Landmark 100224 by Wednesday Journal

Duck-a-palooza

Public commenters came out in support of community and arts spaces

By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter

Brookfield trustees have had the first of what may be many discussions on the future Brookfield Theater building that the village recently acquired.

At their committee of the whole meeting on Sept. 23, trustees and village staff invited Brookfield residents to give public comment on what they hope to see go in at the Brookfield Theater building, which the village bought early last month. Staff started the discussion by explaining the current state of the building before turning it over to public commenters, who largely spoke in support of ideas for community or arts spaces that could draw out-of-towners to patronize other businesses in downtown Brookfield.

While the board did not take action, Village President Michael Garvey said at the end of the discussion that village staf f had a good sense of what public commenters wanted, although there may be other residents who could not attend the meeting. He said staf f would take the public’s feedback and bring the discussion back at a future

PHOTOS BY ERICA BENSON , PAGE 11 ERIC A BENSON

ERICA BENSON

eld hosts a Duck Race through Salt Creek.

THEATER

Newlife

from page 1

committee of the whole meeting, likely with a for mal request for proposals from interested developers.

To start the discussion, Vi llage Manager Tim Wiberg explained the disused state of the theater building. Since the o riginal theater closed in 1952, the spac e has b een used as an office as well as storage spac e, but Wiberg said a new owner would need to p ut in the time to rehabilitate the building.

“We did have a structural engineer take a look at it. He verified that there are four walls and that the walls are probably relatively secure, but I don’ t want to give anybody the idea tha t the building is [in ] moving condition, because it’s not,” Wiberg said at the meeting. “The building is very dissected and very split up, and it’s going to take a fair amount of work and ef fort to g et that building into some type of usable format.”

Using pictures, C ommunity Development Director Libby Po povic walked trustees and the audience through the building’s i nterior spac e. From the entranc e, she said, there’s a small office in the back and a kitchen and bathroom of f to the right. From that kitchen, the theater w idens i nto two open spaces with a small b alcony overlooking them. T here

Community Development Director Libby Popovic gave trustees a virtual tour of the Brook eld eater building’s interior. is image shows the immediate entr yway.

is also a staircase in the entryw ay that leads to the b alcony; Po povic said, as fa r as she knew, the stairs we re the theater’s o riginal staircase leading to the theater spac e. T here is also a staircase leadin g up to a deck and then an attic above the o riginal roof now that a dditional roof s have been put in over time Behind the garage, Popovic said there is “an underground caver n” partially filled with water. Jeff Kepler, an architect at Dewberry who was at the meeting, said the pit could have been used for storage space or even ventilation for the original theater

Public comment

After hearing about the state of the property, the village b oard opened the public c ommenters to give thei r thoughts. S ome c ommenters spoke at length with a specific vision for the wh i le others only briefl y suggest wh at kind of b usiness ke to see go in . ohn Dumas, of the S hare Food S hare ood p antry and Glaser Playe rs ommunity theater troup e, spoke for 15 about his group ’s p lan to restore the theater to i ts roots by turning nto a theater spac e. T he group would use the space to rehearse and host pe rmances, a first for Brookfield; Dumas said they would also aim to partner with other groups who need a spac e, especially those focused on the arts, as well as with local businesses for concessions Dumas and other members of the Glaser Players made one of the two offers on the property when it was up for sale earlier

this year; in an interview, he told the Landmark the group is still hopeful about buying the Brookfield Theater from the village so they can create a permanent space for community theater in Brookfield. Other public c ommenters who spoke threw out a number of ideas for the spac e, including a puppet theater, a space for musical lessons and performances, a warehouse for residents to store and exchange recyclable materials, a second museum, a music ve nu e and more. Despite the breadth of ideas, most speakers emphasized their suppo rt for some kind of arts and c ommunity space that c ould ser ve children, adults and seniors ali ke and draw new p eople to Brookfield

After public c ommenters said thei r piece, the trustees discussed thei r thoughts on the property, b oth in terms of wh at they would li ke to see go in there and of the village ’s fiscal responsibilit y to select a business that will c ontribute to Brookfield ’s downtown tax increment financing district, allowing the village to c ontinue to improve the area. The boar d members ag reed they we re excited to see the property be developed and become a new draw for downtown Brookfield .

“I also had a sigh of r elief that we we re able to [buy] thi s, because it ’s something I’ve looked at and walked p ast a number of times and hoped that it would n’ t demolished,” Trustee Katie K aluzny said. “Being able to acquire that property and listen to all of you and hear wh at p eople would li ke to see, and then [being] able to move forward with that direction is really exciting.”

COURTESY OF THE VILL AG E OF BROOKFIELD

This picture show s the open spaces th at have been div ided within the building. The door in the back leads to th e kitche n and entr yw ay

The Wedding Singer NRPlayers

Friday, October 4 and Saturday, October 5, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Oc tober 6, 2:30 p.m. Scheck Village Commons

The North Riverside Players presents The Wedding Singer, the musical comedy. Yes, that sounds right- THE Wedding Singer, as in the 80s movie version of the movie with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. Fall in love with one of the funniest romantic comedies. To purchase tickets, visit https:// www.nrplayers.com/tickets.html or call the box o ce at 708.526.8084. In the recorded message to the box o ce, provide the date of the performance and how many tickets you want in each age category. Please include your full name and phone number. 401 S. DesPlaines Ave.

Spooky Movie Series: Corpse Bride

Friday, Oc tober 4, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Nor th Riverside Public Library

BIG WEEK

Oc tober 2-9

Pickleball Open Gym

Monday, Oc tober 7, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Village Commons

Attention all 18+ Pickleball players! There will be an open gym at the Village Commons in North Riverside for Pickleball. Balls and paddles will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own. Supplies are limited. Participants must be on-site and paid by 7 pm or open gym will be canceled for the remainder of that day. The cost is $5 per person. 2401 S. DesPlaines Ave.

Are you ready for the SpoOoOOky MoOoooOvie Series? The Riverside Library presents this bone chilling movie night where Corpse Bride will be displayed on the big screen! Join Emily, Victor, and … you will have to nd out for yourself who the third is! No registration is needed; this is a free movie night. Attending the library for free is way better than a movie that costs an arm and a leg at AMC. 2400 S. DesPlaines Ave.

Leaf Walk Storytime

Wednesday, October 9, 10:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park

Get into the fall spirit (BOO!) with this Leaf Walk Stor ytime. Early readers and caregivers are welcome to attend this outdoor Storytime with the library at Kiwanis Park. Celebrate the beginning of fall with a short story reading, then go on a leaf hunt and make a fall craft to take home. This event is part of Brook eld Reads 2024, a library initiative that focuses on reading and self-care activities as a means of nding peace and fostering community. Learn more at www. lsfbrook eldlibrary.org/brook eldreads. 20 Brook eld Ave.

Dating Old Photographs: 1830’s to 1900

Tuesday, Oc tober 8, 4 p.m., Linda Sokol Francis Brook eld Library

Learn how to date and identify photographs from the 1830’s to 1900 with Genealogy Club. Longtime member Patricia Reaves will share her experience with family history research and tips and tricks for dating photographs from the 19th centur y. To make the experience even better, attendees should go home and try to date their parents’ childhood photos- I bet they will get a kick out of your guesses! Register for classes and events online at www.lsfbrook eldlibrary.org, by phone at 708-485-6917 or in person at the library. Walk-ins welcome, where applicable. All events held at the library unless otherwise speci ed. 3541 Park Ave.

Satellite O ce Hours with the O ce of State Senator Cervantes

Wednesday, Oc tober 9, 2-5 p.m.

Linda Sokol Francis Brook eld Library

The O ce of State Senator Cervantes will hold open o ce hours at the library. Stop by to ask questions and get assistance relating to state bene ts and resources like unemployment assistance, Medicaid, rental assistance, and more. Information will be provided in both English and Spanish. Assistance will be provided on a rst-come, rst-serve basis. 3541 Park Ave.

Compiled by Grace Har ty

The Glaser Players hope to bring community theater to Brookﬁeld

e group, which overlaps the Riverside eater Guild, wants to buy the village’s historic Brook eld eater property

By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter

When the historic Brookfield Theater building at 3723 Grand Blvd. was up for sale earlier this year, there were two offers for the property. One of them, accepted by the seller, later turned into the village’s acquisition of the parcel through a contract assignment; the other offer was from the Glaser Players, an up-and-coming community theater group that hopes to make a space for the art somewhere in Brookfield

While the group is still getting its footing, leader John Dumas, who also helps run the Share Food Share love food pantry in Brookfield, said they have big plans for the space, which the village aims to sell to someone who will redevelop it and bring new business to Brookfield’s central business district.

At Brookfield’s committee of the whole meeting on Sept. 23, Dumas was the first to speak to trustees during a discussion where residents were encouraged to give their thoughts on what they would like to see take the place of the disused building, which originally showed movies and live performances from 1915 until it closed in 1952.

Dumas said he and the other members of the new community acting troupe want to turn the building into a dedicated space for the arts in Brookfield. He told trustees that, if the village sees fit and sells them the property, the Glaser Players would honor the building’s initial purpose by bringing theater back to Brookfield while also spotlighting other arts initiatives that the community is interested in.

“Our interest is mostly in theater and plays and musicals, but we’d like to do concerts and dance recitals and comedy,” he said at the meeting. “There’s a lot of interest [from arts groups], and it’s an interesting idea to bring together the past, the

present and the future in this one facility.”

As part of the goal, Dumas said the theater would partner with local businesses for concessions. He said the auditorium where perfor mances are hosted would be “modular,” with the stage constructed of four-foot cubes that could be rearranged to suit the needs of whatever organization was using the space.

