Landmark 011823

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Already facing construction delays that have pushed completion into this spring, the fountain project at the Veterans Memorial Circle in Brookfield just got more expensive

On Jan. 9, village trustees approved a pair of expenditures totaling about $54,000 to upgrade the electrical service to the new

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Riversiders go from tourists to refugees on Peru visit

Political protests that have turned violent and deadly cut ‘adventure trip’ short

By BOB UPHUES Editor

When he was younger, Riverside resident Tom Lupfer’s father would take his kids on what he called “adventure trips.” So, in 2022 Lupfer decided to continue the tradition by taking his son, Ben, a 16-year-old sophomore at Riverside-Brookfield High School, to South America.

Lupfer, who can speak Spanish, had traveled to the continent in the past, visiting Bolivia and Peru.

“It had the cultural aspect we were looking for, the whitewater rafting, mountain biking, going to the Amazon, hiking and doing all sorts of crazy things,” Lupfer said. “The idea was to get [Ben] out of his comfort zone.”

So, Peru it was

They took off from Miami on Dec 27 for Peru’s capital city, Lima, not knowing that four days later in Cusco, not far from Machu Picchu, they’d be scrambling to flee the country ahead of political protests that would tur n deadly.

There had been some war ning signs, although they weren’t evident when Lupfer made travel plans in August.

On Dec. 7, however, the political situation grew volatile when Peru’s president, Pedro Castillo, who was being impeached, attempted to dissolve Congress to remain in power. The maneuver failed, Castillo was ousted and Peru’s first female president, Dina Boluarte, was swor n in Days later, Castillo supporters launched a series of protests, including in Cusco, which resulted in clashes with police and the deaths of more than a dozen people. Service was suspended to Cusco airport and others on Dec. 14, stranding tourists. Some nations advised their citizens not to travel to Peru.

On Dec. 19, hundreds visiting Machu Picchu had to be airlifted out of the area by helicopters after protestors blocked exit paths

But the Lupfers got assurances from their tour agency that it was safe to go ahead with the visit

“We were assured it was fine, the protests had ended, that they’d all gone home by [Dec.] 22nd,” said Lupfer.

When the Lupfers landed in Peru on Dec. 27, the tour company had changed its tune somewhat.

“The tour guide on the bus said, ‘Well, [the protestors] are coming back January 4th,’” Lupfer said.

The first few days of the trip, however, were a pleasure, full of the outdoor activity they’d gone to Peru for. They explored, on foot and by boat, the rainforest in the Tambopata National Reserve in souther n Peru, where they saw exotic animals like spider monkeys, macaws, tarantulas and even a jaguar

On Dec. 30 they landed in Cusco, whose airport had been shut down

PROVIDED

Ben and Tom Lupfer hiked around the city of Cusco (in background) for one day before the U.S. State Department aler ted tourists on Dec. 30 to get out of Peru before protests.

two weeks earlier due to the protests. It was virtually deserted, Lupfer said. Security remained very tight.

“They weren’t letting cars in,” said Ben Lupfer, “so you had to walk all the way out to the main street, which was chaotic. There were police with huge guns just sitting there. When we came into that, it was kind of like, ‘Whoa!’”

After spending a night at a hotel, the two toured Cusco on foot. They didn’t see many other tourists, but there were police everywhere. Then Tom Lupfer’s phone buzzed. It was a message from the U.S. Department of State.

“WiFi coverage is spotty – they put it out on the 30th but I didn’t get it until the 31st – and it basically said, ‘Get out of town as fast as you can,’” Lupfer said.

At that point the trip tur ned into the train station scene during the flashback in the movie “Casablanca,” with Parisians attempting to flee before the Ger man ar my could get there.

Lupfer called the tour company, which in essence said they were on their own.

“That’s the moment that we went from tourists to refugees,” Lupfer said.

They caught a bus to the airport, which began filling up with both tourists and locals looking for flights out. Lupfer’s wife, Gretchen, was able to book tickets for a flight to Miami out of Lima, but flights out of Cusco started getting delayed and canceled

“The locals were getting really angry and the tourists with their kids were terrified,” Lupfer said.

Amid the bedlam, Lupfer said he was able to snag a ticket after stepping between a ticket agent and a man who was screaming at her. They were able to get to Lima in time for their flight to Miami

Had Lupfer not gotten the state department notice and continued touring, he and Ben likely would have been in some peril

On Jan. 3, some 2,000 tourists again had to be evacuated from Machu Picchu when protestors blocked the road and thousands protested in Lima a day later. The protests continued into this week, with an estimated 48 people dead since the protests began Dec. 7.

On Jan. 12, the Cusco airport, the gateway to Machu Picchu, was closed as protests swelled there again, with protesters attempting to take over the airport and setting a bus station on fire.

Asked if he’d retur n to Peru, Ben Lupfer said, “Not anytime soon, but it was a cool experience while it lasted.”

Editor Bob Uphues

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BIG WEEK

January 18-25

Preser va tion presentation at FLOS annual meeting

The public is invited to the annual meeting of the Frederick Law Olmsted Society on Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Riverside train station, 90 Bloomingbank Road.

A membership table will be available for anyone wishing to join or renew, and after the meeting and installation of new ofcers, the society will present Riverside residents Serge Ambrose and Michelangelo Sabatino with their 2022 Preservation Award.

Afterward the couple will present “Modern Again! The Benda House & Garden in Riverside 1938-2022,” sharing their journey to restore their home’s original modern atmosphere and add a garden that re-establishes the relationship between nature and modern architecture.

BEDS Plus hosts

in-person Soup & Bread

Soup & Bread, which has been the signature annual fundraising event for BEDS Plus since 2012, will return to its in-person roots after a virtual event in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jazz at Emmanuel Episcopal

Enjoy an evening of jazz on Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m. when Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 203 S. Kensington Ave. in LaGrange, continues its Sounds in the Sanctuary Series with The Geof Brad eld Quintet.

A saxophonist, Brad eld embraces intersections of modern jazz and other streams of African diaspora music. The Lyons Township High School Big Band, led by Mark Dahl, opens the show.

Tickets for adults are $20 online and $25 at the door Tickets for those ages 5-18 are $10 online and at the door. Visit emmanuel-lagrange.org/ music__events for tickets

Join them on Feb. 5 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Banquet Center, 6201 Joliet Road in Countryside, where 20 soups will be available to sample from restaurants including Black Oak Tavern, Kama Bistro, Irish Times and The Elm. There will also be craft beer from BuckleDown Brewery and live music.

Tickets are $25. Kids under 12 are free. Buy tickets by visiting beds-plus.org/ways-you-can-help/soup-bread-2023.

Register for Family Game

Nor th Riverside Parks and Recreation invites you to roll over to the Village Commons, 2401 Desplaines Ave., on Feb. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. for its Family Game Night.

There will be a variety of games for you and your family to play, along with snacks and drinks for purchase.

Registration ($25 per family) is required. Call 708-442-5515 or email to recreation@northriverside –il.org.

And more

■ Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St., presents artist Bobbi Meier’s show “Imperfect Rituals” through Feb. 18. Gallery hours are ThursdaySaturday from 1 to 5 p.m.

There’s also “Mujer Quetzalcoatl” featuring the work of Alex Velazquez Brightbill, through March 30 in the lobby of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road in Riverside. Viewing hours are Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

■ North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., presents After School Art Escape (child with adult) on Jan. 19 at 4 p.m., iPhone and iPad Basics on Jan. 19 at 2 p.m., Lego Club on Jan. 20 at 4 p.m., Build Your Own Robot (grades 6-12) on Jan. 21 at 1:30 p.m., Morning Munchkin Stories with Miss Karen on Jan. 23 at 10:30 a.m., Chair Yoga on Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m. and Story Safari (child with adult) on Jan. 25 at 10:30 a.m. Register for programs online at northriversidelibrary.org/events-new.

■ Linda Sokol Francis Brook eld Library, 3541 Park Ave., presents Fairytale Storytime on Jan.

19 at 10:30 a.m., Chair Zumba on Jan. 20 at 1:30 p.m., an Anatomy of a Movie screening and discussion of “The Punch & Judy Man” with Ian Tiele and Marty Blank on Jan. 21 at 1 p.m., Chair Yoga (virtual) on Jan. 23 at 11 a.m. and Family Fun Story Night on Jan. 25 at 6:30 p.m. Call 708-4856917 or visit online at brook eld.evanced.info/ signup to register for programs

■ Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, presents a Chess Meet Up (grades K-8) on Jan. 19 at 4 p.m., Friday Storytimes (all ages) on Jan. 20 at 9:30 and 10:15 a.m., a Medicare Information Seminar

on Jan. 21 at 10:30 a.m., Mini-Movers Storytime (3-under with caregiver) on Jan. 23 at 9:30 and 10:15 a.m., Knitting Crochet and Needlework Group (ages 13+) on Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. and All in the Family Genealogy Club: Using Social Media on Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. To register for programs, visit online at riversidelibrary.org/events

■ The Brook eld Elks Lodge, 9022 31st St., hosts bingo the second Sunday of every month. Doors open at 1 p.m. and games start at 2 p.m. with cash payouts.

GEOF BRADFIELD

Michelangelo Sabatino and Serge Ambrose

Riverside Library board affirms director’s ruling against book ban

Strong public support voiced for sta and to keep ‘Gender Queer’ in circulation

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Riverside Public Library trustees agreed unanimously at their meeting on Jan. 10 that Library Director Janice Foley did not abuse her discretion or act capriciously last month when she declined, in consultation with a staff committee, a request from two residents to remove the book “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe from circulation.

The vote followed more than an hour of often impassioned comment from both trustees and members of the public, the vast majority of whom spoke in support of library staff and of the book, a memoir in the form of a graphic novel illustrating – in a couple of instances too graphically for some -- an adolescent/young adult coming to grips with their sexuality and gender identity in a world lacking vocabulary for such concepts.

Riverside library board meetings typically draw few members of the public, but on Jan. 10 around 75 people crowded into the library’s Great Room in reaction to the request to ban “Gender Queer.”

