Village of North Riverside Newsletter Winter 2023

from the mayor

Small village, big hear t... and tremendous courage

IT REALLy mATTERS

During the holiday season and throughout the year, we hope you’ll shop, eat, spend and enjoy in Nor th Riverside! When you spend locally, you do far more than get the items that you want quickly and conveniently Buying local actually stimulates our Village economy and it even helps the environment. When you buy here, 68% of your money stays here.

SENIOR/DISABLED

SNOW

REmOvAL

pROgRAm

Don’t wait, apply today! For ms for the Village’s Senior/Disabled Snow Removal Program were recently mailed out. If you did not receive a for m and need the ser vice, apply online through the website at www nor thriverside il org or stop in the Village Commons before the December 1st deadline This is a first come, first ser ved program.

NRn The best and the bravest. On the night of October 13, North Riverside first responders were dispatched to a large structure fire at an apartment complex, commonly referred to as The Gables, located on the corner of Desplaines Avenue and 31st Street As flames and smoke poured out of a third floor apartment, residents of the building were forced to evacuate their units Without hesitation, the officers who arrived on the scene first entered the burning building and began to evacuate residents despite the heavy smoke. Emergency personnel had to break down locked doors and navigate hallways/stairwells without lighting as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze. Over 80 tenants were rescued and needed emergency shelter At a recent Board meeting, the Trustees and I were humbled to recognize these men and women who risked their lives for our community Because of their bravery, there were no major injuries or fatalities that night From the Fire Department: Chief Bob McDermott, Lt Dave Rajk, FF Chris Kribales, FF John Nalbandian, FF Tanner Atchison, PM Jean Pierre Herrera, PM Carlos Coctecon. From the Police Department: Chief Christian Ehrenberg, Deputy Chief Dave Kopka, Commander Chris Boenzi, Sergeant Terri McCarthy, Officer Joshua Czerak, Officer Oscar Velazquez Telecommunicators Jose Del Angel, Kyrie Feltenz and Executive Director Bud Hicks from WC3 Central Dispatch were also present

n The Nicor Project. I am well aware that there have been ongoing complaints related to the completion of the Nicor project. Rest assured, Public Works continues to work with Nicor the plan is to readdress any failed restoration in the spring. I assure you that the restoration efforts for this project will not end until we are all fully satisfied.

n Save the dates. We’ve already locked in the dates for Coffee with the Mayor for 2023 and I look forward to these informal opportunities to meet with residents Stop in at the Village Commons at 10 am on Saturday, January 21, April 15, July 15 and October 21 to discuss anything on your mind I really want to know.

n Also in 2023. Watch for more detailed information on the curbside electronic recycling program the drop off at Public Works is now closed. Two collections will be announced so hang on to your items and dispose of them properly Fly dumping is not permissible and tickets will be issued

This issue is packed with so much important information from Village Hall updates, our new website, new employees, our ice rink and kayak/canoe launch, Parks & Rec programs and trips, police and fire success stories and special community events please take the time to read it from cover to cover and celebrate the progress we are making together. Celebrate the season and donate, if you can, to the drop boxes at the Commons

Looking back at 2022, we can really be proud of the spirit of unity that has made many accomplishments possible and we look forward to continued progress and togetherness in the new year. Happy holidays, stay safe and support local.

Mayor Joseph Mengoni

SHOP & DROP

Rushing around trying to finish some lastminute Christmas shopping to complete? Or perhaps you’d like to get together with some friends? Let Santa’s helpers watch the little ones! Just drop them off on Friday, December 2, 6 to 9 pm to enjoy holiday fun and games. Pre-registration is required. For ages 4-12. Fee is $20.

Parks & Recreation

How to connect with us and register:

Phone: 708/442 5515 • Fax: 708/442 7310 Web: www.northriverside il.org Email: recreation@northriverside il.org Facebook: www facebook com/NRRecreation Instagram: @nrrecreation

puerto vallarta, mexico

feBruary 17-23, 2023

Beat those winter blues and come with us as we head to beautiful sunny Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! Spend 6 nights at a five-star ALL-INCLUSIVE resort that will capture your heart with its architecture and traces of Mayan decor that exude the richness of Mexico Stop in the Rec Office for all the details or just call 442 5515 and staff will be glad to answer your questions

iceland explorer

june 7-13, 2023

Experience the “land of fire and ice” and chase the Aurora Borealis across the ethereal wonderland Spend your days surrounded by natural wonders and your nights in search of elusive dancing lights Explore the Skogar Museum and Thingvellir National Park Gaze at the Gullfoss waterfall, walk on black volcano sand beaches and so much more. Interested? Stop in at the Rec Office for all the details so you can secure your seat on this incredible destination.

