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Vol. 36, No. 11

March 17, 2021

@riversidebrookfieldlandmark

Corruption probe hangs over election in Lyons PAGE 6

LTHS gets $1 million grant for air conditioning PAGE 9

TAKING THE BAIT

Real estate deal collapse puts local parish in ‘peril’ Developer walks away from plan to convert St. Barb’s School into condos

By BOB UPHUES Editor

The pastor of Holy Guardian Angels Parish, the spiritual home of Roman Catholics in Brookfield and part of LaGrange Park, told parishioners last week that the parish faces a dire financial situation after a planned sale of the St. Barbara School and convent buildings in Brookfield unexpectedly collapsed.

Rev. Denis Condon wrote to parishioners in his parish newsletter that the developer who had signed a contract to buy the two buildings and convert them into condominiums walked away from the deal.

The unnamed developer reportedly had agreed to buy the two buildings for $500,000, money that the parish counted on to “keep the parish afloat during the pandemic,” Condon wrote.

But prior to closing the deal, the developer learned that the school’s sewer pipe to the village’s sewer system was clogged and that the cost to remove asbestos tile was more than the developer had budgeted for the work.

See PARISH on page 18

Eduardo Diaz, front, fends off Kamila Javier while playing basketball on a balmy day on March 13 at Ehlert Park in Brookfield. Two days later, there would be two inches of snow on the ground and temperatures back in the 30s.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Emotions run hot in D95 over hybrid decision Parents slam lack of survey, say kids are falling behind

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Emotions are running high in BrookfieldLaGrange Park School District 95. Many parents are not happy about the district’s

decision not to switch to full-day, in-person classes for the rest of the year, and they are especially peeved that the district made the decision to stick with its hybrid model without doing a parent survey despite being asked to do so last month.

To illustrate just how irritable some are about the situation, on March 2 someone apparently angry that school is not in session full time began following a car driven See D95 on page 18

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The Landmark, March 17, 2021

The Landmark, March 17, 2021

Early voting starts March 22 at Brookfield Village Hall Cast ballots for village, school, township, library board races

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Election Day isn’t officially until April 6, but suburban Cook County voters can cast their ballots early for the spring Consolidated Election – for municipal, library, school and township boards – beginning Monday, March 22 at more than 50 sites scattered throughout the county.

If you’re a Landmark reader, you won’t have to travel far to exercise your franchise, because there are several early voting locations close to home, including in Brookfield, Lyons, Stickney and Hodgkins.

The early voting site at Brookfield Village Hall, 8820 Brookfield Ave., will be open Monday through Saturday, March 22-27 and March 29-April 3, as well as Monday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The polling place will also be open on Sunday, March 28 and Sunday, April 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Those hours will be identical at the early voting locations at the Lyons Village Hall, 4200 Lawndale Ave.; Hodgkins Village Hall, 8990 Lyons St.; and the Stickney Township

IN THIS ISSUE Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Kosey Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

CASTING CALL: Chances are for the Consolidated Election, which begins early voting on March 22, the lines won’t resemble those voters faced (above) when they showed up to cast ballots for the presidential election last October. Voter turnout for municipal elections is typically a fraction of presidential elections.

North Building, 6721 W. 40th St. More information on all the Cook County suburban early voting sites and times of operation can be found at cookcountyclerk. com/service/early-voting-locations.

Any registered suburban voter can vote early at any of the suburban early voting locations. All early voting will be done on touch screens, because the machines are able to store every ballot style in the county. Ballots remain secret and are stored securely to be tallied on Election Day. Unlike last fall, when a crush of early voters swarmed the Brookfield Village Hall’s early voting polling place and officials closed the main lobby for business to limit the spread of COVID-19, residents and contractors will be able to use the front window for village business as usual.

Municipal elections typically draw a fraction of voter interest compared to U.S.

presidential elections. The polls this spring are also open for shorter periods each day.

“We’re expecting much less volume, so this round we’re planning on staying open to the public like we are now,” said Brookfield Village Manager Timothy Wiberg.

Voters who are already registered do not need to present an ID to vote, nor does anyone voting early need to provide a reason for doing so.

If you are not registered to vote, suburban residents can register to vote at any of the early voting sites. If you’re registering for the first time or changing your address, you must present two forms of identification, one of which shows your current address.

Visit online at cookcountyclerk.com/ service/when-voters-do-and-dont-needidentification-id to learn what forms of ID are acceptable.

Speed played ‘significant’role in North Riverside crash Motorcyclist severely injured but is expected to survive

By BOB UPHUES Editor

North Riverside police are requesting the public’s help in obtaining more information on what caused a March 10 crash that severely injured a motorcyclist at

Cermak Road and Desplaines Avenue.

At about 6 p.m., according to Police Chief Carlos Garcia, a sedan driven by a 58-year-old Forest Park man was turning left from eastbound Cermak Road to northbound Desplaines Avenue when it collided with the motorcycle, driven by a 21-year-old Elmhurst man.

The motorcyclist sustained what police called “severe life-threatening injuries” and was transported to Loyola University Medical Center. On March 12, police reported that the man was expected to survive. The driver of the sedan was trans-

ported to the hospital as a precaution, police said.

Investigators from the Major Crash Unit of the West Suburban Major Crimes Task Force (WESTAF) are assisting North Riverside police with the case. The preliminary investigation suggests that the speed of the motorcycle played a “significant” role in the crash, according to police, but investigators are trying to locate anyone who may have witnessed the crash.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the North Riverside Police Department at 708-447-9191.

Editor Bob Uphues Sports Editor James Kay Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Designers Javier Govea, Mark Moroney Debbie Becker Sales and Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls Sales & Development Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner E-MAIL jill@oakpark.com

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The Landmark, March 17, 2021

BIG WEEK March 17-24

Register for Riverside egg hunt or egg drop

Riverside Parks and Recreation will host an Egg Hunt on the morning of Saturday, March 27, but you need to register to participate.

Each registration counts for up to five family members or friends. Space is limited and the deadline to register is March 19 at 9 a.m. You will be emailed a time slot, location and details. If spots fill call 708442-7025 to be placed on a waitlist.

If you are not up for an in-person event, sign up for an Egg Basket Drop. Parks and Rec will drop off supplies so you can host your own hunt.

Find a link to register at the village of Riverside’s website at riverside.il.us.

Photo by Alan Brunettin

The stories statues tell

If statues could talk, what stories would they tell? Join Brookfield Public Library on Zoom for “Talking Statues of Chicago” to discover the unique stories of Chicago’s spectacular public art collection.

The Zoom program is on Thursday, March 18 at 7 p.m. and is presented Beth Sair, volunteer at the Chicago Architecture Center and member of the Chicago Tour Guides Professional Association.

Registration required by phone at 708-485-6917, ext. 130 or online at brookfield.evanced.info/signup.

TWS presents ‘Story Slam’

Travel the world from home

North Riverside Public Library invites you to travel the world from the comfort of your living room during “Armchair Travel Tours,” a special Zoom program on Monday, March 22 at 1 p.m.

Go on a tour through the wonders of the world and wherever you want to go through the magic of Google Earth.

RSVP to bodenl@northriversidelibrary.org or visit northriversidelibrary.org/events for adult Zoom meeting access info.

And more Anderson Music Studio, which offers Suzuki violin lessons in Riverside, will host a free open house on March 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Appointments are required. Contact info@andersonmusic.studio to make a reservation.

The men’s Holy Name Society of Mater Christi Parish in North Riverside will host their first-ever Easter Basket Raffle on March 28 at 3 p.m.

Twenty-five baskets containing treats and more will be raffled. There will also be a split-the-pot with cash prizes. Tickets must be purchased in advance through materchristichurch.org. The deadline for entries is March 27 at noon.

The Lyons Township High School Peaceable Schools Initiative (PSI) Club is filling holiday baskets for needy children at the Off the Streets ■

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The Theatre of Western Springs presents “Story Slam,” two separate online programs of five stories each. Ten storytellers, all from TWS, each tells a personal story that changed his or her life in some big or small way.

The first program of five stories will be released Friday, March 19. The second program takes place starting Friday March 26. Tickets are pay-what-youcan, with $10 per viewer recommended. One ticket covers both shows.

The shows will be streamed on Vimeo, so an internet connection is all that is required. For more information, go to theatreofwesternsprings.com

One landscape for all

The Chicago Zoological Society will host the final entry in its virtual lecture series on Wednesday, March 24 at 7 p.m. with “Connecting One Landscape for Wildlife and People.”

Ryan Lutey, executive director for Vital Ground Foundation, and Mitch Doherty, conservation program manager for Vital Ground Foundation, will give an overview on the organization’s efforts to protect and restore North America’s grizzly bear populations by conserving wildlife habitat and encouraging ways to reduce conflicts between bears and humans.

Online reservations are required and can be made at czs.org/Brookfield-Zoo/Learning/Lectures.

Club, Chicago’s oldest boys and girls club. Drop off baskets/buckets, small toys, books, art supplies, juice boxes, snacks. Pre-assembled baskets and monetary donations also accepted. Items may be dropped off at either campus main entrance by March 29.

Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St., invites you “The Kitchen Sink,” a group show which runs through April 3 in the Freeark Gallery. The exhibition features the work of artists Bimbola Akinbola, Alex Bradley Cohen, Mari Eastman, Cassidy Early, Zehra Khan, Kelly Neibert and Sophie Treppendahl. Free.

Appointments required. Hours are Thursday through Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Email info@riversideartscenter. com to schedule an appointment.

North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., offers a number of virtual programs through Facebook Live (facebook.com/NRPL2400), conference ■

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calls and the teleconferencing app Zoom. Programs include DIY Décor Tuesdays on March 23 at 5:30 p.m. on Facebook Live and Game Night Wednesdays on March 24 at 7 p.m. via Zoom.

There’s also Writer’s Group Online Meeting via Zoom on March 18 at 6 p.m. and Library Bingo on March 20 at 11 a.m. via Zoom.

RSVP to bodenl@northriversidelibrary.org or visit northriversidelibrary.org/events for adult Zoom meeting access info.

Brookfield Public Library offers virtual classes and programs for patrons of all ages throughout the week. Most youth activities will be presented live on the library’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ BrookfieldPublicLibrary.

For adults, there’s Chair Yoga via Zoom on March 18 at 11 a.m. and Food for Your Brain on March 24 ■

at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Nutritional coach Ann Terry shares ways to maintain brain health by eating common foods that help the brain’s optimal function.

Visit brookfield.evanced.info/signup to register for Zoom programs.

Riverside Public Library will host Zoom events in the coming week, including a Family Game Night on March 19 at 6 p.m. and Lyric Opera Book Club on March 21 at 2 p.m. Join to discuss “Mozart’s Women” by Jane Glover.

For kids in grades K-3 there’s Book Discussion: Wordless Books on March 23 at 3 p.m. Join to dissect “Chalk” by Bill Thomson and “Bow-Wow Bugs a Bug” by Mark Newgarden.

Register to obtain Zoom access by visiting the library’s online calendar at riversidelibrary.org/ calendar.html.

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The Landmark, March 17, 2021

P O L I C E

R E P O R T S

Cops: Man said he stole plates to avoid arrest A 40-year-old Riverside man charged in early 2020 with harboring a runaway Cleveland teenager now finds himself charged with stealing the license plates off of a neighbor’s car and putting them on his own, because he allegedly wanted to go back to Ohio – where he is wanted on multiple warrants – without police pulling him over.

A resident of the first block of East Burlington Street called Riverside police on Feb. 20 to report that Juan Ocampo was stealing the license plates from their car. Ocampo had fled before police arrived, but police observed him walking in the rear of the building on the afternoon of March 10 and arrested him without incident.

After being arrested Ocampo allegedly told police he knew that he had several outstanding warrants for his arrest in Ohio and that he took the license plates, which were from a car very similar to his, because he didn’t want to be arrested if he went back there.

Ocampo was wanted on warrants out of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, for stalking and intimidating a witness. He was arrested last December in North Olmsted, Ohio, four months after being arrested by Cleveland police and charged with obstructing justice and interfering with custody after allegedly being found in a hotel room with the same juvenile he was harboring in Riverside earlier last year.

Both Cuyahoga County and Cleveland police issued warrants after Ocampo failed to appear for scheduled court hearings. However, neither agency sought extradition after Ocampo’s latest arrest in Riverside. He remains free on bond.

Riverside Police Chief Thomas Weitzel said he has contacted the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office to advise them of the latest arrest and to ask them to revoke Ocampo’s bond in at least three pending cases in Cook County.

North Riverside man fatally shot in Chicago The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office reported that 25-year-old Quentin Johnson, of North Riverside, died from multiple gunshot wounds on the night of March 8 in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago.

Johnson, according to a report in the Chicago Sun-Times citing Chicago police, was shot in the head and leg during an argument in the 5500 block of West Chicago Avenue at about 7:30 p.m. Johnson, who lived in the 9200 block of Cermak Road, was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead about an hour later.

Police did not report taking any suspect into custody for the shooting.

The pandemic made me do it Riverside police charged a 38-year-old Chicago man with drunken driving after reportedly finding him passed out behind the wheel of his vehicle, which was parked in the small lot east of Riverside-Brookfield High School along First Avenue on March 13 at 9 p.m.

A 911 caller reported that a man was slumped over the steering wheel of the vehicle, which was still running. A police officer reported having to bang on the vehicle’s window repeatedly to wake up the driver, who allegedly told the officer he was attending a “Christmas party” with friends that had been delayed due to the pandemic.

According to police, the driver said he was headed home. However, police noted the man had been headed in the opposite direction prior to pulling off the road. In addition to charging the man with driving under the influence of alcohol, police issued several other traffic tickets. The man had been arrested for DUI in Chicago in 2008, police said.

Well, it was similar Brookfield police let a 42-year-old Brookfield man go without charges after they stopped him on the evening of March 12, believing – wrongly, as it turned out -- he was behind the wheel of a stolen vehicle.

Police got a call from a geo-tracking service at about 6:45 p.m. that they had pinged a stolen gray 2021 Jeep Cherokee to an area near the 4600 block of Deyo Avenue and that it had been stationary for almost 10 minutes.

An officer reported seeing a vehicle matching that description in the 4600 block of DuBois Boulevard and pulled it over, assisted by several other officers, at 47th Street and Arthur Avenue. Police ordered the driver out of the vehicle and handcuffed him, explaining the situation.

The man told police he’d just bought the car at a dealership and had documents to prove it. Further investigation resulted in police learning that the man did, in fact, own the vehicle and that it was coincidentally in the same area as the stolen vehicle which, by then, police confirmed, was pinging at a location in Bridgeview.

These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Riverside, North Riverside and Brookfield police departments, March 8-14 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

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The Landmark, March 17, 2021

Corruption probe hangs over mayoral race in Lyons

Mayor has spent nearly $100,000 on legal bills tied to federal investigation as he runs for a fourth term

By CASEY TONER Better Government Association

Nearly a year-and-a-half after federal agents raided Lyons Village Hall as part of a sweeping corruption investigation, clean government has become a top issue in the west suburb’s upcoming election as controversial Mayor Chris Getty seeks a fourth term.

Getty, the son of a former mayor who went to federal prison for stealing from the village, is fending off a challenge from residents vowing reform. At the same time, the current mayor has spent nearly $100,000 in campaign funds on legal fees as part of the wide-ranging probe that has hit suburban mayors, state lawmakers, contractors and utility giant Commonwealth Edison.

At stake for Getty is not only maintaining his political power and access to campaign cash, but a significant payday. Should Getty win, he stands to make at least $70,000 in salary for each of the next four years as mayor and liquor commissioner. That’s compared to $10,000 he made in both jobs when he was first elected in 2009. The salaries have been growing steadily since Getty himself pushed the pay hikes through a compliant Lyons Village Board. With insurance and retirement, his total compensation at the end of 2021 will exceed $109,000.

Richard Gatz Jr., a longtime resident of the working-class suburb who was a village board member nearly 20 years ago, is running for mayor along with a slate of board member and clerk candidates on the Village Integrity Party ticket.

Gatz said the federal investigation spurred him to run and he promised, if elected, to fight to eliminate the scheduled pay raises for elected officials and reimpose term limits.

“I’ve heard from a lot of residents that

they are tired of it,” Gatz said. “They want a change and, honestly, I think we can make a change that’s needed.”

Getty’s tenure as mayor has been characterized by machine-like politics. He’s hired family and friends into village jobs and overseen a series of cozy deals with campaign contributors.

He put his father Ken — who was sent to prison as part of a bid-rigging scheme that prosecutors said netted $179,000 — back on the public payroll as chairman of the Lyons zoning appeals board. He also bought a house from a campaign contributor on land that used to be owned by the village, a questionable deal first raised by the Better Government Association and Fox 32 in 2019.

A few months after that BGA story, federal agents raided the village hall in Lyons and Getty’s private insurance office in town. The feds also searched the offices of one prominent government contractor and subpoenaed the offices of others. Among the items the FBI requested from Lyons were records regarding Getty’s home purchase.

Getty, who is also the Lyons Township supervisor, has not been charged and has previously denied he’s done anything wrong.

He did not respond to multiple messages seeking comment for this story.

Still, the federal investigation has shown little evidence of subsiding.

In the weeks after the raid, records and interviews show, Getty hired the Chicago law firm Hinshaw & Culbertson to represent him, paying the firm through one of the campaign funds he controls. Those payments continued throughout 2020, with the most recent occurring in October when the Citizens for Christopher Getty campaign fund sent two checks to the law firm totaling $30,400, according to the state election records.

house, purchased the lot and then sold it to Skyway at a nearly $13,500 loss. The company then built a new house on the site and sold it to Getty without listing it on the market where it could have drawn competing offers. The company has also built other homes on lots purchased from the village at discount prices. It bought its latest parcel from Lyons last fall, six weeks before the firm’s November campaign contribution.

Also last year, Reliable Materials contributed $1,500 to Getty’s campaign funds.

The firm owned by Illinois asphalt and construction magnate Michael Vondra was hired by the village to fill in a quarry adjacent to village hall. In all, the company has contributed more than $100,000 to Getty’s campaigns over the years. Days before federal agents raided Lyons Village Hall, they also raided Reliable’s corporate headquarters in Bartlett as part of its investigation into statewide influence peddling.

To date, the federal dragnet has led to charges against more than a dozen highprofile politicians and insiders and uncovered a near decadelong bribery scheme in CASEY TONER/BGA which utility giant Commonwealth Edison sought to win the favor of former Illinois “As his attorney, we’ve cooperated com- Speaker Michael Madigan for legislation pletely with the investigation and I have no by giving jobs and contracts to Madigan’s indication Chris will be charged with any- allies. Madigan has not been charged.

In the west suburbs, the most prominent thing,” said Daniel Purdom, an attorney politicians to plead guilty to corruption at the firm representing Getty. Purdom is a former assistant federal prosecutor who charges related to the federal operation are specializes in white collar criminal defense. the late state Sen. Martin Sandoval of Cicero and former Cook County Commissioner Despite having spent nearly Jeff Tobolski, who doubled as $100,000 out of his campaign the mayor of McCook, an infund on legal fees, Getty holds dustrial suburb of less than 300 a sizable fundraising lead over people that borders Lyons. his political opponents.

Sandoval, a Getty supporter Records show Getty has more whose district had included Lythan $327,000 in campaign cash at his disposal – a massive sum ons, pleaded guilty last year to for a mayor of a town of about collecting more than $250,000 in 10,600 people. Gatz said he has bribes in exchange for using his only about $6,500 in campaign political influence or taking officash on hand. cial action to benefit private busi“We are long-term citizens ness including a red-light camera and I can hope that stands for company. During the search of his something but I don’t know what Springfield office, federal agents RICHARD GATZ JR. to expect because we don’t have sought information about Vondra Lyons mayoral candidate money,” said Tina Marie Melenand his road construction comdez, a paraprofessional at Lyons panies. As head of the state SenSchool District 103 who is runate’s transportation committee, ning for Lyons Village Board Sandoval served as a gatekeeper against Getty’s United Citizens for road projects throughout the Party slate. “We can hope that state. Sandoval died in December people have had enough.” of COVID-19.

Among those who have conTobolski, a longtime political tributed to Getty’s campaign ally and campaign contributor fund for his current election of Getty’s, resigned from both run are two companies that were identi- jobs before pleading guilty to tax fraud fied in the federal search warrant used at and accepting more than a quarter million Lyons Village Hall in 2019. dollars in bribery and extortion payments In November, Skyway Homes, a develop- from regional businesses in his dual role as ment company operating out of a Brook- mayor and commissioner. Election records field apartment, contributed $2,500 to the show Tobolski has mostly exhausted his United Citizens Party, bringing to $28,000 campaign fund after spending more than the total amount of money the firm or af- $400,000 on attorney fees since the raids. filiated companies have contributed to GetThis story was produced by the Better ty-tied campaign funds.

Government Association, a nonprofit news In 2019, the BGA reported Lyons – under organization based in Chicago.

Getty’s direction – demolished a run-down

“I’ve heard from a lot of residents that they are tired of it.”

The Landmark, March 17, 2021

Riverside woman reported missing is ‘at-risk’ Lisa Ann Vais not seen for more than two weeks

See what all the buzz is about.

By BOB UPHUES

cause it is no longer pinging locations. The phone was last pinged Editor by police in Murphy, North Carolina at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 14.

Riverside police say a local Murphy is located in far southwoman who has been missing for western North Carolina, about 295 more than two weeks is considmiles northeast of Tuscaloosa. ered “at risk” and investigators Vais is described as white, about are seeking the public’s assis5-foot-2 and 145 pounds, with blond tance in locating her. hair and hazel eyes. She was drivThe family of Lisa Ann Vais, 55, ing a gray four-door 2015 Mazda reported her missing on March LISA ANN VAIS sport utility vehicle with Illinois 14, according to police. She relicense plate number 1742048. portedly had been missing for Anyone with information as to Vais’ wheretwo weeks prior to the report being made.

She was last seen leaving her Kimbark Road abouts is asked to call their local policeagency home to drive to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where or to call 708-447-9191 for the Riverside Police Department. Anonymous tips may also be sent her son lives.

Police said Vais never arrived in Tusca- to crimetips@riverside.il.us.

Riverside police have entered Vais into loosa and that her cellphone’s battery either has died or the phone has been turned off, be- the national databank for missing persons.

LaGrange Park man charged with Riverside carjacking Allegedly pulled gun on victim while test-driving van he sought to buy

the first to respond to the initial 911 call, the victim, a 31-year-old Justice man, said he had listed his full-size maroon Ford F250 Econoline van for sale on the website Craigslist. A man responded to the ad and met the victim at an unspecified location in McCook.

The victim told police that the offender,

By BOB UPHUES later identified as Herman, asked to test drive Editor the van on the way to a bank to get money to pay for it. Herman reportedly got A 20-year-old LaGrange Park behind the wheel and the victim man has been charged with agsat in the passenger seat. As the gravated vehicular hijacking after two drove along First Avenue in allegedly posing as someone who Riverside, Herman reportedly wanted to buy a van advertised for turned into the south entrance of sale online and then stealing the the Zoo Woods, which is between vehicle from its owner at gunpoint Forest Avenue and 31st Street, sayin a Riverside forest preserve on ing he wanted to check the van’s March 9 at about 12:35 p.m. engine.

David Herman Jr. remains in After Herman popped the hood, custody at Cook County Jail on both men got out of the van and DAVID HERMAN JR. $150,000 bond, awaiting a March walked to the front of the vehicle 31 hearing at the Maybrook courtto look at the engine. They then closed the house in Maywood.

He was arrested after reportedly crashing hood and reentered the van, at which time the Ford F205 van on the side of Interstate 80 Herman allegedly pulled out a handgun and during the early morning hours of March 10. pointed it at the victim, who exited the van An Illinois State Police trooper reportedly ob- and ran into the woods. The van was last seen served the crashed vehicle at about 12:40 a.m., exiting the forest preserve.

According to police, the victim informed identified it as stolen and arrested Herman before turning him over to Cook County Sher- them that the license plates on the van did not belong to the vehicle. Rather, the plates were iff ’s Police.

According to Riverside police, who were registered to a 2008 Ford Escape.

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The Landmark, March 17, 2021

Brookfield trustees wave through downtown apartments Developer says plans for 3727 Sunnyside Ave. nearing completion

By BOB UPHUES

Grand Blvd. building goes vertical

Editor

A new three-story, nine-unit apartment building will be going up later this year at 3727 Sunnyside Ave. in Brookfield after village trustees voted unanimously to award developer Michael Gatto two zoning variations that previously had been recommended by the Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission.

It will be Gatto’s fourth apartment building to break ground in downtown Brookfield since 2017.

“I’ve engaged the architect and civil engineer, so we should be ready to submit [final plans], barring any unforeseen circumstance by the end of April or early May,” said Gatto, who added he’s already secured financing for the development. “As soon as we get our building permits we’ll be ready to go.”

The variations approved for the project included providing relief from a provision requiring 80-percent build-tozone coverage along the principal street frontage. By granting the variation, the village is allowing Gatto to step back the Sunnyside Avenue face so that it is not one sheer wall across at least 80 percent of the front yard.

The resulting T-shaped plan, with the top of the T facing north, allows for more green space in front of the building.

The development will house six one-bedroom and three twobedroom apartments.

Trustees also awarded Gatto a variation allowing two of the development’s 10 onsite parking spaces in a side yard.

COURTESY OF VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD

GREEN LIGHT: The Brookfield Village Board last week approved a pair of zoning variances to allow construction of a threestory, nine-unit apartment building at 3727 Sunnyside Ave. Those two spots, including one handicapped parking space, are along the south lot line toward the rear of the property adjacent to an alley that provides direct access.

Another of Gatto’s developments, a mixed-use commercial/apartment building at 3704 Grand Blvd., is now making visible progress after the COVID-19 pandemic and then poor weather stalled construction during 2020 and early 2021.

The development, which has frontages along both Grand Boulevard and Sunnyside Avenue, will house 17 one-bedroom apartments and a ground-floor commercial storefront facing Grand Boulevard.

It will also feature a green roof and rooftop terrace for tenants, which required the building to be framed in steel.

Construction broke ground in October 2020 after winning approval from the village board in December 2018. Because of the green roof/terrace the building was more complicated to design than Gatto’s other, more straightforward apartment buildings in Brookfield.

Gatto said he purchased the steel in mid-2020, a purchase he initially thought he’d regret as the pandemic played havoc with construction projects. But after seeing steel prices skyrocket last year, it turned out to be a good decision.

“Thank God, because prices went up 80, 100 percent depending on the day,” Gatto said. “I first thought it was a mistake, but now it’s one of the biggest wins on the project.”

The steel framing for the three-story building is now complete, said Gatto. Work last week was concentrated on tying the development into the existing storm sewer system.

“Things should pick up pace once we go vertical with the wood [framing],” Gatto said.

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The Landmark, March 17, 2021

9

State grants $1 million to LTHS for air-conditioning Funds will be directed to cool classrooms in South Campus B Wing

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Lyons Township High School will receive a $1 million Capital Infrastructure Grant from the state of Illinois that officials there will use to install more air conditioning at the institution’s South Campus in Western Springs.

The grant was announced at the Feb. 16 meeting of the LTHS District 204 Board of Education by House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, the top Republican in the Illinois House and a resident of Western Springs.

Durkin played a key role in securing the state grant for LTHS. “I’m always glad to help out and I’m a friend of Lyons Township High School,” Durkin told the school board during the Feb. 16 school board meeting, adding that he is the father of four daughters who all graduated from LTHS. The $1 million grant will be used to purchase and install a chiller to provide airconditioning to a portion of the B Wing at South Campus. Once that work is completed, 33 percent of South Campus will be air conditioned.

Lyons Township High School, South Campus The exact scope of the project has not been finalized. At least 20 classrooms already outfitted with duct work will be air conditioned once the chiller is purchased and installed.

The cost of a chiller is about $1.2 or $1.3 million, according to LTHS Business Manager Brian Stachacz.

Since a chiller usually has to be manu-

COURTESTY OF WWW.LTHS.NET

factured to specifications Stachacz said he doesn’t think the chiller will be installed in 2021.

“I don’t think it will happen this summer,” Stachacz said, adding he thought 2022 was more likely. “If we can get it done sooner, we will.”

There are 18 other classrooms in the B

Wing that aren’t already outfitted with duct work and are unlikely to be included as part of this grant-funded project..

LTHS has been gradually adding air conditioning in recent years as many have complained about how hot the classrooms are during the first month of the school year.

In the past LTHS had been less successful in obtaining state grants, but the school board has pushed the administration to pursue grants.

“For the last, I want to say, 20 years trying to find alternative funding opportunities in the state has been fairly difficult,” said District 204 Superintendent Tim Kilrea. “We have continuously tried to look and sometimes we wouldn’t qualify for specific grants or capital grants based on certain criteria.

“On this one we were able to have Representative Durkin work on our behalf and to help us and a few other districts in this area in the same capacity so we’re very fortunate there.”

The money has yet to be released to LTHS and Kilrea says that he does not know when LTHS will get the money. It is not certain whether LTHS will buy and install the chiller this summer.

D103 OKs school resource officer for middle school District to pay Lyons $65K annually for 10-month, 4-hour-a-day post

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Whenever students return to George Washington Middle School, they’ll see someone new in the hallways, a Lyons police officer serving in the new role of school resource officer.

There has not been a school resource officer at GWMS, which serves families in the southeast quarter of Brookfield along with the villages of Lyons, Stickney, McCook and Forest View, in about five years.

On Feb. 23, the Lyons-Brookfield School District 103 Board of Education voted 4-2 with one abstention to approve an intergovernmental governmental agreement with the village of Lyons.

The agreement calls for District 103 to pay Lyons $65,000 a year for one police officer to work at GWMS for 20 hours a week when school is in session a 10-month period.

The school resource officer will work at the school four hours a day as well as at certain after school activities.

“I think we need a resource officer at the middle school for the safety of the students, the staff, and community as a whole,” said District 103 Superintendent Kristopher Rivera in an email. “Training and preventative measures can save lives.”

The start date for the school resource officer has yet to be determined but could be sometime in April when students may start returning to GWMS. “We are discussing the appropriate start date as related to the practical application of the duties,” Rivera said. “Since we are still discussing whether students will return, we have variables that are not situated yet.”

District 103 is the only school district in the immediate area that has not had some type of in-person instruction for students this year, except for a handful of special education students.

School board members Marge Hubacek and Shannon Johnson voted against the agreement with the village of Lyons.

Hubacek said that while she doesn’t oppose having a school resource officer, she questioned some terms in the agreement and wondered why the position needed to be approved at a time when it is not clear if students will even attend school in person this academic year.

“We had questions that they couldn’t answer, or didn’t answer,” Hubacek said, adding she thought the intergovernmental agreement favored the village.

Anderson abstained because she, too, had issues with the agreement.

George Washington Middle School, Lyons “I’m for the school resource officer, I really am,” Anderson said. “But I didn’t agree with the way it was being presented and how it was going to be structured.”

Lyons Police Chief Thomas Herion said he hopes the school resource officer will help build positive relationships with students.

“I think it’s a great situation to build relationships between the police department and the kids,” Herion told the Landmark.

“It’s a positive thing.”

COURTESY OF GWMS.SD103.COM

Herion says the school resource officer, who will carry a gun while on campus, will be a young Lyons police officer who he declined to name at this time because he wasn’t sure that the school board members had been told who the officer will be.

But Herion said that the officer is trained to work with juveniles.

“The young officer, he’s fully trained, educated, sharp guy and he’ll do a great job,” Herion said.

10

The Landmark, March 17, 2021

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ABOUT TO LAUNCH? Riverside Public Works Director Dan Tabb said a canoe launch planned for Swan Pond Park would be constructed from limestone slabs similar to the ones shown above.

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pledge from the state and another $50,000 River access feature from Cook County. and get an exclusive offer just That leaves Riverside needing to find would add another $205,500 to pull off the project. Elected officials on March 4 also expressed some inter$5,000 to overall cost Turn est Over Learn More. in pouringto a strip of dyed concrete down

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As Riverside officials try to figure out just how to fund its portion of the cost to rebuild the walking path in Swan Pond Park and shore up eroded sections of the streambank, trustees on March 4 appeared receptive to adding another element to the project – a canoe launch.

Public Works Director Dan Tabb told elected officials at their meeting earlier this month the canoe launch would increase the total cost of the project by $5,000. The roughly 10-foot wide canoe launch would be constructed out of limestone slabs similar to, but thinner, than those that will be used to stabilize the riverbank in three separate areas along the walking path.

“It seemed like a natural fit to try to incorporate something using a thinner limestone ledge,” said Tabb, who added that the cost, given the scope of the project, “is a minimal amount for the benefit that we would be providing.”

The canoe launch’s tentative location is the area close to the northern end of the walking path, where the river bends sharply east. The location at the bottom of the hill nearest to Burling Road would provide the easiest access to the river for kayakers and canoers.

Adding another $5,000 to the cost of the project would push the estimated total expense to $605,500. Riverside has obtained a pair of grants for the project, a $350,000

the center of the path to replicate the look of a permeable brick paver ribbon, which was an option they ultimately rejected as not worth the cost and future maintenance given the path’s location in a floodplain.

While colored-stained concrete would not cost nearly as much as a paver strip, Tabb said such an option would require multiple pours of concrete, which would result in the path having two joints instead of one and increase the cost of labor.

“I think from an aesthetic standpoint, it’d be a much more attractive path with that decorative element,” Sells said.

Tabb said he would return to the board soon to report on what the cost or impact of adding a colored strip of concrete to the path would be.

As for how the village intends to pay for its share of the cost for the path, bank stabilization and canoe launch, Village Manager Jessica Frances said the village has the cash on hand needed for the improvement.

Finance Director Karin Johns added that she expected the village’s 2020 financial audit, which will be complete later this spring, to reveal a general operating fund surplus, which could be directed toward the project.

If the surplus is not enough to cover the entire amount of the village’s share, officials may have to reprioritize some other capital projects scheduled for 2021.

Construction is slated to take place this summer, once funding is sorted out and a contract is awarded.

The Landmark, March 17, 2021

RBHS board cuts music teacher to half time despite protest

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The elimination, effective next year, of the Fine Arts Survey course as a graduation requirement may have also played a Despite the pleas of orchestra students role in the downgrading of Loeb’s position. and parents the Riverside-Brookfield High Loeb this year taught one section of School District 208 Board of Education Fine Arts Survey each semester as well as voted unanimously March 9 to teaching the chamber orchesreduce music teacher Matthew tra class, string orchestra, and Loeb’s job to part-time status co-teaching the wind ensemble next year. Students and parents and symphonic band classes fear that this will cause Loeb with Baum. to look for a full-time job elseLoeb’s supporters argued that where. the decline in music course enLoeb, who is in his first year rollment was due to the panat RBHS, has made a big imdemic and would not be a longpression. At the Feb. 23 school term trend. board meeting 10 people, in“I believe the numbers will go MATTHEW LOEB cluding three students, made up,” Staneviciute said. “Draspublic comments imploring the tic measures can’t be based on school board to retain Loeb as a full-time one unrepresentative year.” music teacher.

School board president Wes Smithing During the March 9 school board meet- said the administration and school board ing, more letters in support of Loeb were made an attempt to keep Loeb by asking if he read during the public comment portion would consider working half time as a paraof the meeting, and the executive board professional in addition to a half-time teachof the RBHS Orchestra submitted a video ing position or perhaps teach visual arts. in which 11 students lavished “He pretty much told us praise upon Loeb and asked no,” Smithing said. “He’s the board to retain him full pretty much music-only, time. which is disappointing beFreshman Greta Stanevcause we really like him. … iciute said Loeb made even In our fine arts, visual arts, virtual orchestra a fun and that’s really where we’ve rewarding class. got a need right now. I mean “It is the most engaging and it’s just hard when the numjoyful class I’ve ever had and bers go down like that.” it’s all due to Mr. Loeb,” StanLoeb did not respond to eviciute said. “He has had an email from the Landsuch a big impact on my mumark asking him for his reGRETA STANEVICIUTE sic abilities and is truly vital action to the school board’s RBHS orchestra student to the music department.” decision and whether he The decision to reduce thought he would return to RBHS next year.

Loeb’s position to part time During the public comwas based on declining enment portion of the meetrollment in music classes ing Smithing read a letter next year. According to figures supplied by Assistant Principal Kylie that was hand delivered to him by resident Lindquist enrollment in music classes is Rebecca Richardson imploring the board projected to drop by about 25 percent in to rehire Loeb.

“Cutting the orchestra teacher to half 2021-22.

Music class sections are projected to de- time would jeopardize the future of RBHS crease from 16 sections this year to 13 next teachers and I’m asking you to withdraw year. The typical teaching load for full-time this proposal or vote no,” Richardson teachers is five classes. RBHS has two mu- wrote. “Reducing funding for the orchessic teachers, band director James Baum tra teacher’s position merely because enand choir teacher Aubrey Prince, who have rollment is down due to the pandemic is tenure. shortsighted.”

Contributing Reporter

“Drastic measures can’t be based on one unrepresentative year.”

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The Landmark, March 17, 2021

Do you live in Suburban Cook County and

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HOW CAN I APPLY? Applications open March 11, 2021, and will be accepted until April 2, 2021. Start the application process at cookcountyil.gov/recovery.

How do I know if I’m eligible? To be eligible, renters must: •

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The Landmark, March 17, 2021

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D102 will end school year in hybrid learning model Obstacles just too great for majority to favor in-person switch

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By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

After nearly three hours of discussion and about at a special meeting Friday evening a closely divided LaGrange-Brookfield District 102 school board decided to stick with its hybrid learning model in the district’s elementary schools.

Four board members, Dorren GertsenBriand, Ed Campbell, Leah Werab, and Scott Wugazzer were in favor of sticking with a partial school day instead of switching to fulltime, in-person instruction for the final two months of the school year in the district’s elementary schools.

“I don’t think it’s a responsible use of the taxpayers’ dollars and the efforts of the staff for a few weeks [of full in-person instruction],” Gertsen-Briand said right before the straw vote.

Board President Michael Melendez, who is a Brookfield resident, and former board president Brian Anderson supported switching to full, in-person instruction at the elementary schools while Bessie Boyd, although acknowledging problems with switching to full day, favored leaving the decision to Superintendent Kyle Schumacher, who recommended switching to full-day instruction while acknowledging the not insignificant issues that such a change so late in the school year would bring.

Schumacher said he respected the board’s decision.

“The board has to act on what they think is best for students,” Schumacher said.

A narrow majority of parents, 52.7 percent favored switching to full-day instruction. But nearly 30 percent of those favoring a switch said would change their position if their child had to switch teachers as a result, something Schumacher said would likely have to happen for 12 to 30 students per school.

The teachers’ union favored sticking with the hybrid model, saying it was working well and that making a change so late in the school year was not a good idea. That argument stuck a chord with some school board members.

“I do struggle with making changes at this time,” Wugazzer said.

Campbell, a Brookfield resident, said that it was a difficult choice.

“It was a very hard vote,” Campbell said, noting that there were good arguments on both sides.

Anderson was the most vocal advocate of switching to full-day, in-person school, noting declining test scores in math this year at Park Junior High School and at some of the district’s elementary schools.

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Schumacher said switching to full-day instruction at the elementary schools could be done but would create some difficult issues.

The district would have had to work through how to handle lunch and possibly hire as many as eight additional teachers for the remainder of the school year. That was a concern for Werab, who was a strong proponent of sticking with hybrid instruction for the rest of the year.

“I can’t imagine we can find quality teachers who want to start up in April and end in May,” Werab said, although Schumacher said the district would reach out to its retired teachers and substitutes.

A switch to in-person learning would have limited the amount of small-group work that could be done, because students would have to stay in their seats throughout the school day and couldn’t move around the classroom as much as they would in pre-pandemic times.

The board did approve recommendations for small changes at Park Junior High that could include lengthening the in-person portion of the school day by 15 minutes for hybrid students after spring break.

Currently, junior high students in the hybrid option attend school for 2.5 hours like their elementary school counterparts. Hybrid elementary school students will continue to attend school in person for just 2.5 hours in the morning or the afternoon.

Parents who wanted to switch to full-day school seemed disappointed, but not surprised, with the decision to stick with the hybrid model. But they remain concerned about the lack of social interaction for their children.

“We’re terrified that our children are missing out on that [social emotional learning] component, and I would just encourage you guys to please put as much focus on what we can do from now to the beginning of the next school year on helping our kids come together in safe ways and continue to develop those skills, because it’s a real concern,” said Rebecca Rose, the mother to two students who attend Forest Road School in LaGrange Park.

Anderson said he understands the anger and frustration among parents who want to return to a regular school day.

“The anger and frustration of those families would be righteous; it would be fair,” Anderson said.

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The Landmark, March 17, 2021

The Landmark, March 17, 2021

Equity at the forefront of RBHS candidate forum Four seek three seats on District 208 school board

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

The four candidates competing for three spots on the Riverside-Brookfield High School District 208 Board of Education got together on March 10, via Zoom, for a candidate forum last week sponsored by the Indivisible West Suburban Action League.

Running for the school board are incumbents Wes Smithing and Ramona Towner and newcomers Lorena Gasca and Ryan VenHorst.

Gasca stepped forward to call for more to done to achieve equity at the school, saying that she would look to eliminate administrator’s bonuses to save money, if that becomes necessary.

RBHS Superintendent Kevin Skinkis and Principal Hector Freytas both have performance-based incentives written into their contracts which allow them to earn bonuses if those goals are met. Skinkis has a retention incentive bonus of $10,000 this year and $11,000 for the next two years. He can also earn up to $20,000 in additional bonuses if various goals are met.

“I don’t know where that bonus comes from, but even if it’s $10,000, would you want to give it to someone doing his job, or would you want to give it to students?” said Gasca, who works as project manager for Northeastern Illinois University. “Our money is for students. It’s not to be giving bonuses.”

Smithing, the current president of the school board who works as a manager of facilities design and construction for United Ground Express, defended bonuses as commonplace in the corporate world as a way to encourage accomplishing shared goals.

Towner said if cuts need to be made they should be kept away from students, although she acknowledged that cuts affecting students are usually the only way to get a referendum approved.

“I have to say, it’s been my experience in public education that nobody will vote for a referendum until you cut to the bone and show them what life would be like for students, if we have no money,” said Towner, an instructional coach who has worked in the Berwyn School District 100 for 31 years.

“My biggest mantra through that whole thing would be no cuts close to kids.

Smithing said that he had no stomach for any new taxes.

The topics of equity and the achievement gap dominated the forum. All the candidates agreed that more needed to be done, but Smithing and Towner pointed to the hiring of Freytas as an example of progress being made.

“One of the best things that we have done in the last four years is to hire Dr. Freytas as the educational leader of RB,” Towner said. “He brings a whole other perspective, a whole lot of diversity. He definitely puts the kids first, which is what you want in a school leader. We have a female business manager. We have a male Hispanic dean.

We have a female dean. So we have added diversity to the admin team.”

But Gasca said the school needs to hire more Hispanic teachers.

“That’s great that there’s a Latino principal who has been who has been selected, but 6.9 percent of the teachers are Latinos or Hispanic with versus the 36 percent of students that are [Hispanic],” Gasca said. “Let’s make sure that the staff is also representative, right? There’s tons of research out there that states, especially for boys of color, that they will thrive in an educational environment where the adult in charge looks like them.”

Gasca distinguished equity as something different than equality, saying hiring a Hispanic principal is not enough.

“Equity is each group gets what they need in order to survive and thrive and to find their way,” Gasca said. “It’s not just because you have this Latino principal you’re all of a sudden the model school.”

VenHorst, an industrial arts and engineering teacher and assistant wrestling coach at Oak Park and River Forest High School, said he is familiar with issues of equity working at OPRF. “The best way to make race disappear as a problem is to create a community that strives for one goal,” VenHorst said. “If you have a common goal that you work toward … once you do that, you wind up understanding their own humanity, their story, and where they’re going in life and how that intersects with your own goals as well.”

Smithing touted innovation. He said he would like to see new foreign languages taught at RBHS by using technology that allowed German to be taught remotely this year.

See RBHS FORUM on page 21

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16

The Landmark, March 17, 2021

2021 ELECTIONS

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Mayoral candidate says he’d foster open discussion, focus on economic development

ment Committee in 2019 that reimagined the mall and adjacent commercial areas as ripe for a Rosemont-lite dining and entertainment draw might sound like an exciting plan, Mengoni said, but the property is privately owned and limits what the village can do.

That said, the owners of the mall need to ensure it remains attractive to shoppers.

“We have to work with the owners on makBy BOB UPHUES ing those changes and deciding what the fuEditor ture’s going to be for the mall,” Mengoni said.

“In the meantime, they need to step it up and Ask Joseph Mengoni why he wants to move beef up their security.” beyond his role as a village trustee by running Mengoni, who works as the executive direcfor mayor of North Riverside and he’ll tell you tor of UCP Seguin, a nonprofit that provides it’s about the village’s pride of place. services for adults and children with intel“One of the biggest decisions is restoring lectual, developmental and physical disabilithat pride back to this village,” said Mengoni ties, tops a slate of candidates running as the during a socially distanced in-person interNorth Riverside United Party, a new banner view last week. “I think that’s been lacking in local politics featuring familiar and I think there’s been no forpeople. Incumbent Village Clerk ward movement.”

Kathy Ranieri is the party’s candiWhile acknowledging and supdate seeking re-election to that ofporting the village’s push in the fice, while incumbent trustees Ferpast year or so to modernize its nando Flores and Terri Sarro also code of ordinances, with a parseek re-election. They are joined ticular emphasis on the zoning on the ticket by a former village code, Mengoni said the delay in trustee, Jason Bianco. doing that has resulted in the vilOne tie that binds the slate is lage looking a bit worse for wear, that they are all former members not just commercial districts but of the VIP Party, now defunct but residential neighborhoods as well. for a generation the most potent JOSEPH MENGONI “We really need to beef up our political force in North Riverside. code enforcement, which we just A slate of candidates running under the Peostarted to do,” Mengoni said. “Some of the biggest complaints I hear is how trash, the rat ple Before Politics Party banner, topped by stuff, and I think that’s because we let it go. mayoral candidate and village trustee MaryAnd, I’m sorry, but the answer of ‘beauty is in belle Mandel, would like to tar North Riverthe eye of the homeowner’ is not right. There side United with the VIP brush.

In answers to questions from the Landmark, has to be a set of standards. …

“I want to bring that back. I want people to Mandel and some of her running mates, refer have that sense of pride of living in this vil- to their opponents as the “VIP/United Party.”

Mengoni rejects the label. lage and not seeing garbage flying all over the “The opposition is all about finger pointing; streets. It needs to be cleaned up.”

Mengoni said North Riverside Park Mall tell you what the problems were and who’s to is a key property when it comes to that over- blame for those,” Mengoni said. “There’s been all village pride effort. Targeted last summer no ‘how we’re going to fix things or what we’re during the civil unrest that swept the nation planning on doing from here.’”

Electing Mandel as mayor, said Mengoni, and beleaguered by incidents of gun violence in the months following, the mall’s future is a would harm the village.

“It’s that Welcome to North Riverside sign top priority for all three mayoral candidates, because it also is so key to the village’s success with a big ‘bankrupt’ sign across it,” Mengoni said. “Everything she keeps telling people and financially.

“We need to work with them and partner talking about – eliminating red-light cameras, with them to revitalize and make it more at- things like that – where are you going to get tractive to shoppers, developers and other the money to replace all that?”

Mengoni said that while there’s no hiding companies to come in,” Mengoni said.

He said he would advocate creating a village that North Riverside United were all members position to focus on economic development for of VIP in the past, “We just felt as a group of individuals that we have more to offer, more to North Riverside.

“I think we need somebody that works strict- share and we have our own voices. While we ly on development, public relations and com- may not all agree on certain topics, we all have munications,” Mengoni said. “Social media is ideas to bring to the table and we need to hear great, but you’ve got to have somebody who’s those out.”

Clearly there was an ideological split among putting that information out there, and it has to be timely. Because, if not, people are going the former VIP Party membership over the to put it out there on their own and that’s when past couple of years. Mayor Hubert Hermanek Jr., who ran alongside Mengoni, Sarro and it snowballs.”

Mengoni also warned against discounting Flores on the VIP ticket four years ago, is now the mall’s viability as a revenue producer even running against Mengoni and Mandel as an as brick-and-mortar retail is facing greater independent, without a slate of candidates.

Conventional wisdom suggests that Mengopressures from online retailing. A recommendation by an ad hoc village Economic Develop- ni and Hermanek will split the former VIP vot-

er base, paving the way for Mandel to be elected. Mengoni admits that the three-way race is tricky, but that neither he nor Hermanek ever discussed the predicament.

“I think it’s going to be a tight race,” Mengoni said. “I think it’s going to come down to who is the best candidate, the most qualified for the office, who’s getting out there and talking to people.”

Mengoni said the North Riverside United slate has been going block by block, hitting the entire village west of First Avenue and south of 26th Street. The campaigning continues east of First Avenue, he said.

“You get a lot of good information when you talk to people,” Mengoni said.

North Riverside’s system of government is not a strict village manager form, like Brookfield and Riverside. As a result, the mayor wields enormous influence in who is hired and fired for director level positions at village hall.

The mayor not only appoints the village administrator but also the finance director, police and fire chiefs and public works director. In a strong manager form of government, by contrast, department directors are hires by the village manager.

The difference means North Riverside’s mayor – officially the title is president but the village code allows that official a preference when it comes to title -- can act without much input from other elected officials when it comes to naming people to key village posts.

Because it would take a referendum to change the village’s form of government, Mengoni said he would seek to maintain the president/administrator form North Riverside has, but he would loop in the rest of the board and administrator more formally.

“To hire and to terminate an employee comes at the recommendation of the village administrator, to the mayor and then to the board,” Mengoni said when asked how he would approach being mayor. “I think a lot of it has to be discussed with the board and get board approval.”

Hiring and firing of top village employees, said Mengoni, should be discussed by the full board during executive sessions, which are rare in North Riverside.

“I would make sure we have closed session of the board if we’re going to be discussing personnel-related issues,” Mengoni said. “I don’t believe in this text message ‘come see me before the meeting’ [process],” Mengoni said. “I think that’s where we’ve lost a sense [of unity] and we see a lot of infighting amongst members, because you’re not sitting up here debating an issue and having constructive dialogue.”

Mengoni said he would seek to have trustees discuss more important issues, such as the village’s decision to give Zeigler Ford a generous sales tax rebate, in public committee meetings instead of seeking individual comment from trustees behind the scenes and then bringing the issues to a vote.

“It all starts in the committee,” said Mengoni. “The committee is where the debate is and where the discussion is.”

2021 ELECTIONS

The Landmark, March 17, 2021

17

North Riverside mayor, seeking 3rd term, defends record Hermanek says he made tough decisions that benefitted, stabilized village

By BOB UPHUES

North Riverside also takes in about $1 million annually in the form of a tax imposed during the Hermanek administration on Of the three candidates running for may- places for eating and drinking.

Those four initiatives have netted the vilor of North Riverside in 2021, there’s only one whose policies and initiatives voters lage roughly $3 million a year. Anyone sughave seen up close. Hubert Hermanek Jr., gesting an end to unpopular revenue sources who served as a trustee for one term before like red-light cameras and video gambling, winning election as mayor in 2013 and 2017, said Hermanek, is kidding themselves.

“It’s cute to say you’re going to promise is well-known to voters.

He understands that some of the deci- everything to everybody and get rid of vidsions he’s made have not been universally eo gaming and get rid of the red lights, get rid of all that,” Hermanek said. popular. Hermanek’s most high“How are you going to have the profile initiative, an unsuccessresidents make up for that difful attempt in 2014 to privatize ference? That’s a dishonest argufirefighting services, was costly ment to make when you promise politically and financially. people things that you can’t pay But, Hermanek went down for.” that road as a way to confront In recent years, the village has the village’s most onerous finanalso begun addressing its aging cial burden – its pension obligawater and sewer systems, intion – and has taken other action cluding the installation of a new to both fund that obligation and water main along Cermak Road keep village services flowing. west of First Avenue and lining “I’m the one that stopped the deteriorating sewers to avoid subsidies in this town, and I more costly replacement. took a beating for it,” said HerThose projects are being manek, who is running as an infunded with the help of another dependent after winning twice unpopular fee, a water operaatop slates run by the now-detions fee tacked onto residents’ funct VIP Party. “But it was the water bills. Trustee Marybelle right thing to do.”

Mandel, who is running for Hermanek was a village trustmayor against Hermanek and ee when North Riverside govTrustee Joseph Mengoni, advoernment, under the economic cated eliminating the fee comstrain of a global financial meltpletely during budget talks last down, began rolling back subsisummer. dies it paid to fund residents’ But, the fee results in nearly water bills, garbage pickup and HUBERT HERMANEK JR. $400,000 a year in revenue to put vehicle stickers.

North Riverside mayor toward the village’s water and As mayor, he used the finansewer infrastructure maintecial collapse’s effect on retail nance, money that would be difsales taxes as a history lesson ficult to replace. and began finding new revenue “When I first started, our water account streams. Some were unpopular, like the introduction of red-light cameras at Harlem was at a deficit,” Hermanek said. “The water service fee, if you want to call it that, and Cermak.

Hermanek, who is a criminal defense at- that is causing us to have a surplus, which torney, will point out that it is that revenue is being used for infrastructure improve– about $1.4 million each year – is about the ments. …

“I’m proud that every year we take about same amount the village spends each year to fund its fire pension obligation. However, $650,000 out of that water fund and we’re the pension obligation is growing while the building new water pipes on the west end.

People on the west end have noticed a signifred-light camera revenue has plateaued.

During Hermanek’s tenure, he’s also ex- icant improvement in their water pressure.”

Mandel has targeted what her campaign panded video gambling while pursuing the taxes the state shares with municipalities refers to as the “debt” the village is carryfrom the proceeds. Those taxes amount to ing, basing her figure of $117 million on liabout $280,000 a year, though they could tick ability data compiled by the village for its annual financial audit. up a bit as the pandemic wanes.

However, the overwhelming majority of The village during Hermanek’s tenure also amended its amusement tax statute in that $117 million liability is not derived order to profit from the changing retail sec- from what most people would understand tor that saw large entertainment complexes, as long-term debt, such as a mortgage. The like Round One and Urban Air, set up shop village does carry some long-term debt, but in former big-box retail spaces. That tax it amounts to about $7.5 million or about 6.5 percent of total liabilities. now accounts for about $300,000 annually.

Editor

“I’m the one that stopped the subsidies in this town, and I took a beating for it. But it was the right thing to do.”

The village owes about $2.1 million on alternate revenue bonds issued for road improvements in 2016 and about $5.4 million for debt certificates issued to seal the deal that brought Costco to the village.

Almost all the remaining liabilities – $105.4 million – is what actuaries have determined are the village’s obligations for police and fire pensions as well post-retirement health insurance for former village employees.

The village discontinued the post-retirement health insurance perk for new employees in 2011 (for police the cutoff was 2014), because of its enormous cost. While village boards prior to 2014 either underfunded or failed to fund pensions annually, for the past seven years, the village has funded its police and fire pensions at or even a little more than 100 percent.

There is no action any village board can take to reduce that pension or post-retirement benefit obligation, short of expending more funds towards them or going to referendum to levy taxes against the pension obligations.

No candidates running for election in 2021 have shown a willingness to levy an additional tax.

Hermanek called Mandel’s focus on the “debt” a red herring.

“I think it’s misleading to the public, and I think it doesn’t help with any discussion,” Hermanek said. “These are future obligations for every single person that’s getting a pension, union or non-union, for as long as they live. We have very little debt. Basically we have the loan for Costco, which I’m sure nobody will criticize, we did a massive street repavement and we may be paying off, if not paid off already, the water meters.”

Hermanek pointed to the hiring of retired veteran urban planner Robert Kallien as village planner, and Kallien’s efforts in updating the zoning code and leading the strategic planning process, as “professionalizing” the Community Development Department.

He also warned against writing the retail sector’s obituary, pointing to North Riverside’s success in attracting new powerhouse retail tenants like Hobby Lobby, Binny’s, what appears to be a new Amazon Fresh grocery store and the apparent move of Aldi to a North Riverside Mall outlot.

Round One, Urban Air and the new Cook County Health Clinic, while not retail operations, Hermanek said, have shown the village’s shopping centers are diversifying.

“I know that we have an outdated mall.

However, we’ve been very, very lucky to sustain when these big box stores [like Toys R Us, H.H. Gregg and Sports Authority] have left,” Hermanek said. “It’s such a great area and great location that as one leaves, something comes in.”

While Mengoni wants to empower the village administrator and other staff to over-

see day-to-day village operations, Hermanek relishes his more hands-on approach, including his statutory responsibility of hiring and firing top village staff.

“I know what’s going on, and I’m in on every decision that’s important to the residents,” Hermanek said. “I’m the one that’s accountable for it. Whether it’s the right decision or wrong decision, I’m the one that faces the music.”

He said he hires department heads “on the basis of merit.”

“No relatives work here,” said Hermanek, alluding to a long-criticized aspect of the old VIP political organization, to which he once belonged, where members of the party’s families often landed village jobs, bypassing an open hiring process.

Hermanek named Sue Scarpiniti, the village’s longtime finance director, as acting village administrator in early 2020 after Guy Belmonte announced his retirement.

He said he delegates “a lot of responsibilities” to her and that “she does make a lot of decisions.”

Still, Hermanek said, “most of those decision are run by me.”

“I admit, I’m more hands on,” he said. “I like to know what’s going on.”

St. Patrick’s Day isn’t the only day to be green.

Read. Recycle.

18

The Landmark, March 17, 2021

PARISH

Archdiocese could take action from page 1 “Without that money we are in a perilous situation,” Condon told parishioners.

In explaining that predicament, Condon outlined the financial pressures the parish faces by reproducing a report from the parish’s director of operations. Through Dec. 31, 2020 the parish had posted an operating loss of $86,300, most of it attributed to the school.

Sunday collections for the parish as of Dec. 31 were also down 25 percent compared to collections during the first six months of the 2019-20 fiscal year. While the parish is deriving some rental income from St. Louise de Marillac School, the balance of a loan the parish has received from the archdiocese stood at about $26,000 on Feb. 28.

The parish also faces capital expenses, including an estimated $190,000 to replace the two rooftop heating and air-conditioning units at the St. Barbara Parish Center in Brookfield.

If the parish followed through on that project, it would essentially wipe out all of the parish’s savings, according to Condon.

“All of this leaves us staring at empty bank accounts,” Condon wrote. “We have no money to address any other emergency that may arise, which raises the question of the viability of Holy Guardian Angels.”

D95

Focusing on fall from page 1 by the wife of school board member Kyle Wood, who tweeted about the incident the same day.

“Earlier today my wife was followed closely and aggressively by a driver who eventually pulled up beside her and screamed obscenities to tell her to go to school/open up the schools for the kids,” Wood wrote. “This happened in front of my daughter. This is not ok. #wearellinthistogether” Wood’s tweet prompted a few sympathetic tweets and apparently prompted a letter to parents two days later from school board President Scott Encher, saying that harassment is not the District 95 way and calling for unity.

Tony Ketchmark, the father of kindergarten student and the nephew of Brookfield Village President Kit Ketchmark, took exception to Wood’s tweet at the school board’s March 11 meeting. He related a story about looking at his son’s class photo and asking his son who his friends were.

According to Ketchmark, the boy only pointed to one child. Ketchmark then addressed Wood directly.

“Mr. Kyle Wood that’s pretty ballsy what you called out on Twitter,” said Ketchmark, who criticized Wood for “mak[ing] such a blanket statement in a time when we’re supposed to be about unity. We’ve got this divide; this is crazy. This is not right.”

At the District 95 school board meeting on March 11, six parents expressed their displeasure during the public comment portion of the meeting.

St. Barbara School

BOB UPHUES/Editor

Condon urged parishioners to contribute as much money as they could to help boost the parish’s revenues, invoking both Thomas Paine’s “These are the times that try men’s souls” and Jesus Christ’s miracle of the fishes and loaves from the New Testament in his plea.

A failure of the parish to resolve its financial problems, Condon wrote, could invite the Archdiocese of Chicago to step in.

That could result in one of the parish’s two worship sites being closed and the property sold off.

“I will have no say should events bring us to that precipice,” Condon wrote.

Reached by the Landmark, Condon said that since the school and convent properties are owned by the archdiocese he is not the person handling property listings or negotiations.

“I have heard there is another interested party, but that’s all I know,” Condon wrote in an email to the Landmark.

Holy Guardian Angels Parish was created in 2019 by the merger of St. Barbara Parish in Brookfield and St. Louise de Marillac Parish in LaGrange Park. Both church buildings remain worship sites of the consolidated parish.

St. Barbara School closed in 2012, but the building continued to be used for the parish’s religious education program and as an emergency shelter for BEDS Plus. However, the school building’s boiler failed in late 2019, forcing the parish to discontinue use of the building. The convent is also not used by the parish, which put the buildings on the market as a package at a listing price of $850,000.

By the fall of 2020, the parish had a tentative deal with a developer to convert the school into a multi-unit residential property, and the village of Brookfield amended its zoning code earlier this year to allow for institutional buildings to be converted for residential use.

That action appeared to have paved the way for the properties to be sold for $500,000, but the developer balked.

“I realize that many, if not most of us, are having a hard time making ends meet during this pandemic,” Condon wrote to parishioners. “If you’re like me, you are being asked for money by lots of folks needing financial help. Many of these requests come from worthwhile causes. But as the old saying has it, ‘Charity begins at home’ and right now our home is in need.”

Mulcrone elected D95 school board president In an unusual move, the BrookfieldLaGrange Park District 95 Board of Education elected a new president last week, before the April election.

Usually, school boards wait until new members are seated in late April or May to reorganize themselves, but because the April 6 school board election in District 95 is uncontested -- with only has three candidates for four spots -- the school board decided to jump start the process.

In a special meeting following their regular March meeting, the school board elected Katie Mulcrone as its president, replacing Scott Encher, who decided not to run for another term on the school board and will be leaving the school board in May. Encher had served as school board president for about a year after replacing Michelle Maggos, who resigned from the board last year.

Mulcrone has been on the school board for two years. Before being elected to the school board in 2019, Mulcrone served as president of the Brook Park Council for three years. She grew up in Riverside and has lived in Brookfield since 2004. Mulcrone is the national accounts manager for “Transparency is a concern as you will never know how your community felt as a whole,” Miranda Thomas, who wanted a survey done, told the school board. “The voice of every parent should have been heard.”

Kristin Reingruber, the mother of a firstgrader and the principal of an elementary school in Hinsdale, also complained about the lack of parent input. Reingruber noted

Dawson Sales Company, an industrial food broker. She graduated from Northwestern University in 1998.

Once the new board is seated, the school board will seek applications from those interested in filling the remaining open spot on the school board.

In his farewell comments to the school board, Encher praised his colleagues and teachers, and singled out Superintendent Mark Kuzniewski for special praise.

“When it comes to education and even outside of education you will be hard pressed to find a harder working man than our superintendent,” Encher said.

“The work you have done, not just with the pandemic, but getting to know you through the referendum process, to have an almost $40 million construction project come in under budget, add air conditioning, have it come in on time, all the work that you have done.”

He also praised the district’s teachers and teachers’ union president Lynda Nadkarni.

“The heart and soul of any district are its teachers, and you have made my time here an absolute joy,” Encher said.

— Bob Skolnik that when she had been part of a group of parents who helped raise funds for a playground parent input was valued. She wondered why parent input was sought then, but not now.

“During that process there was no problem with the district partnering with the parents who were willing and able to help garner support for funding for that project,” Reingruber said. “Now we tried to work to-

gether on a more critical component, the education of our children, and the message that we received is that our voice does not matter, that our input is not needed nor welcome.”

Superintendent Mark Kuzniewski told the Landmark that he did meet with a group of parents after the February school board meeting and addressed their concerns, saying they were most concerned about full-day, in-person school in the fall.

Other parents at the school board meeting complained about the decision itself to stick with hybrid learning, where students go to school in person for 2.5 hours a day.

“The decisions that the board and superintendent are making have drastic impacts on our kids,” said parent Nicole Lalonde.

“School districts across the state and country are returning to full-day, in-person learning. Why can’t District 95?”

Mary Ann McNutty said a teacher told her that students are two to three weeks behind where they would be in a normal school year and that math support declined 25 percent in the hybrid model. McNutty said students need to be in school longer. She said remote planning days allowed by the state this year should be used for instruction.

“Putting the needs of the teachers ahead of the needs of struggling students [is] not acceptable,” McNutty said. “Kids are struggling now. They need the additional time in school now.”

At the end of the meeting Kuzniewski made clear that the intention right now is to have full-day school in the fall.

“Our plan is for a full in person model,” said Kuzniewski. “If we have to offer a remote because we’re mandated to do so then we’ll do that, but our focus isn’t whether we are trying to do full or hybrid, we are working to be a full in person model in the fall.”

Opinion T

The Landmark, March 17, 2021

19

THE LANDMARK VIEW

KOSEY CORNER

Turning the corner

Tentative plans being made for 2021 river regatta

he past 12 months have been so extraordinary that it’s sometimes easy to forget just how far we’ve come since the COVID-19 pandemic – coronavirus was the operative word back then, though we’d soon be talking routinely, probably via Zoom, about COVID times.

Let’s just remember where things stood on St. Patrick’s Day of 2020.

The weekend preceding St. Patrick’s Day was when the panic set in. Hundreds lined up on Friday the 13th outside of Costco in North Riverside – you look at the photos now and just gape; not a face covering in sight – to buy the place out of paper products, cleaning solutions, hand sanitizer, flour, rice and canned goods.

By Sunday, there was no meat in the cases and shelves normally packed to the ceiling were nearly bare. At Riverside Foods, Tischler’s, Jewel (remember them?), Aldi – it didn’t matter – panic buyers cleaned them out.

Within an hour of presiding over a ribbon-cutting for a brand new Hobby Lobby on March 16, North Riverside’s mayor shutdown the Village Commons to the public and postponed that night’s village board meeting.

That same day Riverside and Brookfield closed their village halls, cancelled all recreation programming and made parks off limits. By that day, the governor had already closed all schools in the state. On March 16, all restaurants and bars would be shut down.

The headline on the March 18, 2020 Landmark was in all-caps: “LIFE GRINDING TO A HALT” On March 17, 2020 there had been no actual confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in Riverside, Brookfield or North Riverside. But those would come soon enough, in fact by the following week there was one, in North Riverside.

The next week there were 16 cases, followed the next week by 41, then 72, then 112, then 133, then 163.

Little did we know at the time that those confirmed weekly cases, as well as deaths from COVID-19, would spike to even higher levels in the fall. One week in November, in Brookfield alone there would be 152 confirmed cases.

For the week ending on the morning of March 16, 2021, for the second time in the last three weeks, there were 20 new cases in the three villages combined.

For most people, lives changed radically. Businesses shut their doors completely as did places like zoos, libraries, churches. Streets normally packed with cars were largely empty as people worked from home or worked to survive after their jobs disappeared.

Last March and April were awful. We were scared, largely uninformed, and uncertain of what the future held.

Let’s be clear, the pandemic isn’t over, but it feels different Vaccines have been rolled out and more supplies are arriving weekly. Yes, it’s still frustratingly difficult for some people to land vaccine appointments.

But, just as we eventually knew someone who would be infected by the coronavirus or who died from COVID-19, we now know more people who have been vaccinated against it. Those numbers will continue to grow.

This time last year, Major League Baseball shut down spring training and at the time we had no idea if there would be baseball at all in 2020. Last weekend, you could watch spring training games on TV and hear the claps and shouts of fans – socially distanced and hopefully wearing masks – in the background.

We’re convinced that we’ve turned the corner, through the discipline and dedication of all of us as citizens. We’re not done, but we’re getting there. Stay dedicated and we’ll be rewarded. Hang on.

I

t was just the other day the sun was shining and people were out and about, looking forward to better days. However, today as I write this column I am viewing a snow storm. I knew I should not have taken my snowbrush out of the car.

But, I prefer to long for the sunny days and what lies ahead. So come along with me.

Plans are already in progress for Riverside’s 5th Annual Scuffy Gross Regatta to be held on June 27, 2021. All plans depend on where everything is in regards to COVID-19. Get your vaccination if you haven’t already.

The first regatta was held in 2017 in memory of Scuffy Gross, longtime Riversider, Riverside Township assessor and Lions Club member. Scuffy was an avid boater, and it was only fitting that he be remembered by an event on the Des Plaines River, which he could see daily from his third-floor office in the Riverside Township Hall.

The regatta was put together by the Riverside Township Lions with sponsorship help from Riverside American Legion Post #488, to which Scuffy also belonged.

Kayakers Tom Sisulak and Alex Gallegos organized the event and paddled their way down the Des Plaines.

The event grew 27 watercraft in 2018 and 32 in 2019.

Taped by Riverside TV, the event drew over 10,000 views from people all across the country. Those who watched

JOANNE KOSEY

in person saw members of the Gross family, daughters Connie, Cindy and Chrissy, making their way in their kayaks around the bend in the river and hoisting their paddles in tribute to their dad.

As they approached the Swinging Bridge they got a wave and shout out from Sue Gross and other members of the family that had assembled from nearby and out of town. It is quite something seeing the beautiful colored kayaks and canoes drift past.

Details for the 2021 event are still being put together and information will go out in a timely fashion. People are encouraged to begin putting their safety gear together as it will be required to participate. A always look to The Landmark for information closer to

the date.

Soon you may even be able to put your kayak in the river from a launch on Swan Pond’s west bank. Don’t think they will be adding any swans to the area, though.

There are enough critters around already.

Now if you thought 2017 was Riverside’s first regatta, you will be surprised to know there was one held in 1871.

But if you want to see highlights from the most recent event, you can watch Riverside TV’s video on YouTube by typing in “Riverside regatta 2019” into the YouTube search bar.

OBITUARIES

LETTERS

Too bad candidate forum was canceled I had registered for the candidate forum for the LaGrange Park Board of Trustees election to be held this week and was very disappointed when it was canceled. The League of Women Voters of the LaGrange Area informed me that since three of the four candidates had either not responded initially or had pulled out of the forum recently, they were forced to cancel the event.

I listened with interest to the forums for school board trustees for District 102 and 204 and it helped me understand the issues and the candidate positions so that I could vote more knowledgeably.

It’s disappointing that the candidates for LaGrange Park Village Board are not willing to provide this opportunity for voters to learn more about them.

Mary Klonowski

LaGrange

John Farneda, 59 Radio program director restored Wright home John Farneda, 59, a beloved FM rock ‘n’ roll radio programmer who along with his spouse rescued and restored part of a landmark Frank Lloyd Wrightdesigned estate in Riverside, died March 9, 2021.

Mr. Farneda was born Oct. 5, 1961 in Berwyn to Lino B. Farneda and Rose (nee Pedon) Farneda. His passion for rock ‘n’ roll music, particularly the Rolling Stones, led him to a career in radio, JOHN FARNEDA first as an intern for legendary radio host Terri Hemmert and then later as full-time staffer at WXRT-FM in Chicago.

He rose through the ranks, from assistant music director in 1985 to being named the station’s music director in 2001, a position he would hold for 14 years.

“John is one of those irreplaceable people we are lucky enough to know,” Hemmert wrote on her Facebook page following news of Mr. Farneda’s death from pancreatic and liver cancer. “Everything he was involved with he made special. That [Frank See OBITUARIES on page 21

20

The Landmark, March 17, 2021

CANDIDATE OP-ED

CANDIDATE OP-ED

I

Committed to improving lives of students at LTHS

am grateful to my colleagues on the Board of Education for unanimously appointing me to fill a six-month position, and I would be honored to serve a four-year term if you choose to extend my time of service.

I want to continue to serve on the District 204 School Board of Education because I am passionate about improving the quality of education for all students. My greatest desire is to ensure that we provide the very best education possible to all who live in the district. In doing so, we will greatly improve not only the lives of all young adults educated in District 204, but also

our entire community.

I have a longstanding commitment to the District 204 community through my early leadership work on the LT Community Advisory Council and the District 102 Strategic Plan Work Team, as well as my service work on the LaGrange School District 102 School Board. I highly value education and am driven to give back to this exceptional community.

I humbly ask for your support to elect me to the Lyons Township High School Board on April 6, 2021.

Michael Thomas is a candidate running for a seat on the Lyons Township High School District 204 Board of Education.

MICHAEL THOMAS One View

CANDIDATE OP-ED

After tough year, time to look to the future

W

e have all been through some troubling times together throughout the last year or so. School being canceled and having to make the decision of in person or remote learning for our children has not made it any easier.

As a board member and parent of a Komarek student, my concerns were for all the children within our district as well as my own. I spoke to neighbors and friends and could see their concerns as I told them mine as well.

Through it all, I always felt like we would get through it together, as we always have.

I am proud to do my part as a community member by serving on the school board. The most important resource this or any community has is its children. They are the future.

Moving forward, we are in the beginning stages of an enormous building renovation project in which our community has become invested and committed. I am so excited that we will finally have a new building for our wonderful students and staff to

enjoy, it is long overdue.

Throughout my time as a District 94 school board member, I have come to appreciate the responsibility placed upon me by the community. I have strived to do my best to keep the integrity of board business intact while trying to alleviate any concerns community members may have.

The picture that is the remainder of the school year does not look clear right now, but as usual, we will get through it together. Whether for another month or four more years, you can count on me to continue to treat every issue I encounter as a school board member with the utmost care.

These are decisions that literally affect the future of our community. It has been an honor for me to serve such a wonderful community as a school board member. I ask for your support and the opportunity to continue to serve you all. Go Wildcats!

Frank Savaglio is a candidate running for a seat on the Komarek School District 94 Board of Education.

FRANK

SAVAGLIO One View

I

Time to be bold, specific on racial equity at LTHS

was first motivated to run for school board when the answer to my questions about improvements for the school in conversations around the community was frequently “I don’t know, it’s always been that way.”

We had deep discussions about the lack of air conditioning and 1-1 computing at LT in 2018-19. But over the summer of 2020, a refreshed conversation emerged around the achievement gap and racial belonging at the school that really motivated me to run a second time.

LT felt this was important, and they’d made efforts, and the school board wanted to learn more before releasing an equity statement. They would hire consultants and have special trainings – it would take some time, but it was an encouraging acknowledgement that the board wanted to make this right. Seven months later, the board released and instantly passed an equity statement.

I absolutely agree with everything that was written in the statement, but this was not the racial equity statement that I feel the community was waiting for – in fact, the equity statement did not specifically address or mention race at all. We must not leave race out or sweep it into a bucket of “all students” if we truly want to make progress in this area.

In order to provide meaningful equity to marginalized student groups, District 204 should be bold and specific. If elected, I will advocate that the District specifically acknowledge that complex societal and historical factors contribute to inequities within our school.

This history has negatively impacted the health, education, and economic outcomes for our Latinx and African-

American students. Racism is a public health crisis, and if we start with this specific acknowledgement, we can truly tackle these issues head on. This isn’t to say our school is racist, it is not, but we must acknowledge that racism is prevalent and significant.

I’ve been working with a group called Belonging and Equity at LT that helped research ways to make the school more inclusive and to reduce the achievement gap.

During my time researching, I read about several resolutions around racial equity that were written in multiple school districts in our state.

District 204 school board has an opportunity to collaboratively draft a resolution that puts our administration to work on items such as integrating more racially/culturally relevant content into curriculum, gathering complaints about racial bias and sharing them with the board, gathering data on hiring and promotional trends among racial groups for staff, and much more.

These efforts will serve as a foundation to begin repairing the lack of belonging among our marginalized groups.

They say that a rising tide lifts all boats. I’m confident that specific measures to lift up our minority students will lift up all students. Increased integration of ethnicities and races in our classrooms gives more perspective for everyone. Hiring more diverse staff over time statistically improves learning for all students. In short, there’s a way to help all students at LT – specifically and boldly address racial inequity at the school.

Ricardo Martinez is a candidate running for a seat on the Lyons Township High School District 204 Board of Education.

RICARDO MARTINEZ One View

Read it online at www.rblandmark.com

The Landmark, March 17, 2021

RBHS FORUM

CANDIDATE OP-ED

I

Putting kids first, collaboratively, with consistent equity focus

have been blessed with many things in my life. I am running for the Lyons Township School Board to be of service to our students, school, and community I hold in such high regard. We all have a responsibility to care for one another. For me, I do this when I can, with the time I have, in the areas where I feel my experience can benefit others.

While I feel the most effective board is one with diverse experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, I also feel that a board should not lack someone with educational experience.

While having community members with law, finance, or business backgrounds is beneficial, it is also important to have someone with inside knowledge about how districts are run and how decisions affect all stakeholders.

I believe my 24 years as a social worker and administrator in many different environments would be an asset to our community. I have worked in small and large districts; urban, suburban, and rural communities; group homes and residential facilities; wealthy communities and poor communities.

The one constant throughout all my experiences is that kids need people who will care for them. While everyone has different needs, it all starts with someone who cares. I believe that all my experiences will give me the perspective to make decisions that will always put kids first.

One of the most important characteristics of any good leader is being a good listener. That starts with listening first to the students and staff that work in the building. While some decisions can be made without student input, the current board initiatives require the knowledge of those who

work within the walls of LTHS. The concerns of equity and belonging in schools is not singular to LTHS, our community, or even our state. This is a national and global concern that hundreds of thousands of people dedicate their lives to.

It is important to note that what might work for one school or community, may not work for another. This is why an informed, individualized approach is necessary. While we cannot fix this problem overnight, we can continue to teach, dedicate time, energy and resources to working through these issues.

In my opinion, this cannot be an initiative or a movement. This needs to be addressed on a regular, consistent basis as we would work on curriculum or instruction. It needs to be part of the conversation with any decisions that are made and must include conversations with our feeder and neighboring districts.

This is where my connections with other districts can be utilized to collaborate and share ideas that will only make LT an even better learning environment for all students.

I am fortunate enough to have many personal and professional experiences that, I believe, will allow me to support LTHS. For more information you can find my personal and professional experiences at timalbores.com Or you can find me on Facebook at facebook.com/TimAlbores-Lyons-Township-School-District-204-School-BoardCandidate-106832701334516 Tim Albores is a candidate running for a seat on the Lyons Township High School District 204 Board of Education.

TIM

ALBORES One View

OBITUARIES Continued from page 19 Lloyd Wright] house. WXRT. All of his many friendships.”

Mr. Farneda left the radio station in 2014, and the following year he and his spouse, Stephanus “Fanie” Greeff, bought the “bedroom wing” of Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous Coonley Estate in Riverside.

The home had been sorely neglected and suffered damage in 2014 when vandals broke into the home and threw a party, leaving behind graffiti on the walls and broken windows.

The couple set about restoring the home, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2017, the Frederick Law Olmsted Society presented them with its Restoration Award, and they opened their home to visitors during the society’s housewalk in 2019.

In May 2017, Mr. Farneda returned to WXRT as the station’s music director, prompting the station’s operations director, Greg Solk, to remark, “John is WXRT.” Mr. Farneda is survived by his spouse, Stephanus “Fanie” Greeff; his mother, Rose;

and his brother, Lorenzo “Larry” Farneda.

A memorial service is being planned for later the year. Details will be shared.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the National MS Society (nationalmssociety.org) or Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org).

— Bob Uphues

Janet R. Haney, 80 CatNap from the Heart volunteer Janet Rae Haney died peacefully in November 2020.

She was born on Jan. 24, 1940, in Chicago to Raymond and Geraldine Prosser Haney (both deceased). She was soon joined by a sister and brother.

The family moved to Brookfield in 1950. Ms. Haney attended S.E. Gross School and graduated from Riverside-Brookfield High School in 1957. She worked for Continental Insurance from 1957 until her retirement. She was a parishioner of St. Louise de Marillac Parish and volunteered at CatNap from the Heart for many years.

Ms. Haney is survived by her sister, Joellen “Josie” (Don Kinser) of Hillsboro, Oregon,

21

Columbus Day name change? from page 15 “How can we have 10 languages through the process that we just learned?” Smithing asked. “I don’t know if 10’s a number, I’m just saying through the process we just learned … kids are comfortable in a blended learning environment.

Our blended learning program has been excellent. We’ve just built two new rooms, pre-COVID for that to expand that program.”

Smithing emphasized his push to get kids back attending school in person. He said that leading the school board through a pandemic has been challenging.

“Our kids’ mental, social and academic health is best served within the school environment,” Smithing said. “I’m proud of our accomplishments with opening for in-person learning. As president of the board, I led a collaborative process working through obstacles to the educational environment, such as staff vaccinations, COVID testing, stipends, sick days, work flexibility for at-risk employees, childcare, flexibility and enhance cleaning procedures and special education.”

VenHorst criticized the school board for failing to rename the Columbus Day holiday, a day off in the school calendar.

The school board discussed changing the name of the day to Indigenous People’s Day or combining the two titles but, after extensive discussion, declined to make a change next year. VenHorst criticized Smithing for not effectively leading on the issue.

“I was aghast watching an inability to lead on the discussion of Indigenous People’s Day,” VenHorst said. “I recognize that it’s recognized by the state as Columbus Day right now, I recognize that it is a non-attendance day, but if you stand up for what’s right, you talk about the fact that we are setting a precedent for our children to understand the situation. And it’s something that’s important to me.”

A recording of the full forum can be watched through a Zoom link on the Facebook page f Indivisible West Suburban Action League at facebook.com/westsuburbanactionleague.

and brother, Jordan (Janet) Haney of Darien and her many friends.

Cremation followed by interment at Hinsdale Pet Cemetery, where she joins her mother and their many cats and dogs.

Condolences to the family and memorial donations in Ms. Haney’s name can be sent to CatNap from the Heart, 1101 Beach Ave., LaGrange Park, 60526.

Janet L. Havel, 65

Ms. Havel was the sister of Christine Woytonik and George (Lesli) Havel; the aunt of Melissa (Sam) Albano and Jamie (Joseph) Beringer; the great-aunt of Avery and Danielle Beringer; the daughter of the late George Sr. and Mary Havel; and the friend of Kimberly Genz.

Services have been held. Interment was private.

Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, Westchester, handled arrangements.

Former Brookfield resident

Henrietta Svatos, 87

Janet L. Havel, 65, of Westchester and formerly of Brookfield, died March 10, 2021.

Born March 16, 1955, Ms. Havel had many lifelong friends and was very kind and grateful for life’s JANET L. HAVEL blessings. She lived her life striving for peace and harmony in all encounters. Janet will be greatly missed by her family and her many friends.

Chemical engineer Henrietta Svatos (nee Petrivalská), 87, of Brookfield, died Feb. 10, 2021.

Mrs. Svatos, a chemical engineer, immigrated to the United States from the then Czechoslovakia with her husband in 1966, and soon thereafter made her home in Brookfield.

She was the wife of the late Emil Svatos; the mother of Veronica (Dan) DeLuca-Svatos and Thomas Svatos; and the grandmother of Rocco DeLuca and Bianca DeLuca.

Due to COVID, a memorial service will be held in the future. Interment is private.

22

The Landmark, March 17, 2021 New local ads this week

HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI

WEDNESDAY

CLASSIFIED Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

Place your ad online anytime at: www.RBLandmark.com/Classified/

YOUR WEEKLY AD

REACHES SIX SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES: OAK PARK, RIVER FOREST, FOREST PARK, BROOKFIELD, RIVERSIDE, NORTH RIVERSIDE, AND PARTS OF CHICAGO

Please Check Your Ad: The publisher will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion.

Wednesday Journal Classified must be notified before the second insertion.

The newspaper reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement.

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 | BY E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@RBLANDMARK.COM HELP WANTED PART TIME TUTOR POSITION Flexible hours, afternoons and evenings. Monday through Thursday and possibly Saturday. Preferred background in math. Background check required.

708-447-8200 Or skillstutoringcenter@gmail.com SEASONAL FARMERS’ MARKET ASSISTANT The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Seasonal Farmers’ Market Assistant in the Development Customer Services Department. This position will provide administrative support to the Farmers’ Market Manager to allow growers and producers of food to sell directly to the public within established guidelines. This position requires work in inclement weather conditions; some heavy lifting of up to 50 pounds; walking or standing for sustained periods of time. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. Open until filled.

Village of Brookfield

Department of Public Works Position Available Seasonal Public Works Employment May - September

Applications are now being accepted from qualified individuals for seasonal public works employment.

Employment period will be from May through September. The position requires physical labor and will be in the Streets, Forestry, Water, Sewer, and Public Buildings Divisions.

Work hours are 7:00 am to 4:00 pm five days per week, with one weekend day required as part of the five day work schedule. Starting pay rate is $11.00 per hour.

Applicants must be 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license.

Candidates must be self-motivated and possess strong communication skills. Selected candidates will be required to pass a post-offer criminal background check, driver abstract record search, physical and drug screen with results acceptable to the Village.

Interested applicants should submit a completed employment application to the Human Resources office.

Email submissions are preferred: sdumanovic@brookfieldil.gov. You may drop off or mail your completed job application to Human Resources office, Village of Brookfield, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield IL 60513 Fillable job applications may be found online at https://brookfieldil. gov/careers/.

The Village of Brookfield is an Equal Opportunity Employer

HELP WANTED Village of Brookfield

UTILITY BILLING CLERK

Career Opportunity:

The Village of Brookfield’s Finance Department is seeking qualified applicants for the full-time position of Utility Billing Clerk. Under the direction of the Accounting Manager, this position is responsible for the preparation and processing of monthly utility bills for the Village.

General Responsibilities:

Some of the essential responsibilities include ensuring accurate and timely utility billing; working with a third-party billing processor; collection and maintenance of residential and commercial accounts; and working closely and professionally with Village residents.

A more detailed job description can be found at https://brookfieldil.gov/ careers/.

Qualifications:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent, a valid driver’s license, a minimum of three years of general office experience, proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite, specifically Excel, and exemplary customer service skills are required. Two years of previous experience in utility billing, accounting or related activities and experience utilizing enterprise systems in a municipal setting are preferred.

An offer for this position is contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of a criminal background check and a drug screen with results acceptable to the Village.

Salary and Benefits:

The minimum of the hiring range for this position is $48,445.60 ($23.29 per hour) and includes insurance, participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) and all Village benefits available to full-time non-bargaining employees.

How to apply:

All interested applicants should submit a cover letter, current resume, and completed job application to the Human Resources office at the Village of Brookfield via email by the end of the day on Friday March 26th to sdumanovic@brookfieldil. gov. Career posting to remain open until filled.

URGENT HIRE: The Village would like to have someone start in this position by April 12th

WANTED TO BUY

OFFICE & RETAIL SPACE FOR RENT

WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys.

Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

RIVER FOREST–7777 Lake St. * 1116 sq. ft. * 1400 sq. ft. Dental Office RIVER FOREST–7756 Madison St. * 960 sq. ft.

OAK PARK–6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. * 3 & 5 room office suites FOREST PARK–7736 Madison St. *2500 sq. ft. unit Strand & & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011

AUTO FOR SALE 2003 LEXUS RX300 Silver w/ beige interior, 160,950 mi., great condition. New brakes, passed recent emissions test. $3275.00.

Call Terry Baggett 773-988-6468

PETS

ITEMS FOR SALE

While you’re away, your pets are okay . . . at home

ANTIQUE HALL TREE Antique American Hall Tree, solid oak. Excellent condition. 29”w x 78”h x 11”d, with covered shelf and mirror. $159.00.

708-488-8755

cat calls

KENMORE WASHER & DRYER Sold as set. $100.00.

Call Terry Baggett 773-988-6468

Oak Park’s Original Pet Care Service – Since 1986

Daily dog exercising Complete pet care in your home )PVTF TJUUJOH t 1MBOU DBSF Bonded References

MUSIC Music: piano scores, concertos, piano trios, flute music violin music.

Variety of composers. $3.00 each.

708-488-8755

524-1030

PLANT STAND Barley twist plant stand. Very solid.

Approx. 4 ft. tall and 15 in. diameter. Fruitwood finish. $149.00.

708-488-8755

Lost & Found, Items for Sale, and To Be Given Away ads run free in Wednesday Classified. To place your ad, call 708-613-3342

SUBURBAN RENTALS

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STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3 BR Best Selection & Service

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Apartment listings updated daily at:

SUBURBAN RENTALS STUDIO APARTMENTS BROADVIEW Studio apartments for rent. $600/mo and up, all utilities incl. $25 credit application fee.

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CEMENT

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New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured.

Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com

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708.442.7720 '5,9(:$<6 )281'$7,216 3$7,26 67(36 &85% *877(56 6,'(:$/.6 612: 3/2:,1* 67$03(' &2/25(' $**5(*$7( &21&5(7( FREE ESTIMATES LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

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Or call us toll free at 1-833-440-0665 for an appointment.

FLOORS

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 from the bottom of my heart to succor 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. CAC

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The Landmark, March 17, 2021

HAULING

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

BASEMENT CLEANING

INVITATION TO BID

INVITATION TO BID

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

The Park District of Forest Park (“Park District” or “Owner”) will receive bids for the Interior painting of the Administration Building, located at the 7501 Harrison Street, Forest Park, Illinois 60130. Bid Documents, including Instructions to Bidders, Drawings, Technical Specifications, General and any Special Conditions, and Bid Forms, including required Contractor Certifications and Prevailing Wage Determination and Supersedes Notice, are available at Park District of Forest Park Administration Building, 7501 Harrison St., Forest Park, Illinois 60130 commencing on March 15, 2021 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Park District of Forest Park (“Park District” or “Owner”) will receive bids for the Administration Building Flooring Project, located at the 7501 Harrison Street, Forest Park, Illinois 60130. Bid Documents, including Instructions to Bidders, Drawings, Technical Specifications, General and any Special Conditions, and Bid Forms, including required Contractor Certifications and Prevailing Wage Determination and Supersedes Notice, are available at Park District of Forest Park Administration Building, 7501 Harrison St., Forest Park, Illinois 60130 commencing on March 15, 2021 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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

A Pre-bid Meeting will be held at Administration Building, 7501 Harrison St., Forest Park, Illinois, at 10:00 a.m. on March 22, 2021. This meeting will be used to review the Specifications and give any Bidders the opportunity to discuss any concerns with the Owner. Attendance at this meeting by all persons desiring to bid on this Project is highly recommended.

A Pre-bid Meeting will be held at Administration Building, 7501 Harrison St., Forest Park, Illinois, at 10:00 a.m. on March 22, 2021. This meeting will be used to review the Specifications and give any Bidders the opportunity to discuss any concerns with the Owner. Attendance at this meeting by all persons desiring to bid on this Project is highly recommended.

Each bid shall be placed in an opaque sealed envelope and clearly marked “Park District of Forest Park, Indoor Painting of the Administration Building.” The envelope shall be addressed and delivered to and received by the Park District at the following location: Administration Building, 7501 Harrison St., Forest Park, Illinois 60130. No responsibility shall be attached to any person for premature opening of a bid not properly identified.

Each bid shall be placed in an opaque sealed envelope and clearly marked “Park District of Forest Park, Administration Building Flooring Project.” The envelope shall be addressed and delivered to and received by the Park District at the following location: Administration Building, 7501 Harrison St., Forest Park, Illinois 60130. No responsibility shall be attached to any person for premature opening of a bid not properly identified.

Bids will be received until 10:00 a.m. April 8, 2021. Immediately thereafter, the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids received after that time or at a different location will be rejected and returned to the Bidder unopened.

Bids will be received until 10:00 a.m. April 8, 2021. Immediately thereafter, the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids received after that time or at a different location will be rejected and returned to the Bidder unopened.

The Park District of Forest Park reserves the right to waive technicalities, to accept or reject any or all bids, and/or to accept only portions of a bid and reject the remainder.

Owner will award the Contract to the lowest most responsible and responsive Bidder, as determined by Owner. In considering the Bidder’s responsibility, the Owner may evaluate, among other factors, the ability of the Bidder to provide experienced labor sufficient in numbers to timely and properly complete the services, the financial capability of the Bidder, and the performance of the Bidder on other projects

The Park District of Forest Park reserves the right to waive technicalities, to accept or reject any or all bids, and/or to accept only portions of a bid and reject the remainder.

Owner will award the Contract to the lowest most responsible and responsive Bidder, as determined by Owner. In considering the Bidder’s responsibility, the Owner may evaluate, among other factors, the ability of the Bidder to provide experienced labor sufficient in numbers to timely and properly complete the services, the financial capability of the Bidder, and the performance of the Bidder on other projects.

Bids shall not include federal excise tax or state sales tax for materials to be incorporated in, or totally consumed in the prosecution of the Work. A tax exemption certificate will be furnished by the Park District at the request of the Bidder. The Park District’s tax exemption number shall only be used by the successful Bidder for the Work of this Project.

Bids shall not include federal excise tax or state sales tax for materials to be incorporated in, or totally consumed in the prosecution of the Work. A tax exemption certificate will be furnished by the Park District at the request of the Bidder. The Park District’s tax exemption number shall only be used by the successful Bidder for the Work of this Project.

After the bid opening time, no bid shall be withdrawn or canceled for a period of sixty (60) calendar days.

After the bid opening time, no bid shall be withdrawn or canceled for a period of sixty (60) calendar days.

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 into for the Work will be drawn in compliance with said law and proposals should be prepared accordingly and provide for payment of all laborers, workmen, 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 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 into for the Work will be drawn in compliance with said law and proposals should be prepared accordingly and provide for payment of all laborers, workmen, 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(s) 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.

The Contractor(s) 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.

Direct questions to Jackie Iovinelli, Executive Director, Park District of Forest Park, jiovinelli@pdofp.org, 708-366-7500.

Direct questions to Jackie Iovinelli, Executive Director, Park District of Forest Park, jiovinelli@pdofp.org, 708-366-7500.

Published in Forest Park Review

Published in Forest Park Review

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PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids from qualified consultants at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31, 2020 for the following: Village of Oak Park 2021 Urban Forestry Consulting and Inspection Services Proposal Number: 21-121 Bid documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/bid.

For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700 during the above hours.

Published in Wednesday Journal March 17, 2021

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids from qualified vendors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 26, 2021 for the following: Village of Oak Park 2021 Emergency Vehicle Equipment Bid Number: 21-123 Bid documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/bid.

For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700 during the above hours.

Published in Wednesday Journal March 17, 2021

3/17/2021

3/17/2021

Public Notice: Your right to know

In print • Online • Available to you 24/7/365 RBLandmark.com PublicNoticeIllinois.com

2021 Street Patching Program This project consists of the patching of approximately 4,050 square yards of existing, defective asphalt pavement at various locations throughout the Village, as designated by the Department of Public Works.

The bidding documents are available for download starting Monday, March 15, 2021 at: www.vrf.us/bids

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

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: Y21006185 on March 5, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of TWISTED SOU’LS CATERING with the business located at:139 HARRISON ST APT 2N, OAK PARK, IL 60304. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: ANTHONY BOWMAN 139 HARISON ST APT 2N, OAK PARK, IL 60304, USA

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: Y21006206 on March 11, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of AMERICAN DREAMS CLEANING COMPANY with the business located at:1025 PLEASANT PLACE, APT. 2G, OAK PARK, IL 60302.

The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: JEFFREY RUSSELL COLLINS 1025 PLEASANT PLACE APT. 2G OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA.

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

Bids must be submitted by Monday, March 29, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at:

2021 Pavement Crack Sealing Project

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

The Work consists of the application of approximately 42,455 pounds of Fiber-Modified Crack Sealing to various asphalt public roadways.

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

The bidding documents are available for download starting Monday, March 15, 2021 at:

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

Bidders shall be prequalified by IDOT for: HMA Paving The Village of River Forest reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids.

Published in Wednesday Journal 3/17/2021

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for: 2021 Curb and Sidewalk Replacement Program (Various Locations) This project consists of the installation of approximately 5,000 square feet of PCC sidewalk, 175 linear feet of PCC curb/gutter, 75 square yards of driveway apron and other work incidental thereto.

The bidding documents are available for download starting Monday, March 15, 2021 at: www.vrf.us/bids Bids must be submitted by Monday, March 29, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at: Public Works Department, 2nd Floor Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305 The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability to perform the work.

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

Bidders shall be prequalified by IDOT for: Concrete Construction The Village of River Forest reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids.

Published in Wednesday Journal 3/17/2021

23

www.vrf.us/bids Bids must be submitted by Monday, April 5, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at: Public Works Department, 2nd Floor Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305 The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability to perform the work.

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

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

Published in Wednesday Journal 3/17/2021

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: Y21006103 on February 25, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of ADG HANDYMAN SERVICES with the business located at: 2417 N. 75TH AVE UNIT F, ELMWOOD PARK, IL 60707. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: ALBERT JOSEPH DEGENOVA 2417 N. 75TH AVE UIT F, ELMWOOD PARK, IL 60707, USA Published in Wednesday Journal 3/3, 3/10, 3/17/2021

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: Y21006089 on February 25, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of WILSON FINANCIAL with the business located at: 1126 N. 6TH AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153.

The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: ALEATHA WILSON 1126 N. 6TH AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153, USA Published in Forest Park Review 3/3, 3/10, 3/17/2021

Classifieds @RBLandmark.com

Published in Wednesday Journal 3/10, 3/17, 3/24/2021

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: Y21006062 on February 24, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of FIRST FINANCIAL PLUS with the business located at: 4232 EDGEWATER AVENUE, HILLSIDE, IL 60162. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: STEEVE KIDD 4232 EDGEWATER AVENUE, HILLSIDE, IL 60162 Published in Forest Park Review 3/10, 3/17, 3/24/2021

PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of Maeve Madeleine Kennedy Riordan Case Number 2021CONC000230 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Maeve Madeleine Kennedy Riordan to the new name of: Rory Quinn Kennedy Riordan The court date will be held: On May 13, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Cook County Court Calendar 6.

Published in Wednesday Journal 3/17, 3/24, 3/31/2021

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: Y21006244 on March 12, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of CHAMBERS ADVERTISING with the business located at: 414 GENEVA AVE, BELLWOOD, IL 60104. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: FOSTER CHAMBERS, 414 GENEVA AVE, BELLWOOD, IL 60104, USA. Published in Forest Park Review 3/17, 3/24, 3/31/2021

PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of Mercedes De La PazBuck Case Number 20214000895 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Mercedes De La Paz-Buck to the new name of: Cedes Delapaz Buck.

The court date will be held: On April 27th, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. at 1500 Maybrook Drive, Maywood, Cook County, IL in Courtroom #0111.

Published in Wednesday Journal 3/10, 3/17, 3/24/2021

Published in RB Landmark 3/17, 3/24, 3/31/2021

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24

The Landmark, March 17, 2021

NG MI O C

ON SO W NE

G! IN T LIS

EN OP

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3 11-

354 N Delaplaine Rd, Riverside $500,000

294 Northwood Rd, Riverside $649,000

293 Longcommon Rd, Riverside $975,000

621 S Plymouth Ct, #207, Chicago $249,000

3608 Wenonah Ave, Berwyn $279,000

152 E Burlington St, Riverside $289,900

59 East Quincy, Riverside $369,000

591 E Parkway Rd, Riverside $524,900

192 Waubansee Rd, Riverside $539,000

45 Longcommon Rd, Riverside $975,000

AL NT E R

4441 Wolf Rd, #406, Western Springs $1,050,900

8613 Rockefeller Ave, Brookfield $1,800/mo.

AL NT E R

229 Park Ave #405, Clarendon Hills $3,450mo.

AL NT E R

38 S Waiola Ave, La Grange $1,665/mo

AL NT E R

38 S Kensington Ave #6, LaGrange $2,850/mo

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Visit us at www.atproperties.com/agents/Burlington to view all of our properties and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and updates on the local real estate market.

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