In all, six people urged library officials to pull the book from the shelves while 13 people spoke in favor of keeping the book. Another 11 people who had signed up to speak declared their support for keeping the book but declined fur ther comment to avoid repetition.

Among the most compelling public comments were those made young adult residents of the village who, despite the very public setting, announced they were queer and argued that the book was a valuable resource.

“Being constantly told that your identity is not OK, is not safe for kids, is unacceptable really takes a toll on you,” said 21-year-

old Hunter Morrison, who said his family provided plenty of support but that others have little to none

“Plenty of my friends wound up in treatment programs in large part due to their families not being a safe environment for them,” he added. “I can’t even put to words how impactful having some healthy representation available to them has been, often from books like ‘Gender Queer.’”

Madeline Pollock, a 20-year-old college student who identified as queer, said that even though she had a supportive family, she suffered from anxiety and depression, struggling with coming out.

“If I had walked into this library when I was 13 years old and I read a book like this, maybe it wouldn’t have taken me seven years to tell my parents that,” Pollock said. “I can say firsthand, as a young queer person, that banning this book is ridiculous People like us need books like this.”

Kobabe in published interviews has said the book was written as a memoir initially to provide adult family members with an understanding of a very personal, complicated jour ney.

In choosing the form of a graphic novel, Kobabe included a few images that have drawn condemnation from conservative critics who charge they are pornographic at best and could be used, at worst, to “g room” children.

The American Library Association, which in 2020 bestowed its Alex Award on “Gender Queer” for being one of the top 10 books that year “written for adults that have special appeal to young adults, ages 12 through 18.”

In 2021, according to the ALA, “Gender Queer” was also the most challenged book in the nation, with critics successful in getting it removed from the shelves of school and public libraries across the country.

Two images of hundreds in the book have been used as the basis for the book’s removal, both brought up at the Jan. 10 meeting. One illustrates Kobabe, who identifies as asexual, recounting a not-particularlyerotic encounter with a strap-on dildo The

BOB UPHUES/Editor

Members of the Riverside Public Library Board of Trustees (from le ) Christine Long, Jen Pacourek, Secretary Jane Birmingham, President Ken Circo, Vice President Cour tney Greve Hack, Patrick White and Mike Hagins, along with attorney Michael Marrs, await the start of the Jan. 10 meeting in the Great Room of the library.

other illustrates a dream sequence using an image drawn from Classical Greek art, of a man touching a boy’s penis.

“I don’t know what kind of redeeming qualities that is,” said resident and for mer library trustee Michael Flight, who said he was only interested in removing “Gender Queer” from circulation, not the other roughly 30 other books dealing with transgender topics.

Maria Hawk, one of two Riverside residents who requested that “Gender Queer” be pulled from the collection, on Jan. 10 appeared to accuse library officials of inviting the sexual abuse of children by allowing “Gender Queer” to circulate Hawk called herself an expert having had a long career as an educator and mandated reporter of child sexual abuse. She quoted the definition of child sexual abuse from Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), which states “child sexual abuse does not need to include physical contact between a perpetrator and a child,” placing “Gender Queer” within that framework

“This is why alar m bells went off with me the first time I was made aware of this book,” Hawk said. “It is contrary to everything I have ever been taught to keep children safe from exploitation.”

Of the six people who spoke against “Gender Queer,” only one, Michael Flight, said they had read the entire book.

“This is just theater,” said Riverside resident and for mer village trustee Kevin Smith, who said he had read it and called it

very moving and personal. “Saying ‘por nography’ over and over and over again doesn’t make it so. By definition, this book is not pornographic … and it can’t be taken out of context.”

Jane Archer, a Riverside resident who also has worked in hospital and education settings and has been a mandated reporter, said it was impossible to take the book’s allegedly objectionable images out of context.

“It is not brainwashing or grooming. It is an informational book about a personal exploration to find the author’s authentic self,” Archer said. She said traditional sex education in the U.S. does not include sexuality and gender identity, which can be confusing to non-binary young people who are trying to understand themselves.

“Hiding this information doesn’t make these issues go away, it simply puts young people who are confused at greater risk of suicide,” Archer said. “The book ‘Gender Queer’ presents the process of understanding the author’s self-identity in context. It is, in fact, the opposite of pornography.”

Matt Wadland, a Riverside resident and psychologist who is gay, said that when he was growing up, there were no books available in his public library like “Gender Queer” and said attempts to label the book as pornography were “homophobic and transphobic.”

“If some kid comes into this library and finds their voice and feels that they’re not alone, then something beautiful happened,” Wadland said. “It’s not porn.”

Dormant Pruning & Prepping for Spring

Earlier this month, temperatures soared into the springlike 50s. Deep down, though, we knew that winter wasn’t done with us. The good news: it’s not here forever, and spring will arrive, more or less on schedule, in two months.

Will your landscape be ready?

Until mid-March, be sure to put your trees and shrubs on a “diet” of dormant pruning. It promotes healthy plant growth when spring shows up.

Pruning is best now because without leaves it’s easier to see what should be removed. Also, wounds from the pruning cuts heal much faster during the dormant season, allowing less time for disease penetration.

Preventive pruning removes wood that is diseased, damaged or dead, as well as unwanted or problem limbs such as those that grow into a house or hang low over a sidewalk.

Corrective pruning redirects the plant’s growth to establish a more natural and healthy growth habit.

Rejuvenation pruning is a more drastic approach in which the plant is cut back heavily to thin overgrown plants, to promote new, vigorous growth and to winnow the plant to a more manageable size.

Questions on this or any other landscaping topic? Call us to arrange a one-hour consultation!

Bidder for LTHS land meets minimum set by school board

Bridge Industrial submits higher of two bids for 70-acre parcel

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

It appears that Lyons Township High School will be selling the approximately 70-acre piece of land that it has owned in Willow Springs for more than 50 years. On Jan 12 Business Manager Brian Stachacz opened two bids for the property, one of them meeting the minimum requirement.

The high bidder was Bridge Industrial Inc., a company that specializes in developing industrial property, which bid $55 million, the minimum amount that the school board said it would acce pt for the property.

Despite the $55 million minimum price, ProLogis Inc., a real estate investment trust that specializes in developing distribution centers and warehouses, bid $46.5 million.

The LTHS school board could vote on moving forward with the sale as early as its Jan. 23 meeting. The school district’s lawyers are currently conducting a le g al review of the Bridge Industrial bid.

Executives from Bridge Industrial did not retur n calls from the Landmark seeking comment about what it plans to do with the property. It appears that Bridge Industrial will need zoning variances from the village of Willow Springs to develop the property for industrial use, because the land is cur rently zoned for retail, singlefamily housing and senior housing .

The land located southwest of the intersection of 79th Street and Willow Springs

Road was purchased by LTHS in two chunks, in 1955 and 1962, with the thought that it could someday be the location of an additional high school if that was ever needed

However, it tur ned out that enrollment never grew to a point where a third high school campus was needed. An enrollment study conducted last year concluded that the district would not need a new high school in the foreseeable future.

After getting interest from a potential buyer last year, LTHS officials decided to put the land up for sale. They intend to use the $55 million proceeds from the sale to upgrade their two current campuses by adding more air conditioning, moder nizing existing classrooms, creating more collaborative spaces for students and faculty, improving athletic and wellness spaces and making needed life-safety improvements.

Brook eld police investigate shots red near Ehlert Park

witnesses or security footage yet,” Kuruvilla told the Landmark the day of the incident. “Camera footage would be ideal, but without a witness it puts us in a dif ficult [investigative] position.”

Police on Jan. 16 said they had no additional information on the case

of the firear m.

2001

www.mcadamlandscape.com

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Brookfield police recovered seven shell casings from a driveway between two buildings in the 4500 block of Maple Avenue early on Jan. 12 after responding to the scene for a call of shots fired, the second such incident in the vicinity of Ehlert Park in the past month.

Police Chief Michael Kuruvilla said no person, structure or object appears to have been struck by any of the rounds. Police have canvassing the area to obtain evidence and locate witnesses and any surveillance camera video that may exist.

“There are no victims, but there is also no

Kuruvilla said the 911 call came in a 1:51 a.m. and that when police ar rived on scene there were no suspects in the area. Police then located seven 9 mm shell casings, all of which appeared to have been fired by the same gun, in a driveway.

One person re portedly told police several people ran from the scene after the gunfire and then ran back and into a four-unit apar tment building on the block. Police set up a perimeter around the building and attempted to make contact with the occupants of one of the units, but no one answered.

Kuruvilla said Brookfield police sought a search war rant from the Cook County State’s Attor ney’s Of fice, but that request was denied since there was no evidence directly tying anyone to the actual discharge

That was also the response Brookfield police got a month ago w hen someone fired more than a dozen gunshots late on Dec. 9 in the 4400 block of Ver non Avenue. A witness re ported seeing someone running northbound non Ver non Avenue into a residence just north of Ger ritsen Avenue.

The occupants of that residence also were uncooperative, and the witness could not provide much of a description of the person running into the residence and did not see that person either fire or car ry a gun.

Police after that incident reported recovering 16 shell casings, also 9 mm rounds, from a lawn area near the southeast cor ner of the Ver non/Ger ritsen intersection.

Kuruvilla said police do not believe at this time that the two incidents are connected.

“All signs point to this being a random, ne gligent act,” Kuruvilla said.

Anyone with information or access to security camera video can email to pdhelp@ brookfieldil.gov.

No one hit, spent shell casings found on driveway in 4500 block of Maple Ave.

Scott McAdam Jr.

North Riverside police continue to investigate an ar med robbery on the night of Jan. 15 on 7th Avenue where two gunmen held up a man inside his garage, making off with his wallet, house and car keys and cellphone

No one was hurt in the incident, which happened at about 7:25 p.m. According to the victim and his wife, who watched the robbery unfold from a window, the couple had just pulled into their attached garage after picking up food from a restaurant on Roosevelt Road in Berwyn.

While the man was still inside the car, a white SUV, possibly a Buick, pulled up to the end of the driveway and two masked men wearing all black got out and walked up the driveway.

One of the men carried a handgun while the other carried a silver firearm that appeared to be a rifle. The victim threw his wallet, keys and phone on the ground and told the men to take the items and leave.