“Our idea is to set this up in such a way that our imagination would be the only limitation we would have about how the building could be used,” he said. “We feel that that’s really important, creating that space that the community can be proud of, that’s functional and that brings the arts and art progr ams to the village in a cohesive and combined fashion. ”

Meet the Glaser Players

In an interview with the Landmark, Dumas explained that the Glaser Players has existed as a theater troupe in some capacity for about 40 years, though the group’s name is new. Dumas said the group got its start under Riverside resident George Glaser; when he died in 1994, his son, Broadway child actor Darel Glaser, took over the group, which comprised many members of the Riverside Theater Guild focused on children’s productions. After Darel Glaser died in 2022, Dumas said the group decided to name themselves in honor of the Glasers.

While there’s much overlap between the Glaser Players and the Riverside Theater Guild, Dumas said the split between them is twofold. Aside from the obvious difference between children’s theater and adult theater in the age of the actors, Dumas said the Glaser Players named themselves such to avoid taking a village’s name and feeling constricted on where they can perform.

Dumas said the group has been working with Brookfield, specifically Community Development Director Libby Popovic, to look for a permanent space it can acquire for rehearsals and performances

“The biggest challenge in community theater is the space,” he told the Landmark. “[A production] requires six to eight weeks of pretty much dedicated — you have to dedicate at least a part of the space to it. You have to build a set, and you have to have rehearsals, so [it can be] very difficult.”

While Brookfield’s leads have yet to find the Glaser Players their forever home, Dumas said the village was immediately supportive of them and has remained that way.

Because the group came so close to buying the building in the first place — including a private tour from the previous owner who required members to sign non-disclosure ag reements — Dumas said the owner’s decision to take another offer without ne gotiation “completely caught us of f guard” after the group started to feel like everything was lining up for them to reclaim the Brookfield Theater

But once they heard the property went to the village for eventual redevelopment rather than to a new private owner, he said his surprise turned into awe.

“After the shock, I was really impressed, because I don’t think that’s necessarily what people would have assumed they would have done, and I don’t think that’s the kind of vision that Brookfield’s had,” said Dumas, a Brookfield native. “But it was the right thing to do. It was a brilliant strategy move because, if you want to control something, if you own it, you can’t control it any better than that, right?”

While Brookfield is still in the preliminary stages of deciding what becomes of the Brookfield Theater, Dumas said the Glaser Players plan to submit a for mal bid for the property when the time comes Outside of t rying to bring c ommunity theater to Brookfield, Dumas and other Glaser Playe r leaders said their g oal is to help spread the art so anyone of any age c an realize their love for theater. He said their wo rk at the Rive rside T heater Guild and beyond is often a family af fair, with previous child actors w ho’ve grow n up bringing their own children to see the shows. Dumas and his w ife even met through c ommunity theater and have had their children and gr andchildren ac t in shows.

“I think a lot of people think [theater] is a dying thing. It really isn’t. I mean, it’s still very popular, and that’s, I think, a huge advantage that we have,” Dumas said. “When the village board kept talking about sustainability, I thought, ‘Hey, we’ve been doing this here for 40 years. If that’s not sustainability, I don’t know what is.’”

As we cozy up for Fall 2024, several home decor trends are making waves

Nature-inspired elements are at the forefront, with earthy tones like deep greens, burnt oranges, and rich browns bringing the outside in.

Sustainable materials, such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, and organic fabrics, are also gaining popularity, emphasizing eco-friendly living.

Textured accents are key this season, with chunky knit throws, velvet cushions, and woven rugs adding warmth and depth to interiors.

Statement lighting—think oversized pendants and vintage-inspired chandeliers— is set to illuminate homes with a touch of drama.

Minimalist design focusing on functionality and comfort continues to thrive.

Incorporating dual-purpose furniture that maximizes space without sacri cing style is a must.

Botanical prints on wallpaper, artwork, accessories, and fabrics provide a timeless yet contemporary feel, bringing a breath of fresh air indoors.

How do you feel about incorporating some of these trends into your home?

Divine Consign is a 20,000 + SF Showroom where you can nd on-trend furniture and seasonal decor. We only consign the best of the best and we collaborate with manufacturers, distributors, showrooms and designers to bring you high end new furniture at 40-90% o retail prices.

Kellie Scott, Owner Divine Consign

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WithCantata’scontinuumofcare,youcanliveyourbest

o,formorethan centurypassionatelyservingtheneedsoflocalseniors.

here,rightacrossfromtheBrookfield Zoo,formorethan a centurypassionatelyservingtheneedsoflocalseniors.

Tour our 10-acre campus today! (708) 387- 1030

eman Funeral Home and Cremation Services

lifetoday,tomorrowandintothefuture.We’vebeen here,rightacrossfromtheBrookfield Zoo,formorethan centurypassionatelyservingtheneedsoflocalseniors.

WithCantata’scontinuumofcare,youcanliveyourbest lifetoday,tomorrowandintothefuture.We’vebeen here,rightacrossfromtheBrookfield Zoo,formorethan centurypassionatelyservingtheneedsoflocalseniors.

Tour our 10-acre campus today! ( )

(708) 387- 1030

lifetoday,tomorrowandintothefuture.We’vebeen here,rightacrossfromtheBrookfield Zoo,formorethan a centurypassionatelyservingtheneedsoflocalseniors.

Tour our 10-acre campus today! (708) 387- 1030

WithCantata’scontinuumofcare,youcanliveyourbest lifetoday,tomorrowandintothefuture.We’vebeen here,rightacrossfromtheBrookfield Zoo,formorethan a centurypassionatelyservingtheneedsoflocalseniors.

Sponsored by Riverside Township

Tour our 10-acre campus today! (708) 387- 1030

Sponsored by Riverside Township

Independent Living•Assisted Living•Memory Support Short-Term Rehab•Long-Term Care•Home Care Scan here to visit Cantata.org

Sponsored by Riverside Township

Independent Living•Assisted Living•Memory Support Short-Term Rehab•Long-Term Care•Home Care Scan here to visit Cantata.org

Sponsored by Riverside Township

Saturday, Oct.19th 9:00 am –Noon

This past weekend, Hitzeman of fered raffles, more than $1,000 in prizes, games and treats from vendors around the area.

Riverside Masonic Lodge parking lot 40 Forest Avenue, Riverside

the business expanded and relocated, first to Oak Pa rk, and then to Brookfield in the middle part of the 20th Century, according Hitzeman’s website.

Saturday, Oct.19th 9:00 am –Noon

Riverside Masonic Lodge parking lot 40 Forest Avenue, Riverside

Saturday, Oct.19th 9:00 am –Noon

It has played a key role in the community since then.

Riverside Masonic Lodge parking lot 40 Forest Avenue, Riverside

Saturday, Oct.19th 9:00 am –Noon

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.

Riverside Masonic Lodge parking lot 40 Forest Avenue, Riverside

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

Hitzeman got its start in 1904 when Frederick Hitzeman set up his business at the corner of Keeler and 26th Street in Chicago. He turned his house into a chapel while he lived upstairs. People then used horses and carriages for funerals, and wakes lasted three nights. Over time,

“Besides being a proud supporter of the community,” organizers said, “we are your neighbor, a friend and we are here for your family when and if you need us.”

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

As always, this will be a drive-up event. No

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

As always, this will be a 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.

, this will be

As always, this will be a drive-up event. No need to get out of lace the documents in your

As always, this will be a drive-up event. No need to get out of lace the documents in your trunk, follow the signs at the event and 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!

Please bring a

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

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

visit our website: www.riversidetownship.org

ERICA BENSON

Hitzeman Funeral Home hosts their 120th anniversary celebration Saturday Sept. 28.

ERICA BENSON

Hitzeman Fune ral Home celebrated its anniversar y with food and ser vices from local vendors.

Illinois Supreme Court rulings address FOID seizures, hospital room privacy

Justices unanimousl

y overturn decision that would have voided part of FOID law

By PETER HANCOCK & HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois

The Illinois Supreme Court earlier this month vacated a lower court ruling and reinstated a statute that authorizes the state to revoke a person’s Firearm Owners Identification card once they’ve been charged with a felony, even if they haven’t yet been convicted

The case involved Aaron and Charles Davis, a father and son who were charged with reck-

less discharge of a firearm, a felony, for allegedly shooting their rifles into the air over the Fourth of July weekend in 2016.

Soon after the charges were filed, the Illinois State Police revoked their FOID cards pursuant to a provision of the law that authorizes the agency to revoke permits from anyone “who is prohibited from acquiring or possessing firearms or firearm ammunition by any Illinois State statute or by federal law.”

In the Davises’ case, ISP relied on a federal law that makes it illegal “for any person who is under indictment for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year to ship or transport in interstate or foreign commerce any firearm or ammunition or receive any firearm or ammunition which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.”

The charges were later reduced to misdemeanors and each of the defendants had

their FOID cards reissued after pleading guilty. After receiving their new cards, the Davises sued, arguing they were denied their constitutional right to keep and bear arms for self-defense during the time their FOID cards were revoked. They sought a declaration that the FOID Card Act is unconstitutional as it applies to people who have been charged with, but not convicted of, a felony.

Their attorney, Thomas Maag, of Wood River, also represents one set of plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit in the Southern District of Illinois challenging the constitutionality of the state’s ban on assault-style weapons and large-capacity magazines. A trial in that case was held last week in East St. Louis and a ruling is now pending.

In March 2023, Madison County Judge Ronald Foster granted the Davises’ motion and declared the law unconstitutional as it applied to people charged with, but not con-

Brookfield Chamber of Commerce Business Spotlight

Ink Your Wear/Comptech-Pro

8838 Brookfield Ave, Brookfield IL

Comptech-Pro • 708-443-4545

Ink Your Wear • 708-329-4444

www.inkyourwear.com

Ink Your Wear and Comptech-Pro are two Brookfield businesses owned and operated by Brookfield residents. Cynthia Aranda has a background in Marketing and Advertising. Julio Aranda has a background in Computer Science and IT technology.