Watch for the new Winter- Spring Recreation Fun Guide coming soon! Get fit in 2023, get busy, get packing because it’s full of things to do for all ages.

Follow North Riverside Parks & Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest program updates, events, photos and last minute programs and trips!

PUBLIC WORKS

SNOW IN THE FORECAST?

WE’RE READY AS USUAL!

Just a reminder of how snow plowing gets done: All state or main roadways first This operation happens with four trucks working together in what we call the “Blitz” technique The Blitz creates a safer path way for both our vehicles and motorists.

When the main thoroughfares are cleared, the trucks split off in 2x2 fashion and start cleaning the side streets While this plowing is taking place, we also have three pick up trucks out plowing alleys, dead end roads, off street parking along with the municipal lots in the Village. Once streets are cleared, we steadily apply salt to prevent freeze ups Salt is also applied on our first pass to break the bond of snow to the roadway to allow the plows to remove the snow down to the pavement

When you think we’re done, we’re not! We also send out a tractor with a snow bucket to open the main walkways along Cermak Road, 26th Street and Desplaines Avenue as well as our bike path and Commons Park to make sure that walkers, too, have a safe passageway

Help us out by moving your vehicles off the Village streets after snowfalls greater than 2” to allow our plows to get through Thanks!

Thank you, Scotty “DON’T WORRY, I’LL TAKE CARE OF IT” IS WHAT HE’D SAY

Public Works Director Vince Ranieri speaks for the entire depart ment when he says that Foreman Scott Kopach’s retirement will be a “big loss for all of us.” Kopach will retire on December 23 after 34 years of service.

“Everyone needs a right arm and he’s been that guy,” added Ranieri “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it is what he’d say every time there was an issue or a resident called and it got done. Scotty and I have worked hand in hand for 25 years so he’s not just an employee, he’s a great friend and he’s been a tremendous asset to the Village.”

Scott Kopach grew up in North Riverside, attending Komarek grade school and Riverside Brookfield High School; after high school, he attended Triton College He started to work as a carpenter but found out quickly that the work wasn’t steady and joined PW as a part time employee. Eventually, he was offered full time employment and four years ago he took on the additional responsibilities of PW Foreman

Thinking back on the past three decades, Scott says “there’s never been a dull moment,” many times sacrificing time with his own family to attend to the urgent needs of the North

Riverside community “You could never really plan on attending a party or ringing in the new year when you work for PW because it’s not your typical 9 5 job. We’ve worked plenty of holiday water main breaks and, once, we literally spent three months sleeping at PW when the snow just wouldn’t let up But we do what we do not just for a paycheck but because North Riverside is our home, too. Like many of my co workers, I grew up here We really do care about making North Riverside the best it can be,” said Kopach

Scotty says he will miss Veterans Park the most, since he played a key role in its transformation over the years. Once a dirt field made ready by a tractor with a chain link fence attached, Veterans Park is now one of the best baseball venues in the area Studying with the grounds crew at Wrigley Field and Comiskey Park (now Guaranteed Rate Field), Kopach’s greatest gratification came from knowing that games would never be rained out because fields weren’t ready and that the kids would be safe

“So much has changed since I started. North Riverside is an amazing place. No matter where I go, it will always be home for me ”

