Landmark 052924

le to right,

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

Known for the Friday fish fry, corner bar and dedication to veterans, the country’s American Legions and VFWs, longtime national touchstones, are navigating how to thrive as their memberships shift

Although more than 12,000 American Legion posts and nearly 6,000 worldwide locations of the Veterans of Foreign Wars still exist, membership in these service organizations is dropping as veterans grow older or die. With roots tracing back to the Spanish-American war,

From

Abigail Sokol, Kyle Lyth, Salma Hummos and Connor Stenson stand at their Eagle Scout ceremony May 22 while Troop 90 Scoutmaster Ken Knasiak speaks.

Cicada coloring contest Page 11

Best friends are first girls in Brookfield to be Eagle Scouts

Salma Hummos and Abigail Sokol earned the rank last week

By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter

After Scouts BSA moved to allow girls to join its ranks in 2019, two Brookfielders are the first women in town, and in their troop, to become Eagle Scouts

Best friends Salma Hummos, 19, and Abigail Sokol, 18, both members of Troop 90, were both granted the organization’s highest rank Wednesday, May 22, at a ceremony in McCook, the culmination of years’ worth of work from them both. Troop 90 members Kyle Lyth and Connor Stenson also became Eagle Scouts at the ceremony.

“I believe that through Boy Scouts, and especially for my Eagle project, I’ve really gained a lot in my leadership skills, my technical skills, even soft skills — everything,” Hummos said in an interview. “Altogether, I feel like Boy Scouts as a program has made me a lot better.”

“If anyone’s planning on joining Boy Scouts, or just about it, or even in Boy Scouts, I’d highly recommend that they consider looking into some of the leadership positions,” said Sokol, who was a patrol leader in her troop. “The base set of skills is a lot of fun, and I love camping. It’s nice to know how to camp. I think the leadership side of things definitely carries over far more than anything else to everyday life.”

Although Hummos and Sokol, who both just completed their first years in college, grew their friendship — and themselves — through their time as part of Troop 90, they came up in the troop through different paths. Hummos joined Scouts as an eighth grader in 2019, a founding member of Troop 90G. While the boys and girls in Troop 90 are technically split into two troops, they act mostly as one troop.

“My brother was actually in the troop before me, and my mom was like, ‘Hey, do you want to join Boy Scouts?’” Hummos said. “I used to be in Girl Scouts, but it wasn’t exactly what I wanted to do, because there was a lot more sitting around and doing

more domestic merit badges, versus actually camping or anything, so you know I jumped at the oppor tunity.”

Hummos said that when she first joined Scouts, “It was just confusing for everybody because nobody had ever seen girls in Boy Scouts before.”

“In our troop, luckily, it was just really nice. Everything was really cohesive, but when I went to more council or chapter things, it was more of a pushback,” she said. “Nobody said anything, but you can still tell that there’s a layer on the room. ‘Why are there women here?’”

Sokol’s journey through Scouts started years before Hummos’. The Eagle Scout, who is transgender, initially joined as a Cub Scout around first grade, but she nearly quit before moving up through the ranks.

Both Eagle Scouts ag reed the sense of community they gained through the Scouts program was one of their favorite parts.

“I just really love them. My leaders, the other girls that joined with me,” Hummos said. “There were nine of us at the beginning, and the majority of us were siblings of brothers who all went through Boy Scouts, so being able to have that opportunity and such a warm community around me was just amazing.”

“A lot of my friends early on were through Scouts because I had been homeschooled until high school,” Sokol said.

She added that meeting new friends through Scouts helped her figure out her transgender identity.

“I actually came out to Salma before anyone else,” she said.

Sokol said she initially came out to other members of the troop before telling the adults involved, but, ultimately, “it was a really accepting environment;” however, she said she received pushback from members of other troops.

“Every now and again, we’ll go to summer camps or to jamborees, other events where you interact with other troops, and some of them definitely have a more conservative hardline position, I’d say,” she said. “There were some comments made by other troops in regards to being in Boy Scouts. And definitely, they were maybe not the greatest, but I’d say my troop was pretty supportive.”

When it came to the act of scouting itself,

Hummos and Sokol had their own preferences. Of the merit badges each of them collected prior to becoming an Eagle Scout — 21 at minimum — Hummos said her favorites were the ones for activities she had never done outside of Scouts

“Welding. I got to do some kayaking, which I have never been able to do before,” she said.

Sokol’s tastes were a bit more stereotypical to what one associates with scouting.

“I really liked wilderness survival. I think that was my favorite one. I’ve always really liked the camping side of things. It’s been my primary focus throughout all of Scouts,” she said.

To become Eagle Scouts, both Hummos and Sokol had to complete service projects, showing off their leadership skills while helping the community.

For her project, Hummos led a group of volunteers to rebrick the shed at the Fisher House at Hines V.A. Hospital, which had become worn down. She said one hard part of the project was organizing it — renting a truck and transporting the new bricks only to realize it was too cold outside and the volunteer group would have to reschedule.

Sokol said her project involved creating a community garden at Eight Corners. With some help from volunteers, she tore up cracked asphalt from an unused parking lot and laid down dirt, including an area with gravel for a social firepit.

“We planted just grass and then wildflowers in the patches, sort of as an area for more plants and also just humans to enjoy,” she said.

