HolidayStroll2017_112917 by Wednesday Journal

HolidayStroll

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Riverside Holiday Stroll PAGE 2

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2017

Brookfield Holiday Walk PAGE 9

The Landmark, November 29, 2017

2017

Riverside Stroll brings Yuletide cheer

Riverside Chamber celebrates annual event in village’s downtown By JACKIE GLOSNIAK

S File 2016

Ryan Bradford and kids of all ages will again be able to enjoy the electric train display at the Riverside Garage on East Avenue during the Riverside Holiday Stroll.

Contributing Reporter

ince 1974, Riverside has gathered in the village’s downtown business corridor to revel in the joys of the holiday season and share the fellowship of neighbors, local officials and business owners at the Riverside Holiday Stroll. This year, the village and Riverside Chamber of Commerce will host the 43rd annual event from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, in the downtown business district and along Harlem Avenue near East Burlington Street. In his 27th year of involvement, Riversider Brian Brennan said this year’s event will once again be a welcoming and entertaining evening for guests of all ages. Continued on page 4

2017

The Landmark, November 29, 2017

2017

Celebrating Our 24th Anniversary as Certified Kitchen Designers

Please Join Us During

Holiday Stroll

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39 E. Burlington • Riverside, IL www.LandmarkKitchenDesign.com

File 2016

Pictures with Santa at Riverside Bank will be a big draw for those going to the Riverside Holiday Stroll.

RIVERSIDE

HOLIDAY STROLL

Music, treats and more from page 2 “We’ve got a couple of different venues and as usual, everyone looks forward to coming to enjoy everything that comes with the holiday season,” he said. “It’s a joyous time, and for the new people that have moved into the community or are not familiar with the Holiday Stroll, it’s a good time to see what our town has to offer.” In classic Riverside fashion, the Holiday Stroll kicks off at 5:30 p.m., with Santa Claus making his way through downtown Riverside atop a fire truck all the way to Centennial Park, at Longcommon Road at Forest Avenue. Upon Santa’s arrival, one student from each District 96 school, as well as St. Mary’s School, will join Santa in illuminating the Christmas tree for the first time this season. And, to help make spirits bright, the Madrigal singers from Riverside-Brookfield High School will entertain with holiday carols. Following the tree lighting, Santa will head on over to his favorite stop, Riverside Bank, 17 E. Burlington St., to meet with children and for family photos. From there through the rest of the evening, dozens of Riverside businesses will join village buildings in opening their doors to welcome children and adults to mingle and enjoy various holiday crafts, snacks and other activities. After a successful first shot at bringing

festive sleighs through town for magical rides last year, two four-seater pony sleighs will be back in Riverside once again, giving guests rides along East Quincy Street. Riverside knows the holidays truly would not be complete without musical entertainment, so enjoy the sounds of Hauser Junior High School’s band, orchestra and choirs at the water tower from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. As always, the classical music from the Riverside Suzuki Strings violinists will echo through Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road. Across the street at First American Bank, 15 Riverside Road, the Riverside Presbyterian Church bell choir will create more festive music. Dancing throughout the evening at the Riverside Masonic Lodge, 40 Forest Ave., will be performers of all ages from Beyond Words Dance Center in neighboring Lyons. Children who come out for the evening will not find themselves short on fun, with several kid-friendly activities being held in locations across town. For carnival entertainment, Tommy Twister, a local balloon artist and Holiday Stroll favorite, will be at Burlington Realty, 21 E. Burlington St. And, back by popular demand, Chicagoland illusionist Mr. D will perform his famous magic show at 7 and 8 p.m. at Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road. Love animals? Then you’re in luck, as Riverside Garage, 18 East Ave., serves as the annual home for the Stroll’s petting zoo, pony rides and an old-fashioned train display. Never fear, Wonder Woman is here! Hobnob with everyone’s favorite female superhero at Athletico Physical Therapy, 51 E. Burlington St. Continued on page 8

The Landmark, November 29, 2017

SALON ELIA

Brian Brennan, Chairperson of the Riverside Holiday Stroll for 28 years, Wishes all a Joyous Holiday Season and a Healthy, Prosperous New Year! #

Brian was great to work with and we wouldn’t hesitate to work with REALTOR him again in the future. FOR 2016 IN RIVERSIDE* – John and Meredith

Brian was great to work with and HOW DID BRIAN BRENNAN BECOME #1 IN RIVERSIDE? Brian always himself we made wouldn’t hesitate to work with again inany thequestions future. available tohim answer

HE PUTS CLIENTS FIRST! and was very knowledgeable about John and Meredith HOW DID BRIAN BRENNAN BECOME #1– IN RIVERSIDE?