The two offenders retur ned to the SUV, which was driven by a third person, and left the area westbound on 23rd Street to 8th Avenue and then north toward Cer mak Road Police at about 8:05 p.m. located the victim’s cellphone in the 2200 block of 8th Avenue

Vandal punc tures ice rink liner

After a cold December paved the way for Riverside to open its ice rink in Big Ball Park early this winter, it looked like a nice long skating season loomed in early 2023. More recently, however, that’s an open question.

January has not only brought above-freezing temperatures, making the rink an iffy proposition, last week someone vandalized the rink’s inflatable plastic liner, causing water to drain from it.

Police and recreation department officials responded to Big Ball Park, at Longcommon and Delaplaine roads, on the mor ning of Jan. 12 to inspect the damage

According to the police report, someone apparently used the broken handle of a shovel that had been kept at the rink for maintenance purposes to puncture the plastic liner in multiple locations.

Village staff made repairs to the liner and added more water, and as of Jan. 16, Recreation Director Ron Malchiodi said, “So far, it appears like it’s holding. We assess it every day.

“We’re hoping we can save it, but the next challenge is freezing temperatures.”

On Jan. 16, temperatures reached into the mid-40s and for at least the next week daytime

temps are forecast to be in the 40s or mid-30s Anyone with information or video about the vandalism is asked to call Riverside police at 708-447-9191.

Brookfield seeks hit-and run driver

A 54-year-old Berwyn man sustained multiple injuries after being struck by a car that reportedly had been speeding and weaving in and out of traffic while westbound on 31st Street in Brookfield on Jan. 10 at about 5:45 p.m.

The offending vehicle, described only as a black Acura, did not stop and police were unable to locate it immediately.

Another motorist told police that he was traveling westbound on 31st Street when he observed the offending vehicle behind him, weaving in and out of lanes at a high rate of speed

As soon as the Acura passed him, it reportedly struck the victim near Elm Avenue, throwing him several feet from the point of impact. The victim was lying in the middle of the street when police arrived surrounded by a group of bystanders.

One of those bystanders told police she heard the impact and ran outside to find her boyfriend in the street. He was on his way to pick up his nephew and had to cross the street, she reportedly told police

Paramedics transported the victim to Loyola University Medical Center for further treatment.

Police continue to investigate the incident.

DUI

Brookfield charged a 25-year-old Chicago woman with driving under the influence of alcohol after she alle gedly passed out behind the wheel of her white Mazda SUV in the southbound lane of traf fic on Maple Avenue at the Burlington Norther n-Santa Fe Railroad grade crossing on Jan. 10 at about 3:15 a.m.

A passerby called police who ar rived to find the driver behind the wheel with her foot on the brake, the car in drive and a cellphone in her hand. Both passenger side tires were flat, police re ported

After re peated attempts by police, the woman woke up, appeared “dazed and confused” and had trouble putting her vehicle into park Once in park, the woman re portedly stepped on the gas pedal as if to accelerate.

The driver told police she was going home after getting of f work at 10 p.m. from an establishment in Schiller Park She was not able to explain where she had been for the past five hours, police said.

A breath test re portedly revealed the driver’s blood-alcohol content to be .129, which is more than the le gal limit of .08. She was charged with DUI and cited for improper parking on a roadway.

These items we re obtained from police re ports filed by the Ri verside, North Ri verside and Brookfield police de partments, Jan. 9-15, and re present a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these re ports has only been charged with a crime. These cases ha ve not been adjudicated.

— Compiled by Bob Uphues

Brookfield trustees OK summer bike race event

Village will be host site for Intelligentsia Cup in July

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Brookfield trustees on Jan. blessing for the village to be one of tions for the Intelligentsia Cu criterium bicycle race event races featuring professional zagging through streets in and downtown area.

While some details of the ev to be worked out – principally not the Prairie Avenue gr will be closed to vehicular traf Brookfield, the race’s local already g earing up for race da day, July 26.

“I think this is a major win and will bring a lot of visibility tional scale to Brookfield,” said lade z, president of Cycle Brookfield, cal nonprofit which advocates expand safe, easier bicycling oppor in the community

Village Manager Timothy elected of ficials at their meeting that he had sent notices to about 240 households and businesses that would impacted along the racecourse, inviting them to provide input at a meeting at the village hall on Jan. 3.

Just a couple of members of the public attended that meeting. One expressed some concer ns about getting to and from home that day and suggested the village develop a safety response plan while another requested the village provide some parking relief on race day. Wiberg said the village also received words of support via email and on social media.

“I feel like we’ve done what we could in the last month or so to rece ive public input on this proposal,” Wiberg said.

Star ted in 2011, the Intelligentsia Cup is a 10-day bike race event held in 10 different locations on consecutive days in Chicago and the suburbs. The event draws cyclists of all ages and exper tise who compete in races throughout the day prior to the professionals taking to the course in the evening.

Valadez said Cycle Brookfield is also planning a Family Ride on the racecourse in between the women’s and men’s professional races on the evening of July 26.

“It’ ll be a fun way to eng age the com-

Professional racers (above) zip through the streets of Lombard during the 2022 Intelligentsia Cup last July. Brook eld will host the series on July 26.

munity and encourage people to ride their bikes to the event,” he said.

The professionals compete for thousands of dollars in prize money at each race and often compete in all 10 races Towns that host the races estimate that the race draws hundreds of people. Valadez has estimated Brookfield could expect to draw as many as 2,500 to 3,000 visitors on race day.

The roughly 1-mile racecourse would star t and end in the 3700 block of Grand Boulevard. Cyclists will ride south on Grand and make a sharp left tur n to northbound Prairie Avenue, then left on Grant Avenue, and right on Sunnyside to Lincoln Avenue, where riders head west back to Grand Boulevard and then back south toward the finish line downtown.

There will be multiple races throughout the day, with ones for amateurs and novices earlier on. Those races will last 30 to 45 minutes each, while the pro race to end the day will last about an hour

What still is unclear at this point is whether the village will close the Prairie Avenue grade crossing to vehicular traf fic on race day. Immediately north of the railroad tracks is a somewhat complicated intersection where Prairie Avenue intersects with Grand Boulevard, Brookfield Avenue and Fairview Avenue

If the grade crossing remains open to traf fic, northbound vehicles will need to make an immediate right tur n onto Brookfield Avenue, since the Grand/Prairie intersection is “tur n 1” and a place where many people nor mally would look to congreg ate.

“It’s usually the most exciting tur n of the race, and usually there are a lot of people there,” said Valadez “It’s a good sprint zone and coming into that tur n is going to be a spectacle.”

If the grade crossing remains open, however, it likely will limit or prohibit people from congregating around that tur n and will

require serious barriers and monitoring.

Trustee Brian Conroy at the Jan. 9 village d meeting said he felt it was impor tant the grade crossing open in order to long backups at the Maple Avenue crossing – the only grade crossing between LaGrange Road and First Avenue.

llage President Michael Garvey called open grade crossing a “safety valve” for emergency vehicles needing to respond to although he said residents would be plenty of advance notice in case of a

ez said that his preference would be the grade crossing to vehicular trafpedestrians would still be able to cross adding that closure would also allow orgato perhaps locate the business expo in the area east of the intersection.

the course allows for Prairie north and southbound to be open and accessible to car , it’d be something I would absolutely goal to meet,” said Valadez, adding would defer to the village’s safety in coordination with race of ficials er, my commitment is to safety first making sure that safety is going to be just for the bike racers but also the residents, pedestrians, the spectators who we are drawing not just from Brookfield but from across the Chicagoland area, who are expecting a safe, sound event.”

It will now be up to Cycle Brookfield to raise the money it will cost to host the race in Brookfield, including the $10,000 entry fee, $5,000 in prize money and about $4,000 for advertising and other expenses.

The first order of business will be landing a lead sponsor, who will get naming rights for the race in Brookfield. The next phase, Valadez said, will be eng aging with the local business community

There will be an expo area in a place to be deter mined, sor t of along the lines of a far mers market, where businesses can interact with visitors to the race and get exposure.

Valadez said Cycle Brookfield will also seek submissions from local ar tists for branding/lo go ar t that can be used on flyers, posters, banners, T-shir ts and other items They’ ll also be putting out a call for race day volunteers – he’s looking for between 50 and 100 – who can serve as course marshals at entry points, crossings and in other capacities

INTELLIGENTSIA CUP CHICAG O

D96 board exploring providing hot lunches at all schools

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Next year, all elementary school students in Riverside Elementary School District 96 could have access to hot lunches, something only students at Central School and Hauser Junior High School have access to now.

With District 96 cafeteria manager Judy Steinke set to retire in June, district officials have been talking to Quest Food Management Services about hiring the company to provide hot lunches at all District 96 schools in 2023-24.

Quest currently provides hot lunches at Riverside-Brookfield High School, Brookfield-LaGrange School District 95 and Komarek School District 94.

Hauser has the only kitchen among District 96 schools, which is why Central School, located right next door and connected to Hauser, has hot lunches now.

If District 96 offers hot

they will likely be prepared in the Hauser kitchen and then sent to all of the elementary schools Quest prepares District 95 and Komarek hot lunches at RBHS

At its Jan 18 meeting, the District 96 school board is expected to approve spending nearly $27,000 on a consulting contract with Quest to have the company look over its lunch facilities this spring and determine how a hot lunch program might work

During the COVID-19 pandemic District 96, like other school districts, provided a free cold lunch to all students under a temporary federal program that ended at the start of the 2022-23 school year.

Some parents got accustomed to the school providing lunch for their kids, and school board members say a number of parents have asked them about the school providing lunches again, including hot lunches

“Ever since [Superintendent] Martha

and the third reminder that this was going away because the federal gover nment wasn’t reimbursing this, I have had a lot of feedback from people I’ve been talking to about wanting hot lunch at their school,” said District 96 school board member Wesley Muirheid at the Dec 21 school board meeting when the subject was discussed.

Hot lunches at Central and Hauser currently cost close to $4. Only about 25 to 30 percent of students at those schools purchase a hot lunch, which is prepared by District 96 staf f.

