Landmark 041923

Creating for the

Major crime in Riverside plummeted in 2022

While calls for service went way up, police investigated far fewer cases

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Since 2014, the Riverside Police Department’s budget has grown by 41.4%, from about $3.9 million to $5.5 million and in 2023 the department is budgeted to add four more patrol officers to its ranks.

At the same time, the number of major crimes – those included each year in what’s known as the Uniform Crime Re port, which is submitted to the Illinois State Police and compiled nationwide by the FBI –has plummeted. See CRIME on pa ge 8

Brook eld resident Carla Riseman rediscovered her love of creating art during the pandemic and this year dec passion by participating in e 100 Day Project, a global art-making initiative.

GWMS teacher: Emergency buttons in classrooms not working Problem discovered earlier this year during student medical emergency still unresolved

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

All ofthe classrooms at George Washington Middle School in Lyons have red buttons that are supposed to be used in an emergency to communicate directly with the school’s main office via the PA system.

But many of those buttons do not work, apparently.

Stephen Kimmey, an eighth-grade math teacher at GWMS who has worked in Lyons-Brookfield District 103 for nearly three decades, discovered that the emergency button in his classroom didn’t work earlier this year when a student in one of his classes had a medical emergency.

Teachers who rushed into Kimmey’s classroom to help out with the medical emergency pressed the red button to contact the main office, but nothing happened. They then went to the classroom next door but discovered that classroom’s red emergency button didn’t work either.

The school nurse eventually was notified, and the student was taken away in an ambulance and apparently recovered.

Kimmey said that he subsequently found out that the red emergency button in a seventh-grade classroom also didn’t work during a medical emergency earlier this school year and

that many ofthe classroom emergency buttons don’t work at the school.

Kimmey alerted the District 103 Board ofEducation to the problem when he made a public comment about the issue at the April 10 school board meeting

“Since that time, I’ve found out that none ofour red buttons upstairs in our middle school are working,” Kimmey told the school board.

Another GWMS teacher, who asked not to be identified because they feared retaliation, told the Landmark that the emergency button in their classroom doesn’t work either and that many emergency buttons at the school do not work.

Kimmey told the school board that when another teacher infor med the school’s maintenance director ofthe issue, she was told that he was aware ofthe problem and that it is a priority, but that there is a supply issue and the district has not received the part needed to fix the problem.

According to Kimmey, the teacher was told that the system would be fixed over the summer, which is what Director of Buildings and Grounds Dan Trapp also told the Landmark. That isn’t good enough for Kimmey

“This isn’t acceptable,” Kimmey told the school board. “You cannot guarantee me or the other teachers, students or the families ofour district that there won’t be another emergency at our middle school during this next, last, two months. Replacing parts should have been placed on highest priority months ago and the system should have been fixed.”

Kimmey said the system should be fixed within the next two weeks.

Superintendent Kristopher Rivera declined to comment when asked about his reaction to Kimmey’s comments.

COURTESY OF GWMS

George Washington Middle School, Lyons

D103 chief mum on curriculum director’s resignation

Home School pr incipal tapped as replacement, beginning June 14

By BOB SKOLNIK

Contributing Reporter

Darek Naglak, the director of cur riculum and instruction at Lyons-Brookfield Elementary School District 103 is resigning his position and will be leaving the district at the of the school year.

In late March, Superintendent Kristopher Rivera for med teachers that he recommend to the school board that Home School Principal Re gina Redd re place Naglak. Redd has a doctorate in cation from the University Saint Francis. She was by District 103 last year.

“Dr. Redd will continue provide leadership that is consistent with the goals and initiatives that administration, union leaders, building leaders, committee leaders and all district staf f members have been dedicated and working towards these past several years,” Rivera wrote in a staf f email, which the Landmark ob tained.

“Her servant leadership style positive demeanor, passion for education, and immense de pth of knowledge will ensure that the district will continue to put its students first and suppor staf f in their endeavors to do the same.”

At a special meeting on April 10, the District 103 school board voted to amend Redd’s contract as principal of Home School, stating that she will be gin her duties as curriculum director on June 14 and will be paid a stipend of $5,664 for that work through June 30, which is the end of the fiscal year, in addition to her duties as principal.

Naglak, who has worked at District 103 since 2017 and was a consultant for the district for one year prior to that, is the longest-tenured central of fice administrator in a district which has undergone a lot

of administrative tur nover in recent years.

It is not clear if Naglak is resigning because he was hired by another district or if he is being forced out.

When asked directly by a Landmark repor ter on April 10, Rivera refused to comment on both the hiring of Redd and Naglak’s de par ture. Naglak declined to be interd by the Landmark, inemailing the newspaper a his accomplishments at District 103.

“I’m grateful to have had the tunity to work with some the most amazing educators during my six years at Lyons 103,” Naglak wrote. “The rt and commitment from various administrators and teachers played a key role in the accomplishments made during my tenure.”

In listing his major accomplishments at District 103, Naglak pointed to updating cur riculum resources, developing an instructional suppo rt system and an instructional coaching system, developing a standardsbased model for grading and instruction, improving instructional technology with Chromebooks and whiteboards, developing district-wide common assessments, of fering summer lear ning academies and getting teachers to consistently participate in professional lear ning Naglak was popular with teachers, more than a do zen of whom came to the March 28 school board meeting, where Naglak’s resignation was part of the consent agenda, to show their appreciation of and support for him.

Jenna Albers, an instructional coach at Lincoln School in Brookfield, praised Naglak during the public comment portion of the meeting

“It breaks my hear t to see our district lose someone who has been such a constant beacon of light and has taken the staf f and students to the next level,” Albers said.

Albers said she has never met an educator more committed to growth and equity than Naglak.

“I don’t know how to put into words how grateful the teachers, coaches, and students of Lyons are for all he has done for us,” Albers said.

A teacher who spoke to the Landmark on the condition that she not be identified because of fear of retaliation called losing Naglak a “gut punch.”

“It’s hor rible news for the district and the children of District 103,” the teacher said. “He was one of the good people of 103.”

Last year 19% of District 103 students were rated proficient in English language ar ts and 12% were rated in proficient in math according to the Illinois School Report Card

The re port card also shows that the percentage of District 103 students who are English language lear ners has increased from 21% in 2017 to 37% in 2022. Students from low-income families constituted 74.5% of the district’s enrollment in 2022, according to the re port card, a figure that has remained fairly constant for the past five years.

Enrollment in District 103 also declined from 2018 to 2022, from 2,476 students to 2,121, or by a total of 355 students

During that time, white student enrollment dropped by 230, Hispanic student enrollment dropped by 98 and Black student enrollment dropped by 27. Hispanic students make up 76.6% of District 103’s total enrollment, according to the 2022 school re port card

Editor Bob Uphues

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S ales and Marketing Representatives

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Business & Development Manager

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BOARD OF DIREC TORS

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April 19-26

BIG WEEK

Part y for the Planet

Celebrate Earth Day this weekend at Brook eld Zoo, 8400 31st St. with a pair of events geared for all.

On April 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Brook eld Zoo hosts a Party for the Planet recycling event in the main north parking lot. Enter through the gate on 31st Street just west of Golfview Avenue.

Bring electronics, textiles and used books and dispose of them in an environmentally friendly way. A complete list of acceptable items can be found at CZS.org/PartyPlanet.

On April 23 lace up your sneakers and head to the zoo for its annual Earth Day Run, which takes place inside the park at 8 a.m. The non-competitive 2.2-mile fun run is geared for all ages.

The $35 fee includes zoo admission for the day. Proceeds bene t the zoo’s Animal Care and Conservation Fund. Visit CZS.org/EarthDayRun for more.

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-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3

Meet the Puzzle Master

Join the Riverside Public Library and Linda Sokol Francis Brook eld Library for a special Zoom presentation

“Secrets of the Puzzle Master: A Conversation with Will Shortz” on April 25 at 7 p.m.

Galloping Ghost documentar y preview

Linda Sokol Francis Brook eld Library, 3541 Park Ave., invites the public to a behind-the-lens exclusive preview of the documentary project “Ghostlord and the Quest for Dark Presence” on April 21 at 7 p.m.

Filmmaker Craig Bass and “Ghostlord” Doc Mack will share stories of their projects and attendees will have a chance to play a prototype of Mack’s arcade videogame “Dark Presence,” his obsession since he was a teen. Refreshments will be served. Free and open to all ages

Nazareth Academy spring musical

Nazareth Academy, 1209 W. Ogden Ave. in LaGrange Park, presents the musical comedy “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” April 20-22 at 7 p.m. and April 23 at 1 p.m. in The Romano Family Theater.

Tickets are $18 and are available via Nazareth’s website at nazarethacademy.com.

p.m. Visit riversideartscenter.com for more.

■ North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., presents After School Art Escape (child with adult) on April 20 at 4 p.m., Calming Craft for Kids on April 21 at 4 p.m., Flip Book Fun with Digital Animation (grades 6-12) on April 22 at 1:30 p.m., Morning Munchkin Stories with Ms. Karen on April 24 at 10:30 a.m., Chair Yoga on April 24 at 6 p.m., Koko’s Film Club: “Shoplifters” on April 25 at 2 p.m. and Safari ABCs (child with adult, every other week in Spanish) on April 26 at 10:30 a.m. Register for programs online at northriversidelibrary. org/events-new.

■ Linda Sokol Francis Brook eld Library, 3541 Park Ave., presents Fairytale Storytime on April 20 at 10:30 a.m., Essentials of Estate Planning on April 20 at 2 p.m., Chair Zumba on April 21 at 1:30 p.m., a Latin Jazz: The Real Mambo Kings lm screening and discussion on April 22 at 1 p.m., Home Finances for the Brook eld Market on April 24 at 10 a.m., Chair Yoga (virtual) on April 24 at 11 a.m. and Storytime Stars (ages 2-3 with caregiver) on April 25 at 10:30 a.m. Call 708-4856917 or visit online at brook eld.evanced.info/ signup to register for programs

■ Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, presents

Shortz, the editor of the New York Times crossword puzzle, author of more than 500 puzzle books and the world’s only academically accredited puzzle master, will discuss crossword puzzles.

In honor of this event, Shortz has created a special crossword puzzle all about Illinois, which will be e-mailed to all registrants. To request a Zoom link to the program send an email to illinoislibrariespresent@ gmail.com or register via brook eld.evanced.info/ signup or riversidelibrary.org/events

Jazz up y

Jazz vocalist Terr livan presents “My F Lady Swings!” on April 23 at 4 p.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Lutheran Chur 250 Woodside Road in Riverside Sullivan and her trio of Tom Muellner (piano), Jim Cox (bass) and F Johnson (trumpet/ vocals) will perform songs fr inspired by a 1962 jazz arrangement by Shelly Manne Tickets are $25 ($20 seniors/students) and are available at the door or at jazz.brownpapertickets.com.

Mindful Chair Yoga on April 20 at 11 a.m., a Chess Meet Up (grades K-8) on April 20 at 4 p.m., Friday Outside Storytime on April 21 at 10 a.m., Family Playtime on April 22 at 10 a.m., a screening of the 1953 Film “Aida” by Giuseppe Verdi on April 23 at 2 p.m., Mini-Movers Storytime (babies to age 3) on April 24 at 9:30 and 10:15 a.m. and Little Hands Activity Time (ages1-4) on April 25 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 May 21. Doors open at 1 p.m. and games start at 2 p.m. with cash payouts.

WILL SHORTZ

Doc Mack

TERRY SULLIVAN

Typo on new 8 Corners fountain aggravating, but xable

Directed by Cheryl Pold

28,

“It’s clear that the village board’s intention was that the design was ‘veterans’ without the apostrophe,” said Brookfield Village Manager Timothy Wiberg. “And it’s tough to point a finger to who it was [who approved the wrong version], but village staff didn’t approve it.”

