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December 6, 2023
Look who’s back in Brookfield PAGE 14
@RBLandmark
Free market is coming to Brookfield PAGE 7
Willow Springs land parcel at center of LTHS controversy is properly zoned, expert says LTHS tried to sell it to an industrial buyer, bringing zoning into question
Wonderland
By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing reporter
The zoning of a 78-acre parcel of Willow Springs land owned largely by Lyons Township High School could withstand a legal challenge if it were contested, a consultant hired by the village said. The review of the land’s zoning – set for retail, single family housing or senior housing – comes after the school attempted to sell the parcel to an industrial developer.
Seeing is believing at the Holiday Stroll MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 12
Santa Claus and children count the seconds to the Christmas tree lighting at the Holiday Stroll on Dec. 1.
TODD BANNOR
See LTHS LAND on page 3
Looking to Buy or Sell? Call Me! THE SHEILA GENTILE GROUP LIVE LOCAL • WORK LOCAL
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The Landmark, December 6, 2023
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The Landmark, December 6, 2023
LTHS LAND
has been a vocal critic of the land sale and has spoken against the sale at many LTHS school board meetings, called on Waterman to apologize for choosing money over the community. from page 1 James Distasio, another vocal opponent of the land sale who also has spoken at a LTHS school board meetings on the topic, “After careful review of the Village’s accused Waterman and LTHS of trying comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance, reto ram a bad development down the comconnaissance of the subject property and munity’s throat. Distasio said that LTHS surrounding areas, and examination of should have had a collaborative approach related materials, it is clear the Village’s from the start. planning designation and zoning of the “Let’s not mince words, property is not arbitrary and caprithis is the exact place we cious, but instead consistent with all could have started a year long-range planning of the area,” ago if you were upfront and John Houseal, a founder and prinrespectful toward our comcipal of Houseal Lavigne Associmunity,” Distasio said. ates, told a packed public meeting Distasio said that indusat the Willow Springs Village Hall trial development is not welthat included three officials from come in the community and LTHS, at the Nov. 28 meeting. that if LTHS wants to sell Earlier this year, LTHS tried to the land, it should look for sell its 72-acre share of the woodother types of buyers. ed, undeveloped land it has owned “No one here has ever defor more than 60 years, to an innied your right to sell that dustrial developer for $55 million property, but you should before the deal fell apart amid vorespect the zoning if and ciferous opposition from residents when you choose to sell,” who live near wooded land. It sits Distasiog said. “You should just west of Willow Springs Road court and encourage buyers between 79th Street and German who will be compatible with Church Road. our community. You should The LTHS school board then reengage our community jected a subsequent $60.5 million leaders and our residents bid from distribution center deto make sure everyone feels veloper Prologis because it did not that they’ve come out ahead meet the terms and contingencies in this process.” of the bid. As Waterman left the Houseal said that industrial use meeting and walking to his is not compatible with the surcar, he was approached by rounding area, which includes a woman who had attended an elementary school and a quiet the meeting and was asked neighborhood of single-family repeatedly why he won’t homes just west of the land. GOOGLE MAPS just apologize. Waterman LTHS decided last December asked the woman to call to try to sell the land, originally Lyons Township High School has owned a 72-acre parcel of land him the next day so that purchased as a possible site for in Willow Springs, shown above inside dotted line, for 60 years. they could talk about the a second high school. After the issue. The two went on to proposed sales fell through, LTHS took the land off the market in March. Of- district south of Joliet Road and urged the have a conversation that lasted for a few ficials, after having been harshly criticized school to find a buyer who had plans con- minutes and ended cordially. Afterward, Waterman said that he unby people who live near the property and sistent within the existing zoning. LTHS Superintendent Brian Waterman derstands the strong feelings that the prothose who send their kids to the school adjacent to the land, have said that they want and business manager Brian Stachacz, as posed land sale generated. “It’s a passionate topic, has been a pasto pursue a more collaborative approach. well as a lawyer representing LTHS, atThe move came two months after the vil- tended the meeting with Grech. Waterman sionate topic in our community, and so lage board passed a nine-month morato- once again came under harsh criticism we’re committed, as vice-president Grech rium on development of the land located at from some of the people who spoke during said this evening, we’re committed to the public comment portion of the meet- being here at events like this tonight,” 79th Street and Willow Springs Road. During the public comment period after ing, with some calling upon Waterman to Waterman said. “Our board is also committed to looking at, discussing it at an Houseal presented his report, Jill Grech, apologize or resign. Fred Whiting of Willow Springs, who upcoming meeting.” the vice-president of the LTHS Board of
Stalled sale
Education, pledged cooperation during the public comment session. “The board looks forward to discussing the information being shared tonight at our upcoming meeting,” Grech said. Many residents and governmental officials from Willow Springs and surrounding communities have harshly criticized LTHS officials for trying to sell the land to an industrial developer without giving much, if any, notice to the community. They have accused LTHS school board members of not caring about the portion of the LTHS
IN THIS ISSUE Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Crime . . .SEE POLICE BLOTTER ONLINE Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Editor Erika Hobbs Staff Reporters Amina Sergazina, Amaris Rodriguez Digital Manager Stacy Coleman Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Sales and Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Ben Stumpe Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner EMAIL jill@oakpark.com Publisher Dan Haley Special Projects Manager Susan Walker
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer
HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-442-6739 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 E-MAIL buphues@rblandmark.com ONLINE www.RBLandmark.com The Landmark is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. The newspaper is available on newsstands for $1.00. A one-year subscription costs $41 within Cook County and $51 outside the county. Advertising rates may be obtained by calling our office. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS 0019-585). Postmaster send address corrections to Landmark, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302. © 2023 Growing Community Media NFP.
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The Landmark, December 6, 2023
BIG WEEK
40 Years Gone Friday, Dec. 8, 8 p.m., Pub 78 Come listen to 40 Years Gone as they perform live at Pub 78 this Friday! There is truly nothing better than listening to live music to close out your work or school week. 40 Years Gone is a classic rock cover band that covers all your favorite rock ‘n’ roll songs from the past 40 years. Their aim is to pull their audience back a few decades to remember the good ol’ times of being a teenager and listening to Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, and more. Give yourself a break from all the stresses of your work and school life and hit up Pub 78; I bet Steve, Dave, Jack, and Mike of 40 Years Gone will appreciate it! 3733 Grand Blvd.
December 6-13 Kids Club Holiday Event Saturday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., North Riverside Park Mall North Riverside Park Mall is happy to announce that Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be coming all the way from the North Pole to visit the children on the nice list this Saturday. Mrs. Claus will host a Christmas story time, cookie decorating, crafts, and much more! Mr. Claus will be in Center Court at Digital Hot Shots for photo opportunities. Children from ages 3 to 12 are welcome. Sorry teenagers, but leave all the whimsical, holiday fun to the little ones. Registration is free. Visit northriversideparkmall.com. 7501 Cermak Rd.
Winter Wonderland Saturday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., The Venue Are you ready to celebrate this holiday season by entering a Winter Wonderland? If so, you’re in luck! Danni S. Event Essential is bringing a winter wonderland to you this Saturday! This event will feature 30 different vendors for participants to splurge on along with hot cocoa, donuts, cookies, candy, music, activities, raffles, giveaways, and photo opportunities with the big man himself: Santa Claus! Sign your family up today by visiting Eventbrite. 9109 Ogden Ave.
Pictures with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 9, 9-11 a.m., Riverside Swim Club The Riverside Swim Club invites you to enter their winter wonderland for a range of festive activities and goodies! There will be hot cocoa, holiday crafts, and you can’t forget the Christmas Cheer… “The best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” To attend, participants must donate $30 per family; for all, the proceeds will be donated to charities helping children this holiday season. Visit riversideswimclub.net for more info on how to sign up. 10 Bloomingbank Rd.
Parents Day Out Saturday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Brookfield Village Hall Parents of children 4-11 years old are welcome to register their kids for a day full of holiday activities at the Brookfield Village Rec Hall. Pizza will be provided along with fun games and other activities. Toward the end of the event, a surprise holiday movie will be played for everyone in attendance! Will instructors play Elf, The Polar Express, The Grinch, Home Alone, A Christmas Carol, or possibly another? Come see for yourself! 8820 Brookfield Ave.
