Landmark 041724

RB’s Patty Sarkady named teacher of the year

e business teacher’s award comes from the Illinois Digital Educator’s Alliance

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Riverside Brookfield High School business teacher Patty Sarkady has received this year’s Educator of Year award from the Illinois Digital Educators Alliance.

Sarkady teaches classes in business, digital design, advanced digital design, business and digital marketing, and game design. A long-time gamer herself, Sarkady started with Atari video games. She created and teaches RB’s course in computer game design. Four of her classes are dual-credit courses with Triton Colle ge

She also is part of the blended learning team at RB, which uses video lectures to supplement See

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An unhappy game of romantic follow-the-leader explodes into murder one weekend at The Hollow, home of Sir Henry and Lucy Angkatell. Nearly everyone has a motive, but only one of them did the deed, in this classic Agatha Christie mystery.

April 26, 27, 28 • May 3, 4, 5

An unhappy game of romantic follow-the-leader explodes into murder one weekend at The Hollow, home of Sir Henry and Lucy Angkatell. Dr. Cristow, the Harley Street lothario, is at the center of the trouble when, assembled in one place, we find his dull but devoted wife, Gerda, his mistress and prominent sculptor, Henrietta, and his former lover and Hollywood film star, Veronica. Also visiting are Edward and Midge, whose romantic assertions are likewise thrown into the mix. As the list of romantic associations grows, so does the list of potential suspects when someone is shot dead. Nearly everyone has a motive, but only one of them did the deed, in this classic Agatha Christie mystery.

Fridays and Saturdays 7:30pm • Sundays 2:30pm

Scheck Village Commons, North Riverside • www.nrplayers.com • 708-526-8084

An unhappy game of romantic follow-the-leader explodes into murder one weekend at The Hollow, home of Sir Henry and Lucy Angkatell. Dr. Cristow, the Harley Street lothario, is at the center of the trouble when, assembled in one place, we find his dull but devoted wife, Gerda, his mistress and prominent sculptor, Henrietta, and his former lover and Hollywood film star, Veronica. Also visiting are Edward and Midge, whose romantic assertions are likewise thrown into the mix. As the list of romantic associations grows, so does the list of potential suspects when someone is shot dead. Nearly everyone has a motive, but only one of them did the deed, in this classic Agatha Christie mystery.

April 26, 27, 28 May 3, 4, 5

April 26, 27, 28 May 3, 4, 5

Fridays and Saturdays 7:30P Sundays 2:30P

Fridays and Saturdays 7:30P Sundays 2:30P

Scheck Village Commons, North Riverside, IL

www.nrplayers.com

708-526-8084

Scheck Village Commons, North Riverside, IL

www.nrplayers.com

708-526-8084

Work on Hauser-Central school’s eld, playground, parking set to start

$3.5 million project launches next week with some aspects nished this fall

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Fencing has been put up around L.J. Hauser Junior High School, signaling work is about to get under way on the $3.5 million-project to revamp the play and parking areas of the Hauser-Central campus.

Construction work will begin next week after testing is done.

A roughly four-foot-high fence stands in front of Hauser, and 10-foot-high fencing surrounds the field behind the school that will be replaced. The side of the chain link fence that is facing the street is covered with a black translucent fence cover to improve the aesthetics, although District 96 Superintendent Martha Ryan-Toye said that the 10- foothigh fencing looks like a prison.

Because part of the parking lot is blocked of f, all pickups and drop-offs must now be done in front of the schools, adding to congestion. The first major work will be the digging of a large pit in the grass field to hold a stor m trap, which will hold water

runof f and help prevent flooding.

The construction of the storm pit should take four to six weeks. After the storm pit is installed, work on the new parking lot and play area will commence during the summer “June, July and August are getting all the re gular drainage in line, getting the parking lot redone, getting the playground built out, the multiple aspects of it and that will finish in August,” said Ramesh Nair, who is overseeing the project for District 96. While the construction of a new playground and parking lot is expected to be completed before the start of the next school year, the new field will be fenced of f and of f limits until at least the spring of 2025 because the new field will be grass, and the growing grass needs to be protected.

“We will want the construction fencing to be up there while the field is growing to indicate that it is of f limits to use, otherwise people will go on it,” said Joel Marhoul, the chairman of the District 96 school board’s facilities committee.

School officials decided not to have a backstop behind

home plate on the new field because a neighbor complained about the kids banging on the existing backstop. The kids who will play baseball on the new field will be small enough that a backstop won’t be necessary, according to Joel Marhoul, chairman of school board’s facilities committee.

With the field out of commission for the rest of the school year, principals are making adjustments for recess. Kids will play mostly in the grassy areas in front of the schools, although some paved areas will be accessible, such as where the two basketball hoops are being Central School.

“We’ll make it work,” said Central School Principal Pete Gatz. One possibility is to stagger lunch times for Central students so that fewer kids are outside at any one time.

Pick up and drop of f is now more congested because it all must occur in the front of the school because the back area is no longer accessible except for staf f parking.

Principals are encouraging kids and parents to walk or bike to school whenever possibl e.

While some staf f parking spaces have been lost, the Riverside Masonic Temple has made a few parking spaces for rent available to teachers. But Gatz said that most teachers who are not able to find parking spaces in the lot have been able to find places to park on the street.

TODD BANNOR

Chainlink fence along the pl ayground behind Hauser Junior High School is up ahead of immine nt const ruction.

TODD BANNOR

Children arriving for school walk past the chainlink fence in front of Hauser Junior High School on Monday, April 8.

BIG WEEK

Compiled by Grace Har ty

April 17-24

Mary Porter field Workshop

Saturday, April 20, 2-4 p.m., Riverside Arts Center ’s FlexSpac e Mary Porter eld, the artist behind That Which Remains at Riverside Arts Center’s FlexSpace, will be holding a talk, demonstration and workshop Saturday. The artist will invite the public to make tracings and photograms of owers, while sharing stories of assisting and caring for others. Participants of all ages can add their tracings to Porter eld’s wall installation and take home their photograms to honor a loved one. Registration information can be found on the website. Her exhibition will last until May 11. Gallery hours: Thursday to Saturday from 1-5 p.m. 32 E. Quincy St.

Annual S alt Creek Spring Cleanup

Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bemis Woods

The Salt Creek Watershed Network is calling community members and nature lovers to volunteer at its annual Salt Creek Spring Cleanup. Enjoy environmental programs and a complimentary cookout lunch at 11:30 a.m. courtesy of GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. Land participants should meet by 9 a.m. at the Bemis North Forest Preser ve footbridge. Watercraf t participants will have two options: The rst group will meet at the Bemis Woods Nor th footbridge at 7 a.m. while the second will meet at the Graue Mill parking lot at 3803 York Rd. in Oak Brook at 9 a.m. For more information, visit saltcreekwatershed.org or call Ron Hursh at (708) 354-4434.

Ramona A. Su ern Annual Mission Dinner

Sunday, April 21, 12 p.m.

The Mission Dinner of Sts. Peter and Paul Lutheran Church in Riverside, located at the corner of 31st and DesPlaines will be held on Sunday at the church to bene t Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. The traditional roast pork dinner will include the main entre, dumplings, mashed potatoes, a vegetable, sauerkraut, cranberry sauce, dessert, and co ee or tea. Ticket prices: adults $10; children ages 6-14 $5; children 5 and under are free. Tickets may be reserved by calling the church at 708-442-5250 and will also be available at the door. 250 Woodside Rd.

Take & Make: Shining Suncatchers

Friday, April 9, 5-5:30 p.m.

LSF Brookfield Library

To run with the idea that this week is crafty and fun, the library will be having another one of their own

Take & Make Fridays. This week ’s Take & Make is a kit to make shining suncatchers. Now that summer is on the way — slowly but surely — it is time to bask in all the sun’s glory. And there is no better way to do that than to make a suncatcher. Catch that sun and make it glisten for you and only you! 3541 Park Ave.

Knights of Columbus Pa sta Knight Dinner

Saturday, April 20, 4:30-8 p.m.

