Landmark 020823

Village president breaks deadlock

By BOB UPHUES

Editor Riverside trustees voted to approve a major rewrite of its commercial zoning code on Feb. 2, creating a new Transit-Oriented Development zoning district along Harlem Avenue between Addison and Lawton roads, increasing maximum building heights there and in the central business district and a host of other tweaks in an ef fort to encourage commercial redevelopment.

D96 tweaks outdoor design for Central/Hauser campus

Playground moved behind school, reduci size of pl aying eld

By BOB SKOLNIK

Contributing Reporter

After meeting with of ficials from village of Riverside, the architect for erside Elementary School District 96 changed a plan to upgrade the outdoor of the Hauser and Central school campus

The biggest change is moving the tral School playground to the rear of school instead of expanding its current cation in front.

Ryan Kelley of DLA Architects met Riverside’s forester, Michael Collins deter mined that digging to expand existing playg round would damage trees -- two oaks and one elm -- which approximately 80 to 100 years old

The most recent plan, the third developed for the Hauser-Central campus, calls for building a 6,300-square-foot playground with an engineered wood fiber surface just behind Hauser Junior High and se parated from the school by raised planters.

Placing the playg round in the rear of the campus necessitated reducing the size of the multipur pose soccer/baseball field to 40,700 square feet from about 51,000 square feet.

That is still larger than the 34,000-squarefoot grass field now behind Hauser Junior High. A main goal of the redesign is to improve play spaces and to se parate play areas from parking.

“We lose a little green space with this plan,” architect Ryan Kelley told the District 96 school board when he unveiled the latest plan at the Jan. 25 school board meeting. The previous plan was shown to the school board in November

The most controversial element of the plan might be the proposed fencing around the field. The plan now calls for a 4-foot tall wrought-iron fence se parating the field from the playground and a 6-foot high plastic-coated chain link fence around the sides of the field near Akenside Road and to se parate the field from a proposed 87-space parking lot.

Fences are not allowed in street yards in the Riverside zoning code, so the village board would have to grant variances to allow the fencing. Fences are generally not allowed in street-facing areas of Riverside to preserve open vistas that were an important element in Frederick Law Olmsted’s original plan.

The Riverside Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the plan Jan. 25 in a preliminary meeting that did not result in a vote. School board member Joel Marhoul, who also serves on the Riverside Planning and Zoning Commission, said the reaction of the commission to fencing proposal was mixed.

Marhoul, who said he would recuse himself from any vote the Planning and Zoning Commission makes on the proposal, told school board members the village would probably be more inclined to approve a 4-feet high fence than a 6-foot high fence. The village gave District 96 a variance to install a 4-foot high wrought-iron fence around the new playground at Ames School.

“I think the fence we put up at Ames looks really nice,” said school board member Wesley Muirheid.

School board members were insistent that the field behind Hauser must have a

fence around it for safety reasons

“I can’t see us not putting up a fence,” said school board member David Barsotti, adding that for him fencing was non-ne gotiable

“I don’t think we can have a playground without a fence,” Barsotti said. “We can dicker about what kind of fence.”

The district has yet to decide what will become of the current Central School playground. It may be preserved, possibly with new equipment, or tur ned into green space.

The latest design also reduces the size of the basketball cour t in the back of the school to a half cour t rather than a full cour t. In place of the other half cour t are four four-square play areas The design features extensive use of per meable pavers.

The school board still has not decided on one big issue: whether the surface of the combined baseball/soccer field will be natural grass or ar tificial turf. The board needs to decide on that soon, because the district wants to submit a final design to the Planning and Zoning Commission in the next month or two.

The work on the Central/Hauser campus is expected to be done during the summer of 2024.

Editor Bob Uphues

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DLA ARCHITEC TS, LT D District 96’s latest plan for the Ce ntral-Hauser campus locates the playground behind the schools, reducing the size of the pl ay ing eld.

BIG WEEK

Februar y 8-15

Virtual Author Visit

The Riverside and Nor th Riverside public libraries invite children (with adult) to join them in person or at home for a special virtual author visit from writer Shannon Hale and illustrator LeUyen Pham on Feb. 11 at 3 p.m.

Hale and Pham will talk about their graphic novels, including “Best Friends,”

“Real Friends” and “Friends Forever,” answer your questions and share an engaging activity. Registration is required by visiting riversidelibrary.org/events or northriversidelibrary. org/events-new.

Movie Night and Pizza Part y

Riverside Parks & Recreation hosts a Movie Night and Pizza Party for kids ages 4 to 9 on Feb. 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the rec headquarters at 43 E. Quincy St.

It’s a per fect chance for parents to go on a dinner date while rec sta watch, feed and enter tain the kids

The cost is $17 ($22 non-resident) per child. Register to attend by visiting riverside il.us/549/Parks-Recreation. Call 708-442-7025 with questions

Valentine Senior Social

There’s still time to reser ve a spot at the Valentine Senior Social, sponsored by the Brook eld Chamber of Commerce and hosted by the Brook eld Recreation Department in the lower-level recreation hall at the Brook eld Village Hall, 8820 Brook eld Ave. on Feb. 12 from 1 to 3 p.m.

In addition to food and fun, live music will come courtesy of the Saddle Shoe Sisters. The event is limited to 100 attendees and the RSVP deadline is Feb. 8 or when registration lls up. Call Hitzeman Funeral Home at 708-485-2000 or email infoa@hitzemanfuneral.com.

And more

■ Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quinc y St., hosts Creativity Fest every Saturday in February from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring creative projects, activities and workshops for all ages Suggested donation of $10 per person each day at the door Visit riversideartscenter.com for more.

■ Tickets for Reading Between the Wines 2023, a fundraiser for the Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, to be held Feb. 25 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. are now on sale. Tickets are $35 per person or $50, which includes the wine tasting and a breakout port tasting (limited to 20 people). Get tickets by clicking

the link at riversidelibrary.org.

■ North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., presents Android Basics on Feb. 9 at 2 p.m., After School Art Escape (child with adult) on Feb. 9 at 4 p.m., Calming Craft for Kids (child with adult) on Feb. 10 at 4 p.m., Crafternoons: Date Arrow Ideas on Feb. 11 at 1:30 p.m., Make Your Own Zine (grades 6-12) on Feb. 11 at1:30 p.m., Morning Munchkin Stories with Miss Karen on Feb. 13 at 10:30 a.m., Medicare 101 (bilingual) on Feb. 13 at 4 p.m., Story Safari (child with adult) on Feb. 15 at 10:30 a.m. and Tai Chi Lessons on Feb. 15 at 2:30 p.m. Register for programs online at northriversidelibrary.org/events-new.

Film Discussion Series continues

Join lm enthusiast Marty Blank and other movie bu s during the next Film Discussion Series event on Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m. in Meeting Room 1 of the Linda Sokol Francis Brook eld Library 3541 Park Ave.

Blank will screen and lead a discussion of the 1976 Brazilian comedy “Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands” starring Sonia Braga, Mauro Mendonca and Jose Wilker and based on the novel by Jorge Amado.

Register to attend by calling 708-485-6917 or visit online at brook eld.evanced.info/signup

■ Linda Sokol Francis Brook eld Library, 3541 Park Ave., presents Fairytale Storytime on Feb 9 at 10:30 a.m., The Real Cost of College on Feb. 9 at 7 p.m., Chair Zumba on Feb. 10 at 1:30 p.m., Maker Studio 101 on Feb. 11 at 3 p.m., Chair Yoga (virtual) on Feb. 13 at 11 a.m., How to Create an Interior Design Color Scheme on Feb. 13 at 7 p.m., Storytime Stars (ages 2-3 with caregiver) on Feb. 14 at 10:30 a.m. and Valentine’s Day Open Crafting on Feb. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. Call 708-485-6917 or visit online at brook eld.evanced. info/signup to register for programs.

■ Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, presents Drop-In Tech Help on Feb. 9 from 2 to 3 p.m.,

Ar tist talk at RAC

Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St., invites the public to an artist talk on Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. with Margie Glass Sula, whose installation “Dwell” remains on display in the Outdoor Sculpture Garden through the end of the month.

According to Joanne Aono, who curated the exhibition, “As the leaves fall from the trees and the cold of winter draws near, we often think of staying inside, with little interest in nature’s hibernations. Glass Sula’s installation beckons one to notice the interplay between space, form, the environment and nature, and to ‘stay awhile.’” Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.

Friday Storytimes (all ages) on Feb. 10 at 9:30 and 10:15 a.m., Mindfulness Together meditation on Feb. 10 at 11 a.m., Family Playtime in the Program Room on Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to noon, Mini-Movers Storytime (3-under with caregiver) on Feb. 13 at 9:30 and 10:15 a.m., Knitting, Crochet and Needlework Group on Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. and Little Hands Activity Time (best for ages 1-4) on Feb. 14 at 9:30 a.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.

Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham

ALEX PUVILLAND

MARGIE GLASS SUL A

Embracing the modern, Riversiders earn preser vation award

FLOS honors couple for their sensitive approach to restoration

By LACE Y SIKORA Contributing Reporter

Last month, Serge Ambrose and Michelangelo Sabatino were reco gnized by the Frederick Law Olmsted Society of Riverside for the restoration of their home and garden. The 2022 Preservation Award reco gnizes the couple’s effor ts to restore the 1939 Inter national Style structure, known as the Benda House, both inside and out.

Sabatino, a professor of architectural history and historic preservation at Illinois Institute of Technology’s Colle ge of Architecture, and Ambrose, an architect and engineer focused on 20th-century architectural heritage, brought a wealth of knowledge to the project when they purchased their home in Riverside.

Both are also active with Docomomo US, an inter national org anization for the advocacy and documentation of moder n buildings and sites

They make clear that their four-year project was guided by a preservation mindset.

“This is a sensitive restoration, not a remodeling,” Ambrose said.

According to Sabatino, “We approached this with the idea of re pairing not re placing, with a preservationist’s ethos.”

Sabatino points out that their architect-designed home stands apar t from its eclectic neighbors. Unlike traditional style patter n-book homes, this moder n house was sited kee ping in mind solar orientation so that the living and dining rooms were in the rear of the house, where they would get souther n exposure. A prominent two-car garage at the front of the

house speaks to the inevitable rise of the car as a part of suburban living.

The couple worked to reveal the moder n spirit of the home and were guided by original blueprints from architect Winston Elting, which have been passed from owner to owner of the home They also researched what building materials were specified by the architect and used by the Berwyn-based builder Arvid Viren.

From the exterior, realized with Autumtints bricks, to the radiator covers and door hardware, Ambrose and Sabatino created a summary of original materials, that they shared during their well-attended presentation at the award ceremony during the Olmsted Society’s annual meeting at the Riverside train station on Jan. 20.

Their presentation also put the house into the social and economic context of the Chicago area. The commissioning owner, Francis Benda, was an attor ney who lived in the home with his wife Sylvia, and two children. When the house was built, the back yard would have looked out on the Babson Estate, a

sprawling house designed by Louis Sullivan with a landscape designed by Jens Jensen. That estate was dismantled in 1960, and the property was subdivided into smaller building lots.

Ambrose and Sabatino’s restoration of the property took the home’s setting into account. While the interior work focused on removing non-original finishes and materials as well as highlighting original features, the new landscape sought to reestablish a relationship between the house and the nature.

Geometric beds of plantings reflect the boxy profile of this flat-roofed house. Doing most of the work themselves, the pair created a series of outdoor rooms with a bluestone patio, and a row of trees in the rear and side yards.

Dan Mur phy, board member of the Frederick Law Olmsted Society, says it’s obvious that a lot of sweat equity went into Ambrose and Sabatino’s home and garden.

“The result benefits the community, both aesthetically and culturally in ter ms of contributing to Olmsted’s vision, and globally in the landscaping’s positive impact on the environment,” Ar mstrong said. “This is a gift to the community.”

The project so captured Ambrose and Sabatino that the couple are wo rking on a new book titled, “Moder n, Ag ain: The Benda House and Garden in Chicagoland” which not only will include a history of their house in its Riverside setting, but will expand to cover the history of the moder n house in America.

The book is expected to publish in late fall 2023.

PHOTO BY SERGE AMBROSE

Michelangelo Sabatino says the couple’s work on the Benda House, designed in 1939, was a “sensitive restoration, not a remodeling.” He and Serge Ambrose also relandscaped the garden to reestablish the home’s relationship with nature.

Serge Ambrose (le ) and Michelangelo Sabatino

Riverside homeowners likely to fac lead water line cost burden

With grants unlikely, v o cials mull funding alter

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Last year when Riverside of ficials first ing a new state mandate requiring all lead lines to be re placed over the next couple felt confident that state grant funding or from the Illinois Environmental Protection allow the village to cover the full cost. Municipalities are only required to re por tion of water service lines – from the box in the parkway. The line running from residential or commercial water meter is vate property

But due to the enor mous cost to re place the lines – the village puts the figure at around $10,000 per line – of ficials were uneasy about asking homeowners to swallow half, or more, of that cost.

On Feb. 2, however, Public Works Director Dan Tabb broke the bad news to elected of ficials that it appears Riverside would not qualify for grants or no-interest loans for lead service line re placement.

With roughly 3,000 such lines needing re placement over time, that leaves Riverside facing a $30 million expense if the cur rent policy to cover the entire cost continues And while the village doesn’t have to have all of its lead service lines re placed for more than 20 years, it’s a problem elected of ficials need to face now.

The village changed out four lead service lines due to emergencies in 2022, according to Tabb, and is in the process of changing out two more. However, the village is due to change out 51 lead water service lines as part of a water main re placement project on Shenstone Road this summer. The estimated total cost of re placing the “private” portion of those lines is about $460,000, according to Tabb.

Property owners can sign a waiver, which will be filed with the EPA, opting out of the lead service line re place-

ment program. Many may do that due to the cost, if the village asks homeowners to pay for a portion or all of the cost, defeating the public health safety pur pose of the new law. At the same time, the village doesn’t have $30 million sitting in a bank vault.

“The concer n I have is that if we decide not to pay for it and too many people opt out … has that devalued our housing stock,” said Trustee Edward Hannon during a discussion at the village board’s meeting. “

Last May, Brookfield of ficials raised water rates by 18.5 percent, and could increase them by more in the future as construction costs rise, to create a source of funding for lead service line re placement there.

That decision was made at least in part because of ficials there feared simply dropping a one-time huge expense on homeowners would cause them to opt out of the program.

Raising water rates is just one way for the village to fund the entire project, and at their meeting on Feb. 16 Riverside trustees are expected to be gin mulling possible ways to find the revenue to fund lead service line re placement now that grants don’t appear to be coming the village’s way.

Other funding alter natives include issuing bonds and

e illustration below lays out the public/private nature of the lead service line replacement mandate every community in the state faces following action by Illinois General Assembly, which became e ective Jan 1, 2022. Replacing lead water services in even small communities will cost tens of millions of dollars.

raising water rates to pay them of f over a 10- to 20-year period or creating Special Service Areas where property owners will pay the cost over time as a line item on their property tax bills.

If the village asks the homeowner to pay for lead service line re placement it could set up a payment plan over a period of years to soften the financial blow The village could, but is unlikely to, ask property owners to pay for the entire cost of the lead service line re placement from the water main to the meter. If the village went down a payment-path route, it would likely require property owners to pay for the “private” portion of the line.

Riverside Village President Jose ph Ballerine signaled that it’s likely some sor t of water rate increase to cover the cost of re placements or fund bonds to re place lead service lines for any reason, even emergencies.

“When it comes to those emergency re pairs, we are all susce ptible to that, because most of us live in houses that are considerably old,” Ballerine said. “It’s a $10,000 expense I know I have at my house sometime. If I had a $10,000 car would I spend $150 a year to ensure that if that car was damaged, it would be re paired or re placed. And the answer is yes. That’s an easy decision.”

CHRISTOPHER B. B URKE ENGINEERING, LT D

Check stolen from mailbox ‘washed’ and cashed by thief

A 63-year-old Brookfield man went to police on Jan. 31 to report that a $4,300 check he’d placed in a mailbox at the Brookfield Post Office had been stolen and “washed” by an unknown person who cashed it via a mobile app.

The victim told police that he had made out the check to another party, but when it was cashed it was deposited into the account of someone with a different name. Check washing has become something of a problem in Chicago and the suburbs in the past year or so

Last fall, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that check washing incidents had spiked and suggested that postal customers avoid using blue mailboxes on the street. Offenders apparently obtained master keys to the boxes, sometimes by robbing postal carriers, steal checks and then alter them using chemicals.

Victims are often defrauded out of thousands of dollars in such cases

Aggravated speeding while allegedly drunk

■ A 24-year-old Bellwood man faces a felony weapons charge as well as driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs after police pulled over his black Ford, which an officer reported observing traveling at 63 mph while southbound on Harlem Avenue in the vicinity of 26th Street on Feb. 4 at about 12:45 a.m.

During the traffic stop, police reported recovering a Glock 17 handgun with an extended magazine holding 31 rounds of ammunition, including one in the chamber, on the driver’s seat next to the center console.

The driver, reportedly admitting having drunk a half-pint of tequila and smoking four blunts of cannabis before getting behind the wheel. His driver’s license reportedly was revoked for a prior out-of-state drunken driving incident, police reported, and he had no concealed-carry license

■ North Riverside charged a 27-year-old Maywood man with driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, aggravated speeding and possession of cocaine after an officer observed him behind the wheel of a blue Toyota Corolla that was traveling westbound on Cer mak Road from Lathrop Avenue at 88 mph in a 35-mph zone on Feb. 4 at about 2:55 a.m.

Police reported recovering multiple cans of beer inside the car and observed an open can of beer on the lap of the car’s passenger, a 38-year-old Chicago man. Police took the passenger into custody because he was reportedly wanted on a Cook County warrant for possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

According to police, about a gram of cocaine was found inside a bag folded up in a $1 bill in the driver’s wallet.

Car stolen in Brookfield recovered

A 2014 Jeep stolen from an Ogden Avenue car repair business in Brookfield last November was recovered in Indiana last week, police have reported.

