properties near Congress Park station
O cials say the village wants to have multi-family housing developed
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
After buying the Theater Building and an adjacent parcel along Grand Boulevard last year, Brookfield has ag reed to purchase two more properties in a different part of town.
Village trustees on Monday approved contracts for Brookfield to purchase 9509 Burlington Ave. and 4011 Blanchan Ave., two adjacent plots of land near the Congress Park train station.
The village board ag reed to pay $875,000 for the Burlington property and $935,000 for the Blanchan property according to the purchase ag reements. Community Development Director Libby Popovic told the Landmark funds for both purchases come from Brookfield’s tax increment financing (TIF) district at Congress Park,
Brook eld family handcrafts jewelry from orange peels and vintage watches
Organic Jewelry is 1 of 6 businesses selected for the Brook eld Shops
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
While Brookfield announced the cohort of vendors for the Brookfield Shops on March 10, Nestor Valencia said he, his wife, Giselle Cortes, and their family have been building up their inventory of jewelry since the beginning of the year to sell in their shop at the retail incubator program.
As the owners and proprietors of Org anic Jewelr y, Valencia and Cortes have a literal hand in every piece of jewelr y the business sells. In an i nterview with the L andmark, Valencia and the c ouple’s d aughter M iranda Valencia-Cortes sai d each f amily member has their own role in the process
“We all have our little tasks because it’s really a family business,” Valencia-Cortes said. “When it comes to the creative process, my mom is the main one, but sometimes I help, sometimes my dad helps, and when it comes to assembly, we’re all kind of helping. We all have our little station. We all know what to do.”
Both ag reed Cortes was the driving creative force behind the business’s designs, but she was not available for the interview.
Valencia said the business got started in 2016 after the family emigrated from Colombia in 2012.
“My wife, she was a dentist in Colombia, but here, she got to start all over again. It’s going to take too long, and it’s expensive [to become a licensed dentist]. Let’s be realistic,” he said.
T hey g ot the p ush to start the c ompany after visiting extended f amily in New Yo rk . T hose relatives r an a similar business. W hen they returned to the Chicago area — as Brookfield residents since 2014 — they operated Organic Jewelry exclusive ly as a pop-up at street fairs, markets
Nestor Valencia and Miranda Valencia-Cortes pose for a photo Monday, March 17, w ith goods f rom their family business, Org anic Jewelry, that they plan to sell at the Bro ok field Shops.
and special events, b oth in Chicagoland and across I llinois towns li ke Decatur, Geneva and Galena.
Valencia and Valencia-Cortes said the f amily sources all of their materials — from orange p eels, dried fl owers and acacia seeds to vintage watch parts — from Colombia
“Our on-season is usually the summer, so between May and September, around there. In the months that we’re not in season, we’re all working really hard to be able to get everything,” Valencia-Cortes said. “We travel to Colombia, try to get all of our materials that we need, then we travel back.”
She emphasized that the family makes sure they source their materials sustainably and ethically. She said they previously used tagua nuts in their jewelry but made the choice to stop in order to stay within their morals.
“The government is renting the land,” Valencia said.
“It’s a r eally long stor y, r eall y, really sad stor y, ” Valencia-Cortes a dded.
“We’ re ve ry careful with our c ountr y and our soils, so wo rk ing tagua was j ust not ethical anymore. ”
Once they have their materials, there’s still some sorting to be done. Valencia said many of the watch parts they bring home with them aren’t usable for the jewelry his wife envisions. He said Cortes’s steady hand and eye for precision from her history as a dentist enable her to create meticulous pieces of jewelry with whatever materials are available, whether that’s laying flowers to create a miniature scene or deconstructing watches piece by piece and removing rust from them.
See JEWELRY on pa ge 15
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Brook eld’s food pantry bene ts from Soup and Bread
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
This month’s Soup and Bread event benefitted Brookfield’s Share Food Share Love food pantry at 9030 Brookfield Ave. Administrative Director John Dumas said the event raised about $800 for the nonprofit
“I couldn’t stay the whole time because I had to get back to the food pantry, but I was there for the first almost hour or so, and it’s really a pretty good thing. I’d actually never heard of it until they said they wanted to do it on our behalf,” he said. “It was really great, and it was very well [attended]. They had a lot more people come in, I know, after I left, but they were still coming in when I left, and they had live music, and it was really neat. It’s really a great thing that they do; it’s just a chance for people to get to gether in a social gathering but then to do something good for their community as well.”
While the pantry hasn’t made plans to work with Soup and Bread again, Dumas said he would “absolutely” be interested.
“It was a great group, and Jennifer is amazing. She was very communicative with me and worked together with us really well, and it was a real pleasure doing that with them,” he said. “She’s very well organized, and she has everything put together in such a way that it goes very smoothly. I went around to the tables and talked to everybody who was there, just to say thank you and to let them know how much we appreciated it, and they were all very nice and very enthusiastic about the event.”
Breaking Down Walls: How Two Realtors
Turned Their Passion for Wallpaper into Chicagoland’s Largest Wallpaper Destination
Julia Hamilton and Kate Sanderson never planned to open a storefront. Longtime friends and real estate colleagues, their shared love of homes— and wallpaper—sparked an unexpected business venture. What started as a personal design hobby took a professional turn in early 2022 when the local wallpaper store they frequented announced its retirement after 40 years. Sensing an opportunity to carry on a legacy, Julia and Kate purchased the store’s name and vast library of wallpaper books, launching Just Wallpaper Chicago.
Their mission was simple: make wallpaper approachable and accessible, no designer required. In a world where wallpaper can feel exclusive or intimidating, Just Wallpaper stands apart. With quick access to top brands—most arriving within 3 to 10 business days—they chose not to carry stock. Instead, they invested in expand-
ing their collection, curating hundreds of styles to fit every taste and space.
Initially, they envisioned focusing solely on their signature curated, in-home appointments. But it didn’t take long for their growing library to outgrow their homes and even their real estate office turned shop. In April 2024, Just Wallpaper officially opened its storefront at 9219 Broadway Ave, Suite A, in Brookfield, IL.
For Julia and Kate, wallpaper isn’t just a trend—it’s timeless art. Since the late 1800s, wallpaper has added beauty, depth, and personality to homes. Knowing its true impact is best experienced in person, they designed the store around making the process effortless and inspiring. Their goal? To create a welcoming, hands-on shopping experience- guiding every client to the perfect books, brands, and patterns that fit their style.
TODD BANNOR
Volunteers serve soup at the Soup and Bread event at Robert’s Westside on Tuesday March 18.
Sponsored content
Forces of nature: earth, wind, re and Jen Quinlan
Co-founder of Soup and Bread West never stops helping those in need
By JESSICA MACKINNON Contributing Reporter
Jennifer Malloy Quinlan is a force of nature – and when she’s on a mission, which she usually is, heaven help anyone who gets in her way.
Last month she was crowned King of Hearts at Robert’s Westside in Forest Park, a Valentine’s Day event designed to recognize local people who “spread love and joy.” Quinlan was honored primarily for her work with Soup and Bread West, an initiative addressing local food insecurity, but her impact extends throughout the community through many other organizations that she helps.
“Jennifer is one of the most selfless people I’ve ever met,” said Donnie Biggins, owner of Robert’s Westside. “She always shows up for anyone in need. And she doesn’t look at making it about herself, especially on social media. She just does the hard work.”
Quinlan co-founded Soup and Bread West in 2023 with several other local residents after participating for many years in Chicago’s Soup and Bread program at the Hideout. The local program was launched at Exit Strategy in Forest Park but, when that establishment closed, operations seamlessly shifted to Robert’s Westside.
Held the third Tuesday of every month, the community meal features a variety of soups prepared by volunteers and bread donated by local businesses. The prog ram typically collects about $1,000 in donations, which are passed on to nonprofits including Beyond Hunger, Austin Eats and the Migrant Ministry.
“We really just fly by the seat of our pants,” said Quinlan. “We usually have about 10-15 crockpots of soup. We don’t plan and we don’t count, and it continues to work We always seem to have something for everyone. It’s like the loaves and fishes.”
Quinlan has also been very involved with YEMBA, an Oak Park nonprofit serving youth through mentorship, tutoring and basketball. She got involved when her son was welcomed into the program after not making his sixth-grade basketball team.
“William was devastated – the rejection by the coach was not handled well. I was livid! But YEMBA provided him with the opportunity to play and he really thrived,” Quinlan said. “At the end-of-year awards ceremony,
when I saw how much the program meant to all the kids, in addition to William, I just marched up to [Executive Director Edward] Mr. Redd and said, ‘Listen, I don’t have money but I can connect you to people in the community and if I can ever do anything for you, I will.’”
“He has taken me at my word,” she said, laughing
A Carthage College student with plans to become a middle school gym teacher, William is now a YEMBA mentor working with students at Oak Park’s middle schools, running basketball drills and helping with homework
“That’s the full circle of volunteering. YEMBA saved William and he understands the importance of giving back. In my family, service is just part of the rent you pay,” Quinlan said.
Said Cornick Harris, philanthropy officer for YEMBA: “Jen has been with us through every step of our growth. Her whole family is involved, collecting and delivering personal care products for our underprivileged kids, handing out flyers, and filling backpacks for our annual Back-to-School event. She is so generous with her service, time and her fam-
ily.”
Quinlan insists that she is just carrying forward what she learned as a child, the product of progressive parents who created a lifestyle in which volunteering was expected. Both her parents were Chicago Public Schools teachers for a time; her father was a reading specialist for disadvantaged students and a delegate for the teachers’ union, and her mother was a social worker and union delegate for city workers.
At Chicago’s Academy of the Sacred Heart, Quinlan co-founded a social justice club, accompanied the nuns to peace marches and volunteered at a domestic violence shelter During Christmas breaks, she volunteered at Rape Victim Advocates, where her mother was a board member, answering phones and learning about what happened to women who went to the hospital or were interviewed by police after being raped.
“It made me realize, at a young age, the importance of being an advocate,” she said.
Quinlan was particularly inspired by Sister Monica Cahill, who founded Taproots, an outreach program for adolescent mothers on the west side
“She didn’t just take care of the kids, she got the mothers diapers, helped them obtain birth certificates, enrolled their children in school and got them lawyers if there were custody or domestic violence issues. She did all the stuff to change young women’s lives that no one talks about or sees,” Quinlan said. Her father, who passed away last year, also served as a role model. She remembers once walking with him on Michigan Avenue and running into a professional-looking young man who asked, with great reverence, if her father was his for mer teacher
“He told my dad that he had given him his first book and that he changed his life. My dad kind of collapsed into his arms and they hugged each other for a long time. That image has been stuck in my head since the 1990s. I realized that my dad did something for another kid that he also did for me,” Quinlan said. For many years, Quinlan has served as a mother figure to a passel of kids who are not biologically hers. She is known as “Mama Jen” to two boys born into tumultuous family situations and adopted by Oak Parkers Bryan and Mark Grayson. She refers to them as the “boys of my heart.”
“The day we brought a new four-year old into our home, Jen was on our doorstep with Legos and clothes and supplies for a month. She did the same thing when we brought home a newborn couple a few years later She’s just irreplaceable in both of their lives,” said Bryan.
“There is Earth, Wind and Fire – and Jen Quinlan,” said Mark. “We are a family with a target on our back – gay, with African American and Hispanic kids, kids with special needs. Jen shields people like us. She will be the reason our family survives this administration.”
Quinlan has also taken in youth who have needed temporary homes, including Maura, the child of a friend of hers whose tattoos and piercings and bright hair made her stand out in her small, conservative town in Arkansas. Her family also sheltered a young transgender male whose parents left the local area during the pandemic.
“We have a houseful of kids and they’re all part of the family. I’ve learned that there’s always more to share. I don’t do ‘just sufficient.’ Remarkably, I never run out of stuff. I can give it all away and still find more,” Quinlan said. Just like the loaves and fishes
TODD BANNOR
Jennifer Malloy Quinlan at the Soup and Bread event at Robert’s Westside on Tuesday March 18.
Apartment for Rent
Riverside OKs gaspowered leaf blower education campaign
It’s planned alongside seasonal bans starting in 2028, but future trustees will have the nal say
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
Riverside trustees have approved a village initiative to educate residents and contractors in town on the harmful impacts of using gas-powered leaf blowers and other handheld devices. The campaign will last through 2027 before a seasonal ban on the equipment is considered for implementation in 2028 and 2029.
Village officials emphasized the final call on a potential seasonal ban would be up to a future village board comprised of trustees elected next week and in the 2027 municipal election.
At the board’s March 20 meeting, Assistant Village Manager Ashley Monroe presented a draft five-year plan for the eventual phase-out of gas-powered landscape equipment.
Starting this year, the plan calls for Riverside to promote the upsides of using electric devices and explain the environmental costs of continuing to use gas-powered equipment through flyers placed around town, mailers sent to residents and social media. Monroe said these materials would be published in both English and Spanish.
Some of the mocked-up flyers would inform residents that an hour of gaspowered leaf blower use emits the same amount of carbon as driving 1,100 miles — the distance it takes to drive from Los Angeles to Denver, Colorado, or from Riverside to Austin, Texas. One design would push residents to inform their contracted landscapers on Riverside’s noise re gulations and landscaping hours while another would encourage those contractors to swap to the greener devices.
“We want to engage the contractors in
more communication and build our mailing list that we were open to at the last meeting [in November] for communicating any kinds of changes,” Monroe said. “It’s not a forced issue; it’s an opportunity to continue to communicate about issues like this.”
Riverside would begin to phase in removal of the equipment through a seasonal ban in 2028 from April through September with the approval of the 2027 village board, Monroe said, though enforcement would be limited to warnings for the first year.
The ban would be lifted from October 2028 through March 2029 to allow gas-powered devices to be used for fall cleanup and snow removal in the winter before going back into effect from April through September 2029 with citations for ordinance violations beyond the first.
“Our emphasis on this is not to be punitive. It’s not to restrict the time in which people can use things during the day,” she said. “It’s a period of time during the season where it’s likely to be hot, and extra dust is blowing out in the air.”
She said staf f recommended waiting for 2028 so village staff can record the data on how often residents complain about gaspowered devices through then while giving the public works department time to swap its own equipment over to battery power.
“This is a very measured approach to a longstanding question about how quickly, really, everybody adapts to something like this,” Monroe said. “There are certainly people with questions about the value in doing this, and perhaps some of the education will help allay some of those concer ns.”
In response to a question from Trustee Megan Claucherty, Monroe said the education campaign could inform residents years in advance about the potential 2028 ban at the board’s discretion, though the board at that time would be responsible for implementing it.
Trustee Aberdeen Marsh-Ozga said she thought Riverside should inform residents Continue on next pa ge
“We’re expecting to sell at least 1,200” pieces of jewelry this year based on their sales from last year, Valencia said. “We already got 700 done We got another 600 almost ready.”
Valencia said part of the business’s appeal is its low prices for consumers. He said the jewelry ranges in price from $15 for small earrings made with preserved plants up to $60 for more intricate pieces made with watches or $120 for pieces made from rare coffee beans
“We went into downtown, and, for instance, this one is $25. Something like this in downtown, not the same, but something alike, they sell it for $60,” he said. “We’re the ones who make it and everything, so why should we inflate the price? If you keep the prices low, affordable, it’s much better.”
When it came time for the family to present Organic Jewelry before Brookfield’s assembled panel of jurors, Valencia said he had high expectations for himself
“This is kind of funny, because I told my wife, ‘I’m a math teacher, so I’m used to talking in front of people,’” he said. “I don’t know if I lost my touch, but, man, I got everything ready. We got all these pieces ready to show and everything … I was really nervous, and everything got messed up. The last one came out first, the first came out last. I was like, ‘What happened? What happened with me?’”
Despite how the presentation went, Valencia-Cortes said the entire family erupted with joy when they learned they had secured a spot at the Brookfield Shops.
“I was in one of my classes at college — I
go to Concordia [University Chicago] — and my mom sent the screenshot of the email that they sent, and I was like, ‘Oh my God!’” she said. “My mom has so much creativity to start all of this and branch out so much, to the watch parts and to start with everything else. I was really proud of my mom.”
“We sent everything to New York, everything to Colombia. Everybody was calling ‘You were accepted! I told you, I told you! You got something special here,’” Valencia said.
Both said they appreciated the organization and clear expectations that Brookfield officials have brought to the process since they were accepted into the Brookfield Shops program.
“Being clear and really organized, I think everyone appreciated it, and they’re really trying to create a community in all of us,” Valencia-Cortes said. “We can lean on each other, we can talk to each other, we can lear n from each other.”
While the family aspires to have their own brick-and-mortar space, they said they’re prioritizing setting up an online presence within the program so they no longer have to transport inventory to pop-up locations across the state.
“My wife, she wants to put up an online shop, but we don’t know how to do it,” Valencia said. “That is something that I wish for her, that she can just do something from home and still continue with this.”
“It’s very physically draining, I would say, because bringing all the things there is really heavy, and there’s other stuff that you have to keep in mind. Sometimes you get hungry, but you can’t go anywhere. You have to stay there,” Valencia-Cortes added. “Another one of our goals to create an online place people can go to like Instagram, on Facebook, TikTok. Using all those social platfor ms to grow more, I think, is very important to us.”
JoinCantataforourCentennial Celebration!Enjoyexclusive, limited-timeoffersandtakepart inanexcitingevents—youwon’t wanttomissit!
JoinCantataforourCentennial Celebration!Enjoyexclusive, limited-timeoffersandtakepart inanexcitingevents—youwon’t wanttomissit!
in advance of when the village board would look to consider a seasonal ban to avoid potential re percussions of a hypothetical immediate enactment.
“It’s important for Riverside to make annual progress on its climate action and resilience plan,” of which phasing out gaspowered landscape equipment is one of many potential steps, she said. “Articulating that goal and that intention to consider [a seasonal ban] really establishes that we will be attempting to make incremental progress, through education first and then through these other measures following.”
Trustee Jill Mateo asked whether staff
knew of the consequences of enacting bans in other communities, but Monroe said she believed “the jury [was] still out” on the exact impact to “the smallest of the businesses.”
While trustees Elizabeth Kos and Alexander Gallegos were absent, the rest of the board ag reed to have staf f proceed with the education campaign with the intent for a future board to consider seasonal bans.
“This is a policy; this is not a law. No ordinances are being approved,” Village President Doug Pollock said after the board reached a consensus. “At any time, I would encourage residents to continue to lobby and continue to voice their concerns, both pro and con. We always want to hear more about this. It is a dif ficult issue.”
JoinCantataforourCentennial Celebration!Enjoyexclusive, limited-timeoffersandtakepart inanexcitingevents—youwon’t wanttomissit!
JoinCantataforourCentennial Celebration!Enjoyexclusive, limited-timeoffersandtakepart inanexcitingevents—youwon’t wanttomissit!
DRAINING 401(K) ACCOUNTS WHEN CHANGING JOBS:
UNDERMINING
As to why this is happening, the authors of a study said that both psychology and administrative factors are at play.
Employers have not seen cashing out as a pressing issue say the researchers. Presumably, firms that offer more generous matches care about the well-being of their employees in retirement and after they are no longer with the firm. But most firms have a blind spot about what happens at job termination and offer no financial advice to departing employees. Instead, firms delegate all communication to partner financial services firms that administer their plans. unfortunately, these plans simply send dry letters to employees telling them their options. That’s when the account composition ironically partially undermines the benefits a more generous employer match offers.”
The way the plans are administered makes taking a check the path of least resistance for many
employees. There is more bureaucratic paperwork to roll savings over into an independent retirement savings account or their next employer’s retirement savings program. If departing employees now think of that check as a windfall rather than hard-earned retirement security when the employer contributed more, [they] are less likely to endure the hassle to dutifully roll those moneys over.
If firms could deter departing employees from suddenly eyeing their hard-won savings as a free money windfall, those higher employer match rates would generate the full benefit intended to help the employee retire comfortably. Employees would not have to work many extra years to make up for the compounded value of the savings they cashed out because it was the easiest thing to do in the moment.
By Linda Sokol Francis. E.A.
PROPER TY TR ANSFERS
Brook eld home sales for $775,000
The following property transfers were re ported by the Cook County Clerk from January 2025. Where addresses appear incomplete, for instance where a unit number appears missing, that info rmation was not provided by the clerk’s office.
4533 Elm Ave., Brook eld
ASSEMBLING A PARCEL: Brook eld is combining property it already owns with new purchases to create a development site
LAND PURCHASE
Development sought
from page 1
which encompasses the train parking lots at 4010 Dubois Blvd and on Burlington Avenue
Under Illinois law, when a municipality creates a TIF district, the combined property value is established as the base; as the property value increases, any taxes paid on land valued above the base goes into a fund for the municipality to use on further improvements like land purchases.
Popovic said Brookfield is hoping to attract a developer for the parcels — as well as the surrounding area that the village already owned — to create new multi-family housing near Ogden Avenue
“[Brookfield has] been looking at doing land acquisitions since they came up with a comprehensive plan. That [was] like 2018, so that’s always been on the radar,” she said Monday. “That whole area [has been].”
She said the development would tie into Brookfield’s Energize Ogden plan to improve all modes of transportation and revitalize the commercial district along Ogden Avenue. She said Brookfield officials have not nailed down whether they plan to seek one developer or multiple for the properties, as they have yet to finalize a request for development proposals
“Most likely, it would be one developer developing the entire unit because we’re look-
ing for something cohesive and not where it broken up into multiple projects,” she said. “It’s right by the train station. It feeds right into the whole comprehensive plan of bringing density into that area because it’s close to the downtown, close to the train, and it allows for pedestrian, transit-oriented [g rowth].”
While Brookfield has brought other prop erties in the past, Popovic said village officials have leaned into the tactic recently they’ve seen the chance to buy land arise.
“It’s a strategy that a lot of municipalities employ. It works for us at this point because we had the opportunity to acquire some of these properties,” she said. “Down the road as development grows and other developer come in, it might not necessarily be the vil lage procuring the properties that will be come available, but it’s definitely one of the strategies that Brookfield has looked into and is favorable about.”
Popovic added that the village has received a lot of interest from potential developers on the Theater Building and other Grand Boulevard properties it bought last year
“I’ve spoken with a couple of developers. I’ve actually toured the site with a few developers that are very interested in it. We’re waiting for full submissions because the [request for proposals] has a lot of different parts to it, but the serious developers are putting their things together on that, so I’m looking forward to seeing it. We’re closing the process by the end of May,” she said. “Brookfield is moving forward with a lot of the developments. It’s just poised and ready to bring that in.”
PO LICE REPO RT S
Celebrate with Dan! 70 for 70!
Mr. Haley’s Opus
This week, we celebrate a remarkable milestone— our founder, Dan Haley, turns 70!
Join us in saluting Dan with a $70 gift to GCM in honor of his 70th birthday. Your gift extends the gift Dan’s life’s work has given all our communities.
Driver charged in 6-car hitand-run after he ‘blacked out’
Riverside police cited a man on March 13 who had a medical emergency that caused a six-car crash.
Around 2:45 p.m., five officers arrived at the area of First Avenue and Waubansee Road on a re port of a crash they later learned was “possibly” a hit-and-run as a white truck had continued heading south after the crash. With the help of Brookfield, North Riverside and Lyons police, the officers shut down First Avenue until the wreckage could be cleared
Police found three vehicles near First Avenue and Parkview Road; the drivers had minor injuries, and all three denied transport to the hospital after being evaluated by paramedics. One driver later told officers she felt increasing pain in her arm and was taken to the hospital.
Police observed two more damaged vehicles under the train bridge on First Avenue, about 150 yards south. The driver of one vehicle was covered in blood and told police she could not move while her passenger was able to exit her car. The other vehicle had three passengers, none of whom complained of injuries.
Police found the white truck near Waubansee Road with “extensive front-end damage” and missing a wheel on the left side of the road, having crossed all traffic lanes. The driver told police he thought he “blacked out” and did not recall the crash.
According to police, everyone involved in the crash told a similar story. They said the white truck was heading south on First Avenue when it crossed into the oncoming traffic lane near Parkview Road, where it struck two cars. One of the cars spun sideways, and another car hit it. The white truck continued south and crossed back over the double yellow lines under the train bridge, where it struck two more vehicles on the driver’s side. The car continued south until it came to a stop after driving of f the roadway.
Five of the vehicles experienced “extensive damage” and needed to be towed, police said. Paramedics transported the white truck’s driver and two people involved in the crashes to Loyola Hospital. According to police, the driver of the white
truck denied alcohol or drug usage aside from his re gular medication; he told hospital staf f he had never blacked out while driving but had lost consciousness “for several seconds” at home before.
At the hospital, the driver of the white truck signed a consent form to release his medical records to police, who issued him two citations for improper lane usage and another for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash. Police advised the man to come to the Riverside police station to collect his citations after he was released from the hospital.
Broken taillight leads to arrest
Brookfield police arrested a 36-year-old Berwyn man March 19 after they learned he did not have a driver’s license.
Around 8:17 p.m., an officer was heading south on the 4000 block of Prairie Avenue when they saw a car stopped at a red light with its driver-side taillight out. The officer initiated a traffic stop on the 4100 block. When asked for his driver’s license and proof of insurance, the man told police he did not have a driver’s license at all. After giving police his information, the officer ran him through the police database and learned his license had been revoked due to a previous DUI charge. Police arrested the man and turned his car over to a friend who had a valid driver’s license.
The officer took the man to central lockup to process him, and police released him after setting an April 8 court date.
These items were obtained from the Riverside Police Department reports dated March 13 and the Brookfield Police Department reports dated March 17-24; they represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest
Compiled by Trent Brown
VOTE
APRIL 1
NICK
CAPUTO
Dist. 208 School Board
ME & MY FAMILY
• Riversideresident(17yrs)
• Husband(21yrs)&Fatherof4
• 2childrenatRB;2moreontheway!
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
• Manger/Coach,RiversideLittleLeague(10yrs)
• Manager/Coach,RiversideRockets(2yrs)
• President, Prairie Trail Federation (3 yrs)
Princess Chief, Prairie Trail Federation (2 yrs)
• Chief,KeeWahSheenaGuides(2yrs)
• VolunteerforWiseMenTreeSale,SecretSanta, PinewoodDerby,andmore.
• Co-host/co-sponsor,“Elvispalooza”(9yrs)
• Co-Chair,RiversideSwimClub4th ofJuly
ParadeFloat(2yrs)
• HauserJuniorTheaterVolunteer(1yr)
PROFESSIONAL / ACADEMIC
• Attorney(23yrs);ownfirm(15yrs)
• AdjunctLawProfessor(20yrs)
• TrialTeamCoach(10yrs)
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
• Leaveitbetterthanyoufoundit
• Eternaloptimism;Problemsareopportunities forcreativesolutions
• Disagreewithoutbeingdisagreeable
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.
Dwyer OK’d as new Hollywood School principal
District 96 panel pleased with candidate’s ‘overall demeanor and disposition’
By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter
Erin Dwyer saw firsthand the impact teachers can have on students and families.
Growing up in River Forest, her mother, Darlene, taught in area public and parochial schools. She remembers vividly families approaching her mom on the street to thank her for her efforts.
“She put her heart into it, and that’s something I aspired to be,” said Dwyer, the new Hollywood School principal, effective July 1. She is also the Riverside School District 96 summer school administrator.
Dwyer, currently the principal at Lace School in Darien School District 61, was approved unanimously by the District 96 board March 23.
“I think people were impressed with her overall demeanor and disposition,” said superintendent Dr. Martha Ryan-Toye. “She comes with a lot of experience in the elementary school role, so I think the breadth and depth was important.”
When Ryan-Toye says people, she really means it. Dwyer, who has a doctorate in ed-
ucational leadership from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, had to face a panel of 11 in interviewing for her role. That included Ryan-Toye, other administrators, a principal, teachers, parents, a paraprofessional and the school secretary.
“I was actually comfortable talking to all the stakeholders,” Dwyer said. “There was this level of comfort … ‘I think I really found my new home.’ And I was hoping the committee felt the same.”
Dwyer’s first job was teaching second graders at the now-closed Fairview School in District 61. After administrative stops at Forest Park School District 91 and Westchester School District 92.5, she took over the reins at Lace School in fall 2013. She received her doctorate in December 2018.
A key accomplishment of Dwyer’s at Lace School was guiding its improvement from the state’s designation as a Rising Star school to Commendable status, with a focus on all learners – those who need extra support, the general education population and advanced learners.
Those experiences gave her insight into the biggest challenges a principal at an elementary school faces today. The most important thing, she said, is making sure good, solid connections are made with students, families, administrators and staff.
“You end up building a relationship of respect,” she said. “You build that from day one. I think that coming in as a new person, you’re building those relationships of trust and respect.”’
In a district-wide email announcing Dwyer’s hire, Ryan-Toye echoed those sentiments.
“We know that each of our schools are places of true connection, tradition and joy in learning,” she said. “We are confident that Dr. Dwyer will continue to support and nur ture this strong culture at Hollywood while growing us and leading us into our future.”
One of the things you’ll notice about Dwyer is her visibility. You’ll see her welcoming children in the car line in the morning, for example. She said she also has an opendoor policy for anyone with questions or concerns.
She also isn’t wasting any time getting started.
“I’m very excited to start building those connections in the spring, meeting the kids and family and staf f,” she said, “giving students a voice in their educational endeavors, working alongside the PTA and finding ways for parents to become involved during the school day.”
Away from school, Dwyer dotes on her four nieces and ne phew, spending time attending their sporting events. She’s close with her mom, and also her toy golden doodle, Chieftain.
“I think we’re going to do amazing things with the family/school relationship,” she said. “I’m looking forward to being part of the amazing traditions at Hollywood and growing those traditions.”
District 96 OKs Blythe Park playground
Parents, kids, neig hbors to be involved in playground design
which Riverside will maintain, on villageowned property while Riverside will handle re placing the tennis court with a new court for multiple sports, including both tennis and basketball.
Meetings among those parties will commence late spring or in the fall, she said.
Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Support Short-Term Rehab • Long-Term Care
Home Care
By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter
The Riverside School District 96 school board unanimously approved Wednesday an intergovernmental ag reement with the village of Riverside for a new playground and multi-use court at Blythe Park. The school district will build the playground,
“It’s been our goal to improve our playgrounds and separate play from parking in all of our school areas,” D96 superintendent Martha Ryan-Toye said Thursday. “It has an older playground, so there’s a way to improve overall safety but also the eng agement in the play opportunities children have.”
Ryan-Toye said multiple parties will be involved in playground design, including parents, students and Blythe Park neighbors
“We would be building a playground on land we don’t own,” board vice president Joel Marhoul said Wednesday. “However, we have a solid agreement and the culture of the village is such I think the risk is infinitesimal.”
“The village went through a very thoughtful process in making sure that they got feedback from many different groups within the community,” added board member Salina Claps. “I think as a district we will take a very thoughtful approach that the playground we build is consistent with what the community needs.”
OBITUARIES
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 y 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, edly waved at cars, happily chatted 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 swirling inside. When it came to food was a man of simple pleasures: ca olate, hot dogs, and his pivo (beer). And he never met a Shamrock Shake he didn 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.
are.” (Fred Rogers)
Doctors once said Frank wouldn’t live past five. But he spent over 75 years proving them wrong. And just as Mister Rogers predicted, Frank was, without a doubt, loved exactly as he was.
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 ne phews, 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
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 ne phew, Julie Denson (David), Katherine Fischer (Thomas), Robert Mudra (Kris), Ann Glowienke (Ken); his great-nieces and ne phews, 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-great-nieces and ne phews. 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. Inter ment at Woodlawn Memorial Park will take privately.
Opinion
LETTERS
Education matters
The ITBS, or Iowa Test of Basic Skills, was the standard for academic measurement in my youth. I grew up in Iowa and attended public schools for the first 18 years of my education path from age 5 to 23. It had an immense impact on my upbringing, and I’m proud to know what went into the system that served me and my siblings back in the 1980s.
As the son of two educators, I knew that education was important. I’m now 22 years into my own career in education, and I’m proud to know that I’m a part of this American system of education that has been honed over nearly two centuries to serve our population without exception. It is this pride that moves me to continue to argue the case for strong public education. When our commitment to education is strong, we demonstrate the faith we have in our community, our families, our youth, and a future of dreams for the next generation to realize.
Our communities in suburban Cook County are rich with culture, and our public schools are a reflection of the investment we’re making. A comprehensive school can offer all of the liberal arts coursework that provides a firm foundation for strong values to be passed on to the youth while enriching their educational experience with opportunities to explore careers through business, family and consumer science, technology, trades, and engineering, visual arts, performing
arts, music, and world language courses
If you ever need help building optimism into your worldview, I would challenge you to find a group of high school students looking toward their future while working on a novel project in school. Their enthusiasm and idealism is infectious, and we can all lear n from their spirits. This is where hope for our communities, states, and nation thrives because schools are where students see a future of possibilities ahead of them. As we navigate new norms in the country through political cycles, I hope we can find a way to re-focus on our local influence on the next generation of leaders, business owners, employees, laborers, and citizens. Our public schools are here to serve the will of our communities in service of supporting our children. While the education system in the U.S. is re gularly criticized for its shortcomings, I want to bring a renewed sense of pride in what we are doing to promote the well-being of our communities by serving every family with a high-quality academic experience. Whether you are a student, parent, community member, or school employee, we are all served by the investment that we make in the next generation of citizens.
And if you’ve read long enough to get to this point, please inform yourself in relation to the upcoming April 1 municipal elections and go out and vote!
Ryan VenHorst Ri verside
Send letters to the editor
Ken Trainor, Riverside-Brookfield Landmark
141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302
E-mail: ktrainor@wjinc.com
Please include name, address and daytime phone number for verification.
Providing property tax relief
You’re not alone if you feel that the county property tax system is complex. It is. One factor that plays a role in determining your property tax bill is your property’s assessed value. While an increase in assessed value doesn’t necessarily guarantee a higher property tax bill, it most likely plays some role in property tax bill increases you’ve seen. Riverside Township has been challenged with property taxes for decades, and like other townships across Cook County, has seen increases in its total assessed value through the years. Fortunately, the Cook County Board of Review is a government office that provides taxpayers an opportunity to appeal the over-valuation of property assessments, potentially leading to property tax relief for those who appeal to our office.
In part due to post-pandemic demand and higher sales prices, the total assessed value of residential properties in Riverside Township has increased over 24% since 2020. The accompanying property tax bills continue to grow for residential taxpayers. For example, the total tax between 2021 and 2022 increased by 4.60% while the total tax between 2022 and 2023 increased by 11.61%.
My office continues to reduce the
overassessment of property, which could help provide property tax relief for those who appeal. We’ve consistently corrected the value of property in Riverside Township in the past, and this trend continued in tax year 2024: for residential property, the Board of Review has provided over $2.3M worth of reductions.
I encourage you to appeal your property’s assessed value to the Board of Review once the County Assessor’s Office has completed its work and sent the township’s information to us. You can find more information about key appeal dates and deadlines by visiting our FAQs page: //www.cookcountyboardofreview.com/about/frequently-askedquestions. I’ll also be sure to update you on when Riverside Township opens for appeals with the Board of Review. My team remains hard at work reviewing assessment appeals. If you have any questions or would like to lear n more, you can visit us online at www.cookcountyboardofreview.com. You can also subscribe to my newsletter (https://www.cookcountyboardofreview. com/GeorgeCardenas)
George Cardenas Cook County Board of Re view District One
Save money top down
Government spending is out of control. Eliminate Homeland Security, cut CIA’s budget, Defense can af ford a billion less, still be the most powerful force on Earth, support the largest weapons manufacturing and arms trade, while providing quality health care and benefits to veterans. We identify/persecute organizations that defraud Medicare/ Medicaid. Implement zero-based budgetrs of management, find agencies. We find fraud/ waste in federal contracts worth mil-
In a capitalistic society we all underbut to terminate inexpenfront-line federal employees who t produce long-term savings based premise of poor perforview is an insult to hard-working folks.
These employees are not part of some “deep state,” defrauding the government. If asked, these employees know where waste can be found and can streamline the delivery of services. We are upset at some billionaire who hasn’t provided new ideas/innovation to run the gover nment while protecting his billion-dollar federal contracts on our tax dollar, all under the cover of the federal agency directors and politicians who give themselves raises every year and retire with good health care for life. Don’t let them privatize our National Parks. Support our National Parks where families still can enjoy an af fordable vacation. Our tax dollar investment in our NPS pumps billions of tourism dollars into local economies.
Jim Landahl Brookfield
OBITUARIES
Mary Lee, 84
Long time librar y board trustee
Mary E. Lee (nee Starek), 84, of North Riverside, died on March 6, 2025 in Tinley Park. Born on Aug. 9, 1940 in Chicago, she graduated from DePaul University with an accounting degree, then began an accounting career that eventually led to retirement from the General Services Administration as a budget analyst. A lifelong member of the Czechoslovak Society of America, she served as president and treasurer of the R.T. Crane Lodge #7. She was a longtime library board trustee and secretary of the North Riverside Library Board and served with the Friends of the Library and the Czechoslovak American Congress. A volunteer for Forest Park PADS and Cantata Senior Care, she was an avid flower gardener and loved to shop, cook and entertain.
Mary was the mother of Robert J. (Sherry Miedema) and Colleen M. (Richard) Wiatrowski; the grandmother of Ryan Lee, Daniel (Marina) Wiatrowski and Andrew Wiatrowski; the sister of Carole (Karl Rycheghem) Starek; and the cousin of many.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 1 at 10 a.m. at Mater Christi Church in North Riverside. Inurnment private at Banker Cemetery in Hoxeyville, Michigan.
Memorial donations in Mary’s honor may be made to the North Riverside Public Library.
Funeral arrangements were handled by Kuratko-Nosek Funeral Home, North Riverside. Online condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family at www.KuratkoNosek.com.
Richard Glowicki, 84
Sunnyside Inn ow ner
Richard R. Glowicki, 84, of Brookfield, for merly of Bridgeport, died on March 11, 2025. He was a for mer employee of LyonHealy and owner of Glowsen Moving Co. and the Sunnyside Inn.
Richard was the husband and best friend of Betty R. Bura-Glowicki (nee Teschke); the father of Matthew (Luke Baker) Glowicki, Dawn (David) Doneske, and Richard (Karen) Glowicki; the grandfather of Alysa (Adam) Peters, Brittany Doneske, Caitlyn Doneske, Casey Glowicki and Stephanie Glowicki; brother of the late Barbara (Wil-
liam) Pickert, Alexander (Rita) Glowicki, Walter Glowicki and Kenneth Glowicki; brother-in-law of Joseph (Fran) Teschke and Betty Glowicki; and the uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held on March 14 at Hitzeman Funeral Home Ltd., 9445 31st St., Brookfield. Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Louise de Marillac Church, La Grange Park on March 15, with interment at St. Joseph Cemetery in River Grove.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 5501 N. Cumberland Ave., Suite 101, Chicago, IL 60656.
Richard Rossi, 89
Electr ician, ow ned R&R Electric
Richard J. Rossi, 89, of Riverside, also known to close family and friends as “Richie,” died on March 10, 2025. Born on June 12, 1935, he was a proud member of the IBEW Local Union 134, he owned R&R Electric Company for many years. An active member of the Italian American Club of Berwyn, he enjoyed horseback riding at Braveheart in Harvard. As a U.S. Ar my veteran, he participated in the Golden Age Games. In his retirement years, he spent many hours at the zoo and eating ice cream with his granddaughters. He was a compassionate, patient, and selfless grandfather who attended all of his granddaughters’ activities. He was hard-working and always willing to lend a hand to others. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially when watching the Chicago Cubs.
Rich was the husband of 60 years to Gloria (nee Lachnit); the father of Steven (Kim) Rossi and Gina (Steve) Hamilton; the grandfather of Rebecca and Mary Hamilton; and the brother of Joan Markese. He was preceded in death by his Dominic, Frank, Edward, and Mary Rossi and he was the uncle of many nieces and ne phews.
Services were held at the Conboy-W chester Funeral Home on March entombment at the Christ King Mausoleum, Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preciated to the Samaritan’s Purse (www. samaritanspurse.org), Tunnel to Foundation (www.t2t.org), or Wounded Warriors (www.woundedwarriors.org).
Arrangements were handled by inal Kuratko Family - Brian D. Funeral Director.
David Thompson, 69
Worked at Brad Foote Gear Works, Cice ro
David Arthur Thompson, of Brookfield, died on March 5, 2025 in Berwyn. Born on July 29, 1955, in Chicago, he grew to be a man of hard work and dedication, spending a significant part of his career at Brad Foote Gear Works in Cicero, where he made many contributions and forged lasting friendships His legacy will be remembered and greatly missed by his family and friends.
David is survived by his wife, Janice Fellows, who stood by his side through the years; his daughters, Amy and Jessica and his son, Justin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel Thompson and Joyce (nee Mulligan) Thompson, whose love and guidance played a crucial role in shaping the person he became.
Private cremation services have been held
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.
Therese Shelven, 87
Skated with Ice Capades
Therese A. Shelven (nee Hefele), 87, of Riverside, died on March 3, 2025. Born on April 1, 1937, she was a longtime teacher. A graduate of Michigan State University and Rosary College, she skated with the Ice Capades for many years, touring all over the country. She was an exceptional quilter and made them for her family and friends; she loved to garden, bake, cook and spend time with family, especially during family dinners.
Therese was the wife of the late Gerald; the mother of ulia Rastelli, Patrick Shel-
Shelven; grandmother of Nicholas, Gabriella and Analisa Rastelli, and Joseph and Sam Shelven; sister of the late Francis (late Jacqueline) Hefele; and the aunt of Jennifer Wald, Michelle Biver, Anne Sommers and Pe gg y Marshall.
Visitation was held at Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester on March 7. On March 8, a funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Mary Church, 126 Herrick Road. Interment private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Misericordia Home (www.misericordia.com) are appreciated.
Arrangements were handled by the Original Kuratko Family – Brian D. Kuratko, Funeral Director.
Thomas Kaiser, 77
Gardener and outdoorsman
Thomas Kaiser, 77, of Oak Brook, for merly of Brookfield and Westmont, died on Feb. 26, 2025. A mechanical engineer, he was the respected head of his family. Brave, independent, resilient, he was held in high regard by those who knew him. He found peace and tranquility in the outdoors and out on the water. He enjoyed visiting with family, camping, fishing, riding his motorcycle, and in-town socializing with a refreshing beer. A lifelong gardener, he took pride in savoring home-grown vegetables. Throughout his life he valued caring for, and having the companionship of, animals. He will forever be loved, honored, cherished and missed Thomas was the father of Edith, Kristin, Kurtis, and Andrea; the for mer spouse of Ingrid; the brother of Kenneth (Janine) and Michael (the late Tara); and grandfather, uncle, and great-uncle.
Services and interment private
Arrangements were handled by Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 9445 31st St., Brookfield, IL 60513.
Sports
Strong senior group tries to bring LTHS to another level
RBHS girls lacrosse has new coach with numerous seniors
By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
Senior Emma Dwyer was among the anchors of a strong defense for the Lyons Township High School girls lacrosse team last season.
That included celebrating her 100th career ground ball during the victory over Glenbard West last April 30 for gaining possession of loose balls on the field.
“As my team’s backer, I am looking to help my team by getting as many turnovers and ground balls as I can to improve our play and decrease the amount of goals against us,” Dwyer responded.
“Last year, our defense was one of the strongest part of our game. With that in mind, we tried not to change the backbone of how we played our defense and ke pt with the same plays.”
The Lions bring experience and many strengths as they look to improve upon their 11-10 record and 2-4 fifth-place finish in the West Suburban Conference behind four top16 ranked teams. The Lions lost to St. Ignatius 20-7 in the Reavis Sectional quarterfinals.
Senior midfielder Ashley Culin and Dwyer earned 2024 all-sectional honors. They and sophomore midfielder Peyton Johnson were All-WSC selections.
Senior midfielders Grainne Kristufek and Kaelyn Roth, senior attack Anna Murphy and junior midfielder Lauren Zulanas also are returning starters.
Culin (Eastern Michig an) and Kristufek (Rockhurst) will play collegiately next season.
The Lions are 2-0, beating Conant 12-4 in the March 18 opener and St. Laurence 16-5 Saturday.
“We have strong returnees who have already made our team a close-knit group. They take the lead and have brought our multiple underclassmen under their wings,” second-year LTHS coach Morgan Gallagher responded.
“We have a great group of girls who are hungry to learn and improve. Practice is a battle every day with desire to push one another.”
Key newcomers include senior defender Hailey Johnson, Peyton’s sister, junior defender Mary Kemnitz, sophomore midfielder Amelia Ludden and two freshmen – goalie Aine Charlton and m idfielder Chloe DeNaut. Other contributors will be juniors Callie F lanagan, Betty Johnston and Grace Townsend at defense, senior Madison Krause and freshman Halle Sommerfeld at midfielder and juniors Hailey Hallman, Grace Liston, Tess Mulvenna, Maddie O’Malley and Laken Wolf and sophomore Brynn Kudia at attack.
“Our team this year is very close and because of that I
Lyons Township’s Lauren Zulanas (17) breaks up eld against St. Laurence during a nonconference game Saturday, March 22, 2025 in Western Springs.
feel our connection on the field and during practice is a lot stronger and we all want to do our best for the team,” Dwyer responded.
“If these kids continue to play with heart and grit, we will be successful,” Gallagher added.
Dwyer plans to continue playing lacrosse on the club level at Michig an State as she studies accounting.
“Having fun is definitely my goal this year, soaking up the last year of competitive lacrosse,” Dwyer responded. “Of course, winning is always nice but I am more looking to have fun with my team and just playing.”
RBHS girls lacrosse
The Bulldogs have a new head coach in Elise Husemann but several familiar faces led by fourth-year senior team members Ele Caballero, Olivia Denson, Samantha Gibbs,
Senia Johnson and Lucy Storandt.
Caballero, Gibbs, Denson and Johnson also are multipleyear starters, along with seniors Kaitlyn Cline and Zoe Tran, who joined the team in 2024, juniors Maggie Porter and Tali Schultz, standouts since their freshman year, and sophomore Sophie May, who split time in goal with Johnson. Other team members are seniors Nia Banks, Ava Gomez, Salma Gonzalez and Aaliyah Ross, juniors Claire Burdett, Zoe Jeffcoat, Sophia Suarez and Ava Sweeney, and sophomores Samantha Daun, Madison Myslinski, Brooke Zavorski and Paige Zavorski.
Sweeney enters her third season and all others their second. Freshmen are Allie Ferguson, Eva Hummel, Cece Mooney, Cora Rosenfeld and Mia Wichmanowski. Last season, the Bulldogs were 1-13 and lost their Reavis Sectional opener to St. Laurence 15-8. Their graduates included all-sectional Maggie Durkin.
STEVE JOHNSTON
Drenth, Jesswein part of Bulldogs’ solid soccer corps
Mortonson lone returning starter from Lions’ 3A super-sectional lineup
By BILL STONE
Contributing Reporter
Senior co-captains Lucy Drenth and Raleigh Jesswein are working to minimize growing pains for the Riverside Brookfield High School girls soccer team.
After graduating seven seniors, many of them starters, the Bulldogs already are 2-0 with two shutout victories.
“It was definitely tough to fill that gap but I think we have a lot of great players coming up,” Drenth said.
“The seniors and juniors, any returning varsity players, have stepped up in being a leader. We’ve worked really well as a team to get to know each other, our playing styles. When you do have a whole new team, it does take time to adjust and I think everybody has done a really great job of keeping that in mind.”
The Bulldogs did begin with a solid foundation.
Drenth, Jesswein and seniors Ella Caputo and Isa Hernandez are in their fourth varsity seasons.
Also back are seniors Katie Doyle and Abby Jurkovic, juniors Abby Ford, Mariana Giron, Michelle Panduro, Audrey Raymond and Sofia Sanchez.
Varsity newcomers are senior Taryn Schultz, juniors Mia Alcaraz, Mia Rodriguez, Aylin Romero, Margaux Super and Maya Tennicott and sophomores Jocelyn Jaimes and Ruby Boyle.
“We are excited for the season. We have a lot of talented players on the team and have been working hard these past weeks in tryouts,” RBHS coach Ivek Halic responded
Last season, the Bulldogs were 13-8-2 and reached the Class 3A Lyons Township Regional final before losing to the host Lions 3-0. They also shared the championship for their final season in the Metro Suburban Conference at 5-1. This year, RBHS is in the Upstate Eight Conference.
“Winning conference, or at least doing our best to win conference, would be very satisfying for everybody,” Jesswein said. “That’s something a lot of us have set our sights on.”
Caputo (Drury) and Doyle (Knox) will play collegiately.
Caputo was third on the team last season in goals (10) and assists (10).
Panduro (7 goals, 5 assists) also was among
the top scorers. Also contributing were Jurkovic (4 goals, 4 assists), Drenth (2 goals, assist), Hernandez (goal, 2 assists), Jesswein and Raymond (goal, assist each), Doyle (2 assists) and Ford and Giron (assist each).
Drenth returns to center defense after the 2024 Bulldogs recorded 10 shutouts. Others with experience on the back line include Raymond, Ford, Jurkovic and Jesswein, who usually played defensive center midfield. The 5-foot-11 Tennicott takes over as goalie.
“Getting those first few games under our belt will be helpful to kind of see the adjustments where we need to,” Drenth said.
“I’m excited to finally be in a position where I can really be that leader and senior. At the end of I really hope to keep everybody positive and pumped up and help wherever I can, whether soccer, off the field, help that team chemistry.”
The jelling is happening quickly. RBHS beat Willowbrook 2-0 Saturday and Hancock 5-0 Thursday as part of the Windy City Classic.
Rodriguez scored both goals against Willowbrook with assists from Panduro and Jurkovic. Panduro (goal, assist), Romero (2 assists), Boyle, Raymond, Alcaraz and Rodriguez (goal) and Ford and Jurkovic (assist) accounted for the scoring against Hancock.
“Even though we’re a new team, I feel like our chemistry on the field will be pretty good,” Jesswein said.
“Being there, being a helpful person, being someone to talk to is a way I think I can be really impactful. I think (we captains) will do a great job in keeping everybody’s spirits positive and hoping everyone has a great time.”
LTHS girls soccer
Lyons Township senior and two-time all-state forward Caroline Mortonson has seen numerous changes throughout four seasons as a varsity starter.
“From being a freshman to a senior, you get four whole different perspectives,” said Mortonson, a Miami (Ohio) recruit.
“It’s different being one of the older people, having to be one of the leaders of the team. Usually I didn’t really have to do anything and follow what the seniors said. It’s different to see the freshmen and sophomores in your situation.”
One thing does remain constant. The Li-
ons are going to be good.
Expectations remain high, even with several new faces following last year’s 194-2 season that ended with losing to Class 3A state champion New Trier 1-0 in the Dominican Super-Sectional after losing in the sectional finals the past two years.
Mortonson is the only returning active starter from the super-sectional lineup, but the Lions have nine other returning letterwinners, many that saw significant 2024 action, and promising underclassmen.
The Lions played Whitney Young to a scoreless tie in Friday’s season opener.
“It’s a very solid overall group that seems to enjoy playing together and for each other,” LTHS coach Bill Lanspeary responded.
“Our past success has set a standard that the younger players in the program strive to reach. They work hard to be a part of this program and this team. Their hard work year round has ke pt us really competitive.”
Mortonson was second in scoring last season with 11 goals and had a team-best nine assists. She’s among six seniors after graduating eight starters.
“I feel like everybody has the expectation and mentality to win games and do well so everyone’s putting in 100 ef fort to get back to where we were last year,” Caroline Mortonson said.
Bigenwald, who often split time with Ezike, and Grace Lanspeary and Mortonson as outside defenders were significant contributors for another staunch defense that recorded 16 shutouts and allowed just 11 goals.
“Just working hard at practice (is important). Everyone knows the expectations from how far we made it (in 2024),” Grace Lanspeary said.
“I think we have really good chemistry. We’ve been getting along really well wince the first practice. Every season is different. It’s really fun getting to play with new people.”
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION
LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC
Plaintiff vs. CHRISTOPHER RAY ETHERTON AKA CHRISTOPHER ETHERTON; JEANNE ETHERTON AKA JEANNE STEARNS AKA JEANNE SCHEMONIA; VILLAGE OF MELROSE PARK; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS
Defendant 24 CH 2755
CALENDAR
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 May 5, 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. 15-03-413-007-0000. Commonly known as 1301 N. 12th Avenue, Melrose Park, IL 60160. 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. 6706-200451 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3263243
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: 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
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: M25000281 on March 5, 2025 Under the Assumed Business Name of COOPERATIVE PHYSIOTHERAPY with the business located at: 949 GARFIELD ST, OAK PARK, IL 60304. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: MARA HUTTON 1108 MARENGO, FOREST PARK 60130, USA.
Published in Forest Park Review March 19, 26, April 2, 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.
Published in RB Landmark March 12, 19, 26, 2025
LEGAL NOTICE
The Village of Oak Park issued Request for Proposals �RFP� 25IT�003 for Provision of Internet Services. The full RFP document can be obtained from the Village website www. oak-park.us. Responses will be accepted until April 7, 2025, 4 PM Central Time.
Published in Wednesday Journal March 23, 2025
PUBLIC NOTICES
VILLAGE OF OAK PARK REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Issued March 14, 2025
The Village of Oak Park is requesting proposals from qualified firms that wish to manage and administer a program for the Village Towing Services.
The Village will receive proposals at the Police Department, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302.
Firms responding to this Request for Proposals must submit three (3) bound hard copies, one (1) unbound hard copy, and one (1) electronic copy on a CD or thumb drive of their proposals in sealed envelopes, and must conform to format in the RFP located at www.oakpark.us/rfp
The Village reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals or to waive technicalities. Information concerning this request for proposals is available from Anjali Peterson, Budget and Revenue Analyst, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302. Anjali Peterson can be reached by telephone at the following number, (708) 386-3800 or via e-mail at apeterson@oak-park.us
Upon a formal award to the successful Contractor, the selected contractor shall enter into a Towing Services Agreement in substantially the form attached to the Request for Proposal.
Proposals will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. (local time) on April 14, 2025. Proposals shall be mailed to 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302 or submitted electronically via email to APeterson@oak-park. us.
Published in Wednesday Journal March 26, 2025
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICE
STATE OF ILLINOIS
VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD
Notice of Special Public Hearing Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission April 10, 2025, at 7:00 PM
NOTICE is hereby given that the Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a special public hearing on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue Illinois, IL 60513 for the purpose of considering a request for a Preliminary Planned Development application at 8921 and 8947 Fairview Avenue, Brookfield Illinois 60513 (PINs 1534-426-0010000 and 15-34-426002-0000) by Connemara Holdings, LLC for a proposed 29 unit, 4 story new construction mixed-use building with 15 enclosed parking and retail space on the ground floor.
Legal Description:
LOTS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 AND 6 IN BLOCKS 27 AND 29 TO 34 IN GROSSDALE, A SUBDIVISIONIN THE SOUTHEAST ¼ OF SECTION 34, TOWNSHIP39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/ or written comments. Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the public hearing to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Libby Popovic, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513, lpopovic@brookfieldil.gov, or 708485-1113. Oral or written testimony may be given during the public hearing.
The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours. Please reference PZC Case 2504. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act.
Individuals with disabilities requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any meeting should contact the Village of Brookfield (708) 485-7344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front (South) entrance of Village Hall.
By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman.
Published in RBLandmark March 26, 2025
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
The Board of Trustees of the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library is seeking professional assistance for the replacement of the building’s exterior envelope installed on the new 21,000 square foot facility which opened in 2021.
The Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library serves the Village of Brookfield, a western suburb of Chicago with a population of just under 20,000 people and home to the world-famous Brookfield Zoo.
Part 1: Background Information
Firms interested in being considered for this project should provide the following information by mail no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 2.
1. The firm’s description. Please stress work conducted in the last 5 – 10 years. If all services mentioned in (2) are not available inhouse, specify from whom they will be obtained.
2. The firm’s experience in the following specialties. Site planning, architectural design, civil engineering, structural engineering, estimating, etc.
3 Key staff and their resumes. Please be sure to indicate whom you are proposing as project architect / engineer and to provide a full resume for that person, including building envelope design experience.
4. Descriptions of at least four recently completed projects, including client references. Some references must be for jobs where the person proposed as project leader for our library was also the project leader. For each project, please indicate the size of the building envelope project, the project budget and whether the project came in under or over budget.
5. Experience in the area of library design. The Library Board would like the most complete list possible, including the nature of work conducted for each project and dates of completion. The Board of Trustees plans to interview approximately four firms on Monday, May 19, 2025 and will make a selection as soon as possible thereafter.
Firms are encouraged to visit the Library. Please contact Kimberly Coughran, Executive Director, at 708-485-6917 x121 or via email at kcoughran@lsfbrookfieldlibrary. org to arrange for a tour and to answer questions.
Published in RBLandmark March 26, 2025
Submit events and see full calendar at rblandmark.com/events
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