Now that they’ve achieved Scouts’ highest rank, they both have plans for the future. Sokol is studying computer science at the Colorado School of Mines; Hummos will study biomedical engineering at the College of DuPage in the fall after studying at Northern Illinois University for her first year

Still, both Eagle Scouts encourage others to join the organization. For the “majority of troops nowadays, I would highly recommend girls join,” Hummos said.

“They ’re changing their branding to just be Scouting America, where they’re trying to make it as inclusive as possible, especially for girls,” she said. “There’s so many opportunities for us as women now, which is great.”

Editor Erika Hobbs

Staff Reporters Trent Brown, Amaris E. Rodrigue z

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Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

Designers Susan McKelvey, Vanessa Garza

Sales and Marketing Representatives

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Business & Development Manager

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EMAIL jill@oakpark.com

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www.RBLandmark.com The Landmark is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. The newspaper is available on newsstands for $1.00. A one-year subscription costs $45 within Cook County and $65 outside the county. Adver tising rates may be obtained by calling our o ce. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS 0019-585). Postmaster send address corrections to Landmark, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302. © 2024 Growing Community Media NFP.

BOARD OF DIREC TORS

Parent Reading Night

Thursday, May 30, 6 p.m., LSF Brook eld Library

Join the library for a special family reading night with local author and illustrator, Theresa Parilla. Theresa will be reading her book Shape Towns and children will be able to explore shape-related sensory play. This event is a great oppor tunity to decompress from work (and school for the kids). See you there! 3541 Park Ave.

Growing with Brook eld

Saturday, June 1, Brook eld area

The Brook eld Ar tist Collective and the Chamber of Commerce are coordinating an event that will include 10 painted rain barrels displayed across the Brook eld neighborhood. Local artists have painted these rain barrels in order to sponsor the community’s businesses. These artists and sponsors have spent a lot of time painting the barrels, so it is only fair that many eyes see them around!

BIG WEEK May 29-June 5

Live Music on the Plaza with Ka tie Kostner

Saturday, June

1,

1:30 p.m., LSF Brook eld Library

Start the summer o right with live music by popular local artist, Katie Kostner. Weather permitting, Katie will perform on the librar y’s outdoor plaza. Register for this event along with others at the Brook eld Library online, by phone, or in person. www.lsfbrook eldlibrary.org, 708-485-6917. 3541 Park Ave.

2024 Brook eld Farmers Market Opening Day

Saturday, June 1, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Illinois’ #1 ranked farmers market is back this Saturday for its 17th season! The market will be back with your favorite vendors with goods ranging from fruits and veggies to soaps and artisan pieces. As a refresher, the market runs ever y Saturday until October 12th- that’s a lot of time to bene t from this Brook eld wonder. Stay tuned because some weeks they will have special events including live music! 8820 Brook eld Ave.

Summer Reading Kicko Celebration

Monday, June 3, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., LSF Brook eld Library

All ages are welcome to celebrate the start of summer at the library. Dave DiNaso’s Traveling World of Reptiles will open the celebration at 6 p.m. on the library’s outdoor Plaza, weather permitting After the live reptile show, enjoy crafts, lawn games, and free ice cream and popcorn with the whole family. Don’t forget to sign up for the Library’s Summer Reading Challenge for kids, teens, and adults for a chance to win prizes. The Summer Reading Challenge runs from June 1 to August 15. 3541 Park Ave .

Listing your event

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

Compiled by Grace Har ty

Riverside is monitoring parking spot usage at Parking Lot 8

e village will survey nearby businesses to learn where their employees park

By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter

Riverside is kee ping a close eye on the parking spots in its Parking Lot 8 at 44 E. Quincy St. and how often people use them. Following low usage of the pa rk in g lot’s non-commuter spots, Rive rside staf f are prep a ring to sur ve y businesses in the near by area “to further g auge the utilization and gather more data,” said Finance Director Yvette Zavala at the village b oard’s May 16 meeting. After the data is c ollected, the village b oard will decide whether to u pdate the pa rking spot d esignations within the lot ahead of rec onstruction later this year, wh ich will turn it i nto Rive rside ’s third green pa rk ing lot.

T he 37 spots in the pa rk in g lot have b een broken up i nto three gr oups as pa rt of a t ria l r un since 2022.

T he first 20 spots are assigned to c ommuters with pa rk ing pe rm it s.

seven, wh i le only one person on one day pa rked in any of the bank’s five spots. A c ommunity service officer who is tasked with c ounting the cars in the spots eac h day compiled the data.

“What it shows is, most li ke ly, the b usinesses’ employees are pa rk ing on the street and not utilizing the pa rk in g lot,” Zav ala said.

Zav ala’s presentation marks the firs t time the b oard has discussed or c onsidered the allocation of pa rk ing spots in Pa rk ing L ot 8 since a meeting last May,

T he next 12 spots are r eser ve d fo r pe rm i tted employees of b usinesses in the area wh i le the final five spots ar e save d for use by F irst A merican Bank, wh ich is located near by at 15 Rive rside Rd

At the village b oard meeting, Zav ala presented an u pdate to trustees on the weekd ay utilization of the non-commuter pa rk ing spots since April 19. According to the presentation, about five p eople per day pa rked in the 12 spots r eser ve d for near by b usinesses, with the total each day r anging from three to

ag r eement with F irst A merican Bank to transfer 12 of i ts pa rk ing spots to the village. In exchang e, the sole r esponsibilit y for the re pair and maintenance of the pa rk ing lot was placed on the village

Before that, Rive rside and the b ank had an ag r eement stretching back to April 1987. T he b ank was gr anted exclusive use of the “easterly 25 f eet” of the lot b ut had to share equal r esponsibilit y for the lot with the villa ge.

Even before that, in 1985, Rive rside ag r eed to provide the b ank with five spec ific spots in the lot, a decision that has lasted to tod ay. As pa rt of the March 2022 ag r eement, Rive rside ag r eed to c ontinu e providing the b ank with five dedicated

when trustees decided to c ontinue the t rial r un of pa rk ing spot distribution a second year

At that time, for mer Finance Director Karin Johns infor med the b oard tha t staf f had obser ve d low utilization of the spots r eser ve d for near by b usinesses, similar to Zav ala’s u pdate this month; however, the b oard hoped that then-rec ently a dded signage would encourag e employees to make use of the spots

T he t rial r un be g an in May 2022, two months after Rive rside a ppr oved an

LEGION

Bygone era?

from page 1

VFW re por ted a decline of one million members between 1992 and 2019. Jo e Bartley, state adjutant-quar termaster for the State of Illinois VFW, said ther e are 35,045 VFW members across 260 p osts in Illinoi s. And though the largest p ost has more than 600 member s, yearly membership has increased only twice in I llinois since 2015.

T he American Legion, chartered in 1919, has lost more than 700,000 members in the last decade, according to Fox News And in Forest Park, American Le gion Post 414 soon may contribute to that number. The post is closing and hosted its last honor guard service on Memorial Day. Re presentatives from Post 414 did not r espond for comment.

While it ’s the end of an era for Fo r est Pa rk veterans, other American Le gions and VFWs said they are neve r theless focused on gr ow ing membership and staying involved in the community. Th e f utur e, re presentatives said, is with younger member s, who they recruit at events for veterans and by continuin g ef for ts to get to know those who fought in recent war s.

“E ve ry post does wh at they ’r e doin g a little dif ferently, ” Bartley said. “The p osts that are able to get the younger veterans in, where they ’r e most successf ul is where they ’r e building their post pr ogr ams around family.”

Caring for veterans and the community

Service org anizations for veterans, li ke American Legions and VFW s, ar e in gr ained in their communities

“A lot of people do n’ t know wh at the A merican Legion does,” said Balvin a Ranney, an auxiliary officer and historian at American Le gion Post 96 in Cicer o, wh ich she said opened about 100 years ag o. “We do things to assist veterans, their families and also be pa rt of the community.”

Post 96, for example, supports little league baseball teams and football teams, of fers rehabilitation services for veterans and pa rt icipates in honor g uards, funeral services and parade s.

“We look after our vets as primar y, and then our community is secondar y, ” said Gr eg o ry Walker, commander of

wanted to run for office or do the work required to keep the post open,” Jack Meshek, the Illinois VFW’s District 4 commander, previously told the Landmark about the North rside VFW.

“Membership is dropping to a poin t here they ca n’ t even fill the offices in their post,” Bartley said of VFWs tha t merge with other VFW s. “That’s why so important to get the young people in ther e. ”

At 57, Walker said he’s the second youngest member of Maywood’s American Legion. o, we constantly are recruiting to et younger member s, ” Walker said. He said he often talks and pl ay s cards with ounger veterans associated with the eterans Af fairs Chicago of fic e.

But younger veterans aren’t the only newer cohort for these service organizations.

“One of the fastest gr ow ing demoaphics for VFW membership is the emale veteran,” Bartley said.

A merican Legion Post 838 in Maywood , wh ich he said has existed for about 50 year s. “But we ser ve a big pu rp ose in the community.”

T hese community offerings includ e a coat drive in October, hosting a T hanksgiving dinner for veterans and a toy give aw ay around Christmas time During the back-to-school season, Post 838 holds a drive to fill as many as 200 backpacks with school supplie s. At least twice a year, they host a free all-youc an-eat pancake breakfast.

Post 838 also helps sponsor high school juniors to go to Boys Stat e, wh ic h involves teaching pa rt icipants about their responsibilitie s, gove r nment and the militar y.

“We are teaching them how to become g ood wh atever you want to be,” Walker said of Boys Stat e. “It’s something to g et them focused on the next chapter in their live s. ”

Post 96 helps sponsor Girls Stat e, where high school juniors lear n about the political process, gove r nment structure and the path to becoming a state re presentative or senator. Money for these services often comes from veterans and community member s. Walker said Post 838 makes 90% of it s reve nue from “the canteen,” or its bar. And wh i le membership to American Le gions and VFWs might be decreasing ,

af fecting the number of members wh o visit canteens, Bartley said many VFW p osts are focusing more on fundraising ef for ts — especially since dinners and ra ff les are often held in the same building as the canteen.

Changing demographics

Around the time of World War II, the A merican Legion in Cicero had over 400 member s, Ranney said. Membership is now fe we r than 100 people

As veterans of Wo rl d Wa r II and the Ko r ean Wa r die, an increasing number of veterans at Cicero’s Post 96 ser ve d in Vi etnam, or are children of those wh o did, Ranney said. She estimated that about 75% of Post 96’s members are in their 40s, 50s or 60s

“Our unit is not a very young unit. We’re very grateful that we have senior members guiding us,” Ranney said.

But as members of veterans service organizations age, many become less involved.

“Some of these people are at the point in their time when they just want to sit back in the recliner and enjoy life,” Bartley said.