Back in 2007, and with a baby on the way, they said they were looking to do work they loved while keeping a family-oriented environment. With those goals they decided to open Comptech-Pro and Comptech-Pro Designs.

Between 2007 and 2014, the design and printing part of the company grew by leaps and bounds which prompted Cynthia to branch off and open Ink Your Wear.

Comptech-Pro offers IT consulting services. It sells custom-built computers along with

victed of, felonies. He issued a permanent injunction barring the state from enforcing that provision of the law.

The state appealed directly to the Supreme Court, which stayed the lower court order while the appeal was pending. And in a unanimous opinion Thursday, the high court reversed the lower court decision, saying because the Davises had already had their FOID cards reissued, they no longer had standing to sue and claim they were being injured by the law.

Hospital room privacy

T he I llinois Supreme C ourt last week unanimously r uled that patients admitted to a hospital should not have a unive r sal expectation of privacy that would pr event law enforcement from enterin g

See FOID on pa ge 16

Ink Your Wear & Comptech-Pro Flourishing in a Welcoming Community

network and home and office computer equipment. In addition, it also manages instore computer repairs and on-site home and business service calls.

Some other specialties include:

• IT support

• Help desk support for small and medium businesses with professional management and proactive monitoring

• Issues from viruses to hardware problems or complete network installations

• Bringing high tech corporate solutions to small businesses to help them be competitive in today’s environment

Ink Your Wear offers a large variety of products and services within the print and apparel industry. It specializes in garment printing and embroidery for T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants (and much more). They have developed partnerships with major brands including Nike, Under Armour and Adidas so their customers have a range of budget friendly options. The company always welcomes walk-ins.

Ink Your Wear also offers specialty printing for items such as mugs, canvas bags, yard signs, banners, ornaments and more.

An important goal has been to offer full color prints with no minimum orders as they saw many customers struggle to meet a minimum of prints for their order when they only need one or just a few copies. Ink Your Wear wanted to make sure anyone that engages its services are able to order anything from one piece to hundreds with no minimum orders.

In 2021 Ink Your Wear decided to open a paid internship program with the design program at Riverside-Brookfield High School. They have worked with Mrs. Sakardy at RB and as a result of that partnership Ink Your Wear currently has two students who are now on staff.

Ink Your Wear and Comptech-Pro are located at 8838 Brookfield Ave, Brookfield and can be reached at:

Comptech-Pro: 708-443-4545

Ink Your Wear: 708-329-4444

www.inkyourwear.com

Presented by

Olmsted Society launches ghostly walking tours

It’s a fun way to learn about boo-tiful Riverside, organizers say

By LEAH SCHROEDER Contributing Reporter

The Frederick Law Olmsted Society of Riverside’s traditional walking tours will take a spooky turn this month as brave Riverside residents embark on ghostly walks along Riverside’s dark, historical streets.

On Oct. 19 and 26, the Olmsted Society will host two, two-mile tours each night, at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., respectively, incorporating ghost stories into their typical historical tour of the architecturally significant homes of Riverside.

T he tours are an attempt to reach out to teenagers in Rive rside, who aren’t a c ommon d emo gr aphic of the t ypical walking tour s.

younger kids,” said Dan Murphy, president of the society. “We realized that a ghost tour would be popular with older kids and teens It’s just kind of part of our effort out to kids, teens, families with children a way that we haven’t in the past.”

Murphy said he hopes the tour will allow Riverside residents of all ages pecially younger residents, to learn more about Riverside’s history and charm.

“We hope to introduce younger and teens to more of Riverside and at the same time, have some fun and make our organization more approachable and more of interest and more relevant to young families,” Murphy said.

T hough the ghost stories will be f amily friendly, Murphy doesn’t recommend the tour for children younger than 12, because of their scary nature. Riverside ’s g as lamps and dark, winding roads will heighten the experience of the spook y g host stories, Murphy said, creating the perfect Halloween atmosphere.

“It kind of gives you an interesting e on the neighborhood to walk

past the houses and g et a glimpse of life inside from the front windows when they’re lit up,” Murphy said. “With the October timing and the f all weather, and then with Halloween approaching, it’ll really be a fun tour, because of the kind of the great atmosphere that Riverside provides in the evening.”

T he ghost tours are being held on a

trial basis, Murphy said. T he Olmsted Society will decide whether to continue the tours in the coming years based on how successful they are this October. Mur phy, howeve r, is confident.

“I’m optimistic that we’ll get a good turnout and continue it to make it a tradition and perhaps even make it more elaborate as time goes by.”

MO NA RC H FES T

PHOTO S BY TODD BANOR

The Village of North Riverside hosted this year’s Monarch Festival—Festival de la Monarca with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. The event celebrates the monarch butterfly’s 2,000-mile migration from Canada to Mexico and raises awareness about monarch conservation. The migration of monarchs speaks to survival and transformation while also reco gnizing the long journey immigrants undertake. This symbolism is heightened during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Ending hunger by connecting the four corners of our community...

What does "client choice" mean?

And why the change?

Most food pantries in the U.S. pre -bag or prebox the food they distribute. This model has been widely accepted for its operational efficiency. But in recent years , some food pantries have transitioned to a “client choice” distribution model

We believe in "choice".

Galeno-S ánchez of Women for Gr een Spaces with a vi sitor to he r stand at the Mo

We're converting a 7,000 square foot former factory building into a “choice” food pantry. We're doing so based on our own local research. And what we found is that the question of choice goes beyond matters of operational efficiency. Choice takes the point of view of our neighbors in need. Which is the point of view upon which our pantry was founded.

What our neighbors in need are saying...

“ We get what we like , instead of them giving it to us in a bag. It ' s like if you' re shopping at a grocery store . You pick what you need. What you want . If I don' t like a certain kind of bread , I just don' t take it .”

" I literally felt like I' m in a grocery store and I' m picking the food. Food I couldn’ t even afford to get in a grocery store . And then when we get to the end of the checkout , I don' t have to pay. I' ve never had this happen to me before .”

' It gives people self-pride . I didn' t think I' d ever have to go to a food pantry. And they always try to get different things , different vegetables , different fruit . So , it doesn' t make you feel ashamed. That ’s about the only way I can put it .”

Get the facts about hunger in our area .

Claudia

narch Festival in Commons Park on Saturday, Sept . 28. Na

Se pt . 28.

Brook eld loosens rules for vacant building registr

Aer tabling an initial ordinance in August, trustees will soon vote on the new dra

By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter

Brookfield is still moving ahead with i ts p lan to require the owners of vacant buildings to re gister their property — but without as much of a rush.

At their Sept. 23 committee of the whole meeting, village trustees approved changes to a draft of an ordinance that would institute a vacant building registration program in town. Compared with the previous version of the ordinance, which the board agreed in July to put to a vote, owners whose properties become vacant — or are already vacant when the ordinance goes into effect — will have longer before they must register those properties with the village and will have to pay lower registration and renewal fees.

T he new ordinance will go up for a vote before the village b oard at i ts next re g ular meeting on Oct. 14.

T he vacant proper ty re gistry retur ned to the c ommittee of the whole for discussion after Brookfield trustees voted not to appr ove or deny but to table the ordinance at their Au g. 26 meeting. They did so after hearing a public c omment from Michael Bailey, a local gove r nment affairs director for I llinois Realtor s, the state branch of the National A ssociation of Realtor s. He told trustees that he and realtors practicing in Brookfield and the sur rounding area took i ssue with the details of the initial draft ordinanc e.

“Realtors have worked with a number of towns and villages to ensure that their new commercial vacancy re gulations strike the correct balance between eliminating blight in the short-term and minimizing vacancy in the long-term; however, realtors have not been eng aged in thi s process of developing these re gulations here in Brookfield and feel that the ordinance on tonight’s agenda does not strike such a balance,” he said. “Over-regulation could hurt investment and commercial activity here in Brookfield.” Bailey said Brookfield’s vacancy re gis-

over the summer, though that new city law specifically re gulates buildings with vacant storefronts or ground-level spaces.

At the meeting on Sept. 23, C ommunity Development Director Libby Po povic walked trustees through the d etails of the changes, wh ich she said village staff made after speaking with I llinois Realtors re presentative s.

“We do n’ t need to review the entire … pu rp ose of the vacancy and property re gistration ordinanc e, ” she said.

“There is g eneral c onsensus that it is something that’s needed to provide stability and foster some a ccountability within the village, especially with some of our blighted proper ties.”

S hould the b oard p ass the ordinanc e, the changes will give property owner s more time to go through the re gistry proc ess and to ke ep their buildings vacant before they must reoccupy, remove or d emolish them when their re gistrations expir e, Po povic said.

One of the most notable changes is a reduction in the f ees vacant property owners will owe to the village for re gi stration. Single-family homeowner s will owe $75 rather than $250 wh i le all other property owners will have to pay $250 rather than $550. T he prices for ex-

paying $350.

Owners of single-family residences will have more time throughout the process compared to those who own other kinds of structures, be they multi-family homes, commercial structures or investment properties. Under the original ordinance, all owners of vacant parcels had just 30 days to re gister them with the village; now, owners of non-single-family structures will have 60 days while singlef amily homeowners will have 120 days

Both groups will also have longer before they must apply to extend their re gi stration. Owners of non-single-family structures will have one year wh i le sing le-family o wners will have 18 months

All vacant property owners will only be able to apply for one extension under the new version of ordinance. Under the original draft, the initial re gistration would have lasted six months, though owners could apply for up to two extensions for a maximum of 18 months on the re gistry.

