Landmark 041223

North Riverside United sweeps eld in trust

Santucci tops eld, Mandel out a er one term in o ce

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Four years ago, Marybelle Mandel cruised to her first ter m as a North Riverside trustee, besting a field of six candidates by a wide margin, a night so humbling to the VIP Party that it would collapse and disappear within a year

But whatever connection Mandel had with voters in 2019, it appears to have vanished in 2023.

Updated unofficial vote totals with all four precincts reporting as of April 10 show that the VIP Party’s successor coalition, North Riverside United, swept all three trustee seats up for election.

Retired police officer Antonio “Tony” Santucci, in his first campaign for office, amassed 760 votes to lead the field, followed by his slate mates, incumbent Deborah Czajka (748) and fellow first-time candidate Nicholas Tricoci (676).

“I’m still in shock; The people have spoken, I guess,” said Santucci amid a throng of well-wishers at North Riverside United’s victory party at Tipster’s Village Pub “I’ll do my best to help [residents] and do everything I can to keep this community great.”

Mandel topped her slate of three candidates, an apparent fourth-place finisher with 504 votes. Her running mates, Sandra Greicius and Joseph Maruska had amassed 460 and 407 votes, respectively, as of April 10.

Jose Del Angel, an independent who was making his first bid for elective office, had 248 votes The Cook County Clerk will certify election results no later than April 25, so final vote totals may still change somewhat, but the margin of victory would appear to assure the result.

While the 2023 campaign was not as overheated as the mayoral election in 2021, where Mandel lost in a bid for the mayor’s position, it did contain plenty of negativity, particularly on social media, where Mandel supporters launched aggressive attacks

against North Riverside United candidates. Mandel called repeatedly for a forensic audit of village finances and late in the campaign seized on the village’s water rates as an issue, saying she would advocate leaving the Brookfield-North Riverside Water Commission in favor of McCook, implying it would lower rates

While her surrogates blasted North Riverside United and the village’s administration for a lack of transparency, Mandel and her running mates avoided being pinned down publicly on issues No one from the slate, which ran under the Municipal Integrity Party banner, sat for for mal interviews with the Landmark, while the rest of the field did.

The only person from the slate to appear at a public candidate forum hosted at the Village Commons by the Landmark on March 22 was Greicius. On the mor ning of the event, Mandel issued a press release claiming, without any evidence, that the newspaper would not be impartial and that her slate’s candidates would be heckled by a rowdy audience.

Attempts to reach Mandel for comment on the election results were not successful.

Czajka, the only VIP Party candidate elected in 2019, was ushered into her third

full ter m as trustee. She was initially appointed in 2013, replacing her ailing husband, Randall. She was elected to full ter ms in 2015 and 2019.

“We went to every door, whether they had a Mandel sign in front or not,” Czajka said. “We were prepared to address every issue without slamming [opposing candidates]. I think we were just being honest.”

Tricoci, who sits on both the North Riverside Police Pension Board and the North Riverside Fire Pension Board, said he felt North Riverside United’s decision to run a positive campaign resonated with voters.

“We stated the facts and kept everything positive,” Tricoci said. “The village is headed in the right direction.”

Although he trailed the field, Del Angel said he wished the winners well and said he was glad to see Mandel defeated at the polls.

“If I was able to help knock out a counterproductive incumbent who didn’t contribute, if I was able to do that, that’s a win,” Del Angel said.

With independent trustee H. Bob Demopoulos choosing not to run for a fourth ter m, the election results mean a single party will occupy every seat on the North Riverside Village Board for the first time since 2011.

Editor Bob Uphues

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EMAIL jill@oakpark.com

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BOARD OF DIREC TORS

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BOB UPHUES/Editor

Antonio “Tony” Santucci reacts to being the top vote-getter in a 7-w ay race for three seats on the North Riverside Village Board during the North Riverside United slate’s election night party at Tipster’s Village Pub on April 4.

True Crime Club returns

Join the True Crime Club at the Linda Sokol Francis Brook eld Library, 3514 Park Ave., as they host guest speakers Todd Ganz and Stephani Young from the “If Walls Could Talk” podcast, who are experts on the chilling histor y of now- demolished dgewater Hospital, on April 19 at 7 p.m.

During their esentation “T oice from the ave,” they will lead the group ough the true crime case esita Basa. Register to attend by calling 708-485-6917, ext. 130 or at brook eld.evanced.info/signup.

April 12-19

BIG WEEK

y Show in erside

rstent endors .m. , 2401

om a distributor. s Day shopping done ourself.

FLOS Landscape Workday

Become a compost volunteer

Hauser Orchestra spring concer t

The music program at Hauser Junior High School in Riverside invites you to enjoy the Hauser Orchestra’s spring concert, which will be held in the Great Room of the Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, on April 15 at 11 a.m.

The concert will feature both ensemble and solo per formance by middle school students.

And more

■ Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quinc y St., presents “One Ends and Another Begins” featuring the work for Regin Igloria and “Over the Rainbow, One More Time,” featuring the work of Laura Kina through May 6. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.

There’s also “Everything Fades,” featuring the paintings of Natalie Shugailo at the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road in Riverside through June 30. The township hall is open Monday-Thurs-

The Frederick Law Olmsted Society invites you to join them and volunteers from Riverside-Brook eld High School to spruce up Riverside’s greenspaces during the RBHS PTO Community Day/FLOS Landscape Workday on April 15 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Meet at Indian Gardens just east of the Scout Cabin at 380 Fairbank Road. From there, volunteers will be assigned projects throughout Indian Gardens, Guthrie Park, Patriots Parks and possibly other locations depending on turnout

Come for as long as you like. Supervised children welcome. Service hour credits available. Bring work gloves and a bottle of water. All other supplies and snacks will be supplied. Look for the public works dump truck.

day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit riversideartscenter.com for more.

■ North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., presents After School Art Escape (child with adult) on April 13 at 4 p.m., Lego Club on April 14 at 4 p.m., Mixed Media Car Drop-in on April 15 at noon, Morning Munchkin Stories with Ms. Karen on April 17 at 10:30 a.m., Safari ABCs (child with adult, every other week in Spanish) on April 19 at 10:30 a.m. and Tai Chi with Age Options on April 19 at 2:30 p.m. Register for programs online at northriversidelibrary.org/events-new

Join the volunteers at the Riverside Community Garden, 400 Nuttall Road (Ascension Lutheran Church), for a special session about their Community Compost Program on April 19 at 5 p.m.

While you’ll learn composting best practices, par ticipants are invited to become compost volunteers by contributing kitchen scraps to the garden’s compost system from April through October

It’s a great way to learn about composting, reduce household waste and help the garden provide fresh produce to the community. Event will be rescheduled in case of inclement weather.

■ Linda Sokol Francis Brook eld Librar y, 3541 Park Ave., presents Fair ytale Storytime on April 13 at 10:30 a.m., Register for Senior SNAP Bene ts on April 13 at 1 p.m., Intro to Video Editing on April 13 at 7 p.m., Yoga Stor ytime (ages 2-5 with caregiver) on April 14 at 1 p.m., Maker Studio 101 on April 15 at 3 p.m., Chair Yoga (vir tual) on April 17 at 11 a.m. and Stor ytime Stars (ages 2-3 with caregiver) on April 18 at 10:30 a.m. Call 708-485-6917 or visit online at brook eld.evanced.info/signup to register for programs

■ Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, presents Crafting at The Spot: Bad Art (ages 12+) on April 13 at 7 p.m., Ukulele Friday Outside Storytime on April 14 at 10 a.m., Mindfulness Together meditation on April 14 at 11 a.m., Mini-Movers Storytime (babies to age 3) on April 17 at 9:30 and 10:15 a.m. and Little Hands Activity Time (ages14) on April 18 at 9:30 a.m. To register for programs, visit online at riversidelibrary.org/events

■ The Brook eld Elks Lodge, 9022 31st St., hosts its next bingo session on April 16. Doors open at 1 p.m. and games start at 2 p.m. with cash payouts

TERESITA BASA

Albores, Daniels, Dillon claim seats on the D204 school board

Democratic Party-endorsed candidates win election campaign featur ing outside partisan support

By BOB SKOLNIK

Contributing Reporter

Two incumbents and a second-time candidate who was unintentionally drawn into an alliance with them triumphed in the hotly contested Lyons Township High School District 204 school board race that had distinct ideological overtones

The three candidates supported by the Democratic Party of Illinois -- Tim Albores and incumbent Jill Beda Daniels and school board President Kari Dillon -- won the three seats being contested on school board defeating challengers Frank Evans, Tim Vlcek and David Her ndon in a race that drew unprecedented outside involvement.

The three winning candidates combined for 55.02% of the vote while the three candidates endorsed by conservative groups received 38.38% of the vote. Non-aligned candidate Justin Clark finished last with 6.61 percent of the vote.

