Quack for a cause
Riverside’s Rettke strikes silver at Summer Olympics
RBHS graduate part of USA women’s volleyball team’s h straight medal
By Bill Stone Contributing Reporter
After competing at the Summer Olympics in Paris, Dana Rettke of Riverside returned to the United States with luggage comparable to the most enthusiastic tourists.
“I came home with three 70-pound suitcases because they just give you so much stuff,” Rettke said.
Making her debut with Team USA women’s indoor volleyball, Rettke had the official outfit from the July 26 opening ceremony, when teams paraded on boats along the Seine River. There was USA apparel from the closing ceremony in the Stade de France Aug. 11. Add to that plenty of gear and mementos in between. Rettke especially was grateful to return with another slightly heavy and coveted object – a silver medal.
Entering the Olympics No. 5 in the FIVB world rankings, the U.S. reached the Aug. 11 championship match before losing to No. 1 Italy 25-18, 25-20, 25-17.
“While I was on the podium for the medal ceremony, it was sur real. Putting that medal around my neck was such a
Prairie School kindergarten-turnedhome hits the market in Brookfield
William Drummond was the original architect
By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter
In the early 1900’s the near-west suburbs of Chicago were a hotbed of architectural innovation. Young Frank Lloyd Wright was designing homes in and around his Home and Studio in Oak Park and his studio nu tured the talents of many prominent architects and designers.
One of Wright’s grandest designs, Avery Coonley House in Riverside, spar more Prairie Style buildings in the suburbs. Built between 1908 and 1912, the estate is just one of three multi-building complexes built by Wright.
Avery Coonley’s wife Queene Fe Coonley was a proponent of early childhood education, and she had Wright de sign a playhouse for her young daughter on the grounds of their estate. That playhouse later became a functioning school. After bringing early childhood education to Riverside, Coonley set her sights on other locales
In 1911, she hired Prairie School architect, William Drummond to design another schoolhouse at 3601 Forest Avenue in Brookfield. Drummond, who grew up on Central Avenue in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, worked for Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright. He later had his own architecture practice and built his family home in River Forest.
In Brookfield, the T-shaped school building Drummond designed included a large, central playroom, a small balcony on the west side of the main room and a brick fireplace on the east wall flanked by doors leading to a terrace overlooking a yard and Salt Creek. The private kindergarten operated of f and on until 1929 when Coonley donated the building to District 95.
The building served as a recreation center until the 1940s but was condemned. Residents joined forces to maintain the building. In 1949, it was sold at auction to a Mr. and Mrs. O.J. Nichol from Oak Park, who paid $6,900 for the building and turned it into a private residence.
The house recently hit the market for $675,000 and realtor Jim Ongena of @properties Christies International said that his clients put in a lot of elbow grease to maintain the historic property and bring back much of its historical essence while also making it into a f amily home
Ongena’s clients bought the house out of foreclosure, and their love of architecture led them to undertake a meticulous restoration of the home. Over time, it had been converted to a four-bedroom home with a small g alley kitchen and bedrooms carved out of the central room.
Armed with Drummond ’s floor plans, the couple restored the grand central room, and relocated the kitchen, creating an open kitchen at the base of the balcony.
Ongena said that they paid attention to every detail, replicating the original millwork and having the wood shipped in to recreate the look of the original wood trim. The design of the concrete floor with gold inlay was pulled from historic photos of the space.
Every window that they could save, they did, including the original windows on the front of the home.
“What they c ould save, they did, and wh at they had to match, they did,” Ong ena said.
Throughout the restoration, they relied on historically appropriate materials from soapstone counters to light fixtures to paint colors, as well as the oak, pine and walnut woods used throughout the home.
“This was their passion,” Ongena pointed out. “They didn’t gut rehab this because they wanted to save as much as possible, but they did so much to this house.”
Fo r their ef fo rt s, the c ouple was rewarded with the K ristin Vi sser Historic al Preservation Award that is give n eve ry other year to honor the renovation of a Frank Lloyd Wright or Prairie School Building.
Previous owners had added a basement garage, which the current owners use as storage. The house sits on a double lot and has access to a kayak pull-in on Salt Creek.
After all of their wo rk , Ongena sai d his clients’ f amily has outg rown the home, but they are ready to p ass it on to the next caretaker
While the home has many of the benefits of a traditional ranch house, including an open floor plan and first-floor bedrooms and bathrooms, Ongena said that the home’s history makes it unique in the best way.
“It’s super cool to show and super cool to be here.”
Erika Hobbs Staff Reporters Trent Brown, Amaris E. Rodrigue z
Manager Stacy Coleman
Manager Javier Govea
Susan McKelvey, Vanessa Garza
and Marketing Representatives
Nicholls, Ben Stumpe Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner EMAIL jill@oakpark.com
Publisher Dan Haley Special Projec ts Manager Susan Walker
BOARD OF DIREC TORS Chair Judy Gre n Treasurer Nile Wendor f Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer HOW TO REACH
Traditional Churros
Thursday, August 22, 6 p.m.
Nor th Riverside Public Library
Take this oppor tunity to learn how to make your own traditional churros. No need to buy ones from Six Flags when you can learn how to make them in the comfort of your own home. Join Chef Violeta for a demonstration on how to make churros with spicy chocolate and vanilla dipping sauces. While at the class, you can sample some churros and take the recipe home with you. Learn the basics and bring the love in cinnamon form back to your family and friends! Churro Night! 2400 S. Desplaines Ave.
Friday Night Concer t Series
Friday, Augist 23, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Kiwanis Park
Kiwanis Park ’s Concert Series continues with The Vaughan Building for its 10th and nal concer t. This nal concert will be put on by this Bluesy Garage Rock band. Gather up your friends and family, bring your coolers, blankets, and chairs to the park to relax and listen to some live music! This can and will be the per fect star t to your weekend. If you haven’t been to a concert this summer, make sure you attend this last one and end your summer with a bang (of the drums)! 8820 Brook eld Ave.
BIG WEEK
August 21-28
Anime/Manga Club
Wednesday, August 21, 5 p.m.
Nor th Riverside Public Library
Join the Anime & Manga Club this Wednesday to talk about your favorite anime shows and manga series. Who has seen Attack on Titan? What about Chainsaw Man? Or maybe even Naruto? No matter what you may or may not have seen, you should still stop by… you may even walk away with some new recommendations. While watching and discussing anime and/or manga, enjoy some snacks provided by the librar y. See you there. 2400 S. Desplaines Ave.
Senior Haircuts
Wednesday, August 28, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Nor th Riverside Parks & Recreation
Brookfield Zoo Feeding & Playtime Adventures
Starting Monday, August 26 - Sunday, December 1
Brook eld Zoo
There are new feeding and playtime adventures at Brook eld Zoo starting next Monday! Sessions go until Dec. 1 but take the time to sign up now. Have the chance to feed the amingos and play with the macaws on the same day. After both adventures, you can continue the fun at the Rainfor est Aviary Feeding Adventure. To register for adventures, visit brook eldzoo.org/wildconnections. 8400 31st St.
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.
The Nor th Riverside Parks and Recreation are o ering Senior haircuts on Wednesday. Book the 28th for your haircut before the summer ends! It is important to note that walk-ins are not accepted, instead, appointments are required by calling the Parks & Rec Depar tment at 708-442-5515. Call now! Haircuts are only $11 (tipping is optional). Make sure to shampoo your hair prior to your appointment. 2401 Des Plaines 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.
Brookfield’s water main works will snag traffic on 31st Street
Work began Monday and will last until early November
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
Anyone driving west through Brookfield on 31st Street should prepare for impacts to their route during work hours throughout the coming months.
Construction work under the north sidewalk along 31st Street from Maple Avenue to Sunnyside Avenue began Monday as part of the village’s water main improvements project for this year. Preliminary work started last week. According to Brookfield, the work should “be substantially complete” by the beginning of November.
Traf fic will remain open in both directions on 31st Street for the duration of the re placements, but one of the two westbound lanes will close during work hours,
generally 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Traf fic heading east “should not be impacted,” the village said, but one of the eastbound lanes could close at times if needed for safety
Residents who live on the north side of the road may have their access to their driveways restricted as construction work passes their property, but access will be restored at the end of each workday, the village said. Affected residents will receive notice at least 24 hours in advance.
Parking spots along 31st Street will stay open during construction, save for “minor periodic limitations.”
The work involves replacing 1,300 feet of the village’s water main under the sidewalk. According to the village, about half of Brookfield’s 60 miles of water main are more than 100 years old.