According to Wiberg, someone from Hitchcock Design Group, the company hired to oversee the fountain project apparently gave the OK

Last week, Tim King, Hitchcock Design’s principal, met with Brookfield Public Works Director Carl Muell and Dan O’Malley, from the village’s engineering firm, Hancock Engineering, at the worksite to settle on a fix, one that is supposed to be carried out later this week.

The solution they’ve settled on, said King, will involve filling in the apostrophe and then cutting a new “S” into the concrete ba-

the fountain is such that it won’t be a destination for pedestrians. The war memorial monuments that had been placed on the circle are being moved to Veterans Park, about two blocks away at Sunnyside Avenue and Grand Boulevard

“The closest you’re supposed to be is across the street, so this fix should work,” he said.

Fixing the mistake is not a big operation and probably will not end up costing a large amount of money. While it’s not clear exactly who will end up footing the bill for the fix, it’s likely to be Hitchcock Design Group

“This has not stopped work on the fountain; it is not a critical path element,” Wiberg said.

The project is still on target to be substantially completed by May 18, which means it ought to be operational to mark Memorial Day on May 29.

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LSF Brook eld Library pushing for anti-book ban legislation

Ocials

By BOB UPHUES Editor

inviting legislators to visit as part of e ort to solicit community support

Officials at the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library are making it a point to highlight legislation making its way through the Illinois General Assembly that would prohibit banning books or other resources from public libraries based on partisan political disapproval.

A prominent link at the top of the home page of the library’s website asks library patrons to “support HB2789 to take a stand against book banning,” urging them to contact local state legislators “to insist on their backing.”

T he proposed law is an initiative by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, who oversees the Illinois Stat e Library and through whom state library grants are doled out.

“We’ re really proud of Alexi Giannoulias and his work – it is the first in the

country – to mandate that libraries absolutely not ban anything under any circumstances, whether subtly or outright in order to be eligible for the grants that g et funneled through the state library,” said Brookfield Library Director Kimberly Coughran.

T he village ’s re presentatives in the Illinois House, Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez (D-24th) and freshman re presentative Abdelnasser Rashid (D-21st) have already made their support known by being among the 63 state re presentatives voting in favor of the bill last month, sending it to the Illinois Senate, where it remains in the Executive Committee.

Hernandez, the de puty majority leader

of the Illinois House, is a co-sponsor of the bill. Rashid, meanwhile, visited the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library on April 12 as a guest reader during that day’s Stories Galore progr am for toddlers, accepting an invitation from Coughran, who sent letters to Brookfield’s state legislators as part of the library’s push to support the antiban legislation and forg e closer bonds with its re presentatives in the General Assembly

“Our libraries should absolutely be non-partisan institutions,” Coughran said. “We are one of the last bastions where you can find viewpoints on both sides of issues, whatever they may but, and it just needs to stay that

way.”

On the day Rashid visited, multiple news organizations re ported that county commissioners in Llano County, Texas, were mulling a plan to shut down the county’s library system to avoid complying with a federal judge’s r uling that the removal of 12 children’s books from the system’s collection violated the U.S. Constitution’s First and 14th Amendments and that they had to be placed back in circulation.

Rashid’s visit also came the day after the Re publican-dominated Missouri House of Re presentatives passed a state budg et bill that eliminated about $4.5 million for public library funding after the Missouri Library Association and the American Civil Liberties Union sued the state over a law that banned a host of books from the state libraries and threatened to fine and jail

See LIBRARY BILL on pa ge 12

“

Our libraries should absolutely be non-par tisan institutions .”

KIMBERLY COUGHRAN LSF Brook eld Library direc tor

Gambling parlor owner wants zoning relief for new sign

Attorney argues requiring change would result in nancial hardship

by the zoning code.

By BOB UPHUES Editor

The owner of the standalone video g ambling establishment Lucky Day Gaming Café at 8400 26th St. in Nor th Riverside will appear before the Nor th Riverside Planning and Zoning Commission on April 20 to request zoning relief in order to erect a new 12.5-foot-tall pole sign, re placing an existing non-confor ming sign

The hearing will take place in the council chamber at the Nor th Riverside Commons, 2401 Desplaines Ave., at 6 p.m. Any recommendation by the commission would be considered by the village board, which will have the final say.

Robert Houpy, who founded the Lucky Do g restaurant chain, operates four Lucky Day g ambling establishments, two of

which are in North Riverside.

In addition to the location at the nor thwest cor ner of First Avenue and 26th Street, there’s a Lucky Day café in the strip mall Houpy owns at 7929 Cer mak Road. The other two locations are in Melrose Park and Cicero.

The 26th Street location, whose opening was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, became the village’s 10th standalone video gambling parlor when it opened its doors in 2022.

Houpy’s petition for relief does not list the exact sections of the zoning code he’s looking to obtain variances for, but a letter from Houpy’s attor ney, Michael Maksimovich, makes reference to at least three

Pole signs, such as the one standing on the property now, are no longer allowed in the B-3 zoning district where the gambling parlor is located. If Houpy wanted to replace the sign without seeking zoning relief, he would need to erect a monument sign, which is defined in the code as “a freestanding sign supported primarily by an inter nal structural framework or integrated into landscaping or other solid structural features other than support poles.”

In addition, monument signs in the B-3 district must be no more than 8 feet tall. Houpy is asking the village to allow the new pole sign to be 12.5 feet tall.

While it’s not referenced in his petition, Houpy would need at least one other variation from the zoning code for the new sign he’s proposing, a smaller, diamondshaped design similar to the landmark “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign that welcomes visitors to that desert gambling mecca

The proposed sign shows exposed light bulbs protruding from the edges of the sign, like a theater marquee, which are not allowed

Maksimovich’s letter to the village states that “a large component” of the gambling parlor’s clientele are truck drivers and claims “drivers will not be readily able to see a sign that is not elevated in size with the lights advertising the location.”

A monument sign, Maksimovich argues, would not be as visible and could be obscured by snow.

A good deal of the hardship Houpy faces if he has to replace the pole sign to confor m with the code, Maksimovich says, is financial and, as such, should be grandfathered

If the village requires the existing sign to be removed and re placed with a monument sign, Maksimovich wrote, it “will severely financially af fect [Houpy’s] business and constitute a specific hardship to [Houpy] if this request for a variation is not permitted.”

So far, Lucky Day’s location at First Avenue and 26th Street appears to be doing

pretty well, as is Lucky Day’s other location at Cer mak and Desplaines.

According to Illinois Gaming Board reports, out of the 18 establishments in North Riverside with video gambling machines, the Lucky Day Gaming Café on Cer mak Road ranked first in North Riverside in 2021 and second in 2022 in net ter minal income – netting more than $1 million in each of those years.

For the first three months of 2023, the Cer mak Road location was again ranked No. 1 in the village in net ter minal income at $302,431.

During its first year of operation in 2022, the 26th Street Lucky Day location ranked ninth in net ter minal income, but it has surged forward during the first three months of 2023, ranking second – just behind the Cer mak Road location – with net ter minal income of $276,848, putting it on track for $1.1 million in total net ter minal revenue in 2023.

e owner of Lucky Day Gaming Cafe wants zoning variances to erect a new pole sign (above) to replace the existing one, which is no longer allowed by the village’s code.

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CRIME

Major cases way down from

page 1

According to the 2022 Uniform Crime Repor t for Riverside, released in early April by Public Safety Director Matthew Buckley, the number of major crimes investigated by local police fell 26% year over year from 95 to 70.

In 2009, the number of crimes qualifying for inclusion on the Uniform Crime Re port (UCR) peaked at 201.

The UCR tracks eight specific violent and property crimes, including homicide, criminal sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault/battery, burglary, theft, vehicle theft and arson.

What the 2022 numbers reveal is that violent crime in Riverside last year was almost non-existent. There was one homicide case, a crash on First Avenue in April 2022 in which a passenger in the alleged offender’s vehicle died.

Luis Duran, 25, of Chicago was charged with reckless homicide and aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol. He was the deceased passenger’s boyfriend, said Buckley

The case is still pending, and Duran’s offense could be reduced to a lesser charge in exchange for a plea deal. Duran remains in custody at Cook County Jail with his bond set at $250,000.

There was also one robbery reported in Riverside last year, in July, when 25-year-old Khalid Bryant, of Berwyn, allegedly held up the clerk at the Arco gas station minimart at 3346 Harlem Ave.

Riverside police arrested Bryant less than a day later in Hillside He remains on courtordered electronic monitoring while awaiting trial.

For the second consecutive year, Riverside police investigated no criminal sexual assault complaints, and for the first time in at least two decades Riverside police received no complaints of aggravated assault/battery.

In the years 2004-08, the village investigated an average of about 33 aggravated/assault cases annually. That average had plummeted between 2017-22 to about two a year.

In the way of property crimes, there was a serious, destructive case of arson which destroyed a garage and house in the 100 block of West Burlington Street in March 2022.

The owner of that property, 47-year-old Anthony Barker, was arrested last October and charged with two counts of arson. He is

Riverside crime through the years

The following table re presents crime statistics for the village of Ri verside, 2015-22 from the Uniform Crime Re porting program, which municipalities file with the Illinois State Police on an annual basis. The following eight categories are considered to be major crimes:

also on electronic monitoring while awaiting trial in that case.

There were six burglaries reported in Riverside in 2022, the lowest number in one year since 2017, when there were four In 2021, there were nine burglaries reported in Riverside

Those are the only three years since 2004 in which Riverside has recorded less than 11 burglaries. The village’s high-water mark for burglaries in that time was 34 in 2008.

The largest single cate gory of major crime Riverside police investigate in any given year is theft, and 2022 was no dif ferent, with the village recording 59 theft cases. That figure re presents the lowest number of thefts in a single year since 2004.

In the decade between 2004 and 2013, Riverside police routinely investigated more than 100 thefts annually, topping out at 169 in 2010.

Vehicle thefts ran rampant in Chicago and the suburbs in 2022 after social media videos instructed thieves how to heist Kia and Hyundai models using a screwdriver and a USB cord.

Riverside, however, actually saw a decline in vehicle thefts in 2022 year over year, from four to two.

“We don’t have on-street over night parking, which helps cut down on catalytic conver ter thefts and vehicle thefts,” Buckley said. “Parking in the garage truly helps us The vehicles that are stolen are parked on driveways or along busy streets.”

At the village board’s April 6 meeting, Buckley presented crime numbers along

with other 2022 police data gleaned from the de par tment’s annual re port. The data showed that felony ar rests in Riverside in 2022 were down year over year, from 30 to 12, and that misdemeanor ar rests rose from 131 to 166.

Ar rests of juveniles increased shar ply year over year, from 26 to 68, while DUI arrests fell from 55 to 47.

Total calls for service were pe gged at 11,723 – an increase year over year by more than 3,000. Those numbers were driven by large increases in the number of business checks, school checks and vacation watches conducted by police

Buckley said school checks are a priority for him and that he has directed officers to visit them throughout the day, not just at the star t and end of the school day.

Riverside police also responded to 404 more “assist other agency” calls in 2022 than they did in 2021.

Riverside police also wrote almost 300 more traf fic tickets in 2022 compared to the prior year and issue more than 500 additional war nings for traf fic violations.

Scott McAdam Jr.