New

team & new website to serve you better

Welcome our new administration team

We’re excited to welcome several new individuals to the North Riverside family. They are the support system for our community and play a vital role in ensuring that the Village’s general operations run smoothly. Pictured, left to right: Gwendolyn Letamendi, Barbra Kopka, Andrea Dressel, Josclyn Daker and Julie Paitl Gwendolyn is our new Payroll Specialist; Josclyn is our Licensing and Billing Specialist; Julie and Barbra, serving as part time employees, will share the position of attending to residents, business owners and visitors at the front window We are also proud to welcome Andrea Dressel as the Village’s new accountant. Formerly Operations Manager for Berwyn Township and Staff Accountant for the City of Berwyn, Andrea brings extensive experience in the area of municipal accounting and finance to North Riverside Martha Almaguer is now our Utility Billing Specialist

gET yOUR gUEST pASS BOOk

Residents will no longer be able to report visitors parked overnight on Village streets online or by phone. All guests parked overnight will need to display an overnight parking permit Be ready for when the situation arises and buy your overnight guest passes now Cost is $25 for 10 visitor passes New overnight parking program goes into effect December 1, 2022 and is subject to police enforcement.

VEHICLE

Take care of business at the Commons Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and only once a month on the third Saturday from 9 am to Noon beginning in January 2023

Can’t stop in? Swing by one of the three (3) drop boxes located at the Commons or use the website to download forms, submit online requests and pay your water bill So easy!

One December Board of Trustees meeting

we have lift-off! NEW WEBSITE HAS LAUNcHED

While it will always be a “work in progress” that is constantly being updated and improved, the Village is excited to launch its redesigned website at www northriverside il org, making it a tremendous resource for existing and prospective residents, businesses and anyone looking to know more about North Riverside Cleanly designed and extremely functional, the site offers fresh and quality content, readily accessible contact info for all departments and staff and commonly-used forms that can be completed and submitted online or easily downloaded, such as FOIA requests, employment applications, Senior/Disabled Snow Program applications, block party and garage sale requests and more Water bills can be paid 24/7; contractors can register online; building inspections can be scheduled; tenants can report a property maintenance issue; and payments for Parks and Rec programs can be safely made through the site.

POLICE

NORTH RIVERSIDE RESIDENTS STEP UP

During the annual DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) Drug Take Back Day held across the country at the end of October, the goal is to properly dispose of unneeded medications as such prescriptions are often a public safety issue by potentially becoming a gateway to addiction. The majority of opioid addictions start with prescription pills found in medicine cabinets at home Pharmaceutical drugs can be just as dangerous as street drugs when taken without a prescription or a doctor ’s supervision.

During the October 2022 Take Back Day, North Riverside residents disposed of a 42 pounds of unused/unwanted prescription medications!

Beyond Take Back Day, there are opportunities to regularly and safely dispose of medications as you clean out medicine cabinets throughout the year Contact your local Walgreens and CVS locations for more details

Deterring catalytic converter Theft

NRPD “MARKING” EVENT IS ONE OF THE AREA’S FIRST

On Saturday, October 29, North Riverside Police Department led the way with the first Catalytic Converter Marking event in our suburban area with help from our Public Works Department and Nobbs Towing “The goal of this program is to paint the word “POLICE” on catalytic converters to deter their theft,” explained Police Chief Christian Ehrenberg “Scrap yards are less likely to buy a marked converter, making them less valuable to criminals.”

More than 100 residents took advantage of this opportunity to have heat resistant paint applied to their car ’s converter While the paint does not affect the operation of the converters, it can seriously impact a thief ’s decision.

Owners of the following vehicles were especially encouraged to attend as their vehicles are often the greatest targets: Buick Enclave, Chevy Equinox, Chevy Traverse, Ford E Series, GMC Acadia, GMC Terrain, Honda Accord, Honda CRV, Nissan NV 200, Toyota Prius, Toyota Tundra and the Toyota Tacoma

Some statistics report that catalytic converter thefts increased by 325% between 2019 and 2020. The reason for the rise in this type of theft is simple: MONEY Plus they are easy to steal Thieves generally will slide underneath a car with a battery powered saw and cut it right out of the exhaust line in about 2 to 3 minutes, making very little noise

The rhodium, palladium and platinum used in these parts are valuable, and rhodium can go for $20,000 per ounce, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau

The three precious metals commonly used in catalytic converters sell for high prices; Platinum sold for about $1,100 per ounce in 2021, and palladium sold for nearly $2,400 per ounce in 2021, according to cars com

“We are always looking for effective ways to stop the spread of crime in North Riverside and are excited to see so many Village residents be a part of these efforts,” added the Chief

pROgRESS

mayor, Union sign new contract

Village staff and Firefighters Union Local 2714 agree to a new 5-year contract and work together to change the landscape of emergency services in North Riverside.

Mayor Joseph Mengoni and Union Local 2714 President Chris Kribales (pictured) shook hands on a new deal in mid-October. “Getting a contract signed is a major morale booster,” said Fire Chief Bob McDermott. “Contract time can be a stressful time in the firehouse but locking up this contract for the next four years with a clear direction for our future has put us all at ease. There is still a lot of work to do but the department morale is the highest it’s been in close to a decade.” Union President Kribales and Secretary Derek Zandmole expressed their sincere gratitude to Mayor Mengoni, Village Administrator Sue Scarpiniti, Finance Director Ryan Lawler and Fire Chief Bob McDermott for their part in the unprecedented professional and productive negotiations.

A new direction: In-house Paramedic Services.

For more than 30 years, the Village has contracted the services of PSI (Paramedic Services of Illinois) as a costeffective way of providing trained EM personnel to respond to medical emergencies in the community. Recently, however, the post-pandemic environment and national shortage of trained paramedics, left PSI struggling to find adequate staff. The Village went “in-house” with its paramedic services, effective November 12, 2022 since the majority of our current firefighters are also trained and certified paramedics.

“By using the same personnel for both firefighting and paramedic services, the Village will be able to continue offering exceptional and reliable emergency services in a cost-effective manner,” explained Administrator Sue Scarpiniti. “Our residents will continue to receive firstclass services at an affordable cost.”

Santa claus makes his annual trip on the fire engine Dec. 17

Silver Spanners program

The Silver Spanners program will use off-duty, Union firefighter/paramedics from other departments to staff the NRFD ambulance until all positions can be filled in-house. Over 50 candidates have applied to date. Eventually, the Spanners will be phased out over the next three years but, until then, they will serve an important role in staffing our ambulance and ensuring its uninterrupted service.

It’s true! Santa Claus will be traveling through North Riverside on the fire engine on Saturday, December 17, bringing holiday cheer to all good boys and girls—as well as the seniors at Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care. Santa’s fire truck will stop at the following locations!

23rd & Park

23rd & Hainsworth

Traube & Hainsworth

25th & Burr Oak

10:05 am 25th & Forest

10:20 am 30th & Lincoln

10:35 am 24th & 4th

10:50 am 24th & 7th

11:05 am Komarek School

11:20 am 23rd &15th

The Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care facility, 2800 Desplaines Avenue, will be Santa’s last stop.

Come out to see if you are on Santa’s naughty or nice list! This annual event is exciting for residents of all ages so don’t miss it!

2022 CHRISTMAS GIVING @ THE COMMONS

DONATE FOOD

Your donation of non-perishable food items such as peanut butter, soups, canned vegetables and fruits, pasta, ramen, apple sauce, cereal, crackers, etc. will help keep the shelves stocked at the Riverside Township Food Pantr y.

DONATE TOYS

For the first time this year, the North Riverside Police Department is a Toys for Tots collection site so you can bring your new, unwrapped toys to the Police Department lobby anytime—24 hours a day—until December 14. There is also a Toys for Tots box in the Village Commons.

ACL & HOUSING FORWARD

The Oak Park-based Animal Care League (ACL) needs Science Diet food, crates, toys and general supplies for puppies and kittens, dogs and cats. Ask at Parks & Rec for the ACL “wish list” of things they really need.

Housing Forward welcomes these donations for the PADS shelter clients and those who have recently moved out on their own: travel-size toiletr y items, linens/bedding, kitchen and bathroom towels, clothing, paper goods, food/kitchen items and cleaning supplies.