Muirheid said that the district would probably gain revenue if it makes hot lunches available to all its students, because free lunches must be made available to those who qualify for the federal free and reduced lunch program. The federal gover nment only reimburses the cost for hot lunch.

Those w

buy their lunch or bring one from home.

“It’s not a five-star meal but there are federal [nutritional] guidelines that you have to follow,” Muirheid said.

Although Quest would manage the hot lunch program, current cafeteria workers, other than Steinke, would keep their jobs, although their duties could change. A Quest employee would manage and supervise the preparation and distribution of the lunches

It is estimated that the new Quest employee would make about $60,000 plus taxes and benefits and Quest would also charge a $45,000 consulting fee.

Other school members were willing to explore of fering hot lunches but did not make commitments to support of fering hot lunches at all its schools

“There’ doubt do it, but it’s ford it,” said finance commit-

Olmsted Society’s Annual Meeting

Friday, January 20th

Riverside Train Station, 7pm

All are invited to learn more about what we do. Highlights of 2022 will be shared, a new board elected, & this year’s presentation, “Modern Again!” The Benda House & Garden in Riverside will be presented by residents Serge Ambrose & Michelangelo Sabatino, who will share their journey of preservation & perseverance in restoring their International Style home & garden.

The Frederick Law Olmsted Society is dedicated to sustaining Olmsted’s vision for Riverside for generations to come. Its members are guided by his concern for humanity, nature, sense of community & innovative and thoughtful essence of his work. The Society invites residents & visitors to join us in learning, protecting the environment & preserving our cultural & physical heritage. For your convenience, we will have a membership table on the 20th. Stop by. Join us.

Livery business owner seeks OK to store vans in warehouse

Premier Luxury Transportation setting up HQ on Ogden

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Ave.

The owner of a relatively new livery business called Premier Luxury Transportation has applied for a special use permit in order to store his small fleet of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans in a warehouse space behind what will be the company’s business office at 8939 Ogden Ave. in Brookfield.

to school.

The unassuming, yellow brick one-story building at one time was part a car dealership, Brookfield AMC/Jeep, which also included the property immediately to the east at 8929 Ogden Ave. That building now houses Central Auto Rebuilders

In the past two years, the property’s owner has made improvements to the building at 8939 Ogden Ave., including resurfacing and restriping the parking lot and remodeling the interior office area, which Premier Luxury Transportation will use as its headquarters.

Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.

Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.

Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.

A safe & smart choice.

A safe & smart choice.

A safe & smart choice.

Jeremy Camacho, who has been operating the business out his Lyons home since last summer, will have his application considered at a public hearing in front of the Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. in the council chamber of the Brookfield Village Hall, 8820 Brookfield Ave.

While there are plenty of automobile service and sales businesses along Ogden Avenue, some of whom store vehicles indoors, the village’s code does not allow the warehousing of vehicles by right in the C-1 commercial district.

According to Camacho, he has four 14-person Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans in his fleet, something he’d like to grow to 10 in time. Because businesses like his are federally re gulated, Camacho said he needs a location where federal officials can come to perform safety checks on his vehicles and where he can store them when his drivers are of f.

His plan is to store his four vehicles in the rear warehouse area behind the office at 8939 Ogden Ave. He will also have access to five of the nine surface parking spaces along the building’s east wall as his fleet expands. The other four exterior spots will be reserved for Central Auto Rebuilders. The properties share the same owner.

Choosing a community you can trust has never been more important.

Choosing a community you can trust has never been more difficult.

Choosing a community you can trust has never been more difficult.

Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.

Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.

Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.

We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.

We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.

We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.

Camacho told the Landmark he got into the transportation business as a driver during the COVID-19 pandemic, when other businesses like restaurants were shut down completely.

For the past seven years, Camacho has owned the Mexican restaurant Salsa Picante on the western edge of the Ukrainian Village neighborhood in Chicago.

“My brother works for a transportation company, and they needed help,” said Camacho. “I started working for them during COVID due to the restaurant being closed. I had to make ends meet, so I drove for them two or three years.”

More recently Camacho had contemplated opening his own business and learned about the Ogden Avenue property because he drove past it every day taking his kids

Members of the public wishing to provide comment on the special use application can do so in person at the Jan. 26 public hearing or in writing by submitting a letter to Village Planner Kate Portillo prior to the hearing.

North Riverside Park Mall owner acquires former Carson’s parcel

Deal for 11.55-acre property includes big bo store and parking lot

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Uncertainty over the future ownershi of the for mer Carson Pirie Scott property at North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 Cermak Road, disappeared Jan. 12 when The Feil Organization purchased the 11.55-acre parcel, which includes a 181,000-square-foot, two-story retail box and a good chunk of the mall’s west parking lot and ring road.

In a press release announcing the sale, The Feil Organization did not disclose the purchase price and the property sale has not been recorded by the Cook County Clerk. The property’s future has been an open question since Carson Pirie Scott closed its doors in August 2018 about six months after its parent, The Bon Ton Stores, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

“We’ve worked for years to try to get control of the parcel, and we’re definitely looking at multiple plans,” Glenn Lindholm, general manager of North Riverside Park Mall, said in a phone interview. “We’re just overjoyed we now have control of the property “It’s not going to stay vacant for long.”

North Riverside Village Administrator Sue Scarpiniti told the Landmark that she is trying to coordinate a meeting with Mayor Joseph Mengoni and mall officials to get a sense of what may be planned for the property

Since Carson Pirie Scott’s liquidation in 2018, its North Riverside property had been in receivership while embroiled in foreclosure proceedings in Cook County Circuit Court. In 2021, the receiver listed the property for sale with the commercial real estate fir m CBRE.

The previous owner of the Carson’s property in North Riverside acquired the parcel in 1998 for about $14 million.

The Feil Organization operates shopping malls in Illinois, Louisiana and New York

and has owned the North Riverside Park Mall, except for the three anchor properties, since 2004.

The north anchor property, which includes the for mer Sears big box, the for mer Sears Auto Center and areas of the north and west parking lots, is owned by Seritage Growth Properties. The south anchor property, which includes a big box store and parts of the south and east parking lots, has been owned by J.C. Penney since the mall’s inception in the mid-1970s

In a press release, Jeffrey Feil, CEO of The Feil Organization, said the company was finalizing redevelopment plans for the for mer Carson’s property.

“Owning this site suppor ts our ongoing focus to enhance the value of North Riverside Park Mall for the community, strengthens our engagement with the village of North Riverside and reaffirms The Feil Organization’s commitment to elevate the shopping center,” Feil said.

Meanwhile, said Scarpiniti The Feil Organization has not given up on a plan that surfaced just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit for outlot development in the east parking lot of the mall.

In 2020, a fitness center and a separate retail space had been proposed for that area. The company’s latest plan contemplates a different use, Scarpiniti said.

“Glenn [Lindholm] discussed presenting something to the village in the upcoming months for village consideration,” Scarpiniti said. “That’s all we know at this point.”

Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.

Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.

Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.

A safe & smart choice.

A safe & smart choice.

A safe & smart choice.

Choosing a community you can trust has never been more difficult.

Choosing a community you can trust has never been more important.

Choosing a community you can trust has never been more difficult.

Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.

Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.

Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.

We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.

We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.

We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.

99% OF OUR CALEDONIA STAFF IS VACCINATED

FILE Carson Pirie Scott at North Riverside Mall in 2018.

PROPER TY TR ANSFERS

Scottswood Road home in Riverside fetches $1.3 million

The following property transfers were re ported by the Cook County Clerk from Se ptember 2022. Where addresses appear incomplete, for instance where a unit number appears missing, that information was not provided by the clerk’s office.

Brookfield

ADDRESS

PRICE SALE

DATE SELLER BUYER 3934 Arthur Ave. $217,500 8/26/2022 3934 Arthur LLC De La Torre, Jovana L 3505 Vernon Ave. $502,000 7/22/2022 Boychak, Mark Kennedy, Thomas 8738 Washington Ave. $580,000 9/05/2022 Gijsbers, Deenagh Flynn, John Francis III 4152 Maple Ave. $220,000 9/07/2022 Sohan, Donald E Madera, Jose A Valles 9135 27th St. $275,000 9/02/2022 Sabeckis, Steve Flores, Benjamin 3716 Arthur Ave. $329,000 8/18/2022 Mortiner, Patrick John Campos, Cristian L 4300 Prairie Ave. $444,000 7/27/2022 Murdock, Daniel Bryerton, Jerome 9125 Sahler Ave. $535,000 8/30/2022 Barco, Jesus Alberto Melendez, Jackson Ryan 4325 Blanchan Ave. $4,784.87 7/07/2022 The Judicial Sales Corp Wilmington Sav Fund Soc FSB Trust 4147 Grove Ave. $435,000 8/19/2022 Griffin, Colin Stead, Ashley Lauren 3307 Grand Blvd. $265,000 9/10/2022 Colon, Brian J Acevedo-Soto, Jose 3523 Maple Ave. $250,000 9/02/2022 Pytel, Tamara Vanecek, James 4419 Raymond Ave. $260,000 7/18/2022 Grills, Peter P TR Vera, Alfredo 3119 Grand Blvd. $240,000 8/03/2022 Chicago Title Land Trust Co Sturm, Madison TR 8002346307

4000 Forest Ave. Unknown 8/30/2022 The Catholic Bishop Of Chicago 4000 Forest LLC 3632 Madison Ave. $260,000 9/08/2022 Wozny, Michael Wozny, Michael D 8907 Southview Ave. $385,000 8/22/2022 Radtke, Dennis R Jr Wilkins, Kerryann 4601 Deyo Ave. $360,000 9/15/2022 Milnovic, Tomislav Amaya, Myriea M 3506 Park Ave. $395,000 9/13/2022 Hajduk, Clare M Thoma, Kelsey 4501 Madison Ave. $570,000 8/29/2022 O’Connor, Jerry M TR Gonzalez, Luis 8924 Southview Ave. $290,000 9/14/2022 Peterson, Trace James Handzel, Jeff T 4421 Madison Ave. $274,000 9/16/2022 Wagner, Jean M Selig, Elizabeth A 9138 Sherman Ave. $310,000 9/07/2022 Dale Tuma, Alan TR Callahan, Jack 3736 Forest Ave. $310,000 8/23/2022 Scott, Kristine Rodriguez, Juan 3829 Arden Ave. $325,000 9/22/2022 Wright, Sandee TR McKee, Tracy A 3925 Maple Ave. $248,500 9/20/2022 Masino, Melanie M TR Sinner, James S 3308 Elm Ave. $185,000 9/21/2022 Carter, Amanda K Elize LLC 4215 Raymond Ave. $270,000 8/28/2022 Lazzarotto, Lisa L Myers, Michael 3910 Custer Ave. $250,000 9/09/2022 Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr 8924 M&F Masonry Inc

4408 Arthur Ave. $345,000 9/26/2022 Roegner, Mark TR Kimani, Flora 4172 DuBois Blvd. $650,000 9/08/2022 Thayer, Jason W Raygoza, Ruben Jr

4313 Arthur Ave. $263,000 9/28/2022 Waswil, John Martin, Sheila

Nor th Riverside

ADDRESS PRICE SALE DATE SELLER BUYER

2243 15th Ave. $258,500 8/29/2022 Ivanic, Carole M Calderon, Jose Adrian Chavez 2238 8th Ave. $263,000 8/23/2022 Norris, Jennifer Queen, Erica L 2236 2nd Ave. $333,000 8/29/2022 Morales, Julian E Tapia, Juan C 2322 7th Ave. $290,000 9/23/2022 Rodriguez, Flavio Cardenas, Fredy 2522 6th Ave. $394,000 9/20/2022 Bryja, Tarah M McMahon, Kevin W 2326 Hainsworth Ave. $260,000 9/22/2022 Jacob, Ehab Taylor, Pleshette G

Riverside

318 Southcote Rd. $600,500 8/29/2022 Hopkins, Aschley Jones, Robert T 363 E. Burlington St. Unknown 8/29/2022 Lion Dev II LLC The Vlg Of Riverside 201 Scottswood Rd. $1,300,000 7/26/2022 Chicago Title Land Trust Jueds, Victoria H Co TR 9155

427 Uvedale Rd. $320,000 8/05/2022 Mrazek, Nancy J Just A Girl Prop Inc

60 E. Quincy St. $165,000 8/26/2022 Pena, Martin Taplam LLC

528 Selborne Rd. $430,000 8/23/2022 Hull, Christopher T TR Lopez, Reena

462 Uvedale Rd. $575,000 7/28/2022 Bucarich, John M O’Shaughnessy, Jennifer

338 Northwood Rd . $365,000 8/16/2022 338 Northwood LLC Hoheisel-Snelling, Birgit Maria

110 Lincoln Ave., Unit 2B $111,000 8/27/2022 Sanchez, Eduardo Mortimer, Patrick John

58 Northgate Rd. $290,000 8/19/2022 Hillyer, Robert L Cardenas, Jason

229 Olmsted Rd. $435,000 9/06/2022 Chierico, Dustin TR Lava, Joshua S

90 E. Burlington St., Unit 3N $180,000 9/06/2022 Knoll. Kenneth Matias, Cindy

205 E. Burlington St. $260,000 9/14/2022 Rosko, William TR Daley, Patrick J

272 Gage Rd. $415,000 8/18/2022 Kopeika, Charles H TR McKernin, Andrew

148 Maplewood Rd. $820,000 9/15/2022 Moon, Daniel R TR Gecan, Michael A

505 Berkeley Rd. $383,500 7/08/2022

The Judicial Sales Corp Younghem, Jeffrey

201 Scottswood Rd., Riverside

THE L ANDMARK VIEW

So long, Mike Z

Back in 2008, when a fresh-faced Mike Zalewski assumed his seat in the state legislature, we were a little skeptical. After all, he’d been appointed as the Democratic nominee via time-honored and, frankly, cynical tradition of a shoe-in backing out after winning a primary.

Mike came from a well-connected political family on Chicago’s Southwest Side. His dad was not only a longtime Chicago alderman but, specifically, Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s alderman. Great optics it was not, from the eyes of suburbia.

In the intervening 14 years, however, Zalewski proved to be a more-than-capable state legislator, one who commanded respect across the aisle and someone who succeeded in advancing and passing significant legislation.

He was a consistent, dependable voice for the communities he served in Springfield and, through his advocacy, Riverside and Brookfield benefited by securing essential funding for important infrastructure projects, like the new Swan Pond Park path and the Veterans Circle fountain, which is slated for completion this spring. He was always just a phone call away

While his defeat to Abdelnasser Rashid in the Democratic primary last summer had to hurt and might have been shock, the redrawn 21st District benefited Rashid, who targeted progressive voters and tur ned the spotlight on the connections, suddenly a liability, that were so helpful in Zalewski’s entry into state politics back in the day.

In the end, however, Zalewski can leave Springfield having accomplished much and having served his constituents with integrity and enthusiasm. Thanks, Mike

Key deal

It may not be the sexiest story you’ll find in the newspaper, but it’s a pretty significant deal that The Feil Organization has finally been able to secure ownership of the for mer Carson Pirie Scott property at the North Riverside Park Mall.

Not only does the property include far more than the huge 180,000-square-foot big box retail space that used to house the department store, it also includes acres of parking lot — 11.55 acres in all — and the owners of the anchor properties have a say in what The Feil Organization can and cannot do when it comes to mall redevelopment.

The last time the Carson’s property changed hands was in 1998, and when the retail chain went belly up in 2018, the property went into foreclosure and for more than four years there wasn’t a thing The Feil Organization could do with regard to that property’s redevelopment.

Now that the property is in their hands, what has become a very prominent white elephant can hopefully be put to good use in some fashion, and soon.

LET TERS

Wishing ‘Rep. Z’ all the best

Thank you for printing the good-bye ar ticle on Re p. Zalewski (“After 14 years, Zalewski bids farewell as state rep,” News, Jan. 11). It was a tough race for him, but he bowed out gracefully. Others can lear n much from his concession to Rep. Rashid.

Rep. Z was always available for interviews and conversations whenever I asked. His office in Riverside was run professionally and efficiently. His staff retur ned phone calls and emails promptly.

More importantly, he voted “yes” on almost every issue that I brought to his attention, including the recent ban on assault weapons, the elimination of cash bail and the expansion and codification of abortion rights.

‘Gender Queer ’ has no place in librar y

Your ar ticle last week re por ted the praise the Village Trustees expressed for the librarian’s decision to keep “Gender Queer” in our library (Riverside trustees throw support behind library of ficials,” News, Jan. 11).

It was moved up from the Teen section to Adult upstairs after the two ladies met with the librarians. That was a ste p in the right direction. The next should be out the door I doubt that the village trustees read this 200-page graphic novel.

The ar ticle also mentioned that “Gender Queer” has won many awards including the American Library Association Alex Award and considered it good reading (and looking) and will appeal to those ages 12-

He changed his mind on the progressive income tax amendment by supporting it, after being opposed. He invited me to testify on its behalf in front of the finance committee when the public was allowed to weigh in.

It was fun arguing with opponents about an amendment that should have been a no-brainer. Unfortunately, the public never really understood the unfair ness of a flat tax. We ag reed to disag ree on redistricting.

It is unfortunate that his name got mixed up with his dad’s and the whole Mike Madig an corruption case. But no one said politics was fair

I will miss having a re presentative who is so accessible. I wish him well in whatever he accomplishes next.

Jan Goldberg Ri verside

18 years. This is why the book was placed in our teen section. I used the adjective “our” because I have paid property taxes here for 59 years.

If we already have 29 books about transgender and gender issues, I see no good reason to have another book in this cate gory that has at least two por nographic pictures in it that I have seen.

No pornog raphy belongs in the library. It’s not allowed on the computers so why allow even just two or three pictures?

Once you see it you cannot unsee it. Pornog raphy has become a public mental health crisis Middle school children, especially boys, often go in search of sexual content, but why should they find it in “our” library? I will leave it to someone else to address the highly sexualized dialo gue on some pages in this award-winning book. I think we should strive to protect the innocence of our children as long as possible.

Paulette Kernan Ri verside

OBITUARIES

Dolores Cabrera, 84

Loyal crossing guard

Dolores “Dee” Cabrera (nee Cvitanovich), 84, of Brookfield and for merly of Lyons, died Jan. 8, 2023.

Ms Cabrera was a loyal and reliable school crossing guard for the villages of Lyons and LaGrange and for Downers Grove School District 58. She loved mu-

sic, both writing music and playing the org an and had many interests, including scrapbooking, board and card g ames, coffee roasting, photo graphy, baking, watching television and especially figure skating on TV She absolutely loved the many family pa rties over the years.

She was the mother of Sheree (Carl) Pelzer and Tracy Cabrera, the grand-

FOUNTAIN

from page 1

fountain and for design engineering services for lining about 220 feet of sewer line serving the fountain.

The sewer lining itself, an unanticipated cost discovered after excavation for the new fountain beg an last August, is estimated to cost the village an additional $140,000.

That new total expense of $194,000 is on top of the roughly $650,000 cost announced last summer. The village is using $250,000 in state capital funds to pay for a portion of the expense. The rest is being paid for using funds from the Eight Cor ners TIF District, which was created in 2016 and can be used to pay for public infrastructure improvements.

Village Manager Timothy Wiberg said the additional work should not af fect the timeline for getting the fountain completed this spring, since work was not expected to resume on the fountain until March.

“There’s not a heck of a lot of work that can be done in the hear t of winter anyway,” said Wiberg. “We want it done, tested and ready to go by May.”

Plans to upg rade the power supply to the fountain, which is needed because the new one will be larger than the old one, were omitted, something not discovered until work had star ted

Asked who made that mistake, Wiberg said of ficials

The tax law allows businesses to deduct expenses that help them bring in new customers and keep existing ones. These costs may include expenses for advertising and marketing. Here are some details about this valuable tax deduction that can help small businesses save money on their taxes.

Advertising and marketing costs must be ordinary and necessary to be tax deductible. An ordinary expense is one that is common and accepted in the industry. A necessary expense is one that is helpful and appropriate for the trade or business. An expense does not have to be indispensable to be considered necessary.