PO LICE REPO RT S

Man injured during North Riverside armed robbery

Three men armed with handguns robbed two customers, injuring one of them, inside the 7-Eleven store at 9205 Cermak Road, North Riverside, early on April 17, and making off with the store’s cash register

According to the police report, the robbery took place around 4:35 a.m. The victims said the three gunmen, who were wearing masks, got out of a maroon vehicle and entered the store brandishing guns

After one of the victims handed over his wallet, one of the offenders struck him in the face with a handgun, breaking his nose and cheekbone. The other customer was not injured, but an offender removed his wallet, which contained cash and credit cards.

At the same time, according to the clerk, an offender took the entire cash register off the counter. The three offenders exited the store and were last seen driving away in the maroon vehicle northbound on 17th Avenue. Paramedics transported the injured victim to the hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Burglary

■ Cigarettes, liquor and cash were taken by unknown offenders during a burglary at the Citgo gas station minimart at 8545 Cermak Road in North Riverside during the early mor ning hours of April 10.

Police responded to the business at about 5:15 a.m. after an alarm company called to report active alarms in the front and west sides of the building. When they arrived, officers found broken glass at the entrance and heard alarms sounding but no one else was present.

Inside the minimart, numerous bottles of liquor and boxes of cigarettes had been knocked to the ground. The store’s owner later confirmed multiple bottles of cognac and cartons of cigarettes had been stolen. In addition, two cash registers were missing and the one remaining was missing cash.

■ Brookfield police responded to a residence in the 9500 block of Jackson Avenue on the morning of April 10 after a resident

called to report an overnight garage burglary. According to the police report, the garage’s service door had been forced open and multiple tools and an air compressor were missing.

■ A pair of vehicle break-ins were re ported in Brookfield on April 9 and April 10.

Someone called police to report that a person had entered her unlocked vehicle, which was parked in the 3600 block of Madison Avenue, around 7:15 p.m. on April 9.

According to the victim, she and her family were loading bags into the vehicle and had to make two trips. When they returned the second time, the door was open, but they thought nothing of it. When the victim returned home, she discovered two bags were missing

Also on the morning of April 10, a resident of the 3500 block of McCormick Avenue, called to report he was leaving for work when he noticed someone had entered his unlocked vehicle overnight and removed several power tool batteries and power tools

DUI

■ Brookfield police charged a 75-year-old Brookfield woman with driving under the influence of alcohol and cited her for traffic offenses after she alle gedly drove her red Mitsubishi Lancer into three parked cars in the 3700 block of Harrison Avenue on April 10 at about 11:45 p.m.

The woman appeared intoxicated, admitted to drinking alcohol before getting behind the wheel and failed field sobriety tests, according to police.

These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Ri verside, North Ri verside and Brookfield police departments, April 10-17, 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 have not been adjudicated.

— Compiled by Bob

Uphues

Latest News

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Olmsted Society

Stewards of the land and Olmsted’s Plan

4/27 7pm “The Sweep and Curve: Olmsted’s Riverside” presentation by Charles Pipal, Riverside Public Library. Register https://riversidelibrary.libcal.com/event/10280388

4/29 9am-noon Landscape Workday/Arbor Day tree planting, Longcommon & Downing Triangle. 1 PM Olmsted Overlook Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, bluff on Fairbank between the church and bridge.

5/13 9am-noon Landscape Workday, Scottswood Commons

olmstedsociety.org

Golden Wok Restaurant

1122 N. Maple - 17th Ave. LaGrange Park • 708-354-3930

www.wok138.com

Finest Cantonese and Mandarin Food at reasonable prices.

TUES - SUNDAY: NOON - 8PM • CLOSED MONDAYS

Dining Room Is Currently Closed

WE ARE OPEN FOR CARRY-OUT & DELIVERY

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

Brook eld artist shares reconnection to creative impulse

For 100 days, Carla Riseman is giving free art to community

By BOB UPHUES Editor

It took three decades for Carla Riseman to reconnect with her love of creating art. But now that she’s rediscovered that create spirit, she’s determined to share it with her neighbors in Brookfield.

She’s a little more than halfway through The 100 Day Project, joining a global initiative where artists create art every day for 100 straight days and share the work online with friends and followers.

While the work is available to everyone

via social media – her Instagram can be found @thundermoonstudio – Riseman has been placing the small works of art at various spots around the village, giving hints about where they can be found.

Without fail – April 19 marks Day 57 –they get snapped up and very often those seeking out and finding the art explain why they sought out the little 4-by-6 and 5-by-7-inch pieces.

A woman who found Riseman’s Day 40 painting of a peach to mark Colon Cancer Awareness Month in March – important to Riseman because she lost her mother to it – told Riseman that her father had succumbed to colorectal cancer in 2021.

On Day 8, Riseman’s art was a tribute to Audrey Overholt, who along with her husband Roy was synonymous with Brookfield Little League. The Overholts lived

BOB UPHUES/Editor

Carla Riseman tapes her Day 52 artwork, a fanciful child-like monster, onto the front door of Ms. Clara’s Joyful Learning Center on April 14. She’ll wrap up her 100 Day Project on June 1, just a couple of days before she’ll be a vendor at the Brook eld Farmers Market.

Sponsored by Riverside Township

across the street from the field bearing Roy’s name. The lights shone on the field all night on March 1, the night of Audrey’s funeral, in her memory.

“I just grabbed this one,” a woman wrote to Riseman that day. “We moved into the Overholts’ old house across the street last summer. It felt fitting we should find this one.”

When she started placing the art around town in February, she had no idea if anyone would even notice, or care Sharing each day’s art both on her own social media and Brookfield Connections, with its 14,000 followers, has resulted in an enormous response.

“I really thought I was just going to practice every day and get better at making art, and I feel I’ve really gotten connected to Brookfield,” Riseman told the Landmark as she taped her Day 52 entry to the front door of Ms. Clara’s Joyful Learning Center on Broadway Avenue.

“I’ve been here for 10 years and I have friends, but I’ve met people that I don’t know and that I now talk to every day and are my BFFs,” she said. “That’s really the connection with my town that was the unintended wonderful consequence.

Originally a fine arts major in colle ge, personal circumstances led her to change that focus and she forged a career in human resources and marketing, laying down her sketch pad and paintbrushes, seemingly for good .

Then the COVID-19 pandemic happened.

Instead of business shutting down where she worked, things were busier than ever. With a 6-year-old daughter having to attend school remotely the work-life balance, as

On

Risemen put it, “had gotten unsustainable.”

“It was the worst,” Riseman said. “She was 6 when it started and so she needed constant supervision.”

Art lessons were asynchronous, so Riseman just started doing them along with her daughter, “just for some happy time.”

“I just noticed, ‘I feel nothing bad wh It’s almost like a drug, like this is fabulous Having buried her artistic past, she was surprised to see

it spring back to life.

“I don’t know what possessed me. I bought a bunch of watercolors stuf f, which is the hardest medium possible when you pick up after not doing anything for decades,” Riseman said.

Sharing some of her work with friends generated positive feedback, so in late 2021 she opened a couple of online shops at RedBubble and Etsy, where she sold original greeting cards.

As 2022 dawned, Riseman started branching out, selling her work a couple of times at the Brookfield Far mers Market before being selected as a vendor for the Brookfield Fine Arts Festival last fall.

“I went there and stuff was just flying off my table and I was just shocked,” Riseman said.

She hopes to return to the Brookfield festival this year, but she already booked two dates to sell her work at the Brookfield Far mers Market – on opening day June 3 and on July 22.

On Aug. 11, Riseman will have a table at the Wood Dale Sounds of Summer festival and on Aug. 23 she’ll be at the Riverside Far mers Market Artisan Tent.

Plunging back into art has also brought her into contact with other like-minded Brookfield residents. She’s pitched ideas to the Brookfield Beautification Commission re garding public art opportunities and said she hopes to get more involved in those initiatives.

to see more public art in Brookfield,” Riseman said, “but if I could help that

7

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Day 25, Riseman hid this piece, described as a little stegosaurus out looking for owers, taping it to a si gn at the pollinator garden outside the Linda Sokol Francis Brook eld Librar y.

Month

LIBRARY BILL Senate has bill

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librarians who refused

T he state funding re presents just a fraction of the funding public libraries rece ive in Missouri. As in Illinois, local public libraries are funded mainly by local property taxes, but public libraries also rece ive per capita grants from the state Brookfield’s library, for example, rece ives about $25,000 annually in state per capita grant funding. T hose funds, said Coughran, are put toward technology purchases.

“It’s important to leave the work of libraries to professionals,” Rashid said during his visit to Brookfield on April 12. “I don’ t think we should inject politics into choosing what kids g et to read based on the perspective of some board members who may have other agendas. So, leaving it to librarians is the right thing to do.”

Brookfield’s public library has not rece ived many requests to remove or reclassify materials on its shelves, but it has happened a few times in the past decade or so, said Coughran. In neither case were the materials removed after a staf f review and, in at least two instances, consideration by the library board.

Earlier this year, the Riverside Public Library Board of Trustees voted to uphold a staf f decision to deny a request by two residents to ban the book “Gender Queer,” a memoir, told in the form of a graphic novel, about a non-binary young adult’s journey to understand who they were

If passed by the General Assembly, the new law would make those for mal material removal processes moot. Monitoring what children are taking from the library shelves is not the responsibility of librarians, Coughran said.

“Libraries cannot take the place of parents,” Coughran said. “We highly encourage children to be accompanied when they come to the library.”

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State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid, who was among those voting in fa ti-book ban bill last month, reads to toddlers l 12.

Opinion

THE L ANDMARK VIEW

KOSEY CORNER

Teams need to treat their legends better Sticking to the code

Historically, Nor th Riverside has been very loose when it comes to re gulating signs, which is how the village got a giant flashing billboard at the cor ner of Cer mak Road and First Avenue back in the day.

There have been other generous sign allowances as well – for Tony’s (before they skipped town for the greener pastures of Berwyn) and more recently for Robert Houpy, who owns the strip mall at the cor ner of Cer mak Road and Desplaines Avenue.

While the sign the North Riverside Planning and Zoning Commission approved is still plenty big – its 306 square feet of gross sign area exceeds the code by 246 square feet – it could have been bigger. Houpy originally asked for the sign to be 25 feet tall (as approved, it’s 17.5 feet).

In 2021, the village tightened up its sign code to be gin downsizing signs and making them more uniform. That monument sign at Cer mak and Desplaines could only be 8-feet tall if the property owner applied again to replace it.

The same code applies to the property at 26th Street and First Avenue, which Houpy also owns and for which he is again seeking variations from the code for a new sign. In a letter to the Planning and Zoning Commission from his attorney, Houpy argues that he will suffer financial hardship if he is not allowed to replace the existing pole sign, which the code no longer allows, with a more visible pole sign of roughly the same size.

It has to be 12.5 feet tall, he argues, in order to get the attention of truck drivers who frequent the gambling establishment he operates on that property. The code allows the sign to be 8 feet tall, which it is claimed could be obscured in bad weather events.

We’re not sure how, in the event of 8-foot snow drifts, anyone will be out gambling, but in any case, hardships in a zoning sense aren’t caused by hypothetical weather or the height of truck cabs Hardships are caused by unique characteristics of a property that make it so different from other such properties that relief from the zoning code must be allowed in order to make any encroachment or sign or whatever possible.

In this case, by right, the owner can erect an illuminated 8-foot-tall sign at the only commercial corner of a state highway – where there’s also a stoplight – to attract customers. We’re sure such a sign would be plenty visible to any motorist.

Indeed, the sign there now – still too tall but really kind of unassuming – hasn’t stood in the way of the business there making a profit.

During the first quarter of 2023, in just the second year of the gambling parlor’s operation, it ranked No. 2 in net ter minal revenue out of all the other video gambling locations in North Riverside.

No 1 was Houpy’s other gambling parlor at Cer mak and Desplaines.

The truth here is that the “hardship” is inconvenience. To get zoning variances, that’s just not good enough.

OK, I’m still at Cantata, but what’s been bothering me for quite a while deals with the spor ts world. Yesterday with Blackhawks announcing they won’t re-sign Jonathan Toews, I just have had it.

I’m still trying to get over the fact that they let go of Anthony Rizzo, who was Chicago. I realize that this is all business, related to money, and let’s pay of f investors. However, people are entitled to have a product on the field that also is an attraction.

Granted, Toews was not at his best the last year due to health problems. However, he was someone that people came to see, as was Anthony Rizzo

Anthony Rizzo’s story was not only his accomplishments on the field but also of f the field and into the hear ts of many. He and his family established a foundation to raise funds for cancer research after he was treated for Hodgkin lymphoma as a teenager in the Boston Red Sox minor league system

The foundation has raised and donated millions for cancer research and he was a fan favorite for both

Y

adults and children. The Cubs weren’ t willing to pay him what he should have been paid, and I don’t know if I’ ll ever forgive them for tearing up the team. They say it’s because they want to put something better on the field. Well, have they? They could have done it with Rizzo Look what he did when he moved on. You can see whenever he comes back to Chicago, his hear t is still here and people were coming to those g ames to see him -not so much is how he played, but because he was Anthony Rizzo. He has said that Chicago will always be his home. When we look at Jonathan Toews, it ’s the same thing.

Last night, I listened to Blackhawks management speak of letting Jonathan Toews go and how they appreciated him and how he will always be a Blackhawk – well, not really, because you let him go.

He will have a lot of his hear t here because this is where he brought three championships. As to what he’s going to do now that’s up to him, it almost sounds like he might not continue due to his health problems. Boys, you always have a home here.

LET TERS

Riverside’s war memorial needs upgrade

Recently, I received an email from one of my favorite ne phews who lives in Coppell, Texas, writing to me about a project he’s involved with to create a veterans park to honor all the Coppell veterans, and especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country Admittedly, Coppell, part of the Dallas/Ft. Wor th Metroplex, at 42,000, is a bit larger than Riverside and able to af ford a plan for a grand park However, my ne phew’s email has caused me to investigate what Riverside has done to commemorate its own heroes. I was quite dishear tened to find the answer to be “not much,” almost nothing lately (54 years), leading to my writing this message

Riverside’s Gold Star Memorial in Guthrie Park honors five veterans who died in World War I and 44 from World War II, with a plaque attached to a large stone listing each of their names

On the sides of the large stone are plaques that, unfortunately, cannot easily be viewed. For Korea five names are listed and for Vietnam two names are listed, but the Vietnam plaque is li kely an incomplete listing, since it incor rectly lists the Vietnam War as being 1965 to 1969, instead of 1955-1975.

The incorrect end date of 1969 for Vietnam could indicate that 1969 was the last time anyone paid atten-

JOANNE KOSE

Philomena Blank, 95

Former post o ce personnel director

Philomena “Mena” Joanna Raphael Archangel Manzella Blank, 95, for merly of Brookfield, died peacefully at home in Naperville, sur rounded by love, on April 10, 2023.

Mena was bor n Oct. 24, 1927 in Buf falo, New York, and raised by Fabrizio and Angela (nee Gorg a) Manzella, the second youngest of 15 children, and the last surviving member of her family.

She met her husband, Mar tin Blank, in Buf falo, before Mar tin left for Chicago to study at the Chicago Academy of Fine Ar ts on the G.I. Bill. Mena often told the story of the one and only time she lied to her mother: She packed a suitcase and said she was spending the weekend with a girlfriend, but she took a train to Chicago to elope. They wed on March 25, 1950.

Mena had many jobs throughout the years, star ting as an assistant to a phar macist, a profession she had dreamed of pursuing. She loved her work as a caseworker for York Township in Lombard, since she had a passion for helping people in dire need.

She worked as an of fice manager for various companies and was the director of personnel at the Oak Park Post Of fice. In retirement, she worked part time at the local junior high, helping struggling students

LET TERS

continued from page 14

After Mar tin passed away in 1998, Mena relocated from Mundelein to Brookfield, where she became a magnet for others in the condo building, several of whom have remained extremely close to her over the years. In 2019, after a series of falls, Mena moved in with her daughter in Naperville Mena is survived by her children, Martin Blank, Cynthia (Kim) Blank, Candace Blank and Steven (Angela) Blank, and her grandsons, Parker, Jordan and her beloved Lew, whom she helped raise when he was small. She also has many, many nieces and ne phews spread across the country.

A celebration of life will be held at Unity in Naperville, 1600 Shore Road, Unit C, at 11 a.m. on April 29. In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations in her memory to your local library or Reading is Fundamental, secure.rif.org/page/48405/donate/1.

Suzanne Chlapecka, 42

Teacher, instructional coach

Suzanne Chlapecka, 42, of Riverside and for merly of Wheaton, died April 6, 2023. Bor n March 28, 1981 in Montclair, New Jersey, to Victor and Patricia Pasqualicchio, Suzanne moved to the Midwest as a child and grew to become a dedicated educator, die-hard Indiana University basketball fan and a passionate parent to her beautiful daughter, Katherine.

Suzanne fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher in 2003 and spent two decades as an educator She be g an her

career in Wheaton/War renville School District 200 and joined Glen Ellyn School District 41 in 2021, where she was a K-5 instructional math coach.

She found joy in teaching, demystifying mathematics and connecting with students, teachers and parents She passed her love of lear ning on to hundreds of students and found purpose in the connections she fostered.

She mar ried Kris Chlapecka, on Oct. 19, 2013. As best friends and par tners, they raised their daughter, Katherine Ann “Kate” Chlapecka. When she wasn’t cheering for Hoosiers basketball, the Chicago Bears or the Chicago Blackhawks, Suzanne loved to travel with Kris and Kate

They were frequent visitors to Ft. Myers, F lorida and Hilton Head, South Carolina, where Suzanne and the Pasqualicchio family spent annual beachside vacations.

She was a past president of Delta Gamma at Indiana University, from which she received her undergraduate de gree in elementary education in 2003. She later went on to ear n two master’s de grees — in educational leadership and administration and K-8 mathematics education — from National Louis University.

She was the daughter of Victor (the late Patricia) Pasqualicchio; the wife of Kris Chlapecka; the mother of Katherine Chlapecka; the sister of Patrick (Elizabeth) Pasqualicchio; the sister-in-law of Jaime and Jason van Lente; the nice of the late Anne For te; and the aunt of nieces Peyton, Reagan, Kennedy, Addison, Alexa and Julia

Gun violence must end in America

tion to or updated anything at the site, 54 years ago. The plaques have survived reasonably well but the commemorative area is not visually appealing.

There are no plaques for other conflicts where the U.S has been engaged, the Gulf War, Iraq or Afghanistan. There is an American flag flying at the site but there are weeds around much of the area and the site looks a bit forlor n and not much like a monument for heroes Let’s do something about it. Where are Riverside’s patriots?

The village should, with the help of its living veterans, create a committee to come up with a funding plan, an engineering, construction and cost plan for building a new and very much improved Gold Star Memorial, and a plan for its upkeep Let’s make it happen.

Mike S ammon Ri verside

Ag ain? Must we witness this gun violence outrage again and again? And again?

Even when three of the victims are 9 years old, and just be ginning to imagine the lives ahead of them?

Must our message to the rest of the world remain that America values its guns more than it values its children?

Must we continue to wonder where our country’s conscience has been exiled?

Must we wonder whether there is to be a solution to these national tragedies during our lifetime? Even a limited, common sense, first ste p such as universal backg round checks to be gin the process? Is that too much to ask?

When will enough finally become too much?

Please. End. This. Insanity. Now.

Mike Perricone, Ri verside

and ne phew Lukas

A funeral Mass was celebrated April 17 at St. Mary Church, Riverside, followed by inur nment at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Wheaton.

In lieu of flowers contributions are appreciated to gofundme.com/f/suzannewife-of-mppd-of ficer-kris-chlapecka

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

Cynthia Vitek, 50 Teacher was former Riverside Juniors president

Cynthia Vitek, 50, of Riverside, died April 10, 2023.

Ms Vitek has spent her time as a stay-athome mother, middle school teacher and instructional coach (Wilson Elementary School), PTO president, for mer Riverside Junior Woman’s Charity president.

She was the daughter of the late John D. and the late Dolores B. Belletini; the wife of William J.; the mother of Jose ph and Caitlin; the sister of Lisa (Charles) Rone; an aunt to Jacob and Joshua Rone; the sister-in-law of Elizabeth (Tony) Holmes; an aunt to Ella and Mac Holmes; and the daughter-in-law of Mary A. and the late William J. Vitek Sr.

A memorial gathering will be on Saturday, April 15 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Ivins/ Moravecek Funeral Home, 80 E. Burlington St., Riverside

Help halt proliferation of prescription opioids

Unfortunately, our country is still facing a crisis when it comes to prescription medication abuse One of the easiest ways to help stop this is by taking the time to clear out your old, expired, and/or unwanted medications and disposing of them safely.

Cook County is home to an expansive list of medication drop boxes, predominately at police departments and local phar macies, that make this task quick and easy Just go to CookCountyMEDS.org, enter your address, and select your desired disposal location.

Together we can do our part for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 22 to help halt the opioid epidemic in its tracks. For a safer and healthier Illinois and America, please dispose of your old medications in the best way possible at a disposal site near you.

Lt. James Mihalik Brookfield Police De partment

Leadoff man Yachnin sets tone for RBHS baseball

Senior eyes Bulldogs’ single-season steals record

By BILL STONE

Contributing Reporter

Riverside-Brookfield High School senior Luke Yachnin has trained and studied baseball to acquire the tools of the prototypical leadoff hitter.

“My game really isn’t hitting home runs, but I can still do damage in another way,” Yachnin said. “I’m small ball. I get a lot of singles. And when I get on base, I’m pretty fast. I steal a lot. I can get all of these good reads and give us more of an advantage. I can also bunt.”

The second-year starter especially is running toward challenging the RBHS records of 47 stolen bases in a season (49 attempts) by 2013 graduate C.J. Duffek and his career record of 81.

Yachnin has 13 stolen bases this season in 14 attempts for the Bulldogs (5-7) after 28 thefts in 2022 in 29 attempts

“I want to try and get 50. I’ve recently slowed down, but I still have 24, 25 games left so I think it’s doable,” Yachnin said.

Yachnin has a .432 on-base percentage,.342 batting average and eight runs scored. He also starts in center field after alternating in 2022

between left field or right field for the days former standout and first-round Atlanta Braves draft pick Owen Murphy was pitching.

Yachnin will play next for the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, where 2022 RBHS graduate Jack Niekrasz is on the pitching staff. Yachnin is undecided on his major but has always enjoyed math and physics.

“Luke is our tone setter. Reminds me of the great teams the Chicago Cubs had. Whenever they have had a true leadoff man, they were always competitive,” RBHS coach Mark Ori said.

“When Luke is on, our offense is a completely different team. He creates a lot of pressure for the pitchers when he is on base and is sometimes stealing both second and third.”

Yachnin said he has improved his stealing through more speed and an ability to read pitchers. He studies MLB and colle ge players about getting jumps.

“After being on first so many times in my life, I’ve learned about pitchers’ moves,” Yachnin said. “It’s pretty easy to steal bases when you get pretty good at that.”

No one can question Yachnin’s determination. He’s played baseball since T-ball at age

Luke Yachnin has a .432 on-base percentage and a .342 batting average as the RBHS baseball team’s leado hitter. He also has 13 stolen bases this season in 14 attempts and has set his sights on 50 steals, which would be a school record.

3 or 4. He also played basketball until eighth grade but decided to focus on baseball entering high school.

“I like the fact that [baseball is] a mental game more than anything. It teaches you a lot of things about having to deal with failure,” Yachnin said.

“Really, in baseball if you fail 70 percent of the time, you’re an all-star in (Major League Baseball). It’s almost beautiful. And I feel like every single pitch is a new competition. You do something your first at-bat, have a

really bad strikeout, and the next at-bat can be a home run off the same pitcher, the same pitch. It’s always something new, always competitive.”

Yachnin also has grown competitively through six seasons of traveling baseball with Rake City based in Countryside. When he first joined, he was on the fourth team yet worked his way up

“I decided I wanted to play college baseball and here I am playing college baseball,” Yachnin said.

Naz takes Bulldogs to penalties, but RBHS prevails

RBHS girls’ 3-game win streak snapped by Downers North

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

The Riverside-Brookfield High School girls soccer team overcame a 50-minute

lightning delay and a Nazareth Academy comeback to win 2-1 on April 15 in Body Armor Tournament play in Schaumburg, prevailing 4-2 on penalty kicks.

Niamh Larson scored in the first half for the Bulldogs (8-3) with an assist from Ella Caputo for a 1-0 lead. Then Larson converted the clinching penalty following scores by Hazel Hall, Lucy Drenth and Lena Lembcke.

RBHS lost to Downers Grove North 3-0 in the April 16 tournament game to snap a

three-game winning streak.

After losing to Downers Grove South 3-0 on April 6, the Bulldogs beat Elmwood Park 5-1 on April 11 in their Metro Suburban Conference opener and University High 2-0 on April 13.

Hazel Hall scored twice against Elmwood Park. Other goals were from Larson and Michelle Panduro and Abigail Ford, who were promoted from the junior varsity for the game. Cassidy Erb, Ericka Pacheco, Kate

Newberry and Madison Bisiules assisted Natalie Rubi and Caputo scored Thursday with Nina Bretz and Bisiules assisting.

RBHS softball

Ellie Megall’s walk-of f sacrifice fly in the bottom of the seventh inning scored Lianna Noel to give the Bulldogs (8-3, 2-1 in Met-

See ROUNDUP on pa ge 16

STEVE JOHNSTON

On brink of victory, RBHS volleyball falls to DGN

Bulldogs squander late second set lead to give Trojans new life

By BILL STONE

Contributing Reporter

Riverside-Brookfield High School senior Iggy Bielobradek can’t help but be all-in this boys volleyball season.

Playing exclusively in the front row most of 2022, the 6-foot veteran now is in the full rotation and serving as he usually does during his club season.

“I love being on the court,” Bielobradek said. “Even when I’m in the back row, I feel like there’s a role to play in helping the team and keeping our heads up.”

The Bulldogs gave among their best allaround efforts on April 17 at Downers Grove North, but two rough stretches resulted in an empty feeling afterwards

RBHS (10-7) lost 23-25, 25-23, 25-18 after leading 23-19 in the second set.

“Hopefully the team’s more motivated [after this] and we’re ready to come back,” Bielobradek said. “We do what we can and when we play to our full potential, we compete with the best teams. That’s what we have to do We have to play scrappy and realize that we can’t let the ball drop.”

Sebastian Ciszewski had five kills and Bielobradek (4 digs) and Thomas Dixon (7

ROUNDUP

from page 15

ro Suburban Conference) a 5-4 victory over York on April 15 for their fifth straight win.

Zoe Levine (3 for 4), Noel (2 for 4, 2 runs) and Megall (2 for 3) had the Bulldogs’ seven hits. Abby Weinert (3-0), who relieved in the sixth, was the winning pitcher

In MSC play, RBHS beat St. Francis 17-7 on April 13 in five innings. Kelley Tyler (triple, double, 3 RBIs), Noel (double, 4 runs), and Ella Jurgens (double) each had three hits in a 17-hit attack with six doubles. Levine also had three RBIs.

Luna Lloyd (3 for 5, home run, 5 RBIs), Levine (4 for 4, 3 doubles, 3 RBIs) and Trinity Stevenson (3 for 5, 2 doubles) paced the 19-4 MSC victory over Ridgewood on April 10.

Winning pitcher Abby Krueger (2-0) threw a

RBHS players omas Dixon (le ) and Sam Shelven block a ball during the Bulldogs’ match against Oak Park and River Forest on April 12 in Oak Park. e Bulldogs lost that match in two sets.

digs, 4 service points) had four kills apiece Other stat leaders included Landon Harazi n (18 assists, 4 block assists), Liam Reilley (12 digs), Ricardo Ulloa (10 points), Sam Shelven (3 kills, 3 blocks) and Angel Her rera (2 kills, 2 blocks).

Downers North (7-4) seized the momentum after scoring the final six points of the

five-hitter with seven strikeouts

RBHS boys track and field

Jack O’Brien, Zack Gaynor, Brady Norman were multiple event winners as the Bulldogs won the Leyden Invitational 148-146 over Hampshire on April 13.

O’Brien won the 3,200-meter run (9:50.86), was second in the 400 (52.67) and was part of the first-place 1,600 relay with William Kallas, Asa Kahle and Gaynor, who earlier captured the 800 (2:01.71).

Luke Smithing (41.49) and Hayden Marrs (42.86) finished 1-2 in the 300 intermediate hurdles, and Norman (4:43.25) and Brennan Lester (4:47.09) finished 1-2 in the 1,600.

Luke Schmitz, Charlie Yager, Jackson Drumheller and Samuel Elusoji won the 800 relay (1:37.41). The 3,200 distance medley relay prevailed (7:28.76) with Marrs (400), Luke

second set behind three blocks, including set point, one kill and RBHS service and attack errors.

“I’m proud of how well we played overall, but really letting that go to the third set is really the big thing,” RBHS coach Dan Bonarigo said. “We have a lead 23-19 but then we give up a six-point run to lose

Berndt (400), Evan McMullen (800) and Norman (1,600).

Smithing was second in the 110 high hurdles (16.69).

Also second were Yager (5-6 in high jump), the 400 relay (Sean Rau, Wayne Torrens, Drumheller, Elusoji in 45.96) and the 3,200 relay (Kallas, Kahle, Lester, William Sessler in 8:38.93).

RBHS baseball

The Bulldogs (5-7) ended a five-game losing streak April 17 by beating Aurora Christian 13-8 behind an eight-run fifth.

Jaden Despe (double, 3 RBIs), Cooper Marrs (2 RBIs) and Sam Didio (2 stolen bases) each had two hits. Kevin Cronin had three RBIs and Luke Yachnin doubled. Robert Drake (2-1) was the winning pitcher.

Marrs (.459, 9 RBIs this season) had two

set two, and you’ve got to be tougher than that. In a tight, competitive match against a good team you’d like to pull that out.”

The Trojans owned the third set after seven straight points for a 14-7 lead. RBHS cut a 21-12 deficit to 21-17 behind Ulloa’s serving, but the rally ended when libero Reilley appeared to keep the ball in play with a foot save. Instead, the attack was ruled a kill, Bonarigo disputed the call and the Trojans received an additional penalty point to lead 23-17.

After 16 kills with eight er rors over the first two sets, the Bulldogs be g an the third set with one kill and seven er rors.

“You can’t af ford to give up two or three-point runs, and we gave up [seven]. Against a good team, that’s nearly impossible to come back,” Bonarigo said.

Otherwise, the Bulldogs played backand-forth and steady with fewer kills than the Trojans but also fewer mistakes

Another of the team’s strengths is a veteran setter in Harazin.

“Being a setter, I feel the pressure every g ame. I feel responsible when we lose or something doesn’t go to plan but when something goes well or we win, I feel like I had an important role,” Harazin said earlier this season. “Many teams on paper are taller, more experienced, faster We need to be the team that just keeps getting the ball over. We want to be that annoying team that gets into the opposing teams’ heads.”

hits, including a double, in a 6-5 loss on April 14 to DePaul Colle ge Prep. Jake Tyler was 2 for 3 with a double in a 5-2 loss to Chicago Christian on April 13.

RBHS girls track and field

The Bulldogs edged Morton 120-129 to win the Leyden Invitational on April 12.

Quinn Kahle won long jump (4.56 meters/14 feet, 11.5 inches) and was second in triple jump (9.92m/32-6.5).

Bryce Pacourek (800 in 2:29.66), Ava Connerty (100 high hurdles in 16.90), Jorie Eggers (400 in 1:05.19) and Gianna Gelb (3,200 in 13:25.51) also were event champions.

Sophie Singh (100 hurdles in 18.61), Morgan Anderson (1.42m/4-8 in high jump), Antonia O’Keefe (22.67m/74-4.5 in discus), and the 1,600 relay (Eggers, Pacourek, Jojo Rodriguez, Gelb in 4:30.97) were second

SARA JANZ

LTHS’ Sommerfeld named to IHSA All-State Academic Team

Senior set to run and study engineering at Vanderbilt University

By BILL STONE

Contributing Reporter

For Lyons Township High School senior Catherine Sommerfeld, perhaps it was fitting that her good news came from sprinting LTHS Principal Jennifer Tyrrell.

Sommerfeld, a girls track and field and cross country standout, was in the middle of a home indoor track meet Feb. 15 when Tyrrell infor med Sommerfeld that she was among 26 student-athletes named to this year’s annual IHSA All-State Academic Team.

“I was really excited. I knew it was very competitive so I was a little bit surprised but also felt pretty good about it,” said Sommerfeld, who will continue running at Vanderbilt University in Nashville

Each IHSA school may nominate one female and male student-athlete who have at least a 3.5 grade-point average (4.0 scale) after their seventh semester, have participated in at least two IHSA-sponsored activities during each of the last two years of high school and demonstrated outstanding citizenship.

The honorees were recognized at a banquet presented by the U.S. Ar my ROTC April 10 in Bloomington.

The all-state distance runner in track and cross country thinks athletics have helped her in the classroom.

“Honestly, it correlates a lot mentally because I think running is very mentally challenging,” Sommerfeld said. “It helps me focus more sometimes in school because activity activates the brain. I feel like I do focus, I’m able to study better after a good workout.”

Sommerfeld plans to major in engineering, possibly environmental, at Vanderbilt.

Her future teammates include two other senior standouts, York’s Bria Bennis, whom she competes against often in the West Suburban Conference Silver, and Nazareth Academy’s Colette Kinsella.

“I’ve always been interested in math and last year I realized that engineering is probably what I want to do,” Sommerfeld said.

Sommerfeld ear ned 2022 IHSA Class 3A all-state track honors in the 3,200-meter run (7th, all-time school-record 10:35.21) and reached the 1,600 finals (12th, 5:11.58).

Healthy this entire indoor track season, Sommerfeld set indoor school records in the 1,600 (4:57.90) and the 3,200 (10:45.58) in March. The 3,200 time came in winning the indoor West Suburban Silver Meet just ahead of Bennis.

In cross country, Sommerfeld was an all-state 12th in 2021 (16:58.37 for 3.0 miles) and was 30th last November (18:20.0) with the Lions’ state-qualifying team.

As a junior, Sommerfeld missed nearly the entire indoor track season recovering from a stress reaction in her shin. Her senior cross country season competition started late because of a hip injury

“This season, I’m really just focusing on staying healthy and just appreciating that,” Sommerfeld said. “I think lots of selfcare and trying to get my iron levels back up has helped a lot.”

academic y halls to maximize her time management and studies as soon as she returns from practice.

“Some nights I have late nights, but I try to rest,” Sommerfeld said.

This year’s course load has included an Advanced Placement environmental science class and a STEM research course, where she is doing in-depth examination of water systems on homes.

“I’m also a big math person so engineering really fits me,” Sommerfeld said.

Phillips adds third relay as LTHS girls track looks ahead

Lions’ 3,200 relay still has state’s top outdoor time in 2023

By BILL STONE

Contributing Reporter

Lyons Township High School senior Becky Phillips already is used to going to the IHSA Class 3A girls track and field state meet with sprint relays

This season, she’s even helping the 3,200-meter relay continue its usual success.

“Nor mally I’m in three events, so it’s not that much of a switch,” Phillips said.

Phillips was part of the Lions’ winning foursome at the Downers Grove South Invitational April 8 with senior Catherine Sommerfeld and juniors Kristina Findley and Madison Findley, whose 9:31.06 is the state’s No 1 time so far this outdoor season.

The Lions were an all-state eighth in 2022 (9:32.05) with four non-seniors, including Kristina Findley

Phillips has been to the past two state meets with the 1,600 and 400 relays The also statequalifying swimmer will run track at St. Louis University.

“I’m more of an endurance person not a ‘sprint’ sprinter, so I like the 4-by-800,” Phillips said. “Obviously it’s an event change from years before, but I’m open to it.”

Claire McVady, another key senior, made

her state debut in 2022 with the 1,600 relay. At Downers South, McVady joined Phillips, Madison Findley and Kristina Findley (4:08.07) on the second-place 1,600 relay, which has a 4:05.00 state cut. The same lineup improved to 4:05.60 on April 14 to finish second at Downers Grove North’s Bruce Ritter Invitational.

“I hope to I help the team with the 4-by-400 and hopefully we can make it to state like last year,” said McVady, who is new to the re gular 800 relay lineup. “We’re getting better [in that relay]. We lost a lot of the people from last year so we’re trying to find some people to fill the spots.”

The Lions finished third at Downers South (82 points).

Emma Kwak (100 in 13.12), Alannah Justin-

ich (1.50m/4 feet, 11 inches in high jump) and the 800 relay of Kwak, McVady, Kristina Findley and Phillips (1:48.59) also were second Sommerfeld (800 in 2:24.00), Ella Or msby (10.08 meters/33-1 in triple jump) and Sydney Bonner (300 low hurdles in 50.91) were third. Fourth-place senior Charlotte Lange (5:10.13 in 1,600) was under that 5:11.78 state cut. At Downers North, the Lions were eighth (38 points).

Phillips ran 59.39 for second in the 400, just .03 shy of the state cut. Sommerfeld was fourth (5:03.66) in a competitive 1,600 in which the top two finishers broke 5:00. Sommerfeld also led off the Lions’ fifth-place 3,200 relay with a 2:19 split. The relay, which also included Leigh Farrell, Kristina Findley and Madison Findley ran a 9:49.16.

MICHAEL SKORA Catherine Sommer feld

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 Cleaning & Janitorial Services is looking for experienced cleaning technicians that are energetic, hospitable, ready to work and AWESOME!

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

Sr Marketing Data Engineer sought by Chowbus, Inc. in Chicago, IL to research, gather info, create, & implmt big data solutions incl data collection, transformation, & analysis on large d/bases for mktg purposes.

Reqs: Master’s Deg in Mktg Analysis or rltd field & 1 yr exp in job offd, in Business Intelligence Analyst role, or rltd role. Must possess coursework or work exp w/ SQL; Tableau; Data warehousing & data mining; & etc. Apply online at: https://www.chowbus.com/careers

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

CARS WANTED

PART-TIME ELECTRICIAN’S HELPER

Call for more info. 708-738-3848

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

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.

PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER FOREST PARK, IL

The Forest Park Police Department is seeking Part-Time Parking Enforcement Officer(s); Shifts to be filled are 8:00pm – Midnight or Midnight – 6:00am. The position is a rotating schedule assigned by the Supervisor – 4 days on and 4 days off which includes weekends and some holidays. Eligible candidates will be required to pass an aptitude test and an extensive background check. Qualifications include high school diploma (or equivalent), a valid driver’s license, knowledge of basic parking regulations, and good verbal and written skills. Open until filled. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. or at www.forestpark. net and should be returned Attn: Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130. Email: vmoritz@forestpark.net

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

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.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago will be accepting applications for the following classification(s):

Associate Electrical Engineer (Original)

Plumber (Original)

Additional information regarding salary, job description, requirements, etc. can be found on the District’s website at www.districtjobs.org or call 312-751-5100.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE CLERK

The Village of Forest Park is seeking qualified individuals for the position of Accounts Receivable Clerk. Duties for this position include, but are not limited to; billing, collections, customer service, answering telephones, cashier duties, data entry and general office functions.

Qualified applicants should have a good working knowledge of computers, accurate typing skills, customer service skills and solid organizational skills. Experience with Springbrook municipal software a plus. A background investigation will be conducted prior to consideration for the position. Applications available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Avenue or on-line at www.forestpark.net and should be returned to Vanessa Moritz, HR Director, at Village Hall. Applications accepted until position is filled. EOE.

CLASSICS WANTED

CLASSICS WANTED

Restored or Unrestored Cars & Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Import Cars:

Restored or Unrestored

Cars & Vintage Motorcycles

Domestic / Import Cars:

Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

Collector James • 630-201-8122

Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

CLASSICS WANTED

Collector James 630-201-8122

Restored or Unrestored

Cars & Vintage Motorcycles

Domestic / Import Cars:

Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars

RENTALS

SALON CHAIR RENTAL

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

OFFICE/RETAIL FOR RENT BEAUTIFUL 1BD, 1BA

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

Collector James 630-201-8122

APARTMENT TO RENT

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

ROOFING

JOE ROOFING

Roofing repair, tuckpointing, gutters and painting--- bonded, insured For free estimate call 773 297-1121

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES

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

Attention VICTOR SOTELO & SANTANDER CONSUMER USA, NOTICE IS HEREBYGIVEN that on 5/22/23, a sale will be held at 1510 Hannah Ave, Forest Park, IL, 60130 to sellthe following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois against such articles for labor, services, skill or material expended upon a storage furnished for such articles at the request of the following designated persons, unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. Our records show, your 2017, Chevy, Traverse with the following VIN 1GNKRFED5HJ144475 was towed to our facility per police ordinance. Our records show that the current amount due and owing is $2000.00. If payment is not received within 30 days Nobs Towing Inc. will enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3.

Published in Forest Park Review April 19, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

Attention CASMIERA SMITH & EXETER FINANCE, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on 5/22/23, a sale will be held at 1510 Hannah Ave, Forest Park, IL, 60130 to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois against such articles for labor, services, skill or material expended upon a storage furnished for such articles at the request of the following designated persons, unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. Our records show, your 2015, Dodge, Dart with the following VIN 1C3CDFBB9FD241810 was towed to our facility per police ordinance. Our records show that the current amount due and owing is $2000.00. If payment is not received within 30 days Nobs Towing Inc. will enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3.

Published in Forest Park Review April 19, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

Invitation to Bid

The Park District of Oak Park will accept sealed bids for Apparel Services. The bid specifications will be available on the Park District’s website as of 10:00AM CST on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. Copies of the bidding specifications are available via the Park District of Oak Park website at: http://www.pdop.org/bids-and-rfps/ Bids must be placed in a sealed envelope marked “Apparel Services” and must be delivered on or before 2:30PM CST on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 to the John Hedges Administrative Center. Immediately thereafter, bids will be opened and read.

For further information, contact Maureen McCarthy at Maureen.McCarthy@pdop.org

By: Maureen McCarthy Park District of Oak Park, 218 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL, 60302

Published in Wednesday Journal April 19, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES

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: 1-800669-9777.

GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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

TRINITY FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC

Plaintiff, -v.DANIEL V. GALARDE, LAVITTA M. GALARDE, 720 N. AUSTIN CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD

CLAIMANTS

Defendants

21 CH 4185 720 N. AUSTIN BLVD, UNIT 2-SW OAK PARK, IL 60302

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-

EN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 11, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 15, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, 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

Let

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).

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) 236SALE

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

A health fair welcoming all neighbors and friends

“O

What I have witnessed over the past six months has been nothing short of astonishing. A collective group of local and regional health care providers, ranging from our largest hospitals to individual therapists coming together to offer and showcase their resources to both our local and regional communities. These services will be complementary to the youngest

Sam Yousif, Event chair

ur stated goal for this year’s Health and Wellness Fair was to expand our reach on a regional level to benefit both our surrounding communities as well as our participating vendors.and oldest among us and most importantly to those who are underserved and those without resources. We will see visitors coming from all of our surrounding communities including Chicago, Berwyn, Cicero, Forest Park, River Forest, Maywood, Elmwood Park, Oak Park, and Broadview. Notably, there has been the coming together of our regional stakeholders that include health care institutions, municipal government leaders, community leaders, political leaders, and education leaders to create collaborative partnerships to address the specific needs of our communities.”

“The largest annual Chamber event is around the corner, and we are excited to have you join us. Mark your calendar for Sunday, April 23 and be prepared for an amazing day! Our Planning Committee has arranged for a record number of free health screenings, and who can pass up a free massage, mixing your own smoothie or spinning a raffle

BELMONT VILLAGE IS OUTSMARTING MEMORY LOSS

BELMONT VILLAGE IS OUTSMARTING MEMORY LOSS

BELMONT VILLAGE IS OUTSMARTING MEMORY LOSS

BELMONT VILLAGE IS OUTSMARTING MEMORY LOSS

wheel for fabulous prizes. Your registration will also get you exclusive offers to local Downtown Oak Park businesses. So come and spend the day with us. We look forward to seeing you!”

Award-winning Circle of Friends® delivers positive results for Assisted Living residents with mild to moderate memory loss

Award-winning Circle of Friends® delivers positive results for Assisted Living residents with mild to moderate memory loss

Award-winning Circle of Friends® delivers positive results for Assisted Living residents with mild to moderate memory loss

BELMONT VILLAGE IS OUTSMARTING MEMORY LOSS

Award-winning Circle of Friends® delivers positive results for Assisted Living residents with mild to moderate memory loss

Available only at Belmont Village, Circle of Friends® was pioneered to curb the effects of cognitive decline through a unique program that builds brain fitness. Developed by a nationally recognized gerontologist, Circle of Friends® is rooted in evidence-based research in collaboration with UCLA and Vanderbilt University. And it works. Residents enjoy a rich, therapeutic program of physical and mental activities designed to maintain brain function and build self-esteem.

BELMONT VILLAGE IS OUTSMARTING MEMORY LOSS

Available only at Belmont Village, Circle of Friends® was pioneered to curb the effects of cognitive decline through a unique program that builds brain fitness.

Award-winning Circle of Friends® delivers positive results for Assisted Living residents with mild to moderate memory loss

Available only at Belmont Village, Circle of Friends® was pioneered to curb the effects of cognitive decline through a unique program that builds brain fitness. Developed by a nationally recognized gerontologist, Circle of Friends® is rooted in evidence-based research in collaboration with UCLA and Vanderbilt University. And it works. Residents enjoy a rich, therapeutic program of physical and mental activities designed to maintain brain function and build self-esteem.

Award-winning Circle of Friends® delivers positive results for Assisted Living residents with mild to moderate memory loss

Developed by a nationally recognized gerontologist, Circle of Friends® is rooted in evidence-based research in collaboration with UCLA and Vanderbilt University. And it works. Residents enjoy a rich, therapeutic program of physical and mental activities designed to maintain brain function and build self-esteem.

Award-winning Circle of Friends® delivers positive results for Assisted Living residents with mild to moderate memory loss

Available only at Belmont Village, Circle of Friends® was pioneered to curb the effects of cognitive decline through a unique program that builds brain fitness. Developed by a nationally recognized gerontologist, Circle of Friends® is rooted in evidence-based research in collaboration with UCLA and Vanderbilt University. And it works. Residents enjoy a rich, therapeutic program of physical and mental activities designed to maintain brain function and build self-esteem.

A word from the OPRF Chamber Executive Director, Liz Holt Learn

Available only at Belmont Village, Circle of Friends® was pioneered to curb the effects of cognitive decline through a unique program that builds brain fitness. Developed by a nationally recognized gerontologist, Circle of Friends® is rooted in evidence-based research in collaboration with UCLA and Vanderbilt University. And it works. Residents enjoy a rich, therapeutic program of physical and mental activities designed to maintain brain function and build self-esteem.

Available only at Belmont Village, Circle of Friends® was pioneered to curb the effects of cognitive decline through a unique program that builds brain fitness. Developed by a nationally recognized gerontologist, Circle of Friends® is rooted in evidence-based research in collaboration with UCLA and Vanderbilt University. And it works. Residents enjoy a rich, therapeutic program of physical and mental activities designed to maintain brain function and build self-esteem.

about how

tackle memory loss at

Learn more about how we tackle memory loss at BELMONTVILLAGE.COM/ OAKPARK Call 708-848-7200 to schedule a virtual tour today.

Learn more about how we tackle memory loss at BELMONTVILLAGE.COM/ OAKPARK Call 708-848-7200 to schedule a virtual tour today.

Learn more about how we tackle memory loss at BELMONTVILLAGE.COM/ OAKPARK Call 708-848-7200 to schedule a virtual tour today.

Learn more about how we tackle memory loss at BELMONTVILLAGE.COM/OAKPARK

Learn more about how we tackle memory loss at BELMONTVILLAGE.COM/ OAKPARK Call 708-848-7200 to schedule a virtual tour today.

Learn more about how we tackle memory loss at BELMONTVILLAGE.COM/ OAKPARK Call 708-848-7200 to schedule a virtual tour today.

Call 708-848-7200 to schedule a virtual tour today.

Call 708-848-7200 to schedule a virtual tour today.

Learn more about how we tackle memory loss at BELMONTVILLAGE.COM/OAKPARK Call 708-848-7200 to schedule a virtual tour today.

to schedule a virtual tour today.

Learn about our community response to COVID-19. Visit belmontvillage.com/corona-virus-preparation

O AK P ARK

Learn about our community response to COVID-19. Visit belmontvillage.com/corona-virus-preparation

O AK P ARK

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Learn about our community response to COVID-19. Visit belmontvillage.com/corona-virus-preparation

to COVID-19. Visit belmontvillage.com/corona-virus-preparation

Learn about our community response to COVID-19. Visit belmontvillage.com/corona-virus-preparation

OP_WednesdayJournal_CoF_7-8-2020.indd 1 7/2/20 10:00

SENIOR SERVICES

Helps support seniors with programs and tools to be as healthy, active, and independent in the home and throughout the community as possible, including transportation services, home-based assessments, financial assistance, home repair services, abuse preventions, socialization & more.

YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES

Offers a network of resources, services, and programs that enhance the social and emotional development of youth and their families through outreach and engagement programs, mental health and wellness, youth counseling, financial aid, socialization & more.

GENERAL ASSISTANCE

General Assistance is a locally administered program that provides financial assistance to eligible Oak Park residents in accordance with the Department of Human Services. Energy Assistance and Emergency Assistance programs are also available for qualified residents.

RESIDENTS SERVICES

Provides help with a variety of resident services, including free notary services, voter registration, free medical equipment lending, and transportation assistance for seniors and people with disabilities including RTA passes, taxicab coupons, and parking placards.

ASSESSOR SERVICES

The Township Assessor and staff offer expertise in Cook County property assessments and related taxes, as well as helping residents file an appeal at no cost. In addition, staff can assist residents with exemptions and standard tax filing questions.

A HEALTH & WELLNESS GUIDE sponsored by

Chamber’s Health & Wellness Fair returns this weekend

80+ health vendors at FFC in downtown Oak Park

The Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce will present the 7th Annual Community Health & Wellness Fair hosted by Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC) of Oak Park on April 23. Featuring more than 80 local service providers and vendors, health screenings, activities and more. This event is free to the public. It is open to anyone in Oak Park, River Forest and all surrounding communities.

This will be the third time in 7 years that the Chamber has hosted its Community Health & Wellness Fair at FFC. The downtown Oak Park location offers plenty of space for vendors, engaging kids activities, elevator access and nearby free parking (in the Holley Court Parking Garage directly behind FFC).

While the goal of the fair has always been to provide opportunities for local businesses to feature their services, an additional focus for this year’s event is to expand the event’s reach on a regional level to the benefit of surrounding municipalities. The theme of providing access to quality health services as well as education on wellness has resonated

This year’s fair will include a record number of free health screenings and services from participants that include RUSH Oak Park Hospital, Riveredge Hospital, West Suburban Medical Center, the University of Illinois Cancer Center, B-Health, and many more. It is anticipated that visitors will come from surrounding cities and villages including Chicago, Berwyn, Cicero, Forest Park, River Forest, Maywood, Elmwood Park, Broadview and more.

“RUSH Oak Park Hospital is proud to once again be the exclusive Presenting Sponsor for the 7th Oak Park River Forest Chamber’s Annual Community Health

& Wellness Fair,” says Caroline Heskett, program manager for the Office of Community Health Equity & Engagement at RUSH Oak Park Hospital. “We look forward to this event every year to connect with the communities we serve and to provide health education and screenings.” This year RUSH will be offering the following screenings: blood pressure, glucose, A1C, DEXA Scan and comprehensive cardiac screening. Doctors will also be on-site to explain test results. The fair is the perfect place to come as a family, and take

event and encouraging their families to participate. The Chamber is also working closely with the Townships in both Oak Park and River Forest to engage older adults and to provide transportation to the event. “Battling isolation and staying

continued on B7

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part of an active community can often be difficult for our senior community” said Liz Holt, the Chamber’s Executive Director. “We are committed to offering opportunities for everyone to join us for the day and just enjoy themselves. And if you can strike a few to-do items off your stay-healthy list, well then that’s a bonus!” For the first time the event will also be partnering with Downtown Oak Park to bring every attendee a DTOP Passport that they can use after the event to get food and drink specials at surrounding local eateries. Darien Marion Burton, the Chamber’s President, said “It is part of our Chamber mission to work for the wellbeing of the entire business community, and this partnership is a perfect way of guiding our guests from the fair to stay in the surrounding area.”

“What I have been able to witness over the past two months has been nothing short of astonishing” said B-Health’s

A HEALTH & WELLNESS GUIDE sponsored by

Sam Yousif, also the chair of the Health & Wellness Fair “A collective group of local and regional health care providers, ranging from our largest hospitals to individual therapists coming together to offer and showcase their resources to both our local and regional communities. These services will be complementary to the youngest and oldest among us and most importantly to those who are underserved and those without resources.”

Community members who would like to attend the fair are invited to pre-register for the event by visiting the Eventbrite page. The FREE advance registration includes:

• Admission to the 7th Annual Community Health and Wellness Fair and opportunity to interact and consult with 80+ health & wellness providers

• Complimentary screenings

• Fun family activities

• Healthy snacks

Presenting Sponsor

Diamond Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Riveredge Hospital

American House Oak Park

Gold Sponsors

The Sheridan at River Forest West Suburban Medical Center

4th Trimester Baby, Lactation and Parent Support

AgeOptions

All Dry Services of Chicago

Allied Therapy Partners, PLLC.

Athletico Physical Therapy

Behavioral Learning

Beyond Hunger

Boatwright Financial, LLC

Brookdale Oak Park

Celebrating Seniors Coalition

Chiro One Wellness Centers

Collaboration for Early Childhood

Cook County Meds

Dar Counseling, PLLC

Diamond Gastroenterology

Dominican University

Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital

Empower Family Therapy

Folded Leaf School Of Yoga

Grachan Agency Grow Collective

HealthMarkets

Housing Forward

In Touch Pediatrics and Lactation, PLLC

Individual & Family Connection

Silver Sponsors

Right At Home

The Way Back Inn

Centre Physical Therapy

Mosiac Counseling & Wellness

Nutriquity

Belmont Village

Park District of Oak Park

Village of Oak Park

Village of Broadview

KidsConnect Pediatric Therapy

First United Methodist Church of Oak Park

Venue Sponsor

FFC Oak Park

Vendors

Inner Spring Wellness

Irene Bean Wellness

Ivory Wellness

JenCare Senior Medical Center

Kadampa Meditation

Center Chicago

Keller Williams Realty Partners

Kneaded Work

Lake Street Family Physicians

LifeSpan Counseling & Psychological Services LLP

Live4Lali

Loyola Medicine

Mathnasium of Oak Park/River Forest

MED AESTHETICS, LLC

Midwest Alternative Treatment Clinic, PC

Mindful TMS Neurocare & Psychiatric Services

Moments at Home Respite Care and Home Services, LLC.

NAMI Metro Suburban

Oak Park Laser and Skin Clinic

Oak Park Public Library

Oak Park Township

Oak Street Health

PCC Community Wellness Center

Progressive Psychiatry

Prudential Insurance Company - Terry Zachata

Rejuvae Aesthetics & Wellness, PLLC

Roots Health DPC

Royal Health Care

RUSH Physical Therapy

Sarah’s Inn

Schoolhouse Kitchen + Studio

Serenity Holistic Health, Inc

Smart Love Family Services

Smoothie King Stride

Theresa Clancy Law

Thrive Counseling Center

West Suburban Special Recreation Association-WSSRA

Westside Heroin Taskforce

convened by Representative

La Shawn Ford

Wildflower Center for Emotional Health PLLC

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Liz Holt & Darien Marion Burton of the Oak ParkRiver Forest Chamber of Commerce.

A HEALTH & WELLNESS GUIDE sponsored by

The Way Back Inn: Rebuilding & Healing Lives

Since 1974, Way Back Inn has successfully provided long-term residential and outpatient treatment for substance and gambling use disorders. Our mission is to rebuild lives damaged by addiction in a personalized healing environment. Our vision is to create a world where lives are transformed one day at a time. We help guide families and friends into recovery alongside their loved ones in our family program. We provide temporary housing and treatment for undomiciled Chicagoland veterans.

We also provide early intervention and prevention education to the Oak Park-River Forest community surrounding substance and gambling use disorders and recovery, partnering with the Village of Oak Park Positive Youth Development Coalition (+PYD) for a variety of community outreach events and initiatives.

Head on over to www.oakparktownship. org/prevention-services/ to see a calendar of upcoming events!

Join the +PYD Addiction Recovery Team

Committee (ART) to help educate and raise awareness around addiction recovery in the OPRF community. The Addiction Recovery Team (ART) is committed to helping those in the recovering community—and those seeking recovery—to find prevention, early intervention and treatment options with community support. The Addiction Recovery Team helps people in Oak Park and River Forest get treatment and support services for addiction to alcohol, drugs and gambling.

Recently, Way Back Inn has partnered with a5 Branding & Digital and the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (IDHS-SUPR) for a statewide gambling disorder awareness campaign to ask the question—are you really winning?

Betting, gaming, wagering–gambling can take many forms. And for some people, gambling can lead to financial problems, relationship problems, depression, and anxiety. Gambling and sports betting are becoming more popular than ever with an estimated 15% of Americans gambling at least once per week. In Illinois, nearly another 700,000 people are at risk for developing a gambling disorder. You may know someone struggling with a gambling problem.

But not all hope is lost—we’re here to help. If you or a loved one is experiencing emotional, physical, or interpersonal hardship as a result

of gambling or gaming, call Way Back Inn today at 1-833-DONTBET for a free, confidential assessment with one of our counselors.

Unsure if gambling or gaming is affecting your life? Head over to www. AreYouReallyWinning.com or call 1-800-GAMBLER to see if you’re really winning–or if gambling is causing difficulties for you.

For more information or to make a donation to Way Back Inn programs, go to: www. waybackinn.org or call us at 708-345-8422 ext. 22. Together, we can help people rebuild their lives.

FREE Screenings & Tests available at the Health & Wellness Fair

RUSH Oak Park

• Comprehensive cardiac screening

• Blood pressure/glucose

• Diabetes A1C

• Dexa Scans

RUSH CDS Scope

• Hearing & Vision Screenings University of Illinois Cancer Center

• Breast cancer and cancer genetic risk assessments

• Cancer survivorship program

• Onsite programming with Wellness House

• Resources for sexual health after cancer

B-Health

• Manual Based Orthopedic Doctors of Physical Therapy: Sports Performance, Balance, Scoliosis, and more

• Chiropractor

• Health and Nutritional Counselor

• Massage Therapist

West Suburban Medical Center

• Sports Medicine/Orthopedic screenings

• Peripheral Artery (Vascular) Disease screenings

• Pain Clinic -- Pain assessments

• Village of Oak Park - Public Health Department

• COVID testing van (outside)

• Blood Pressure checks (inside)

Centre Physical Therapy

• Injury Screenings

Thrive Counseling Center

• Mental Health Self-Screenings

PCC Wellness

• Blood Pressure Checks

…eighteen hospitals and almost twenty-five immediate care/ urgent care facilities reside within a seven-mile radius of the Health & Wellness Fair?

…60 counseling, individual and family therapy, licensed clinical social workers, psychiatry and psychological support facilities are within 2 miles of the Health & Wellness Fair?

…more than 25 sit-down restaurants in the immediate Downtown Oak Park you and your family can dine in after attending the H&W Fair?

…a record number of complementary tests and screenings (over 20!) are being offered at this year’s H&W Fair? Get ready to get healthy!

…a funeral home was among the 50 vendors at the first H&W Fair in 2015?!

…the H&W Fair used to be held in the Ridgeland Commons?

…the H&W Fair is the largest health and wellness fair in the state of Illinois?

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6 reasons your family should attend the Health & Wellness Fair!

1 2 3

Free childcare at the FFC Kids Club.

Take a stop motion family selfie with Bespoke Flipbooks and get it sent right to your phone.

FREE parking all afternoon at Holley Court.

4 5

One stop to get every family member’s needs met - braces, sport injury screenings, mental health counseling options. Connect with over 80 local providers all in one location.

Get your FREE ticket to specials at participating Downtown Oak Park businesses.

6 It’s FREE and a great way to spend the afternoon!

Making a Difference: The University of Illinois Cancer Center

while ensuring that our scientific advances in care are consistently accessible to communities.

Research

Community outreach and engagement are the heart of our mission and science at the University of Illinois Cancer Center.

We’re located on the campus of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) but our science is rooted in erasing cancer health disparities in the diverse communities we serve throughout Cook County and in the state. The impact of our research in preventing, screening and treating cancer leads to lifesaving, equitable precision cancer care at UI

Health and scientific discoveries that benefit all Illinois communities and beyond.

Community Outreach and Engagement

Our Office of Community Engagement and Health Equity works to foster strong partnerships between communities and our scientists, who are committed to addressing the cancer burden in communities based on local needs and priorities,

Under the auspices of our Community Advisory Board and senior leadership, this vibrant, deeply experienced team works to build the capacity of community agencies and under-resourced health clinics, as well as partner in delivering comprehensive access to high-quality care at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and safety-net hospitals. The team also leverages data to advocate for policies that addresses structural drivers of health disparities.

Our more than 250 Cancer Center members hold academic appointments throughout UIC and at regional campuses in Rockford and Peoria. With interdisciplinary collaboration across the basic sciences, translational and population research, they create better, more equitable cancer care and access to novel treatments as a result of the diversity of our clinical trial participants – 79% of whom are African American or Latino.

Robust community outreach and engagement programs with racial and ethnic minority and other marginalized populations inform the work of our three

Take a tour of our giant inflatable colon CECIL aka Colon Cancer Education in the Community to Improve Learning

research programs – Cancer Biology, Translational Research, and Cancer Prevention and Control – by learning and understanding community needs that then become research projects to discover and deliver equitable solutions.

Screening to Survivorship

The partners vital to a patient’s cancer journey connect through the University of Illinois Cancer Center. Many of our members are physician-scientists who provide cancer care at UI Health, the academic health enterprise at UIC that includes a 445-bed hospital, more than 20 outpatient and specialty clinics plus the Mile Square Health Center network of 14 FQHC sites.

As part of the broad continuum of cancer care, our University of Illinois Cancer Center members conduct research and run clinic programs to increase access and use of cancer

A HEALTH & WELLNESS GUIDE sponsored by

genetic services and to enhance family history documentation to aid in cancer risk assessment. They also partner with UI Health, Mile Square FQHCs, Wellness House and others to provide survivorship services, programs, clinics and research for people navigating life with cancer.

Training and Workforce Development

Our Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination team ensures equity and diversity are at the forefront of designing and building pipeline programs to train diverse cancer researchers, from elementary school to early-stage investigators. Their goal is to educate, support and retain trainees from underrepresented minority groups to address the needs of our patient population.

navigation services to local events.

Philanthropy

Philanthropic donations help us address access barriers by centering the community voice and lived experiences in our outreach, screening and treatment programs. Support from donors helps enable us to conduct communityinformed research programs to drive equity in precision cancer care. And, it helps us to innovate workforce training and education, thereby assuring career pathways for all so that future scientists and clinicians reflect our national diversity.

Policy and Advocacy

The University of Illinois Cancer Center had a leadership role in collaborating with the Illinois Department of Public Health to develop and implement an engagement strategy for community and legislative members in support of the Illinois Comprehensive Cancer Control Program’s development of the 2022-2027 Illinois Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan. The plan is meant to serve as a “roadmap to guide cancer prevention, screening, treatment and survivorship activities throughout Illinois.” Our advocacy work has included funding for cancer prevention programs such as the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), which provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings to uninsured and underinsured people in Illinois.

Our diverse researchers use state of the art technology to collaborate on cancer issues facing our patient population.

Cancer Center team members engage with community members by bringing education and patient

The Proviso Township Mental Health CommissionServing Your Community

Since 1976, the Proviso Mental Health Commission (PTMHC) has helped provide myriad mental health care services to tens of thousands of people throughout Proviso Township. We know that during these times mental health care services are needed more than ever. In addition to traditional therapies for behavioral care, the commission funds services for substance abuse, developmental disabilities, domestic violence, and crisis intervention. All critical areas of need in our community.

Following the Pandemic, we found a growing demand for virtually all of the services we offer. The stress of daily life in our current environment can sometimes be too much to bear but the Proviso Township Mental Health Commission has always been a beacon of hope.

“For nearly 50 years, The Proviso Township Mental Health Commission has stood ready to extend a helping hand when needed,” said Jesse Rosas, Executive Director of the Commission. “We are in the business of saving lives and restoring people to be productive members of society.”

It is worth noting, that while countless units of local government have taken steps recently to address what many believe is a crisis in mental health in the U.S., Proviso Township has been doing it for more than 40 years making it a recognized leader in the getting local residents the mental health care services they need.

For decades mental health professionals have worked to educate the public that mental health is as important and vital as physical health.

better society based on strong families and sound relationships that foster respect, care, and love.

It has not been an easy task with the stigma attached to it. Today that stigma is largely gone and mental health is finally beginning to receive the attention it deserves. This leads to a

Mental health issues strike their victims in countless ways, ranging from depression to stress, anxiety, and other emotional factors. They can be caused by an actual chemical imbalance in the brain, by trauma, family or job strife, violence, domestic abuse, substance abuse or countless other factors. Regardless of their origin, one thing is certain; mental health problems lead to physical problems. Did you know that even some cancer and heart disease are believed to be caused by mental health issues? And that’s just the beginning. Mental Health conditions also cause physical maladies such as high blood pressure, lowered immunity, diabetes, fatigue,

Proviso Township has been doing it for more than 40 years making it a recognized leader in the getting local residents the mental health care services they need.

Don’t miss the 2023 OPRF Chamber Health & Wellness Fair!

Over 20 FREE physical and mental health screenings & Tests available on-site!

Doctors will be available to discuss test & screening results with you on the same day!

Tight shoulders? Get a message!

Curious about what your colon looks like? Walk through a giant inflatable colon!

Try out rock climbing with an FFC certified climbing instructors!

Get that old (or not so old!) injury looked at by a professional!

Get health & nutrition counseling from B-Health!

Get a free Covid test from the Village of Oak Park Health Department!

We all know someone in our lives who has been stricken with cancer. Did you know there are cancer policies that can give you a lump sum payout of $50,000?

In some cases the amount could be as much as $100,000. Statistics show that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 2 men will receive a cancer scare in their lifetime. Let me tell you how to protect your out of pocket expenses.

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708.370.2183

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5 things your kids can do for FREE at the Health & Wellness Fair!

1

Rig up and get on the climbing wall with FFC certified climbing instructors.

2

4

Spin raffle wheels at vendor tables and win BIG!

3

Mix your own smoothie on a Smoothie Bike from Smoothie King.

5

Tell fart jokes as you walk through a giant inflatable colon. Find the free food samples throughout the event.

A HEALTH & WELLNESS GUIDE sponsored by

Strong Starts Lead to Bright Futures!

Did you know that 90% of brain development happens before age five? That means that the foundation for all our future learning and lifelong habits happen during these amazing early years.

Here’s something else that is important to know. All the things that help our young children grow strong and get ready for school – responsive relationships, healthy meals, safe spaces to play, explore, and learn – also improve their lifelong health. That’s right. Young children who have high quality early care and education experiences are not only better prepared for school socially and academically, they will experience fewer physical and mental health challenges throughout their lives. And they are more likely to graduate from college, hold down jobs, and have meaningful relationships with their families. A strong start really does lead to a bright future.

A child’s early years are magical. Let’s

make the most of them! As a parent, you are doing that every day when you read, play, and sing with your child. You are modeling important skills for them when you navigate difficult situations or talk through what made you feel sad and why. High quality early learning programs build on what you are already doing to support your child’s development with the added benefit of providing built-in socialization opportunities with other young children. Early learning environments help children learn to share, play with others, and wait their turn, and let’s be honest, even some adults could brush up on these important skills, too.

Another benefit of being part of an early learning program is that early learning professionals are especially attuned to young children’s key stages of development. They are sometimes the first to notice developmental delays in children and alert caregivers to follow up with their pediatricians, early intervention, school districts and specialists for additional

potential support. There are many different types of early childhood care and education programs out there with different philosophies and learning environments. Look for a place where your child is warmly welcomed. Where safety and health are priorities, and where learning happens through play. Choose a program where children experience language and words through books, songs, and meaningful conversations with their caregivers.

Early learning programs can be expensive, and quality early care and education might strain a family’s resources. Quality care should not be out of reach for any family.

We know that caring for young children is a community-wide effort, and we are here to help connect parents and caregivers to the resources and programs that are the right fit for them so that our children can take flight!

Please contact the Collaboration for Early Childhood at parents@ collab4kids.org or by calling 708613-6122 ext 8 to learn more about early learning program options and affordability.

6 Health Screenings from RUSH Oak Park Hospital for