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See how the North Riverside Players run

e local theater troupe is performing the WWIIera farce this month

By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

Take a trip back to the post-war era in England with the North Riverside Players’ upcoming production of “See How They Run.”

The troupe will play six shows on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons from April 24-26 and May 1-3 at the North Riverside Village Commons, 2401 S. Des Plaines Ave. Tickets are available for purchase online.

“The audience doesn’t need to think. They just go and enjoy and laugh at the zaniness that happens,” director Sam Buonomo told the Landmark. “Very often in life, we get all keyed up with a lot of things in our lives.

Bar and grill could open near 8 Corners

e new, local restaurant will boast a roo op deck

By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

A new, locally owned bar and grill could open north of Eight Corners if village of ficials approve the development.

Dubbed the Eight Corners Restaurant, the proposal would bring contemporary dining with a rooftop deck to 3415 Maple Ave., Community Development Director Libby Popovic told the Landmark.

“It’s going to be a bar and grill restaurant for f amilies to be able to get together and enjoy the area,” she said. “From the rooftop deck, it looks like you should be able to see into the city. For [the owners], it was really important to have something that brings families together but also is aesthetically pleasing.”

Trustees are set to discuss requested variations from village code for the proposal at their April 13 committee of the whole meeting and are expected to put it up for a vote at their re gular meeting two weeks later.

O cials talk improving Prairie Avenue next year

New lighting could extend no rth to Washington; curb extensions planned

By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

Brookfield is preparing to make improvements to Prairie Avenue next year, including streetscape work on the 3700 block and new roadside lighting up to Washington Avenue.

Trustees on March 23 reached a consensus after 45 minutes of discussion to implement new pedestrian-focused lighting from Broadway Avenue to Grant Avenue before transitioning to combined pedestrian- and roadway-focused lighting up through the intersection with Washington Avenue.

Other planned work for 2027 includes replacing the sidewalks and curbs and installing brick pavers on the 3700 block of Prairie Avenue up through the mid-block alley north of Fill My Jar, the same stretch where new pedestrian lighting was installed last year as streetscape work was done to the 3700 block of Grand Boulevard.

Curb bump-outs are also set to be installed to constrict the roadway of Prairie Avenue at the intersection with Washington Avenue in order to “protect the kids up there and to shorten the crosswalk,” said Dan O’Malley, a project manager at Hancock Engineering, Brookfield’s contracted firm.

“[The bump-outs] would shrink the crosswalk and make it safer, more visible,” he told trustees.

Altogether, Brookfield is set to pay about $976,000 in total for the streetscape work, accounting for the village’s 20% share, according to estimates from an October discussion; 80% of the total costs will be covered by federal funding through the Surface Transportation Program of fered by the Central Council of Mayors.

The new lighting work cost the village an additional $80,000 for the pedestrian lighting up to Grant Avenue and another $150,000 or so for the lighting from Grant to Washington Avenue.

At the meeting, trustees discussed what kind of lighting poles should be placed where. The discussion initially concerned only the 3700 block of Prairie Avenue, though Village Manager Tim Wiberg urged trustees to consider expanding past the block.

“That’s defining where the downtown is today In 30 years, do we think downtown is going to expand north?” he said. “If we think there’s an opportunity or a chance that the natural expansion of downtown will spread that way, now is the time.”

Some members of the board suggested alternating pedestrianonly lighting with the combined poles all the way to Washington Avenue, while others suggested the increase in cost wouldn’t be worth the end result.

“Who are we providing that amenity for? These are residential blocks right now, so I understand it’s a thoroughfare, but we’re

LIGHT THE WAY: Brook eld is considering options for new lighting on commerc ial streets.

putting in decorative light for the people who are driving by?” Trustee Kyle Whitehead said. “It seems like a significant cost to take on with no clear benefit.”

During the discussion, O’Malley said any combination of lighting could be feasible even up to 31st Street, though he emphasized the more per manent impacts of the decision.

“We can always come back in a couple years and apply for an ITEP [Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program] grant for doing the rest of the streetscape,” he said. “The lighting is a little bit more of a long-term commitment. Obviously, you don’t want to be re placing your lights in five years.”

He said Hancock would take the board’s direction in preparing plans for pre-final submittal to the Illinois Department of Transportation with the option for officials to review their choice before the final plans are submitted. PROVIDED

CO RRECTI ON

A story titled “Riverside aims to reclaim the night from too much light” that ran in print April 1, 2026, misstated the nature of the village’s partnership. It is contracting directly with Ken Walczak, not with DarkSky International. The Landmark re grets the er ror.

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PROVIDED

e Lyons Tow nship Special Oly mpics basketball team captured the program’s third state championship March 15. Team members are (front row, from le ) coach Haley Brancheau, Tyler Deck, Andrew De La O, Julian Jasso, Dillon Pusatera, Josiah Santana, Tommy Van Eekeren, (back row) coach Brian Klimes, coach Katie Schuetz, Conor Mulcahy, Iqui Nogueda-Nunez, Ryan Schwartz and coach Emma Dominelli

LTHS Special Olympics captures state b-ball championship

Teamwork, great defense helps Lions add to 1995, 2005 state titles

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Coach Emma Dominelli quickly achieved success this season with the Lyons Township Special Olympics basketball team.

“My No. 1 goal always is for the athletes to have a good time, have fun. And if we win, amazing,” Dominelli said.

state championship. It came when the team defeated the Eagles of District 218 57-29 at Illinois State University March 15.

The players had so much enjoyment that they worked to achieve more.

The ultimate result was the Lions’ third

Team members were Andrew De La O, Tyler Deck, Julian Jasso, Conor Mulcahy, Iqui Nogueda-Nunez, Dillon Pusatera, Josiah Santana, Ryan Schwartz and Tommy Van Eekeren. Other coaches were Haley Brancheau, Brian Klimes, and Katie Schuetz.

“(The championship) was just such a good game. Really, truly our defense won

‘The Sleepiest Monkey’ is Brook eld author ’s 1st children’s book

Carl Novakovich wrote the book for his daughter, Charlotte

By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

Brookfield resident Carl Novakovich published his first children’s book, titled “The Sleepiest Monkey,” in March

“My daughter now is 18 months old, and I wrote the story when she was three months old. When she was around that age, we used to call her a monkey because she would grab everything with her toes,” he told the Landmark. “We called her a little monkey, and she never wanted to slee p. She wasn’t a fussy baby; she just liked to be awake and be a part of the action.”

Novakovich had a habit of making up bedtime stories to get his daughter, Charlotte, to fall aslee p, he said.

“I was telling her about the sleepiest little monkey who didn’t want to listen to her mom and dad and who wouldn’t go to sleep. At the time, I was an Uber driver. I had finally got her down for bed, and I was out driving Uber. It’s the middle of the night, kind of slow, and I pulled the Notes app out on my phone and wrote down everything,” he said.

Novakovich, who also published two realistic fantasy novels in 2021 — “The Tomb” and its sequel “The Horsemen” —

us that game,” Dominelli said. “The players were amazing. They had the best form they’ve ever had, hitting every shot. We got some momentum on offense. We were always ahead.”