It will also include the installation of copper water services to re place lead water service lines, part of a village project to re place all lead lines in town after Illinois mandated it in 2022. While Brookfield has until 2044 to complete the
project, the village is well ahead of schedule, with nearly one in four lead lines in town set to be re placed by the end of the year. In July, Brookfield trustees ended a village progr am to reimburse residents who re placed lead lines early due to their confidence that the village can re place them all well before the deadline, possibly within five years.
Other work will involve installing and repairing sewer lining and restoring disturbed areas after the rest of the work is complete
Road closures near the Congress Park train station
Two streets just south of Brookfield’s Cong ress Park Metra station will be closed to all traffic for the next two weeks.
DuBois Boulevard from Burlington Avenue to Ogden Avenue and Burlington Avenue from DuBois Boulevard to Deyo Avenue closed down on Monday until Sept. 3 as part of the village ’s street improvements project for 2024.
The Metra station will remain open for the duration of construction, but the parking lot just west of the station, where Burlington Avenue turns left and becomes DuBois Boulevard, will be inaccessible due to the scope of the work. The larger parking lot immediately south will remain open, but commuters will only be able to access it from an alleyway to the south that extends of f Blanchan Avenue. Parking north of the station will not be impacted.
The work will involve replacing the entire curb and gutter and repaving the roads after removing the existing pavement.
Brookfield has been eyeing the street facelift since 2021, when a public works survey revealed the need to improve this area, other portions of Burlington Avenue and some other village roads, including Fairview, Madison and Mor ton avenues
Planning for this construction has been underway since October, when Brookfield approved a contract for design services with its re gular contracted engineering firm, Hancock Engineering.
LaGrange Park eatery celebrates 40th
Bill’s
Place
opened in Brook eld in 1984 before moving to its current location in 1995
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
The year was 1978 when Vasilios Konstantopoulos and his brother emigrated from Greece to the United States, where they started working in restaurants together. Six years later, Konstantopoulos — better known now to customers as Bill — opened up his own restaurant, Bill’s Place, in Brookfield Bill’s Place, now located in LaGrang e Park, celebrated its 40th anniversary Monday, July 12. T he f ast-food eatery serves classic Chicago fare like burg ers, hot dogs, gyros, Italian beef, hot and cold sandwiches and a long list of sides. It also serves pizza, pasta and salads. To mark the day, the restaurant featured decorative balloons, face-painting for
kids from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and 40-cent plain hot dogs until close.
Konstantopoulos, 70, said he hadn’t originally planned to open Bill’s Place at its first location in Brookfield, but he did so after his friend who owned the property encouraged him to start the business up.
“I was new in the United States. I knew not much about where Brookfield was, or LaGrange Park,” he said in an interview Monday. “He [brought] me here. He said, ‘Stay and work.’ I did, and I tried to do the best I could.”
He said his past work in restaurants is what led him to open up his own.
“I had no choice, and I had to make a living,” he said, adding that he felt it was the right time for him to go into business on his own.
“I never left from the community, so it turned out to be a good choice. [Better] than dying.”
Konstantopoulos said he made little money for the first few years of the restaurant’s life; he worked seven days a week with no other employees at the shop aside from a local woman who acted as a
Riverside seeks downtown streetscape grants again
A er missing out on 2022 funds to renovate Riverside Road and East Quincy Street, the village hopes to improve East and Forest avenues, too
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
Riverside staf f are looking to fund improvements to the village’s downtown streetscape by applying for another round of state grant funding.
At the village board’s Aug. 15 meeting, trustees unanimously approved applying for about $2.3 million in grant funding from the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, which would cover 80% of the cost to renovate downtown sections of East Quincy Street, Riverside Road, East Avenue and Forest Avenue. They passed the resolution as part of the meeting’s consent agenda, meaning they did not consider or discuss it individually.
The estimated total cost for the improvements is about $2.7 million. If Riverside receives the grants, it would have to fund the remaining 20% of project costs, about $539,000, on its own.
Riverside aims to improve the four streets as two projects. The first project would see 700 feet of East Quincy Street improved on both sides with decorative brick paver sidewalks and about 190 feet of Riverside Road redone on the east side with brick pavers, raised planting beds and trees. Each street’s set of improvements starts where the two roads meet downtown. Three new high-visibility crosswalks would be installed in the area, one to cross East Quincy Street and two near where Riverside Road meets Burling Road Riverside has applied for ITEP grant funding to renovate these stretches of East Quincy Street and Riverside Road every other year since 2016, which is as often as it can, but the village has yet to receive enough money to complete the project. In 2018, Riverside received $10,000 in ITEP funding for preliminary design work on the facelift. The village did not receive grants in other years. The second project would bring decora-
COURTESY OF THE
OF
is diagram shows the proposed improvements, with pictures, to the streetscapes of Forest and East avenues in downtown Riverside, which are a new addition this year to the village’s application for grant funding through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program
tive brick pavers to the sidewalk on the south side of Forest Avenue, from the alley west of 39 Forest Ave. to the intersection with East Avenue, and to the sidewalk on the west side of East Avenue, from the intersection down to where the parking spots end. On East Avenue, the new sidewalk will include a decorative “ribbon” of pavers that winds south from the north crosswalk to Centennial Park. Two new seat walls would abut existing green space on the sidewalk where the two streets meet. New stop signs would also go in immediately before the crosswalks at the south end of East Avenue and on Pine Avenue where East Avenue meets it.
This is the first time Rive rside has applied for an ITEP gr ant to revamp E ast and Fo rest avenues. Last Se p tembe r, when the village board approved including the extra wo rk in the village ’s application, Assistant Vi llage Manager Ashley Monroe told trustees the increased scope of the renovations c ould heighten Rive rside ’s chances of receiving funding.
According to the resolution that trustees approved Thursday, the work on East Quincy Street and Riverside Road would
bear the lion’s share of the overall $2.7 million price tag. The estimated total cost for that project is about $1.8 million — nearly twice the amount the village said the work would cost the last time it applied. The estimate for the work on East and Forest avenues comes to about $893,000.
In 2022, Riverside estimated the total for the work on East Quincy Street and Riverside Road to be about $924,000. In 2020, it expected the project to cost about $803,000. In an email to the Landmark, Monroe said there were several reasons for the price hi ke this year, including that the prices of construction materials have risen due to inflation.
“Some of the bigger increases we re wh at is required for drain age system a djustments with the installation of the [curb] bump-outs We also revised the plans to include relocation of more streetlamps than initially projected (three to 11) with no changes in overall lighting,” she said. “A lso of note is the addition of a gateway element (signage or other feature) at $30,000 and the pave rs initially proposed at approximately $145,000 have been re p laced with a majority of exposed ag greg at e
c oncrete paving at $117,000, per design revisions based on public feedback.”
Monroe also said Riverside’s engineers tend to overestimate costs in future phases of work to give the village flexibility. As Riverside is only in the first engineering phase of the East Quincy Street and Riverside Road renovations, the actual cost of the project may come in lower than projected as work continues.
“Any unused funds could be reallocated to construction if there are costs that increase,” she said.
According to the Active Transpor tation Alliance, Illinois has $140 million up for grabs through ITEP grants this year, with each project eligible for up to $3 million. Awards are expected to be announced next spring. ITEP grants, which come from a mix of federal and state sources, are reimbursable and requir e proof of expenditure before Illinois disburses them, meaning Riverside will have to pay upfront for the renovations Riverside has had its eye on improving its downtown streetscape since 2016, when it used ITEP funds to offset a majority of the cost to redo the streetscape along East Burlington Street and Longcommon Road.
Brookfield’s duck race is reaching new heights
e annual rubber duck river rush is back for its 2nd year to bene t the Brook eld Parks and Recreation Foundation
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
If want to pa rt icipate in a village-wide spectacle next month and help suppo rt a local c ause, now is the time to sign up fo r Brookfield ’s 2024 rubber duck race
From now through the end of Se p tembe r, residents c an d onate $5 in exchange for their ve ry own ru bber duck re presentative in a rive r race held at noon on Sept. 28. W hen the day c omes, volunteer s will unleash thousands of ru bber duck s i nto S alt Creek at the Washington Avenue B ridge; the cu rrent will carry them
where they’ll p ass the finish line near the c anoe launching area b ehind the pa rk ing lot.
T he first three ru bber ducks to p ass the finish line will earn c ash prizes fo r the Brookfielder who purchased them. In previous year s, the f astest duck wo n $500, with $250 and $100 going to the next two p lacer s, but this year, the stakes are even higher. W hoeve r buys the quickest q uacke r will win $1000, wh i le second p lace will earn $750 and third p lace $500.