Brian made himself HE PUTS CLIENTS FIRST! the current real always estate market. Over 30 years of real estate

available to answer any questions experience in Riverside and its and was very knowledgeable about c: (708 ) 805 – 2064 Get in touch with Brian real estate market. o: (708 ) 848 – 0200 surrounding communities. through any of the the current Brian Brennan is a top producer in Riverside with an impressive knowledge of the real estate market. He operates as a full-time, full-service Realtor and is committed to providing outstanding client support. With over 30 years of real estate experience in Riverside and its surrounding communities, he is dedicated to helping his clients reach their goals.

– Tony and Sylvia

following channels:– Tony and Sylvia BrianBrennan @ atproperties.com

Call Brian today!

c: (708 ) 805 – 2064 Get in touch with Brian Burlington Realty has consistently been the #1 office in Riverside through any of the o: (708 ) 848 – 0200 for over 30 years. Trust Burlington Realty / @ properties to following channels: BrianBrennan @ atproperties.com sell your house or find you the home of your dreams.

Burlington Realty has consistently been the #1 office in Riverside *MRED, MLS, based on closed sales data, 01/01/2016 – 12/31/2016. @ If your property is currently listed with another broker, this mailer is not a solicitation for business.

30 years. Trust Burlington Realty / properties to c: (708) 805-2064 • o: (708) 848-0200forsellover your house or find you the home of your dreams.

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*MRED, MLS, based on closed sales data, 01/01/2016 – 12/31/2016. If your property is currently listed with another broker, this mailer is not a solicitation for business.

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The Landmark, November 29, 2017

2017

Friday, December 1st 5-9 p.m. St. Mary Parish Center 97 Herrick Rd, Riverside, IL Quality Crafters featuring hand crafted items only $100 CASH raﬄe - free ticket for adults upon entry All new Secret Santa Shop - for kids only!! Elves' Cafe serving Paisans Pizza, Coﬀee & Sweets 7th Grade Girl Scouts hot dogs, chips & pop Famous 8th Grade Christmas Cookie Walk Church will be open featuring music of the season! Sponsored by: West Town Bank, Blue Ring Linares Insurance

File 2016

People gather around a fire pit to make s’mores during the 2016 Holiday Stroll at the Riverside Garage. (Below) Elia Bursua eats an edible ornament she made during the annual event in downtown Riverside last year.

RIVERSIDE

HOLIDAY STROLL Pop-up shops from page 4

Thank you to all our Riverside customers. Come join us during Holiday Stroll! Back by Popular Demand... Face Painting by Rose the Elf & Treats

Pre-Hop Cleaners 9 N. Longcommon Rd. • Riverside "Serving Riverside since 1969"

For youngsters in the mood to get crafty, face painting, cookie decorating and ornament making stations will be set up inside of several businesses along Riverside’s downtown corridor. Are you a fan of the arts? You’re going to want to pop on in to Jeff ’s Auto & Truck Repair, 20 E. Quincy St., where ice sculpting and extreme woodcarving demonstrations will be held all evening. Find beautiful stained-glass displays at Colorsmith, 8 E. Quincy St., coined Riverside’s “best-kept secret” in a 2014 Landmark article. Riverside Arts Center hosts a pop-up shop at their FlexSpace and Freak Gallery, 32 E. Quincy St. Exhibits feature local and regional artists, and patrons are welcome to shop for unique gifts in the center’s mudroom. Speaking of shopping, St. Mary’s Church, 97 Herrick Road, is again inviting all guests to stop by their Mingle and Jingle Shop, where fun holiday gifts and rare vintage treasures abound. This year, there will also be pop-up shops at the downtown Metra train station. Need to take a break from the cold? The Riverside Junior Woman’s Charity is happy

to invite everyone to keep warm at 16 E. Burlington St., where they will host a community pop-up movie theater for special showings of The Polar Express, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town. The movies celebrate the kickoff of Riverside Gives, the charity’s annual holiday donation drive, with fundraising going to support local families and organizations. The group will take monetary donations at the Holiday Stroll, with 100 percent of funds going to this year’s selected groups, including Cantata, Girl Scouts, the Riverside Public Library and Riverside Township Food Pantry. And, surely you’ll work up an appetite from walking around Riverside, so find baked goods at the water tower sponsored by Riverside Parks and Recreation; samples and sales at favorite candy shop Aunt Diana’s, 29 E. Burlington St.; and beer and wine samples for adults outside of Riverside Foods, 48 E. Burlington St. Stroll attendees will also have the option to hop on/hop off a village-sponsored shuttle between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. at stops along Burlington Street, Quincy Street and Harlem Avenue. Overall, Brennan said the Holiday Stroll is not just a fan favorite for Riverside residents, but for businesses as well. “I think it certainly helps our business district and I feel like people come out to support our business districts and that’s what the night is all about,” he said. For questions about the Holiday Stroll, contact Brennan at 708-447-7207.

2017

The Landmark, November 29, 2017

Blissful seasonal opener in Brookfield Chamber, village team up for annual Holiday Walk on Dec. 2 By JACKIE GLOSNIAK

Contributing Reporter

very December, children and adults alike count the days as the calendar inches closer to the highly anticipated endof-month holidays. After all, who doesn’t look forward to family gatherings, gift giving and days off from work and school? To help kick-start festivities for the season, the village of Brookfield and the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce are once again teaming up to help locals ring in the season of giving and cheer with their annual Holiday Walk on Saturday, Dec. 2. From 2 to 7 p.m., dozens of Brookfield

municipal leaders, neighbors and businesses will be hosting holiday happenings at the village hall and all along the Grand Boulevard and Broadway Avenue business districts. Highlights of this year’s event include visits with everyone’s favorite North Pole couple, professional wood-carving demonstrations, choral performances from local schools and civic groups, holiday crafts and of course, the annual tree lighting at Eight Corners. “It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season,” said Arlene Rovner, special events coordinator for the village of Brookfield. “We have a lot of fun activities and entertainment and it’s a great way to get together with your neighbors. It’s family-friendly and there is something for everyone. It’s a really festive atmosphere and a real community.” Following a successful display for the past two years, the Holiday Walk will once again include an outdoor showing Continued on page 11

File 2016

Christmas carolers brought traditional sounds of the season to Grand Boulevard during Brookfield’s Holiday Walk in 2016.

Special Holiday Wishes to Our Loyal Customers & Riverside Residents

Thank You for 28 Wonderful Years in Riverside Jeff & Cyndi Splingaire

Jeff’s Auto Repair 20 E. Quincy St., Riverside, IL 60546

Wishing everyone Happy Holidays and a Safe & Prosperous 2018. This Holiday Stroll come see Mrs. Claus at Riverside Bank, courtesy of Sylvester Realty.

Sylvester Realty Company Olga SylveSter Broker/Owner

708.447.4600 Fax: 708.447.4680 5 E. Burlington Street • Riverside, IL 60546

The Landmark, November 29, 2017

Wishing You and Your Family a Joyous and Healthy Holiday season. Good health begins with good sleep. If you have concerns about snoring or lack of sleep, we invite you to call our office and come in for a complimentary 30 minute consultation with Dr. LaFemina. Limited time offer, so please call soon.

Dr. Gilbert J. LaFemina, DDS, FAGD, LTD. General & Cosmetic Dentistry Invisalign • Implant Restoration • Teeth Whitening • Snoring Treatment Sleep Apnea Treatment • CPAP Alternatives 345 Burlington, Suite B1 Riverside, IL 60546 www.drlafemina.com 708.447.6670 Fax. 708.447.6673 drlafemina@aol.com

Happy Strollin’

from Riverside Parks & Recreation

Check out employment opportunities at www.riverside.il.us

Party, party, party! Get geared up for some recreational fun! Kids will partake in various games and activities before we gear up for our countdown. At noon, we’ll ring in the New Year with noisemakers, treats, and celebration! Who: Ages 5 to 8 years • When: Friday, December 29 • 10:30 am - 12:15 pm Where: Historic Water Tower, 10 Pine Avenue Instructor: Recreation Staff • Fee: $15/$20 RES-NON Min/Max: 10/25 • Program #: 314315A

Proud To Support the Holiday Stroll.

Resident Registration begins January 2 • Non Resident Registration begins January 6

Full Service Tree and Shrub Care • Plant Health Care Dormant Pruning • Certified Arborists • Free Consultations

If you like to play volleyball and are interested in fun and exercise, sign up as a team for our Recreation league. There must be three women on the floor at all times, with a maximum of 12 players per roster, so plan accordingly. Dates of league play may vary depending on league size and facility availability. Fee includes certified referees. *Team rosters must be filled out completely and turned in at the time of registration or the team will not be accepted. Who: Men/Women 18 years + • When: Starting Wednesday, February 14 Where: St. Hugh’s Gymnasium (7939 W. 43rd St. Lyons, IL) Fee: $400 resident team, (75% residency) • $450 non-resident team, (less than 75% residency) Program #: 332400A (RES), 332400B (NON-RES) Registration Deadline: February 1 – First come, first served. All Sponsorship Checks need to be turned in by February 7, 2017 Manager’s meeting Wednesday, February 8, 5:30pm at the Recreation Office.

Glen Ellyn

630-545-0606

Winter Spring Brochure Release Date December 29, 2017 Co-Ed Volleyball League

District 96 After School Classes Registration information coming soon! REGISTER ONLINE @ WWW.RIVERSIDE.IL.US OR CALL (708) 442-7025 FOR MORE DETAILS.

2017

The Landmark, November 29, 2017

SEWER RODDING / JETTING CATCH BASIN PUMPING SEWER SCOPING File 2016

Santa meets with children at Irish Times in downtown Brookfield during the annual Holiday Walk last year.

BROOKFIELD HOLIDAY WALK Music, crafts, entertainment from page 9 of public artwork all day long, including dozens of handcrafted reindeer at Grossdale Station and snowmen at Eight Corners — all original creations by Brookfield residents. From 2 to 5 p.m. at the Brookfield Village Hall, 8820 Brookfield Ave., there will be a plethora of indoor events for children of all ages to enjoy. Those who like crafting can enjoy holiday craft-making stations, coloring contest art displays, holiday temporary tattoos and cookie decorating. A photo booth complete with festive backdrops and props will be set up in the lower-level recreation hall, and costumed characters will be roaming village hall ready to mingle and stop for photos with passersby. Refreshments will also be on hand, free of charge. Looking to sit back and enjoy holiday tunes and performances? Upbeat entertainment options will be made available at vil-

lage hall, with school groups and other locals entertaining back-to-back. School performances include the Riverside-Brookfield High School Madrigals and the Lincoln School chorus at 2 p.m., the S.E. Gross Middle School chorus at 2:30, the S.E. Gross band at 3 p.m. and the Park Junior High Prelude Ensemble at 4:30 p.m. Other live entertainment options include multi-instrument performances by Jeff Kust at 2:30 p.m., magic with Adrian Van Stee at 3 p.m., dances by students from the Elite Dance School, songs by the St. Louise Men’s Club at 3:30 p.m. and a show by the International Christian Fellowship choirs at 4 p.m. Activities the whole family will enjoy will take place in the downtown and Broadway Avenue business districts from 2 to 5 p.m., Continued on page 13

Happy Strolling! WISHING YOU A JOYFUL HOLIDAY SEASON & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!

CONTACT:

J E RRY J O N E S

(708) 255–1111 jerry@twilighthome.com

Thinking of selling your home in 2018? Call Lauren today for a complimentary market analysis and Home Preparation Consultation.

Lauren Cody, Broker (708) 514-3367 5 Star Zillow Premier Agent, Certified Staging Consultant, Relocation Specialist

TWILIGHTHOME.COM

The Landmark, November 29, 2017

As part of the annual Riverside Holiday Stroll!! Comic Collector Presents... From 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Sventa Claus aka Rich (Svengoolie) Koz From Channel 26 the U

Hours: Mon: 12 - 6 pm Tues Closed Wed - Fri 12 - 8pm Sat 10 - 6 pm Sun 11 -5 pm

Sventa Claus for the Holidays!! Friday, December 1 st

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

www.cmccollector.com

La Grange Office 219 W Hillgrove Ave, La Grange, IL 60525 (708) 352-4840

Coldwell Banker WISHES YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A

happy holiday Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. ©2015 Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

