Sta will look into nancial incentives for replacing hardscape with semi-pervious surfaces like pavers
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
Riverside has changed its village code to encourage the use of semi-pervious surfaces on residential lots over impervious surfaces by allowing residents to use up to 20% more of the semi-pervious material.
With village trustees’ unanimous passage of an ordinance March 6, semi-pervious surfaces are now defined as those that allow stormwater to pass through them into the ground below, including permeable pavers, porous concrete and pea gravel. Trustee Aberdeen MarshOzga was absent at the meeting and did not vote
Village Planner Anne Cyran told the village board that these surfaces must be installed properly so the
Clockwise
rom top
: Eric West, Patrick Williams, Ryan Venhorst, Lorena Gasca, and Nick Caputo
eld’s new public works director
Brook eld’s new public works director brings 24 years of experience
Lauren Moore will begin March 24 a er leaving Bloomingdale’s public
works department
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
After a nearly four-month vacancy, Brookfield has hired a new director of public works.
Lauren Moore is set to begin March 24 in the role, Village Manager Tim Wiberg announced March 10.
“I’m really excited, and I look forward to lear ning about [Brookfield’s] operation and how they do things, apply improvements where needed but leave the good stuff alone and capitalize on the good things that they have, which I’m sure they have plenty of,” she told the Landmark Thursday Moore has worked in public works for the village of Bloomingdale since 2001. She started as a seasonal laborer before being hired full-time in 2005 as a utilities distribution maintenance worker. In 2014, she was promoted to operations and logistics coordinator for public works and utilities, a role she’s held since.
Bloomingdale is located in central DuPage County, about 20 miles nor thwest of Brookfield. According to the United States Census, Bloomingdale had a population of about 22,300 in 2023.
According to a press release, Moore earned a bachelor’s de gree in business management and human resources management from the University of Phoenix and graduate certificates in human resources and public administration from Southern New Hampshire University. Moore, whose starting salary will be $124,228, said she first applied for the position in 2023 to re place for mer Public Wo rks Director Ca rl Muell, but she wasn’t chosen then. Instead, Brookfield hired Vincent Smith, whom Moore is now re placing.
Wiberg said Smith’s last day with the village was Nov. 29 and that he left for a job in Bensenville, where he had worked
before joining his hometown of Brookfield. In the meantime, Superintendent of Public Works Rocco Barbanente has been running the department.
“Apparently, there were a couple of things I said that stuck with them, so they reached out to me, and I said I would absolutely be open to a conversation. [Assistant Village Manager] Stevie [Ferrari] and Tim were very pleasant to speak with — their whole team was — so I said yeah,” Moore said.
Her duties will include strategic planning, identifying capital improvements, securing g rant funding, researching for collective bargaining, hiring employees including seasonal staff and budgeting, according to the village
Wiberg said the village spoke with five candidates in the first round, which involved one interview with Brookfield’s department heads and another with Wiberg, before nar rowing the pool to three for a second round of interviews with him and Ferrari.
He said Moore’s wealth of experience at Bloomingdale made her the top candidate.
“She’s been involved in overseeing all facets of the typical public works operation, all the same kinds of divisions we have. Their department is bigger than ours, so she’s had ample experience in dealing with oversight of all of the types of issues and things that we’ll get involved with here,” he said. “I think she’ll make a commitment to be here, we’re hoping, for a very long and successful tenure, and she just comes across as a very likeable and relatable person.”
Moore said she sought to leave Bloomingdale with encouragement from the village’s own director of public works, Jim Monkemeyer, and the village administrator, Pietro Scalera.
“Scalera has probably been the most influential mentor in my life, and he greatly encouraged me to just get out there, talk to people and see what’s going on,” she said. “I love the Village of Bloomingdale. I grew up here. My heart is in Bloomingdale, for sure; at least, a piece of it always will be. … I was a 17-year-old kid when I started there, and I’m working with a lot of the same people. It just felt like it was time for me to get out, look at some dif ferent challenges and meet some new people.”
PROVIDED BY BOB UPHUES
Lauren Moore is Brook eld’s new public works director.
She said she takes pride in the services that public works departments provide.
“What we do is critical to the everyday life of people, period. You can’t get through life without running water. You can’t get to where you need to go without safe, clean roads. Legitimately, what we do is essential to every quality-of-life thing for residents. Community is extremely important to me,” she said. “I take a lot of pride in service, and to me, it’s very fulfilling. When you’re fulfilled with your job, you’re going to do well at it.”
Moore added that her on-the-ground experience has prepared her for the challenges she expects to face leading Brookfield’s public works department.
“When you do the worst of the worst and the dirtiest of the dirtiest, you get a really good overall picture of how your guys feel, how your crews are feeling after four long days of three water main breaks in a snowstorm. You have an intimate knowledge and understanding of how they feel. You have an intimate knowledge of their needs, everything from safety to morale and all that stuff, and I think that has helped me,” she said. “When you’ve really been in it, you get it.”
Staff Repor ter Trent Brown
Digital Manager Stacy Coleman
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Contributing Editor Donna Greene
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EMAIL jill@oakpark.com
Special Projects Manager Susan Walker
Senior Advisor Dan Haley BOARD OF DIREC TORS Chair Eric Weinheimer Treasurer Nile Wendor f Deb Abrahamson, Mary Cahillane, Steve Edwards, Judy Gre n, Horacio Mendez, Charles Meyerson, Darnell Shields, Audra Wilson
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New Book Joy brings ‘book matchmaking’ to the Brookfield Shops
e ‘booktique’ is 1 of 6 shops selected for the retail incubator program
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
Mandy Genge, one of the co-founders of New Book Joy, said the idea for the shop, which sells curated book boxes or personalized book recommendations alongside paired goodies like candles, stationery and wine, came from a love of education that she shares with her cousin-in-law and coowner, Connie Obrochta.
“We’re both in the education field. I’m a high school English teacher. She was a reading specialist for little kids in Evanston. At family parties, we would talk about what we loved and didn’t love about education, and it was our favorite conversation to have together,” Genge told the Landmark.
But the “booktique” — book boutique — wasn’t born until about 2020, when the two went on vacation together.
“We were talking about it again, and she asked me if I would go into business with her and have this idea of having conversations through books for all types of readers, all ages We wanted to make it very approachable,” she said. “We wanted to almost have a celebration or party when it came to reading as a whole and the idea of curating. I love book matchmaking for my students, so the idea of, you come in,
say what you want, and we will curate and book matchmake for you.”
New Book Joy is one of six shops coming to the Brookfield Shops at Progress Park when the retail incubator opens for its first half-year in June. The village announced the cohort of vendors Monday, March 10.
While Genge, Obrochta and third coowner Therese Tanski already have a storefront for New Book Joy in Chicago’s Edgebrook neighborhood, Genge said the trio had two reasons to seek a spot in the Brookfield Shops.
“I’m a teacher in Cicero, so I’ve been here forever, and I have so many friends in the Brookfield, LaGrange, Riverside, Oak Park, Forest Park area. I’ve been hanging out in Brookfield for the past 25 years because it’s very easy to go out after school in the area,” she said. “I love the vibe of Brookfield and all the surrounding suburbs, and it actually was in our business model; Connie and I always wanted to open up a handful of our ‘booktiques’ around the Chicagoland area to share this joy and this idea of curating, and we’re always looking for places that don’t have a bookstore within a 15- to 20-minute drive.”
While many of the curated book boxes are designed for children of all reading levels, Genge said the shop has book boxes for all kids of life stages or events, like babyboxes, comfort boxes, honeymoon boxes, birthday boxes and more. She said the business also looks to draw in adults with bookish, boozy events.
“We started with book clubs and pairing events that relate to the books,” she said.
“We were doing wine tastings, and we were working with one of our favorite wineries in Michig an, and they’d ship out wine to people, [and with] In Fine Spirits in Andersonville. We did a whiskey tasting with an Irish book.”
In fact, Genge said she knows there’s an audience for those kinds of events in Brookfield
“We did a boozy book fair at Imperial Oak [Brewing] in Brookfield last year, and we had people drive from 20-25 minutes [away] in all directions to get some beer and get books from a small, independent business,” she said. “We knew that we’d love to have Brookfield as an epicenter.”
When it came time earlier this month for the owners to make their case before Brookfield’s selection of jurors for a spot in the retail incubator, Genge said her and Obrochta’s education background came in handy.
“There was a little bit of jitters, a little bit of excitement — well, a lot of excitement. I think the one good thing about Connie and myself is the fact that we are teachers, so at least we weren’ t concerned about presenting because we’re always used to having people’s eyes on us,” she said. “I think, once we got back to the village and were able to set up and start presenting, we just are passionate and love our business so, so much … Once we started talking, I just remember exploding with excitement, and I could not wait to share what we do and what we would love to do hopefully in Brookfield down the road.”
She said she and the other owners are already thinking about how they’ll lay their new shop out so they can sell all kinds of
of New Book Joy’s three ow ners. e “booktique” is coming to Brook eld this summer as part of the Brook eld Shops.
wares without it feeling too cluttered; she said one of the store’s strengths is that books are segmented by age, “so people know exactly where to go.”
“I think the long-term goal is to see if we are sustainable in Brookfield,” Geng e said. “I’m hoping in all honesty that other people come from various neighborhoods, and in turn, it also helps Brookfield … What I love about this opportunity to be in this incubation progr am is, we’ll g et the perfect snapshot to see if we could go big and be per manent.”
Since 2006, the Olmsted Society has donated $87,799.71 for Riverside’s landscape that funded 151 trees, supplies, and prescribed burns. In addition, volunteers worked on the restoration of Indian Gardens and Riverside Road. In 2024, the Society planted 53 trees, and provided stakes and fencing, a contribution of $10,821.62. During 12 workdays, 144 volunteers provided 465 volunteer hours amounting to $15,735.61 of free labor for the Village.
Spring is coming and the schedule for this year’s Landscape Workdays will soon be announced. You can help. Please consider volunteering. Volunteers are always needed and appreciated. If you care about Riverside’s green spaces, you have the chance to make a difference by becoming a volunteer, member, contributing to our Tributes & Trees program, or supporting our fundraising projects. Spring is coming and the schedule for this year’s Landscape
PROVIDED BY BOB UPHUES/VILLAG E OF BROOKFIELD Mandy Genge and Connie Obrochta are two
SURFACES
Better absorption
from page 1
underlaying soil retains at least one inch of stormwater to count as semi-pervious under the revised code.
The ordinance defines impervious surfaces as those like roofs, concrete, asphalt, bricks, compacted gravel or any structures like pools or water features that would not allow stormwater to seep beneath them and absorb into the ground.
To encourage residents to use semipervious surfaces rather than impervious ones, which would allow Riverside to better manage its stormwater from rain or overfl ow from the Des Plaines River, semi-pervious surface coverage will be determined with a “20% discount rate,” Cyran said. That means an impervious surface with an area of 100 square feet, for example, would be considered equivalent to a semi-pervious surface with an area of 125 square feet when calculating how much of a lot is covered.
Under the new definitions, newly laid pervious surfaces like permeable pavers that were previously considered at a 100% discount rate — meaning they weren’ t counted at all toward the total amount of surface coverage — will be considered semi-pervious.
“Permeability [of semi-pervious surfaces] decreases over time as the voids get filled with organic matter. We can’t assume that the surfaces will be cleaned and maintained, especially as property changes hands over the years,” Cyran said. “We have to assume there’s going to be some level of decrease in per meability over time.”
Village President Doug Pollock clarified that permeable pavers and similar surfaces that had already been installed would be
grandfathered in, so the new definitions will only apply to newly laid surfaces.
“Right now, under our current ordinance, if you put in permeable pavers, and they’re done right with the underneath drainage and all that, they’re treated the same as grass, so right now, it’s 100% [discount rate],” he said. “There’s language in there that says, if you have permeable pavers now, they will continue to be treated as 100% per meable.”
Cyran said the 20% discount rate, which allows about 7% more hardscape on lots if all the impervious surfaces were to be replaced with semi-pervious surfaces, was recommended by Riverside’s planning and zoning commission when they reviewed the standards at a public hearing in December
“They reached this recommendation after considering what different discount rates would look like on an average property if all of the hardscape was replaced with semi-pervious surface,” she said. “They determined that this created a good balance between incentivizing the installation of semi-pervious surfaces while ensuring the lots with more semi-pervious hardscape still look like they fit in the character of Riverside.”
At the meeting, trustees Jill Mateo and Megan Claucherty expressed concern that residents might forgo semi-pervious surfaces altogether due to the reduced amount of coverage now allowed by the village code.
“People may throw their hands up and say it’s just not worth it [to use semipervious surfaces] for a modest gain,” Claucherty said. “That would be the risk: that people opt for a smaller amount of hardscape instead of slightly more semipermeable surface.”
Pollock said the planning and zoning commission was likely recommending the change to limit the total amount of hardscape on properties in town.
Despite their worries, the trustees ag reed to approve the ordinance and see how it affects hardscape coverage in Riverside.
BREAKING
is model compares the amount of extra surface area allowed on properties in Riverside under di erent discount rates for semi-pervious surfaces if all impervious surfaces were to be swapped out. Trustees approved an ordinance establishing a 20% discount rate.
Brook eld jewelry thief arrested by Riverside cops
Riverside police arrested a 34-year-old jewelry thief from Chicago March 12 after Brookfield police confirmed she had stolen from a household in Brookfield.
On Jan. 16, Brookfield police saw a critical reach alert from Elmwood Park police stating they were investigating a theft involving a home cleaner whose recent client list included a home on the 3500 block of Grand Boulevard that had been serviced on Nov. 24, 2024. North Riverside police ran the woman’s infor mation through the statewide police database and learned she had pawned jewelry at a shop in Chicago on Nov. 24 and 25. Brookfield police spoke to an emergency contact for the client in Brookfield, who said “it was highly possible” there was jewelry missing from the house. The woman said the resident, her mother, was a jewelry designer and that any of her jewelry that was pawned would stand out.
Around 7 p.m., West Central Consolidated Communications dispatch advised police of a reckless driver heading west on East Burlington Street onto Forest Avenue from Longcommon Road. According to WC3, the caller was behind the driver’s car, a white Jeep, and saw it “traveling as if the driver was drunk” while nar rowly missing an Amazon truck.
Police later learned the caller saw the car run a stop sign on East Burlington Street before the driver got out of the car and briefly yelled at her before resuming driving, crossing into the oncoming lane and nearly hitting another vehicle before running another stop sign.
On Jan. 29, the woman told police she was still working to figure out what jewelry could be missing from her mother’s collection. Police provided the woman with receipts of the items that were pawned, and the woman “immediately stated” some of them were her mother’s. The next day, Brookfield police retrieved the items the cleaner had pawned from a shop in Chicago and shared photos of the jewelry with the woman.
An officer who began following the car’s path saw it drive west past First Avenue before turning south onto Golf Road from Ridgewood Road. The officer followed the car onto Brookfield Avenue and observed it “crossing the double yellow lines and weaving within its lane” from Hollywood Avenue to Arden Avenue before activating their squad car’s emergency lights to pull the car over near Prairie Avenue and Burlington Avenue. According to police, the car continued west slowly before coming to a stop on Burlington Avenue near Vernon Avenue.
On March 7, the woman contacted Brookfield police and said seven of the photo graphed items were pieces of jewelry that belonged to her mother Brookfield police planned to ar rest the cleaner at her March 12 cour t date but later learned Riverside police had already done so. The woman refused to speak with Brookfield police at the central lockup in Berwyn; the Cook County State’s Attor ney’s Office approved a felony charge of theft over $500 but under $10,000 ag ainst the woman before police processed her and set a March 26 court date. The woman remained in custody so Riverside police could issue charges ag ainst her as well.
DUI caught by fellow driver
Riverside police arrested a drunk driver March 6 after receiving a call that the woman was driving recklessly.
The of ficer explained the reason for the stop to the driver and smelled “a very strong odor” of alcohol coming from inside the car. The driver ag reed to exit the vehicle at the of ficer’s request, and they saw her “sway and stagger” as she walked before leaning on her car while standing. The officer also smelled alcohol on the woman’s breath and saw she had bloodshot, glassy eyes.
The woman told the officer she had been coming from the St. Mary School in Riverside and that she had only one Guinness beer before driving. Police said the woman was “extremely talkative and argumentative” and asked police to let her go because she was almost home. When asked, the woman first consented to field sobriety tests before changing her mind. The woman began to pull away when the officer told her she was being placed under arrest, and Brookfield police assisted
REPORTS continued on page 7
the officer in handcuffing her.
While at the central lockup in Berwyn, the woman refused to take a chemical breath test and told police she wanted to speak to a lawyer. Police p laced the woman in a cell before booking and processing her on DUI charges; she was later released with an April 18 c our t date set.
Drunk driver arrested after speeding
Riverside police arrested a drunk driver March 12 after observing her speeding. Around 3 a.m., an officer on patrol witnessed a car speeding while heading south on First Avenue and confirmed it was going 60 mph using squad car radar in the 40-mph zone.
After pulling the car over, the officer spoke with the driver and observed a passenger in the backseat. When asked, the driver was able to provide her driver’s license but said she could not show proof of insurance because she had recently purchased a new phone. Her driver’s license later came back clear, police said. The officer noticed she spoke slowly and slur red her words and smelled of alcohol. The officer noticed a cup with pink liquid in the center cup holder, which the woman said was pink lemonade. When asked, the woman handed the cup to the officer, who found it smelled alcoholic.
The officer also noticed “green leafy substance debris” on the center console; when the officer asked if the woman had
You
knowing we care.
Receive
any contraband, she handed them a clear baggie of cannabis. The officer asked the woman to exit the vehicle and noticed she had bloodshot eyes before asking her to take field sobriety tests. During the tests, the woman struggled with her balance and started before the officer was finished with the instructions. The woman ag reed to take a preliminary breath test, which showed a .141 blood alcohol content.
Police arrested the woman and inventoried her car, finding a bottle of Patron tequila in the backseat. An officer transported the woman’s passenger to the Riverside Police Department lobby to await a ride while another officer took the woman to central lockup in Berwyn. During questioning, the woman told police she had been driving home from Tipsy’s Tap in Berwyn and agreed to take another breath test, which showed a .109 blood alcohol content.
Police booked the woman on her DUI charges and released her after setting an April 4 court date.
These items were obtained from the Riverside Police Department re ports dated March 6-12 and the Brookfield Police Department re ports dated March 10-17; they re present a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these re ports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We re port the race of a suspect onl y when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest
Compiled by Trent Brown
continued from page 6
ED I TOR ’S NOTE
Due to editing errors, two questionnaires in last week’s Landmark Election Guide were garbled. Those errors have since been cor rected in our digital guide. Today we reprint cor rected versions of the questionnaires for Karl Olson and Michelle Parker, two candidates for the Brookfield library board.
The Landmark re grets the er rors.
What
is your
favorite library initiative or ser vice? How do you make use of the library?
How do you view the library’s role as a “third space” in Brookfield? What c an it do better in that regard?
Our library is in the center of town and in many ways is the heart of Brookfield. The library is well designed and utilized. Our meeting rooms are heavily booked by community groups. Residents use our study rooms for meetings and as a place to work away from home. Every day after school you see kids flooding the children and teen spaces for lego sessions, STEM events, or yoga classes. Young parents connect at early literacy storytimes It’s a rare day you don’t see older residents sitting upstairs at the windows overlooking Grand Avenue, drinking coffee and reading or talking with other patrons.
Looking towards the future, there is always the possibility of improvement. If we ever added on, I wouldn’t mind seeing more innovative space added. Perhaps a wood shop and a tool library
Silent Reading with Baby sitting is p henomenal. Once a month the l ibrary stays open i nto the evening on a F riday.
A youth librarian in the basement ke ep s k ids o ccupied with a craft, snacks and a movie. Parents head upstairs to read or chat for a few hour s. After a hectic week, it ’s become my f amily ’s favo rite segu e i nto the weekend. My k ids also take advantage of a lot of the youth pr ogr amming – Zumba and yo ga classes. My wife and I use the study rooms when we ’re wo rk ing from home and need a k id free space to focus. I’m also a big f an of Title Wave, our b ook bike. Youth l ibrarians bring crafts and story hour to locations throughout town. You c an check out and return b ooks at the Far mers’ Market in the summer. This year, Title Wave will be making appearances at block pa rt ie s.
How would you respond to a growing book ban movement?
I am pro-book. Full stop. I will always oppose any outside ef fort to limit the books Brookfielders have access to through our library. I want the library to facilitate putting books into people’s hands. Our library board does have control over the material that is purchased for the library and a say in how that material is displayed. I think our staf f does an excellent job of curating displays of books. The books that a library chooses to put on display do reflect community values, and I like that our library often features displays that showcase cultures or topics I may not be familiar with. Libra ri es are a place to expand your wo rl d.
What
is the biggest challenge facing
the library?
Our library is well run and appropriately funded. We have fantastic staf f who are dedicated to the library and our community. The Friends & Foundation non-profit
that supports the library is a thriving asset. While the library facilities are popular and well used, they’re right-sized based on current demand. If we need more space down the line, the new building was built to allow for an additional 9,000 square feet to be easily added onto the west side of the building. Bluntly, the library is in a good position and should continue to be an asset for Brookfield moving forward.
How does the library balance development and expansion with conserving tax dollars?
My share of the property taxes used to f und the l ibrary was $355.88 last year. I am c onfident it is being w ell spent. I have looked i nto the l ibrary’s finances . T he l ibrary is r un prudently and has a ve ry healthy b alance sheet. T he l ibrary f ollows a 90% budg etary model, holding ten percent of wh at it collects in reser ve. By statute, these f unds c an onl y be used to pay down debt (not a c oncer n with our l ibrary) or for capital impr ovements. T he only capital impr ovements on the radar is the purchase of the lot next d oor. T he ne g otiated price is less than 10% of our capital budg et. Whil e the lot is i ntended for a dditional pa rking, c onstruction will not be i mminent. No project the l ibrary is cu rr ently c ons idering will raise your taxes or impact the library’s operations budget.
Michelle Parker
How do you view the library’s role as a “third space” in Brookfield? What c an it do better in that regard?
The US Surgeon General recently warned of a “loneliness and isolation e pidemic” and stressed “the healing ef fects of social connection and community.” Our library is a social anchor: in 2024 alone, the library of fered 1.2k events/classes; meeting rooms were reserved 1.5k times
I appreciate the increase in inclusive programming that spans varied interests, abilities, generations, and languages. I also appreciate outdoor programs that relieve indoor crowding and get people outside. The library has been creative with enhancing other third spaces too, like staffing a Far mers Market booth and joining Cycle Brookfield’s social rides. I applaud the library’s commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and outreach and I encourage continued creativity in nur turing our community connections!
What is your favorite library initiative or ser vice? How do you make use of the library?
My family loves the library! Our favorite initiative or service would be “all of them!” We check out piles of books and games monthly. We regularly use study and gaming rooms. We attend programs, from pigeon rescue to a Little Women tea party and movie
See LIBRARY on page 9
Karl Olson
continued from page 8
viewing. I discovered an unknown family member via the library’s ancestry.com service, and used the high-res scanner to digitize our precious paper prints of ancestors. I have also relied on the library for notary services and newspaper access. And we are not alone! In 2024, the library welcomed almost 124k visitors and offered over 1.2k classes and events. Almost 250k items were checked out, and onsite computers were used over 13k times. Check out the 2024 Annual Report online for more data on how our community benefits from the library
How would you respond to a growing book ban movement?
Libraries nationwide have become a popular target for inflammatory politics. Banning books is a tactic to sow discord and restrict intellectual freedom and learning. The impact is vast: nationally, over 4k titles were challenged in 2023, an increase of 92% over 2022. During September’s Banned Books Week, I volunteered to distribute banned books at the Brookfield Metra station, including titles like Elie Wiesel’s Night, Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, Twain’s The Adventures of Tom
Sawyer, and Orwell’s 1984. Many commuters were surprised by the wide reach of bans, including classics and American “greats.” Thankfully, Illinois law prohibits libraries from banning books and censoring materials based on political or personal opinion, a law I support and for which I am grateful.
What is the biggest challenge facing the library?
Meeting growing community needs with relatively limited funds is the perennial challenge. Expanding collections, upgrading technology, maintaining our space, and offering meaningful programs all take resources and creativity, as does ensuring ever broader access, including for those facing barriers such as transportation, digital literacy, and language. Additionally, as social and political polarization continues, libraries must maintain strong connections across all parts of the community to ensure that we all feel the their benefits rather than seek to diminish or undermine them. As libraries evolve, securing sustainable funding, adapting to changing needs, and maintaining strong community trust and support is key.
Growing Community Media’s
100th Anniversary! YOUR BEST LIFE with Lisa Capone
This year marks the 100th year of Cantata Adult Life Services (formerly, The British Home) providing campus living and at home services for local seniors and their families in Brookfield and the surrounding area.
Cantata’s founders were the Daughters of the British Empire (DBE), a group of women dedicated to honoring their British heritage and traditions in the United States.
In the early 1920’s, DBE members established a not-for-profit nursing home on Cantata’s current campus in Brookfield, after receiving a donation of land from Samuel Insull, the CEO of Commonwealth Edison at the time. Construction was completed and we welcomed our first residents in 1925.
Since its establishment 100 years ago, Cantata/The British Home has served tens of thousands of seniors and their families in our community.
Cantata/British Home continues to offer a variety of services to meet the needs of seniors, including Independent & Assisted Living, Memory Support, Skilled Rehab & Long Term Care, Home Care, Meals and Handyman Services.
Stay tuned for upcoming events this year and celebrate with us a century of exceptional service.
Visit Cantata.org for more senior living advice or call (708) 387-1030.
A failure to communicate, say candidates
At RB forum, candidates debate oversight and communication
By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter
A greater emphasis on school b oard oversight, two-way c ommunications with the public and fiscal responsibilit y we re the issues that highlighted a Rivers ide Brookfield High School District 208 b oard candidate forum Thursd ay.
The for um, hosted by the RB Music and Theatre Sponsors and held at Brookfield’s Hollywood Community House, included four of the five candidates vying for three seats in the April 1 election, including incumbents Ryan VenHorst of Riverside and Lorena Gasca of North Riverside
Other c andidates included Eric West and Patrick Wi lliams, b oth of Brookfield, and Nicholas Caputo of Rive rside. Caputo was unable to pa rt icipate in pe rson due to a prior commitment.
Pe rhaps the for um’s biggest surpris e was when moderator Lisa Janunas noted she b eli eved superintendent Dr. Kevin Skinkis’s c ontract would be up for renewal in 2026. Prior to posing a question about b oard oversight in c ontract negotiations, VenHorst noted that Skinkis’s c ontract had already b een extended by five year s.
According to the minutes of the re gular meeting of the school b oard Fe b. 11, Skinkis’s c ontract was extended from Ju ly 1 through June 30, 2030. Gasc a move d for appr oval, seconded by f ellow b oard member Carolyn Lach. T he vote was unanimous Janunas p ivoted to a related q uestion: As a district leader, wh at is the top prio rity for the superintendent to meet in the c oming years?
“I think the top priority for our superi ntendent is to c ontinue re presenting our c ommunity,” said West, noting that tied i nto his rationale for r unning fo r
the school b oard. “To j ust be somebody who is going to show up and do the will of the superintendent for the next half of a decade, is not at all wh at I have in mind to do
“We need to have school b oard members who are going to listen to the c ommunity and who are going to go to the superintendent and say, ‘N o, we maybe do n’ t li ke your idea,’ and stop being a ru bber stamp.”
Two-way c ommunication b etween the b oard and the c ommunity was another relative ly hot-button i ssue. Janunas p osed a q uestion on how the b oard ca n gather info rm ation from the c ommunity
“That’s something that’s really important to us as an organization, being heard and actually g etting a response back from the high school, is something we find as a challeng e,” she said, adding one of the 2024-25 school board goals was to increase two-way communication between the board and all district stakeholders.
Gasca said that wh i le the district has hired c ommunity eng agement c oordinator Kiley F letcher, who handles socia l media, sur ve ys only go so far.
“I think we ’re all over- sur veye d,” Gasca said. “I think that creating a true dialo g includes getting people to show up to the meetings and eng aging with us and encouraging everyone to ask those toug h q uestions and point out things we need to be looking at .
“I know p eople watch us on YouTub e, because I g et stopped all the time, and that’s good, but show up.”
VenHorst said the b oard gathers inpu t from the c ommunity in multiple ways, including through emails, co nversations with c ommunity members and “other intentional solicited way s” li ke sur ve ys. In fact, F letcher was hired based on surve y results, he said.
Wi lliams said that wh i le he respects the decorum that’s b een maintained at school b oard meeting s, it also “feels li ke often the c ommunity is bringing something to the attention of the b oard and it j ust sort of sits there and d oesn’t neces-
sarily even get addressed after the fact.” C ase in point have b een seve r al RB Music and Theatre Sponsors’ concer ns. “We’ re bringing up the same ideas and not g etting much f eedback,” he said. “I personally as a school b oard member would a dvo cate at the ve ry least we address the comments being made to us.”
VenHorst responded that “when thing s are said, they do n’ t go unanswe red. Th e i ntent is to g et an answe r from someone, but we do restrain from dialog so it d oesn’t devolve. ”
Janunas also posed the question of how will candidates look at all the facts and available solutions before voting on major projects that impact taxpayer dollar s.
Gasca, who serves as director of career services at T riton C olle ge, said she has learned that fiscal responsibilit y c omes down to fiscal prioritie s, wh ich is where data comes in
“Doing a b etter job of identifying our fiscal priorities with c ommunity input, with parent input, with student inpu t and then taking it from there, ” she said. “Then our stakeholders c an hold us to the fiscal prioritie s. ”
West said that the district c onsists of one school, but that there many administrators – “a superintendent, an assistant superintendent, a principal, a handfu l of assistant principals and d eans, p lus all their administrat ive assistants, and now a public relations manage r. ”
“I f we c an c ome up with the money to have a public relations manage r, we ca n c ome up with the money for another music teacher,” he said.
Caputo provided an opening statement that underscored the g eneral sentiments reflected by all the candidates Thursd ay.
“I am an eternal optimist and do not like to dwell upon and describe a problem,” Caputo said. “I prefer to devote my time, energy and attention to finding a solution and achieving a positive outcome.
“There will often be disag reements along the way to solving a problem. Peop le should be able to disag ree without being disag reeabl e. ”
GEARS2Y OU RIBBO N CU T TIN G
PHOTO S BY TODD BANNOR
Gears2You owner Peter Janunas hosted a ribbon cutting March 15 for the bike repair shop’s new location in Brookfield. The store’s first location is in the Riverside train station.
Janunas told the Landmark he plans to keep both locations open at least through the summer. Gears2You only repairs bicycles and does not sell them.
Gears 2 You ow ner Peter Januna cuts the ribbon with Brook eld Village President Michael Garvey, village trustees and community members present on March 15.
Gears 2 You ow ner Peter Janunas with his wife Lw ith his wife Lisa and friend Dee Faletti at their ribbon cutting event.
Brook eld Village Trustee Nicole Gilhooley (center) and Business & Economic Development Coordinator Deanne Adasiak (right) with attendees.
OBITUARIES
Pete
S luka, 79
Computer analyst, av id gardener
Jim (Jacque), John (Lois) and Dan (Mary Ann); and numerous cousins, nieces, ne phews, godchildren, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Me g an.
Become a Foster Parent.
Pete Edward Sluka, 79, of Riverside, died on March 15, 2025. Bor n on Aug. 16, 1945 near Riverside, he spent most of his life along the Chicago BNSF line (Riverside and Aurora and back to Riverside) but also took detours to Glen Ellyn, Big Rock and Durham, North Carolina.
He graduated from St. Procopius High School (Benet Academy), earned an electrical engineering de gree from Marquette University, then went on to join Bell Labs in Naperville where he pursued a career as a computer analyst.
He b alanced his i nterests in electronics with a l ifelong p assion for ga rdening and was neve r far from his seedlings and plants. His interests we re broad and his strong faith expressed i tself in hi s wo rk to help launch Public Action to Delive r S helter (PADS) in the Holy Angels church basement in Au rora, wh ich grew i nto the Hesed House ministr y, bringing shelter and suppo rt to the homeless. In the p ast two decade s, he also devoted time to Project Cure, the Ascension c ommunity ga rden, and the Honoring Our Mother Earth (HOME) Committee
Pete’s twinkling eyes and happy spirit, humor and kindness will be greatly missed by his wife of over 50 years, Mary (nee Ro gers); his children Stephanie and Patrick; his daughter-in-law, Anna Lentz; his grandchildren, Abraham and Penelope; his siblings, Janice, Michael (Patricia), and Sharon (Stan); his sister-in-law, Marge Barrett (Tom); his brothers-in-law, Saturday, March 29th
On Saturday, March 22, at Ascension Church, 808 S. East Ave., Oak Park, visitation will be held at 12 p.m., followed by the funeral Mass at 1 p.m., and a luncheon at 2 p.m. In keeping with Pete’s dedication to the environment and living harmoniously with nature, his ashes will be laid to rest.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to Project Cure, Housing Forward, the Neighborhood Bridge, the Migrant Ministry, or HOME (Honoring Our Mother Earth) in Oak Park, and encourages you to honor Pete with a random act of kindness and generosity to a stranger
Arrangements were handled by Ivins/ Moravecek Funeral Home, 80 E. Burlington St., Riverside.
Joe Falbo, 56
Jazz musician, Bible student Joseph A. Falbo Jr., 56, of Riverside, has died. Joe graduated from RiversideBrookfield High School in 1987 and became a certified network computer technician for several years. He then became a certified ultrasound technician, a certified nuclear medicine technologist, a certified MRI technologist, and worked at several hospitals
He was a huge Chicago Blackhawks hocke y f an and had a big heart for animals li ke cats and dogs. He had a p assion for shooting g uns at the r ang e, gu n safety, and was ve ry meticulous about cleaning them. Having stimulating conversations and great fellowship with many friends at Tony’s Restaurant in Brookfield was one of his favorite things to do. He was a very talented jazz organist, pianist, and keyboard player and loved performing at Milt Treniers and Andy’s Jazz Club in downtown Chicago with his younger brother Rick, as well as doing digital audio mastering for musicians. He would later become an ophthalmic eye technician and spent four years working for a private ophthalmologist in Glenview, then three years at Hines Hospital serving veterans, whom he loved and respected.
He graduated from Concordia University River Forest with a double major in theology and psychology, studied ancient Greek, modern Greek, and first century Koine Greek at the Socrates Greek School
OBITUARIES continued on page 13
continued from page 12
in Chicago and was the lead teacher of a small house church. His greatest passion was studying God’s holy word.
Joe was the son of Joseph A. and the late Catherine “Kay” (nee Lachnit) Falbo; the brother of Richard J. Falbo; the ne phew of Gloria (Richard) Rossi and the late Betty Lou Batson, Beverly and the late Ferdinand Lachnit, the late Francis “Fritz” Lachnit, Marie (Tony) Mandarino, and Vera and the late James Vitti; and the cousin of many.
Visitation was held at Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester on March 9. Interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to www.whisperingponiesranch.com.
Ar r angements we re handled by the O riginal Ku ratko Family, B rian D. Kuratko-Director.
Dina Kraus, 59
Riverside resident
Dina Marie Kraus, 59, of Ri rside, died on March 8, 2025. She was the wife of Gerard; the mother of homas and Nicholas; the daughter of Carmelina (nee Frega) and the late Guy Merola; the sister of John (Kim) Merola; the sister-in-law of Donald and Theodore (Lisa) Kraus; the daughterin-law of LaVerne Kraus and the late Donald Kraus; and the aunt of many Visitation was held on March 13 at Ivins/ Moravecek Funeral Home 80 E. Burlington St., followed by Mass at St. Mary Church. Entombment at Christ the King Mausoleum, Queen of Heaven Cemetery.
Arrangements were handled by Ivins/ Moravecek Funeral Home, 80 E. Burlington St. Riverside.
Michele Volpe, 60
Nurse,
Special Olympics suppor te
Michele E. Volp 60, a lifelong resident of Brookfield, died on Feb. 28, 2025. Born on Jan. 25, 1965, she was a dedicated re gistered nurse, who cared deep ly for her patients. She loved to cook, bake, was a huge “foodie,” and was devoted to her daughter, Jessica, the love of her life. A huge supporter of Special Olympics, she would host many part ies for special needs children at her home. She also hosted movie nights at the house for friends and f amily during COVID. She loved to travel, color and was a big fan of the QVC shopping network. A proud graduate of Riverside-Brookfield High School, she was an alumna of the University of Illinois Champaign .
Michele was the wife of David Blankenship; the mother of Jessica Volpe; the daughter of the late Angelo and the late Dorothy (nee Hunter) Volpe; sister of the late Robert (Gail) Volpe, Candy Cash, Janie (Larry) Machiz, Richard (Mary) Volpe, and the late Donald (Mary) Volpe; daughter-inlaw of Sandra Blankenship; sister-in-law of Danita (Todd) Swider, Dalinda Suits, Jennifer Blankenship, Alicia Vertrees and Adam Blankenship; and the aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held at Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester on March 8, followed by a chapel service. Interment was private
In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the family directly at the following link at https://gofund.me/be61af98
Ar r angements we re handled by the O riginal Ku ratko Family, B rian D. Kuratko-Director
14
Opinion
LETTERS
A light for democracy Presidential Choices 2024
On Tuesday evening, March 4, the League of Women Voters of the La Grange Area asked its members and supporters to place a candle in their window, a Light for Our Democracy. This request was a vigil to encourage members and others to reflect on what democracy means. This action expressed the hope for the health of our democracy, the future of our nation, and the well-being of all its people.
■ The right to vote is the most powerful tool we have to shape our future.
■ Democracy is a story of hope. It’s the belief that ordinary people can come to g ether to create extraor-
dinary change.
■ Our strength lies in our diversity as we are a nation of many backgrounds, beliefs and experiences.
■ When we stand in solidarity, we send a powerful message.
■ Together, we can push back against authoritarianism and build a democracy that works for everyone.
■ Democracy is not just a system of government, it’s the power of the people. It begins with us, our voices, and our votes.
It’s not hard to say who is really the best, even though their ages stand out from the rest. Old age is not always such a bad thing, but one actually thinks he should be king. The oldest may have bags beneath his eyes, but the other spreads much hatred and lies. One is truthful while the other’s not, It’s not ok if you lie a lot.
La Grange Area
Michele Niccolai President LWV of the
lagrangearealwv.org
Municipal elections, more important than
I hope all residents take the time to vote in our s pring elections (March 17-April 1). To suppo rt voter education, I would li ke to highlight a needed co rrection for the printed E lection Guide 2025. One of my answe rs was printed as Ka rl Olson’s, so a) my pe rspective was attributed to him and b) his perspect ive was not shared with reader s. I have included my answer here and encourage voters to a ccess the digital E lection Guide for c omplete and co rrect c andidate info rm ation. Please vote!
How does the library balance development and expansion with conserving tax dollars? The board has a v ested interest in conserving tax dollars: we pay Brookfield taxes, too! In 2023, 5% of our property taxes supported the li-
ever!
brary, compared to 60% for our schools. A primary board responsibility is to maximize library services within this relatively tight funding. As a current trustee, I can attest that every financial decision is made with thoughtful consideration of the library’s and community’s current and future needs. We prioritize long-term financial health when considering major expenses and investments. We review the library’s finances monthly and scrutinize proposed budgets. I encourage residents to visit the library’s website to understand the financials, including Fiscal Year ’25 budget details and past audits, and bring questions to the monthly meetings.
Michelle Parker Brookfield library board
A public ser vant retires
A public servant, Officer Dan Marrello of the Riverside Police Department, recently retired after 20+ years of dedicated service to Riverside. Throughout my career, I have worked with Dan in various capacities, and he truly exemplifies what it means to be a “community of ficer.”
Dan was a Riverside resident who joined the force to serve his community. During my 13 years as chief, I never received a single complaint about his actions. On the contrary, I received numerous compliments from residents whom he had assisted with criminal investigations, helped find lost children, and even provided support in unusual situations, such as lighting a pilot on a boiler. Dan always went the extra mile.
This was particularly evident in 2021 when Dan volunteered his time to assist seniors in Riverside with vaccination appointments through a state program, even providing transportation. He did this off-duty and on his own
time. I learned about his efforts when he came into my office one day to inform me that he would be volunteering. This was highlighted in a March 2021 article published in the Landmark titled, “A shot in the arm” (https://www. rblandmark.com/2021/03/02/a-shot-in-the-arm/)
One significant quote from that article, attributed to Officer Marrello, stated, “I just had an opportunity to help, and I didn’t want to waste it.” Do I need to say more?
As the years went by after my retirement as chief, I realized more each day what a wonderful community Riverside is, what a pleasure it was to serve, and how gratifying it was to work with individuals like Dan Marrello. I wish him well in his retirement and am proud to have worked alongside him. The residents of Riverside have undoubtedly benefited from his compassion.
What about the issue of freedom and Democracy? Is it important, or are some full of hypocrisy?
The January 6th attack I will never forget, the democracy assault was not a simple misstep. How should we be acting toward our very new immigrants? Try not building a fence and lose some of our ar rogance. Helping find some work for a few is right and a fine thing to do.
The final vote will be close they say, which candidate will win the day? I cannot say, but hope and pray that freedom and democracy will win, If not, an autocracy may begin.
January 18, 2024 and April 8, 2024
Chief Tom Weitzel (Ret.) Riverside Send
Mike Sammon Riverside
OBITUARIES continued from page 13
Frank Pardus, 81
A very special person
Frank “Fafa” Pardus, 81, of North Riverside, died on Feb. 23, 2025. After the passing of his parents, Frank lived with his sister Margaret and her family for 48 years in a home filled with love, laughter, and warmth. A fixture of his block in North Riverside, he had a daily ritual: he’d slide his shoes on, zip up his windbreaker, and put on a ball cap before taking his long walk (avoiding every crack in the sidewalk) to his favorite spot on the corner of 7th Avenue and 24th Street. There, he excitedly waved at cars, happily chatted with neighbors, or simply sat for hours, soaking in the sights, sounds, and rhythms of life.
Frank had a rare gift: he found joy in the simplest things. He loved toy cars, trains, puzzles, and light-up toys, especially the ones that sparkled. He collected snow globes, mesmerized by the tiny worlds swirling inside. When it came to foods, he was a man of simple pleasures: cake, chocolate, hot dogs, and his pivo (beer). And he never met a Shamrock Shake he didn’t love. Though he wasn’t a fan of pizza, he never once complained –– because pizza meant family. It meant a full house, lively discussions, and a table of familiar faces worth far more than the meal itself. It was here he loved reenacting his favorite Three Stooges bit, “Niagara Falls”; quizzed everyone about their car’s make and model (and whether they had gotten an oil change lately); and when words weren’t needed, flashed a well-timed smirk that could light up the entire room.
Frank also found magic in the holidays –– each one a chance to celebrate with family, near and far. Christmas meant presents,
which he excitedly tore open even when it wasn’t his turn. Halloween meant carving pumpkins with his nephews, whom he adored watching grow up. But the 4th of July? That meant a big party, great food, fireworks, sparklers, and a parade, a perfect mix of everything he loved most. But above all, perhaps Frank’s greatest love was Fred Rogers, who spoke to him for years on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood
As his favorite neighbor once said:
“You are a very special person. There is only one like you in the whole world. There has never been anyone exactly like you before, and there will never be again. Only you. And people can like you exactly as you are.” (Fred Rogers)
Doctors once said Frank wouldn’t live past five. But he spent over 75 years prov ing them wrong. And just as Mister Rogers predicted, Frank was, without a doubt, loved exactly as he was
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary Pardus of Cicero. He is survived by his sisters, Mary Ann Mudra (late Donald) and Margaret Hook (James); his nieces and nephew, Julie Denson (David), Katherine Fischer (Thomas), Robert Mudra (Kris), Ann Glowienke (Ken); his great-nieces and nephews, Neal Fischer (Colleen), Alex Wiley (Chris), David Fischer (Bethany Speer), Kyle Mudra (Allison Puleo), Stephanie Wilcox (Brian), Molly Harris (John), Karli Mudra, and Olivia Denson; and many great-greatnieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved canine companion, Maxwell, who will miss jumping into his chair for kisses
A memorial service for Frank will be held on Saturday, April 5, from noon to 3 p.m., with Words of Remembrance at 2:30 p.m., at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 7750 W. Cermak Road, Forest Park, IL 60130. Interment at Woodlawn Memorial Park will take privately.
Judith Shuflit, 86
North Riverside resident
Judith J. S huflit (nee Chilewski), 86, of North Riverside, died on Feb. 19, 2025. Born on Feb. 11, 1939, she was the wife and best friend of Peter Shuflit; the mother of Corine (Emmett) O’Hara, Jeff (Christine) Shuflit, Keith (Lara Latham) Shuflit and Marc (Margaret “Me g”) Shuflit; the grandmother of Emilie (Luke) Lindemann, Colin O’Hara, Sarah Shuflit, Nicholas Shuflit, Will Shuflit, Samantha Shuflit, Peter Shuflit, Timothy Shuflit, Marc Shuflit and Rachael Shuflit; the great-grandmother of Elena; the sister of the late Ro ger (Valerie) Chilewski; and the aunt of Alison Chilewski
Visitation will take place at Mater Christi Church, 2401 S. 10th Ave., North Riverside on Saturday, March 22 from 9:30 a.m. until time of Memorial Mass at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be private. Please, no flowers.
Local arrangements were handled by the Original Kuratko Family, Brian D. KuratkoFuneral Director.
Ellen Thorburn, 81
British Home nurs e
Ellen J. Thorburn (nee Drinan), 81, of Brookfield, died on March 2, 2025 at the Cong re gation of St. Joseph Home in LaGrange Park. Born on July 19, 1943 in Muske gon, Michig an, she worked as a nurse at the British Home before retiring.
Ellen was the wife of the late Gerald J. “Jerry” Thorburn; the mother of James (Lynn) Thorburn and the late Patrick (Kathy) Thorburn; the grandmother of Tyler Netzel; the sister of Tom Drinan, Jim (Elaine) Drinan and Kate (Sam Robinson) Drinan; and the aunt and great-aunt of many.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ryan’s Public House, 8942 Ogden Ave., Brookfield In lieu of flowers, memorials to National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, www.npcf. us would be appreciated.
Arrangements were handled by JohnsonNosek Funeral Home, 3847 Prairie Ave., Brookfield. Online condolences, memories and photographs may be shared with the family at www.JohnsonNosek.com.
Bulldogs’ Dobbe tries to build upon all-sectional season
By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
Riverside Brookfield High School senior Liv Dobbe still rides the wave of momentum from the end of the 2024 girls water polo season. The Bulldogs finished their 4-15 season by reaching the Fenwick Sectional semifinals. Individually, Dobbe received honorable mention all-sectional.
“I was super-grateful for the nomination. It has really b oosted my c onfidenc e with the sport and allowe d me to take pride in my g ame pl ay,” Dobbe said. “I f eel li ke it will give me the c onfidence to lead this season. ”
The Bulldogs had numerous and key graduations but their varsity roster of 13 includes seven seniors – Dobbe, fellow returning starters Eleanor Glennie, Isabella Gonzalez and Sophie Ivan and Lesley Castillo, Afton Douglas and Riley Mulhall.
“Being a small team, it’s really important that we have a close bond and we truly do,” Dobbe said. “That really helps us to perform well together in the pool because we know to trust each other and support one another.”
The 2024 Bulldogs lost 15-5 in the sectional final to state quarterfinalist York Behind one of their best performances, the Bulldogs won their sectional quarterfinal
19-8 over Elk Grove.
Junior C hloe Ivan and sophomore Ca rly Romero also are returning starter s.
Junior Isabella Abernathy and sophomore Meara Douglas also return. Sophomores Grace S tanley and L eah Ve ga are varsity newcomers.
“[Our strengths are] great teammates, smart players, positive attitude and energy toward another, being able to read the ball well and make great plays defensively,” RBHS coach Amy Frey said.
“Liv is a great addition and helps everyone grow into their skills. She will be a huge asset.”
Dobbe gained leadership experience as a co-captain last season with graduated goalie Edie Hamilton and leading scorer Priscilla Gil. Both also earned all-sectional reco gnition and are playing in colle ge.
“I’m hoping to use the same ways they led the team and apply them now. We also have a smaller team [after several graduations] so the role that not only myself but everyone has to fill has definitely increased,” Dobbe said. “We are stepping up to the plate and I’m happy to be a part of it.”
Dobbe will major in nursing at the University of Iowa. She hopes to play for the Hawkeyes’ club team, which plays Big Ten Conference opponents.
“Our success this season will really come
Riverside Brook eld’s Oliv ia Dobbe passes the ball to a teammate during their match against Glenbrook South, March 15.
down to our team’s community. If we work well together, we can fight hard together,” Dobbe said. “As a senior, I want to make the
most of my time with my team. Bonding and overall having a great time together is so important to me.”
RBHS seniors McNally, Ruska reunite on badminton court
Seniors Graziano, Brown, Shell bring state experience to Lions
By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
Seniors Luna McNally and Clare Ruska were the lone sophomores on the seniorheavy 2023 Riverside Brookfield High School badminton team. Perhaps it’s fit-
ting that they’re together again as a doubles team for the first time since those va rsity debuts.
“I feel like we always keep each other going, never give up when it’s really close or really tight,” Ruska said. “It was definitely an idea [after last season]. We played before so I thought the chemistry would be good. We know how each other plays.”
They and junior Aubrey Kaczmarek return from last year’s sectional lineup for the Bulldogs, who again have a large senior group but not much varsity experience.
“Honestly, [I hope for] just having fun, a lot of bonding time,” Ruska said. “Also winning, but just making new friends, having those bonds for almost your life.”
In doubles at the 2024 Naperville North Sectional, Ruska and Kaczmarek (19-12) played together and McNally was paired with graduated Bella Annoreno (14-17). Both were 0-2. As a sophomore, McNally was 0-2 at sectionals in singles.
“I like playing [doubles] with Clare because she’s always really enthusiastic and she always keeps my spirts up. I think
that’s really important for a game setting,” McNally said. “Everybody, really, is passionate about badminton. Also people on the team are good about not giving up. I think that resilience is really good.”
Junior Rhea McDonald also has varsity experience while the rest of the lineup will consist of several newcomers. That includes freshman Mariana Lozano and sophomore Paloma Mendoza, also projected as a doubles pair, and juniors Maribelle
Continue on next pa ge
ERICA BENSON
Bulldogs optimistic about plenty of pitching, o ense
By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
The Riverside Brookfield High School softball team has plenty of pitchers this season. What’s even better is they can play many other positions, too.
“We’re very versatile. We have a lot of girls who can play a bunch of different positions,” first-year RBHS head coach Emma Jarrell said. “We have five different pitchers on varsity, which is rare. But all of them can play other positions, too, and they all can hit. We have a lot of options.”
The Bulldogs return two 2024 All-Metro Suburban Conference players – senior third baseman Ellie Megall and junior pitcher/first and third baseman Trinity Stevenson. Already a three-time all-conference selection, Megall will play Division I softball at Northern Kentucky. Senior second baseman Ella Jurgens, junior pitcher/ first baseman/outfielder Abby Weinert and sophomore pitcher/outfielder Reese Milchhoefer also are returning starters.
The 2024 Bulldogs were 21-11 and won
Continued from previous pa ge
Lopresti and Maddie Domanowski.
their final MSC season with a 5-1 record. They lost to Downers Grove South 10-5 in the Class 4A Downers South Re gional final. The Bulldogs are now part of the Upstate Eight Conference. A longtime assistant, Jarrell also has become head coach. Former head coach Doug Schultz is her assistant coach.
“Doug and I work really well together so it kind of feels the same [so far],” Jarrell said.
Megall has started since freshman year and Stevenson and Weinert are third-year starters. Megall batted .424 in 2024 with
“[Ruska, McNally and Kaczmarek] are our returners so we’ll look for their leadership to try and bring the younger players along,” RBHS coach Dan Herbeck said.
“[Providing leadership] definitely is different because we’ve had role models the last three years,” McNally said. “We didn’t really know anybody [as sophomores] so now it’s really different because we’re supposed to be the role models for everybody else. That’s just kind of a weird feeling, but it’s fun.”
The Bulldogs now are part of the Upstate Eight Conference. Monday’s season-opening home triangular was against conference foes South Elgin and Glenbard East.
“With our new conference, we’ve upgraded our schedule. We are hoping it will pay of f by sectionals,” Herbeck said. “Our team goals are to compete in every match and get better throughout the year.”
LTHS badminton
Lyons Township senior Mia Graziano has been to the state meet twice and seniors Simone Brown and Audrey Shell once. It’s the kind of experience that will fuel the Lions.
“I’m excited about the potential of our players.
29 runs batted in, 28 runs and seven doubles after other strong seasons in 2023 (.415, 31 RBIs, 7 doubles) and 2022 (.388, 20 RBIs, 9 doubles).
Stevenson was the top pitcher last season, collecting 56 strikeouts in 58 innings, and also batted .344 with 21 RBIs, a home run and eight doubles.
Weinert (.342, HR, 18 RBIs) was the winning pitcher and Jurgens (.253, 2 HR, 14 RBIs) homered in the 13-12 re gional semifinal victory over Reavis. Milchhoefer (9 RBIs) rotated between outfield and pitcher.
Junior infielder Olivia Balon (9 RBIs, 5 doubles) and senior outfielder/first baseman Abbey Tyler also return. Senior Bella Pere z missed last season with a torn ACL. Junior infielder and outfielder Abigail Krue ger pitched some varsity as a fresh-
The team has a solid foundation nior players stepping up to lead,” said second year LTHS coach Stephanie Spytek. state-level players, in particular, bring a of experience and knowledge leadership and skill sets the tone team and offers guidance both on and of cour t to the younger pl ayers.”
At the 2024 state meet, Graziano and Brown (2321) finished 1-2 in doubles after fourth-place York Sectional finish.
At 2023 state, Graziano was 1-2 in doubles with 2023 graduate Sofia Garcia and Shell was 0-2 in singles. Last year, Shell was sixth singles consolation victory from returning to state.
Tessa Kochanek is the only other senior. Juniors Abigail Allen, Frankie Cooper, Juliet Dillenbeck, Luci Mini and Sylwia Siebiesiuk and sophomores Sophia Gonzalez, Sophia Dalgety and Ellia Gryfakis also will compete for the Lions.
“Our main goal for the season is to continue ing on this strong leadership and foster a sense of unity and teamwork,” Spytek said.
“We are focused on improving both our individual skills and overall strateg y as a team. want to ensure that each player grows in their ability and confidence. With the experience and determination of our athletes, I’m confident we’re on the right path to achieving great things.”
man. Newcomers are junior Kennedy Holakovsky and sophomore Alexis Busse, both catchers from the junior varsity, and three freshmen – pitcher/first and senior baseman Mia Menendez, outfielder Brailyn Naylor and pitcher/infielder/outfielder Amelia Pytel.
“[Our key is] just a good rotation with our pitchers and figuring out what works best,” Jarrell said. “[Also] having positive mindsets because we might have different lineups depending on who’s pitching. And the returners helping the newcomers feel comfortable and confident.”
While the Bulldogs’ pitching experience and depth has improved, they graduated two of the program’s greatest hitters, Zoe Levine (DePaul) and Emily Organ (Bradley), who both already are enjoying college softball success.
“I think we’re still going to be able to put up big numbers,” Jarrell said. “We’re excited about our newcomers being able to hit, and all of our pitchers are very good hitters. We’ll find a spot for them to play when they’re not pitching.”
STEVE JOHNSTON
Riverside-Brook eld’s Clare Ruska retur ns a shot during her match against Glenbard East, March 17, 2025 in Riverside.
ELLIE MEGALL
ELLA JURGENS
TRINIT Y STE VENSON
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FIRST SAVINGS BANK Plaintiff, -v.-
DDI HOLDINGS LLC, AN ILLINOIS LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY; TANPHI WELLNESS INC., AN ILLINOIS CORPORATION; SPINOX1 INC., AN ILLINOIS CORPORATION; DONALD OLIPHANT; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS
Defendants
2023 CH 03962 6201 - 6209 WEST NORTH AVE OAK PARK, IL 60302
NOTICE OF SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Order of Default, Default Judgment, Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, and Appointing Selling Officer entered in the above cause on February 22, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 28, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:
Commonly known as 6201 - 6209 WEST NORTH AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302
Property Index No. 16-05-102032-0000
The real estate is one-story commercial building. The judgment amount was $2,667,110.06.
Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g) (4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765
ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.
For information, contact Paulina Garga-Chmiel, DYKEMA GOSSETT PLLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 10 SOUTH WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 2300, CHICAGO, IL, 60606 (312) 876-1700. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION
One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE
You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc. com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. Paulina Garga-Chmiel DYKEMA GOSSETT PLLC 10 SOUTH WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 2300 CHICAGO IL, 60606 312-876-1700
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST Plaintiff vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF ROSIE L. SIMPSON; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF ERNEST ROGER BRYANT; DENISE LASHONE COLLINS; ERSKINE LATRELL RICKS; KENOSHA DEANNA RICKS; DENOTA C. RICKS AKA DEONTE C. RICKS; REGGIE L. RICKS AKA REGGIE RICKS; ROSIE RICKS AKA ROSE RICKS; ANDREA LYNETTE COLLINS; AMIR MOHABBAT AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR ROSIE L. SIMPSON; ERNEST R. RICKS; FIFTH THIRD BANK, N.A. S/I/I FIFTH THIRD BANK; RAYMOND E. RICKS; LATASHA D. RICKS; EARNESTINE RICKS; KENTON K. RICKS; RAQKOWN D. RICKS; DEMARCUS M. COLLINS; SHANNON RICKS; CORNELIUS RICKS; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendant 24 CH 393 CALENDAR 62 NOTICE OF SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on April 8,
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
2025, at the hour 11:00 a.m., Intercounty’s office, 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, IL 60602, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-10-319-012-0000.
Commonly known as 602 S. 21st Ave., Maywood, IL 60153.
The real estate is: single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.
For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Suite 120, Naperville, IL 60563. (630) 453-6960. 1496-197806
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: M25000278 on March 4, 2025
Under the Assumed Business Name of JENNY KELLY ART with the business located at: 941 BONNIE BRAE PLACE, RIVER FOREST, IL 60305. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: JENNIFER KELLY 941 BONNIE BRAE PLACE, RIVER FOREST, IL 60305, USA.
Published in Wednesday Journal March 12, 19, 26, 2025
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICE
ADVERTISEMENT OF BIDDING
Request for bids for the “Field Center Construction” Project in Field Park at 935 Woodbine. Oak Park Il. 60302
Owner: Park District of Oak Park 218 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302
The Park District of Oak Park will accept sealed bids for the “Field Center Construction” located in Field Park at 935 Woodbine, Oak Park, IL 60302. The project generally consists of the new construction of a 4600 square foot facility, grading, sitework, utilities, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, geothermal wells, landscaping, roofing, concrete work, rammed earth exterior and more. The Park District of Oak Park will receive individual sealed Bids until 10:00 a.m. (Central time) on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 218 Madison St., Oak Park, IL. The bidding documents and requirements will be available on the Demand Star website as of 12 pm, Monday, March 24th, 2025. An optional pre-bid walk-thru is scheduled for 10 am, April 9th, 2025, at Field Park, 935 Woodbine, Oak Park, Il. 60302. Bid bonds will be required by bidding contractors. Copies of the bidding specifications available at https://www.demandstar.com/ app/buyers/bids/493758/details For additional information, contact Chris Lindgren at chris.lindgren@ pdop.org or 708-725-2050. Only bids prepared in compliance with the bidding documents will be considered. Project must adhere to the Prevailing Wage Act of 2024. The Park District of Oak Park encourages minority and women owned business firms to submit bids for this project.
Park District of Oak Park
By: Sandy Lentz, Secretary Park District of Oak Park 218 Madison St. Oak Park, IL 60302
Published in Wednesday Journal March 19, 2025
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed proposals will be accepted for:
2025 Lake Street Intersection Improvements - Design
The Village of River Forest is requesting proposals for professional engineering consultant services (“Consultant Services”), for completion of Design Engineering for the development of construction plans and specifications and IDOT permitting approval of spot intersection improvements along Lake Street from Edgewood Place to Bonnie Brae in the Village of River Forest. Lake Street is owned by IDOT but maintained by the Village through
PUBLIC NOTICES
a maintenance agreement. It is expected that the consultant will review existing crossings between the aforementioned limits and provide any suggested improvements along with construction plan and contract preparation 4 intersections along the corridor. It is anticipated that curb extensions will need to be designed at 3 intersections and signage upgrades at 1 intersection that includes the installation of an Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB). It is expected that the consultant is familiar with and able to navigate the IDOT permitting process effectively. Respondents must be able to demonstrate expertise with all aspects of roadway related engineering tasks and bicycle and pedestrian improvements. Submittals should include the firm’s qualifications, project team, resumes, project approach, and recently completed related engineering work (high value will be placed on experience assisting municipalities with improvements similar in scope).
The proposal documents are available for download starting Friday, March 14, 2025 at: www.vrf.us/bids
Proposals must be submitted by Friday, April 4, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at:
Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305
The 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 proposal 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 proposals to waive technicalities and reject any or all proposals.
Published in Wednesday Journal March 19, 2025
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield, Illinois that bid proposals will be received for the following project:
2025 SEWER LINING IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS
This project will consist of work necessary to improve and rehabilitate portions of the combination sewer system on Brookfield Avenue using inversion lining and all other appurtenant work to properly complete this project in accordance with the specifications and bidding documents.
Sealed bids will be received up to the hour of 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, the 2nd day of April, 2025, in the office of the Village Manager in the Village Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois. All sealed bids received will be publicly opened
and read at 11:00 A.M. on the same day, Wednesday, the 2nd day of April, 2025, at the Village Hall.
Electronic copies of bidding documents, consisting of the bid proposal, project specifications, and sewer tapes are available from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Co., 9933 Roosevelt Road, Westchester, Illinois 60154. Bidding documents can be requested by emailing info@ehancock.com. No bidding documents will be issued after 4:30 P.M. on Friday, the 28th day of March, 2025.
All bidders wishing to obtain bidding documents must be approved by the Village prior to obtaining bidding documents. A non-refundable fee of fifteen dollars ($15.00) will be required to obtain bidding documents. Proposals will only be accepted from bidders that have obtained bidding documents from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Company.
All bid proposals offered must be accompanied by a bid bond, cashier’s check or certified check in an amount not less than Five Percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid, as a guarantee that if the bid proposal is accepted, a contract will be entered into and the performance of the contract properly secured. Checks shall be made payable to the Order of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield. No bid proposal shall be considered unless accompanied by such bid bond or check.
Any bidder in doubt as to the true meaning of any part of the bidding documents may request an interpretation thereof from the Village. The bidder requesting the interpretation shall be responsible for its prompt delivery. At the request of the bidder, or in the event that the Village deems the interpretation to be substantive, the interpretation will be made by written addendum issued by the Village.
In the event that a written addendum is issued, either as a result of a request for interpretation or the result of a change in the bidding documents issued by the Village, a copy of such addendum will be mailed to all prospective bidders. The Village will not assume responsibility for receipt of such addendum. In all cases it will be the bidders’ responsibility to obtain all addenda issued.
The Contractor and Subcontractor shall comply with all regulations issued pursuant to Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130), and other applicable Federal Laws and regulations pertaining to labor standards.
PUBLIC NOTICE Annual Town Meeting Notice is hereby given to the legal voters of the Town of Riverside, in the County of Cook, and the State of Illinois, that the Annual Town Meeting of said town will take place on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, being the second Tuesday of the month, at the hour of 6:01 pm, at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, IL, for the transaction of miscellaneous business of the said town; and after a Moderator having been elected, will proceed to hear and consider reports of the officers, and decide on such measures as may, in the pursuance of the law, come before the meeting; and especially to consider & decide on the following:
Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Election of the Moderator, Oath of the Moderator, Approval of the Minutes from the Last Annual Town Meeting, New Business, Township Reports, Setting the date for the next Annual Town Meeting, and Adjournment.
Jay Reyes Clerk, Riverside Township March 11, 2025
Published in RB Landmark March 19, 2025
PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY.
Request of Gabriella Rae Nolan Case Number 20254000800
There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Gabriella Rae Nolan to the new name of: Gabriella Rae Rodriguez
The court date will be held: On April 8, 2025] at 11:00 AM at Maywood Courthouse, 1500 Maybrook Drive, Maywood, Cook County, IL in Courtroom # 0111.
The Village of Brookfield reserves the rights to determine the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder, to waive irregularities, and to reject any or all bid proposals.
BY ORDER THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS
Published in RBLandmark March 19, 2025
Published in RB Landmark March 12, 19, 26, 2025
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