The Jeep had been left unattended in a service bay for less than five minutes on Nov. 4, 2022, when a gold Lincoln MKX pulled up and two people exited and entered the service bay. One person later exited the business and re-entered the Lincoln, which left the area followed by the Jeep.

On Feb. 1, Brookfield police received a call from police in Munster, Indiana, who wanted to confir m the steal. They had recovered the Jeep after a police pursuit involving the exchange of gunfire and had one person in custody.

Guns displayed in road rage incidents

Two motorists reported that people had displayed firearms during two different road rage incidents in North Riverside last week.

The first took place on Jan. 30 around 8:10 p.m. near the intersection of Harlem Avenue and Cer mak Road. An anonymous caller told police a woman driving a small blue vehicle had “brandished” a black firearm at her during a road rage incident which was not described in detail in the police re port.

The second incident unfolded at the intersection of Harlem Avenue and 26th Street on Jan. 31around 10:45 a.m. and involved a man in a black Chevy Suburban who “flashed a gun” at the reporting party during what was simply described as a “traf fic altercation.”

Reckless conduc t

A 19-year-old Chicago man set off a pair of M-60 firecrackers inside the lower-level parking garage at the North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 Cermak Road, on the evening of Feb. 3, leading police to believe initially that the two loud explosions might have been gunfire.

A police officer on patrol at the mall at about 5:35 p.m. reported hearing two loud reports and observed a silver Honda Civic with its taillights on and running in the lower-level garage The driver’s side rear window was cracked in a spider-web fashion, as if it had broken by a projectile.

Police ordered the driver out the vehicle and took him into custody. A search of the

vehicle revealed a “considerable amount” of M-60 firecrackers and several large mortar fireworks in the backseat. Debris from two exploded M-60s was found on the ground near the Honda. Police also recovered a half empty bottle of liquor from the backseat.

The driver told police the vehicle’s window had shattered earlier after being hit with a rock while driving on the expressway.

Police impounded the vehicle, charged the driver with one count of reckless conduct and cited him for illegal transportation of

open

These items were obtained from police re ports filed by the Ri verside, North Ri verside and Brookfield police de partments, Jan. 30- Feb. 5, 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

RIDING SEASON

Illinois’ COVID-19 disaster proclamation to end in May

State emergency orders will end in tandem with national public health emergency

By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois

Exactly 38 months after the World Health Org anization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, Illinois will no longer be under a disaster proclamation as of May 11, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Jan. 31.

That’s the same day President Joe Biden will end the national public health emergency, which just passed the three-year mark last week. The White House announced the May 11 end date on Jan. 30.

Pritzker had declared a public health emergency two days before the WHO’s pandemic deter mination and has renewed his disaster proclamation every 30 days since then.

The re peated proclamations gave the gover nor authority for COVID-related actions such as closing schools, issuing

ZONING CHANGE

Di erence over downtown

from page 1

Elected officials voted to approve a total of four ordinances regarding various aspects of the zoning code rewrite, with perhaps the most impactful change needing President Joseph Ballerine’s vote to break a 3-3 deadlock among trustees.

Trustees Aberdeen Marsh-Ozga, Cristin Evans and Doug Pollock all voted against new language increasing the maximum allowable building height by right in the central business district to four stories or 48 feet (with the roof peak at 50 feet) and to five stories or 66 feet if the building is part of a planned unit development.

The for mer code allowed buildings of up to three stories or 38 feet (with a roof peak at 45 feet) in the central business district.

“I think it’s really important to maintain the water tower as the focal centerpiece in the central business district,” Marsh-Ozga said.

“I think our history is important. I think it compels a different treatment in the center of town.”

Trustees Megan Claucherty, Edward Hannon and Alex Gallegos voted in favor of the change, along with Ballerine.

stay-at-home orders and mandating masks and vaccines. But they were a source of conster nation for Pritzker’s political opponents.

The gover nor had slowly rolled back his COVID-19 mandates over the past year, including an action in October when he reversed the requirement for vaccines, testing and masks in health care settings.

But Illinois is still one of seven states with some sor t of COVID-related emergency proclamation on its books.

These disaster declarations have allowed those states – including Re publican-run Texas – to continue benefiting from COVID-era bumps in federal reimbursements for programs like Medicaid, additional benefits for those on food stamps and the ability to quickly de ploy emergency workers to respond to areas in need, like hospitals with severely shor t staf fing.

“Going east down Burlington Street in this [central business district], I just quite frankly don’t see a concer n why we wouldn’t allow four stories as a matter of right,” Hannon said. “My understanding is that in developing in residential areas of this type, anything three stories or below is just economically unfeasible to build. We’re looking to be friendlier to redevelopment of our aging buildings on Burlington.”

Hannon also noted that the central business district already had a four-story building, which is 50-feet tall, in the Village Center development, built in 2006-07.

Trustees were more united in allowing developments of up four stories by right and up to five stories as part of planned unit development in the newly established Harlem Avenue TOD zoning district, with a particular eye on encouraging redevelopment of two adjacent properties the village owns on the south side of East Burlington Street immediately west of Harlem Avenue.

Where they differed was a late change in the language of the amended code, which removed a maximum 5-foot setback for new buildings in the Harlem Avenue commercial district, bringing buildings closer to the property line and encouraging the type of TOD development the village seeks to attract.

The new code instead allows buildings to be set back 20 feet from the front property line Pollock said the change will jeopardize the

“Our state’s disaster proclamation and executive orders enabled us to use every resource at our disposal from building up testing capacity and expanding our health care workforce to supporting our vaccine rollout and mutual aid ef forts,” Pritzker said in a statement.

Pritzker said 1.4 million children in Illinois received nutrition support under the additional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. He also pointed to the expansion of telehealth during the pandemic under his disaster proclamation, which has largely been adapted into state law after it proved popular with doctors and patients alike.

“Let me be clear: COVID-19 has not disappeared,” Pritzker said in the statement. “It is still a real and present danger to people with compromised immune systems — and I urge all Illinoisans to get vaccinated

village’s goal of attracting denser TOD development and result in shorter buildings with large parking lots in front of them, negating the urban streetscape.

“I think the change we are proposing that would eliminate the maximum 5-foot setback is directly contrary to that vision,” Pollock said.

Pollock also pointed to an online survey conducted by the village in which residents indicated support for taller, denser commercial and mixed-use development for Harlem Avenue and pretty strong opposition to buildings like fast-food restaurants

“In my opinion, what we’re approving here is contrary to that survey that we did,” he said. “To me, what was very clear in that survey is that what residents want is a more transit-oriented development type of development.”

Pollock’s motion to have the Riverside Planning and Zoning Commission have another look at that particular language failed in an identical 4-3 vote. In the end, Pollock was the lone vote against that change to the code.

One major change to the residential zoning code now allows new buildings in the village’s R3 and R4 districts -- which include the multifamily district west of the downtown bounded by East Avenue, Pine Avenue, the Des Plaines River and Park Place; Ogden Avenue essentially west of Lionel Road; East Burlington Street between Delaplaine and

or get their booster shots if they have not done so already.”

Opponents to Pritzker’s re peated issuance of disaster proclamations insisted the gover nor was limited to the 30 days laid out in state law, but le g al challenges to that ef fect ultimately failed after months of litigation.

The gover nor’s disaster proclamation also allowed for the activation of the State Emergency Operations Center, which brokered cooperation between the leaders of dif ferent state agencies in response to COVID-19.

In a message to Cong ress on Jan. 30, Biden wrote that waiting until May to end the national public health emergency will aver t “wide-ranging chaos and uncer tainty throughout the health care system” than if it faced the “abrupt end” sought by the Re publican-controlled House

Herbert and just east of the central business district; and Harlem Avenue essentially between Longcommon and Addison and a small section just north of Blackhawk Road – to be four stories or 48 feet tall, with a peak height of 50 feet. The old code allowed buildings of three stories/35 feet.

The new code also reduces minimum parking requirements in commercial zoning district to one space per dwelling unit for buildings within a quar ter mile of a bus stop and a half mile from a train stop

The amended code addresses a host of other standards related to permitted uses in the village’s zoning districts, including allowing assisted living facilities in the village’s R2 district, which is mainly concentrated along East Burlington and East Quincy streets Assisted living facilities were already permitted in the R3 and R4 districts

New language also creates standards for of f-street parking in the new TOD district and for bicycle, moped and motorcycle parking, specifically allows tattoo and body piercing establishments in the TOD district, allows of fice uses in ground-floor spaces in all commercial districts, allows as special uses hotels and motels in the Harlem Avenue commercial and downtown retail districts as well as banquet/conference facilities in Harlem Avenue commercial districts and the village’s central business district.

Riverside Township to ll vacancy created by trustee’s death

Liane Blauw served 3 terms as clerk before election as tr ustee in 2021

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Riverside Township President Vera Wilt said she will soon seek applicants to fill a vacancy on the township board of trustees created upon the death of Trustee Liane Blauw on Jan. 30 following a long illness.

Blauw, a resident of North Riverside, was first elected to the Riverside Township board as clerk in 2009, serving for three terms in that capacity before running for and winning election as a trustee in 2021. She ran unopposed in each election.

“She’ll be missed,” said Wilt. “She was on the board for a long time and was al-

ways such a positive person.”

The Riverside Township Board of Trustees has 60 days to fill the vacancy, and whoever is appointed will serve out the remainder of Blauw’s term, which expires in 2025.

The last time the township board had to appoint a trustee was in late 2021 after Trustee Thomas Morrissey, who was elected alongside Blauw in 2021, resigned after being appointed a judge of the Cook County Circuit Court.

The township board received about a

half do zen applications to fill that vacancy, Wilt said. One of those applying, John P. Carroll Jr., was chosen to re place Morrissey in November 2021.

Another of the applicants, Kara Kalnitz, was named to the Riverside Township Mental Health Board in February 2022.

“I’m in the process of drafting a notice similar to the one from the last vacancy,” Wilt said.

Wilt said Blauw had experienced health issues prior to the 2021 election, and that those had played a part in her seeking to

run for one of the four township trustee seats instead of running for a fourth ter m as clerk.

The 67-year-old Blauw appeared to have put the health concerns behind her, said Wilt, and was fine for a while. However, the health issues reemerged in the second half of 2022. The last time Blauw a ttended a township board of trustees meeting was July 13.

Early in January, Wilt said she had a text message exchange with Blauw, who said she had been hospitalized for two weeks. Blauw did not talk about the specifics of her health issues, said Wilt, and news of her death was a sur prise.

LIANE BLAU W

For trustee hopeful, retired cop, safety is issue one

Tony Santucci makes rst bid for o ce with North Riverside United

By BOB UPHUES Editor

The stage for Tony Santucci’s 27-year career as a police officer was set early on, when he was growing up in northwest suburban Norridge. A neighbor’s son was a Norridge police officer, whom Santucci looked up to as a role model.

Santucci, 56, graduated from Ridgewood High School and attended Triton College before serving as a patrol officer for the Broadview Police Department, from which he retired in 2021.

He moved to North Riverside, where he lives with his wife, Dana, and his daughter Danielle, a sophomore at Riverside-Brookfield High School, 20 years ago and says he had long followed village politics

“It was something I’d looked into and was interested in, but with the schedule that I had there was no way I could commit to doing anything,” Santucci said.

Now retired from the police service and working in security for a Broadview company, Santucci has the time. He has liked what he has seen from the village’s political establishment – first the VIP Party and now from its successor, North Riverside United – which recruited him to run for trustee

On Feb. 1, Santucci sat down for a face-toface interview with the Riverside-Brookfield Landmark at the North Riverside Village Commons. It’s the Landmark’s intent to interview all seven candidates individually.

Santucci is one of three candidates running as a part of North Riverside United’s slate, along with Nicholas Tricoci and Deborah Czajka, for the three open trustee seats up for election on April 4. Three other candidates – Marybelle Mandel, Sandra Greicius and Joseph Maruska – are running on a slate called the Municipal Integrity Party. Jose Del Angel, whom the Landmark profiled in the Feb. 1 edition, is running as an independent.

“Seeing how things were done in other places, and seeing how they were done here [in North Riverside] is total night and day,” Santucci said. “We’ve got a great community. Sure, you’re not going to make everybody happy, but for the most part this village is strong, family-orientated.”

Due to his background, Santucci is unsurprisingly very interested in North Riverside’s public safety services, particularly the police department. He said as a trustee candidate the most important issue for him is ensurin g residents remain safe.

“Safety is my main thing,” Santucci said. “I want people to be comfortable sitting on their front porch, sitting in their backyard, being out and not having to worry about something happening.”

In 2020, the civil unrest sparked by the outrage following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, manifested itself in North Riverside. One person was shot dead during the looting of the mall that May and two other, non-fatal shootings followed later that year.

While some in North Riverside see the mall as a problem, Santucci disagrees

“It’s not just here, it happens everywhere,” said Santucci regarding crime at the mall. “Retail thefts occur. They occur in Oak Brook, Yorktown. Nicer communities people think that nothing happens. It happens there.”

Santucci suggested the village heighten police visibility at the mall –both mall and village officials agreed to do that in the wake of the 2020 violence – to make local residents more comfortable going there.

“Maybe change that whole perspective of the mall being bad,” he said.

Another way to reassure residents, Santucci said, was greater interaction between police and the community through periodic infor mal resident meetings with police commanders or making available to residents individual officers who they can call directly with neighborhood issues instead of calling 911.

“This way they have that direct contact and they feel comfortable with that officer,’ Santucci said.

Santucci also said he wants North Riverside to enforce property maintenance standards.

“I want to keep the community looking good, take pride in the community,” Santucci said. “You have nice property, neighbors are going to continue to keep this going. … [The village needs] a plan in action for those violations and deal with them so we can curb the problem.”

A common theme for any candidate for office in North Riverside is the village’s ability to attract and retain businesses that provide its most critical revenue stream, sales taxes. But, Santucci also said the businesses entering should “fit the community and have to be something that can stay for a while.”

“You don’t want to get a small store just to fill space and then it’s going in three or four months, because it didn’t do well,” Santucci said, while acknowledging that the village can’t control who private property owners lease to if those commercial uses are allowed by the code.

Asked what the village can do to attract the kinds of businesses it desires, Santucci said communication was the key in addition to of-

fering incentives, though he said he did not have a preferred way of making incentives available.

He also believes that the large commercial properties along Harlem Avenue and Cermak Road could be transformed into an entertainment district and could leverage village property, like its parks, to offer more entertainment.

In terms of the village producing more revenue or cutting costs to balance its budgets in the future, Santucci said those decisions had to be “a team effort” among local officials

“Sitting down with all the department heads, seeing what is actually needed, where maybe some things could be cut to save, if we provide a safe community that will hopefully bring people to want to come her e, businesses want to come here and we can benefit from that taxes that would help out,” he said. “We’d have to sit down to see where we can tighten our belts.”

Santucci said he was familiar with prior village board conversations regarding home rule, which allows municipal gover nments more taxing authority not available to smaller non-home rule towns like North Riverside. But home rule is not something he has investigated deeply so far.

Any contemplation of raising property taxes either by seeking home rule status or asking voters to approve a tax hike to fund village operation or its $4 million-a-year pension obligations would need careful consideration, he said.

“It would have to be explained very well so they understand what that increase would be for,” Santucci said. “A lot of people are using that pension as the main thing, but there’s other things that the village needs also.”

Santucci said any such decision on putting a referendum to voters would not simply be up to him but a team decision.

One potential revenue enhancement Santucci does not favor at this time is expanding the number of licenses for standalone video gambling parlors from the existing 10.

“I’m happy with the amount that we have,” Santucci said. “If we have to think about adding a few more, maybe we look at that somewhere else down the line, but right now I think we’re OK.”

Brookfield, St. Louis zoos swap male gorillas

All-female group welcomes new silverback , while adolescent male leaves

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Brookfield Zoo welcomed a new adult male silverback gorilla on Feb. 4 from the St. Louis Zoo, sending one of its adolescent male gorillas in exchange, the Chicago Zoological Society announced on Feb. 6.

Jontu, a 26-year-old western lowland gorilla, will spend the next several weeks of f displ ay in order to g et f amiliar with his new home, his new animal care team and Brookfield Zoo’s five remaining goril las, all female.

T he group’s new silverback comes to Brookfield Zoo six months after the sud den death caused by cardiac ar rest durin a medical procedure of 42-year-old Jo who ar rived at Brookfield Zoo in 2012 and sired three offspring, including Zachar now 7 years old.

According to a press release announc ing the gorilla swap, adolescent male gorillas like Zachary, known as “blackbacks” leave their “natal group.” Some set of f on their own and seek out females to form their own f amily groups, while other blackbacks form what are known as “bachelor groups,” who travel to g ether until individual males find their own breeding groups.

Zachary is destined to be placed with a bachelor group at St. Louis Zoo, which has two gorillas, including Joe, 25, and Bakari, 18. T he move will result in a f amily reunion of sorts as Zachary is Bakari’s grandne phew

“Since Zachary is unable to mate with any females at Brookfield, now is the right time to make this transition,” said Tim Snyder, vice president of animal care at Brookfield Zoo, in a press release “[Zachary] has a great opportunity to interact and learn important skills that are needed to become a successful leader from the silverback s.”

According to the press release, the gorilla transfers were based on a recommendation from the Association of Zoos

and Aquariums Gorilla Species Survival Plan. Western lowland gorillas are considered critically endangered species due to hunting, diseases, ille g al pet trade and habitat destruction.

Experts estimate that there are about 300,000 western lowland gorillas living in west equatorial Africa. About 320 live in accredited North American zoos like Brookfield and St. Louis.

According to the press release, Brookfield Zoo’s female gorillas will still have access to their Tropic Wo rld: Africa habitat while Jontu settles in, although there may be times the habitat is closed to the public during that time

T he females will also have access to their night quarters, where they can choose to also spend time with Jontu.

Softballandbaseballprogramsare

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.