“I’m over the moon proud of our community for showing up for this election, and I can’t wait to continue our work of the next four years,” Dillon said in a text message Albores, who finished last in the LTHS school board election just two years ago, went from last to first this time, receiving 7,256 votes to lead the field, according to updated unofficial vote totals posted by the Cook

County Clerk on April 10.

Daniels finished second with 7,170 votes and Dillon won the last seat up for election with 7,072 votes Her ndon, the most moderate of the conservative trio, finished fourth with 5,283 votes with Vlcek receiving 4,079 votes and Evans 4,634 votes. Clark trailed the field with 2,576 votes

“I’m humbled by the support I’ve been given,” said Albores, a LaGrange Park resident who is a director of student services for Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202. “This was not Tim Albores getting elected; this was Tim Albores and a lot of people helping him.”

While Albores, Daniels and Dillon ran independent campaigns, they became something of a slate when they received the endorsements from the Democratic Party of Illinois, the LTHS teachers’ union and the state teachers’ union and a newly for med local group called Support Our School, which was created to support Dillon, Daniels and Albores.

One of the founders of Support Our School is Terrie Pickerill, a Democratic political consultant who lives in Wester n Springs Support Our School sent out mailers sup-

porting Albores, Daniels and Dillon and attacking Evans, Her ndon and Vlcek. The group also bought and put up yard signs supporting Albores, Dillon and Daniels

Albores said being linked to the incumbents and having outside groups support them helped

Daniels said she was gratified to be elected to another ter m and thanked all those who supported her. She said that the community made its voice heard in the face of some strident opposition to the incumbents

“I think the community heard us and understood what we were up against, and they wanted to make sure that their voices were heard,” Daniels said.

Her ndon, Vlcek and Evans received a late endorsement from the controversial conservative group Awake Illinois. Her ndon disavowed the endorsement and Vlcek and Evans said that they had no connection with Awake Illinois and did not seek their endorsement. Nevertheless, some voters were concer ned about the link to Awake Illinois.

“I did not want to vote for the people being put up by the Awake group, absolutely not,” said Gail Petrenko, a retired high school Eng-

lish teacher who voted for Daniels, Dillon and Clark.

Vlcek, who attended a candidate training workshop co-sponsored by Awake Illinois and another conservative group, said that he accepted the election results

“It’s OK, no sour grapes from me,” Vlcek said. “We did the best we could. The results are the results. I don’t know what else to say.”

A political action committee led by conservative activist and radio talk show host Dan Proft paid for a mailer that supported Evans, Her ndon and Vlcek. Proft, who co-hosts a radio show on WIND-AM now lives in Florida, although he ran for gover nor of Illinois in 2010 and has spent most of his life in Illinois.

Peter Rijks, who voted for Albores, Daniels and Dillon, did not think that someone who lives in F lorida should have become involved in a local school board race.

“If he wants to stay involved in local politics, he should stay here,” Rijks said.

Albores deplored the divisiveness of the campaign can end and said that he hopes the LTHS community can come together

“I really, really hope that we can get back to being a civil society that knows how to disagree respectfully,” Albores said. “There was a lot of ugliness in this campaign that made me sad and I’m hoping that we can come back together with very similar interests in making LT great.”

Brook eld resident tops eld in race for D102 school board

Molly Knott an easy winner, incumbent Bessie Boyd loses re-election bid

By BOB UPHUES Editor

A Brookfield resident and for mer teacher at C ong ress Pa rk School was the r unaway winner in the race for four seats on the L aGrange-Brookfield E lementar y School District 102 Board of Education. U pdated unof ficial vote totals from the C ook C ounty C lerk on April 10 showe d that Molly K nott led the six-candidate field with 3,189 votes T he others elected we re L aGrange residents Catherine Murphy (2,756), incumbent Tiziana L amber t (2,713) and Kathryn McQuiston (2,624).

Incumbent Bessie Boyd , a retired elementary school principal who has de ep ties to the district as a longtime L aGrang e resident and C ong ress Pa rk School gr aduate, was defeated in her r un for a second ter m, finishing 219 votes b ehind McQuiston with 2,405 votes as of April 10.

F irst-time c andidate T herese O’Sullivan, who did not pa rt icipate in an online public for um hosted by the League of Women Voters and did not fill out a c andidate q uestionnaire for the L andmark, finished last with 1,289 votes.

Boyd , 68, the only Black member of the school b oard, said she was at p eac e

with losing her bid for a second four-year ter m.

“My b elief is that wherever God wants me to be is where I’m going to be,” Boyd said. “I did my four years and I b eli eve I did a great service to the community, and when your time is up your time is up.”

Boyd said she i ntends to remain active in school district matters.

“I will c ontinue to wo rk in the c ommunity,” Boyd said. “I will c ontinue to a dvocate for students and parents.”

K nott, who now teaches science at an elementary school in Berwyn, will be the third member of the District 102 school

b oard from Brookfield, joining school

b oard President Michael Melend ez and

b oard member Ed Campbell.

K nott taught for seven years at C ongress Pa rk School in Brookfield and two years at C ossitt School in L aGrange before taking a job in Berwyn E lementar y School District 100.

During the c ampaign she said that she c ould bring a dif ferent perspect ive to the school b oard as a for mer teacher in the district as well as the mother of two children who went through District 102 schools.

Bob Skolnik contributed to this report

Brookfield church serving LGBTQ+ community vandalized

Rainbow pride symbols overpainted in second homophobic incident in past 6 months

By BOB UPHUES Editor

For the second time in the past six months, Holy Covenant Metropolitan Community Church, 9145 Grant Ave. in Brookfield, has been targeted by those opposed to the congregation’s inclusive philosophy, which embraces the LGBTQ+ community

In the more recent incident, which occurred over night on March 30-31, someone used blue spray paint to deface a sign in the Maple Avenue side yard and the front stairs and door of the church

The person who defaced the property specifically took pains to overpaint symbols identifying Holy Covenant as a church welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. The front stair risers had been painted about two years ago to create a rainbow of colors leading to the front door, where the rainbow reference was again repeated.

The sign in the side yard had featured a stylized rainbow cross. The vandal spray painted over that cross and then painted on blue crosses on either side of where the rainbow cross had been.

Last October, someone left a laser-printed flyer on the church doors calling the church’s teachings “an ABOMINATION to God” and stating, “homosexuality is a SIN and has no place in the body of Christ!”

The flyer wrapped up with what could be construed as a veiled threat, offered as a “message” from Jesus, quoting the Book of Mark in the New Testament:

“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.”

The flyer also had been posted on the doors of at least two churches in LaGrange, according to Brookfield police, and Holy Covenant’s pastor, the Rev. Mar tha Daniels said the flyer cast a pall.

“Since we had the flyers put up in the fall, I no longer stay here by myself after dark,” said Daniels during an interview at the church last week.

While the church does have a Ring doorbell on the back entrance of the church, it did not activate for either incident, and neither incident was captured by security cameras elsewhere in the neighborhood, according to police.

In the wake of the front stairs and door being vandalized, Daniels said a security camera is being installed at the front of the property and she’s looking at putting another security camera toward the rear of the property.

The incidents, which clearly targeted the church’s mission to serve the LGBTQ+ community, have also led to Daniels giving tips to church ushers to keep the alert for any potential threats on Sundays when the church hosts services

“It’s a tough balance between being welcoming and being safe,” Daniels said.

In the wake of the vandalism, the head of the Metropolitan Community Church worldwide, the Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston, decried the vandalism, but reinforced Daniels’ message, which she posted to the Brookfield Connections Facebook community group last week, that the church would not be intimidated

“It is profoundly sad that someone would take the time and effort to deface the steps and sign of Holy Covenant MCC -- a place

e Rev Martha Daniels, pastor of Holy Covenant Church in Brook eld, says congregation members will repaint the vandalized front steps and door sometime this sprin g. It’s the second time the church, which serves a predominantly LGBTQ+ congregation, has been targeted by homophobes

where all God’s people are welcome to worship,” Eggleston said in an email sent April 7. “Scripture tells us that the rainbow is a sign of the relationship between God and all creation, including all God’s people I know that this damage will simply strengthen the resolve of Rev. Martha Daniels and the congregation of Holy Covenant MCC to bring hope, joy and justice to the community that they serve.”

Brookfield Police Chief Michael Kuruvilla said that detectives have canvassed the neighborhood for any witnesses and security camera video, but those efforts haven’t resulted in anything of value, and police said they don’t know if the October and March incidents are related or whether the same person is responsible.

“We’re still working to identify a suspect,” Kuruvilla said. “Until we do that, I can’t definitively state anything.”

Brookfield police have placed a special watch on the church property, Kuruvilla confir med, with officers patrolling that neighborhood more often.

If police do end up making an arrest in the vandalism case, Kuruvilla said he would refer it to the Cook County State’s Attor ney’s Office to see whether it might be classified as a hate crime.

“We would ask the state’s attor ney to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law,” Kuruvilla said.

The front stairs and door will be repainted sometime in the next month or so as the weather improves, said Daniels, and the sign for the side yard will be re placed

In the meantime, Daniels said the church has received an outpouring of support from well-wishers online, many of whom have volunteered to help restore the rainbow paint scheme to the front entryway Others have donated money to the congregation.

Holy Covenant MCC has occupied the modest white frame church at the cor ner of Grant and Maple avenues since 2001 and serves a small congregation of principally LGBTQ+ members but is open to anyone Active members range in age from teens to older adults and hail from places as far away as Aurora and Hof fman Estates.

Daniels, an Indiana native, has been pastor at Holy Covenant for nearly seven years, retur ning to her Midwester n roots after leading an MCC congregation in Windsor, Ontario for 11 years.

Around 2010, as issues such as gay marriage began to rapidly mainstream, Daniels said she and other MCC and other welcoming church leaders wondered if such congregations would continue to be needed.

“There was a lot of conversation … of what are going to do? Is there still work for us to do or are we winding things up?” she said. “And we soon found out that, no, we are still needed.”

BOB UPHUES/Editor

“I no longer stay here by myself a er dark.”

RE V. MARTHA DANIELS

Pastor, Holy Covenant Church

Nor th Riverside police arrest alleged package thief

A 33-year-old Clarendon Hills woman faces a misdemeanor theft charge after police ar rested her for alle gedly taking a package from a building in the 2200 block of 17th Avenue on April 5 at about 3:35 p.m.

Police responded to the scene after someone called 911 to re port a suspicious person hiding in a g angway between two buildings. The witness pointed police in the direction of a woman walking nor thbound on 17th Avenue

Of ficers stopped the woman, who re portedly had placed the package in front of a building before being detained. She reportedly admitted having taken the package, which contained an air freshener set and a Dutch oven.

Doorbell camera video re por tedly captured the woman in the g angway between the two buildings where the alle ged theft occur red.

Theft from vehicle

A 61-year-old Lyons man called Nor th Riverside police on April 3 at about 2:45 p.m. after someone stole credit cards and gift cards from his wallet, which he left in the center console of his unlocked vehicle while he went into the BP g as station minimar t at 2558 Desplaines Ave.

Security video from the business showed a man exiting a gray sedan and entering the victim’s vehicle. As he ransacked the interior the gray sedan is seen leaving the scene and the of fender is then seen running in that direction away from the g as station.

DUI charge follows fight

Riverside police charged a 20-year-old Waukeg an man with driving under the influence of alcohol and damage to village property after he alle gedly backed his pickup truck into a tree in the 200 block of East Burlington Street while fleeing a party where some of his comments angered others, sparking a fight, on April 1 at 3:45 a.m.

When police ar rived at the scene, those involved in the fight had left the area, but an of ficer on patrol located the pickup truck and pulled it over near South Cowley Road and East Quincy Street.

The truck’s rear passenger window was broken out, with glass inside the cab. The driver was also bleeding from his face and the truck had fresh scrapes and a broken mirror as if it had struck something

Police later located a damaged tree near the property where the fight occurred. They also recovered two open beer cans from the truck’s center console. The driver did not want to pursue charges against two other men involved in the fight, according to police.

Kia stolen from North Riverside

Nor th Riverside police recovered one stolen vehicle while another was able to flee police after a resident called to re port suspicious red Kia and blue Kia circling the 2500 block of Keystone Avenue on April 6 at about 7:15 a.m.

Police located a blue Kia driving westbound on Village Commons Drive and tried to block it from exiting onto Desplaines Avenue. T he vehicle drove onto the grass parkway around police and sped of f nor thbound in the southbound lanes of Desplaines Avenue at a high rate of speed. Police ter minated the pursuit near Roosevelt Road

T he blue Kia’s license plates re gistered to a Nor th Riverside address, where officers found evidence that one of the vehicle’s windows had been broken to gain entry.

T hey also re por ted locating a red Kia, which had Nebraska license plates, abandoned in the rear parking lot of a building in the 2500 block of Desplaines Avenue It had a broken rear window and its steering column had been peeled. According to police, the vehicle had been stolen within the prior two days in Chicago.

Myster y colostomy bags

Brookfield police responded to the 9000 block of Sahler Avenue on the mor ning of April 4 after someone called to complain about finding two colostomy bags on the pavement of his driveway.

According to police, the resident said colostomy bags appearing on his driveway is an ongoing problem and he wanted it documented.

Aggravated speeding

Riverside police charged a woman with misdemeanor aggravated speeding after an of fice on patrol re por ted clocking her vehicle traveling at 83 mph in a 35-mph zone while southbound on First Avenue from Ridgewood Road on April 1 at about

12:50 a.m

The of ficer, who was driving nor thbound, made a U-tur n and caught up with the white Lincoln at Ogden Avenue, where the woman re por tedly drove through a red light before pulling over near 43rd Street.

While police say the woman had admitted to drinking alcohol prior to driving, she re por tedly did not appear to be intoxicated

These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Riverside, North Ri verside and Brookfield police de partments, April 1-9, and re present a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these re ports has only been charged with a crime. These cases hav e not been adjudicated.

— Compiled by Bob

Uphues

By Linda Sokol Francis. E.A.

PEOPLE WITHOUT A FILING REQUIREMENT MAY MISS OUT ON A REFUND IF THEY DON’T FILE A 2022 TAX RETURN

Some people may choose not to file a tax return because they didn’t earn enough money to be required to file but may miss getting a refund if they don’t file. While the filing deadline is the middle of October to file 2022 tax returns, the IRS strongly encourages individuals to consider filing sooner, rather than later, especially if they’re due a refund. In most cases, income, filing status and age determine if a taxpayer must file a tax return. Other rules may apply if the taxpayer is selfemployed or can be claimed as a dependent of someone else. The Interactive Tax Assistant can help people determine if they need to file a tax return.

Look at tax withheld or paid. Excess tax withholdings are only returned in the form of a refund when someone files a tax return. This can affect students and part-time workers

where the tax withheld from their wages is at a rate that is too high. Seniors and retirees who make estimated tax payments or have money withheld from their retirement fund and Social Security disbursements may also be eligible for a refund.

Individuals who answer yes to any of these questions, may be due a refund and must file a tax return to get their money.

• Did the taxpayer’s employer withhold federal income tax from their pay?

• Did the taxpayer make estimated tax payments during the tax year?

• Did they overpay last year on their taxes and have it applied to their 2022 tax?

4 incumbents, 1 newcomer win election to D208 school board

Incumbent school board president tops eld in race for 4-year terms

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Three incumbents have been re-elected to another four years on the RiversideBrookfield High School District 208 Board of Education, with a first-time candidate from Nor th Riverside also winning election, according to unof ficial election results from the Cook County Clerk’s Of fice.

When updated vote totals were released by the Cook County Clerk on the after noon of April 10, school board President Deanna Zalas, of Riverside, had edged ahead of Nor th Riverside resident Nicholas Novak, who led by less than 20 votes on election night.

As of April 10, Zalas had 2,197 votes to Novak’s vote total of 2,181.

“I think it shows people appreciate the direction RB is going and how we’ve grown out of the pandemic and how we’ve charted our goals and agenda moving forward,” said Zalas.

That Zalas sur passed him in the days following April didn’t diminish Novak’s accomplishment. It’s Novak’s first attempt at winning elective of fice Novak, and even

with updated totals on April 10, he appears to have finished comfortably ahead of two others elected to the board.

“I look forward to the oppor tunity I’m thrilled the people elected me and have the faith I’ ll do right by the school,” said Novak.

Also elected to fill the four four-year ter ms up for election were incumbent school board members William Durkin (2,073 votes) and Laura Hruska (1,844).

Trailing the field was first-time candidate Kenyon Duner, of Brookfield, who had amassed 1,636 votes, unof ficially.

While poor weather during the middle of the day on April 4 may have de pressed voter tur nout somewhat, the lack of contested municipal elections in both Riverside and Brookfield also played a part

In Brookfield voter tur nout was about 12%, while in Riverside it was an abysmal 10.3%. In Nor th Riverside, where there was a contested election for village trustee, tur nout was noticeably higher at 26%.

As a result, voter tur nout for the seats on the District 208 Board of Education was just 15% -- a very low result for a contested election in the district. That’s even lower than the 16% tur nout in 2021, when there

were also uncontested municipal races in Brookfield and Riverside

“The contested race in Nor th Riverside really helped,” said Novak, who added that both Zalas and Durkin both reached out to cong ratulate him on election night.

In 2019, when Brookfield had its last contested municipal election, tur nout for the RBHS school board race was 20.7%. The last time all three municipalities had contested municipal elections, in 2009, voter tur nout for the RBHS school board race was 37.5%.

“You’d like to see more people eng aged in these decisions,” said Zalas of the tur nout. “That’s challenging, and there are some lessons the board can take from that. We need to better communicate out what we’re doing and get greater civic eng agement down the road.”

Lach secures 2-year term

In the race for one two-year ter m on the District 208 school board, a battle between appointed incumbents, Nor th Riverside resident Carolyn Lach was a comfortable winner with 1,654 votes compared to Michael Welch’s total of 1,180.

“It’s a honor and privilege to be elected

against Michael Welch. I liked working with him,” Lach said.

About the contested election in Nor th Riverside, she said, it “got the people out.”

The Nor th Riverside tur nout in the past two elections also has resulted in Nor th Riverside having three residents on the RBHS school board,

Hruska, a Brookfield resident, won election to her fifth ter m on the District 208 school board, while Zalas and Durkin will be swor n in for their second ter ms after votes are certified by the Cook County Clerk later this month.

Riverside-Brookfield High School’s Board of Education is expected to seat the newly elected members at their meeting on May 9.

Novak, who grew up in Forest Park and is a relative newcomer, having moved to Nor th Riverside in 2016, has had two sons graduate from RBHS and a daughter who will enroll there while he’s serving his first ter m.

Lach is new to the RBHS school board, having been appointed to fill a vacancy just six months ago, but she’s no stranger to the position. Lach had served on the Komarek School District 94 Board of Education from 2015 to 2021.

Welch, a for mer D208 board president who was appointed to fill a vacancy in 2021, had indicated that even if he was elected in 2023, it would be his last race

Final seat on Brook eld Library Board still too close to call

17 votes separate two candidates as of April 10

By BOB UPHUES Editor

As election night came to a close on April 4, J. Edg ar Mihelic, an incumbent seeking re-election to the Brookfield Public Library Board of Trustees, was ahead of first-time candidate Karl Olson in the race for the fourth and final seat up for grabs. By one vote.

A full week later, with mail-in votes being tallied slowly by the Cook County Clerk,

Mihelic’s lead had grown to 17 votes – still too close to call with of ficial certification pending later this month – but it was trending in his favor.

“You know what they say about chickens and eggs hatching,” said Mihelic when asked if he felt confident he would pull off his re-election. “No matter who wins, the library as an institution will be very well served. All who ran believe in the mission of the library.”

Winners of the three other four-year ter ms up for election are not in doubt, despite votes still being counted. Jennifer Paliatka, a first-time candidate who works as a librarian at Elmhurst Colle ge, appears to have grabbed the top spot with 1,135 votes

as of April 10.

Finishing second and third, within 11 votes of one another as of April 10, were first-time candidate Mitzi Nor ton (1,071 votes) and incumbent Linda Kampschroeder (1,060).

Nor ton, who is the manager of executive administration at NielsenIQ, is co-founder of the progressive group Indivisible Brookfield. She participated in the library’s strate gic planning listening sessions and felt this was the right time to take a more active role in local gover nance.

“Being involved with Indivisible Brookfield, I’ve talked to our members about the impor tance of not just the work we do, but of running for of fice,” Nor ton said. “Last

fall I felt it was time to put my own words into action.”

Kampschroeder, who was elected to her third full ter m, was first appointed to the library board in 2014, before being elected to full four-year ter ms in 2015 and 2019. She has served in the past as the library board’s president and is one the board’s long-range planning committee.

“I’m so thrilled to know the [new] library [building] and campus tur ned out so well,” said Kampschroeder, who was on the board during its long campaign to get a new facility constructed. “We have a facility that now will match the programs and other things we want to do moving forward.”

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Sponsored by Riverside Township

Saturday, April 22nd 9:00 am –Noon

Riverside Masonic Lodge parking lot 40 Forest Avenue, Riverside

This FREE event is only for Riverside Township residents and only for personal, confidential documents. No business shredding, magazines, or junk mail. Each household is restricted to no more than 3 boxes of paper.

Your documents will be securely destroyed on site by American Mobile Shredding and Recycling.

As always, this will be a contactless, drive-up event. No need to get out of your car; place the documents in your trunk, follow the signs at the event and then simply pop the trunk. We will remove the documents from your vehicle and shred them for you.

Please bring a non-perishable, unexpired food item to donate to the Riverside Township Food Pantry!

For more event info, call Riverside Township at (708) 442-4400 or visit our website: www.riversidetownship.org

Traditional Mexican art form on display at North Riverside Mall

Exhibition features fantastical paper mache ‘alebrijes’

By KELLY POLLOCK Contributing Reporter

When Jeanne Heller, director of marketing for Nor th Riverside Park Mall, saw the “Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dream World” exhibition at Cantigny Park in Wheaton last year, she fell in love with the pieces and immediately reached out to Fer nando Ramire z, president and founder of the Mexican Cultural Center DuPage who sponsored the exhibition.

“I was standing in front of them thinking, ‘These would be really cool in a mall,’” she said.

volve the community,” said Heller. “Thi rty-five to 40 percent of our guests are Hispanic and speak Spanish. To have these Spanish-speaking artists from Mexico City onsite and able to speak with guests has been incredible.”

Volunteers were invited to help on five consecutive Saturdays in February and March with work on Jonas the whale, one of nine alebrijes monumentales at the mall.

Alebrijes are imaginary creatures that are made up of parts from different animals and have components of the four classical elements: earth, water, air and fire. T hey date to the 1930s when Pedro Linares fell into a fever and had a vivid dream where he saw creatures calling out to him saying, “Alebrijes! ”

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That vision has come to life with “Cartoneria: T he Mexican Tradition of Paper Mache,” an exhibition that r uns through May 7 at the mall, 7501 Cermak Road in Nor th Riverside.

When he awoke, he used his skills as a cartonero , someone who works with paper and paste, to recreate what he had dreamt. Because the creatures in his dream were “ugly and terrifying” he painted them in bright colors and vivid patterns to make them less scary.

T he mall exhibit also includes 11 tones or spirit animals which are smaller and resemble normal animals exce pt for their colors and patter ns

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After several months outside at the park, the pieces were all in poor condition. Ramire z explained that the mall wouldn’ t be g etting a finished exhibitio n but could be part of the restoration process.

“Ultimately, it was a great way to in-

Of the original six artists who part icipated in the Cantigny exhibition, three have returned from Mexico to take part in

all

the mall exhibition where each has three alebrijes on displ ay

Alejandro Camacho Bar rera and Perla Miriam Salgado Zamorano are a husband-wife team of toymakers who started making alebrijes in 2010. That year, they

part icipated in the annual “La Noche de los Alebrijes” parade sponsored by the Museum of Popular Art in Mexico City and won first priz e.

Salgado described herself as “an artisan at heart” and credits her husband

with teaching her their trade.

“We help people understand Mexican culture through our toys,” she said.

Camacho is part of the third-generation in his family to make things from wood. His grandfather worked on the boats on the canals in Xochimilco, a borough of Mexico City, and his father was a carpenter.

“When I was a child, there were always tools and materials at home, so I learned how to use them,” he said.

He described his pieces as being like a metaphor for humanity: different part s coming to g ether to make a whole.

Artist Edgar Israel Camargo Reyes discovered alebrijes at the Sonora Market in Mexico City when he was a child. He soon found a teacher who taught him the cartonería process

He later attended the National Institute of Fine Arts majoring in ceramics and sculpture. Camargo g ets inspiration for his alebrijes from nature, especially patter ns that occur on fish and insects

At first, he was nervous about the language barrier when working with the community then he others ag because of the pandemi

“People were eager and excited to help out and learn,” he said.

Camargo never expected to be able to make a living as an artist, much less gain national reco gnition and be able to travel to different countries.

“It’s sur real,” he said.

T he process of making the alebrijes can take six to 12 weeks. It starts with a boceto (a sketch) and then a maqueta (a mockup). A steel skeleton is welded to g ether and then chicken wire and Styrofoam are used to give the alebrije shape

Finally, eight to 20 layers of paper and paste are used to cover the form before it is painted. At the mall, the artists are using thicker paper and an acrylic-based paste to shorten the process.

T he alebrijes and spirit animals at the mall are all going on to permanent installations elsewhere when the exhibitio n closes.

“Their first life was at Cantigny, their reinca rnation is at the mall, and their second life will follow,” said Ramire z.

“Cartoneria: T he Mexican Tradition uns through May 7 at ersideparkmall.com/ mation.

TODD A BANNOR Artist Perla Miriam Salgado Zamorano works on an ‘alebrije’ for the Mexican Cartoneria folk art exhibition at North Riverside Park Mall on March 25.

CANNABIS Needs village approval

from page 1

hearing on the application by The 1937 Group Ltd. to run a dispensary out of the building at 8863 Ogden Ave., which most recently housed a medical office but is probably best known locally as the for mer home of Bambino’s restaurant.

The hearing will be on April 27 at 7 p.m. in the council chamber of the Brookfield Village Hall, 8820 Brookfield Ave.

In 2019, the Brookfield Village Board approved an ordinance allowing recreationaluse cannabis dispensaries as special uses in the village’s commercial and industrial districts

Special use applications trigger a hearing process where members of the public can provide comment before the Planning and Zoning Commission, which is tasked with making a recommendation either in favor or against granting the special use. The commission may also choose to impose conditions on the permit

However, the village board will have the fi-

nal say on whether or not to grant a special use permit for the dispensary. The soonest such a vote might be before the board looks to be late May, although it could come in June.

According to The 1937 Group’s website, its chairman and CEO is Ambrose Jackson, a longtime healthcare administrator. Jackson applied for and was granted licenses in Illinois to cultivate, sell and transport cannabis, and within the past month opened a cultivation center in Broadview and a dispensary in downstate Tilton, near Danville

The company takes its name, according to the website, from the federal Marijuana Act of 1937 which was “fueled by widespread racial discrimination -- leading to the weaponization of the cannabis plant against Mexican Americans and Blacks.”

A summary of the company’s plan for the Brookfield location, which was included with its special use application, also states that The 1937 Group’s chief legal counsel is a Brookfield resident.

The company’s website identifies that person as Sonia Antolec, whose signature appears on the special use permit application. Antolec was appointed a part-time judge on the Illinois Court of Claims by Gov. J.B Pritzker in 2021.

She previously was director of policy for

The Mom Project and director of legal hiring for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Antolec said The 1937 Group’s goal is to obtain the maximum 10 licenses allowed in Illinois and build a company able to compete with larger multi-state operators, or MSOs, as they are known in the cannabis business.

“Ours plans are to be a disruptor for MSOs ... and be a one-of-a-kind social equity MSO,” Antolec said.

Plans on file with the village indicate that The 1937 Project intends to buy the property if its application is granted, completely renovate the existing office building at the southeast corner of Prairie and Ogden avenues and demolish the single-family home at the rear of the property.

“It’s such a great location, considering the towns west of us are not opting in [to allow cannabis dispensaries],” said Antolec in a phone interview.

The parking lot would be expanded to provide 22 spaces, and the southwest corner of the lot would be landscaped, including new trees. A new curb would run along the rear lot line to block vehicular access between the alley and the parking lot.

According to the cut is proposed to provide entry/exit rear porti

nue. The company would like to eliminate the existing curb cut on Ogden Avenue allowing access to the parking lot.

The Illinois Department of Transportation would have to sign off on removing that curb cut, since Ogden Avenue is a state highway.

The interior of the vacant commercial building would be converted into a retail sales space, with the main entrance on the east side of the building, opening into a controlled vestibule/ID check area. An interior door leads to a 358-square-foot retail space.

The exterior of the building will be coated with stucco and articulated by diagonally placed decorative wood battens, according to the plans, and a window opening on the west side will be filled in to create a large space for a mural.

A steel canopy will wrap around the east and north sides of the building and new parapet walls on the east, north and south facades will screen rooftop mechanical units. The existing pole sign along the Ogden Avenue frontage would be removed in favor of a pylon sign

If the planning and zoning approval proess turns out to be a smooth one, Antolec ke to open the oors in “no more than a few

Opinion

Lessons learned

THE L ANDMARK VIEW Brother, can you spare some tech suppor

What lessons can we take away from the 2023 local elections? Actually, there are a few that spring readily to mind.

First of f, your vote really does matter. When the dust settled on election night, two candidates vying for the fourth and final seat on the Brookfield Public Library Board of Trustees were separated by just one vote

As mail-in vote counting dribbled in over the next week, that margin increased to four votes and then, on April 10, to 17 votes. There are likely still a few more mail-in votes to count, so that race is still too close to call. When it’s all said and done, it’s likely the margin of victory in that race will be around two dozen votes

The second takeaway is that when you don’t have contested races for municipal offices, no one bothers to tur n out to vote – and that has a knock-on effect on races connected to those municipalities, particularly school board races, that are contested

Voter tur nout in Riverside for the past two local elections has been mired in the 10% range, while Brookfield’s has had a tough time breaking 15%.

In school board and library board elections, where elsewhere in the nation very different visions for public education are locked in an existential struggle, low tur nouts can lead to some very alar ming results

In Lyons Township High School District 204, there was for the first time active, unsolicited partisan activity in a non-partisan school board election. The more organized activity came from the Democratic Party of Illinois and a local group with ties to a wellknown Democratic strategist.

That message appears to have motivated those voters, who re-elected two incumbents who because of a poorly timed and clumsily rolled out land sale proposal were really on the ropes earlier this year

After the school board shelved the land sale, somewhat defusing a volatile campaign issue, focus tur ned to education policy and the partisan messaging that fueled it. Despite a lot of heat online and in social media, voter tur nout in the D204 race was about 27%.

So, 73% of registered voters simply rolled the dice and hoped for the best for the high school district to which a huge chunk of their property tax bills goes

In the contested race for the Nor th Riverside village board, where since 2015 turnout has never been lower than 36%, voter tur nout in 2023 was 26%.

That’s in line with other contested races, like LTHS’, but turnout likely wasn’t helped by one entirely negative campaign led by an incumbent who called her opponents liars and failed to show up for a candidate forum, implying her neighbors couldn’t behave themselves.

If Donald Trump taught the nation anything, it’s that you might be able to get away with that act once, but it grows tiresome and shallow very quickly.

KOSEY CORNER

Hi all. Well, here I am attempting to write my column on my new Chromebook. I have heard it’s easy to lear n how to use, but I think they are refer ring to an 8-year-old and not an 80-year-old. Daughter Tina has patiently been walking me through things in person and by phone

So, here I am staring at this machine whose purpose is making my life easier, which I supposed will happen in time. I have started this particular column quite a few times due to errors on my part.

JOANNE KOSE Y

I am used to working with a mouse, which kept my right hand busy and my left just there but in no trouble. Now it seems my left hand is touching something on the keyboard and I either lose everything or other things pop up on the screen. I keep looking around for that smart 8-year-old, but there isn’t one here at the Woodlands, although I have been told if I ask anybody, they will know what to do.

My first attempt proved wrong, of course, since I asked during the night and the aide was less than enthusiastic. Then Nurse Dana appeared on the scene,

t?dropping off the mor ning pills and noticing my Chromebook. She would be one to ask, but she is always on the run.

Roy and George would help but they are busy with rehab, maybe after hours or if they are not getting us busy with group therapy, which is fun. We work with weights and dumbbells, the weighted kind, not people You may have realized or heard that I am receiving rehab to continue to get stronger I am also being treated for something else, which I am told is treatable, which is good news to me.

I am still at Cantata in the Woodlands section. I have a studio apartment, but one-bedroom apartments are also available. I will keep you in the loop as to what is happening What’s fun is how many people have said they didn’t see their names in the column, I will do my best. If your name is omitted, don’t take it personally, just let me know.

Can’t forget Margaret, Billy, MaryAnn and Cindy (my angels), Chyann, Sergio, Adam, Julie, Meghan, Lisa Capone and Dan Urban – they are among the many who have been helping get me back and running Thanks, Skylar, for helping me with this.

LET TERS

Nor th Riverside should rotate auditors

Rotating auditors is sound practice and can protect taxpayers from potential corruption and abuse. The Gover nment Finance Of ficers Association (GFOA), a membership org anization that re presents public finance of ficials throughout the United States and Canada, recommends gover nments complete a full-scale competitive search for the selection of inde pendent auditors, rotate auditors every five years, and re place eng agement par tners and senior managers if rotation is not possible

Two years ago, Nor th Riverside took a big ste p in securing the confidence of its residents and maintain-

ing gover nmental transparency by hiring a finance director with extensive experience in municipal finance.

However, for the last 17 years, Nor th Riverside has eng aged the same auditing fir m, even though there are at least three other fir ms with extensive experience auditing municipal gover nments in our re gion. Fur ther, the current village administrator for the last two years served as the Nor th Riverside’s finance director for approximately 20 years.

We need a fresh perspective.

I urge the leaders of the village of Nor th Riverside to follow GFOA recommendations to rotate audit fir ms and to alter nate senior managers to participate in the audit process.

Caroline Teter North Ri verside

John A. D unlop, 83

Retired LaGrange Park police chief

John A. Dunlop, 83, a longtime for mer resident of Riverside and retired police chief of LaGrange Park, died March 31, 2023.

Mr. Dunlop was born July 2, 1939 and most recently was a resident of Indian Head Park and Fort Myers, F lorida. After serving one year with the Illinois State Police, Mr Dunlop served the village of LaGrange Park and the residents from 1961 until his retirement in 1995. He served on many boards and committees, particularly during his eight years as police chief, working to improve the lives of those in the LaGrange Park community

He was always looked up to in the village and throughout law enforcement and had received numerous awards and commendations for his service. He enjoyed taking his motorcycle for a ride, including as a member of the Blue Knights, travelling with Donna, and visiting the shores of Lake Michig an near Mackinac Island.

Mr Dunlop is survived by his wife Donna (nee Prucha); his daughter, Laura (John) Buckley; his grandsons, John Richard Buckley (Christen Wesley) and Michael Andrew Buckley (Shuyan Zheng); two great-grandchildren, John Lucas and Eva Magdalena Wesley Buckley; his sister, Lenore (Herb) Lawrence; his niece Elizabeth Retke and ne phew David (Dini) Lawrence.

He is also survived by Donna’s children, Brian Dohney, Cory (Jimmy) Guttillo and the late Robert Dohney. He was

Grandpa John to their children, Savanah, Alexis, Dakota, Kaylee, Sierra, Jimmy, Jake and Shyanne

Mr Dunlop in death by his father, Andrew Patterson Dunlop, his mother, Beatrice (nee Jedlin) and his brother, James Douglas Dunlop

Service and burial are private

Ar rangements were handled by The Original Kuratko Family, Brian D. Kuratko, funeral director.

Helene Fitzsimmons, 72 Former Brook eld Zoo CFO

Helene Fitzsimmons (nee Bralles), 72, a longtime resident of North Riverside, died April 1, 2023.

Ms. Fitzsimmons was born Aug. 31, 1950 and was a for mer valued employee of the Brookfield Zoo in the capacity of CFO. She enjoyed movies, plays, music concerts, family gatherings, outings of all kinds – especially to the casino

She was the dearly beloved wife of the late Harold; the daughter of the late Dan and the late Connie Bralles; the cousin of Mary Lou Jacobs, Giene Maloney , Lynn Creedon and Liz Krage; and a step mother to Mary Wilson, Greg Fitzsimmons and Liz Natale She was also a special friend to Rich Hennessey, Peggy Devlin, Jennifer Schroeder and Ann Petric

Friends and family will gather for a memorial visitation on Friday, April 14 from noon to 2 p.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 7750 Cer mak Road, Forest Park

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Helene’s memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Illinois, alz.org/

illinois.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnchicago.com.

Dick Klang, 86 Brook elder was Army veteran

Dick “Swede” Klang, 86, of Brookfield, died April 4, 2023.

Mr. Klang served as a military police of ficer in the U.S. Ar my, Ar my Reserves and National Guard. He worked as a machinist for a manufacturing company prior to retiring.

Mr. Klang was the husband of Joy Klang (nee Nagl); the brother of Carl (Edda) Klang and Linda-Lou (Bob) Rompala; and the brother-in-law of Danny (Jolene) Nagl, the late Ter ry R. (Marge) Nagl and Bobby Lee Nagl

Services have been held. Inter ment is at Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery, Oakbrook Terrace.

Memorials are appreciated to the Brookfield Joshua Har ris VFW Post 2868, 8844 Ogden Ave., Brookfield, 60513 or St. Barbara Food Pantry, 4008 Prairie Ave., Brookfield, 60513 or St. Croix Hospice, 665 W. Nor th Ave. Suite 100, Lombard, 60148.

Hitzeman Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled ar rangements

Express condolences online at HitzemanFuneral.com. Send sympathy cards to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 31st St., Brookfield, 60513, c/o the Dick “Swede” Klang family.

Sports

RBHS girls race to 4th place at Bulldog Relays

Kahle battles through pain to take 2nd in long jump

By BILL STONE

Contributing Reporter

Despite chronic pain, senior Quinn Kahle can smile again about competing the maximum four events in meets for the Riverside-Brookfield High School girls track and field team.

“I think it’s more fun because you’ re just doing as much as you can to help,” Kahle said.

Kahle not only has retur ned from being diagnosed with three cracks in her spine as a junior. She was among the top perfor mers April 8 at the 42nd annual Bulldog Relays. The RBHS girls finished fourth in varsity events and fourth in the combined score.

Kahle was most excited about her second-place long jump of 4.82 meters/15 feet, 9.75 inches, her longest by 6.25 inches

“When it’s nice out and stuf f, I think it’s a good time to [get personal records]. If I keep improving, that’s all I want,” Kahle said.

Seniors Bryce Pacourek (1,600-meter run in 5:33.09) and Ava Conner ty (100 high hurdles in 17.13) were event champions.

Conner ty tied the school-record time even with a far-from-perfect race. Her third-place 51.35 in the 300 low hurdles was a personal best.

“I’ve been wanting to break [the 100 hurdles record] since my sophomore year and I’m so excited I matched it,” Conner ty said. “The last few hurdles I messed up I had a few extra steps so I’m excited to see what’ ll happen when I fully get my ste ps down.”

Kahle also was third in triple jump (9.56m/31-4.25) and fourth in the 100 (13.69) and with Jenny Thomas, Jojo Rodrigue z and Alexandra Domingue z in the varsity 400 relay (54.02).

Kahle was an all-conference high jumper as a sophomore and usually competed three field events and one running event. Kahle said her spine injury occur red from

overuse competing high jump and pole vault while also training for club gymnastics

“I think I have a pretty good pain toler ance. I kind of assumed my back hur like everyone else’s and I didn’t say much about it until it got to the point when I couldn’t walk,” Kahle said.

Kahle retur ned to track action late April but only as a runner and no events She continued with long jump has had to stop pole vault and high April 8 was only her third triple jump petition.

The back injury is per manent, said. Part of her focus as an athlete is ov coming constant pain, which she says lear ned to tolerate and reduce through months of physical therapy.

“I kind of feel it all the time but I’ve of gotten used to it because I’ve been dealing with it for a year and a half now,” Kahle said. “It’s kind of a static pain that I’ve gotten used to so I don’t really need medications. If it’s hur ting, I can generally get it to stop within the next day.”

Also taking third were the junior varsity 1,600 relay (Emma Acamovic, Sophia Richter, Lara Huns, Melissa Pere z in 4:52.58) and the JV 1,600 sprint medley relay (Sophia Maletta, Mia Linares, Huns, Mia Weisman in 5:54.38). Gianna Gelb was fourth in the 1,600 (5:52.55).

RBHS boys track and field

Senior Zack Gaynor was part of the Bulldo gs’ 3,200 relay that just missed qualifying for state in 2022.

On April 8, the lineup of Gaynor, William Kallas, Hayden Mar rs and Jack O’Brien had another anxious moment during the 52nd annual Bulldo g Relays when the baton was dropped during the final exchange, but O’Brien was able to pick it up and race to the win.

O’Brien completed the Bulldogs’ victory in 8:17.24 and Marrs, Gaynor, Jackson Drumheller and Kallas also prevailed in the varsity 1,600 relay (3:37.82). RBHS finished second in varsity events and fourth in the combined score.

All-stater O’Brien, Gaynor, Kallas and Marrs were among the Bulldogs who helped the boys cross country team win the Class 2A state championship in November.

The momentum has carried over to the Bulldogs thinking about qualifying for state in the 3,200 relay among other events.

“[State cross country] definitely made us way more motivated coming into track, and there’s been a lot more training in general,” Gaynor said. “This time last year we were not in as good shape as we are now. We’re hitting some of the times we were hitting at the end of last season.”

Junior Luke Smithing was second in his 2022 state-qualifying event, the 300 inter mediate hurdles (42.37). Kallas (3.50m/11-6 in pole vault) and the sophomore 1,600 relay (Henry Walker, Diego Lopez-Molina, Brady Nor man, Asa Kahle in 3:49.93) also were second

O’Brien (1,600 in 4:30.33), Nor man (3,200 in 9:50.48), the varsity 400 relay (Muhammad Salem, Sean Rau, Samuel Elusoji, Drumheller in 45.67); the freshman 1,600 relay (Quinn Hendricks, Sam Lee, John Evans, Clayton Dosek in 4:08.18); and the frosh-soph 1,600 sprint medley relay (Mateo Santini, Wayne Torrens, Hendricks, Asa Kahle in 3:57.59) were third

Elusoji (11.06m/36-3.5 in triple jump) and the varsity 1,600 sprint medley relay (Luke Schmitz, Charlie Yager, Eamon Ryan, William Sessler in 3:56.35) were four th.

IAN MCLEOD

RBHS senior Quinn Kahle nished fourth in the 100-meter dash on April 8 at the Bulldog Relays. She also placed second in the long jump and third in the triple jump.

RBHS lacrosse looks to take next step in second season

Bulldogs look to cut down on mistakes, play tough

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

After its first of ficial varsity season in 2022, the Riverside-Brookfield High School boys lacrosse program is looking to take the next ste p.

That includes an IHSA playof f victory after losing last season’s Marist Sectional opener to Hillcrest co-op 10-9 in over time to finish 4-13.

“[We have] a strong core group of guys They play to gether as a team and play tough,” RBHS coach Joe Urbanski said. “[Our goals are] finish the season with a

winning record and win in the playof fs We need guys to buy in and commit to the process, get healthy and clean up the silly mistakes.”

The Bulldogs are 3-5 with victories over Buf falo Grove 11-7 in the season opener, Taft 8-4 and Brother Rice 9-2.

Seniors Drew Swiatek, Cirian Mathews, Dan Domeier and Hunter McClintock and sophomore Max Strong are retur ning star ters

Key lineup newcomers include senior Sam Tomas, Ryan O’Dono ghue, Philly Vazzana and junior Seamus Keohane.

Tomas leads the Bulldogs with eight goals, followed by McClintock (seven), senior Jacob O’Brien (six), Mathews (five) and Swiatek (four).

LTHS boys lacrosse

The Li ons are of f to a 5-0 star t after

Riverside-Brook eld High School’s Jacob O’Brien (in white) lets a shot go against Conant during a match earlier this season

beating Waubonsie Valley 13-7 on April 10 in Au rora .

Following an 8-1 season-opening victory over Batavia, the Lions have reached d ouble digits every g ame, beating Prospect 12-1, W heaton Wa rrenville S outh 15-7 and St. Charles East 11-8.

To p pl ayers include seniors Finn Buckley, Liam Carolan, Christian Ch o, Quinn

Far nan, Henry Fink, Wi ll Glimc o, A shton Hutchins and Joe Mazurowski, juniors Jack C ampbell and S ean C her ry and sophomores C olin Kultgen and S ean Kultgen.

L ast season, the Lions finished 10-9, losing their pl ayof f opener to Batavia 7- 6 in the Naperville Nor th Sectional q uarterfinals

Hastings homers to cap Senior Day win over Richards Bulldogs earn second straight victory to push record to 5-3

By BILL STONE

Contributing

Reporter

Ellary Hastings added to her memorable Senior Day for the Riverside-Brookfield High School softball team April 8 with a new experience.

Hastings delivered her first over-thefence home run as the Bulldogs edged Richards 4-3 at Ehlert Park in Brookfield

“Right before I hit that home run, the other team’s coach told the pitcher I couldn’t hit the ball. Many other memorable things, but that’s one thing that stuck in my mind,” Hastings said.

The Bulldogs (5-3) won their second straight while honoring seniors and fouryear program members Paige Fudacz, Mia Gonzale z, Hastings, Luna Lloyd and Lian-

na Noel.

“I’ve been playing with these girls for a really long time and just being able to play with them in a dif ferent setting than travel [softball], it’s just like a second family,” Luna said. “I honestly couldn’t ask for a better team.”

“[I love] just the environment,” Fudacz said. “There’s a lot of leadership and I feel like there’s a lot of competition with all of us that we kind of make each other better.”

Noel is a third-year varsity player after playing with the junior varsity as a freshman. T he other four seniors are in their second varsity seasons.

“Something that’s made me continue to play is the energy and suppo rt from my teammates,” Hastings said. “I feel like

right away I was able to come to the team and feel suppor ted by everyone. Everyone here wants to improve and we all work hard to make sure we can help the team.”

T he seniors hope to continue the momentum and emotion g enerated by last year’s group, which won its IHSA Class 4A re gional by beating Downers Grove South 7-1 at Veterans Park in Nor th Riverside

“As a varsity player, that’s something you do n’ t always get to experienc e,” Luna said of a re gional title. “It was really j ust like a sur real moment.”

Even the 3-1 Marist Sectional semifinal loss to the host RedHawks, who went on to finish second in state, made a lasting impression on these seniors.

“Last year’s sectional g ame, even

though it was kind of bitter sweet, seeing the seniors leave, the team energy and chemistry was top notch and kind of a fiery way to star t this season and want to do better,” Gonzale z said.

T he Bulldogs retur n their three 2022 All-Metro Suburban Conference players in Zoe Levine, Emily Org an and Ellie Me g all.

Newcomers, such as sophomore Ella Jurgens, already are contributing. Jurgens went 3 for 3 with four runs batted in April 6 as the Bulldogs beat Hinsdale South 11-1 after Jurgens’ three-run, g ame-ending homer in the bottom of the sixth.

Levine and Lloyd also homered and had two hits along with Noel and Org an. Freshman winning pitcher Abby Weiner t threw a two-hitter with four strikeouts

STEVE JOHNSTON

Deason smacks first home run in RBHS win over IC

Bulldogs overcome Knights in seesaw contest

By BILL STONE

Contributing

Reporter

Junior first baseman Wes Deason has been hitting well in his first varsity season for the Riverside-Brookfield High School baseball team.

get my first one,” said Deason, a starter for the sophomores in 2022. “I’ve been seeing the ball really well lately. It was my second at bat against that pitcher He left one over the plate and obviously I got it well.”

Sam Didio, who relieved in the sixth, was the winning pitcher. Ryan Novak pitched a scoreless seventh to join Robert Drake in ear ning a save this season.

School boys tennis team played Timothy Christian as scheduled last week, it was the first and only one of two home matches this season.

Junior Ian Dimaano and senior Marc Kaplan retur n to this season’s varsity lineup.

promising freshmen,” Weiss said. “[Our goals are] ag gressiveness, consistency and a love for the g ame.”

RBHS water polo

The RBHS girls (1-6-1) ear ned their first victory by beating Hinsdale South 7-1 on March 22.

SPORTS ROUNDUP

On April 6, his first varsity home run in the bottom of the sixth inning proved to be the game-winner The Bulldogs (4-4) edged Immaculate Conception Catholic Prep 9-8 at Ehler t Park in Brookfield “I [nearly] had one a couple of games ago, and actually I had one my first at bat [against IC] that almost got out. I’m super excited to

“It was a great game We’d been scoring every inning back and forth. This was awesome,” Deason said. “We’re continuously putting balls in play We usually get a lot of energy going and it’s just fun to be out here.”

The Bulldogs lost to Maine West 16-1 on April 8 and Wheaton Academy 14-3 on April 10.

RBHS tennis

When the Riverside-Brookfield High

Dimaano played No. 1 doubles in 2022 and in the Lyons Township Sectional with graduated brother Ethan. Kaplan was the only current senior on last season’s roster

Key newcomers are seniors Noah Lenaghan and Santiago Her rera. Lenaghan previously attended RBHS and retur ns after transfer ring from Nazareth Academy.

RBHS coach Sam Weiss hopes that a new challenge system will increase competition within the team.

“[Our strengths are] consistency, a strong junior and senior lineup and

Claire Cervi and Olivia Dobbe scored twice and Eleanor Glenni, Lorelei Leimberer and Priscilla Gil also tallied. Goalie Edie Hamilton made 19 saves.

The RBHS boys (3-8) lost to Maine East on April 3.

Cur rent stats leaders include Bradley Ruska (31 goals), Mur phy Re g an and Hayden Mar rs (12 assists each), Mar rs (16 steals), Avinesh Ponnappan (14 goals), Alex Jacobs (13 goals) and goalie Martynas Bieliauskas (50 saves).

LTHS soccer maintains perfection with 3 more wins

the sectional finals

By BILL STONE

Contributing Reporter

Even before this girls soccer season, Lyons Township High School junior Brennan Israel and senior Chandlar

SPORTS ROUNDUP

Lay were a pretty tight-knit pair.

“Chandlar and I, we’re with each other all of the time,” Israel said. “If you see us at school, every single hallway, we’re together.”

Now they’re together even more as the central defenders of another strong defense

On April 4, they helped the Lions open West Suburban Conference Silver Division action successfully with a 2-0 victory at Downers Grove North.

The Lions are now 7-0 and have yet to yield a goal. They defeated Glenbrook South 3-0 on April 8 and Lake Forest 3-0 on April 10. Last year’s team allowed only seven goals in finishing 20-2 and reaching

“Our defense has done a really nice job,” LTHS coach Bill Lanspeary said. “They’re just getting more comfortable with each other And not only our backs, but our midfielders and forwards do a nice job of pressuring and keeping the ball for us, too.”

Also a starting central defender in 2022, Israel is now the veteran of the backline, which has Caroline McKenna, Avery Wengerd, Abby Brown and Jillian Herchenroether on the flanks and new goalies Nora Ezike and Sarah Schinker, who often have been playing one half each.

Another defensive newcomer, Lay played forward in 2022 but suf fered a knee injury last fall. She be gan playing defense last August and approached Lanspeary about switching her position after her retur n to action in February.

“Honestly, I feel like I like [defense] a lot more. It’s a better fit. I think there’s more communicating on defense,” Lay said.

Izzy Wirtz also has been a solid contributor as the defensive central midfielder On April 8, she scored twice and Niahm Grif fin also tallied. O’Malley had all three assists Wirtz, O’Malley and Peyton Israel scored April 10 with two assists from O’Malley and one by Niamh Grif fin

Freshman Carolina Capizzi and Caroline

LTHS boys water polo

Senior Brendan Whelton and his Lyons Township High School boys water polo teammates know strong competition is only going to make them better

On April 8, the Lions (10-6) reached the title match of their annual invitational but lost to York for the second time this season 14-4.

“It’s a really tough team obviously. We play a tough schedule We put up a good fight,” said Whelton, one of the few retur ning star ters from last year’s third-place state finisher

“We lost a lot of guys, a lot of seniors, so we’ve had to really ste p it up big time this season. It’s kind of a struggl e, it’s a dif ficult task, but we’re overcoming it.”

In pool play, the Lions defeated LincolnWay East 15-7, St. Rita 16-8 and Neuqua Valley 12-10.

York, however, scored on it first three possessions of the final. The Lions closed to 3-2 on Whelton goals assisted by Louis Grib and Sami Rabah and trailed 7-3 at halftime, but the Dukes then scored the next seven goals

LTHS baseball

The Lions (5-2, 2-1 in West Suburban Silver) lost at Downers Grove North 7-6 on April 10 on a run in the bottom of the seventh inning after tying the game with two runs in the top half

Sam Viniard (2 for 4, 2 RBIs) hit his third homer of the season and Jack Falls (3 for 4, 3 RBIs), Frederick Ragsdale III (2 for 4) and Troy Stukenberg doubled. The Trojans pulled ahead 6-3 with a five-run fourth.

The Lions again beat Glenbard West 11-2 on April 6. Falls (home run, 4 RBIs), Ragsdale (double), Stukenberg and Viniard each had two hits. Winning pitcher Brady Chambers struck out eight in four innings.

LTHS had a 13-1, five-inning victory over Morton on April 8. James Georgelos was 3 for 3 with two RBIs. Stukenberg (5 RBIs, triple), Ryan Jackson, Patrick Engels and Michael Mango had two hits. Winning pitcher Nate Anderson (6 strikeouts in 4 innings) and Tristan Clark combined on a one-hitter.

LTHS softball

Lily Prendergast (.385 batting average, 4 RBIs, triple, double), Tess Meyer (.333, home run, 2 RBIs, double) and Kaitlyn Filkins (.333, double) are top hitters for the Lions (0-4), who have lost to Sandburg 11-1, Mother McAuley 5-1 and Andrew 8-1 and 15-3.

Lions girls have not conceded a goal thus far in 2023 campaign

Mortonson scored against Downers Grove North with O’Malley assisting Mortonson.

LICENSED ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Licensed Environmental Health Practitioner in the Health Department. This position will perform a variety of duties including education and enforcement activities for the promotion and protection of the public health environment. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website https:// www.oakpark.us/your-government/ human-resources-departments

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

SEASONAL FARMER’S MARKET ASSISTANT

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Seasonal Farmer’s Market Assistant in the Health Department. This position will provide administrative support to the Farmer’s Market Manager to allow growers and producers of food to sell directly to the public within established guidelines. This position requires work in inclement weather conditions; some heavy lifting of up to 50 pounds; walking or standing for sustained periods of time. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

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

HIRING CLEANING TECHNICIANS FOR OPPORTUNITIES IN WESTCHESTER!

Awesome

HUMAN RESOURCE COORDINATOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Human Resource Coordinator in the Human Resources Department. The ideal candidate will have a high level of customer service skills, Will provide routine to complex office, clerical, and administrative tasks. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is open until filled, first review of applications will be on April 14, 2023.

POLICE RECORDS SUPERVISOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Police Records Supervisor in the Police Department. This position will manage, supervise, plan and coordinate the activities and operations of the Police Records Division Support Services Bureau, within the Police Department including records maintenance and management services; and coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies and the general public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www. oak-park.us/jobs. First review of applications will be April 21, 2023.

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

GARAGE SALE

FREE Spring Clean Give Away

You see it, you like it, you take it!

Saturday April 22nd. 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Judson Baptist Church

1252 N. Austin Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60302 FREE FOOD

CLASSICS

Restored

Cars & Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Import Cars: Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars $$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

Pay starts at $20/hr. Must be available for weekends also. Ready to work? Contact us by email at info@awesomecjs.com.

LOST & FOUND

Lost Earring

Found: single gold earring for pierced ears. Small, 1/2 inch, possibly a child’s. Found at northeast corner of Harlem and Lake, at curb. Call Barb at 708-771-2575. Must identify with matching earring.

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Customer Service Representative II in the Public Works Department. This position provides customer service to the public by providing a variety of responsible and difficult customer service and receptionist work including high volume telephone traffic; and to perform the more difficult and complex customer service duties depending on the department including but not limited to service requests, permits, parking passes, block party permits, accounts payable processing and vehicle stickers. This position is cross-trained with the other Customer Service Representative IIs in the Village. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oakpark.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is posted until filled with first review April 20, 2023.

Collector James • 630-201-8122

Domestic / Import Cars: Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

CLASSICS

Collector James 630-201-8122

Domestic / Import Cars: Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars

RENTALS

OFFICE/RETAIL FOR RENT

SALON CHAIR RENTAL

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

Oak park salon, chair, rental, full-time and part-time. Contact Tony for details 847-732-2595.

BEAUTIFUL 1BD, 1BA

APARTMENT TO RENT

Collector James 630-201-8122

All brand new in 2022; 700 sq ft; lots of storage; stainless steel appliances with dishwasher; quartz countertop; 2 car parking; $1300/mo; 3705 Forest Avenue Bkfield; need income 4 x rent; we follow 2-step Cook Co. leasing process; call Rich at 630272-0086

OFFICE SPACE

FOR RENT

Office space (2-3 office rooms,1 bathroom, 700-900 sq ft,$1650/monthly)

Please call 708-485-9224 ask for Linda Sokol-Francis

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

Attention: Parents of Homeschooled

Students

On Tuesday April 25, 2023 at 1:00pm, Forest Park Schools District 91 will conduct a meeting at the Administration Office, 424 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the district’s plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities and/or students that are eligible to receive Title 1 services who attend private schools and/or home schools within the district boundaries for the 2023-2024 school year. If you are the parent of a homeschooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability and/or is eligible to receive Title 1 services and you reside within the boundaries of Forest Park Schools District 91, you are urged to attend. If you have further questions pertaining to this meeting, please contact David Mekhiel, Director of Student Services, at (708) 3665700 ext 3306.

Published in Forest Park Review April 5, 12, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS)

COUNTY OF COOK )ss

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

In re the marriage of JORGE PENA, Petitioner and BEYERLY MOORE PENA, Respondent, Case No. 2023D002416.

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

Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your Appearance and Response electronically to said Petition with the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, on or before May 3, 2023, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition.

IRIS Y. MARTINEZ, Clerk.

Published in Wednesday Journal April 5, 12, 19, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given by the Board of Education of Riverside School District No. 96 in the Cook County, State of Illinois, that an amended budget for said school district for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022, will be on file and available for public inspection by appointment Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm starting the 16th day of April 2023, at the district’s administrative offices on 3340 South Harlem Avenue in Riverside Illinois. To schedule an appointment please email fittonj@district96.org

Notice is further given that a public hearing on said amended budget will be held at 7:00 o’clock p.m. on the 17th day of May 2023 followed immediately by the scheduled regular board meeting.

Board of Education Riverside School District No. 96 Cook County, Illinois

By: Wesley Muirhead Board Secretary

Published in RB Landmark April 12, 2023

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: Y23010346 on March 21, 2023

Under the Assumed Business Name of FLOOFS RANDOM WORKSHOP with the business located at: 339 S TAYLOR AVE OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: CARSON HARRIS 339 S TAYLOR AVE OAK PARK, IL 60302

Published in

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

VILLAGE OF OAK PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

CALENDAR NUMBER: 08-23-Z

HEARING DATE: May 3, 2023

TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits

LOCATION OF HEARING: Room 201 (Council Chambers), Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302

APPLICATION: The Zoning Board of Appeals (“ZBA”) will conduct a public hearing on an application filed by the Applicant, Mathew Soukup and Anna Louis-Soukup, seeking a variance from Section 4.3 (Table 4-1: Residential Districts Dimensional Standards) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance requiring a 19’–1” front yard setback to permit construction of an open porch addition with a proposed 12’ setback, in line with the existing front setback of the residence, at the premises commonly known as 645 N. Grove Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Number 16-06-322-011-0000 (“Subject

Property”), in the R-2 SingleFamily Zoning District.

A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may also sign up to participate in-person in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses by submitting a cross-examination form or by emailing Zoning@ oak-park.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing.

The public hearing may be adjourned by the Board to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.

e Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law.

is newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals.

To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.

GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g) (1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 720 N. AUSTIN BLVD, UNIT 2-SW, OAK PARK, IL 60302

Property Index No. 16-08-105-0211009

The real estate is improved with a condominium.

The judgment amount was $17,234.13.

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

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact Noah Weininger, THE WEININGER LAW FIRM LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 161 North Clark St., Suite 1600, Chicago, IL, 60601 (312) 796-8850.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

SALE

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

Noah Weininger

THE WEININGER LAW FIRM LLC

161 North Clark St., Suite 1600 Chicago IL, 60601 312-796-8850

Fax #: 312-248-2550

E-Mail: nweininger@weiningerlawfirm.com

Attorney Code. 63307

Case Number: 21 CH 4185

TJSC#: 43-1440

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.

Case # 21 CH 4185

I3217776