Neighborhood Services

by Coordinator Carol Spale Information and Building Blocks of Kindness

Angels have been all around our Village, especially watching out for those with disabilities North Riverside residents have been extremely caring for those of us who have some kind of physical handicap. Every week, a Village resident brings a rotisserie chicken from Costco with potatoes to give us a break from cooking A former North Riverside resident also wanted to help us out and provided a pork dinner with a delicious fresh apple cake. While there are others in town who are also disabled and in need of help themselves, they, too, have asked what they can do to help us out

found on page 10 of this issue or stop in at the Parks and Recreation office and they will be happy to help you out. Please consider giving to our Police Department’s Toys for Tots drive, Animal Care League, Housing Forward and the Riverside Food Pantry

Medical equipment is available to anyone who needs it free of charge for three months Walkers, toilet risers, commodes, bath chairs, crutches are just some of the items that can be obtained by contacting Neighborhood Services Coordinator Carol at 447 4932 or your local township:

• Riverside Township (442 4400)

• Proviso Township (449 4300)

LEAvE A cOAT

if you can spare; IN NEED? take a coat to wear

The real meaning of Christmas is alive and well in North Riverside throughout the year but especially during the holidays. The Mayor and Board of Trustees have graciously offered our busy Village Commons lobby to several area agencies seeking donations to help support their cause Donation boxes are clearly marked for the collections and more details can be

consider volunteering

Volunteering at the Westchester Food Pantry can be a very rewarding experience. Use the Sign Up Genius at westchesterfoodpantry org to find a time that fits your schedule

If interested in volunteering as a tour guide or guest service host at Frank Lloyd Trust sites by calling Connor at 312 994 4005.

Some of us have coats we never wear while others have no war m winter coat at all The Village of Nor th Riverside and Neighborhood Ser vices invite you to take par t in this simple program: leave a gently-used coat at the Commons if you no longer need it so that someone who can’t afford a coat can stop in, pick one up and be war m and healthy this winter season.

§

There are many ways you can help others during the holidays and throughout the year Collection boxes for Riverside Township Food Pantry, Oak Park Animal gue, Toys for Tots and Housing Forward are now in the Commons a box collecting toys for Toys for Tots is in the Police Department en 24/7.

EIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS

Consider Nor th Riverside’s Giving Tree Take an envelope from the tree give any amount you can afford to the Parks & Recreation Depar tment g collected is used for Village residents who really need help No donation o small so please don’t hesitate to give what you can. You can even drop off your gift anonymously if you prefer. Gift cards, even used cards from any retailer, can help out more people than you might think to buy food, gifts and items they really need “Many of our residents have been displaced by the October 13 fire I hope you can help us help them,” said Carol Spale All of us at the Village and Parks & Rec extend our hear tfelt eciation for your kindness and generosity. If you need help or know of someone who does, call Carol at 447-4932 or Parks & Rec at 442-5515.

you never know when you’ll run into an angel...

make a difference in people’s lives by donating

Free equipment can help you when you need it most

TRUSTEES

canoekayak launch perfect for paddlers

Cook County

by local elected officials for a ribbon cutting on October 27 to celebrate a new canoe and kayak launch at Schuth’s Grove, located on the northwest corner of Desplaines Avenue and Cermak Road. The site is the latest of nine Forest Preserves locations where a paddler can put in a canoe or kayak along the Des Plaines River, and includes accessible features such as accessible parking, a paved path to the landing, and a stable and firm surface all the way to the water ’s edge

“At the Forest Preserves, we have made a commitment to increasing and improving accessible amenities like this canoe launch The nearly 70,000 acres of Forest Preserves in Cook County is an amazing resource that belongs to all of us Everyone should be able to enjoy its benefits of being outside and in the natural world,” said President Preckwinkle

“Getting out on the river and paddling through the preserves is a fun and unique way to experience nature in our highly developed county. This new launch is open for visitors every day of the year, and it will be a spot for our programming team to lead kayaking events on the Des Plaines for the public,” General Superintendent Randall said

The new launch fills in a 5 mile gap between the Plank Road Meadow launch at Ogden and the Maywood Grove launch at Lake Street. In addition to the launch site, a new environmentally friend ly parking lot was constructed at Schuth’s Grove with funding from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Using porous pavers,

the new lot helps with stormwater management and ensures water entering the river is cleaner

The new launch is funded in part by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Boat Access Area Development program, while the parking lot improvements were funded in part by MWRD’s Green Infrastructure Partnership Opportunity Program.

Also speaking at the celebration was Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar

the rink returns

Last year, the Village property at the corner of 8th Avenue and 24th Street was transformed into an outdoor ice rink that return again this year as soon as weather permits. Many thanks to the residents who help maintain it during the season!

Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Forest Preserves General Superintendent Arnold Randall were joined