Here are a few advertising expenses that are usually deductible:

• Reasonable advertising expenses that are

On Jan. 9, trustees approved awarding a $37,986 contract to Lyons Pinner Electric to install new 208-volt, 60-amp, three-phase electrical service from a utility pole located in a nearby alley about 300 feet to a new junction box at the circle.

While that amount would nor mally require competitive bidding, Wiberg argued against delaying that contract by deter mining it was a public safety emergency and in the best interest of the village not to leave the worksite open for a prolonged period. Wiberg told trustees he did seek three proposals for the electrical work, with Lyons Pinner’s proposal being the lowest.

VILL AG E OF BROOKFIELD

On the other hand, the village will seek competitive bids for the much larger sewer lining project. The original scope of work included Inte gral Construction re placing 20 feet of 24-inch brick sewer that runs directly under the circle.

While doing that work, it was lear ned that a larger portion of that brick sewer, which could be at least 100 years old, according to Village Engineer Derek Treichel, was also not in good condition.

were still trying to make that determination and are meeting with Hancock Engineering, the village’s longtime consulting fir m, and the general contractor, Inte gral Construction.

“The primary issue is are we paying a premium or not had the plans been included all along,” said Wiberg, adding that if the village is paying a premium, then of ficials would need to deter mine who’s responsible for reimbursing Brookfield for the difference

By Linda Sokol Francis. E.A.

directly related to the business activities.

• An expense for the cost of institutional or goodwill advertising to keep the business name before the public if it relates to a reasonable expectation to gain business in the future. For example, the cost of advertising that encourages people to contribute to the Red Cross or to participate in similar causes is usually deductible.

• The cost of providing meals, entertainment, or recreational facilities to the public as a means of advertising or promoting goodwill in the community.

Generally, small businesses can’t deduct amounts they pay to influence legislation, which includes advertising in a convention program of a political party, or in any other publication if any of the proceeds from the publication are for, or intended for, the use of a political party or candidate.

Brought

Treichel recommended re placing a total of 220 feet of 24-inch sewer serving the circle, both upstream and downstream of the fountain, to prevent a possibly costlier fix if the sewer fails in the future. Village trustees on Jan. 9 approved paying Hancock Engineering $16,000 for design and construction services related to the sewer lining project.

Work is expected to resume at the work site in March. It is hoped the electrical service upg rade can be completed by early April

‘Want it done ... by May’

Brook eld trustees chose the design show n above for the fountain at Eight Corners, incor porating ser vice branch emblems into the wall of the fountain basin, which also designates the spot as the Veterans Memorial Circle.

Linda Sokol Francis, E.A.

Bulldogs swimmers 4th at RBHS Invite

At the RBHS Invite, Rosa did not compete in the 200 individual medley, which he won in 2022 and was his qualifying event for the state meet.

nish 3rd

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Senior Murphy Regan completed a memorable week for the Riverside-Brookfield High School boys swimming and diving team with a breakthrough.

The four-year team member competed at the 64th annual RBHS Invitational on Jan. 14 for the first time.

“This is only a varsity invite so last year I didn’t necessarily make the cut to swim what I wanted,” Regan said. “With COVID, I was on the team but I didn’t get to swim as much. I’m really just trying to get back to the standards that I’ve gotten.”

The Bulldogs (170 points) finished fourth behind Oak Park and River Forest (247), St. Ignatius (225) and Oswego East (220).

RBHS junior Drew Rosa was a close second twice – the 100-yard butterfly (53.36) to Oswego East’s Tanner Stumpenhorst (53.12) and the 100 breaststroke (1:01.82) to Oak Park and River Forest’s Adan Pedraza (1:01.53).

Rosa also was part of the third-place 200 medley relay (1:42.93) and 200 free relay (1:31.28) both with Lucas Hedrich, Aiden Pankros and Hayden Marrs

Rosa’s 27.12 (50 breast) and 21.96 (50 free) were season-best relay splits

“I wanted to be a little faster in my races today, but I think that overall I’m in a pretty good spot,” Rosa said. “I’m definitely going a lot faster than I did at this meet last year. I think I’m satisfied with where I’m at, but I know I can be better.”

Cooper Marrs (56.41) and Hedrich (57.18) were 4-5 in the 100 back. Diver Oscar Bursua (337.75 points) was fourth and Hayden Marrs (50 free in 23.21) and Cooper Marrs (500 free in 5:10.91) were fifth.

The Bulldogs also celebrated Senior Night on Jan. 11 against OPRF for six swimmers – four-year members Zack Gaynor, Ciaran Mathews, David Ricco and Regan, third-year member Bradley Ruska and newcomer Augustus Mendoza.

The Bulldogs lost the meet 118-68. Event champions were Rosa in the 200 IM (1:59.78) and 100 fly (56.03) and the 200 free relay

(Hayden Marrs, Cooper Marrs, Aiden Pankros and Rosa in 1:31.36). Bursua (203.85) and Nate Kissel (199.15) went 1-2 in diving.

“[The seniors] are a good group They’re like most kids in our school. They’re multisport athletes, so they come in from other things,” RBHS swim coach Mike Laurich said.

Regan said he swims to prepare for his fourth season in boys water polo, where he often is a left-handed perimeter shooter

“[Swimming] gets me in good shape for water polo, just getting used to the water, but I definitely like the friendships that have

grown on the swim team,” Regan said. “I did really feel much better [Wednesday], knowing it was Senior Night, just walking across the pool getting recognized in front of everyone.”

Once an Academy Bullets youth swimmer, Ruska has been a full-time swimmer the past two seasons. He initially tried to juggle swimming with wrestling.

“I just kind of took a break [from swimming] for two, three years and then I came back to it and I ended up loving it again. It was pretty much a rebirth,” Ruska said.

“[Laurich] made it pretty easy, welcoming to come back into here, just a lot of fun.”

LTHS boys rebound with MLK Day win after rst league loss

Lions face o against co-WSC Silver leaders

Hinsdale Central on Jan. 20

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Lyons Township High School junior Brady Chambers is a standout baseball pitcher slated to play at Michigan State. On Jan. 16, he

provided huge relief in the role of closer for the boys basketball team.

Chambers’ rebound and two free throws with two seconds left sealed the Lions’ 60-57 victory over Burlington Central in the championship game of Burlington Central’s Rocket Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Classic.

Seniors Nik Polonowski and Jackson Niego were named to the all-tour nament team for the Lions (17-2), who won their pool by beating Marian Central Catholic 60-51 and DeKalb 62-55 on Jan. 14. The Lions led both

games early before coming from behind in the second half

“To have success in three close games against good teams is going to help us in situations as the season rolls along – guys making plays at important moments, free throws in tight situations,” LTHS coach Tom Sloan said.

Polonowski (14 points), Connor Carroll (12 points, 6 rebounds), Chambers (11 points), Niego (6 points) and Matthew DeSimone and Graham Smith (5 points each) fueled the vic-

tory over Burlington Central. LTHS led 48-41 after three quarters.

A 6-foot-6 reserve, Chambers had his third game in the last four with at least nine points

“He’s been playing very well. We’ve had the opportunity to get him involved and he’s really flourished with the extra minutes and extra time,” Sloan said.

Top performers on Jan. 14 were Polonowski (20 points, 6 rebounds), Carter Reid (11 points, 5 rebounds), Carroll (8 points), Niego

Rosa takes 2nd in 100 y, 100 breast; two relays

IAN MCLEOD

Senior Mur phy Regan (above competing in the 100-yard breaststroke) participated in his rst RBHS Inv ite on Jan. 14, where the Bulldogs nished fourth in a 12-team eld.

LTHS bowlers aim to strike state meet claim

Lions need top 6 nish at Saturday’s sectional meet

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

The Lyons Township High School boys bowling team took the first ste p toward a retur n ber th to the state finals with a second-place finish at the Naperville Central Re gional on Jan. 14 at Lisle Lanes

Senior Tommy Hennessy finished seventh with a 1,227 six-g ame series that included a 243 high game.

Seniors Matt Skwarek (10th, 1,205, 243 high g ame) and Drew Escamilla (12th, 1,183, 247) also were top-15 finishers, followed by seniors Nick Boxell (930 for 5 g ames) and Michael Kubick (749 for 4 games) and sophomore Danny Haley (434 for 2 games).

LTHS advanced to the IC Catholic Prep Sectional on Jan. 21 at Bowlero in Glendale Heights. The Lions need a top-six finish to reach the 24-team state field. They were 16th at state in 2022.

RBHS girls basketball

The Bulldogs lost to Thor nwood 47-36 on Jan. 14 and Metro Suburban Blue g ames to Aurora Central Catholic 60-33 on Jan. 12

LT BASKETBALL

from page 15

(8 points, 4 assists), Smith (8 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists) and DeSimone (6 rebounds, 4 assists) against MCC and Polonowski (13 points), DeSimone (10 points), Niego (10 points), Chambers (9 points), Carroll and Reid (8 points each) and Smith (7 rebounds)

and St. Francis 54-47 Jan. 10 in their Pack the Place home game

Niamh Larson had 15 points for RBHS (9-14, 1-3 in MSC Blue) against St. Francis with two 3-pointers and six rebounds. Emily Org an had nine points and nine rebounds and Mayan Covarrubias had eight points with two threes

Org an (13 points), Larson (8 points) and Bryce Pacourek and Luna Lloyd and Covarrubias (6 rebounds each) were stat leaders against ACC.

Ag ainst Thor nwood, Lloyd (5 rebounds) and Covarrubias each had nine points with a 3-pointer. Larson had eight points with two threes and Org an and Pacourek had five points apiece

RBHS girls gymnastics

The Bulldogs’ third-highest score this season (129.30 points) ear ned ninth at the Neuqua Valley Invitational on Jan. 14.

Lia Christiansen was eighth in all-around (34.65), ninth on floor exercise (9.0), tied for ninth on vault (9.0) and tied for 13th on uneven parallel bars (9.35), Annabel Krueger was 12th in all-around

against DeKalb.

In West Suburban Conference Silver play, the Lions suffered a 38-37 home loss – their first in the league -- to Glenbard West on Jan. 10 on a last-second 3-pointer in the left corner off an inbounds pass from under neath the basket.

Polonowski had 24 points, followed by Reid (5 points), Smith (4 points, 10 rebounds), Niego (5 steals) and DeSimone (5 rebounds). The Lions (5-1 in WSC Silver) are now tied

(32.70) and tied for 16th on balance beam (8.5). RBHS (125.85) lost at Oswego co-op (140.35) in Upstate Eight Conference dual action on Jan. 11.

Christiansen tied for first on beam (9.2), tied for second on floor (9.0), was third in allaround (35.20), tied for third on uneven bars (8.2) and was fourth on vault (8.8).

RBHS boys wrestling

RBHS senior Joe Midona was seventh at 220 pounds on Jan. 14 at Lincoln-Way Central’s Illini Classic, which featured several top IHSA Class 3A teams. The Bulldogs were 18th (52 points) as a team.

Midona (18-5) won his seventh-place match with a pin in 2:31.

LTHS boys swimming and diving

The Lions competed against most of the state’s top teams at New Trier’s 67th annual Trevian Relays on Jan. 14.

Seniors Gar rett Walls and Marko Trajanovski and junior Peter Smith were 10th in the varsity 200-yard freestyle relay with junior Jack Dillon (1:32.29) and varsity 400

for first in the loss column with Hinsdale Central (16-2, 4-1). The teams meet Jan. 20 in Hinsdale

LTHS had just won its last conference game 39-38 over Downers Grove North on Jan. 6 on a late basket by Niego. The Lions led the Hilltoppers (11-7, 3-2) throughout the rematch on Jan. 10 and were up eight late with three minutes left before the Hilltoppers made three threes

“It was a combination of [many factors]

free relay with senior Sean Gripp (3:28.57). Quinn Collins won the 50 free (22.35) and 100 backstroke (54.11) on Jan. 13 as LTHS defeated York 117-66. The Lions’ other winners were Walls (200 individual medley in 2:11.41), Gripp (100 free in 52.05), Dillon (100 breaststroke in 1:06.18), diver Matt Adler (253.80 points), the 200 medley relay (Collins, Dillon, Trajanovski, Colin Schertz in 1:41.32) and the 200 free relay (Walls, Jake Thorell, Dillon, Lachlan Gantt in 1:35.27).

LTHS girls wrestling

Lyons Township sophomore Avi Gonzale z (110B-pound weight class) and freshman Sophia Turek (125C) were individual champions at the Batavia’s Clint Arlis Girls Wrestling Invitational on Jan. 14. The Lions (71 points) tied for 10th.

In their championship matches, Gonzale z (4-0) won her final 8-4 and Turek (3-0) won over junior teammate Jour nie Wicker t-Har ris (2-1) with a pin in 12 seconds.

Sophomore Sienna Garcia-Rizzo (235) was third. Freshmen Maddie Pieroni (170B) and Jax Tamburello (140B) were fifth.

It was kind of one of those days,” Sloan said. “Ultimately, it was just a rough outing and give Glenbard West credit. They played very well and made some big shots down the stretch.”

LTHS won 76-47 at Oak Park and River Forest on Jan. 12 behind Polonowski (18 points), Chambers (12 points, 7 rebounds), Niego (11 points), DeSimone (9 points, 5 assists), Reid (8 points, 4 rebounds), Smith (8 points), Carroll (4 assists) and Caleb Greer (4 points).

OBITUARIES

continued from page 13

mother of Alexandra and Gia Pelzer, the sister of William (Bette) Cvitanovich and the sister-in-law of Marie Cvitanovich. Ms Cabrera was preceded in death by her brothers, Frank, John, David and George, and her sisters. Ann, Olg a, Judy, Emma, Eve, Ginny and Mary. She was the aunt of numerous nieces and nephews and the cherished friend of her “g randcat,” Armani.

A memorial Mass was held Jan. 17 at St. Cletus Church in LaGrange. Inur nment will be private at Resur rection Cemetery at a later date.

Ar rangements were handled by the Original Kuratko Family, Brian D. Kuratko, director

Celia Mar tinez, 98

Retired machine operator

Celia Mar tine z (nee Lope z), 98, of Mt. Prospect and for merly of Woodridge and Cicero, died Jan. 8, 2023. Ms. Mar tine z

worked as a machine operator for a manufacturing company prior to retirement.

She was the wife of the late J. Angel Mar tine z; the mother of Fer nando (the late Guadalupe), Eugenia, Jose (Alice) and Jesse (Laura); the grandmother of Julio (Monica), Felipe (Evelyn), Veronica, Colleen (Paul), Amanda (Julian), Ian (Carolyn), Samantha (Alber to) and Michelle; and the great grand mother of many. She was the youngest of nine siblings and was preceded in death by

CELIA MARTINEZ

all of them

A funeral Mass was celebrated Jan. 12 at 9at St. Odilo Church, Berwyn. Inter ment was at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside

Hitzeman Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled ar rangements

Express your condolences online at HitzemanFuneral.com. Send sympathy cards to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 31st St., Brookfield, 60513, c/o the Celia Mar tine z family

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class.

Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

To perform various network/system administration, computer support, and operational activities for the Village including computer system setup, configuration, and testing.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Reports directly to the Information Technology Services Director.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential duties and responsibilities

1. Ensure that best in class customer service is provided to both internal and external customers and also embrace, support, and promote the Village’s core values, beliefs and culture.

2. Configure, test, and deploy network systems, such as, firewalls, routers, switches, wireless equipment, network servers and storage arrays.

3. Configure, test, and deploy system servers, such as, file, print, Internet, e-mail, database, and application servers.

4. Configure, test, and monitor server and end-user systems for security, such as, user accounts, login scripts, file access privileges, and group policy management.

5. Configure, test, and deploy end-user systems, such as, workstations, laptops, mobile devices, printers, and software.

6. Test, configure, deploy, and support security systems, such as, facility access system, video & audio system.

7. Monitor and auditing of networks, systems, and user activities to ensure security and efficiency of systems. Create scripts and reports of detail activities for regular review.

8. Perform and participate in disaster recovery activities, such as, backup procedures, data recovery, and system recovery planning.

9. Assist end-users with computer problems or queries. Troubleshoot systems as needed and meet with users to analyze specific system needs.

10. Ensure the uniformity, reliability and security of system resources including network, hardware,

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED • NETWORK SPECIALIST

software and other forms of systems and data.

11. Prepare, create and update user/technical procedure documentations and provide computer training.

12. Assemble, test, and install network, telecommunication and data equipment and cabling.

13. Participate in research and recommendation of technology solutions.

Other important responsibilities and duties

1. Train users in the area of existing, new or modified computer systems and procedures.

2. Participate in the preparation of various activity reports.

3. Travel and support remote facilities and partner agencies.

4. Operate, administer and manage the Village and Public Safety computer systems, including E-911 center, in-vehicle computer systems.

5. Prepare clear and logical reports and program documentation of procedures, processes, and configurations.

6. Complete projects on a timely and efficient manner.

7. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

9. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Principals and procedures of computer systems, such as, data communication, hierarchical structure, backups, testing and critical analysis.

Hardware and software configuration of. computers, servers and mobile devices, including computing environment of Windows Server and Desktop OS and applications, Unix/Linux OS, VMware, iOS/Android.

Network protocols, security, configuration and administration, including firewalls, routers, switches and wireless technology.

Cabling and wiring, including CAT5/6, fiber network, telephone, serial communication, termination, and punch-down.

Telecommunications theory and technology, including VoiP, serial communication, wireless protocols, PBX, analog, fax, voicemail and auto-attendant.

Principles and methods of computer programming, coding and testing, including power shell, command scripting, macros, and

VB scripts.

Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Technical writing, office productivity tools and database packages.

Ability to:

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following:

- Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time

- Operating assigned equipment

- Lift 50 pounds of equipment, supplies, and materials without assistance

- Working in and around computer equipped vehicles

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

- Making observations

- Communicating with others

- Reading and writing

- Operating assigned equipment and vehicles

Maintain mental capacity allowing for effective interaction and communication with others.

Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance. Work overtime as operations require.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Experience: Three years of network/system administration in the public or private sector, maintaining a minimum of 75 Client Workstation computers. AND

Training: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science or a related field. Certifications in Microsoft Server Administration, Networking, Applications and Cisco Networking.

Possession of a valid Illinois Driver

License is required at the time of appointment.

Vaccination against COVID-19 strongly preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work in a computer environment; sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time; continuous exposure to computer screens; work in and around computerized vehicles outdoor and garage facility; lifting heavy equipment, communication cabling and wiring into walls and ceilings.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Administrative Assistant in the Public Health Department. This position provides a variety of responsible administrative and analytical functions; records and monitors department budget and fiscal requirements of grant-funded programs; oversight of Accounts Payable process; prepares reports and serves as a resource for computerized office applications. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/ jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Parking Enforcement Officer in the Police Department Field Services Division. This position will perform a variety of duties and responsibilities involved in the enforcement of Village parking regulations; and to provide general information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

FINANCE COORDINATOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Finance Coordinator. The ideal candidate will perform a wide variety of responsible and complex administrative, secretarial and clerical duties for the Finance department; and will provide information and assistance to the public regarding department to which assigned. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oakpark.us/jobs.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is open until filled.

Shipping Manager

Manufacturing

No weekends, no evening hours, great pay and benefits. $20-$25 per hour

Top rated firm Alpina Manufacturing LLC founded in 1992, locally owned beautiful campus in Galewood, near Mars candy, 3 blocks north of Oak Park. We build and sell display framing systems to customers nationwide including Wal-Mart, Verizon, Circle K, Hospitals, CTA Apply in person M-F 8am to 4pm • Alpina • 6460 W Cortland St Chicago, IL 60707 www.fastchangeframes.com

FULL-TIME POLICE

RECORDS

CLERK FOREST PARK, IL

The Forest Park Police Department, seeks a Full-Time Civilian Information Management Records Clerk reporting to the Lieutenant of the Criminal Investigations Division. Eligible candidates will be required to pass an aptitude test and an extensive background check. Qualifications include excellent organizational skills, computer skills, the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, good knowledge of English language, and adherence to all police department policies and procedures.