Dominelli, in her ninth season as coach, took a fourth LTHS team to state. The players went beyond the two practices a week they get on the LTHS basketball court to add to the state championship runs of 1995 and 2005.

said the book’s concept remained the same as he received feedback from his family and community.

“Like I said, I wrote it in the car at maybe two in the morning, so it had a lot of changes that it needed. I had gone through with my fiancee … With anything in my writing, she’s always my sounding board,” he said.

“When I worked with my illustrator [Ben Clark], he and I sat down and went through everything. He’s got a five-year-old daughter, so I had her read the book and give me some criticisms as well since she’s my target audience,” he added. “She built the book. The hardest criticisms I received were from a five-year-old.”

The author said he wanted the book to be a jumping-off point for children readers to learn new words, something he said his own daughter enjoyed

“I did put some complicated words in there, and [Clark’s daughter] was very direct,” he said. “She said, ‘I’m five years old. I don’t know what “poise” means!’”

Now that “The Sleepiest Monkey,” which is available for purchase online, has been published, Novakovich said he’s hard at work on his next book for an older age range of kids.

“I have a niece who’s seven, and once this book came out, she was like, ‘OK, where’s mine now?’ Now I have to write her one,” he said. “I have a bunch of different ideas for children’s books that I thought of throughout the years that I thought would be fun to do but didn’t have the push until

“It’s been a long time. I was aware (the last title was 2005), but the goal for us is never the need to win,” Dominelli said.

“They practiced outside (of school) and got to g ether on the weekends with parental help. I can’ t say that has happened before in my nine years. T hey became a really tight group outside of basketball and I think that played a huge role.”

T here are 10 divisions in Special Olympics in the state. Teams are assigned

more recently.”

Novakovich’s next book will center on a princess made of bubblegum who needs to protect her kingdom, he said.

“I’m working with the same illustrator who did ‘The Sleepiest Monkey.’ He and I are coming up with different ways to make

based on their performance level during the re gular season.

Teams then must win districts to qualify for state in their division. T he Lions advanced with a 52-46 over time victory over Leyden. In their state opener, the Lions defeated Maine South in the semifinals

For the season, the Lions finished with a 10-2 record, losing twice by one point.

T hey took pride in a zone defense that could adjust to neutralize opponents’

it somewhat of a children’s graphic novel,” he said.

Down the line, Novakovich said he hopes to get his book into the hands of the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library and local bookseller New Book Joy so that residents can buy it in town.

leading scorers. Deck usually was the leading scorer

“(Deck is) a very good ball handler but they all played a huge role in the win. Just a great thing to see,” Dominelli said.

“It was really a team effort. That’s what was so special in winning it. Ev ery single person played a role, and different roles. One might be the top scorer but got rebounds at a critical moment. It was a really good season.”

River Forest President Adduci meets Pope Leo XIV

Ponti meets with Chicago-area civic leaders in Rome

By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter

Once in a while, the actual event exceeds intense anticipation.

For River Forest Village President Cathy Adduci and a practicing Catholic, that moment was April 6, when she met Pope Leo XIV in Rome.

As a member of a dele gation of over 20 mayors and civic leaders from across the state, Adduci met the pontiff in Clementine Hall, located on the second floor of the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City. T he event was coordinated by the Illinois Municipal League

T here are a few moments in life that stand out from the rest, and this was one for Adduci.

T he obvious question: What was he like?

“He was very gracious, he was very eng aging,” Adduci said. “He acknowledged everything.”

Adduci went to St. Elizabeth Seton High School in South Holland, not far from Dolton, and used to spend a lot of time in that community growing up. After they discussed River Forest, she explained that, “and his eyes widened,” she said.

T here were even a few moments of levity. T he pope is a White Sox f an, and “he said they need some help, they’re struggling,” said Adduci, who also visited the U.S. embassy in Vatican City with the deleg ation.

But there was more to this meeting than blessings and reminiscing. T he pope gave a moving speech, so much so that Adduci took plenty of notes.

“He basically said there are many tasks that vie for your attention each day,” she said. “I would encourage you to listen to the poor, the immigrants and the least among you, seeking to accompany them in your work to promote the common good for the benefit of all.”

“We can solve our problems if we work together and not nd fault.”

CATHY ADDUCI River Forest village president

She had a chance to talk to him about the village and its four Catholic institutions: Dominican University, T rinity High School, St. Luke and St. Bernardine Parish and St. Vincent Ferrer Parish.

Since Pope Leo is a native Chicagoan, from south suburban Dolton, was he familiar with River Forest and those Catholic institutions and communities? Sure was.

“[He said], ‘I know where that’s at,’” she said. “I asked each of the institutions to write letters that I left with the pope. I handed them to his team.”

He also blessed a bag of rosaries Adduci brought from home from friend s and family

Adduci, who personally paid for her trip and traveled with a friend, flew out of O’Hare International Airport on March 28, arriving in Rome the next day. Flying over, the anticipation was palpable

“You felt like Monday is going to come, how is this all going to work?” she said.

“You look across these mayors, mayors that r un big cities. We were all anticipating, how do you address the pope?”

One thing she learned was the Vatica n requests women wear a ve il and a da rk suit.

“A priest that was with us, he gave mass while we were in Rome, and during one of the homilies [he said], ‘We veil the people we feel are holy. We believe women are holy, the mother of God.’ That really resonated with me.”

Of course, as village president Adduci has many responsibilities, but in her view, it wasn’t hard to make the decision to travel to Vatican City, especially during

Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV greets River Forest Village President Cathy Adduci and other Chicago-area elected o cials at the Vatican

Holy Week.

“It was a very easy decision,” she said. “It wasn’t an inexpensive decision, but it was wor th it to meet His Holiness, to spend any time at the Vatican, just Rome itself. Once I was asked to join the trip, I absolutely said yes, I will make it happen.”

T he result was a key takeaway that Ad-

duci has contemplated since retur ning

“I think it’s about working to g ether,” she said. “Any problem can be solved if we work to g ether with the goal we work to g ether for the common good

“We can and we should. We can solve our problems if we work to g ether and not find fault. ”

The birds and the bees nd a home in Riverside

e

village became a Bee City USA a liate this year, with Bird City close behind

By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

With sustainability and stewardship at the forefront of Riverside’s priorities, the village has long been a safe place for native wildlife. But now, Riverside has officially been named a Bee City, and it’s in the process of becoming a Bird City.

Rather, Riverside has been named an affiliate of Bee City USA, a national nonprofit dedicated to the wellbeing of the important insects, and officials are working towards earning a similar designation from Bird City USA, which focuses its effor ts on the avian animals.

Village Trustee Jill Mateo has been instrumental in Riverside’s applications for both affiliations. She was reco gnized by staf f and officials for her ef for ts at the village board’s Feb. 5 meeting, where Village President Doug Pollock asked her to read the village’s resolution designating it as a Bee City USA affiliate.

“Bird City is something that our local birding network has been talking about for years. Especially after we got the Audubon [Society] designation for the Important Bird Area, we thought, ‘What’s next?’” she told the Landmark. “Unfortunately,

we haven’t gotten to it until no but I’m pleased that we are moving forward.”

Mateo, an associate professor of biolog y at the Unive ef for ts fit with her affinity world.

“I’m a scientist. I study natural processes. I’m always interested in ing in nature and how animals interact with the environment. I know how critical sustainability is practices, writ large done detrimentally to insects I’m thinking anything be beneficial,” she said. “It might not affect us today, but if it affects our residents 50 years into the futur should go for it.”

She said the two Riverside’s goals of “protecting and conserving its natural areas,” earned the village by the Arbor Day F as an arboretum gram ArbNet since 2015 and as an Impo tant Bird Area since 2020.

The village is also cation to become a Dar following a for mal assessment of nighttime lighting in town.

“That’s a good track record, and now we have these other opportunities to get additional designations. I thought, ‘Well, why not do it?’” she said. “I think it would be good for Riverside, not to just increase our list of accolades but more to signify that these organizations are reco gnizing our previous ef forts, and they’re entrusting us to continue those effor ts into the future.”

Indeed, Riverside has in the past taken steps to foster a better environment for pollinators, including bees, by participating in No Mow May. The village also celebrates Global Big Day each year in May, celebrating birds and the ef for ts to conserve their ecosystems with family-friendly activities.

As Riverside works toward its Bird City USA affiliate application, Mateo said the village already checks several of the boxes.

“We got the application and we looked over it, and there were several criteria — we had to fulfill nine out of multiple criteria — and we were able to come up with item after item after item after item: We’ve already done all of this. This has been in the works, so I think our chances are really good,” she said. “What’s important for both the Bird City and the Bee City [affiliations] is, we’re obligated going forward to continue that stewardship … It’s a promise to the future for Riversiders.”

Artemis mission draws special attention of Oak Park astronomer

Jim Sweitzer has spent a half-century running astronomy programs, teaching, writing about space

By JESSICA MACKINNON Contributing Reporter

Much of the country – if not the world –was watching, fingertips crossed, as the Artemis II capsule was launched from the Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday, April 1, the first space mission to orbit the moon in more than 50 years.

For Oak Park resident Jim Sweitzer the mission has special resonance.

His fascination with space was sparked while attending Boy Scout camp in Michigan in 1969, just a few weeks after the Apollo 11 mission had landed the first astronauts on the moon. As part of a ritual to earn his Order of the Arrow, Sweitzer was blindfolded, marched to an open field and left for the night.

After removing his blindfold, Sweitzer was overwhelmed by the brilliance of the stars in the pitch-dark sky. The experience, combined with the excitement of the moon landing, was life-changing and eventually led him to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in astronomy and astrophysics at the University of Chicago, one of the world’s leaders in astrophysical research.

Shortly after graduating in the late 70s, Sweitzer was invited to teach at Chicago’s Adler Planetarium and he discovered that he enjoyed it. His career trajectory pivoted from research to education.

“Popular astronomy was burgeoning at the time. The first Star Wars movie and Carl Sagan’s Cosmos series were huge successes. I taught a class on Stephen Hawking’s book, A Brief History of Time, and it was packed with more than 100 people. People really wanted to learn about the universe, and the Adler, with its focus on education, was one of the greatest places to be,” Sweitzer said.

Sweitzer eventually became assistant director of the planetarium, responsible for developing exhibits and sky shows and pioneering the use of remotely operated telescopes by the public

He left the planetarium in 1991 to co-direct under the auspices of the University of Chicago the team building the first astronomical observatory in Antarctica. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the launch of the Center for Astrophysical Research in Antarctica was a mammoth interdisciplinary effort, including teams of scientists as well as construction crews Sweitzer made the arduous jour ney to the Center twice

“When you first get off the plane at the South Pole, all you see is white – like being on whipped cream. It was something else. I remember thinking that it was the closest I’d ever get to experiencing another planet,” Sweitzer said.

Antarctica is ideal for the work Sweitzer was doing – using radio telescopes to observe radiation from the Big Bang – because it is extraordinarily dry. In addition to his research, he conducted an educational video conference with Chicago Public Schools that allowed students to take a “field trip” to the South Pole.

Sweitzer and his family moved to New York City in 1996 when he was hired as director of special projects at the American Museum of Natural History. He oversaw the renovation of the Rose Center of Earth and Space and the creation of the new Hayden Planetarium, the first major digital planetarium in the world. He also managed a NASA grant to develop the digital galaxy project, an electronic map of the observable universe.

Living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the family took full advantage of the cultural opportunities available in the city. His wife, Cathy, is a writer and taught writing at Sarah Lawrence College in Westchester County; his son attended New York University filmmaking; and his daughter studied violin at the Manhattan School of Music.

But by 2002 they were ready to come back to Chicago. They moved into Cathy’s for mer family home in Oak Park and Sweitzer joined DePaul University where, as director of the

Space Science Center, he coordinated science outreach between NASA and a seven-state educational network in the Midwest.

For the past two decades, Sweitzer has been an in-demand consultant for planetariums and science centers across the globe because of his broad experience working with scientists, architects, engineers, museum staff and educators.

One of his largest contracts was with the Shanghai Astronomy Museum, a sprawling 38,000 square meter comprehensive astronomy campus and the largest planetarium in the world. During the five-year project, he had a hand in all its 300 exhibits.

“I have great respect for the Chinese. There is nothing like the Shanghai museum in the West,” Sweitzer said.

During the COVID lockdown, Sweitzer and his wife, who received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English at Rosary College (now Dominican University), wrote a book to help “lay people” understand some of the most interesting contemporary topics in astronomy. The book is written as a series of letters to Galileo, one of Sweitzer’s heroes, updating him on the mind-boggling astronomical discoveries made since his time.

The book tackles dark matter, which Sweitzer considers the most challenging question puzzling researchers today

“We know that more than three-quarters of the universe is made up of invisible matter, we just don’t know what it is,” Sweitzer said. “We can’t see it but we can see its effect on stars, galaxies, clusters and the Cosmos.”

Sweitzer understands the public’s interest in black holes, which he refers to as “like lasers for cats.”

“When I talk about black holes, people pay attention. They are fascinating. They pull in all space and time and anything that enters a black hole is on a one-way trip.”

In his book, Sweitzer explains that black holes are stars that have run out of nuclear fuel and imploded from the force of gravity. According to Sweitzer, every galaxy in the universe harbors a black hole in its center

From his own backyard, Sweitzer can see the influence of the nearest black hole, Gaia BH1, with his smart telescope, an instrument that uses onboard computers to find deep space objects in relatively light polluted skies.

Referencing Artemis II, Sweitzer said that, while Gaia is in our neighborhood, at 1,500 light years away, it would take the capsule 42 million years to reach.

Although Sweitzer has spent almost 50 years dedicated to the art of visualizing the universe for the public, he now spends quite a bit of time creating fine art for himself, a pursuit he started two decades ago as a way of communicating (and competing) with his sister and mother, both of whom were accomplished artists. He regularly takes classes at the Oak Park Art League, where he is a longtime member, and has participated in several shows

But he hasn’t given up on science.

“Some people do crossword puzzles [to unwind], I study quantum field theory,” he said, laughing.

SPORTS BAR

Families welcome

from page 1

The proposed developers, Kent Mills and Mark Far nan, according to their application documents, have a connection to Brookfield, Popovic said. Far nan grew up in the area, she said, while Mills appears to live in Countryside

“They’re very familiar with Brookfield They know that Brookfield has a very strong community feel, and they’re familiar with Eight Corners,” Popovic said. “This is a labor oflove for them. They wanted to have a restaurant that exemplifies the community feel in the area and also to have a rooftop deck, which Brookfield doesn’t have at this point.”

The restaurant would be developed on

a vacant, grassy parcel ofland on Maple Avenue between the Citgo gas station and a construction company operating out of a for mer residence.

“It’s a site that was acquired by the village, I want to say almost 10 years ago. The village had it for a while. It’s an undeveloped and underperforming area right there,” Popovic said. “We’ve been actively going to developers and commercial agents to try and solicit any who are interested in doing a development or redevelopment project that fits within the TIF [tax-increment financing] district and within the parameters of what our comprehensive plan says.”

According to documents from Brookfield’s planning and zoning commission, which recommended approving the proposal on March 26, Mills and Far nan are seeking variations related to signage, driveway setbacks and width, and parking spots, requesting to have only 30 instead

ofthe 59 determined necessary by village code. They could find “no feasible site plan” for a restaurant that would fit that many parking spots.

Popovic said she and other members of the community development department met with Mills and Far nan after they approached the village with a conceptual plan, and together they decided the restaurant would be a good fit for the village.

“They ’re very motivated to move as quickly as possible,” she said. “When we initially talked to them, they were hoping that they’d be in the building phase right now.

“The plan seems to fit squarely within the comprehensive plan. We need another restaurant there. There is nothing of that type that’s in the area. It’s something unique. It’s something that benefits the village. It brings in sales tax,” she added. “It checked all the boxes.”

Your Best Life This Spring with Lisa Capone

Asthedaysgrowlongerandtheair turnswarmer,springistheperfect timeforseniorstorefreshtheir routinesandrefocusonoverall wellness.Thisseasonbringsrenewed energy,bloomingsurroundings,and newopportunitiestostayactive, social,andengaged.Takinga proactiveapproachtowellnesscan supportyourwell-beingandhelpyou feelyourbestandenjoyallthatspring hastooffer.

As the days grow longer and the air turns warmer, spring is the perfect time for seniors to refresh their routines and refocus on overall wellness This season brings renewed energ y, blooming surroundings, and new opportuni ties to stay active, social, and engaged. Taking a proactive approach to wellness can support your well-being and help you feel your best and enjoy all that spring has to offer

Spendtimeoutdoorstoenjoy freshair,sunshine,andthebeauty oftheseason

Spend time outdoors to enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and the beauty of the season

Stay active wi th lig ht exercise like walking, stretching, or yoga to support strength, and mobili ty

Incorporate fresh, seasonal foods like leafy greens, berries, and vegetables to nourish your body

Declutter and refresh your living space to create a calm, organized, and uplifting environment

Stayactivewithlightexerciselike walking,stretching,oryogato supportstrength,andmobility Incorporatefresh,seasonalfoods likeleafygreens,berries,and vegetablestonourishyourbody Declutterandrefreshyourliving spacetocreateacalm,organized, andupliftingenvironment

Reconnectsociallybyjoining activities,events,orsimply spendingtimewithfriendsand neighbors

Reconnect socially by joining activi ties, events, or simply spending time wi th friends and neig hbors

Stayontopofwellnessby schedulingcheck-ups,reviewing medications,andsettingnew healthgoals

Stay on top of wellness by scheduling check-ups, reviewing medications, and setting new health goals

Byembracingthesesimplehabits,you canmakethemostoftheseason whilesupportingyourhealthand vitality.Springisatimeofrenewal— makingittheperfectopportunityto reset,refresh,andcontinueliving yourbestlifeeveryday.

By embracing these simple habi ts, you can make the most of the season while supporting your health and vi tali ty. Spring is a time of renewal making i t the perfect opportuni ty to reset, refresh, and continue living your best life ever y day.

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

The Language and Music School

Established in Oak Park in 1994

Private lessons and tutoring for all ages, taught by experienced educators and professional artists in a historic Oak Park setting.

We offer:

• Music lessons: piano, guitar, drums, voice, strings, winds, and more

• World languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese, and more

• Academic tutoring: Math, Language Arts, SAT/ACT preparation

• Flexible scheduling for children, teens, and adults

The school is also home to a K–12 microschool, offering a highly individualized educational environment, as featured on WGN Chicago’s Very Best.

? • Visit lmschool.com

An Inspiring Opportunity for Gifted Students at Dominican University

It’s true. The needs of academically gifted & talented students can easily fall through the cracks as continued priorities on testing drive schools to teach to a standardized grade level response. The phrase genius denied refers to those who will suffer a profound gap between their fullest potential and what little is asked of them, particularly when one size just doesn’t fit all.

Perhaps this is part of the reason why schooling for the gifted and neurodivergent can be a boring and isolating experience.

Ask a neuro-atypical child what it’s like to learn with peers who learn differently, and the common reply will relate to waiting. Waiting for the other students to understand; waiting to be challenged more; waiting for answers to higherlevel questions; waiting for something to inspire a desire to achieve; waiting… for someone to notice.

Summer enrichment programs for intellectually like-minded students provide inspiring opportunities for both academic and social growth. And quite often, a life defining experience. The Summer Gifted and Talented Program is hosted on the beautiful campus at Dominican University, where our classrooms are buzzing with ideas because we know that talent must be nurtured and fed to fully develop. For us, summer is the highlight of the year. It’s a time when we can feel free to be ourselves, motivated by the energy that comes with the joy of inspired learning.

Visit dom.edu/summergifted for more details about SGAT at Dominican University. Spring Registration is around the corner soon! Inspired Minds. Amazing Possibilities.

Summer Gifted and Talented Program

Summer Gifted and Talented Program

(SGAT) challenges and inspires highly motivated, academically gifted and talented students entering grades 2-8 in the fall with academic and social enrichment in Math,Science, Writing/Humanities, and Fine/ Performing Arts.

For program information, summer courses and application details, visit: www.dom.edu/summergifted

Questions?

Contact Program Director (remote): Janie Wu, jwu@dom.edu Or SGAT Assistant (on-campus): Keisha Brokaw, kbrokaw1@dom.edu

Serving the gifted and talented community since 1987.

Serving the gifted and talented community since 1987.

Dominican University’s Summer Gifted and Talented Program (SGAT) challenges and inspires highly motivated, academically gifted and talented students entering grades 2-8 in the fall with academic and social enrichment in Math, Science, Writing/Humanities, and Fine/Performing Arts.

For program information, summer courses and application details, visit: www.dom.edu/summergifted

School of Education

7900 W. Division Street, River Forest, Illinois 60305

Questions? Contact off-campus Program Director Janie Wu at jwu@dom.edu, or on-campus SGAT Assistant Janette Torres Arellano at jtorresarellano@dom.edu.

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Independent Living•Assisted Living•Memory Support Short-Term Rehab•Long-Term Care•Home Care

OBy Linda Sokol Francis. E.A.

INFORMATION FOR ORGANIZATIONS APPLYING FOR TAX-EXEMPT STATUS

rganizations applying for tax-exempt status must be organized and operated exclusively for any of these purposes: charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or international amatuer sports competition, or preventing cruelty to children or animals. To apply for tax-exempt status under IRC 501(c)(3), organiztions must complete and file a Form 1023-series application. Form 1023-series applications for recognition of exemption must be submitted electronically online at Pay.gov. The application must be complete and include the user fee.

Some types of organizations don’t need to apply for Section 501(c)(3) status to be tax exempt. These include churches and their integrated auxiliaries, and public charities with annual gross receipts normally no more than $5,000. Every tax-exempt organization needs an employer identification number (EIN), even if

they don’t have any employees. An EIN is a ninedigit number the IRS assigns for tax filing and reporting purposes. An organization must include their EIN on the application. Organizations can apply for an EIN online.

The effective date of an organization’s tax-exempt status depends on their approved Form 1023. If they submit this form within 27 months after the month they legally formed, the effective date of the organization’s exempt status is the legal date of its formation. If an organization doesn’t submit this form within those 27 months, the effective date of its exempt status is the date it files Form 1023.

A charitable organization must make certain documents available to the public. These include its approved application for recognition of exemption with all supporting documents and its last three annual information returns.

RUN

Fun theater evening from page 1

This is a nice evening where you can just go, enjoy, laugh, and feel really good coming out.”

Buonomo described the three-act play, written in 1943 by Philip King, as a smalltown comedy of er rors.

“It concerns the crazy happenings in the vicarage on one particular evening and early night,” he said. “The vicar has a wife, a for mer American actress, and there’s a spinster-type character who is a busybody in the town. Whatever the village notices that the vicar’s wife does, the spinster comes and tells the vicar what happened. She’s always interfering, so to speak.”

When a for mer acting colleague of the vicar’s wife passes through town and they act out a scene together that the spinster witnesses, things spiral out of control, Buonomo said. He called “See How They Run” his favorite of King’s three plays that feature some of the same characters, all of which he’s directed in the past.

“I find this one to be the funniest. Growing up, I loved ‘I Love Lucy’ and ‘The Lucy Show,’ the comedic action of all of that. This, to me, is like a nod, an homage, to that kind of thing,” he said. “In an ‘I Love Lucy’ episode, things start out normal. There’s a little bit of a complication. She gets crazy. Things get wild and bizar re. Oh my gosh, and bang! At the end, things fall back in place. That’s kind of what happens with the show.”

Buonomo, who is also a board member for the Players, said he presented the show to the group’s play-reading committee because the troupe had not performed a comedy or farce in some time. Its most recent

productions include “Jekyll and Hyde” last fall, “Steel Magnolias” last spring and “The Wedding Singer” in fall 2024.

“We’ve been around for a long time, and we really started with musicals, but as we got into the other straight shows, we try to rotate around and through them,” he said. “We rotate through, trying to keep our audience flexible with what we ’re showing.”

Buonomo said the entire troupe is preparing for an intense tech week leading up to opening night.

“North Riverside Recreation has been incredibly helpful with us, but we’re only in there one week before we open,” he said. “We have to build a set, get it all together, paint it, whatever, and rehearse within one week, and then we open.”

So far, the actors have rehearsed in various spots, from another room in the village commons to space inside Mater Christi Catholic Church, he said.

“That’s where the difficulty comes in. You’re setting up chairs and stuf f to present, ‘OK, this is where a doorway would be,’” he said. “As a pitfall for rehearsal, the actors don’t really get to see their physical space until one week before [the show].”

Despite the challenges, Buonomo said his ensemble cast of nine has managed to find the depth in their own characters.

“The actors are really bringing the characters to life. They’re enjoying themselves, and they’ll question me, like, ‘What do you think she would be thinking here?’” he said.

Of course, Buonomo is also looking forward to seeing the audience’s feedback once the show opens.

“I can’t wait to have them get the reaction from the audience for the laughter and the applause of the funny things that they’re doing on stage,” he said. “I’m most looking forward to the actors realizing, ‘Oh my gosh, somebody is really enjoying what I’m doing.’”

PO LICE REPO RT S

Man arrested for domestic battery after dispute

Brookfield police arrested a 44-year-old Brookfield man on March 31 for domestic battery.

On March 25 around 6:15 p.m., police were dispatched to a residence on Forest Avenue for a report of an unwanted subject after a man called to complain about a woman causing a disturbance and refusing to leave the property.

After arriving, one of the officers spoke with the man, who said the woman had arrived before he called and walked out after a verbal argument, and he locked the door behind her. The man told police she had previously lived at the residence but did not any longer and that none of her property was inside. He said he wanted the woman escorted off the property.

The woman told police she had woken up inside the residence and made them both breakfast before the argument started, at which point he grabbed her neck and squeezed it. Officers observed a bruise on the woman’s neck. She said this behavior was “a common practice” from the man, police said, and that another incident occurred on March 21.

That day, she told the man to “shut up” during a separate argument, police said, angering the man into chasing her into the basement, where he charged at her and struck her on her right inner thigh multiple times She showed officers photographs of her legs immediately after the attack and gave police the contact information of a friend with whom she had confided about the incidents.

An officer spoke with the man, who denied grabbing the woman by the neck. Police also called the woman’s friend, who corroborated her stories.

The woman agreed to sign a complaint at the police station, where she showed police further evidence of other times the man had attacked her. He had even been arrested by Chicago police after one of the incidents, she said, but the charges were then dropped.

Police attempted to speak with the man again at his residence but found he was not there; after a phone call, they learned he was heading out of town. The man told police he would report to the police station the next day.

Police attempted to contact the man at his home and over the phone re peatedly over the next several days, but the man did not return communication and did not appear to be home during this time. On March 31, one officer noticed the lights were on in the man’s residence, and they went out after the officer knocked on the door.

Around 10:15 p.m. on March 31, the man arrived at the police de partment, where he was read his Miranda warning, arrested and transported to lockup at the Berwyn Police Department to await transportation to the Maywood Courthouse the next day.

Expired plates, suspended license

Brookfield police on March 25 ticketed a 36-year-old Brookfield man whose vehicle’s license plates had expired.

While patrolling around 2:43 p.m., an officer was heading north on the 3700 block of Forest Avenue behind a silver Chevy when they ran its license plates and learned the re gistration had expired in 2024.

The officer pulled the car over at Lincoln Avenue and made contact with the driver, who was not able to provide a valid driver’s license or proof of insurance. After running the man’s information, the officer learned his license had previously been suspended due to unpaid fees.

The officer cited the man for expired registration, a lack of insurance and driving on a suspended license. The officer set a May 26 court date and allowed the man to leave the scene after he legally parked his vehicle.

These items were obtained from the Brookfield Police Department reports dated March 23-31; they represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

Compiled by Stella Brown

S alvatore Haller, 83

Marine vete ran

Salvatore A. Haller, 83, of Brookfield, died on April 4, 2026. A Marine veteran, he worked in an automotive warehouse.

Salvatore was the husband of Carol Salvatore (nee Walsh), the father of Julie Haller and Karen (Russell) Arakawa; the grandfather of George (Suzanne) Arakawa, Kevin (Natalie) Arakawa, Kelly (Matt Vidal) Lyons, Alex (Brandi Gee) Arakawa, Nicklaus (Bria Langworthy) Arakawa, Zachary Arakawa, Julianne Pursh, Ryan (Ruby) Pursh, Kailee Pursh and the late Thomas Pursh; the great-grandfather of Bryson, Oliver, Maisie, Wesley, Theo and Meghan; the brother of John (Sally) Haller and the late Jean (the late Stan) Matoska; and the uncle of many nieces and ne phews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 9 from 9:30 a.m. to the 11 a.m. time of service at Hitzeman Funeral Home Ltd., 9445 31st Street, Brookfield. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside.

OBITUARIES

Vivian McDermott, 93

Active in Scouts, birding, and St. Barbara’s

Vivian Frances McDermott, 93, died on Jan. 12, 2026, in Glen Carbon, Illinois at a loving memory care community. Born on April 10, 1932 prior to moving into the community, she resided with her daughter Laura (Rod) in their private home.

She was a shining light. Her journey was marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. Her passing has left a void.

She was active at St. Barbara Church in Brookfield as well as Scouts and various birding groups. She will be remembered for her infectious smile and overwhelming laughter, her unwavering commitment to spreading

love and kindness to everyone she encountered.

Vivian is survived by her children, Neil (Joni), Bruce (Maria), and Laura (Rod); her grandchildren, Adrienne, Aimee, Shaun, and Patrick; and her great-grandchildren, Weston, Lilly, Zachary, Glen, and Josiah. She was preceded in death by her husband, Neil, on Feb. 1, 2017.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, April 10 from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass, 10:30 a.m. at St. Barbara Church, 4008 Prairie Ave., Brookfield. Inurnment at Mt. Car mel Cemetery, Hillside.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Save the Prairie, 11225 Constitution Dr., Westchester, IL 60154

Arrangements were handled by Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 9445 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513.

To run an obituary

Please contact Ken Trainor by e-mail: ktrainor@newswellchicago.org, before Monday at noon. Please include a photo if possible.

Local journalism matters. That’s why we made a bold decision to protect its future.

The RB Landmark is now part of NEWSWELL, a nonpro t journalism organization that provides resources, technology, and long-term support to community newsrooms across the country. This partnership strengthens our foundation while keeping everything that matters the same. Our newsroom remains local. Our staff remains in place. Our commitment to this community is unchanged. With the added support of NEWSWELL, we are better positioned than ever to continue delivering the independent, communityfocused journalism our readers rely on. Same mission. New chapter. Stronger future. All donations support local operations.

Sports

Veteran RBHS tennis lineup seeks UEC title and more

LTHS returns 2025 state quali ers Sweigard, Albee, Nogale, Nokic

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

As seniors and fourth-year varsity players for the Riverside Brookfield High School boys tennis team, seniors Mathias Kubon and Charlie DeButch want to achieve well beyond their No. 2 doubles title at the 2025 Upstate Eight Conference Meet.

“I think we’re going to have a shot at winning conference this year and maybe even getting a good placement for (Class 2A sectionals),” Kubon said. “We have a lot of strong players. We’ve honed our skills.”

A veteran RBHS lineup should contend for the UEC title after finishing in third at the UEC Tournament in last season’s conference debut. The Bulldogs were 7-4 in duals, 3-2 in the UEC. Juniors Linden Leander and Humza Ahmad also finished second at No. 1 doubles. Other returning standouts include seniors James McKinney, Gavin Armstrong and Elias Nolan and juniors Jake Corollo, Jack Sandusky and Maxwell Kaplan.

“Our goal is to win the conference as we have one of our strongest rosters in the last three years,” RBHS coach Sam Weiss said. “(It’s a) senior heavy lineup with a lot of juniors. These guys have played together for at least three years so the chemistry is at a peak. We are focusing on patience and rally tolerance this season along with understanding roles of doubles positions.”

At the 2025 sectional, the doubles teams of Kubon and DeButch and Leander and Ahmad and singles player Corollo reached the round of 16. Kubon and DeButch won a play-in match.

“I think I can compete with a lot harder competition (this season). I think I’ve gotten the experience I needed to take the level

up to first doubles,” DeButch said. “We’re well rounded, a lot of depth on the team. Our third and fourth doubles are pretty good and solid.”

Weiss said he plans to try multiple lineups that may split last year’s double teams and include McKinney as a No. 2 option at both singles and doubles.

The lineups will give Leander and Ah mad more singles matches

“I’m looking forward to playing singles more,” said Leander, a doubles player the past two seasons

“I haven’t been able to play much singles just due to seniority and stuf f like that bu hopefully I can take some games against better competition,” Ahmad said. “The key to our team’s success is probably going to be our team unity. We’re hoping we can carry the momentum of last year and try to go for it all.”

LTHS boys tennis

Riverside-Brook eld’s Linden Leander and Humza Ahmad play number one doubles against Glenbard South dur ing an Upstate Eight Conference match in 2025.

If he reaches an impressive fourth 2A state meet, Lyons Township senior Shay Sweigard has a simple plan.

“My goal would be to get top eight (in singles),” Sweigard said. “Obviously a hope is to win state, but my main goal is top eight. Last year I was top 16.”

Also back from the 2025 state lineup in doubles are the team of seniors Rohan Nagale and Jackson Albee and sophomore Mateja Nokic, who qualified with graduated Fred Chen. Other key returnees are seniors Andrew Jain and Manny Gonzale z and junior Ari Chen. Freshman Nolan Pavlik leads varsity newcomers.

“(We have) a lot of varsity experience and four returning state qualifiers,” LTHS coach Clint Buetikofer said.

Last season, the Lions were 8-4 in duals and finished fourth in the West Suburban Conference Silver Division with a 3-3 record. Sweigard reached state for the second time in singles and earned a No. 9-16 seed. He went 3-2 at state, losing

his second match to a No. 5-8 seed for that top-eight finish. Sweigard’s 20-9 overall record also included a second-place finish at No. 1 singles at the WSC Silver Meet. As a sophomore, Sweigard was all-state for being seventh in doubles with 2024 graduate Luke Howell. Sweigard was 2-2 at state

Lyons Tow nship’s Shay Sweigard plays number one singles during a West Suburban Conference match in 2025.

singles in 2023. At last year’s state doubles, Nokic and Chen (9-10) were 1-2 and Nagale and Albee (9-11) were 0-2. Gonzalez was third at No. 2 singles at the Silver Meet.

“Working hard in practice and responding well to adversity matches (are keys this season),” Buetikofer said.

RBHS girls track has 400 success on its mind

LTHS gets indoor Silver titles from Knop, record-setter Taylor

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Seniors Kira Hanson, Rebecca Dosek and Addie Vaia and their Riverside Brookfield High School girls track teammates were elated to see then-senior Jorie Eggers qualify for the 2025 Class 3A state meet in the 400-meter dash. It’s also given them an even clearer sight on trying to reach state as well.

“It’s really inspiring just knowing I could follow in her footsteps and see what she’s done and just try to follow that example,” Hanson said.

The trio of 2025 Upstate Eight Conference standouts are among key veterans for the Bulldogs, who were ninth at the one-division indoor Upstate Eight Conference Meet, March 21, at Glenbard East (30 points) and second on the junior varsity level, Feb. 28 (100 points).

Third-year RBHS head coach Lillian Holubek said the 400 remains the Bulldogs’ best chance for state qualifiers, as well as the 4 x 400 relay if a fourth leg emerges to join the three seniors.

“It’s definitely something for them to strive for. They saw (Eggers) get (to state) and they’re like, ‘I can do this too,’ which is amazing,” Holubek said. “Our goal is definitely to make it to state and to do well in conference, just showing that we’re competitive.”

At the 2025 outdoor UEC Meet, Dosek and Vaia were part of the first-place 4 x 800 relay (10:20.07) and Vaia also was all-conference in the 800 (3rd, 2:32.33) with a top-four finish. The 4 x 400 relay with Dosek, Hanson and Vaia (4:25.65) was fifth and Hanson (400 in 1:04.99) and Dosek (800 in 2:34.28) were sixth. The Bulldogs finished ninth (33 points).

At the indoor UEC Meet, Dosek (1:03.03) and Hanson (1:05.41) finished 1-2 in the 400. Dosek, freshman Natalie Moran, junior Elizabeth Moran and sophomore Giselle Miranda were third in the 4 x 800 (10:50.76), Hanson, Dosek, Natalie Moran and senior Bella DeMatteo were fifth in the 4 x 400 (4:45.74) and Natalie Moran was sixth in the 1,600 (5:42.74).

“We have a lot of dedicated teammates and have a really good community,” Dosek said. “I’m racing with Kira on the 400 and

now out of the (starting) block.”

Senior Sarah Wiggins and junior Lucy Laux and Mia Toulios have competed at state and are adding to the Lions’ continued progress. They finished third indoors (72 points) by doubling their points from last year’s sixth-place finish. Sophomore Bianca Taylor set an indoor school record in winning long jump (5.52m/18-1 1/2). Junior Sophia Picha (2.95m/9-8 in pole vault), Laux (400 in 1:01.29) and the 4 x 400 relay of Laux, senior Bella Ruiz, Wiggins and Toulios (4:13.56) finished second. Other standouts include seniors Mya Coglianese and Chloe Russell, juniors Natalia Kass, Molly Sanchez, Avery Stanley and Abby Sullivan and sophomores Lucinda Martinez and Jane Weber.

“Last year we struggled a bit with a very young team,” LTHS coach Greg Frandsen said. “The girls that just missed qualifying for the state meet are eager for another chance to make it. Those near misses have fueled their work ethic and effort and have raised their performance level.”

Wiggins is the lone 2025 state returnee. She won sectionals in a personal-best 49.97 and was 30th at state (51.34).

we’re shooting to go to state. (Personal bests) would be nice but just knowing I’m trying my hardest every time.”

Senior Sophia Maietta returns as the top performer in long and triple jump, taking 10th at indoor UEC (8.11 meters/36 feet-7 1/4 inches). Seniors Emma Hlavaty (shot put) and Mariella Hutar (55 hurdles) and sophomore Kennedy Malone (55 and 200) added top-10 finishes.

“As a team (we want) just everybody showing up to practice with a good attitude and at meet everybody cheering on people,” Vaia said. “My goal for myself is just to have a positive, better attitude going into races and not beating myself up as I want to do.”

Natalie Moran and freshman Elia Bursua have built of f strong varsity cross country seasons. At the indoor JV UEC Meet, Bursua won the 1,600 (5:57.03) and 3,200 (12:12.30). Junior Ava Alfaro (3.93m/12-10 3/4 in high jump) and sophomore Madison Kelly (55 in 8.56) also were JV champions

“I’ve never had athletes that have wanted to run the 3,200 and 1,600 at the same meet

and (Moran and Bursua) are all for it. I feel they’re never really tired,” Holubek said.

The seniors also hope to perpetuate teamwork and enthusiasm throughout the season.

“We have some strong leaders, especially our seniors, that show a great example,” Hanson said. “I’ve been trying to get to know the underclassmen more, sharing some laughs and stuff, to build a good relationship.”

LTHS girls track and eld

Lyons Township senior Karenna Knop wanted to forget her 55-meter hurdles race from the 2005 indoor West Suburban Conference Silver Division Meet.

“I was too excited and got disqualified (for a false start),” Knop said.

She was even more excited during the indoor Silver Meet March 20. Knop had just taken first in 9.03 seconds.

“I’m still waiting for my heart to stop beating. And the medal,” Knop said moments afterwards. “I focused more on the starters. I think my 100 hurdles (outdoors) are going to go very smooth because I’m out of my head

“I’m very confident (for outdoors),” Wiggins said. “I know what state looks like and I can be more prepared for this year. If I get to go (again), it’s less a new experience.”

Toulios and Laux competed at 2024 state with the 4 x 200 relay (43rd, 1:48.72). Last year, Coglianese (3,200) and the 4 x 800, 4 x 200 and 4 x 400 relays all finished third at sectionals, one place from automatically advancing to state with top-two finishes.

At the indoor Silver Meet, the muchimproved Taylor twice surpassed the 2012 school record of 17-6 1/2 by multiple all-stater Emma Haugen.

“At the beginning of the indoor season, I was gunning for it the whole time so I’m really proud of myself,” Taylor said. “Definitely focusing and staying loose is key and just being locked in mentally. That’ll get you far.”

Wiggins and Knop continue to build off each other. Knop was second in the 100 high hurdles (16.50) at last year’s outdoor Silver Meet for the sixth-place Lions.

“We both run the 300 (hurdles also) and stick together for the first 150, 200 (meters) and then I’ll take off,” Wiggins said. “But it’s good to have someone next to me, knowing I’m on pace and where I’m supposed to be ”

RBHS boys track sees progress from team chemistry

LTHS returns Mojarro, Gantt, Bockwell from 2025 3A state lineup

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Near the end of his freshman boys track and field season, Riverside Brookfield High School senior August Favarula found his favorite event – triple jump. That’s not the only reason the third-year varsity competitor keeps coming back.

“Honestly, the people. The environment. We’re all very supportive of each other,” Favarula said. “We all work very hard to achieve what we want through the season. Our coaches are honest with us. They’re like, ‘If you’re not here to succeed, maybe it’s not the place for you.’”

The Bulldogs are looking for success from more new faces after graduating both of their 2025 Class 3A state qualifiers. Besides Favarula, other key contributors include seniors Clayton Dosek, Emmitt Olson, Quinn Hendricks, Ryan Kendall and Nick O’Connor, juniors Bryson Reum and Issaih Gaytan, sophomore Levi Huffman and freshman Carmine LaManna.

RBHS head coach Travis Trevizo also thinks he has progressed in his second season as head coach.

“We are a more organized program that focuses on high volume practice in preparation for the end of the season. Our goal is not April or early May meets but sectionals,” Trevizo said. “Our coaches are caring and passionate about creating great athletes and young men.”

The Bulldogs were ninth at last year’s one-division outdoor Upstate Eight Conference Meet (32 points) and tied for ninth at the indoor UEC Meet March 20 (15 points). O’Connor (11th in discus, 33.29 meters/109 feet-2 inches) and Favarula (12th in triple jump, 11.74 m/38 feet-6 1/4) are the top returning individual finishers from last year’s Class 3A sectional.

From the 2025 conference meet, Hendricks and Olson were on the 4 x 400-meter relay that earned All-UEC honors with a fourth-place finish at the conference meet (3:41.84).

“Our team is very close and we’re all friends and we all know how to make each other work harder and get better. We all want each other to get better,” Dosek said. “I love every year how I know I’m getting better. I know that I will get better and my team will get better.”

Riverside-Brook eld’s Clayton Dosek races to the nish line dur ing the Mike Kuharic Cross Countr y Invitational in 2025.

The 4 x 800 relay currently looks to have the best chance at reaching its state qualifying standard. Dosek, Olson, Hendricks and Hoffman were fourth at the indoor UEC Meet (8:56.28) and Dosek (2:12.37) and Olson (2:13.62) were sixth and eighth in the 800. The 4 x 400 relay of Olson, Dosek, Hendricks and Reum was fifth (3:55.71) and Favarula was seventh in triple jump (11.58 m/38-0).

“(I’m enjoying) just the feeling of feeling fast and running,” said Gaytan, a thirdyear program member among the Bulldogs’ sprinters. “I was actually inspired by my grandpa and dad because they used to run a lot. It’s what leads me into the next generation of being fast and I’ll pass it on.”

LTHS boys track and eld

Seniors Gustavo Mojarro and Tyler Gantt and junior Joey Bockwell are Lyons Township’s returning 2025 state track and field competitors. Mojarro, a two-time qualifier with the 4 x 400 relay, expects to be joined by a many more teammates.

“We had 17 last year (at state, including alternates). I feel like we should have at least 25,” Mojarro said. “We have great depth. We have guys that can go in the field events. They just have to believe in themselves. I would say

I have the leadership role mounted on me I’ll always help them. That’s the biggest difference. They want to perform at the highest level. They want to rise to the occasion.”

The Lions finished sixth at the indoor Silver Meet March 20 (35 points) and were sixth at last year’s outdoor Silver Meet (56 points). Bockwell won the indoor Silver title in shot put (17.04m/55-11). Senior Brock Curtin was third in high jump (1.87m/6-1/2) and Mojarro was fourth in the 400 (season-best 51.68). Senior Anthony Pearson from Brookfield (55 low hurdles and long jump) was fifth and Gantt (1,600) and junior Tyler Stamm (pole vault) were sixth. Others to watch include senior thrower Jimmy Hillmann from Brookfield and another strong distance co also includes seniors Patrick Collins Lettiere and Parker Robinson.

“We’re going to be hosting sectionals (again) so hopefully we have a group of ready to get down to state by the end of year. I would think so,” LTHS coach Mi Danner said.

At 2025 state, the 4 x 800 relay with Gantt was 14th in a season-best 7:59.73, missing the 12-team finals cut by just 48. Gantt provide a sub-1:59 split and ran under state qualifying in the 1,600 during the regular season. Mojarro anchored the 4x400 (29th, 3:27.32).

Bockwell was 26th in shot with a then personal-best 15.35m/50-4 1/2) to beat his personal best of 15.08m/49-5 3/4 for second at sectionals. In 2024, Mojarro led off the 4 x 400 at state (44th, 3:44.20). Another great memory as anchor last year was winning the outdoor Silver Meet (3:23.80) by .01 over Downers Grove North.

“That was a moment I’ll never forget. We weren’t projected to win,” Mojarro said. “I want to go (to state) in the 400 and the 4x400 as the anchor leg and hopefully do some damage, be all-state.”

Bockwell increased his personal-best in shot to 59-4 at the indoor opener, Feb. 19. That progress should carry over to discus from a competition personal-best 139-3.

“After state, he continued throwing right away (at summer camp). He took it upon himself to work drills, throw on his own,” LTHS throws coach Jerry Rigo said.

More distance runners to watch are sophomores Brennan Monohan, Evan Ruse and Ben Radtke and freshmen Luke Borling and Keegan Lundin. On the frosh-soph level at the indoor Silver Meet, Monohan (1,600 in 4:32.85) and the 4 x 800 with Monohan, Ruse, Radtke and Lundin (8:17.66) were event champions. As a group, the frosh-soph won the Proviso West Invite March 1 but finished fourth at the indoor Silver Meet (94.5), 20.5 points from third.

“(The frosh-soph) just seemed to be a little bit off or nervous. We’ll keep giving them opportunities (for varsity),” Danner said.

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES

Village of North Riverside Joint Planning Commission

Public Hearing Notice

Notice is hereby given that the Village of North Riverside Joint Planning Commission will hold a public hearing for the purpose of making a recommendation on a zoning case for a sign variance at the property commonly known as 7515 Cermak Road, North Riverside, Illinois (Current Land Use - K-POT restaurant).

Date: Tuesday April 28, 2026

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: Village Hall 2401 Desplaines Avenue North Riverside, Illinois

All interested persons are invited to attend and be heard. Written comments may be submitted in advance of the hearing to phughes@northriverside-il.org

For additional information, please contact the Community Development Department at (708) 762-5924 during regular business hours.

Published in RB Landmark April 8, 2026

Village of North Riverside Joint Planning Commission Public Hearing Notice

Notice is hereby given that the Village of North Riverside Joint Planning Commission will hold a public hearing for the purpose of making a recommendation on a zoning case for a rezoning request for the property commonly known as 8659 Cermak Road, North Riverside, Illinois 60546 (Current Land Use AutoTek), from B-3 Zoning District to B-1 Zoning District.

Date: Tuesday April 28, 2026

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: Village Hall 2401 Desplaines Avenue North Riverside, Illinois

All interested persons are invited to attend and be heard. Written comments may be submitted in advance of the hearing to phughes@northriverside-il.org.

For additional information, please contact the Community Development Department at (708) 762-5924 during regular business hours.

Published in RB Landmark April 8, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: M26001443 on March 10, 2026 Under the Assumed Business Name of 6700 SSD 17D with the business located at: 6700 S SOUTH SHORE DRIVE #17D, CHICAGO, IL 60649. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is:

EDWARD MATTHEWS 322 WEST 52ND STREET #323 NEW YORK, NY 10019, USA.

Published in Wednesday Journal March 25, April 1, 8, 2026

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals.

To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.

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