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Landmark | 2021

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Riverside looks to create rental registry Aim is to regularly inspect dwelling units, ensure safe buildings

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Riverside trustees are expected to vote April 15 to require the owners of rental properties to register those properties with the village annually and submit to dwelling unit inspections every three years or when tenancy turns over.

The move comes two months after the village went to court to force inspection of the building and dwelling units at the Tower Apartments, whose tenants were left without regular heat for more than a week during the coldest temperatures of the winter.

In addition to multiunit apartment buildings, the law would also cover single-family homes and condominiums whose owners are renting those units.

By creating the registry and providing for a mechanism for regular unit inspections, Riverside officials hope to prevent the kind of widespread maintenance and code violations they encountered when they were allowed, through a court order, to inspect the Tower Apartments in February and March.

Those inspections revealed that many units lacked working smoke detectors, unsafe exterior See RENTAL REGISTRY on page 12

Also serving North Riverside Vol. 36, No.14

April 7, 2021

Bringing school in house

Some local families chose to educate their kids at home during the pandemic year ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

HARD AT WORK: First-grader Lucas Fernandez, 6, studies with his sister, second grader Cecilia Fernandez, 8, on April 5 at their home in Riverside. The kids’ “school” table is one their mom, Suzannah, purchased from the Riverside Public Library, just for that purpose.

By BOB SKOLNIK

S

Contributing Reporter

chool has been different for everyone this year, but two Riverside neighbors who live just a couple doors down from each other on Selborne Road decided to take the plunge and home school their children this year.

With school districts wrestling with how and when to welcome children back into classrooms, Abby Brennan and Suzannah Fernandez both decided that home schooling would work best this year for their families during this pandemic year.

Brennan, the owner of Brennan Massage & Spa in Brookfield, needed a consistent schedule for herself and her

kids. She and Fernandez, a former high school history teacher, didn’t like the amount of screen time their children endured last spring when schools quickly shifted to remote learning at the onset of the pandemic.

“I didn’t feel it was best for my kids,” Fernandez said. “It didn’t suit the way See HOME SCHOOL on page 13

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The Landmark, April 7, 2021

Cantata resident celebrates 107th birthday Helen Bejger worked as a telephone operator for AT&T

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Claudia Sindelar says her aunt, Helen Bejger, is fond of giving her some advice. “Don’t get old,” Bejger says.

Of course, Bejger has not exactly followed her own words of wisdom. On March 31, Sindelar and other friends, family and caregivers assembled at Cantata Adult Life Services in Brookfield to wish Bejger a happy and healthy 107th birthday.

“It was lovely,” said Sindelar of the celebration. “They did a really nice job.”

Bejger woke up early for the occasion, got her hair done and donned a tiara and a sash to greet well-wishers and have some cake.

“I think she enjoyed herself,” said Sindelar.

Born Helen Pociunas to Lithuanian immigrant parents in 1914, she grew up and lived for decades in the Heart of Chicago neighborhood of the city, around 21st and Leavitt. She attended nearby Our Lady of Vilna School.

The parish long ago merged with nearby St. Paul, but the old school building still stands on 23rd Place, its past life inscribed in stone above the front entrance: “Lithuanian Catho-

lic School.”

However, according to Sindelar, Helen and her brother, Edward, had difficult childhoods.

Their mother, Victoria, died of cancer when Helen was 5 and Edward just 2. Sindelar said Bejger told her that she remembers her father, Anton, putting her and Edward on a train, unaccompanied, bound for New York to live with his brother’s family.

That family ran a butcher shop, and Helen was pressed into service, scrubbing floors and doing other chores.

“They did a lot of work,” Sindelar said.

Eventually, they would return to live with their father. Sindelar said Bejger attended high school at Pickard School, 2301 W. 21st Pl., which appears to have served both as an elementary and high school at one time. Helen would later marry, though she never had any children.

In 1940, according to the U.S. Census from that year, Helen, who by then was 26, was still living in the old neighborhood in an apartment at 2121 S. Leavitt St. along with her husband, 39-year-old Walter Bejger. Living with them were her father, called Anthony in the census, and 22-year-old Edward, her brother.

PROVIDED

BIRTHDAY GIRL: A foodservice worker at Cantata Adult Life Services in Brookfield presents a birthday cake to resident Helen Begjer on March 31, marking her 107th birthday.

Walter worked as an enameller, while Helen was a radio coil assembler at Standard Coil, where she made 14 cents an hour, according to an old pay stub found by Sindelar. Though just 58, Anton Pociunas was described as “unable to work” in the census rolls, while Edward was a laborer.

In 1946, said Sindelar, Helen got a job as a telephone operator at AT&T, where she would work until she retired.

Bejger later moved to Berwyn, where Sindelar began visiting her weekly and helping her run errands and go grocery shopping – Bejger never learned to drive. Sindelar

also helped Bejger move into the Wye Valley independent living facility at Cantata (then called The British Home) in 2003 when she was 89.

Bejger has a wry sense of humor, according to Sindelar.

“If you ask her ‘how do you feel’ she’ll say, ‘With my hands,’” Sindelar said. “If you ask what she wants, she’ll say, ‘A shot and a beer!’”

On March 31 when Sindelar told Bejger that Cantata was throwing a birthday party for her, she asked her niece how old she was.

After Sindelar told her, Bejger responded, “That’s old.”

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The Landmark, April 7, 2021

Residents asked for feedback on Riverside floodwall design Crucial step needed to get final location, height info to impacted homeowners

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Riverside trustees could come to a consensus on a tentative design for a floodwall to protect the low-lying area adjacent to the Des Plaines River between Park Place and Pine Avenue by April 15, setting the wheels in motion for officials and residents alike to get a clearer picture of just where and how big that wall is going to be and how it is located.

During a discussion of the subject at the village board’s April 1 meeting, trustees appeared to indicate a preference for a design option that combined Frederick Law Olmsted’s wall design for Franklin Park in Boston with his design for The Rockery in Easton, Massachusetts.

But, they held off on a formal recommendation, because they said they wanted to hear more from residents as well as from the Riverside Preservation Commission and Landscape Advisory Commission which will discuss design options at Zoom meetings scheduled, respectively, for April 8 at 7 p.m. and April 13 at 7 p.m.

Meeting access information is available at the Riverside website at riverside.il.us.

The village board will again take up the subject and likely vote to recommend a design at their April 15 meeting, which will be held virtually via Zoom, at 7 p.m.

“What we need most right now is to hear from all of you [residents], so please reach out to us and let us know your thoughts,” said Village President Ben Sells.

The village is in a critical time period in the floodwall project, with final designs being cre-

COURTESY OF VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE

FRONTRUNNER? Riverside residents and some village trustees who commented on a preferred style for a proposed Des Plaines River floodwall appeared to favor an option that combined Olmsted’s walls in Boston’s Franklin Park and The Rockery in Easton, Massachusetts. ated and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers determining the exact location of the wall, particularly in the area along the river south of Forest Avenue, where it will run through the backyards residences on the west of West Avenue.

While the Army Corps has given residents some basic projections about the height and location, the village would like them to mark the exact path the wall will take and provide sample panels to demonstrate how tall it’s going to be.

Mary Erangey, a West Avenue homeowner, said she wanted to know just how much property she was going to lose – the floodwall requires a 15-foot easement on either side of it – and expressed concern that none of the renderings so far indicated any river access points for residents who now have unfettered access to the water.

Michelle Patterson, who lives in a condo on West Avenue, suggested that officials give more weight when it came to choosing a wall design to the opinions of residents like her, who will end up having to live with it day to

day.

Meanwhile, West Avenue homeowner Patrick O’Laughlin implored elected officials to consider the financial impact building a floodwall in their backyards would have on their properties. He said he believed the wall could cause “undue harm” to his family by making his property impossible to sell.

“This project has been hanging over our heads for years now,” said O’Laughlin.

Sells said all of those concerns were the reason village officials needed to get a preferred wall design settled. Before the Army Corps will make its final calculations, the village needs to get signoff on its preferred design by the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office. “[Once we can get] Army Corps out and they can show us exactly where that wall is going to be, then we have something solid that we can work off of,” Sells said. “But, I can tell you that all of us appreciate, to the degree we can appreciate it from afar, the impact and the stress and the uncertainty that this is having on you and the other folks over there on West [Avenue].”

Brookfield launches survey to gauge support for water main project With more than half of Brookfield’s water mains 100 years old or more, the village is considering a plan to systematically replace those pipes over the next 50 years. It won’t be cheap. The cost to replace those mains is estimated at $65 million, with five blocks of main expected to be replaced each year.

If the village moves ahead with such a plan, water customers will

be socked with a $2.03 increase over the current fee, bringing the cost of water to $13.50 per 1,000 gallons.

According to the village, that means the average bi-monthly water bill of $90.12 will go up to $106.06, an increase of about 18 percent or about $96 per year.

Those paying a minimum water bill of $57.20 would see their rates increase to $67.32, an increase of

about $50 per year.

With that plan on the drawing board, the village has initiated an online survey to gain resident feedback. It’s a simple, one question survey, simply asking whether or not you’d support such an initiative.

You can find the survey at surveymonkey.com/r/BrookfieldWaterRate — Bob Uphues

IN THIS ISSUE Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Kosey Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

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

Growing Community Media BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, 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 buphues@wjinc.com 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 $34 within Cook County and $44 outside the county. Advertising rates may be obtained by calling our office. 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. © 2021 Growing Community Media NFP.

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The Landmark, April 7, 2021

BIG WEEK

JOHN SANFORD

Fireside chat with author John Sanford

April 7-14

Classic TV advertising

Brookfield Public Library invites you to join Robert Burton as he takes you back in time via Zoom to early TV advertising during “First a Word from Our Sponsors: An Overview of Broadcast Advertising” on Monday, April 12 at 7 p.m.

Take a video journey through time and enjoy some of the earliest TV commercials, a few of which became ground-breakers and others that garnered special kudos.

Registration required at 708-485-6917, ext. 130 or at brookfieldlibrary.info.

COURTESY OF THE FREDERICK LAW OLMSTED SOCIETY/FACEBOOK

Riverside landscape workdays return

The Frederick Law Olmsted Society will once again team up with the village of Riverside for a series of landscape workdays, sprucing up the village’s public green spaces.

It kicks off on Saturday, April 10 from 9 a.m. to noon at Harrington Park, Lawton and Delaplaine roads. Look for the public works dump truck, wear a face covering and bring work gloves and a water bottle. Other supplies and snacks provided.

Due to the pandemic, RSVPs are required at least 24 hours in advance by emailing to workdays@olmstedsociety.org or calling 708-447-0226.

And more Brookfield Zoo presents the virtual lecture “Wildlife Wellness: Conserving the Health of Free-Ranging and Zoo Reptiles” via Zoom on April 14 at 7 p.m. Clinical veterinarian Matt Allender will talk about research efforts in conservation, health and disease affecting this population. Reservations required at CZS.org/LectureSeries.

Triton College students and community members are invited to attend a statewide virtual career fair on April 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is being held in partnership with the Illinois Department of Employment Security and is free. Register by visiting bit. ly/YourFutureNow21. For more info call 708-456-0300, ext. 3789 or email katymcguinnis@triton.edu.

Riverside American Legion Post #488 will host ■

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special guest Brigadier Gen. Sheila R. Baxter (U.S. Army ret.) at its next virtual meeting on April 9 at 6 p.m. Gen. Baxter, the first African-American woman to be promoted to brigadier general in the Army Medical Service, will talk about her decorated career.

The presentation will be livestreamed to the public via the post’s Facebook page at facebook.com/AmericanLegionRiverside.

North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., offers a number of virtual programs through Facebook Live (facebook.com/NRPL2400), conference calls and the teleconferencing app Zoom. Programs include Game Night Wednesdays on April 14 at 7 p.m. via Zoom.

For adults, there’s Deeply Rooted Book Club via Zoom on April 8 at 7:30 p.m. This month’s book is “Race to Incarcerate” by Sabrina Jones. There’s also ■

Brookfield, Riverside and North Riverside libraries are all participating in a special nationwide Zoom author visit with John Sanford, former journalist, Pulitzer Prize winner and best-selling author of the “Prey” series on Wednesday, April 14 at 7 p.m.

Billed as a “fireside chat,” Sanford will talk about the newest Lucas Davenport novel “Ocean Prey,” which will be released on April 13.

Space is limited and registration is required.

Visit your library’s website, brookfieldlibrary.info, riversidelibrary.org or northriversidelibrary.org for more information and to get Zoom access to the program.

RUTH BADER GINSBERG

Sultans of suds

Join Brookfield Public Library for the Zoom presentation “Germany’s Liquid Bread: The History of Beer” on Thursday, April 8 at 7 p.m.

Historian Annette Isaacs will walk you through the history of beer, including the German brewers who became beer barons in the U.S. Registration required at 708-485-6917, ext. 130 or at brookfieldlibrary. info.

Telephone Book Club on April 13 at 6:45 p.m. via conference call at 800-747-5150 (code 1453322). This month’s book is “The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie” by Alan Bradley.

Register at northriversidelibrary.org/events-new for Zoom access.

For kids there’s ABCs and 123s (ages 3+) via Zoom on Mondays at 10:30 a.m.; Story Safari (ages 3+) via Zoom on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.; and Lego Builders Club (ages 5+) via Zoom on Thursdays at 4 p.m. Pajama Storytime returns via Zoom on April 14 at 6:30 p.m. Kids in grades 6-12 can play the Jackbox game Champ’d Up via Zoom on April 10 at 3 p.m.

Call 708-447-0836, ext. 230, email youthservices@ northriversidelibrary.org or visit northriversidelibrary. org/events-new for Zoom meeting access info.

Historian talks RBG

Riverside Public Library will host historian Jim Gibbons on Thursday, April 8 at 7 p.m. as he presents “Notorious: The Life of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg” on Zoom.

Gibbons will discuss the life of the legendary Supreme Court justice, who served for 27 years. An inspiration to many, her strong will, persistence and influential role in women’s rights led her to become an icon to many Americans.

Registration is required at riversidelibrary.org/ calendar.html.

Brookfield Public Library offers virtual classes and programs for patrons of all ages throughout the week. Most youth activities will be presented live on the library’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ BrookfieldPublicLibrary. For adults, there’s also Chair Yoga via Zoom on April 8 at 11 a.m. and Lunch and Learn: Get Your Business on Google via Zoom on April 9 at noon.

Call 708-485-6917, ext. 130 or visit brookfield. evanced.info/signup to register for Zoom programs.

Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, invites kids and parents to join them for Outdoor Storytime on Friday, April 9 and Tuesday, April 13 at 10 a.m. Stories will be repeated from Friday on Tuesday, so pick which day works better for you. Storytime will be canceled in the event of bad weather. Visit riversidelibrary.org/ calendar.html for more info.

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The Landmark, April 7, 2021

P O L I C E

R E P O R T S

Motorcyclist killed in Brookfield crash A 40-year-old Brookfield man died from injuries he sustained when his motorcycle crashed into a car driven by a 19-year-old North Riverside woman, who was attempting to turn left from eastbound 47th Street onto Plainfield Road at about 10:15 p.m. on April 3.

Paramedics transported Lucas Hills, who was critically injured in the crash, to Loyola University Medical Center where he was pronounced dead the following morning at 7:38 a.m., according to the Cook County Medical Examiner.

A 33-year-old Arlington Heights woman who was a passenger on the motorcycle was taken by paramedics to LaGrange Hospital, where she was treated for non-life threatening injuries and later released.

Police say the crash is still under investigation by the Illinois State Police Accident Reconstruction Team, which had personnel on the scene until about 4:45 a.m. on April 4. The driver of the vehicle that turned in front of the motorcycle was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and for failure to yield while turning left. She was not injured.

Local delivery driver shot at in Chicago A 38-year-old Brookfield man was unharmed, but his car was struck three times by bullets fired by an unknown person while the victim was making a food delivery in Chicago a little before midnight on March 31.

The victim told Brookfield police that he had turned onto the 4100 block of West 25th Place when he saw a man wearing a red baseball hat and black coat standing on the corner. The man attempted to flag the victim down, displaying a pistol in his hand.

When the victim saw the gun he accelerated to get away and then heard three shots fired, all of which struck the car, twice on the rear right fender and once in the trunk. Police said none of the rounds penetrated into the cabin of the car, but the rear windshield was shattered.

The victim called police to report the incident just after midnight on April 1 when he returned to Brookfield.

Road rage ends in rollover A road rage incident late on April 2 resulted in a rollover crash at First and Forest avenues in Riverside and a pair of arrests for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

None of the four people in the two vehicles, a black 2014 Jeep and a 2015 Ford sedan, suffered serious injuries, said police, but both drivers were taken by paramedics to the hospital for treatment.

Police Chief Thomas Weitzel said on Monday that investigators were still gathering evidence and that at least one of the drivers may have been under influence of drugs.

Preliminary evidence gathered from video cameras at that location appear to indicate

that a 21-year-old Brookfield woman driving the Jeep was driving behind the Ford, driven by a 39-year-old Riverside resident, westbound on Forest Avenue at about 11:45 p.m.

According to police, the driver of the Jeep got impatient because the Ford was traveling too slowly on Forest Avenue and passed the other vehicle. That angered the driver of the Ford, police said, who tried to overtake the Jeep. The two vehicles collided as they approached First Avenue.

The impact of the crash caused the Jeep, which also had two passengers, a 22-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, to roll over. The passengers were unhurt and refused medical treatment at the scene, police said.

The Ford continued and blew through a red light a First Avenue and narrowly missed hitting several other vehicles, police said. The driver tried to turn south on First Avenue, but ended up doing a U-turn and came to rest in the northbound lanes of traffic just south of Forest Avenue.

Police described the driver of the Ford as heavily intoxicated, extremely uncooperative and highly combative. Police said the driver of the Jeep also appeared intoxicated.

The driver of the Jeep was charged with DUI and cited for several traffic offenses. The driver of the Ford was also charged with DUI, improper overtaking or passing, and other traffic offenses.

Car stolen in North Riverside A resident of the 2200 block of 17th Avenue, North Riverside, contacted police on March 31 to report that while he was out of town the prior two and a half weeks, someone stole his dark gray 2018 Dodge Charger with black rims, which he’d left parked at the rear of his building.

The man told police he confirmed that the vehicle had not been repossessed or towed from the parking lot and that he had the only two keys to the vehicle in his possession.

Church sign, donation box damaged Someone wished a Brookfield church Happy Easter by breaking the glass protecting its sign board and pushing over the food bank drop box.

A member of New Life Community Church, 3801 Madison Ave., called police on Easter morning, April 4, to report the damage. The sign and drop box were last seen intact on April 2.

These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Riverside, North Riverside and Brookfield police departments, March 29-April 4 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these reports has only been charged with a crime. These cases have not been adjudicated.

— Compiled by Bob Uphues

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The Landmark, April 7, 2021

Labor Dept. orders Zeigler Ford parent to pay back wages Failed to pay sales commissions meeting minimum wage requirements, among other violations

By BOB UPHUES Editor

The parent company of a local car dealership paid more than $85,000 in back wages it owed to its sales staff at 10 of its 30 locations, including Zeigler Ford at 2100 Harlem Ave. in North Riverside, following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor.

On March 31, after an investigation by its Wage and Hour Division, the Department of Labor announced it had recovered $85,111 for 214 employees of the Kalamazoo, Michigan-based Harold Zeigler Auto Group.

Federal investigators found the company in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act by failing to ensure sales consultants’ commissions covered at least the federal minimum wage for all of the hours they worked each month, misclassifying some salaried employees as exempt from overtime and then not paying them for overtime work and failing to maintain accurate payroll records.

“Employees paid on commission basis must earn at least the federal minimum wage per hour of work completed. If they do not, employers must make up the difference,”

said Mary O’Rourke, district director of the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division in Grand Rapids, in a press release.

“Our investigation put money into the pockets of workers who were underpaid and levels the playing field for employers who play by the rules. Other employers in this industry should use this investigation as an opportunity to review their own pay practices and avoid similar violations.”

The investigation determined that Zeigler Auto Group underpaid 80 sales consultants at 10 locations in Michigan, Indiana and Illinois. One of the locations where sales staff were underpaid, according to the Department of Labor, was Zeigler Ford in North Riverside.

Zeigler Auto Group took over the Ford dealership at 2100 Harlem Ave. in 2018 when it bought the business from Chicago-based McCarthy Ford.

Last July, the company won a generous financial incentive from the village of North Riverside when the village board approved a deal that will rebate 50 percent of sales taxes on vehicle sales at Zeigler Ford for the next 20 years.

In exchange for the rebate, Zei-

BOB UPHUES/Editor

Zeigler Ford, 2100 Harlem Ave., North Riverside gler promised the village it would remain at the North Riverside location for 20 years. In addition, the company pledged to undertake an expansion of the dealership’s showroom and inventory, saying

those measures would make up for the rebate by increasing sales.

Also last July, Zeigler Auto Group purchased the seven-acre dealership property for $8 million from Rizza Auto Group, which

had owned the land since the late 1970s. According to the terms of the sales tax rebate agreement, Zeigler has three years from the property’s purchase date to begin improvements to the dealership.

Ex-North Riverside cop files new lawsuit against village Former sergeant says village refuses to pay benefits awarded by a judge

By BOB UPHUES Editor

A former North Riverside police sergeant, whose 2013 federal lawsuit alleging defamation and political retaliation against him by a former mayor and other officials is still pending, has filed another complaint in the U.S. District Court to force the village to pay him more than $60,000 for benefits he’s entitled to under the Public Safety Employees Benefits Act. Frank Schmalz claims in his lawsuit filed March 29 in federal court in Chicago that the village refuses to pay him $66,453 in accrued benefits awarded to him late last year in Cook County Circuit Court.

Judge Anna M. Loftus on Nov. 16, 2020 ruled that the village of North Riverside improperly denied Schmalz benefits related to a line-of-duty disability that effectively ended his nearly 30-year career as a North Riverside police officer.

The village argued that the law surrounding the award of disability benefits had been

misinterpreted in the past, but Loftus rejected those arguments, suggesting that North Riverside’s arguments “appear squarely aimed at a change in the governing law, if not an outright reversal” of previous interpretations of the law.

“Such arguments are not for this court to consider,” Loftus wrote in her opinion, which awarded Schmalz benefits retroactive to July 20, 2016, the date the North Riverside Police Pension Board determined Schmalz qualified for a line-of-duty disability pension.

The new lawsuit filed in federal court names both the village and Acting Village Administrator Sue Scarpiniti as defendants. According to the lawsuit, Scarpiniti, who is also the treasurer of the North Riverside Police Pension Board, voted against awarding Schmalz a line-of-duty disability pension and continues to withhold payment of the benefits awarded to Schmalz in Cook County Circuit Court.

“Why would the village withhold disability pension benefits for an injured police officer and defy a court ruling that the benefits were

owed?” asked Schmalz’s attorney, Jeffrey R. Kulwin.

In addition to the $66,453 in accrued benefits, Schmalz also seeks a federal judge to have the defendants pay unspecified punitive damages and attorney’s fees.

“Unfortunately, I am not able to comment on this issue,” said Scarpiniti in response to an email last week from the Landmark seeking a response to the new lawsuit. “I can say neither the village nor myself have received any notice of this lawsuit as of yet.”

2013 case still awaiting trial date Meanwhile, there’s been no trial date set for Schmalz’s other pending federal lawsuit against the village of North Riverside.

The former detective sergeant filed the lawsuit in late 2013, several months after a bitterly contested election that saw Schmalz actively and vocally supporting a slate of candidates challenging the incumbent VIP Party majority’s slate.

Things came to a head on Election Day in spring 2013 when former Mayor Kenneth Krochmal, who was not running for re-election, confronted Schmalz outside the Village Commons polling place.

Krochmal allegedly “profanely and publicly” defamed Schmalz during a verbal exchange outside the polling place.

Had challenger Rocco DeSantis, also former police officer, been elected mayor, Schmalz was in line to be named police chief. Instead, the winner of the election, Mayor Hubert Hermanek Jr., named Lane Niemann chief.

Shortly thereafter, Niemann removed Schmalz from the WEDGE gang/drug task force and refused to promote him to lieutenant despite a vacancy. Schmalz’s last day on the job was in June 2013.

Schmalz filed suit against the village that November, alleging that Krochmal had defamed him and that Hermanek and Niemann had retaliated against him due to his participation in the campaign of Hermanek’s political opponents.

The Landmark, April 7, 2021

Local school districts in line for millions in federal dollars

American Rescue Plan earmarks $4.4 million for District 103

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Local school districts will be getting millions of dollars in federal money over the next couple of years as part of the American Rescue Plan bill passed by Congress and signed by President Joseph Biden.

This is the third round of federal money for schools since the pandemic began last year.

Since federal dollars are tied to the number of low-income students in a district, LyonsBrookfield School District 103 will reap the biggest federal bonanza. District 103 is projected to get just over $4.4 million is the latest round of federal support.

All told, District 103 will receive just over $6.9 million in federal money through the three federal stimulus bills. This money is supposed to be used to combat learning loss during the pandemic and fund other pandemic related expenses. The district’s annual operating budget is about $38.5 million.

“We’re definitely excited to have this additional support, and we will make very good

use of it,” said District 103 Superintendent Kristopher Rivera.

Rivera said the district spent much of the first round of just over $500,000 in federal money for Chromebooks to help with remote learning as well as personal protective equipment and temperature check machines and thermometers. Alone among area school districts, District 103 has not had any in-person school yet this year.

While concrete plans have not yet been decided upon, Rivera said a good chunk of the new money could go to HVAC upgrades in the district. He said some would probably be spent on additional learning time, but that must be negotiated with the teachers’ union.

Rivera said that the district must be careful about spending money on additional staff because that is a recurring expense.

“With one-time monies it’s an effort to try to use them on one-time expenses, not things that are going to be recurring year after year,” Rivera said. “I try not to put in concepts that are not sustainable, because we have plenty of one-time needs with our facilities. We could spend that $6 million on HVAC alone, easily.”

Riverside-Brookfield High School is projected to get $1,022,089 in the latest round of federal stimulus and about $1.6 million overall.

“We’ll have to meet with the financial ad-

visory council as we do budget planning, but it’s definitely something that will help will help with projected deficits,” District 208 Superintendent Kevin Skinkis said.

Lyons Township High School is projected to receive a little over $1.6 million in the latest round and about $2.6 million overall. Some of that money could be spent to increase air conditioning at LTHS and other HVAC improvements as well as pay for pandemic-related expenses.

“Anything during this pandemic is appreciated trying to help us offset some of the additional costs,” said District 204 Superintendent Tim Kilrea.

Riverside Elementary School District 96 is projected to be eligible for $1,332,145 from the latest stimulus package and should get a little more than $2 million overall.

Since District 96 is already in a pretty strong financial position, Superintendent Martha Ryan-Toye is looking to use the federal money to combat learning loss and the achievement gap.

“We feel that we’ve got our basic needs pretty well met and we are going to definitely look at how are we spending this on supporting this on students and students in need,” Ryan-Toye said. “We wonder about additional intervention and support in the academic areas, we wonder about additional intervention and support in the social-emo-

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tional learning areas. Certainly, supporting our teachers also potentially through coaching and other professional learning as we look at what needs are now prioritized because of the pandemic.”

Brookfield-LaGrange Park School District 95 is projected to receive a little over $1.1 million in the latest round and nearly $1.8 million overall. Superintendent Mark Kuzniewski said the district is looking to use some of that money to hire two new math interventionists and an additional behavioral interventionist.

But since the money will be funneled through the state, Kuzniewski is worried that the Illinois General Assembly will use the federal money as an excuse to reduce state aid to schools.

“Haven’t we seen this movie before where we get this money from the federal government and the state cuts back on other funding?” Kuzniewski said. “Everyone in the community will be thinking we have a million dollars, and the net gain more likely than not will not be a million dollars.”

LaGrange-Brookfield School District 102, which serves the southwest portion of Brookfield, is expected to receive nearly $1.5 million in the third wave of funding and $2,348,785 overall. Komarek School District 94, the smallest area district, is projected to get $515,021 in the latest round and $807,233 overall.

Get ready for the Brookfield Farmers Market. Starting June 5th at 8am.

Learn more about the vendors and events from week to week, as well as the Covid considerations at www.brookfieldfarmers.com.

5 That _____ Guy, vendor who sells dill, bread and butter, etc.

7 Opening day is the 5th of _____, 2021.

9 Opening day musical entertainment by _________________.

10 Aracely’s________; vendor selling sweet treats and tamales.

DOWN 1 Rose’s _________; vendor who sells strudel, sweet breads, biscotti, soup and sandwiches.

2 What day is the Farmers Market?

answers on page13

3 Vendor turned restaurateur selling brisket, pulled pork, etc.

6 Shelter with adoptable felines, also Farmers Market vendor.

8 The Market hosts Hardin’s and Jeffrey’s every week; how the market got its start.

7

BrookfieldChamber.net

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The Landmark, April 7, 2021

COVID-19 cases continue to see an uptick Vaccine expansion could help combat potential surge, Pritzker says

By GRACE BARBIC Capitol News Illinois

COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continued to rise in Illinois as the statewide seven-day rolling case positivity rate reached 3.8 percent for the third consecutive day on April 5.

The case positivity rate had not been near 3.8 percent since the beginning of February, when it hit 3.9 percent on Feb. 1, and then continued to decline throughout the month and into March.

It’s a trend that’s playing out in suburban Cook County, including Brookfield and Riverside.

As of the morning of April 6, Brookfield had notched its highest one-week total for new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 since January. The 29 new cases in the past week was the highest since the 22 recorded for the weekly period ending Jan. 26.

Case numbers in Brookfield have been trending upward weekly since the end of February. After averaging nine cases per week between Feb. 23 and March 16, Brookfield’s average number of new cases in the past three weeks has been 22.6.

According to the online COVID-19 dashboard maintained by the Northwestern University School of Medicine, Brookfield’s seven-day rolling positivity rate was 5.12 percent as of April 5 and nearly 4 percent over the past two weeks.

Riverside saw its number of new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 rise for the third straight week. The village recorded 14 new cases in one week as of the morning of April 6, according to the Cook County Department of Public Health, the highest one-week total in Riverside since the week ending Feb. 2.

The seven-day rolling positivity rate in the 60546 ZIP code, which includes both Riverside and North Riverside, was 4.05 percent as of April 5. But North Riverside has seen fewer new cases on a weekly basis than Riverside recently.

There were four new COVID-19 cases in North Riverside for the week ending on the morning of April 6, roughly in line with the 4.2 case average the village has seen during the past seven weeks.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said in a news confer-

ence April 5 in Champaign that Illinois could be approaching a third surge that many other areas of the nation have already seen.

“But these things come in waves,” Pritzker said. “I am hopeful that with the rising number of vaccinations we’re doing – we’re averaging over 100,000 a day – the increasing number of people who are fully vaccinated at the same time that we’re dealing with a surge ... that we can sort of overcome the surge for the very first time.”

Approximately 6.3 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered, representing about 40 percent of residents 16 years or older having received their first dose. About 2.3 million people, or nearly 18.7 percent of the state’s population, are now fully vaccinated.

More than 80 of Illinois’ 102 counties have expanded COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to all Illinois residents 16 and older. Vaccine eligibility will be open statewide starting April 12.

Bob Uphues contributed to this report.

Longtime D103 preschool secretary stunned by firing Brookfielder who worked at Lincoln School says she was given no specific reasons

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

For nearly 22 years, Brookfield resident Glory Smith has gone to work at Lincoln School as the secretary for the district’s preschool program. She also helped out as an overflow secretary at the school. But her career in Lyons-Brookfield School District 103 came to a sudden end last month when she was abruptly fired.

On the afternoon of March 19, four days before the school board officially voted 4 to 3 to terminate Smith, District 103 superintendent Kristopher Rivera and Human Re-

total surprise to me.” sources Director Stephanie KoeSmith said Rivera told her that nig came to the preschool office she was being fired for insolence and told Smith that she would be and insubordination, but he fired. Then Koenig escorted the didn’t give her any specifics.

62-year-old Smith out the build“Nobody gave me a specific ing where she had worked in for reason as to why I was termimore than two decades and that nated, who I was insubordinate her five children had attended. or who I was insolent to,” Smith “There wasn’t even an inkling said. “I didn’t know that anybody in my mind that this was about was that upset with me that it to happen,” Smith told the LandGLORY SMITH would be grounds for dismissal.” mark in a telephone interview Smith said she had always reafter the board voted to fire her.

“There was no remediation, there were no ceived good performance reviews throughconversations, no nothing. This was like a out her career and had no idea that her job

was at risk.

“I have never been written up for anything in the whole time that I have been there,” Smith said. “All of my reviews were above and beyond. I just feel like the rug was ripped out from underneath me. I don’t know why I was terminated. I loved my job, I really did.”

The board majority of school board President Jorge Torres, Vito Campanile, Olivia Quintero and Winfred Rodriguez voted, with no real discussion, to accept Rivera’s recommendation to fire Smith.

School board members Sharon Anderson, Marge Hubacek and Shannon Johnson, who are leaving the school board

The Landmark, April 7, 2021 when their terms expire this month, voted but when we talked and she said it was insubordination, you know what, that wasn’t against firing Smith.

The board minority said the matter insubordination.”

Neither Lappay nor Smith wanted to talk should at least be discussed in closed session before voting, but by that time a mo- about that meeting.

The Landmark asked Smith directly tion to fire Smith had been made and Torres called the question. The board has only whether she raised concerns to Lappay met in closed session a couple of times in about making the program more academithe past year. Most school boards frequent- cally focused, but Smith declined to specifily meet in closed session, especially to dis- cally address the issue.

“At this time, I’m still trying to sort out cuss personnel matters.

“Obviously you can’t speak about per- why I was terminated with admin,” Smith sonnel in open session and we don’t have said via text message. “After this process closed sessions, so I have no idea why a has been done I can reach out to you and longtime employee who had nothing but speak later.”

Lappay did not respond to a phone call or glowing recommendations in the past was let go,” Anderson said. emails asking about Smith’s firing.

Rivera said he was willing to meet in Campanile said that he heard enough closed session, but Torres from Rivera to vote to accept called for a vote on the motion the superintendent’s recto terminate Smith. ommendation to terminate Hubacek, a longtime former Smith.

District 103 secretary who “The most I can tell you is worked briefly with Smith at I discussed it with superinLincoln School more than 20 tendent, Mr. Rivera, and he years ago when Smith was first explained to me exactly what hired as a copy clerk, was inhappened,” Campanile said. “I censed at the vote to fire Smith see nothing wrong with it unwithout even discussing the der what I know about it, but I matter. don’t know all the details com“Why no remediation?” plete like he does.” asked Hubacek, directing her Rivera declined to comment comments at the board majorabout Smith’s termination.

GLORY SMITH ity. “Twenty-year employee, no “I’m not going to comment Former preschool real cause. I don’t know how on her termination at all,” Riprogram secretary you sleep at night.” vera said, adding he believed Smith had worked for the everything was done approprifounder of the district’s preately. school program, Chris Newell, At the beginning of the for 20 years. But this year she school board’s March 23 meethad a new boss. ing, Newell made a public Initially Kim West replaced comment, via email, praising Newell, who retired at the last Smith and expressing concern of the 2019-20 school year. But about her firing. in the fall Beatriz Lappay, who was hired “Glory has always been more than just a last year to be an assistant principal at school secretary,” Newell wrote. “She has George Washington Middle School, took served as a basketball coach, Girl Scout over as preschool director when West shift- leader and PTA volunteer. I evaluated Gloed to the director of student services posi- ry’s performance yearly and each year she was given a stellar rating. Therefore, in tion in September.

Hubacek talked to Smith after she was lieu of her outstanding record, I certainly fired and said she believes Smith was fired hope that there is an abundance of docubecause she questioned whether changes mentation of this complete change in her Lappay wanted to make to the district’s abilities and attitude that has warranted preschool program were allowed under her sudden termination in order to protect the terms of the federal Preschool for All the district from further litigation.” grant that funds the program.

Hubacek said she was told that there had been a meeting during which a principal expressed concerns to Lappay that kids from the preschool program were not being adequately prepared for kindergarten.

In response, Lappay apparently wanted to make the preschool program more academically focused. But Smith apparently told Lappay that she couldn’t do that, because the Preschool for All grant requires that preschool programs funded by the grant be play-based.

“No way was it malicious or behind her back. She just pointed out you can’t do that,” Hubacek said. “That’s my best information. I don’t have the whole picture because I didn’t ask her a ton of questions,

“I just feel like the rug was ripped out from underneath me.”

Read it online at www.rblandmark.com

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The Landmark, April 7, 2021 Sponsored Content

Now’s the time to be a tourist in your own backyard

O

ver the past year, the pandemic has brought tourism to a standstill. This has had a big impact here in the Oak Park area, which usually attracts millions of visitors to our local Eric C. Wagner President & CEO attractions like: the Frank of Visit Oak Park Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, Unity Temple, Hemingway Birthplace Museum, and Brookfield Zoo. Now more than ever, they need your support.

With vaccines giving us all hope that life will start returning to some normalcy this summer, our attractions need locals—like you—to buy tickets and visit while they wait for more visitors to be able to return soon.

With strict safety guidelines in place at each of our local attractions, here are a few great ways to explore your own backyard with your family and friends.

Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio

As a local, it might be easy to forget, but Oak Park is the birthplace of American architecture. If you’ve never visited, drop by the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, and enjoy a guided tour of where Wright’s Prairie style design got its roots.

Take a Wright Around Oak Park Tour to get a deeper glimpse into this genius designer with a walking tour of ten Wright homes in the surrounding historic neighborhood.

If you’ve never attended the annual Wright Plus Housewalk before, this is the year to go. This year’s event was recently rescheduled for September, but you’ll soon be able to purchase tickets. Not only do you get extraordinary access to eight private residences, and two landmark buildings designed by Wright and his contemporaries, but you will also be supporting the great work of the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust.

While any tour of Oak Park usually includes a stop at

Wright’s famed Unity Temple, the best way to see his masterpiece right now is a special virtual tour as part of the Vintage Home Show on Saturday, April 24. This special event, hosted by the Unity Temple Restoration Foundation and the Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce, features virtual workshops for how to repair, restore, and renovate historic buildings.

Caledonia head Noble recognized by Scottish Coalition A native of Scotland, Noble was Gus Noble, the president of the tapped to lead Chicago Scots and Chicago Scots and Caledonia Sethe then-Scottish Home facility in nior Living and Memory Care in North Riverside. Under his leadNorth Riverside, has been selected ership, the institution built Maas the 2021 recipient of the NationcLean House, an assisted-living al Tartan Day Award, which will facility for those needing treatbe presented by the Scottish Coaliment for Alzheimer’s and demention U.S.A. on Tartan Day, April 6. tia. Noble was instrumental in Given for outstanding leaderthe institution’s 2017 rebranding, ship, the award is the highest GUS NOBLE when it became Caledonia Senior honor in the Scottish-American Living. community.

“The nomination was unanimous and re“Gus is being recognized for his role in ensuring Caledonia Senior Living and Memory sounding,” said John Bellassai, president of Care’s impeccable record of safety throughout Council of Scottish Clans and Associations, the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Paul Melville, and a founding member of The Scottish Cochairman of the board of governors of the alition U.S.A. “During COVID-19 Gus has Chicago Scots. “This is a proud moment for been tireless in continuing his support of so our Society and every Chicago Scot, especially many Scottish-American causes, whilst headthis year when we are celebrating our 175th ing Caledonia Senior Living. He deserves our recognition.” anniversary as the oldest charity in Illinois.”

Ernest Hemingway’s Birthplace Museum

If you’re watching the new Ken Burns Hemingway documentary on PBS, taking a tour of Ernest Hemingway’s Birthplace Museum provides a behind the scenes glimpse of this enigmatic author that you just can’t get from watching the documentary.

The majestic Pleasant Home offers three unique tours. Get a glimpse of servant life at the mansion, or take an expanded tour and see all three levels of the home. A new grounds tour will be offered this spring.

The Oak Park River Forest Museum showcases unique and interesting historical artifacts of the area. Check out their many historical and timely exhibits, including the Fair Housing exhibit.

Finally, come one, come all, and enjoy the many famed exhibits of Brookfield Zoo, including Dinos Everywhere, which will only be here until September.

Be sure to check out the new Pick Oak Park guide to find local shopping and dining options to fill out a perfect day for your family and friends.

As we get closer to summer travel, look to Visit Oak Park for more information.

Visit Oak Park is the tourism bureau serving the Village of Oak Park and its neighboring Cook County communities, including the villages of Brookfield, Forest Park, North Riverside, River Forest and Riverside.

PROVIDED

BUNNY BRIGADE: Lyons Township High School sophomores and members of the Peaceable Schools Initiative Club (from left) Marija Stojanoska and Angela Angelovska along with volunteer and Speech Team sponsor Sarah Pouls help organize more than 100 Easter baskets for the children of Chicago’s Off the Streets Club.

LTHS club delivers baskets to needy children

The Lyons Township High School Peaceable Schools Initiative (PSI) Club recently donated more than 330 holiday baskets for needy children at the Off the Streets Club, Chicago’s oldest boys and girls club.

In addition to 234 pre-filled baskets, additional supplies, including baskets/buckets, toys, books, arts and crafts, snacks, and more, were donated to fill an additional 100 baskets. Donations came in from the Lyons Township Assessor’s Office, LTHS staff members, PSI students and community

members.

PSI Club creates a positive, comfortable and supportive learning environment for all through improved conflict resolution and communication skills.

The Off the Street Club in West Garfield Park provides a safe, supportive environment where neighborhood children can do homework or play games, perform plays, dance, roller skate, sing, play musical instruments and express themselves through arts and crafts and woodshop.

The Landmark, April 7, 2021

Our goal is 2,021 members for Growing Community Media during our Spring Campaign for Democracy And now we have a $10,000 match to make the race interesting!

Longtime readers Marilyn and Dale Fitschen and Sally and Lou Nieto have pooled their donations to convince you this is the moment to join the campaign for our independent community newsroom.

In a democracy, there’s room for all opinions. Liberal. Conservative. Coffee. Tea. Print and digital.

So whether you vote in person or by mail, whether you read the Riverside-Brookfield Landmark in print or online, we need you to become a member to keep the news coming.

We cover seven neighborhoods from Riverside to Austin to Forest Park to Oak Park. Readers like you are stepping up to make sure their community gets the news it needs.

Please become a member at a level that’s right for you.

Donate at www.rblandmark.com/donate.

Campaign for Democracy Landmark | 2021 All democracy is local

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The Landmark, April 7, 2021

RENTAL REGISTRY

to make sure the village recouped the cost of administering such a program, which may at times involve reinspections and will require village staff to maintain records for the roughly 715 rental units identified in from page 1 Riverside.

Pollock also suggested that rental proprear porches and stairwells, rotten win- erty owners pay an annual fee to have their dow and door framing, unglazed windows, properties licensed, like a regular business, crumbling plaster, partially collapsed ceil- but Malina cautioned about making the new ings and resident complaints of registry requirement a revenue rodent and pest infestations. producer for the village.

“Really the goal through all of Riverside is a non-home rule this was to make sure we provide community and there are limits protection for new residents, on its ability to charge such fees, new tenants who are coming in, Malina said. so we can assure them that they As presented last week, the are moving into an apartment ordinance would require, at no that has met all of the relevant cost to the property owner, annupublic safety [codes],” said Vilal registration of the property, lage President Ben Sells during along with the names, addresses a discussion of the registry and and contact information of each inspection process at the village owner and property manager. board’s April 1 meeting, which The village will require knowwas held virtually due to the oning the number of rental units going coronavirus pandemic. within a building, a 24-hour BEN SELLS Village Attorney Lance Maemergency contact number, an Riverside president lina was asked to tweak some of address to which violation noticthe proposed language in order es or citations can be delivered to ensure inspection requireand the total square footage of ments aren’t onerous for buildliving spaces. ing owners and still ensure the Inspections would be done on village can inspect dwelling units during a three-year cycle, probably in three geothe time between old tenants moving out graphic zones, with the first beginning in 2022, However, if a unit becomes vacant, the and new ones moving in.

Trustee Doug Pollock also said he wanted ordinance requires the owner to inform the

Recouping costs

“The goal through all of this was to make sure we provide protection for new residents.”

BOB UPHUES/Editor

The Tower Apartments, at Forest and East avenues, in downtown Riverside. village, allow for inspection of that unit and obtain a rental certificate before it can be occupied again.

The draft ordinance contemplated a $50 fee for each apartment and rental house inspection, with a $25 reinspection fee and a $50 fee for subsequent reinspections. Those

figures could change, however, if the village finds the cost to do the inspections and maintain those records is more than such a fee schedule would recover.

Violating the ordinance could result in a building owner being fined between $150 and $750 a day for each offense.

Applications closing 5pm, April 9

The Landmark, April 7, 2021

HOME SCHOOL

Teaching young kids has been challenging for both of them. Brennan’s daughters are in first and third grade while Fernandez has a first-grader, second-grader and a preschooler.

“I felt I could handle the challenge of teachfrom page 1 ing little ones, but it has been a challenge. Because I’m a teacher anyway I thought, ‘I can they are used to learning very well and I do this,’” Fernandez said. didn’t want to go back to that in the fall. ...

Teaching their first-graders how to read We thought they needed more hands-on work has been a priority. Neither had much or any rather than just doing all of the assignments training in teaching reading. on the computer or the iPad.” “I wouldn’t say I know how to teach readEvery weekday morning Fernandez and ing, but I learned how to teach her to read,” her three children, 8-year-old Cecelia, 6-year- Brennan said. “I had to kind of learn along old Lucas and 5-year-old Liliana, attend school the way. I looked online for resources and at table in their living room that Fernandez did a lot of creative ways to get her to sound purchased for $75 from the Riverside Public things out.”

Library when the officials there were preparFernandez said her oldest child had exceling to remodel the library’s lower level. lent teachers at Blythe Park School, and she From 8:30 a.m. until noon they do reading, utilizes tips that she picked up seeing how her arithmetic and writing at the table with mom Cecilia was taught to read. as the teacher.

It was a bit of a struggle at first with Lucas, About noon they break for but then things began to click. lunch and a little play time. After“It’s been a little more of a noons are spent doing crafts and struggle with him being as a boy, projects. Sometimes Fernandez but he’s doing really well,” Fertakes them to the forest preserves nandez said. “It’s really surprisor to Morton Arboretum for exing that once they actually get it ercise and nature studies. Some they can pick it up so quickly.” days they just take walks. Even in With Liliana, who will start kinthe dead of winter they went outdergarten in the fall, Fernandez side nearly every day. has just focused on teaching her “They spent hours outside just letters and numbers. But since playing in the snow because they Liliana is spending much of the enjoyed it, building all kinds of morning sitting at the same table stuff,” Fernandez said. “The outas her older sister and brother, door component has been critishe has picked up some words by cal. Even if it was cold, we went osmosis and is starting to read a outside.” little herself.

One of the advantages of home “I haven’t really worked on that ABBY BRENNAN schooling is that they can do it with her,” Fernandez said. “It’s anywhere. Many lessons, espejust something that because she cially science lessons, were held hears, she’s in the same room and outside. hears what her brother and sister For much of the year while Fernandez are doing.” has been teaching her children downstairs While Fernandez handles the teaching in the living room, her husband Braulio, an for her children, Brennan and her husband, eighth-grade math teacher at a Chicago pub- Michael Snow, a stay-at-home dad, split the lic school, has been teaching his classes re- teaching duties at their house. Abby teaches motely from an upstairs office. While Suzan- in the morning before heading off to the spa, nah is the teacher for their children, Brauilo while Michael teaches in the afternoon. occasionally helps out.

“I do the reading the writing and science “He helps when I have questions, especially and art and he really does math, and he’ll do in the math, of how to teach the basics of science as well if I can’t get to the science,” math to our children,” Fernandez said.

Brennan said.

The Fernandez kids and Brennan’s two Brennan teaches from the kitchen table. girls, Harriet, 9, and Iris, 7, get together al“It’s been a good experience for all of us,” most every afternoon to play.

Brennan said. “It’s definitely been hard, but “Neither my kids nor her kids really are everything [this year] has been hard. having any other social interaction with Both Brennan and Fernandez like the flexother kids, so it’s been nice to have kids just ibility that home schooling allows. They can two doors down kids that are their age that shape their lessons to their values and interthey can play with and still socialize with,” ests and abilities of their children. For forFernandez said. mer art teacher Brennan, that means incorBoth Fernandez and Brennan are former porating art and creativity into her lessons as teachers. Fernandez was a high school or frequently as she can. middle school history teacher for 16 years be“We’re always tying in that higher-order fore deciding to stay home full time four years thinking,” Brennan said. “Some days it’s ago. been more traditional like in a school. Other She taught history for 10 years at Lycée de days we’ve done it a little more hands on or Francais de Chicago, private school, while artistically.”

Brennan had been a K-8 art teacher in the For Fernandez it means teaching values.

Chicago Public Schools for seven years before “We do Bible study, which is incorporated opening her business. into our daily lessons,” Fernandez said.

Challenging year

“We’ve been able to do a lot and a lot of it has been really, really great, but it has been hard.”

“That’s something that they wouldn’t get in the public schools, and it’s been great to be able to teach them that at home.”

Another aspect of the home schooling is being able to have school anywhere. About once of month on Thursdays Fernandez packs her kids in the car and they head off to rural east central Indiana to visit the grandparents.

They have school at the grandparents’ house on Friday and then enjoy the weekend.

“They’ve enjoyed being able to do school from wherever they are,” Fernandez said.

Although they live just a couple of doors down from each other and their kids play together nearly every day, Brennan and Fernandez haven’t worked together on school much.

“She does her home schooling in a pretty different style than me,” Brennan said. “I tend to bring in a little more hands on and art.

She does some but not as much.”

Neither Brennan nor Fernandez have followed a formal curriculum although Fernandez purchased a curriculum based on the teaching of Charlotte Mason, who was an English educational reformer active at the turn of the 20th century.

The Charlotte Mason curriculum is religiously influenced and includes scripture studies. As she got more confident Fernandez became more creative and followed her own instructs.

“Definitely now I’m doing more on my own than through that curriculum that I purchased,” Fernandez said.

Brennan didn’t buy a curriculum “I just focused on the state goals for the grade level and took it from there on my own,” Brennan said.

Neither Brennan nor Fernandez have focused much on testing.

“I know where they are and if they’re meeting what I believe are the grade-level standards, that’s our goal,” Fernandez said. “I’ve never really been especially as a parent on who compares my kids to others.”

Brennan is not sure where how her kids stack up against their grade-level classmates who remained enrolled at Blythe Park this year, but she isn’t too concerned about it.

“We’re probably behind in some things and ahead in others,” Brennan said.

Both Brennan and Fernandez say that their children have really enjoyed home schooling.

However, Brennan’s kids are definitely going back to Blythe Park next year, although she thinks it might be hard at first for her girls to be in different classes after having so much time together this year.

“I think the school can give them more than I can,” Brennan said. “We’ve been able to do a lot and a lot of it has been really, really great, but it has been hard.”

Fernandez said that she too is leaning toward sending her kids back to Blythe Park next year, although her kids are lobbying to continue with home schooling.

“I think it’s important for their socialemotional development for them to be around kids and also for them to have someone other than the mother teach them so they can just, interact with other adults,” Fernandez said. “That’s my only concern. Otherwise, I wouldn’t mind home schooling them. I would do it, no problem.”

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14

The Landmark, April 7, 2021

Opinion KOSEY CORNER

THE LANDMARK VIEW

Tool to help tenants

R

iverside has struggled for years to stay on top of problem multifamily rental properties, where tenants complain – mostly offline because they fear the consequences of going public and embarrassing their landlords – about substandard building and apartment maintenance, pest infestations, spotty hot water service and safety hazards.

There have been some repeat offenders where the village spends months chasing landlords through the court system to rectify problems, a drain both of staff time and village resources.

Despite the village’s past efforts, the problems persist. Earlier this year, the danger to tenants of some buildings came into full view when the heating plant failed at the Tower Apartments and a slow response from the owners and building management had tenants without reliable heat for more than a week.

The village, seeking to force the ownership to act quickly, sought an injunction in circuit court that allowed inspectors to get inside the building, including individual apartments, to see just what condition tenant’s lived in.

Riverside residents, meanwhile, wonder why the village can’t do more to crack down on landlords before a big problem occurs. The reason is pretty elementary, however. The buildings are private property and small municipalities like Riverside, a non-home rule community, have few tools to require landlords to open up their buildings for regular inspections.

Elected officials hope that a new ordinance, which would create a registry of all rental properties in the village, will help head off incidents like February’s boiler failure at the Tower Apartments.

The buildings would need to have their registrations renewed annually and owners would have to open up the buildings and individual units to inspection every three years or when tenancy turns over.

There is still some fine-tuning that needs to be done to make this process work for staff and not be excessively onerous for building owners, but the village must do more to ensure the comfort and safety Riverside residents who rent apartments or single-family homes.

It’s a population that seems marginalized in a village where welloff residents point with pride to historic homes and Riverside’s natural beauty. And, it is about time village government has taken active steps to advocate for them actively by engaging building owners and management to maintain those properties.

We’ll see just how cooperative some building owners will be and how proactive they’ll be in reporting tenant turnover, but the village needs to hold problem landlords to account. Perhaps this new registry will help the village put more teeth into their code enforcement efforts.

Sports is back

For the first time since March 2020, there’s a “Sports” flag atop one of the Landmark’s pages, and we couldn’t be happier.

The past year shifted priorities both here and in schools, and the uncertainly of high school athletics prompted us to pause regular sports coverage on a weekly basis.

The clouds are beginning to part, however, and from here through the end of the current school year we will endeavor to bring you local high school sports news and features.

It’s time to “play ball” once again. Thanks for your patience.

A

Lions name Maloney their 2021 Jansky Award winner

plaque hanging in the main hall of the Riverside Township Hall lists names of those who have been named recipients of the Bill Jansky Award from the Riverside Township Lions Club.

The Jansky Award winners are chosen by a committee of Lions members who review nominations sent to the Club. Along with having their names added to the list of prior awardees, winners are also honored at a dinner meeting of the Lions Club.

This year the Lions Club is proud to announce that Cathy Maloney, of Riverside, is the 2021 Bill Jansky Award recipient.

Maloney has been long active in the community, CATHY MALONEY and while she often works behind the scenes, we all benefit from her efforts. A longtime member of the Landscape Advisory Commission, she has been instrumental in revitalizing the triangle parks throughout the village. It was her love of the village’s trees and plantings that set her upon a path that ended with Riverside receiving official designation as an arboretum.

She has served as president of the Frederick Law Olmsted Society and brought that perspective to her role as a commissioner and chairwoman of the Landscape Advisory Commission.

Maloney and her husband, Mike, reside in what is known as the Gardener’s Cottage, which was part of the Coonley Estate designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. She shared the history of the cottage in her 2010 book “The Gardener’s Cottage in Riverside, Illinois: Living in a Small Masterpiece.”

The book serves not only as the history of her home but as a tribute to Frank Lloyd Wright, landscape architect Jens Jensen and Frederick Law Olmsted, Riverside’s designer.

While Jansky Award winners are typically feted at a dinner meeting of the organization, last year’s winner, Tom Sisulak, missed out due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is the intention of the Lions Club to honor Cathy Maloney at a dinner meeting as soon as it is possible. In the interim you will soon be able to see the plaque in the Riverside Township Hall.

The Jansky Award is named in honor of the late Bill Jansky, who was an active member of the Lions Club, a member of the Riverside business community and of the Chamber of Commerce.

Longtime residents will know him as as the owner of Bill’s Finer Foods at 28 E. Burlington St. The building was demolished in 2019.

JOANNE KOSEY

LETTERS

Shut Grand Blvd. after other businesses close Has the Brookfield Village Board or the businesses who would be negatively affected by closing Grand Boulevard considered having the street blocked after the three businesses mentioned close for the day?

Christopher Mark Florist and Painted Studio both close at 5 p.m. while Snails to Tails has different closing hours for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Perhaps the latter would consider opening before 2 p.m. and closing at 5 on Friday and Saturday. It would certainly be a compromise that could potentially appease everyone.

Through traffic would be closed on Grand Boulevard for dinner patrons and those interested in evening gatherings. The village would need someone

to pull out the barricades at 5 and then reopen the street when the bars close.

Yes, it entails a bit of extra work each weekend evening but if having Grand closed in the late afternoon/evenings brings in business for the bars/ restaurant owners while not taking business away from the non-eateries, couldn’t this be a win-win situation for all the businesses?

One can certainly appreciate both sides of the story, but I think this could be a workable option instead of limiting the closure of Grand Boulevard to only one weekend a month. Is this doable?

Joni Acamovic Brookfield

The Landmark, April 7, 2021

15

LETTERS

Riverside Caucus responds to column’s ‘misinformation’ Although “Kosey Korner” is an opinion column, the Riverside Community Caucus (RCC/Caucus) feels that facts are important and therefore would like to correct the misinformation contained in the March 24 column.

Kosey Korner: “Riverside chose to vet candidates through the Riverside Community Caucus, a longstanding way to choose candidates.”

RCC: “Riverside” did not choose to “vet candidates through the Riverside Community Caucus.” The Caucus is a non-partisan community organization that welcomes all registered Riverside voters to join and participate in our mission which is “to encourage and facilitate a stable Village government.” The Riverside Community Caucus does not claim to represent all of Riverside; is not an arm, official or otherwise, of our local government; and does not function via “traditions,” spoken or unspoken.

Kosey Korner: “The slate was chosen by a small group of people who then presented it to the full Caucus for a vote,” RCC: This is incorrect. We believe that village leadership is a responsibility shared across the community, and should not be controlled by a minority. In the past, the Caucus vetted prospective candidates via a Nominating Committee which made recommendations; the current process uses a Recruiting Committee.

The difference is not just semantical. In total, 10 people volunteered to serve on the

Recruiting Committee. The Recruiting Committee promoted a public search for candidates via word of mouth, social media and the RB Landmark. We received more than 40 recommendations and all were contacted -none were overlooked for any reason.

Of those contacted, 10 people expressed interest and chose to go through the interviewing process. After the interviews, three candidates withdrew from consideration, leaving seven prospective candidates. The Recruiting Committee made sure that potential candidates were eligible to serve, but didn’t pass judgment on anyone’s qualifications. All seven prospective candidates were presented to the entire Caucus membership, as well as the community at large, via video, in their own words. The candidates themselves chose what they wanted to highlight.

Kosey Korner: “although all members of the Caucus were not eligible to vote.”

RCC: Per the Caucus bylaws, “To be able to vote for candidates to endorse, a member must have joined the Caucus at least one year prior to the next Consolidated Election.” This provision has been in the Caucus bylaws since about 2010.

However, in 2020, because of the pandemic, we allowed all members who joined prior to Sept. 15 to vote for which candidates to endorse. The Caucus is not just an organization, it is a process. We would like to see everyone join in the process, not just vote on the end product. The only members “not eligible to vote” were those who didn’t join in time to vote.

Kosey Korner: “That differed from the original Caucus bylaws which gave more people a chance to vote and present candidates at a large meeting” RCC: The Caucus’ “original” bylaws (from 1927) are lost in time. However, even our bylaws from 2019 proved to be no match for the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. A “large meeting” was an impossibility. We’re all looking forward to the time that we can again meet in person.

We did have an open-ended virtual general membership meeting before voting where members asked questions and fully expressed their opinions. Even though we had to improvise, more members were able to vote during this round of endorsements than have done so in recent cycles.

Kosey Korner: “Trustees will include one incumbent trustee and two newcomers, including one who has only resided in the village for four to five years.”

RCC: The Riverside Community Caucus values many attributes including a candidate’s experience, integrity, and desire to serve the community. The younger family demographic is the future of our village. We do not believe that someone’s length of residency should either qualify or disqualify them from consideration.

Kosey Korner: “Unfortunately, an incumbent trustee and longtime resident was overlooked.”

RCC: Nobody was “overlooked.” All seven

prospective candidates (including the two incumbents) were afforded an equal opportunity to present themselves to the membership and the community at large.

Neither incumbency nor geography qualified or disqualified any prospective candidate. Our membership took its responsibility seriously and voted in favor of the candidates they felt were qualified and would be best able to represent us all on the Village Board of Trustees.

Regardless of endorsement, the Riverside Community Caucus and its members value each and every prospective candidate that presented themselves for consideration. All seven of the prospective candidates are our friends and neighbors, who generously gave their time, experience, and friendship to the Riverside community.

Not being endorsed shouldn’t reflect negatively on anyone. We had seven extremely qualified individuals and only four open seats. Those not endorsed accepted the membership’s decision with grace, and will undoubtedly continue to contribute their talents to our community.

To learn more about the Riverside Community Caucus please visit our website at www.riversidecommunitycaucus.org.

Kevin F. Smith, chair Sandy Briolat, vice chair Maria Cerrone, secretary E. Jay Van Cura, treasurer Kimber Coombes, communications coordinator Amy Bilow, membership coordinator Riverside Community Caucus Board

OBITUARIES

Arthur F. Flowers Sr., 80 Former Brookfield volunteer fireman Arthur F. Flowers Sr., 80, of McNabb, Illinois, and formerly of Brookfield, died Jan. 11, 2021 in Peru, Illinois.

Mr. Flowers was born Dec. 1, 1940 in Chicago was a retired manager for AT&T. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for the village of Brookfield.

He was the husband of Louise (nee Janota); the father of Arthur Jr. (Drusilla),

Donna Hirsch-Flowers, Deanne Getchman, Derrick Hirsch, the late Edward Flowers and the late David Hirsch; the grandfather of 11; great-grandfather of one; the brother of Paul, Barbara (David) Lacy and the late Thomas Flowers; and an uncle of many.

Visitation is on Sunday, April 11, from 1 p.m. until time of a 4 p.m. memorial service at Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home 3847 Prairie Ave., Brookfield.

Due to current health regulations, a maximum of 50 people are allowed in the funeral home at any one time, masks and social distancing are required at the funeral home.

Please exit the funeral home after paying

your respects so all visitors have an opportunity to enter.

Online condolences and memories can be shared at JohnsonNosek.com.

Robert D. Novak, 65 Retired diesel mechanic Robert D. Novak, 65, of Lyons died April 1, 2021. Mr. Novak was retired from a career as a diesel mechanic.

He was the husband of Barbara (nee Wiezorek); the father of Robert (Trisha),

Sherri (Joseph) Spizzirri and Gregory (Jennifer); the grandfather of Nicholas, Payton, Sam, Kaitlyn, Christopher, Sherri and Brian; the brother of Donna Novak; and an uncle and friend to many.

ROBERT D. NOVAK Visitation is Tuesday, April 6 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Ivins/Moravecek Funeral Home, 80 E. Burlington St., Riverside.

To run an obituary Please contact Bob Uphues by e-mail: buphues@rblandmark.com, or fax: 708/524-9066 before Monday at noon.

Please include a photo if possible.

16

Sports

The Landmark, April 7, 2021

@RBLandmark

RBHS boys soccer off to a hot start in 2021 Bulldogs manage drawn versus Fenwick after splashy 7-1 record

By LAUREN RECCHIA Contributing Reporter

The Riverside-Brookfield High School boys soccer team’s season may feel different as they adjust to these unprecedented times, but they have been going strong so far in 2021.

After running out to a 7-1 record to start the season, the Bulldogs settled for a 1-1 draw against Fenwick at the Kennelly Athletic Complex in Brookfield on April 2. Senior Harry Adami got the Bulldogs on the board first with a goal on a pass from senior Andrew Lukwinski late in the first half.

“Andrew got it on the outside, and he drove it in for me,” Adami said. “I just had to tap it in, it was all him.”

Senior leadership has been one of the keys for the Bulldogs’ success so far this year, and many players have contributed throughout the year so far.

“Our midfield is really good,” Adami said. “[Senior Xander) Sanchez has been on varsity for all four years. (Sophomore defender Alex] Garcia has been a rock for us and [senior goalie Jaiden] Costello has been great.”

Along with those players, seniors Andres

Beltran and Miles Rubio have been key contributors, as well as sophomore Manny Tovar.

Adami said he was thrilled to hear that he would be able to play his senior season after all the uncertainty and changes the pandemic caused for high school athletics.

With two weeks remaining in 2021 and some tough games to go, including one against Wheaton Academy on April 13, he knows his team will be locked in.

“It’s disappointing that there are no playoffs this year, but I still want to compete, and I still want to play well, and we’ve got some hard games coming up,” Adami said. “This was a good game to keep our momentum going, because Fenwick is a good team, too.”

Because there is no state tournament this year, the Bulldogs won’t be able to defend 2019’s regional championship, but there’s still chance for team growth, said coach Ivek Halic.

“Despite not having a state series tournament, we are looking towards continuous growth as a program, development with our young athletes, and a conference championship for this season,” Halic said.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

FANCY FOOTWORK: RBHS midfielder Xander Sanchez works to elude Fenwick’s Zach Hernandez during the Bulldogs’ 1-1 draw against the Friars at the Kennelly Athletic Complex in Brookfield on April 2.

Naz football coach notches 200th career win Racki given game ball after Roadrunners upend De La Salle 45-0

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

In his 23 seasons as an Illinois high school football coach -- seven at now-closed Driscoll Catholic and the last 16 at Nazareth Academy -- there aren’t many things that surprise Tim Racki.

But he was genuinely touched by the tribute the Roadrunners’ players, coaches, and staff gave him April 1 after he recorded his 200th career win with Nazareth’s 45-0 road shutout at De La Salle in Chicago.

“I wasn’t expecting it, but at the end of the game, our athletic director [Dennis Moran] gave me a game ball and the kids clapped,” said Racki, who has won six state championships in his career. “I’m a real team guy, so it just symbolizes all the great players and coaches I’ve had throughout my career. In my eyes, it’s a great team achievement.”

Racki said he believes that the coaching culture and philosophy he’s developed over the years, based on his experiences both as a player and an assistant, has been important in allowing for sustained success.

“I think it’s how I relate to my players. I’ve loved playing football my entire life, and I just put my thumbprint on all of those things I thought it should be,” he said. “The methods I didn’t appreciate as a player, I never used [as a coach]. I’m also very good at surrounding myself with

COURTESY OF COURTESY NAZARETH ACADEMY

Nazareth football coach Tim Racki great assistants because I’m not a micromanager.

“When I first started coaching, I was allowed the freedom to do what I wanted as a position coach and then a defensive

coordinator. I appreciated it, and I thought I would do that with my staff and give them ownership within the program.

A good, positive culture has been created, an environment that promotes team chemistry.”

Like all other football coaches in the state, the transition to spring caused by the pandemic has been challenging for Nazareth. Initially, Racki was skeptical about playing in the spring, but the enthusiasm shown by his team on the first day of practice changed his mind.

“After seeing how excited the kids were, I snapped right of it,” said Racki. “They reminded me of why I love coaching. It’s been a lot of fun, and I’m taking a different approach -- everyone on the team plays. Kids that normally wouldn’t have many plays have seen the field earlier and not just in blowouts.”

As long as he’s having fun, Racki will continue coaching. But when he does finally decide to call it a career, he said he hopes those he’s coached will remember him as someone who cared for them, and not just as players.

“I love them, and I want to see them succeed on and off the field,” he said. “I didn’t just teach them football, but I also taught how football teaches you lessons. It’s just a game, but it’s also a microcosm of life. It helps you to manage difficulties as well as successes.”

Nazareth’s next game is scheduled for April 10 against when they host Marist at Valenta Stadium at noon.

The Landmark, April 7, 2021

17

LTHS boys water polo seeks third state title New coach takes helm for Fenwick girls

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

The return of high school water polo this spring after a one-year absence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is good news for three local programs.

One is eager to maintain its now-perennial status as a state contender, another has a new but familiar face at the helm and another hopes its young talent will develop.

LTHS boys In 2012 under the guidance of head coach Doug Eichstaedt, Lyons Township High School became the first public high school in Illinois to win a boys state water polo championship. The Lions won another title three years later and have become a regular participant in the state finals.

Last spring, LTHS believed it had a good possibility of winning a third championship thanks to a talented nucleus led by Bobby Bolen. Unfortunately, that dream was dashed as the season fell victim to COVID-19.

This spring, the Lions are thrilled to be back in action, according to Eichstaedt.

“It’s great to be practicing and competing with the team,” he said. “There was just a lot of excitement about the chance to play and compete this season.”

Top returning players for LTHS are senior captains Lian Malaysia, Sebastián Pérez, and Jack Walsh, along with senior Michael Schoneman and juniors Jack Bradbury and Jimmy Bolan.

Eichstaedt looks for freshman goalkeeper Charlie Vik to make an effective impact on the Lions, who expect to be strong defensively

and feature plenty of depth.

“We have a lot of strong leaders on this team, and everyone is really working well together,” he said. “Our goals are to be the best team that we can be and for each individual to be the best they can be.”

LTHS is off to a 2-1 start this season, having defeated Morton 21-1 and Fenwick 21-8, while losing to Stevenson 14-9. The Lions anticipate being in position for another run at a state title. Meanwhile, Eichstaedt feels his team has fared well with dealing with the uncertainties the pandemic has presented.

“I think the players have done a great job of handling the ups and downs of the last year,” he said. “We’ve been able to take advantage of some opportunities when practices were able to open up, and it was great that they were able to get a swim season in during the winter.”

Fenwick girls Fenwick has a new leader for this season as former player and assistant coach Elizabeth Timmons takes over from longtime head coach Jack Wagner, who retired last year.

“I know I have a lot to prove and live up to in this role,” ELIZABETH TIMMONS said Timmons, a 2004 Fenwick graduate, in an email. “It won’t be easy to fill the shoes of those who have come before me, including Jack Wagner and Dave Perry -- my first coach and dad. I’m hoping to continue the tradition of excellence and am excited for all the possibilities to come in the future.”

While there isn’t the same amount of experience on the team as usual, Timmons feels a mix of talented newcomers along with the few

returning veterans should make for a competitive team. Yet she also admits it may take some time for the Friars to jell as a unit.

“Having less pool time due to COVID-19 has meant a little restructuring. I am still figuring out the best places to use people as I get to know the girls and their individual strengths,” Timmons said. “This year will definitely be fluid as we will be making adjustments so I can ensure we are utilizing each player to their maximum potential.”

The faces may be different, but the goal of the Fenwick program remains the same: to improve as the season progresses and be in position to vie for a state title. Under Wagner, the Friars amassed 10 state championships.

Timmons believes the team can build upon this legacy, but it will take plenty of work to accomplish this.

“I believe the girls are excited to continue this tradition this year, but in order to be successful, we need to get a little more cohesion with the group we have,” she said. “We’re looking forward to the postseason opportunities, but we have a lot of work to do before we get there.”

RBHS boys The Bulldogs don’t have a lot of experience as a result of missing last season. But Riverside-Brookfield High School is off to a solid start this spring with a 2-1 record, with wins over Bremen and Shepard and a loss to Jones College Prep.

Entering his sixth season, head coach Kevin Wolak is happy to be back after not playing last season.

“Our top returning players are seniors Dayton Gaughan, Peter Kallas, and Clayton Stewart,” he said. “They provide leadership.”

Gaughan is RBHS’ leading scorer so far with 15 goals and six assists. Stewart (8 goals), Kallas (5 goals) and junior Liam Matthews (5 goals) have also been key contributors on the attack. Junior Alec Wilkowski has been

a stabilizing influence at goalkeeper for the Bulldogs.

There’s also a core of young talent led by sophomore Liam Coombs and freshmen Lucas Hendrich, Alex Jacobs, and Hayden Marrs. Wolak believes the three freshmen show promise and will be good with more experience.

The goal for RBHS this season will be to develop its younger talent. Wolak says the players not only handled the adversity of the past year well, but that the program has gained a surprising benefit from it.

“Despite not having a season last year, we actually have more players than last year,” he said.

RBHS girls The RBHS girls water polo team has not hit the pool just yet, as their first two contests were cancelled; the first due to a positive COVID case on the opposing team from Fenwick, the second due to Bremen not being able to field enough players.

Although the team is smaller in numbers than in years past, coach Todd Fridrych said he’s confident that the team can be successful as they get ready to play their first match.

“We have seven strong players this season,” he said. “Our four seniors on the varsity team had some great experience at the varsity level prior to the pandemic. The seniors will be huge contributors for us this season.”

Seniors Sophie Bruno, Amanda Schwarz and Brooke and Grace Wubbolding will be counted on this season for their leadership. Juniors Gillian Dowling, Allie Brand and CeCe Rosa will also help the Bulldogs seek success this season.

“I expect really good things from these players,” Fridrych said. “In addition, our goalie [senior Bella Gutierrez] has some experience and a very strong arm which will greatly benefit our counterattack.”

Lauren Recchia contributed to this report.

Bulldogs bounce back in rout over Ridgewood

After two opening season losses, football team wins 60-0

By LAUREN RECCHIA Contributing Reporter

The Riverside-Brookfield High School football team had their work cut out for them as they opened the season with losses against Hillcrest and Bishop McNamara, but the Bulldogs bounced back April 3 with a 60-0 victory over Ridgewood.

“The kids continue to work hard, and we definitely have some scoring threats and some leaders on defense,” said coach Brendan Curtin. “We are turning the corner and

finding a rhythm and playing some good football. There have been a lot of challenges for sure, but I do feel like we’re trending in the right direction.”

One of those challenges was word last week that on March 28 one of the team’s players had tested positive for COVID-19 and that after contact tracing, two other players had been deemed “close contacts,” i.e. they been within six feet of that teammate for more than 15 minutes.

A letter sent to RBHS parents stated the player had participated in the Bulldogs’ March 26 game against Bishop Mac. Despite that news, RBHS played its April 3 game against Ridgewood as scheduled.

Through the first two games of the season, RBHS junior quarterback Owen Murphy was 30-for-60 passing for 208 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore running back/

linebacker Ryan Novak led the team in rushing with 49 yards on 15 carries through the first two games, while junior wide receiver Bradley Vaia led in receiving with 105 yards on nine catches.

On defense, senior linebacker Luke Swiatek led the team in tackles with 15, followed by senior linebacker Jordan Medrano with 12 and Novak with 11.

RBHS girls volleyball The RBHS girls volleyball team dropped their match against Chicago Christian on April 1 to bring their record to 4-3 on the season. Key victories against Elmwood Park, Bishop Mac, Ridgewood and Aurora Central Catholic have propelled them to a winning season thus far, and coach Mary Pakosta is excited for what her team can do

in the shortened season.

“This year we are coming back with a bit more experience,” she said. “We are returning six starters, three of them are seniors. I am happy and especially pleased for our seniors in the ability to play in this school year and look forward to the last few weeks of the season.”

Offensively, junior Colette Barnes (outside hitter) leads the team with 46 kills.

Sophomore Reagan Mulcrone (middle hitter) has notched 26 kills on 56 attempts this season, with five blocks.

Senior Annalisa Cinkay has contributed 24 kills, while junior setter Emeli Romo has 90 assists, 21 digs and 10 aces. Senior Libero McKenna Sloan has 38 digs and junior defensive specialist Claire Stanislaw has 33 digs.

18

The Landmark, April 7, 2021 New local ads this week

HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI

WEDNESDAY

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

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

YOUR WEEKLY AD

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

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

Wednesday Journal Classified must be notified before the second insertion.

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

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 | BY E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@RBLANDMARK.COM HELP WANTED BUDGET & REVENUE ANALYST The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Budget and Revenue Analyst in the Police Department.

This position will Serve the public with professional administrative and analytical duties in the areas of budget preparation, purchasing, payroll, data analysis and process improvement. Provides, prepares and maintains records, and financial and statistical reports and analysis which assist in the Village’s ability to improve business processes and gain efficiencies through better use of technology. Budget duties include assisting in the development, analysis and application of performance measures with regard to Village services and resources; preparing, modifying, tracking and monitoring Village expenses and transfers; and conducting budget-related research and analysis. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park. us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. First review of applications April 12, 2021.

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AUTOS FOR SALE

WANTED TO BUY

HANDYMAN

LANDSCAPING

2008 FORD CROWN VIC INTERCEPTOR 62K MILES. $5500,

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

Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

Mike’s Home Repair

BRUCE LAWN SERVICE

2013 FORD TAURUS INTERCEPTOR 140K MILES. $5500.

2005 HONDA CIVIC EX 5 SPD, 170K MILES. $3500.

1986 CAMARO Z28 5 SPD, 73K MILES. $4500.

Many new parts on all

FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.

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

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

Call Pearson 773-540-7650.



CEMENT

CEMENT

MAGANA

C O N C R E T E C O N S T RU C T I O N “QUALITY IS OUR FOUNDATION” ESTABLISHED IN 1987

COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL

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

ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed

ELECTRICAL

A&A ELECTRIC

Let an American Veteran do your work

We install plugs for battery-operated vehicles We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs We install Surge Protectors • Home Re-wiring • New Plugs & Switches Added • New circuit breaker boxes • Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp • Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential • Commercial • Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. • Bonded • Ins. • Low Rates • Free Est.

708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848 Sr. Discounts • 30 Yrs. Exp. Servicing Oak Park • All surrounding suburbs • Chicago area

• Electric • Heating • Air Conditioning Starting A New Business?

Call the Experts Before You Place Your Legal Ad! Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice in Journal/Review/ Landmark/Austin CLASSIFIED! Call 708/613-3342

Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am – 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue.

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

John Giatras Licensed, EPA Certified

Phone: 708-556-5540 Email: adinstubc@yahoo.com Reasonable Pricing!

Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Don’t Do

708-296-2060

CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE Drywall Repair • Painting Fans Installed • Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning • Window Repair

FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small

708-488-9411

HANDYMAN Roofing Repairs Concrete Repairs • Drywall All types of handiwork Call For Free Estimates

Spring Clean-Up Aerating, Slit Seeding Bush Trimming, Lawn Maintenance brucelawns.com

708-243-0571

PAINTING & DECORATING CLASSIC PAINTING Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair Low Cost

708.749.0011

PLASTERING McNulty Plastering & Stucco Co.

773-637-0692

Small & big work. Free estimates.

Complete Plaster, Stucco & Re-Coating Services

HAULING

Licensed, Bonded, Insured, & EPA Certified Expert craftsmanship for over 50 years

Ask for John

BASEMENT CLEANING

Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery.

708-848-9404

HEATING/ AIR CONDITIONING HEATING AND APPLIANCE EXPERT Furnaces, Boilers and Space Heaters Refrigerators Ranges • Ovens Washer • Dryers Rodding Sewers Lic/Bonded 25 yrs experience

FREE SERVICE CALL WITH REPAIR AND SENIOR/VETERAN DISCOUNT.

708-785-2619 or 773-585-5000

708/386-2951 • ANYTIME Work Guaranteed

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: Y21006278 on March 15, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of H & C RENTALS with the business located at:705 W 115TH ST., CHICAGO, IL 60628. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: ANDREA COLLINS 705 W 115TH ST., CHICAGO, IL 60628, USA Published in Wednesday Journal 3/24, 3/31, 4/7/2021

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y21006371 on March 23, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of THE PERIWINKLE PEACOCK with the business located at: 59 WASHINGTON BLVD, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: BRIEANNE MARIE MALDONADO-CRUZ, 59 WASHINGTON BLVD, OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA. Published in Wednesday Journal March 31, April 7, April 14, 2021

Attention! Home-improvement pros!

Reach the people making decisions–your target market.

Advertise in Wednesday Classified. Call 708/613-3342

The Landmark, April 7, 2021

19

Public Notice: Your right to know In print • Online • Available to you 24/7/365 RBLandmark.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICES

Riverside Township RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP – PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE REPAIR

VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE, ILLINOIS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

I. TIME AND PLACE OF OPENING OF BIDS: Sealed Bids for the remodeling described herein will be received at the office of the RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP, 27 Riverside Road Riverside, IL 60546 until 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, May 4, 2021, and will be publicly opened and read at that time.

Notice is hereby given to all interested persons that a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Riverside will be held on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the business of the Planning and Zoning Commission may permit, to consider an application for a variation from Section 10-7-3(A)6.E (Accessory Structures in Residential Districts) of the Village of Riverside Zoning Ordinance to allow the reconstruction of a nonconforming garage of 991 square feet in the same location as the previous garage in the R1-A Single-Family Residence District.

II. DESCRIPTION OF WORK: The proposed work is officially known as RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP – PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE REPAIR and consists of structural repairs to the approximately 210 long suspension bridge spanning the Des Plaines River behind the Riverside Township Hall. Additionally the existing coatings shall be removed and replaced.

III. INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS: A. Bid documents will be ready after 3:00 p.m. on, Thursday, April 8, 2021. Only General Contractors may obtain bid documents by emailing their request. The email shall include General Contractor’s information of the following: Company Name, Address, City, State, Zip, Telephone, Fax, Contact Person.

Documents will be emailed within 24 hours of the email request.

Documents will not be issued if any the requested information is not received.

Due to the ongoing public health emergency and consistent with the Governor’s most recent emergency declaration, various Executive Orders entered by the Governor, and the recent amendments made to the Open Meetings Act in Public Act 101-640, the public hearing will be conducted electronically. The hearing will be streamed live via Zoom and on Riverside Television, where it will be available on YouTube’s Riverside TV channel. The Zoom Meeting ID and access code will be made available on the Village’s website prior to the hearing. Video of the public hearing will subsequently be posted and made available to the public on the Village website.

Email bid document request to: Ken@api-architects.net

Application No.: PZ21-001

Bid forms are non-transferable. Only those Bids that have been obtained from, and with the approval of, API Architects will be accepted at the bid opening.

Property commonly known as: 209 Millbridge Road

B. Only qualified General Contractors who can furnish satisfactory proof that they have performed work of similar nature as Contractors will be entitled to receive Plans and submit Bids. The Riverside Township reserves the right to issue Bid Documents only to those Contractors deemed qualified.

C. All Bids must be accompanied by a Bid Bond for not less than five percent (5%) of the total amount of the Bid, or as provided in the applicable sections of the “PROJECT MANUAL”.

D. No Bid may be withdrawn after opening of Bids without the consent of the Owner for a period of forty-five (45) days after the scheduled time of opening of Bids.

E. The Contractor will be required to furnish a labor and material “Performance Bond” in the full amount of the Contract.

F. The Contractor will be required to pay Prevailing Wages in accordance with all applicable laws.

IV. AWARD CRITERIA AND REJECTION OF BIDS: This Contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder considering conformity with the terms and conditions established by the Riverside Township in the Bid and Contract documents. The issuance of Plans and Bid forms for bidding based upon a pre-qualification rating shall not be the sole determinant of responsibility. The Riverside Township reserves the right to determine responsibility at the time of award, to reject any and all Bids, to re-advertise the proposed improvements, and to waive technicalities.

BY ORDER OF: RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP Published in RB Landmark April 7, 2021

Petitioners: Don & Jeneane Blom

PIN: 15-35-419-034-0000 The variation is sought from the following Section of the Riverside Zoning Ordinance: Section 10-7-3(A)6.E (Accessory Structures in Residential Districts), which states that the combined maximum ground floor area of all detached accessory structures shall be a maximum of twelve percent (12%) of the lot area, to a maximum size of eight hundred (800) square feet.

The Petitioners seek this variation to rebuild a nonconforming garage of the same size as the previous garage (991 square feet) on the existing foundation.

Copies of the variation application are available for inspection at the office of the Village Clerk, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois 60546.

Copies may also be obtained by emailing the Village’s Interim Community Development Director Courtney Kashima at planner@riverside. il.us or by telephone at 708-4471241 ext. 238, or the Village Clerk at 708-447-2700 at any time prior to the meeting. Public comments are welcome on the proposed variation that is the subject of the Public Hearing when received by email or in writing by the Village Clerk prior to 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Emailed comments may be sent to Interim Community Development Director Courtney Kashima at planner@riverside.il.us. Written comments may be submitted via U.S. mail or in the dropbox outside of Township Hall to the attention of Village Clerk Cathy Haley at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois 60546. While emailed or written comments are encouraged, public comment may also be made during the hearing by participating through Zoom. The Zoom Meeting ID and access code will be made available on the Village’s website prior to the hearing.

The public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Dated this 7th day of April, 2021.

Classifieds @RBLandmark.com

Jill Mateo, Chairperson Planning and Zoning Commission Published in RB Landmark April 7, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE Public Notice is hereby given that the Village of Oak Park Community Development Citizens Advisory Committee will be holding a meeting for applicant Presentations, a funding recommendations determination meeting and a Public Hearing on Program Year (PY) 2021 project proposals submitted to the Village for federal Community Development Block Grant Program funds. PY 2021 will run from October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022. All meetings will be held on Zoom and are as follows: Presentations, 11 a.m., April 17, 2021; Meeting to determine funding recommendations, 7:30 p.m., April 29, 2021; and Public Hearing to receive comments on proposed funding recommendations, 7 p.m., May 4, 2021. All meetings are open to the public and reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and non-English speaking persons, as needed. Meeting specifics are subject to change; please send a message to grants@oakpark.us to confirm details and/or received the Zoom link.

Published in Wednesday Journal April 7, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION APRIL 22ND, 2021 at 7:00 PM NOTICE is hereby given that the Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, April 22nd, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois for the purpose of considering a request for a Special Use Permit for a church/place of worship (expansion of an existing church) in an A-2 Single-Family Residence District located at 4301-4309 Prairie Avenue and 4301 Forest Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513 (PINs 18-03-404-0570000; 18-03-404-058-0000; & 1803-404-059-0000). The Commission will also consider a proposed Plat of Consolidation for the subject property.

The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/ or written comments. There will also be opportunities to offer public comment and participate in this meeting virtually. Please check this webpage one week before the meeting for more information: https://brookfieldil.gov/meeting-packets/ The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours.

Written comments may be provided prior to the public hearing to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Mike Schwarz, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513 at mschwarz@brookfieldil. gov.

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 RB Landmark April 7, 2021

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR HIS ASSET SECURITIZATION CORPORATION TRUST 2007OPT1, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-OPT1; Plaintiff, vs.

CHARLES T. GRANT; JUANITA J. GRANT AKA JUANITA LACOURT; PRAIRIE PLACE AT 6436 ROOSEVELT CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 19 CH 14415 Calendar 56 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 Tuesday, May 4, 2021 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: UNIT 311 AND P-30 IN PRAIRIE PLACE AT 6436 ROOSEVELT CONDOMINIUM, AS DELINEATED ON A SURVEY OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY: LOTS 19 TO 28 BOTH INCLUSIVE, IN THE SUBDIVISION OF BLOCK 3 IN THE SUBDIVISION OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF LOT 6 IN B. F. JERVIS SUBDIVISION OF SECTION 18, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN (EXCEPT THE WEST HALF OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 18), IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS THE WEST 1/2 OF VACATED ELMWOOD AVENUE LYING EAST OF AND ADJOINING LOT 19 IN SUBDIVISION OF BLOCK 3 IN SUBDIVISION OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF LOT 6 IN B. F. JERVIS SUBDIVISION OF SECTION 18, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13, EAST OF TH E THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, (EXCEPT THE WEST 1/2 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 THEREOF), IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. THE EAST 1/2 OF VACATED GUNDERSON AVENUE LYING WEST OF AND ADJOINING LOT 28 IN SUBDIVISION OF BLOCK

3 IN SUBDIVISION OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF LOT 6 IN B. F. JERVIS SUBDIVISION OF SECTION 18, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, (EXCEPT THE WEST 1/2 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4), IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, WHICH SURVEY IS ATTACHED TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM RECORDED AS DOCUMENT 0617416044, AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, TOGETHER WITH AN UNDIVIDED PERCENTAGE INTEREST IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS. “MORTGAGOR ALSO HEREBY GRANTS TO THE MORTGAGEE, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, AS RIGHTS AND EASEMENTS APPURTENANT TO THE ABOVE DESCRIBED REAL ESTATE, THE RIGHTS AND EASEMENTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF SAID PROPERTY SET FORTH IN THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM” “THIS MORTGAGE IS SUBJECT TO ALL RIGHTS, EASEMENTS, COVENANTS, CONDITIONS, RESTRICTIONS AND RESERVATIONS CONTAINED IN SAID DECLARATION THE SAME AS THOUGH THE PROVISIONS OF SAID DECLARATION WERE RECITED AND STIPULATED AT LENGTH HEREIN.”. P.I.N. 16-18428-043-1019 & 16-18-428-0431064.

Commonly known as 6436 Roosevelt Road, Unit 311, Oak Park, IL 60304.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g) (4) of Section 9 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 information call Law Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 3609455. W18-0641 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3166129

QUICKEN LOANS, LLC Plaintiff, -v.DRIKO DUCASSE, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2019CH08452 1226 N AUSTIN BLVD OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 17, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 27, 2021, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1226 N AUSTIN BLVD, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-127-0270000 The real estate is improved with a multi-family 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, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective

bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g1).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. 14-19-06429 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2019CH08452 TJSC#: 41-167 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

I3166321

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION

local employees = happy employees!

Hire Local. Place an ad on Landmark’s Local Online Job Board.

Go to RBLandmark.com/classified today!

Contact Mary Ellen Nelligan for more information.

(708) 613-3342 • Classifieds@RBLandmark.com

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The Landmark, April 7, 2021

2024 S Wabash, #305, Chicago $200,000

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

152 E Burlington St, Riverside $289,900

59 East Quincy, Riverside $369,000

354 N Delaplaine Rd, Riverside $487,000

32-22 Chicago Ave, Oak Park $499,000

591 E Parkway Rd, Riverside $524,900

192 Waubansee Rd, Riverside $539,000

1317 N Larabee St, #304, Chicago $589,999

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

AL NT E R

AL NT E R

21 Walker Ave #1, Clarendon Hills $3,550/mo

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

AL NT E R

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

AL NT E R

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

AL NT E R

622 Robinhood Ln, LaGrange Park $2,200/mo

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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