Responsibilities and duties include subpoena fulfilment, evidence room duties, data entries, general office functions, report creation, and other duties as needed our assigned. Open until filled. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. or at www.forestpark. net and should be returned Attn: Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130. Email: vmoritz@forestpark.net

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE II

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Customer Service Representative II in the Development Customer Services Department. This position provides customer service to the public by providing a variety of responsible and difficult customer service and receptionist work including high volume telephone traffic; and to perform the more difficult and complex customer service duties depending on the department including but not limited to service requests, permits, parking passes, block party permits, accounts payable processing and vehicle stickers. This position is crosstrained with the other Customer Service Representative IIs in the Village.

Applicants are encouraged to apply online at https://secure.entertimeonline.com/ta/6141780.careers?ApplyToJob=537079168 or visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www. oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. First review of applications January 20, 2023.

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation is looking for a full-time Director of Finance & Administration, who will manage the administrative and financial matters of the congregation in collaboration with church leadership and board officers. This person will participate on and advise the Executive Team and advise governing board on a wide range of financial matters at both the strategic and operational levels including the operational budget and stewardship planning. They will also oversee and adjust processes and operations as necessary to ensure efficient and effective implementation and creation of policies and procedures, as well as supervise some other staff members.

Core Competencies:

● Organization and Planning: Organize and oversee people, funding, materials, and support to accomplish multiple, concurrent goals and activities. Project management and excellent organizational skills

● Vision and Purpose: Commitment to and knowledge of Unitarian Universalist Principles, values, history and worship.

● Trust and Integrity: Is widely trusted to keep confidences, admit errors, and adhere to a transparent set of personal and professional values that are congruent with the ministry of the congregation

● Conflict Management: Recognize and resolve conflicts effectively, applying principles of active listening, collaboration, and equity for both congregants and staff

● Proficiencies: Working knowledge of business and church related software (Google Drive. Constant Contact and Realm or other church database software). Must have excellent project management and professional communication skills. Working knowledge of HR and accounting practices.

You can find out more information about the position at https://unitytemple.org/job-postings/. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to jobs@ unitytemple.org indicating “Director of Finance & Administration” in the subject line.

Oak Park Residence Corporation is hiring and inviting candidates to apply for:

• Case Manager – HCV Program

• Accounting Clerk (PT)

• Assistant Property Manager

– The Oaks and The FarrellyMuriello Apartments

• Property Assistant/Cleaner –Mills Park Tower

We offer benefits such as 401(k) with employer contribution, Health, Dental, Vision, Life, and Shortterm and Long-Term Disability Insurance, EAP, FSA, Professional Development Assistance as well as these added Benefits:

- PTO, Paid Sick Leave, Paid Vacation, and Paid Holidays

- Tuition Reimbursement

- A Collaborative, Supportive, and Fun Work Environment

For a complete job description please go to our website: Work for OPRC –OPRC (oakparkrc.com) or to apply send cover letter and resume to bswaggerty@oakparkrc.com.

OPRC strives to provide a positive and meaningful work experience, where you can make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Oak Park Residence Corporation is a community-based, non-profit organization. For over 46 years, we have led the way in promoting Oak Park’s housing diversity and economic balance by offering quality apartments at affordable prices.

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed separate bids will be received by the Board of Education, Oak Park Elementary School District 97 (the “Board”) for the following project:

OAK PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT 97 SD97 - SUMMER 2023 LIFE SAFETY WORK OAK PARK, IL 60302

BID GROUP 2 – ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL, PLUMBING and GENERAL TRADES

Bids will be received until 2:00 p.m. CST on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at the Oak Park Elementary School District 97 Administrative offices, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302, and will be read at 2:15 p.m. CST on that date. Bids shall be submitted in an opaque sealed envelope clearly marked:

Oak Park Elementary School District 97 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302

Attention: Bulley & Andrews Project: SD97 - SUMMER 2023 LIFE SAFETY WORK – Bid Package 2

Bid Opening will be held at 2:15pm CST within the board room:

Scope of work for Bid Group 1 generally includes: Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing & General Trades

All bids must be submitted in accordance with the bidding instructions contained in the Bidding Documents for the project. Bid security in the form of a bid bond in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the base bid amount shall be submitted with the bid. Should a bid bond be submitted, the bond shall be payable to the Board of Education, Oak Park Elementary School District 97, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302. All documents and information required by the bidding instructions contained in the Bidding Documents for the project shall be submitted with the bid. Incomplete, late or non-conforming bids may not be accepted.

No bids shall be withdrawn, cancelled or modified after the time for opening of bids without the Board’s consent for a period of ninety (90) days after the scheduled time of bid opening.

The Bidding Documents for the project (which include the bidding instructions for the project and other related documents) will be available Tuesday January 3rd, 2023 and are available for viewing/download online without cost or purchase on the Bulley & Andrews, LLC One Drive, located at the following link. No username or password is required.

https://tinyurl.com/ysfudxfr

The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids or parts thereof, or waive any irregularities or informalities, and to make an award that in the Board’s sole opinion is in the best interest of the District.

The site will be available for visits by appointment to be coordinated with Bulley & Andrews, LLC. Interested parties may inspect the existing conditions. Schedule an appointment with Michael Damato of Bulley & Andrews in advance if you wish to visit the sites.

All bidders must comply with applicable Illinois Law requiring the payment of prevailing wages by all

Contractors working on public works. If during the time period of work, the prevailing wage rates change, the contractor shall be responsible for additional costs without any change to the contract amount. All bidders must comply with the Illinois Statutory requirements regarding labor, including Equal Employment Opportunity Laws.

For additional information on the project, contact Michael Damato of Bulley & Andrews, LLC at mdamato@bulley.com or 847-602-9512.

Dated: 1/3/23

Michael Damato

Bulley & Andrews, LLC

Published in Wednesday Journal January 11, 18, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y23010023 on January 9, 2023. Under the Assumed Business Name of DANIELMOKMAD SP with the business located at: 1024 WASHINGTON BLVD, APT 302, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: DANIEL MOKRAUER-MADDEN 1024 WASHINGTON BLVD, APT 302, OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA

Published in Wednesday Journal January 11, 18, 25, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY.

Request of Lindsey Ann Brewer Case Number 2022CONC001598

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Lindsey Ann Brewer to the new name of: Lynzy Ann Bailey

The court date will be held:

On February 3, 2023 at 9:30am at 50 W Washington, Chicago, IL, Cook County in Courtroom #1730

Published in Wednesday Journal January 18, 25, February 1, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice

ADVERTISEMENT OF BIDDING

Request of bids for the Park District of Taylor Park Tennis Court Resurfacing, 400 W. Division St., Oak Park.

Owner: Park District of Oak Park 218 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302. The Park District of Oak Park will accept sealed bids of the Taylor Park Tennis Court Resurfacing, 400 W. Division St., Oak Park. The project consists of patching, crack filling, new acrylic surfacing and striping. The Park District of Oak Park will receive individual sealed Bids until 2:00 p.m. (Central time) on Friday, February 3rd, 2023, at 218 Madison St., Oak Park, IL. The bidding documents and requirements will be available on the link below as of 5:00 pm Wednesday, January 18 th , 2023. Bid bonds will be required by bidding contractors. Copies of the bidding specifications are available via this link: https://www.demandstar.com/app/

PUBLIC NOTICES

buyers/bids/407243/details

For additional information, contact Chris Lindgren at chris.lindgren@ pdop.org or (708) 7252050. Only the bids prepared in compliance with the bidding documents will be considered. This project must adhere to the Prevailing Wage Act of 2022. The Park District of Oak Park strongly encourages minority and women owned business firms to submit bids for this project.

Park District of Oak Park

By: Chris Wollmuth, Secretary Park District of Oak Park 218 Madison St. Oak Park, IL 60302

Published in Wednesday Journal January 18, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y22009998 on December 28, 2022. Under the Assumed Business Name of BEYOND THE NUMBERS with the business located at: 855 N PARKSIDE AVE APT 1R, CHICAGO, IL. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: DANAE ROSARIO 855 N PARKSIDE AVE APT 1R, CHICAGO, IL

Published in Wednesday Journal January 11, 18, 25, 2023

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FIFTH THIRD BANK NA; Plaintiff, vs. CITIZENS BANK NA FORMERLY KNOWN AS RBS CITIZENS NA SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO CHARTER ONE BNAK NA; JOEL A. VERHOFF; RAELIN M. VERHOFF; RANDOLPH CROSSING CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; UNKNONW OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 22 CH 6637

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-07-408-026-1012.

Commonly known as 612 RANDOLPH STREET, UNIT #2, OAK PARK, IL 60302.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g) (4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act

Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 6722185734

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3211098

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.-

UNKNOWN HEIRS AND/OR LEGATEES OF LAURA RIZZARDINI, DECEASED, DANIEL ROBERT RIZZARDINI, JOHN LOUIS RIZZARDINI, JOAN R. RINELLA, DAMON RITTENHOUSE, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR LAURA RIZZARDINI, DECEASED, OAK PARK PLACE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, ALPINE CAPITAL INVESTMENTS LLC, STATE OF ILLINOIS, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS Defendants 20 CH 2480

420 SOUTH HOME AVENUE UNIT 107N OAK PARK, IL 60302

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 26, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 16, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 420 SOUTH HOME AVENUE UNIT 107N, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-07-324-0331007

The real estate is improved with a condominium. The judgment amount was $63,816.46.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial

Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSES-

SION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact The sales clerk, LOGS Legal Group LLP Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301, Bannockburn, IL, 60015 (847) 291-1717 For information call between the hours of 1pm - 3pm.. Please refer to file number 20-093376.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

LOGS Legal Group LLP 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301 Bannockburn IL, 60015 847-291-1717

E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com Attorney File No. 20-093376 Attorney Code. 42168 Case Number: 20 CH 2480 TJSC#: 42-4228

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 20 CH 2480 I3210947