As under the first ve rsion of the law, Brookfield ’s building officials will have the discretion to gr ant one a dditional six-month extension to property owner s who c an pr ove they have t ried to chang e the building’s vacant status or thei r building faces “unique circumstances”

cials to c onsider “reasonable” a dditional extensions of 30 days or less, taking i nto a ccount the steps that have b een taken to market the property to p otential residents. If a bu ye r seeks to close on the property, building officials ca n waive any p enalty f ees that accrue du e to an expired re gistration.

A ll property owners will have 30, rather than 10, days to r emove waste and debris from their vacant buildings once they re gister them. Vi llage staf f will have 90, rather than 60, days to inspect all buildings it b eli eves to be vac ant; new wo rding will ensure property owners c an refuse entry to i nspector s, as is their right under the Fourth A mendment, though they will remain liable fo r any violations of village code

Trustees Jennifer Hendricks, who initiated the motion to table the first draft ordinance in Au g ust, and Katie K aluzny vo iced their suppo rt for the changes

“These extended dates do make the ordinance more p alatable to me,” Hendricks said.

“I appreciate you taking all of the f eedback and a dding those extensions to account for those situations that yo u are neve r sure are going to be the c ase,” K aluzny said.

BEN STUMPE

Winner,

Brookf

Experiencing Caregiver Burnout? YOUR BEST LIFE with Lisa Capone

Caregiver burnout is a growing concern, especially for those caring for aging loved ones. The demands of caregiving, while rewarding, can become overwhelming and lead to physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion.It’s essential to recognize the signs early and consider options to prevent exhaustion and ensure quality care for all involved.

• Look Out for Signs. Common signs include chronic fatigue, irritability, feelings of helplessness, and a decline in personal health. Caregivers may also experience sleep disturbances, anxiety, and withdrawal from social activities.

• Strategies to Reset: It’s important for caregivers to seek support and practice self-care. Senior living communities and respite care services offer relief by providing professional care for their loved ones, allowing caregivers time to rest and recharge. Taking a break doesn’t mean giving up on caregiving; rather, it ensures caregivers remain healthy and strong enough to continue caring for their loved ones in the long term.

Recognizing the signs of burnout and seeking help is crucial for caregivers and their families.

Visit Cantata.org for more senior living advice or call (708) 387-1030.

Illinois celebrates dispensary openings while manufacturers face signi cant challenges

e state touts its diversity report, but most specialty cannabis businesses have not become operational

By DILPREET RAJU Capitol News Illinois

While Illinois’ cannabis market is booming and the state has made progress in diversifying new licensees, significant hurdles remain for businesses hoping to enter the expanding market, according to an independent review of the industry.

Celebratory news releases have marked several industry successes in recent months – the state saw the opening of its 100th social equity cannabis dispensary and surpassed $1 billion in cannabis sales in 2024.

Gov. JB Pritzker, since signing the Cannabis Re gulation and Tax Act in 2019, has often repeated that social equity is at the core of Illinois’ cannabis program. In July, he praised a newly commissioned, independent diversity report re garding the industry that identified progress – and hurdles – for the stated diversification goal.

The independent diversity study – commissioned by the state at a cost of $2.5 million by Peoria-based Nerevu Group consulting firm – found that while the state has awarded more licenses to women and people of color than any other re gulated market in the United States, white men are still the demog raphic most likely to have a cannabis license in Illinois.

But the Department of Agriculture’s most recent licensee operation status list shows only about 30% of businesses awarded specialty cannabis licenses are operational. And for some social equity applicants, turning the licenses into a functioning business has been difficult.

Many of the lofty goals set by the law have been slow to materialize for social equity business owners – those who have lived in an area that has been historically impacted by the war on drugs, or if they have been personally impacted. Through last summer, of the almost 50 dispensaries opened by social equity licensees, only 15 were owned by

people of color, according to last year’s annual cannabis report from IDFPR.

While state data shows that minority- or woman-owned businesses hold most lower-level and specialty licenses, more than three-quarters of cultivation licenses are held by companies owned by white men that have dominated the industry since cannabis was legalized for medicinal purposes.

The report proposed several fixes suggested by license holders, including “expanding canopy space for craft growers, permitting infusers to apply for processor licenses, mandating third-party oversight for transporters, and enabling adult use dispensary license holders to serve under the medical program.”

Barriers to funding

The first cannabis dispensary licensed through the state’s social equity lottery program did not open until late 2022 – nearly a decade after the first cannabis plants and companies took root in Illinois amid its 2013 legalization for medicinal purposes.

As part of the 2019 legalization law, lawmakers created a “craft grow” license category that was designed to give more opportunities to Illinoisans hoping to legally grow and sell marijuana. However, existing cultivation centers – often owned by large publicly traded companies – that grew cannabis for the state’s medical program since as far back as 2014 were approved to grow cannabis for adult use dispensaries in late 2019.

The report commissioned by the state’s Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office found numerous challenges facing craft grow businesses. For starters, marijuana remains federally illegal, making banks and financiers more hesitant to invest in the industry.

Reese Xavier was awarded a craft grow license through the state’s social equity lottery in 2021, following a highly detailed application process that took him roughly three months to complete. Three years later, even as a recipient of a loan through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, he is still without enough capital to build out his brick-and-mortar site for growing cannabis plants.

Xavier is still “all in,” but said it’s been difficult to find the necessary funding to begin construction – perhaps the most com-

mon and prominent hurdle small cannabis businesses face, as launching grow centers or dispensaries costs millions of dollars.

“A common myth – that I know to be a myth now – was you don’t have to worry about the money. ‘If you win the license, the money will come to you,’” he told Capitol News Illinois. “That is absolutely not true. That’s one of the biggest challenges, access to capital.”

Last year, through DCEO’s social equity loan program, the state provided about $20 million in forgivable loans to a total of 33 licensed craft growers, infusers and transporters. While nearly all of the transporters who were awarded loans are operational today, more than one year later, only 40% of the craft grow and infusion businesses that received loans are up and running.

Last month, DCEO announced more than $5 million in loans to 17 businesses that own more than 20 dispensaries across the state, a majority of which are already open for adult-use sales.

Erin Johnson, the state’s top cannabis re gulator, told Capitol News Illinois that while state agencies have had to jump federal hurdles, more loans will be available later this year for specialty licensees

“Capital is a huge challenge for our agencies, given the fact that cannabis is still federally illegal,” she said. “By the end of this year, the application will open up to provide another $40 million in direct forgivable loans to all license types.”

Large companies’ leg up

Xavier owns a license to grow marijuana and make products derived from the cannabis he grows, such as oils for vaporizers and tinctures, which he can then sell wholesale to dispensaries, which then sell products retail to customers.

Specialty marijuana businesses – several categories which were added to state law when lawmakers legalized recreational cannabis – can be licensed to grow, infuse or transport marijuana products. That means these businesses have fewer avenues to profit as compared to companies that own all-encompassing cultivation centers.

See DISPENSARY on pa ge 16

Tree planting honors Blythe Park’s 75th anniversary

BBobby’s Eastside is your new favorite Cocktail Bar!

obby’s Eastside is the newest addition to Robert’s Westside. Robert’s Westside was founded and is operated by Donnie Biggins, a lifelong Oak Park and Forest Park resident. You are familiar with his prior work booking the American Music Festival, keeping music alive during the pandemic by curating community pick-up truck & drive-in concerts and programming the annual Oaktoberfest in Downtown Oak Park.

Conveniently located inside Robert’s, Bobby’s Eastside offers a full service bar featuring handmade cocktails, craft beers and premiere non-alcoholic drinks to provide something for all patrons.

Bobby’s Eastside offers free concerts, board games, your favorite sports teams on our TVs, and is available for private events. Like Robert’s, Bobby’s Eastside is another option for families to

sign, according to principal Casimira Gorman. In a speech she gave F riday, she said the school was planned and constructed “with children in mind,” with sinks, bathrooms and water fountains in each classroom and large windows throughout the school so students can see

gather for milestone achievements and celebrations of life, as well as a space offered to the community for non-profit fundraisers and mutual aid benefits.

We do not serve food, however outside food is welcome. We encourage you to order takeout from our neighboring restaurants and meet up with friends before you catch a show on the mainstage at Robert’s.

Our hours of operation are Wednesday - Sunday. Open @ 3PM on W/TH/F and 11AM on Saturday & Sunday. Happy Hour runs from 4pm - 6pm on W/TH/F.

New Festival Alert: Weekend @ Bobby’s on Friday October 25th & 26th. Come experience two unforgettable nights of live music featuring 12 bands, two stages, themed Halloween costume contests + Ghosts Of Rockstars Past Lip Sync Contest! For information on all our events, visit www.robertswestside.com

the tree has grown as a reminder of the time they spent there.

“My wish is that … you will be able to sa to yourself and anyone else who is visitin with you that you helped to plant that tree and that you will always be an important part Blythe Park School and its history,” she said.

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION

(Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685)

1.Publication Title: Riverside-Brookfield Landmark

2. Publication no.: USPS 019-585

3. Date of filing: October 2, 2024

4. Frequency of issue: Weekly

5. No of issues published annually: 52

6. Annual subscription price: $45.00

7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302, Cook Co.

8. Complete mailing address of headquarters or general business office of publisher: (same)

9. Names and complete mailing addresses of publisher, editor and manager editor:

Publisher: Dan Haley, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302

Editor: Erika Hobbs, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302

Managing Editor: Dan Haley, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302

10. The owner is: Growing Community Media, NFP

11. Known bondholders, mortgages and other security holders owning or holding one percent or more of the total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities are: None.

12. N/A

13. Publication name: Riverside Landmark

14. Issue date for circulation data below: September 25, 2024

15. Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months:

A. Total no. copies printed (net press run): 1939

B1. Mailed outside-county paid subscriptions stated on Form 3541: 46

B2. Mailed in-county paid subscriptions stated on form 3541: 1276

B3. Paid distribution outside the mails including sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales and other paid distribution outside USPS3:138

B4. Paid distribution by other classes of mail through the USPS: 0

C. Total Paid distribution: 1460

D1. Free or nominal rate outside-county copies included on PS form 3541: 0

D2. Free on nominal rate in-county copies included on PS Form 3541: 195

D3. Free or nominal rate copies mailed at other classes through the USPS: 0

D4. Free or nominal rate distribution outside the mail: 150

E. Total free or nominal rate distribution: 388

F. Total distribution: 1805

G. Copies not distributed: 134

H: Total: 1939

I. Percent paid: 80.89%

15. No. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date:

A. Total no. copies printed (net press run): 1893

B1. Mailed outside-county paid subscriptions stated on Form 3541: 43

B2. Mailed in-county paid subscriptions stated on form 3541: 1203

B3. Paid distribution outside the mails including sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales and other paid distribution outside USPS: 137

B4. Paid distribution by other classes of mail through the USPS: 0

C. Total Paid distribution: 1383

D1. Free or nominal rate outside-county copies included on PS form 3541: 0

D2. Free on nominal rate in-county copies included on PS Form 3541: 115

D3. Free or nominal rate copies mailed at other classes through the USPS: 0

D4. Free or nominal rate distribution outside the mail: 150

E. Total free or nominal rate distribution: 265

F. Total distribution: 1648

G. Copies not distributed: 245

H: Total: 1893

I. Percent paid: 83.92%

16. Publication of statement of ownership will be printed in the Oct. 2, 2024 issue of this publication.

17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner:Manager, or Owner: Manager, or Owner: Jill Wagner Circulation Manager, September 30, 2024

Drunk driver arrested after nearly hitting police car

Rive rside p olice ar rested a man Sept . 21 after an officer on patrol had to swer ve to avo id the man’s oncoming ca r.

Around 3:53 a.m., the officer was driving north on Harlem Avenue when a southbound van crossed over the center lane markers into the left northbound lane, causing the officer to swerve their car to the right. The officer made a U-turn to get behind the van and observed the driver’s behavior; the van stopped on the yellow dividing line at a traffic light and did not go through the intersection when the light turned green. As the van continued south, it continued to cross over the yellow divider and white lane markers. After proceeding through the traf fic light at Ogden Avenue, the van started to “weave completely into oncoming traffic,” so the officer activated their squad car’s emergency lights and pulled the van over.

After making c ontact with the drive r, the officer smelled a “strong odor” of alcohol c oming from the man’s breath and saw he had bloodshot eyes. The man told the officer he had b een driving to his home on the 2800 block of R idgeland Avenue in Berwyn, though the officer noted the man had missed seve r al turns that would have brought him toward the a ddress. T he man also provided his driver ’s license and stated the vehicle he was driving was a wo rk van.

After c onfirming the man’s license was valid, the officer asked the man to c omplete field sobriety tests outside the van. According to p olice, the man’s behavior during the tests pr oved he was drunk. After the tests, the officer asked the man to take a po rt able breath test, wh ich revealed . 21 blood alcohol c ontent. T he officer ar rested the man for driving drunk and transported him to the police station. After being read his Mirand a rights, the man said he had drunk a bottle of cold medicine because he had the flu, as well as a canned cocktail. T he man was charged with driving under the influence and improper lane usage before being released with a Nov. 1 court date.

village building

Rive rside p olice ar rested a man Sept 22 for driving drunk.

While on patrol around 1:08 a.m., an officer saw the man’s car “ driving recklessly at a high rate of speed” wh il e heading north on C olumbus Boulevard of of f 39th Street i nto the pa rk ing lot fo r Rive rside Public Wo rk s. T he officer go t b ehind the vehicle with their squad ca r and started a traffic stop. As the officer be g an to approach the ca r, the drive r and p assenger b oth exited it, but the officer told them to get back in

While speaking with the drive r, the officer d etected the scent of alcohol and saw he had bloodshot, g lassy eyes. Th e officer also noticed two c ontainers of Cay man Jack alcohol in the c enter c onsole. W hen the officer asked the man fo r his drive r’s license and proof of i nsuranc e, the man provided an i nsuranc e card but said he had ne ve r been issued a license. T he man also said he had drunk five beers earlier before ag reeing to take sobriety field tests.

During testing, the officer notice d multiple indicators of the man ’s impairment, including one point when the man became argumentative and stopped c omplying with test instructions.

of having drunk and performance durin g the tests, the officer ar rested the man and placed him into their squad car. T he passenger was of fered a ride to the police station to await a ride, but he declined and was sent on his way at the scene

At the p olice station, p olice M irandized the man, and he provided a chemic al breath test that showe d . 168 blood alc ohol c ontent. He then said he had drunk seven b eers before driving, in c ontrast to the five he mentioned earlier

Police appr oved ag gr avated DUI charges for the man, wh ich is a f elony. Th e man was processed and released with a c our t date

These items were obtained from the Riverside Police Department reports dated Sept. 21-23 and the Brookfield Police Department reports dated Sept. 23-30; they represent 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

BOpinion

THE LANDMARK VIEW

Improved vacant building law

rookfield’s village government got credit earlier this year when it moved ahead to create its first vacant building re gistry. And it gets credit again for slowing down that process, listening to additional views from the Illinois Association of Realtors, and now working to amend the initial ordinance to stretch out some required timelines, lowering fees, and providing the owners of vacant single-family homes a bit more room to maneuver.

We still fully support the aim of creating a vacant building ordinance. It is a critical tool for village government to have in pressuring the owners of vacant commercial buildings to take action to keep a building from creating a blight on a commercial strip. One bad building sends a very concerning message to all around it. It steps up pressure to repair buildings, to find a new tenant or a new use, or to find a buyer better equipped to put a building to constructive use.

The ordinance also applies to multifamily and single-family homes. Again the timelines to register a building as vacant have been lengthened, the fees required to register a building have been reduced, and extensions have been reduced in number but lengthened in months.

The revised ordinance, which is likely to go to the full villa ge board for approval later this month, also allows village staf f some discretion in granting some leeway if they see sincere progress toward a solution.

As Trustee Katie Kaluzny said in support of the revisions, thanks for “adding those extensions to account for those situations that you are never sure are going to be the case.”

Passage of this ordinance is another sign of Brookfield’s growing confidence in its appeal as a community and in the staff it has in place to fairly enforce a new program. These late changes to the vacant building ordinance come from a place of strength by the village.

Spooky Riverside

We’re sure Frederick Law Olmsted would approve of his namesake society’s spooky choice to create ghost walks this fall in the weeks leading up to Halloween. The society is direct in saying that it hopes to attract the interest of some tweens and teens with its ghost storythemed walk through Riverside’s winding streets. They promise the ghost stories will be family-friendly though they recommend the event only for those 12 and up.

There will be two tours each evening of Oct. 19 and 26. The society expects a good response and hopes to make the ghost walks an annual tradition.

Loretta Maher, 100 School secretary

OBITUARIES

Loretta Cecelia Maher, 100, died on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, at her home in Brookfield, a centenarian who lived 36,741 days! You could always count on Aunt Loretta to include you in her prayer intentions. Now she’s a guardian angel.

Born on Feb. 20, 1924 in Chicago, the second of four children, to Donald Philip Maher and Loretta Cecelia Lawler, she graduated from Bowen High School, South Chicago, and is an alumna of the DePaul Secretarial School. She used her secretarial skills as an administrative assistant to many Chicago Public School principals. She retired in 1991, from the Chicago Board of Education while on staf f at Mark Twain Elementary School.

She enjoyed movies, reading mystery novels, bowling, volleyball, swimming, traveling, trivia, Bunco and the finer things like chocolate, ice cream, Notre Dame football, family and friends. She loved The Phantom of the Opera and The Sound of Music. The color purple had nothing to do with the book/movie, but it is her birthstone.

She was an active member of St. Denis Parish, until she moved to Brookfield in 2016. She enjoyed the community fellowship at daily Masses and the annual White Sox game, parish picnic and the Taste of St. Denis. In Brookfield, she lived at Cantata’s Wye Valley. We will be forever grateful for the loving care she received from her personal care giver, Torunn Hanson.

Loretta is survived by 14 nieces/nephews, Donald (Toni) Maher, Patricia (Richard) O’Keefe, Tom Maher, Linda (David) Osowski, Jennifer Maher, Rose Messina Lehne, Tony (Marian) Messina, John (Theresa) Messina, Al (Cynthia) Messina, Peg (Mike) Heenan, Terry Maher, Dan (Jen) Maher, Maureen (Mark) Kasper, Trish (Ashley) Gloster, 23 great-nieces/nephews and 29 great-great-nieces/nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Mary June Messina (Alfonso) and her brothers, Don (Dorothy) and Jack (Kay).

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Oct. 5, 10:30 a.m., at Saint Louise de Marillac Catholic Church of Holy Guardian Angels Parish, 1144 Harrison Ave., LaGrange Park, (31st Street, just east of Kemman/25th Ave.), followed by inurnment at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery, Alsip, Section 10 Block 5 Lot 39 Grave 3. Arrangements were handled by Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home, Brookfield.

Wayne Piest, 79

Eagles member, sherman, gardener

Wayne H. Piest, 79, of Brookfield, for merly of Berwyn, died on September 18, 2024. He was a mem-

ber of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Berwyn Aerie #2125, which he served as president and secretary for 20 years and was also state president, 1998-1999, and Central Re gional president, 2000-2001. An avid fisherman from a young age, he also took great pride in his ve getable and flower gardens.

Wayne was the husband of Karen Piest (nee Schmidt); the father of John Piest; son of the late Howard and late Edna Piest; brother of the late Ronald Piest; brother-in-law of Mary, Joseph (Melissa), Anna and Greg Schmidt and Barbara (Billy) Murphy; uncle of Thomas (Amanda) Novak, Edward, Jennifer (Johnny Humphrey), William (Joselyn), Michael, Miranda, Erik Schmidt, David Serapin, and the late Heather; and great-uncle of Cameron, Nicole, Aidan, Charolette, Mia, Ryan, Gabriel, Brianna, Jeremiah, Jasmin, Jayla and Ayla.

Memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 9 a.m. until the Memorial Mass, 10:30 a.m. at St. Pius X Church, 4300 S. Oak Park Ave., Stickney. Arrangements were handled by Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home, Brookfield. Online condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family at www.JohnsonNosek.com.

Bonnie Revolt, 84 Nurse

Bonita Ruth (“Bonnie”) Revolt (nee Muellner), 84, of Brookfield, died on Sept. 27, 2024. Born on April 5, 1940, she was a nurse. Bonnie was the wife of James R. Williams; the mother of Robert Revolt, Rene Olsen and Rachel Weiss; the grandmother of Ryan, Cameron, Addison, James, Shelby, Charles, William, Sam, Thomas and Katherine; the sister of Phillip, Joyce, Terrence and James; and the aunt of Phillip, April, Eric, Owen, Patrick, Katherine, Terry, Maggie, Kate, Kristin, Jake and Thomas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Comboni Missionaries would be appreciated. A memorial Mass was celebrated on Se pt. 30 at Mater Christi Church, 2401 S.10th Avenue, North Riverside. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the family at www.johnsonnosek.com.

Krystal Klans, 33

It is with gr eat sor row that we announce the p assing of K rystal Marie K lans on Ju ly 30, 2024. Born on Oct. 1, 1990, she was the mother of Karina Marie K lans McNair; the d aughter of J oseph Schaeffer and Vi c toria K lans; the gr andd aughter of Vi ckie and the late Bob K lans and J oanne and the late Richard Schaeffer; c ousi n of J oey and J ames; and the niece of Angie and Ja ke Kunda, as w ell as many other aunts, unc les, cousins, and friend s. She joins her true love

DISPENSARY Equity issues

from page 12

Nearly two dozen major operators are licensed to operate cultivation centers in Illinois. There, they can grow, cure and package marijuana flower, along with other products, like edible cannabis, that they sell to dispensaries.

One challenge for craft growers is that they are limited to 5,000 square feet of canopy space to grow cannabis flower, which “does not generate sufficient profit necessary to secure financial backing,” per the report. The 5,000-square-foot canopy condition also “restricts the ability to produce enough cannabis to build brand loyalty throughout the Illinois market,” according to the re port

The Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act allows the Department of Agriculture to increase canopy space for a craft grower up to 14,000 square feet in 3,000-foot increments. Meanwhile, cultivation centers have up to 210,000 square feet (roughly the size of a city block) to grow cannabis. Some operators own multiple cultivation centers, meaning they can produce anywhere from 15 to more than 120 times

FOID

Revocation question

from page 7

search their belongings.

The case stretches back to October 2016, when Cortez Turner arrived at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro with a gunshot wound to the leg.

E mergency room staf f had already b een notified that a g unshot victi m would be arriving via ambulance, bu t Turner was dropped of f by a friend two minutes before the ambulance arrive d carrying Detrick Ro gers, who was fatally wounded by a gunshot to the head

In the m iddle of the night, d etective s from the Murphysboro Police Depa rtment and Jackson C ounty S herif f’s Office showe d up to the trauma room in wh ich Turner was being treated. During the c ourse of being q uestioned, Turner ag reed to the officers’ request to seize his blood-stained clothing, wh ich was on the counter in the room.

the amount of cannabis as an individual craft grow company.

This restriction on craft growers contributes to slow economic growth for craft licensees, according to the statecommissioned re port .

Of the 87 licenses awarded to craft grow businesses, only 21 have been approved for construction and 16 of those businesses are operational, according to the Department of Agriculture. Xavier’s craft grow cannabis business, HT 23, is one of five that have been approved for construction but are not yet operational.

T he state-commissioned re po rt f ound flaws in the craft grow business c omp ound for infuser s.

“Infusers require a product known as cannabis distillate, which comes exclusively from commercial cultivators,” the report reads. “Technically, craft growers may produce distillate to sell to infusers, but many reported they are unlikely to do so given their limited canopy space.”

It identified other distillate options for infusers as prohibitively expensive

“Many infuser participants said cultivators charge far above fair market price for distillate,” it continues. “They also stated cultivators inconsistently price their distillate and you must have a preexisting relationship with a cultivator to get a fair deal.”

Xavier said he’d like to have more direct

Eventually, Turner was implicated in Rogers’ death, an alle ged drive-by shooting. Turner was later charged with first degree murder in addition to perjury for lying to a grand jury about the murder. After his 2019 conviction, Turner was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

During t rial, Turner ’s lawyers argued the bloody clothing c ollected from the hospital room should have b een suppressed as evidence as it was not in p lain vie w, and because he did not provide c onsent for officers to take them –d espite testimony and d etailed hospital chart notes from a nurse who took care of Turner in the emergency room indicating otherwise

But after trial, Turner dropped those reasonings and began arguing the evidence should have been suppressed because the detectives should have first obtained a warrant before entering the trauma room.

On appeal, however, Illinois’ 5th District Appellate Court did not agree, and after arguments in front of the state high court in May, neither did the justices of the Illinois Supreme Court.

Quoting from both a 1992 Illinois Su-

conversations with Illinois lawmakers and re gulators so they can understand the challenges licensees face.

“These things seem to be simple, and that’s what we’re learning: Everything isn’t simple,” Xavier said, noting he’d like to see the state spending “more time and energy” listening to social equity licensees

Bills introduced during the Illinois General Assembly’s spring legislative session aimed to address issues for small cannabis businesses, like requiring cultivators set aside an amount of concentrate for infusers to purchase, but many of them stagnated without enough support.

Other criticisms

A July report by the National Black Empowerment Action Fund, a national advocacy group supporting Black entrepreneurship, criticized Pritzker for allowing a legal framework they say has benefitted major corporations over aspiring Black business owners.

The report contends too few dispensary licenses have gone to businesses owned by people of color

“Pritzker talked the talk, he never walked the walk,” the NBEAF report states, “instead, he let white owners gobble up the most lucrative parts of the market.”

Johnson, the state’s cannabis re gulation oversight officer, said the rate of minority

preme Court opinion and a 1990 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Justice Elizabeth K. Rochford wrote that Fourth Amendment protections against unr easonable searches and seizures “offer protection to people, not places...but the extent to which they protect people depends upon where the people are.”

Ro chford went on to explain a six-factor test to d etermine whether a person should have a reasonable expectation of privacy, eventually reaching the c onclusion that the only factor in Turner ’s favo r was that he was “legitimately present” in the trauma room.

Turner’s attorneys tried to argue that he should have the same expectation of privacy as a person who rented a hotel room. But the justices rejected that reasoning, noting that Illinois law requires hospital personnel to call the police when a gunshot victim enters the emergency room.

The ruling pointed to a dozen or so similar cases across the country in which courts at both the state and federal level have “reached the same conclusion,” –including a recent 8th Circuit Appellate Court’s decision in a case with facts “re-

dispensary ownership has increased from 20% to about 50% of the state’s dispensaries that have opened since 2020.

For businessowners who do not qualify for the state’s social equity criteria themselves, state law considers those who hire a workforce with at least 50% fitting the state’s benchmark for being impacted by the war on drugs as social equity businesses. Howeve r, the number of social equity businesses that qualify as such based on the makeup of their workforc e, is unknown even to Johnson, who said state law allows licensees to keep that information confidential.

The NBEAF report found that social equity dispensaries accounted for less than 4% of Illinois’ cannabis industry’s entire fiscal year 2023 sales of more than $1.5 billion. While the 2023 Annual Cannabis Report from Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Re gulation “expects this number to continue growing” as more social equity dispensaries open, NBEAF argues it has taken too long for licensees to gain their footing

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government covera ge to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

markably similar” to Tur ner’s.

In that case, the court “relied on the existence of a similar statute” to Illinois’ law requiring hospital personnel to notify law enforcement about gunshot wound victims, rejecting arguments “that a person being treated in a trauma room has the same reasonable expectation of privacy as a hotel occupant.”

Ro chford noted that I llinois’ appellate c ourts have previously r uled in favo r of a defendant’s expectation of privacy in two separate c ases involving patients in hospital rooms. But, she wrote, those r ulings we re careful to note that the q uestion of reasonable expectation of pr iv acy “d ep ends on the totality of the circumstances and those circumstances will vary from person to person and from case to case.”

Sports

Lions use soccer winds to blow past Bulldogs

LTHS overcomes hal ime

de cit; RBHS moves to 2-0 in UEC East

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Mason Burda is the Lyons Township High School boys soccer team’s only returning starter from the 2023 Class 3A state runnersup. He’s still part of another talented senior class this season.

“Seeing us graduate all of those guys, a lot of people didn’t think we’d be as competitive,” Burda said. “I don’t think we’ve really surprised ourselves. We all knew we had it in us to do what we’ve been able to do and we were capable of being a great team. But I think we’ve surprised a lot of other people.”

The Lions enjoyed another special victory Friday with a 3-1 triumph at Riverside Brookfield after trailing 1-0 at the half. Burda tied the game with 31:17 left from just outside the box off a left-wing cross from senior Kellin Bourjaily. Burda also initiated the go-ahead goal with 29:04 to go, a deflected goal off his left-wing free kick from 10 yards out. For many LTHS seniors, it was their first victor y over RBHS counting freshman and sophomore-level and summer league results

“It’s an important win in terms of [sectional] seeding and a lot of our seniors haven’t

beaten RB,” Burda said. “They were talking about this being a big rivalry. We don’t really see it as that. [With our schedule] it’s one big game after one big game.”

The Lions (8-4-1) are ranked No. 18 in the area by ChicagolandSoccer.org as they prepare to face another key rival Tuesday at Hinsdale Central. For seniors like outside defender Sean Dunne, this is also their first season getting significant playing time.

“It’s just an amazing opportunity to be able to play this much,” Dunne said. “I think it’s just great that the coaches put trust in all of us. We’re just going to keep riding this wave.”

RBHS (6-5-1) struck first with 12:20 remaining in the first half. Senior forward Tomas Kunickas took a cross from sophomore Kenzo Delemos and one-timed the ball with his left foot into the upper left cor ner

“Enzo just put it in, hoping for something, and I got a touch,” Kunickas said. “We definitely work on that a lot in practice, one-time volleys and crossing into the box.”

The Lions, however, turned the tide in the second half with a vicious wind in their favor. They led 12-2 in shots and 4-1 in corner kicks after leading 7-2 in first-half shots

LTHS senior Chris Medina created a twogoal advantage with 24:55 left when he rebounded Devin Wong’s 19-yard direct kick blast saved by RBHS goalie Eros Valadez.

“We knew the wind was going to play a big factor in the second half for us,” LTHS

coach Paul Labbato said. “We were happy to put some pressure on the goal and get a few early goals, which settled the game for us a little bit.”

Burda (5 goals, 4 assists), Bourjaily (3 goals, 5 assists) and Luke Gough and Nick Reilly (3 goals each) are the Lions’ leading scorers.

The starting defensive line of senior Fred Chen, Johnny Rocha, Wong and Dunne has contributed to seven shutouts with just eight goals allowed. Junior Joe Ratcliffe and senior Matt Peterson are splitting time at goalie.

“We’re definitely growing as a team and getting better in all facets of the game,” Labbato said. “Our defense was ramped up and got better very quick and they’ve been playing great all season. And then we’ve been able to connect passes and play some pretty decent soccer. It’s been tough to get around the edge and get those goals that we’ve needed but we’re finding them here

and there.”

RBHS remains undefeated in the Upstate Eight Conference East Division at 2-0, beating Elmwood Park 2-1, Sept. 10, and Glenbard East 5-3 on penalty kicks to settle a scoreless tie, Sept. 24. Against Glenbard East, the Bulldogs moved to 3-0 in games decided on penalty kicks. For the second time, they won after playing one man down, this time for the entire second half Diego Castillo, Kunickas, Diego Ville gas, Liam Hickey and Brandon Elizondo converted their penalty kicks.

“[Against Glenbard East, we] showed a lot of resiliency and overcame a lot of adversity,” Hickey said. “Against Elmwood Park, we scored two goals right away. The rest of the game, we managed the clock well and defended really well.”

Villegas had a hat trick in the 5-2 Senior Night victory over Hancock, Sept. 20.

RBHS girls golf secures rst conference title ever

Bulldogs are outright UEC champions; Lions tie for fourth in WSC

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

After another close call at making history in 2023 by a couple of strokes, senior Taryn Schultz and her Riverside Brookfield High

School girls golf teammates were ready for their second chance on Sept. 25.

“Last year, losing by such a close amount motivated us to work harder to win,” Schultz said. The Bulldogs secured their first conference team championship in pro-

gram history by winning the Upstate Eight Conference Meet by two strokes at St. Andrews Golf Club in West Chicago.

“I’m really excited to win conference for the team because it helps me end my high school golf career on a good note,” Schultz responded. “It is also exciting because hopefully it will motivate the rest of our team to continue the success and carry it on to win next year.”

See GOLF on pa ge 18

STEVE JOHNSTON

Riverside-Brook eld’s Brandon Elizondo (9) controls the ball in front of Lyons’ Chris Medina (10) during a nonconference game, Sept. 27, in Brook eld.

RBHS, LTHS boys golf teams achieve conference crowns

Bulldogs win in UEC debut; Lions take WSC Silver for rst time since 2012

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Last season, senior Josh Udelson and his Riverside Brookfield High School boys golf teammates comfortably won their first conference title, the Metro Suburban Conference among three teams. Now the Bulldogs are in the much bigger Upstate Eight Conference with one 13-team division for boys golf. Fortunately, they also are better

“Obviously we lost a couple of [talented] guys, but a lot of people have improved a lot,” Udelson said. “It’s just more practice, taking it seriously. We’ve all been practicing a lot, [also] some tournaments over the summer That’s helped.”

The Bulldogs handled the extra competition, Sept. 23, with their best round of the season (308) to win the UEC Meet at St. Andrews Golf Club in West Chicago. Junior Gavin Sharenow tied for second with a 4-over-par 75, three strokes behind Elmwood Park junior Salvatore Labarbera. Udelson (76) tied for fourth, junior Ronnie Murray (77) was sixth and senior Brady McCallum (80) tied for ninth. The Bulldogs’ other golfers were junior Connor Dominick (84, tied for 22nd), seniors Michael Oppegard and Ben O’Brien (87s, tied for 31st) and sophomore Oliver Fakhoury (92, tied for 44th).

“I was excited because we’re in a new con-

from page 17

Juniors Lucia Vazzana and Tali Schultz shot 89s for the Bulldogs, followed by freshman Harper Jesswein (91) and Taryn Schultz (93). RBHS edged U-46 co-op 362-364 for the UEC Meet title, and the overall championship outright, by also going undefeated in conference duals. The overall conference title combines dual and UEC Meet results

Unlike most RBHS sports, girls golf made its UEC debut in 2023. Vazzana and the Schultz sisters were part of the lineup that lost to South Elgin 356-359 at the UEC Meet for the overall title after being tied for first in duals with a 7-0-1 record.

“What it means to me to make history is that I am proud of the team and how far we have come. A lot of us worked hard this season and it paid of f in the end with

ference. We haven’t seen these teams before [this season] and we played really well,” Dominick said. “It was very cool to walk in there and win. We thought it was going to be really close, but it was pretty much domination.”

RBHS (24 over par) won by 11 strokes over West Aurora (319) in basically a winner-takeall finale after they and Glenbard South arrived in a three-way tie for first after duals with one loss each. The overall title is based on dual and UEC Meet results. The Bulldogs lost 161-161 to West Aurora Aug. 28 on a fifthscore tiebreaker

The 2023 Bulldogs won the MSC Meet by 13 strokes with a 342.

“[A 308, 24 over par], that’s a really good score,” RBHS coach Jim Festle said. “[Our lineup], it’s deeper than last year. Our re gional score and comparable 18-hole tournaments were about the same, but you had four kids in the mix last year. Now we have eight kids who have contributed to team scores throughout the year. So it’s a nice problem to have.”

Five Bulldogs were among the 26 AllUEC golfers based on dual and UEC Meet results — Udelson (No. 4), McCallum (No. 10), Sharenow (No. 11), Mur ray (No. 15) and Dominick (No. 23). Udelson, McCallum, Dominick and Oppe gard were among last year’s 10 All-MSC golfers.

“It’s been a really fun season,” Udelson said. “I think I’ve improved, especially my

the conference title,” Tali Schultz said.

“One thing I will remember about the [UEC Meet] round is that even though I had some bad holes, I was able to turn it around and it all worked out in the end.”

Also gaining individual All-UEC honors for being among the top 10 players, based on dual and the UEC Meet results, were Vazzana (No. 2 overall), Taryn Schultz (No. 5), Tali Schultz (No. 8) and Jesswein (tied for No. 10).

Vazzana and the Schultz sisters, who are not related to RBHS head coach Doug Schultz, also were All-UEC in 2023. Jesswein’s rapid improvement in particular has been welcomed after the graduation of threetime state qualifier Mayan Covarrubias.

“Winning conference and making history means a lot to me, especially because I am a freshman with not a lot of golf experience,” said Jesswein, whose golf game has been bolstered by playing ice hockey.

“I had a lot of nerves going into [the UEC Meet] and right when I teed of f, they went

short game. It’s gotten a lot better and more consistent.”

The Bulldogs compete at the Class 3A Maine South Regional Wednesday with hopes of a top-three finish to advance to the Glenbrook North Sectional, Oct. 7, at Heritage Oaks. Last year, Udelson, Dominick and O’Brien were among the Bulldogs’ individual sectional qualifiers

LTHS boys golf

The Lions’ numerous accomplishments recently haven’t included winning the West Suburban Conference Silver Division. They earned an outright win Sept. 24, perhaps with a little help from Mother Nature. When the WSC Silver Meet at Prairie Bluff was canceled by bad weather, the Lions were declared champions based solely on their 6-0 dual record. The overall champion usually is determined by combined dual and Silver Meet results

The Lions won the Silver for the first time since 2012 and 2011 and beat perennial power Hinsdale Central in their dual for the first time since 2012, 146-149 Sept. 16 at Edgewood. At the Silver Meet, many players were on their back nines when intensifying rains finally forced cancellation. The start was delayed one hour by fog.

“It’s bittersweet,” said LTHS coach Brian

away. I have surprised myself a ton with my success. I think a lot of the older girls have helped me along the way, too, to get to the player I am now.”

The Bulldogs played at the Class 2A Hinsdale Central Re gional Tuesday with hopes of a top-three finish to advance to the Sandburg Sectional, Oct. 7, at Sil ver Lake Country Club.

Last year, the Bulldogs were fifth at regionals with Vazzana, Taryn Schultz and Tali Schultz joining Covarrubias as individual sectional qualifiers. Vazzana and Taryn Schultz also were individual sectional qualifiers in 2022, when the Bulldogs just missed their first sectional team berth on a fifth-score tiebreaker for third place.