The higher prizes are just one way the duck race is changing to encourage increased participation this year, said Mary Vyskocil, one of ent’s chairs. As members of parks and recreation commission, she and co-chair Patti Chmura ha een spearheading the race since last village group brought it back after years of hiatus.
“C OV happened, and then the [Brookfield Avenue] bridge being out” due to construction from May 2021 through December 2022, which hampered
line, she said in an interview Thursd ay In the p ast, Beautify Brookfield, the nonprofit f undraising arm of Brookfield ’s b eautification c ommission, or ganized the duck race each year to suppo rt public art initiatives around town. Now, the race b enefits the Brookfield Pa rk s and Re creation Foundation, wh ich provides financial assistance to f amilies in the village who c annot af ford to enroll their children in parks and recreation pr ogr amming, cove ring up to half the c ost for dayc are, summer c amps and other initiative s. Vi llage Trustee Juli e Narimatsu is the foundatio n’s president.
“Wi th the Brookfield Parks and Re c Foundation being fairly new, j ust two or three year s, we wanted to g et the wo rd out” by organizing the duck race, Vy sko cil said. “E ve ry d ollar that c omes in , whether by individual or co rp orate business, all goes back to the community.”
A longside the b eefed-up c ash prizes, there’s a chance to win even more money if you buy in bulk, Vy skocil said. Anyho purchases 10 ru bber ducks at
once — a $50 expense — g ets a free g olden duck, increasing your o dds for free. A g olden duck will earn you $100 extra if it ’s one of the first three ducks to finis h at the race
L ast year, Vy skocil said the c ommission aimed to sell 1,000 ducks and nearly sold 900, raising more than $3,000 to donate to the Parks and Re creation Foundation. But this year, there are more incentives than ever for residents to participate d ue to a much loftier target: selling 3,000 rubber duck s.
She said the higher goal came about suddenly and unexpectedly at a Foundation meeting at the be ginning of the year
“We started talking about the duck race again, and one of the members had said, ‘What ’s your g oal this year?’” she said. “Honestly, I was going to say, ‘I’m hoping for d ouble. L et’s shoot for 2,000, ’ but before I c ould g et that out, [Brookfield ’s ] Parks and Re c Director Lu ke Gundersen — he knows me well, bein g
See DUCK on pa ge 16
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Latest News
Olmsted Society
Hop Stop returns September 28, 3-6 PM, Riverside Train Station. Since it’s always a sellout, get tickets early. Visit www.riversidehopstop.com
View the area south of the tracks on August 25, 2-4 pm on our next Walking Tour. Details are on our website.
Volunteer at a Landscape Workday, September 14, 9 am-Noon, Patriots Park.
Brookfield’s library is hosting STEAM fest this Saturday
All ages are welcome to explore learning activities with an interactive science show to cap it o
First United Methodist Church of Oak Park is seeking a dedicated Part-Time Facility Manager (M-F, 7am - 11am) to oversee the maintenance and facility operations of our church.
Join us in preserving our rich heritage! Apply today by emailing your resume to: churchoffice@firstumcoakpark.org with the subject line: "Facility Manager".
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
Whether you’ re looking to teach your child about scienc e, technolo gy, engineering, arts and math or to satiate your own inner child’s curiosity, stop by the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library this Saturday for an interactive and educational bonanza.
The library is hosting its seventh annual STEAM Fest on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free and open to all ages and will take place throughout the library at 3541 Park Ave.
T he library will feature dif ferent
stations and activities throughout the morning and afternoon. Sensor y exploration stations that kids ca n i nteract with will be open from 10 a.m. through noon. From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p. m ., children will be able to pa rt icipate in the Ninja Squad Gym, a fun course that builds their agility and gy mnasti c ability on loan from the company of the same name based in North Rive rside. From noon to 2 p. m ., they’ ll be able to join in on the “I Survive d STEAM” challenges and create bracelets based on binary code. There will also be a robotics and circuits event for the duration of STEAM Fest.
For the final hour of the festival, kids will be able to watch and participate in an interactive show by the Talewise Science Heroes, where they’ ll be able to see and experience family-friendly experiments through storytelling and lear n about the scientific principles behind them.
Fo r more info rm ation about the ev ent, c ontact the library at 708-485-6917 or visit its we bsit e.
RETTKE
Hometown winner
from page 1
crazy feeling and it was really awesome,” Rettke said.
“We all might have exceeded our expectations a little bit. Well, definitely not exceeded, but we shocked the world a little bit. I don’t think a lot of people thought we’d be in the gold medal match. That was exciting just to prove a lot of people wrong.”
Eight of the 12 players returned from the first U.S. gold medal team at the Tokyo Olympics delayed until 2021. Four months later, Rettke was leading the University of Wisconsin to its first NCAA Championship and receiving an unprecedented fifth AVCA All-America honor.
This was the fifth straight Olympics for the U.S. with a medal. The closing ceremony was only hours after the championship loss.
“The timing was hard. We just played our game so it was a real big whirlwind. The closing ceremony was cool, but the opening ceremony definitely takes the cake,” Rettke said.
“The opening ceremony was incredible. It was pouring rain. [Still] people were lining the streets cheering for us. So many flags. The opening ceremony is one of the biggest unifying events that exists. To me, it kind of symbolized that I made it there. Coming down the Seine watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle, it was like a dream come true, one of the greatest experiences I’ll have in my life.”
Rettke g ladly shared her medal with r andom f ans after arriving with her team in New Yo rk Au g. 12, followe d by a t rip to Boston.
Being a 6-foot-8 middle blocker and having primarily Team USA gear left to wear, the 2017 Riverside Brookfield High School graduate was noticeable
“We went out and people were buying us champagne toasts. [An airport security guard] was like, ‘I’m actually going to the lounge. Here’s an extra pass,’” Rettke said. “People have been very generous. I feel like this is something the whole country gets to celebrate, not just us.”
Sometimes the medal is as close at Rettke’s purse.
“It’s great to see people’s faces light up,” Rettke said. “They’re like, ‘I thought I’d never be able to hold an Olympic medal.’ I’m like, ‘Neither did I,’ so it’s really cool.”
With gold at stake, Italy rolled to its first women’s volleyball medal after its first semifinal berth.
T he result was bitter sweet, pa rt icularly for Rettke. Four teammates from her Ve ro Volley Milano club team in the I talian league over the p ast three seasons pl ayed significant roles in I taly’s historic achi evement.
“(Italy) pl ayed incredible, almost fl awless. It ’s hard to argue that I taly is not the b est team in the wo rl d right now, ” Rettke said.
“I wasn’t really sure (afterwards) if I was able to go on the other side of the net to hug everybody. I just tried to give a little extra love. Once the last ball falls and the whistle blows, they’re all just friends in my eyes. I’m really happy for them.”
The U.S. also lost its first of three pool matches to No. 6 China in five sets. The U.S. began gaining momentum by beating No. 9 Serbia in five sets after winning the first two, followed by a three-set victory over No. 19 France.
“[Beating Serbia] kind of catapulted us into a little more belief, confidence in ourselves. When this team gets that, it’s full steam ahead,’ Rettke said.
After beating No. 4 Poland in three sets in the knockout quarterfinals, the U.S. outlasted Brazil 25-23, 18-25, 25-15, 23-25, 15-11 in an emotional semifinal.
The U.S. swept Brazil in three sets for 2021 gold, but Brazil was ranked No. 2 and the top seed in this Olympic qualifying. Brazil beat No. 3 Turkiye for bronze.
“[Brazil] will be a match I will forever remember. T here were so many emotions, highs and lows,” Rettke said. “I would say probably a top-5 win in my career, definitely top five.”
Rettke’s parents John and Kathy, and
Senior Living Benefits YOUR BEST LIFE with Lisa Capone
sister Leah traveled to Paris. Rettke had time to dine and have coffee with them and others, such as Molly Gates, her childhood friend who convinced Rettke, then only playing basketball, to try volleyball as a high school freshman.
Rettke played in the third set against France. Also, a reserve her first season with Vero Volley Milano, Rettke contributed with her knowledge of international players and competitive spirit.
“I think it’s such an important role to a team. I am used to playing, being out there, but you’re talking about a team absolutely of all-stars,” Rettke said.
“I’m a younger, more inexperienced player when it comes to the totality of this team. I want to make sure no matter what role I’m in, I’m in that role 100 percent. It’s not how I envisioned it for sure, but it was everything I could have hoped for in terms of outcome and how my teammates supported me.”
In September, Rettke leaves for Istanbul to join Eczacibasi Sport Club, her new team in the Turkish league.
In 2028, the Summer Olympics come to Los Angeles.
“I’m for sure very motivated. I’d be really excited to go to another games. And it would be really cool to be on American soil,” Rettke said.
“[The Paris Olympics] was way more than I would have imagined. A lot of stimulation overload is the only way to describe it. It’s going to take me a little bit of time to get my bearings under me about what happened. But it was fun.”
Senior living communities offer a myriad of benefits that enhance the quality of life for older adults. One of the primary advantages is the opportunity for social interaction. Residents can participate in a variety of activities, from arts and crafts to group outings, fostering friendships and reducing feelings of isolation.
Senior living communities also free residents from the burdens of home maintenance and chores. Housekeeping, laundry services, and meal preparation are typically included, giving residents more time to enjoy their hobbies and interests.
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Riverside approves new Star Buds dispensary amid traffic concerns
Village President Douglas Pollock told public commenters the village ‘will address’ any tra c issues that arise from the new development
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
It’s official: Riverside will allow Star Buds to proceed with its plan to build a new dispensary at the corner of Harlem Avenue and East Burlington Street.
At the village board’ s Au g. 15 meeting , Rive rside trustees voted unanimously to appr ove four p etitions from S tar Buds’ owners for the d esign of the c annabis
retailer ’s proposed development, wh ich will see a 4,090-square foot dispensar y and 1,400-square foot a djacent retai l spac e, as well as a new pa rk ing lot, buil t on disused village land the c ompany is set to buy by 2025.
As noted in the ordinance trustees approved, provided to the Landmark by Village Manager Jessica Frances, the decision does not authorize Star Buds or its contractor to begin work on the property until they gain the appropriate permits. The site, at 3320 S. Harlem Ave. and 363-369 E. Burlington St., now seats an abandoned parking lot and building that will be demolished to make way for the new stores and lot.
Areas of interest
Before trustees considered the petitions, Village Planner Anne Cyran addressed what she described as “areas of interest in questions” that the village board might have.
On the issue of increased traffic, which public commenters raised to the planning and zoning commission earlier this month, Cyran explained the development would only necessitate a traffic study — a for mal look into impacts on traffic — if it reached “a specific threshold” in terms of number of units or visits during peak hours. She said Star Buds officials estimated the store’s current location at Harlem Ave. and Longcommon Road sees 500600 customers per day.
It is estimated that the busiest hours in the morning would produce about 43 vehicle visits, and the busiest hour in the afternoon would produce about 77 vehicle visits. Cyran said Star Buds is allowed by right to operate a single-use retail business on the property even though its business district is intended to encourag e mixed usage. She also said Riverside ’s village engineer recommended using signage to indicate that the site’s drive-thr u
is a right-turn exit only over modifyin g the curb cut to prevent left tur ns. Cyran said the Illinois Department of Transportation, which has jurisdiction over Harlem Avenue, would not permit a new curb cut onto the major road, meaning all drivers must enter and exit the site from East Burlington Street no matter what
‘ There hasn’t been any development there for almost 10 years’
Four Riverside residents who live near the site spoke during the public comment period. Each commenter named increased traffic and the dangers it brings as their main problem. They asked trustees to alter the dispensary’s drive-thru exit to prevent left turns, citing the possibility of inconsistent enforcement. They also took issue with the design of the new dispensary, esSee STARBUDS on pa ge 16
I cannot thank you enough for your dedication and persistence to ensure everything got done to sell our family home; there were many challenges, and you met them all. We are beyond happy with you as our Realtor.
- Kathy K.
Karen, thank you, again for making the process of selling my Dad’s home so simple; and thank you for taking care of everything you took care of for me. It wasn’t as bad as I expected it would be because of You.” I will recommend you to anyone who needs a truly professional Realtor.
-Vicki M.
I want to personally thank you, Karen, for all you did to make the sale of our Mom’s home such a smooth process. We loved working with you and will definitely give out your name and number to anyone looking to sell a house!
- Nancy S.
Westchester driver arrested for speeding while drunk
Riverside police arrested a man Aug. 10 for driving drunk after they saw him speeding and failing to use his car’s turn signal.
Around 3:12 a.m. that morning, an officer patrolling on Harlem Avenue saw the man’s car heading south from East Burlington Street before “aggressively” approaching and turning west onto East Quincy Street without using a turn signal. The officer got behind the man’s car and used a radar to determine the vehicle was going 40 mph on a road with a 25mph speed limit. After the car turned north onto Longcommon Road and proceeded over the train tracks in downtown Riverside, the officer pulled the man over
After the officer asked the man for his driver’s license and proof of insurance, the man showed he was insured and provided a Mexican ID but no license. The officer ran the man’s information through the police database, which did not turn up a driver’s license, but a further check with the Illinois Secretary of State’s office showed the man had been given a driver’s license that did not return an ID.
According to police, while speaking with the man, the officer smelled alcohol coming from his breath and saw he had glassy, bloodshot eyes. The officer had the man step out of the car and asked where he was coming from; the man said he had drunk two or three beers at a restaurant and was driving home to Westchester. The man ag reed to take field sobriety testing at the officer’s request.
The officer noticed the man struggled to complete the tests without stopping or steadying himself and did not follow other portions of the officer’s instructions. Next, the man ag reed to take a preliminary breath test, but he provided three insufficient breath samples “while continually placing his tongue in the way of the mouth piece,” police said.
The officer determined the man was under the influence of alcohol and arrested him. After taking the man to be booked and processed, including a fingerprint inquiry, the officer read the man his Miranda rights and placed him in a cell. Police upgraded the man’s DUI to an aggravated felony charge. The man was also charged for speeding and driving without a license. Police contacted the Illinois Department of Corrections after discovering the man was on parole, but no
warrant was issued, and the man was later released ahead of his Aug. 19 court date
Classmate’s father called Brookfield student a slur
A Brookfield family complained to police Aug. 15 after another Brookfield resident called their son a homophobic slur. No one was arrested in connection to the incident.
Around 4 p.m. that day, a married couple went to Brookfield police to report that their 14-year-old son had been harassed by the father of another family after that family had accused their son of stealing AirPods from their home a few weeks ago. They told police that the man was driving on Washington Avenue the prior day after Riverside Brookfield High School had let out when he called their son a homophobic slur from his car.
The boy’s mother told police she and her husband confronted the man at his family’s residence in LaGrange Park earlier that day and they had an argument. She said the man did not threaten her son from his car but that she felt an adult should not speak to a child in that manner and wanted police to document the incident.
She told police that the other family’s 16-year-old daughter had been approaching her son at school antagonizing him about the prior incident where her family accused him of theft. An officer told the boy’s mom they would contact the school and reach out to the family’s father about the incident.
The officer attempted to reach the man over the phone, but they could not, so police left a voicemail requesting the family contact the police station.
These items were obtained from the Riverside Police Department reports dated Aug. 10-12 and the Brookfield Police Department reports dated Aug. 12-19; they re present a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest
Compiled
by
Trent Brown
Local delegates celebrate amid Democratic National Convention
Time Is Now to Prep for Fall Seeding Season
Soil endures significant environmental stresses: periods of heavy rain, punctuated by prolonged dry spells, among other fluctuations that generate plenty of energy within the turf. One of the effects is a rising risk of fungal diseases descending on your lawn. To combat that threat, between now and Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to begin your seeding project. Note: a 21-day growth period from germination to full growth is normal, after which you can mow for the first time. Fall is the preferred time because of fewer pressures on the seed and an optimal growing climate. As soil temperatures decrease, dormant weed seeds in the soil are not able to germinate, minimizing competition for space, nutrients, and moisture for the seed to establish properly and establish healthy root systems. With cooler temperatures, the soil also retains moisture for a longer duration, decreasing your time and water demands. Don’t overwater— which can result in drowning or washing the seed away—but instead go for short, frequent watering to keep the top layers of soil moist. In the end—and going back to the beginning of this process— the success of seeding depends on your commitment to carefully monitoring and caring for your lawn.
What you need to know about the DNC
By JESSICA MORDACQ ERIKA HOBBS Contributing Reporter Editor in chief
Delegates and Democrats from around the area celebrated this week after President Joe Biden officially passed the torch to Kamala Harris, the party’s presidential nominee.
“Bide n’s speech resonated with hi s de ep love for our c ountr y, ” Re p. La Shawn Fo rd of I llinois’ 8th District told Grow ing C ommunity Media. “His wo rd s reflected a l ifetime of dedication to public servic e, emphasizing the importanc e of upholding d emocra cy and protecting our freedoms from threats li ke Donald Trump. Wi th unwave ring faith in Vi ce President Harris, B iden co nveyed a strong b elief in her ability to lead the charge against Trump and saf eg uard our nation’s futur e. ”
“This election,” he a dded, “marks a significant shift from traditional pa rt y lines, as it is no longer Democrats versus Re publicans, but a c ollective ef fo rt , with the suppo rt of some Re publicans, to stand against Donald Trump and preser ve our democra cy.”
DNC org anizers Tuesday acknowledged the delay in the first night’s programming at the United Center that knocked singer James Taylor of f the agenda and caused President Joe Biden to wrap up just before 11:30 p.m., nearly an hour-and-a-half past when programming was meant to end.
“Because of the r aucous applause inter rupting speaker after speaker, we ultimately skipped elements of our progr am to ensure we c ould g et to President B iden as quickly as p ossible so that he c ould speak directly to the A merican p eople,” co nvention officials said. “We are proud of the electric atmosphere in our co nvention hall and proud that our co nvention is showcasing the broad and dive r se c oalition b ehind the Harris-Walz ticket throughout the week on and of f the stage.”
Programming was expected to start a half-hour earlier Tuesday night.
Despite the long night Monday, and a problem with security equipment that caused members of the press to wait in long entrance lines, the convention by most accounts has r un smoothly. Protestors who breached a perimeter fence Monday were quickly detained and there were few ar rests.
Traf fic, with additional rolling streets closures and accommodations for motorcades, were a headache for travelers. The City of Chicago recommended that drivers use its OEMC app for help.
At the dele gates’ breakfast Monday, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch of Hillside highlighted the power of Black politicians in Illinois. He pointed out that it stretched “back to the founding of the NAACP in Springfield following the 1908 race riots in the city,” reporter Hannah Meisel of Capitol News Illinois wrote.
“Welch traced the trajectories of major Black activists and elected officials with ties to I llinois through time, including the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who he sai d i nspired g enerations of young Black A mericans to g et involved in p olitics with his oft-recited speech adapted from an earlier poem that featured the phrase ‘I am somebody. ’
‘I believed I was somebody, and I stand before you today as the first Black speaker of the Illinois House,’ he said.”
The Progressive Democrats of America met ahead of the DNC in events headlined by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. U.S. Reps. Danny Davis and Jesús “Chuy” García were expected to attend
García, who early on called for Biden to step aside, told reporter Andrea Flores that among the reasons he supported Kamala Harris’ presidential run was that because she understood immigration.
“[She’s] someone who understands immigration and the root causes and the things that we need to do in the next administration to address those causes of migration,” he said.
T hursd ay, the final day, brings wh at all pa rt icipants are waiting for: Vi ce President K amala Harris will give her nominee a cce p tance speech as the Democratic Pa rt y’s presidential c andidate. C ong ressman Davis is holding a watch
pa rt y at the same time
Other confirmed speakers on Thursday night include Mayor Brandon Johnson, Sen. Dick Durbin, Sen. Tammy Duckworth and U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood.
To close out the DNC, there will be a Democratic National Committee meeting on Friday, Aug. 23 at McCormick Place.
Are you volunteering? Were you a DNC vendor? We’d love to hear from you. Message Jessica Mordacq at jessica@austinweeklynews.com. What ’s left?
Plenty.
According to DNC officials, each day was assigned a theme. On Wednesday, it’s “A Fight for Our Freedoms,” and Thursday is “For Our Future.”
Caucus meetings, or meetings of specific groups such as the Black or Hispanic caucuses, run most of the day Wednesday Other meetings are held Thursday. Main programming starts at 6 p.m. You can livestream most of those meetings: https://demconvention.com/ schedule/?event_day=3&event_type=mainprogramming
Laughs
The Daily Show is taping live in Chicago this week. Key Democratic politicians are slated to be interviewed on the show, but so is Chance the Rapper. Expect to see him Wednesday night.
Can’t get enough?
Here’s how you can follow the DNC online.
• Watch c aucuses on the DNC’s YouTube page
• Watch speeches at DemConvention. com
St ay with the L andmark online as we bl og live from the event. And do n’ t forg et to message j essica@austinweeklynew s. c om for any news tips y ou might have or to share your personal experience with the DNC.
Opinion
THE L ANDMARK VIEW
Seeking street funds
Riverside gets points for persistence as it continues its long effort to find outside funding for remaking the streetscape in sections of the downtown.
In 2016, the village received funds from the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program or ITEP. That money was used to upgrade the streetscape on East Burlington and Longcommon Road. Since then, it received a $10,000 crumb of funding for use in planning further, but still elusive, upgrades. Last week the village board approved filing another application, this time for $2.3 million to make improvements to Riverside Road, Quincy Street, East Avenue and Forest Avenue.
Riverside will hear by next spring if it has received funds from what is reported to be $140 million in available ITEP cash. The maximum amount any project can receive is $3 million.
This time around, due to construction inflation and a more ambitious plan, Riverside’s ask is larger. Ashley Monroe, assistant village manager, hopes the larger scale of the proposed work will be a positive in the state’s decision making.
This is the first time Riverside has added upgrades to East and Forest avenues to the scope of work. Also adding to the proposed costs are improvements to drainage systems, the addition of curb bump-outs and a gateway signage element.
If it is successful, and the competition is sure to be intense, Riverside will still need to pay 20% of the overall cost from local funds. That amounts to a not insignificant $539,000.
This is a worthy effort to continue to create a more modern but still historic ambiance to downtown.
Saving a piece of history
The history of the schoolhouse which Queene Ferry Coonley commissioned architect William Drummond to design in 1911 is one of the great Brookfield stories. And a story with a happy ending.
The building on Forest Avenue operated as a private kindergarten until the end of the 1920s. It was then that Coonley donated the building to District 95 schools. It was used as a recreation center until the 1940s but had, by then, fallen into disrepair leading to its condemnation.
It was Brookfield residents who worked together to save the building from demolition until 1949 when an Oak Park couple bought it at auction. Mr. and Mrs. O.J. Nichol began work converting the schoolhouse into a private home
In recent years other owners have worked meticulously to restore the building to its original Prairie-style design while making it a modern and livable home Now the home which sits on a double lot and fronts on Salt Creek is on the market for $675,000. The real estate agent listing the home said the current owners brought great passion to the restoration. “They did so much to this house,” said Jim Ongena, the Realtor.
Brookfield gets credit for saving this piece of history and playing an important role in delivering into its next era.
OBITUARIES
Daniel Garringer, 75 Journalist
Daniel J. Garringer, 75, of Brookfield, died on Aug. 13, 2024. Born on May 7, 1949, he wrote for a newspaper Daniel was the husband of the late Clarina (nee Re znicek); the brother of Ted (Colleen) Garringer, Ann (Alan) Stachowiak, Roy (Pam) Gar ringer, Evelyn Renee (Jerry) Burns, Alan (Vicki) Gar ringer, and the late David Gar ringer; and the uncle and greatuncle of many nieces and ne phews.
Visitation was held on Aug. 17 at JohnsonNosek Funeral Home, 3847 Prairie Ave., Brookfield. Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Barbara Church in Brookfield, with interment at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, 701 North Ave., Naperville In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago, 3100 S. Central Ave., Cicero, IL 60804 would be appreciated. Please be sure to include Daniel’s name in the memo line.
Online condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family at www.JohnsonNosek.com.
Michael Tomeczko
Attorney
Michael Gerald Tomeczko died on Aug. 14, 2024. He was an attorney in Chicago and advocate for senior citizens during his 40-year career.
His educational background was Gordon Tech High School, St. Ambrose Colle ge in Davenport, Iowa, and Chicago Kent Colle ge of Law, Chicago. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 4th De gree, the Chicago Bar Association, Delta Sigma Pi, Theta Omicron chapter, Business Fraternity at St. Ambrose University, and a parishioner of Our Lady of the Pillar
Church for the last 10 years.
Michael was the husband of Patricia H. Tomeczko (nee Martz) for 58 years; the father of Kathryn (Subash) Alias and the late Michael J. Tomeczko; the son of the late Michael P. and Eleanor Tomeczko; the brother of Mel (Chris) Tomeczko (of Riverside), and Barbara Gacki; and the brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend to many.
Visitation was held on Aug. 19 at Kriegshauser West Mortuary, 9450 Olive Blvd., Olivette, MO 63132. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Aug. 20 at Our Lady of the Pillar Church, 401 S. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63131, followed by interment at St. Adalbert Cemetery, Niles on Thursday, Aug. 22. Anyone wishing to attend is asked to meet at the cemetery entrance at 11:30 a.m
Arrangements were handled by Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd. 9445 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513.