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.

lverback, Jontu

PROVIDED

LT TV lead teacher Bill Allan stops for a photo with student lmmakers (front row, from le ) Gabrielle Boillat, George Gangas, Abbey Quinn, Abby Gertsmeier, Annie Price, (back row, from le ) Elliott Marcoux, Maddox McDonald, Peter Mikulski, Michael Badrov, Karman Kapsa and Daniel Murray on Jan. 25 at the Student Silent Film Festival at Dow ners Grove’s Tivoli eater. LTTV was one of three w inners in the contest. Photo cour tesy of James Svehla

RBTV

)

High school filmmakers give the silent treatment

TV program students at LTHS and RBHS screen original festival

By JACKIE PISANO Contributing Reporter

Since the early 1980s, both Lyons Township and Ri side Brookfield high schools have of fered students the opportunity to practice television arts, creating content including newscasts, documentaries, commercials and li sports broadcasts all in an in-house, professional studio setting.

During the past 40 years, TV students from both programs have brought home dozens of awards from local and re gional high school TV conferences judged educators from a variety of backgrounds, helping budding TV and film producers and talent hone their craft through real-world experiences.

In 2017, three suburban men who met at an event for high-school media educators put their minds together to develop a way to help Chicago area film students learn about the virtually forgotten art of silent filmmaking and how embracing it could prove revolutionary.

The Student Silent Film Festival was the brainchild of Ed Newmann, a Hinsdale resident who is the founder of Calabash Animation and an award-winning animator

whose work ranges from Disney’s “Pete’s Dragon” and “Charlie Brown” TV specials to directing hundreds of TV commercials; Bill Allan, the supervisor of television services at LTHS with a history in the commercial film and TV industry; and Derek Berg, the founder of Clarendon Hills Music Academy and Recording Artist Academy.

Held Jan. 25 at the Tivoli Theater in Downers Grove, com-

PROVIDED

plete with a red-carpet social hour before the film screenings, the festival included entries from students at both RiversideBrookfield and Lyons Township high schools

Entries were shown with live musical accompaniment by Berg using a uniquely designed keyboard rig that employs virtual instruments sampled from classic synthesizers.

From Lyons Township, 10 LTTV students collaborated to produce “Stood Up,” a film about an anxious student preparing for a standup comedy routine who finds that once he finally makes it on stage, there is only one person in the audience.

Junior Maddox McDonald, of LaGrange Park, served as the writer/director of “Stood Up,” which received one of three top honors at the festival.

“When making a film, no matter how big or small, the first step is always the story,” he said. “It needed to be a story simple enough to be told without words, but not too simple as to bore the audience.”

McDonald, who hopes to attend film school, said seeing his film on the big screen was nothing short of unbelievable.

“We all leaned on each other and uplifted each other in order to tell the best story we could,” he said. “I’ve made some short films before, which I posted on YouTube. Sometimes, I would have a little screening with the cast and crew in my basement, but that’s about it. Being able to share my work with an entire audience at a film festival was the coolest thing ever — and doing that surrounded by my friends, the people that collaborated on the project together, makes it all the sweeter.”

Allan said that what made the fest special was that stu-

students (front row, from le

Jenny omas, Zane Simon, Stella Pizana, (back row, le to right) Delilah Luna del Castillo, Cameron Dominic, Makayla Angshed, Hector Angulo, John Frieh and Dylan Wood at the Silent Student Film Festival at the Tivoli eater in Dow ners Grove on Jan. 25. Photo cour tesy of Gary Prokes

SCREENSHOT

Peter Mikulski sweats through his standup routine in front of an audience of one (Abbey Quinn) during “Stood Up,” the entry from Lyons Tow nship High School students, at the Student Silent Film Festival on Jan. 25.

Inclusivity conference brings LTHS community together

Former state public health chief gives keynote address

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Approximately 100 people gathered on the mor ning of Feb. 4 at the Lyons Township High School South Campus in Wester n Springs for the third annual Building Inclusive Community Conference.

After introductions, a land acknowledgment acknowledging that the conference was taking place on land once lived on by Native Americans, and a brief performance by the LTHS Steppers Club, Dr Ngozi Ezike, the former Illinois director of public health, gave the keynote address

“Just the fact this conference exists is so uplifting, so positive,” said Ezike, who last year became the CEO and president of the Sinai Chicago Hospital System.

Ezike, who is the mother of a recent LTHS graduate and a LTHS sophomore, spoke in a war m and engaging manner, sharing some personal anecdotes and experiences in her 22-minute speech. She praised the wide-ranging nature of the conference.

“A lot of different things mean diversity,” Ezike said. “It’s not just about race.”

Ezike said that people should first acknowledge their differences

“Let’s stop saying I don’t see differences, I don’t see race,” Ezike said.

After Ezike’s speech, participants had a couple of hours to attend workshops. The 11

different workshops ran the gamut from “Beyond the Binary: Understanding Gender Diversity” to “Dancing for Our Tribe: Potawatomi Tradition in the New Millennium.”

Other workshops dealt with the cultural expression of Islam in America, dealing with the gender gap in pay and tips on how woman can negotiate a higher salary, and a workshop on American Sign Language, to name a few.

dents with a variety of film experiences came together to create one masterpiece.

“What it did was bring together a group of students from other areas of the program who wouldn’t normally work together,” he said. “Collaboration is the best thing.”

RBHS, which has participated in the film festival since its inception, had nine students work together on this year’s film, “11 Miles,” which told the story of a girl who relies upon an urban legend to try and locate her lost sister.

Junior Makayla Angshed, of Brookfield, said the best par t of the evening was celebrating their hard work in making a unique movie

“The best pa rt of the festival was dressing up with my peers and getting to spend time with them,” she said. “We’ re a unique group, but we all bounced of f each other’s energ y pretty well.”

Due to her experiences with RBTV and oppor tunities such as the Student Silent Film Festival, Angshed said she hopes to go into a television or film ar ts

“I just really enjoyed lear ning about different cultures and different perspectives,” said LTHS junior Maggie Woywod, who was one of 15 students from the LTHS Students for Equity and Belonging Committee who attended the conference. “There’s a lot that we don’t know about and isn’t spoken or is not being taught. It’s just not being shared.”

Woywod attended the workshop about Potawatomi dance and the workshop on the gender gap in pay and how to negotiate a better salary.

“It was just really cool to get advice from other women,” Woywod said of the workshop on negotiating a higher salary.

Nancy Bramson, a resident of Brookfield, attended the Beyond the Binary workshop because she has a younger relative who is transitioning and a workshop on fighting book banning

“I lear ned so much just about how to be in the world and just to be more welcoming, and when people come into my space, I can be more welcoming,” Bramson said. “There is so much to lear n about how to be in the world and how to be just kinder, and I think it is just going to create more intelligent humans.”

The conference was sponsored by a variety of groups. The 14-person planning team included Jen Rowe, the director of equity and belonging at LTHS, representatives from school districts 102 and 105, Marian Honel-

Wilson of the CommUNITY Diversity Group of the LaGrange Area and representatives of five local Protestant churches to name a few.

LTHS provided the space for the conference free of charge because it was one of the institutions sponsoring the conference.

Seventh grader Anthony Tirrito, 13, from Indian Head Park attended the conference with his mother Tirrito said he took away one major lesson from the conference.

“Don’t judge people by their looks or by what they believe in, judge them by their personalities,” Tirrito said.

LTHS junior Matthew Dahr found the conference educational and worthwhile.

“It was actually really amazing,” said Dahr, who lives in Burr Ridge. “It was a great opportunity for people to educate themselves on things.”

Susan Hunley drove in from Sugar Grove for the conference.

“It’s fun to lear n from people who are different than you,” Hunley said.

Woywod also relished the opportunity to lear n from others.

“The environment today was just really lively, really inspiring,” Woywod said. “Everyone shared what they thought, we all lear ned from each other; it was a great way to start my weekend. It was really inspiring today Everyone was so kind. It’s a war m fuzzy feeling in my heart and I really enjoyed it.”

field in the future.

“I am fascinated with TV and movie production, and I do enjoy jour nalism,” she said.

Gary Prokes, the longtime television ar ts production teacher at RB who has helped put RBTV on the re gional map, was pleased to see his students create a visual work of ar t from star t to finish on their own.

“I was proud that they worked as a team to gether on a single story; that is the biggest hurdl e,” he said.

“Finding time to shoot everything in dif ferent locations across the area and downstate was a major under taking.”

Other par ticipating high schools in the festival included Maine East, Maine South, Victor J. Andrew, Ver non Hills, Bar rington, Lake Forest, Mundelein, Neuqua Valley and Alan B. She phard.

Following the fest, each school received an HD digital file of their movie with its musical accompaniment.

To watch the video of this year’s film festival, visit bit.ly/3WR2bpV

Abbey Quinn (right) asks a dispir ited Peter Mikulski for his autograph a er his anxiety-f ueled standup routine to an audience of one dur ing “Stood Up,” the entr y from Lyons Township High School students, at the Student Silent Film Festival on Jan. 25.

IAN McLEOD

Dr. Ngozi Ezike delivers her ke ynote address on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023 at LTHS.

SCREENSHOT

Opinion

THE L ANDMARK VIEW

KOSEY CORNER

I can only keep track of that book … Higher and higher

Feb. 2 was a pretty notable moment for Riverside, although you wouldn’t have guessed it judging from the lack of any comment from the general public. Fifteen years ago, however, what transpired at last week’s village board meeting would have been unthinkable.