Compiled by Grace Harty, Contributing Reporter
CALENDAR EVENTS ■ If you would like your event to be featured here,
please send a photo and details by noon of the Wednesday before it needs to be published. We can’t publish everything, but we’ll do our best to feature the week’s highlights. Email calendar@wjinc.com.
The Landmark, December 6, 2023
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The Landmark, December 6, 2023
CAMPUS SPECIALS The Landmark, December 6, 2023
Brookfield food pantry is set to transform into a free market Share Food Share Love food pantry feeds about 400 families a month
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CAMPUS OFFER CAMPUS SPECIALS GOOD SPECIALS
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come there as neighbors rather than as customers. When creating the pantry’s brand identity, he said they asked themselves “what kind of experience do we want our neighbor to have?” That conversation drove them to treat those who use the store as neighbors. “The word client comes sets up this dyBy AMINA SERGAZINA namic where there’s the person in need Staff reporter and the person providing solutions,” Barnett said. “If we have a neighbor in the After Faith Lutheran Church in Brookwaiting room, we want them to feel like field closed in 2022, congregants decided to they’re a neighbor, not that they’re a clisell the building and donate the proceeds ent, not that they’re a patient, not that to open a food pantry as a last act of faith. they’ve done something wrong.” Share Food Share Love Brookfield is tryup $ In that vein, they ing to live that faith to also decided to stray out by transforming away from preparthe pantry into a free ing a traditional Apartment Rental Rate market in an attempt box of pre-selected to treat their neighfood, and instead bors with dignity. plan to transform CALL OUR MARKETING EXPERTS TODAY! The food pantry the pantry into a feeds about 400 famfree market where ilies a month and people can select has 450 volunteers what they need and Offer based on room availability. Move-in subject to applicable statutes and regulations. Other terms, conditions and restrictions may this year. want. apply. John Dumas, co8700 W. 31st Street | Brookfield, IL 60513 | www.cantata.org | info@cantata.org Barnett said they founder of the panOffer based on room availability. Move-in subject to applicable did a survey last try, was part of the apply. JOHN DUMAS fall and the over8700 W. 31st Street | Brookfield, IL 60513 former church his whelming feedback Share Food Share Love food pantry whole life and held showed people premany positions, ferred that option. including council It also eliminates food waste because some member and mission director. He said the people would not use all products if they did idea for the food pantry came from the de- not need them, he said. Offer based on room availability. Move-in subject to applicable statutes and regulations. Other terms, conditio sire to continue the legacy of the church to The market plans to offer more than just apply. help their neighbors. groceries; it plans also to offer solutions. 8700 W. 31st Street | Brookfield, IL 60513 | www.cantata.org | info@ “Food is such a basic need, it’s some- Share Food Share Love market intends to thing that we have to have, obviously, and have a multilingual advisory center that if you can’t feed the people what else could will refer people to the right resources for be accomplished?” Dumas said. “As Chris- help with utilities, job search and other tians the belief being that Jesus instructed social services. They are still selecting the us to care for one another and to see to the organizations they want to work with and well-being of one another.” are being very selective with the candiJohn Barnett, the marketing director of dates, Dumas said. the pantry, said he got involved a year ago The market is scheduled to open durand has a background in industrial brand ing the first half of the year, likely early marketing. February, but the advisory center is set to Offer based on room availability. Move-in subject to applicable statutes and regulations. Other terms, conditions and restrictions may He said the pantry treats people who open later. apply.