A Jane Kunka, 90
Riverside resident
Jane C. Kunka, 90, of Riverside, died on Aug. 5, 2024. Born on April 20, 1934, she was the wife of the late John; the mother of Kathie (Jeff) Ladd; the grandmother of Veronica Ladd; the sister of Jim (Marge) and the late Dan (late Fran) Helsdingen; the sister-in-law of the late Bernie (late Dee) Kunka and the late Joan O’Rourke; and the aunt of 16.
A memoria l Mass will be c elebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Au g. 24, 2024 at St. Mary C hurch, 125 Her rick Road, Rive rside
In lieu of fl owers d onations to Mercy Home for Boys and Gi rl s, 1140 Jackson Blvd. , Chicag o, IL 60607, are appreciated. Ar r angements we re handled by Ivins/ Mor avecek Funeral Home, 80 E. Burlington St., Rive rside, IL 60546.
BILL’S
Anniversar
y
from page 7
tor for customers, as his English was bad at the time.
“Little by little, things got better,” he said. However, after 12 years in Brookfield, things took a turn for the worse. Konstantopoulos said the restaurant’s landlord, the same friend who first showed him the location, raised rent prices in order to push Bill’s Place out of the property. As a result, the restaurant owner had to find a new location. He said he wanted to stay as close to the original location as possible.
DUCK
Prized fowl
from page 9
on the commission — he said, ‘3,000!’”
Once the number was thrown out, Vy skocil said she a cce p ted the challeng e, and she and other members of the foundation g ot to wo rk brainstorm-
STARBUDS Controversy
from page 12
pecially the east-facing glass panels with LED lighting, which they said could affect the neighborhood’s overall character, although Riverside’s planning and zoning commission found the development would not do so.
Alison Constanzo, who lives on the 100 block of East Burlington Street, urged the village board to reconsider performing a traffic study before moving forward with the development, as Riverside has not completed one in years. Riverside’s most recent traffic study was done in 2017.
“I understand that increased traffic is inevitable with any development. Th at d oesn’t mean thoughtful steps should n’ t
In 1995, with a loan from the local bank, Konstantopoulos bought available office space at 1146 N. Maple Ave. in LaGrang e Park and renovated the building into the Bill’s Place that many know today, complete with blue ceiling f ans, blue checkered tiles and blue seating on the inside that match the blue awning and window sill outside. Once he got the restaurant up and r unning at its second location, he said loyal customers followed him north of 31st Street and continued to support the business
“Without the support from the community, I couldn’t do it,” Konstantopoulos said. “Where I am now, today, after 40 years, I owe everything to the bank and to the community.”
He said the other secret to keeping Bill’s Place running is the sense of hospitality
ing the new initiatives for this year ’s duck race. A longside the g olden duck s and increased prizes, the duck race has also partnered with local businesses in Brookfield to sponsor weekly ra ff les that coincide with the far mers market; the owner of a different business each weekend draws from the people who bought a duck that day, and the winner g ets a g ift card or another prize from the business So far, the duck race’s innovations have been successful. The co-chair said the
that he and his employees have worked to foster inside the restaurant. He said some of the eatery’s employees have been there for up to 20 years, which customers have noticed as well and has contributed to the sense of hospitality.
“It’s a combination, to be somebody successful,” he said. “Me, the employees and the customers. If something of the three doesn’t work, [the restaurant] doesn’t work.”
With 40 years of running Bill’s Place under his belt, Konstantopoulos said he plans to stay with the restaurant and in the community for the rest of his life. He said he’s sure that his son, who works at the restaurant, will continue to run it the way he has
But just because the restaurant is celebrating the past does not mean Konstantopoulos isn’t also looking to the
foundation has sold upwards of 2,200 rubber ducks so far, including a whopping 72 golden ducks included in bulk donations. That means the golden ducks have already raised more than $3,500 on their own.
Vyskocil said the foundation has even financed other advertising measures for the race through the sale of ducks this year, but she attributed the successful duck drive to the entire Brookfield community “ Patti and I, it ’s not us. We ’re j ust tools in doing thi s. It ’s those that bu y.
future. At the end of July, he said, Bill’s Place installed a new machine for roasting chicken that makes the chicken come out “much, much, much, much better” than before
Overall, he said Bill’s Place owes its continued success to the same community that helped the restaurant survive its move two decades ago.
“No question about it, it was not easy. A lot of problems, difficulties, but again, the support from the community makes my life much easier,” Konstantopoulos said of his four decades running the restaurant. “I believe the customers have the choices today to go somewhere else, but they choose me. It makes me feel good. It makes me feel responsible. It makes me feel I’m obligated to serve them. And I thank them. Without them, nothing.”
It ’s those that volunteer,” she said. “The sponsor s. We c ould not do it [without them]. We have not taken one p enny out of the foundation to get these banner s. ” T he foundation will c ontinue selling ru bber ducks at the far mers market up until race day on Sept. 28. T hey will be available at the final F riday night c once rt of the summer this F riday, Au g. 23. You c an also purchase ru bber ducks online or by scanning a QR code availabl e on Brookfield ’s we bsit e.
be taken to minimize i ts impact,” she said. “This is a change for that site; there hasn’t b een any development there for almost 10 year s. This is a chang e, so why not do your d ue diligence and c onduct a traffic study?”
Vi llage President Doug Pollock acknowledged the concer ns.
“It seems like a big issue is traffic,” he said. “That seems to be everyone’s number one concern, and I want to reassure everyone that we’re not ignoring that issue.”
Pollock cited Riverside’s ef for ts to calm traffic since 2018 on Byrd and Berkeley roads, two residential streets near the current Star Buds at 2704 Harlem Ave., as proof the village will act on any problems that arise from the new development.
Trustee discussion
After the floor closed to public comment, some trustees said they had concerns
about specific aspects of the site plan and others touched on traffic concerns that residents had raised. Yet each voiced support for the proposal overall before voting to approve it.
“I really would rather wait and see what the traffic is going to be versus arguing that the traffic’s going to be terrible, and, therefore, we should not move forward with this important project,” Trustee Cristin Evans said.
Trustee Aberdeen Marsh-Ozga said the dispensary “could be more visually interesting and appealing” to draw Harlem Ave. traffic into Riverside. She said she wor ried the proposed drive-thru would conflict with the building’s “ideal use” as a gateway into the village but that it could alleviate resident concerns about customers using cannabis in the parking lot and driving away while high, because those who pick up products at the drive-thru would leave the site immediately.
Trustee Elizabeth Kos took i ssue with the proposed right-only drive - thru exi t p ushing the dispensary’s c ustomers out of Rive rside and echoed public c ommenters’ c oncerns that signage alone c annot pr event drive rs from making a left turn out of the drive - thru.
“The idea of saying that we don’t want anybody to turn left from one business to maybe even access another business in Riverside is concerning to me,” she said.
Trustee Megan Claucherty addressed another concern residents raised.
“Unfortunately, there is a perc ep tion sometimes when this b oard d oes not take action that certain residents have requested that we ’re not actually listening to you or that residents are not bein g heard, and I j ust want to emphasize that you are being heard,” she said. “We ce rtainly ca n’ t miti gate eve ry c oncern that c omes before us, but I’m ve ry proud of the wo rk that we ’ve done her e. ”
Sports
A (football) league of their own
LTHS debuts girls ag football following IHSA approval of state series
By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
Junior Anna Bigenwald has just become a three-sport athlete at Lyons Township High School.
“I remember my freshman year, my friends and I were talking about starting a flag football club,” Bigenwald said. “Last year we were going to try and get it in. And then we found out they made a team and we were excited to join.”
The wait is over.
LTHS has added girls flag football this fall in its first season sanctioned by the Illinois High School Association. The IHSA Board of Directors approved a state series on Feb. 5.
Roughly 70 athletes will play on three levels — 22 on varsity under head coach Meghan Hutchens with two junior varsity teams — after about 125 attended the opening days of official tryouts last week.
The varsity opener is Tuesday, Aug. 26 against Fenwick on the south campus Bennett Field. JV home games will be at nearby Burson Field on south campus.
“I’m just excited for it to start up and happy that LT has a team,” said Bigenwald, who last season was a varsity soccer goalie and JV/sophomore girls basketball player. “I feel like it’s long overdue. I’m so excited for it. I’m looking forward to meeting new people and new friends and building camaraderie.”
Varsity players are seniors Brooke Bonniwell, Abby Fischer, Eleanor Hare, Jordyn Hoffenberg and Alexandra Kruger; juniors Bigenwald, Lisa Baron, Kennedy Campbell, Maren Cavanaugh, Char Ebeid, Carly Granger,
Knop, Taya Magajne, Lila Porter, Fiona Sullivan, Ella Tamburello and Anya Torres; sophomores Grace Downey, Helena Enriquez, Christina Lid and Leah Monahan; and freshman Taylor Hoffenberg.
Hutchens is also varsity head coach for girls basketball. Assistants are varsity girls basketball assistant Missy Mitidero, varsity girls lacrosse head coach Morgan Gallagher, and Brian Wolf.
“I love football and I love to be a part of history,” Hutchens said.
“At points of our life, [Missy and I have] played flag football as adults. It’s a really fun sport. We’re two athletic, competitive people, so it falls right in line with that. It embodies being physically active, teamwork and sportsmanship and that’s what it’s all about.”
The sport has grown exponentially since more than 20 Chicago Public League teams began in 2021 with a postseason tournament.
According to IHSA.org, 160 schools have officially entered this year’s tournament with others coming in 2025. The state finals are Oct. 18-19 at Willowbrook, 2022 champions of the first Chicago Bears Girls Flag State Championship.
More than 60 athletes attended LTHS summer camp, Aug. 5-8. At official tryouts, Hutchens said some athletes came out of curiosity or as a backup if cut from another fall sport. While some returned to their original sport, others remained
“I think we’re going to be competitive We have speed, athleticism and some prior knowledge of the game,” Hutchens said.
“They’ve done a very nice job over the course of a week,
Lyons Tow nship Senior Aver y McDonnell tries to pull a ag during the team’s Flag Football practice, Aug. 14, in Wester n Springs
how to run a route, the importance of spacing, timing. We know there’s going to be a growing period and we’re excited to work and improve and figure out each other.”
So far, the 5-foot-8 Bigenwald has enjoyed some success at wide receiver. Other early standouts include Ebeid and Campbell.
Bigenwald’s only previous experience was throwing footballs around with her father and brother RJ, an eighth-grader at Highlands Middle School.
“Growing up playing against my brother was fun, but playing on a team against another team is going to be a new and fun experience,” Bigenwald said.
“I feel like every girl who is trying to make the team, starting a new sport. I feel like I’m at everyone’s same level. I am nervous for teams that have had a team for a while because obviously they have had more experience playing.”
RBHS girls golf excited about talented trio
LTHS trying to sustain momentum from 2023 run to 2A state meet
By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
The Riverside Brookfield High School girls golf team climaxed arguably its strongest season ever in 2023 by qualifying five individuals for the Class 2A Hinsdale South Sectional.
While the Bulldogs may have graduated the program’s best golfer ever, senior Taryn Schultz and juniors Lucia Vazzana and Tali
Schultz continue to set higher standards.
“Last year’s success carries over to this season in the form of high expectations,” RBHS coach Doug Schultz responded.
“When our top three, Lucia, Taryn and Tali, make sectionals and then return for another season, you now have an attainable goal set to get back there. These three have put the work in during the offseason and played a lot during the summer to be prepared. It’s great to see a core with great
confidence at the beginning of the season.”
At sectionals, Vazzana (89) was nine strokes from the individual state cut, followed by sisters Tali Schultz (101) and Taryn Schultz (102), who are not related to Coach Schultz. Vazzana and Taryn Schultz also were 2022 individual sectional qualifiers. Also back for the varsity are seniors Lucy Drenth, Ella Jurgens and Ellie Megall as well as juniors Jessica Kot, Angie Calvetti and Ava Morg in their third seasons. Fresh-
men Fiona Lombardi and Harper Jesswein also could compete for varsity spots.
The Bulldogs still seek a sectional team berth after two close calls, led by graduated Mayan Covarrubias, a three-time individual state qualifier.
At the 2023 Glenbard East Regional, the Bulldogs were fifth (353), 16 strokes from a top-three finish to advance. In 2022, their
See GOLF on pa ge 18
RBHS boys golf reaps bene ts from 2023 success
By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
The 2023 Riverside Brookfield High School boys golf lineup was among the youngest in Jim Festle’s eight seasons as head coach. The Bulldogs also were among the most successful and appear poised for more.
“There’s a lot of seniors and juniors and we have four very good players, which I’ve never said before,” Festle said. “And then we have another four or five after that, so a lot of depth, which I’ve never been able to say before.”
Seniors Josh Udelson and Ben O’Brien and junior Connor Dominick were 2023 Class 3A individual sectional qualifiers — and seniors Brady McCallum and Cal Milchhoefer also retur n from the regional lineup.
Add senior Mike Oppe gard and junior Ronnie Murray as varsity returnees and promising sophomore Oliver Fakhoury, and the Bulldogs hope to contend for at least a team sectional berth and excel in their debut as part of the Upstate Eight Conference with 14 teams and two divisions.
They opened Friday by shooting 314 at the Payton Colle ge Prep Invite, led by McCallum (77), Dominick (78) and Udelson (79).
Festle said they and Oppe gard are of f to the strongest starts. When the Bulldogs won last year’s four-team Metro Suburban Conference for their first conference title, those four plus graduated MVP Joey Garvey were among the 10 all-conference golfers based on dual and MSC Meet results.
“Part of the success is they’re athletes [as a whole] and a lot of two-sport guys,” Festle said. “We’re at the mercy of the state where we go [postseason]. It definitely will be a goal to advance as a team to sectionals. I’m thinking 310, more times than not, will advance to sectionals. But we’re deep. It’s going to be nice to pencil in two to three scores in the 70s all of the time.”
At 2023 sectionals, Dominick (81) and Udelson (82) had the Bulldogs’ top scores, and O’Brien shot 87. Udelson also reached sectionals in 2022, shooting 92.
At the Glenbrook North Re gional, fourth-place RBHS (322) was 27 strokes from the third and final qualifying
GOLF
from page 17
fourth-place 355 in a less competitive regional lost out third on a fifth-score tiebreaker Vazzana (tied for 10th, 83), Taryn Schultz (94) and Tali Schultz (97), the last individual qualifier by six strokes, were among 10 individual sectional qualifiers.
While most RBHS teams join the Upstate Eight Conference this season, the Bulldogs made their debut in 2023 and nearly won it. They were a close second to South Elgin 356-358 at the UEC Meet and second in the
spot. Dominick (80), Udelson (81) and O’Brien (82) among the 10 individual sectional qualifiers not among the three advancing teams with graduated Joey Garve Callum (85) was two strokes from the individual cut.
LTHS boys golf
Senior Anderson Palm and junior Finley Tyrrell had the best scores during 2023 tryouts for the Lyons Township boys golf team.
Last week, the pair once again excelled.
Palm’s 11-under-par for three rounds in favorable conditions was the best score in roughly a decade of tryouts Prairie Bluf f Golf Course.
“They played well,” LTHS coach Brian Kopecky “There was hardly any wind for the three days. Especially for a links course, if there’s wind, that makes a differenc
The duo pace another talented group with high hopes after starting with a third-place 300 at the Edwardsville Invitational Thursday at The Den in Bloomington, site of the 3A state tournament, Oct. 18-19.
Tyrrell was the Lions’ lone 3A state qualifier last year, tying for 33rd with a 158 (84-74) after tying for eighth at the LT Sectional (par-72). Palm is in his third varsity season and would have played varsity as a freshman if not for ing injured.
“They’ve got to lead the way for us,” Kopecky said. “I they play well, and I think we’re deep enough and ha a lot of good players, then we’ve got a chance to play with the big dogs.”
The Lions last reached state as a team in 2021. In another tough sectional field in 2023, the Lions’ 303 was three strokes from the third and final team qualifier, yet still tied for sixth.
Senior Tommy Niemiec also returns from the sectional lineup. Other varsity returnees include seniors Miles Rakvin and Ben Couture and sophomore Charlie Forrest. Key newcomers include sophomore Ben Hare, juniors Jack Curran and Garrett Pohl and freshman Cohen Bloomfield.
“The big thing with this group is the competition be-
final overall standings after going 7-0-1 in duals. Vazzana (4th, 82) and Taryn Schultz (6th on scorecard tiebreaker, 95) were among the 10 All-UEC players. Vazzana was the No. 3 point scorer combining dual and UEC Meet results.
LTHS girls golf
The Lyons Township girls are hoping for another strong veteran group to help them achieve their first consecutive state team berths since their last four state berths from 2010-13.
Junior Amelia Van Vuren and senior Isabella Evans return from last year’s lineup
Josh Udelson, 6th fairway
cause they’re so close with their scores [at tryouts],” Kopecky said.
At 2023 sectionals, Palm (77) was two strokes from the playoff for the last individual state-qualifying berth. At the Rolling Meadows Re gional, Palm (72) was fifth and Tyrrell (77) was the Lions’ fourth counting score for the second-place Lions (302).
The Lions finished second at the West Suburban Conference Silver Division Meet (299) to Hinsdale Central, second in 3A. Palm (72, 4th on scorecard tiebreaker) was a top-14, all-conference medalist. Niemiec (79), Forrest (80) and Tyrrell (81) also competed.
that finished 10th at the Class 2A state meet (344), seven strokes shy of the eight-team cut for Saturday’s second and final round.
Also back are seniors Isabella Caulfield, Miley McCullum and Patti Pawlikowski.
The Lions opened Thursday by taking ninth at the Plainfield North Invite. Van Vuren was 13th (80).
“The players are very excited to begin a new season. They had fun last season and hope to continue that fun,” LTHS coach Jeff Johnson responded.
“We have a nice group of returning seniors and juniors. Hopefully we can build upon a great togetherness from last season.”
At state, Van Vuren was 72nd with a 176 (85-
91) and Evans was 76th at 180 (83-97) with the Lions’ second and third lowest 36-hole totals
On fifth-score tiebreakers for third place, the Lions were the last state qualifier out of the Hinsdale South Sectional (340) after also being the last sectional qualifier out of the Glenbard East Re gional (337).
Van Vuren and Evans had respective counting scores of 87 and 91 at sectionals and 85 and 89 at re gionals.
The Lions were fifth at the West Suburban Conference Meet (349) and fifth in the final overall standings. Van Vuren (89, tied for 20th) earned All-WSC medalist honors with a top-20 finish. Caulfield was the Lions’ fourth score (91).
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION
NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT
MORTGAGE SERVICING
Plaintiff, -v.-
JOSE G. ROMERO, GEMA A. ROMERO, BYLINE BANK, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO COMMUNITY BANK OF OAK PARK RIVER FOREST, CROWN ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC, LVNV FUNDING, LLC
Defendants
2023 CH 02946
812 HUGH MUIR LN MAYWOOD, IL 60153
NOTICE OF SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 10, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 11, 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 812 HUGH MUIR LN, MAYWOOD, IL 60153
Property Index No. 15-02-322-0160000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence.
The judgment amount was $183,864.65.
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. 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 CHAD LEWIS, ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS,
PLLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 205 N. MICHIGAN SUITE 810, CHICAGO, IL, 60601 (561) 241-6901. Please refer to file number 22-087686. 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. CHAD LEWIS
ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ
SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC
205 N. MICHIGAN SUITE 810 CHICAGO IL, 60601 561-241-6901
E-Mail: ILMAIL@RASLG.COM
Attorney File No. 22-087686
Attorney ARDC No. 6306439
Attorney Code. 65582
Case Number: 2023 CH 02946
TJSC#: 44-1885
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 # 2023 CH 02946 I3249923
PUBLIC NOTICES
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for:
PUBLIC WORKS INTERIOR REMODEL
The Village of River Forest is seeking qualified and responsive contractors to complete restoration work at the Public Works Facility office area. The work includes but is not limited to floor replacement, wall removal and replacement along with other items necessary to complete the work.
The bidding documents are available for download starting Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at:
www.vrf.us/bids
Bids must be submitted by Friday, September 20, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at:
Public Works Department, 2nd Floor Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305
The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability to perform the work.
No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the Proposals without the consent of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of the bid opening.
The Village of River Forest reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids.
Published in Wednesday Journal August 21, 2024
to Solicit Bids
Advertisement
Notice is hereby given by the Executive Director of Housing Forward, 1851 South 9th Avenue, Maywood, Illinois, that bids will be received for the following improvements at The Write Inn located at 211 North Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302: Roof membrane replacement, Roof insulation and Masonry Tuckpointing
Bids will be received until 5:00PM, Central Standard Time on August 30, 2024, and emailed to RFP@iff. org. Please direct all bid proposals to Ann Panopio.
The bidding forms and documents will be available to request here (https://iff.org/rfps/). The owner, and owner’s representative have been authorized to refuse to issue plans, specifications and proposals to any person, form or corporation that they consider to be unqualified. Proposal must be submitted on the forms provided.
The bidder is specifically advised that Housing Forward is a Subrecipient of the Village of Oak Park of a grant pursuant to the Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, pursuant to an agreement entered between the Village of Oak Park and Housing Forward. Further, the work must adhere to federal labor compliance requirements (Davis Bacon). Housing Forward and Village of Oak Park have a preference to qualifying Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises. Contractors are expected to make their best effort in maximizing participation.
NOTE: No contracts will be awarded unless the contractor is actively registered with the “System for Award Management (SAM)” and permitted to work, certified by the Village of Oak Park.
Project Team: Owner: Housing Forward Owner’s Representative: IFF Architect: LBBA
Summary of Work – The project includes all work described in the Bid Documents including but not limited to all required site prep, scaffolding, temporary shoring, demolition, removal and appropriate disposal of waste materials, replacement, or repair of existing materials to remain, cleaning, and confirmation of water-tight enclosure for all areas of work. This work should be coordinated with Owner to minimize impact to Owner’s operations.
Published in Wednesday Journal July 31, August 7, 14, 21, 28, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICES
NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP
SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA IN MARICOPA COUNTY Juvenile Department
PARENT/GUARDIAN NAME(S):
Jennifer Elaine Ciszek-Gill – Mother
Joshua William Clark - Father
Case Number JS22090
Petitioner
Jennifer Elaine Ciszek-Gill
In the Matter of Minor(s):
Levi William Clark 05/02/2007
This is an important notice from the court. Read it carefully.
A petition about termination of parent-child relationship has been filed with the court, and a hearing has been scheduled related to your child(ren). Your rights may be affected by the proceedings. You have a right to appear as a party in the proceeding.
If you fail to participate in the court proceedings, the court may deem that you have waived your legal rights and admitted to the allegations made in the petition. Hearings may go forward in your absence and may result in the termination of your parental rights.
Judicial Officer:
Honorable Thomas Marquoit
Hearing Date/Time: September 3, 2024 @ 9:30am (AZ time)
Hearing Type:
Publication Hearing
Location:
Court Connect Remote Appearance ***video appearance preferred
Court Connect Hearing: Yes Video: https://tinyurl.com/jbazmc-juj07 Phone (917)781-4590, Participant Code 764 718 766 #
How can I prepare for the hearing? Any supporting documentation must be filed with the Clerk of Court at least seventy-two hours in advance of the set hearing date.
If I have questions or concerns who can I contact?
For questions concerning filing, please contact the Clerk of Court at (602) 372-5375. For questions about the hearing, contact the Juvenile Department at (602) 506-4533, Option 2 to reach the assigned Judicial Officer’s staff. If you have legal questions, seek legal counsel.
Docket Code: NOTJS Rev 09/27/23
Published in Wednesday Journal August 7, 14, 21, 28, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: G24000358on July 29, 2024 Under the Assumed Business Name of DAYBREAK REIKI with the business located at: 367 BLYTHE RD, RIVERSIDE, IL 60546. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: JILL GEHRING 367 BLYTHE RD RIVERSIDE, IL 60546, USA
Published in RB Landmark August 7, 14, 21, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE
The Village of Oak Park will receive bids for 3 Dell PowerEdge R760XD2 Servers. The full bid document can be obtained from the Village website www.oak-park.us.
Bids will be accepted until August 30, 2024 5PM Central.
Published in Wednesday Journal August 21, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE
The Village of Oak Park will receive bids for 1 Dell PowerEdge R660 Server. The full bid document can be obtained from the Village website www.oak-park.us.
Bids will be accepted until August 30, 2024 5PM Central.
Published in Wednesday Journal August 21, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE
The Village of Oak Park --Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302-- will receive electronic proposals until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, Septmebr 5, 2024 for Project: 24-15, Bike Boulevard Pavement Marking and Signage Improvements. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below. In general, the improvements consist of: the installation of pavement markings including polyurea, Methyl Methacrylate (MMA), and thermoplastic; the fabrication and installation of signs and telescoping steel sign supports; concrete sidewalks and curbs; installation of RRFB systems; and all appurtenant work thereto.
Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. Plans and proposal forms can be found at https://www. oak-park.us/your-government/ budget-purchasing/requestsproposals or at www.questcdn. com under login using QuestCDN number 9281955 for a non-refundable charge of $64.00. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No bid documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening.
The work to be performed pursuant to this Proposal is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq.
THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer
Published in Wednesday Journal August 21, 2024