Landmark Answer Book 2025

2025 Answer Book

C ONTENTS

Interim Executive Director

Max Reinsdorf

Emmy Lou Navarro passes out candy while participating in the 4th of July parade on July 4, 2024.

RIVERSIDE/BROOKFIELD

Section Editor

Lacey Sikora

Contributing Reporters

Hope Baker, Deborah Bayliss, Hector Cervantes, Katherine Frazer

Development Manager

Mary Ellen Nelligan

Design/Production Manager

Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager

Javier Govea

Designers

Susan McKelvey, Vanessa Garza

Digital Manager

Stacy Coleman

Contributing photographers

Erica Benson, Todd Bannor, Steve Johnston

Marketing & Advertising Associate

Ben Stumpe

Senior Media Strategist

Lourdes Nicholls

Circulation Manager

Jill Wagner

Senior Advisor

Dan Haley

the cover:

of Riverside and People Care enjoys participating in the 4th of July parade on July 4, 2024.

www.RBLandmark.com

On

Alberta Jacob

Photo by Erica Benson

ERICA BENSON

New Residents’ guide

Driver ’s Licenses

To receive a driver ’s license or state ID card, you must provide, in addition to a birth certificate, at least two other forms of identification that validate your name, date of birth, Illinois residency, Social Security number and a valid signature.

The nearest Secretary of State driver ’s licensing facilities are: 5301 W. Lexington St., Chicago; 1903 N. Mannheim Road, Melrose Park; and 7358 W. 87th St., Bridgeview Locations are appointment only

For questions, contact the Secretary of State’s Office by phone at (800) 252-8980.

Voter Registration Information

Registering to vote in Cook County has never been easier. If you have an Illinois driver ’s license or state ID, you can register online through the Illinois State Board of Elections at https:// ova.elections.il.gov/.

You can also register to vote in-person through your village. For information, contact:

Riverside Village Clerk: (708) 447-2700

Brookfield Village Manager: (708) 485-7344

North Riverside Village Clerk: (708) 447-4211

For more detailed voter registration information and to find your local polling place, visit the Cook County Clerk’s website at https:// www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/.

Riverside firefighter provides candy to children including Nali Del Angel and Poppy Miller of Riverside during the 4th of July parade July 4, 2024.

U.S. Congressional Districts

Riverside, Brookfield and North Riverside fall within two U.S. Congressional Districts.

Township Information

Parts of Brookfield, Riverside, North Riverside and Lyons are part of Riverside Township. Parts of North Riverside and Brookfield are part of Proviso Township A small portion of Riverside and the south half of Brookfield are part of Township of Lyons.

Emergency Numbers

General: 911

Illinois Poison Control: (800) 222-1222

Non-Emergency Numbers

Riverside Police: (708) 447-2127 Fire: (708) 447-2123

Brookfield Police: (708) 485-8131 Fire: (708) 485-0076

North Riverside Police: (708) 447-9191 Fire: (708) 447-1981

Important Phone Numbers

Village and Township Offices

■ Riverside Village Hall: (708) 447-2700

■ Brookfield Village Hall: (708) 485-7344

■ North Riverside Village Hall: (708) 447-4211

■ Riverside Township: (708) 442-4400

■ Proviso Township: (708) 449-4300

■ Township of Lyons: (708) 482-8300

Local School Districts

North Riverside

■ Komarek School District 94 (708) 447-8030

Riverside/North Riverside

■ Riverside School District 96: (708) 447-5007

Brookfield/La Grange Park

■ Brookfield-La Grange Park School District 95: (708) 485-0606

■ La Grange District 102: (708) 482-2400

■ Lyons School District 103: (708) 783-4100

■ Riverside Brookfield High School District 208: (708) 442-7500

■ Lyons Township High School District 204: (708) 579-6300

ERICA BENSON

New R esident ’s

Post Offices

Brookfield 3731 Prairie Ave. (708)485-0572

North Riverside 7300 25th St. (708)442-8207

ComEd (Electric) (Oakbrook Terrace): (800)334-7661

AT&T (Phone, Cable,Internet): (800)288-2020

Comcast (Phone, Cable, Internet): (800) 934-6489

Cook County State Agencies

La Grange Park 701 E. 31st St (708)354-4606

Attorney General Consumer Protection Bureau: (800)386-5438

Riverside 45 E. Burlington St (708)442-8207

Local Hospitals

UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale Hospital 120 N. Oak St., Hinsdale (630)856-9000

UChicago Medicine AdventHealth LaGrange Memorial Hospital 5101 Willow Springs Road, La Grange (708)245-9000

Loyola University Medical Center 2160 S. First Ave., Maywood (708)216-9000

MacNeal Hospital 3249 S. Oak Park Ave., Berwyn (708)783-9100

RUSH Oak Park Hospital 520 S. Maple Ave., Oak Park (708)383-9300

West Suburban Medical Center

3 Erie St., Oak Park (708)383-6200

Utilities

Nicor Gas (Natural Gas): (888)642-6748

Attorney General Senior Citizens Consumer Fraud Hotline: (800) 243-5377

Attorney General Military and Veterans’ Rights Hotline: (800)382-3000

Cook County Clerk’s Office: Bureau of Vital Records: (312)603-7790

Cook County Department of Public Health: (708)836-8600

Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office: (312) 603-1880

Forest Preserve District of Cook County: (800) 870-3666

Cook County Sheriff’s Police Department: (708)865-4700

Illinois Child Abuse Hotline (DCFS): (800) 252-2873

Illinois Department of Employment Security: (800)244-5631

Illinois Department ofHuman Services: (800) 843-6154

Illinois Department of Revenue: (800) 732-8866

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): (217)782-3397

U.S. Post Office Customer Service: (800) 275-8777

21 N. Delaplaine Rd., Riverside 708-447-2100 www.orlandfamilydental.com

Hours by appointment Accepting New Patients Open Evenings & Saturdays

MISSION STATEMENT

The Olmsted Society is dedicated to sustaining Olmsted's vision for Riverside for generations to come. Its members are guided by his concern for humanity, nature, sense of community & innovative and thoughtful essence of his work. The Society invites residents & visitors to join us in learning, protecting the environment & preserving our cultural & physical heritage.

ACTIVITIES/EVENTS

January Annual Meetings, Landscape Workdays, Earth Day/Arbor Day celebrations, Walking Tours, Vintage Baseball games, Hop Stop craft beer festivals, Spooktacular ghost tours, Olmsted Collection at the Riverside Public Library, and Tributes & Trees recognition program.

DUES

$35 a year and tax deductible. Members receive a quarterly e-newsletter and discounts on events (Hop Stop, walking tours, and Spooktacular tours).

Stewards of the land and Olmsted’s Plan

Chamber of Commerce

Trustee Nicole Gilhooley (left) wowed the judges with her American tango performance of “Cell Block Tango,” during Brookfield’s Dancing with the Chamber competition April 27, 2024.

Home Services - Chicago

A Available Moving Co. 9118 47th St., Ste 2

Brookfield, 60513 (708) 557-2087

A Sound Education 9433 Ogden Ave.

Brookfield, 60513 708-485-5074 asoundeducation.com

A+ Presidential Plumbing & Sewer, Inc. P.O. Box 456

Brookfield, 60513 (708) 485-8584

apluspresidentialplumbingandsewercom

Brookfield, 60513 (708) 450-0030 agents.allstate.com/ginaconley-brookfield

BEDS Plus Care, Inc. 9601 Ogden Ave. La Grange, 60525 (708) 354-0858 beds-plus.org

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

Bridgid Weber, Agent 3610 Madison Ave. Brookfield, 60513 (708) 528-3831

Denise Jareczek 35 S. Washington Hinsdale, 60521 (630) 310-9279 bhhs.com/chicago Berwyn Develoment Corporation

3322 S. Oak Park Ave. Berwyn, 60402 (708) 788-8100 www.berwyn.net

Brennan Massage & Spa 3700 Grand Blvd. Brookfield, 60513 (708) 255-5335 brennanspa.com

9213 Broadway Brookfield, 60513 (708)704-1716

BrookfieldMiniMusicians.com

Brookfield Aging Well Team

8820 Brookfield Ave. Brookfield , 60513

Brookfield Dental Studio

9201 Broadway Ave. Brookfield, 60513 (212) 809-5000 brookfielddentalstudio.com

TRENT BROWN

Chamber

Brookfield Elks Lodge #1510

9022 W. 31st St

Brookfield, 60513 (708) 387-1510

Brookfield Oral Surgery

9240 Broadway Ave.

Brookfield, 60513 708-680-7017

brookfieldoralsurgery.com

Brookfield Zoo/Chicago Zoological Society

3300 Golf Rd.

Brookfield, 60513 (708) 688-8400 czs.org

Cantata Adult Life Services

8700 West 31st St.

Brookfield, 60513 (708) 485-1155 cantata.org

Celestial Oasis Energy Spa

1032 S. La Grange Rd., Unit 6 La Grange, 60525 (630) 333-4071 celestialoasisenergyspa.com

Century 21 Realto

Gia Marie Benline 10049 Drury Lane Westchester, 60154 (312) 646-8887 century21.com

Compasion UMC

Karl Sokol 9001 Lincoln Ave.

Brookfield, 60513 (708) 680-679

compassionumc.com

Compassion Factory 9210 Broadway Ave. Brookfield, 60513 (708) 303-8231 compassionfactory.com

Contigo Solutions, Inc.

9126 Sherman Ave.

Brookfield, 60513 (815) 289-7562

CrossFit Posted

9100 Plainfield Rd.

Brookfield, 60513 (773) 851-2328

crossfitposted.com

Cycle Brookfield

9134 W. 26th Place

Brookfield, 60513 cyclebrookfield.com

Daisy’s Treats

3748 Grand Blvd.

Brookfield, 60513 (708) 255-5771

Dee Butterfly Effect, LLC

3923 Madison Ave.

Brookfield, 60513 (773) 640-3830 deebutterflyeffect.com

Douglas Auto Body 4015 Eberly Ave. Brookfield, 60513 (708) 485-7774 douglasab.com

Edward Jones

9136 Broadway Ave. Brookfield, 60513 (708) 485-8291 edwardjones.com

Express Med Spa

320 W. Burlingtong Ave. La Grange, 60525 (877) 363-3772 expressmedspas.com

EZ Tent Rentals LLC

9100 Plainfield Rd., Unit 3 Brookfield, 60513 (312) 843-1113 eztents4rent.com

Fill My Jar

Annette Pardun

3726 Prairie Ave.

Brookfield, 60513 (708) 905-5555 fillmyjar.com

First National Bank of Brookfield 9136 Washington Brookfield, 60513 (708) 485-2770 fnbb.com

Four Star Handcrafted Coffee

3124 Prairie Ave.

Brookfield, 60513 (312) 380-1605 handcrafted.coffee

Frontier Management Group, LLC P.O. Box 194

Brookfield, 60513 (630) 768-8431 fmgevents.com

Allie Dolphin above water

BROOKFIELD ZOO CHICAGO

Chamber

Future Technology Systems

Brookfield, 60513 (708) 485-8940 futuresystems.pro

Gear Up Consulting, LLC

2910 Lincoln Ave. North Riverside, 60546 (708) 277-9424 timetogearup.com

Gears 2You

90 Bloomingbank Rd. Riverside, 60546 (636) 245-3349 gears2you.com

GoodxTimes Barbershop

3501 Maple Ave.

Brookfield, 60513 goodxtimesbarbershop.com

Gorman & Associates

9517 Ogden Ave.

Brookfield, 60513 (708) 387-1122 gormancpa.com

Greater La Grange YMCA

1100 E. 31st St.

La Grange Park, 60526 708-352-7600 ymcachicago.org

Healthy Empire

3743 Prairie Ave.

Brookfield, 60513 (626) 993-0112 instagram.com/healthy_ empire_

Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Service

9445 W. 31st Street

Brookfield, 60513 (708) 485-2000 hitzemanfuneral.com

Holy Covenant MCC

9145 Grant Ave. Brookfield, 60513 (708) 387-1611 hcmcc.org

Imperial Oak Brewing 9526 Ogden Ave. Brookfield, 60513 imperialoakbrewing.com

Ink Your Wear

Cynthia Aranda 8838 Brookfield Ave. Brookfield, 60513 (708) 329-4444 inkyourwear.com

Community Assisted Rides

P.O. Box 310

La Grange, 60525 (708) 354-9328 communityassistedrides.org

Irish Times

8809 Burlington Ave. Brookfield, 60513 (708) 485-8787 irishtimespub.com

Joe’s Saloon

9220 W. 47th Street Brookfield, 60513 (708) 485-9640

Just Wallpaper

9219 Broadway, Unit A (312) 702-0349 just-wallpaper.com

Klassic Building & Remodeling/ Crestway Flooring

8858 47th St Brookfield, 60513 (708) 354-2200 klassicinc.com

Krispies

3730 Prairie Ave. Brookfield, 60513 (708) 495-6338 krispiessweets.com

La Grange Department of Special Education (LADSE) 1301 Cossitt Ave. La Grange, 60525 (773) 398-3251 ladse.org

Latinas On the Plaza 629 Hillside Dr. Hinsdale, 60521 (630) 542-0582

Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Public Library

Kim Coughran 3541 Park Ave.