St. Mary Parish Center

Eat all the pasta you can this Saturday with the Knights of Columbus. The Knights of Columbus Council #1628 will be hosting a Pasta Knight Dinner Saturday, April 20 from 4:30-8 p.m. at the St. Mary Parish Center in Riverside. The cost is $20 for all-you-can-eat. Kids 10 and under are free. Come enjoy the great food, silent auction, basket ra e and 50/50 ra e. 105 Herrick Rd

Teen Craft: Bubble Paint

Hydrangea

Wednesday, April 17, 4-5 p.m.

All teens are welcome to attend a fun little craft session at the library this Wednesday. This craft will include bubble painting hydrangeas — what a perfec t ower to paint just as the weather is starting to warm up! What makes bubble painting so cool and unique is its unpredictable nature. Come try it out. Registration is required and can be completed at www.lsfbrook eldlibrary.org, by phone at 708-485-6917 or in person at the library. However, walk-ins are welcome to obser ve. 3541 Park Ave

C ALENDAR EVENTS

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

Riverside and Riverside Juniors unveil free bike repair station downtown

A ribbon cutting for the collaborative e ort took place April 11

By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter

Riverside just got a bit friendlier for cyclists.

The village and Riverside Junior Women’s Charity held a joint ribbon cutting ceremony April 11 to mark the installation of a free self-service bicycle repair station to the east side of the village’s train station south of the train tracks, a collaborative effort that began last year.

At the short ceremony, Riverside Juniors members joined Village President Douglas Pollock, Trustee Jill Mateo, for mer Village President Ben Sells and Pollock’s wife Jennifer to celebrate the addition to the village. Riverside Parks & Recreation Director Ron Malchiodi was also present to take pictures for the village. The honor of cutting the ribbon went to Sarah Magner, the Riverside Juniors member and for mer president who first had the idea for the bike re pair station.

Malchiodi said Riverside Juniors provided funding for the bike station while

the village handled its installation. He said the station was installed March 28 and the ribbon cutting was held later so Riverside Juniors members could attend.

The station is situated next to the existing bike racks and comes complete with elevated bars to rest bikes on, an air pump for refilling tires and seven tools — including a Phillips head screwdriver, a flat head screwdriver, a set of tire levers and four kinds of wrenches — that can be used to re pair the bicycles of any passers-by. The station also comes with a QR code linking to online instructions on how to use each of its tools. Best of all, the station is free for all users.

Magner first mentioned her idea for the bike repair station to Riverside Juniors about 11 months ago, Riverside Juniors President Andrea Kitamura said. In September 2023, Magner told the Landmark she had had the idea during a group bike ride in 2022 when someone’s bike malfunctioned.

“We thought of how Oak Park and Brookfield and the surrounding areas have bike re pair stations, while Riverside does not have any,” Magner said in September.

Kitamura said Riverside Juniors embraced Magner’s idea after she brought it up to the charity.

“[Magner said] Riverside in general is sort of looking for ways to be more health-

Riverside Juniors and the village celebrated the bicycle repair station’s installation with a ribbon cutting April 11. From le to right, those attending the ribbon cutting included Jennifer Pollock, former Village President Ben Sells, Village President Douglas Pollock, former Riverside Juniors President Sarah Magner, Trustee Jill Mateo, Riverside Juniors Vice President of Communit y Outreach Caroline Hermann, Riverside Juniors Treasurer April Knowles and Riverside Juniors President Andrea Kitamura.

conscious, more nature-conscious, to embrace this beautiful green space that we are known for in the area, and so, doesn’t it make sense for us to have something that a lot of our sister communities have?” Kitamura said. “And of course, a lot of Riversiders bike, and it makes sense, if something happens, that they have this resource to help them continue on their way, and I think we all really liked that idea.”

With Riverside Juniors’ approval, Magner reached out to Riverside, which is when Malchiodi got involved with the project.

“[Riverside Juniors’ proposal] was very well put together,” Malchiodi said. “They had examples of what they wanted to do. They had possible locations, so we worked through all of that. I presented it to the vil-

project, and we settled on the location near the train station in the middle of town.”

While both the village and Riverside Juniors were enthusiastic about the bike re pair station, Malchiodi said the project took nearly a year from start to finish due to the amount of coordination involved in the installation process.

“We have to work with Pub lic Works and their schedule to get it installed, so once we were kind of up against winter, it was pushed till the new year, but the project was approved in short order,” he said. “The length of time was really just the end of fall and winter.”

Malchiodi said the bike repair station will be helpful for the many cyclists in Riverside who either live in town or are just passing through.

TRENT BROWN

Thinking about a career in local government?

Brook eld Zoo Chicago celebrates Earth Day with a fun run and recycling collection

hosted a running event in the spring before. It is a good way to see the spring bloom, with animals on the run, all while raising awareness for Earth Day,” Rippe said.

awareness

By HECTOR CERVANTES Contributing Reporter

With Earth Day arriving April 22, Brookfield Zoo Chicago is celebrating the commemoration with celebrations of environmental awareness and action with an Earth Day Run and a recycling collection event dubbed Party for the Planet.

Rippe said that runners may pass by Brutus and Titus, the lion brothers, and catch a glimpse of the bison. Spectators can gather near the carousel and friends and family are also encouraged to stand and cheer on the participants.

The fun run aligns with Brookfield Zoo’s mission and values of connecting people to wildlife and nature.

At Party for the Planet, the zoo will collect items from people with too much stuff in their basements and garages who want to dispose of them in the an environmentally responsible way. The zoo will be accepting electronics, textiles and secondhand books for recycling April 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“What better way to get out and run among nature, with the beautiful trees and experiencing the magnificent animals. It’s about making those connections. There are numerous ways to make connections, whether you’re coming to the zoo for a casual day or bringing your friends for a day out and connecting with nature while interacting with friends and family,” Rippe said. “Most people don’t know that we sit on 235 acres, providing a unique perspective to see the 2.2 miles within the expanse of the zoo.”

The Earth Day Run is a 2.2-mile stroll along the trails of the zoo April 21 before it welcomes visitors for the day. Each participant who registers will receive an Earth Day Run commemorative medal and a packet of seeds to spread across their garden at their house and have flowers pop up as a special memento of the event.

Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Brookfield Zoo Chicago Leah Rippe said that many animals are on the brink of extinction because of habitat destruction and resource depletion.

“Recycling helps conserve natural resources, such as water and energy. It also helps reduce pollution by reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or pollutes the environment. By reducing pollution, recycling helps maintain a healthy environment for animals to thrive,” Rippe said.

With the race, Rippe said the zoo wanted to do something to raise awareness for Earth Day. The first year the Earth Day Run was 2022.

“It is nice to come to the zoo to experience a run with different seasons, and we have not

Rippe said that the fun run is open to everyone of all ages. A ticket to participate in the run is $35. A DJ will also be playing music after the run.

According to Rippe, the funds raised for this fun run will contribute to the zoo’s conservation program and support animals not just locally, but across the globe as well, ensuring the continued support of the program.

Rippe said that the zoo is always looking for seasonal events to help patrons visit all year.

When the zoo hosted this recycling event last year, Rippe said that they calculated the number of pounds of items that were collected.

“Last year we recycled 7,000 pounds of electronics, 11,000 pounds of books and 5,000 pounds of textiles. When you see those numbers that are staggering, imagine what that would look like in a landfill,” Rippe said.

Visit Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s website for more information on how to register for the run and the recycling event. A full list of what items they’ll accept for donations is on the website.

Brook eld adopts sustainability plan

e village’s conservation commission presented a dra last month

By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter

It’s official: Brookfield has taken a major step toward becoming a more sustainable villa ge.

At its April 8 meeting, the Brookfield village board for mally adopted a sustainability plan for the village for the first time.

According to the plan’s mission statement, the five-year initiative will guide the board and village staf f to support sustainability action as they make decisions on budgets, grants, bids, policies and more.

“The actions presented [in the plan] are financially feasible measures to effectively advance climate change mitigation/adaptation, environmental justice, education, compliance, utilization of sustainability resources, and accountability,” the mission statement reads.

The village’s adoption of the sustainability plan comes just a month after Brookfield’s conservation commission presented a draft of it to trustees during the board’s March 11 committee of the whole meeting.

As a result of recommendations given by trustees during that meeting and during one-on-one meetings afterward, the conservation commission made changes to the draft that are included in the final version the village adopted last week.

Most of the changes were additions to the lists of village accomplishments included under each of the plan’s nine focus areas, such as the inclusion of Brookfield’s rain barrel program, its lead line inventory visualization, the bicycle lanes on Washington Avenue and the air purifiers in the recreation hall under the village hall. Other changes to the draft included moving specific action items to fall under different goals within a focus area and wording changes or additions to action items.

“I just wanted to thank everyone on the conservation commission for all their hard work and to Trustee [Katie] Kaluzny

You're Invited Brookfield Volunteer Fair! Looking

Hosted by Brookfield Parks and Recreation

get involved in the community but don't know where to start?

■Hosted by Brookfield Parks and Recreation Commission

COURTESY OF THE VILL AG E OF BROOKFIELD Village trustees adopted an o cial sustainabilit y plan April 8 in a major rst for Brook eld. ------ -11 ■-

for championing this ef fort,” said Trustee Julie Narimatsu at the meeting. “Special thanks to Bridget [Jakubiak] for meeting with me and listening to all my feedback. I saw it all in there and it looks really great.”

Kaluzny is the board’s liaison to the conservation commission while Jakubiak is the commission’s chair.

“At the committee of the whole meeting, I indicated how impressed but not surprised I was at the thoroughness of the re port and the amount of work that went into it, and it was no surprise that you listened and you actually made some additional changes,” said Village President Michael Garvey at the meeting. “This is a very, very impressive document, and it’s not just going to be a document that’s going to sit on the shelf. It’s going to kind of be factored into decisions the board makes going forward. This is something the board wanted, and you helped deliver it to us, and we’re going to make sure that your ef for ts don’t go to waste.”

Hosted by Brookfield Parks and Recreation Commission

You're Invited Brookfield Volunteer

You're Invited Brookfield Volunteer Fair! in the community where to start? rganizations opportunity! Refreshments Snacks Door Prizes

You're Invited Brookfield Volunteer Fair! the community where to start? ions

start? Meetwith local organizations to find your opportunity!

Looking to get involve community but don't kno

Meet with local organiza to find your opportunity!

Sunday April 21, 2024

Happy National Arbor Day, April 26!

Latest News from the Olmsted Society Stewards of the land and Olmsted’s Plan

Saturday, 4/27, 9-Noon Landscape Workday, Scottswood Commons

Tuesday, 5/14, 7-9 Presentation, “A History of Chicagoland in Maps” sponsored by the Riverside Public Library and the Olmsted Society, Library Great Room. Attendance is free but a reservation is required.

Saturday, 5/18, 9-Noon Landscape Workday, Longcommon

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Woman arrested after tra c stop, giving ‘wrong’

A woman was ar rested April 9 in Lyons after Rive rside of ficers on patrol p ulled her over and caught her lying about her identity, police re por ts show.

At about 4:30 p. m. that day, the of ficer s saw the woman’s car heading south on F irst Avenue approaching the intersection with Fo rbes Road and Waubansee Road. An of ficer ran the car’s license plates and found the vehicle’s re gistration was suspended because of a lack of i nsurance and had also expired. As the woman approached the intersection with Plainfield Avenue in Lyons, the of ficer s activated their emerg ency lights and p ulled her over.

W hen police asked the woman for her drive r’s license and proof of insuranc e, the woman said she did not have anything on her because she was drivin g her best friend ’s ca r. When the of ficer s asked the woman for her name, she provided one. The of ficers ran the woman’s info rm ation through dispatch and asked

for a drive r’s license picture for the person whose name the woman gave, bu t the picture did not match the woman’s appearanc e, police said.

At that point, the of ficers placed the woman in handcu ff s to transpor t her for a fin ger print inquiry. As one of the of ficers placed her in the squad ca r, they asked the woman for her best friend ’s name, but she did not respond. The officer then asked if the woman staye d silent because she had given a false name, and the woman admitted she had. Sh e then gave her real inform ation and exp lained she had lied because her drive r’s license is suspended, police re por ted

At the station, the woman rece ived four citations for her car having a susp ended and expired re gistration as well as for driving an uninsured car with a suspended re gistration. Police also charged the woman for obstructing her identification. The woman was released, and a June 7 cour t date was set.

Ticketed for avoiding a red light and driving without a license

A 56-year-old Chicago man was ticketed April 8 in Brookfield after a police of ficer saw him pull into a gas station to get around a red light.

Around 12:30 a.m. that mor ning, the of ficer re ported he saw the man’s car heading west on 31st Street near the intersection with Maple Avenue. The of ficer then saw the car tur n into the Clark gas station and use it as a throughway to continue north onto Maple Avenue.

The of ficer pulled the man over at the intersection of Maple Avenue and 26th Street. When asked for a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance, the man provided valid insurance and an “out of country” license with no passport, police said. The man said he had established residency in Illinois a month and a half before and that he was in the process of obtaining asylum. The of ficer told the man

he would need to obtain a valid driver’s license before continuing to drive

The of ficer issued the man citations for disobeying the red light and driving without a valid license. The man’s car was left parked until he can obtain a valid driver’s license to move it, police re ported. A May 14 court date was set.

These items were obtained from the Ri verside Police De partment re ports dated April 6-10 and the Brookfield Police Department re ports dated April 8-15; they re present a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these re ports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We re port the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an ar rest

Riverside Lions Club hosts annual chicken dinner fundraiser

Tickets run for $20 each

By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter

Whether you want to support an organization making a difference or just want some yummy fried chicken, the Riverside Township Lions Club has the event for you.

The Lions Club is set to host its annual chicken dinner fundraiser Sunday, April 21 from noon to 5 p.m. in Riverside’s vil-

lage hall at 27 Riverside Rd. Attendees will be able to enjoy fried chicken, coleslaw, mashed potatoes and corn, as well as coffee, punch and dessert. Tickets will cost $20 each and can be purchased from Lions Club members or at the door

The Lions Club is encouraging attendees to bring used eyeglasses to the fundraiser so it can re purpose them.

“These recycled eyeglasses are given to people in need, with the help of various medical missionaries, in Central and South America and around the rld,”

Brook eld Zoo Chicago announces starstudded concert lineup

e zoo’s Roaring Nights concerts will bring e Fray, Barenaked Ladies and Gin Blossoms to the stage this summer

By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter

Live music enjoyers will be thrilled to learn about the three bands coming to perform at Brookfield Zoo Chicago this summer.

The zoo announced April 8 that The Fray, Barenaked Ladies and Gin Blossoms will each headline a one-night show this summer as part of its Roaring Nights concert series, which it described as “three exhilarating nights of music, fun, animal experiences and dancing the night away.”

The Fray will take the stage Saturday, June 22, followed by Barenaked Ladies on Friday, July 12 and Gin Blossoms on Saturday, July 27. Each Roaring Nights event will take place from 6-9 p.m. on the zoo’s East Mall.

The concert series is the zoo’s latest form of celebration for its 90th anniversary this year. The zoo’s anniversary Ferris wheel, which boasts elevated views of the Chicago skyline, opened last month

The Ferris wheel will stay open until 9 p.m. on concert nights to allow guests to watch the show from the sky above.

The zoo will also keep some of its animal habitats open on concert

the club said in a statement. “When the eyeglasses arrive in these countries, doctors and technicians conduct eye exams and provide a free pair of prescription eyeglasses that are as close as possible to that person’s sight needs.”

The Lions Club supports organizations that provide services to blind and deaf people as well as groups that assist people with other disabilities and local charities. For more information, visit the club’s website at e-clubhouse.org/sites/riversidetownship

nights until 7 p.m., allowing concert-goers the opportunity to see the dolphins, sea lions, big cats and other animals in their environments. Guests will also be able to meet some of the zoo’s “animal ambassadors” from 6:30-7:30 p.m. each night on the East Mall.

Tickets for the Roaring Nights shows will be available for sale on the zoo’s website starting April 15 at 10 a.m., with an online queue opening at 9 a.m. that morning. Tickets to each concert will cost $45-$55, but every adult ticket will come with a free ticket for a child aged 12 or under. Fans of all three bands will be able buy a three-ticket bundle for $90 for a limited time, a deal the zoo said will save three-time Roaring Nights attendees $65 overall. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the zoo directly.

“Roaring Nights not only offers incredible entertainment but also fuels our mission and impact for wildlife conservation, education, animal care and science,” said Andrea Rodgers, the zoo’s senior vice president of guest experience and operations, in a written statement. “Join us in making a difference while enjoying fantastic music and creating unforgettable moments.”

Courtesy of Brook eld Zoo Chicago

Just Wallpaper mixes bold vibes with home decor in Brook eld

e shop’s new storefront near Eight Corners opened last week

By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter

If you’re on the hunt for the right pattern to decorate the walls of your home, look no further than Just Wallpaper in Brookfield.

The wallpaper store’s new location at 9219 Broadway Ave. opened to customers April 9. Owners Julia Hamilton and Kate Sanderson staf f the shop themselves Tuesdays through Saturdays, helping customers who walk in or book appointments browse through the thousands of patterns the store has available to personalize their homes and make their spaces feel lived in.

“Don’t decorate your house gray and white for the future owner. Why are you doing that?” Hamilton said. “You live there. Decorate it for you!”

Aside from helping customers pick out the right wallpaper for them, Hamilton said she and Sanderson are trying to make the process of buying wallpaper — which can sometimes take months, she said — easier.

“One of the things I think that makes us special is that we built a whole computer system, so we catalogued all these books so that we can offer transparent, easy pricing,” she said, refer ring to the rows and rows of wallpaper pattern books on shelves that line part of the store’s walls.

Part of Just Wallpaper’s goal is to make wallpaper more accessible to customers, Hamilton said, many of whom have little or no knowledge of where to buy wallpaper or how much it should all cost.

“That was the other thing. It’s like, OK, where do you buy the paper? It’s like, oh go find a designer. And then, how much does it cost? And that’s a great question, because they could charge you whatever they wanted,” she said. “I was like, ‘No, no, no. We have to fix this.’”

Julia Hamilton, co-owner of Just Wallpaper, spreads out wallpaper pattern books inside the store. e shop has thousands of patterns in its books and digital catalogue for customers to look at and choose from.

The original Just Wallpaper first opened in 1982 in Orland Park. The owner chose to retire at the start of 2022, Hamilton said, so she and Sanderson, who then both worked as realtors — Sanderson still does full-time — decided to assume the mantle. They bought up the owner’s books of wallpaper patterns and took on the Just Wallpaper name, even though the store’s current iteration is “not technically connected to” the original, Hamilton said.

“[Sanderson]’s like, ‘Oh, my mom said that woman wants to retire.’ And I turned, and I was like, ‘Let’s buy the store!’” she said. “We just didn’t want to let go of this thing.”

At first, Hamilton said she and Sanderson only planned to do at-home consultations, but their vision for the business shifted in April 2022. That’s when they partnered with Berwyn Shops, an incubator program for small businesses in Berwyn’s

e inside of Just Wallpaper’s storefront boasts chic rugs and bold furniture alongside rows of wallpaper pattern books on shelves.

Roosevelt Road corridor, and realized how much demand there was for a walk-in wallpaper store.

“A week into getting our LLC, the person from the [Berwyn Development Corporation] was like, ‘Oh, hey, do you want to get involved in this?’ And the next thing you know, we donated wallpaper to all 12 of the shops, and we have a park bench with our logo on it,” Hamilton said. “Then, people were like, ‘Well, we want to come check the books.’”

While Hamilton said she hadn’t envisioned Just Wallpaper having a storefront, she and Sanderson converted a “little, tiny, tiny office space” in Berwyn — the entire building was smaller than the front room of the store’s current space, Hamilton said — into a shop in June 2022 so they could host customers. In January 2023, they had expanded the store’s hours, accepting walk-in customers two days a week. By September 2023, they were open four days a week for walk-ins.

“Most of what we found is that people were coming into the little shop, and they [were] like, ‘Oh my God, thank God I found you. I’ve been on the internet for three months, I’ve spent $100 on samples, and I still haven’t found the [right] wallpaper. Help me!’” Hamilton said. “That’s where it became, like, ‘OK, this is a shop, and we’ve got to find a real store, and this is real.’ We’re solving a little problem, but we’re solving it.”

When it came time for Just Wallpaper to find a new location, Hamilton said the business’s current space felt right as soon as she saw it. She said Brookfield, too, made sense for Just Wallpaper’s new home

due to its proximity to Chicago and its central location among the western suburbs.

“One of the things we learned rather quickly is that our clients that were in the city had no problem coming to Berwyn or Brookfield,” Hamilton said. “It’s not that far. It’s no big deal.”

Since the original Just Wallpaper was in Orland Park, “We have a lot of south suburb clients and people that are willing to drive, and they’re not willing to drive into the city,” she said. “We knew our general client is, you know, from Oak Park to LaGrange … We didn’t want to venture far, and Brookfield ended up being the most perfect.”

Hamilton said wallpaper has had a “really big surge” in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ve seen it in real estate, but in interior design, [there’s a trend of] just making your space more your own, making it more lived in, making it more personal, and wallpaper’s just like a really easy way to do that,” she said. “It can be a luxury product based on price point, but just like anything else, it can also have a core-basics price point as well.”

While Just Wallpaper is just starting out at its Brookfield location, Hamilton said she and Sanderson have their eyes on the future.

“Not on the immediate horizon, but longterm horizon, I would love — you know, assuming we are thriving in the space, and wallpaper is trending in the way it has been — I would love to open more locations and have it be a retailer for wallpaper,” Hamilton said. “That’s the big dream.”

TRENT BROWN

COURTESY OF JUST WALLPAPER

RBHS girls soccer, boys swimming teams nally play

Girls win long-awaited soccer bene t for Chicago Autism Network

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

This soccer match was roughly a year in the making.

Seniors on the 2023 Riverside Brookfield High School varsity girls soccer team and members of the boys swimming and diving team discussed an exhibition scrimmage, but it never happened.

The 2024 seniors persevered — and the swimmers remained interested.

“Last year was kind of a running joke between the two teams,” senior soccer player Cassidy Erb said. “They were looking to play another sports team just for fun. And we thought it was time that it happened. And then we thought we’d make an event out of it.”

On Saturday afternoon, the matchup became reality — complete with the home stadium venue, near-perfect sunny weather and plenty of fans. The scrimmage raised $790 to benefit the Chicago Autism Network in reco gnition of April being Autism Awareness Month.

The varsity girls soccer team won 2-1 after trailing 1-0 at halftime of the 60-minute contest.

“I had a lot of fun, absolutely,” said senior swimmer Jack O’Brien, a team captain with senior Gabe Wiginton. “I’ve done swimming. I’ve done running [cross country and track]. I’ve never done a team sport like this so it was a lot of fun and it was great that it was for charity, too.”

Senior Niamh Larson scored the game-winner with about nine minutes left on a 23-yard direct kick over a fourplayer defensive wall.

“Man, that was essential,” Larson said. “I had a great feeling that it was going in. I’m glad it did.

“[This game] was so much fun. I was laughing the entire game at the fans, the commentating, the coaches, everything. It was a really good experience. It was a beautiful day out. It was a really good event.”

Girls soccer previously has held Kick Out Cancer fundraiser games against home opponents. For this event, the girls sold baked goods and the swimmers primarily sold $3 bracelets to supplement donations.

“[The swimmers] were down for charity. They were excited. There was a lot of hype on both sides,” senior soccer player Maddie Bisiules said. “It was really lucky We kind of threw around a couple of dates and this was a day that worked with our soccer schedule. It worked out really well.”

Despite several swimmers now active with spring sports, most played. Their roster included Cooper Marrs and

Riverside-Brook eld’s Maddie Bisiules (13) kicks the ball up eld dur ing the girls soccer vs. boys swim team charity soccer game for Autism Awareness month Saturday, April 13, 2024 in Brook eld.

Carter Duda (baseball), O’Brien, Will Kallas and Hayden Marrs (track and field), and goalie Alex Jacobs and Avi Ponnappan (water polo).

“It’s always been like a side joke between our two teams,” Cooper Marrs said. “It was lucky that we all found a date for all of us. It was planned pretty well in advance.”

S enior Marty Bieliauskas and Wi ginton we re the lone varsity boys soccer pl ayer s, but teammates Massimo Franceschina and Max Swicionis serve d as coaches, b oth wearing ties. Other pl ayers included all-state sw i mmer Drew Rosa, Lucas Hedrich, K amil Ptak and dive r Nate Kissel.

The swimmers practiced, but Cooper Marrs joked most were “rec war riors.”

“Obviously that comes with challenges, but I think everyone played well. We scored. I thought that was very good,” Bieliauskas said.

“Having a background of soccer and playing with these guys, it was just a blast, honestly. Just playing ball, having fun. It was a wonderful experience.”

Wiginton put the swimmers ahead 1-0 just before halftime after O’Brien’s corner kick was kept in the crease by

Hedrich and Cooper Marrs. Earlier, Jacobs stopped Ella Caputo’s penalty kick in the 21st minute.

“It was very exciting. I just followed the ball,” Jacobs said. “The whole process has been fun and it’s going to a good cause.”

Junior Michelle Panduro tied the game in the 50th minute of f a Bisiules corner kick right after Jacobs pushed her previous one over the crossbar.

Girls players painted their faces various ways with various colors. Some brought swim goggles.

“I think we’re all really competitive so we wanted to win, but we also understand this is a game for fun and charity,” senior Kate Newberry said. “We want to win, especially against the swim team, but it was good just to get moving and have fun.”

And in soccer tradition, the players congratulated each other afterwards. With poster in hand, senior Hazel Hall asked Hayden Marrs to prom as friends.

“It was just such a fun, exciting [event], especially for us seniors,” Hall said. “We have 24 days of school left so we’re trying to make some lasting memories. And this is one I’m going to cherish for a very long time.”

STEVE JOHNSTON

Nazareth’s Montoro among this year’s Ev

North Riverside reside Chicago Highlands caddie to attend Purd

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Nazareth Academy senior Gigi Montoro’s return as a golf caddie for Chicago Highlands Club in Westchester will be ending prematurely. As one of 74 Chicago-ar 2024 recipients of the annual Evans Scholarship for caddies, Montoro not only will be attending Purdue University but also beginning her freshman year on June 10.

“I can’t imagine a better place for Montoro said. “I’m really excited for opportunity. I’m going to be caddying about two months and then I leave.”

There currently are 1,130 caddies as Evans Scholars at 24 universities with full housing and tuition colle ge grants. More than 12,000 have graduated since the program was founded by Chicago amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr. in 1930.

The North Riverside resident picked up golf quickly after starting in eighth grade. She became a team captain, helping the Roadrunners to two of their three state team berths the past two seasons.

In October, Nazareth finished a programbest seventh at Class 1A state (716). Montoro tied for 31st (173 for 36 holes) with her best two rounds of 84 and 89 after a one-day 102 in 2022 at state.

The Evans Scholar news arrived just before Christmas. Montoro recently learned she was accepted at Purdue, her first choice “I got the email. I just started crying,” Montoro said. “I was in school and ran down to the guidance office. I was over the moon.”

Montoro had been a club volleyball player. She was encouraged by her mother to try golf as an outdoor activity during COVID-19 restrictions.

“After about a month, I was obsessed with it,” Montoro said.

As a freshman, her mother encouraged Montoro to become a caddie. Nazareth guidance counselor Melissa Byram helped make contact with Chicago High-

pushed me out of my comfort zone. Talking to adults is definitely something I learned. You have to know the g ame and what shots to take, what advice to give, their clubs, what approach they’re going to take. Caddies adjust to the golfers and how they play.”

Montoro has become a fixture the past three years, first working as a caddie on weekends during the school year. Last summer, Montoro was absent for one big tournament. She attended Purdue’s oneweek Business Opportunity Program (BOP) Future Scholars Camp through the Daniels School of Business.

“It was probably one of the best weeks of my life, which is weird to say because it was at a school,” she said.

Montoro plans to major in finance and business analytics and information management. She’s considering becoming a financial advisor or planner.

“I probably couldn’t have done any of it without the way Nazareth supported me,” said Montoro, again thanking Byram. “I’m super grateful for my Nazareth family.”

PROVIDED

Gigi Montoro

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: Y24011638 on March 28, 2024 Under the Assumed Business Name of KIND COOPERATIVE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES with the business located at:_1037 SOUTH HUMPHREY AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60304. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s)

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

Published in Forest Park Review April 3,

of Oak Park North Fire Station Boiler Replacement Proposal Number: 24-123 Issuance Date: April 17, 2024 There will be a mandatory pre-bid meeting at the North Fire Station, 212 Augusta, Oak Park, IL on Wed April 24, 2024 at 9:00 am. Bid documents may be obtained from the Village website at http:// www.oak-park.us/bid. For questions please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700.

Your right to know... In print • Online

The Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200, located at 201 N. Scoville will conduct a Timely and Meaningful Consultation Meeting which will take place remotely via video/telephone conference on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 10:00am. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the district’s plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private/ parochial schools and who are home schooled within the district for the 2024-25 school year. If you are the parent of a home-schooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability and you reside within the boundaries of Oak Park & River Forest High School District 200, you are urged to attend. If you would like to join the meeting, please contact Shdata Redmond at sredmond@oprfhs.org or call (708) 434-3121 to request the Zoom Link information. Published in Wednesday Journal April 17, 24, 2024

On Monday, May 06, 2024 at 8:30 a.m., Oak Park Elementary School District 97 will be conducting a “timely and meaningful consultation” meeting to discuss plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private/parochial schools and who are home-schooled within the district for the 2024-2025 school year. The meeting will be held at our Central Office located at 260 Madison Street.

If you are a parent/guardian of a home-schooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability, and you reside within the boundaries of Oak Park Elementary School District 97, you are urged to attend. If you have further questions about this meeting, please contact District 97’s Department of Student Services at 708-524-3030.

VILLAGE

OF RIVERSIDE, ILLINOIS NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AN APPLICATION FOR LOCAL LANDMARK DESIGNATION

Notice is hereby given to all interested persons that a public hearing will be held before the Preservation Commission of the Village of Riverside on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 7:00 p.m., in Room 4 of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois, to consider an application for a local landmark designation of 169 Barrypoint Road.

The Petitioner, Errol Kirsch, on behalf of property owners Sonja Lin and Matthew Kerkhof, submitted an application to amend the text of Title 11, Chapter 1, Section 5 Appendix D of the Village Code by adding subsection number 72 to designate the property at 169 Barrypoint Road a local historic landmark. The legal description of the property is as follows:

THE SOUTH 50 FEET OF LOT 2 BLOCK 7 IN FIRST DIVISION OF RIVERSIDE, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER AND A PART OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 2, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN AND PART OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 36, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, AND ALSO A PART OF THE

below the existing grade, backfilling the excavated foundations and basements with crushed aggregate, and termination of Village sanitary sewer connections. The Contractor shall be responsible for arrangement and the coordination of termination with other utility service providers.

Sealed bids will be received up to the hour of 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, the 8th day of May, 2024, in the office of the Village Manager in the Village Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois. All sealed bids received will be publicly opened and read at 11:00 A.M. on the same day, Tuesday, the 8th day of May, 2024, at the Village Hall. An optional site inspection will be held between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 12:00 A.M. on Friday the 3rd day of May, 2024 for all potential bidders interested in submitting a proposal for the work. Submission of a bid shall be conclusive assurance and warranty that the bidder has examined the site of the work and the local conditions affecting the contract and understands all the requirements for the performance of the work. The bidder will be responsible for all errors in its proposal resulting from failure or neglect to conduct an indepth examination. The bidder shall not take advantage of any error or omission in the proposal.

Electronic copies of bidding documents, consisting of the bid proposal, project specifications, and project plans are available from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Co., 9933 Roosevelt Road, Westchester, Illinois 60154. Bidding documents can be requested by emailing info@ehancock.com. No bidding documents will be issued after 4:30 P.M. on Thursday, the 2nd day of May, 2024.

an amount not less than Five Percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid, as a guarantee that if the bid proposal is accepted, a contract will be entered into and the performance of the contract properly secured. Checks shall be made payable to the Order of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield. No bid proposal shall be considered unless accompanied by such bid bond or check.

Any bidder in doubt as to the true meaning of any part of the bidding documents may request an interpretation thereof from the Village. The bidder requesting the interpretation shall be responsible for its prompt delivery. At the request of the bidder, or in the event that the Village deems the interpretation to be substantive, the interpretation will be made by written addendum issued by the Village.

In the event that a written addendum is issued, either as a result of a request for interpretation or the result of a change in the bidding documents issued by the Village, a copy of such addendum will be emailed to all prospective bidders. The Village will not assume responsibility for receipt of such addendum. In all cases it will be the bidders’ responsibility to obtain all addenda issued.

The Contractor and Subcontractor shall comply with all regulations issued pursuant to Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130), and other applicable Federal Laws and regulations pertaining to labor standards. The Village of Brookfield reserves the right to determine the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, to waive irregularities, and to reject any or all bid proposals.

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, 2023, 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 2024, 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 15th day of May 2024 followed immediately by the scheduled regular board meeting.

Board of Education

Riverside School District No. 96 Cook County, Illinois

By: Stephanie Gunn Board Secretary Published in RB Landmark

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.

All bidders wishing to obtain bidding documents must be approved by the Village prior to obtaining bidding documents. A non-refundable fee of Fifteen dollars ($15.00) will be required to obtain bidding documents. Proposals will only be accepted from bidders that have obtained bidding documents from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Company.

All bid proposals offered must be accompanied by a bid bond, cashier’s check or certified check in

The 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. This 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.

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

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

Under the weather?

We’re here to help.

RUSH offers same-day primary care appointments for children and adults at several convenient locations in and around Oak Park.

From colds to checkups to chicken pox vaccinations, our providers can provide quick, high-quality care for a variety of non-emergency health issues.

We also offer on-demand and scheduled video visits, allowing you and your family to get the same top-notch care in the comfort of your own home.

Visit rush.edu/make-an-appointment or call (888) 352-RUSH (7874) to schedule an appointment.

A word

from the OPRF Chamber Executive Director, Darien-Marion-Burton

As spring breathes new life into our community, I am thrilled to extend a heartfelt invitation to the 8th Annual Community Health & Wellness Fair, brought to you by the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce and proudly presented by Rush Oak Park Hospital. Scheduled for Sunday, April 21st, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Community Recreation Center (CRC) in Oak Park, this event is more than just a fair – it’s a celebration of our shared commitment to health, equity, and well-being.

For me, this fair is not just an event; it’s a reflection of our collective dedication to building a healthier, more connected community. As Executive Director of the Chamber, I am deeply passionate about creating opportunities for our residents to thrive, and the Health and Wellness Fair embodies that mission perfectly.

This year’s fair promises to be our most comprehensive yet, with over 80 exhibitors offering a diverse array of services aimed at empowering you to prioritize your health. From vital screenings for blood pressure, blood glucose, A1C, heart health, and bone density provided by Rush Oak Park Hospital to on-site therapy

sessions offered by Diamond Sponsor Centre PT and initiatives addressing social determinants of health showcased by Diamond Sponsor Dominican University, there is something for everyone at this event. But our focus extends beyond physical health – we understand the importance of holistic well-being. That’s why, for the first time, we’re introducing a self-care lounge and a dedicated children’s play area in partnership with Wonderworks Children’s Museum, ensuring that every member of our community leaves feeling rejuvenated and inspired.

Let’s come together to prioritize our well-being and strengthen our

Oak Park residents, meet your newest healthcare advocates, Dr. Katie Maietta and Dr. Stephen Whitfield! These highly skilled physicians have recently joined Lake Street Family Physicians, bringing with them a wealth of experience and a commitment to exceptional patient care.

Dr. Katie Maietta: A Local Expert in Primary Care

Originally from LaGrange Park and now residing in Oak Park, Dr. Katie Maietta has returned to her roots to serve the community she knows and loves. With a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Illinois Wesleyan University, she furthered her education at Penn State

College of Medicine, graduating with dual certifications in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics following her residency at Rush University Medical Center.

Having spent over 11 years as a primary care physician at Loyola, Dr. Maietta is well-versed in treating patients of all ages and genders. Her areas of expertise include preventative medicine, newborn care, adolescent health, and women’s health. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring Chicagoland, and immersing herself in the beauty of nature.

Dr. Stephen Whitfield: A Compassionate Advocate for Inclusive Care

Dr. Stephen Whitfield, a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University and Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, brings a passion for community-focused healthcare to Oak Park. Completing his residency at Northwestern, he is board-certified in family medicine with a specialization in HIV treatment.

Dedicated to addressing healthcare disparities and promoting inclusivity, Dr. Whitfield provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages and genders. He speaks Spanish and

community bonds. Join us on April 21st and take the first step towards a healthier, happier future. For more information and to register, visit OPRF Chamber of Commerce’s website. I look forward to seeing you there!

strives to ensure that every patient receives culturally competent treatment. Outside of his medical practice, he enjoys listening to comedy podcasts, engaging in friendly games of chess, and spending quality time with his siblings.

Together, Dr. Maietta and Dr. Whitfield are committed to delivering personalized, compassionate care to the Oak Park community. Whether you’re in need of routine check-ups, specialized treatment, or simply seeking guidance on your health journey, you can trust that you’re in capable hands with these two exceptional physicians at Lake Street Family Physicians. Please call us to schedule an appointment at 708-5248600.

Darien-Marion-Burton

Your Hearing Journey Starts with Us

In a world filled with vibrant sounds –the laughter of loved ones, the melody of music, the gentle rustle of leaves – experiencing hearing loss can feel isolating and disheartening. However, it doesn't have to be that way. At our clinic, we understand the profound impact that hearing loss can have on your life, which is why we are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective treatment to help you rediscover the joy of sound. Here are just a few reasons why you should choose us for your hearing loss treatment journey:

▪ Expertise and Experience: Our team consists of highly trained audiologists and hearing healthcare professionals who have years of experience in diagnosing and treating various types of hearing loss. Whether your hearing loss is due to aging, noise exposure, or other factors, rest assured that you are in capable hands.

▪ Comprehensive Evaluation: We believe in taking a personalized

approach to hearing healthcare. When you visit our clinic, we will conduct a thorough evaluation of your hearing abilities, taking into account your lifestyle, communication needs, and any specific concerns you may have. This allows us to tailor our treatment recommendations to suit your unique circumstances.

▪ State-of-the-Art Technology: We are committed to staying at the forefront of advancements in hearing healthcare technology. From cutting-edge diagnostic equipment to the latest hearing aid technologies, we offer a range of solutions designed to improve your hearing clarity and quality of life.

▪ Individualized Treatment Plans: We understand that hearing loss is not a one-size-fits-all condition. That's why we take the time to listen to your concerns and preferences before developing a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. Whether you require hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or auditory

rehabilitation therapy, we will work closely with you to find the best solution.

▪ Ongoing Support and Care: Our commitment to your hearing health doesn't end after your initial treatment. We believe in building long-term relationships with our patients and providing ongoing support and care to ensure that you continue to enjoy optimal hearing health for years to come. From regular follow-up appointments to adjustments and maintenance services, we are here for you every step of the way.

▪ Improved Quality of Life: The ability to hear and communicate effectively is essential for maintaining social connections, staying engaged in activities you love, and preserving your overall well-being. By seeking treatment for your hearing loss, you can experience a significant improvement in your quality of life, allowing you to fully participate in conversations, enjoy your favorite hobbies, and reconnect with the world around you.

Don't let hearing loss hold you back from living life to the fullest. Take the first step towards better hearing health today by scheduling a consultation with us. Together, we can help you rediscover the joy of sound and embrace a brighter, more vibrant future.

The Synergy Team can help you feel your best again. Contact us for a supportive, personalized, and holistic approach to weight loss and weight management, nutrition, mental health, and overall wellness.

We o er:

• Medical weight loss

• Nutritional counseling

• Holistic health coaching

Judy Seals, APRN, FNP-C Founder and Nurse Practitioner, Synergy Integrative Health and Wellness

Judy Seals, APRN, FNP-C Founder and Nurse Practitioner, Synergy Integrative Health and Wellness

APRN, FNP-C and Nurse Practitioner, Integrative Health and Wellness

• Mental health medication management

• Ketamine treatment for mental health

• BHRT (bioidentical hormone replacement therapy) for women

You deserve to feel amazing

You deserve to feel amazing

You deserve to feel amazing

708-808-2940

708-808-2940

hello@synergyintegrativehealth.org | synergyintegrativehealth.org

hello@synergyintegrativehealth.org | synergyintegrativehealth.org

708-808-2940

hello@synergyintegrativehealth.org | synergyintegrativehealth.org

- Increase Overall physical and mental wellness

- Increase Agility, Flexibility and Awareness of your Surroundings

- Gain real skills you can use “Just in Case”

- Honor your Life’s purpose: Walk through your world with Poise and Confidence!

Celebrating our 30th Year as Oak Park’s Original Martial Arts Education Center!

6701 W. North Ave., Oak Park

708-383-3456

NinjaLove makes the world go round!

www.master-sh-yu.com Follow Us!

50% of people who have heart attacks and stroke had “normal ” cholesterol blood tests.

A family history of heart attacks, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, high cholestoral, & strokes is an indicator for having a CIMT test performed

Pawfficer Howie the Police Dog

The CIMT test is an FDA-approved Carotid Artery Ultrasound that:

• Screens for cardiovascular disease, the #1 killer of men and women in the U.S.

• Identifies risk for heart attack and stroke more accurately than traditional methods and is endorsed by The American Heart Association and The American College of Cardiology

• Is non-invasive and without radiation

•A quick, painless, 10- minute test

Hanging out with friendly animals is a great way to reduce stress and feel happier. Come and visit with Pawfficer Howie, the police dog from the Oak Park Police Department. Howie has undergone more than 1,250 hours of service training with SIT Service Dogs to assist with officer wellness, help with victim comfort services for traumatic incidents and increase community engagement at public events. You can even follow Pawfficer Howie on Instagram! Check him out at @pawfficer_howie

Image of CIMT test to analyze blood flow and detect the presence of plaque and atherosclerotic disease of the carotid arteries

Presented by:

SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2024

11AM - 2PM

COMPLIMENTARY PHYSICALHEALTH SCREENINGS | NEW SELF-CARE LOUNGE | KIDS PLAY AREA | FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY | FREE MENTAL HEALTH SCREENINGS

FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. RSVP is encouraged for faster entrance. diamond sponsors

Silver sponsors Gold sponsors Platinum sponsors

Learn more: oprfchamber.org/health-wellness-fair

New Strategy Devised To Engage, Educate, and Connect the Community to Mental Health Resources

The Proviso Township Mental Health Commission launches a new digital media strategy designed to enhance residents’ access to mental health resources in the community. Similar to effective healthcare models that coordinate patient care, health education, and resources, their strategic communication approach follows suit. You may have noticed the tidbits of information, relatable content, and testimonial videos on their social media, which are geared at meeting the community where we are at in our current conceptualization of mental health, engaging with us, and guiding us to next steps in accessing resources.

While the Proviso Township Mental Health Commission has been around for over 50 years,

“It’s refreshing to us to say that we’re making an impact with the resources that we’re providing”

- Commission President, Mike Corrigan

many community members are still learning about the service agencies and resources the PTMHC funds in their own community. The Proviso Township Mental Health Commission ensures that we have prevention and treatment services in our community. These services

include Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Domestic Violence, Developmental Disabilities, Senior Care, Youth Prevention, and Crisis Intervention.

Mental and Physical health go hand in hand and most people will experience symptoms of a mental health condition at some point in their lifetime. The most common mental health conditions are anxiety and depression; conditions most commonly heard of, if not experienced.

In addition to the direct-tocommunity messaging, the commission has taken initiative to provide the communities it services with information and resources that are simple and easy to incorporate into their existing resident communication channels; an effort

4565 W. Harrison Street, Third Floor Hillside, IL 60162

www.ptmhc.org • 708.449.5508

to help keep everyone informed. “It’s refreshing to us to say that we’re making an impact with the resources that we’re providing,” says Commission President, Mike Corrigan.

To learn more or get connected to resources in your community, visit www.ptmhc.org or call (708) 234-TALK(8255). Their friendly and caring team will connect you to resources that are a fit. It’s completely confidential.

You can also learn more by following them on social media.

Facebook: @PTMHC

Instagram: @provisomhc

YouTube: @ProvisoMentalHealth

The Proviso Township Mental Health Commission ensures that you have prevention and treatment services in your community. Services include Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Domestic Violence, Developmental Disabilities, Senior Care, Youth Prevention, and Crisis Intervention.

4565 W. Harrison Street Third Floor Hillside, IL 60162

Connect with us:

4565 W. Harrison Street Third Floor Hillside, IL 60162

Call (708) 234-Talk(8255) or visit ptmhc.org to learn more about resources in your community. It’s completely confidential.

www.ptmhc.org

M: 708.449.5508

www.ptmhc.org

M: 708.449.5508

Vice President Commissioner Secretary Commissioner Treasurer Commissioner Executive Director A. President

Vice President Commissioner Secretary Commissioner Treasurer Commissioner Executive Director A President

Michael A. Corrigan President

Angela D. Walker Vice President Orlando Velasquez Secretary

Cedric D. Giles Treasurer

Jesse D. Rosas Executive Director

Michelle De La Rosa Commissioner

Nicole Gilhooley Commissioner

Thomas D. Olson Commissioner

Translators from Dominican University

The OPRF Chamber is committed to ensuring that every attendee can communicate with providers at the Health & Wellness Fair. Thanks to Dominican University, translators from their Translation and Interpretation Studies Certificate program will be on site all day to assist any attendees who need a helping hand. So encourage everyone you know who might need health services to come along. Language will not be a they need to stay healthy and focus on wellness.

Canker sores hurt—really hurt. These small sores with outsized pain can make eating, talking, and even sleeping diffi cult. But fi rst, what is a canker sore, and how do you know if you have one?

Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues in your mouth or at the base of your gums. Unlike cold

What is a Canker Sore?

sores, canker sores do not occur on the surface of your lips and are not contagious. However, they can be painful and frustrating.

Most canker sores are round or oval with a white or yellow center and a red border. They form inside your mouth — on or under your tongue, inside the cheeks or lips, at the base of your gums, or on your soft palate. You might notice a tingling or burning sensation a day or two before the sores appear.

Know the Six Symptoms of a Canker Sore

• Redness inside your mouth

• A sensation of heat

• Swelling

• Pain

• A yellow-gray lesion with a surrounding red ring

• Challenges with everyday activities such as talking and eating

Need to get Rid of A Canker Sore Fast- Introducing KOURZEQ

J Mataria, Pharmacist (RPh) and owner of Sears’s Pharmacy , has heard from customers for years asking him for a way to heal a canker sore fast. J says, “In the past, there were no products I could really recommend to heal a canker sore quickly. Now, I can confi dently recommend a customer visit their dentist or physician for a KOURZEQ prescription; we can then fi ll their

prescription and get them back to feeling better.”

To contact Sear’s Pharmacy for KOURZEQ or other prescription needs, call 708-386-6304 or visit the pharmacy at 1003 W. Madison, Oak Park.

Online telehealth visit with licensed medical provider BeyondMD. They ship the prescription right to your door. 708.386.6304 1003 Madison St. Oak Park, IL OR

Walk with a Practitioner

The OPRF Chamber has a NEW program at the Health & Wellness Fair this year called “Walk with a Practitioner” a free, healthy, indoor activity to get people moving and connected with medical professionals. Join a local practitioner for a stroll on the CRC’s indoor track and have a chat about what ails you, or get advice on how you can help someone else in your life. No need to register - just pop up to the track, choose your practitioner and get started!

Schedule:

11am - 12noon

- Nurse Kitty Monty, RN - Oak Park Dept of Public Health

- Chris Ward - Way Back Inn, Gambling & Substance Use Disorder Treatment Organization

- Danielle Desire, Acupuncturist, Serenity Holistic Health

12noon - 1pm

- Alexander Neuman, DO - RUSH Oak Park - Primary Care

1pm - 2pm

- Keri Fair, MD - RUSH Oak ParkPrimary Care

- Mahmoud Lotfi, Chiropractor - Royal Health Care

Fitness Classes from Park District of Oak Park

Plan to come by the Community Recreation Center for FREE classes in the second floor Fit Studio. No registration required! Just come along and join in.

Yoga 11:00-11:45am

Strength Training 11:45-12:30pm

Yoga Sculpt 12:30-1:15pm

Strength Training 1:15-2:00pm

Keri Fair, MD

Mahmoud Lotfi, Chiropractor

Nurse Kitty Monty, RN

Alexander Neuman, DO

Chris Ward - Way Back Inn

SAME GREAT REAL ESTATE GROUP WITH MORE TECH!

SAME GREAT REAL ESTATE GROUP WITH MORE TECH!

Gagliardo Group, which includes 4 generations of realtors, has over 20 licensed realtors, who are highly recognized and respected in the Oak Park, River Forest and greater Chicagoland area. They are among the most knowledgeable real estate agents in the field with personal roots in the communities they serve, giving them an “at-home” advantage.

Gagliardo Group, which includes 4 generations of realtors, has over 20 licensed realtors, who are highly recognized and respected in the Oak Park, River Forest and greater Chicagoland area. They are among the most knowledgeable real estate agents in the field with personal roots in the communities they serve, giving them an “at-home” advantage.

We are now part of an innovative real estate company, Compass, that has exceptional marketing strategies and technological tools that streamline the process of buying, selling, or renting a home.

Gagliardo Group, which includes 4 generations of realtors, has over 20 licensed realtors, who are highly recognized and respected in the Oak Park, River Forest and greater Chicagoland area. They are among the most knowledgeable real estate agents in the field with personal roots in the communities they serve, giving them an “at-home” advantage.

We are now part of an innovative real estate company, Compass, that has exceptional marketing strategies and technological tools that streamline the process of buying, selling, or renting a home.

Gagliardo Group, which includes 4 generations of realtors, has over 20 licensed realtors, who are highly recognized and respected in the Oak Park, River Forest and greater Chicagoland area. They are among the most knowledgeable real estate agents in the field with personal roots in the communities they serve, giving them an “at-home” advantage.

Contact one of our agents today to learn more about our real estate programs and services!

Contact one of our agents today to learn more about our real estate programs and services!

We are now part of an innovative real estate company, Compass, that has exceptional marketing strategies and technological tools that streamline the process of buying, selling, or renting a home.

O: 708.771.8040 | Gagliardogrp.com

O: 708.771.8040 | Gagliardogrp.com

We are now part of an innovative real estate company, Compass, that has exceptional marketing strategies and technological tools that streamline the process of buying, selling, or renting a home.

Contact one of our agents today to learn more about our real estate programs and services!

O: 708.771.8040 | Gagliardogrp.com

Contact one of our agents today to learn more about our real estate programs and services!

O: 708.771.8040 | Gagliardogrp.com

Mathnasium’s summer program is convenient for parents and families, as it can be scheduled around summer camp, sports, and vacations! Each child is taught the way they learn best, so they’re able to develop a love for math and achieve their goals. And it’s a fun and engaging activity all on its own! Math-focused games and activities are incorporated into the learning in a lively and supportive atmosphere for a truly enjoyable summer experience. And because they’re having fun, they’re likely to have gained a new level of enthusiasm for the subject and be more eager to apply themselves when school begins.

We tailor a customized learning plan to account for the goals of the individual, whether they need to:

• Close gaps

• Improve fact fluency in addition/ subtraction or multiplication

• Improve problem solving

• Get a sneak peak at the material they will face in the fall

• Become “algebra ready” for their Integrated math course

• Get ready for SAT/ACT tests

Come see what our program offers, how we can appropriately challenge your student and the strategy for moving your student mathematically forward. The customized curriculum is designed for your student based on a grade level assessment, so you truly know if they are sufficiently prepared for the new content headed their way next fall.

Curious if Mathnasium is the right fit for your child? Come in for a FREE TRIAL SESSION to try it out! Call or text today to take advantage of early enrollment discounts! 708-613-4007.

Gagliardo Group is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state and local Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

Gagliardo Group is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state and local Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

Individual&CouplesTherapy•GroupTherapy•Art&PlayTherapy•EMDREatingDisordersTherapy TraumaBasedInterventions•IntegrativeWellnessTherapy•StressReduction/MindfulnessTherapies

HELPINGPEOPLEDEALWITHTHEFOLLOWINGISSUES

Depression&Anxiety•AttachmentDifficulties•EatingDisorders•LGBTQ+issues•SensoryProcessingIssues BipolarDisorder •PersonalityDisorder•GriefCounseling•AdjustmentIssues(Marital,birth,adoption)

Webelievethereisabenefittoyoubyourcollaboratingwithhealthcare partnerstomakethetherapyexperienceforadults,children,couples,and familieshappenininnovativeways.Weseeintegrativetherapyandcounseling asawaytoexplore,develop,andenrichtheselfforyouandyourfamily.

SERVINGMULTIPLELOCATIONS

THROUGHOUTCHICAGOLAND

CHICAGO•3047LincolnAvenue,Suite400

CHICAGO•2600S.MichiganAvenue,Suite211

CRYSTALLAKE•457CoventryLane,Suite116

HINSDALE•15SpinningWheelRoad,Suite406

LIBERTYVILLE•1641N.Milwaukee,Unit9

NORTHRIVERSIDE•7222CermakRoad,Suite703 OAKPARK•715LakeStreet,Suite273

Weacceptmostprivateinsurances,privatepayand willassessasliding-feescalebasedonyourabilitytopay.

773.312.3612

www.innovativecounselingpartners.com

Thanks to our Health Fair Vendors

Attendee Company

Amada Senior Care NorthShore

American House Oak Park

Andy KaczkowskiWestPoint Financial Group

Astra Health

Athletico Physical Therapy

Atlantia Clinical Trials

Austin Oasis

B-Health

Belmont Village Oak Park

Brookdale Oak Park

Celebrating Seniors Coalition

Centre Physical Therapy, LLC

Civinte Candle Bar

Coach Angie RN

Collaboration for Early Childhood Comedy Plex

Community Support Services

Compass College Advisory

Consulting Audiology Associates, LLC; The Hearing Place

Devoted Health

Dominican University

Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital

Family Medical Care

First United Methodist Church of Oak Park Fitness Formula Clubs

Flourish Research

Frick Kids Art

Gottlieb Memorial Hospital-Gottlieb Center for Fitness

Grace Therapy and Wellness Center

Grachan Agency

Grow Collective HealthMarkets

HERIF-Healthcare Education, Research and Innovation Foundation

Individual & Family Connection

JDC Business Solutions

JenCare Senior Medical Center

Julie Naturally LLC

Kadampa Meditation Center

Chicago

Krys Rollins, FNP, PLLC

Lake Street Family Physicians

Mathnasium of Oak Park/River Forest

Meridian Psychiatric Partners

Midwest Alternative Treatment Clinic, PC

Moments at Home Respite Care and Home Services, LLC.

Monarch Psychiatric Services,Ltd

Mosaic Counseling and Wellness

NAMI Metro Suburban

Natalie Walsh Designs

North West Housing Partnership

Novick Orthodontics

Oak Park Arms

Oak Park Children Therapy

Oak Park Elementary School District 97

Oak Park Public Library

Oak Park Township

Oak Street Health

Park District of Oak Park

Kopicki Family Funeral HomesTerry Zachata

Renewal by Andersen

Riveredge Hospital

Royal Health Care

Rush Oak Park Hospital

RUSH Physical Therapy

Sage Lifestyle Concierge LLC

SANDERS & ASSOCIATES

Sarah's Inn

Senior Citizens Center of Oak Park-River Forest

Serenity Holistic Health, Inc

Smart Love Family Services

Stride

SunCloud Health

Synergy Integrative Health and Wellness

The Reiki Brigade

The Sheridan At River Forest

Thrive Counseling Center

TVG-Medulla, LLC/Chiro One Wellness Centers

Victory Centre of Galewood Village of Oak Park

Vivian Juan Malli at The Federal Savings Bank

Way Back Inn

West Suburban Special Recreation Association-WSSRA

Wonder Works Children's Museum

YogaSix Oak Park

LASER HAIR REMOVAL: all skin types

PRP: hair rejuvenation, natural ller

MICRONEEDLING: scar reduction, wrinkle reduction, skin tightening

INJECTABLES: Neuromodulators (Botox, Dysport etc), Fillers (Juvéderm, Voluma etc)

LASER SKIN TREATMENTS

· Laser Facial

· Wrinkle Reduction

· Rosacea

· Age and Sunspots

· Spider Veins

· Onychomycosis

· Wart Removal

· Acne Treatment