Village of North Riverside Newsletter Spring 2021

North

Riversider

People & Progress through the Pandemic A NEWSLETTER FOR OUR RESIDENTS & BUSINESSES

SPRING 2021

the FINEST

Administration Inside this issue, learn about the grants we’ve secured, the commitment to our strategic plan, the improvements related to parking and vehicle stickers as well as our ongoing efforts to serve you better.

the BEST

NOBODy DOES IT BETTER ThAN WE DO

Every single one of us, in some way, has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic: businesses, non-profits, families, senior citizens. While Congress and state legislatures scrambled to find ways to support struggling citizens, North Riverside— one of the smallest communities in Illinois—perhaps took the biggest, boldest actions.

“This is no time for hesitation,” said Mayor Hubert Hermanek. “Now is the time to crunch numbers, come to the rescue and show our residents and businesses that we have their backs in times of unprecedented stress. Our “relief package” is exactly that—it’s aimed at alleviating some of the financial burdens, providing some breathing room and supporting the people and business owners that make North Riverside great.”

More in the Mayor’s column on page 2

Recreation

No one delivers the spirit of North Riverside like our Parks & Recreation Department. Despite months of restrictions, NRPR gave all residents hope during difficult days, even bringing it right to their front door.

the MOST Dedication

Bigger isn’t always better. When it comes to Police, Fire and Public Works, the Village of North Riverside exceeds expectations thanks to the most dedicated and experienced employees.

from the mayor

It was a historic day when State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch became the first Black Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives in January. Recently, Speaker Welch and I had the chance to talk about issues facing North Riverside and to send a message to Springfield about growing pension debt in our Village and throughout the state.

Whatever it takes, I’ll do my best to get it done.

Proud moments for North Riverside: Looking back...and looking ahead.

NR

This past year has been devastating in so many ways—loved ones have suffered alone in hospitals and others have succumbed to the COVID-19 virus, which forced us to grieve without family and friends at our side. Remote learning put enormous pressure on parents and children; restrictions crippled our businesses, closed places of worship and isolated our seniors; business closures led to lost jobs and lost incomes led to mounting bills and stressful lives. You don’t need me to recap how terrible the last 12 months have been—everyone has suffered in some way.

No one wants government to run their lives but in North Riverside, Village government has one purpose—with or without a pandemic: that is to make this community the best possible place to live, work and visit now—and in the years to come. But the pandemic has put a huge spotlight on what separates North Riverside from other towns, near and far. We have a small staff but it is the most dedicated, responsive and experienced group that never missed a day of service. We have a limited budget but we stretch it wisely to provide all of the exceptional services that our residents deserve. We are proud and grateful to have generous benefactors and partners who make our reimagined special events a distraction from the ongoing COVID constraints.

In this issue, my intent is to share some of the reasons we should all publicly celebrate. We know the havoc the virus has wreaked but let’s take this opportunity to applaud each other for the kindness and courage among our residents. Within the Village, the obstacles before us only inspired us to work harder and be more creative, more responsive, more sensitive to the needs of the people we serve, more focused on the future and more intent on achieving the goals in our strategic plan: • Created a Covid Relief package ($400 water bill credit to residents, waived liquor license fees for bars and restaurants and reduced ALL business license fees for 2021) • Strived for transparency and accessibility through extended hours, bilingual staff, Zoom meetings, frequent updates to our website and official social media interaction • Dedicated ourselves to higher standards in code enforcement • Supported our community by reinventing services and strengthening social connections throughout these difficult times • Developed a long-term vision to promote future growth While we have been profoundly pro-active through this crisis, it’s not only the present moment that has our undivided attention. Our mission is to move forward, to secure grants, to address our aging infrastructure and to hire experienced professionals who can pivot North Riverside toward a better future. Behind the scenes, we have been hammering away at these priorities while navigating our way through the pandemic.

At the end of the day, we are still the small community with a big heart. We are essentially “North Riverside Neighbors Helping Neighbors,” the community group launched on Facebook by Village Clerk Kathy Ranieri, Trustee Terri Sarro and resident Laurie Berscheid—a group devoted to assisting our residents with obtaining essential necessities during the pandemic and fostering the indomitable North Riverside spirit. We are unique in Village government. We are fixated on disseminating the truth, about providing transparency, about creativity in crisis and about safeguarding something we have worked very hard at—being a powerhouse in retail and commercial development. When our businesses succeed, everyone wins, tax rates are low, services are high and the community flourishes so please continue to support local as often as you possibly can.

Together, we have prevailed. Nobody does it better than North Riverside.

I couldn’t be more proud to live here and to serve as your Mayor.

—Hubert Hermanek

Good

news

positive things continue at the Village

GUARANTEED GRANTS COMING TO NORTh RIVERSIDE

VEHICLE

In recent years, federal and state grant money has been harder than ever to come by but STICKER when there are opportunities to apply for grants you can be sure that North Riverside will DEADLINE: compete for funds that will enhance the quality of life—now and for years to come.

APRIL 30 $700,000 has been awarded for a major lighting All vehicles garaged, upgrade and beautification of Desplaines Avenue. housed, stored or This Surface Transportation Grant from the Federal Transit registered to a North Authority will provide a “downtown feel” to this busy Riverside address roadway. Since North Riverside doesn’t have a designated MUST properly display downtown, this upcoming facelift will give Desplaines a current and valid Avenue a new and distinctive look and more efficient vehicle sticker. overhead lighting.

Watch for renewals or $200,000 CDBG Grant. Each year, Cook County visit the Village Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) are awarded website for details. through a competitive process. North Riverside will utilize these funds to support one of the focal points of the Village’s comprehensive and strategic plan: upgrading small mains to larger mains along 26th Street, improving the flow of water throughout the community.

Everyone knows that parking on public streets is VERY limited in the Village, that’s why overnight parking restrictions are necessary and the 72-hour parking ordinance must be enforced.

Having overnight guests? Reporting a visitor’s vehicle is as simple as a few clicks from the Village website homepage Not everyone can get to the (www.northriverside-il.org) or, if you don’t have access to the internet, Village Hall during business hours call the police non-emergency number 447-9191. Just provide your but you can still make payments and guest’s vehicle details and where it renew your vehicle stickers by using will be parked overnight to avoid a one of three drop boxes at the citation. The Village is well aware Village Commons. Silver drop boxes that the pandemic has forced many are mounted on the wall outside the residents to work from home but front and back entrances of the compliance with the 72-hour parking Commons. To make bill paying even ordinance is mandatory. If you know more convenient, a third drive-up of someone who is not complying, drop box was installed on the front please contact the Police Department parking lot island at the onset of the pandemic so at 447-9191 to ensure that everyone that residents could stay safe in their vehicles. abides by the rules.

OVERNIGhT PARKING: AVOID A TICKET

Use the DROP BOxES!

CLICK OR CALL IN A REQUEST

24/7 ACCESSIBILITy

HAVING OVERNIGHT GUESTS?

4

ReC NOBODY DOES IT BETTER!

Parks & Recreation Connect with us!

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

Check out the newest Digital Fun Guide, which is regularly updated! Stay connected to Rec on Facebook and Instagram!

In Person.

By Phone: 442-5515 Fax: 442-7310 Online: northriverside-il.org Email: recreation@ northriverside-il.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/ NRRecreation

HOW TO REGISTER?

The Best Events

Kids & Family

Seniors & Adults

GREENER EARTH SHRED DAY Back by popular demand on Saturday, April 17 from 10 am until Noon.

No appointment necessary. Bring all of your papers and documents that need to be shredded, just make sure to remove all binder clips, plastic covers, etc.

REGISTER FOR SUMMER CAMP! Don’t miss out on all the fun. Hurry in and sign up. Spots are limited.

SENSATIONAL SENIOR FAIR BAGS This year, we’ll have all of the important information bagged up for you. Bag pickup begins May 13 through May 19, while supplies last.

0.5K RACE...

THE RUN FOR THE REST OF US Register early for this race that is literally for everyone. Deadline is April 16. Run, walk, skip or crawl because this untimed race comes with SO many goodies. Couch potatoes, call in today!

SKATE, RATTLE & ROLL: A POP-UP ROLLER SKATING PARTY Join an afternoon of good oldfashioned fun. Bring your roller skates, your friends and family. All ages welcome, just pre-register.

HOP HOP PHOTO OPS IN COMMONS PARK Pre-register for a family picture with the Easter Bunny or bring your pet for an Easter Bunny photo. Space is limited.

Sign up early.

FIERCELY FUN HUMAN FOOSBALL Register an entire team of 6 people of specific age brackets and compete for CASH prizes. Call 442-5515.

FAMILY WACKY OLYMPICS: MAY 29.

Be ready for tons of fun, 10 am to Noon. Form teams of 4-8. Play a variety of games and competitions that require NO athletic expertise at all. Must preregister by May 19.

SECRETARY OF STATE MOBILE MAY 13 The Mobile Unit assists with License Plate renewal, address changes, State ID cards and Driver’s License Renewal (NO on-site driving test available).

No Real IDs offered at this event.

Hours are: 10am-Noon for SENIORS ONLY Noon to 2 pm for RESIDENTS ONLY

RULES OF THE ROAD CLASS For those who might need a refresher course for the written portion of Driver’s License Renewals. Must pre-register for the class set for May 13, 10 am to 1:30 pm.

“The pandemic has been a tough pill to swallow...but one fantastic characteristic of this Rec Department as a whole is that we never back down from a challenge.”

PARKS & REC

The North Riverside Recreation Department works extremely hard to beat our records each year—always striving to serve more people, serve more communities, create more events, offer more programs, with the ultimate goal of impacting more lives in a healthy and positive way. To say that the pandemic has been a tough pill to swallow would be an understatement. One fantastic characteristic of this Rec Department as a whole is that we never back down from a challenge. This pandemic and the pressure it presented combined with a passionate desire to keep serving as many people as possible brought about innovation like never before to create a new MORE. We’re grateful for all of the positive feedback. It inspired us to do even more.

“Innovation Like Never Before”

WE HOPE YOU’LL JOIN US IN BRINGING BACK THE FUN IN 2021

Amongst ordered shutdowns, new safety measures and the demand to rework all things recreation, so much had to happen behind-the-scenes to prevail during the pandemic. “Our operating budget shifted direction to absolute necessities only and the level of missing our true connection with our community reached new heights.

Although shutdowns and limited activity were never options we would choose, in this situation it was truly essential. Partial closures, increased sanitation and social distancing were effective in slowing the spread of the virus. Shockingly, despite all the adjustments and hardships, some amazing things happened,” reflected Parks & Rec Director Teresa Mrozik.

A record number of people turned to nature for much-needed breaks from devices and news reports. People safely used Village playgrounds, trails and open green spaces.

Prior to the pandemic, the nation was trending towards a nature disconnect and the restrictions gave people a new appreciation for the beautiful outdoors.

“Nature, fun and socialization are nourishing to the soul. While the weather cooperated, we brought a variety of programming outdoors and then went virtual. We offered free cooking tutorials,

mini science project instruction, fun videos, crafts, community-wide scavenger hunts and challenges. We can boast that we safely operated our Summer Day Camp with over 110 kids. We were so blessed to be pen pals with some of our local seniors. We offered eSports Leagues and strategically ran our Soccer League in a new format and collaborated with the BFCA Bulldogs to bring Youth Flag Football to town,” said Mrozik, citing just a few of the significant strides made.

When it came to event-style offerings, the Rec Department spun the wheels of creativity, launching the Mobile DJ to lift the spirits through the seasons. Residents stepped up, donating over 200 toys to needy children while supporting other worthy causes. The Boo-2-You Drive Thru was extremely well-received and the Holiday Tree Lighting, though different, brought the community together. “This is just the tip of the full-effort iceberg,” Mrozik added.

“We strive to not only deliver high quality services, but to assist in keeping our heartbeat strong and proud. With the movement towards opening up our region, we are full steam ahead with exciting, new and safe programs and events for all. We hope you’ll join us in bringing back the fun!”

FOLLOW PARKS & REC ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM OR CALL 442-5515

PUBLIC WORKS

While our crews have had limited contact with residents and businesses during the past year, I can assure you we have given 110% to every obstacle in our path. From spring’s torrential rains to relentless winter snowstorms, this Public Works Department, comprised of just 8 full-time employees is a powerhouse of experience and dedication that is second to none. Everyone was either raised here or lives here so it’s more than just a place to work—we all have a vested interest in maintaining every street, park, water and sewer system; we tackle every issue with conviction; and we respond to residents with the efficiency they deserve —you are our neighbors.

Good work doesn’t happen by accident—it’s a team effort. From trees above ground to water mains below, we take every inch of Village property seriously and personally.

33 miles OF WATER MAINS

26 miles

OF COMBINED SEWERS

900 tons

OF SALT ThIS WINTER

4000 trees TO MAINTAIN

If they’re not thinking about it...

THEN WE’RE DOING A GOOD JOB

Most other villages have separate departments for water, sewer, park maintenance, even forestry to care for the landscape but in North Riverside, Public Works’ 8-man crew does it all.

Pandemic or no pandemic, Director Tim Kutt is driven by a simple philosophy: “If they’re not thinking about it, then we’re doing a good job.

Residents and businesses shouldn’t have to worry about sewer lines and water mains, whether trees or sidewalks need to be replaced, if eight inches of snow is on the way or if playground equipment is safe. We are the first responders for Village property 24/7 in every crisis, every flood, every blizzard so even a pandemic doesn’t change the way we do things,” Kutt explains.

Public Works monitors every inch of infrastructure, through state-ofthe-art ESRI software that takes the guesswork out of problems and repairs, saving the Village an infinite amount of time and money. “This is the Holy Grail of information, giving access to all aspects of our infrastructure to any employee, now and in the future, as long as the data that is uploaded is current. This software keeps us from making decisions in the blind, helping us

provide specific answers to residents and map our strategies for the work ahead,” added Kutt, pictured showing video of a camera televising one of the Village’s sewer lines.

Currently, Public Works has been focused on its 33 miles of water mains—not because there are imminent problems but because the community is growing. There are bigger families, bigger businesses, shifting attention to greater water supplies for drinking and fire protection. As for the 26 miles of combined sewers, Public Works has been extra diligent about high-pressure cleaning and televising. “Televising gives us the insight needed about anything that is happening or might happen. Without televising technology, we wouldn’t know what’s happening beneath the surface. Now we are no longer guessing but have physical evidence at our fingertips to help guide us in our decision-making. One example of this is lining our sewers, which has given new life to an aging sewer system.”

Coming off 70-hour weeks, with crews often sleeping in the garage during the winter snowstorm, this Public Works crew never gets tired of giving 110%.

PW s t c e j o r P k l a w e d i S tion=public safety

Seasonal reminders and project updates from your Public Works Department

new installa

w The installation of ne rtion of uth po sidewalks on the so before town was completed alk projects w winter. Two different e was to on took place. The first ey did not th install walks where e second previously exist. Th funded by sidewalk project was Tax) to el MFT funds (Motor Fu y year, er Ev zards. ere identified as ha replace walks that w failed walks according to available es Public Works replac lly, Village crews replace around 100 pica eded budgeted funds. Ty this year they exce t bu — ly al nu an k al squares of sidew ns throughout town. tio ca lo us rio va at s 225 square

BACK! The Handyman Program We are

HAS RESUMED! The Village’s Handyman program, which was temporarily suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions, has resumed.

To ensure that both residents and staff stay safe, enhanced precautions will be implemented. Face masks and social distancing will be required during all home visits. Call for an appointment.

Thank you, Village residents

A successful snow removal program depends heavily on resident cooperation so thank you for doing your part to avoid shoveling into the roadways and for clearing a path to fire hydrants.

MAINTAINING/repairing

your streets, parks, water & sewer systems

n Branch Collection. Runs every Tuesday from the second Tuesday in March through November 15th. Place cuttings at the curbside on Monday.

PW goes down every street picking up the clippings but does not pick up debris left from contractors. n Street Sweeping. Monday through Friday from March until the first snowfall. Every curb is swept once a week with alleys cleaned once a month. n Tree Service. All parkway trees are owned and maintained by PW. If a tree is dead or diseased, PW will assess it and have it removed. If the tree is not dead or diseased, it will not be removed. Tree trimming happens on an as-needed basis.

The expense of all tree service is paid for by Public Works. n Free Parkway Trees. If you would like a tree on your parkway, call PW. The Garden Club will assist with the location and species of your new tree. Typically the planting season is early November. n Summer Projects. Street paving, street maintenance, water main replacement, sewer cleaning and televising are annual projects.

If at any time you have any questions for Public Works, call 708-762-5800 Ext. 5885

| faithful past. hopeful future. |

Fulfilling our mission: Moving North Riverside forward OPEN SPACE IN THE HEART OF OUR LANDLOCKED VILLAGE There can be no doubt that many prayers were offered up in the sanctuary of Christ Presbyterian Church over the years. From the time the Church Federation of Greater Chicago initiated the project in 1952 with just 35 members to the cornerstone laying occasion celebrated by 231 members in 1957, the mission of the First Elders of the church was not much different than the one the Village has today in 2021: to establish a place within the community where people of all ages can find fellowship and social interaction, among many other benefits.

On August 18, 1957, Rev. John C. Talbot, the church’s pastor, officiated at a morning worship service held at Komarek’s auditorium; later that same day at 4 pm, Pastor Talbot with Dr. Hood and Dr. William T. Jones presided over the cornerstone service, which featured the collection of “time capsule” memorabilia to be sealed in place in a wall of the building.

The copper box included copies of newspapers, a Bible, a church hymnal, a cookbook compiled by the Women’s Association, a Sears summer catalog and a 45 rpm record that featured the hit “Love Letters in the Sand” by Pat Boone. Black and white photos taken at the event were developed and included before the time capsule was hidden away.

Steve Thinnes, who grew up next door to the church, deserves the credit for salvaging the time capsule. His father, Arnold, a maintenance man at the church for 40 years, often took Steve to work and told him about the plan to retrieve the box in 2057.

“When Steve spotted us pumping water out of the church basement prior to the demolition, he said we better try to get the time capsule while there was still time,” said Vince Ranieri of North Riverside Public Works. “We had no idea what to look for but it didn’t take long before we found the copper box and brought it back to the PW garage.”

“These items will eventually become part of the North Riverside Historical Society’s collection and, sometime in the near future, we will proudly place them on display at the Village Commons as part of a rotating exhibit,” said Acting Village Administrator Sue Scarpiniti.

The church, located in the heart of the Village’s west side residential district on 8th Avenue, flourished for decades but, for many years, it has been vacant. Without a congregation, Christ Presbyterian Church of Chicago was forced to list the property for sale, hoping that another religious congregation might be interested in purchasing the church and parsonage that occupied approximately .58 acres of land—the equivalent of four lots with an MLS (Multiple Listing Services) price tag of $975,000.

After attempts by two interested buyers fell through, the Village of North Riverside seized this rare opportunity.

“This purchase will impact lives of residents for years to come”

The Mayor and Village Board see this investment as money well-spent for a landlocked community like North Riverside. “The potential for future growth is really exciting news for the community. Seizing the opportunity to purchase this property simply gives North Riverside ultimate control over its future. How it will be used will eventually be decided through significant input from everyone in the community,” explained Scarpiniti.

Demolition of the church building and the parsonage took place in late November. The demolition project was awarded through the competitive bidding process to low-bidder KLF Enterprises from Markham, Illinois. In late 2019, the Village started the process of developing a comprehensive, long-term vision and master land use plan. This strategic plan will serve as a guide as the Village Board considers the input from residents and departments in determining how best to use the land. For now, the property will remain open green space for residents to enjoy.

Prior to the demolition, the Village was able to remove 10 of the church pews and listed them on social media, giving them away to anyone who wanted them—they were gone within 20 minutes. The North Riverside Police Department used the property to complete K-9 training (above) while the Fire Department took advantage of the opportunity to conduct training exercises (below).

“I think this is a very rare and very gratifying acquisition,” Mayor Hermanek reflected. “This purchase will impact the lives of residents for years to come and that is the essence of our strategic plan—to move the Village forward every chance we get, through policies, procedures and purchases. That’s the goal of this administration—to leave things better than we found them.”

POLICE

There was no lockdown for the North Riverside Police Department because, as first responders, we are always prepared for the worst scenario. During the past year, we were, however, tested time and time again: by the quarantine that turned our business community into a ghost town; by the safety protocol that found us scrambling for PPE; by the long, exhausting shifts patrolling; by constantly monitoring and sharing intelligence with other agencies; by the daily threat of bringing COVID-19 home to our families every time we answered a call; by the civil unrest that perfected our ability to assemble quickly in any situation. Despite these tests, there were countless rewards: generous donations of the PPE we needed; cookies and cards from grateful residents; and a closer bond with local, county and state task forces as we shared valuable resources during an unprecedented chapter in all of our lives.

THIS PAST YEAR, WE’VE BATTLED THROUGH A LOT

A selfless, dedicated department

THEY SHOWED UP DAY AFTER DAY, NO QUESTIONS ASKED

“You most likely don’t know us or the people you serve and protect on a daily basis. For that, we wanted to send out a simple heartfelt thank you.

Thank you for putting on that uniform every day, thank you for risking your lives to ensure security and thank you for doing all of this even when others are ungrateful.” North Riverside Police Chief Carlos Garcia (pictured below) keeps this unsigned handwritten card on his desk where he can see it every day to remind him of the challenges and sacrifices of the last year. From the start of the COVID-19 lockdown last spring through the looting and civil unrest that took its toll on the Village’s business community, Chief Garcia looks back with pride and gratitude on the relationships made, the respect given and the rewards reaped while looking ahead to continued progress for the department. “Because of our strong relationships with hospitals and homeland security, task forces, neighboring departments and joint community policing, we were able to pool our resources and manpower, collect intelligence and execute an exceptional safety plan during the lockdown while respecting everyone’s right to protest during the unrest. I always knew we were great but this past year we’ve battled through a lot; these experiences just sharpened our

senses, helped us discover new resources, broaden our network and proved what I always knew to be true—this is a selfless, dedicated department; they showed up day after day, no questions asked,” reflected the Chief. The NRPD and North Riverside Park Mall continue to share intelligence and work side-by-side to enforce the Mall’s newly-implemented Youth Escort Policy, monitor “trends” and assist with extra patrols in the parking lots to ensure public safety.

A tumultuous 2020 has evolved into a progressive new year as the NRPD unleashes its new two-man drone unit (Corporal Scott Vuolo, pictured above, and Corporal Alex Weitzel), both FAA Part 107 licensed remote pilots charged with enabling the Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual drone.

This technology, fast becoming a standard tool in most police departments, will help the NRPD locate suspects, aid in crime scene investigations, play a key role in searching and rescuing a missing person, assessing an accident prior to arriving on the scene and so much more.

“In one year we’ve learned a lot,” said the Chief. “But there’s always more to learn and if it’s out there we want to know about whatever it is that will keep our residents and businesses safe from any kind of threat.”

New Chief

Brings new life to NRFD

Forest Park’s Fire Chief was such a hot commodity that North Riverside Mayor Hubert Hermanek called him the day he retired from the neighboring suburb. “The Mayor said his goals were to build a better, unified Fire Department and I knew I had a lot I could contribute to achieve those goals,” North Riverside’s new Fire Chief Bob McDermott emphatically stated. “I love the fire service and I’ve worked alongside North Riverside throughout my whole career. There’s no better place to be than with good people doing good things.”

Chief McDermott started his career in Stickney as a Paid-on-Call firefighter in 1986 but after joining Forest Park in 1988 he worked his way up the ranks to the top spot in 2016. The hands-on and administrative experience he has gained in the ever-changing field over three decades is invaluable, however, one of the greatest assets he brought to North Riverside in September 2020 is his ability to motivate, boost morale and inspire. “This department is comprised of talented individuals who are trained and dedicated but, as their Chief, I’m striving to develop their talents even more and have them ready to move up when and if they are ready to advance. Having the support of the Mayor and Board in achieving this goal will make a world of difference,” said McDermott.

The Village Board is committed to bringing the North Riverside Fire Department staffing up. “This additional manpower will ease the physical and mental stress that burdens many first responders,” explained the Chief. “Currently, there are four firefighters on one shift and three on the other two shifts plus two contract paramedics. We already have a pool of 30 applicants and we plan to hire two almost immediately. Additional hires will follow if the NRFD is approved for the federal government’s SAFER grant through FEMA. “SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response),

Tanner Atchison Newest addition to

the North Riverside Fire Department has been passionate about fire service since he was 16 years old

We Are Totally Ready

This department is comprised of talented individuals who are trained and dedicated

money would fund a portion of the salaries and benefits of the new personnel for a period of three years. Seeking out and securing grant funds is imperative and we are also working diligently to submit grants for a new ambulance and the new stretcher loading system.”

Chief McDermott said that when he used to coach sports, all he ever hoped for was that his team was totally prepared for every game. Still today, he is intent on preparing the members of the department to become “lifers.” Mentoring, training, education and the optimal work environment will pave the way for the department’s next officers. “The next chief will come from these ranks because they love the job and are willing to strive to perfect their craft. There’s so much more to this job now than fires—whether it’s a full-blown crisis or residents who turn to us with concerns, we are ready to be called upon, to try to help and to provide service to the community. I still feel the same way as when I coached: we are totally ready and always prepared.”

Welcome!

Tanner got his start at age 16 with the Stillman, Illinois Fire Protection District as a part-time, paid-on-call firefighter. He has worked in Freeport and Broadview as a firefighter, he’s a licensed paramedic and, at one time, worked in North Riverside as a contract paramedic.

Sworn in on December 16, 2020, Tanner and his wife, Nicole, are new parents of a baby girl born in February. “I look forward to being a part of the North Riverside community and enjoying a fulfilling career with the Village for many years to come.”

BUILDING & CODE news

Coming Soon

handicap PARKING Overhaul becomes effective May 1st

A FAIRER SYSTEM THAT ELIMINATES ABUSE, COMPLAINTS

Soon the Village will unveil its revamped Handicapped/Disabled Parking Program, which will provide more equitable service to all residents. As the number of requests for handicapped signage in front of people’s homes increased throughout the Village over the years, the number of complaints escalated as well. It became very apparent that, in a town where parking is very limited in the first place, that a more refined system needed to be implemented.

Under the new program approved by the Village Board last October, residents seeking reserved handicap parking in front of their homes will now require a special permit.

The special permit will cost $100 at the time of application and entitle ONLY the permit holder to guaranteed parking in that space for the year. New signs will be erected and marked with a permit number that corresponds to the designated handicapped vehicle sticker.

The goal of this revised program is to provide reserved parking for residents with a designated need. Residents interested in this program should contact the Village. All permits must be renewed annually at a cost of $35 per year.

Residents interested in applying for this reserved parking permit can pick up an application at the Village Hall or download the application from the Village website at www.northriverside-il.org.

Good News Is Astounding COMING OFF OF A PANDEMIC

“The fact that we have good news is astounding coming off a pandemic,” emphasized Village Planner Bob Kallien. “I’ve been doing this work for 40 years and haven’t seen anything quite like it. We’re not closing businesses in North Riverside, we’re opening businesses.” Grocery Value Leader” ALDI continues coast-tocoast expansion with new stores, its 26th regional headquarters and distribution center and expanded eCommerce offerings. The retailer announced in February that it will open approximately 100 new locations nationwide in 2021—one new location will replace a longtime location in North Riverside. After 20 years, the current 17,747 square foot store at 2000 S. Harlem Avenue will be replaced by a new 19,800 square foot store at North Riverside Park Mall, just north of the former Sears building, between Blink Fitness and Miller’s Ale House. “We are thrilled to be working with them on this project,” said Kallien. “They don’t have enough room to even display all of their merchandise in the current location. Right now, they are in the planning and development process. Watch for updates.”

As part of its continued mission to offer customers convenience in how and when they shop, ALDI will further expand its eCommerce offering throughout 2021. The company has added or will add Curbside Grocery Pickup service to 500 additional stores, including North Riverside, bringing the total number of curbside locations to more than 1,200. ALDI will also continue to offer grocery delivery via Instacart in most stores.

WELCOME, SKECHERS AND...

SKECHERS USA, Inc., develops and markets a diverse range of footwear for men, women and children—and a new store is expected to open in North Riverside Plaza by the end of April, filling the vacancy left by Payless at 2210 S. Harlem.

A new grocery store will also fill the vacancy left by Jewel.

Details will be announced soon!

| forward progress |

“The Costco redevelopment is a perfect example of great signage.

It’s what we want and need as we move forward.”

New sign ordinance provides framework for the future

“THIS IS A FIRST-CLASS COMMUNITY” Village Planner Bob Kallien is not new to what it takes to make a good community great. For 40 years, he has been shaping communities, rescuing them from antiquated methods and mediocrity and putting them on a path to a prosperous future.

Kallien’s most recent effort to update the visual landscape in North Riverside was to create a new sign ordinance. “This ordinance provides the framework for a more modern, up-to-date sign ordinance that, if consistently implemented, over time will result in an overall improvement in the number, aesthetics and location of new signage in the Village,” he explained. “Residents and business owners alike should be thrilled to embrace the elimination of unpleasing signs, such as banners, box signs and temporary signage that previously existed and had a tendency to become permanent,” Kallien added.

For safety purposes as well as eye appeal for residents and visitors in the

Village, the ordinance is more than just a facelift. “In a first-class community, you don’t see banners and signs in windows everywhere you look.

This is a first-class community and incorporating this element into the Village’s strategic plan, along with updated building and landscaping codes, will go a long way toward

signage with the goal of decreasing overall quantity from 50% to 30% of the total interior window space of a business. It also limits the length of time and the number of temporary signs that can be on a single property.

All of these requirements can be verified through the review and approval of permits.

improving the aesthetic appeal of North Riverside,” stressed Kallien, who cited the Costco redevelopment property as the perfect example of great signage.

This new ordinance, passed at the February 1, 2021 Village Board of Trustees meeting, recognizes the importance of the Village’s central business district; provides for updated language to better regulate window

“Right-sized” and architecturallyconsistent monument signage will replace previously-allowed pole signs that often exceed 20 feet in height.

“Times have changed, rules have changed. Some existing signage dates back to the old Village code of 1992.

Now is the time to advance. As I’ve said before, a village that cares is serious about adhering to codes,” he asserted.

Times have changed, rules have changed.

Some existing signage dates back to the old Village code of 1992. Now is the time.

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Neighborhood Services

by Coordinator Carol Spale & block captains Information and Building Blocks of Kindness

Nobody Does Kindness Better: Angels Among Us In hard Times

If you traveled all over the world, you probably won’t find a place that does kindness better than the Village of North Riverside. Every day on every block there are angels among us doing good deeds, caring for people in little ways but making a big difference.

4 Two teens went to shovel a man’s car out and, to their surprise, another caring resident had done it already.

4 A block captain always calls to see if any senior in town is in need.

4 Two other teens shoveled out a driveway for two seniors who were so grateful; and to all of the angels who snowplowed the block, so many were relieved and thankful.

4 The coordinators of North Riverside Neighbors helping Neighbors who delivered food to those who could not get out—you did so much good!

4 The man who came over quickly to correctly diagnose the problem with a garage door that was stuck shut.

4 The people who suffered the loss of a brother and a mom with dementia still made the time to think of others at Christmas by giving a large amount of money to help the less fortunate.

Items To Be Given Away

The following items are available to anyone who needs them: walkers, canes, crutches, Omron blood pressure monitors, carpal tunnel wrist support and more. Call Carol at 447-4932 and leave a message.

Ways To Save

In difficult times, it is important to save some money. These ideas might help!

• Use packing peanuts instead of gravel for drainage in flower pots • Use colorful baby socks as cheap cell phone covers • Protect dog paws by spraying nonstick cooking spray before walks in snowy, cold and rainy weather • The Post Office has “media mail” for books at an affordable rate, just ask • Costco will fill prescriptions for anyone—not just members • Lemon juice helps with soap scum and hard water deposits; mix with baking soda to make a paste to clean brass or copper.

• Call 1-855-452-7587. The direct line to the Illinois Comptroller’s Office— a resource for taxpayer questions involving Illinois government, services and programs.

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NEED BLOCK CAPTAINS WhO LIVE ThE GOLDEN RULE

Many of you have heard about the Mayor’s Committee of Neighborhood Services and about the block captains, but some people still don’t understand what they do...

They’re NOT precinct captains and they’re NOT Neighborhood Watch.

Rather, they are volunteers who serve their neighbors.

They try to help neighbors to know one another like family. They share resources through hand-outs twice a year and they can answer your questions or will find someone who can. In addition, captains welcome new residents, sometimes send cards, bake cookies and do little acts of kindness.

Block captains are needed on Traube as well as: 2200 Park 2400 Burr Oak 2400 & 2500 Desplaines 2300 1st 2500 2nd 2400 14th Call Carol at 447-4932.

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join us in

delivering a message to congress

North Riverside deserves better service and the Village is leading the way All residents are encouraged to contact elected officials to end frustrations

Residents and businesses in the Village have been extremely patient with erratic mail service for a very long time.

Random post office closures, lost mail, delivery of the mail at very late hours or no mail delivery at all—this level of service can no longer be tolerated. The North Riverside community deserves better! The Village administration is working diligently with our U.S. Senators and Representatives to communicate our continued frustrations and all residents are encouraged to “deliver” this message as well. The louder we are, the stronger and swifter the result.

Here is a list of elected officials and their local contact information to share your own concerns.

SENATOR DICK DURBIN • PhONE: 312/353-4952 • https://www.durbin.senate.gov/ SENATOR TAMMy DUCKWORTh • PhONE: 312/886-3506 • https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/ CONGRESSMAN “ChUy” GARCIA • PhONE: 773/475-0833 • https://chuygarcia.house.gov/ CONGRESSMAN DANNy K. DAVIS • PhONE: 773/533-7520 • https://davis.house.gov/

.5K “RACE”

SAT, May 1 10 am start the RUN for the Rest of Us

THIS IS A .5K NOT A 5K RACE

Couch Potato, Couch Potato, where art thou? This is your time to shine!

This un-timed, exciting jaunt was designed for people like us that will only run for rewards! you can run, walk, skip, crawl from one destination to the next— each stop equipped with a delectable goodie or a delightful drink and music along the way. you don’t want to miss this event!

Fee includes an obligatory race shirt, schaamazing headband and a celebratory beverage (Bonus! FREE beverage samples and fattening treats along the route).

#3605-1 FEE: $20/$24 • AGES 21+ REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 16

NORTH RIVERSIDE PARKS & RECREATION 2401 Desplaines Avenue | 708/442-5515 www.facebook.com/nrrecreation

PUBLISHED BY THE

Village of North Riverside 2401 S. Desplaines Avenue North Riverside, IL 60546-1596

447-4211 • www.northriverside-il.org

PRSRT STD

US Postage PAID North Riverside Permit No. 41

POSTMASTER DELIVER TO:

Residential Customer North Riverside, IL 60546

MAYOR

Hubert Hermanek VILLAGE CLERK Kathy Ranieri

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Debbie Czajka Fernando Flores H. Bob Demopoulos Marybelle Mandel Joe Mengoni Terri Sarro

ACTING ADMINISTRATOR Sue Scarpiniti

© 2021 in particular, inc.

area’s first

covid vaccine POP-UP?

North Riverside Leads the Way Once Again: Vaccines for Seniors

In early February, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced that the number of COVID-19 vaccination locations increased dramatically as 80 new sites were added to the list, tallying 390 total locations. The new sites included 78 additional Walgreens locations for a total of 170 stores across the state as well as two Illinois National Guard-supported locations.

Despite the state’s efforts, North Riverside seniors were finding it extremely difficult to get vaccinated locally and securing an appointment online or by phone became increasingly frustrating. Village Trustee Joe Mengoni, who also serves as Vice

north riverside

President of Adult Residential & Clinical Services for UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago, reached out to area aging agencies to try to find a solution to this dilemma. With just 48 hours notice of available vaccines, the Village of North Riverside became the first “pop-up” site in the area on February 21st, vaccinating 450 seniors of which 170 were from North Riverside. Those who were vaccinated at that time were also scheduled to receive the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine on March 14.

Village seniors, age 65 and older, who would like to be vaccinated are asked to call the Village Hall at 447-4211 to be placed on the “wait list.” To expedite getting resident seniors protected from COVID-19,

the Village is also sharing its “wait list.” As a result of the Village’s diligent efforts to share the list, an additional 20 seniors were recently vaccinated through a pop-up sponsored

by Riverside Township.

COVID-19 vaccination “wait list,” appointment websites, State of Illinois Phase updates, phone numbers, locations and more frequently-updated information are readily available on the homepage of the Village website at www.northriverside-il.org.

For details on how to make an appointment to receive the vaccine, updates on the state’s plan and eligibility, and answers to frequentlyasked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the website at coronavirus.illinois.gov.

~ we are a small community with a big heart ~