Brookfield, 60513 (708) 485-6917 brookfieldlibrary.info

Linda Sokol-Francis, E. A. Linda Sokol-Francis 3439 Grand Blvd. Brookfield, 60513 (708) 485-3439

Loca Mocha Café 8858 Burlington Ave. Brookfield, 60513 (708) 285-1282

Mattone Restaurant 9 E. 31st St. La Grange Park, 60526 (708) 352-7588 mattonerestaurant.com

Melissa Amison, LCSW 3504 Grand Blvd. Brookfield, 60513 (708) 255-5053 amismeli.wixsite.com/ lcswservices

Merrick Animal Hospital 9115 Ogden Ave. Brookfield, 60513 (708) 485-6500 brookfieldvets.net

More Than Hair 9242 Broadway Ave. Brookfield, 60513 (708) 387-9885

Julia Hamilton, co-owner of Just Wallpaper, spreads out wallpaper pattern books inside the store.

Chamber

NAMI Metro Suburban/ “The Loft ” at 8 Corners

4731 Willow Springs Rd. La Grange, 60525 (708) 524-2582 namimetsub.org

National Therapeutic Systems, Inc. (NTS)

9132 Ogden Ave.

Brookfield, 60513 (708) 562-0999 www.ntsinc.org

Northwest Mutual

3414 Prairie Ave.

Brookfield, 60513 (201) 320-4893 jessicaoneal.nm.com

Pacc Solutions

9150 Broadway Ave.

Brookfield, 60513 (877) 350-1690 paccsolutions.com

People’s Economy Party

P.O. Box 93

Brookfield, 60513 (708) 387-0437

Prairie Path Vintage Market

3742 Grand Blvd.

Brookfield, 60513 (630) 886-3000

Priority Print

9433 Ogden Ave.

Brookfield, 60513 (708) 485-7080

PriorityPrintBrookfield.com

RESIDENT MEMBERS

Kathy Barcal

Robert & Elaine Jans

Matt Nikkila

Michelle Ryan

Mary Vyskocil

Mark Duffek

Stan Balzekas

Farmers Market (resident)

Gina Sharenow (Manager) brookfieldfarmers.org

Sage and Stone Apothecary

3734 Prairie Ave. Brookfield, 60513 sage-and-stone-apothecary. square.site

Scola’s CarStar Auto Body 9110 Ogden Ave. Brookfield, 60513 (708) 485-7600 carstar.com

SERVPRO of La Grange Park/North Riverside

2737 S. 12th Ave. Broadview, 60155 (708) 240-4873 servpro.com

Share Food Share Love

Food Pantry P.O. Box 22

Brookfield, 60513 (630) 347-5390 sharefoodsharelove.com

Sokol Spirit 3909 Prairie Ave. Brookfield, 60513 (708) 485-9663 sokolspirit.com

Sophia’s Cleaning Service

200 East Ave., Apt. 1 La Grange, 60525 (708) 485-8100 sophiascleaning.com

SPARC Chiropractic

8904 Ogden Ave. Brookfield, 60513 (708) 800-2720 sparcchiropractic.com

Swan Cleaners 9500 W. 47th St Brookfield, 60513 (708) 485-5795 myswancleaners.com

he Urban Mutt-Brookfield 8520 Brookfield Ave. Brookfield, 60513 (708) 484-8006 theurbanmuttstore.com

Thunder Moon Studio

3220 Arthur Ave. Brookfield, 60513 (773) 426-6113 thundermoonstudio.com

Tischler Finer Foods, Inc. 9118 Broadway Ave. Brookfield, 60513 (708) 485-3222 tischlerfinerfoods.com

Toby Rhodes Disc Jockey Brookfield, 60513 (708) 485-3065 tobyrhodes.com

Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Public Library

LINDA SOKOL FRANCIS BROOKFIELD LIBRARY

Chamber

Triton College

2000 Fifth Ave. River Grove, 60171 (708) 456-0300 ext. 3455 triton.edu

Trust & Real Estate

Attorney

9100 Plainfield Rd.,Unit 3

Brookfield, 60513 (773) 455-0181 www.drvattorney.com

Warm Wick

3732 Prairie Ave.

Brookfield, 60513 (708) 870-1869 warmwickco.com

West Suburban Chamer of Commerce & Industry

9440 Joliet Rd. Hodgkins, 60525 (708) 387-7550 wscci.org

Wright Services Corp

8626 Parkview Ave.

Brookfield, 60513 (708) 442-5000

wrightservicescorp.com

RIVERSIDE

Adam Doe Insurance Agency

177 S. Oak Park Ave. Oak Park 60302 (309) 335-7425 oakparkinsuranceagent.com

Amy Regan Realty

21 E. Burlington St Riverside, 60546 (312) 480-0123

Athetico

51 E. Burlington Riverside, 60546 (718) 442-9880 athletico.com

The Beals Group Exit Strategy

300 Fairbank Rd. Riverside, 60546 (773) 988-4340

Begbie Wealth Advisory

362 E. Burlington St. Riverside, 60546 (609) 923-7279

Black Book Studio

33 E. Quincy Riverside, 60546 (773) 934-1277 blackbook.studio

Blueprint Tours, Inc.

39 E. Quincy Riverside, 60546 (708) 442-9914 blueprinttours.com

Brookfield Zoo

330 Golf Rd., Brookfield

Brookfield, 60513 (708) 688-8308 brookfieldzoo.org

Buckledown Brewing 8700 47th St Lyons, 60534 (708) 799-0236

buckledownbrewing.com

Centre Physical Therapy 1 Riverside Road, Unit 107 Riverside, 60546 (708) 956-4800

centrephysicaltherapy.com

Century 21 CircleWestchester

1860 S. Mannheim Road Westchester, 60154 (708) 870-1476 gailfullerton.com

Clarendon Courier, Inc. 621 Justina Street Hinsdale, 60521 (630) 244-8037

College Hunks Hauling

Junk and Moving 4320 1st Ave., Unit 108 Lyons, 60534 (708) 792-2622

collegehunkshaulingjunk. com/brookfield/

Comic Collector

3246 S. Harlem Riverside, 60546 (708) 442-0399

CyberTOAST

Promotional Services

4418 Roosevelt Road Hillside, 60162 (708) 442-5961

cybertoast.com

D’works Inc

400 N. Delaplaine Riverside, 60546 (708) 289-2414 dwworks.com

Chamber

Dulce Mami Cafe

1 Riverside Road

Riverside, 60546 (708) 777-1233

dulcemamicafe.com

Ed Chapp Realty

6535 Cermak Road Berwyn, 60402 (718) 927-5299

realtyofchicago.com

First American Bank

15 Riverside Rd. Riverside, 60546 (847) 586-2470

firstambank.com

Friend Investment Group

12 E. Quincy St. Riverside, 60546 (708) 674-3350 investwithfriends.com

Fullerton Tax & Planning

30 East Ave. Riverside, 60546 (708) 447-5667 fullertontax.com

Gears 2 You

90 Bloomingbank Rd. Riverside, 60546 (630) 245-3349

In motion counseling (708) 691-3538

Sandra Montes Info@inmotioncounseling.com inmotioncounceling.com

Ivins Moravecek Funeral Home

80 E. Burlington Riveside, 60546 (708) 447-2261 ivinsfuneralhome.com

J Andersen Construction

331 Easgrove Rd. Riverside, 60546 (708) 373-5113

facebook.com/ JAndersenConstruction1

Jeff’s Auto Garage Inc.

20 E. Quincy Riverside, 60546 (708) 447-9704

Joseph Dvorak Law Office

19 Riverside Rd. #5 Riverside, 60546 (708) 447-5331

KGG LLC

111 N. Ottawa St Joliet, 60432 (815) 727-4511 KGGLLC.com

La Barra

2 E. Burlington Riverside, 60546 (708) 887-7700 labarrariverside.com

La Estancia

25 Forest Ave. Riverside, 60546 (708) 530-1830

Landmark Kitchen Design

39 E. Burlington Riverside, 60546 (708) 447-0100 landmarkkitchendesign.com

Original Riverside Kuratko Funeral Directors

10501 W. Cermak Road Westchester, 60154 (708) 609-5585

Orland Family Dental 21 N. Delaplaine Road Riverside, 60546 (708) 308-1162

orlandfamilydental.com

Palermo Law Group 1415 W. 22nd Street Tower Floor Oak Brook, 60523 (630) 684-2332 palermolawgroup.com

Metal Mites

36 E. Quincy St Riverside, 60546 (708) 447-2727 metalmitesinc.com

Michelle Galindo Real Estate (B&W) 1037 Chicago Ave. Oak Park , 60302 (708) 209-0521 michellegalindo.bairdwarder.com

Mike Adelsbach State Farm

18 E. Burlington St Riverside, 60546 (630) 632-1630

Next Level Wellness of Riverside

1 Riverside Rd. Riverside, 60546 (708) 712-4462

Northwood Oaks Investments

37 E. Burlington St. Riverside, 60546 (708) 853-7190

Pelton Collaborative Real Estate @Propertties 30 S Lincoln St Hinsdale, 60302 (708) 288-9992

thepeltoncollaborative.com

Pillars Community Health 5220 East Ave. Countryside, 60525 (708) 745-5277 pillarscommunityhealth.org

Pre-Hop Cleaners

9 Longcommon Rd. Riverside, 60546 (708) 663-4933

R Brockway Landscaping 154 Northgate Rd. Riverside, 60546 (708) 567-6455

R Marts

3346 S. Harlem Riverside, 60546 (708) 447-3748

Riverside Bank

17 E. Burlington St. Riverside, 60546 (708) 447-3222 bankriverside.com

Riverside Chamber of Commerce networking event.

PROVIDED

Chamber

Riverside Arts Center

32 E Quincy St

Riverside, IL 60546 (708) 442-6400 riversideartscenter.com

Riverside Farmer ’s Market

27 Riverside Road Riverside, 60546 (708) 655-8408

Riverside Garage 18 East Ave. Riverside, 60456 (708) 447-7221 riversidejuniors.org

Riverside Foods

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

Riverside Junior Woman’s Charity

27 Riverside Road Riverside, 60546 (847) 521-0564 riversidejuniors.org

Riverside Masonic Lodge 40 Forest Ave. Riverside, 60546 (708) 447-9628

Riverside Pilates Studio

27 E. Burlington St. Riverside, 60546 (708) 447-7001

Riverside Plumbing Heating Cooling

2 Longcommon Rd. Riverside, 60546 (708) 447-0662 riversideplumbingil.com

Riverside Public Library

1 Burling Rd. Riverside, 60546 (708) 442-6366

riversidelibrary.org

realestaterory.com

Riverside Rocks

383 Longcommon Road Riverside, 60546 (773) 787-9395

riversiderocksforcharity.com

Riverside Township 27 Riverside Rd. Riverside, 5046 (708) 442-4400 riversidetownship.org

Salon D’Amore

52 E. Burlington Riverside, 60546 (708) 447-9779 salon-damore.com

Salon Elia

5 N. Longcommon Rd. Riverside, 60546 (708) 447-5004 riversidesalonelia.com

sloancoffee.com

Sophia’s Cleaning Service

200 East Ave., #1 La Grange, 60525 (708) 485-8100 sophiascleaning.net

Sundstrom Agencies

34 S. Burlington, Suite B2 Riverside, 60546 (708) 447-1622

St. Paul VI Parish

40 E. Burlington Riverside, 60546 (708) 447-1020 stpaulviparish.org

The Chew Chew & Sawmilly

31-35 E. Burlington Riverside, 60546 (708) 447-8781 thechewchew.com

The End Design 137 Barrypoint Riverside, 60546 (312) 339-9096 erikavazzana.com

The Fredrick Law Olmsted Society of Riverside P.O. Box 65 Riverside, 60546 (708) 442-0410 olmstedsociety.org

The Sand Trap 31 Forest Ave. Riverside, 60546 (630) 672-0201

The Sheila Gentile Group - Colwell Banker Realty 219 W. Hillgrove Ave. LaGrange, 60525 (708) 228-2174 sheilagentile.com

The Treehouse 468 Shenstone Rd Riverside, 60546 (773) 606-1122 facebook.com/ thetreehouserocks

New American FundingMark Mieczkowski 1431 Opus Place Ste 630 Downers Grove, 60515 (708) 404-5983 newamericanfunding.com

Way Back Inn Inc. 104 Oak St Maywood, 60153 (708) 345-8422

WIXS ON NORTHWOOD

7301 W. 25th St., Ste 135 North Riverside, 60546 (312) 550-0994

Wright Services 8626 Parkview Ave. Brookfield, 60513 (708) 526-3146

wrightservicescorp.com

Riverside Chamber of Commerce event

PROVIDED

Save the Dates!

Farmers Market

Save the Date

June 7 thru October 25, 2025

Every Saturday • 8am-1pm Village Hall • 8820 Brookfield Ave.

Classic Car Show

July 20, 2025

3700 Block of Grand Blvd. and 8900 block of Brookfield Ave.

National Night Out

August 5, 2025

5:30pm-7:30pm • Ehlert Park

Street Dance June 10, 2023

9200 Block of Broadway Avenue

Every Saturday June 3 - October 14

60 To Win Drawing

Tickets on Sale starting July 1st, 2025 .

Drawings every Thursday at 4:30 pm from September 18, 2025 to November 20, 2025

Fine Arts Festival

8 am - 1 pm

Village Hall 8820 Brookfield Avenue

Classic Car & Bike Show

July 23, 2023

9 am - 3 pm

3700 Block of Grand Blvd.

National Night Out

Sunday, September 7th (Rain date September 14th), 2025 from 10am to 4pm (Call For Artists opens in March!) • Kiwanis Park

Kris Kringle Market

August 1, 2023 5 pm - 7 pm Ehlert Park

Fine Arts Festival

September 20, 2023 10 am - 3 pm Kiwanis Park

EXPANDED TO 2 DAYS!!! December 6, 2025 from 10am to 6pm & December 7, 2025 from 10am to 4pm • Village Hall • 8820 Brookfield Ave.

60 to Win Drawing

Tickets on Sale July 5, 2023

Drawing Begins September 14, 2023

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Village President

Michael Garvey mgarvey@brookfieldil.gov

Village Trustees

Edward Cote

Nicole Gilhooley

Jennifer Hendricks

Kathryn S. Kaluzny

Kit Ketchmark

Julie Narimatsu

Village Clerk

Brigid Weber

bweber@brookfieldil.gov

Village Manager

Timothy C. Wiberg twiberg@brookfieldil.gov

Chief of Police

Michael Kuruvilla (708) 485-1777

mkuruvilla@brookfieldil.gov

Riverside officials and trustees listen as a resident asks a question at the village’s tax levy referendum town hall on Oct. 15.

Fire Chief

James Adams

jadams@brookfieldil.gov (708) 485-0076

Director of Community Development

Libby Popovic (708) 485-1113 permits@brookfieldil.gov

Director of Parks and Recreation

Luke Gundersen (708) 485-1474 brookfield@rectrac.com

Director of Public Works

Vincent Smith (708) 485-2540 publicworks@brookfieldil.gov

VILLAGE OF NORTH RIVERSIDE

Village Commons

2401 Des Plaines Ave. (708) 447-4211 northriverside-il.org

Hours: Monday through Friday., 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; third Saturday of the month, 9 a.m. to noon

The mayor, village clerk and trustees govern North Riverside. A village administrator, appointed by these elected officials, oversees village operations and services.

The board meets at 7:00 p.m. the 1st and 3rd Monday each month except July, August and December when there is only one meeting.

Village President

Joseph Mengoni mayormengoni@ northriverside-il.org

Board of Trustees

Jason Bianco

Deborah Czajka

Fernando Flores

Terri Sarro

Nicholas Tricoci

Antonio Santucci

Village Clerk

Kathy Ranieri ClerkRanieri@northriverside-il. org

Village Administrator

Sue Scarpiniti sues@northriverside-il.org

TRENT BROWN

Government

Police Chief

Christian Ehrenberg (708) 447-9191 cehrenberg@northriverside-il.org

Fire Chief

Bob McDermott (708) 447-1981

Director of Parks and Recreation

Colleen Broderick (708) 442-5515 cbroderick@northriverside-il.org

Director of Public Works

Vince Ranieri (708) 762-5885

Public Works Mechanic

Zach Zakosek (708) 762-5893

VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE

Village Offices

27 Riverside Road (708) 447-2700

riverside.il.us

Hours: Mon. thru Fri., 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Riverside is a nonhome rule municipality. A president and six-member board of trustees serve the village. The board appoints a manager, who is responsible for the administration of the village. The Board of Trustees meets at 7 p.m. the 1st and 3rd Thursday each month in the Village Hall auditorium.

Village President

Douglas Pollock (708) 447-2700 x216 dpollock@riverside.il.us

Board of Trustees

Megan Claucherty

Cristin Evans

Alexander Gallegos

Elizabeth Kos

Aberdeen Marsh-Ozga

Jill Mateo

Village Manager

Jessica Frances (708) 442-2700 x233 jfrances@riverside.il.us

Special Assistant to Administration and Finance

Ethan Sowl (708) 447-2700 esowl@riverside.il.us

Riverside Township

Public Works Director

Dan Tabb (708) 442-3590

Dtabb@riverside.il.us

Director of Public Safety

Matthew Buckley (708) 447-2700

mbuckley@riverside.il.us

Assistant Village Manager for Community Development

Ashley Monroe (708) 447-1241

amonroe@riverside.il.us

Parks & Recreation Director

Ron Malchiodi rmalchiodi@riverside.il.us (708) 442-7025

27 Riverside Road, Riverside | (708) 442-4400 | www.riversidetownship.org

Senior Exercise Class

Movie Screening

Monday / Wednesday / Friday Thursdays – 12:30 pm Noon – 1:00 pm 1st Floor 2nd Floor Auditorium Services

Community Resource Center Food Pantry

Monday: 9 am – Noon, 1 pm –5 pm Nurse’s Closet Tuesday: 9 am – 1 pm Notary Services

Wednesday: 9 am – Noon General Assistance

Thursday: 9 am – Noon, 3 pm – 5 pm Emergency Assistance

Temporary Handicap Placards (708) 853-9578 Assessor Services (708) 447-7700

crc@riversidetownship.org

Provides referrals for: Aging Services, Benefits Counseling, Intellectual & Vera A. Wilt, Supervisor Developmental Disability Services, Mental Health Jay Reyes, Clerk | Frances Sitkiewicz, Assessor Services, and Substance Abuse Services Trustees | Mary Rob Clarke, Timothy Heilenbach, John P. Carroll, Jr., Matthew J. Decosola

Government

TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENT

L yons Township

Lyons Township includes Brookfield south of Southview Avenue and a small portion of Riverside, south of 39th Street.

Office of the Supervisor

6404 Joliet Road, Countryside (708) 482-8300 lyonstownshipil.gov

Supervisor

Christopher Getty (708) 482-8300 x223 cgetty@lyonsts.com

Clerk

Elyse Hoffenberg

Assessor

Patrick J. Hynes

Highway Commissioner

Sean McDermott

Trustees

Colleen H. Kelly

Donna McDonald

Mark Anderson

Pr oviso Township

Proviso Township includes Brookfield north of Southview Avenue and west of Salt Creek and North Riverside west of 9th Avenue.

Office of the Supervisor

4565 W. Harrison St., Hillside (708) 449-4300 provisotownship.com

Supervisor

Michael A. Corrigan supervisor@provisotownship. illinois.gov

Clerk

Anthony “Tony” Williams

Assessor

Steven J. Zawaski

Trustees

Evelyn Chavez

Joseph Christopher

Clarence Thomas

Gay F. Chase

Riverside Township

Riverside Township includes all of Riverside north of 39th Street, including unincorporated Riverside Lawn; North Riverside east of 9th Avenue; and the Hollywood section of Brookfield.

Riverside Town Hall 27 Riverside Road, Riverside

(708) 442-4400 riversidetownship.org

Supervisor

Vera A. Wilt supervisor@riversidetownship org

Clerk

Jay Reyes clerk@riversidetownship.org

Assessor

Frances Sitkiewicz assessor@riversidetownship.org

Trustees

Mary Rob Clarke

Timothy Heilenbach

John P. Carroll Jr. Matthew J. Decosola

Government

COOK COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Cook County Board

Toni Preckwinkle, president 118 Clark St., Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 603-6400 cookcountyil.gov info@tonipreckwinkle.org Cook County Commissioner, 16th District

Frank J. Aguilar District Office 7833 Ogden Ave., Lyons (708) 447-5461 commissionerfrankjaguilar.com

STATE GOVERNMENT

Stat e R epresentatives

House District 2

Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez (D-Cicero) repehernandez@yahoo.com

District Office 6117 W. Cermak Road, Cicero, IL 60804 (708) 222-5240

Springfield Office 109 Capitol Building Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-8173

House District 8

La Shawn K. Ford (D-Chicago) lashawnkford.com

District Office 5051 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60651 (773) 750-0866

Springfield Office 239-E Stratton Office Building, Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-5962

House District 21

Abdelnasser Rashid (D-Chicago) office@reprashid.com reprashid.com

District Office

6901 W. Cermak Road, Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 956-7563

Springfield Office

242-A Stratton Office Building, Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-5280

State Senators

Senate District 1

Javier L. Cervantes (D-Chicago) senator.jcervantes@gmail.com senatorcervantes.com

District Office 1836 West 35th Street 1st Floor, Chicago, IL 60609 (872) 704-0031

Springfield Office Stratton Office Building, Section F, Room K Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-9415

Senate District 4

Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) senatorlightford.com

District Office

4415 W. Harrison St., Suite 550, Hillside, IL 60162 (708) 632-4500

Springfield Office

309-H Capitol Building, Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-8505

Senate District 11

Mike Porfirio (D-Bridgeview) info@senatorporfirio.com senatorporfirio.com

Brookfield firefighter provides candy for kids attending the 4th of July parade July 4, 2024.

District Office

6215 West 79th Street, Suite 1A, Burbank, IL 60459 (708) 430-2510

Springfield Office Stratton Office Building Section F, Room L, Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-0054

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

United States R epresentatives

4th Congressional District

All of North Riverside east of 9th Avenue, all of Riverside, all of Brookfield

Jesus ‘Chuy’ Garcia (D-Chicago) chuygarcia.house.gov

4376 S. Archer Ave., Chicago, IL 60632 (773) 475-0833

1519 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-8203

7th Congressional District

North Riverside west of 9th Avenue.

Danny K. Davis (D-Chicago) davis.house.gov

2815 W. 5th Ave., Chicago IL 60612 (773) 533-7520

2159 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-5006

U .S. Senators

Richard Durbin (D-Springfield) durbin.senate.gov

230 S. Dearborn St., Suite 3892, Chicago, IL 60604 (312) 353-4952

711 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-2152

Tammy Duckworth (D-Hoffman Estates) duckworth.senate.gov

230 S. Dearborn St., Suite 3900, Chicago, IL 60604 (312) 886-3506

524 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-2854

ERICA BENSON

Cornerstone Community Church of Brookfield

Sunday Services: Prayer Time at 9:00 a.m.

Sunday Services: Adult Bible Study at 9:00 a.m.

Adult Bible Studies at 9:30 a.m.

Morning Service at 10:30 a.m.

Morning Service at 10:30 a.m.

Evening Prayer Time at 6:00 p.m.

We offer child care during the service for ages 0 - 2nd grade

We offer child care during the service for ages 0 - 5th

Weekly:

Weekly:

Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. – Ladies Bible Study

Wednesday at 10 a.m. - Ladies Bible Study starting February

Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. – Men’s Bible Study

Wednesday at 7 p.m. - Men’s Bible Study

1st & 3rd Saturday at 8:30 a.m. - Mugs & Hugs Ladies Bible

1st and 3rd Saturday at 8:30 a.m. – Mugs & Hugs Ladies Bible Study

Pastor Brandon Siwula

Cornerstone Community Church of Brookfield 9008 Fairview Ave., Brookfield, IL 60513 708-485-8730

Cornerstone Community Church 9008 Fairview Ave., Brookfield, Telephone: 708-485-8730

E-Mail: cornerstonebrookfield@outlook.com www.cornerstone-grow.org

cornerstonebrookfield@outlook.com www.cornerstonebrookfield.org

Clubs

BROOKFIELD

Brookfield Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 38

Brookfield, IL 60513 (708) 268-8080

brookfieldchamber.net

The Brookfield Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to the continued growth and revitalization of our business districts, as well as the enhancements of the quality of life for both businesses and residents in Brookfield.

Brookfield Elks

Lodge #1510

9022 31st St., Brookfield (708) 387-1510

Elks Lodges bring so much more to their communities than just a building, golf course or pool. They are places where neighbors come together, families share meals, and children grow up.

Brookfield Garden Club

brookfieldgardenclub.weebly.com

The Brookfield Garden Club meets on the last Saturday of the month at 10 a.m., January through October. Check the website for meeting locations.

Brookfield Historical Society

8820-1/2 Brookfield Ave. (708) 485-7344

brookfieldilhistory.org

Preserving the old Prairie Avenue (Grossdale) railroad station is the society’s number one goal. The station also serves as a museum about Brookfield

director of Share Food Share Love, stand with others to cut the ribbon on Brookfield’s

community refrigerator.

and the surrounding area. Tours are available with prior arrangement.

Rotary Club of Brookfield-Riverside

9210 Broadway Ave., Brookfield (708) 485-3439

https://brookfieldriverside. rotary6450.org/

Meets every Tuesday at 8 a.m. at The Compassion Factory Art Gallery & Studio, 9210 Broadway Ave.

Brookfield Women’s Club

brookfieldwomensclub@ gmail.com brookfieldwomensclub.com

The Brookfield Women’s Club is devoted to improving area communities with compassion and enthusiasm and supporting area non-forprofit organizations. Their objective is to offer civic, moral and social helpfulness by providing volunteer opportunities for women to better their community and networking opportunities for common goals and mutual interests.

Brookfield Aging Well Team

brookfieldagingwell@gmail.com www.facebook.com/ brookfieldagingwell/

Brookfield’s neighborhood program of Aging Care

Connections and Village of Brookfield’s Parks and Recreation Commission provides a Senior Resource Guide and creates events for seniors throughout the year

Cycle Brookfield

cyclebrookfield.com

Cycle Brookfield is a 501c3 non-for-profit advocacy group with a mission to make cycling, walking and driving safe and enjoyable for all. The group encourages all cyclists to wear helmets and light up their bikes.

first

BOB UPHUES

Clubs

Hollywood Citizens Association

3435 Hollywood Ave, Brookfield hollywoodcitizensassociation.org/

Meetings are at 7 p.m. at the Hollywood Community House on the second Monday of every month, excluding December, July and August. The group works to maintain and preserve the Hollywood Community House and support Hollywood Elementary School and the Hollywood neighborhood.

Lyons

Township Soccer Club

4750 Vernon Ave., McCook, (708) 387-8009 ltsc.us

LTSC is an Illinois Youth Soccer Association ‘Five-Star Club’ and strives to offer the premier soccer experience in Chicago’s Midwest Suburbs. Founded in 1986, LTSC is also the oldest competitive soccer club in the area with a fulltime, Professional Coaching Staff holding USSF National Coaching Licenses and is an official member of USYS National League competition.

Sokol Spirit

3909 Prairie Ave., Brookfield (708) 485-9663 sokolspirit.org

Sokol offers physical training in gymnastics and other athletics, as well as providing Czech cultural and family oriented activities.

Visit their website for information and a calendar of events. Their hall is also available for rent.

Veterans of Foreign Wars,Joshua W. Harris Memorial Post #2868

Evamarie Duff, Commander 8844 Ogden Ave., Brookfield (708) 485-9670 facebook.com/Brookfield.VFW.2868 Meetings are the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m.

NORTH RIVERSIDE

Golden Agers

Dolores Rizzitiello (312) 343-0667 North Riverside Village Commons

2401 Desplaines Ave.

The Golden Agers meet the first and third Wednesday each month. Bingo, lunch, speakers, entertainment and more.

North

Riverside Players

Alan Meyer, president North Riverside Village Commons, 2401 Desplaines Ave. nrplayers.com

The Players present two musical and dramatic productions each year The group welcomes enthusiastic people to perform or to help behind the scenes with stage design, wardrobe, props, etcetera.

Clubs

North

Riverside

Little League

Tucker Maloney, League President nrlittleleague@gmail.com northriversidelittleleague.org

Open to all boys and girls 4-18 years old. T-ball, baseball and softball programs available. Practices start in March, games begin in April.

Quilters Guild

Village Commons

2401 Desplaines Ave. (708) 442-5515

The guild makes quilts for various charitable causes. Meets the third Wednesday each month at 7 p.m. at the Village Commons. 2401 Desplaines Ave.

Non-residents, beginners and new members are welcome.

Recreation Department Special Interest Clubs

North Riverside Village Commons, 2401 Desplaines Ave. (708) 442-5515

Join pinochle, bridge or mahjong clubs. Call or stop in for information.

RIVERSIDE

American Association of University Women

Laura Desmarais, President riverside-il.aauw.net

The Riverside Branch of the AAUW sponsors programs, lectures, community events and activities, cultivating the intellectual and personal development of women and girls. New members

welcome. See website for more information.

Frederick Law Olmsted Society

Dan Murphy, president www.facebook.com/ RiversideFLOS Olmsteadsociety.org

The Frederick Law Olmsted Society is dedicated to sustaining Olmsted’s vision for Riverside for generations to come. Its members are guided by his concern for humanity, nature, sense of community and the innovative and thoughtful essence of his work. The Olmsted Society invites residents and visitors to join in learning, protecting the environment, and preserving Riverside’s cultural and physical heritage.

Lyric Opera of Chicago, Riverside Chapter lyricopera.org/chapters

Learn more about opera within the community and support the Lyric Opera of Chicago Runs an annual bridge marathon to benefit the Lyric. New members welcome.

Riverside Masonic Lodge #862

Riverside Masonic Temple, 40 Forest Ave. (708) 447-9628 facebook.com/riverside862 afam/

862-il.ourlodgepage.com/ Meets on the first and third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

Clubs

Riverside Arts Center

Ann Filmer, Executive Director 32 E. Quincy St (708) 442-6400

riversideartscenter.com

The RAC provides Riverside and surrounding communities with art classes, exhibitions and special events. Their clay studio features one of the largest kilns in the state. The Freeark Contemporary Art Gallery offers frequently changing exhibits.

Riverside Chamber of Commerce (708) 288-9992 www.facebook.com/Riverside ChamberofCommerce/ chamberriverside@gmail.com Promotes business interests within Riverside Township.

Riverside Junior Woman’s Charity

27 Riverside Rd. (708) 447-5869

April Knowles, President president@riversidejuniors.org www.facebook.com/RJWC RiversideJuniors/ Riversidejuniors.org

Riverside Junior Woman’s Charity (RJWC) strives to build a stronger community by fostering friendships among neighbors, addressing the needs of others and improving the quality of life in the township and surrounding areas. New members welcome.

Riverside Little

League

P.O. Box 3

David Halvorsen, President info@riversidell.com

Riversidell.com

Baseball and softball programs for boys and girls, ages 5-15. The league is operated by volunteers. More coaches, umpires and sponsors are always welcome.

Riverside Police Auxiliary

27 Riverside Road (708) 447-9191 riverside.il.us

The Riverside Police Auxiliary is made up of Riverside area residents interested in law enforcement. The auxiliary supplements the regular police department with additional manpower on a monthly and as-needed basis. For information, or to volunteer, contact the Riverside Police Department.

Riverside Swim Club

Paul Lendman, President 100 Bloomingbank Road (708) 447-6134

riversideswimclub.net

The Riverside Swim Club (RSC) is a private club founded over 50 years ago by the residents of the community RSC offers various aquatics programs including swim team, swim lessons and water polo

The club also offers a snack bar, locker room amenities and a sports court. Visit the website for membership.

Riverside Township Lions Club

Eric Sundstrum, Membership Coordinator (708) 209-0467

https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/ riversidetownship/index.php

The club conducts a variety of community and humanitarian projects. Meetings are held the third Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Rd.

Riverside Township Senior Services

Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road (708) 442-4400

Call for information about services including taxpayer advocacy, medical equipment lending library, handicap placards, senior transit cards, exercise classes, movie screenings, and more.

Women taking the lead on the cycling races held in Brookfield July 24, 2024.

ERICA BENSON

IThe SALT CREEK TRAIL System

By Deborah Bayliss Contributing Reporter

f you’re looking to incorporate more of what nature has to offer in 2025, you may want to check out the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s Salt Creek Trails System.

With paved and unpaved trails stretching along the Des Plaines River, Salt Creek and Brookfield Zoo, the trails offer awe-inspiring scenery, wildlife sightings and much more.

“The unpaved system dates to the mid late 1930’s when the Forest Preserves acquired land,” Pamela Sielski, senior landscape architect with the Forest Preserves of Cook County, said. “Paved Trails (7.1 miles of paved between 31st St. in Brookfield to I294, DuPage County Line) started in the mid 1970’s [through] the

last regional trail connection in 1995.”

Known as the Salt Creek Greenway Trail, the nearly 25 mile-long, regional pedestrian/bicycle trail, extends from Busse Forest in Elk Grove Village to the Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, the trail is a key link in the development of a 210mile integrated trail network in northeast Illinois that includes the Illinois Prairie Path and the Great Western Trail, among others.

“The Forest Preserves of Cook County trail systems are one of its greatest, most popular assets,’ Sielski said. https:// fpdcc.com/downloads/maps/trails/english/FPCC-Salt-Creek-Trail-Map-2-24.pdf

A great benefit to any area, trails offer outdoor recreation and transportation alternatives, while supporting economic activity, and promoting environmental awareness and healthy lifestyles.

“Access to open spaces for recreation has been shown by many studies to improve physical and mental health and to increase quality of life,” Sielski added. “Trails bring those health benefits to all by providing individuals of diverse backgrounds access to our public lands for all types of outdoor recreation at no cost.”

In addition to the 7.1 miles of paved trail, an additional 6 miles of paved trail and 5.5 miles of unpaved trail allows an opportunity to experience diverse environments including restored habitats.

“Many of our existing trails started as Native American trails, equestrian trails and old roadways or drives that were present prior to the Forest Preserves acquiring the land,” Sielski said.

TRAIL, continued on page 24

Pedestrians and their four-legged friends enjoy the Salt Creek Trail.

PROVIDED

TRAIL

Continued from page 23

Surfacing trails was first done in the late 1960s to accommodate changes in trail users, moving from riding horses to riding bicycles, Sielski added, noting the first bicycle path was installed in that era

on Salt Creek, between the Brookfield Zoo and the county line, converting an old horse trail into a limestone path.

Following that, a massive paving project created the North Branch of the Chicago River Trail, starting at Devon and Caldwell, and eventually extending all the way to the Chicago Botanic Garden.

“For a time, the Forest Preserves was

nationally recognized for its efforts in this area, and it continues an aggressive bikeway program to this day,” Sielski said. “Thousands of acres of land formerly available only on foot and horse [are] now accessible to faster moving bicycle traffic.”

For more information, go to Forest Preserves of Cook County

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The opening ceremony for the Riverside 150th anniversary celebration culminated with the lighting of the historic Water Tower at Centennial Park on Jan. 15, 2025.

150 years strong Riverside celebrates its anniversary this year

By Hector Cervantes | Contributing Reporter

Riverside is celebrating a monumental milestone this year

— the sesquicentennial of its incorporation. With a packed calendar of events, the village is bringing residents to reflect on its rich history and community

The Sesquicentennial Planning Committee, co-chaired by Trustees Aberdeen Marsh-Ozga and Alex Gallegos, is organizing Riverside’ 150th anniversary celebrations in 2025. The committee, composed of community leaders and volunteers, aims to highlight the village’s history and encourage community involvement throughout the year

“We’re engaging the community at every level and making them a part of a living history For the sesquicentennial weekend itself, that is taking place on Aug. 8-9, that’s really the 150th anniversary of the Village’s incorporation,” Marsh-Ozga said.

The Sesquicentennial opened on Jan. 15 with the lighting of the Historic Water Tower, featuring a special 150th Anniversary

The Riverside-Brookfield High School marching band performs as they walk from the water tower to the Library during the 150th anniversary celebrations.

logo. The Riverside-Brookfield High School marching band performed, and Centennial Plaza was illuminated with luminaria.

The main celebration taking place on August 8-9 includes a homecoming concert at Big Ball Park, a nostalgic festival at Guthrie Park, and a vintage car show on Bloomingbank Road. There will also

ERICA BENSON

Riverside trustees Alex Gallegos and Aberdeen Marsh-Ozga (left) with Riverside Village President Douglas Pollock (center) say a few words during the 150th anniversary celebration Jan. 15.

be an elegant soirée at the train station and a pizza and popcorn party for kids.

The celebration extends beyond the weekend, with historical programming featured regularly at the Riverside Farmers Market on Wednesdays, running from June through October Reenactors and artifacts from the Historical Commission will be incorporated to educate the community about Riverside’s heritage at the market as well.

Besides the celebrations, another component of the event includes commemorative memorabilia.

“This year, our local businesses are contributing unique commemorative pieces. Higgins is producing special glass plates that people can purchase and Colorsmith Stained Glass Studio has also designed a glass plate to mark the 150th anniversary,” Gallegos said.

Gallegos notes that people can purchase these items directly from the vendor and Higgins has donated items for special auctions or raffles and at their special events,

attendees will have the chance to enter these raffles.

Another exciting component to the festivities is classic street signs that are being retired will be auctioned off, providing a unique opportunity for community members to own a piece of Riverside’s history Residents can purchase a Time Caplet for $150 to be sealed inside a stainless-steel Heritage Time Capsule, which will be opened in 75 years. This project offers a unique opportunity to preserve personal items and stories for future generations.

Reflecting on the significance of the 150th anniversary, Gallegos responded that Riverside’s unique identity as “a village in a forest” remains central to the celebrations.

“There’s a delicate balance between preserving our historic significance and embracing progress. And we, as a community, have always been strong in our resilience. We always return to the original design—a village in a forest. Now, it’s time to celebrate 150 years of that tradition,” Gallegos said.

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Food & Drink

BROOKFIELD

Barone’s of Brookfield

9209 Broadway Ave. (708) 485-4300

baronesbrookfield.com

Pizza, pasta, chicken, ribs and sandwiches.

Beach Ave BBQ

3453 Grand Boulevard

beachavebbq.com

Handcrafted BBQ brisket, ribs, chicken, pulled pork, hot links and more.

Blue Water Lounge

9016 31st St. (708) 485-9287

facebook.com/ bluewaterloungebrookfield

Full service bar featuring 100 martinis. Daily drink specials.

Broadway Pancake House

9215 Broadway Ave. (708) 485-4609 facebook.com/BPH2005

More than just pancakes, this casual family dining spot is open for breakfast and lunch.

Brookfield Breakfast

3755 Grand Boulevard (708) 905-5960

brookfieldbreakfast.com

Breakfast and lunch made with fresh ingredients. Daily special that include a touch of Mexican dishes.

Burger Antics

3740 Grand Boulevard (708) 255-5182

burgerantics.com

Specializing in fresh, house made dishes, from meat and

produce sourced from local distributors, growers and farmers.

Cordial Inn

9207 31st St (708) 485-9753

facebook.com/thecordialinn

Full service bar Don’t miss the burgers.

Daisy’s Treats and Bakery

3748 Grand Boulevard (708) 255-5771

daisystreatsbakery.com

Ice cream, cakes and treats.

Danny’s Pizza & Beef

9123 Ogden Ave. (708) 387-7730

Pizza, pasta and sandwiches.

Dunav Restaurant

8801 Ogden Ave. (708) 255-5218

Serbian cuisine, soup and daily specials.

Dunkin’

9208 Ogden Ave. (708) 485-1117

Donuts, bagels, breakfast sandwiches, coffee.

Fill My Jar

3726 Prairie Ave. (708) 905-5555

fillmyjar.com

Handcrafted, small-batch candies.

Fine Thai

9305 Ogden Ave. (708) 387-9082

finethaimenu.com

Thai noodles, curry, rice and seafood dishes, with a handful of Chinese options.

COURTESY OF BEACH AVE BBQ

Food & Drink

Gosia’s Coffee Shop

8836 Brookfield Ave. (708) 255-5418

gosiascoffee.com

Coffee, tea, smoothies, specialty lattes, frappes and scratch-made bakery

Healthy Empire

3743 Prairie Ave. (626) 993-0112

.instagram.com/healthy_empire_

Protein bar serving fruit smoothies, smoothie bowls, waffles and more healthy eats.

Irish Times Pub & Restaurant

8869 Burlington Ave. (708) 485-8787

irishtimespub.com

Full bar and Irish pub fare. Available for parties and larger gatherings.

Imperial Oak Brewery 9526 Ogden Ave. (708) 255-5452

imperialoakbrewing.com

Small brewery with focus is on imperial strength and barrel-aged brews with a changing variety of styles.

Joe’s Saloon

9220 47th St. (708) 485-9640

Full-service bar in a classic roadhouse building.

La Cabanita

9438 Ogden Ave. (708) 387-9100

lacabanita.com

Mexican cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner Beer and wine.

Little Owl Social Pub

3747 Grand Blvd. (708) 255-5445

littleowlsocialpub.com

Upscale Midwestern pub food, craft beer, and classic arcade games.

Loca Mocha Coffee House

8858 Burlington Ave. (inside the train station) (708) 485-7990

facebook.com/p/Loca-Mocha-CafeInc-100063747242250

Coffee, smoothies, specialty drinks and pastries.

Mary’s Morning Mix Up

9110 Broadway Ave. (708) 387-0552

marysmorningmixup.com

Extensive breakfast and lunch menu.

Mr. Submarine 9016 47th St. (708) 485-0599

mrsubmarine.com/brookfield Sandwiches, salads.

Off Broadway Pub

9048 Monroe Ave. (708) 485-4553

offbroadwaypub.com

Full bar also serving pizza, pasta, ribs, sandwiches and hot wings.

Paisan’s Pizzeria

3720 Grand Blvd. (708) 485-6833

paisanspizza.com

Thin crust, deep dish and Sicilian style pizza, chick ribs, pasta and sandwiches.

Phil’s Sports Bar & Grill

8901 Burlington A (708) 485-9528

facebook.com/PhilsSBG

Full bar also serving appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches and chili.

Pub 78

3733 Grand Blvd. (708) 255-5542

pub78.com

Neighborhood sports bar featuring pub food and live music.

Ryan’s Public House

8942 Ogden Ave. (708) 485-7400 ryanspublichouse.com

Irish pub serving appetizers, pub classics, soup, sandwiches, chili and daily specials.

Sebastian’s Ale & Whiskey House

8900 Fairview Ave. (708)255-5933

sebastianshouse.com

Sports-centric establishment with 56 drafts, 350 whiskeys and chefinspired menu. UFC, boxing, football and more on 35 screens.

Skadarliya

9237 Ogden Ave. (708) 905-5919

skadarliya.com

Balkan cuisine, a mix of many cultures and influences

Slager ’s on 47th 9308 47th St. (708) 387-0317

slagerson47th.com

Full bar, drink specials, pizza, appetizers and snacks, video gaming

Taco Stop

9304 Ogden Ave. (708) 485-5884

Standard Mexican fare featuring tacos, burritos, tortas and weekly specials.

Taqueria El Grande

9132 31st St (708) 854-6030

Authentic Mexican food includes tacos, sopes, gorditas, burritos and more.

IRISH TIMES

Tony’s Breakfast Cafe

8900 Ogden Ave. (708) 387-0155

tonysofbrookfield.com

Despite the name, Tony’s is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Extensive menu.

Zubar and Grill 8436 Brookfield Ave. 485-4504

Mom’s homemade cooking. Full service bar

RIVERSIDE

Catrina Tequila Bar 34 East Ave. (708) 853-9024

facebook.com/CatrinaTequilaBar

Tequilas and cocktails with a Latin flair.

The Chew Chew

33 E. Burlington St (708) 447-8781

thechewchew.com

Casual contemporary American cuisine, including oysters, appetizers, salads, flatbre ads, burgers, pasta, fish, seafood, steaks and chops. Good wine list. Full bar.

Cubanito Express #2

3222 Harlem Ave. (708) 777-1416

cubanitoexpress.com

Signature pressed sandwiches, salads, empanadas and Cuban coffee. Open breakfast, lunch, dinner Carryout focused.

Dulce Mami

1 Riverside Road (708) 777-1233

dulcemamicafe.com

Mexican cafe and pastries,

Mexican breakfasts, soups, assorted crepe dishes, paninis and more.

Empanadus

7 E. Burlington St. (708) 442-5002

empanadus.com

Choose from a wide selection of empanadas — an Argentinian specialty featuring a flak pastry crust filled with everything from beef to pork, ham, cheese, sausage, onions, spinach and more. Don’t forget the chimichurri sauce.

El Faro #2

3422 Harlem Ave. (708) 777-1347

elfaro2.business.site

Home of famous giant burritos, tacos and other traditional Mexican dishes.

La Barra

2 E. Burlington St (708) 887-7700

labarrariverside.com

Italian entrees, awardwinning pizza and an extensive wine list.

La Estancia

25 Forest Ave. (708) 530-1830

Serving tacos, burritos, tortas, quesadillas, sopes, tamales, tostadas, gorditas, horchata, margaritas and more.

London Ice Cream Shop

38 East Ave. (708) 853-7109

Sweet treats including ice cream, banana splits, macaroons, cakes and sundaes.

BURGERS, BEERS, & CHEERS

Food & Drink

Michael’s Pancake House

25 E. Burlington St (708) 442-1251

michaelspancakehouseil.com

Always open for breakfast and brunch, serving American traditional food.

Quincy Street Distillery

39 E. Quincy St. (708) 357-7414

quincystreetdistillery.com

Artisanal spirits including bourbon, gin, rye whiskey and vodka handcrafted onsite. Tours by appointment.

The Sandtrap Grill and Tap

31 Forest Ave. (630) 672-0201

Burgers, sandwiches, salads, wings, a kids menu and specialty drinks.

Sawmilly

35 E. Burlington St. (708) 265-2670

Hand-crafted sandwiches, stuffed potatoes, salads, sides, sweets, craft beer, wine and natural sodas.

White Fence Farm

3704 S. Harlem Ave. (708) 447-9325

whitefencefarm-il.com

Fried chicken, shrimp, sides. Carry out only

NORTH RIVERSIDE

Al’s Pizzeria

9253 Cermak Road (708) 443-0000

eatals.com

Pizza, pasta, sandwiches and appetizers.

Bar Tini Lounge

2433 Des Plaines Ave. (708) 853-9143

facebook.com/p/Bar-TiniLounge-100062940953723

Full bar with a 4 a.m. license, featuring specialty cocktails and appetizers.

Big Corner Tavern

8405 Cermak Road (708) 447-5000

facebook.com/bigcornertavern

Full-service bar with food, including wings, salads, taco plates and burgers.

Chef Shangri-La

7930 W. 26th St (708) 442-7080

chefshangri-la.com

Polynesian and Cantonese cuisine. Tiki bar serves more than 25 tropical drinks. Live music monthly.

Chick-fil-A

7201 Cermak Rd. (708) 442-7006

chick-fil-a.com/northriverside

National fast-food chain with an emphasis on chicken sandwiches, wraps and salads.

Chili’s

7225 Cermak Road (708) 221-0051 chilis.com

National chain featuring southwestern Tex Mex fare, burgers, ribs and more.

Famous Dave’s Bar-BQue

7201 W. 25th St. (708) 447-8848 famousdaves.com

Barbecue ribs, brisket, burgers and more.

Miller ’s Ale House North Riverside

7515 Cermak Road (708) 426-2129

millersalehouse.com

Casual sports-pub chain with basics from bar snacks to steaks and a large selection of tap beers.

Mother ’s Day Restaurant

8815 Cermak Road (708) 442-0400

mothersdayrestaurant.com

Family style restaurant with an extensive menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Olive Garden 7513 Cermak Road (708) 447-0666

olivegarden.com

Casual Italian chain restaurant featuring pastas, chicken, wine and more.

Panda Express

2300 Harlem Ave. (708) 447-8972

pandaexpress.com

Chinese cuisine served cafeteria style.

Polar Bear

7901 Cermak Road (708) 442-8048

Beloved local soft-serve ice cream spot, featuring ice cream and food including burgers and fries. Outdoor seating only. Closed during winter

Raising Cane’s

2514 Harlem Ave. (708) 442-3433

raisingcanes.com

Chicken fingers and sides.

Sliccily Pizza Pub 8427 Cermak Road (708) 447-4992

Pizza, sandwiches, salads, pasta, burgers and more. Kids menu. Full bar Dine in or delivery

The Sweet Spot

2531 Des Plaines Ave. (708) 443-5770

Full-service bar.

The Chew Chew

THE CHEW CHEW

Tamale Hut Cafe

8300 Cermak Road (708) 442-0948

tamalehutcafe.com

Mexican cuisine with an emphasis on tamales.

Taqueria La Penca 9265 Cermak Road (708) 442-9011

taquerialapenca.com

Mexican cuisine including tacos, burritos and tostadas, served for breakfast, lunch and dinner Beer, wine and margaritas. Closed Mondays.

Village Pub

8839 Cermak Road (708) 447-4020

Italian-American cuisine, sandwiches, steaks and more. Party room. Outdoor patio

Vesuvio Bakery & Deli 8717 Cermak Road (708) 447-4355

Family-owned and run Italian spot featuring baked goods, deli sandwiches and soup

Wendy’s

7200 25th St (708) 447-6614

Fast-food burger chain serving sides such as chili and baked potatoes.

Yia Yia’s Pancake House

2250 Harlem Ave. (708) 442-9393

yiayiastogo.com

Family-style restaurant open for breakfast and lunch.

NORTH RIVERSIDE PARK MALL

7501 Cermak Road (708) 442-1111

Anna’s Gaming Cafe (708) 443-6077

Auntie Anne’s Pretzels (708) 442-5053

Baskin Robbins/Dunkin’ (708) 447-9023

Candy Junction (708) 442-3099

China Max (708) 447-2877

Cinnabon (708) 853-9476

El Milagro Taqueria (708) 447-5442

EM Asian Corner (708) 442-9689

Great Steak and Potato Co. (708) 447-9428

Mrs. Fields Cookies/ TCBY (708) 447-5938

Sbarro (708) 442-9737

Smokehouse (708) 447-9141

Subway (708) 442-9094

Taco Bell (708) 442-8653

Round 1 Entertainment (708) 762-3113

A.F. & A.M.

40 Forest Ave, Riverside, IL 60546

708-447-9628

862secretary@gmail.com www.RIVERSIDELODGE862.org

A dream come true: Dana Rettke steps onto the Olympic court and represents team USA

From the awe of the opening ceremony to the intensity of the semifinal match, Dana reflects on the unforgettable moments and lessons learned during the Paris Olympics

By Hector Cervantes Contributing Reporter

Riverside’s Dana Rettke made her Olympic debut with Team USA women’s indoor volleyball at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, bringing home a silver medal after a hard-fought championship match against Italy

Stepping onto the Olympic court for the first time in P recalls the experience vividly Her team had one official practice prior to their first match. waiting in the ar sat and watched handball before heading to the competition court.

“I just walked onto the court and saw the Olympic rings on the floor and saw the Paris Olympic logo in the center At that moment, everything became so real. That will always be a special memory for me — stepping onto that court,” Retkke said.

When asked how it felt to represent the United States in the Olympics, Rettke responded with how it was a much bigger experience than she had ever imagined.

“You’re representing the entire country Everyone knows how significant that is, but actually being a part of it means so much more and feels so much deeper It’s

something you really can’t put into words,” Rettke said.

Retkke reflects on the invaluable support and wisdom of Olympic veterans during her experience.

Having trained and competed alongside many of these teammates for years, she leaned on their guidance to navigate the overwhelming emotions of competing on the world stage. One of those veterans she leaned in on was her roommate during the Olympics, Jordan Larson.

“I remember talking with her a lot, and she said ‘you can’t make the moment bigger than it is,’ and I was like, ‘you’re right’. It’s still the same dimensions of the court, it’s still the same ball. We’re playing against the same teams that we play with during our pro seasons and compete against during our national team seasons every

year. The only difference is that there’s an Olympic logo on there,” Rettke said.

For Rettke, the opening ceremony of the Olympics was a solidifying moment.

“It had been a dream for years to be part of it, and to wear the Ralph Lauren outfit and represent Team USA was unreal. Floating down the Seine on a boat, ending up at the Eiffel Tower — can you imagine anything better? I was in tears, soaked from the rain, but we were all just celebrating together as one big Team USA. It was a moment I’ll never forget,” Rettke said.

Rettke made history as the first five-time AVCA All-American, led Wisconsin to its first NCAA title in 2021 and won the Honda Sports Award for volleyball. A member of the U.S. Women’s National Team since 2019, she earned gold at the 2019 Volleyball Nations League. She has also played professionally for Vero Volley Milano and currently competes for Eczacıbaşı Dynavit in Istanbul.

Dana Rettke celebrates with her team at the 2024 Volleyball Nations League.

USA VOLLEYBALL

USA Volleyball

New season, new opportunities: What’s ahead for the Brookfield Farmers Market

A dynamic market experience every Saturday: Discover, shop and support local

By Hector Cervantes Contributing Reporter

The Brookfield Farmers Market is entering its 18th season in 2025, continuing to thrive as one of the top markets in the country For the second consecutive year, the market was voted the best in Illinois and the fourth best nationwide in the American Farmland Trust ’s 16th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration.

Held at Brookfield Village Hall, the market operates on Saturdays from June to October, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors can find locally grown produce, baked goods, honey and artisan crafts, along with live music and events sponsored by local businesses.

Gina Sharenow is the market manager of the Brookfield Farmers Market, now in her fourth year of involvement and third year as manager.

Sharenow emphasizes that new changes are on the way for the market for the 2025 season

FARMERS MARKET continued on page 36

JAVIER GOVEA

F ARMERS MARKET

Continued from page 35

including an extended season and the introduction of EBT payment options, all aimed at enhancing the community experience at the market.

Typically concluding in the second week of October, the market will now extend its season through the end of the month. This change gives visitors additional opportunities to explore fresh produce, local goods and the vibrant market atmosphere. As part of the extended schedule, the market will also participate in a Fall fest during the third week of October.

“I’m really focused on encompassing the community That means involving everyone — from the teenagers in our community to our brick-and-mortar businesses, to our entrepreneurs, whether they’re adults or children. I really just want to provide opportunities for these people to shine and for our community, as well as surrounding communities, to enjoy it,” Sharenow said.

When asked what makes the Brookfield Farmers’ Market unique compared to other farmers’ markets in the area, Sharenow responded that the market offers a wide range of vendors.

“We don’t require vendors to attend every market, so there is a lot of fluctuation in who will be there. You have your regular vendors, but one week you might find a jeweler or a knife

sharpener, so it ’s always exciting to see the new people we bring in. I think being on a Saturday is a huge plus. We have the advantage of people not working, whereas most markets around us are during the week,” Sharenow said.

CHABAD JEWISH CENTER

Brookfield Farmers Market

JAVIER GOVEA

Wally’s Waffles popping up near you

By Hope Baker Contributing Reporter

Wally Strzepka’s affection for waffles began when he was a young boy. While visiting family in Poland, he came across a waffle cart in the village of Solina. They smelled delicious, so he decided to give one a try He loved it and has been hooked ever since. After years of making waffles for friends and family, Strzepka decided to officially pursue it as a business venture. In 2017, he debuted Wally’s Waffles at the Brookfield Farmer’s Market. He and his pop-up stand have been a mainstay there ever since.

“From the first year that we started, I would say we’ve significantly grown,” Strzepka said. “Our customer-base and following has expanded and a lot of people reach out to us for catering.”

During the summer of 2024, Strzepka’s waffles got national exposure when he competed in and won the 17th season of the Food Network’s “The Great Food Truck Race.” On the show, he was joined by his sister Maggie Strzepka and their friend Joe Caiafa. The trio was thrilled to take home the winning trophy and a $50,000 cash prize.

Wally Strzepka (center), owner of Wally’s Waffles, cheers alongside friend Joe Caiafa

and sister Maggie Strzepka (right) in front of the food truck they used to compete in — and win — season 17 of “The Great Food Truck Race.”

Now that the show is behind him, Strzepka said his next goal is to get a food truck of his own.

“We’re working on getting one right now,” he said. “Nothing huge or fancy, but something that will make us more widely

called the liege waffle, is more of a dessert, pastry-style waffle versus a standard breakfast waffle that you might get at a diner,” Strzepka said. “We have unique ingredients that we import from Belgium.”

Although Wally’s Waffles offers 14 rotating menu items, Strzepka said one particular waffle, called the Belgian Dream, is a favorite among customers.

“It was a shock at first,” Strzepka said. “It was definitely a surreal moment for us.”

Currently, Wally’s Waffles functions as a pop-up at farmers markets, breweries, festivals and events. They also cater weddings, showers and private parties.

“The style of waffle that we do, which is

“That is by far our best seller,” he said. “It has our house-made vanilla cream, fresh cut strawberries, bananas and Belgian chocolate.”

Wally’s Waffles will be a weekly staple at the Brookfield Farmer’s Market, beginning in June. In the meantime, their pop-up schedule is available on their website (http://www.wallys-waffles.com/) and social media pages. To book catering for a private event, visit http://www.wallyswaffles.com/catering.html or email them at wallyswaffles@yahoo.com

(left)

COURTESY OF WALLY’S WAFFLES

COURTESY OF WALLY’S WAFFLES

Play Spaces

The Social Play, 3741 Grand Boulevard, Brookfield

The Social Play’s indoor play space offers a safe and imaginative environment for children 5 and under Equipped with age-appropriate play structures, sensory activities, and interactive zones, The Social Play, which opened in September 2024, provides a fun experience for young children while promoting social skills and developmental growth. In addition to a play space, the Social Play offers classes, led by speech-language pathologists, that focus on building communication skills in both English and Spanish. For parents and caregivers, there is also a coffee bar that serves coffee from TASA, a local women-owned roaster

“It’s a fun space where kids can explore and connect with other

little ones,” said Cristina Garza, founder of The Social Play

For more information, visit thesocialplay.net

Winnie’s Playroom, 9039 Monroe Ave, Brookfield

Opening in Spring 2025, Winnie’s Playroom is a vibrant indoor space where kids can play while parents and caregivers relax with a cup of coffee in their cozy café. Packed with fun play structures, educational toys and books, it’s a mini-adventure zone for youngsters up to six years old. For more information, visit winniesplayroom.com

Urban Air Trampoline and

Adventure Park, 7401 West 25th Street, North Riverside

Urban Air is an indoor adventure park that offers gokarts, climbing walls, a tubes playground, bumper cars, a

ropes course, trampolines, virtual reality experiences and more.

For more in formation, visit urbanair.com/illinois-northriverside/

Brookfield’s Parks & Recreation Department

Nature Explorer Preschool Program

Offered by the Village of Brookfield’s Parks & Recreation Department, the Nature Explorer Preschool program provides a unique learning experience for children 3.5 - 5 years old. Focused on exploration and discovery in nature, children and teachers spend time outside at the Nature Play Area in Kiwanis Park and in the Oak Savanna each morning. Teachers serve as guides as children explore, discover, and

reflect during learning activities. After spending time outdoors each day, the students gather in a classroom at Brookfield Village Hall where they learn about nature and enjoy creative lessons in art, math, science and language arts.

The program, which runs September-May, takes place twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

According to Brookfield Parks & Recreation’s Early Childhood Supervisor Kelly Picton, the children also take a field trip each month to places like the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center and the Brookfield Zoo

“It’s a really fun and joyful program,” Picton said.

Registration for the 20252026 school year begins on Monday, Feb 3 at 9 a.m. To register, visit brookfieldil. gov/departments/parks_ and_recreation For more information, call the Brookfield Parks & Recreation Department at (708) 485-1474.

Riverside Parks & Recreation Department

“ We have a lot of classes but I think the ones I want to highlight are our Imagination Station, which is an indoor playtime program, and Forest Friends, our outdoor nature class for 3-5-year- olds,” said Riverside Parks & Recreation Director Ron Malchiodi.

According to Malchiod, the Parks & Recreation Department is also starting a nature-based outdoor preschool in Fall 2025 called Little Explorers.

“We have the natural surroundings right in our backyard so it makes sense to tap into that,” Malchiodi said.

Imagination Station

Facilitated by the Riverside Parks & Recreation Department, Imagination Station is a drop-in program that is offered on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30–11:30 a.m. The program provides an open-play opportunity for 1.5-5-year-olds that includes a craft/coloring table, enrichment activities like sensory bins or puzzles, and a rotation of toys to play with each week.

Location: The Historic Water Tower, 10 Pine Ave.

Fee: $15 per punch card (5 visits)

To register, visit www. riverside.il.us/549/ParksRecreation. For more information, call the Riverside Parks & Recreation Department at (708) 442-7025

Forest Friends

Drop your child off to explore the vast natural spaces in Riverside’s Arboretum. In this primarily outdoor program offered by the Riverside Parks & Recreation Department, children ages 3-5 explore the seasons through play, hiking, art projects, science experiments and stories. The Scout Cabin is utilized as an indoor space in adverse weather conditions.

Location: Scout Cabin, 417 Fairbank Rd., Riverside

Session 2: 3/5 - 3/24

Session 3: 4/9 - 4/30

Fee: $92/$97 non-resident per session

To register, visit www. riverside.il.us/549/Parks-

Recreation. For more information, call the Riverside Parks and Recreation Department at (708) 442-7025.

Brookfield

Public Library

Read to the Dogs

Practice your reading skills at the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library by reading to dogs from the Hinsdale Humane Society Check in at the Youth Desk to sign up for a 10 min time slot! Registration required. This program is for kids in grades 1-3.

Location: 3541 Park Ave., Brookfield

When:

Tuesday, March 25: 7 - 8 p.m.

Tuesday, April 29: 7- 8 p.m.

Tuesday, May 27: 7 - 8 p.m.

To register, visit lsfbrookfieldlibrary.libnet. info/events?t=youth. For more information, call the library at (708) 485-6917.

Schools

Nor th Riverside

K omar ek School District 94

Administrative Office

8940 W. 24th St., North Riverside (708) 447-8030 komarek94.org

Superintendent

Todd Fitzgerald tfitzgerald@komarek94.org

Board of Education

Christopher Waas

Willie Merrill

Holly Neumann

Monica Arango

Erica Malone

Melissa Obrock

Frank Savaglio

Komarek

Elementary School

8940 W. 24th St., North Riverside (708) 447-8030

Grades: K-8

Diane Michelini, principal dmichelini@komarek94.org

BrookfieldLaGr ange P ark School District 95

Administrative Office

3724 Prairie Ave., Brookfield (708) 485-0606 district95.org

Superintendent

Dr Mark Kuzniewski mkuzniewski@district95.org

Board of Education

Katie Mulcrone

Jackie Jordan

S.E. Gross’s McKenna Kosey (front / center) and team warm up under the direction of coach Meghan Kulakowski during the RBHS Middle School Cheerleading Competition Dec. 15, 2024 in Riverside.

Meaghan Allen

Jessica Filbey

Barb Garvey

Elizabeth Loerop

Kristin Reingruber

Brook Park

Elementary School 1214 Raymond Ave., LaGrange Park (708) 354-3740

Grades: K-5

Kelly King, K-2 Principal kking@district95.org

Michael Sorensen, Grades: 3-5 Principal msorensen@district95.org

S.E. Gross Middle School

3524 Maple Ave., Brookfield (708) 485-0600

Grades: 6-8

Ryan Evans, Principal

revans@district95.org

Lauren Colberg, Assistant Principal jtumpane@district95.org

Riverside School District 96 3340 S Harlem Ave., Riverside (708) 447-5007 district96.org

Superintendent

Martha Ryan-Toye ryan-toyem@district96.org

Board of Education

Wesley Muirheid

Joel Marhoul

Stephanie Basanez Gunn

David Barsotti

Salina Claps

Dan Hunt

Marlowe Djuric Kachlic

A.F. Ames Elementary School

86 Southcote Road, Riverside (708) 447-0759

Grades: PreK-5

Todd Gierman, Principal giermant@district96.org

Blythe Park Elementary School

735 Leesley Road., Riverside (708) 447-2168

Grades: K-5

Casimira Gorman, Principal gormanc@district96.org

Central Elementary School

61 Woodside Road, Riverside (708) 447-1106

Grades: K-5

Pete Gatz, Principal gatzp@district96.org

STEVE JOHNSTON

Schools

Hollywood Elementary School

3423 Hollywood Ave., Brookfield (708) 485-7630

Grades: K-5

Kim Hefner, Principal hefnerk@district96.org

L.J. Hauser Junior High School

65 Woodside Road, Riverside (708) 447-3896

Grades: 6-8

April Mahy, Principal mahya@district96.org

Chris Harvalis, Assistant Principal harvalisc@district96.org

La Gr ange District 102

Administrative Office

333 N. Park Road, La Grange Park (708) 482-2400 dist102.k12.il.us

Superintendent

Christopher Covino covinoch@dist102.k12.il.us

Board of Education

Edward Campbell

Jessica Mandra

Tiz Lambert

Molly Knott

Katy McQuiston

Michael Melendez

Cathy Murphy

Congress Park School

9311 Shields Ave., Brookfield (708) 215-6007

Grades: K-6

Amy Grieve, Principal grieveam@dist102.k12.il.us

Catherine Rodriguez, Assistant Principal rodrigueza@dist102.k12.il.us

Park Junior High School

325 N. Park Road, La Grange Park (708) 482-2500

Grades: 7-8

Jerome Green, Principal greenje@dist102.k12.il.us

Tyler Finley, Assistant Principal campbellly@dist102.k12.il.us

L yons School District 103

Administrative Office 4100 Joliet Ave., Lyons (708) 783-4100 sd103.com

Superintendent

Kristopher Rivera riverak@lyons103.org

Board of Education

Jorge Torres

Winifred Rodrigez

Sara Andreas

Les Antos

Olivia Quintero

Mario Ramirez

Slagiana Aleksikj

Schools

Lincoln Elementary School

4300 Grove Ave., Brookfield (708) 783-4600

Grades: PreK-5

Theresa Silva, Principal silvat@lyons103.org

Emelia Zarenana, Assistant Principal zarenanae@lyons103.org

George Washington Middle School

8101 Ogden Ave., Lyons (708) 783-4200

Grades: 6-8

Joshua Dakins, Principal dakinsj@lyons103.org

Ana Verduzco, Assistant Principal verduzcoa@lyons103.org

L yons Township High School District 204

Administration Office

100 S. Brainard Ave., La Grange (708) 579-6300 www.lths.net

Superintendent

Brian Waterman bwaterman@lths.net

Riverside-Brookfield’s Colin Cimino runs out on the court during introductions against Lyons Township and is greeted by members of the Junior Bulldogs on Junior Bulldog Night Jan. 18, 2025 in Riverside.

Principal Jennifer Tyrrell jtyrrell@lths.net

Board of Education

Jill Grech

Tim Albores

Jill Beda Daniels

Kari Dillon

Gioia Giannotti Frye

Paula Struwing

Michael Thomas

Lyons Township High School-North Campus

100 S. Brainard Ave., La Grange (708) 579-6300

Ed Piotrowski, Assistant Principal epiotrowski@lths.net

Lyons Township High School-South Campus

4900 S. Willow Springs Road, Western Springs (708) 579-6500

Adam Davis, Assistant Principal adavis@lths.net

Riverside Br ookfield High School District 208

Riverside Brookfield High School

160 Ridgewood Road, Riverside (708) 442-7500 rbhs208.net

Superintendent

Kevin Skinkis skinkisk@rbhs208.net

Assistant Superintendent

Kristin Smetana smetanak@rbhs208.net

Principal

Hector Freytas freytash@rbhs208.net

Board of Education

Deanna Zalas

Lorena Gasca

William Durkin

Laura Hruska

Carolyn Lach

Nicholas Novak Ryan VenHorst

STEVE JOHNSTON

P rivate Elementary Schools

and Pr eschools

Building Blocks Preschool

St Paul’s Church 60 Akenside Road, Riverside (708) 447-3373

P rivate High Schools

Fenwick High School

505 Washington Boulevard, Oak Park (708) 386-0127 fenwickfriars.com

Otto Rutt, President orutt@fenwickfriars.com

Store Hours: 8am-6pm • Sat 8am-5pm Sun 10am-3pm

building-blks.com

Ages: 3 to 5 years Ann Jablonski, Executive Director

John Finan, Principal jfinan@fenwickfriars.com

Nazareth Academy

Montessori Children’s Community

3424 Maple Ave., Brookfield (708) 485-9542 montessori-cc.com

Ages: 3 to 6 years old Rocio Smith, Director

St. Mary School

7449 W. Madison Forest Park, IL 60130

1209 W. Ogden Ave., La Grange Park (708) 354-0061 nazarethacademy.com

Deborah Tracy, President dtracy@nazarethacademy.com

Dennis Moran, Principal dmoran@nazarethacademy.com

Trinity High School

97 Herrick Road, Riverside (708) 442-5747

7449 W. Madison Forest Park, IL 60130

708.366.1100 • schauerhardware@att.net

7574 Division St., River Forest (708) 771-8383 trinityhs.org

stmaryschoolriverside.org

Grades: PreK-8

Join Our Email Club! www.SchauersHardware.com

Laura Curley, President lcurley@trinityhs.org

Nicole Nolazco, Principal principal@stmaryriverside.org

Store Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm • Sat 8am-5pm Sun 10am-3pm

Amy Gallie, Principal agallie@trinityhs.org

Store Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm • Sat 8am-5pm Sun 10am-3pm Madison 60130 schauerhardware@att.net Join Our Email Club!

708.366.1100 • schauerhardware@att.net Best Deals. Best Prices. Locally Owned.

St. Paul’s Lutheran School

Join Our Email Club!

9035 Grant Ave., Brookfield (708) 485-0650

Grades: K-8

Dave Hall, Headmaster spbrookfield.org

Tallgrass Sudbury School

100 6th Ave., La Grange (708) 328-8546

Melissa Bradford, Board President tallgrasssudbury.org Ages: 5 to 19

C ommunity C olleges

College of DuPage

425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn (630) 942-2800 cod.edu

Dr Christine Hammond, Interim President officeofthepresident@cod.edu

Triton College

2000 5th Ave., River Grove (708) 456-0300 triton.edu

Mary-Rita Moore, President president@triton.edu

An introduction to Brookfield’s Little League Baseball d PLAY BALL!

By Deborah Bayliss Contributing Reporter

Prior to Little League Baseball’s official 1952 establishment with the dedicated help of volunteers like Roy Overholt, children in Brookfield utilized whatever makeshift equipment they could find to play the game on empty lots.

Today, the league has eight playing fields including the historic Overholt Field that was named in honor of Roy Overholt and renovated last year. There’s also Hull Field, named for softball coach Dan Hull who was influential in Brookfield’s softball program, according to Daniel Kissel, president of Brookfield Little League.

The Kiwanis Park field was built with volunteer labor and donations. In 1953, the Brookfield Kiwanis Club donated the dugouts for the players.

“Overholt Field is located in Kiwanis Park right by Village Hall,” Kissel said. “Roy Overholt was an historical figure with Brookfield Little League, a prominent figure that helped start the league and brought a lot of attention to the league in Brookfield. So the field in Kiwanis Park is named after him. It’s one of the premiere league fields in the Chicago suburbs.”

Honored as the most productive Brookfield Little League volunteer, born in the Hollywood section of Brookfield on May 1, 1924, Overholt got involved in the Little League,

as a baseball buff and because of his sons, according to the Landmark.

He served as manager from 1956-61 in both the Bedford Park minor league and the Summit-Argo-Bedford ParkBridgeview Little League.

Overholt was first a coach of the Buresh’s Lobster House team, and a year later, in 1961, became the team’s manager in mid-season, winning many championships, his name, synonymous with baseball in Brookfield.

LITTLE LEAGUE, continued on page 46

Brookfield Little League Burnt Meatballs Champions 2023.

(Left) A night game for the Majors Sandlot Baseball team 2024.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL

LITTLE LEAGUE

Continued from page 45

Overholt “retired” from the Little League in 1969, but was named a lifetime member.

Hull Field is also considered one of the premiere softball fields and not just for little league- the high school team plays there as well, Kissel explained.

“It’s a really nice field,” he added. “So, we’re very fortunate to have great fields, and we work to continually improve the fields.”

Made up of players from Brookfield, Illinois as well as students attending Brookfield Schools, the Brookfield Little League hosts an active Spring and Fall season as well as All-Stars and the Official Overholt Little League Tournament.

“The mission statement from Little League International believes in the power of youth baseball and softball to teach life lessons that build stronger individuals and communities,” Kissel said.

The all-volunteer, non-profit organization serves more than 600 players with the help of sponsors. In 2024, the league hosted several All-Star Tournaments, Clinics, Fall-Ball, Hot Shots Tournament, and The Overholt Tournament. Support from the business community made upgrades to some of the fields possible.

“Little League is a community-based organization,’ Kissel said. “I

Brookfield Little League 2023 9-11 year old champions.

think that’s one of the great marks of Little League in general.”

“Little League is a great way for people to get involved with their community and give back to Brookfield and give back to the kids that are participating in the Brookfield community and mentor those young individuals not just as baseball players but as young men and women who are going to grow up and contribute to their community as well.”

The Brookfield Little League season kicks off April 18 for Majors baseball and April 25 for Majors softball divisions.

For more information, visit brookfield little league.org.

Terra

Music Lessons

Private&groupclasses

Repairs

Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library

3541 Park Ave., Brookfield (708) 485-6917

lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Closed on Sundays between Memorial Day and Labor Day

Library Director

Kimberly Coughran kcoughran@ lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org

Board of Trustees

Adam Burghgraef, President

Linda Kampschroeder, Vice President

Carol Vaughan Kissane, Secretary

Edgar Mihelic, Treasurer

Jennifer Paliatka

Michelle Parker

Jennifer Perry

North Riverside Public Library

2400 Des Plaines Ave., North

Riverside (708) 447-0869

northriversidelibrary.org

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed on Sundays.

Library Director

Natalie Starosta starostan@nrpl.info

Board of Trustees

Annette Corgiat, President

Greg Gordon, Vice President

John Mathias, Treasurer

Ken Rouleau

Jeanne Ottenweller

Kathy Bonnar

Kyle Johnson

Riverside Public Library

1 Burling Road, Riverside (708) 442-6366

riversidelibrary.org

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.;

Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

Library Director

Janice Foley janicefoley@riversidelibrary.org

Board of Trustees

Ken Circo, President

Courtney Greve Hack, Vice President

Jane Birmingham, Treasurer

Christine Long, Secretary

Nancy DeFauw

Michael Hagins

Daniel Loucks

Janice Foley

The Mobile Museum of Tolerance teaches students and people of all ages about hatred and discrimination in recent history and online today.

LINDA SOKOL FRANCIS BROOKFIELD LIBRARY

Riverside Arts Weekend brings together local artists every June ARTS

TBy Katherine Frazer Contributing Reporter

aking place on June 7 and 8, Riverside Arts Weekend will bring dance performances, musical acts, art displays and family activities to the community. This year, the festivities are back in Guthrie Park.

During the second weekend of June

since 2008, Riverside Arts Weekend brings the community together to celebrate a variety of artistic disciplines.

This year, Riverside Arts Weekend received a one-time grant from Cook County Arts that supports suburban arts organizations after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Riverside Arts Weekend Board President Charlotte Zia said this grant will help the art fair to grow and expand.

RIVERSIDE ARTS WEEKEND

“We’re lucky recipients of these grants, and it ’s just really been helpful to help the Riverside Arts weekend to just rebuild after the COVID and give us a little more to be able to do additional promotion and marketing,” Zia said. “We’re really, really, really excited to be able to have that support.”

They were one of 100 nonprofit organizations in suburban Cook County to receive this grant.

Besides the traditional art fair, visitors can expect performances by local musicians and artsy, child-friendly activities.

The fan-favorite community art-piece project will return, too. Residents will again be able to show off their creative side and

make art that will be auctioned off to support the event.

“We are just continuing to try to grow the event and expand and kind of bring it back to what many remember,” Zia said. As performance and activity schedules become available, information can be found online at riversideartsweekend.org or on the Riverside Arts Weekend Facebook page.

“We really bring together a strong performance schedule and we always make sure that we have activities for the children,” Zia said. “It really is a family-friendly and free community event.”

Child partaking in arts and crafts during the Riverside Arts Weekend Festival in 2023.

SARA JANZ

RIVERSIDE ARTS WEEKEND

T2025 local real estate snapshot

his data represents sales of single-family homes and condo/townhomes in Riverside, Brookfield and North Riverside from January 1 to December 31, 2024. In addition to total homes sold and average sale prices, we’ve also included two stats: Market Time and Sales Price/Listing Price Ratio that show how rapidly the current market is moving.

Market Time is the number of days a property is on the market from the time it is listed until the day that it closes.

In “normal” times, a seller might put their homeon the market and expect it to go under contract within a month or two. Following that, it might take another month for

the home to close. A low Market Time number indicates a strong market that favors sellers as in Attached Homes in North Riverside, where the market time was 7 days.

Sales Price/Listing Price Ratio indicates the percentage of the listing price that a property was sold for. You might expect this number to be less than 100%, since buyers often try to negotiate discounts off the listing price. If the number is 100%, as it is in Brookfield Single Family Homes, that means sellers are getting exactly what they are asking.

Our thanks to the Oak Park Area Association of Realtors for providing these statistics.

Most Expensive/Least Expensive sales

Detached Single Family:

Least Expensive: 2252 Northgate Ave (2 BR/1 BA) - $225,000 (Foreclosure) – Sept 2024

Most Expensive: 2226 S. 3rd Ave (5 BR/2 BA) - $550,000, July 2024

Attached Unit:

Least Expensive: 2950 Des Plaines Ave (2+1 BR/1 BA townhome) - $242,000, Sept 2024

Most Expensive: 2646 Des Plaines Ave, Unit 2S (2 BR/1.1 BA townhome) - $280,000, July 2024

Detached Home Stats:

Number of Units Sold: 59

Average Market Time: 41 days

Median Sold Price: $352,000

Average Sold Price: $362,112

Total Volume of Sales: $21,364,613

Sale Price/Listing Price: 96%

Median Price Increase over same period 2023: + 6.7%

Attached Unit Stats:

Number of Units Sold: 5

Average Market Time: 7 days

Median Sold Price: $258,000

Average Sold Price: $259,000

Total Volume of Sales: $1,295,000

Sale Price/Listing Price: 99%

Median Price Increase Over Same Period 2023: +7.9%

North Riverside

Most Expensive/Least Expensive sales

Detached Single Family Home:

Least Expensive Sale: 111 Forest Ave. (foreclosure) $230,000, June 2024

Most Expensive Sale: 265 Bloomingbank Rd. $1,405,000, June 2024

Attached Unit:

Least Expensive Sale: 112 Lincoln Ave., Unit 3C, 1 BR/1BA, $117,500, December 2024

Most Expensive Sale: 21 N. Herbert Rd., 3BR/3.2BA townhome, $570,000, June 2024

Detached Home Stats:

Number of Units Sold: 89

Average Market Time: 34 days

Median Sold Price: $570,000

Average Sold Price: $620,556

Total Volume of Sales: $55,229,498

Sale Price/Listing Price: 99%

Median Price Increase over same period 2023: +14.9%

Attached Unit Stats:

Number of Units Sold: 17

Average Market Time: 40 days

Median Sold Price: $177,500

Average Sold Price: $201,494

Total Volume of Sales: $3,425,400

Sale Price/Listing Price: 98%

Median Price Decrease Over Same Period 2023: - 11.3%

Most Expensive/Least Expensive sales

Detached Single Family:

Least Expensive: 3628 Sunnyside Ave (3 BR/1 BA) - $150,000 – August 2024

Most Expensive: 8621 Parkview Ave (4+1 BR/4 BA) - $800,000 – June 2024

Attached Unit:

Least Expensive: 8808 45th Place, Unit 3 (1 BR, 1BA Condo) - $115,000, July 2024

Most Expensive: 3631 Forest Ave, Unit A (3 BR/2.2 BA Townhome) - $359,000, November 2024

Detached Home Stats:

Number of Units Sold: 149

Average Market Time: 25 days

Median Sold Price: $355,000

Average Sold Price: $376,327

Total Volume of Sales: $56,072,655

Sale Price/Listing Price: 100%

Median Price Increase over same period 2023: +4.4%

Attached Unit Stats:

Number of Units Sold:21

Average Market Time: 34 days

Median Sold Price: $230,000

Average Sold Price: $241,137

Total Volume of Sales: $5,063,875

Sale Price/Listing Price: 98%

Median Price Decrease Over Same Period 2023: -5.2%

Brookfield

Riverside

Parks & Recreation

Brookfield Parks and Facilities

Candy Cane P 28th St. and P

Creekside P

3815 Grove Ave.

Harrison P 3233 Harrison

Ehlert Park 4338 Congr

Kiwanis P 8820 Brookfi

Madison P 4019 Madison

Madlin Park

Lincoln Ave. Madison Ave.

Ave.

Maple North P 3840 Maple

Maple South P 3915 Madison

Veterans Memorial P 3602 Grand Boulevard

Special RecreationSEASPAR

Brookfield is a member of the South East Association for Special Parks and Recreation (SEASPAR). The mission of SEASPAR is to provide recreation programs and services for residents with disabilities by providing excellence in recreation through programs and services. For more information, visit seaspar.org or call 630) 960-7600.

Riverside Parks and Facilities

Big Ball Park

Longcommon Road and Delaplaine Road

Blythe Park 735 Leesley Road

Guthrie Park

Longcommon Road and Bloomingbank Road

Harrington Park

Robinson Court and Delaplaine Road

Indian Gardens

Located south off of Fairbank Road

Patriots Park 542 E. Parkway Road

Swan Pond

Located south off of Burling Road and Bloomingbank Road

North Riverside Parks and Facilities

Use of Commons Park Pavilions

Usage is on a first-come, first-served basis. Village ordinances prohibit grilling and the use of alcohol in the parks. Ballfield reservations

permits are available at the Recreation Department.

Village Commons Building 2401 Des Plaines Ave.

Commons Park and Playground

Located behind village offices on Des Plaines Ave.

Veterans Park

7600 W. 26th St.

The Tot Spot 2356 14th Ave.

Brookfield hosted a Duck Race through Salt Creek Sept. 28, 2024.

ERICA BENSON

zoo events

Zoo Uncorked: May 10

Discover a new way to enjoy Brookfield Zoo Chicago during its new 21+ event series called Zoo Uncorked! It kicks off on May 10 with a 21+ mocktail event called Flocktail & Feathers, offering a refreshing selection of mocktails and exclusive experiences like the flamingo parade, macaw chats and more! Whether you’re looking for a unique night out or a refreshing way to celebrate the season, you won’t want to miss this new event. Learn more and see all Zoo Uncorked dates at brookfieldzoo org/events.

2025 Teacher Programs: Ongoing, April 25

h “PPa nition o his infformati t ve v v sentation y Ma M caggo associ c ate e Th pre Chic

Brookfield Zoo Chicago offers free one-hour professional development classes online, where participants gain strategies, downloadable activities, and resources to enrich learning about nature and animals at the Zoo and in the classroom. he 2025 schedule kicked off on Feb. 15 with “Pangolin Paths to Learning” in recognition of World Pangolin Day! his informative virtual session featured a live presentation by Mark Wanner, Brookfield Zoo Chicago associate vice president of animal care & conservation and chair of the North American angolin Consortium. Brookfield Zoo Chicago will also have an on-site “Problem-Based Learning: Giraffe Conservation” teacher workshop on April 25. More information is available at brookfieldzoo.org/

grams. Mo M re infor educatorrprog

Spring Fest: April 12-13

Brookfield Zoo Chicago invites you to celebrate the arrival of spring at its first-ever Spring Fest on April 12-13! The weekend will be filled with fun, fresh air and unforgettable experiences. Guests can enjoy live performances, savor seasonal food and drinks, shop from art vendors and explore family-friendly activities for all ages. This event is free with general admission and/or membership to Brookfield Zoo Chicago Learn more at brookfieldzoo.org/springfest.

Encounter

enguin Encounter Spring Seedlings Program

Spring

Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s “nature play group” returns with opportunities for children ages 1-3 years to start learning about and interacting with nature. Alongside their favorite partner in play (that would be you!), children make friends with nature through play experiences, songs and meeting a weekly animal visitor. The four-week program is held at Hamill Family Play Zoo from 9-10 a.m. Registration will open on February 25 at brookfieldzoo.org/seedlings for Spring sessions, which will be held on Tuesdays and Saturdays from March 25 to April 19.

Cantata/The British Home Celebrates its 100th Anniversary!

This year marks the 100th year of Cantata Adult Life Services (formerly, The British Home) providing campus living and at home services for local seniors and their families in Brookfield and the surrounding area. Cantata’s founders were the Daughters of the British Empire (DBE), a group of women dedicated to honoring their British heritage and traditions in the United States.

In the early 1920’s, DBE members established a not-for-profit nursing

home on Cantata’s current campus in Brookfield, after receiving a donation of land from Samuel Insull, the CEO of Commonwealth Edison at the time. They welcomed their first residents in 1925, and named their endeavor “The British Old People’s Home”. This name was subsequently changed to “The British Home for Retired Men and Women” in the 1950’s, and then to the more contemporary “Cantata Adult Life Services” in 2012.

In the early 1970’s, The British Home broadened its mission to serve

people of all nationalities and ethnicities.

Since its establishment

100 years ago, Cantata/ The British Home has served tens of thousands of seniors and their families in the Chicago area, largely in the western suburbs of Chicago. In 2025, Cantata/The British Home will host and sponsor many activities and events throughout the year to commemorate and celebrate its century of

exceptional service to seniors, their families, and our local community. If you would like to be notified in advance of these various activities and events, please go to Cantata’s website, cantata.org, where you can learn more and sign up for advance notice.

Otherwise, stay tuned, and Congratulations to Cantata/ The British Home on achieving this fantastic milestone!!