Landmark 021523

Power to the pod

Trustees approve rewrite of code for accessor y buildings on residential properties

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Riverside homeowners who since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic have been pining for the opportunity to build a new structure or convert an existing one on their properties for use as a home office can now do so thanks to a change in the zoning code approved unanimously by village trustees on Feb. 2. The code amendment was more than two years in the making, with the Riverside PlanSee HOME OFFICES on pa ge 11

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Riverside teen creates career path podcast for girls

Projec senior

Ever since first tary School, member of 51401 where ships and embraced zenship.

Whether through about nature

soaking in history lessons on a trip to London, Pacourek enjoying the Scouts of fer

Now in the year at Rive Pacourek is items on her adolescent bucket list, completing the Girl Scout Gold Award.

The highest Girl Scouts achievement, the Gold Award can be pursued by a high schooler who has completed her Silver Award, submitted a project proposal to her local Girl Scout council and lo gged at least 80 hours of work identifying a community need, created a project plan of action, gathered feedback from Girl Scout leadership and launched a project to inspire and educate others.

Pacourek, who previously completed her Bronze and Silver awards, said ear ning those accolades proved she had what it took to tackle the highest scouting award. Two years ago, as Pacourek brainstor med Gold Award ideas, she landed on creating a podcast for girls featuring local women from a wide range of professions, speaking about the ins and outs of their careers and the motivations behind their career decisions.

“I’d had this idea for a resource I felt like our community was lacking, especially from personally struggling with deciding what kind of job I wanted to do in the future,” she said. “I figured this would be a very beneficial project.”

Creating the podcast, Pacourek said,

JACKIE PISANO Br yce Pacourek

in her community by developing a career resource for girls and providing a place where they could lear n about and explore a variety of career paths, re gardless of gender nor ms that often accompany cer tain jobs and colle ge majors.

“I think girls may limit their career options since they may not have an understanding or awareness of various paths,” she said. “They may also be discouraged to try something due to fear of the unknown.”

“Women in the Workplace,” Pacourek’s podcast, consists of 24 e pisodes, featuring Riverside and Brookfield women who work in fields including technology, medicine, sustainability, engineering and education.

“I sat down with them and asked them a range of questions, including recommended high school courses, educational requirements, day-to-day activities and pros and cons of their careers, just to get a variety of information that would be beneficial,” Pacourek said.

With e pisodes ranging from six minutes to 28 minutes in length, Pacourek says her podcast can serve as a vital resource for girls who don’t have an adult female mentor in their field of choice

“I hope local girls can take this resource

career options are so many caw about and might be afraid to I hope womtheir comfort that may be only taught her nterviewing, but in digital rerecorded interpodcast recordproject, she had broadcasting to lear n how dif ferent editteach Pacountroduce her helped her soidify her post-high school plans.

RBHS — she ompetes in cross countr y, basketball and track — next f all Pacourek is headed to the University of St. T homas in St. Paul, Minnesota, to r un cross country and track and study exercise science.

“I interviewed a woman in our community who is a physical therapist, and it helped me realize that it’s one of my interests and that I really enjoy that aspect of medicine and helping treat people,” she said.

Having now put the final touches on her project, Pacourek will receive her Gold Award at a ceremony hosted by the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Nor thwest Indiana in June.

As she nears the end of her time in Girl Scouts, Pacourek also hopes local girls can see that the org anization is still as relevant as ever.

“I feel like Girl Scouts is a great way to meet new people and create a friend group,” she said. “There’s sor t of a stigma that Girl Scouts is all about badges and building campfires, but you lear n a lot more than that. You gain a lot of public speaking skills and g et to do cool experiences like traveling and meeting people.”

To listen to “Women in the Workplace,” visit spoti.fi/3Jy7JTu

Editor Bob Uphues

Digital Manager Stacy Coleman

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

Designer Susan McKelvey

S ales and Marketing Representatives

Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls, Kamil Brady

Business & Development Manager

Mary Ellen Nelligan

Circulation Manager Jill Wagner EMAIL jill@oakpark.com

Publisher Dan Haley

Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair Judy Gre n Treasurer Nile Wendor f Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

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BIG WEEK

Februar y 15-22

Join the 2023 Citizens Police Academy

There’s still time to register for the 2023 Brook eld Citizens Police Academy, which starts Feb. 23 and meets for 10 weeks each Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. through April 27. The academy provides an understanding and working knowledge of how law enforcement operates. Participants must be at least 18 years old and a resident of Brook eld.

Contact O cer David Kudla at pdhelp@brook eldil gov with questions. Application forms are at brook eldil.gov/ departments/police-department.

St. Mar y’s presents ‘High School Musical Jr.’

A cast of 29 fourth through eighth graders at St. Mar y School, 97 Herrick Road in Riverside, will perform “High School Musical Jr.” in the Parish Center on Feb. 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. and on Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

The fun- lled 60-minute musical, designed for middle school per formers, is based on the 2002 Disney Channel movie and subsequent theatrical tour.

Presale tickets are $9 with credit card and can be purchased online at tinyurl.com/ymd62nyy. Tickets at the door are $10 (check only). Seating is general admission.

Aging Care Connec tions Pride Café

Join Aging Care Connections on Feb. 15 from 6 to 7 p.m. either in person at 111 W. Harris Ave. in LaGrange or virtually via Zoom at their Pride Café, providing space for LGBT+ seniors who are interested in age-related or LGBT+ related topics, discussion and social opportunities. Contact Hanah Sebek at 708-603-2270 or hsebek@agingcareconnections.org to get the Zoom link or with questions or input.

And more

■ Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy 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

Colleen Moore’s Fair y Castle

Join curator Margaret Schlesigner as she takes you on a tour inside the beloved Museum of Science and Industry exhibit Colleen Moore’s Enchanted Fairy Castle on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road. Watch a livestream at the library or at home via Zoom and learn about Moore, a silent lm star and philanthropist, and roam from room to room through her famous miniature castle Register to attend or obtain a Zoom link at riversidelibrary.org/events

Movies with Mar ty screens ‘Loving’

Join lm enthusiast Marty Blank at the Linda Sokol Francis Brook eld Library, 3541 Park Ave., on Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. for a screening and discussion of “Loving,” a 2016 lm starring Ruth Negga and Joel Edgarton based on the true court case of Loving v Virginia during which an interracial couple fought for their right to marry in 1958 Virginia. Register to attend by calling 708-485-6917, ext. 130 or at brook eld.evanced.info/signup.

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 iPhone & iPad Basics on Feb. 16 at 2 p.m., After School Art Escape (child with adult) on Feb. 16 at 4 p.m., Lego Club (child with adult) on Feb. 17 at 4 p.m., Sensory Storytime (child with adult) on Feb. 18 at 10 a.m., Light Painting with a Flashlight (grades 6-12) on Feb. 18 at 1:30 p.m., Morning Munchkin Stories with Miss Karen on Feb. 20 at 10:30 a.m., Silly Science (10-under with

adult) on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m., Chair Yoga on Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m. and Story Safari (child with adult) on Feb. 22 at 10:30 a.m. Register for programs online at northriversidelibrary.org/events-new.

■ Linda Sokol Francis Brook eld Library, 3541 Park Ave., presents Fairytale Storytime on Feb. 16 at 10:30 a.m., Yoga Storytime (ages 3-5) on Feb. 17 at 1 p.m., Chair Yoga (virtual) on Feb. 20 at 11 a.m., Books & Bites Cookbook Club looking at “Sara Mouton Cooks at Home” on Feb. 21 at noon and Will You Be My STEAM Valentine on Feb. 2 at 6 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 Chess Meet Up (grades K-8) on Feb. 16 at 4 p.m., Friday Storytimes (all ages) on Feb. 17 at 9:30 and 10:15 a.m., Presidents Day Trivia and Games all day Feb. 17-20, Loving Your Inner Child with Nannies for Non-Pro ts (ages 4+) on Feb. 18 at 12:30 p.m., Mini-Movers Storytime (3-under with caregiver) on Feb. 20 at 9:30 and 10:15 a.m. and Indoor Beach Party (all ages) on Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. To register for programs, visit online at riversidelibrary.org/events

C our tesy of Museum of Science and Industr y

Ruth Negga and Joel Edgarton in “Loving”

Ogden Ave. auto repair business looks to expand footprint

Logic Automotive owner proposes increasing service bays from 2 to 5

By BOB UPHUES Editor

The owner of an automotive re pair business on Ogden Avenue in Brookfield seeks two zoning variations from the village in order to expand the existing building on the property

Andrew Dziduch purchased the property at 9428 Ogden Ave. in July 2020, moving his vehicle re pair business Lo gic Automotive to that location from the service garage at 3039 Maple Ave., where the business star ted in 2019.

His plans call for extending building, which includes an of fice two service bays, both to the east and w The additions would expand motive to five service bays

The remaining original building’ would retain its stucco finish, according to plans submitted to the village. less-steel fascia would be attached front edge of new canopies ov the front of the building.

The 22-foot-tall additions on of the existing 12-foot-tall building be faced with gray brick and slightly to the south.

The Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on the zoning variation requests at their meeting on Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. in the council chamber of the Brookfield Village Hall, 8820 Brookfield Ave.

e ow ner of the auto repair business at 9428 Ogden Ave. would like to expa nd the existing building’s footprint (above and at le ) to add three more ser vice bays. e plan also calls for new landscaping as well as fenc ing and facade improvements to make the site more visually appealing.

consider the varialy to recommend denying them at that recommendation will then llage Board, which hether or not any

Ogden Ave. sits just district, one of the districts near its asking for a reducgreenspace area landscaping plan planting bed along line with a 30-inch the long planter

Plans also indicate a landscaped island, which will also house a

monument sign, at the southeast cor ner of the property Two new trees supplied by the village are shown as planned for the grass parkway on the west side of Deyo Avenue

According to the SA-3 code, the existing building is a non-confor ming structure, since the code requires the primary façade to be set back much closer to the Ogden Avenue lot line. The existing building sits far back from the front lot line.

Vehicle repair business are permitted by right in the SA-3 zoning district, and the property in question has served that function for many years. Prior to Logic Automotive, the Galloping Ghost Garage was located there and for several years before that it was Joe’s Garage and served as a Budget rental car business.

BOB UPHUES/Editor

9428 Ogden Ave., Brook eld

R ANDALL ARCHITECTS

Second try for proposed daycare business on 31st St.

Latest planning application attempts to address parking, tra c circulation

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Four months after getting the cold shoulder from the Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission re garding his plan to bring a daycare center to the ground floor of the building at 9046 31st St., Pawel Czauder na is giving it another go

On Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. at the Brookfield Village Hall, 8820 Brookfield Ave., Czauder na’s new application for a daycare center at the 31st Street building will be the subject of a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Last October, commissioners were unimpressed with the daycare plan, unanimously recommending against it amid a hostile rece ption from neighboring property owners and those renting apar tments on the second floor of the building.

Czauder na had requested a reduction in the number of

required onsite parking spaces from 20 to 13, which commissioners rejected. They were also unimpressed by a rudimentary floor plan submitted for the daycare business and the lack of a traf fic circulation plan for child drop-off and pickup

After that rejection, Czauder na withdrew his application to refine his request and specifically solve the onsite parking and traf fic circulation issues.

The daycare center’s capacity is 40 children. To accommodate daycare center staf f and the tenants from the three residential units, the code requires a total of 19 parking

By Linda Sokol Francis. E.A.

SOME EDUCATOR EXPENSES MAY BE TAX DEDUCTIBLE

The educator expense deduction allows eligible teachers and administrators to deduct part of the cost of technology, supplies and training from their taxes. They can only claim this deduction for expenses that were not reimbursed by their employer, a grant or other source.

Who is an eligible educator?

The taxpayer must be a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal, or aide. They must also work at least 900 hours a school year in a school that provides elementary or secondary education as determined under state law.

Things to know about this deduction

Educators can deduct up to $250 of trade or business expenses that were not reimbursed. As taxpayers prepare to file, they should remember to keep receipts after making any purchase to support claiming this deduction with their tax records.

The deduction is $500 if both taxpayers are eligible educators and file their return using the

status married filing jointly. These taxpayers cannot deduct more than $250 each. Qualified expenses are the amounts the taxpayer paid with their own funds during the tax year. Deductible expenses include: professional development course fees; books; supplies; computer equipment, including related software and services; other equipment and materials used in the classroom; personal protective equipment, disinfectant, and other supplies used for the prevention of the spread of corona virus This deduction is for unreimbursed expenses paid or incurred during the 2022 tax year. Taxpayers should keep records, such as receipts and other documents that support the deduction with other tax documents. Eligible taxpayers will claim the deduction on Form 1040, Form 1040-SR or Form 1040-NR, attaching Schedule 1, Additional Income and Adjustments to Income.

spaces, according to Village Planner Kate Portillo.

Czauder na is asking for a reduction of required parking spaces from 19 to 15. Seven parking spots will be provided onsite behind 9046 31st St. The daycare business also has a deal in place to rent eight parking spaces from the Brookfield Elks Lodge, about 400 feet to the east at 9022 31st St.

In addition to a special use permit to operate a daycare at that location and a zoning variation to reduce the number of required pa rking spaces, Czauder na will need a special use per mit from the village for the shared parking ar rangement.

He says in his latest application that shared parking will allow apar tment residents access to parking at all times and allay fears of vehicles visiting the daycare taking up public parking spaces along Park Avenue next to the daycare.

Neighboring business owners had a particular fear their customers would lose access to those parking spaces. The latest plan also eliminates a 30-by-21-foot outdoor playg round area in the parking lot behind 9046 31st St., allowing vehicles dropping of f and picking up kids to enter the parking lot from Park Avenue and then exit by entering the alley and circling back to Park Avenue

With a playground in place, vehicles would have had a harder time navig ating the parking lot.

BOB UPHUES/Editor

PO LICE REPO RT S

Man blackmailed after sharing nude photos

A 64-year-old man went to Brookfield police on Feb. 7 to re port that someone he had sent nudes picture of himself via WhatsApp was blackmailing him.

The man told police that he sent the message to someone he believed to be a woman on Feb. 6 The following mor ning that party demanded money, threatened to send the nude photos to the man’s family, friends and employer if he didn’t pay.

Despite sending $150 in Visa gift cards to the other party, he told police, there were more demands for money Despite deleting the app from his phone, he said, he continued to receive messages from someone claiming to be an FBI agent with demands for money

Police infor med the man that the FBI does not solicit money via gift cards from citizens and that he should cease contact with the other party. Police tried to contact the other party multiple time, without success

Credit card fraud

A woman whose vehicle had been burglarized recently in south suburban Lansing contacted Nor th Riverside police on Feb. 6 to re port that credit cards taken in that burglary had been used to make purchases at stores in the village that mor ning just after 11 a.m.

According to police, the of fender(s) used five dif ferent credit cards to make more than $6,000 in fraudulent purchases at Faze

1, Kids Footlocker, Champs Sports, Footlocker, Jour ney Kids, Finish Line, Piercing Pagoda and Underground by Jour neys at the Nor th Riverside Park Mall as well as Best Buy and T-Mobile.

One of the cards was also used possibly to purchase fuel at the BP g as station on Madison Street in Oak Park The victim said that an employee at one of the locations where purchases were made described the of fender as a person wearing a construction vest.

The vehicle break-in in Lansing occur red at a construction job site, according to the victim.

TP bandits strike, again

Riverside’s public works director called police on Feb. 9 to report the latest in a series of thefts of toilet paper from the downtown Metra station, 90 Bloomingbank Road

According to the police re port, toilet paper “has continually been stolen” from the train station and that the latest incident occur red between 11:50 a.m. on Feb. 7 and 1 p.m. on Feb. 8.

Police examined security video from the train station and observed many people entering and exiting the restroom at the train station, but they weren’ t able to single out any suspects.

Mall kiosk burglarized

An employee of the Shoe MGK kiosk at the North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 Cermak Road, called police on the mor ning of Feb. 8 to report that about $370 in merchandise had been stolen sometime after he’d closed up the business the previous evening

According to the police report, the employee closed down the kiosk and took an inventory of the merchandise around 7:15 p.m. on Feb. 7. Security camera video reportedly showed two men tampering with the kiosk at around 11:53 p.m., removing multiple items and exiting the food court doors with items in hand

It appeared the men had left the movie theater with two women who were not involved in the theft, according to police. The offenders entered two different vehicles in the parking lot, a red sedan and a silver Jeep Cherokee, which were both last seen headed east on Cer mak Road

Criminal damage

A resident of the 4400 block of Raymond Avenue, Brookfield, called police on Feb. 8 to report that someone had thrown a rock at her living room window, shattering it, around 4:45 p.m.

The victim told police that about 10 minutes earlier someone had thrown a rock at the glass front door, but it was not damaged. About three minutes later, another rock struck the living room window, breaking it

DUI

Nor th Riverside police charged a 36-yearold Chicago man with driving under the influence of alcohol, aggravated speeding and obstructing a police of ficer after being pulled over just after 12:30 a.m. on Feb. 13 for alle gedly driving his tan Ford at 65 mph in a 35 mph zone while eastbound on Cer-

mak Road from Desplaines Avenue.

The driver re por tedly appeared intoxicated and told police he was driving home from a Super Bowl party. After failing field sobriety tests and being ar rested, the man re por tedly became combative and uncooperative He was also cited for having no proof of vehicle insurance.

These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Riverside, North Riverside and Brookfield police departments, Feb. 6-12, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these reports has only been charged with a crime. These cases have not been adjudicated.

— Compiled by Bob Uphues

New candidate for office no stranger to local politics

North Riverside trustee hopeful Nicholas Tricoci eyes economic redevelopment, community involvement

By BOB UPHUES Editor

The April 4 election for three Nor th Riverside trustee seats is Nicholas Tricoci’s first attempt at winning elective of fice, but he is not a newcomer to municipal politics.

A resident of Nor th Riverside since 2019, the 48-year-old Tricoci grew up and lived in Forest Park for most of his life, and he comes from a family very active in the gover nance of that village.

His father, John Tricoci Sr., was the longtime president of the Forest Park School District 91 Board of Education. It was during his tenure that the district established its headquarters on Desplaines Avenue and built a new middle school. John Sr also served as a police and fire commissioner in Forest Park

Tricoci’s brother, John Jr., also served on the District 91 school board, as did his uncle, Mario Tricoci, who also served as a Forest Park firefighter

In addition, Tricoci is the cousin of for mer longtime Forest Park Mayor Tony Calderone during whose tenure Tricoci was a sometimes vocal and confrontational advocate

Through Calderone, Tricoci got acquainted with for mer Nor th Riverside Mayor Huber t Her manek Jr., and Tricoci had another connection to the village’s political scene through Nor th Riverside Trustee Jason Bianco, who also grew up in Forest Park.

Tricoci is now running for trustee as part of a slate put forward by North Riverside United, the party that succeeded VIP after inter nal dissent caused that longtime establishment party to crumble.

In 2021, Nor th Riverside United swept all three trustee seats and its candidate for mayor, Jose ph Mengoni, won in a three-way race against Her manek and Trustee Marybelle Mandel, who heads up a rival trustee slate in 2023.

Tricoci was a part of the party’s 2021 campaign behind the scenes, created the Nor th Riverside Voter Insight group on Facebook and be g an video recording village board meetings and posting them there.

Following the election Mengoni named Tricoci to the Nor th Riverside Police Pension Board and the Nor th Riverside Fire Pension Board.

Tricoci is also still embroiled in a lawsuit filed by Mandel last year, accusing him and others of defamation during the 2021 campaign via statements made on social me-

dia and elsewhere. Defendants filed motions to dismiss last summer, but there has been no action since last Se ptember and the suit will cer tainly remain pending at the time of the election.

Despite a lawsuit hanging over the campaign, Tricoci was slated to run with Nor th Riverside United in 2023.

Tricoci sat down with the Landmark on Feb. 8 for a one-on-one interview at the Nor th Riverside Village Commons.

“When I first star ted to watch [village board meetings] it seemed to me that cer tain people on the board just wouldn’t give good input or good reasoning for their decisions,” said Tricoci, who was refer ring specifically to Mandel, who routinely votes against matters up before the board, including paying the village’s bills She has never voted to approve a North Riverside budget during her only ter m on the board.

He was also referring to Trustee H. Bob Demopoulos, an ally of Mandel’s who is not running for reelection, but who also has made it a practice to vote against village budg ets in the past but who also routinely votes for paying the village’s bills.

“They’re voting no to vote no,” Tricoci said. “You can’t ag ree to pay bills all year and then at the end of the time when the budg et comes up to vote no, because you approved it all year by voting yes [to paying bills].”

Economic redevelopment is perhaps Tricoci’s most pressing concer n as a candidate, speaking at length on that topic during the interview.

Tricoci said the village ought to explore creating or help create a Nor th Riverside Chamber of Commerce or even a public/ private development corporation, such as the one Berwyn has to heighten its profile beyond the village’s borders

He suggested exploring the creation of a tax increment financing (TIF) district along Cer mak Road west of First Avenue to incentivize redevelopment and also beautify existing commercial properties

“Now, obviously, not everybody is knowledgeable on a TIF, so maybe we bring in a consultant and have him go over it with the board and describe what TIFs are,” Tricoci said. “We want to moder nize Cer mak Road a little bit, help those buildings.”

Tricoci said after a TIF district is established and star ts generating revenue, that money could be put toward initiatives like a façade-improvement program, of fering 5050 grants to property owners to improve their buildings.

Running a close second on Tricoci’s interests as a trustee candidate is getting village of ficials to more directly interact with the public, business and commercial property owners and multifamily property owners to help guide their decision making

Those kinds of listening sessions could be done quarterly, Tricoci suggested

“We need more involvement, because listening to the diverse opinions will make us have better balanced decisions,” Tricoci said.

With respect to the dif ficulty the village board has faced and will continue to face in balancing its annual budg et, Tricoci said village de par tments must continue to look at ways to economize, suggesting that the village look into leasing its vehicle fleet instead of purchasing vehicles outright.

He also said village of ficials needed to review what it is paying large third-par ty vendors “to make sure we get the best value for our contracts.”

“We have to be held accountable for fiscal decisions,” Tricoci said.

In ter ms of raising revenue to assist in balancing the budg et, Tricoci said both of ficials and residents need to educate themselves on options and realize that the village collects a total of about $600,000 in property taxes each year. The village’s budg et is about $22 million, with $4 million of that being police and fire pension obligations.

With respect to the idea of pursuing home rule, Tricoci said that while many fear it increases the ability of local gover nment to raise property taxes, something he said he does not want to do, it can be used to increase things like video g ambling license fees, the places-for-eating tax and enter tainment taxes.

“No matter what I say, it’s got to be a group decision,” said Tricoci. “But I think the education is what people need to hear.”

Another potential revenue generator, which also would be subject to voter approval, is a tax levied specifically to pay pension obligations Talking about them with residents shouldn’t be avoided, Tricoci said.

“We have to look at every oppor tunity to make the bestinfor med decision for our village,” Tricoci said. “These are things we need to talk about. If people shoot it down, people shoot it down.”

Tricoci said the village needs to do a better job of promoting its Neighborhood Services Program, created in the early 1990s as both a kind of welcome wagon for new residents and as a resource for residents who may need assistance but don’t know where to tur n.

“Listening to the diverse opinions w ill make us have better balanced decisions.”

NICHOLAS TRICOCI

Nor th Riverside trustee candidate

Czajka seeks third term as North Riverside trustee

Lifelong resident says village poised to move forward

By BOB UPHUES Editor

When it comes to the fiscal health of North Riverside, trustee candidate Deborah Czajka acknowledges that it has been a challenge to balance budgets, but she says that she has confidence in the management of North Riverside under Administrator Sue Scarpiniti and Finance Director Ryan Lawler.

“Sue has been very frugal with rainy day funds and stuff like that, so I think Sue has a little bit of a game plan,” said Czajka during a one-on-one interview with the Landmark at the Village Commons on Feb. 8. “I trust her and her guidance with the board so we can make these big financial decisions.”

Scarpiniti officially was named village administrator in May 2021 after serving in an interim capacity for more than a year. She had served as the village’s finance director since 2001.

With respect to concerns about future village revenues, particularly with the impending loss of red-light cameras at Harlem Avenue and Cermak Road for an unknown period of time when reconstruction begins there sometime this year, Czajka said the village had already made some decisions to offset that loss

She pointed to a new fire department initiative to seek a greater share of Medicaid reimbursement through the state for ambulance services as a revenue generator She also said the village’s decision to bring paramedic services in-house and hire more firefighters would cut down significantly on overtime expenses.

Czajka also pointed to an economic development plan currently in development as a linchpin for future success. The management at the North Riverside Park Mall has reached out to the village in the past week or so to inform them of potential redevelopment of the for mer Carson Pirie Scott property, said Czajka.

She also, while declining to reveal any details, said plans were in the works to redevelop the for mer bank property at the corner of First Avenue and Cermak Road.

“I’m telling you, we’re going to have some irons in the fire,” Czajka said. “I have really high hopes. And I really think with a cohesive [village] board we’re going to move this village forward. We’ve heard the voices [of residents] and it’s time to act.”

Czajka said the village could perhaps exert pressure on the owners of the North Riverside Park Plaza shopping center, where Urban Air is now the anchor, and the for mer Frank’s Nursey and Crafts property across 25th Street to invest cleaning them up or in redeveloping them.

“Look at all that potential there,” Czajka said.

Optimistic that the village’s finances are not in jeopardy, Czajka said she was not in favor of exploring home rule

“I don’t see that that’s going to fly,” Czajka said. “It puts a lot of power into the gover nment, and if you don’t get the right people in there, that’s going to hurt.”

She also ruled out exploring a tax levy to fund pensions at this time, saying she would consider it only as “a last resort.”

Czajka also said she is not in favor of creating TIF districts.

“I’m not a big fan of them,” Czajka said, adding that she feared large investments by the village in a TIF district could have a negative impact if the economy turned bad and redevelopment didn’t follow.

If Czajka is elected on April 4, it will be for her third term as village trustee. She is running on the North Riverside United slate, along with Nicholas Tricoci and Tony Santucci for one of the three trustee seats up for grabs.

Czajka, 62, was first appointed to the village board in 2013, replacing her ailing husband, Randall. She was elected as part of a VIP Party ticket for her first full term in 2015

and re-elected as a VIP candidate in 2019.

Prior to serving on the village board, Czajka served on the Komarek School District 94 Board of Education for 20 years. She retired from a 21-year career as a paraeducator at Hauser Junior High School in Riverside in June 2022.

Asked why she wants a third term as trustee, Czajka said, “I saw what’s happening in the town and thought, ‘I can’t let it go.’”

“Sue is really good about projecting the future – red-light cameras and all the financial minefields and how are we going to navigate through these minefields,” Czajka added. “And I thought to myself, ‘I’m going to give it a shot and see if we can get through this.’ People paint an awful picture, but Sue and Ryan have been an amazing team, and I know we can do this.”

Raised on the west end of the village, Czajka was introduced to North Riverside politics early on. Her grandfather, Joe Broucek, unsuccessfully ran for mayor in the 1960s She and her husband, Randall, got involved in local issues on the 1980s after moving to Lathrop Avenue, across the street from the North Riverside Park Mall. They were active in what was known as the “berm committee,” pushing mall officials to build a landscaped berm along the shopping center’s west border to provide a physical and visual barrier from the neighborhood

Due to that involvement, the late Mayor Richard Scheck suggested Randall run for a seat on the North Riverside Library Board, which he won. The couple moved back to the west end of the village and Czajka successfully ran for the District 94 school board.

“I’m telling you, we’re going to have some irons in the re.”

DEBORAH CZ AJ KA

Nor th Riverside trustee candidate

Latest News

Olmsted Society

Stewards of the land and Olmsted’s Plan

Thursday, March 9, 7 PM, Riverside Library

Please join us for a presentation of RiversideThe History and the Mysteries. Riverside resident Jim Petrzilka will share engaging stories that might surprise you.

Sincere thanks to all who made our Annual Meeting a success!

from the Visit olmstedsociety.org or facebook.com/RiversideFLOS for details

ASSISTED LIVING

After student rep’s request, RBHS phone system now bilingual

Spanish-speaking mom had trouble navigating absence hotline last fall

Dave Fischer, who’s been instrumental in working with our phone company to get the new system set up,” Freytas told the Landmark.

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

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

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Freytas pointed out the school’s website features Google translate, which can translate the website from English into more than 100 other languages.

“We’ve been striving to bridge the language gap for years, even prior to me,” Freytas said.

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Last November, Riverside-Brookfield High School senior Paulina Carmona was on a colle ge visit to Smith Colle ge in Massachusetts. Her mother, an immigrant from Mexico who doesn’t speak much English, tried to call the high school to re port her daughter’s absence from RBHS but had trouble understanding and navig ating the school’s English only phone system.

That gave Carmona an idea.

“I figured it would be a good idea to add a Spanish option, considering that our district is 39 percent Hispanic,” Carmona said.

The following month Carmona met with RBHS Principal Hector Freytas and suggested that the school establish a bilingual English/Spanish telephone system. A few days later Carmona, who is one of two student re presentatives to the District 208 school board this year, mentioned her suggestion at the school board’s Dec. 13 meeting.

Carmona said she is happy that the bilingual phone system is in place and that other Spanish-speaking parents won’t have the same experience her mother did.

COURTESY OF RBTV

Riverside-Brook eld High School launched a bilingual automated phone system in January a er Paulina

Carmona (above), student rep to the District 208 school board, suggested it late last year

Freytas and the school board agreed that it was a good idea and when the second semester began on Jan. 9, RBHS had a bilingual phone system in place featuring the voice of Alberto Jaquez, one of the school’s deans, for the Spanish-language option.

Freytas, whose first language was Spanish and is bilingual himself, gave credit for the quick installation of the bilingual phone system to the school’s assistant director of technology, David Fischer, and the school’s phone company.

“I want to give a shout out to my IT team,

“It feels great because I guess I don’t want any other family to struggl e,” Carmona said. “Since our district is increasingly Hispanic, I think it will benefit a lot of people. I think it will just give students and parents more access to parts of the school that I think everyone should have access to, like attendance, and it’s great to know that Dr. Freytas and the administration actually takes into account students’ opinions.”

Also at the school board meeting last November, Carmona suggested that the school send out surveys in both English and Spanish.

• SHELTERED CARE • MEMORY CARE • SKILLED NURSING

Brook eld Zoo mourns death of orangutan

On the heels of the good news last week that it had acquired a new silverback for its western lowland gorilla group, Brookfield Zoo on Feb. 13 shared the sad news that its 44-year-old Bornean orangutan, Ben, was euthanized due to his deteriorating health characterized by “severe arthritis and spinal degeneration.”

At 44 years old, Ben was a geriatric orangutan who had experienced a series of health issues in recent years as he aged. In 2018, he underwent emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix and was diagnosed with heart disease, which had been treated for more than a decade with medication.

HOME OFFICES Adds value

from page 1

ning and Zoning Commission and its village board liaison, Trustee Doug Pollock, along with input from other elected officials, refining language over the course of at least a dozen public hearings and meetings.

“The trickiness was getting it right and not creating a lot of non-conformities,” Pollock said. “We wanted to do the minimum necessary to allow people to make use of detached accessory buildings.”

Village trustees first kicked around the idea of allowing home office uses on the second stories of garages in the midst of the pandemic back in September 2020. While officials recognized working from home likely would be a permanent reality, they were not keen on allowing people to simply increase the heights of their garages to accommodate home offices

Without a code amendment, however, detached home offices would not be allowed at all, at least legally.

“I’m very excited about this amendment, because it provides opportunities for residents to add value and utility to their properties,” Pollock said.

Assistant Village Manager Ashley Monroe, who heads up the Riverside’s Community Development Department, said that while there hasn’t been a groundswell of applications for such structures yet, the code rewrite “opens the door to more convenient use of a property.”

More convenient property use is something Pollock says he has been hearing about

Ben’s quality of life, however, increasingly suffered due to the arthritis and spinal degeneration, which required medication to treat the pain. The decision to euthanize Ben came when veterinary staff could no longer keep Ben comfortable. His condition ruled out surgery, according to a press release from the zoo. He was euthanized Feb. 12.

“Ben was such a gentle ape and an incredible father. He could often be seen interacting and playing with his offspring,” said Tim Snyder, vice president of animal care, in the press release. “Additionally, he had a very trusting relationship with his animal care specialists, and voluntarily participated in

since the start of the pandemic.

“Every time I talk to someone about this change, they were excited,” he said. “They’ll say, ‘I’ll be working from home at least part time for the rest of my career, and I don’t want to do it in the dining room.’”

While the most common detached home occupation spaces are likely to be constructed above a new garage due to lot coverage limits, the new code also allows accessory structures up to 800 square feet to be built for the sole purpose of accommodating a home occupation.

The code leaves open the possibility of converting an existing garage into one that could accommodate a second-floor home office use, but that could be more complicated than building new, since existing buildings would need to be brought up to code in all aspects

“Some garages may be more difficult to convert,” Pollock said. “The cost of converting may be too much.”

The total square footage of all accessory buildings can’t exceed 12% of the total lot area, but the buildings now may be up to 20 feet tall in all zoning districts, although any accessory building more than 18 feet tall faces additional setback requirements. Side walls can be a maximum of 12 feet tall and no accessory structure can be taller than the principal building on a lot.

The old code allowed accessory structures to be a maximum of 16 feet tall in multifamily residential districts and up to 18 feet in single-family residential districts

While new garages with home offices above might be taller than what is allowed now, Pollock said their designs are likely to be superior to ordinary garages.

“One of the things that struck me while walking around and looking at people’s garages was that the ones that have an at-

training sessions and his own health care He will be greatly missed by the staff and the millions of guests who visited him.”

According to the press release, at the time of his death Ben was the second-oldest Bornean orangutan in an accredited zoo in North America. He arrived at Brookfield Zoo in 1992 on a breeding recommendation, and that recommendation tur ned out to be fruitful.

With his mate, Sophia, Ben sired four offspring, including Kekasih and Heidi, who still live at Tropic World: Africa. Ben also has four grandchildren and one great grandchild.

— Bob Uphues

tic, with dormers, are the more attractive garages,” Pollock said. “They’re more like mini-coach houses, so as a function of urban design, when people build those garages with dormers, it just looks better.”

Accessory buildings still are not allowed in street yards, but they are permitted in side yards on corner lots as long as they are no closer to the street than the principal structure. Accessory buildings may now be fully

heated and air conditioned and may include plumbing facilities, except for showers and bathtubs, which are prohibited unless they are part of a pool house, which is now specifically defined in the code

Crucially, accessory buildings are not allowed to be used as dwellings and can’t contain cooking facilities. The only exceptions to that prohibition are existing coach houses designated as local historic landmarks.

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Ben the orangutan

LTHS school board candidate brings educator’s perspective

Tim Albores making second run to serve on D204 board

By BOB SKOLNIK

Contributing Reporter

Tim Albores wants to serve. That’s why he’s making another r un for a seat on the Lyons Township High School District 204 school board after finishing sixth in a sixperson field in 2021.

“I think LT is a good school, a very good school. I think it can be better and I think my biggest reason for why I’m doing this again is because I feel the need to give back to my community that has done so much for me and my f amily,” said Albore s in a tele phone interview with the Landmark.

Albore s, who lives in LaGrange Pa rk, is a director of student services for Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202, the fifth-largest school district in the state. A for mer social worker, Albores oversees special education at the district’s four high schools and supervises all the district’s social workers.

He believes his back ground in education would add a perspective not present on the LTHS school board.

“I feel that my experience in educatio n both as a social worker and as an administrator in a very large district lends me knowledge and expertise in how a school system functions, and the work I do in social-emotional learning can be an asset to our district,” Albores said.

Albore s, 48, is the father of three girls. His eldest daughter graduated from LTHS in 2021, his middle daughter is a senior and his youngest is a freshman.

He is an active member of the LTHS Community Advisory Council (LTCAC) and serves on the LaGrange Park Police Commission. He was active in the now inactive LaGrange School District 102 Dele gate Assembly and was the Dele gate Assembly’s vice president in during the 2016-17 school year

In 2016, Albores was the co-president of Citizens Supporting District 102, a group that for med to advocate an ultimately successful property tax increase referendum.

“My big push is service,” Albores said, noting his father was a Spanish teacher at Oak Park and River Forest High School, his mother was a social worker and that his f amily took in foster children when he was growing up

Albores said that while social-emotional learning is his passion, he thinks LTHS has work to do to improve its curriculum and better align it with the SAT exam to give students the best chance for success after high school no matter what path they take. Albores noted that SAT scores at LTHS have declined recentl y.

“I do think there should be a focus that our curriculum aligns with those highstakes tests, so that kids have the most opportunity for scholarships for colle g es or in the trades,” Albores said.

Albores takes a nuanced position on the controversial issue of whether LTHS should sell the approximately 70-acre tract of undeveloped land it owns in Willow Springs. He said that while he considers himself an environmentalist and

likes to see open land preserved, he understands the school’s desire to sell the property.

“That decision should not be made based on my wants and needs; it has to be made what’s in the best interests of the school district,” Albores said. “I think they need to proceed with consideration of selling it, but I also think there needs to more conversation on the front end involving the community and the community partners to try and find a way to c ompromise to g et the most bang for the buck for LT’s infrastructure that is greatly needed while still trying to be a good neighbor.”

Albores said it appears that the school could have done a better job of communicating with the Willow Springs community about the potential sale. He said perhaps only part of the land could be sold to create a buffer between and development and the neighborhood of single-family homes just to the west.

While he understood the motivation that led to changes in the LTHS grading system a couple years ago, Albores supports changes implemented this year to make homework count towards a student’s final grade and to somewhat limit retakes of tests

“They’ve done a much better job fixing it,” said Albore s, of the revised grading system.

Albores is a supporter of recent ef forts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion at LTHS

“I support it 100 percent,” Albores said. “The work that the board is doing, that director of equity is putting us in the right direction.”

Albores’ ancestry is third-generatio n Mexican. If elected, he would be the only Hispanic member of the school board. Does he think that is significant?

“If I would answer myself strictly for myself, I would say it doesn’t matter,” Albores said. “I would say that you need to have the best people on the board, and I think the best people on the board is a diverse back ground, with diverse skillsets, diverse careers, talents that can help lead

our district forward, but it may be impactful for other people, and I don’ t want to disqualify that.”

Albores said, based on what he knows now, he supports the decision of the school administration not to grant a student chapter of Turning Point USA official school club status, an issue that has caused some controversy at LTHS, with students affiliated with the group claiming that they have been discriminated against based on their conservative political views.

“If it is political group, which is my understanding that it was, and we don’ t allow political groups to be part of student clubs and activities on either side and tha t r ule was applied evenly, then, yes, I ag ree with the decision that was made,” Albores said.

Albore s, who said that he is a Democrat, says that it is important the school not take political sides and treats all students fairly.

“I firmly, firmly believe that schools and districts and the board and administration and teachers have got to keep politics out of our schools,” Albores said. “I think it’s the one thing that is dividing us the most and I’m saying that to both sides.

“Our teachers should not be influencing kids politically. I think there is room for discussion about what politics are and there’s always room for those kinds of discussions, but … there needs to be separation of church and state, there needs to be a separation between politics and education.”

“I think there should be a focus that our curriculum aligns with those high-stakes tests.”

TIM ALBORES

D204 school board candidate

Historic Riverside home fetches $1.38 million

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

Brookfield

ADDRESS PRICE SALE DATE SELLER BUYER

Riverside

Nor th Riverside

THE L ANDMARK VIEW

KOSEY CORNER

Monti leads RBHS chess team to another state nal Leading by example

Last summer, Brookfield trustees adopted a plan called Energize Ogden, a roadmap of sor ts for the future redevelopment of the commercial corridor that funnels thousands of vehicles through the middle of the village.

Its legacy as a haven for automobile-centric businesses –repair shops, gas stations, car dealerships and roadside motels – is still very much in evidence, although a little rough around the edges.

Energize Ogden was created to give developers an idea of what Brookfield would like to see happen along that busy throughfare, not just the preferred types of major redevelopment but how existing property owners can share in reshaping the corridor.

While a major streetscape improvement is likely still years away from happening, things are already stirring and local officials need to begin implementing Energize Ogden as soon as possible.

In just the last couple of months, two Ogden Avenue property owners have approached the village with requests for zoning relief. One of the property owners is leasing a non-descript box of a building at 8939 Ogden Ave. to a livery business that would like to warehouse its fleet in the large indoor rear space there.

More recently, the new owner of the property at 9428 Ogden Ave., long home to auto repair businesses, seeks zoning variations to expand the buildings.

Both of these are opportunities to put Energize Ogden into practice and set an example of what Brookfield expects of developers and property owners who want zoning concessions from the village

In the case of the property at 9428 Ogden Ave., it appears that staff and the owner have already had conversations along those lines. The initial cinderblock additions proposed by the owner are now brick, and there is landscaping, a decorative fence and code-conforming monument sign planned for the area along the property’s front lot line. Whether such discussions have been had with the property or business owner seeking the warehouse use at 8939 Ogden Ave. is not as clear

The village’s Planning and Zoning Commission put no conditions on their recommendation in favor of granting a special use permit for the warehouse use. It’s also a tough property to landscape, at least along Ogden Avenue, because the building is built up to the front lot line. Any landscaping would have to take place in what is now the east parking lot.

But the village does hold some cards here, and while the commission may not have imposed any conditions, trustees can certainly add some, whether they have to do with signage or other façade elements

Brookfield offers property owners in TIF districts, like the one along Ogden Avenue, grants to make façade improvements, so there’s really no excuse for allowing zoning relief without the village getting something in retur n.

Energize Ogden is beautification in addition to development. Here are two places to get that work started.

You could say Dave Monti bleeds blue and white. He did his student teaching at Riverside-Brookfield High School, and now he can boast of 32 years there, teaching chemistry, general science, physical science and biology. He created a zoology class that provided students the ability to work with the Brookfield Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, the forest preserve Monti also served for eight years as a wrestling coach, a sport he had done in high school with his father as his coach.

Now his passion is chess, and he serves as sponsor and coach of the Chess Club. In addition to wrestling, Monti’s dad taught him chess, which he has been playing since he was 4 years old

While at one time there had been a Chess Club at RBHS, it had been gone for some time when Monti reinstated it. Since then, Monti has been coach and they have qualified players for state 17 straight years. Monti says he sees parallels between wrestling and chess and brings those lessons to his chess students. The Chess Club meets weekly, with Monti setting up the competition schedule using a list of members from the Chess Club Association. This year RBHS’

OBITUARIES

Eileen P. Alioto, 74 Brook eld homemaker

Eileen P. Alioto (nee Mur rin), 74, of Brookfield, died Feb. 6, 2023 She was a homemaker.

Ms. Alioto was the wife of 53 years to Thomas E. Alioto; the mother of Christopher Alioto and Keri Alioto; the grandma of Ryan, Kaitlyn, Kyle and Sunday; the sister of William (Amy) Murrin, Timothy (Ellen) Murrin and the late Kathleen Clark, Jeanne (the late Paul) Storto and Patricia Fabiano; the aunt of many nieces

team finished 101st out of 129 teams at the IHSA Chess State Finals, which wrapped up Feb. 11. During the seven-round tournament, the Bulldogs won twice, lost four times and ear ned a draw.

RBHS players at the state tour nament included Jack Baird, David Gugliciello, Karl Demegillo, John Frieh, Quentin Rohner, Adrian Sanchez, Nathaniel Smolarek, David Vacca, Dylan Zec and Mateo Gonzalez.

Demegillo, a senior, was victorious in five of his seven matches to lead RBHS. Gugliciello, a sophomore, and Sanchez, a senior, each won four matches

This year’s team winner was Stevenson High School. One of the RBHS team highlights was winning first place for a school of their size in 2016. Monti and his team enjoyed their experience at the Civic Center in Peoria

Monti is also president of the Riverside Brookfield Education Foundation and of the school’s Alumni Achievement Award Foundation Committee. He has also worked with the Aaron Semenske Scholarship Program and has coached Little League in Brookfield. He is married to Brenda, a reading specialist, and are parents of Aaron and Alyssa.

It’s never too late to thank a teacher. Remember, they used to be a student before and know what it’s like. So, thank you, Dave Monti

and nephews; and a dear friend of Pat and Joan VanHuysse, Bill and Terri Kelly and Tommy and Ann Kelly. A funeral Mass was celebrated Feb. 11 at St. Louise de Marillac Church, LaGrange Park. Inter ment was private.

Memorials are appreciated to Mt. Mary University, 2900 Menomonee River Parkway, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53222.

Hitzeman Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements

Express condolences online at HitzemanFuneral. com. Send sympathy cards to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 31st St., Brookfield, 60513, c/o the Eileen Alioto family.

JOANNE KOSE Y

LTHS’ Garelli grapples way to state wrestling finals

160-pound junior is lone Lions quali er from ‘toughest sectional’

By BILL STONE

Contributing Reporter

Lyons Township High School junior wrestler Gunnar Garelli already made a successful transition from competing at 126 pounds to 152 pounds. After the sectional pairings were released, Garelli went up another weight, to 160.

“I nor mally weigh about 161 naturally. I’m giving up a little weight to the guys who are cutting down, but I feel good I don’t have to cut any weight,” Garelli said.

Garelli, state qualifier last year, not only qualified for state again individually at the IHSA 3A Hinsdale Central Sectional on Feb. 11 with a top-four finish. He nearly won the sectional.

Garelli (37-9) was edged 2-1 in a doubleovertime championship epic versus Downers Grove South senior Luke Swan (35-8) in their fourth meeting this season -- the third that went to overtime.

He was the Lions’ lone wrestler to advance to this weekend’s individual state finals. Senior Cooper King (36-6 at 195) and freshman Griff Powell (35-7 at 106) both came one victory from qualifying.

“By far, the toughest sectional. By far,” Garelli said.

“Today just wasn’t our day, unfortunately, but the effort, the way these kids worked, I couldn’t be more proud, just the way they competed,” LTHS coach Griff Powell said. “They consistently got a lot better and that’s really all you can ask as a coach.”

Garelli also showed his all-state potential for top-six, all-state honors with a 4-3 semifinal victory over West Aurora junior Noah Quintana (37-6), ranked No 3 at 160 throughout the season.

In 2022, Garelli was 34-12 and 1-2 at state

with a broken left thumb suffered during his third-place sectional victory.

“There’s a lot to be thankful for, being healthy, seeing what I can do,” Garelli said. “I don’t really pay a lot of attention to the rankings, but I knew [Quintana] was No 3. It means that I can beat anyone in the state.”

In their state-qualifying matches, King lost 8-4 to third-place Oswego senior Cruz Ibarra (37-6) and Powell lost 9-0 to lost to fourth-place Mt. Car mel junior Lukas Tsirtsis (22-14).

RBHS’ Midona wins sec tional title

After Riverside-Brookfield High School junior boys wrestler Josh Gonzalez lost his opening match 6-3 at 138 pounds at the IHSA Class 2A individual Deerfield Sectional on Feb. 10, he reversed another two-and-done sectional outcome like 2022.

“I just put everything I had on the mat,” Gonzalez said.

With a dramatic comeback, Gonzalez literally fought all the way back to his first individual state meet to join senior qualifiers Joe Midona and Devontae Givens with top-four finishes on Feb. 11.

Midona (31-6 at 220), also a 2022 state qualifier, won the sectional title. Givens (30-16 at 285) and Gonzalez (31-14) were fourth.

After two wrestleback victories, Gonzalez won his state-deciding match 6-5 with a twopoint takedown in the final 20 seconds.

“It’s a big accomplishment. I’ve been trying to work for this my whole high school career. It’s really nice,” Gonzalez said.

“Josh had a great run. He loses his first match and now your back’s against the wall. And he ends up having probably the most exciting 20 seconds of the tour nament with the last-second takedown,” Curby said. “I still go back and watch the film and my heart starts racing. I’m just so excited for what he was able to accomplish.”

Midona and Givens continue to impress in only their second seasons as wrestlers and hope to finish with top-six, all-state honors.

Midona has improved significantly from last year’s 20-13 record and 0-2 state performance.

“It feels like a second chance to get back and to do more than I did last year,” Midona said.

Midona’s championship was somewhat anticlimactic, winning by default over Montini Catholic junior Mick Ranquist (26-10).

“It’s kind of a bummer but at the same time you get the first place and the championship,” Midona said. “It’s kind of an iffy win-lose kind of thing.”

In their third-place matches, Gonzalez lost 8-0 to Wheeling junior Patrick Tinsley (29-11) and Givens lost to De La Salle sophomore David McCarthy (25-7) with a pin in 1:53.

Givens won’t soon forget his state-qualifying consolation match victory either. He was in charge 6-0 but then recorded a pin with two seconds left.

Senior Quintavius Murrell (30-13 at 120) and sophomore Matt Elzy (20-11 at 182) were both 3-2 and came one victory from state Murrell lost 18-9 to third-place St. Patrick junior Olin Walker (43-6). Elzy was pinned by

fourth-place Fenwick sophomore Matt Paris (18-7) in 5:42.

Undefeated Kaminsky rolls to state finals

Undefeated Nazareth Academy sophomore Gabe Kaminski of Riverside ear ned another trip to the IHSA Class 1A boys wrestling individual state tour nament by winning the Coal City Sectional on Feb. 11.

Second at state last year at 220 pounds, Kaminski is 27-0 in the same weight class after capturing the title by beating ReedCuster senior Kody Marschner (36-2) with a pin in 3:00.

Nazareth junior Andrew Fowler (26-13 at 145) and freshman Charlie Dvorak (22-12 at 106) were fourth and also advanced to state with top-four sectional finishes.

Last season, Kaminski (33-5) became Nazareth’s sixth all-stater with a top-six finish. He’s seeking to become the Roadrunners’ second state champion and first multiple all-stater

LT’s Gunnar Garelli (bottom) lost a double overtime heartbreaker in the 160-pound nals to Luke Swan of Dow ners Grove South dur ing the IHSA sectional meet on Feb. 11, but still advanced to the state meet by nishing second.

RBHS gymnast nails vault to punch state meet ticket

Christiansen the rst gymnast to reach state championships since 2009

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Riverside-Brookfield High School sophomore Lia Christiansen was literally down to her last le gitimate chance of reaching her first girls gymnastics state meet.

Christiansen’s first of pike Tsukahara vaults had height and the power. Too much power. Christiansen over-rotated and fell backwards onto landing mat.

“I was kind of like, ‘This is it, all or nothing. I’ve just got to do it and stick it,’” Christiansen said. “I thought of opening a little bit early and spotting something back towards the wall so I could stand up straight and stay on my feet.”

On her second and final try, Christiansen landed cleanly with a ste p and received a fourth-place 9.325 at the Hinsdale South Sectional Feb. 7 that automatically qualified for the IHSA state preliminaries Feb. 17 in Palatine with a top-five sectional finish.

She’s the first RBHS gymnast to qualify for state since Sam Brown and Becca O’Neal advanced on the uneven parallel

bars in 2009.

“I was pushing myself every practice, working really hard on vaults, making sure I could secure a spot at state,” Christiansen said. “I’ve been training them so much and I’m just glad I was able to do them well.”

At last year’s sectional, Christiansen’s 9.05 on floor exercise tied for sixth, .025 points from top five, and missed the 9.125 atlarge cut for the 12 highest remaining scores among the four sectionals

This time, floor was her first sectional event. She tied for 12th (8.875) yet was only 0.05 shy this year’s 8.925 at-large state cut. Christiansen also tied for 11th in all-around (34.875) and was 29th on uneven parallel bars (8.275).

“We were hoping [she’d qualify]. That was the goal,” RBHS coach Karen Domzalski said. “We’ re super excited for her and can’t wait to see her there and be the first in a long time.”

Christiansen said having her strongest events as her first two probably worked to her advantage.

“I wasn’t tired at all for floor and vault. I really got to give it my all,” Christiansen said. “Sometimes I like to see the other

competition first to see kind of what I need to do, but it was good the way it happened.”

Also making her second sectional trip, junior Annabel Krue ger was 26th on balance beam (8.1) and all-around (32.125). Sophomore Tatiana Her to gs was 35th on beam (7.45).

Behind three 8s, Krue ger improved from her 30.175 all-around score at the 2022 sectional.

“Everything was pretty smooth. Everything was solid. I had no big hiccups so overall I was pretty pleased,” Krue ger said. “I was definitely more prepared for what it was going to be like and how to do my routines the way I know how to do them, even though there was so much going on.”

Proctor advances to state on floor

Lyons Township High School freshman

Carli Proctor is headed to the IHSA state gymnastics meet in Palatine this weekend after her 11th-place 8.95 on floor exercise at the Hinsdale South Sectional on Feb. 7 beat the 8.925 at-large cut for the 12 highest scores from the four sectionals that did not ear n top-five finishes

Proctor is the Lions’ first state competitor since Olivia Kalata in 2018. The Lions (134.075 points) finished sixth in their first

sectional team trip since 2017.

“I wasn’t really thinking about it because I wasn’t really expecting to go to state this year,” Proctor said. “I’m just looking forward to doing my routine There’s nothing after it so there’s nothing to lose.”

Proctor loves her floor routine choreographed by Bojana “Bo” Vujisic from Flying High Gymnastics Club but nearly didn’t compete the routine at re gionals because of an ankle injury.

She ended up winning re gionals with a 9.35 – a season best by .15. If she hadn’t qualified for sectionals, whatever floor score she got competing for the team wouldn’t have gotten her to state individually.

“I’m just really happy that I decided to do it and just proud of myself,” Proctor said.

At her third sectional, senior Annmarie Holmes tied for 12th on balance beam (8.625), which had an 8.9 at-large state cut, and was 14th on floor (8.825).

sparks secondhalf comeback, but Bulldogs fall short

By BILL STONE

Contributing

Reporter

Riverside-Brookfield High School junior girls basketball player Emily Organ spent much of the first half of the IHSA Class 4A regional opener on Feb. 13 on the bench with three fouls

“It was a hard star t for me, but I knew I had to come out in the second half and show up for my team,” Org an said. “I’ve been playing with these seniors for a long time and I know how much it means to all

of us to keep our season going.”

After halftime, hardly anything could stop Org an or the No. 11-seeded Bulldogs.

T hey lost to No. 7 Hinsdale Central 64-57 in the RBHS Re gional semifinals, but not before Org an finished with a hard-fought 25 points and 19 of the Bulldogs’ 33 second-half points

T he Bulldogs (11-19) cut a 37-24 halftime deficit to 57-53 with 1:51 remaining.

“It Emily hadn’t gotten into foul trouble, I think the g ame would have been a little dif ferent. And that’s what she is, a g amer,” RBHS coach Jordan Mack said.

Sophomore Alyssa Mor ris (10 points with 2 threes), seniors Luna Lloyd (8 points) and Bryce Pacourek (4 points, 4 rebounds) and junior Mayan Covarr ubias (5 points, 4 rebounds) also were key con-

tributors.

Hinsdale Central knocks RBHS girls out of state tourney Organ

T he Bulldogs put aside losing their last three re gular-season g ames, finishing with a 66-49 loss to Aurora Central Catholic Feb. 7 for a 2-6 record in the Metro Suburban Conference Blue

“It’s so heartbreaking, being our last game, but I know we gave it our all, fought together,” Pacourek said. “[Organ] was very inspiring. Every loose ball, she was on the ground. She gave everything she had.”

After Org an scored the first basket of the four th quar ter to cut the gap to 46-41, the Red Devils (11-18) again pulled away 57-46 with 3:35 to go

Consecutive baskets by Org an and Luna and a Mor ris three brought the Bulldogs to within four. T he Red Devils responded with a key inside basket by sophomore

Greta Dani with 1:34 left and then scored two consecutive layups as the Bulldogs tried to pressure the ball. T he 6-foot Dani scored 10 of her 20 points in the four th quar ter and had seven rebounds.

Org an ignited the comeback with 13 of the Bulldogs’ 15 third-quar ter points, including a 3-pointer and four hard-ear ned free throws.

“I’m super proud of my team. We came into this g ame being underdo gs but we showed up We didn’t let that deter mine our mindset,” Org an said.

T he Bulldogs graduate five seniors –Luna, Pacourek, Lena Lembcke, Devon Encher and Ava Mar rello.

Juniors Niamh Larson, Amanda Buckley Julia Madera also contributed significant minutes.

LIA CHRISTIANSEN

C ARLI PROC TO R

Growing Community Media

PHONE: (708)

HELP WANTED

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Human Resources Generalist in the Human Resources Department. This position will perform a variety of professional and technical functions in support human resource management including orientation, hiring, employee testing, classification analysis, compensation analysis and benefits administration. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www. oak-park.us/jobs. Position opened until filled.

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.

BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

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.

PART-TIME ELECTRICIAN’S HELPER

Call for more info. 708-738-3848

Project Manager sought by LG Construction Group LLC (Chicago, IL) to complete subcontractor evals & comparison of bids while overseeing Asstnt PM. Apply at jobpostingtoday. com Ref# 33978.

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.

DAYCARE CENTER DIRECTOR QUALIFIED TEACHER

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

PRACTICE RELATIONS COORDINATOR

(PRC) - Job description

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 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

*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

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

• Case Manager – HCV Program

• Accounting Clerk (PT)

• Assistant Property Manager

– The Oaks and The FarrellyMuriello Apartments

• Property Assistant/Cleaner –Mills Park Tower

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

MARKETPLACE

HOME SERVICES

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: 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

BRICKWORK

RITEWAY BRICK RESTORATION

for such articles at the request of the following designated persons, unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. Our records show, your 2015, Kia, Optima with the following VIN 5XXGM4A71FG463634 was towed to our facility per police ordinance.

Our records show that the current amount due and owing is $2000.00.

If payment is not received within 30 days Nobs Towing Inc. will enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3.

Published in Forest Park Review February 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE ATTENTION STEWARD JASHAUN & EXETER FINANCE LLC.

to our facility per police ordinance. Our records show that the current amount due and owing is $2000.00. If payment is not received within 30 days Nobs Towing Inc. will enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3.

Published in Forest Park Review

February 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT OF BIDDING

Request of bids for the Park District of Oak Park Elevator Modernization, 218 Madison St., Oak Park.

Owner: Park District of Oak Park 218 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302

Tuckpointing / Masonry Work

~ Specializing in Chimneys

- Rebuild - RepairedNew Liner Installation

Lintel Repairs & Stone Veneer

Residential & Commercial 40 yrs. experience

Fully insured (including Workmans Comp)

708-354-2501

Ritewaybrickglobal.net

NOVENAS NOVENAS NOVENAS

NEVER FAIL NOVENA

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, adored and glorified throughout the world, now and for-ever. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I put my trust in you. Holy Mary Mother of Jesus, pray for me. St. Theresa child of Jesus, pray for me.

St. Jude, helper of hopeless causes, pray for me and grant this favorI ask. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days .R.B

PRAYER TO ST. JUDE

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved & preserved throughout the world now & forever.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us.

St. Jude worker of miracles, pray for

us. St. Jude helper of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days. By the 8th day your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail .Publication must be promised. Thank you Jesus. Thank You St . Jude. R.B.

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (NEVER KNOWN TO FAIL)

Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me, herein you are my mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth. I humbly beseech you

WOODWORK

On-site refinishing of wood and fiberglass since 1977. Includes doors, woodwork, windows, staircases and new woodwork etc. All work done by hand. NO sanders. Your unfinished project my specialty! References available. Contact Terry Seamans at 630-379-7148 or terryseamans@yahoo.com

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

from the bottom of my heart to suc cor in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein you are my mother. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and publish; your request will be granted. R.B.

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 ATTENTION MASON ERIEL D JANA & CARMAX BUSINESS SERVICES LLC.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on 3/27/23, a sale will be held at 1510 Hannah Ave, Forest Park, IL, 60130 to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois against such articles for labor, services, skill or material expended upon a storage furnished

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on 3/27/23, a sale will be held at 1510 Hannah Ave, Forest Park, IL, 60130 to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois against such articles for labor, services, skill or material expended upon a storage furnished for such articles at the request of the following designated persons, unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. Our records show, your 2014, Nissan, Altima with the following VIN 1N4AL3AP2EN206493 was towed to our facility per police ordinance. Our records show that the current amount due and owing is $2000.00.

If payment is not received within 30 days Nobs Towing Inc. will enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3.

Published in Forest Park Review February 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

ATTENTION LOUVENIA M WILLIAMS & SANTANDER CONSUMER USA.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on 3/27/23, a sale will be held at 1510 Hannah Ave, Forest Park, IL, 60130 to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois against such articles for labor, services, skill or material expended upon a storage furnished for such articles at the request of the following designated persons, unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. Our records show, your 2014, Chevy, Malibu with the following VIN 1G11E5SL3EF283775 was towed to our facility per police ordinance. Our records show that the current amount due and owing is $2000.00.

If payment is not received within 30 days Nobs Towing Inc. will enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3.

Published in Forest Park Review February 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

ATTENTION ANTONIO RAMIREZ III, XAVIER RAMOS, & EXETER FINANCE LLC.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on 3/27/23, a sale will be held at 1510 Hannah Ave, Forest Park, IL, 60130 to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois against such articles for labor, services, skill or material expended upon a storage furnished for such articles at the request of the following designated persons, unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. Our records show, your 2017, Nissan, Rogue with the following VIN KNMAT2MT9HP557004 was towed

The Park District of Oak Park will accept sealed bids for Elevator Modernization, 218 Madison St., Oak Park. The project consists of new modernization of the existing WheelO-Vator elevator. The Park District of Oak Park will receive individual sealed Bids until 11:00 a.m. (Central time) on Friday, March 3rd, 2023, at 218 Madison St., Oak Park, IL. The bidding documents and requirements will be available on the link below as of 5:00 pm Wednesday, February 15th , 2023. Two pre-bid meetings for contractors will be held at 9:00 am on February 23rd & 24th at 218 Madison St., Oak Park. Only one pre-bid is mandatory for those that have not seen the existing conditions. Bid bonds will be required by bidding contractors. Copies of the bidding specifications are available via this link: https://www.demandstar. com/app/buyers/bids/408723

For additional information, contact Chris Lindgren at chris.lindgren@ pdop.org or (708) 725 2050. Only the bids prepared in compliance with the bidding documents will be considered. This project must adhere to the Prevailing Wage Act of 2022. The Park District of Oak Park strongly encourages minority and women owned business firms to submit bids for this project.

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

Published in Wednesday Journal February 15, 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: Y23010173 on February 9, 2023

Under the Assumed Business Name of MARY CANTU CREATIVE with the business located at: 704 N KENILWORTH AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: MARY CANTU 704 N KENILWORTH AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 15, 22, March 1, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notification of Destruction of Records

Riverside School District 96 will properly dispose of all temporary student files from 2016-2017 on March 30, 2023. Permanent student records are retained for 60 years. A parent/ guardian has the right to copy any student record prior to destruction. To request a copy of your student re-

cord, email Nancy Schuenemann at the District 96 Administrative Offices at schuenemannn@district96.org no later than March 15, 2023. A nominal copying fee may be charged.

Published in RB Landmark

February 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield, Illinois that bid proposals will be received for the following project:

2023 STREET IMPROVEMENTS

PROJECT VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS

This project will include the replacement of concrete curb and gutter, sidewalks, driveway aprons, and drainage structures, pavement widening, replacement of certain sections of combined sewers, milling and resurfacing certain pavements, pavement reconstruction, removal and replacement of off-street parking, landscaping disturbed areas, and performing other related work.

Sealed bids will be received up to the hour of 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, the 1st day of March, 2023, in the office of the Village Manager in the Village Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois. All sealed bids received will be publicly opened and read at 11:00 A.M. on the same day, Wednesday, the 1st day of March, 2023, at the Village Hall.

Electronic copies of bidding documents, consisting of the bid proposal, project specifications, and project plans are available from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Co., 9933 Roosevelt Road, Westchester, Illinois 60154. Bidding documents can be requested by emailing info@ ehancock.com. No bidding documents will be issued after 4:30 P.M. on Wednesday, the 22nd day of February, 2023.

All bidders wishing to obtain bidding documents must be approved by the Village prior to obtaining bidding documents. All bidders must provide proof that they are prequalified with the Illinois Department of Transportation to perform at least 40% of the value of the work before being issued

bidding documents. A non-refundable fee of Thirty dollars ($30.00) will be required to obtain bidding documents. Proposals will only be accepted from bidders that have obtained bidding documents from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Company.

All bid proposals offered must be accompanied by a bid bond, cashier’s check or certified check in an amount not less than Five Percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid, as a guarantee that if the bid proposal is accepted, a contract will be entered into and the performance of the contract properly secured. Checks shall be made payable to the Order of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield. No bid proposal shall be considered unless accompanied by such bid bond or check.

Any bidder in doubt as to the true meaning of any part of the bidding documents may request an interpretation thereof from the Village. The bidder requesting the interpretation shall be responsible for its prompt delivery. At the request of the bidder, or in the event that the Village deems the interpretation to be substantive, the interpretation will be made by written addendum issued by the Village.

In the event that a written addendum is issued, either as a result of a request for interpretation or the result of a change in the bidding documents issued by the Village, a copy of such addendum will be emailed to all prospective bidders. The Village will not assume responsibility for receipt of such addendum. In all cases it will be the bidders’ responsibility to obtain all addenda issued.

The Contractor and Subcontractor shall comply with all regulations issued pursuant to Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130), and other applicable Federal Laws and regulations pertaining to labor standards. The Village of Brookfield reserves the rights to determine the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder, to waive irregularities, and to reject any or all bid proposals.

BY ORDER

Published in RB Landmark February 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

22-11749a WASHINGTON COM-

MONS PARK PLAY AREA DEVELOPMENT

Notice is hereby given to potential Bidders that the River Forest Park District will be receiving sealed bids for the Play Area Improvements at Washington Commons Park located on 7970 Washington Blvd., River Forest, IL 60305.

The scope of this project is as follows and identified in the document.

1. Demolition/Removal

2. Grading/Drainage

3. Play Area Development

4. Concrete Work

5. Precast Concrete Pavers

6. Site Furnishings

7.Landscape Plantings & Restoration

Specifications may be obtained beginning at 10:00 AM on February 14, 2023 through the BHFX planroom, https://www.bhfxplanroom.com between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. A non-refundable fee will be charged for each requested bid package. See BHFX’s planroom for the cost of both a printed copy and PDF download, or $65.00 for only a PDF download.

Each bid must be placed in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Sealed Bid: ‘Washington Commons Park Play Area Development” and addressed to the River Forest Park District, 401 Thatcher Avenue, River Forest, IL, 60305, Attention: Mike Sletten, Executive Director Bids will be received until 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at which time the bid proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud at 401 Thatcher Avenue, River Forest, Illinois, 60305.

The River Forest Park District Board of Park Commissioners reserves the right to waive all technicalities, to accept or reject any or all bids, to accept only portions of a proposal and reject the remainder. Failure to make such a disclosure will not result in accrual of any right, claim or cause of action by any Bidder against the River Forest Park District. Bids shall not include federal excise tax or state sales tax for materials and equipment to be incorporated in, or fully consumed in the performance

of, the Work. An Exemption Certificate will be furnished by the River Forest Park District on request of the Bidder, for use in connection with this Project only.

The Work of this Project is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq. A prevailing wage determination has been made by the Park District, which is the same as that determined by the Illinois Department of Labor for public works projects in Cook County. The Contract entered for the Work will be drawn in compliance with said law and proposals should be prepared accordingly and provide for payment of all laborers, workers, and mechanics needed to perform the Work at no less than the prevailing rate of wages (or the prevailing rate for legal holiday and overtime work) for each craft, type of worker, or mechanic.

The Contractor selected will also be required to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations and executive orders including but not limited to those pertaining to equal employment opportunity. A Certified or Cashier’s check payable to the Owner, or a Bid Bond in an amount equal to Ten Percent (10%) of the total bid amount must accompany each bid. In addition, each Bidder shall submit a proof of insurance demonstrating the Bidders insurability. Failure to provide a Bid Bond or proof of insurance shall render the bid incomplete and rejected. The Owner will require the successful bidder to furnish a satisfactory Performance and Materials Bond for the total contract amount. Once submitted, no bids will be withdrawn without written consent from the Owners Attorney.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE/PUBLIC NOTICE

UCP Seguin is soliciting bids for a GENERAL CONTRACTOR to renovate a kitchen and an ADA bathroom at one of our residential homes located in the Village of Oak Park, Illinois. Complete Bid Packet can be obtained by contacting Inga Sandoval at: Isandoval@ucpseguin.org.

Pre-bid site inspection is mandatory, and is scheduled to occur by appoint-

ment only. Please contact Inga Sandoval at (708) 222-5641 to schedule an appointment.

Bid Deadline is 10 am on 3/17/23

This is a Federally-Funded (Community Development Block Grant) Project and is subject to all applicable Federal rules, regulations and guidelines, including but not limited to payment of Prevailing Wage.

MBE and WBE contractors are encouraged to bid on this project

Published in Wednesday Journal February 15, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The Northern Illinois Independent Purchasing Cooperative will be receiving Offers on its Request For Proposals for the following:

Primary Distribution of Food Products and Miscellaneous Non-Food Supplies

Primary Distribution of Bread Products

Primary Distribution of Fresh Produce Products

RFP’s must be received by Thursday March 16, 2023 at 9:00 AM, in the Business Office, Room 270A, of The Oak Park and River Forest High School, 201 North Scoville Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois.

RFP documents may be obtained by contacting Micheline Piekarski at niipcinfo@gmail.com or (708) 4343142. RFP’s should be placed in a sealed envelope marked according to the response: Primary Distribution of Food Products and Miscellaneous Non-Food Supplies OR Primary Distribution of Bread Products OR Primary Distribution of Fresh Produce Products. ATTENTION: Micheline Piekarski, Food Service Director.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 15, 2023

VILLAGE OF OAK PARK, ILLINOIS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that a public hearing will be held by the Village of Oak Park

Historic Preservation Commission on March 15, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois on the Historic Landmark nomination for 1201 Fair Oaks Ave, Oak Park, Illinois (P.I.N.: 16-06-204-031-0000).

The public hearing is being held in accordance with the requirements of the Oak Park Historic Preservation Ordinance. The Historic Preservation Commission will take public testimony during the hearing and make and forward their recommendations to the Village Board of Trustees following the conclusion of the public hearing.

For further information on this matter contact the Department of Development Customer Services, Planning Division, Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois Monday-Friday 8:30AM-5:00PM in person, by telephone at (708) 358-5413, or by email at historicpreservation@ oak-park.us

Published in Wednesday Journal February 15, 2023

DOCKET NUMBER: PC 23-01

(Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment-Adaptive Reuse Permit)

HEARING DATE: March 2, 2023

TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the agenda permits.

LOCATION OF HEARING: Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street (Room 201 - Council Chambers) Oak Park, IL 60302

PETITIONER: Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302

REQUEST: The Petitioner seeks text amendments to the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance as follows: (1) an amendment to Article 2 (“Definitions & Rules of Measurement”) by adding a definition of a “Teaching and Learning Center”; (2) an amendment to Article 8 (“Uses”) by adding Teaching and Learning Center to the list of uses; and (3) an amendment to Article 14 (“Zoning Approvals”) by adding a new Section 14.10 (“Adaptive Reuse Permit”).

A copy of the proposed text amendment is on file and available for inspection at the Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The Plan Commission may continue the hearing to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO BE HEARD OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION Oak Park, Illinois 60302

Published in Wednesday Journal February 15, 2023

THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS