Landmark 121422

Riverside trustees signal support for higher, denser development

By BOB UPHUES Editor

presented by

OAK PARK-RIVER FOREST Community Foundation

Friends celebrate the life of late Brook eld businessman

Back in October to their feet to ing with the C stood in the spotlight, clutching his trop

About an hour high school, gaunt for the prostate cancer he’ two years. Not tinct possibilit

For Borzym, and when he ste ic purple romper the Gang’s “Celebration,” competition was ne

Many of those bravery that school on Dec. to remember cancer on Dec. 3 at the age 64.

“He brought something that was bigger than life to everyone around him,” said Jeremy Kiser, who had officiated at the wedding of Borzym and his husband, Jim Deacon, 11 years ago and delivered a eulogy at the memorial gathering.

That was a familiar refrain from those who knew Borzym, that and his penchant for perfectionism, from the for mer cheerleaders he coached at the grade school and high school levels for decades to the customers who grew to be friends while he operated Christopher Mark Fine Flowers on Grand Boulevard in downtown Brookfield for 16 years.

“His artistry and imagination is pure talent,” said Borzym’s sister, Kim. “Chris had a knack for making things beautiful.”

Borzym grew up in south Berwyn, one of 10 children born to Carole and the late Don Borzym. He attended St. Leonard School and Morton West High School before heading to Arizona State University, where he was a Sun Devils’ cheerleader

Even before that, Borzym coached cheerleading at St. Leonard’s – five members of the 1976 team he coached led those gathered on Dec. 10 in a sendoff cheer. Later, Borzym worked at Riverside-Brookfield High School

Chris Borzym

as an aide and coached the cheerleading team there for 17 years, guiding the 2010 squad to a second place showing at the cheerleading state finals

“He was a taskmaster It had to be right, or we’re doing it again,” said Debbie Gentilini, whom Borzym coached at St. Leonard’s and whose family was close with Borzym’s. “He actually brought us all the way to a world competition in Chicago. It was in his blood. I think he was born a cheerleader.”

Borzym left coaching for good in 2010 to concentrate on his then nascent florist business in Brookfield. When the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce welcomed him to town, it sent Betty LeClere, who owns Betty’s Flower and Gifts on Broadway Avenue, to do the honors.

“We were never competitors, from day one,” said LeClere, who provided the table centerpieces filled with Borzym’s favorite flowers, purple irises, at the Dec 9 gathering. “There were other [competitors] in town, but never with him.”

Mary Vyskocil, Ann Kissel and Rosemary Lynch were all Brookfield customers who became close friends and, in various ways, employees over time at the flower shop.

“I began going in for little things, and he was so welcoming,” Vyskocil said. “Even if

anything, I’d pop in to ot to know his siselry work there.” the gathering, first ccompanied her son, he was trying to sell ads for a Boy Scout pancake breakfast. Ryan next corsage from the ted the deal, cultivating a new customer at the same time. that brave little scout, his cheerleaders,”

diagnosed with Stage 2020, Lynch, Kissel online fundraiser expenses, raising near-

y, Borzym retired losing his shop but ommitments he’d already ing out of Betty’s Flowers. When he agreed to compete in the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce’s dance competition this fall, he did so representing Betty’s

“About a month ago Chris danced his last dance and he found the strength to complete the dance, despite his fatigue and exhaustion,” said his sister, Kim. “Chris was so grateful to all of you who made such an impact in his life I know Chris left this world knowing he was loved.”

Borzym’s family is creating the Christopher Mark Borzym Cheerleading Fund in his memory. For now, anyone interested in contributing is asked to make checks out to the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce and put “CMBC Scholarship Fund” on the memo line

The chamber will transfer those donations to the fund when it obtains its EIN number from the IRS.

IN THIS ISSUE

Calendar 4

Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Classi ed 29

Kosey Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Opinion 22 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Spor ts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Editor Bob Uphues

Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Michael Romain

Digital Publishing & Technology Manager Briana Higgins

Staff Photographers Alex Rogals, Shanel Romain Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

Designer Susan McKelvey

S ales and Marketing Representatives

Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls, Kamil Brady Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan

Donor Relations Manager/Food Editor Melissa Elsmo

Sales & Digital Development Manager Stacy Coleman Circulation Manager Jill Wagner EMAIL jill@oakpark.com

Publisher Dan Haley Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

BOARD OF DIREC TORS

Chair Judy Gre n Treasurer Nile Wendor f Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

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FILE

December 14-21

BIG WEEK

Wrap and Yap

Wonder when you’ll nd the time to wrap all of those holiday presents? North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., has you covered.

Swing by the library and join your neighbors for a Wrap and Yap during one of two sessions on Dec. 17, from 10:30 a.m. to noon or 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The library will provide the wrapping paper, scissors and tape

Bring the kids, too. The children’s depar tment will be showing a movie just for them. All children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

And more

■ Riverside Parks & Recreation invites kids to drop o a letter in Santa’s Mailbox, which is located near the water tower on Longcommon Road, by Dec. 20 and, as long as there’s a return address on your letter, you will receive a special note back from Santa.

■ Brook eld Zoo hosts its 41st Annual Holiday Magic festival of lights on the following dates: Dec 14-18 and 26-31 from 3 to 9 p.m. Regular zoo admission and parking apply (advance reservation required for South Gate entry). Visit CZS.org/HolidayMagic for more info.

■ Chef Shangri-La, 7930 26th St. in North Riverside, hosts live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. featuring performers impersonating rock ‘n’ roll’s classic stars. This weekend’s tributes are Rod Stewart on Dec. 16 and Hugo’s Elvis on Dec. 17. Santa makes a visit on Dec. 18 from 4 to 6 p.m.

■ Nor th Riverside Park Mall, 7501 Cermak Road, invites kids to visit Santa in his workshop located in the mall’s center court daily through Dec. 24. Visit nor thriversideparkmall.com/santaphotos for details

■ Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St. presents “Plot Structure,” featuring paintings by Matthew Gir-

Pack the trailer at Riverside Foods

Riverside Foods, 48 E. Burlington St. in Riverside, hosts a Pack the Truck food drive through Dec. 18. Community members are being asked to ll a trailer with as many non-perishable items as possible. Those items will be donated to the Riverside Township Food Pantry for distribution to those in need in the immediate area.

For convenience, Riverside Foods has assembled pre-made grocery bags and will have deeply discounted cases of products that can be purchased to facilitate the food drive.

Holiday Family Pajama Ex travaganza

Linda Sokol Francis Brook eld Library, 3541 Park Ave., hosts its annual Holiday Family Pajama Extravaganza throughout the library on Dec. 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Join library sta and enjoy stories, crafts, music and refreshments while celebrating the holiday season. Be sure to bring your wish list, because Santa will be making a visit.

The event is open to all ages with caregiver. Registration is required. Call 708-485-6917 or at brook eld.evanced.info/signup online.

LaGrange Area LWV spotlights SAFE-T Ac t

The League of Women Voters of the LaGrange Area will sponsor a presentation on the provisions of the SAFE-T Act recently signed into law by Gov J.B. Pritzker. The program will be conducted via Zoom on Dec. 20 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Sarah Staudt, senior policy director for the

Radio Players’ annual Christmas show

Appleseed Center for Fair Courts, will be the main speaker. She has spent years developing the legislation and working with members of the Illinois House and Senate.

The presentation is open to the public. Register to obtain a link by visiting lagrangearealwv.org.

The Riverside Township Radio Players will present their 24th annual Christmas performance by recreating two shows from Radio’s Golden Age on Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road in Riverside

The troupe will per form “Christmas Shopping 1954” from “The Jack Benny Program” and “Double Surprise” from the show “My Friend Irma.”

Admission is free and open to the public. Visit riversidetownshipradioplayers.com for more.

son; “Continue a Poem,” a group show featuring the work of Nicholas Frank, Lauren Fueyo and Nyeema Morgan; and “Dwell,” an installation of sculptures by Margie Glass Sula, through Dec. 30. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.

There’s also “The Art of Seeing,” featuring botanical boxes by Shilin Hora, at the Riverside Town Hall, 27 Riverside Road, through Dec. 31. Viewing hours are Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit riversideartscenter. com for more.

■ North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., presents After School Art Escape (child with

adult) on Dec. 15 at 4 p.m., Crafterdarks: Boho Winter Wreath on Dec. 15 at 6 p.m., a Club de Lectura discussion of “Deliria” by Laura Restrepo on Dec. 16 at 4 p.m., Morning Munchkin Stories with Ms. Karen (child with adult) on Dec. 19 at 10:30 a.m., Stretching and Meditation (in person) on Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m. and Story Safari (child with adult) on Dec. 21 at 10:30 a.m. Register for programs online at northriversidelibrary.org/events-new.

■ The Brook eld Elks Lodge, 9022 31st St., hosts bingo the second Sunday of every month. Doors open at 1 p.m. and games start at 2 p.m. with cash payouts

Christmas Car Parade a true Brookfield original

Celebrating 6th year, residents drive decorated cars around town, blaring holiday music

By JACKIE PISANO Contributing Reporter

Though Brookfield kicks off each December with its annual Holiday Celebration throughout the village’s business districts, for the past six years a small group of residents has decided to make the yuletide bright with a Christmas caravan of cars, trekking across town to spread seasonal smiles

According to Izzi Markus, Brookfield resident and organizer of the event dubbed the “Christmas Car Cruise,” the quirky event was the brainchild of Alana Waters-Piper, who simply wanted to start a new, one-of-akind holiday tradition for other li ke-minded Christmas fanatics in 2017.

“Her goal was to make a fun, neighborhood holiday event,” said Markus, who joined in the fun for year two in 2018. “It started with around 10 cars.”

While Piper moved out of Brookfield a few years ago, Markus said that interest in keeping the program alive stayed and grew into a more highly anticipated event, especially during the height of the pandemic.

“In 2020, [the parade] was an absolutely magical experience, because there were so many kids that came running to their windows and people standing on street cor ners waiting for the parade to pass by,” she said. “That’s the year a lot of people began finding out about it.”

That year, those involved in the parade created an official route, sharing it to Facebook so that residents would know which blocks the cars would pass through.

This year, the sixth annual cruise set off from the wester n portion of Broadway Avenue at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11, first heading southeast through the village, then heading west and back up north, ensuring that the major central thoroughfares in both north

and south Brookfield were covered.

“With Ogden, the train tracks and having dif ferent high schools, sometimes the whole area feels sort of se gmented, so I think it’s just a lot of fun to have everyone come together and have a little bit of holiday cheer, and make people laugh and smile,” Markus said.

The parade sponsored local group ness; rather a group of fielders looking have fun. who hears the parade via word of or Facebook come to par This year, 20 cars and made up the joyful group.

With car radios tuned into Christmas music and speakers cranked up all the way, the group made its way across Brookfield in vehicles decorated with themes ranging from Marine Cor ps/Toys For Tots, the Grinch and Gremlins, Buddy the Elf, inflatable Christmas dragons, classic Christmas trees and light-up lawn Santa Clauses.

Longtime Brookfield resident Lar ry Baron, who has joined in the parade each year since its ince ption, decorated his old-

fashioned truck with a real Christmas tree, a light-up lawn nativity scene and a custom model train track, complete with a re plica of the vintage Grossdale train station.

“I like doing this just so I can put a little Christmas tree in the back of my truck,” he said. “That’ ho it star ted, then it got a little out of hand. Every year, the bed of the truck is a little dif ferent.”

Brookfield Rich Nowinski, who has always enjoyed the parade with his family and neighbors, participated for the first time this year With the help of his family and a neighbor, he decked out his truck with a lightup lawn Santa, a Christmas tree, large color incandescent bulbs and gift boxes.

“We watched it for years past and said, ‘We should do that one year!,’” he said, “and finally, we decided to do it.”

Markus says what star ted as a unique little idea has turned into something memorable and fun for all of Brookfield.

“The holidays can be stressful, and we all need more things to smile about,” she added.

JACKIE PISANO/CONTRIBUTOR Brook eld resident Rich Nowinski’s truck

JACKIE PISANO/CONTRIBUTOR

Brook eld resident Larr y Baron’s truck

JACKIE PISANO/CONTRIBUTOR

Brook eld resident Izzi Markus’ truck.

Missing Berwyn man found dead in North Riverside

83-year-old missing since Dec. 1; no foul play suspecte d

By BOB UPHUES Editor

An 83-year-old Berwyn man re ported missing and endangered on Dec. 2 was found dead in the rear area of a Nor th Riverside car dealership around 11 a.m. on Dec. 6.

Jose G. Arevalo, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, had walked away from his residence near 19th Street and Scoville Avenue in Berwyn sometime after 1:45 p.m. on Dec. 1.

According to a Nor th Riverside police re port, security camera video showed Arevalo walking toward the Collision Center nor th of the main showroom at Zeigler Ford, 2100 Harlem Ave., around 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 1.

Police said Arevalo was found lying on the ground in the nor thwest area of the property, which is not covered by security cameras. He was

wearing clothing that matched the description family members gave police when they re por ted him missing.

There were no signs of foul play, police re por ted, and an investigator from the Cook County Medical Examiner told police Arevalo had on his person a wallet that still contained identification and $70 in cash. The of ficial cause of death remains pending, the medical examiner repor ted last week.

Arevalo’s family has created an online fundraiser to pay for funeral expenses. Any money leftover will be donated to fund Alzheimer’s research, according to Arevalo’s daughter Alejandra, who org anized the fundraiser. It can be found at tinyurl.com/568n42f2.

As of Dec 12, the online ef fort had raised more than $18,000. Jose G. Arevalo

PO LICE REPO RT S

No arrests after gunshots red in Brook eld

The Cook County State’s Attor ney’s Office denied a request by Brookfield police for a war rant to search a residence in the 4400 block of Ver non Avenue on Dec. 9, saying police did not have enough evidence that anyone in the residence was responsible for firing more than a dozen gunshots outside of it at 10:55 p.m. that night.

Of ficers from Brookfield and other agencies responded to the vicinity of Ver non and Ger ritsen avenues after several residents of the neighborhood called 911 to repor t hearing several gunshots.

In the wake of the gunfire, one witness re por tedly saw a man wearing gray or white sweatpants running nor thbound on Ver non Avenue and entering a home on Ver non Avenue just north of Ger ritsen.

Police re por ted recovering 16 shell casings, described as 9 mm Luger rounds, from the lawn area near the southeast corner of the intersection. There were no re-

por ts of any person or object being struck by a bullet.

An of ficer wielding a ballistic shield approached the residence into which the man had been seen entering, but those inside were uncooperative, according to police Because the witness did not re port seeing the man firing or car rying a gun or give any other description beyond the color of the pants he was wearing, the state’s attorney’s of fice denied police a search war rant.

Attempted commercial burglary

Nor th Riverside police responded to Lacey’s Place, a video g ambling parlor at 8415 Cer mak Road, on Dec 6 just after 2:30 a.m. for an activated burglar alar m. Of ficers arriving at the scene re por ted that the glass front entrance had been broken but did not appear to be open.

A witness re por tedly told police that he observed a man wearing a backpack leave

the parking lot and walk into a nearby alley, heading westbound. Police searched the area without success.

The damage on the door indicated someone had tried to pry it open, according to police

Car stolen in Brookfield recovere d

■ A car stolen from a Brookfield parking lot over night on Dec 5-6 was recovered shor tly before noon on Dec 6 parked on a Berwyn street.

The victim called police on Dec 6 at about 10:20 a.m. to re port that her 2018 Hyundai Tucson had been stolen over night from a parking stall behind a building in the 9000 block of 31st Street.

Police re por ted that there was glass on the ground, indicating the thief broke out the rear passenger side window to gain

entry Using GPS technology, police were able to locate the vehicle’s location on Dec. 6 in the 1200 block of Kenilwor th Avenue in Berwyn.

According to police, the car’s steering column had been peeled so it could be star ted using a USB adaptor, which police recovered from the center console

■ Car thieves struck twice in Nor th Riverside last week in the 2300 block of 15th Avenue, damaging one vehicle in an unsuccessful attempt and stealing another overnight on Dec. 4-5.

Police responded to the block at about 7:30 a.m. after getting a call from the victim of the attempted theft. According to police, the targeted vehicle was a Hyundai Elantra whose rear passenger window had been broken out. The steering column had been peeled and items from the vehicle had been

Sighs of relief as Brookfield Avenue bridge reopens

Plagued by delays, 19-mon

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Of course, it had to rain.

For a project so star-crossed as the construction of the new Brookfield Avenue bridge over Salt Creek, it was only fitting that a ribbon-cutting ceremony held to celebrate its completion on Dec 9 was performed amid a mist of rain in the gloaming of a late winter afternoon.

For local officials and the engineers responsible for seeing the project through to completion, however, the moment could not have been brighter

“Lesson number one is don’t ever build a bridge over a creek,” said Village Manager Timothy Wiberg to a laugh from a crowd composed of children from the recreation department’s STARS after-school program and a remarkably large number of residents.

After Village President Michael Garvey, assisted by 6-yearold Lucille Matthews, a first grader in the STARS program, cut the blue ribbon at the east end of the bridge, the assembled crowd walked across the span to its west end, the first time the public had been able to use it since May of 2021.

Garvey referenced the many problems that delayed construction for weeks and sometimes months at a time, the most significant of which was rerouting a Brookfield Avenue water main by digging a trench through the Salt Creek riverbed.

“Everything that could go wrong kind of went wrong,” Garvey said. “We had a little problem getting a water line under the creek and couldn’t get it through. I think it’s kind of appropriate that the solution was to build a dam, because the word ‘damn’ is what I said quite often when Tim [Wiberg] gave me updates on the bridge.”

Constructing this bridge was always going to be more complicated than the last time it was improved. Back in 1986, the village replaced the crumbling bridge deck, which had been built in 1916.

That project took just five months to complete, in part because the 1916 superstructure remained in place. For the new bridge, that old concrete superstructure was to be removed and replaced, eliminating the central pier which impeded the flow of Salt Creek.

The new 109-foot-long bridge is also wider, allowing the village to erect a 5-foot-tall wall separating the pedestrian walkway on the north side of the bridge from the traffic lanes. Another new feature is a semicircular overlook on the bridge’s north side, allowing people to stop and admire the river view.

There are also a pair of decorative lights at either end of the bridge’s north side – one of which remained uninstalled on Dec 9, because the Illinois Department of Transportation wouldn’t allow its contractor to install it, Wiberg said.

“The absolute worst,” Wiberg said when asked to assess this bridge project with the many municipal infrastructure projects he’s overseen in his two decades as a village manager.

“I’m telling you, I’ve never seen a project this screwed up,” he said. “Some of the problems were our fault, our engineers’

Adults and kids walk ac ross the Brook eld Avenue br idge over Salt Creek on the a ernoon of Dec. 9 a er ofcial s cut the r ibbon si gnaling the completion of the projec t, which broke ground in May 2021 and expe rienced many delays.

fault, some were completely beyond our control.”

Wiberg pointed to the uninstalled decorative light pole as an example of the problems beyond the village’s control. Utility-related delays – water, electric and telecommunications -- were among the most irksome for local officials.

“[IDOT] wouldn’t let that light be part of their contract because it’s too close to another streetlamp and it doesn’t meet their standards,” Wiberg said. “They would not allow their contractor to do it, so we have to do it next week.”

Jesse Singer, the project engineer from Ciorba Group Inc., hired by the village to lead the bridge-building effort, agreed the project was beset with problems

“This is probably the most challenging project I’ve ever worked on,” said Singer, who has been an engineer on these kinds of projects for 15 years. “I did not anticipate not being able to get the water main under the river, and the solutions were not great solutions, either.”

Officials believed they could bore a hole under the river to accommodate the water main, but they hit an unknown solid object and had to opt for digging a trench, a $470,000 solution that required getting permission from IDOT, which took three months

The water main rerouting was completed in March, but

officials worried the project still might not be completed in 2022 when quarry workers went on strike this summer, halting concrete supplies. The strike delayed the project another two months.

When work resumed, however, a stretch of good weather and no more delays allowed the bridge to be competed just as winter set in

While there still may be some reductions in cost to the village due to the delays it experienced, the project was also substantially over the $3.47 million contract initially approved by the village board in April 2021.

Brookfield Finance Director Doug Cooper said the final cost of the bridge was $4.85 million, of which 80 percent is being funded by a federal grant. The village’s share of the cost comes out to $970,135.

Now that the work is done and the bridge is again open to pedestrians and traffic, however, memories of the aggravation will fade and the village will have an important piece of municipal infrastructure in place for generations.

“I think it’s the nicest bridge around and I can’t wait for you guys to be able to cross it today,” Garvey said prior to cutting the ribbon. “I can’t wait for us to have the Fourth of July parade come all the way through and end up at the park.”

BOB UPHUES/Editor

of

Once a Hephzibah Kid, Always a Hephzibah Kid

Our first 125th-anniversary story is about reconnecting. It began in 1935 when two distressed parents—financially strapped and broken in spirit by the relentless hardships of the Great Depression—were forced to acce pt the devastating reality that they could not afford to feed, clothe and care for their two children, Keith and Muriel.

“My parents had gone out to California five or six years earlier,” Keith Elkins wrote decades later in his book, Hephzibah’s Children: 1930 to 2000. “Now, in the depth of the Great Depression, they were driving back to their hometown of Chicago, dead broke with two kids: my sister Muriel and me. Emotionally depleted after failing to find their for tune in California and on the verge of a breakup, my parents could no longer provide for us. On October 23, 1935, they dropped us both of f at Hephzibah Home. It was one month after Muriel’s third birthday and one day after my four th birthday.”

Elkins, now 91, doesn’t remember much else about that day. But he does remember the relative comfort and stability of his life as a “Hephzibah kid.”

“Muriel and I lived at Hephzibah for about three years, and my memories of

the place are very positive,” he says. “We were housed well, fed well, clothed well and taught well. I remember Hephzibah’s backyard playground, where I discovered that I got dizzy on the merry-go-round, that the backs of my bare thighs stuck to the slide in hot weather, that it felt good to swing along the monkey bars and that climbing on the jungle gym was easier than climbing the trees.” He also remembers weekend outings to the Lake Theater and other destinations in the community. “It was just wonderful,” he says.

The siblings’ sojourn at Hephzibah Home wasn’t a long one in the context of a lifetime, but it was an unforgettable one for Elkins, who went on to earn a doctoral de gree in educational psycholo gy at the University of Chicago, become a husband and father and enjoy a distinguished academic career as a professor at the SUNY

A safe haven dur ing the Great Depression: Keith Elkins (fourth from top) lived at Hephzibah Home with his younger sister, Muriel, from 1935 to 1938 . Although he went on to accomplish a great deal in his life, he never forgot his positive experiences at Hephzibah and retur ned seven decades later to spearhead our rst annual Homecoming Weekend for Hephzibah Home alumni in October 2007.

Empire State Colle ge in Buffalo, New York. Throughout his adulthood, he also used his skills and talents to help others by serving as a board member for numerous nonprofits, an advocate for seniors, a benefactor and a volunteer.

Elkins attributes much of his personal

and professional success—as well as the development of the moral compass that guides him—to the “steadiness” that he first experienced at He phzibah Home.

“Now, toward the end of my life, I’m discovering that Hephzibah shaped me far more than I realized and gave me a sense

Hephzibah is celebrating its 125th-anniversar y celebration with a series

stories about the children and families whose lives were transformed by our programs and services, as well as some of the “Hephzibah Heroes” who helped make our mission possible. We hope you nd them as inspiring as we do!

KEITH ELKINS

PROVIDED

of inner orderliness that I would not have had otherwise, given the circumstances of my upbringing,” he notes. “It may sound overdramatic, but I do not think that I would have survived my childhood if it had not been for Hephzibah.”

Elkins suspected that there were other for mer residents who shared his enduring fondness for “this wonderful place” and believed that many of them would appreciate an invitation to return to Hephzibah for a reunion weekend. So in May 2007—during a visit to Oak Park with his wife, Kathleen— he proposed the idea to Hephzibah’s board of directors. The board’s approval was enthusiastic and unanimous.

Elkins immediately began working with Hephzibah staff to set a date for the event, track down for mer residents and organize the first reunion since Mary Wessels had founded Hephzibah Home in 1897.

But records were spotty for some decades— and finding his fellow alumni proved to be more challenging than he’d anticipated During one discouraging week, he sent out four emails, only to have three of them bounce back marked “undeliverable.”

Unwilling to give up on the idea of a reunion, he redoubled his efforts, doggedly combing through old files and conducting Internet searches to find current addresses His determined search for other “Hephzibah kids”—which eventually turned up more than two dozen for mer residents—was fueled by a deep personal need to “return to his roots.”

“I felt a need to reconnect with the place in a more meaningful way than simply coming back and looking around,” he explained to Wednesday Journal reporter Marty Stempniak during an interview for a Summer 2007 article about the upcoming reunion. “I suppose it was the sentimentality of an old man, but I wanted to relive my childhood in some fashion, find out more about my Hephzibah years and learn about the life experiences of my fellow Hephzibah Home alumni.”

By Fall 2007, the 76-year-old’s dream of a Hephzibah Homecoming was finally within reach. For one emotional weekend in October, Elkins and 24 other for mer residents returned to their childhood haven to share their memories of Hephzibah and reconnect with a place that would always feel like

home in their hearts The weekend was so successful that staff members immediately began planning the next homecoming celebration.

The following year, Elkins received the Heart of the Home Award at our 2008 Heart of Gold Ball for his efforts to reunite the for mer residents of Hephzibah Home.

But, even as he was being recognized for his past contributions, he had another project in the pipeline: a written history featuring the recollections of residents

True to his nature as a career academic, the retired college professor was meticulous about his research, contacting for mer residents and their families, who sent him their stories; poring over “mountains of material” dating back to Hephzibah’s founding in 1897; and reading decades worth of board-meeting minutes to gain a better understanding of the societal shifts that drove Hephzibah’s evolution from a 19thcentury orphanage to the comprehensive child care and child welfare organization

daycare, foster care, adoption and family services—for countless children and their families.”