In 2008, the North Riverside VFW — with about 600 members from absorbing former posts in Cicero, Lyons, Melrose Park and Westchester — merged into Berwyn’s, which had nearly 400 members at the time

“They’ve got a lot of members, but no one

As more women join the ar med forces , service organizations have shifted to address their need s. Fo r example, Bar tley said the Illinois VFW is lobbying for the VA to offer more progr ams for women and female doctor s.

And hope is n’ t lost for the younger or f emale veterans who we re a pa rt of Fo rest Pa rk ’s American Le gion.

After lear ning about P ost 414’s c losur e, Walker said he would visit to encourage its members to join another location, since he doesn ’t see another org anization taking over Post 414’s role in the community

“The closest thing I could probably say would possibly be the pa rk district, ” Walker said. “But it would n’ t cater to the veterans.”

While seve r al organizations suppo rt veterans, many are based in Chicago and lack suburban locations, li ke Chicago Veterans, The Mission Continues and T he Wounded Wa r rior Project. Whil e the Veterans Assistance Commission of C ook County provides social services and emergency financial assistance to veterans, organizations li ke this often do n’ t highlight community events to the same extent that American Legions and VFWs do.

“We’re here to serve the community and to show that what makes a community is being part of it, helping and being there for each other and for good people that are doing good causes,” Ranney said.

“It’s a matter of what the members are interested in, what the community is interested in, and finding something that works together,” Bartley said.

FILE PHOTO

Fo re st Pa rk’s Am eric an Legion Post 414 held its last honor gu ard ser vi ce on Me mo ri al Day.

Your support and new grants combining to make Growing Community Media stronger

Dear Growing Community Media friends,

We’re at the halfway point of our Spring Fund Drive. And we’re halfway to our $130,000 goal. With your help right now we’ll make this goal and maybe beat it by a bit.

The deadline is June 30. That’s the end of our fiscal year. Don’t you love it when nonprofits talk about their fiscal years! But it is an important date to us and reaching this goal will set us up for a new year focused on our ambitious plans to grow local news across Wednesday Journal, Forest Park Review, Riverside Brookfield Landmark and the Austin Weekly News.

Big news to share about the Austin Weekly, our West Side paper for the past 38 years. We have just received a major grant which will allow us to hire a Managing Editor for the Austin Weekly. The funding comes from Press Forward, a new national philanthropy, which is fully focused on saving local news across America. And that includes our West Side neighborhoods of Austin, West Garfield Park and North Lawndale.

Coming soon a bigger, better Austin Weekly News with more stories, more connection, more voices.

What does this mean to you if you live in Forest Park or Brookfield or Oak Park? It means that the nonprofit newsroom we created four years ago is gaining momentum, that our new model for making local news strong is gaining traction. We’ve had success in starting to convince our readers they need to become members and supporters of this effort. Thousands of you have done just that.

Now our good work and bold, ambitious plans to grow are winning support from local and national foundations. So far this year we’ve earned grants from the Chicago Community Trust, the Google News Initiative, and now, Press Forward.

So, we come to you with enthusiasm asking you to play your part in keeping local news vital in your hometown. We need you now more than ever to make our audacious plan work.

Every dollar counts.

Jump in. Join in. Become a part of this moment.

With gratitude and excitement.

Dan Haley Erika Hobbs Publisher Editor

Escape, Relax, Recharge.

Sponsored by Riverside Township

Sponsored by Riverside Township

SENIOR LIVING

We understand the challenges of caregiving!

Whether you need relief while managing personal commitments or planning a vacation, our expert healthcare team is here for your loved one.

SUMMER RESPITE SPECIAL

We understand the challenges of caregiving!

We understand the challenges of caregiving!

Sponsored by Riverside Township

Sponsored by Riverside Township

Sponsored by Riverside Township

Whether you need relief while managing personal commitments or planning a vacation, our expert healthcare team is here for your loved one.

Whether you need relief while managing personal commitments or planning a vacation, our expert healthcare team is here for your loved one.

We understand the challenges of caregiving!

We understand the challenges of caregiving!

Let us provide the care they need, so you can recharge and find peace of mind!

SUMMER RESPITE SPECIAL

We understand the challenges of caregiving!

Whether you need relief while managing personal commitments or planning a vacation, our expert healthcare team is here for your loved one.

We understand the challenges of caregiving!

Whether you need relief while managing personal commitments or planning a vacation, our expert healthcare team is here for your loved one.

Let us provide the care they need, so you can recharge and find peace of mind!

Let us provide the care they need, so you can recharge and find peace of mind!

Whether you need relief while managing personal commitments or planning a vacation, our expert healthcare team is here for your loved one.

Let us provide the care they need, so you can recharge and find peace of mind!

Let us provide the care they need, so you can recharge and find peace of mind!

Call our

Let us provide the care they need, so you can recharge and find peace of mind!

Let us provide the care they need, so you can recharge and find peace of mind!

Whether you need relief while managing personal commitments or planning a vacation, our expert healthcare team is here for your loved one.

RESPITE SPECIAL Call Our Senior Living Experts Today! (708) 387-1030 info@cantata.org Scan here to visit our website!

Call Our Senior Living Experts Today! (708) 387-1030 info@cantata.org Scan here to visit our website!

Saturday, June 8th 9:00 am –Noon

Saturday, June 8th 9:00 am –Noon

Saturday, June 8th 9:00 am –Noon

Saturday, June 8th 9:00 am –Noon

Riverside Masonic Lodge parking lot 40 Forest Avenue, Riverside

Riverside Masonic Lodge parking lot 40 Forest Avenue, Riverside

Riverside Masonic Lodge parking lot 40 Forest Avenue, Riverside

Saturday, June 8th 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.

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.

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.

387-1030 info@cantata.org

Call Our Senior Living Experts Today! (708) 387-1030 info@cantata.org

Scan here to visit our website!

Scan here to visit our website!

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fire breaks out in North Riverside mall food court

e mall reopened ursday a er one eater y was damaged

By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter

T he North Rive rside Pa rk Mall reopened T hursd ay afternoon after a small fire in the food court that morning. Mall re presentatives and North Rive rside ’s fire department c onfirmed no one was hur t in the fir e.

In an email, the mall’s marketing director, Jeanne Heller, said the fire o ccu rred at about 11:15 a.m. Thursd ay. In a written statement, the mall said only a “single food c ourt eatery was impacted,” thoug h

the fire “affect[ed] two dining tenants.”

Firefighters from the North Rive rside Fire Department and neighboring c ommunities “were quickly able to c ontai n the fire and minimize damage.”

T he mall had r eopened by about 2:45

p. m. on T hursd ay, a ccording to Heller ’s email, after the mall said firefighter s “worke d diligently to c lear any r esidual smoke inside the mall. ”

As of Thursday afternoon, mall officials said the food court “remains closed for health inspection and will reopen tomorrow.”

“We are very grateful to the village of North Riverside, the North Riverside Fire and Police Departments, and sur rounding areas’ support for their swift action,” the mall said in the statement.

St even L ifka, who was outside the mall after firefighters arrive d, said he hear d North Rive rside Mayo r Joseph Mengoni say in a press c onference at the scene

Firetrucks and police cars surround the North Riverside Park Mall a er a small re broke out in the food court at about 11:15 a.m. that morning. No one was hur t in the re.

T hursd ay that the mall was ev acuated f ollowing the gr ease fir e.

You’ve decided to move to a senior living community, now what? If you have a home to sell, get it show ready by following these easy steps.

• Declutter, Depersonalize & Deep Clean. Help home shoppers focus on the house and not who lives there. Remove framed photos, bulletin boards and personal items, and get rid of anything dirty, dusty or smelly.

• Go Neutral. Buyers often can’t see past your décor so paint over any bright colors. Stick with whites, light gray, beige, or greige shades, they make spaces seem larger and more welcoming.

• Light It Up. Make sure all lamps and light fixtures have working bulbs and rooms are bright and well lit.

• Fix It Up. Repair small and large issues to present a home that’s been well cared for. If a project is too large to do it yourself, hire a handyman.

Remember, you only have one chance to make a great first impression with potential home buyers.

Cantata.org for more

living advice or call (708) 387-1030.

STEVEN LIFK A

Cicada coloring cont est

For kids and the kids at hear t

Grab your colored pencils and crayons! This cicada has been waiting 17 years to be this colorful! Snap a pic of your nal work of art to Editor Erika Hobbs at erika@ growingcommunitymedia.org to be featured next week in the paper and online. JPEGs and PDFs accepted. We’d also love to see you! You can drop o your cicada art at 141. S. Oak Park Ave.

Artwork by:

Opinion

THE L ANDMARK VIEW

Our new way to make news

It has been a remarkable, exciting week for those of us at Growing Community Media. Over the past four years, dating to our remaking as a nonprofit newsroom, we’ve been reinventing the model for authentic, local news.

We don’t want to re peat for you the travails which have put local news across America at risk.

Instead, we’re focusing on the future.

We started with the simple truth that people still want to know and understand what goes on in the town they choose for home. They want an independent newsroom with local roots doing the re porting.

We’re building the plane as we’re flying it, and with our trusty craft in midair, we’ve been pitching parts out the door, adding people and products, listening better to readers about what they want to know, building new streams of revenue to pay for it all and crafting a pretty unique hybrid. Advertising. Reader memberships. Philanthropy. Print. Digital. Social. Email. And with COVID ending, mixing in a few events.

This week, two key strands of the new revenue model are happily overlapping.

GCM and its Austin Weekly News have just earned a two-year grant from Press Forward, a new national philanthropy, which we’ ll use to hire a managing editor for our West Side paper. We’ve proudly published the Austin Weekly for 38 years. But our reporting has always been constrained by a limited pool of ad dollars. Now as a nonprofit, we are finding new revenue streams to pay for more news coverage, more pages, more community connection.

A couple of sidenotes: For the first time we will form a community-inclusive hiring committee to be central to choosing the managing editor. And as soon as we are able to find funding, we will open a West Side Public Newsroom. This will be a storefront in Austin where our staff can work from, interviews can take place, small groups of neighbors can convene to talk about issues and our coverage. We’ll also welcome re porters from other news outlets reporting on the West Side to share the space.

We are grateful to Press Forward that GCM and 12 other independent Chicago newsrooms were in the first cohor t of grants from this ambitious local news effort

At the same time, we’re midway through our annual Spring Fund Drive. I am certain, with your help, that we will raise the last $75,000 of our goal. This is the money that goes into the newsroom to pay re porters, editors, designers, and a digital manager to tell stories across our four publications.

If you are a member of GCM, then please renew. If you are reading our news for free, then snap out of it. Our costs are real. Our reporters provide value. This is our invitation to really join this enterprise, to be part of this powerful community.

Last thing — on Saturday, GCM made the donuts at the Oak Park Far mers Market for the first time. Thanks for coming. Hope you liked them. Thanks to our staf f and the volunteers who made this work. It is another way to support local news.

LETTERS

Re ections of a soldier’s son

This letter to the editor is adapted from the author’s speech at the Riverside American Legion Post 488’s annual Memorial Day ceremony on May 29, 2023:

I have never thought of my Dad as not a soldier. Perhaps that’s what happens when you’re a command sergeant major’s son. Whether it was his high-and-tight haircut, drill weekends, or patches, medals, and uniforms, the Army has always been a part of our lives.

My brother and I were blessed to have been raised by parents who showed us, through their actions, the importance of service, who instilled in us a love of country, and who taught us that America is worth defending.

So it is particularly touching that our hometown of Riverside and the American Legion Post 488 decided to recognize and honor my father’s service in its annual ceremony. In fact, it is altogether fitting that we are gathered on this holiday to honor him more than a decade after he returned from Iraq and Afghanistan on Memorial Day Weekend in 2010.

One of my most cherished memories is embracing my dad at O’Hare Airport when he returned home from his deployment that day. I can still feel that embrace. And each time I reminisce about that moment, I am filled with pride and gratitude to be his son — and to be an American.

I believe there is something special about small-town celebrations on holidays like Memorial Day. These are communal acts of remembrance. Across the country, neighborhoods like ours are gathering to pay tribute

Daniel McCarthy, 83

Daniel “Farmer or Fastmac” F. McCarthy, 83 of Brookfield, died at home on May 19, 2024. He worked as a dock worker in trucking logistics. He was an avid sports fan with a special emphasis on horseracing.

Daniel was the husband of Donna J. McCarthy (nee Trongale); the father of Dawn McCarthy and Sharon McCarthy; the grandfather (Donald) Janosek, Michele (Dathan) Wol-

to their own honored dead. This is what generations of American men and women have fought, and died, to make possible. It’s what the “Riverside 54” — those local heroes from successive generations and conflicts — fought and died to protect.

It’s not a grandiose, impersonal ceremony. It’s a genuine commemoration, year after year, of those who have served, and those who have sacrificed. That seems pretty American to me.

After college, I moved from Riverside to Washington D.C. Often I walk down to the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall. To the left of Lincoln are inscribed these words: “It is for us the living rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.”

Lincoln, of course, was speaking at Gettysburg in the context of the Civil War. But the

OBITUARIES

lard, Daniel Wozniak, Tony Pena and Brianna (Josh) Godar; the great-grandfather of Chandler, Lincoln, Carson, Bennett and Clayton; the brother of Sister Sharon McCarthy DC, Terrence McCarthy, Noel Arens and the late Marlene Woods and Jeanine McCarthy; uncle of many nieces and nephews; and lifelong friend of David (Maureen) McVey. Services and interment were private

lesson remains for us all gathered here on this Memorial Day: Freedom is not free.

Dylan W. Gresik Riverside

Where are the ags?

Driving around Riverside, I have to admit I was very disappointed by the lack of American flags on display on houses, especially for Memorial Day weekend. Yes, downtown Riverside had the flags displayed, but what about everyone else? We have our flag out every day till the winter months. Support the USA.

Kathleen Meade Ri verside

Sudha Phansalkar, 94

Homemaker

Sudha S. Phansalkar (nee Naralkar), 94, of Brookfield, died on May 25, 2024 in Northlake. Born on April 16, 1930 in India, she was the wife of the late Sadashiv Phansalkar; the mother of Sunil, Smita, Sanjeev and Sheela; the grandmother of Nikhil, Ethan, Karishma, Sheela, Derek and Celia.

Sudha’s family is present to honor her and remember her contributions to the success of her children and their families

Cremation is private.

Funeral arrangements were handled amily at www

Sports

O’Brien, Strayer run to rst individual all-state medals

Seniors excel in 3A 800 and 1,600; Nazareth’s Tittle third in 2A long jump

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Riverside Brookfield High School senior Jack O’Brien wanted a better ending to this past cross country season. For distance runners, there’s always track and field in the spring. And for O’Brien that meant another chance at the Class 3A state meet at Eastern Illinois University.

“When you end something of f like that [in cross country], it leaves sort of a sour taste in your mouth that you want to get back at it,” said O’Brien, 197th at the state meet Nov. 4. “Luckily I had track to do it and I worked really hard these last three months to put myself in the position here [at state].”

After his final race in the 800-meter r un, O’Brien c ould n’ t have looked happier Saturday. He was an all-state seventh in the 800-meter r un and in a l ifetimef astest 1:53.57, wh ich also happened to tie the school record held by Mi ke Vi cchiollo from 1984.

He also became the program’s first topnine, all-state finisher in any event since 2012.

“Both are amazing [to me] for different reasons. This one is just a great way to an amazing four years for me,” said O’Brien, also part of the school-record holding 4 x 400 after winning sectionals in 3:24.39.

“I couldn’t be happier with [all-state] but the school record is a good le gacy, something I want to leave behind. The fact that it’s a team relay [record] makes it all the more special.”

Other seniors ended on strong and memorable notes. Luke Smithing (33rd in 300 intermediate hurdles, 41.16) posted his second-fastest time ever. Will Kallas reached state for the first time in pole vault (18th,

4.15 meters/13 feet-7 1/4 inches).

The all-senior 4 x 400 of Hayden Marrs, Kallas, Evan McMullen and O’Brien finished 26th in a decent 3:26.72 considering after weather and lightning delays forced them to wait roughly three hours to race around 10:15 p.m.

This also was the last meet for RBHS head coach David Weishaar, who is headed to Hinsdale South.

“[Our 4 x 400] put down a really good time. It was an amazing time for standing around for three hours,” Weishaar said. “And [O’Brien] came back and literally put down the first medal since I’ve been coaching at RB the last 10 years.”

Wi th the five seniors missing gr aduation F riday, they i nstead rece ived thei r diplomas in a special ceremony at the high school before leaving for C harleston Thursd ay

“I’d say we checked all of the boxes of a graduation ceremony,” Marrs said. “We had friends there, [RBHS principal Dr. Hector Freytas] spoke. It was a nice, short version of what everyone else had.”

Junior Brady Norman was 33rd in the 3,200 (9:40.84), shy of his lifetime-best 9:29.94 at sectionals, but especially in Saturday’s heat much better than 2023 state (43rd, 10:04.01).

T he Bulld og s also won their final Metro Suburban C onference Meet (184 points) with 20 all-conference performances May 10.

MSC champions were Kallas (800 and pole vault), Smithing (110 high and 300 hurdles), O’Brien (1,600), Norman (3,200), the 4 x 400 (junior Asa Kahle, senior Eamon Ryan, sophomore Quinn Hendricks, Kallas in 3:36.4) and the 4 x 800 (McMullen, seniors Brennan Lester and William Sessler, O’Brien in 8:52.53). Also all-conference with top-three individual finishes were second-place Marrs (200 and 400), McMullen (1,600) and juniors Matt Torrens (100 and pole vault), Diego Lopez-Molina (3,200) and Connor Fouts (300 hurdles) and third-place seniors Khrysler Jimenez (110 hurdles) and Luke Berndt (400) and juniors Calvin

Martin (high jump), and Kahle (800).

LTHS boys track

Lyons Township senior Nick Straye r achi eved his first individual all-state track medal by taking ninth in the 1,600 (4:16.84), 04 from seventh, after an alltime best 4:12.39 in prelims.

“I f eel li ke I’ ve d one a lot during my time with LT track b ut this was one of the few things left on the bucket list, ” said Straye r, pa rt of last year ’s all-state, fifth-place 4x800 and a two-time all-stater in cross countr y.

Other LT HS state entries we re j unior Ben Wu ggazer (39th in 3,200, 9:57.97), the 4x800 of j uniors C harles Ciesla and Tate Pavelka, senior John Bar rette and junior I saac C onstas (32nd in 8:10.43) and the 4 x 400 of sophomore Gustavo Mojar ro, j unior Aaron Obert, sophomore Mykola Washchuk and Wu ggazer (44th in 3:34.20).

Straye r helped b oth r elays q ualify at sectionals b ut focused solely on the 1,600 for state

He also missed Friday night’s school prom, which further affected the 4x400 lineup

“I think it all wo rked out for the b est,

t m happy it paid of f, no matter wh at I had to pay to get her e. ”

Nazareth track

N azareth Academy sophomore L esroy Tittle impr oved his long j ump school record to 6.77m/22-2 1/2 Saturday to capture third in 2A – the highest state finis h in pr ogr am history in any event.

“It f eels gr eat and I want to ke ep setting records at N az,” Tittle said. “My g oal was to g et 6.80. I c ame up a little shor t but I still got a [personal record].”

Junior N olan Daly (38.93m/127-8 in discus), sophomore Tr enton Walker (12.62m/41-5 in t riple j ump) and the 4 x 400 of j uniors Michael K anzer and Matthew Petersen, sophomore Daniel Lewi s of Brookfield and freshman Henry S akalas (3:36.12) we re 30th. Junior Gar r ett Reese (12.19m/40-0 in t riple j ump) was 34th.

At the 2A girls state track prelims May 24, N azareth’s 4 x 800 of senior Ne eve Olson, j uniors Erin B riars of Rive rside and Al ay na Plahm and freshman Juli a Pa rkes was 34th (10:53.17).

PROVIDED BY DA N CHAMNESS AND MOTO JOHNSON

Pictured: Jack O’Brien (far right side)

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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

MORTGAGE ASSESTS MANAGEMENT, LLC F/K/A REVERSE MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS, INC Plaintiff, -v.-

ANDREW C. CRAWFORD, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Defendants

2021 CH 05362

827 N. GROVE AVE 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 March 22, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on June 24, 2024, 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 827 N. GROVE AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302

Property Index No. 16-06-305-020-

0000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. 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 SEC-

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

TION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527

630-794-5300

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com

Attorney File No. 14-20-03979

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2021 CH 05362 TJSC#: 44-840

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 # 2021 CH 05362 I3244734

PUBLIC NOTICES

Notice – Public Hearing on June 25th for FY2025 Budget

OAK PARK TOWNSHIP

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to legal voters, residents of the Township of Oak Park, in the County of Cook, State of Illinois, that Public Hearings on the Tentative Town Fund, General Assistance Fund, and Community Mental Health Fund Budgets for Fiscal Year 2025, will be held at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at the Oak Park Township Administration building, 105 S. Oak Park Ave., in the Township of Oak Park.

To request a copy of the Tentative Budgets named above for review, call Township Hall at 708-3838005 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. A digital version of the Tentative Budgets is available at www.oakparktownship.org. Oral and written comments concerning these proposed annual budgets are welcome.

All interested citizens, groups, senior citizens, and organizations representing the interests of senior citizens are encouraged to attend.

Oak Park Township does not discriminate on the basis of handicapped status in the admission or access to, or employment in its programs or activities. Those needing special accommodations are asked to provide 48 hours’ notice.

Given under my hand in the Town of Oak Park, County of Cook, State of Illinois, the 21th day of May 2024.

DaToya Burtin-Cox Oak Park Township Clerk

Published in Wednesday Journal May 29, 2024

The Village of Oak Park 123 Madison St. Oak Park, Illinois 60302 (708) 358-5416

On or after June 12, 2024 the Village of Oak Park will submit a request to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the release of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under Title 1 of the of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (PL93383), to undertake the following project:

Tier 1 Broad Review Project/ Program Title: PY 2023 through 2027 Water Lines

Purpose: CDBG eligible homeowners will receive private-side lead water-line replacements as an ongoing effort to get rid of all Village of Oak Park lead water lines.

Location: The project will take place at several addresses throughout Oak Park.

Project/Program Description: The improvements shall include installing a new continuous one-inch Type K copper water service line on the owner side of the water service from the curb stop/B-box into the house to the water meter. Work shall include a new meter setting including full-port ball valves before and after the meter with a boiler drain valve after the meter. A new water meter is optional to the homeowner and if selected, will be delivered to the jobsite. New meter connectors will be furnished, if necessary, by the Village.

Tier 2 site specific reviews will be completed for those laws and authorities not addressed in the Tier 1 broad review for each address under this program when addresses become known.

Level of Environmental Review

Citation: Acquisition, repair, improvement, reconstruction, or rehabilitation of public facilities

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS FOR TIERED PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS

and improvements (other than buildings) when the facilities and improvements are in place and will be retained in the same use without change in size or capacity of more than 20 percent (e.g., replacement of water or sewer lines, reconstruction of curbs and sidewalks, repaving of streets): 24 CFR Part 58.35(a)(1).

Tier 2 Site Specific Review: The site-specific reviews will cover the following laws and authorities not addressed in the Tier 1 broad review: Contamination and Toxic Substances; Endangered Species; Historic Preservation; Wetlands Protection; Environmental Justice.

Mitigation Measures/Conditions/ Permits (if any): Contamination and Toxic Substances: The Responsible Entity (RE) will assess all addresses for Contamination and Toxic Substances and provide an assessment for each. In doing so, the RE will use data from the following resources to ensure to noted hazardous materials, contamination, toxic chemicals and gases, and radioactive substances, where a hazard could affect the health and safety of occupants or conflict with the intended utilization of the sites: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Toxic Release Inventory and Toxic Substances Control Act Facilities, Illinois EPA Agency Facility Inventory and Information Search System and Landfills, Illinois State Fire Marshall Underground Storage Tanks and National EPA Assist; Endangered Species: each site will be assessed by the RE to establish if any suitable habitats will be affected; Historic Preservation: the Village of Oak Park has a Programmatic Agreement with the State Historic Preservation Office that covers work being done in this project. However, on an annual basis throughout the duration of this project, the RE will contact all Tribal Historic Preservation

Offices that have an interest in ground disturbances occurring in Cook County; Wetlands Protection: the RE will review all properties and evaluate if the land is on or adjacent to land that is designated as Wetlands and provide an assessment for each. All zones will be mapped using the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Wetlands Mapper and proper zone boundaries will be identified; Environmental Justice: pending approval and no findings of Contamination and Toxic Substances, Suitable Habitats, THPO concerns, or Wetlands, all sites will comply with Environmental Justice [Executive Order 12898].

Estimated 5-year Project Cost: $500,000

The activity/activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements per 24 CFR Part 58.35(a)(1). An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at the Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 and may be examined or copied weekdays 9:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M. or at https://www.hudexchange.info/ programs/environmental-review/ environmental-review-records/.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Village of Oak Park office of Development Customer Service. All comments received by June 12, 2024 will be considered by the Village of Oak Park prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

The Village of Oak Park certifies to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that Ahmad M. Zayyad, Certifying

Officer, in their capacity as Deputy Village Manager/ Interim Neighborhood Services Director, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the Village of Oak Park Public Works Department to use HUD program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the Village of Oak Park’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the Village of Oak Park; (b) the Village of Oak Park has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be submitted to HUD’s online mailbox at CPDRROFCHI@hud. gov. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Ahmad M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager, Certifying Officer

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park will receive bids from qualified mechanical contractors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60302 Mon thru Fri, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm local time until 10:00 am on Fri, July 12, 2024 for the following: Village of Oak Park Public Works Center HVAC Repairs Proposal Number: 24-126

Issuance Date: 5/29/24

There will be a mandatory pre-bid meeting at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd., Oak Park, IL on Wed, June 5, 2024 at 11:00 am. Bid documents may be obtained from the Village website at http:// www.oak-park.us/bid. For questions please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700.

Published in Wednesday Journal May 29, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park will receive bids from qualified contractors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60302 Mon thru Fri, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm local time until 10:00 am on Fri, July 12, 2024 for the following: Village of Oak Park Public Works Center Exterior Façade Repairs Proposal Number: 24-127

Illinois Classified Advertising Network

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Issuance Date: 5/29/24

There will be a mandatory prebid meeting at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd., Oak Park, IL on Wed, June 5, 2024 at 10:00 am. Bid documents may be obtained from the Village website at http://www.oak-park. us/bid. For questions please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700.

Published in Wednesday Journal May 29, 2024