With trustees deadlocked at 3-3, Village President Joseph Ballerine voted to amend the zoning code and allow new planned developments of up to four stories by right in the village’s historic downtown and up to five stories (66 feet tall) if those buildings are part of a planned unit development.

When the village board back in 2006 passed a variety of zoning variations allowing the Village Center building at the cor ner of Longcommon and East Burlington to be four stories tall (50 feet), it caused no little outrage among a segment of the population.

The ter m “transit-oriented development” was said through a sneer, and the thought of denser, taller development downtown – no one even considered such development along Harlem Avenue at the time – was anathema, an insult to all things Frederick Law Olmsted

Those village board decisions were felt three years later, when they played no small part in the 2009 defeat of Riverside Community Caucus candidates in what tur ned out to be the last time a village board race was contested

How times have changed.

Not that there wasn’t pushback against the change, at least when it came to the downtown business district. Most notably, Trustee Aberdeen Marsh-Ozga, who joined the board of trustees after serving on the Riverside Preservation Commission, stuck to her positions on building height downtown.

For her, four stories was the limit – and then as part of a planned unit development process – not simply by right. The downtown’s historic water tower still casts a long shadow when it comes to development decisions there. It continues to make for a compelling argument against height.

Perhaps the amended zoning rules are just too abstract at the moment to make an impact on the public. And, anyway, there hasn’t been any major development downtown since the Village Center, which has simply melted into part of the scenery by now. Who knows if opposition will ever come?

With the changes made by the village board last week, however, Riverside is likely to be more attractive to developers, who now have wider latitude – not just from the new height allowances but from the village’s new-ish planned development process, something not available to them back in the Village Center days.

The focus on the downtown, however, shouldn’t take away from what the new code could do over on Harlem Avenue near the BNSF tracks A new specifically labeled transit-oriented development zoning district is where Riverside may see its next impactful development.

Maybe then residents will really begin talking about the changes they’ ll no doubt experience

IfJust when I believe I have enough time to do something, I realize I don’t. Here I am at Cantata and you would think I’d have time to read and fin ish a John Grisham book, something I have tried to do for over a year. I get star ted and, oops, life gets in the way. I put the book down and forget where it is the next time I look for it So, here I am in my room, comfor table, and I have enough room for a few necessities, one of which being my new John Grisham book, on the table next to my bed. One would think it was saf e, but somehow or another it disappeared. So much for me reading a John Grisham book. A thorough search of what is considered my space is futile However, on Saturday when I told my plight to Nurse Bill, he took on the search and found it at the front desk. How it got there I can’ t imagine, but thanks to Nurse Bill and St. Anthony.

KOSE Y

Speaking of nurses and staf f, they enjoy coming into my room to enjoy the flowers and plants in my room. T hank you to family and friends!

I keep in touch with what is going on locally with conversations with Alex Galle gos. The rest of the world is from TV with local and national news. Found the Chinese balloon interesting. Of course, I have my own thoughts, but I’m sure it isn’ t a pinat a with goodies inside. Alas, we can just follow the news.

Another thing, does it bother anybody that our Cong ressman Chuy Garcia, soon after being elected, is r unning for Chicago mayor? Is he spending any time on the job he was already elected for?

OK, they’re here with lunch. I can get used to breakfast in bed and having the remote to myself. Honestly, I’m working towards making breakfast and sharing the remote.

OBITUARIES

Rober t L. Baluka, 89

USDA grain inspecto r

Robert L. Baluka, 89, of Brookfield, died Dec. 31, 2022 at Meadowbrook Manor in LaGrange.

Mr Baluka was born Se pt. 18, 1933 in Cicero and worked as a grain inspector for the USDA. He was a big fan of all spor ts but especially the Chicago White Sox.

He was the father of Stephanie and Alexandra Baluka and was preceded in death by his wife, Zrinka.

Cremation was private through Planet Green Cremations.

Robert’s family is celebrating his life and love of cats through support of Cat Nap from the Heart, 708-352-3914.

Daniel Christensen, 70 Long time Riverside resident

Daniel Christensen, 70, a longtime resident of Riverside, died Jan. 30, 2023 in Vero Beach, Florida.

Mr Christensen was born in Chicago and moved with his family to Riverside in 1964. He graduated from RiversideBrookfield High School in 1970, served in the U.S. Navy and worked at MacNeal Hospital and Walgreens

He was a fan of old TV sitcoms, wester ns, college basketball and football, the Chicago Bears and the White Sox. He appreciated Civil War history and the beauty and value of classic cars and antiques. His sister Jane Bowers and brother Tom, both living out of the area, were thankful for his care for their father and mother in their later years.

In addition to his brother and sister, Mr Christensen is survived by his brother-in-law, Mark Bowers, and sister-in-law, Susan Christensen; his nephew, Matthew Bowers; and his nieces, Christen Bowers, Carrie Christensen and Amy Gross

JOANNE

RBHS girls wrestlers look to pin down state berths at sectionals

Aphay, Villagomez lead young Bulldogs squad

By BILL STONE

Contributing Reporter

Last season, junior Eleanor Aphay became the first Riverside-Brookfield High School girls wrestler to qualify for the first IHSA-sanctioned state meet.

Now part of the first of ficial season as a team, Aphay was among eight Bulldogs to compete in their first home meet Jan. 31 – a 17-team tour nament format with all wrestlers guaranteed two matches The initial home meet Dec 23 had been canceled by bad weather

“It was definitely a first. All of those girls wrestling at our place was exciting and good that it’s getting re presentation at our school,” Aphay said. “It felt nice to know that it was something just for girls wrestling.”

Aphay and freshman Danely Villagome z will compete at the Schaumburg Sectional on Feb. 11 with hopes of top-four finishes to qualify for state.

Aphay has improved to 17-4 at 120 pounds, her 2022 weight class where she finished

fourth at sectionals 17-9 final record.

Villagome z has had but, going 20-6 at 135 tling experience

“[I’ve enjoyed] just going to tour and just getting that there and wrestle,” Vi ting locked in. That’s ing mentally ready to go

RBHS coach Dave son with 12 wrestlers lined by injuries or pressed with the dedication of newcomers like Villagome z and the growth and progress of the spor t.

“If you see around the state, the performance level has really jumped up as well,” Curby said. “The fact that RB made a commitment to get a stipend for a girls coach is very impor tant.”

Other members of the Bulldogs’ first team are juniors Natalie Aguir re and Savanah Nieves; sophomores Frankie Abasta, Ir ma Ber nal-Orihuela, Jeylin Galvan-Coss; and freshmen Estefany Bejarano, Lexi Dayton, Jaslyn Espino za, Angelica Solis and Heidi Velasque z.

Last season, the Bulldo gs had three girls wrestlers. Galvin-Coss came one victory

from qualifying for state Abasta was injured for the postseason.

“With 12 kids, that’s a good, solid star t – and they’re all underclassmen,” Curby said. “We’ re not at every weight class. We look to fill that and get a few more numbers and these kids will be more knowledgeable, because wrestling’s a sport you can’t get in a couple of weeks. It takes a while.”

Aphay be g an wrestling last season only with mar tial ar ts experience from jiu jitsu. Villagome z has competed in judo for eight years. She was encouraged by boys at her judo club who also wrestle and after reading about Aphay’s state success Villagome z said she often wins with firstperiod pins after throwing opponents.

“There’s dif ferent techniques and more endurance It’s helped strengthen my endurance a lot doing wrestling,” Villagome z said.

Aphay enjoyed a great January in which she won consecutive Saturday tour naments at Conant, Oswe go East and Kaneland.

“Last season was great, but this season I’ve seen a lot of improvement based on technique and my competitive mindset,” Aphay said. “I’ve just tried to work with the [new] girls more and more, helping them out for experience. It’s definitely nice to work with some girls in practice than guys. I don’t mind but I do like to see more girls in the wrestling room.”

RBHS boys wrestling advances 12 to individual sectionals

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Riverside-Brookfield High School senior Bill Mar tin enjoyed continued success as a wrestler at the IHSA Class 2A RBHS Regional on Feb. 4.

He also did as a teammate and coach.

While Martin at 170 pounds was among 12 Bulldogs who advanced to the Deerfield Sectional with top-three finishes, sophomore Max Strong, who qualified at 160, usually is Martin’s sparring partner at practice.

“It means a lot to help coach these younger

kids, the underclassmen,” Martin said. “I just love the bond we have I was really glad he did [advance].”

Senior and No 1 seed Joe Midona (28-6 at 195) won his final by injury default as the

See BOYS WRESTLING on pa ge 16

IAN McLEOD

RBHS wrestler Eleanor Aphay (top) battles against Ridgewood’s Desi Martinez dur ing a 17-team tournament Jan. 31 in Riverside. Aphay, a junior, is 17-4 on the season

Montini edges Bulldogs for regional title to advance as team

Rosa wins 100 breast title as Bulldogs place 3rd in league

Big crowd spurs RBHS to best performance of the season

By BILL STONE

Contributing Reporter

Junior Cooper Marrs was among the Riverside-Brookfield High School boys swimming and diving teammates who continued the tradition of bleaching their hair for the Suburban Prairie Conference Meet.

With this year’s meet at home on Feb. 4, the Bulldogs tried a new tradition --- encouraging as many people possible to attend

“I was excited that we swam in front of the most fans we’ve ever swam in front of. It was a ton of fun to swim in front of a bunch of

people I know, a bunch of peers,” Marrs said.

The Bulldogs responded with their best meet so far (238 points) to finish third behind Plainfield co-op (271) and Oswego co-op (263) and well ahead of fourth-place Joliet Township (137).

Junior Drew Rosa won the 100-yard breaststroke (59.72) and was second in the 100 butterfly (52.25). Freshman Oscar Bursua won diving (358.30 points).

“[The crowd] definitely helped a lot. It was super loud,” Rosa said. “There was a lot of people from our school here. It definitely helped with just encouraging us and helped us swim fast.”

Marrs was second in the 100 backstroke (55.72) and contributed to the second-place 200 medley relay with Alex Jacobs, Rosa and twin brother Hayden Marrs (1:40.28).

Sophomore diver Nate Kissel (312.00) and

the 200 free relay (Hayden Marrs, Lucas Hedrich, Rosa, Aiden Pankros in 1:29.53) were third. Finishing fourth were Hayden Marrs (50 free in 22.85) and the 400 free relay (Pankros, Jake Kocourek, Hedrich, Cooper Marrs in 3:22.91) with Marrs anchoring in 49.29.

“We swam really well. They had a good crowd for us, for all of the teams, and it was just a really good atmosphere for racing,” RBHS swim coach Mike Laurich said. “Any time you get a meet like this at your home pool and people show up to cheer for you, they responded well.”

With season bests in both individual races, Rosa won the 100 breast by 51 and broke 1:00 for the first time without a speed suit. He added to three individual titles over the previous two years. The 2021 SPC Meet concluded a COVID-shortened season.

“I was really close to both of the state cuts

[59.24 and 51.90] so I’m really excited for that and I’ ll be able to go even faster at sectionals when we’re tapered and suited up,” Rosa said.

Bursua, who won by 39.40 points, and Kissel both achieved season-high point totals

“We’ve been working hard on a ton of different things and today most of them went really well,” RBHS diving coach Amy Phillips said.

The Bulldogs compete at the Hinsdale Central Sectional on Feb. 18. With the Red Devils and Lyons Township among the field, the Bulldogs will need to achieve state-qualifying standards at the meet to ear n state berths

“We’re in a very, very competitive sectional,” Laurich said. “If the wind’s blowing the right way, we might be able to get a couple of people in there.”

Three RBHS gymnasts advance to sectional meet

First-timer Hertogs joins vets Christiansen and Krueger

By BILL STONE

Contributing Reporter

Riverside-Brookfield High School sophomore Tatiana Hertogs missed most of last girls gymnastics season because of illness

She’s quickly made up for lost time on balance beam.

“The whole season, ever since tryouts, my signature skill has been a back extension roll,” Hertogs said. “[Coach Karyn Domzal-

BOYS WRESTLING

from page 15

Bulldogs’ lone regional champion.

Seniors Quintavius Murrell (27-11 at 120), Devontae Givens (27-14 at 285) and Mar tin (26-13 at 170), juniors Josh Gonzale z (28-12 at 138) and Cade Tomkins (24-15 at 152) and sophomore Edg ar Mosquera (24-10 at 113) all finished second.

ski said] this is the routine to get to sectionals if I work hard enough. I wanted to prove that by working hard enough to get there.”

Hertogs scored a season-high 8.05 on beam at the IHSA Geneva Regional on Feb. 1 and ear ned an individual berth for Hinsdale South Sectional on Feb. 5, after the Landmark’s print deadline

She’ll join sophomore Lia Christiansen and junior Annabel Krueger, both individual qualifiers also in 2022.

The Bulldogs finished third (128.85 points) after a season-high 133.05 at the Upstate Eight Conference Meet on Jan. 28.

“Tatiana was a wild card [going in] because she had not been really in club gymnastics since she was a kid,” Domzalski said.

“Her coming in and going this far this year

Senior Dan Williams (7-14 at 195), junior Jacob Noe (30-13 at 152) and sophomores Ethan Rivas (13-7 at 132), Max Strong (2317 at 160) and Matt Elzy (17-9 at 182) were third.

Finishing fourth, one victory from advancing, were sophomores Chase Mur rell (24-15 at 106) and Nate Stannard (10-17 at 126).

“It helps definitely to have a lot of good people on varsity, which benefits the program, but it also gets me better because

was huge.”

Top-five regional finishers automatically advance to sectionals as well as those among the 12 highest remaining scores from the four feed-in regionals at-large

Christiansen tied for second on vault (9.05) and was fifth on floor exercise (9.1) and advanced at-large in all-around (33.45) and uneven parallel bars (8.3). Just like last season, Krueger advanced at-large on beam (8.1) and all-around (32.375).

Hertogs shared the No. 12 at-large beam score with five others after previously scoring a couple of 8.0s. She found out she advanced at large after the final regional on Feb. 2.

“I was really shocked when I heard. I think my work this season has paid off for sure,”

it forces me to wrestle way better people,” Strong said. “Let’s just say I don’t nor mally win those matches [with Martin].”

Despite continued success, the Bulldogs (214 points) won’t be able to compete for a third straight team state ber th. They finished second to Montini Catholic (236), which ear ned the sectional team ber th as re gional champion.

The Broncos have retur ned to 2A following three straight 3A state titles from 201820. They advanced 11 with eight individual

Hertogs said. “I stuck the whole beam routine.”

Christiansen added vault to the same three sectional berths as 2022. She placed on her usually two strongest events and has a chance at qualifying for state with solid sectional performances

“It was one of my best bars routines that I’ve had all season, a pretty solid vault and a pretty solid floor routine,” Christiansen said.

Krueger advanced with the No 11 at-large beam score even with a fall.

“I definitely put more pressure on me, which wasn’t the best thing to do, but I’m glad it worked out,” Krueger said.

Senior Sarah Lindenberg, junior Alexa Cavaliere and freshman Vivian Grusecki also competed

champs, three of which beat Bulldogs in the finals.

“I can never be disappointed when we have 12 wrestlers advance to the sectional,” RBHS coach Nick Curby said.

Top-four sectional finishers qualify for state Midona and Mosquera ear ned their first state ber ths in 2022 in their same weight classes The other 12 Bulldogs in that lineup also advanced to sectionals, including Quintavius Mur rell, Mar tin (then 152), Noe and Gonzale z (then 132).

Growing Community Media

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

HELP WANTED

Shipping Manager

PRACTICE RELATIONS COORDINATOR

(PRC) - Job description

ideas to market our practice to potential referral sources

* Excellent organization and time-management skills

*Must be somebody who is a genuine people person and thrives on face-toface contact and meeting new people

*Outstanding telephone and customer service skills

* Professional and poised image as you will be representing our practice

*Has a College degree

* Are technologically savvy and possess experience with Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, online marketing, and social networking

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

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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.

IT OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of IT Operations Specialist. The ideal candidate is responsible for the effective operation of information technology services and support across the organization. The IT Operations Specialist serves as a technical expert for the implementation, maintenance and support of systems and networks. The IT Operations Specialist plans and carries out various complex assignments and develops new methods and approaches in a wide variety of IT specialties. Evaluates new and enhanced approaches to deliver IT services; test and optimize the functionality of systems, networks, and data; and define technical requirements. The IT Operations Specialist is responsible for providing various forms of computer-related technical assistance and improving the efficiency of the work of the staff through the use of technology. Interested and qualified applicants can visit our website at http://www.oakpark.us/ for more details.

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.

PARALEGAL

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Paralegal. The ideal candidate will perform a variety of responsible duties in support of the Law Department, including research, document preparation, administrative support to Law Department staff and other related duties. 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.

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DAYCARE CENTER DIRECTOR QUALIFIED TEACHER

Early childhood transcripts needed Immediate opening CALL TODAY! (773) 619-5545.

Little Teeth Big Smiles - Children’s Dentistry is a well-established, state of the art pediatric dental office that loves creating positive dental experiences for the children in our community. Our entire team, including the doctors, dental assistants, and administrative team members are highly trained and passionate about what they do each and every day to provide exceptional dental care and outstanding customer service to every family that enters our office. We are proud to have over 800 5-star Google Reviews that speak to the high level of service we are passionate about providing to our patients.

We have team members who have come from varying backgrounds including: retail, hospitality, fitness, and dental! You could be a part of that team! We believe that the quality of our work is a reflection of who we are. Our team members must possess a commitment to being the best they can be in all areas of patient service. Team members will be empowered to make decisions when an understanding of our philosophy and appropriate skills are acquired. Team members will not only work toward fulfilling their own responsibilities, but will support other team members in fulfilling theirs. Looking to the future our team recognizes that our patients’ needs are ever-changing. We are committed to staying at the cutting edge of pediatric dentistry to assure our patients receive the highest quality care. We believe in providing a safe and comfortable work environment where our team members are encouraged, inspired, and supported by their fellow co-workers.

Maybe you’ve been looking for that positive change in your life and what could be better than knowing you are making a difference in the lives of our patients and their families? We are confident you would love it here and will find the career and company culture that you’ve always wanted!