While Elkins was preserving Hephzibah’s past, he was also planning for its future by naming Hephzibah as the beneficiary of a bequest in his will.

“I treasure the gift that Hephzibah gave me, which was the gift of hope,” he explained in 2015 when he and his wife, Kathleen, notified Hephzibah about their planned gift.

“I wanted to return that gift by helping to ensure that Hephzibah can provide as much security, hope and happiness for children in the future as it did for me and my sister back in the 1930s.”

In October 2020—as our anniversary approached and we began to reflect on Hephzibah’s 125-year legacy of helping children thrive and families flourish—we reached out to Elkins via Zoom to learn more about Hephzibah’s lasting impact on his life

“As one of many Hephzibah kids, my proudest achievement by far is not what I accomplished in my career, but that I was able to break the chain of family dysfunction and give my daughter the safety, security, stability, caring, constancy and fairness that I found only at Hephzibah during my own childhood,” he confided.

When asked about his hopes for Hephzibah’s future, his answer was a simple but powerful one: “My hope is that Hephzibah will always be here to provide a safe haven—because there will always be children and families who need a place like this.”

that it is today

“When I was writing Hephzibah’s history, I was struck by the fact that—of the five male Hephzibah Home alumni I interviewed for the book—one became a policeman, another became a career military man and two of us became teachers,” he points out. “I think that says something about the safety, stability and security that life at Hephzibah afforded us.”

By 2009, Elkins’s labor of love was printed, bound and published

At the end of the Zoom interview, we had a surprise in store for this alumnus, benefactor and friend: a chorus of happy 89th birthday wishes from our executive director and the children now living at Hephzibah Home.

“Happy birthday, Keith!” said Hephzibah Executive Director Merry Beth Sheets, her face lighting up with a huge smile. “You are such an integral part of our history and our legacy here at Hephzibah. You are so important to us!”

who had lived at Hephzibah Home in the decades between 1930 and 2000.

“In June 2008, as I began to outline the book, I wrote: ‘I have begun my life’s work,’” he recalls. “Later, I realized that those were almost the exact words that Hephzibah founder Mary Wessels had used in 1897 when she wrote to a friend: ‘I have be gun my work. I have two boys, ages 6 and 7.’”

“Hephzibah’s Children: 1930 to 2000 tells the story of how an old-fashioned orphanage responded to seismic changes in social policy and local child care codes,” he noted in the book’s introduction. “It shows how Hephzibah grew from the kindness of one woman sheltering two orphaned boys into a children’s association that offers a wide array of programs—including group homes,

Sheets’ birthday greeting was followed by a chorus of happy birthday wishes from a new generation of happy, healthy “Hephzibah Home kids.” As the youngsters held their hand-drawn and colored birthday cards up to the computer’s camera and shouted, “Happy Birthday, Keith!” one by one—Elkins was visibly moved and momentarily at a loss for words.

“Oh, that’s wonderful!!” he managed to say as he savored the best birthday present ever from the happiest childhood home that he had ever known.

Keith Elkins, PhD, and his daughter, Julie, during a visit to Hephzibah Home in 2007.

“I treasure the gift Hephzibah gave me, which wa s the gift of hope.”

KEITH ELKINS

Villages approve 2022 property tax levy increases

Riverside trustees OK 8.68% hike, but v illage likely will receive less

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Fo r the first time since the state’s proper ty tax cap laws went i nto ef fect in the early 1980s, local gove r nments’ abilitie s to extend their tax levies to the annual increase in the c onsumer price index will be limited to 5%.

T he Proper ty Tax E xtension Limitation Law (or P TELL) caps annual proper ty tax levies for non-home r ule units of gove r nment, li ke the villages of Rive rs ide, Brookfield and Nor th Rive rside, to the CPI or 5%, wh icheve r is less.

In the p ast decade or more, the CP I has rarely risen above 2 or 3%. In 2022, the CPI stands at a 7% hi ke. As a result, municipalities will be limited to a proper ty tax levy extension of 5%, althoug h they c an ask for a higher figure in order to also capture the tax value of new c onstruction, wh ich is uncapped in i ts firs t year

Tax caps are in ef fect for f unds levie d to pay for g eneral municipal operations, but other aspects of the tax levy are uncapped, such as those for debt service. Rive rside trustees on Dec. 1 approved extending the village ’s proper ty tax levy for i ts capped f unds by 8.68% for a total capped levy amount of $5,976,306. Most, if not all of the tax increase re -

q uested for the capped f unds is being directed in Rive rside to p olice protection, where the requested levy is going from $850,000 in 2021 to $1.45 million in 2022.

T he 2023 budg et, also p assed by Rive rs ide trustees on Dec 1, includes a line i tem to create two more patrol of ficer positions and fill one vacanc y.

A nother $1,468,495 is being levied to pay p olice p ension obligations, resulting in nearly half of Rive rside capped levy extension going toward police operations and pensions

T he village is also requesting $125,000 to f und i ts special recreation services – an uncapped levy – as well as about $1 million to f und debt servic e. T he total 2022 village tax levy request is about $7. 1 million.

It is li ke ly that Rive rside will not rece ive the f ull amount of the requested levy and the final increase wo n’ t be known until sometime next year when 2022 taxes are c ollected. T he C ook C ounty C lerk t ypically sets tax rates in the summer

Delays in sending out second i nstallment tax bills meant the clerk’s of fic e didn’t release tax rates for 2021 taxes c ollected in 2022 until early December T hose d elays also left local municipal admini strators scrambling to g uess j ust wh at their 2021 tax levy extensions amounted

POLICE REPORTS

from page 6

strewn about inside and outside

Meanwhile, another resident of the block repor ted that his Hyundai Elantra, which was parked in front of his residence, had been stolen over night. T here was broken glass on the parkway next to where the vehicle had been parked.

Chicago police located the vehicle shor tly after it was entered into a police database as stolen and was recovered

■ Nor th Riverside police responded to 23rd Street just west of First Avenue on Dec 7 at about 6:30 a.m. after a witness called to re port that someone had attempted to steal a Dodge Charger.

T he witness told police he observed a man wearing a hoodie with the hood up r unning away from the scene. Ac-

to, resulting in some local gove r nments levying more than they nor mally would , knowing C ook C ounty would limit those increases to comply with tax cap laws.

Brookfield trustees approve 6% levy hike

At their final meeting of 2022, Brookfield village trustees voted to request a 6% increase in their tax levy for capped funds such as police and fire protection, police and fire pensions and day-to-day village operations

The village hopes to collect about $536,700 more next year in property taxes than it requested in 2021 for this year. Essentially all of that increase will go toward increased police and fire protection funding.

Police and fire operations coupled with police and fire pensions amount to $7.8 million or roughly 82% of the village’s total tax levy request for capped funds of about $9.5 million.

Because the village is levying slightly less in 2022 for debt service, the total tax levy extension request amounts to an increase of 4.5% year over year

Nor th Riverside seeks levy ex tension of 5%

For the second straight year, Nor th Riv-

cording to police, the rear driver’s side of the vehicle was smashed out and the steering column had been peeled

T he owner of told police that the car has a kill switch that does not allow it to star t without a key. T he witness told police he heard the sound of breaking glass and looked outside to see a man wearing a gray hoodie exiting the driver’s side of the car. T he man then ran across the street and entered another vehicle, which sped of f toward First Avenue

Bank account drained

A Brookfield man called police on Dec 6 to re port that he was the victim of bank fraud

T he victim told police that he’d had a similar experience eight months ago while banking with the same institution. In this case, on Dec. 5 someone made four transactions, where $16,500 was transfer red from his saving account to his checking account and then withdrawn via cashier ’s checks at multiple bank branches in

Wisconsin.

erside village trustees on Dec 12 approved asking for an increase in its property tax levy.

Trustees voted 5-1 to extend the 2022 property tax levy by 5%, which would result in a total revenue increase of $606,743 compared to the $577,850 it asked for in 2021. Trustee Marybelle Mandel voted against the levy increase

Nor th Riverside property tax revenues are so low because for two decades the village board did not request property tax levy extensions, relying instead on sales taxes to fund village operations.

That model has grown increasingly unsustainable and in recent years, elected officials have voted occasionally to increase taxes. Police and fire pension obligations, which Nor th Riverside village boards underfunded for years instead of opting to increase property taxes, have grown to about $4.2 million annually and the village’s 202223 budget calls for general operating expenditures of about $22 million.

Combined local tax revenues – property, sales, video g ambling, intergover nmental and miscellaneous taxes -- in 2022-23 are projected to be about $14.4 million.

The owner of an average home in Nor th Riverside pays about $125 to the village annually in property taxes The lion’s share of local property taxes in all municipalities goes toward school districts

According to police, the victim infor med the bank, which had be gun “cor rect ive action.”

Christmas decorations damaged again

A resident of the 3900 block of Oak Avenue, Brookfield, called police on Dec. 10 to re port that for the second time in two months, someone had damaged Christmas decorations outside her home.

As with an incident re por ted in November, the of fender cut the cord on the decorations with a sharp instrument.

These items were obtained from police re ports filed by the Ri verside, North Ri verside and Brookfield police departments, Dec. 5-11, and re present a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these re ports has only been charged with a crime. These cases have not been adjudicated.

— Compiled by Bob Uphues

Darel Glaser, 66, child stage star was mentor for budding actors

Appeared on Broadway, in feature lms and TV in 1960s and ’70s

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Darel Glaser, a child star on the Broadway stage and in Hollywood who would go on to mold a generation of budding actors through the Riverside Theater Guild, died Dec 7, 2022 at his Berwyn home He was 66 years old

Bor n in 1966, Glaser was the only child of George and Susanne Glaser His father was Riverside Township supervisor for 29 years and had operated a funeral home on Harlem Avenue since 1936.

As a child, he was an actor of some reputation, getting his first big break at the age of 10 when he was cast in a national touring company of “Oliver!”

According to Jeanne Sheehan, the Riverside Theater Guild’s founder and Glaser’s longtime creative partner and close friend, he was initially cast as a member of the chorus but was thrust into the title role after the original Oliver’s voice changed As Oliver, Glaser first appeared opposite veteran Hollywood character actor Walter Slezak in the role of Fagin. The Citizen newspaper reported in August 1966 that Slezak had left the cast to pursue a television job and was replaced by John Astin, whose TV show “The Addams Family’ had just ended after two seasons

Glaser would go on to play Oliver in Japan and London, according to Sheehan, and Glaser and his mother would move to New York City so he could pursue jobs on Broadway.

In 1969 and 1970, Glaser was cast as Young Patrick in two separate touring companies of “Mame,” one of which starred Broadway

legend Elaine Stritch. In 1970, Glaser was in the cast of “Cry for Us All,” which ran for nine perfor mances on Broadway. In 1976, he appeared alongside Yul Brynner in “Home Sweet Homer,” a show that started out in San Francisco and made it to the Palace Theater on Broadway only to close after just one perfor mance.

In 1971, he was cast in the Stanley Kramer film “Bless the Beasts and Children” and in 1978 was cast in the film “An Enemy of the People” starring Steve McQueen and Charles Dur ning. He also appeared on TV in episodes of “Shazam!” and “Marcus Welby M.D.”

Despite his success as a child actor, Glaser found the transition to adult roles a challenge.

“When he was a kid, he really was that special,” Sheehan said.

“He never had to audition. I met him when he was 24, and he’d spent the last couple of years going to auditions and getting tur ned down. I don’t think he could take the rejection.”

Before leaving Hollywood, however, Glaser got a taste of directing for the stage, and when he retur ned to Riverside in 1980, George Glaser told Sheehan, whose township theater troupe was preparing to stage “Mame,” that his son would direct the show.

“We hit it of f immediately,” Sheehan said. “He told me, ‘I’ ll probably only be here five weeks,’ but he never went back and stayed in Riverside for the next 40 years. He really liked having a theater he could control and direct.”

Over the next decade, Glaser would transfor m the auditorium of the Riverside Township Hall into a theater, essentially taking over the space and producing highquality productions

After George Glaser’s death in 1994 at the age of 80, Riverside Township reclaimed the auditorium and the Riverside Theater

“Cr y for Us All.”

Guild made the switch to children’s productions, with Sheehan and Glaser hosting summer theater camps, writing plays and mounting productions.

The young actors trained by Glaser, who directed all of the guild’s productions, wound up as middle schoolers on stage at Hauser Junior High, where Dave Mason staged the school’s theater offerings.

In 2006, Hauser staged “Dracula,” but Mason was sidelined while battling leukemia. The school’s assistant principal suggested hiring Glaser to fill in and the two met for the first time at lunch across a table at Connie’s in Berwyn, lear ning about Glaser’s background as an actor himself.

“I also found out the reason why I had so many sixth graders each year who were very talented and very excited to be in the Hauser shows,” Mason told the Landmark.

That meeting would spark a 27-year partnership between Mason and Glaser, who would go on to light all of Hauser’s productions, including the most recent, “Young Frankenstein,” in mid-November

“It was getting harder and harder for him to walk the three flights of stairs and he had been under the weather with a bad sinus infection,” Mason said. “He told Karina, our co-director, that ‘Young Frankenstein’ might

be his last show. Sadly, it was, and there will be a massive hole in our hearts moving forward.”

Jacob Palka, who co-hosts Riverside’s Fourth of July Parade broadcast on Riverside TV, attended the summer theater camp and was in the cast of that “Dracula” production in 2006 and also became a close friend.

“Darel and I would talk for hours about Broadway, movies, comedy, radio, TV,” Palka said. “He had a wealth of enter tainment and pop culture knowledge. I don’t just mean the stuf f you find on Wikipedia. He knew the stories no one else knew. The backstage, behind the scenes stories that you only read about in a person’s memoir long after they’re dead. He was a window to an era of show business that has nearly faded. I am so sad that that window has shut.”

Sheehan told the Landmark that Glaser had been battling a series of health issues for many years. He had moved out of Riverside in 1999 to Westchester, where his mother lived. She died in 2012 and Glaser moved to a south Berwyn apar tment.

According to Palka, there will be a celebration of life gathering in mid-January. There were no funeral service details available at the Landmark’s press deadline

BILLY ROSE THEATRE DIVISION, THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

Todd Jones (from le ), Darel Glaser and Scott Jacoby in the 1970 Broadway stage production of

DAREL GLASER

North Riverside OKs new contract with police union

ree-year deal is retroactive to May 1, 2021

By BOB UPHUES Editor

North Riverside trustees voted unanimously last month to approve a new three-year contract with the village’s union police officers and sergeants who are represented by the Illinois Frater nal Order of Police Labor Council. Union members also unanimously ratified the deal, said Sgt. Christopher Devine, president of the local unit of the union.

Unlike the prior five-year contract, which was approved after just a handful of negotiating sessions in 2016, it took 18 months to hammer out this latest deal, including two negotiating sessions with a federal mediator The contract is retroactive to May 1, 2021 and expires April 30, 2024.

“It took so long mostly due to navigating everybody’s schedules; however, we did end up meeting twice with a mediator to resolve a few outstanding issues,” said Devine in an email to the Landmark. “Nothing major,

those issues mostly centered around wages and insurance benefits.”

Patrol officers receive base pay raises each year of the contract, with 3.25-percent increases in 2021 and 2023 and a 3.5-percent increase in 2022. Sergeants receive a base pay raise in 2022 of 3.5 percent and in 2023 of 3.25 percent.

However, police officers early in their careers will see annual raises greater than the base-pay increases due to ste p raises contained in the salary schedule And the new contract also increased the pay dif ferential between patrol of ficers and sergeants to 12 percent per step.

For example, a patrol officer who started in 2020 at a salary of $61,989 will have seen that salary increase to $74,005 in 2021 – an increase of 19 percent – due to the step raise. In the final year of the contract, that same officer will be paid $94,046, a total increase over the life of the deal of 52 percent.

The ste p raises are in ef fect for an of ficer’s first seven years on the force. Patrol of ficers get additional ste p raises upon completion of their 20th and 25th years of service As of May 1, 2023, the base pay for a newly hired Nor th Riverside patrol of fi-

cer will be $72,275. The base pay for a patrol of ficer with 25 years of experience will be $118,133.

Sergeants also rece ive ste p raises during their first seven years at that rank. A sergeant making $68,499 in 2020 will be paid $105,331 by the final year of the contract, a total increase of 54 percent.

By the final year of the contract the base pay for a police sergeant with 25 years of experience will be $132,309.

Union members will also pay 1-percent more toward health insurance premiums each year be ginning in 2022, when the employee contribution goes up to 16 percent. During the third year the employee contribution will be 17 percent.

Those increases are in line with the administration’s goal of getting all employees to contribute 20 percent toward health insurance premiums

Union members were not in favor of another change in the contract, which eliminates language mandating the village employ six sergeants

“Staf fing levels rest with the village, so it was not something we could bargain to impasse over to keep it in the new contract,

and it had to be removed,” Devine said. “The village indicated when we met that they have no current plans to change sergeant staf fing levels at this time, though.”

The contract also includes new language allowing the village to hire experienced officers and start them at a higher pay scale based on their time at another agency. It’s not a true lateral hiring program, Devine said, because those of ficers will still have to ear n seniority benefits, such as paid time of f and position on seniority lists

“The village was interested in this to help attract qualified candidates as there seems to be a lot of police of ficers moving around from other agencies,” Devine said.

While the departmental policy on use of body cameras is not in the contract itself, both Devine and Village Administrator Sue Scar piniti told the Landmark that both sides had ag reed to the language of the policy. Police of ficers had input on that language, Devine said.

The contract increases education expense reimbursement (for tuition, books and fees) from $1,000 to $1,250 per ter m per of ficer. It also increases field of ficer training pay to one hour of overtime from a flat rate

Riverside partnering with business to install EV charger

Public charging station coming to Riverside Foods parking lot

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Riverside’s first electric vehicle charging station ought to be up and running in the village’s downtown early next year after village trustees voted unanimously on Dec 1 to enter into a public-private par tnership with a local business

The EV charging station will be located in the first two onsite parking spaces at Riverside Foods, 48 E. Burlington St., said the store’s co-owner Peter Boutsikakis, and will be able to charge two electric vehicles at the same time.

The charger, which will be a Level 2 device, is coming from a company called Blink, which has a network of charging stations in the Chicago area. Anyone using the Blink app to locate chargers will be

able to find the Riverside location there.

It will be available for use at all times by the general public, not just customers of Riverside Foods.

Boutsikakis has contracted with Forest Park-based Project Green Environmental Solutions and Palatine-based Hummingbird Electric, companies Riverside Food has used to implement other sustainable infrastructure at the store, such as the 64-panel solar ar ray on the roof

An estimate of cost from Project Green that was included in the village board’s Dec 1 meeting packet indicates it will cost about $31,300 to install the charging station, including running an underground ComEd electric service line from a transfor mer on a utility pole at the rea of the property to the charging station.

Riverside Foods is spearheading the installation of the charger, but Riverside is funding 100-percent of the cost. Part of the cost will be funded via a $10,000 grant the village was awarded through ComEd’s Power Communities Program, which requires all the work to be completed prior to

March 31, 2023.

Of ficials initially mulled using the grant to help fund installation of a four-charger Level 2 EV station in the municipal parking lot at 63 E. Burlington St. However, the cost of that installation was pegged at $85,000 and in order to use the grant work must be completed no later than March 31, 2023. Officials were not confident they could pull of f an EV installation in time

By using the grant in the partnership with Riverside Foods, the village’s total outlay is likely to be no more than $25,000.

“[The grant] is enabling us to be able to do this,” said Boutsikakis. “While revenue generation is questionable, this really is an infrastructure project. We’re building the infrastructure for the future.”

Riverside Foods will be responsible for ongoing maintenance of the EV station and power costs The ag reement between the village and Riverside Foods is for 10 years, with the ability to automatically renew it for another five years.

The ag reement can be ter minated by mutual consent any time after the first five

years of the contract, with the charger being removed as a result.

For at least the first six months, people won’t need to pay to charge their cars at the Riverside Foods EV station, though that’s likely to change in the future so Riverside Foods can of fset costs related to its operation and maintenance.

Village trustees on Dec 1 ag reed to amend the ag reement with Riverside Foods to include language calling for the village to reimburse Riverside Foods when revenue from the charger falls short of costs Riverside Foods will provide financial infor mation to demonstrate any financial shortfall.

If both chargers are used three hours a day, according to information provided by the village, the total annual expense to Riverside Foods would be about $1,750. The average hourly rate for charging stations, said Village Manager Jessica Frances, is $1.50 per hour At that rate, if Riverside Foods would expect total revenues of about $3,300, meaning Riverside Foods would clear about $1,500 in profit on an annual basis

Dreams can come

true…just ask the many foster children who have found their forever family with the help of Hephzibah Children’s Association.

For Oak Park resident Molly Hamilton, her decision to foster children through Hephzibah was simple: she had love to give, space in her life, and there was a need. Becoming a foster parent as a single, working woman may sound difficult, but for parents like Molly, Hephzibah offers an enormous amount of support to ensure a successful foster experience.

After fostering 20 children over 6 years, Molly decided to adopt not one, but two children in her care, who happen to be sisters. Molly believes, as we do, that there will never be a more opportune time to help than this very moment, and potential foster parents shouldn’t wait.

Hephzibah offers support to foster families by providing 24/7 crisis support, intensive training, childcare during emergencies, monthly parents-night-out events, info sessions and training, sibling summer camp and more. In order to provide these services, we need your support.

We are dedicated to helping the families we work with navigate their journey of fostering and adoption. We tell each foster family the same thing we tell each child placed in our care. We say: “We’ve got this”, and so do you.

Discover the power of giving. Whether it be by learning more about what how to become a foster parent, or by making a donation, you can be the reason a child thrives.

Donate today: www.hephzibahhome.org/donate-now

649-7140 • hephzibahhome.org

Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.

Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.

Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.

A safe & smart choice.

A safe & smart choice.

Choosing a community you can trust has never been more important.

Choosing a community you can trust has never been more difficult.

Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.

Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.

at nothing to make sure it continues.

We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.

We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.

We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.

Hephzibah Children’s Association • 708-

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Can we count on you to help your local newsroom thrive?

Veteran administrator hired as North Riverside rec director

Colleen Broderick comes to the village with more than 30 years’ experience

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Following a three-month search that drew more than 25 applicants, veteran parks and recreation administrator Colleen Broderick has been hired as Nor th Riverside’s new recreation director.

Broderick comes to North Riverside with 34 years ofexperience as a recreation professional, starting as a program supervisor in 1988 at the Hoffman Estate Park District and serving from 2016-19 as executive director ofthe Wildwood Park District. She most recently worked as a recreation supervisor in Lincolnwood through the consulting fir m GovHR.

“I think it was the size ofthe organization that was attractive,” Broderick said of her decision to apply for the North Riverside opening, created in August when Teresa Mrozik resigned. “It seemed like it was very well-kept and did not have a lot ofdeferred maintenance. The facilities, programming and special events they handle with the amount ofstaff they have, it seemed like they were firing on all cylinders.”

North Riverside Village Administrator Sue Scarpiniti said Broderick rose to the top ofthe applicant pool due to her experience leading a small organization and because she believes Broderick will be a mentor for staff who can step into leadership roles in the future.

“She was very strong in the area ofmanaging a small staff, and she has a lot ofadministrative experience in the area of policies, procedures and best practices from the municipal and park district side,” Scarpiniti said.

According to Scarpiniti, elected officials were interested in building on the foundation put in place by Mrozik and focus on quality programming rather than quantity, and making sure programs were cost-effective

“Our programs are well-received, but we’d like a larger percentage be resident partici-

COLLEEN BRODERICK

pation,” Scarpiniti said. “We’ve noticed a lot ofour programming is utilized by nonresidents.”

Broderick will focus more on the administrative end of recreation operations, leaving most of the hands-on programming to recreation staff. She said she wants to nail down department policies and procedures.

“There’s a sense of ‘this is the way we’ve always done it.’ I want to for malize things so everyone is on the same page, doing best practices and making sure we have all our ducks in a row on the business side ofit,” Broderick said.

Broderick also has experience in applying for and obtaining grants, said Scarpiniti, which will be key as the village is expected to face continued financial pressures in coming years.

The most recent grant Broderick obtained was a $72,000 non-matching award for the Wildwood Park District to repair and mitigate flood damage and perform infrastructure repairs to a pair oflakes maintained by that park district. She said she worked closely with a local state representative to help land the grant.

“It’s going to be a matter oftouching base with legislators, letting them know what our plans are and building those relationships,” Broderick said.

Filling the recreation director position capped a period of change inside North Riverside Village Hall, with several new hires settling into key administrative positions

“We’ve had quite a bit ofturnover in the last six months, and we’re moving toward a different culture that we’re trying to build,” Scarpiniti said.

Broderick started in her new role on Nov. 16. Her starting salary is $98,000.

Riverside new build sells for $1.2 million

The following property transfers were re ported by the Cook County Clerk from August 2022. Where addresses appear incomplete, for instance where a unit number appears missing, that information was not provided by the clerk’s office.

Brookfield

ADDRESS

PRICE SALE DATE SELLER BUYER

9135 27th St. $250,000 7/11/2022 Fifth Third Bk TR 13261 Sabeckis, Carol 3226 Park Ave. $300,000 7/20/2022 Jedrzejczyk, Andrew Erickson, Robert 3138 Arthur Ave. $330,000 7/28/2022 Woods, Gregory Sandoval, Sandra 9521 Garfield Ave. $267,000 7/08/2022 Maritato, Anthony Matz, Jennifer 3738 Blanchan Ave. $305,000 7/27/2022 Peacock, Amanda Lacey, Matthew Craig 3329 Vernon Ave. $387,500 7/30/2022 Pacione, Phillip Granieri, Samuel J Jr 4501 Park Ave. $595,000 6/13/2022 Cecala, Rosa Fiandaca, Joseph Trust 3611 Rosemear Ave. $220,000 7/13/2022 CP Investments Avelar, Moises 3415 Oak Ave. $285,000 7/14/2022 Wessendorf, Thomas C TR Myers, Debra 9529 Jackson Ave. $251,000 7/05/2022 Pons, Charles T TR Schulze, James 4150 Arthur Ave. $265,000 7/26/2022 Baghdadi, Laila Artis, Tynesha 3931 Maple Ave. $440,000 7/26/2022 Amaya, Fredy A Bell, Lauren 4132 Prairie Ave. $293,000 7/25/2022 Teizeira, Christina M Elkins, Fredrick D 3500 Harrison Ave. $275,000 8/12/2022 Suhajda, Eileen E TR Post, William 3217 Cleveland Ave. $269,000 8/11/2022 Roman, Xavier Martinez, Silvia 4239 Maple Ave. $298,000 8/08/2022 Tagliere, Nicholas Marentes, Eduardo 9415 Garfield Ave. $100,000 8/11/2022 Stosur, Janet TR Krivak, Anthony 4317 Blanchan Ave. $329,000 7/23/2022 Schepler, Robert D Nevarez, Abraham 3705 Blanchan Ave. $265,000 4/19/2022 Chicago Title Land Trust Co TR 214 Gjondla, Thomas A 4228 Prairie Ave. $306,500 8/10/2022 Redfinnow Borrower LLC Donnelly, Mary 4132 Park Ave. $234,000 8/09/2022 Janis, Ann Kaminski, Jeffrey Brian 3200 Raymond Ave. $210,000 8/02/2022 Cooney, Robert J Golke, Daniel 9136 Roach Ave. $323,000 8/16/2022 Green, Gail E TR 9136 Sharenow, Brian 3412 Vernon Ave. $205,000 8/24/2022 Chicago Title Land Trust Co TR 1918 Brustad, Judith 4501 Blanchan Ave. 359,000 8/04/2022 Jasien, Leo Sharbaugh, Daniel

Nor th Riverside

8118 Edgewater Rd $530,000 7/11/2022 Kirch, Lorraine M TR Odgen, Melissa M 2351 Northgate Ave. $300,500 7/20/2022 Kaluzny, Thomas R Nevarez, Rebecca Lee 2338 Lathrop Ave. $285,000 7/13/2022 Dropka, Milissa Guzman, Gabriela 9021 24th St $380,000 7/14/2022

And while there are still some tweaks to come, all but one trustee indicated during the latest discussion of the subject at their Dec. 1 village board meeting that they not only support taller and denser development in what will be designated the B1-TOD zoning district along Harlem Avenue between Addison and Lawton roads but also in the village ’s central business district.

All trustees, exce pt for Aberdeen Marsh-Ozg a, ag reed that buildings up to 66 feet ought to be allowed by right in the proposed B1-TOD district, and most were OK with buildings of up to 60 feet tall by right in the B2 central business district.

Buildings up to 66 feet would also be appropriate in the central business district as part of a planned unit development, trustees ag reed. For comparison, the water tower is 70 feet tall and the Village Center building at 10 E. Burlington St. is 50.5 feet tall.

“I think we’re trying to encourage density and height,” said Trustee Me ghan Claucher ty.

But Marsh-Ozg a disag reed about allowing such tall buildings either along Harlem Avenue near the train tracks or downtown.

“We had a lot of issues with the Village Center g etting five [zoning] variations to be at the height that it’s at,” she said. “I think people are star ting to become accustomed to it, but I don’ t want to see any higher, greater development in our central business district that would compete in height with the Village Center and then with the water tower. That is g etting to be a little bit excessive.”

T he existing zoning code, Marsh-Ozg a added, allowed buildings up to 48 feet in the central business district. T he proposed height for the downtown in the amended zoning code was 60 feet, but most trustees were OK with extending that to 66 feet as part of planned unit development. T he additional six feet would allow for the construction of a five-story

building.

“For someone to g et a PUD [approved] they would have to show substantial public benefit way beyond just meeting code,” said Trustee Doug Pollock, who acknowledged that the building heights proposed in the amended code would likely be the most controversial changes

But Pollock also said he wouldn’ t be comfor table allowing something taller than the Village Center building by right in the central business district.

“I would want to make sure that staf f, trustees and Planning and Zoning Commission members, that everyone is aware that [66 feet] is not as of right,” Pollock said. “You have to do something extraordinary to get that extra height.”

Trustees also ag reed that the zoning code should be amended to increase building heights in the village ’s R3 Multifamily and R4 Of fice Residence districts from 38 feet to 48 feet.

T here are five R4 districts in Riverside, one bounded by Park Place, the Desplaines River, the BNFS railroad tracks and roughly Kimbark Road, one along Ogden Avenue west of Lionel Road, one on the nor th side of East Burlington Street between Delaplaine and Herbert roads, one on Harlem Avenue from Lindberg Road almost to Addison Road and a small section of Harlem Avenue immediately nor th of Blackhawk Road.

T here are two R3 districts, one on the south side of East Burlington Street between Delaplaine and Herbert Roads on both sides of East Burlington Street just west of the central business district.

Trustees also suggested changing the proposed code’s limitations on allowing of fice uses on the ground f loors of buildings in the Harlem Avenue and downtown business districts.

While trustees understood that retail businesses and restaurants were preferable because of the foot traf fic they attract, they also acknowledged that filling storefront vacancies was impor tant.

“I think restricting office use given the realities of the central business district is shor tsighted,” said Trustee Edward Hannon. “I think the market will dictate what kind of businesses will be highest and best uses in that area.”

THE L ANDMARK VIEW

Long live the bridge

You’d think constructing what in tr uth is a pretty short bridge over a minor stream wouldn’t be such a trial, but you’d be wrong, it turns out. Officials expected when construction of a new Brookfield Avenue bridge over Salt Creek began that in six months cars would be driving over it That six months tur ned into 19 months due to a variety of problems – some entirely out of the control of local officials, but also some, we have to admit, self-inflicted.

Of course, there was nothing to be done about a twomonth delay caused by a strike this summer by union quarry workers, whose walk-off led to an interruption in the supply of concrete, not just to Brookfield but to worksites across norther n Illinois.

There wasn’t much that could have been done regarding various staring matches between the village’s contractor and ComEd, which took its sweet time sorting out powerrelated complications in the vicinity of the worksite.

That water main rerouting, though. You’d have thought someone would have seen that one coming. Of course, it’s all water under the bridge now, pardon the pun, but for six long months the need to reroute the Brookfield Avenue water main was a very visible albatross over the project.

At one point during the long work stoppage, some frustrated Robin Trower fan had scrawled the words “Bridge of Sighs” on the side of a very large concrete drainage pipe deposited in the middle of the street in front of the Grossdale Station.

That particular work stoppage also tur ned out to be costly. We’re not sure how much can be attributed to that issue, although IDOT approved expending an additional $470,000 to dig a trench through the Salt Creek riverbed to accommodate the new section of water main.

In the end, a construction contract that had been approved by the village board in April 2021 for $3.47 million came in at $4.85 million. That’s about 40% more than the amount of the contract, which also increased the village of Brookfield’s share of the cost from $694,000 to a shade over $970,000.

If there’s an inquest to be conducted that can somehow shave some of that cost, we’d hope that’s in the works.

There’s no doubt, however, that the new bridge is a real upgrade over the spartan, utilitarian structure it re placed. It’s safer and more accommodating for pedestrians and the new superstructure, which does not have a central pier, is better in ter ms of river flow and reducing the amount of debris that in the past would get caught at that chokepoint.

Despite the problems, construction is over and Brookfield got what it sought in a new bridg e. That’s wor th celebrating – and hoping we don’t have to re peat any time soon.

KOSEY CORNER

It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas

Snif f! Snif f! Ah, the smells of the season. Balsam. Cedar. Pine. Cookies -- probably the best fragrance of all. I have admitted to not being a baker, although I have many recipes that I threaten to try. This year I even clipped out some no-bake cookie recipes, how easy would that be? We’ll see. Luckily I do know lots of good holiday bakers, Teresa and Neighbor Nancy. Cousin Josephine makes pizzelles (Nona’s recipe), while Dina bakes yummy things and anything from Rose of Rose’s Catering at the VFW is a winner.

With all the traditional favorites, I have to list panettone, a sweet bread originally from Milan, Italy, as my favorite. It is served around Christmas and New Year’s. It makes a good gift, and I recently gave one to some of our Czech friends and told them it was the Italian answer to houska since there are some similarities. It is delicious toasted with a little butter but can be eaten plain. Go online to see some recipes you might want to try.

JOANNE KOSE Y

just happens to be the title of a book by children’s author Tomie dePaola about a baker who wants to be the most famous baker in Northern Italy.

While teaching at Mater Christi, I and another teacher would read the story and then share panettone with the kids. It might be a fun thing to do with the younger people in your family to introduce them to another tradition. Big kids will like it also

Panettone is available at Riverside Foods, although I cleaned out their shelf out last week, so you might want to check. You can also try Tischler’s and I have seen it at Walgreen’s and CVS. They also have them in a cupcake size which would be a good stocking stuffer.

There are so many ways to bring seasonal aromas into your home for the holidays. I opt for an artificial tree, candles and different sprays. I can make it smell like a forest at the Kosey house

Panettone can be translated into “Tony’s bread,” which

So settle yourself down, get comfy have a slice of panettone and an eggnog. I had a delicious one at Chew Chew. That sounds like a good idea: Sign off and send this column, JoAnne, it’s your time.

LET TERS

High cour t needs to ensure fair, accessible elec tions

On Dec. 7, the United States Supreme Cour t heard the case of Moore v. Har per (the so-called “Independent State Le gislative Theory” or ISLT) that will deter mine if state le gislatures have the power and authority to run federal elections in their states without the checks and balances of oversight by their state courts

Checks and balances are at the cor nerstone of democracy, and that oversight protects fairer voting maps and voter rights This case has the potential to impact voters nationwide, and Illinois voters should be aware of its possible ef fects.

The League of Women Voters has serious concer ns about this case because a ruling adopting ISLT would

give state le gislatures nearly unrestricted authority to set the rules for federal elections, prioritizing the ambitions of politicians over the American voter

Fur ther more, if the Supreme Court condones this theory, it will under mine the role of state cour ts to protect voters when politicians create unconstitutional barriers to voting, draw unlawful voting maps and invalidate direct democracy ef for ts like ballot initiatives.

In Illinois, the League of Women Voters has worked to advance election law that improves and protects voter access and eliminates bar riers to voting. Fair and accessible elections are the cor nerstone of our re presentative democracy.

Removing the power of the gover nor and the cour ts to check any action by the state le gislature re garding elections would be antithetical to our American system

Federal 2022 elections may be behind us, but the League of Women Voters continues advocacy for protecting fair elections and voter rights all year long.

Lara Taylor and Michele Niccolai, co -presidents

Lea gue of Women Voters of the La Grange Area

Christopher M. Borzym, 64

Ow ned Christopher M k Fine

OBITUARIES

Violet Ratkovich, 97

Worked at Wester n Electric

Vi olet Ratkovich

s ide-Brookfield High School and ser ve d as the school’s cheerleading c oach fo r 17 year s. He was also a member of the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce.

His husband, Jim Deacon, said, “Chris had such a z est for l ife Chris loves l ife and was love d by many. You ca n’ t describe Chris in one wo rd because of hi s vibrant and magnetic personality

“Chris would love to thank all of yo u who touched his l ife. From business owner s, c ustomer s, cheerleading, friends to f amily.

“Chris was thankful for all the friendships and the love he found throughout his life

A l ife too shor t, but a great l ife well -ove d and live d. Chris, you will be missed every day in eve ry way. ”

Mr. Borzym was the husband of Jim Deacon; the father of Sarah (Andy) Four nier; the gr and dad of Sarah’s do g, Shag gy ; the friend of Rita and Jeanne; the son of Carole and the late Don Borzym; the brother of Ken (Sharon), Karey ( Jim), Kathy (Mike), Kevin (Lind a), Kimberly, Ky le (Angie), Kellie (Rob), the late Karen and the late Hap (Ter ri) ; the uncle of many nieces and ne phews; the son-in-l aw of Jim and Jane Deacon; and the brother-in-law of Mi ke (Darlene) Deacon and Bob (To ri) Deacon.

Services have been held DuPage Cremations Ltd. and Funeral Chapel handled ar r angements

Czechoslovakia and Czech and honor

to Eli Whitney gr aduated from in 1943. S he met also a gr aduate of Fa rr agut, in the neighborhood and we re mar ried after he retur ned from servin g in Wo rl d Wa r II on June 8, 1946.

It was a wonderful mar riage that lasted 67 year s. T hey had one d aughter, Pamela. After high school Ms. Ratkovich wo rked at Wester n E lectric in the of fic e, mar rie d and move d to Brookfield where she live d for 75 year s.

Ms Ratkovich love d and enjoyed musi c, playing the piano, c oncer tina and singing with the Mother Singers Sh e wo rked as a hostess, joined the PTA, b and parents, was a scout leader and joined Golden Agers later in l ife. S he and Peter enjoyed the Moose Lodg e, VFW, d ancing, playing card s, bowling and being members of the Young at Hear t club. T hey love d to tr avel with family and friend s.

S he is survive d by her d aughter, Pamela (Rober t) C her ry; two gr andchildren, A llison (Justin) C ook and Brent (Lisa) C her ry; four great-gr andchildren, Dawson C her ry, Madison C her ry, Kennedy C her ry and Mason C ook. S he was preceded in death by her husband, Peter, and parents.

Services have b een held. I nter ment was at Woodlawn Cemeter y, Fo rest Pa rk

Hitzeman Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled ar r angements

S end sympat hy or Mass cards to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 31st St., Brookfield, 60513, c/o Vi olet Ratkovich family.

Johnny Skala, 57

Electr ician

Johnny Skala, 57, of Brookfield, died Dec. 4, 2022.

Mr Skala worked as an electrician, specializing on fiberoptics. He was an involved, supportive father for both his girls throughout their childhood and into adulthood. He rarely missed a gymnastics competition of Andrea’s in the 14 years she competed. He could be found cheering in the stands at almost every one of Allison’s softball games

He always found a way to be there, even when out of state, traveling as far as Missouri for Allison and Oklahoma for Andrea. He was so excited for his girls to be married and even more so for the arrivals of his three grandbabies.

Mr Skala was the father of Andrea (Anthony) Harding and Allison (Theodore) Cook; the grandfather of Peyton, Sadie, and Gavin; the son of Anna Skala (nee Podest) and the late Josef Skala; the brother of Joseph (Francine) Skala and Michael (Angela) Skala; and the uncle of Christine (JT) McLanigan (nee Skala) and Joseph (Erin) Skala.

Services and inter ment have been held Memorials donations are appreciated to NADS (National Association for Down Syndrome), 1460 Renaissance Drive, Suite 102, Park Ridge, 60068.

Hitzeman Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements.

Send sympathy or Mass cards to Hitze-

man Funeral Home, 9445 31st St., Brookfield, 60513, c/o Johnny Skala family.

Jacob J. Witt, 39

North Riverside resident

Jacob John Witt, 39, of Nor th Riverside, died suddenly on Dec. 5, 2022.

Mr. Witt loved to travel, especially to Las Ve gas, and was a diehard fan of the Chicago Cubs

He was the son of Misty (Michael) Kosik and Christopher (Julie) Witt; the brother of Ky Christopher “CJ” Witt, Brittany (Richard) Matyas and Michael (Emily) Kosik; ste pbrother of Gerald (Shannon) Erdman and Kristin (Jason) Jordan; the uncle of Cayden Witt and Richard Matyas Jr.; and the grandson of Dorothy Asplund and Jer ry and Janet Kosik. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Greta Adams, John Witt, William Simantel and George Asplund. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Family and friends will be received at the Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cer mak Road (2 blocks west of Mannheim Road), Westchester, on Friday, December 16 for a memorial visitation from 3 to 8 p.m. There will be a Celebration of Life chapel service at 6:30 pm. Inter ment will be private.

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

To run an obituary

Please contact Bob Uphues by e-mail: buphues@rblandmark.com, or fax: 708/524-9066 before Monday at noon.

Please include a photo if possible

CHRISTOPHER M. BORZ YM

VIOLET RATKOVICH

JOHNNY SKAL A

JACO B J. WIT T

The Environment is Fundamental to Equity in the Community

The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation is honored to be among the people and organizations nominated for Oak Park’s first-ever Green Awards. We were recognized for providing critical support for the Village of Oak Park’s Climate Ready Plan, a comprehensive and long-range plan to respond to the global climate crisis.

In our recent community needs assessment, summarized in the Community Voices report, we learned that access to green spaces was among the priorities identified by underrepresented communities in our region. Urban green spaces — such as parks, forest preserves, sports fields and gardens — give people room for relaxation, physical activity, peaceful reflection and escape from summer heat. Multiple studies have shown that they reduce stress and enhance both mental and physical health. Through its PlanItGreen initiative, the Foundation has provided funding for extensive outreach to Black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) and low-to-moderate income residents and youth to provide input into the development of the Climate Ready Plan. Consultant Sydney Jackson reached out to BIPOC organizations, established affinity groups with Village Sustainability Coordinator

Marcella Bondie, and conducted outreach to youth via It’s Our Future and other avenues. Additional outreach includes a “house party” strategy to engage BIPOC residents and those living in low- to moderate-income apartments to take advantage of energy efficiency opportunities linked to the plan.

PlanItGreen has also worked beyond Oak Park and River Forest to support communities in the west Cook County region with initiatives around greenhouse gas emissions reductions, equity and sustainability. To date the project has supported the Village of Broadview with its Solar Corridor initiative; the development of an Illinois Solar for All community solar array in Maywood; and analysis of Bethel New Life buildings in Austin for potential solar arrays. In addition, PlanItGreen collaborated on the development of the Cross Community Climate Collaborative (C4) with 15 mayoral commitments designed to drive climate, equity and sustainability outcomes in black, brown and white communities in west suburban Cook County.

The Foundation’s mission is focused on uniting community members and mobilizing resources to advance a racially just society and equitable outcomes for residents

of west Cook County. Advocating for increased access to green space is just one of the many ways we are working to create a world in which all members of our community have the ability to thrive and prosper. Join us in this work by making a donation to the Foundation today.

Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation • oprfcf.org

Lions smother Glenbard West, remain undefeated

Defense the key to beating defending sta champion Hilltopp

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Last season’s strong Lyons boys basketball team still suf fered double-digit losses at the hands nomenal 2022 Class 4A state champion Glenbard West.

Tremendous defense allowed the Lions to savor that kind of victory at the Hilltoppers’ expense on Dec. 10.

“Going into this, I was telling all of the boys that we owed them 60 points from last year,” joked LT Nik Polonowski.

JACKSON NIEGO MAT THEW DESIMONE

The Lions made an early statement the West Suburban Conference race with a 57-29 road victory after ing Glenbard West to just a three-pointer the entire third quar ter and six two threes over the first 13:19 of half.

The Lions (6-0, 2-0) tur ned their halftime lead into blowout.

“I think it’s a foundation of our defense,” senior guard Jackson Nie “[Those Glenbard West losses are] ly in the back of your mind but new year, new team, so we kind of came into the game with no expectations.”

Nie go had 18 points with two 3-pointers and Polonowski had 16 points with four threes. Matthew DeSimone (8 points with 2 threes), Graham Smith (6 points, 9 rebounds), Connor Car roll (4 rebounds, 4 as-

The Lions’ overall size and mobility showed on both ends. The Hilltoppers were limited to four controlled of fensive rebounds and six overall.

A new star ter this season, the 6-foot-4 DeSimone only adds to that strength.

“I think we dominated the boards. When

Nik Polonowski (shown above in action last season) scor ed 16 points on four 3-pointers during the Lions’ 57-29 win over defending state champ Glenbard West in Glen Elly n on Dec. 10. LTHS lost to a historically good Hilltoppers squad three times last season

win,” DeSimone said. “Somebody had to ste p up in the offseason. I worked hard just so I could play in these big games.”

The Lions can’t enjoy their victory for long with another tough test from York (45, 1-2) on Dec. 16 in LaGrange.

The Lions won their WSC Silver open-

LaGrange behind Brady Chambers (12 points), Nie go (11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists), Smith (11 points, 6 rebounds), DeSimone (9 points, 5 rebounds), Polonowski (5 points), Liam Taylor (4 points), Reid (3 points, 5 rebounds) and Caleb Greer (3 points).

St. Ignatius spoils positive week for RBHS boys basketball

Cicic pours in 28 points in Dec. 6 win over Ridgewood

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

The Riverside-Brookfield High School boys basketball team enjoyed another successful week and came minutes away from a perfect one

The Bulldogs defeated Ridgewood 65-46 on Dec. 6 and Chicago Christian 73-40 on Dec. 9 before losing to St. Ignatius 49-43 on Dec. 10 in the Team Rose Shootout at Mt. Car mel High

School in Chicago. RBHS (6-3, 2-0 in Metro Suburban Blue) led St. Ignatius 20-11 after one quarter and 32-27 at halftime before a rough start to the third quarter that helped the Wolfpack gain a double-digit lead. In the fourth quarter, St. Ignatius held on with free throws after the Bulldogs repeatedly closed within one possession.

“The first four or five minutes of the third quarter, we had a lot of tur novers,” RBHS

coach Mike Reingruber said. “We actually played pretty well for about 28 of the 32 minutes.”

Senior Arius Alijosius (19 points with 2 threes, 7 rebounds, 4 assists) and Rex Dockendorf (6 points) and juniors Stefan Cicic (16 points) and Will Gonzalez (14 points) led the Bulldogs.

The 6-foot-11 Cicic excelled against Ridgewood with 28 points and 11 rebounds as RBHS had 20-plus points in the second and third quarters to pull away. Alijosius added 16 points on 4-for-6 three-point shooting and Gonzalez had eight points and seven assists.

“We were getting [Cicic] the ball in the position to be successful and he played great,” Reingruber said. “Arius, Stef and Will have

been our go-to guys all season. We need some other guys to step up consistently if we want to be as good as we can be.”

Great passing was among the highlights in the victory over Chicago Christian. The Bulldogs led 21-6 after the first quarter.

Senior Hunter Ferguson had a personalbest 10 assists and Gonzalez had seven. Cicic and Alijosius each had 18 points Senior reserve Moses Soto added nine points with a three

“Between [Ferguson and Gonzalez], we really shared the basketball,” Reingruber said. “We need contributions from all over the board. Hunter showed that you not only have to score points to add a lot of value to the team.”

RBHS girls notch fourth straight win on Senior Night

Encher returns from injury, hauls down 11 rebounds

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Center Devon Encher especially was happy on Dec. 8 to have recently retur ned to the Riverside-Brookfield girls basketball lineup from an ankle injury

It was Senior Night.

“It’s really difficult when you’re injured,” Encher said. “The bench is an important part of basketball, or any sport really, but to have that kind of limitation, it just kind of bogs you down. To come back and then to come back and get these minutes on Senior Night, it’s just setting me up for a really great come-

back.”

With their five seniors –Bryce Pacourek, Encher, Lena Lembcke, Luna Lloyd and Ava Marrello -- starting together for the first time since middle school, the Bulldogs caught fire in the second quarter and led the rest of the way for a 66-61 victory over Westmont.

“I think Senior Night gave us a lot of emotion,” said Pacourek. “We were really nervous but also really excited to see what we could finally do, all five of us together.”

Pacourek enjoyed one of her best games ever with 15 points and 10 rebounds, three assists and three steals Also contributing were Marrello (13 points with 3 threes, 4 assists), Lloyd (9 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals), Encher (7 points, 11 rebounds) and juniors Kelley Tyler (12 points) and Amanda Buckley

(5 points).

The Bulldogs (5-5) trailed 2016 midway through the second quarter before going on a 13-2 run behind an Encher putback, two Marrello threes and five points from Tyler Marrello, who missed her first three three-point attempts, made a third straight just before halftime for a 34-27 RBHS lead.

“I was super pumped up and it gave me a lot of adrenaline so I felt like I could run forever. I didn’t feel my legs,” Marrello said.

The victory also was the Bulldogs’ fourth straight and on the heels of a 61-53 overtime victory over Richards on Dec 3 in which they rallied in the fourth quarter.

“Westmont was hitting tough shots. Our girls came together. They were poised. They were aggressive, which was good,” RBHS

coach Jordan Mack said.

The Westmont victory also came without two usual starters, junior Emily Organ and sophomore Alyssa Morris

“The bench was crazy and loud and aggressive and that’s what we needed to pull off the win tonight.” Lembcke said. “I know some people didn’t play but they were still in the game and cheering everyone on.”

Westmont closed within one point late in the third quarter, but Pacourek’s conventional three-point play created a 46-42 lead entering the fourth quarter. RBHS led by at least four throughout the final quarter

Even the crowd provided a lift. Several friends of Encher wore specially designed Tshirts with her name One wore a two-sided version to support Encher and Pacourek.

“Those are my friends, some of my best friends,” Encher said. “They wanted to be there to support me, but they also wanted to embarrass me just a little, and that’s OK.”

LTHS take down defending WSC Silver champs

Lions beat No. 23 Glenbard West 43-29

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

The Lyons Township boys wrestling team took the first big ste p toward contending for the West Suburban Conference Silver championship last week.

The Lions, No 15 in the Dec 8 Illinois Matmen Class 3A rankings,

won their dual opener on Dec. 9 over No. 23 and defending champion Glenbard West 43-29 in LaGrange.

LTHS continued the momentum on Dec 10 at their home quad, defeating Fenwick 68-3 and Batavia 43-27 while being edged by Lincoln-Way

Central 34-31. Going undefeated for the weekend were Grif f Powell (106 pounds), Jack Kutchek (120), Claudio Rodrigue z

STEFAN CICIC

DEVON ENCHER

JACK KUTCHEK

Stung by injur y on vault, LTHS gymnasts fall to Oak Park

Hepokoski gashes head dur ing Lions’ rst event, not seriously hurt

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Lyons Township High School’s girls gymnastics team dropped its West Suburban Conference Silver dual opener 128.85 to 125 . 60 to Oak Pa rk and Rive r Fo rest High School on Dec 7, hampered in pa rt by the loss of sophomore Ava He pokoski, wh o sustained a bloody g ash to the back of her head during her vault.

After an i mmediate care t rip to Hinsd ale, where she rece ived 10 staples, He pokoski retur ned in time for the end of the meet to cheer the Lions’ final routines on floor exercise.

“I wanted to see how the team was do -

ing and p eople we re probably c oncer ned,” He pokoski said. “ I’m ve ry proud of them fo r ste pping up after I was taken out. ”

Junior Emily Tucker wo n the uneven parallel bars (8.0) and all-around (32.90) and senior A nnmarie Holmes wo n floor (9.1) following He pokoski ’s injury during the Lions’ first event.

“Honestly, at first I was ve ry sad because I wasn’t able to c ompete with a teammate I’ve b een practicing with b asically every day, every week, ever y month,” Tucker said.

LT HS opened with 127.70 at the Hinsdale S outh Invitational on Nov. 23. He pokoski scored a team-best eighth p lace 8.75 on vault.

Ag ainst OPRF, He pokoski said she g ot the necessar y height to successfully flip and land her tuck Yu rchenko vault, but not enough distanc e. Her head struck the end of the vaulting table upon landing.

He pokoski said there we re no c oncussion sign s, and her staples should be remove d sometime this week.

“I’ve broken my t ibia and my w rist before, but I’ve neve r really had anything

that involved a lot of blood,” He pokoski said. “I do f eel bad for what happened but I’m j ust proud that they went out there and did well despite of wh at happened.”

Sophomore Emmy Ber tucci was second on uneven bars (7.8) and tied for second on floor (8.5). Tucker tied for third on vault (8.5) and b eam (8.0) and Holmes was third in all-around (32.50). Junior Leyl a Ochoa made her season debut.

“I was really proud of [floor]. It ’s hard going last, especially at the end of a d ual meet because it ’s a long day, ” Holmes said. “Once I star ted perfor ming, all of my teammates we re cheering for me I wasn’t nervous anymore and I f elt it went well.”

RBHS senior gymnast hits rst 9 of her high school career

Change in beam routine nets improvement for Lindenberg

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Riverside-Brookfield High School senior Sarah Lindenberg has changed her balance beam routine this girls gymnastics season. She’s already on her way toward perfecting it.

On Dec 1, Lindenberg was rewarded with the first 9.0 of her four-year high school career in the Bulldogs’ 132.65 to 130.50 loss to Hinsdale South.

“It was one of the best routines I’ve ever done. I was like no matter what the score

is, I’m proud of this beam routine,” Lindenberg said. “I wasn’t wobbly during my dance or anything. I felt super strong up there. I was so proud of that.”

Lindenberg’s new routine is highlighted by a series of three connected skills as she moves from one end to the other. While scores often can be arbitrary, especially with just one judge, RBHS coach Karyn Domzalski said this was a great per-

SPORTS ROUNDUP

from page 27

(132) and Cooper King (195).

In the Illinois Matmen rankings, King is No 6, Powell No 8, Gunnar Garelli (152) No. 9 and Ricky Cavaliere (220) honorable mention.

LTHS girls basketball

The Lions (10-1) visit undefeated York (90) on Dec 16 in an early season showdown for the West Suburban Conference Silver Division lead

LTHS joined the Dukes at 4-0 in WSC Silver play on Dec. 12 by edging Glenbard West 56-50 behind Ella Or msby and Elin O’Brien (12 points each) and Nora Ezike (11 points).

Ally Cesarini (13 points) and Kennedy

for mance.

“It was a hit, hit routine,” Domzalski said.

Lindenberg’s third-place 9.0 joined two 9s by sophomore Lia Christiansen, who won allaround (35.35), vault (9.45), beam (9.3) and floor (8.9).

Christiansen had the lone 9 for either team on Dec. 7, winning floor (9.1) in the Bulldogs’ 124.45 to 120.10 victory at Glenbard South in their Upstate Eight Conference dual opener

Christiansen won all-around (34.65) and swept the other three events -- vault (8.85), beam (8.65) and uneven bars (8.05). Claudia Grusecki tied for second on vault (7.95) and Annabel Krue ger was third on beam (8.0), uneven bars (7.4) and all-around (31.15).

On Dec. 10, the Bulld ogs (122.20) defeated host Homewood-F lossmoor (120.75) while losing to Neuqua/Waubonsie/Metea Valley co-op (128.05).

Christiansen won all-around (35.00), vault (9.2) and floor (9.3) and was second on beam (8.5) and uneven bars (8.0). Krue ger was fifth on vault (7.15).

Wanless and Ezike and O’Brien (12 points each) led the 58-52 nonconference victory at St. Ignatius on Dec. 8.

The Lions topped Oak Park and River Forest 67-29 on Dec 6 with O’Brien (16 points), Cesarini (14 points) and Emma O’Brien (11 points) in double figures

RBHS boys wrestling

Senior Quintavius Murrell (8-2 at 120 pounds) and Bill Mar tin (8-2 at 170), junior

Josh Gonzale z (9-3 at 138) and sophomore Edg ar Mosquera (6-3 at 113) are among the top individual records for the RBHS boys wrestling team.

The Bulldogs (6-3) beat Westmont 78-6 and Bishop McNamara 60-22 in their Metro Suburban Conference triangular meet Dec 8 and were 1-2 at the Oak Park and River Forest Quad on Dec 10, beating Providence 45-19 while losing to Hinsdale Central 40-29 and the host Huskies 43-27.

SARAH LINDENBERG

AVA HEPOKOSKI

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class.

Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

To perform various network/system administration, computer support, and operational activities for the Village including computer system setup, configuration, and testing.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Reports directly to the Information Technology Services Director.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential duties and responsibilities

1. Ensure that best in class customer service is provided to both internal and external customers and also embrace, support, and promote the Village’s core values, beliefs and culture.

2. Configure, test, and deploy network systems, such as, firewalls, routers, switches, wireless equipment, network servers and storage arrays.

3. Configure, test, and deploy system servers, such as, file, print, Internet, e-mail, database, and application servers.

4. Configure, test, and monitor server and end-user systems for security, such as, user accounts, login scripts, file access privileges, and group policy management.

5. Configure, test, and deploy end-user systems, such as, workstations, laptops, mobile devices, printers, and software.

6. Test, configure, deploy, and support security systems, such as, facility access system, video & audio system.

7. Monitor and auditing of networks, systems, and user activities to ensure security and efficiency of systems. Create scripts and reports of detail activities for regular review.

8. Perform and participate in disaster recovery activities, such as, backup procedures, data recovery, and system recovery planning.

9. Assist end-users with computer problems or queries. Troubleshoot systems as needed and meet with users to analyze specific system needs.

10. Ensure the uniformity, reliability and security of system resources including network, hardware,

HELP WANTED

software and other forms of systems and data.

11. Prepare, create and update user/technical procedure documentations and provide computer training.

12. Assemble, test, and install network, telecommunication and data equipment and cabling.

13. Participate in research and recommendation of technology solutions.

Other important responsibilities and duties

1. Train users in the area of existing, new or modified computer systems and procedures.

2. Participate in the preparation of various activity reports.

3. Travel and support remote facilities and partner agencies.

4. Operate, administer and manage the Village and Public Safety computer systems, including E-911 center, in-vehicle computer systems.

5. Prepare clear and logical reports and program documentation of procedures, processes, and configurations.

6. Complete projects on a timely and efficient manner.

7. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

9. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of: Principals and procedures of computer systems, such as, data communication, hierarchical structure, backups, testing and critical analysis.

Hardware and software configuration of. computers, servers and mobile devices, including computing environment of Windows Server and Desktop OS and applications, Unix/Linux OS, VMware, iOS/Android.

Network protocols, security, configuration and administration, including firewalls, routers, switches and wireless technology.

Cabling and wiring, including CAT5/6, fiber network, telephone, serial communication, termination, and punch-down.

Telecommunications theory and technology, including VoiP, serial communication, wireless protocols, PBX, analog, fax, voicemail and auto-attendant.

Principles and methods of computer programming, coding and testing, including power shell, command scripting, macros, and

VB scripts.

Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Technical writing, office productivity tools and database packages.

Ability to:

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following:

- Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time

- Operating assigned equipment

- Lift 50 pounds of equipment, supplies, and materials without assistance

- Working in and around computer equipped vehicles

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

- Making observations

- Communicating with others

- Reading and writing

- Operating assigned equipment and vehicles

Maintain mental capacity allowing for effective interaction and communication with others.

Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance. Work overtime as operations require.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Experience: Three years of network/system administration in the public or private sector, maintaining a minimum of 75 Client Workstation computers. AND Training: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science or a related field. Certifications in Microsoft Server Administration, Networking, Applications and Cisco Networking.

Possession of a valid Illinois Driver License is required at the time of appointment.

Vaccination against COVID-19 strongly preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work in a computer environment; sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time; continuous exposure to computer screens; work in and around computerized vehicles outdoor and garage facility; lifting heavy equipment, communication cabling and wiring into walls and ceilings.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Administrative Assistant in the Public Health Department. This position provides a variety of responsible administrative and analytical functions; records and monitors department budget and fiscal requirements of grant-funded programs; oversight of Accounts Payable process; prepares reports and serves as a resource for computerized office applications. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/ jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Parking Enforcement Officer in the Police Department Field Services Division. This position will perform a variety of duties and responsibilities involved in the enforcement of Village parking regulations; and to provide general information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

Associate, Database Administrator (ABN AMRO Clearing Chicago LLC, Chicago, IL - F/T) Provide support for a highly available global SQL Server envrmt; troubleshoot time sensitive production issues in a timely manner. Rqts: Bach deg or foreign equiv in Comp Sci, Comp Engg, or a rel fld + 4 yrs of progressively resp exp in the position offd or as a D/base Administrator, D/base Analyst, or a rel position. Employer will accept a Master’s deg in the stated field of study in meeting the Bach deg reqmt. Employer will accept pre- & postMaster’s deg exp. Must have 4 yrs of progressively resp exp w/all of the following: Ensuring stable operation, performance, & availability of production MS SQL Server envrmts through proactive monitoring, maintenance, & mgmt; Supporting & dsgng data warehouse load, master data mgmt, & data quality control processes; Installing & configuring SQL Servers, AlwaysOn Availability Groups, Virtual Machines, & PhysicaL servers according to specs & best practices; Performing code reviews to troubleshoot & optimize T-SQL code & proposing data structure; & able to create stored procedures; Configuring & managing SQL-specific monitoring tools to provide high availability to all the d/bases being managed; Configuring & managing SQL backups & restorations of data as reqd; Dsgng & administering of remote (global) disaster recovery d/base envrmts to incl clustering of servers; & Upgrading d/base envrmts w/ very minimal downtime. To apply, email resume to DL-AACB-CH-Recruitment@abnamroclearing.com & indicate job title. EOE

Schools

Qualifications:

• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with an endorsement in School Psychology.

• Prefer at least 5 years of successful educational experience in both general and special education; and at least five years of successful experience in evaluating students, collaborating, and problemsolving with school and District teams.

• Master’s Degree preferred.

Demonstrates knowledge of special education legislation and acts in accordance with those mandates; follows policies and procedures of the District. Develops and implements activities that encourage students to be life-long learners. Identify and assess the learning, development, and needs of individuals and groups, as well as, the environmental factors that affect learning and school success. Uses assessment data about the

Shipping

students and their environments in developing appropriate interventions and programs. Conducts appropriate individual psychoeducational assessments for children who have or are suspected of having a disability and provides written reports of assessment results.

Participates in all staff conferences of students having received psychological evaluation or reevaluation, including hospital discharge. Provide support to special education personnel including assisting staff with development of functional behavioral analysis and behavior intervention plans, modeling “best practices” and assisting special educators with instructional practices.

For a complete list of duties, please visit our website at https://www.district90.org/about/ employment

Interested candidates should complete the online application available at www.district90.org.

FINANCE COORDINATOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Finance Coordinator. The ideal candidate will perform a wide variety of responsible and complex administrative, secretarial and clerical duties for the Finance department; and will provide information and assistance to the public regarding department to which assigned. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oakpark.us/jobs.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is open until filled.

COMMUNITY HEALTH ADVISOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Community Health Advisor. The professional in this position is responsible for a variety of tasks including; promoting a safe health care environment; including health education, outreach and promotion which includes disseminating information, making referrals, and counseling as well as managing caseloads, and performing a variety of tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. First review of applications December 19, 2022.

FULL-TIME POLICE RECORDS CLERK

FOREST PARK, IL

The Forest Park Police Department, seeks a Full-Time Civilian Information Management Records Clerk reporting to the Lieutenant of the Criminal Investigations Division. Eligible candidates will be required to pass an aptitude test and an extensive background check. Qualifications include excellent organizational skills, computer skills, the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines,

good knowledge of English language, and adherence to all police department policies and procedures.

Responsibilities and duties include subpoena fulfilment, evidence room duties, data entries, general office functions, report creation, and other duties as needed our assigned. Open until filled. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. or at www.forestpark. net and should be returned Attn: Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130. Email: vmoritz@forestpark.net

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Oak Park, Illinois (Chicagoland) www.collab4kids.org

Since its beginnings in 2002, the Collaboration for Early Childhood (the Collab) has embraced the vision that all children should arrive at kindergarten safe, healthy, ready to succeed and eager to learn. The Collab’s focus has always been on how much impact the organization could have on the youngest among us in the community.

The Executive Director will be charged with taking the organization into its next phase of organizational life. He/She/They will have the opportunity to leverage the organization’s expanded influence and funding, potentially beyond the state of Illinois. The Executive Director will enhance the organization’s advocacy profile and will help shape a policy agenda for early learning. He/She/ They will help expand the organization’s opportunities for revenue generation, diversification, and strategic partnerships. Most significantly, the Collab will continue to serve as one of the state’s primary thought leaders in early childhood education.

The minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required, though a master’s or advanced degree is preferred.

The salary range for this position is between $120,000 and $140,000

and will be commensurable with experience. The Collab offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to 12 paid holidays, vacation days and group health insurance, as well as a retirement plan.

It is the policy of the Collaboration to afford equal employment opportunities regardless of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, religion, marital status, disability, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, order of protection status, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. This policy of equal employment applies to all aspects of the employment relationship, including but not limited to: initial consideration for employment; job placement and assignment of responsibilities; performance evaluation; promotion and advancement; compensation and fringe benefits; training and professional development opportunities; formulation and application of human resource policies and rules; facility and service accessibility; and discipline and termination.

Applications are being received by Kittleman & Associates, LLC. For more information or to apply, please visit https://bit.ly/3tBKpLu (click on the Apply button at the bottom of the page to upload a current resume and letter of interest).

HELP WANTED • NETWORK SPECIALIST

River Forest Public

River Forest Public Schools, District 90 is seeking an experienced part-time School Psychologist

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

SUMMONS (Family Law)

CITACIÓN (Derecho familiar)

CASE NUMBER (NÚMERO DE CASO): HF22130927

NOTICE TO RESPONDENT (Name): AVISO AL DEMANDADO (Nombre): ANGELO C GALLARDO

You have been sued. Read the information below and on the next page.

Lo han demandado. Lea la información a continuación y en la página siguiente.

Petitioner’s name is: Nombre del demandante: MERCEDITA M. GALLARDO

You have 30 calendar days after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL-120) at the court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter, phone call, or court appearance will not protect you.

If you do not file your Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnership, your property, and custody of your children. You may be ordered to pay support and attorney fees and costs.

For legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately. Get help finding a lawyer at the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www.courts.ca.gov/ selfhelp), at the

California Legal Services website (www.lawhelpca.org), or by contacting your local county bar association.

Tiene 30 días de calendario después de haber recibido la entrega legal de esta Citación y Petición para presentar una Respuesta (formulario FL-120) ante la corte y efectuar la entrega legal de una copia al demandante. Una carta o llamada telefónica o una audiencia de la corte no basta para protegerlo.

Si no presenta su Respuesta a tiempo, la corte puede dar órdenes que afecten su matrimonio o pareja de hecho, sus bienes y la custodia de sus hijos. La corte también le puede ordenar que pague manutención, y honorarios y costos legales. Para asesoramiento legal, póngase en contacto de inmediato con un abogado. Puede obtener información para encontrar un abogado en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en el sitio web de los Servicios Legales de California (www.lawhelpca.org) o poniéndose en contacto con el colegio de abogados de su condado.

NOTICE—RESTRAINING ORDERS ARE ON PAGE 2: These restraining orders are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment is entered, or the court makes further orders. They are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them.

AVISO—LAS ÓRDENES DE RE-

órdenes puede hacerlas acatar en cualquier lugar de California.

FEE WAIVER: If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. The court may order you to pay back all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for you or the other party.

EXENCIÓN DE CUOTAS: Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario un formulario de exención de cuotas. La corte puede ordenar que usted pague, ya sea en parte o por completo, las cuotas y costos de la corte previamente exentos a petición de usted o de la otra parte.

1. The name and address of the court are (El nombre y dirección de la corte son): SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, 24405 AMADOR STREET, HAYWARD, CA 94544 - FAMILY LAW DIVISION

2. The name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner’s attorney, or the petitioner without an attorney, are: (El nombre, dirección y número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante si no tiene abogado, son): SATNESH S. PRASAD, 607 LONGWOOD AVE., HAYWARD, CA 94541

Date (Fecha): OCT 21, 2022

CHAD FINKE, Clerk, by (Secretario, por) SARAH GOUVEIA, Deputy (Asistente)

[SEAL]

Published in the Wednesday Journal November 23, 30, December 7, 14, 2022

Public Notice

STATE OF ILLINOIS, COUNTY OF COOK, ssCircuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division

In re the Marriage of: Nina Obi, Petitioner, and Innocent Obi, Respondent, Case No. 2022 D 005212.

The requisite affidavit for Publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, Innocent Obi, Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, Nina Obi, for Dissolution of Marriage and that said suit is now pending.

Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent file your Appearance and Response electronically to said Petition with the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, on or before January 4, 2023, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage Entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition.

IRIS Y. MARTINEZ, Clerk.

Published in the Wednesday Journal December 14, 21, 28, 2022.

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE

STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY.

Request of Ryan Cavario Isom Case Number 20224005929

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Ryan Cavario Isom to the new name of: Rian Isom

The court date will be held: On January 31, 2023 at 11am at FOURTH MUNICIPAL DISTICT COURT OF COOK COUNTY 1500 MAYBROOK DRIVE, MAYWOOD, COOK COUNTY, IL via Zoom. ZOOM ACCESS CODE: 914 3462 0283 PASSWORD: 988648

Published in Wednesday Journal December 7, 14, 21, 2022

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park will receive proposals from qualified general contractors for the Public Works Center Wash Bay Drainage Improvements Project. Proposals will be accepted at the Public Works Service Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, until 11:00 a.m. local time on Friday, January 13th, 2023.

Request for Proposals

Village of Oak Park Public Works Center Wash Bay Drainage Improvements Proposal Number: 22-134 Issuance Date: 12/14/22

There will be a pre-bid meeting at the Public Works Center, located at 201 South Blvd., Oak Park, IL on Wednesday, December 21st, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Bid forms may be obtained by calling 708358-5710 or by e-mailing vics@ oak-park.us between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. M-F.

The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No proposal documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of proposal opening.

Published in Wednesday Journal December 14, 2022

STRICCIÓN SE ENCUENTRAN

EN LA PÁGINA 2: Las órdenes de restricción están en vigencia en cuanto a ambos cónyuges o miembros de la pareja de hecho hasta que se despida la petición, se emita un fallo o la corte dé otras órdenes. Cualquier agencia del orden público que haya recibido o visto una copia de estas

THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE

HEARING DATE: January 4, 2023

TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits

CALENDAR NUMBER: 21-21-Z

APPLICATION: The Zoning Board of Appeals (“Board”) will conduct a public hearing on a special use permit application filed by the Applicant, Prosperous Platforms LLC, to operate a day care center (Baby Genius Academy) pursuant to Section 8.3 (Table 8-1: Use Matrix) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance at the property located at 326 Lake Street, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Numbers 16-08-118-0031-0000 (“Subject Property”) in the NC Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District.

A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The Board will conduct the public hearing remotely with live audio available and optional video. The hearing will be streamed live and archived online for on-demand viewing at www.oak-park.us/ commissiontv as well as cablecast on VOP-TV, which is available to Comcast subscribers on channel 6 and ATT U-Verse subscribers on channel 99. The remote public hearing is authorized pursuant to Section 7(e) of the Open Meetings Act. The Village President has determined that an in-person public hearing is not practical

or prudent due to the COVID-19 outbreak during Governor JB Pritzker’s current disaster proclamation. It is also not feasible to have a person present at the public hearing due to public safety concerns related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may provide written evidence, testimony and public comment on the application by email to Zoning@oak-park.us or by drop off in the Oak Park Payment Drop Box across from the main entrance to Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, to be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 4, 2023. An individual’s name and their testimony or comment will be read aloud into the record at the public hearing if received no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of the public hearing. Interested persons may also sign up to participate in-person in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses, present evidence, testimony or public comment by emailing Zoning@oak-park.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing. Individuals who sign up to participate in-person will receive an email from Village staff with information about how to join the hearing online through Zoom web-conference means or by phone.

The public hearing may be adjourned by the Board to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY,

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

HEARING DATE: January 4, 2023

TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits

CALENDAR NUMBER: 21-21-Z

APPLICATION: The Zoning Board of Appeals (“Board”) will conduct a public hearing on a special use permit application filed by the Applicant, Prosperous Platforms LLC, to operate a day care center (Little Leaders Academy) pursuant to Section 8.3 (Table 8-1: Use Matrix) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance at the property located at 404 Lake Street, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Numbers 16-08-118-0031-0000 (“Subject Property”) in the NC Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District.

A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The Board will conduct the public hearing remotely with live audio available and optional video. The hearing will be streamed live and archived online for on-demand viewing at www.oak-park.us/ commissiontv as well as cablecast on VOP-TV, which is available to Comcast subscribers on channel 6 and ATT U-Verse subscribers on channel 99. The remote public hearing is authorized pursuant to Section 7(e) of the Open Meetings Act. The Village President has determined that an in-person public hearing is not practical or prudent due to the COVID-19

outbreak during Governor JB Pritzker’s current disaster proclamation. It is also not feasible to have a person present at the public hearing due to public safety concerns related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may provide written evidence, testimony and public comment on the application by email to Zoning@oak-park.us or by drop off in the Oak Park Payment Drop Box across from the main entrance to Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, to be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 4, 2023. An individual’s name and their testimony or comment will be read aloud into the record at the public hearing if received no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of the public hearing. Interested persons may also sign up to participate in-person in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses, present evidence, testimony or public comment by emailing Zoning@oak-park.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing. Individuals who sign up to participate in-person will receive an email from Village staff with information about how to join the hearing online through Zoom web-conference means or by phone.

The public hearing may be adjourned by the Board to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Property Index No. 16-18-326-0020000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $130,513.82.

title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact Alexander Potestivo, POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610, Chicago, IL, 60606 (312) 263-0003. Please refer to file number 314605.

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.

POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610 Chicago IL, 60606 312-263-0003

E-Mail: ilpleadings@potestivolaw.

com

Attorney File No. 314605 Attorney Code. 43932 Case Number: 2022 CH 02068 TJSC#: 42-4397

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 02068 I3208865

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION CASCADE FUNDING MORTGAGE TRUST HB5 Plaintiff, -v.-

UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW AND LEGATEES OF WILLIE L. ADAMS, DONNY ADAMS A/K/A DONALD ADAMS, THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES, THOMAS QUINN, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIE L. ADAMS, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS

Defendants

2021 CH 05255

cluding the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the 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.

be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2021 CH 05255 I3208368

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION Nationstar Mortgage LLC Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF LACEY WILLIAMS AKA LACEY A. WILLIAMS; ARTIST SQUARE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; OLIVE MARIE RIVERA, A MINOR, BY LANGSTON WILLIAMS, JR. AND ALTHEA WILLIAMS, HER GRANDPARENTS AND NEXT FRIENDS; ALTHEA WILLIAMS; LANGSTON WILLIAMS, JR.;

JULIE FOX AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF LACEY WILLIAMS AKA LACEY A. WILLIAMS; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 21 CH 5815

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, January 9, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-07-323-055-1011.

Commonly known as 1041 Susan Collins Lane, Unit 304, Oak Park, IL 60302.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g) (4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act

Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Law Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455. W20-0232 ADC

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 6, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 13, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1152 HOME AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60304

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of

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

806 S. TAYLOR AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60304

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 23, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 5, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 806 S. TAYLOR AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60304 Property Index No. 16-17-129-0050000; 16-17-129-006-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $470,390.58.

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-

For information, contact JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC

Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number 21 8680.

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.

JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650 Chicago IL, 60602 312-541-9710

E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com Attorney File No. 21 8680 Attorney Code. 40342 Case Number: 2021 CH 05255 TJSC#: 42-3674

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

intercountyjudicialsales.com I3208202

OF OAK PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS