North
Riversider
Communication Is The Key To Our Community’s Forward Progress A NEWSLETTER FOR OUR RESIDENTS & BUSINESSES SPRING 2022
VEHICLE STICKERS TRUSTEES UNANIMOUSLY AGREE ON NEW PROGRAM
NEW PROGRAM TO BE APPROVED ON MAY 2ND
On May 2, the Mayor and Trustees will vote to enact a new vehicle sticker program which was discussed and unanimously agreed upon by all Trustees at the April 11th Administrative Committee meeting. Village residents will soon learn more about the Village’s completely-revamped sticker program and overnight parking restrictions expected to launch by July 1. Until then, please know that your current vehicle sticker is still valid. “You’re good to go with the resident and/or handicapped sticker (pictured) currently displayed on your vehicle,” explained Mayor Mengoni. “That sticker is acceptable until the new program starts. Enjoy the free ride while we get ready to roll out the details.” The 2022 program will include a new sticker design, updates to overnight parking and a new fee structure for stickers. The last time there was a Village vehicle sticker price increase was back in 2013! Here’s how the new sticker program will work: • The first two vehicles registered will cost $40 per vehicle. Each additional vehicle will carry an additional cost of $20 per vehicle, with no limit. The more cars you register, the higher the cost. For example, 3rd vehicle=$60, 4th vehicle=$80, 5th vehicle=$100 and so on. • Senior citizens, disabled residents and veterans will be discounted to $10, with a limit of 2 discounted stickers per home. • Commercial vehicles (including trucks that have a Class D license plate) will cost $80 each. • All vehicles registered to a North Riverside address or which are provided as a company take-home vehicle and housed daily in town must be registered and display a current vehicle sticker. The new program will make it unlawful for any vehicle to park overnight on a public street without a current Village sticker or a valid Village-issued visitor pass. It is our hope that this new program will motivate residents to use their garages or other off-street parking options to park their vehicles overnight, thereby taking more cars off the Village streets each night. Due to the high volume of cars parked on our streets, it has been increasingly difficult to deliver the high-quality and essential services that North Riverside residents expect and deserve.
new DISCOUNT For veterans
Discounts for seniors and disabled residents will remain in tact, however, a new discount for veterans will also be featured. Senior, disabled and veteran stickers are $10 with a limit of two (2) per house. For any additional stickers needed, the full price will apply.
overNIGHT
Parking “Book”
Residents will no longer have to call in visitors or guests staying at their home. Instead, as part of the new program, you will be able to purchase a book of 10 visitor passes for $25. Any car parked overnight on the street must have a sticker or a daily visitor pass that is completely filled out with the date and it must be affixed to the vehicle’s driver’s side side window. Visitor pass books will be available during business hours at the North Riverside Police Department Records division or at the Village Hall when the new vehicle stickers go on sale.
from the mayor
Coffee
WITH THE
Mayor
because your opinions matter to us
New
CoFFee witH tHe mayor dates For 2022
It’s true that Board meetings offer time for public comment but we believe that giving folks an informal opportunity to have a cup of coffee on a Saturday morning and meet with their Mayor, elected officials, even the Village Administrator is a much better way to share some new ideas, offer suggestions and just get to know each other better. We hope you’ll mark your calendar and come out to meet us on these Saturdays at 10 am:
• april 23 • July 16 • oCtober 15
Not just a newsletter... This is report of great progress
NR
As most residents know, work at the Village of North Riverside has never missed a beat since the start of the pandemic. And now that we seem to be reaching the end of restrictions, our lives are, for the most part, returning to a new normal. We’re excited to announce the return of traditional programs and launch some innovative efforts to continue our forward progress. Working together as one community, we can all achieve success. GOLF OUTING & SCHOLARSHIPS ARE BACK! In this issue, we’re making it even easier for our students to secure financial assistance to further their education by including the application for the 2022 Youth Scholarship Program on the next page. The Golf Outing will be held June 13th at Riverside Golf Club and I look forward to presenting scholarships to as many of our resident students as possible. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, our golfers and Riverside Golf Club, this is the 27th year of helping students achieve their dreams. All departments continue to make great strides. Public Works is forging ahead with infrastructure improvements that will benefit our entire community; the Police Department has welcomed two new talented individuals to the force and has launched an impressive new educational campaign to keep residents safe, particularly those with autism, dementia, severe allergies, or other mental health challenges; the Fire Department is reaching out to any resident who needs a free smoke detector installed; and Parks & Rec has expanded its selection of trips, programs and classes offered for all ages. Please take advantage of all that your Village has to offer! After almost two years of speculation, we are proud to announce that Amazon Fresh will open soon. Like so many other businesses seeking to expand, they have chosen our town for just the seventh location in Illinois. The Village Board and I have implemented a village-wide property rental registration process and inspection program. What this means is that we’ve created a requirement that all property owners engaged in leasing or renting any singlefamily dwelling, apartment building or multiple-unit dwelling be required to register annually with the Village and provide a log of current property owners, management companies or agents and tenants. This is a major milestone because it also requires that annual inspections be conducted by Village inspectors to determine the health and safety conditions of these properties, ensuring that they are in compliance with all property maintenance standards and Village codes. Speaking of Village codes, I guess you could say I am pleading with everyone to do your part in our continued rodent control efforts. PLEASE be responsible pet owners, stop feeding wildlife, clean up any areas on your property that might appeal to unwanted “critters.” All of our efforts will be in vain if we can’t get everyone to cooperate. The Village will be adopting an ordinance that mandates all businesses and rental properties have a pest control program in place because we need to ensure that North Riverside wins this battle against the influx of unwanted rodents which pose a serious threat to the health of our community. While better weather should be coming soon, I want to take a minute to thank everyone who made bringing our outdoor ice rink not only possible but exciting. This great concept will definitely return next year as the Village has purchased the rink and it’s ready for many more years of outdoor winter fun. I really hope you will join us for our first Coffee with the Mayor on April 23 at 10 am. This is an informal opportunity to meet with me, the Village Administrator, and members of the Village Board on a quarterly basis to share new ideas, talk oneon-one or just have coffee and say hello. I want to hear from you, get to know what’s important to you. Your opinions matter to us. If you can’t make the April date, join us in July or October (see dates at left). —Joseph Mengoni
2022 YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM APPLICATION EXTENDED Deadline is May 9, 2022. Submit completed applications:
IN PERSON: Administration Office, Village Commons, 2401 S. DesPlaines Ave. BY E-MAIL: YSF@northriverside-il.org BY MAIL: Mayor’s YSF, Village Commons, 2401 S. DesPlaines Ave., North Riverside, IL 60546-1596
Applications are currently being accepted for the Mayor’s Youth Scholarship Program.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must be: • A U.S. citizen • A North Riverside resident for at least one year • Under the age of 25 • Successfully admitted or currently enrolled as a fulltime student at an accredited college/university, vocational school, industrial school, or a post-high school program preparing for employment.
The scholarship committee selects applicants who will receive scholarships. Decisions are based on various factors including character, community involvement, financial need and seriousness of pursing post-secondary education. Those awarded scholarships will be notified by mail. Checks for scholarships will be issued directly to the institution the student attends after a bill has been submitted to the Youth Scholarship Committee.
HOW TO APPLY
Submit the following: 1. Completed application 2. A copy of your driver’s license or state ID card 3. Minimum of two letters of recommendation from adults not related to you (teachers, employers, neighbors, etc.) 4. Essay written by the applicant (approx. 250 words) describing what type of education you are pursuing and why.
Name of applicant Home address
first
middle
street city How long have you been a North Riverside resident Are you a United States citizen (circle one) Yes No Date of birth Female/Male 4. Name and address of high school or college you attend:
Years
Phone
last
state/zip Months
school address Graduation date from high school (month/year) If you are a high school senior, list in order of preference 3 schools to which you have formally applied: Name of School Address Accepted (circle one) A. Yes No B. Yes No C. Yes No List your community involvement: List your extra-curricular activities, including athletics, music, clubs, offices held: List any awards or honors received: List any jobs you have held
Responsibility
Dates
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION Applicant’s name Father’s Name Mother’s Name Address Address Occupation Occupation List all parent’s dependents, other than the applicant, and their ages:
Are there other dependents attending college? How many? Will your parents assist you financially in continuing your education? Will you have other assistance? Have you had any other scholarships? If yes, please list. (circle one) Yes No
Please check the range of your family’s annual income: n Under $25,000 n $75,000 - $99,999 n $25,000 - $49,999 n $100,000 - $149, 999 n $50,000 - $74,999 n Over $150,000 List any other family/financial circumstances you think should be considered:
I, the applicant, certify that the above is true and correct.
Signature of applicant and date
Any application missing any of the application criteria will NOT be considered for a scholarship, no exceptions. All biographical information will be held in strict confidence. All awarded funds must be used in a two-year period. The Mayor’s 2022 Golf Outing will be held at Riverside Golf Club on Monday, June 13. Proceeds from the event go to the North Riverside Youth Program and Educational Scholarship Fund, Inc.
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ReC NOBODY DOES IT BETTER!
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
our 6th annual
n transportatio exploration day Free! weds., may 4 4-6 pm
Check out the many modes of transportation. Kids can make lights flash, honk horns, sound sirens and sit in the driver’s seat of the BIG vehicles! New this year: Mr. Salty’s Popcorn Truck will have treats for sale!
CREATE A COMMUNITY COOKBOOK!
Parks & Recreation wants your favorite recipes! Once all recipes are collected, a community masterpiece will be created. If you would like your recipe to be considered, submit the following information with your full recipe: Mark your recipe as: snack, side dish, entree, dessert or beverage; include all ingredients; all measurements and directions plus a photo, if available. Email it to: recreation@northriverside-il.org.
SENSATIONAL SENIOR BAGS
Just like last year, we’ve decided to make bags filled with freebies and info items. Pick up begins May 12 (and not later than May 20) while supplies last at the Rec office.
SECRETARY OF STATE MOBILE UNIT
Secretary of State Mobile Unit will be in the Community Room on May 12, 10 am to 2 pm for license plate renewals, address change, State ID cards, Driver’s License Renewals and state unclaimed cash/property programs. Driving tests will NOT be available.
BAGS ARE BACK THIS YEAR!
Pick up your Sensat Senior Bags beginn ional while supplies last! ing May 12 details, see informatFor more ion below.
North Riverside Players presents the musical thriller “Sweeney Todd” May 5, 6, 7, 13, 14 and 15 for mature audiences at the Village Commons. Get more tickets online at www.nrplayers.com or order tickets by phone: 708/512-7015. Group rates available.
A DIA DEL NINO EVENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
Join us at North Riverside Parks & Recreation as we celebrate The Day of the Child! Dia del Nino is a unique, fun-filled day that has been celebrated in Mexico since 1925. Many other Latin American countries also take part in this celebration that focuses on children. The celebration is a reminder for parents to love, accept and appreciate their children by making them feel special. Join us on Friday, April 29, 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Create your very own Hot Air Balloon basket filled with goodies and fun activities. Must pre-register for this event by April 15. $12 for the first child and $10 for each additional child. An all-new 2022 show is coming to North Riverside May 13-June 6 at North Riverside Park Mall and tickets are on sale now. Synonymous with family entertainment for over 50 years, Circus Vazquez promises great thrills and lasting memories as well as a safe environment for all who attend. Experience talents of clowns, trapeze artists, Globe of death motorcycles and much more. For tickets and information, visit www.CircusVazquez.com. Tickets start at $25 (children) and $40 for adults with senior, military and handicap discounts. Tickets
also available in person at the box office.
IT’S ALL RIGHT HERE FOR YOU SUMMER FUN GUIDE IS COMING OUT SOON! Filled with new programs and events! GET ENROLLED IN OUR GREAT PRESCHOOL! Enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year is open. Stop in to get your child signed up. BASEBALL AND SOCCER CLASSES Learn the fundamentals of the game with programs for ages 3-12 that start up in April. Call, stop in or check out the online registration option. ONLINE ZOOM SPANISH, FRENCH, ITALIAN CLASSES What a great opportunity to learn another language! Affordable and easy, these classes are offered for ages 3 through adult. Call 442-5515 for info. ADULT FITNESS Parks and Rec offers something for all abilities and schedules, including Gentle Yoga, Cardio-Kickboxing, Zumba, Hip Hop, Tap Dancing and Fit Over 50. Check your Fun Guide for classes starting soon. GRAB AND GO LUNCHES Everyone loves these delicious meals that even include dessert and some fun surprise activities in the bag. Pick up is in the rear parking lot of the Village Commons. You don’t even have to get out of your car—staff will deliver it right to your car window. April’s lunch is soup and sandwich, fruit and dessert; May is pulled pork with coleslaw, chips and dessert. Fee is $10/$12. Must register in advance. MOVIE OF THE MONTH All you have to do is reserve your seat by calling 442-5515 because admission, popcorn and refreshments are free. All movies are shown at 1 pm in the Council Room on the big screen. On Friday, May 6, watch the classic flick “A League of their Own” starring Tom Hanks.
SAT. APRIL 23 TAKE ADVANTAGE of this great opportunity to get rid of unnecessary documents, protect yourself from identity theft and help Mother Nature out by doing it right with the Parks & Recreation Shred Event on Saturday, April 23 from 10 am until Noon in the Police parking lot. A document shredding truck will be on site to ensure that you safely dispose of old bank statements, tax returns, bills, receipts, outdated medical records, credit card applications, etc. Leading up to the event, shredding containers will be at the Village Commons. Please be sure to remove all binding, binder clips, plastic covers, etc.
LET’S HIT THE ROAD TOGETHER AND
Take a Trip!
n Travel to Springfield with us and get a history lesson about the life of Abraham Lincoln plus take in the shops, restaurants and nightlife October 5-6. Call now! This trip will fill up fast! n If you’ve had enough of isolation and are ready for a long-distance trip, we’ve got just a few options! Visit historic Charleston, South Carolina on the Atlantic coast by motorcoach in September 2022; explore magnificent Greece, including Athens and the beaches of Mykonos and Santorini in October 2022; and Branson, Missouri by motorcoach in December 2022. For fees and details, stop in the Rec office.
SUMMER FLEA MARKET TIME
Clean out your basements, attics and garages and sell all those treasures and make some cash at the annual Summer Flea Market set for June 5. Set up begins at 6:30 am. Space is approximately the size of a parking spot. Vendors must provide their own tables and chairs and/or tents. Buy one or more spaces, if you’d like. Parks and Recreation
THE
GRUB
CLUB
HURRY SPACE IS LIMITED!
will provide the publicity. This event will be held rain or shine in the front parking lot of the Police Station and Village Commons. A Goodwill truck will be in the lot after the Flea Market if you wish to donate your unsold items. Register online or call the Rec office at 442-5515. Fall Flea Market is scheduled for September 11.
Want to know how your food is made and where it’s sourced before reaching the plate? Take a field trip to The Hardware Restaurant in North Aurora where they bring the farm-to-table concept to a whole other level! Each participant pays for a meal and/beverages of their choice. Trip is August 3 but this trip will fill up FAST!
5
PUBLIC WORKS
SEASONAL SERVICES “It’s important to all of us at PW to remind longtime and new residents about our priorities and schedules for each season,” said Director Vince Ranieri. “Anyone with questions should always feel free to reach out to us at (708) 762-5885.” Branch Collection started up again on March 15 and continues every Tuesday through November 15. Place your minor cuttings at the curbside on Monday and PW will go down every street to pick up. Debris left from contractors will NOT be picked up. The chipper cannot take dirt, roots or weeds. Street sweeping also started again in March and continues until the first snowfall. Every curb is swept once a week with alleys cleaned once a month. Tree planting is FREE to all residents. Applications are available on the Village website or at the Village Hall for anyone interested in the program.
Handyman Will is ready to help! If you are a senior or disabled resident, call Public Works for small general repairs (not remodeling) within your home. The labor is free and parts/supplies are free up to $25.
WE’RE HERE FOR YOU
“Several streets will be resurfaced this season because improving the strength and quality of our roadways is always a priority.” —Mayor Joseph Mengoni
repairs, resurfacing, replacements A SUMMER OF GREAT PROGRESS AHEAD
Despite the chilly temperatures still in the forecast, Public Works is focused on the improvement projects that will roll out once the weather cooperates. “Several streets in town will be resurfaced and we will post the details of the project on the Village website and Public Works Facebook page to give residents an idea of what to expect.” Those streets are: • 2200 block of 10th • 2400 block of 10th • 2200 block of 9th • 2200 block of 8th • 25th Street between 8th and 9th • 2400 block of 7th • 23rd between 6th and 7th • 23rd between 3rd and 4th This spring and summer, PW will complete the elimination of the 8” water main along 26th Street from Lewe Court to Veterans Drive. Last fall, all residential/commercial services were removed from the 8” main and connected to a 12” main. The 8” main was nearly 100 years old that often resulted in complicated and frequent breaks. The Village is also finalizing plans for the restoration work to the water standpipe. As most residents know, this tower is the heartbeat of our potable water system. We have already sent a diver into the tank to examine and assess the interior condition and we have flown a drone over and
around the tower to get a closer look at any possible exterior failures. These steps were necessary to give us a better understanding of the scope of the work. No start date has been finalized as of yet but residents will be updated as the project gets underway. Featured on page 10 of this issue is the ongoing Nicor gas main replacement project, expected to be finished by late summer. “We all understand that this project is very frustrating to many residents with the temporary sidewalk and street closures but, upon completion, our gas service will be a high-pressure service which is much safer and more reliable. Any and all damages created by Nicor will be repaired by Nicor,” said the Mayor. Public Works is also carefully monitoring the current Avian Flu outbreak. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has already confirmed 385 birds carrying this highly-pathogenic Avian influenza (HPAI) since March 17, 2022. While risks to humans are extremely low, it is recommended that people avoid interacting closely with and especially feeding geese, seagulls or ducks and practice proper hand hygiene if they come into contact with a bird or its droppings. If you find a sick, injured or dead duck, goose, seagull or crane on your property, please contact PW and someone will be dispatched immediately.
HIGH-TECH GROCERY Amazon Fresh: OPENING SOON!
update:
New aldi gets board approval
It’s been more than a year since the Village first announced the news of a new ALDI store coming to the North Riverside Park Mall, in the existing parking lot just north of the former Sears building between Blink Fitness and Miller’s Ale House. The construction of a new 19,800 square foot store received approval from the Village Board in early February, addressing all requirements related to construction, parking, landscaping, lighting and cross-traffic access. With the recent approval by Metropolitan Water Reclamation District with regard to storm water retention and drainage plans, construction should begin SOON!
The departure of the Jewel Osco at 7401 24th Street left a huge vacancy in the North Riverside Plaza shopping center when it closed in 2020 but it left the door wide open for the arrival of Amazon Fresh and state-of-the-art shopping. Amazon Fresh is a new grocery store designed from the ground up to offer a seamless grocery shopping experience, whether customers are shopping in store or online, including: offering consistently low prices for all and FREE, same-day delivery for Prime members; a wide assortment of national brands and high-quality produce, meat, and seafood; plus, a culinary team that prepares a range of delicious prepared foods made fresh in store, every day. New concepts make grocery shopping more convenient, including Just Walk Out shopping and Amazon Dash Cart, which enable customers to skip the checkout line and new Alexa features to help customers manage their shopping lists and better navigate the aisles.
Amazon Fresh North Riverside will make it only the 7th store in Illinois. The others are located in Morton Grove, Schaumburg, Naperville, Bloomingdale and Oak Lawn. “Amazon Fresh, like Raising Cane’s and other retailers who have made North Riverside one of their top choices for expansion, will be wellreceived by residents and visitors alike,” said Mayor Joseph Mengoni. “Everyone is always looking for good value and convenience and we encourage shoppers to support local and take advantage of the timesaving check-out options initiated by Amazon, including Amazon Fresh online. Prime membership is not required. You can even pick up and return Amazon.com packages at this location. The influx of new jobs and additional revenue for the Village is nothing but good news.”
NEWS from COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT and Code Enforcement CODE/PROPERTY MAINTENANCE for Spring
It can’t be stressed enough that codes are implemented and enforced to ensure your safety and property values. Take some time to review the following common issues to see if your property complies. If you have questions about codes or projects that might require a building permit, call (708) 762-5922 for more information. n Address must be prominently displayed on house/garages with alley access. n Grass and weeds cannot exceed 6” in height. n Trim bushes and trees hanging over a public sidewalk or alley. n Touch up painted surfaces that have faded or peeled over the winter months. n Repair fences, decks and garages. n Garbage and recycling containers, along with bulk items, cannot be placed on parkways for scavenger pickup prior to 6 pm the day before. n Obtain dog licenses and please clean up after your pet on a daily basis. n Broken concrete and stairs must be replaced or repaired. n Inoperable vehicles cannot be stored on the exterior of a residential property.
POLICE
Recently featured on the official North Riverside Police Department Facebook page and receiving an overwhelming amount of “likes” are the newest graduates from the police academy: Meghan Savaglio and Ronald Bennett Jr. (pictured below). The two new hires will soon join the roster of 15 patrol officers within the NRPD. Currently, these probationary officers are in the FTO phase, which means they are completing their Field Training and applying what they have learned in the academy to their new roles within the North Riverside community. Congratulations to both! Get regular updates and follow the NRPD Facebook page for safety tips, parking reminders, important notices, lost pet announcements, warning equipment testing dates and much more. This page provides timely and factual information from your Police Department.
CONGRATULATIONS!
pro-active on mental Health issues CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM & NEW ID BRACELET
In 2021, the North Riverside Police Department responded to over 300 calls for service involving mental illness, behavioral problems and substance abuse issues. Less than three months into the new year, officers have already responded to over 60 calls involving one or more of the these crises. These figures have been on the rise for the last 15 months and unfortunately, we expect that trend to continue throughout 2022. Given this, we are committed to doing all we can to reduce these numbers and get people the help they need. As a pro-
mental health-related calls within the community, officers are working more closely with the AMITA Behavioral Health Counselor and Police Crisis Social Worker. This counselor is specifically assigned to work with NRPD and surrounding agencies in the field by connecting individuals to additional resources for more comprehensive care. In addition to increased officer training and combined care with mental health professionals, the NRPD has instituted an Emergency ID Bracelet program. This program,
The new Emergency ID Bracelet is available
FREE OF CHARGE
active measure, we have recently sent four of our police officers to Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training, who now join the NRPD’s previously CITtrained officers,” explained Chief Christian Ehrenberg. CIT helps keep individuals with mental illness out of jail and in treatment by giving officers tools to work safely and effectively while allowing them to keep their focus on crime. Throughout the 40-hour course, officers learned to identify and address the need for de-escalation tactics and assist in providing resources and treatment options. In an attempt to conquer the rise in
spearheaded by Officer Marisa Mangiantini, is available FREE of charge to residents aged 60 and over, as well as any disabled resident. The bracelets, made from a silicone band and metal faceplate are engraved with a unique ID number, which will provide officers with essential and critical medical info in the event of an emergency. Individuals with autism, Alzheimer’s, dementia, severe allergies, or other mental health challenges can benefit from this program. Applications are available at the North Riverside Police station, email idbracelet@northriverside-il.org, or call 708-447-9191.
protection
starts with prevention
They say an ounce of protection is worth a pound of cure. The North Riverside Fire Department believes that actions speak louder than words and that protection is their top priority all day every day. “Many Village residents don’t know that we have car seat technicians in our department trained to help with proper installation. The department currently has three Car Seat Technicians ready to assist guardians, parents and grandparents with making sure that the kids are buckled in safely. Illinois law requires children under age 2 to be properly secured in a rear-facing child restraint system unless they weigh more than 40 pounds or are more than 40 inches tall,” explained Chief McDermott. NRFD still has COVID precautions in place, so we encourage anyone who is interested to call first as this program is on an appointment basis only. Call 447-1981 to make an appointment. The Car Seat Tech will ask COVID-19 questions such as status and the presence of any signs, symptoms or exposure and will ask citizens to wear a mask at all times during the installation. Seat installations will be completed outside; if a child will be present during the inspection and installation, the parent must keep the child with them at all times and a minimum of 6 feet away from the Car Seat Tech. The NRFD Tech will instruct the parent/guardian on the proper harness application and perform a visual inspection. Child restraint seats and booster seats are often installed incorrectly. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the United States. But many of these deaths can be prevented. Always buckling children in age- and size-appropriate car seats, booster seats, and seat belts reduces serious and fatal injuries by up to 80%.
New radios & equipment gives first responders the tools they need
let us Help you make an appointment with one of our trained car seat technicians.
BE ALARMED! FREE Smoke Alarm Installation Program. It’s true: Illinois has a Smoke Detector Act (425 ILCS 60/) which addresses the requirement for smoke alarms. Every single-family residence shall have at least one approved smoke detector installed on every story of the dwelling unit, including basements but not including unoccupied attics. The North Riverside Fire Department, together with the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and Illinois State Fire Marshall, wants you to “Be Alarmed!” by providing education materials and FREE 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms to residents of all ages to help reduce the number of fire-related injuries and deaths in the community. “To date, we have already installed 347 smoke detectors in North Riverside,” said Chief McDermott and we’re hoping that anyone who needs a working, properlyinstalled smoke alarm in their home or has questions will reach out to us. Call the Department at 447-1981 to learn more. We want you to be safe at all times.” Thanks to a grant awarded by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, the NRFD purchased and placed in service four new portable radios, replacing radios that were over eight years old and nearing the end of their useful life. These new radios are ergonomically designed, allowing firefighters to change channels with a gloved hand, and come equipped with high-visibility strobe lights. The radios and cables are resistant to the high heat of burning structures. Two major pieces of medical equipment: a cardiac monitor and CPR assist device have also been placed in service.
| Investing in Illinois: The Nicor Initiative |
“This enormous project essentially covers our entire west end of town and will benefit 1,278 customers, both residential and commercial.” —Mayor Mengoni
modernizing the system to deliver gas safely and reliably
LANDSCAPING, PAVEMENT RESTORATION HAS BEGUN
Nicor Gas has contracted K&S Industries to replace over nine miles of natural gas main from Cermak Road to 26th Street and from 1st Avenue to 19th Avenue as part of “Investing in Illinois: A Nicor Gas system improvement initiative.” This multi-year project aims to modernize aging natural gas infrastructure. Currently, K&S is in the final phase of the North Riverside improvement which began with inspecting sewers; identifying new meter locations and utilities; installing the natural gas main and natural gas line; and finally connecting the system, retiring facilities, moving residential and commercial gas meters and reconfiguring inside piping. Nicor and K&S will need access into residents’ homes to accomplish this final phase. Employees will be clearly wearing ID and company apparel but residents are encouraged to ask for IDs from representatives and check for a contractor vehicle parked in front of their home
“Our current system operates at 10 psi (pressure per square inch),” explains Mayor Joseph Mengoni. “Our region has experienced record-breaking frigid winters—the polar vortex locking us under extreme deep freezes for extended periods of time. Some areas feeling 50 degrees below zero, which resulted in several gas services
K&S has been utilizing the former 8th Avenue community church property as its base of operations to help expedite this massive project, which is scheduled to be completed in late summer 2002. During the winter months, K&S temporarily covered all excavations with a black cold patch as opposed to gravel.
freezing up at critical times. The new system will operate at 60 psi, eliminating possible service interruptions during extreme temperatures.” “We understand that this project has been very frustrating to our residents with the temporary sidewalk and street closures but our gas service will be much safer and more reliable,” added Public Works Director Vince Ranieri.
“Nicor Gas and K&S Industries are committed to restoring landscaping and pavement damaged during the construction. Street repairs will begin once asphalt plants are open,” added the Mayor. “We’re happy to report that Nicor Gas or one of its contractors has already started concrete restoration of the sidewalks in town that were impacted by this project,” added the Mayor.
If any residents have damage to private property caused by this project, they should direct all concerns to Nicor Field Rep Scott at 331-213-5658; or Glen Crayton at 708-318-5015 (e-mail gcrayton@southernco.com).
Neighborhood Services by Coordinator Carol Spale Information and Building Blocks of Kindness
sometimes angels prefer to remain anonymous
During the winter months, so many angels in town do hard work and good deeds without ever wanting any credit or attention so we are left to wonder and just appreciate—who shoveled a path around a corner house for a senior in town? Who cleared off the stairs for a 94-year old resident? Who plowed the driveway apron for two seniors who could have never done it themselves? We may never know but I am compelled to mention it so that we never forget that we live in a town full of unselfish neighbors.
remembering two very caring block captains
Edwin A. “Ed” Dulik, who lived in North Riverside for 57 years, passed away in September at the age of 83. Ed was a U.S. Army veteran, former Supervisor of North Riverside’s Community Service Officers and an exceptional Block Captain who was also active with Boy Scout Troop 120 and was an active member of the Mater Christi Holy Name Society. We are all very grateful for the many years he gave to Neighborhood Services.
Ronald M. “Ron” Buczek, only 59, always had a smile on his face and died much too young, leaving behind his wife, Maria, children Jennifer (Tom) Longo, Thomas (Courtney) Buczek, Christopher Buczek and Isabella Buczek, grandchildren, many relatives and friends who will miss him very much. Ron was so thoughtful he even invited the mailman to his block party. He will be missed.
block Captains are needed! please give it a try
Neighborhood services block captains are NOT precinct captains and they are NOT Neighborhood Watch. Rather, they are kind-hearted volunteers within the Village who try to help out if they can. Even if you don’t live on the blocks that needs captains, Neighborhood Services needs your support. If you’re interested, let’s talk. Call me at 447-4932 to learn more. Currently, there are openings on: 23rd and 24th and Lathrop DesPlaines Ave., 2200 to 2900 23rd and Keystone 24th and 2nd 24th and 8th 9000 of 23rd Place
2022 seNd your bloCk New For
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party request by email!
As promised in the Summer/Fall 2021 Village newsletter, Mayor Mengoni and the Village Board took the advice of residents and made having a block party easier than it has ever been. With warmer weather around the corner, now is the time to give some thought to securing a summer date. Download the new Block Party Request form from the Village website at https://www.northriversideil.org/block-parties, fill it out and email it back for approval. After so many months of isolation, it will be great to get together again with old friends and get to know anyone new who has moved into the community!
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Carlene o’brien: angel award recipient
On March 15th at the Neighborhood Services Committee meeting, Carlene O’Brien was presented with the 2022 Richard N. Scheck Angel Award. This very special award recognizes individuals who exemplify “outstanding service to their neighbors, for their unselfish donation of time to those in need and for setting an example for other families in our Village on how to reach out to others and make a difference in our community.” Carlene, who retired recently after 29 years of dedication to Neighborhood Services, was shocked to earn this distinction. Fellow residents and block captains as well as the Mayor, Village Trustees and department heads, however, were not surprised as Carlene never thinks twice about helping others. Pictured (left to right) Trustees Fernando Flores, Terri Sarro, Debbie Czajka, Carlene O’Brien, Trustee Jason Bianco, Mayor Joseph Mengoni and Trustee Marybelle Mandel were all on hand to applaud a very compassionate neighbor on receiving this well-deserved commendation.
WE CAN’T WAIT FOR SUMMER!
Come out and join us!
SUMMER CONCERTS 4TH OF JULY & MORE
FOR DETAILS, WATCH FOR YOUR PARKS & RECREATION SUMMER FUN GUIDE, THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE NORTH RIVERSIDER AND FOLLOW THE OFFICIAL VILLAGE FACEBOOK PAGES!
MAYOR
Joseph Mengoni VILLAGE CLERK Kathy Ranieri
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Jason Bianco Debbie Czajka Fernando Flores H. Bob Demopoulos Marybelle Mandel Terri Sarro ADMINISTRATOR Sue Scarpiniti
© 2022 in particular, inc.
with less state & federal money,
we must get
creative Meet Ryan Lawler new finance director These are trying times for local governments and it’s more important than ever to have a finance director with extensive experience in all areas of municipal finance—and that’s exactly what the Village of North Riverside got when they hired Ryan Lawler on December 16. Having served as consultant/policy analyst, senior consultant, manager and senior manager at Government Finance Officers Association in Chicago, Ryan played a key role in supporting the development of debt and capital finance related training courses and consulting with counties and school districts across the country since 2014. Prior to that, Ryan was Manager III in the Office of Financial Services for the City of Dallas. The pandemic and a new baby prompted Ryan to focus his time and talents closer to home after many years of traveling the country; and Village Administrator Sue Scarpiniti’s vision for North Riverside helped make the decision to apply his experience to local government that much easier. “Communities across the nation are facing tremendous challenges, like pension issues. With less state and federal money available, we must get creative when it comes to problem-solving and making positive changes,” said Lawler, who holds a bachelor’s degree in history and political science and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Kansas. He is currently completing an MBA at University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business. “We are very fortunate to have Ryan on our team as we continue to move North Riverside in the right direction,” said Mayor Mengoni. “I am very confident in his abilities to help execute the comprehensive plan we have for today and tomorrow’s community.”
~ we are a small community with a big heart ~