2017

The Landmark, November 29, 2017

BROOKFIELD HOLIDAY WALK Tree lightning at 5:30 p.m. from page 13 including visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Irish Times, 8869 Burlington Ave.; wood-carving demonstrations at Grossdale Station, 8820½ Brookfield Ave.; a model railroad exhibit at Loca Mocha, located inside the Prairie Avenue Metra station; Christmas caroling on Grand Boulevard; kids crafts at the Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Boulevard; pictures with Frosty the Snowman at Betty’s Flowers and Gifts, 9138 Broadway Ave.; jingle bell making at Ms. Clara’s Joyful Learning Center, 9213 Broadway Ave.; and comedy with balloon artist Tommy Twister at Tischler Finer Foods, 9118 Broadway Ave. Love animals? Then you won’t want to miss the petting zoo at Eight Corners from 3 to 7 p.m. To satisfy your appetites during the busy day, there will also be snacks galore from 2 to 7 p.m. at Eight Corners, with hospitality tents sponsored by the Village of Brookfield, Chamber of Commerce and Mary’s Morning MixUp. To end the evening’s festivities and officially ring in the Christmas season, all are welcome to head over to Veterans Memorial Circle at Eight Corners to catch the grand tree lighting at 5:30 p.m., complete with an appearance by Santa Claus, who will arrive in dramatic fashion to hit the “on” switch to cap the great holiday spectacle. During the tree lighting, catch the glow-stick giveaway, a holiday sing-along with Clara D’Onofrio, an adult holiday raffle basket drawing and a post-lighting caroling progression down Grand Boulevard to close out the day. While the day’s events will cover several blocks in

File 2016

Kids and adults wait for Santa to light the tree at Eight Corners in Brookfield during the Holiday Walk last year. Brookfield, don’t worry about tiring out getting from point A to point B. To help shuttle visitors between events across town, there will be a complimentary trolley service for the duration of the day, with pick-up/drop-off stations at Grand Boulevard, Eight Corners/Broadway Avenue,

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the Brookfield Public Library and Brookfield Village Hall. For more information about the Holiday Walk, including a list of all businesses and events participating in the holiday happenings, visit www.brookfieldil.gov or www. brookfieldchamber.net.

The Landmark, November 29, 2017

2017

Warm Holiday Greetings from the Frederick Law Olmsted Society of Riverside!

We invite you to help us kick off our 50th Anniversary at our Annual Meeting on Friday, January 19, 7 PM, at the Riverside Train Station. Our Membership Drive is going on, and we hope you renew or join us in our quest to sustain Olmsted’s vision for Riverside for generations to come. Visit the following for more details.

www.olmstedsociety.org www.facebook.com/RiversideFLOS

ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer

North Riverside planted a blue spruce in front of the Village Commons earlier this year in order to usher in the holiday season with a proper tree-lighting ceremony.

twitter@RiversideFLOS

Happy Holidays! Thank you for your business, support and referral throughout the year. May you have a Healthy & Prosperous New Year. Sincerely,

North Riverside hosts holiday tree lighting Nov. 29

Fireworks will follow mayor flipping the switch

Dorene Fliger,

Real Estate Broker, CNC, e-Pro

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Coldwell Banker Residential (708) 822-2947 direct Dorene.fliger@cbexchange.com www.dorenefliger.com

Dorene

Helping You Find

DF Fliger Your Way Home

Helping you find your way home For your Real Esate legal needs, please contact: Joseph W. Jakubowski • Attorney at Law 708.625.2278 fax. 708.443.8453 Jakubowskilaw@gmail.com ©2016 Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Real estate agents afﬁliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

In North Riverside, you can usually tell it’s officially the holiday season because of all traffic headed toward the North Riverside Park Mall and lines of people waiting outside of Best Buy for Black Friday specials. While all of that will, no doubt, remain part of the local tradition, the village of North Riverside will christen a new way to usher in the Christmas season. With an old-fashioned tree lighting. In the spring, the village’s public works department planted a brand new blue spruce in front of the North Riverside Village Commons for the very purpose of injecting a little holiday cheer into local government. “The mayor wanted to add a tree-lighting ceremony to kick off the holiday season and

give it a community feel,” said Bryant Rouleau, program coordinator for North Riverside Parks and Recreation. The tree is about 12 feet tall and will grow about a foot a year before it reaches its mature height at between 30 and 40 feet. The evergreen has been decorated with lights and a star, for now. The village’s Recreation Department has put together the program for the first-ever North Riverside tree-lighting event, which will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 29 from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Mayor Hubert Hermanek Jr. will flip the switch at 7 p.m., and – this being North Riverside, after all -- a brief fireworks show will follow. Staff will also be serving cookies and hot chocolate, and there will be a craft activity for children. “It’s the first year,” Rouleau said, “so we wanted to ease into it.”

The Landmark, November 29, 2017

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