LTHS girls golf

The Lions also begin their quest for a return to the state meet at the Hinsdale Central Re gional with junior Amelia Van

Kopecky, who coached the Lions’ last conference title. “[Winning the Silver] just doesn’t happen very often. [Hinsdale Central is] the benchmark and everybody knows it. We caught a break [in our dual] but we played halfway decent.”

The Lions were playing well in the Silver Meet. Senior Anderson Palm was 3-underpar after 13 holes. After nine holes, senior Miles Rakvin was at 35 and junior Finley Tyrrell and sophomore Charlie Forrest had 39s. Kopecky said Hinsdale Central still was slightly ahead at the halfway point. Had the Red Devils won and the Lions finished second, the teams would have shared the overall title. Palm (34), Tyrrell and junior Garrett Pohl (37s) and Forrest (38) were the counting scores in the Hinsdale Central dual. The Lions beat Downers Grove North and Glenbard West in their duals by six strokes.

The Lions hope to reach the Glenbrook North Sectional, Oct. 7, at Heritage Oaks with a top-three finish at Wednesday’s Elk Grove Regional at Fox Run. Last year’s team was sixth at sectionals (303) but three strokes from the third and final team qualifier. Tyrrell qualified for state individually.

“We know what we’re going into,” Kopecky said. “We have to get through regionals but if the kids do what they do [we can]. They have to play well [at sectionals].”

Vuren and senior Isabella Evans back from the 10th-place 2023 state lineup.

LTHS was sixth (365) at the West Suburban Conference Meet, Sept. 25, at Village Greens in Woodridge and tied for fourth with York in the final overall standings after going 6-3 in duals.

Van Vuren (81) earned top-20 All-WSC medalist honors by sharing a four-way tie for fifth. Van Vuren was awarded fifth outright based on a scorecard tiebreaker. Other scorers were Mekayla Genovesi (91), two strokes from the last all-conference score, Isabella Caulfield (94), Brynn Evans (99), Pati Pawlikowski (101), and Bea Waite and Winn Waite (102s). Evans scratched because of illness.

T he Lions were two strokes behind Oak Park and River Forest and four behind York T he top three teams (Hinsdale Central, Downers Grove North, Downers Grove South) join them at the Hinsdale Central Re gional.

LEGAL NOTICE

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS

Public Notice is hereby given that

a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) of the Village of River Forest, County of Cook, State of Illinois, on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. in the First Floor Community Room of the River Forest Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois on the following matter:

The ZBA will consider an application for major zoning variations submitted by Matt and Liz Heintz, owners of the property at 1105 Park Avenue, who are proposing to construct accessory structures on the property.

Section 4-8-5 of the Village Code provides the Zoning Board jurisdiction to hold public hearings and offer recommendations to the Village Board concerning variations to the Zoning Ordinance.

The applicants are requesting major variations to Section 10-9-7 of the Zoning Ordinance.

Section 10-9-7 of the Zoning Ordinance (10-8-7-C-1) requires the minimum side yard setback to be equal to 10 percent of the lot width or 5 feet, whichever is greater. The minimum required side yard setback for this property is 20 feet. The applicants propose to construct an accessory pergola structure with a setback of 13’-6” from the north property line and an accessory outdoor fireplace with a setback of 8’-5” from the north property line.

Section 10-9-7 of the Zoning Ordinance (10-8-7-A) requires a front yard setback based on the average of the existing front yard setbacks of the homes along the same side of the street and on the same block.

The average front yard setback has been calculated to be 52.43 feet.

The applicants propose to construct an accessory pergola structure with a setback of 44’-7” from the west property line.

The legal description of the property at 1105 Park Avenue is as follows:

LOTS 7 AND 8 IN BLOCK 3 IN SUBDIVISION OF PART OF NORTHWOODS, BEING THE NORTH HALF OF THE EAST HALF OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 1, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

A copy of the application will be available to the public at Village Hall and on the Village’s website at www. vrf.us/zoningvariation no less than 7 days prior to the public hearing.

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting packet will also be available at www.vrf.us/meetings no less than 48 hours prior to the public hearing.

All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. For public comments to be considered by the Zoning Board of Appeals and Village Board of Trustees in their decision, they must be included as part of the public hearing record. Interested persons can learn more about how to participate in the hearing by visiting www.vrf.us/zoningvariation.

Sincerely, Clifford Radatz Secretary, Zoning Board of Appeals

Published in

LEGAL NOTICE

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS

Public Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) of the Village of River Forest, County of Cook, State of Illinois, on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. in the First Floor Community Room of the River Forest Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois on the following matter:

The ZBA will consider an application for a major zoning variation submitted by Steven Hoover, owner of the property at 633 Ashland Avenue, who is proposing to construct an addition onto the existing house.

Section 4-8-5 of the Village Code provides the Zoning Board jurisdiction to hold public hearings and offer recommendations to the Village Board concerning variations to the Zoning Ordinance.

The applicant is requesting a major variation to Section 10-9-5 of the Zoning Ordinance.

Section 10-9-5 of the Zoning Ordinance (10-8-5) allows a maximum Floor Area Ratio of 0.40 (40 percent of the lot area). The proposed addition will increase the Floor Area Ratio to approximately 0.4572.

The legal description of the property at 633 Ashland Avenue is as follows: LOT 44 IN BLOCK 2 IN RIVER FOREST, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF SECTION 12, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, AS SURVEYED FOR THE SUBURBAN HOME MUTUAL LAND ASSOCIATION ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED JUNE 23, 1890 AS DOCUMENT 1291334, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

A copy of the application will be available to the public at Village Hall and on the Village’s website at www. vrf.us/zoningvariation no less than 7 days prior to the public hearing. The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting packet will also be available at www. vrf.us/meetings no less than 48 hours prior to the public hearing.

Sincerely, Clifford Radatz

Secretary, Zoning Board of Appeals

Published in Wednesday Journal October 2, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS

The ZBA will consider an application for a major zoning variation submitted by Cory Croft, owner of the property at 506 Edgewood Place, who is proposing to construct an addition onto the existing house.

Section 4-8-5 of the Village Code provides the Zoning Board jurisdiction to hold public hearings and offer recommendations to the Village Board concerning variations to the Zoning Ordinance.

The applicant is requesting a major variation to Section 10-9-5 of the Zoning Ordinance.

Section 10-9-5 of the Zoning Ordinance (10-8-5) allows a maximum Lot Coverage of 30 percent of the lot area. The proposed addition will increase the Lot Coverage to approximately 33.48 percent of the lot area.

The legal description of the property at 506 Edgewood Place is as follows:

THE NORTH 50 FEET OF THE SOUTH 98 FEET OF LOT 10 IN WALLER AND HUMPHREY’S RESUBDIVISION OF RATTLE AND WALLER’S SUBDIVISION OF PART OF LOTS 2 AND 3 IN THATCHER PARK SUBDIVISION AND LOT 3 IN SUBDIVISION BY ZENOT COBB AND DAVID C. THATCHER IN THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 11, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

A copy of the application will be available to the public at Village Hall and on the Village’s website at www. vrf.us/zoningvariation no less than 7 days prior to the public hearing.

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting packet will also be available at www.vrf.us/meetings no less than 48 hours prior to the public hearing.

Sincerely, Clifford Radatz Secretary, Zoning Board of Appeals

Published in Wednesday Journal October 2, 2024

HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI

Deadline: Monday at 5 p.m.

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:

2024 Lead Service Line

Replacement Project

The project scope is the full replacement of lead service lines from the water main or from the B-Box through to the interior of the building, including connection to the water meter as identified. Work includes complete connection of the new service line, disconnection of the old lead service line and associated site restoration.

The bidding documents are available for download starting Thursday, September 26, 2024 at:

www.vrf.us/bids

Bids must be submitted by Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 10:00 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 October 2, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICES

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: G24000482 on September 13, 2024 Under the Assumed Business Name of HARMONY TREE YOGA with the business located at: 1249 DEERFIELD PKWY, BUFFALO GROVE, IL 60089. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: MEGAN BRANCATO 1249 DEERFIELD PKWY APT 303 BUFFALO GROVE, IL 60089, USA

Published in Wednesday Journal September 18, 25, October 2, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY.

Request of Sarah Jennette Nieman Case Number 20244005683

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Sarah Jennette Nieman to the new name of: Sasha Jennette Nieman

The court date will be held: On November 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at 1311 Maybrook Dr, Maywood, Cook County, IL 60153 in Courtroom # 0112.

Published in Wednesday Journal September 25, October 2, 9, 2024

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF AUDIT REPORT OF RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP

Riverside Township hereby provides public notice that an Audit of its funds for the period April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024 has been made, and that a report of such audit dated August 30, 2024 performed by Selden Fox, LTD has been filed with the County Clerk of Cook, Illinois, in accordance with 30 ILCS 15/0.01 et seq.

The full report of the audit is available for public inspection at the Riverside Town Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois, during regular business hours 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Friday, except for holidays.

Published in RB Landmark October 2, 2024

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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

U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST Plaintiff, -v.-

CHRISTOPHER J. HANSON, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.

Defendants 2022 CH 09656 1138 ERIE ST OAK PARK, IL 60302

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 22, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 A.M. on October 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: THE WEST 37 FEET OF LOT 4 IN SCHULTZS SUBDIVISION IN THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF BLOCK 6 IN KETTLESTRINGS ADDITION TO HARLEM, BEING A SUBDIVISION IN SECTION 7, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 1138 ERIE ST., OAK PARK, IL 60302

Property Index No. 16-07-106-0180000

The real estate is improved with a 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. 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, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 7949876 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. 14-22-04152

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2022 CH 09656

TJSC#: 44-2028

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 # 2022 CH 09656 I3252359