Landmark 030624

VILLAGE HALL

Past prime

from page 1

hall generator. The generator was first installed in 1972, making it more than 50 years old. According to a village memo, the average generator is only useful for 1520 years, meaning the current generator is more than 30 years past its prime.

According to the memo, the generator failed during a recent power outage, requiring village staff to acquire a temporary backup. While the generator is still operational due to a new starter that village staff installed after it had failed, staf f have called it “unreliable” and recommended waiving the regular competitive bidding process for the replacement project so it can proceed as quickly as possible.

“We need to take emergency action to re place it at this point in time,” Village President Michael Garvey said at the meeting. “It’s beyond a state of re pair.”

The work will include replacing the generator with a new one as well as moving circuitry to power additional rooms in the police and fire wing of the village hall in the event of a power outage. The re place-

ment itself will cost about $39,200 while the additional circuitry work will cost $41,500, leaving Brookfield with a total bill of about $80,700.

“We knew ahead of time that this was going to happen. At some point, we were going to have to re place the generator,” said village trustee Edward Côté at the meeting. “We did budget $100,000 to re place this generator, and it just so happened that the generator did fail. But we did budget $100,000, and the financial impact for this generator is $80,000, so it’s actually $20,000 under budget.”

Out of service

Suburban Elevator Company, an elevator service and re pair business based in East Dundee, won the contract for work on Brookfield Village Hall’s broken elevator, which has been out of service since it overheated in early December. According to a village memo, Brookfield’s re gular elevator maintenance provider, Otis Worldwide — which was founded in 1853 by the inventor of the safety elevator — sent a crew to service the elevator after it first broke. The crew found the elevator’s hydraulic system had lost a “significant” amount of oil and, after running tests, determined parts of the hydraulic system

would need to be re placed. At the village board meeting, Garvey noted temporary re pairs had been made to the elevator at one point, but it ultimately failed again.

Brookfield received proposals to replace the hydraulic parts from both Otis and Suburban Elevator. Both proposals included the cost to replace the hydraulic parts as well as the cost for additional work that could be necessary if there are complications during the replacement process. Otis’ proposal would have cost the village about $81,000 to replace the parts and another $90,000 should complications arise, totaling about $171,000. Suburban Elevator’s proposal came in at about half that price.

In the end, the re placement work will cost Brookfield about $37,000, while the extra work, if needed, will cost $50,000 for a total of about $87,000. After receiving both proposals, village staf f recommended awarding the contract to Suburban Elevator and waiving the rest of the competitive bidding process so the elevator can get up and running ag ain as soon as possible.

“We’ve had to cancel several events downstairs due to the inability to be able to get [there],” Garvey said at the meeting. “Again, we talked about it during the budget. We knew that there were going to be problems, and sure enough [the elevator] failed, and the repairs failed, so we need to do this.”

BOARD OF DIREC TORS

Chair Judy Gre n Treasurer Nile Wendor f Deb

Gary Collins,

Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

HOW TO REACH US

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Brook eld Village Hall

BIG WEEK

March 6-13

Penguin Feeding Adventure

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10:15 a.m., 3:15 p.m., Brook

eld Zoo, The Living Coast

The Penguin Feeding Adventure returns this month at the Rocky Shores habitat in The Living Coast. When you sign up, you can help the animal care sta feed Humboldt penguins while you learn about their behavior and the details of the zoo’s conservation work in Punta San Juan, Peru. Each feeding lasts about 30 minutes. Cost is $150 and does not include Zoo admission or parking. Learn more and sign up here: https://www.brook eldzoo.org/ penguinfeedingadventure. 8400 31st St.

FlexSpace Ar tist in Residence,Vida Sačić

Wednesdays, 1 to 5 p.m. through March 30, Riverside Arts Center

The Riverside Arts Center welcomes Vida Sačić, a Croation-American, Chicago-based artist who works with moveable type to create editioned prints that explore labor and identity in the contex t of immigration. She plans to develop a new project inspired by correspondence within immigrant families, working primarily with print media. She will be

assisted by young artists from immigrant backgrounds whose families are multi-lingual. The works will feature hand-written and printed notes, drawings, images, and stories gathered during the residence. The RAC community is invited to take part in the construction. For more information, visit the center’s website or https:// www.riversideartscenter.com/ exspace/2024/2/23/ exspace-artist-in-residence-vida-sai-artist-february25-march-30-2024. 32 E Quinc y St

C ALENDAR EVENTS

■ If you would like your event to be featured here, please send a photo and details by noon of the Wednesday before it needs to be published. We can’t publish everything, but we’ll do our best to feature the week’s highlights. Email calendar@wjinc.com.

Check out events this week at Linda Sokol Francis Brook eld Librar y:

Spring Bling Pendant Necklace

Saturday, March 9, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Spring is right around the corner and who wouldn’t want to stand out a bit? Well, you’re in luck. You can make pendant necklaces with various colorful beads and charms. This arts and crafts class will have you decked out in bling for spring.

Encr yptHer – Taught by RBHS Robotics Club Team Member

Saturday, March 9, 1 p.m.

Girls ages 9 to 12 can learn about cybersecurity, computer science, and how to be safe online in this fun and informative class. Learn coding skills and develop problem solving abilities with hands-on activities. This program meets once a month is available in English and Spanish. Laptops provided.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton Portrayal

Monday, March 11, 7 p.m.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton fought for equal rights for women in the 19th centur y. Ac tor and historian Laura Keyes will bring this inspirational leader and the political turmoil of the Civil War to life in an informative and entertaining historical impersonation. Stream from your computer at home or watch on the big screen at the librar y.

Pi Day Ar t

Tuesday, March 12, 7 – 8 p.m.

What do you get when you combine skyline art with Pi Day? That’s right - you get to create your own Pi-line art! Get it? “Skyline” and “Pi-line” for Pi Day, aka 3.1415926 and on and on? Celebrate a slice of your Pi Day at the librar y by making your own Pi skyline art using the mathematical constant. After creating your ar t, why not celebrate Pi Day to the best of your ability and buy yourself a slice of warm apple pie!

Teen Knitting for Beginners

Wednesday, March 13, 4 p.m.

Learn the basics of knitting in this beginner-friendly class for teens on how to knit a headband. Bring your friends and creativity. All supplies provided by the Librar y. You know the drill: sign up for all these events at www.lsfbrook eldlibrar y.org, by phone at 708-4856917, or in person at the library. 3541 Park Ave.

erside Public Librar y: Yoga

Monday, March 11, 6 - 7:00 p.m.

Do you know downward dog?

It’s March and it is nally starting to feel like we are all moving away from the bitter cold months. The temps are rising. The sun is peeking through the clouds. Things can only go up from here! That is why the library is hosting an event in which children grades 6-12 can make their own cloud lights. This event is free and you can RSVP by visiting nrpl.info/event/diy-cloud-lights/.

How about child’s pose? No, I am not talking about your dog named Buddy or your child named Danny — I am talking about yoga poses The library will be hosting an hourlong yoga session for members of the community to blow o some steam and relax the body. Yoga is known to enhance sleep and strength while reducing stress and pain. Sign up before the class lls up. 2400 S. Desplaines Ave.

Compiled by Grace Har ty

Brook eld Zoo gets new name, announces expansions as it turns 90

Brook eld village president Michael Garvey said the village embraces the changes

By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter

Big changes are coming to the Brookfield Zoo, including fully updated branding and a new name.

The park announced in a statement Friday that its name had changed to Brookfield Zoo Chicago, a “unified identity” shared between the zoo and its parent nonprofit, the Chicago Zoological Society, that includes a new motto and logo.

The park also announced its Next Century Plan, a set of commitments and goals that the zoo will unveil in full this summer, and a new $66 million habitat for gorillas opening next year.

While the zoo’s new name emphasizes its proximity to Chicago rather than its location in the suburbs, Brookfield President Michael Garvey said that he and the village will continue to support the zoo moving forward, including having a re presentative from the zoo present plans publicly at a village board meeting later this year.

“We knew they were going kind of through a master planning process, which included some rebranding, and I support whatever is best for them,” Garvey said in an interview Friday. “Brookfield’s the best zoo around, and we want it to keep going, so we’ll be happy to support them in any way we can.”