The Practice Relations Coordinator (PRC) is a very flexible part-time position in a fun environment with great fellow coworkers! We are opening our brand new office space soon and need someone to help us market this to our patients, referring offices and the community!

Details of the position:

* Responsible for representing our specialty practice to our referral base (existing and potential) through the execution of various networking and relationship building activities

*Includes personal contact with referring office staff and Doctors for the purpose of delivering gifts, hosting lunches and other social activities, and organizing educational events

*Includes administrative and organizational activities such as setting up files and delivery routes, compiling monthly practice statistics and preparation of mailings

*Planning and executing internal and external events.

Who you are:

*Upbeat, positive, self-motivated go-getter, with creative & innovative

*If you are seeking a part-time desk job this is not for you. The majority of your hours will be spent out in the field building up our referral base

* Basic knowledge of pediatric dental terminology and dental office functions will be very helpful but not required

*Also helpful will be knowledge of geography and roads covering our referral base

* Must have a valid driver’s license

To apply for this position please send your resume AND a cover letter telling us why you are the right person for this position!

Education:

• Bachelor’s (Required)

Experience:

• Marketing: 1 year (Preferred)

• Dental office: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: On the road

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.

We offer benefits such as 401(k) with employer contribution, Health, Dental, Vision, Life, and Short-term 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

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF WILL )ss

Circuit Court of Will County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division.

In re the marriage of Deborah C. Amaro, Petitioner and DiRefugio Carlos Acosta, Respondent, Case No. 2022DN000698.

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Will County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending.

Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before February 24, 2023, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition.

ANDREA LYNN CHASTEEN, Clerk.

Published in Wednesday Journal January 25, February 1, 8, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for:

2023 Sewer Lining Improvements (Various Locations)

This project consists of the installation of approximately 2,181 lineal feet of Cured-in-Place Piping (CIPP) as a sewer lining as well as other miscellaneous work required to install the aforementioned CIPP, including some manhole bench repairs, and point repairs.

The bidding documents are available for download starting Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at: www.vrf.us/bids

Bids must be submitted by Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at:

Public Works Department, 2nd Floor Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305

The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability to perform the work.

No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the Proposals without the consent of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of the bid opening.

The Village of River Forest reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 8, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for:

2023 Street Patching Program

This project consists of the patching of approximately 4,000 square yards of existing, defective asphalt pavement at various locations throughout the Village, as designated by the Department of Public Works.

The bidding documents are available for download starting Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at: www.vrf.us/bids

Bids must be submitted by Friday, February 24, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at:

Public Works Department, 2nd Floor Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305

The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability to perform the work.

No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the Proposals without the consent of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of the bid opening.

Bidders shall be prequalified by IDOT for: HMA Paving

The Village of River Forest reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 8, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for:

2023 Curb and Sidewalk Replacement Program (Various Locations)

This project consists of the installation of approximately 5,000 square feet of PCC sidewalk, 125 linear feet of PCC curb/gutter, 75 square yards of driveway apron and other work incidental thereto.

The bidding documents are available for download starting Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at: www.vrf.us/bids

Bids must be submitted by Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at: Public Works Department, 2nd Floor Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305

The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability to perform the work.

No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the Proposals without the consent of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village

of River Forest for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of the bid opening.

Bidders shall be prequalified by IDOT for: Concrete Construction

The Village of River Forest reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 8, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for:

2023 Pavement Preservation Project

The Work consists of the application of High Density Mineral Bond (HA5) to approximately 9,750 square yards of public roadways within the Village of River Forest.

The bidding documents are available for download starting Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at: www.vrf.us/bids

Bids must be submitted by Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at:

Public Works Department, 2nd Floor Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305

The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability to perform the work.

No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the Proposals without the consent of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of the bid opening.

The Village of River Forest reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 8, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for:

2023 Pavement Crack Sealing Project

The Work consists of the application of approximately 32,500 pounds of Fiber-Modified Crack Sealing to various asphalt public roadways.

The bidding documents are available for download starting Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at: www.vrf.us/bids

Bids must be submitted by Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at: Public Works Department, 2nd Floor Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305

The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability to perform the work.

No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the Proposals without the consent of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of the bid opening.

The Village of River Forest reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 8, 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: Y23010134 on February 1, 2023. Under the Assumed Business Name of TRAVELS & TREASURES with the business located at: 1016 ERIE STREET, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: TANYA TAYLOR 1016 ERIE STREET, OAK PARK, IL 60302.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 8, 15, 22, 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: Y23010121 on January 31, 2023 Under the Assumed Business Name of JUST CALL JAK with the business located at: 9119 FRANKLIN COURT, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: JONATHAN MICHAEL CARSTEN 9119 FRANKLIN COURT, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 8, 15, 22, 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: Y23010112 on January 27, 2023 Under the Assumed Business Name of KC KAREN’S CREATIONS with the business located at: 622 HANNAH AVE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: KAREN CHILDS 622 HANNAH AVE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 8, 15, 22, 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: Y23010087 on January 24, 2023 Under the Assumed Business Name of DONOR 4 A CAUSE SOLUTIONS with the business located at: 930 ONTARIO ST 2D, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: SULE KIVANC-ANCIETA 930 ONTARIO ST 2D, OAK PARK, IL 60302

Published in Wednesday Journal February 8, 15, 22, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice in the Riverside Brookfield Landmark 02/08/2023

PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD

Notice of Public Hearing Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission February 23, 2023 at 7:00 PM

NOTICE is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Brookfield on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois to consider applications from Pawel Czauderna for a special use permit to operate a Day Care, a special use permit for joint parking facilities, and for variances from the Village Code Chapter 62 Zoning, Article III-Off Street Parking and Loading related to existing commercial space at 9046 31st Street.

Legal Description: Lots 25, 26 and 27 in Block 8 in Brookfield Homesites, a Resubdivision of Bartlett and Roach Addition to Grossdale, Being a Subdivision of the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 27, Township 39 North, Range 12, East of the Third Principal Meridian, (Excepting Therefrom the Following Lots Which Are Not Included and Are Not Part of the Resubdivision, Lots 25 to 37, Both Inclusive and the West Half of Lot 38 in Block 2, Lots 26 and 27 in Block 4, Lots 9, 10, 37, 38, 39, 40, 45, 46, 47 and 48 in Block 6, According to the Plat of Said Brookfield Homesites Filed in the Office of the Registrar of Titles, June 30, 1922 as Document LR157442, in Cook County, Illinois.

The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/or written comments. Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the meeting to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Kate Portillo, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513, kportillo@brookfieldil.gov, or 708-485-1445. Oral or written public testimony may be given

during the public hearing.

The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours.

Please reference PZC Case 23-04.

Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations to participate in any meeting may contact the Village of Brookfield at (708) 485-7344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front and side (south and east) entrances of Village Hall.

By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman.

Published in RB Landmark February 8, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice in the Riverside Brookfield Landmark 02/08/2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD

Notice of Public Hearing Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission February 23, 2023 at 7:00 PM

NOTICE is hereby given that the Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, February 23rd, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois for the purpose of considering a request for variations from Division 8-Station Area Districts of the Village Code including §62-216 Building Types-Building Siting, Façade & Cap Requirements and §62-217

General DesignStreetscape Requirements, Landscape Requirements and other relief as the Commission may determine for property located at 9428 Ogden Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513 (PIN 18-03-103-041-0000).

Legal Description: Lots 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 in Block 2 in West Grossdale, a Subdivision in the West Half of the West Half of Section 3, Township 38 North, Range 12 East of the Third Principal Meridian, in Cook County, Illinois.

The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/or written comments. Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the public hearing to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Kate Portillo, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513, kportillo@ brookfieldil.gov, or 708-485-1113. Oral or written testimony may be given during the public hearing.

The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours. Please reference PZC Case 23-03. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act.

Individuals with disabilities requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any meeting should contact the Village of Brookfield (708) 4857344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front (South) entrance of Village Hall.

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice in the Riverside Brookfield Landmark 02/08/2023

PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD

Notice of Public Hearing

Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission

February 23, 2023 at 7:00 PM

NOTICE is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Brookfield on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois to consider applications from Jimmy Ellis for a map amendment from B- Multiple Family Residence District zoning to I-1 General Light Industrial District zoning and a special use permit for accessory outdoor storage related to the most northern parcel associated with 8800 47th Street (PIN 1803423050).

Legal Description: Lot 7 (EXCEPT THE NORTH 60 FEET THEREOF), ALL OF LOT 8 AND THE EAST 12 FEET OF LOT 9 IN BLOCK 3 IN PINKERTS STATE ROAD ADDITION, BEING A SUBDIVISON OF THE EAST ½ OF THE SOUTHEAST ¼ OF THE SOUTHEAST ¼ OF SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/or written comments. Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the meeting to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Kate Portillo, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513, kportillo@brookfieldil.gov, or 708-485-1445. Oral or written public testimony may be given during the public hearing.

The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours.

Please reference PZC Case 23-02. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations to participate in any meeting may contact the Village of Brookfield at (708) 485-7344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front and side (south and east) entrances of Village Hall.

By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman.

Published in RB Landmark February 8, 2023

By

the

Order

of

Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman.