Landmark 040324

By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter

Riverside’s Star Buds can open at 8 a.m. despite ‘arbitrary’ rejection

President Douglas Pollock says the planning and zoning commission had ‘the wrong perspective’

By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter

Observant Riversiders may have noticed last week when the Star Buds dispensary, near the intersection of Longcommon Road and Harlem Avenue, quietly changed its hours of operation to reflect its new opening hour of 8 a.m.

The Riverside village board March 21 passed an ordinance to amend the village’s zoning code, allowing adult-use cannabis dispensaries to open as early as 8 a.m. The move followed an infor mal request to open earlier from Star Buds, the village’s only cannabis retailer, whose owners said, but did not confir m, it loses about $2,000 to $3,000 per day by opening at 9 a.m. rather than 8 a.m.

The board’s approval came three weeks after the village’s planning and zoning commission unanimously rejected the bid due to a lack of financial information provided by Star Buds and concerns over increased traffic in the area, a decision village officials disag reed with at the board meeting.

“With tremendous respect to the commission that looked at this, it does feel a bit arbitrary in nature just to decide that this particular business can’t open until that time,” Trustee Megan Claucherty said during discussion.

In an uncommon move, village President Douglas Pollock opened discussion on the ordinance by allowing public comment. For most agenda items at village board meetings, public comment is saved until after any discussion from the board.

One public commenter, who said she and her family live two doors down from the dispensary on Berkeley Road, spoke out

against allowing the store to open earlier. She cited issues facing the neighborhood, such as increased traffic, the odor of marijuana, incidents like public urination occurring near the store, and lighting from the store shining into nearby homes. She pointed out most other dispensaries in the area have more restrictive hours than Star Buds, which closes at 10 p.m.

The commenter’s school-age daughter, who went up to the podium with her and spoke just before her, said the increased traffic in the area could make it unsafe for children walking or biking to school in the morning.

“We understand that there needs to be a balance of what a business needs to be successful,” the commenter said. “This business is also in a community, and it is up against a community with a lot of children, and we think it is unreasonable for this business to open any earlier than 9 o’clock.”

One other public commenter spoke in the dispensary’s defense, pointing out that other businesses in Riverside open as early as 7:30 a.m. He said it was “unfair” for the village to restrict Star Buds’ operating hours.

“What you’re doing is, basically, you’re

dictating how a business operates,” he said. “There might be a bias against this place because it is a cannabis place, and for years, everybody thought cannabis was bad, but now it’s legal.”

Before opening discussion to the village board, Pollock responded directly to the public comments to address some of the issues that were brought up

Village staf f has asked the dispensary’s owners to provide the on-site manager’s contact information to neighbors, “So that when there’s an incident happening, they can immediately call the manager, and the manager can walk out the door and put a stop to it,” he said.

Assistant Village Manager Ashley Monroe confir med at the meeting that the o wners had added protection earlier that week to the lighting that had been reaching into nearby homes.

“Some of the issues that were brought up are of great concern to me and to, I’m sure, all of us. We had gotten inquiries about the lighting; we’d gotten inquiries about the smell of marijuana in the neighborhood,” Pollock said. “Those are issues not related

Sales

Circulation Manager

Publisher Dan Haley

BOARD OF DIREC TORS

Chair Judy Gre n

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

HOW TO REACH US

ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-442-6739 ■ FAX 708-467-9066

E-MAIL erika@growingcommunitymedia.org

ONLINE www.RBLandmark.com

The Landmark is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP.

The newspaper is available on newsstands for $1.00. A one-year subscription costs $45 within Cook County and $65 outside the county. Adver tising rates may be obtained by calling our o ce. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS 0019-585). Postmaster send address corrections to Landmark, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302.

© 2024 Growing Community Media NFP.

e Star Buds cannabis dispensary at 2704 Harlem Ave.

BIG WEEK April 3-10

Spongy Moths & Cicadas: Facts & Fallacies

Wednesday, April 10, 7 p.m., In-person

Don’t be fooled by these insects… there are some misconceptions about them. Dr. Frederic Miller of the Mor ton Arboretum and Riverside Village Forester Michael Collins will explain why these fascinating insects are so destructive to trees and plants and what can be done to minimize the damage they cause. Moths and Cicadas may be cool looking, but they have some damaging e ects on the environment. Co-sponsored by Frederick Law Olmsted Society — Riverside and Riverside LAC. Registration is required via the library website or by calling 708-442-6366.

C ALENDAR EVENTS

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

Eclipse Viewing on the Lawn

Monday, April 8, 1:45 p.m., Riverside Public Library

The eclipse is just a few days away: come watch the eclipse at the library. Riverside should see about 93% coverage around 2 p.m. Sta will be out watching, and they will have some everyday tools that you can use to experience the event. The library will have eclipse glasses available for distribution to Riverside residents beginning on April 1. Limit of 1 pair per person, everyone receiving a pair must be present. While supplies last so grab your pair today. All ages are welcome. 1 Burling Rd

Sound Bath & Oracle Card Event

Saturday, April 6, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m., Sage and Stone Apothecary

Relax and recharge on Saturday with Casey from the Sage and Stone Apothecary. Experience the healing vibrations of singing bowls as your sound therapist guides you on a journey of deep elaxation. Float away stress and tension as you rest in a cocoon of soothing sound. Great for reducing anxiety and promoting restful sleep. Limited space available so book today for $40 a person! To egister, visit allevents.in.  3734 Prairie A

Poetry Workshop for Seniors

Tuesday, April 9, 7 p.m. In-Person Poetry is fun when all is said and done, don’t doubt can writ rhymes -- poetry is for everyone. Happy National Poetry Month to all you poets of the Riverside and Brook eld area. Celebrat National Poetry Month and connect to your poetic self in fun and unexpected ways through games and creative exercises Presented by Sarah Lucas. Registration is required via the library website or by calling 708-442-6366.

Mary Por ter eld: That Which Remains

Sunday, April 7, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. , Riverside Arts Center ’s FlexSpac e

The Riverside Arts Center’s FlexSpace is pleased to present That Which Remains, a solo exhibition by Mary Porter eld The exhibition will consist of drawings, an installation, and a community par ticipatory art wall addressing the challenges of caregiving. A reception for the artist will be held on Sunday, April 7 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Porter eld’s exhibition will last until May 11, with gallery hours being Thursdays-Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Join the Art’s Center afterwards across the street at the Quincy Street Distillery for a happy hour. Mary Porter eld would love the support of the community. 32 E. Quincy St.

D103 school board accepts GWMS principal’s resignation

Dakins blames lack of su pport from administra tion but he was not popular with many teachers

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

It is now official. Joshua Dakins, the principal at George Washington Middle School, won’t be back next year. On March 26 the Lyons School District 103 Board of Education approved Dakin’s resignation. The Landmark had reported in late February that Dakins was resigning. Dakins will continue to serve as principal and Director of Safety through the end of the school year.

In a telephone interview with the Landmark after the school board accepted his resignation Dakins said he did not yet have another job but he felt compelled to resign because he felt that his work was not being supported by District 103 Superintendent Kristopher Rivera.

“I’m not leaving because I wanted to leave, I’m leaving because I didn’t really feel I had any better choice,” Dakins said. “I just felt that the personal toll that it was taking on my health and on my family, that I didn’t have the

support needed to continue to do the work that needed to be done there.”

Dakins, who is in his second year as principal at GWMS, said he felt Rivera’s attitude toward him change last fall.

Dakins said he didn’t feel supported in his work to change the culture at GWMS and improve academic performance.

Dakins said he was given a proficient rating, a mid-level rating, in his last evaluation but didn’t know if his contract would have been renewed had he not resigned.

“I can’t answer that question. I hope that I would have been renewed,” Dakins said.

Rivera did not respond to a request for comment about Dakin’s resignation from the Landmark.

Dakins said his job was made more difficult because the district’s Director of English Language Services, Guadalupe Vander Ploe g, only works onsite one week a month. Vander Ploeg works the rest of the time from her home in Texas.

“There were things that were brought up

that should have been caught by that person and blame thrown my way for it and I was not going to be fired by this superintendent,” Dakins said.

Dakins said he believes the district’s administrator for non-native English speaking students needs to be onsite.

Test results at GWMS have been very low for years. It is classified as a targeted school by the Illinois State Board of Education which means that it is in the lowest grouping of schools. Last year only 15 percent of GWMS students met or exceeded the state standards in English/Language Arts while just 10 percent did so in math. Those results were actually a slight improvement over the 2021-22 school year.

Dakins said he was trying to change the culture at the school and improve academic performance.

“I think that with the staf f I was bringing, the direction that we were moving, given two or three more years, we absolutely would have been in a really good place,”

Dakins said. “I just feel bad, mostly for the students and the parents who want nothing but the best for their kids.”

Dakins said his relationship with teachers did not influence his decision to quit.

“Nothing about the teachers, nothing about the students, absolutely nothing about the parents, as a whole, influenced my decision,” Dakins said.

But a number of teachers did not think highly of Dakins.

“In my opinion he has made poor staffing decisions that have impacted good teachers and thereby the students in not so great ways, at a time when finding and keeping good teachers is a challenge,” said veteran GWMS science teacher Toni Jackman, who is retiring at the end of this school year, in a text message

Another teacher at GWMS, who asked not to be identified because she feared retaliation from Dakins, said most teachers

See D103 PRINCIPAL on page 7

Man arrested for speeding — without a license or insurance

A Cicero man was arrested March 26 in Riverside after a Brookfield police officer observed him driving 20 mph over the speed limit.

According to police, around 5:40 p.m. that evening, the officer was on patrol when the man was driving east on 31st Street. Radar confirmed the man’s car was moving at 57 mph in a 35-mph-zone. The officer switched on the lights and pulled the car over east of

1122

South First Avenue

When the officer told the man why he had been pulled over, the man admitted he had been speeding and said he was distracted by his GPS. When the officer asked for the man’s driver’s license and proof of insurance, the man said he had neither, police said. The man said he had never had an Illinois driver’s license and that he did not have insurance because he had bought the car recently. When

www.wok138.com

Finest Cantonese and Mandarin Food at reasonable prices.

TUES - SUNDAY: NOON - 8PM • CLOSED MONDAYS Dining Room Is Currently Closed WE ARE OPEN FOR

the man provided the officer with a copy of the car’s title, the officer saw it was dated May 2023.

After the man provided an Illinois ID, the officer ran his information and found his license had been suspended in 2020, police said. The officer issued three citations to the man for speeding, driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured car. A court date of May 14 was set and the man was sent on his way so police could have his car towed.

Hospitalized after attempted retail theft

A man was taken to the hospital March 24 after an attempted retail theft in Riverside. Around 11 p.m. that night, Riverside officers responded to the ARCO gas station on South Harlem Avenue after the store clerk called to report that a man dressed in black with a white bag had tried to steal some vodka from the convenience store at the gas station.

Felony charges for driving drunk with no license

A man was ar rested March 23 for driving drunk after a Rive rside police of ficer saw him drive recklessly.

According to p olice, the officer was on patrol around 2 a.m. that morning when they saw the man’s car heading west in the i nside lane on Ogden Avenue without operating headlights or taillights. T he officer saw the man’s car “straddle the dotted wh i te lines” marking the outside lane without a turn signal before it returned to the i nside lane. T he officer p ulled the man over near the i ntersection with Miller Road

According to police, when the officers arrived, a man told them the alleged thief had gone south on South Harlem Avenue. One officer saw a man matching the clerk’s description near the intersection of South Harlem Avenue and Robinson Court. The officer stopped the man to talk and explained they were investigating the attempted retail theft. The man said he did not take anything and that he had been trying to buy the alcohol using Apple Pay.

During the conversation, the officer noticed the man was slurring his speech and staggering as he walked, police said. When the officer asked the man if he had been drinking, he said he had and that it was not illegal to drink alcohol and walk down the street. The man said he was trying to meet up with friends in Lyons who did not have a car.

According to police, another officer spoke with the store clerk, who said the man came in and tried to leave with the alcohol. When the man tried to leave, the clerk said he snatched the alcohol back. The clerk said he only wanted the man banned from the store.

The first officer told the man he was banned and should not return to the store. The officer called paramedics to check on the man because of his level of intoxication, who then took him to MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn. The man was not arrested or charged.

After the officer approached the man in his ca r, the officer noticed his eyes we re bloodshot. W hen asked for a drive r’s lic ense and proof of i nsuranc e, the man provided a Mexican ID, p olice said; when asked if he had drunk alcohol, the man said he had had three or four drinks, so the officer had him perform field sobriety tests. During the tests, the man struggled with his b alance and was unable to c ount co rrectly. After the tests, the officer had the man take a preliminary breath test, wh ich sh owed . 203 blood alcohol c ontent.

According to police, the officer then placed the man under ar rest and brought him back to the station for booking, during which time police learned the man did not possess a driver’s license. The man rece ived both misdemeanor and felony charges due to him not having a license. He was later sent home in a taxi after being released on pre-trial conditions.

These items were obtained from the Ri verside Police Department re ports dated March 22-25 and the Brookfield Police Department re ports dated March 25 to April 1; 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 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

POLICE UNION

from page 1

The contract — which was negotiated between Nov. 21, 2023, and March 1 between Brookfield’s legal counsel and representatives from the Illinois Council of Police — calls for base pay raises of 3.5% in 2024 and 3% the next two years for the village’s officers and sergeants.

Brookfield Police Chief Michael Kuruvilla said Friday that the ne gotiation process “went well.”

“I felt that both sides came to the table with a sense of respect for one another. And I think it was because of that respect, and because of a spirit of, obviously, purpose, but also diplomacy and reasonableness” that negotiations were successful, he said.

Step increases built into the salary structure will boost junior officers’ pay, through their seventh years of employment, in addition to the contract’s base pay raises.

For example, according to the contract’s pay table, a new officer in 2024 — like the two Brookfield is in the process of hiring — would have a starting salary of $72,743. With both the base and step raises, that officer’s salary would be $91,278 in 2026, a total pay increase of about 25.5% over the three years.

Sergeants also benefit from both kinds of pay raises, though they only receive step increases through their third year on the force. An entry-level sergeant in 2024 will make $116,875. In 2026, that same sergeant will make $131,476, an increase of nearly 12.5%.

Minor changes to the contract include an increase to officers’ required equipment allowance, from $200 to $225; the maximum

D103 PRINCIPAL

from page 5

at GWMS did not like him.

“The majority of teachers that I know, actually all of the teachers that I know, do not care for him, do not care for his leadership style, are disappointed in the processes that he’s made and that he has not followed through on, disappointed with the structure of the school and the discipline policy which are basically nonexistent,” the teacher said.

The teacher also said Dakins does not deal well with strong women.

“I find that Josh tends to undermine

amount that can be accumulated over multiple years increased from $400 to $450.

Juvenile officers and detectives saw their monthly plainclothes stipend increase from $130 to $140.

For of ficers hired on or after Jan. 1, 2024, the village more than doubled the amount owed to Brookfield by employees who quit within their first two years to cover the costs of training at the police academy. Officers who quit within the first year will owe $4,000, up from $1,800. Those who quit between a year and 18 months will owe $3,000, up from $1,400, while those who quit between 18 months and two years will owe $2,500, up from $900.

The village also decreased its share of approved tuition reimbursement for officers in accredited education programs across the board. Brookfield will cover 80% of all tuition, textbook and fee costs for officers who receive an A in a course, decreased from 100% in the previous contract. Those who get Bs will be reimbursed 70%, down from 85%, and those who get Cs will be reimbursed 50%, down from 70%. Officers who pass a course that is only of fered pass/ fail will receive the same reimbursement as officers who get Cs in a graded course, as they did under the last deal.

Union firefighters in Brookfield saw a similar change to tuition reimbursement rates when the village approved their 20232025 contract last year.

The health insurance benefits to union police officers have not changed in the new contract. The village will continue to cover 85% of the cost of premiums for individuals and their families, with the employee responsible for the other 15%. The village also pays 90% of dental coverage for officers and 75% for dependents.

women in a huge way,” the teacher told the Landmark. “I think he feels threatened by strong women. In fact, I know he does. I’m a strong woman and I know he felt threatened by me.”

No principal has stayed at GWMS for more than four years since it became a middle school in 2000. Dakins said the constant turnover is not good for the school and points to larger problems within the district.

“I think the history there speaks for itself,” Dakins said. “How many administrators are they going to go through before they realize it’s not a building level issue. But when you continue to make excuses as to why the building person is not the right fit you have to look elsewhere and say where are the problems.”

Women, Embrace Your Health Today!

We invite you to participate in our Healthy Legacy Program, our FREE 6-week workshop designed for AfricanAmerican and Hispanic/Latina women age 50+ who want to learn to eat right, manage weight, and learn how to better improve and maintain their health.

Join us for fun exercise, nutrition counseling, and health education in a supportive environment together!

HEALTHY LEGACY PROGRAM

• Meet twice a week for 6 consecutive weeks

• Practice goal setting and problem solving

• Discuss healthy habits and create a personal weekly health plan

• Learn about nutrition, healthy eating, and practice meal planning

• Exercise weekly for improved strength and flexibility

• Meet with other women in supportive discussion groups

• Be celebrated at the end with a graduation and surprises!

Sign up today for this FREE Workshop!

Tuesdays & Thursdays, May 7-June 13!

Workshop is held 1:30-3:30pm at Oak Park Township, 130 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois.

To register, please call Mary Anne Ojeda at Oak Park Township at (708) 383-8060.

FOR OVER A CENTURY, Cantata has been helping seniors live their best lives

ABrookfield community fixture for more than 100 years, the not-for-profit Cantata campus offers a range of living options set within the quiet privacy of a scenic 10-acre forested preserve, yet remains readily accessible to the greater Chicago area.

“With Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support, Skilled Rehab and Long-Term Care, we are here to help our residents navigate the progression of their entire life journey, whatever it looks like and whatever they need,” said Cantata’s resident services director Lesya Shoorgot.

Residents can choose where to enter the Cantata system with the ability to transition between levels of care as their health and preferences evolve. The Independent Living apartments provide residents with a sense of freedom and opportunities for socialization with friends and neighbors.

“It’s a great environment to start your retirement in,” Shoorgot said. “Caregiving support is available for an additional fee at the Independent Living level. Later, if your care requirements start to change, our Assisted Living approach is unique in that you can still maximize your independence in your own apartment with assistance available only as much as you need it.”

Assisted Living residents can choose from private one or two-bedroom apartment options and remain free to set their own daily schedules and leave the campus at will.

“When you do need help with bathing, dressing or medications, we’re there at the touch of a button,” Shoorgot said. “There’s no caregiver in the room with you all day long. Our residents are able to maintain their privacy but still have immediate access to additional care whenever they want it.”

Between Independent Living and Assisted Living, Cantata manages 150 apartments on the property with changing availability and serves meals in restaurant-style dining rooms.

“All of our food is made fresh in-house daily — soups and starters, two entrees and a dessert,” Shoorgot said.

“Many of our residents love the fact that they don’t have to worry about cleaning up or doing the dishes after they eat!”

A variety of life-enrichment programs — including games, movie screenings, craft activities, music, shopping trips, restaurant visits and religious services — create

a full, well-rounded experience for Cantata residents.

“Our most popular activity is an instructor-led exercise class each morning after breakfast,” Shoorgot said. “Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library leads a book club here, and we have RBHS students visit to do activities with our residents as well. It’s always fun to see the different generations coming together and having a good time.”

A dedicated staff of employees who truly care about the residents they serve are one of the reasons for Cantata’s longevity. Some have been with the organization for as long as 25 years.

“We have a real passion for the work we do, our residents and their families,” Shoorgot said. “We’ve been around long enough to become experts in the industry. The aging process isn’t onesize-fits-all; it’s unique and different for each person. We’re here to help every step of the way.”

For more information, visit www. cantata.org or call us 708-387-1030!

Scan here to visit our Cantata website

VILLAGE IS IN A CLASS ALL ITS OWN.

O AK P ARK

For two decades, Belmont Village has provided best in class hospitality and support for thousands of seniors in Chicago and in great cities across the U.S. Our assisted living and memory care programs set the standard of excellence. University collaborations with UCLA and Vanderbilt have helped us champion unmatched cognitive health and wellness programs with positive, evidence-based results for residents. With exquisite spaces and superb hospitality, at Belmont Village you’ll experience senior living in a class all its own.

THE CARE MOM RECEIVES AT BELMONT VILLAGE IS IN A CLASS ALL ITS OWN.

THE CARE MOM RECEIVES AT BELMONT VILLAGE IS IN A CLASS ALL ITS OWN.

THE CARE MOM RECEIVES AT BELMONT VILLAGE IS IN A CLASS ALL ITS OWN.

For two decades, Belmont Village has provided best in class hospitality and support for thousands of seniors in Chicago and in great cities across the U.S. Our assisted living and memory care programs set the standard of excellence. University collaborations with UCLA and Vanderbilt have helped us champion unmatched cognitive health and wellness programs with positive, evidence-based results for residents. With exquisite spaces and superb hospitality, at Belmont Village you’ll experience senior living in a class all its own.

THE CARE MOM RECEIVES AT BELMONT VILLAGE IS IN A CLASS ALL ITS OWN.

For two decades, Belmont Village has provided best in class hospitality and support for thousands of seniors in Chicago and in great cities across the U.S. Our assisted living and memory care programs set the standard of excellence. University collaborations with UCLA and Vanderbilt have helped us champion unmatched cognitive health and wellness programs with positive, evidence-based results for residents. With exquisite spaces and superb hospitality, at Belmont Village you’ll experience senior living in a class all its own.

To learn more, visit BELMONTVILLAGE.COM/OAKPARK Call 708-848-7200 to schedule a personal tour today.

For two decades, Belmont Village has provided best in class hospitality and support for thousands of seniors in Chicago and in great cities across the U.S. Our assisted living and memory care programs set the standard of excellence. University collaborations with UCLA and Vanderbilt have helped us champion unmatched cognitive health and wellness programs with positive, evidence-based results for residents. With exquisite spaces and superb hospitality, at Belmont Village you’ll experience senior living in a class all its own.

For two decades, Belmont Village has provided best in class hospitality and support for thousands of seniors in Chicago and in great cities across the U.S. Our assisted living and memory care programs set the standard of excellence. University collaborations with UCLA and Vanderbilt have helped us champion unmatched cognitive health and wellness programs with positive, evidence-based results for residents. With exquisite spaces and superb hospitality, at Belmont Village you’ll experience senior living in a class all its own.

Premier Programs for Hospitality, Health & Wellness

To learn more, visit BELMONTVILLAGE.COM/OAKPARK Call 708-848-7200 to schedule a personal tour today.

To learn more, visit BELMONTVILLAGE.COM/OAKPARK Call 708-848-7200 to schedule a personal tour today.

Medication management with licensed nurse on-site 24/7

To learn more, visit BELMONTVILLAGE.COM/OAKPARK Call 708-848-7200 to schedule a personal tour today.

Premier Programs for Hospitality, Health & Wellness

Diabetes Center of Excellence

Premier Programs for Hospitality, Health & Wellness

To learn more, visit BELMONTVILLAGE.COM/OAKPARK Call 708-848-7200 to schedule a personal tour today.

Circle of Friends® award-winning memory care

Medication management with licensed nurse on-site 24/7

Premier Programs for Hospitality, Health & Wellness

Diabetes Center of Excellence

Dedicated Alzheimer's Care

Medication management with licensed nurse on-site 24/7

Circle of Friends® award-winning memory care

Diabetes Center of Excellence

Medication management with licensed nurse on-site 24/7

Premier Programs for Hospitality, Health & Wellness

Mind Body Awareness (MBA) Wellness program

Diabetes Center of Excellence

Dedicated Alzheimer's Care

Physical therapy, rehabilitation and fitness

Circle of Friends® award-winning memory care

Circle of Friends® award-winning memory care

Mind Body Awareness (MBA) Wellness program

Dedicated Alzheimer's Care

Medication management with licensed nurse on-site 24/7

Dedicated Alzheimer's Care

Nationally-recognized, highly trained staff

Physical therapy, rehabilitation and fitness

Diabetes Center of Excellence

Mind Body Awareness (MBA) Wellness program

Mind Body Awareness (MBA) Wellness program

Nationally-recognized, highly trained staff

Physical therapy, rehabilitation and fitness

Circle of Friends® award-winning memory care

Physical therapy, rehabilitation and fitness

Dedicated Alzheimer's Care

Nationally-recognized, highly trained staff

Nationally-recognized, highly trained staff

Mind Body Awareness (MBA) Wellness program

Physical therapy, rehabilitation and fitness

Nationally-recognized, highly trained staff

When Parents Say ‘No’ to Home Care Because of Cost Worries

By Tia Harrison, Home Instead® Oak Park, IL

Most aging adults want to remain in their homes as they age. Those of us in the home care industry have heard this time and again, and it’s an opinion confirmed by research.

According to a study commissioned by Home Instead, Inc., for the Home Instead® network, 86 percent of seniors want to live at home for as long as possible. But many older adults need help to achieve that goal.

In fact, as individuals age, some form of care is often necessary to remain at home. There generally are two types of home care:

• Home health care provided by licensed medical professionals for which the individual has received an order or prescription from a healthcare provider.

• In-home care such as personal care, homemaker or companionship services provided by professional caregivers.

Cost can be a concern for many aging adults. Perhaps you have these apprehensions yourself or your aging parents have expressed this worry. But home care can help older adults stay independent and home longer, and cost doesn’t need to be a roadblock.

Not only could home care allow your parents to remain at home, services are designed to be flexible and geared to their needs. For example, Home Instead provides at-home care and companionship support for aging adults from four hours a day to 24-7 support. Services span the care continuum – from providing personal care to specialized Alzheimer’s care and hospice support.

Because home care services, both home health and in-home care, are often only required for a few days a week, the savings to aging adults can be significant. A Home Instead, Inc. study indicates approximately 20 percent of the Home Instead network’s clients employ Care Professionals for an average of 12 hours per week. Depending on the level of care needed, home care has the potential to save thousands of dollars a month compared to other options.

For more information, check out the Home Care Funding Solutions Guide

For more information about Home Instead, contact Tia Harrison, Franchise Owner, at 708-524-9814 or go to www.homeinstead.com/421

Opinion

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Two Dads show us how to talk

If we are not concer ned about the future of American democracy — the survival of this democracy — in this most perverse of election years, then we are not paying the attention we need to.

One path back to American optimism and realism is finding ways to talk to each other, to stop the debilitating and dehumanizing ways we have come to communicate about our shared civic life.

Growing Community Media is bringing two men to River Forest next week in a return of our Conversations series. Two Dads Defending Democracy is a model of how two people with strongly divergent political views, which they often shared in sniping fashion on cable news and insults via social media, took their conversation of fline.

Joe Walsh, once a flamethrowing Tea Party cong ressman from the far w suburbs, and Fred Guttenberg, a gun safety advocate whose daughter was murdered in the Parkland High School mass shooting, actually started talking. What they discovered was common ground on protecting our fragile democracy this year. And as the talk turned into a genuine friendship, they also found ways they can see progress even on an issue like gun safety where they had profound differences.

OBITUARIES

George Bringman, 88

Elevator repairman, square dancer

George Robert Bringman, 88, of Brookfield died on March 25, 2024. A retired Otis elevator repairman, he was an Ar my veteran, a member of Grace Lutheran Chur ch in LaGrange, a for mer member of West Cook Camping and SunRV Clubs, mer Boy Scout leader, and an avid square dancer.

I’m inviting you to join us, April 9, at Dominican University in River Forest for a moderated conversation between Guttenberg and Walsh. The price of admission is $15. That’s a discount for our readers. Here’s the link: bit.ly/ GCMTwoDads. The discount code is FF15.

A month ago, I took a random phone call from an unknown number. Turns out it was Shane from Tennessee. It did not start well. He was, inexplicably to me, very upset about a candidate for the 1st District seat on the county board. She was a radical leftist, he said, and Chicago was being overrun by migrants and “what the hell is going on up there?!”

I anticipated the call would end quickly with mutual shouting and a complete reinforcement of our powerfully held views. Instead, Shane listened while I said the candidate was a little left of me but an entirely reasonable woman with deep community roots. And he listened when I told him that all of our re porting on the West Side and in Oak Park about migrants made clear these people mostly wanted work so they could support themselves, that they came thousands of dangerous miles for the same reasons all immigrants come to America.

And I listened while he told me his family story of hard work and limited opportunity, his success as a recruiter in technology, and that he is part Native American and how proud he is of that heritage.

Thirty minutes later we closed the conversation sharing stories about our daughters and wishing each other well.

I’ve never had a conversation like that before. I expect I’m not alone.

Our divisions are profound. But finding ways to talk to each other is vital. I hope you’ll be there on Tuesday when the Two Dads show us how it’s done.

Dan Haley Publisher Growing Community Media

George was the husband of Nancy (nee Zeder) for 65 years; the father Patricia (Paul) Levinson, William (Jill Setterlun) and Barbara; the grandfather of Rachel Laury (Justin) and Megan Glaser (Colin), Alan and Graham, Amanda Rollins (Chris) and Abby Vroman (Kevin); and the uncle and loyal friend to many.

A memorial service will be held at Casa de Dios (formerly Faith Lutheran Church), 3801 Madison Ave., Brookfield, on April 10 at 10 a.m. Private interment will take place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please support Share Food Share Love Pantry in Brookfield or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Connie Krupka, 62

Brook eld resident

Constance “Connie” Anne Krupka, 62, of Brookfield, died on March 16, 2024. She was the daughter of Rosemarie and the late Fred Kosik; the wife of John Krupka; the mother of Alicia (Marco) Novielli and Quinn Krupka; Tutu of Giovanni and Adelaide; the sister of Christine (Michael) Grano, William (Michelle Dybal) Kosik, and the late John (Cindy) Kosik; sister-in-law of James (Vicky), and Mary Krupka; aunt of Christopher (Alicia) Grano, Michelle (Collin) Wilkins, Christy (Michael) Barnauskas, Bryan, Johnny (Hilary), Tommy, Alexis and Miles Kosik, Jessica (Greg) Szegeski, and Jasan (Marianne) Krupka; and great-aunt of many.

Visitation was held at Ivins/Moravecek Funeral Home, 80 E. Burlington St., Riverside Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on March 22 at Divine Providence Church in Westchester.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of the charities that were close to Connie’s heart: https://www.stjude.org/give.html or https:// lanaicatsanctuary.networkforgood.com.

Funeral info at www.moravecek.com or 708-447-2261.

To run an obituary

Please contact Erika Hobbs by e-mail: erika@growingcommunitymedia.org, before Monday at noon. Please include a photo if possible.

GEORGE BRINGMAN

CONNIE KRUPKA

Brook eld Zoo Chicago’s Ferris wheel rede nes family time

e anniversary attraction gives elevated views of the zoo and the Chicago skyline

By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter

For guests of Brookfield Zoo Chicago, it will be hard to ignore the towering 130-foot-tall Fer ris wheel along the park’s main promenade that will stay in place there through the end of the year.

T he attraction provides zoo-goers with the opportunity to g et a new perspective on the park and the sur rounding area. Over the course of the average ride, about 8 minutes long, the Fer ris wheel takes riders up twice, offering the opportunity to gaze out over the wooded banks of the Des Plaines River, the manicured lawn of Riverside-Brookfield High School’s football field and the many buildings on Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s more than 200acre campus. T he ride also offers a direct view of Chicago’s iconic skyline when the

STAR BUDS

Open early

from page 3

at all to the hours of operation, but they are issues of great concern, to not only the village but to the Star Buds owners. They could risk losing their license if they have repeated violations of that nature.”

During discussion, Trustee Jill Mateo asked for a summary of “enforcement actions” from the police to ensure Star Buds customers are behaving appropriately.

“I will tell you that the patrol, that is an additional assignment that Director [of Public

weather and sky are clear

One little girl who had just gotten off the Ferris wheel had only one word to describe it: “Fun!”

The girl, Eirene Jesberger, who rode the Ferris wheel with her family Mond March 25, gave the attraction a rating of 10 out of 10.

Michael Weldon-Linne, Eirene’s grandfather and a River Forest resident, said the Ferris wheel lived up to his expectations and that it was one of the main reasons he and his family went to the zoo that day.

“I always think it’s not going to be scary,” Weldon-Linne said. “When you’re up there, it’s a little bit scary.”

While the Ferris wheel’s gondolas have locking doors and roofs, they are not fully enclosed like those at Navy Pier’s Ferris wheel. Instead, zoo-goers have access to the open air for the duration of their time on the ride, even at the very top, where things may start to get windy.

Janessa Martinez, who works in guest relations at the zoo, said the Fer ris wheel — as well as the zoo’s dolphins, whose shows resumed March 22 after more than a year on pause — seemed to have drawn more guests to the park. While Martine z had not yet ridden the Fer ris wheel, she

Safety Matthew] Buckley tasked with officers working on the various shifts to make sure that they’re going by the dispensary,” village Manager Jessica Frances said in response. “Now, obviously, you know, that’s a proactive approach, and they’re not going to catch individuals all of the time, and just we hope that the presence becomes a deterrent for people to not behave badly.”

She added that the Star Buds owners have said they “will not tolerate” behavior such as public urination and will ban customers who behave badly.

Trustee Aberdeen Marsh-Ozga suggested increasing police patrols in town around 8 a.m. when students walk to school, but Frances said the “challenge with that” is that Riverside’s police are already at the

Over the course of the average ride, about 8 minutes long, the Ferris wheel takes riders up twice. Zoo-goers have access to the open air for the duration of their time on the ride, even at the very top, where things may start to get windy.

said she had heard good things from her coworkers who got the chance.

“I am hoping to ride it soon, but I have had a lot of coworkers ride it, and they’ve had a pretty good time,” she said. “I’ve [seen] a lot of f amilies that want to go on and are bringing their f amilies. I know I’ve had a few people say they could see certain animals from way up above, and also the Chicago skyline is a really big thing that

schools in the morning, leaving few officers available to patrol.

“I have kids, they go to school, right? That’s an issue that is top of mind. I do think traffic mitigation is a separate issue here,” Claucherty said of Marsh-Ozga’s suggestion. “I don’t want to dice it too close, but most of the kids have already made their way to school by the time [Star Buds is] proposing to open.”

“Our planning and zoning commission does a tremendous job. I have great respect for them, but I have to be honest and say, I think they looked at this from the wrong perspective,” Pollock said. “I would say that the analysis should begin with, ‘What is unique about this particular business that we’re going to restrict their hours dif-

everyone’s been enjoying, being able to see that from over here.”

Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Ferris wheel opened March 15 in honor of the park’s 90th anniversary this year. It will remain open for guests to ride until Dec. 31. Each ticket to ride the Ferris wheel costs $8, or $6 for zoo members, on top of the fare to enter the park. Tickets are available for sale on the zoo’s website or in-person at the zoo gate

ferently from everyone else or almost everyone else?’ Personally, I don’t see a difference. I don’t see why, if there was a bakery there, or a hair salon, or whatever else, they could open at 7 a.m., and the impacts on the neighbors would be the same.”

Pollock added that the village might restrict a business’s operating hours if it would otherwise create “a unique traffic level” that other businesses are not creating

“I didn’t see any evidence of that, and intuition tells me that there is no difference,” he said.

Following discussion, the board unanimously agreed to allow Star Buds to open at 8 a.m. by passing the ordinance, which also included changes to ambiguous wording made by the planning and zoning commission.

TRENT BROWN

Quite a catch

DePaul-bound Levine is a force behind the plate for the Bulldogs

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Riverside Brookfield High School senior Zoe Levine’s love of softball produces good results. Whenever Levine plays catcher, she becomes a confident athlete with her glove and bat — a statistical and emotional leader who wants to be vocal with teammates.

“Definitely I talk a lot on the field. I’m really shy. Softball kind of takes it out of me,” Levine said. “As I learned the position, I kind of realized it’s something I need to do. Also, I feel really comfortable playing softball. It’s much easier to be loud because it’s where I want to be.”

Levine’s accomplishments speak loudly. The four-year varsity starter and three-time All-Metro Suburban Conference selection will be playing next for Division I DePaul University.

Senior shortstop Emily Organ (Bradley) and junior third baseman Ellie Megall [Oakland commit] also are Division I recruits and varsity starters since freshman year. They and junior Ella Jurgens were All-MSC in 2023.

The Bulldogs (6-2) have scored double-digit runs in five victories. Levine has a .536 batting average with three home runs, 11 runs batted in and a 1.634 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) along with Organ (.533, 3 HR, 12 RBIs, 5 doubles, 1.639 OPS), Megall (.296, 6 RBIs), Jurgens (.350, HR, 7 RBIs) and senior Julia Madera (.414, 4 RBIs).

“Zoe’s confidence has grown the most during her four years of being our primary catcher. I also think her confidence rubs of f on her teammates,” RBHS coach Doug Schultz said.

“Her biggest contribution to the team is how she has complete control of the flow and emotions of the game and knows

when to pause, take a timeout and reset the team’s mindset.”

Levine tried other sports but never felt comfortable. Sh began playing softball in grade school and enjoyed watched numerous college games with her father, in person or on television.

After a brief stint at pitcher, Levine soon found herself be hind the plate, and liked it

“I think it’s so cool because you’re the only person wh can see the whole field. The best catchers are the ones yo don’t really notice all of the hard work in the background,” Levine said.

“It’s really taught me to be a leader because you can be loud and in control. I like that I’m in every pitch. You ca control the tempo and the pace and that’s not something re ally any [other] position can do.”

Playing for Riverside Little League, she remembers winning districts with back-to-back victories over rival La Grange, which her team had previously “never beaten once.

“That’s one of my core softball memories and one of the best nights of my life,” Levine said.

“I love that [softball] really taught me hard work. I’m not the most outgoing person, but I find myself on the field and it’s where I feel most at home. It’s just been a great sport for me.”

Levine takes pride in the persistence that eventually made her a feared hitter. From fifth through eighth grade, her hitting coach was Abby Ramire z, now a DePaul assistant for head coach Tracie Adix-Zins.

On Oct. 6, Levine verbally committed to the Blue Demons (7-23) and signed her letter of intent Nov. 8. She plays traveling softball for Extreme Elite.

“I started looking at schools all over, further away. I kind of realized so much of my support system was here and

my parents and I want to stay close to them,” said Levine, who also has a special bond with her cousin. Sammy has her considering special education as a major. Levine has been involved with local charity All In For Ethan, which helps children with Giant Axonal Neuropathy (GAN).

“[Sammy] has autism and I’ve really watched him strive. It took a lot of hard work and watching him grow is really cool,” she said. “I really want to give other kids the opportunities Sammy has.”

Durkin, Bulldogs learn lacrosse lessons from 2023

All-sectional Curtin, Culin, Kristufek return for LTHS, new coach Gallagher

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Sidelined most of last season, Riverside Brookfield High School senior Maggie Durkin has returned to lacrosse with a differ-

ent perspective

“Being a senior has definitely changed my game so far,” Durkin said. “Coming back after an ACL [knee] injury made me realize how important lacrosse is to me. I think this year staying positive and help-

ing more people learn the game are my main goals.”

The Bulldogs (1-4) have 11 returning starters from their 2023 team (0-16). They lost 15-2 to Plainfield co-op in the Marist Sectional opener, but earned a 6-5 victory at T rinity, March 18.

“The girls are hungry this year,” RBHS coach Matt Bultas said. “The strength of the team is their tenacity and desire to play 48 minutes to their fullest.”

Durkin will play at the University of In-

BILL STONE

Zoe Levine

RBHS boys, girls envision state berths, school records

New girls head coach Holubek sees Bulldog Relays as early test

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Riverside Brookfield High School senior Jack O’Brien has high hopes for reaching his third Class 3A boys track and field state meet. As usual, some early outdoor answers will come Saturday with the boys and girls teams playing host to the annual Bulldog Relays.

“This one has always been the first truetest outdoor race and you want to make a statement on your home track because that’s where your family, friends are,” O’Brien said. “It’s obviously one of the big outdoor meets for us.”

O’Brien and seniors Hayden Marrs and Will Kallas return from the Bulldogs’ Class 3A state-qualifying 4 x 800-meter (24th, 8:04.20) and 4 x 400 (25th, 3:26.31) relays. Junior Brady Norman qualified in the 3,200 (43rd, 10:04.01) and ran a lifetimebest 9:33.72, March 23, just shy of the new 9:33.35 state-qualifying standard. O’Brien ran 1:59.43 in the 800 on March 8.

Senior Will Smithing was a 2022 state qualifier in the 300 intermediate hurdles (21st, 43.65). O’Brien and Marrs first gained

dianapolis next year. Limited to two goals as a junior, she has 15 so far with five against T rinity. Senior Mia Diaz also scored, junior goalie Senia Johnson made seven saves, juniors Caitlyn Cline and Zoe Tran controlled five ground balls and Durkin and Tran caused four tur novers.

Durkin, Diaz and sophomore Maggie Porter return as starting attackers. Diaz (5 goals, 3 assists, 26 ground balls in 2023) and Porter (4 goals, 3 assists, 20 controlled draws) were the leading scorers behind graduated allsectional Ava Re gan (23 goals).

2021 state relay experience with the 4 x 800 (24th, 8:25.71) and O’Brien with the 4 x 400 (21st, 3:36.82).

The distance group also has contributed to winning the 2022 2A state cross country championship and returning to state in 3A, Nov. 4, taking 21st.

Kallas could also reach state in pole vault, clearing 4.26 meters/14 feet, March 23 and 13-8 on March 9 to break the 13-6 all-time school record from 1982. T he 4 x 400 relay is chasing the 3:24.7 school record, also from 1982.

“Right now, we have five guys vying for four spots,” O’Brien said. “A school record is something that’s definitely within

Sophie May.

Newcomer Tran has transitioned well from previously playing softball. Junior midfielder Harriet Juister returns after not playing in 2023.

“RB’s team is one of the most positive and supporting groups I have played with, which sets us apar t from other teams,” Durkin said.

reach for us.”

The girls seek their first state berths under new coach Lillian Holubek, a 2016 RBHS graduate who was an assistant the past two seasons and the girls cross country assistant this past fall.

Junior Gianna Gelb has qualified twice individually for 2A state cross country in 2021 and 2022. At last year’s sectional, Gelb was fourth in the 1,600 (5:43.89) while senior Maia Nelson (3,200) and the 4 x 800 were fifth.

“Having competed in track when I went here, I am thrilled to step into the role of head coach,” Holubek said. “I have an amazing group of coaches and we’re excited to transition to outdoors.”

The boys have won or shared the last three Metro Suburban Conference Blue titles, winning the 4 x 400 relay finale with Marrs, Kallas and O’Brien (3:27.98) to share the 2023 crown with Aurora Central Catholic (128 points). The MSC consists of four teams with Elmwood Park, Ridgewood and Westmont. RBHS will join the Upstate Eight next season.

Other MSC event champions were O’Brien (400 in 51.42) and Kallas (3.65m/12-

S eniors Katelyn Hadraba, Josie Menna and Olivia Zieba, and j uniors GG K ristufek and E mma Dwyer are in thei r third seasons

0 in pole vault), Norman (3,200 in 10:06.09) and the 4 x 800 relay with seniors Evan McMullen and Brennan Lester, Marrs and O’Brien (8:32.39). Also all-conference with top-three individual or top-two relay finishes were second-place Kallas (400) and thirdplace Smithing (110 high and 300 hurdles), juniors Diego Lopez-Molina (3,200) and Asa Kahle (triple jump) and Norman (1,600).

T he girls (114) we re second to Wheaton Academy (140.5) in the M SC and have seven all-conference returnees with senior high j ump champion Morgan Anderson (1.42m/4-8), second-place senior A ntonia O’Keefe ( discus) and Gelb (1,600), third-place seniors Jenny T homas (tripl e j ump) and Sophia Singh (100 high hurd les) and the second-place 4 x 800 relay with senior Maria Dalton, j unior Jo rie E ggers and Gelb.

Eggers no longer splits time with soccer as he did in 2023. Sophomore Addie Vaia showed promise during cross country while splitting time with volleyball.

Other boys to watch include seniors Eamon Ryan, Khrysler Jimenez and David Kummer and juniors Matt Torrens, Wayne Torrens and Mateo Santini.

Other returning starters are j uniors El e Caballero and S amantha Gibbs and sophomore Tahlia Schultz at m idfield, seniors Naomi Galas (12 caused tur nove rs ) and Isabella Ar reola, j unior Olivia Denson (16 c aused turnove r s) and Cline on defense and Johnson (134 saves), who has shared g oaltending d uties with freshman

“What I hope to help the team with as someone with experience is to encourage the girls to make mistakes and learn from them. I think so far what’s helped us be successful is our attitude. We’re a very positive team, and lifting each other up through challenges will be and already is super-important.”

Lyons Township girls lacrosse

As senior Caitlyn Curtin enters her fourth varsity season, she’s not the Lions’ only familiar face.

“This team has been playing together for the past few years so we all work really well together,” Curtin said. “It’s a team sport and that great connection is really important. The team unity is really strong.”

The Lions, 7-11 in 2023, have a revamped outlook under new head coach Morgan Gallagher, last year’s junior varsity coach.

T he Lions (3-1) have beaten Lockpo rt 15-11, Naperville C entral 15-2 and Barrington 9-8 wh i le losing 15-2 to Benet, wh ich beat LT HS 8-4 in last year ’s Maris t Sectional semifinals. T heir annual Pink Out game is Saturday.

“We started this season with a fresh slate,” Gallagher said. “The coachability of these girls is unmatched. They want to

get better and learn more. It has helped us dive right into this season with eager ness and optimism.”

Junior Ashley Culin (Eastern Michigan) and Kristufek (Rockhurst) already are verbally committed to play colle ge lacrosse. They and Cu rtin earned 2023 all-sectional honors.

Playing goalie are junior returnee Stella Summerfield and junior Re gan Mahon from JV. The roster has 12 seniors, 11 juniors, freshman middle Peyton Johnson and sophomore La uren Zulanas, both middles.

Curt in said the Lions have been encouraged by improved and balanced scoring. LTHS had nine goals or more in six 2023 g ames

“We just really want to finish the season with a winning record and playing our best lacrosse at the end of the season,” Curtin said.

MAGGIE DURKIN C AITLYN CURTIN

JACK O’BRIEN HAYDEN MARRS

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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).

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park --Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302-- will receive electronic proposals until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 2, 2024 for Project: 24-1, Sewer and Water Improvements. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below. In general, the improvements consist of water main replacement, fire hydrants, valves, water service replacements, sewer replacement, HMA surface removal and patching, HMA pavement, PCC pavement, curb & gutter removal and replacement, PCC sidewalk removal and replacement, pavement markings, lawn restoration, and other miscellaneous items of work.

Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

Plans and proposal forms can be found at https://www. oak-park.us/your-government/budget-purchasing/ requests-proposals or at www. questcdn.com under login using QuestCDN number 9032080 for a non-refundable charge of $64.00. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No bid documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening.

The work to be performed pursuant to this proposal is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq.

THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK

Bill McKenna Village Engineer

Published in Wednesday Journal April 3, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed Bids from qualified contractors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 for the following: Village of Oak Park CDBG Water Service Replacement Program - 2024 Bid Number: 24-121

Bid forms may be obtained from the Village of Oak Park website, http://www.oak-park. us/bid. Bid documents may be viewed at the Public Works Customer Service Center at 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Information is also available from the contact person, Water and Sewer Project Manager, James Eggen, jeggen@oakpark.us .

All bidders will be required to submit Bid Security in the form of a Certified Check, a Cashier’s Check or a Bid Bond in the amount of Ten percent (10%) of the Base Bid, payable to the Village of Oak Park. The successful bidder will be required to post performance security and to provide a certificate of insurance as set forth in the bid package. This contract shall be subject to the provisions of the Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS130/1 et seq.) to the extent required by law. This is a Federallyfunded project, funded with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and is thus subject to all applicable Federal rules, regulations and guidelines, including DavisBacon and Related Acts. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those vendors deemed qualified. For more information call the Public Works Service Center at 708.358.5700.

Published in Wednesday Journal April 3, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS)

COUNTY OF COOK )ss

Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division.

In re the marriage of Jose Antonio Ibarra, Petitioner and Francisca Fernandez, Respondent, Case No. 2024D001717.

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending.

Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before April 26, 2024, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition.

DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk.

Published in Wednesday Journal March 27,

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: Y24011638 on March 28, 2024 Un-

der the Assumed Business Name of KIND COOPERATIVE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES with the business located at:_1037 SOUTH HUMPHREY AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60304. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: MEGAN H JACKSON 1037 SOUTH HUMPHREY AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60304, USA.

Published in Wednesday Journal April 3, 10, 17, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

All residents of Riverside Public School District 96 serving Riverside, parts of North Riverside, parts of Lyons, and the Hollywood section of Brookfield, whose children attend parochial schools, or are homeschooled, are invited to receive timely and meaningful consultation on the child find process for children suspected to have a disability. Information regarding Special Education evaluation and available services will be provided. The meeting will occur on Monday, April 22, 2024 from 10:00 A.M. to 10:45 A.M. at the Riverside District Office located at 3340 S. Harlem Avenue, Riverside, IL 60546. Please R.S.V.P. to Linda Roberto via email at robertol@district96.org.

Published in RB Landmark April 3, 10, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 9:00 AM, a virtual meeting will be conducted by Proviso Township High School (PTHS) District 209. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the district’s plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private schools and students homeschooled within the district for the 2024-2025 school year. As a parent of a homeschooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability and who resides within the boundaries of PTHS District 209, you are urged to attend. This meeting is in compliance with the Illinois State Board of Education regulations. Please email rfleming@pths209.org to obtain the Microsoft TEAMS invitation to attend the meeting. For questions, please contact Ms. Ramonda Fleming, District Coordinator at (708) 4974650.

Published in Forest Park Review April 3, 10, 17, 24, 2024

TOGETHER WITH ITS UNDIVIDED PERCENTAGE INTEREST IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS IN THE TREMONT CONDOMINIUM, AS DELINEATED AND DEFINED IN THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 0021260423, IN THE EAST 1/2 OF SECTION 7 AND THE NORTHWEST 1/4 AND THE WEST 1/2 OF THE WEST 1/2 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 8, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

Commonly known as 227 W. CHICAGO #3, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-08-102-0211009

The real estate is improved with a residence.

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

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, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C.

15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com

Attorney File No. 14-22-09619

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762

Case Number: 2023 CH 00031

TJSC#: 44-611

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that

DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION MIDFIRST BANK Plaintiff, vs. Unknown Heirs and/or Legatees of Yolanda Daniels, Deceased; Derrick Rockett; Julie Fox as Special Representative for Yolanda Daniels Deceased; United States of America; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS Defendants, 22 CH 146 NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, April 29, 2024 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-12-406-027-0000.

Commonly known as 7536 Franklin Street, Forest Park, IL 60130.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a 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: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For

Case

Tuesday, April 9, 2024 • 7pm

Tickets $15.00 with Coupon Code FF15

Moderated by veteran reporter, editor and GCM Board member Sheila Solomon

Former Congressman Joe Walsh

Lund Auditorium | Dominican University | 7900 W. Division Street | River Forest

Activist Fred Guttenberg

Through respect and understanding, former Congressman Joe Walsh and activist Fred Guttenberg successfully model how to engage in dialogue with a willingness to listen and learn to nd common ground.

When it comes to selling and buying homes... experience, results and ties to the community make all the di erence.

Curious about the current real estate market and the impact on your home’s value? Thinking about selling, but need to find your next home first? Can’t find your dream home in this competitive market? Contact one of our local market experts for a free, confidential consultation.

482 Uvedale Rd, Riverside

3622 Wesley Ave Berwyn

205 Bloomingbank Rd, Riverside

3122 Wisconsin, Berwyn

1516 Wabash Ave #902, Chicago

2321 Scoville Ave, Berwyn

273 Maplewood Rd, Riverside

8223 30th St, North Riverside

302-306 River Oaks Dr, Calumet City

8600 State Rd, Burbank