The changes come in the zoo’s 90th anniversary year, re presenting the “first significant transformation of its visual identity” since it opened in 1934 as a way to merge its “profound conservation science and education initiatives” with its “unparalleled” experience for zoo guests, officials said in the statement. The park’s new motto, “Connect. Care. Conserve,” aims to “ignite [guests’] emotional connections with wildlife” and encourage zoo visitors to act as “stewards of the environment,” furthering the park’s goals of protecting wildlife.

Workers

In place of the Brookfield Zoo’s old bison logo, Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s new logo features two lion emblems in the O’s of the word “zoo” as part of the park’s name. According to the zoo’s website, the lions were chosen as an homage to the stone statues of the big cats that can be found near entrances and throughout the park. T he two emblems are mirror images that face each other, with one lion peering back at the zoo’s history while the other looks to its future.

In addition to the lion emblems in the logo, Brookfield Zoo Chicago also unveiled nine emblems of other animals at the zoo in the same art style. The animals — an addax, a giraffe, a bison, a dolphin, a penguin, a zebra, a bald eagle, a black rhinoceros and a gorilla — reflect the many kinds of creatures that call the zoo home. Each of the emblems re presents a specific aspect of the park’s conservation ef forts. A full explanation of each emblem is available on the zoo’s website.

While the zoo will not fully reveal the details of its Next Century Plan until the summer, it did say the “ambitious” and “groundbreaking” plan will include new

animal habitats and facilities that emphasize both the educational and recreational sides of the park. The first expansion for the zoo under the new plan will be the opening of its Tropical Forests habitat, a $66 million, three-acre “dynamic” outdoor space that will include a conservation center for gorillas. According to the news release, the plan is “anchored” by a list of seven commitments from the zoo, which promises to:

■ “Champion excellence and leadership in animal care and wellness

■ Revolutionize and expand animal habitats and spaces

■ Transform the guest experience and elevate a zoo for all

■ Extend community and environmental education impact

■ Expand contributions in conservation science and research

■ Reinvigorate existing zoo facilities and assets

■ Harness collective power of staf f supporters”

Detailed explanations of each commitment can be found on the zoo’s website.

COURTESY OF BROOKFIELD ZOO CHICAGO

replaced the Brook eld Zoo’s old sign at 31st Street and South First Avenue with an updated sign to re ect the park’s new branding.

Riverside vehicle stickers cost more then nearby villages

Village Manager Jessica Frances said the funds cover maintenance work and other village costs

By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter

How much did you pay for your last vehicle sticker? If you live in Riverside, the answer is likely close to $100. But if you live in Brookfield, it may be only half that.

While each village in suburban Cook County is responsible for managing its own fees, Riverside sticks out among its neighbors when it comes to the cost of a vehicle sticker, which residents must buy every year for each car re gistered to their Riverside address. In Riverside, the annual price for a vehicle sticker is $90, but in nearby villages, that number ranges from up to $50 in Brookfield, Berwyn and Wester n Springs to as low as $30 in La Grange. In addition to deciding the prices of vehicle stickers, villages are also responsible for determining their own fees for when residents are late. In some villages,

such as Berwyn and Western Springs, the late fee is the same price as the vehicle sticker itself, meaning residents who miss the deadline have to pay twice as much.

In Brookfield and Hinsdale, there is a one-time late fee that costs less than the vehicle sticker, around half as much. In River Forest and La Grange Park, the late fee goes up over time the longer a resident delays buying their vehicle sticker, capping out around $20.

In Riverside, residents who are late to buy a new vehicle sticker by Sept. 30 each year are hit with a $10 late fee for each month they waited. If you buy the sticker on Oct. 1, you have to pay $100; if you buy it Feb. 1, you owe a total of $140. On top of this growing late fee, Riverside also mails a one-time $50 citation each year to any resident who still has not renewed their car’s vehicle sticker by the spring. This year, that citation went out Friday, March

1, meaning that anyone who had not yet bought a vehicle sticker saw their outstanding balance jump to $200.

There are some exceptions to the rule — there are no fees for trailers, fees are fully waived for disabled veterans and for mer prisoners of war, and qualifying seniors can get 50% of f by enrolling in a state program — but most Riversiders who own cars are required to pay the full vehicle sticker price each year.

Village Manager Jessica Frances said these numbers haven’t changed in more than a decade; in a phone call Tuesday, she said the vehicle sticker fee was increased to $90 before she started working for the village in January 2012. The same goes for the $50 citation for outstanding late fees.

While these numbers may seem stee p, Frances said that the income generated from vehicle sticker sales — at least $500,000 each year, she said — benefits the

village directly.

“Those funds do go directly into the general fund to pay for general fund-related expenses,” which include street maintenance, snow removal and other services, she said. “If there’s safety enhancements, if they’re for traf fic safety — it’s just general operations within the general fund, which includes police, fire, public works [and] administration.”

Frances clarified that the village’s income from vehicle sticker sales is not “earmarked” for any specific costs; the money goes into the general fund, and funding for some of Riverside’s operations comes out of the fund.

“Riverside is very similar to our surrounding communities that do use the vehicle stickers,” she said. “These fees that are being derived are helping to pay for those different operations and maintenance of the village.”

Music parents want 3 full-time music teachers at RBHS

e administration recommends fewer

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Parents of Riverside Brookfield High School music students made their pitch to District 208 school board last week in an attempt to sway the school board to reject the school administration’s recommendation to maintain music teacher staffing at 2.6 fulltime equivalent teachers next year. Instead, music parents want three full time music teachers at RBHS

The administration will present its detailed staffing recommendation at the March 12 school board meeting, but has already made clear what their music staffing recommendation will be

“The staffing for music is 2.6 and there are no reductions planned for next school year,” District 208 Superintendent Kevin Skinkis told the Landmark in an interview. “We committed to 2.6 last year and I’m committed to 2.6 this year to continue to give them a second year to rebound from Covid.”

RBHS has not had three full time music teachers since for mer band director Kevin McOlgan retired in 2012. But music parents and supporters say three full time teachers are what is needed. This year the two full time music teachers are James Baum and Matthew Loeb. Choir teacher Kayley Smetana is a .6 FTE, teaching three choir classes. Seven music parents spoke during the public comment portion of the school board meeting making the case for three full time music teachers. A few expressed concer n that Smetana, who was hired in 2021, will

leave if she is not made a full time teacher.

“If our choir teacher is not offered a fulltime position she will probably leave,” said Liz Buoscio, who along with Maggie White presented a 12-slide Power Point presentation to the school board.

Smetana was originally hired in 2021 as a .9 FTE for a year in which Loeb had a joint position with Riverside Elementary School District 96. But when District 96 ended that arrangement after one year, Loeb’s seniority pushed him ahead of Smetana, who has held a .6 FTE position the last two years. Last year, Smetana was originally cut to a one class, a .2 FTE position, but was bumped up to a .6 over the summer after an outcry from music supporters and after final enrollment numbers came in

In addition to teaching three choir classes, Smetana supervises study halls at RBHS for two periods a day and has three stipend positions. She is being paid a total of $65,052 this year: $39,334.46 for teaching three classes, $10,698.40 for supervising two study halls plus a $500 bonus for being a certified teacher doing some non-certified work. She also earns $8,378 for being the vocal music director at the school, $5,212 for being the vocal director of the spring musical, and $930 for being the head sponsor of the new Acapella Club.

Music parent Patrick Williams, a professional musician himself, told the school board that having music teacher supervise a study hall is not the best use of a music teacher’s talent.

“We should be utilizing them for their talents, not having them supervising study halls,” Williams said during his public comment.

T he music supporters gathered 1,763 signatures, at least 770 from District 208

residents, in about three weeks on an online petition.

“We have overwhelming support from the community,” White told the school board. “We aren’t just a handful of parents asking for handouts for our kids. We have taken this issue to the community and they have spoken loud and clear.”

Buoscio and White also presented a slide showing that some schools similar in size to RBHS have more music teachers compared to music students. Oak Lawn Community High School, with fewer music students than RBHS, has four full-time music teachers. Plainfield North, a larger school than RBHS, but one with fewer students enrolled in music classes, also has the equivalent of four full-time music teachers.

RBHS administrators said that staffing decisions are based on student interest and enrollment. In the current school year, 352 RBHS students, or about 22 percent of all RBHS students, are taking at least one musi c class. Next year, that number will increase by 10 as 362 students have signed up to take at least one music class. But as recently as the 2020-21 school year, 501 students took a music class at RBHS and in the 2019-20 term, 500 students did. Administrators have been working with the music and theater sponsors group to try to help them boost music enrollment. For next year, supporters got the school to offer a Buddies choir class, a class designed for special education students and general education students, but only six students re por tedly signed up for the class so it will not be offered.

Buoscio and White’s PowerPoint also presented a staffing scenario using three fulltime teachers for the classes that are being offered next year. The scenario relies on the concert and symphonic band classes being

co-taught. This year, symphonic marching band is being co-taught by Baum and Loeb. This year symphonic marching band is being co-taught by Baum and Loeb. For next year, 45 students have signed up for the symphonic marching band class and 36 students have signed up for the concert marching band class, compared to 44 and 27 this year

To create another teaching slot this year, administrators split up the jazz band and the honors jazz ensemble classes, which had been typically taught together by one teacher This year they had separate teachers despite meeting during the same class period. Music supporters would like that to continue, but it could end next year as one additional music class will be offered this year, AP Music Theory, which is offered every other year

Parents speaking at the school board meeting emphasized the value in splitting up and jazz ensemble students saying that model gives teachers more time to work with individual students

“The jazz band and jazz ensemble being split this year has truly benefited students giving all of them opportunities to grow and learn,” Williams said.

Next year, RBHS will offer 12 music classes, two of which are only one semester long, compared to 11 classes, two just one semester long which are being offered in the current school year

School boards seldom reject the recommendations of administrators. School board president Deanna Zalas gave a general comment when asked her position on the issue over the weekend but perhaps indicated what way she was leaning.

“I respect their passion,” Zalas said of the music parents and supporters. “They’re very passionate, very organized, but we have to think about what’s best for 1,600 students.”

PROPER TY TR ANSFERS

Brook eld home on Forest Ave sells for $77,000

The following property transfers were re ported by the Cook County Clerk from October and November 2023. Where addresses appear incomplete, for instance where a unit number appears missing, that info rmation was not provided by the clerk’s office.

Sobczak Anthony Requena Luis 9105 Sahler

$520,000

Jasien Michael J Tr Gragnani Matthew R

3607 Madison Ave $465,000 10/30/2023 Maxwell Katherine Ruth Lopez Veronica

Mcguire Amanda Clark Nicole M

Corona Roberto Lekkas Anthony M 4523 Arthur

Smith Anita M Viggiano Stephanie M

4401 Vernon Ave $355,000 10/13/2023 Woronowicz Donald Extr Alamilla Louis

4431 Sunnyside Ave $330,000 10/24/2023 Seem Grp Llc Stefanelli Stefanelli

4246 Park Ave $320,000 10/12/2023 Izaguirre Jessica Vosicky Francis L Iii

3942 Raymond Ave $310,000 10/19/2023 Bernson Peter L Vila Gloria

9036 30th St $306,000 10/11/2023 Cherry Pamela L Tr Buffo Maxwell R

4123 Maple Ave $305,000 10/11/2023 Dobes Patricia K Estrada Jorge Garcia

9509 Henrietta Ave $285,000 10/04/2023 Grzybowski Helen Tr Rivera Nicolas Jr

3812 Morton Ave $265,000 10/30/2023 Ih3 Prop Illinois Lp Mitacek Eric

4226 Blanchan Ave $260,000 10/03/2023 Tram Kevin A Rodriguez Baxtie

4031 Park Ave $260,000 10/19/2023 Roeder Joseph G Tr Marys Ln Plum Llc

9511 Lincoln Ave $256,000 10/04/2023 Silski Helga F Tr Palijas Steven

3411 Madison Ave $245,000 10/05/2023 Axiom Co Groups Llc Lenkart Robert

4532 Raymond Ave $207,000 10/11/2023 Fifth Third Bk Na Marys Ln Espresso Llc

9311 Ogden Ave $185,000 10/03/2023 Kats Htg & Cooling Inc Delrey Grp Inc

3721 Prairie Ave $159,000 10/24/2023 Kowal Kristopher H Tr Kneebone Sarah

4441 Fisherman Ter $150,000 10/10/2023 Kupres David C Camilas Prop Llc

3838 Woodside Ave $90,000 10/05/2023 Kras Pamela S Ciraulo Peter

3620 Harrison Ave $625,000 11/02/2023 Jmg Real Estate Grp Inc Ahmad Shahzad Ali

9101 Sahler Ave $450,000 11/30/2023 Jasien Joshua M Tr Awenlimobor Arinola

3318 Vernon Ave $390,000 11/16/2023 Lopez Tobias Curcio Nicholas P

4429 Deyo Ave $380,000 11/24/2023 Roman Jorge W Iii Herrera Fabian

3341 Grand Blvd $350,000 11/09/2023 Catan Assets Inv Llc Price Jacob Robert

3445 Sunnyside Ave $350,000 11/28/2023 Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr 8002355473 Rosario Reynaldo

3208 Vernon Ave $315,000 11/03/2023 Huttner Kathleen M Arredondo Bianca E

3525 Arden Ave $309,000 11/27/2023 Jglg Prop Llc Wehner Nicole

3413 Mccormick Ave $300,000 11/02/2023 Collina Elaine Mary Tr Polacek Rebecca

3825 Cleveland Ave $290,000 11/01/2023 Kudla David Oberhauser Jennifer

3139 Maple Ave $272,000 11/08/2023 Metheny Elanor Rowe Dominick

3412 Sunnyside Ave $185,000 11/02/2023 Skala Francine I Tr Sabeckis Steve

4140 Custer Ave $180,000 11/20/2023 Bredifield Arlene S Dennis Aaron

8808 W 45th Pl $169,000 11/09/2023 Medina Monica M Polis Debra

8924 W 31st St $165,000 11/17/2023 Baker Jennifer Yristegui Arleni

3716 Cleveland Ave $110,000 11/17/2023 Tiffin Joseph E August W Investments Limited

Nor th Riverside

8113 W 30th St $384,000 10/25/2023 Warren Tiffany S Tr Nino Gloria A

2252 S 5th Ave $375,000 10/19/2023 Murphy Helen M Ruiz Jose

8500 W 26th St $330,000 10/23/2023 Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr 6663 Giampietro Pasquale

2312 S 12th Ave $329,000 10/30/2023 Rivera Ruben Bilo Michelle

2236 S 5th Ave $325,000 10/16/2023 Stamenkovic Alex Chicago Title Land Trust Co

2300 Burr Oak Ave $285,000 10/11/2023 Panzani Dino A Jr Galindo Carlos

2238 Keystone Ave $272,000 10/13/2023 Fahy Barbara J Garcia Alexis Tlatoani

2317 S 2nd Ave $255,000 10/04/2023 Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr 96333 Vega Ana Elizabeth

2317 S 5th Ave $250,000 10/23/2023 Meier Judith G Tr Mendez Carlos A

2961 Lincoln Ave $243,000 10/02/2023 Kosik Janet Gonzalez Artemio R

2256 S 18th Ave $370,000 11/14/2023 Hepburn Grp Llc Monroy Lupita

2230 Keystone Ave $330,000 11/29/2023 Castaldo Dev Llc Pfeiffer Laura

4607 Forest Ave., Brook eld

Riverside commission rejects Star Buds dispensary’s bid to open earlier

e cannabis retailer told the village it loses thousands of dollars per day because of zoning rules

By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter

Riverside has rejected an infor mal request from the village’s only dispensary that would have allowed it to open one hour earlier each day.

As part of its Feb. 28 meeting, the Riverside planning and zoning commission discussed a petition to change the village’s zoning code to allow adult-use cannabis businesses to open at 8 a.m. rather than 9 a.m. The petition was filed by the village of Riverside on behalf of Star Buds, the only cannabis dispensary in town, which infor mally contacted the village about the change in January.

At the meeting, which also served as a public hearing, commissioners said they initially supported the move; however, after nearly half an hour of discussion, they rejected the bid and only changed some ambiguous wording within the zoning code.

The Riverside village board will make a final decision on the request at an upcoming meeting.

The zoning code change was first mentioned by village president Douglas Pollock at the Jan. 18 village board meeting, during which he said village staf f had “received an inquiry” from the dispensary about opening earlier. At that meeting, the village board approved having the planning and zoning commission consider amending the code.

Lost income

According to the memo, the owners of Star Buds estimated that the store loses “approximately $2,000 to $3,000 in potential sales” from staying closed for the extra hour. The figures come from a comparison to its Star Buds location in Burbank, which is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cyran clarified at the meeting that Star Buds’ estimate was for daily losses and said that the village could not confirm the estimate’s accuracy.

“We cannot verify their sales information. That’s privileged information that we cannot be provided and that we can’t share with the public,” Cyran said. “[The estimate] was provided to us by Star Buds. We’re assuming that that’s accurate information.”

Commissioner John Mathews said at the meeting that he had initially planned to support amending the zoning code, but that he changed his mind after hearing Star Buds had not provided its financial information to the village to prove its losses.

“Okay, they told us they’re missing out on sales at two to three grand in that hour. Mm, you know, yeah, maybe,” he said. “If we can’t see figures, they can’t prove that.”

Commissioner Jacqueline Miller expressed similar sentiments.

Riverside has added No Le Turns and Right Turns

Only signs around the Berkeley Road exit of St ar Buds’ parking lot. e Do Not Enter signs that the village added rst can be seen to the le .

available on Riverside’s website.

Commissioners also cited increased traffic as a reason to reject the proposed amendment at the meeting. Star Buds is located next to the intersection of South Harlem Avenue and Berkeley Road, which connects to Longcommon Road via Byrd Road. According to the village memo, Riverside has been working since 2018 — five years before Star Buds opened — with Berkeley Road and Byrd Road residents to reduce the amount of traffic on those streets. In the past, drivers had taken them to get to Longcommon Road, which intersects with South Harlem Avenue immediately south of its intersection with Berkeley Road

Since then, according to the memo, the village has put up Do Not Enter signs at Berkeley Road’s intersection with South Harlem Avenue. Earlier this year, it also added a No Left Turns sign to the Star Buds parking lot exit on Berkeley Road, meaning drivers leaving that way must turn onto South Harlem Avenue if they wish to reach Longcommon Road. It had previously added a Right Turn Only sign there as well.

At the meeting, Mathews said that South Harlem Avenue gets the most traffic from 7:30-9 a.m. already and that allowing Star Buds to open at 8 a.m. could compound the issue

Under the Riverside zoning code, dispensaries are permitted to operate from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., but at the meeting, village planner Anne Cyran said Illinois law allows dispensaries to open as early as 6 a.m. According to a village memo, Star Buds had asked the village to allow it to open earlier so that any customers, “particularly those who purchase medical cannabis” and senior citizens, could take advantage of the extra hour and visit the business in the mor ning

“I agree with the lack of any evidence as to whether they would make any more money or not. We have nothing in front of us. There’s no evidence. There’s no statement. There’s no affidavit. There’s nothing,” she said. “I don’t see, under our standards for text amendments, based on what we have in front of us, a reason to be in favor of this change.”

Riverside’s standards for zoning code text amendments are included in its village code. For an amendment to satisfy the village’s standards, the planning and zoning commissioners must be able to identify ways in which the change would promote “public health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare” within Riverside. The standards also include checking for consistency with village plans and the zoning code’s overall intent, among other items. The full list of standards is

Igniting code changes

While the commission did not amend the zoning code to permit dispensaries to open at 8 a.m., it did approve another change. At the meeting, commissioner Melinda Brom said she took issue with language in the zoning code, which states that dispensaries “shall operate only between” specific hours. Instead, she suggested the code state that “it is unlawful” for dispensaries to operate outside of those hours, so that any future dispensaries in Riverside would not be bound to open and close at those exact times. The commission approved that change at the meeting

The approved zoning code text amendment will pass through Riverside’s preservation committee at an upcoming special meeting before village trustees vote on it at a board meeting next month.

COURTESY OF THE VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE

COURTESY OF THE VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE is bird’s-eye view map of the area surrounding Star Buds in Riverside points out where the village has added signage to reduce tra c on Berkeley Road and Byrd Road.

RBHS wins School Spirit award

e IHSA a d based on video c at d by student

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Riverside Brookfield High School won the 10th annual Illinois High School Association Student Section and Spirit Showdown competition.

RBHS finished first among the 12 schools in Class 3A and 4A that submitted video entries in the competition. The win was announced during halftime of Saturday’s Class 2A girls state championship basketball game at CEFCU Arena in Nor mal.

The RBTV students who created the winning video were on hand to receive their championship banner, along with RBTV teacher Matt Holdren and Principal Hector Freytas.

“Even just finding out that we were chosen as a finalist was a huge accomplishment to me and then winning the whole thing was, like, the most amazing thing I’ve probably ever experienced,” said senior Jenny Thomas, who was the creative force behind the video. “Just because it was such a big accomplishment and all the hard work just paid of f and it was just so wor th it.”

The award was based on a three-minute video submission that students from RBTV created. Thomas conceived of and created a narrative structure that featured senior Makayla Angshed sitting at desk in front of a computer looking for school spirit. Then the video, called Search for Spirit, moves to quick cuts from footage from the RBHS football and basketball games, as well as footage from the Homecoming Pe p Assembly, a girls gymnastics meet, the Veterans Day event at RBHS and a brief clip of RBHS students doing some forest clean up, all interspersed with a couple of staged scenes of students suggesting to Angshed where she might look to find that elusive school spirit. Thomas shot the video over just a couple of days in January.

“I really took a big role on this because we were kind of r unning short on time and we were really busy with a lot of things and I knew I wanted to do something different from all the past entries I’ve seen, so I went to my teacher and I was like ‘oh let’s do like a narrative to it instead of just throwing a bunch of videos to g ether.’” T homas said. “I was to try

RBHS being awarded the Student Section and Spirit Showdow n banner for winning the Class 3A/4A championship at the CEFCU Arena in Normal on Saturday. (From le to right) Matthew Holdren, Hector Freytas, John Isaacson, Mason Myslinski, Madison Lannon, Jenny omas, Makayla Angshed, Grace Stanley, Kayla Tulian.

to kind of have a scene to stand out more.”

Freytas had suggested back in Se ptember that RBTV put to g ether an entry in the contest.

“Freytas was really pushing us to do it,” T homas said.

RBHS was declared the winner by the IHSA Student Advisory Committee, which is made up of 21 Illinois high school students from across the state

“They judged on each school on their student section’s demonstration of sportsmanship, creativity, organization and pa rticipation at various events,” sai d IHSA Assistant Executive Director Dan Le in an email. “Schools were also judged on school spirit and examples of community service and contributions.”

T homas, who ser ve d as video manage r for the boys b asketball team this year, took the lead pa rt i ally because she had shot a lot of sports footage featured in the vide o.

“I gave everyone a role and then I recorded everyone doing it and within, like, I’d say, two days, I complied all the videos that I wanted to be in it because I shot a lot of the sports stuf f,” T homas said.

Other students helped with editing and other things. Other RBTV students who helped create the video included, in addition to T homas and Angshed, are senior Matthew Morgan, sophomore Mason Myslinski, and freshmen John Issacson, Madison Lannon, and Kayla Tulian.

Morgan and Myslinski act in the video

along with Angshed and Thomas

“I’m just super proud of everyone that had a part in the video and I’m so glad that I got to experience this, especially in my last year of high school,” Thomas said.

T homas said that Holdren, new to RBHS this year after taking over from longtime RBTV head Gary Prokes over the summer, has been very helpful all year

“He helped us g et to our full potential,” T homas said.

T he RBHS contingent that went to Normal knew that they were among four finalists in their class but didn’t know they won until they were standing on the basketball court during halftime of the g ame when the other finalists and the winner was announced.

COURTESY OF DAN LE/ ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

Riverside Arts Center exhibits RBHS students’ art

e gallery will show the Advanced Placement art classes’ work

By LANDMARK STAFF

The Riverside Arts Center’s Freeark Gallery and Riverside Brookfield High School are coproducing an exhibit of the works from the school’s Advanced Placement art class.

It marks the 14th year of the event.

This exhibition includes painting, sculpture, drawing, photography and

digital art by students in their sophomore through senior years.

The artwork is on view for three weeks, from March 8 to 30.

A reception for the teens will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, March 8.

Pizza from Paisans Pizzeria and light refreshments will be served.

The gallery hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. ENDORSED

COURTESY OF RAC

“Violin Lady,” by Makayla Angshed, 2024, Oil stick paint and pen, 12 x 18 inches

COURTESY OF RAC

“Dusk,” by Emilia Toro, Junior 2024, Digital Art, 16 x 12 inches

COURTESY OF RAC

“Di erent Waveleng ths,” by Michal Plummer, Junior, 2024, Wire, 6 x 8 x 1 inches

COURTESY OF RAC

“To

by Sophia Alexander, 2024, Acrylic Paint, 11x14 inches

PO LICE REPO RT S

Man arrested for driving with a revoked license

A man was arrested Feb. 29 in Lyons after a Riverside officer on patrol pulled the man over.

Around 4 a.m., the officer was driving west on Ogden Avenue in Lyons and saw the man heading the same direction in the inside lane, police said. As the two approached Lawndale Avenue, the man’s vehicle began to “straddle” the dotted white lines between lanes before moving back toward the inside lane, so the officer pulled the man over near Ogden Avenue and South First Avenue.

When the officer asked the man for his driver’s license and proof of insurance, he provided an Illinois state ID that was not a license and expired proof of insurance. When the officer initially ran the man’s information through the police database, it came back clear with a valid photo ID, police said; however, when the officer ran the car’s registration through the system, it revealed another alias for the man using a different last name. The officer then ran that name with the date of birth provided on the man’s state ID, which together revealed the man had a revoked driver’s license. According to police, the officer confirmed it was the same man using a matching photo

The officer arrested the man and brought him back to the station for finger printing, which revealed the man’s license had been suspended after a prior DUI. The man had also previously been convicted of driving on a suspended license. The man’s car was towed and the man was processed on aggravated and misdemeanor charges for driving with a revoked license. The man was later released on pre-trial conditions and a March 7 cour t date was set.

Ticketed for driving without insurance after fender bender

A woman was cited Feb. 25 in Riverside for driving without valid insurance after her car rear-ended another car.

Riverside officers were dispatched to the scene of the car accident south of the intersection of 31st Street and South First Avenue around 5:15 p.m. Police first spoke with

the man whose car was rear-ended, who had been driving south on South First Street in the inner lane. The man said he had been stopped for traffic in the inner lane waiting to turn left into the Zoo Woods parking lot when the woman’s car rear-ended his. The man provided officers with his license and proof of insurance when they spoke.

Next, the officers spoke with the woman. According to police, the woman said she had been driving south when the man’s vehicle in front of her stopped suddenly to wait for the turn. The woman said she tried to stop her car before it rear-ended the man’s but that she did not have enough time. Police did not say if the woman provided a valid driver’s license, but she was ticketed at that time for not having insurance.

Both cars were visibly damaged and had to be towed from the scene. Both drivers refused medical treatment and declined to be taken to the hospital. Police drove the man home and took the woman to the police department lobby so her family could pick her up. A court date was set for April 5.

Ticketed for driving with suspended registration

A Chicago man was ticketed Feb. 26 in Brookfield for driving a car with a suspended re gistration.

An officer driving south on Prairie Avenue was on patrol around 4:15 p.m. when license plate reco gnition picked up a near by vehicle that had a suspended re gistration, police said. The officer stopped the car at the intersection of Prairie Avenue and Windemere Avenue and the man provided a license and proof of insurance. The officer then issued the man’s citation and gave a March 12 court date before advising the man not to drive.

Proper ty damage at Ehler t Park

Just after midnight March 2, an officer was dispatched to Ehlert Park in Brookfield for a delayed report of proprety damage

According to police, upon arriving, the officer talked to the groundskeeper for the Ehlert Park baseball fields. The ground-

point since Feb. 28, when he had observed them fully intact, and that park cameras had not been facing the fence. The officer saw that parts of the fence and gate had been ripped away from the posts. The ground near the fence was checked for tire trails, but none were found.

T he officer submitted a SeeClickFix re port to request that the Brookfield Public Works Department fix the fence and post. A special watch was also assigned to Ehler t Pa rk

25-29 and the Brookfield Police Department reports dated Feb. 26 to March 4; they represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest

Compiled by Trent Brown

New app comes to Brook eld’s library

Searching for your beach read is as easy as pulling out your phone

By LANDMARK STAFF

The Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library has debuted its new app. It’s available for both Apple and Android devices.

Users can now log in with a library card number and PIN to reserve rooms or Maker Studio equipment. They can also register for classes or events, manage holds and checkouts, and access Digital Library materials

Of course, all of this can still be done on the library’s website. From the library’s home page, click “events” to re gister for classes and events, or click the “reserve” button to book study rooms, meeting rooms, and Maker Studio equipment.

But for those who prefer the convenience at their fingertips, download the app at www.lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org/lsf-brookfield-library-app or search “LSF Brookfield Library” on the Apple or Google Play stores. For more information, visit www.lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org or contact the library at 708-485-6917.

COURTESY OF LSF BROOKFIELD LIBRARY

THE L ANDMARK VIEW

Investing in village hall

It seems that, when Brookfield’s village gover nment budgets to make an overdue infrastructure re pair at village hall, the system is guaranteed to break.

It has happened twice in recent months

First the back-up generator went kaput. That the generator was at least 30 years past its predicted useful life should have been a clue that a problem was looming. Interim fixes were, not surprisingly, deemed “unreliable.” So the village waived its usual bidding process to expedite installation. It also, wisely, added more wiring to loop in additional portions of public-safety sections of village hall that will now be supported by the new generator.

Meanwhile the elevator, which makes the lower level of village hall accessible, has been steadily deteriorating. It overheated in December and has been on the fritz ever since.

A repair crew found issues with a key system that required replacement parts. Temporary repairs had failed and the village went out for a foreshortened bidding process and chose a vendor who came in at half the cost.

Michael Garvey, village president, pointed out that both upgrades were budgeted. And it turns out that both fixes will come in under those budgets Brookfield continues to slowly grow into a better-managed village gover nment. Years of neglect in infrastructure, at village hall for sure, are being overcome by prudent investments. We’ll know they have accomplished the goal when key systems don’t break down in the months between passing a budget and making the fixes.

More pot, earlier in the day

We understand the concerns of the Rive rside Planning and Zoning Commission that its members we re asked for a recommendation without being given enough hard info rm ation on which to b ase that decision.

The issue at play is an infor mal inquiry from the owner of the Star Buds cannabis dispensary, asking to open an hour earlier each day. Currently the dispensary is allowed under existing zoning to open at 9 a.m. The owner says he estimates the Harlem Avenue shop leaves $2,000 to $3,000 on the table every day if it cannot open at 8 a.m.

Members of the commission and some staf f said they had no way to verify if those estimates were accurate. Commissioners said the estimate was not precise enough to extend the hours.

With the large pot of sales taxes the village’s single pot shop is generating, we assume members of the village board will do the math before it ultimately makes the decision on extending the hours.

So far, this long-hoped-for new business has been a boon to Riverside. Perfectly placed along Harlem Avenue, and so largely removed from residences, it is a money machine for Riverside.

And we’d ask the zoning commission to allow Star Buds to widen its driveway of f Harlem. That would be a practical upgrade.

OLETTERS

cer Edward Hoes, public ser vant

It is with great heartbreak and sadness that I write this tribute to my friend, for mer co-worker, and passionate police professional, Edward Hoes. Officer Hoes passed away on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024. His death was unexpected. Ed was 76 years old.

He was a police officer with the Riverside Police Department until he retired after 30 years of distinguished service to the community. Additionally, Ed rose through the ranks of the Illinois Police Association (IPA) as the Tri-County Division Chairperson. He was then elevated to positions on the executive board and elected as president of the organization in 1999. He served as executive director for more than two decades until his death.

I am sure Riverside residents and those in the greater Riverside area may have met Ed at some time in his 30-year career. He was enthusiastic about law enforcement, protecting, and supporting officers through his work with the Illinois Police Association. In his years of serving the Riverside community, I knew Ed to be a “community officer” long before that term became popular. He began and ended his career as a patrol officer and that is exactly what he wanted. He wanted to collaborate with the residents in the community to help shape

Thomas Digan, 90

Butcher, Irish émigré

public safety for the village of Riverside.

Ed’s wife, Kathy, also worked for the Riverside Police Department. Many of you may have known her when you called on the phone or walked into the police lobby because she was one of our dispatchers when Riverside still had its own 911 center. She is one of the friendliest individuals we ever had working at the desk. When I was chief, I would constantly get compliments about her professionalism and courtesy from residents who had contact with her. Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss.

EDWARD HOES

I worked with Ed during some of his years in Riverside when he was working on numerous pieces of legislation in Springfield while I served on the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police Legislative Committee, and he was working on behalf of the Illinois Police Association as its executive director. He was directly involved in getting legislation passed in Springfield that was pro-law enforcement and pro-public safety.

Ed never forgot where he came from. He invested his soul into making Riverside a safer and better community, and believe me, he did.

Chief Thomas Weitzel (Ret.) Ri verside Police Department

OBITUARIES

Thomas Vincent Digan Sr., 90, left this world on Monday, March 4. Born in Aughamore, County Offaly, Ireland, he immigrated to the United States in 1957 and settled in Cicero. He married Casymera (Hausknecht) in 1961. Tom was a butcher for many years, working for local grocery chains in the suburbs, and did not retire his apron until 2010. He loved to tell stories of his youth, watching soccer on TV, making us laugh with old Irish sayings, and walking the treads off his shoes.

He is survived by his sons, Thomas V. Jr., Edward (Leanne) Digan, Joseph (Sandra) Digan, and

daughter Ann (Brian) Obradovic; his grandchildren, Sean Digan, Megan Digan, Nicholas Hall and Danielle Obradovic; his brother, William (Annette) Digan; his sister, Kitty Delaney; and many nieces and nephews in Ireland.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Cassie; his sons, Daniel and Kevin; his parents, George and Annie; his brothers, Ned and George; and his sisters, Bridie Saunders and Annie Scott (of Ireland).

Tom will be dearly missed and remembered for his beautiful, smiling Irish eyes and his kind words to all who met him.

Interment will be private

See

Donald Dragisic, 81

Appraiser

Donald J. Dragisic, 81, a resident of Plainfield, and former longtime resident of Riverside, died peacefully on March 4, 2024 at Lakewood Living Center in Plainfield Bor n on Sept. 7, 1942 in Chicago, he was raised in Lyons, graduated from Morton High School, and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northern Illinois University. He spent over 40 years in the real estate appraisal industry and owned and operated Appraisal Associates in Riverside.

Though he could appear intimidatingly serious, striking fear into the heart of more than one of his daughters’ friends, he loved nothing more than sharing stories over a cocktail or a game of cards, reminiscing about his not-so-innocent youth, his days spent fostering the early rock scene in Chicago, or college social life with Pat.

He was a devoted father and a registered Girl Scout, did school drop-off every morning, attended every gymnastics meet, and even pitched in with a ponytail in a pinch. His love expanded to his grandkids, whose exploits on the field, the stage, or the coloring page were celebrated with pride

He loved Bohemian food, a dry martini, rock and roll, a good detective novel, and an adventure. He enjoyed traveling to new places, and exploring vicariously through others. His lifelong friends tell stories of a life well lived, and many a toast shared. He will be missed

Don is survived by Patricia, his wife of 50 years; his daughters, Chris (Peter Graham) Dragisic and Cindy (Shawn) Cole; his grandchildren, Jake, Mason and Brady Cole, and Sana Graham; his sisters, Trudee (Gerry) Haruch and Margaret (Roy) Collum; as well as his special cousin, Jean Kasper. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Gertrude Dragisic and his brother, William “Bill” (Lillian) Dragisic.

Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Plainfield, handled arrangements.

OBITUARIES

continued from page 15

Richard Koprowski, 79

Dog lover, gardener, computer tech

Richard A. Ko prowski, 79, of Brookfield, die d on March 1, 2024. A Navy veteran, he wo rked as a c omputer parts tech. He was an avid love r of dogs, ga rdening, cars and walks in nature.

Richard was the husband of Bernadine Ko prowski (nee Unewitz); the father of Corinne (F r ank) Ostrowski, Jeanette (Josh) King, and L auren (Brad ) Cory; the gr andfather of Tavin and Grantley Ostrowski, Dylan, B rianna and Benji King, and Lila and Lu cy Cory; the brother of Ju dy (Dick) Kesli k and the late C lement Ko prowski; and the uncle of many nieces and ne phew s.

A memorial visitation will be held on F riday, March 8 from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass 11 a.m. at St. L ouise de Marillac C hurch, corner of 30th and Ray mond

I nter ment is private

In lieu of fl ower s, memorials are appreciated to Hinsdale Humane Society, 21 S alt Creek L ane, Hinsdale, IL 60521.

Ar r angements we re handled by Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 9445 31st St., Brookfield, IL 60513.

Michael Spielman, 75 Mail carrier

Michael A. Spielman Sr., 75, of Brookfield, died on Fe b. 22, 2024. He live d almost all of his l ife in Brookfield, gr aduating from Ri High School in 1966. He wo rked Service for over 20 year s, starting as a letter ca rier in Brookfield and finishing as a supervisor in Oakbrook. After taking early r on to manage an auto parts store and then as as-

sistant produce manager at Tischler Finer Food s in Brookfield. He ser ve d in the Navy from 1968 to 1972 as a c ommunications technician and became a proud member of Amvets and the A merican Legion, serving twice as c ommander of the Ed Feely Post in Brookfield

He was p assionate about his White Sox, Bears and Bulls, c oached k ids b aseball from T- b all through the Babe Ruth level and also served several years as president of Brookfield National Little League. He loved to crack a few Old Styles, slice a few golf balls, knock down a few bowling pins, and crafted some amazing friendships along the way. He was a man of faith, and if you had the pleasure of knowing him, you know how impor tant his family and friends were to him and he probably made you laugh because his jokes were always timed perfectly. He would tell you today to hug your loved ones and keep them close because it’s a short time to be here and a long time to be gone. Cheers to a life well lived and rest easy, Mike. You were greatly loved and life won’t be the same without you, but we know we’ll see you again on the other side.

Mike Spielman was the husband of Barbara Spielman (nee Kramer); the father of Michael A. (Carla) Spielman Jr., Daniel W. (Jennifer) Spielman and Mary L. (Jeremie) Kennedy; the grandfather of Natalie, Ava, Claire, Cameron and John; the son of the late Lowell and the late Ann Spielman (nee Balich); the brother of Carol Karel, Susan Thomas, the late Nancy Merkle, Lowell Spielman, Don Spielman and Judy Linden; and the uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, March 9 from 10:30 a.m. to the time of servic e, 11:30 Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Se r-

ppreciated to on, 2361 Hylan Boule-

Sports

Nazareth’s state success continues with second in Class 4A

Roadrunners earn third straight state trophy in jump from 3A

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

When senior guard Mary Bridget Wilson selected matching game shoes for the entire Nazareth Academy girls basketball team this season, pink Nike G.T. Cuts were an easy and popular choice.

“We love them. They untie a bit but it’s OK,” Wilson said during sectionals. “They look good with our uniforms, blend very well. I’m glad we all agreed on them.”

Led by a strong and experienced senior group, the Roadrunners remained unified in several other ways as well. Their greatest motivation was becoming the first Illinois girls basketball team to win Class 3A and 4A state titles in consecutive seasons.

The Roadrunners earned that opportunity Saturday but a rough second half resulted in a 44-40 loss to undefeated Loyola Academy for the 4A championship in Normal after leading 25-17 at halftime.

Nazareth (32-4) captured the program’s first state championship last season in 3A and was second in 2022 after the 2021 postseason was canceled by COVID-19 restrictions.

These Roadrunners had won 22 straight since losing 65-63 in overtime Dec. 29 to nationally-ranked IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) at the Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational in Florida.

“This being a really historic group was the main goal. Even though we didn’t win, it wasn’t our night, I’d still consider us an extremely historic group,” said senior Amalia Dray, named first team on the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association and Associated Press all-state teams.

“For the seniors especially, we all just wanted to get the point across [together after the loss] that it was not our best game, but life goes on. Loyola played great. Even though we didn’t win, we had an incredible season. No other team in Illinois played the schedule we’ve played. We played powerhouses ranked nationally. We’ve been downstate the last three years. It just shows we’re a great team no matter what the outcome was.”

It was an emotional end for four-year var-

sity seniors and multi-year starters Dray, Olivia Austin, Danni Scully and Wilson, joined in the star ting lineup this season by sophomore Stella Sakalas.

Austin was IBCA second team, Scully was third team and Sakalas was honorable mention. Austin also received AP honorable mention.

Austin (Dartmouth) and Scully (Ohio University) will play colle ge basketball. Dray will play soccer at Boston Colle ge Austin also went downstate twice in volleyball, helping Nazareth win its first state title in 2021 and finish second in 2022, both in 3A “Being able to play one game [at state] that can be another person’s dream; I don’t take that for granted,” Austin said.

“I feel very lucky to be part of this team.

I wouldn’ t have it any other way. T he most important part for me was being able to be at Redbird [Arena] to play with my favorite people.”

In the championship, Austin and Sakalas each had 16 points. Austin had five rebounds and Wilson and Sakalas each had

three steals.

The game’s complexion changed drastically in the third quarter. Loyola (38-0) scored the first 11 points to pull ahead 28-25 and outscored Nazareth 15-2 in the period for a 32-27 advantage

Nazareth tied the game 32-32 on Wilson’s three with 5:39 remaining and closed to within one point twice on back-to-back Austin baskets. Her second cut the deficit to 37-36 with 3:33 left.

But the Roadrunners didn’t score on their next four possessions, missing a driving shot and a three and committing two of their 18 turnovers.

Loyola made 3 of 4 free throws to lead 42-36 with 24.9 seconds. Sakalas added two late uncontested layups.

“We had a chance. [At halftime] I told the girls let’s extend [the lead] and it went the other way,” Nazareth coach Ed Stritzel said. “We didn’t execute the second half and credit to Loyola, but we didn’t do what we were supposed to do and it cost us

“All in all, a really successful three-year

run with these seniors. They’re hurting but I told them their futures are all ahead of them. Going downstate three years in a row was amazing.”

In Friday’s semifinals, Nazareth made 28 of 44 shots, including 10 of 21 threes, in beating Waubonsie Valley 69-44 behind Dray (22 points with 6 threes), Austin (16 points, 8 rebounds), Sakalas (15 points with 3 threes) and Scully (9 points, 8 rebounds).

On Saturday, Nazareth was 16 for 31 shooting but 2 for 14 on threes, missing 11 straight before Wilson’s game-tying trey. They also were outrebounded 12-5 in the second half with no offensive rebounds after an 11-6 first-half advantage.

“We definitely wanted that [title] for ourselves but also [Stritzel] is one of the best coaches, probably the best coach I’ve ever had,” Dray said.

“I love playing basketball, but the people I was playing with made it more enjoyable It’s definitely something I’ll miss but I’ll always know the Nazareth basketball family will always be there for me.”

BILL STONE

Nazareth Academy girls basketball team

LTHS cheerleaders win WSC, take 16th at state

Lions’ rst conference title sets stage for highest state nish

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Frannie Chevalier was among the numerous Lyons Township High School competitive cheerleading seniors sitting as a team in a circle awaiting results from the West Suburban Conference Meet.

Hoping for the best, this time the Lions were the best. They had just won conference for the first time, Jan. 15, at Hinsdale South.

“That was one of the best moments I’ve ever experienced in my life, and I think the rest of the team can say the same,” Chevalier said. “We all stood up and hugged each other, crying, laughing. It was an awesome experience knowing all of the things the seniors went through this year. All of that work and effort made us conference champions.”

The greatest postseason ever had just begun. The Lions earned their third straight trip to the state meet in the Co-ed Division and finished a program-best 16th (88.86 points) in the preliminaries, Feb. 2, in Bloomington.

Team members are seniors Samantha Borkowski, Chevalier, Tommy Chyna, Ally Colantuono, Charlotte Judy, Val Kleier, Grace Maciag, Jillyan Martinez, Ashley Mills, Molly Peake, Sadie Rintz, Emily Roberts, Mia Schlichter, Will Taylor and Ella Thornberg; juniors Maddie Brennan, Meg Gray, Grace Lannon, Devon Mackenzie, Melissa Marquez, Annie Sarno and Katie

Amanda Buckley, RBHS senior

■ Birthdate: Aug. 30, 2006

■ Current RBHS sports resume: Girls basketball (4 seasons, 2 on varsity); girls track and field (junior year)

■ Most memorable girls basketball moment: “When we had a dedicated practice to learn the Irish jig taught by [senior teammate] Niamh Larson.”

■ Most memorable 2023 girls track and field moment: “When [former head coach

Villarreal; and freshmen Averie Grigus, Hayden Livingston, Audreya Wilkins and Aleigh Zeman. They are coached by Sharon Lupo and Ana Samaniego.

The state routine truly couldn’t have gone much better. The Lions had zero deductions.

“All we really wanted was to hit a good routine for our last time, especially the seniors, and that’s what we did,” Schlichter said.

Fourth-year team members Chevalier and Schlichter are among many seniors who have been part of all three state trips — the only ones in program history.

The Lions improved upon finishing 22nd at state in both 2023 (83.47) and 2022 (84.23). They qualified for state with third place at the Hinsdale South Sectional (90.17).

“This season our greatest accomplishment was winning conference. Placing third at sec-

tionals and going to state was a bonus,” Lupo responded

“As disappointing as it was to not go to day two at state [for top 10 preliminary finishers] we still had the accomplishment of hitting zero, no deductions, in the routine. That is something to be proud of.”

The seniors have mirrored the growth of the program. The first state trip was even more impressive considering Lupo and Samaniego took over as coaches midway through the season.

“That [season] changed our perspective on things. We kind of felt more hopeful we could hit harder and better skills and keep pushing,” Schlichter said. “We’ve been cheering for like eight years now, since we were kids. We had the same mindset. We love to win and do well at our practices and competitions.”

FEATURED STUDENT

Ian Robins] took us to get ice cream after a meet.”

■ How sports will factor in the rest of my life: “Sports have taught me many life skills. For example, how to work and collaborate with others.”

■ Colle ge plans: “I plan to attend the University of Illinois and start as undeclared. I chose this school so I could be close to my friends and family in Chicago. My whole life I’ve always wanted to be a police officer, inspired by watching my dad.”

■ How you got the nickname Chuck: “That is confidential. Only a select few people know.”

■ Favorite music: “I listen to many different genres and artists, but currently my favorite artist is Zach Bryan.”

■ Favorite color: “Yellow because it reminds me of warm weather.”

■ Favorite food place: “Cane’s because their lemonade is on top.”

■ Non-living person that I’d like to meet: “Jane Austen so she can write my English

More than half of the team are seniors, but the future still looks promising. The Lions’ junior varsity also claimed the WSC title.

“All of us [seniors] growing together really brought us together and made us work even harder to get the best team possible,” Chevalier said. “I think all of our positive attitudes and experience definitely helped [the underclassmen] get more comfortable.

“We hope we’ve left everybody prideful and happy that they got to experience being on the team with us.”

LTHS/RRHS pom dance

The Lions once again were impressive at the Illinois Drill Team Association state meet, Feb. 10, in Springfield.

The varsity won AAA Division titles in open pom and lyrical. The 284.9 lyrical score tied Washington for the high-point award.

The junior varsity was grand champion (477.2) after winning lyrical with a highpoint 242.2 and taking second in open pom and jazz.

The Bulldogs were third in AAA jazz. Competition team members were seniors Alexa Cavaliere and Mae Jameson; juniors Maya Gonzalez, Sofia Lee and Anna Pinnick; sophomores Aubrey Agne, Isabella Kirsch, Sofia Miller, Lilana Nieto, Kailyn Novak, Mia Royer and Sadie Towers; and freshmen Samantha Bolt, Avery Cavaliere, Addie Segura and Annika Weekes.

“The girls had an excellent time and really hit their performance, the best they have ever done it. It was a great day and a great experience overall,” RBHS varsity coach Tia Sherman said.

essay for me.”

■ Biggest issue facing teenagers: “Social media standards that create unrealistic expectations.”

■ Most prized physical possession: “A gold necklace I never take of f that my mom passed down to me.”

■ I’ve never been able to: “Get an A on my computer science test.”

■ Dream vacation spot: “Switzerland in the winter so I could ski in the Alps.”

■ Three words that best describe me: “Energetic, passionate, and stubborn.”

Pro le compiled by Bill Stone

COURTESY OF SHARON LUPO

LTHS cheerleading team

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals.

To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800669-9777.

GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park will receive electronic proposals at the Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 28, 2024 for Project: 24-8, Lot 10 Streetscape. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below. In general, the improvements consist of installation of permeable interlocking brick pavers; removal and replacement of curb and gutter, sidewalks and sidewalk ramps; drainage structure adjustments; pavement patching; full depth pavement removal; earth excavation; cold-milling of bituminous concrete; installation of hot-mix asphalt base, binder and surface courses

Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on Thursday March 7, 2024 at 4:00 pm. Plans and proposals can be found at https://www.oak-park.us/yourgovernment/budget-purchasing/ requests-proposals or at www. questcdn.com under login using QuestCDN number 8997082 for a non-refundable charge of $64.00. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No bid documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening.

The bidder is specifically advised that the Village is a Subgrantee of a Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC) grant, pursuant to an agreement entered into and between the MWRDGC and the Village. Each bidder is required to comply with the MWRDGC’s Affirmative Action Requirements and Affirmative Action Ordinance, of which are

as follows:

1) $44,000 for Women-Owned Business Enterprises (WBE) and/ or Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (MBE)

2) $6,600 for Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises (VBE)

The DBE requirements listed within these Contracts are requirements, not goals.

The MWRDGC requires that contractors entering into contracts shall have a performance bond and a payment bond. The Contractor shall furnish a satisfactory performance bond in the sum of the amount of the contract in dollars guaranteeing the proper completion of the work and the maintenance of the work during the period of one (1) year from and after the date of the completion and acceptance of the same. The Contractor shall furnish a satisfactory payment bond in the full amount of the Contract guaranteeing payment of all material used and for all labor performed.

The Contract will be subject to the requirements of the Multi-Project Labor Agreement. A copy is on file at the offices of the Engineer and may be requested from the Engineer. The Contractor shall execute the form entitled “Certificate of Compliance with Multi Project Labor Agreement (MPLA), as found in the Bid Proposal Submittal Packet.

All prospective bidders must prove they are pre-qualified by the Illinois Department of Transportation in order to submit bids. This project is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq.

THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK

Bill McKenna Village Engineer

Published in Wednesday Journal, March 6, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park --Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302-- will receive electronic proposals until 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 29, 2024 for Project: 24-3, 2024 Sidewalk Improvements Program. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below. In general, this contract includes removal and replacement of public sidewalk, parkway and carrage walks, combination curb and gutter, driveways, and PCC basecourse; pavement adjacent to curbs, adjustment of drainage structures, buffalo boxes and all appurtenant work thereto. Sidewalk sequencing during the work and adherence to the completion date is of emphasis for this project as outlined in the plans and proposal forms. Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on Friday, March 8, at 4:00 p.m. Plans and

PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS

Case Number 24-0004

Public Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) of the Village of River Forest, County of Cook, State of Illinois, on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. in the First Floor Community Room of the River Forest Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois on the following matter:

Mosaic Montessori Academy is seeking a Special Use Permit to establish a Child Daycare Center in the C-3 Commercial District, in the existing building at 7777 Lake Street, in River Forest, Illinois.

proposal forms can be found at https://www.oak-park.us/yourgovernment/budget-purchasing/ requests-proposals or at www. questcdn.com under login using QuestCDN number 9014465 for a non-refundable charge of $64.00. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No bid documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening.

This project is financed with local Village funds and federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and thus is subject to all federal rules, regulations and guidelines, including Davis-Bacon and Related Acts, Section 3, and Equal Opportunity requirements.

THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK

Bill McKenna Village Engineer

Published in Wednesday Journal, March 6, 2024

LOCATION OF

Room 201 (Council Chambers), Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302

CALENDAR NUMBER:

01-24-DRC

APPLICANT: Hot Rod’s Exclusive Inc.

ADDRESS: 805 Garfield Street, Oak Park, IL 60304

REQUEST: The Community Design Commission will conduct a public hearing on an application filed by the Applicant, Rodney Dotson, owner of Hot Rod’s Exclusive Inc., seeking a variance from Section 7-7-15 (C) (1) of the Oak Park Sign Code, requiring that permanent window signs affixed to or painted on the inside of a window shall occupy

no more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the surface of each window area, to allow the existing permanent window signage to remain at the premises commonly known as 805 Garfield Street, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Number 16-18-307-017-0000 (“Subject Property”).

A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

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

Section 10-18-4 of the Village Code provides the Zoning Board jurisdiction to hold public hearings and offer recommendations to the Village Board concerning applications for a Special Use Permit.

The legal description of the property at 7777 Lake Street is as follows:

LOT 14 (EXCEPT THE EAST 27.5 FEET THEREOF) AND LOT 15 (EXCEPT THE SOUTH 20 FEET OF THE) EAST 27.5 FEET AND EXCEPT THE NORTH 30 FEET OF THE EAST 15 FEET THEREOF) ALSO LOT 16 (EXCEPT THE EAST 15 FEET THEREOF) IN BLOCK 4 IN LATHROP’S RESUBDIVISION OF LATHROP AND SEAVERN’S ADDITION TO RIVER FOREST, BEING A RESUBDIVISION OF THAT PART LYING EAST OF PARK AVENUE TOGETHER WITH THE EAST 3/5 OF BLOCK 15 IN LATHROP AND SEAVERN’S ADDITION IN THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 12, TOWNSHIP 39 NORCH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, (EXCEPT FROM SAID PREMISES THE WEST 72 FEET OF LOTS 15 AND 16 AFOERSAID CONVEYED BY BOAG BUILDING CORPORATION, A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE TO ROSANA CENTRUM CORPORATION BY DOCUMENT NUMBER 9934913 RECORDED FEB. 23, 1928), IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. For public comments to be considered by the Zoning Board of Appeals and Village Board of Trustees in their decision, they must be included as part of the public hearing record. Interested persons can learn more about how to participate in the hearing by visiting www.vrf.us/guides/ guide/DevelopmentGuide.

Sincerely,

Clifford

Radatz Secretary, Zoning Board of Appeals

Published in Wednesday Journal, March 6, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD

Notice of Public Hearing

Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission

March 21, 2024 at 7:00 PM

NOTICE is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Brookfield on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 7:00 PM in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois to consider applications from James J Koblish for a Special Use Permit to conduct Low-Impact manufacturing of beer and for a Variance from the Village Code Chapter 62 Zoning, Article III-Off Street Parking and Loading for the commercial property located at 9509 Ogden Avenue.

Legal Description: Lots 5 and 6 in Block 7 in West Grossdale, A Subdivision in the West ½ of Section3, Township 38 North, Range 12, East of the Third Principal Meridian, in Cook County, Illinois.

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

The applications may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours. Please reference PZC Case 23-05. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act.

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

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

Published in RB Landmark, March 6, 2024

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