’s goal of separating parking and play spaces at its schools, and asked the village board to consider allowing as many as 20 on-street parking spaces to be created for staff along the east side of the 3400 block of Hollywood Avenue.

“On any given day, 20 seems to be the right number,” said Ryan-Toye of the school’s need for staff parking. “We’re trying to look at how do we maximize our opportunities and our goals and work with all of our neighbors.”

However, acting on a suggestion from Village Trustee Brian Conroy, Ryan-Toye may have found a solution in the form of the

Brookfield Zoo. Conroy suggested that Ryan-Toye approach the Chicago Zoological Society to see if District 96 might be able to rent 20 spaces in the southwest corner of Brookfield Zoo’s south parking lot during the school year, when the zoo is less crowded during the week.

Conroy noted that the zoo rents spaces in that lot to Riverside-Brookfield High School students from Oct. 1 through March 31.

RBHS Superintendent Kevin Skinkis confirmed that about 60-65 students rent spaces in the lot during that six-month period.

“Would that be a viable option?” Conroy asked.

Ryan-Toye said she would approach zoo officials about a possible arrangement, and late last week a spokeswoman for the Chicago Zoological Society said that Ryan-Toye and CZS President and CEO Stuart Strahl were working on a potential deal.

“He has been in contact with the superintendent,” said Sondra Katzen, the zoo’s director of public relations. “They are in conversations and are working toward a solution.”

At the present time, Hollywood School staff park in a small lot behind the building, just north of the property owned by the Hollywood Citizens Association, with whom District 96 is negotiating a lease agreement for use of land north and west of the Holly-

wood Community House.

The school district initially offered to buy the entire property and knock down the Hollywood House to accommodate a parking lot, separate play area and a planned addition to Hollywood School.

The Hollywood Citizens Association countered with a lease offer for land north and west of Hollywood House – with a condition that it can’t be used to increase onsite parking.

The two entities are trying to come to an agreement on some sort of lease deal and say they’re optimistic.

But an agreement along the lines of the HCA proposal really doesn’t solve Hollywood School’s parking issue.

Ryan-Toye told village officials that the school district was flexible with respect to the number of on-street parking spaces, but they said they preferred a solution that didn’t involve putting cars along the east side of Hollywood Avenue, where it gets congested enough during student drop-off and pickup times.

At the very least, village officials didn’t appear receptive to any on-street parking directly in front of Hollywood School, which would eliminate about eight spaces.

“It’s congested as it is now, and if we allow parking there, you’d imagine double parking and kids cutting in between cars,” said Police Chief Edward Petrak. “It just doesn’t

seem like a safe thing to do.”

Trustees generally agreed that the school district should make the attempt to work out an arrangement with the zoo before seeking the village’s help to solve the problem with on-street parking.

“I don’t think there’s going to be too many days where the zoo is packed on a school day from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. during those months,” said Trustee Michael Garvey. “I’d like to see them approached. … It always seems like we’re the parking solution for RB and everyone else, but we have residents over there whose lives are impacted.”

Trustee Katie Kaluzny wondered if it might be possible to allow staff to park on Hollywood Avenue in what is now the grass parkway on the east side of the street, although she expressed concern about eliminating greenspace in the process.

Such an arrangement, similar to the situation at Brook Park School, would eliminate some of the safety concerns surrounding drop-off and pickup.

But Garvey reiterated his preference, supported by fellow trustees, that the zoo option appeared the best one.

“I’d like to see other options excluded first,” Garvey said. “[Renting spots from the zoo] would be the best solution for safety, for our residents and I think it would solve the school’s problem.”

10

The Landmark, December 18, 2019

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Head-on crash after driver blacks out on First Ave. A 73-year-old Carol Stream woman sustained serious injuries after she reportedly lost consciousness behind the wheel of her 2000 Acura, which was southbound on First Avenue at Waubansee Road in Riverside on Dec. 9 at 11:12 a.m., and crashed head-on into a northbound vehicle.

The impact of the crash sent both cars spinning out of control, with the Acura hurtling down an embankment and landing in a wooded area just west of the Des Plaines River. The other vehicle, a 2015 Ford Flex, came to rest in the middle of the roadway, which was littered with debris from both vehicles, said police.

Paramedics transported the driver of the Acura to Loyola University Medical Center. The other driver was also injured, according to police, but they did not disclose the extent of those injuries other than to say they were “less critical.”

Police later learned that the driver of the Acura lost consciousness possibly due to her pacemaker, “which she stated seemed not to be operating properly before the crash,” according to a police press release.

First Avenue was shut down between Ogden Avenue and Parkview Road for about 45 minutes, while police investigated the incident and removed the vehicles and crews cleaned up the roadway.

Riverside police cited the driver of the Acura with driving in the wrong lane, damage to public property and driving an uninsured motor vehicle.

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Brookfield police continue to investigate the burglary of a home in the 4100 block of Arthur Avenue, which took place between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Dec. 9.

One of the victims told police that the house was secure when it was last seen intact at 9 a.m. At 3 p.m., the rear door was ajar and the interior of the home had been ransacked, with several items taken.

Police said they could find no signs of forced entry, but observed that items were strewn throughout the living room and two bedrooms. Among the items reported missing were Dell and Asus laptop computers, a Nikon camera, a Nintendo Switch, two external computer hard drives, a GoPro camera, a 40-inch Samsung TV, an Apple Watch and $950 in cash.

According to police, a nearby surveillance camera showed two men walking down the south gangway to the home at about 9:40 a.m. on Dec. 9. One of the victims also told police that on Dec. 10, his cellphone got an alert that his Apple Watch had been turned on, but was later turned off and was unable to be tracked.

Vehicle break-ins ■ A resident of the 3600 block of Grand Boulevard called police to report that during the overnight hours of Dec. 9-10 someone broke the passenger side vent window of his work van, gained entry and removed a Samsung Galaxy S9 cellphone and two bags containing cordless drills.

According to police, a security camera captured a burglary at about 2:15 a.m. on Dec. 10.

A vehicle is seen pulling behind the van before a man gets out, breaks the window with an unknown object and then enters the front passenger compartment and rear cargo area.

■ North Riverside police responded to the parking lot at Kohl’s, 2200 Harlem Ave., on Dec. 13 at about 12:45 p.m. after a 55-yearold Broadview resident called to report that someone had entered his unlocked 2012 Buick and removed a Dell laptop computer.

The following day, police responded to Petco, 2204 Harlem Ave., for a report of a suspicious package left in a trash can in the restroom. The bag contained the laptop stolen from the Buick.

■ A 21-year-old Chicago man called police on Dec. 14 to report that between 5:10 and 6:30 p.m. someone had broken into his gray Infiniti Q50, which was parked in the lot at North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 Cermak Road.

■ The offender reportedly broke out the rear driver’s side window to gain entry and removed eight pairs of Jordan #11 shoes and seven pairs of Yeezy shoes. The estimated value of the shoes was $3,300.

Telephone scam A 63-year-old Brookfield woman contacted police on Dec. 13 to report that she had been the victim of a telephone scam.

The victim told police she’d received multiple calls from someone claiming they were from ComEd and that her electric service would be cut off unless she paid $395 in service charges immediately.

The caller told the victim to purchase Green Dot cash cards totaling that amount and then give the caller the redemption codes. After loading a card with $400 at CVS and passing along the information, the victim was instructed to purchase another $640 in cards, at which time a store employee alerted the woman to what was happening.

These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Riverside, North Riverside and Brookfield police departments, Dec. 9-15, 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

The Landmark, December 18, 2019

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The Landmark, December 18, 2019

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

TEAM EFFORT: Natalie Barragan, a student in Jessica Mauritzen’s Spanish 2 class at RBHS, grabs a bag of toys to deliver to the WGN Morning News’ annual toy drive on Dec. 13 in Chicago. The class raised about 500 items after their week-long effort.

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with the name of WGN morning news reporter Ana Belaval on the front and WGN Morning News co-anchor Robin Baumgarten on the back.

Barragan is a student in Jessica Mauritzen’s Spanish 2 class at RBHS. Mauritzen started the toy drive after hearing about it only the week before from Principal Hector Freytas. She thought would be a great service project for her Spanish 2 students.

But the effort quickly expanded beyond Mauritzen’s Spanish 2 classes, with the entire school community getting involved.

The RBHS Student Association, the Best Buddies Club and RBTV students, among others, began collecting toys.

“It’s really been phenomenal,” Mauritzen said. “The kids have been participating, the staff has been participating, the community has been donating toys. They’re all new, unwrapped toys. It’s been a really moving, very emotional experience for me.”

RBHS students and staff, with help from community members, collected approximately $800 and about 500 toys, which they delivered the WGN studios on the northwest side of Chicago.

The toys included Legos, dolls, board games and stuffed animals. The toys will be distributed to needy families by the Chicago Park District.

Accompanying the students to the WGN Studios were Mauritzen, Freytas and RBTV Director Gary Prokes who brought some of his students, who had a chance to talk to WGN personalities.

The RBHS contingent collected the toys in less than a week. After hearing about the toy drive from Mauritzen on Dec. 9, senior Noelle Harazin, a Spanish 3 student, came up with the idea of doing a penny pinch competition among Mauritzen’s and Jill McGrath’s Spanish classes. The class rais-

ing the most money would be treated to a doughnut breakfast by their teacher.

“Each class is given a container or a bag and they throw loose change in or however much they’re willing to put,” Harazin said.

The contest took off, with some students carrying their class’ bag or envelope around the building, asking for donations in an effort to raise more money.

“It just kind of completely exploded, in a good way too,” Harazin said. “It really was this huge group effort.”

After school on Dec. 12, Harazin took the coins and bills that had been contributed to the First National Bank of Brookfield to get large bills. When all the coins and bills were counted a teller started peeling off $100 bills to give to Harazin.

It turned out that the students had collected $685.97, an amount that was far more than Harazin had thought was possible.

“I got in my car and started crying,” Harazin said. “That’s crazy; I mean the idea that a few classes can do something like that. It just felt unreal.”

It was more money than Harazin had ever carried around in her life. After composing herself, Harazin drove right over to the Five Below store at North Riverside Park Mall to buy toys. After loading up there she then went to the Walmart in Forest Park.

“I bought out Walmart and Five Below,” Harazin said. “They have great toys.”

She made a conscious effort to look for toys for older boys, a group that she said is sometimes ignored in toy drives.

“I tried really hard to get the board games and the card games, like the 12-year-old boy toys that were a little more difficult,” Harazin said, noting that she bought a Twister game designed to be played blindfolded.

On Friday morning, Spanish 2 students and RBTV students loaded all the toys into a bus and then headed to WGN to deliver the toys.

“The RB community, staff and students surpassed all of my hopes for the toy drive and just made me thankful to be a Bulldog,” Mauritzen said in an email. “It was a fun and unique experience.”

The Landmark, December 18, 2019

15

AFTERCARE

developed to meet their expectations,�

Kuzniewski said.

School board member Meaghan McAteer said the school board is responding to the n n desires of parents for the school district to Fu Fu from page 1 offer its own program. y ily “The community has asked for it,� McA- il m m Park School, which is in LaGrange Park but teer said. “There’s a consensus that we needa Fa F serves many students who live in Brook- another option.� field.

St. Louise School Principal Ann Mahay Ferrari, who began working for the vil- declined to comment when asked about how lage of Brookfield in 2018, says she has a a new program would affect the St. Louise lot of experience working in proprogram, which serves about grams designed to care for kids 180 kids on a weekly basis, alafter school. though 256 have used the pro“I have run pretty extensive gram at some time this year. before- and aftercare programs The St. Louise program is with Lockport Park District,� open from 3 to 6 p.m. and chargFerrari said noting that she ran es by the hour: $8 an hour for a program that served more than one child, $11 an hour for two 600 kids from 13 different schools children and $13 an hour for across six different school disthree or more children. tricts. “I consider before- and afKuzniewski said that he ter-school care programming and thought a District 95 program camps my wheelwell.� would charge a little more than un n She said that she also worked that.

F u un F y F l for the Joliet Park District when “I don’t think it will be signifii ily am ily they started a before- and aftercantly more,� Kuzniewski said. m F school care program. am Ferrari said if the Brookfield Fa F MARK KUZNIEWSKI “I know what it takes to run Recreation Department gets a District 95 Supt. a quality program, and I know contract to run the program, it what kind of impact it has for would aim to have a staff-to-kid families and programming,� Ferratio of 1 to 10. rari said.

Ferrari also said that if the District 95 does not offer an recreation department runs the after-school program, but the program, it would charge the district has decided to explore ofsame price to all attendees no fering its own aftercare program matter where they live.

NEWAPPLICATIONS MEMBER APPLICATIONS ARE NEW MEMBER ARE after some parents expressed “For this after school prodissatisfaction with the aftercare program gram there wouldn’t be village and non-vilNOW BEING ACCEPTED NOW BEING ACCEPTED that has long been offered at St. Louise De lage resident rates,� Ferrari said.

Marillac School. Many Brook Park students The Recreation Department would not try attend the St. Louise aftercare program. to make money on the program. in @riversideswimclub.net in @riversideswimclub.net This fall, District 95 Superintendent Mark “We want to make sure we keep it affordKuzniewski held two forums with parents to able to families,� Ferrari said.

708-595-9036 708-595-9036 discuss aftercare programs and heard conOrganizations have until Jan. 27 to subwww.riversideswimclub .net cerns about the St. Louise program. www.riversideswimclub .net mit proposals to District 95 to operate a proMany parents seem dissatisfied with gram. the St. Louise program, including conKuzniewski said that if the school district cerns about a high student-to-staff ratio. begins an after-care program it would be difKuzniewski said that many parents these ficult to end it. days expect elementary school districts to “We’re at a crossroads because for a offer a robust aftercare program. long time St. Louise has filled the void.� “I don’t know if St. Louise’s model has Kuzniewski said.

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The Landmark, December 18, 2019

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18

The Landmark, December 18, 2019

The Landmark, December 18, 2019

P R O P E R T Y

T R A N S F E R S

Riverside remodel sells for $870,000

The following property transfers were reported by the Cook County Recorder of Deeds from October 2019. Where addresses appear incomplete, for instance where a unit number appears missing, that information was not provided by the recorder of deeds.

Brookfield ADDRESS

PRICE

SALE DATE

SELLER

BUYER

8819 Gerritsen Ave.

$325,000

9/30/2019

Lesivv, Sylvester N

Vitaliia, Feshchak

3720 Woodside Ave.

$184,000

9/11/2019

MN Grp LLC

Morales, Maria G Gomez

9408 Henrietta Ave.

$168,000

9/24/2019

Benjamin, Patrick D

Crenshaw, Benjamin James

3246 Raymond Ave.

$254,000

9/27/2019

Metsger, Julie

Starovich, Taylor

3440 Prairie Ave.

$397,000

9/09/2019

Kunas, Eric R

Chae, Jung Swk

4141 Park Ave.

$382,500

9/30/2019

K & G Contr Inc

Alberico, Matthew Marc

9535 31st St.

$165,000

9/24/2019

Mikonis, Jonas

Pita, Irma Gonzalez

9526 Henrietta Ave.

$149,000

9/27/2019

Morgan, Bertie

Calderon, Efrain

3539 Vernon Ave.

$205,500

10/07/2019

Judicial Sales Corp

Pete Highland Rlty Ltd

4505 Maple Ave.

$480,000

10/07/2019

Planic, Dennis C

Swidzinski, DawidW

3521 Cleveland Ave.

$228,000

8/29/2019

Quick, Gregory

3829 Kemman Ave.

$7,000

9/19/2019

3721 Prairie Ave., Unit 205 $106,000 3122 Elm Ave.

211 Parkview Rd., Riverside

North Riverside ADDRESS

PRICE

SALE DATE

SELLER

BUYER

2433 8th Ave.

$257,500

9/27/2019

Rasmussen, Teresita

Villasenor, Lily

2230 7th Ave.

$109,000

9/12/2019

Samuel, Janet M TR

Farina, Joseph

2322 15th Ave.

$195,000

8/14/2019

First Midwest Bk TR 3764

Di Battista, Anthony

2305 8th Ave.

$292,500

10/08/2019

Fenton, Jacqueline MTR

Keeley, Louis L

2938 Desplaines Ave.

$182,000

10/01/2019

Woldman, Patricia L

Kolovitz, Marla Golden

2200 Lathrop Ave.

$252,000

10/04/2019

Diaz, Raul Ruiz, Confesor

Tolen, Dominic N

8107 30th St.

$265,000

10/15/2019

Thompson, Andrew B

Soto, Andrew

Wheeler Fin Inc

Judkins, John

2216 Forest Ave.

$280,000

10/22/2019

Carmona, Jose

Vidales, Victor

10/10/2019

Blank, Philomena

Orzech, Brandon Michael

2219 Burr Oak Ave.

$292,000

10/28/2019

Filca, Cheorghe

Garcia, Christopher

Unknown

9/17/2019

Intercounty Judicial Sales Corp

Federal Home Loan Mtg Corp

2332 Hainsworth Ave.

$248,000

10/25/2019

Koc, Zdzislaw Guerrero, Jamie D

8813 44th Pl.

$228,500

10/10/2019

Mitchell, Melissa J

Garcia, Hector D

3721 Morton Ave.

$257,500

10/11/2019

Plautz, Celeste A

Stevens, Zachary Adam

3124 Elm Ave.

$290,000

10/11/2019

Volanti, Kenneth

Miller, Nicholas J

367 Blythe Rd.

$495,000

9/23/2019

Senese Jr, Frank A

Gehring, Chad

9432 Henrietta Ave.

$285,000

10/15/2019

Cieslak, Scott TR

Rodriguez, Catherine

435 Selborne Rd.

$239,000

9/02/2019

Thorp, Marcie

Chicago Title Land Trust Co

9230 Broadway Ave.

$425,000

10/18/2019

V & R Inv LLC

Yang, Alexander

35 N. Delaplaine Rd.

$365,000

9/30/2019

O’Keefe, Richard P

Rio, Brad

9012 30th St.

Unknown

10/10/2019

Intercounty Judicial Sales Corp

US Bk

211 Parkview Rd.

$870,000

9/27/2019

Straka, Penelope M

Comer, Colin

4235 Park Ave.

230,000

10/21/2019

Mahn, Pamela A

Yoder, Joseph P

207 W. Quincy St., Unit 2 $140,000

9/30/2019

Kleyweg, Donald Jr

Kaminski, Gail

4241 Sunnyside Ave.

$200,000

9/11/2019

Vasic, Stefana

Wyman, Kendyl

256 Bartram Rd.

$530,000

10/03/2019

Connor, CatherineV

Umbricht, David E

3411 Grand Blvd.

$160,000

10/25/2019

US Bk TR

KRI Dev LLC

305 Desplaines Ave.

$400,000

10/04/2019

Riverside Remodel Serv Inc

Bates, Zachary

90 S. Herbert Rd.

$487,000

10/05/2019

Talapin, Dmitri V

Zupancic, Daniel F

3146 Harrison Ave.

$120,000

10/22/2019

Polaski, David J

Grandview Cap LLC

576 Selborne Rd.

$540,000

10/10/2019

Keithley, Kevin

Wasz, Michael

3210 Grand Blvd.

$184,000

10/21/2019

Mata, Jeanette

Rieckmann, Derek

296 Herrick Rd.

$235,000

10/18/2019

Schrier, Jeffrey TR

Rinaldi, Donald P Jr

3518 Oak Ave.

$35,000

10/10/2019

Crosstown Bldrs Inc

SLT Inv Grp Inc

173 E. Burlington St.

$110,500

9/20/2019

Prof-2013-M4 LegalTitle Trust II

Cui, Yan

Riverside

19

20

The Landmark, December 18, 2019

Opinion KOSEY CORNER

THE LANDMARK VIEW

B

Going slow a good choice

rookfield officials are right to have pumped the brakes on applying for a state grant that could help fund the construction of a new or radically altered existing recreational facility.

Last week, village staff approached the village board to see if trustees would support an application to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for a grant of up to $2.5 million to fund 75 percent of a project to either build a new community rec center in Ehlert Park or do a major renovation of the lower level at the Brookfield Village Hall, where the rec department is headquartered and hosts some programs.

Either scenario would have required asking for the full grant amount, and the deadline for submitting that grant application was Jan. 21, 2020. Factoring in the holidays, the need for staff to convene a public forum to gather input and support and the time it would take to come up with a workable plan, members of the village board were skeptical.

In the end, trustees directed staff to scale back their plans and focus on a simpler remodel of the lower level at village hall. To have moved ahead with such direction would have been a huge mistake.

It would have seemed like a major missed opportunity to cheap out on a cosmetic fix to what for Brookfield is a real need. For years, residents have identified some sort of community center or rec center – with space for new programing for seniors and teens – as a high priority.

It would have been foolish to take a pass on obtaining up to $2.5 million to help fund the construction of a facility via a state grant that’s been offered only occasionally in the past decade.

Instead, with a little more legwork, staff learned that the village’s smaller-scale application wouldn’t have passed muster for grant funding and, more importantly, that the IDNR plans on seeking grant applications again in 2021.

That last bit of news was the clincher. Brookfield officials now have an entire year to assess what solution would be best for the village and the department, get meaningful public input and buyin and put together a grant application that won’t seem like it was hastily pulled from an architect’s rejects folder.

You don’t get too many opportunities to make these kinds of improvements, so it’s important to do it right when the opportunity arises. We’ll be interested to see the final pitch to the IDNR when the village pulls it together late next year.

Stepping up

While we’re on the subject of Brookfield and recreation programming, we’re impressed that the Brookfield Recreation Department is making its pitch to operate a proposed new aftercare program for District 95 students at Brook Park School.

A newly remodeled school building coupled with the rec department’s renewed focus on providing more services seems fortuitous.

The rec departments in both Riverside and North Riverside offer these kinds of services and its past time that Brookfield does as well.

There’s a real need for quality aftercare for Brookfield children, and it’s heartening to see the village and school district step up to the plate.

’T

The elves are hard at work

was the week before Christmas and all through the house, there is a mess.

Packages are strewn on the floor everywhere, waiting to be wrapped or, better yet, thrown in a gift bag.

There are those odd gifts that defy being wrapped because of their size and shape, so slap a sticky bow on it and it’s ready to be given. Where is the tape and scissors? Someone moved them, that mean little elf.

I’ve made my list and checked it at least twice, not being concerned as to who was naughty and who was nice. I’ll concede they are all nice if they are on my giving list.

Some gifts were easy to find others not so much.

Boy, do I miss Toys R Us! A game called Pie in the Face or something like that? What kind of game is that? One I don’t think this Grammy will be playing. I need to hold on to the gift cards -- I put them

in my purse – or they may not be found until after New Year’s.

Seriously, it is not as bad as I seem to be making it. Today I will complete this column, regroup and set out tomorrow to assault my chosen shops and finish what is called holiday shopping.

Got the holiday greeting cards to send out. A little elf told me I will be getting a printer for Christmas, which means that next year I can send out a Christmas letter. I better do some good things so I will have something to write.

There are also those who use the season as a time for giving not just gifts, but of themselves, and feel better for it.

It is not too late to tap into that spirit. Give a call to someone you have not seen for a long time, bring a meal to someone who may not be able to get out, run an errand for someone in need. Or, how about we just be nice to each other?

JOANNE KOSEY

OBITUARIES

Jeremiah Forsell, 42

Jeremiah “Jay” Joseph Forsell, 42, of Brookfield, died on Dec. 13, 2019. He worked in the manufacturing industry.

Mr. Forsell was the husband of Lisa M. Forsell (nee Thompson); the father of Anthony J. Forsell and Ryan J. Forsell; the son of Shirley M. Forsell, JEREMIAH FORSELL (nee Dando) and the late Carl W. Forsell; the brother of Christina M. Andes; the son-in-law of Frankie Thompson and Joan Vilim; the brother-in-law of Anthony Stickel and Danny Collins Jr.; the uncle of Zachary E. Andes-Forsell, Richie A. Andes Jr., Skyla J. GrecoForsell and Tilynn N. Totton; and a cousin and friend to many.

Visitation is on Wednesday, Dec. 18 from 2 to 8 p.m. at Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 31st St. in Brookfield. All attending are encouraged to wear Chicago Bears gear. Interment will be private.

Memorials to the family appreciated.

Norbert Gersch, 87 Retired car dealership service manager Norbert J. Gersch, 87, of LaGrange Park, died on Dec. 9, 2019. Born on Sept. 30, 1932, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was retired from his job as service manager for 38 years at Van Goethem and Prast Lincoln Mercury Dealership in Countryside.

NORBERT GERSCH Mr. Gersch was the husband of Antoinette Gersch (nee Walach); the father of Laura Gersch, Tom (Susan) Gersch and Cheryl (Mike) Duffy; the grandfather of Grace, Ben and Sam Gersch; the brother of the late George (the late Kathy) Gersch Jr. and the late Eleanore (the late Raymond) Rads; and the uncle of many nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass was celebrated Dec. 13 at St. Louise de Marillac Church in LaGrange Park, with at interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside.

Hitzeman Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements.

The Landmark, December 18, 2019

OBITUARIES

John P. Kushenbach, 90 Manufacturing engineer John Philip Kushenbach, 90, of Williamstown, Massachusetts, died Saturday, Nov.30, 2019 at Berkshire Medical Center. He was born in Chicago on March 5, 1929, the son of Philip JOHN P. KUSHENBACH Joseph Kushenbach and Margaret Frances (nee Hillbrook) Kushenbach. He attended schools in both Chicago and Brookfield.

Mr. Kushenbach was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. During the Korean War, he served as an airplane mechanic on Okinawa, which fostered his lifelong passion for planes.

In his later years Mr. Kushenbach enjoyed building and flying radio-controlled airplanes with members of the Checkerboard RC Club in Forest Park. At the time of his retirement, he was employed as a manufacturing engineer in the dental handpiece industry following extensive early training as a tool and die maker.

Due to his keen mechanical mind, his family was hard-pressed to find anything he

could not fix.

After meeting at a community dance in Topeka, Kansas, he and Glenda Jane Miller were married on Aug.19, 1950. Their union endured for nearly 57 years before her death in 2007.

John and Glenda often spoke fondly of the brief time they lived in Ireland. In addition to their European travels, they crisscrossed the U.S. and Canada many times in their trusty camping trailer, Daisy.

Mr. Kushenbach is survived by his daughter, Karen Kowitz of Williamstown, and two grandchildren, Spencer (Annie) Kowitz and Marta Kowitz. He is survived by two brothers, Roger Kushenbach and Thomas Kushenbach, as well as nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, Mr. Kushenbach was predeceased by his son, J. Philip Kushenbach Jr., and his sister, Mary Jankowski.

Services have been held. Burial will take place in Illinois next spring.

Friends may make donations in his name to Soldier On of Pittsfield, an organization that provides veterans with shelter and support.

Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home, North Adams, Massachusetts, handled arrangements.

Bryan B. Miller, 20 Brookfield resident Bryan B. Miller, 20, of Brookfield, died on Dec. 12, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina.

Born on Nov. 23, 1999, he was a student studying business at the University of South Carolina, where he BRYAN B. MILLER was a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. He was an Eagle Scout, Troop 111 and a 2018 Fenwick High School graduate.

Mr. Miller was the son of Keith and Renee

(nee Bachner) Miller; the brother of Keith; grandson of Nancy Bachner; the nephew of Theresa and Robert Esposito, Barb and Al Boyd and Pam Renaker; the cousin of Jason, Kyle, Brendon, Matthew and Becky; and a dear friend to many.

Visitation is on Wednesday, Dec. 18 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Kuratko-Nosek Funeral Home, 2447 Desplaines Ave. in North Riverside. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Dec. 19 at St. Francis Xavier Church in LaGrange. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bryan’s name would be appreciated to Hilinski’s Hope, P.O. Box 133, Ballentine, South Carolina, 29002.

Read it online at www.rblandmark.com

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22

The Landmark, December 18, 2019

Sports

@RBLandmark

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

FAST BREAK: RBHS senior Nate Schoditsch (No. 25) runs the fast break against Chicago Christian. Schoditsch finished the night with seven assists.

RBHS falls to Chicago-Christian 66-61 Bulldogs spilt weekend matchups

By LAUREN RECCHIA Contributing Reporter

Riverside-Brookfield kept things close against a tough Chicago Christian team, but it was the Knights that came out on top and hand the Bulldogs their first conference loss of the season.

The Bulldogs (5-3, 1-1) were edged out 66-61 at RiversideBrookfield on Dec. 13. With RBHS down 56-54 with 3:05 to play in the game, sophomore wing JP Hanley tied the game with a shot from the right. Senior point guard Nate Schoditsch then drove to the basket on the Bulldogs’ next

possession and made his shot from the right to give the Bulldogs a 58-56 lead with 2:47 to go.

“I really just wanted to win, and I thought we needed to bring the pressure up to get ahead,” Hanley said. “It was really essential that we did that.”

The Bulldogs would keep their lead alive with just under two minutes to play in the game, as senior wing Paul Zilinskas put in a shot after nabbing an offensive rebound from Schoditsch’s shot attempt to put RBHS up 60-58. Chicago Christian would then tie the game once more with consecutive free throws from junior guard Phoenix Smith. The free throws were the start of the Knights’ 8-1 run to end the game and seal their victory.

“Chicago Christian is a good team and they have some great players,” Reingruber said. “But we didn’t play our

brand of basketball.”

Senior wing Jack Stivers led the way for the Bulldogs with 12 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, while Hanley tallied 11 and Zilinskas put up 10 points and led the team with 10 rebounds. Senior point guard Luke Gentile dished out a teamhigh 6 assists, while Schoditsch had 5 assists to go with his 8 points.

“Our shooting was a positive,” Hanley said. “Shooting, passing and getting the ball moving a bit.”

The Bulldogs opened their scoring in the fourth quarter with a 13-6 run, as senior guard Ryan Gaynor drained a three-point shot from the left with 6:30 left to play in the game to get his team within five points. Senior forward See BULLDOGS on page 23

S P O R T S

The Landmark, December 18, 2019

23

LTHS girls hoops back on track

BULLDOGS Nail biter

from page 22 Jamir Truman followed with a layup from the left, and after Knights junior small forward Tommy Schaaf scored on a layup, Hanley put up back to back three-point shots from the left to continue RBHS’ run. The run was capped off by a tip-in by Schoditsch to give the Bulldogs a 54-53 lead with 3:29 to play in the game.

“It was a close game, and we always believe we can win,” said Reingruber. “We always teach competitiveness here, and when it’s a couple possession game there’s never a doubt that we can come back. I want guys playing with confidence, and [Hanley] does that.”

Down 42-36 with 3:20 to play in the third, the Bulldogs kept things close again as Schoditsch put up a layup from the left to get RiversideBrookfield within four points. He would then cap off the Bulldogs’ scoring in the third quarter with a shot from the middle with 27 seconds left to end the third quarter trailing 45-41.

The Bulldogs still have many conference games to gain plenty of ground, and they know they’re still capable of making a big run against some tough teams as they keep working even harder.

“We’ll definitely focus on offensive rebounding, toughness, and playing harder,” Hanley said.

“The last two games, we’ve been out-toughed,” Reingruber said. “Teams have been getting too many offensive rebounds on us and we’ve had too many turnovers, and those are two areas you need to excel at if you want to win. You have to control the glass and take care of the ball. We didn’t do those things tonight, but I know our guys can.”

While the Bulldogs couldn’t fend off Chicago Christian, they did bounce back on Dec. 14 against De Le Salle in the Team Rose Shootout at Mt. Carmel High School. Zilinskas poured in 17 points while John Paul Hanley stepped up with 11 points. Meehan and Hanley had 5 rebounds respectively while Meehan dished out 7 assists.

CHICAGO CHRISTIAN 66 RBHS 61 TEAM STATS

RBHS Chicago Christian FG% 44.4% 44.6% 3PFG% 38.9% 35.3% FT% 50.0% 58.8% Assists 13 12 Rebounds 31 42 Steals 8 8 Seconds Chance Points 2 15 Points in the Paint 32 30 Transition Points 14 14 Turnovers 13 13

RBHS LEADERS Points Rebounds Assists Steals 3-Point FG

Jack Stivers Paul Zilinskas Luke Gentile Luke Gentile Ryan Gaynor

12 10 6 4 3

Photos by SHANEL ROMAIN

SLASHER: LTHS’ Maddie Cranny (No. 22) drives towards the basket in the Lions win over Downers Grove North on Dec. 14.

Lions star returns in win vs. Trojans

By JAMES KAY Sports Editor

Ten minutes before the start of the conference matchup between Downers Grove North and Lyons Township high schools on Dec. 14, Lily Collier didn’t know if she was going to make her return to the floor.

In the opening minutes of the first game of the season, she sprained her ankle and has nursed the injury that sidelined her during the Lions’ rough start to the season.

Right before game time, Collier received a call from her mother who said that she was cleared to play by her doctor.

“I had no idea that morning if I was going to play,” said Collier. “I was excited to get back out there. It’s been hard watching from the bench, but we have really jelled together and pulled out a nice win tonight.”

In 22 minutes of action off the bench, Collier fueled the Lions (4-5) to a 44-42 win over the Trojans (8-3). She provided 12 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. LTHS guard Elli Kosanovich put up 11 points

and collected four rebounds and three assists while Lindsey Hahn and Hailey Markworth combined for 18 points.

“It kind of was [like LTHS’ first game],” said Lions head coach Meghan Hutchens on getting Collier back. “I told the team ‘Lily is an amazing player but we can’t rely on her to do everything. We have to continue to do the things we have done up to this point and Lily will find her game.”

Lions’ path to victory The Lions shut down DGN in the first half by stifling the Trojans with their physicality. After one half, the Trojans only put up 13 points with LTHS using double-team rotations to silence their conference foe’s offense.

The Trojans made more half-court shots during halftime than they made 3-pointers in the first 16 minutes of the game.

That cold streak ended as LTHS saw its lead shrink after DGN sunk its first three 3-point attempts of the second half to tie the game up at 22. The Lions countered the Trojan’s comeback efforts when Hahn found Markworth in the right corner.

Markworth buried a three to retake the lead. Another corner three from Kosanovich with 3.6 seconds left in the quarter gave the Lions a 32-24 lead heading

into the final eight minutes.

DGN and LTHS traded 3-point blows in the first six minutes of the fourth before Trojans’ captain Ellie Gross took contact going down the lane and hit a floater off the backboard to cut the LTHS lead to 40-36.

Hahn hit two free throws with 18.6 seconds left in the game to give the Lions a 44-41 cushion. On the next possession, DGN made the mistake of drawing a foul at the rim instead of going for the tie with a 3-point attempt. The Trojans would make one of two free throws but at that point there wasn’t enough time to catch the Lions.

Post-game Hahn and Gross had developed a rivalry dating back to last year. Hahn admitted after the game that taking out DGN was an added bonus on top of the win.

“It’s the best feeling,” said Hahn. “I don’t like any of them really, but honestly having Lily back was huge for us and it was a great team win. Everyone played well on defense and we weren’t rushed on offense. They are known for having a good defense and I think we kept our composure.”

LTHS will try to build off their fresh start against Oak Park and River Forest on Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. in Oak Park.

24

S P O R T S

The Landmark, December 18, 2019

Fenwick football coach brings modern approach Highlights from Battaglia introductory meeting

By JAMES KAY Sports Editor

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

HEAD FIRST: LTHS lost to OPRF 112-73 on Dec. 13 in a dual meet at home.

LTHS swimmers fall to OPRF in dual meet

Lions relying on youth to start the season

By JAMES KAY Sports Editor

Lyons Township High School’s boys swim team hosted Oak Park and River Forest’s squad on Dec. 13 for its third meet of the season. The Lions lost 112-73 to the Huskies, but LTHS coach Erin Rodriguez wasn’t focused on the final result compared to the progress made early on this season.

“It was a tough meet,” said Rodriguez.

“They have some really talented swimmers and they have been a younger team the last few years, so those boys are now juniors and seniors. While we ended up losing, the boys swam well and had some of their season bests which helps us keep perspective at this point in the season.”

Quinn Collins (freshman), A.J. Vitek (sophomore), Jack Wanless (sophomore) and Aidan Foley (sophomore) are getting their first taste of being on varsity this year. The team lost Michael Walsh, who won four medals at state last year, to graduation and didn’t have Jack Thorell versus OPRF. Thorell was absent this past week participating at an event in Washington with his club team.

LTHS has been on a roll in recent years, finishing first overall at the ISHA state finals in 2016 and 2017, second in 2018 and fifth in 2019.

“We have a lot of new faces, which is exciting since we have had a lot of the same boys stepping up for our program,” said Rodriguez. “This year, a lot of sophomore and juniors are going to be stepping up and it’ll be interesting to see how they take it and how they react and contribute to the team this season.”

Vitek won the 100 yard backstroke (57.62 seconds) and senior Mitchell Johnson finished first in the 100 yard breaststroke (1:02.80) in the Lions’ lone wins on the day.

On OPRF’s end, the program has seen its fair share of LTHS success the past few years and recognizes what it takes to compete against Rodriguez’s squad.

“It’s a west suburban conference meet which means you are going up against some of the best in the state,” said OPRF’s head coach Clyde Lundgren. “When you roll into Lyons Township on a Friday night, you know you have your work cut out for you.”

OPRF’s Benjamin Guerrero won the 200 yard freestyle (1:47.35); Frank Tirone came in first in the 100 yard butterfly (54.32) and the 50 yard freestyle (21.50); and Will Raidt placed first in the 200 yard individual medley (2:00.85) and 500 yard freestyle (4:42.83).

The Lions will face Glenbard West on Dec. 20 at home at 5 p.m. They follow that meet up with Marmion Academy High School’s invitational that will take place on Dec. 21.

The two programs won’t face each other again this season unless they spar in the playoffs next February.

Sporting a fresh black and white Fenwick long-sleeve shirt, Matt Battaglia was greeted by Friar nation on Nov. 11 before being publicly introduced as the program’s next football head coach.

He shook hands with members of the community in the auditorium before Athletic Director Scott Thies gave a five-minute speech going over Battaglia’s football career as a player and coach. Battaglia followed Thies with a 15-slide PowerPoint presentation. Here are the highlights from the night:

The team is going to play fast Battaglia lit up talking about the new scheme he wants to implement into the offense. He declared “[Fenwick] is going to light up the scoreboard” with similar offensive concepts that he has learned at Kent State University, where he is an offensive line coach now.

At the end of the presentation, Battaglia gave everyone a taste of what the offense could look like by showing highlights from Kent State’s offense. Titled “the sizzle reel,” the footage showed a dynamic system that relied on efficiency and speed.

This could benefit sophomore quarterback Kaden Cobb as he develops at the position as a junior next year. Cobb is at his best when he makes quick decisions within the pocket and sometimes struggles with turning the ball over when he is pressured and tries to extend plays.

Under Battaglia, Cobb could go from being a tantalizing dual-threat prospect to establishing himself as a future college quarterback who can run modern offenses.

Preparing players for the next level Speaking of developing high school talent, Battaglia emphasized that one of his coaching strengths is preparing his players for the next level. He referenced his time as an offensive lineman at Northern Illinois University and the experience he

gained as an assistant coach at Marist High School, St. Francis High School and Kent State for reasons why he knows how to navigate the recruitment process.

“I know all these little details that a lot of people take for granted,” said Battaglia.

“I want to pass on this knowledge I have to your sons so they can get to the next level.”

Pettigrew’s status unknown After taking over as the interim head coach before the start of the 2019 playoffs, Titcus Pettigrew’s status as the defensive coordinator is unknown.

According to Thies, Battaglia has called everyone in the program to see how they would fit in with his new system. Thies is going to let Battaglia pick his staff but spoke highly of Pettigrew as a teacher and coach (he is an assistant coach for the boys basketball team).

Pettigrew said after Fenwick’s loss to Hillcrest in the second round of the IHSA 5A playoffs that he would “gladly accept” the head coaching position if he was offered it. He is well-respected by the players and handled the late season coaching change with grace. It will be interesting to see what happens with his status as Battaglia pieces together his coaching staff.

Battaglia’s official start date Battaglia has business to finish up at Kent State before he gets his hands dirty with Fenwick football. Kent State plays Utah State in the Frisco Bowl on Dec. 20.

Battaglia will start working as Fenwick’s assistant athletic director on Dec. 23.

He will also lead open workouts for anyone in the program on Dec. 30, Dec. 31 and Jan. 2. The times of these workouts have yet to be determined.

“I still have to figure out how to get in this building and get around half the time,” Battaglia joked. “I have gotten lost so many times already.”

Friars moving forward after 2016 incident There have been rumblings about whether Fenwick would conduct an investigation into the incident that forced former head coach Gene Nudo out of a job.

Thies isn’t aware of an investigation if one is happening and Fenwick’s president, the Rev. Richard Peddicord, could not be reached for comment. It appears that Fenwick is moving on from what took place in 2016.

The Landmark, December 18, 2019

RBLANDMARK.COM New local ads this week

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Cultural Events Coordinator (Chicago, IL) Plan, dvlp, & coord Kyrgyz cultural, social, religious & educational events; entertain & educate Kyrgyz American community through these events & promote links btwn Kyrgyz community living in the US & abroad; implmt the organizations cultural dvlpmt projects; coord svcs for events; monitor event activities to ensure compliance w/ applicable regulations & laws; prep staff work scheds & perform personnel functions such as selection, training & evaluation; publicize events & promote sponsorships.

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DRIVER PART TIME - ASAP Local Company looking for part time driver/receiving clerk. Must be drug free & have valid IL DL. Must be able to lift 75Lbs. Hrs 7am to 1pm. EOE $12/hr email resume HR@sievertelectric.com HUMAN RESOURCE COORDINATOR The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Human Resource Coordinator in the Human Resources Department.

The ideal candidate will have a high level of customer service skills, Will provide routine to complex office, clerical, and administrative tasks.

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. This position is open until filled. Applications will be accepted until December 20, 2019.

TEACHER AND TEACHER AIDE MINI ME BUNCH seeks teacher and teacher aide to enhance and expand daycare serving children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Teacher must have at least AAS in Early Childhood Education. Minimum 1 year experience preferred in each position.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE IOWA JUVENILE COURT FOR DES MOINES COUNTY IN THE INTEREST OF E.S., CHILDREN No. JVJV005651 ORIGINAL NOTICE

) ) )

TO: ALL PUTATIVE FATHERS OF THE ABOVE-NAMED CHILD, BORN ON MAY 21, 2010 IN OAK PARK, ILLINOIS You are notified that there is now on file in the office of the clerk of court for Des Moines County, a petition in case number JVJV005651 which prays for a termination of your par-

ent-child relationship. For further details, contact the clerk’s office at 319-753-8272. The State of Iowa’s attorney is Erin E. Stensvaag, Assistant County Attorney, 100 Valley Street, Burlington, Iowa 52601, (319)753-8209.

You are notified that there will be a hearing on the petition to terminate parental rights before the Iowa District Court for Des Moines County, at the Courthouse in Burlington, Iowa, on January 30th, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.

Note: The attorney who is expected to represent the child’s parent(s) should be promptly advised by the parent(s) of the service of this notice.

IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN COURT DUE TO A DISABILITY, CALL THE DISABILITY COORDINATOR AT 641684-6502. PERSONS WHO ARE HEARING OR SPEECH IMPAIRED MAY CALL RELAY IOWA TTY (1800-735-2942). DISABILITY COORDINATORS CANNOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE.

Published in Wednesday Journal 12/11, 12/18, 12/25/2019

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION DOCKET NUMBER: PC 19-08 - Planned Development HEARING DATE: January 9, 2020 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits.

LOCATION OF HEARING: Room 201 (Council Chambers), Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302 APPLICANT(S): GLPE, LLC, 1259 W. Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60607 OWNER(S) OF RECORD: Margaret and Stephen Mudjer, 15W700 81st Street, Burr Ridge, IL 60527 SUBJECT PROPERTY ADDRESSES: 435-451 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302 LEGAL DESCRIPTION: PARCEL 1: LOT 25 (EXCEPT THE WEST 51 ½ FEET) IN BLOCK 8 IN S. T. GUNDERSON AND SON’S ADDITION TO OAK PARK, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE EAST ½ OF LOT 4 IN THE SUBDIVISION OF SECTION 18, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL

MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. PARCEL 2: THE WEST 51 ½ FEET OF LOT 25 IN BLOCK 8 IN S. T. GUNDERSON AND SON’S ADDITION TO OAK PARK, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE EAST ½ OF LOT 4 IN THE SUBDIVISION OF SECTION 18, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. P.I.N.s 16-18-206-001-0000 and 16-18-206-002-0000 REQUESTS: The Applicant seeks approval of a Planned Development to allow for the construction of a 48-unit apartment building with 48 first floor parking spaces within the MS-Madison Street zoning district at 5-stories tall. The Applicant is requesting zoning relief for the following; 1.) Increase in density from 24 allowed dwelling units to a notto-exceed unit count of 48 dwelling units, 2.) Increase in height from an allowed 50 feet to a not-to-exceed height of 63 feet, 3.) A reduction in the rear yard setback from a required 25 feet to a not-to-exceed Published in Wednesday Journal 12/18/2019

RBLandmark.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com

PUBLIC NOTICES

distance of 7 feet, 4.) A reduction in rear yard landscape area width from 7 feet to a width of 3 feet, and 5.) A reduction in the required number of on-site load areas to zero (0).

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

Persons with disabilities planning to attend and needing special accommodations should contact the Village Clerk’s Office at 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, or call (708) 358-5670.

ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THESE PROCEEDINGS ARE INVITED TO BE HEARD. David Mann, Chairperson OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION, Sitting as a Zoning Commission Oak Park, Illinois 60302

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF RIVER FOREST SPECIAL SERVICE AREA NUMBER 11

LEGAL NOTICE

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PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y19002681 on November 26, 2019 Under the Assumed Business Name of JOY XOXO with the business located at: P.O. BOX 22, BERWYN, IL 60402. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: JEANITA MOORE 3512 OAK PARK AVE BERWYN, IL 60402.

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PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Village of Oak Park on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall, 123 Madison St., Oak Park, Illinois on the following matter: Cal. No. 01-20-Z: 6000-6020 Roosevelt Road, Oak Park, Illinois 60304 Property Index Numbers 16-17-331-033-0000; 16-17-331032-0000; 16-17-331-026-0000; 16-17-331-025-0000; and 16-17331-024-0000 (“Premises”) The Applicant Ampler Development LLC (“Applicant”) seeks a special use permit to operate a drive-through facility pursuant to Section 8.3 (Table 8-1: Use Matrix) and Section 5.4 (Table 5-12: RR District Use Restrictions by Building Type) of the (“Zoning Ordinance”) of the Village of Oak Park to permit an accessory drive-through facility for a freestanding Taco Bell restaurant located in the RR Roosevelt Road District at the Premises.

In addition, the Applicant seeks the following variances from the following sections of the Zoning Ordinance: 1. Section 5.4(H)(2)(b) (Table 5-9: RR District RR-T Street Frontage Options) of which requires that a building be built out to the corner of the property and that sixty percent (60%) of the street frontage along Roosevelt Road be occupied by the building. The proposed building street frontage will be approximately eleven percent (11%); and 2. Section 5.4(I)(1) (Table 5-11: RR District Required Façade Elements) of which requires that a façade’s transparency (windows on the building façade) on the side street along Humphrey Avenue shall be twenty percent (20%). The proposed transparency will be approximately two percent (2%).

All papers in connection with the above matter are on file at the Village of Oak Park and available for examination by interested parties by contacting the Zoning Administrator at 708.358.5449.

The Zoning Board of Appeals may continue the hearing to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

Published in Wednesday Journal 12/18/2019

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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on January 13, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the River Forest Village Hall, Board Room, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois, a public hearing will be held by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest to consider forming a special service area consisting of the following described property:

All interested persons affected by the formation of River Forest Special Service Area Number 11 will be given an opportunity to be heard regarding the formation of and the boundaries of Special Service Area Number 11 and may object to the formation of Special Service Area Number 11 and the levy of taxes affecting said Special Service Area Number 11.

SOUTH 1/2 OF LOT 9, ALL OF LOTS 10, 11 AND 12, AND THE VACATED ALLEY WEST OF AND ADJOINING SAID LOTS, IN BLOCK 16 IN SUBDIVISION OF BLOCKS 1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15 AND 16 IN BOUGE’S ADDITION TO OAK PARK, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 1, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS;

The purpose of the formation of River Forest Special Service Area Number 11 is to fund the Village of River Forest’s extraordinary paramedic and ambulance service costs related to the property subject to Special Service Area 11 as required by the Planned Development granted in Ordinance 3714 (“Special Services”), within said Special Service Area Number 11.

PINs: 15-01-418-015-0000, 1501-418-016-0000, 15-01-418017-0000, 15-01-418-018-0000, 15-01-418-019-0000, 15-01-418020-0000 and 15-01-418-0210000; Street Location: the west side of Harlem Avenue north of Chicago Avenue in River Forest, Cook County, Illinois; Common Addresses: 800 North Harlem Avenue, 806 North Harlem Avenue, 810 North Harlem Avenue, 814 North Harlem Avenue, 818 North Harlem Avenue, 822 North Harlem Avenue and 826 North Harlem Avenue, River Forest, Illinois 60305.

A tax levy at a rate not to exceed $7.29 per $100.00 of equalized assessed valuation of property in Special Service Area Number 11, for each year during which the Village of River Forest is required to expend funds relative to the Special Services will be considered at the public hearing. As taxes will not be levied until such time, if any, as the Village actually expends funds for the Special Services, it is currently unknown as to the actual amount of the taxes that will be levied for the initial year, if any, for which taxes will be levied within Special Service Area Number 11; however, any such initial tax levy shall not exceed the maximum tax rate as set forth above. Said tax is to be levied upon all taxable property

within the proposed Special Service Area Number 11.

At the public hearing, all persons affected by the formation of the Special Service Area Number 11, including all persons owning taxable real estate therein, will be given an opportunity to be heard. The public hearing may be adjourned by the Village President and Board of Trustees to another date without further notice, other than a motion, to be entered upon the minutes of its meeting, fixing the time and place of its adjournment and/or as otherwise required by law.

If a petition signed by at least fiftyone (51%) of the electors residing within Special Service Area Number 11 and by at least fifty-one (51%) of the owners of record of the land included within the boundaries of Special Service Area Number 11 is filed with the Village Clerk, within sixty (60) days following the final adjournment of the public hearing, objecting to the creation of Special Service Area Number 11, the enlargement thereof, the levy or imposition of a tax for the provision of the Special Services to the area, or to a proposed increase in the tax rate, said Special Service Area Number 11 may not be created or enlarged, and no tax may be levied or imposed nor the rate increased.

DATED this 18th day of December, 2019.

Kathleen Brand-White Village Clerk Village of River Forest

Published in Wednesday Journal 12/18/2019

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y19002756 on December 9, 2019 Under the Assumed Business Name of SAFE SAVINGS FOR YOU with the business located at:4003 CONGRESS STREET, BELLWOOD, IL 60104. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: MELISSA FENTRESS 4003 CONGRESS STREET BELLWOOD, IL 60104.

Published in Forest Park Review 12/18, 12/25/2019, 1/1/2020

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y19002724 on December3, 2019 Under the Assumed Business Name of KISAKIDCARE HOME DAYCARE with the business located at:1040 N AUSTIN BLVD, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: KISA ERINN MICHELLE MARX 1040 N AUSTIN BLVD OAK PARK, IL 60302.

Published in Wednesday Journal 12/18, 12/25/2019, 1/1/2020

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION CITIMORTGAGE, INC. Plaintiff, -v.JESSIE BRUMFIELD Defendants 12 CH 019546 1526 N. AUSTIN BLVD. OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 11, 2012, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 7, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1526 N. AUSTIN BLVD., OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-106-020; 16-05-106-021 The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not

to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

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

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition 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

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REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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

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

For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-12-14848 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 12 CH 019546 TJSC#: 39-7341 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 # 12 CH 019546 I3138921

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, JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite #1125, Chicago, IL, 60606 (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number 17-4977.

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

JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite #1125 Chicago IL, 60606 312-541-9710 E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com Attorney File No. 17-4977 Attorney Code. 40342 Case Number: 2017 CH 06039 TJSC#: 39-6965 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 # 2017 CH 06039 I3139454

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A MR. COOPER Plaintiff, -v.ERNEST BROWN, MELENA ASHER, DANIELLE BRIDGES, ERNEST BROWN, III, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF VERA BROWN, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, JULIE FOX, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR VERA BROWN (DECEASED) Defendants 2018 CH 08189 1114 NORTH AUSTIN BLVD OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 14, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 13, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1114 NORTH AUSTIN BLVD, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-307-0300000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each

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

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

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

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

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

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

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN

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

For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-18-06406 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2018 CH 08189 TJSC#: 39-7776 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 # 2018 CH 08189 I3140280

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST Plaintiff, -v.AMALEK VICTOR SMITH, FELICIA C. SMITH Defendants 2017 CH 06039 439 HARLEM AVENUE FOREST PARK, IL 60130 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 16, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 21, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 439 HARLEM AVENUE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130 Property Index No. 15-13-207-0190000 Vol. 163 The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $177,615.33.

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

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