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The Landmark, December 6, 2023
Making breakfast interesting By DAVID HAMMOND Oak Park Eats Blogger
Years ago, working on a feature for the Chicago SunTimes about then-newly-opened Chicago’s Home of Chicken & Waffles, we concocted our own savory waffleprotein combinations. We created a Mexican corn meal waffle with chicken mole, a Japanese rice flour waffle with teriyaki chicken, stuff like that. It was fun, and I was intrigued by the idea of taking a traditional breakfast food like the waffle, changing up the flour, and combining it with savory meat. Breakfast can be one of the most routine, uninspired meals of the day. So when Chicago Waffles opened at 726 Lake St., its fourth location in Chicagoland, I was intrigued by their range of savory waffles. I had my eye on the Cheddar & Short Rib Waffle, which owner Gary Kreymer explained has “cheddar cheese inside the waffle.” I liked the idea of playing with the batter recipe for waffles so that each one works with a different protein. Cheese and beef are buddies, and the added cheddar gave more flavor dimension to the waffle. The short rib meat was super-tender and delicious; Kreymer told us it takes a low, slow cook of three hours. The most popular food on the menu, the one Kreymer
DAVID HAMMOND
Cheddar and short rib waffle said most people order, is the eggs, and the array of Eggs Benedict (or “Beny”) options is intriguing. We opted for the Duck Benedict on Liege Waffles. The slight sweetness of this waffle preparation complements the duck (which traditionally pairs well with sweetness, as in Duck L’Orange
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or Duck with Cherry Sauce). “The Liege Waffle is my favorite and my wife’s favorite,” says Kreymer. “People don’t always know it, but it’s a type of Belgian waffle that originated in France. You proof the dough for 24 hours and put Belgian sugar inside, for a caramelized waffle.” And for beverages, well, my afternoon was open, so we opted to share sips of a Bloody Mary, the traditional pairing with brunch and long airplane rides. This was a very good version of the cocktail, with house-made, pleasantly spicy tomato juice (no Mr. & Mrs. T’s here!). Most cocktails at Chicago Waffles are made-to-order, not batched ahead of time; holding ready-to-go cocktails seems to render flavors murky and indistinct. Many of the cocktails at Chicago Waffles contain fresh fruit, which brightens and enlivens the drink. DOOPers will remember The Original Pancake House located just east of the Lake Theatre. Like that long-gone breakfast spot, Chicago Waffles offers a multitude of menu items, perking up the options for what can be the least interesting meal of the day. People probably don’t associate waffles with any meal other than breakfast, but Chicago Waffles has a lot for lunch as well. During the holiday season, if you have a house full of guests, this is the place for a different kind of breakfast/lunch, with enough menu options to please the many.
Riverside Brookfield High School UPCOMING EVENTS: December 6-7: Holiday Concert, 7pm in the RB Auditorium December 8: Shenanigans Improv Winter Show, 7pm in the Little Theatre December 12: Board of Education meeting, 7pm in Room 201 Through December 21: Lurie Children’s Toy Drive- drop off box located in the Atrium
160 Ridgewood Road, Riverside, IL 60546
The Landmark, December 6, 2023
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What to know about Illinois’ assault weapons ban Which guns are banned, how to file disclosures and what happens next By ANDREW ADAMS
Capitol News Illinois
CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS ILLUSTRATION BY ANDREW ADAMS
Gun owners face a Jan. 1 deadline to register their assault weapons with the state under Illinois’ assault weapons law. But between lawsuits and ongoing policymaking, the exact guns, accessories and ammunition covered under the Protect Illinois Communities Act remain unclear to many gun rights advocates, who point out that the ban includes some of the most popular models in the country. The assault weapons ban went into effect when Gov. JB Pritzker signed it in January 2023, immediately prohibiting the sale in Illinois of a long list of weapons and attachments. But Illinoisans who own assault weapons – a term that is itself contentious
among gun advocates – can keep them, so long as they purchased them before the law went into effect and register them with the Illinois State Police before the end of this year. At the end of November, with four weeks before the deadline, nearly 4,900 individuals had filed disclosures with ISP. Owners of now-banned firearms, accessories and ammunition face criminal penalties if they fail to file that disclosure paperwork. Which guns and accessories are affected? Illinois’ assault weapons ban is wideranging and affects a variety of firearms and accessories, most notably weapons based on the design of the AR-15. The law classifies more than 170 different models of firearm as assault weapons. The statute also lists several general types of weapons under its definition of assault weapon, including AK-type and AR-15-type See ASSAULT WEAPONS on page 18
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THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A TAX REFUND DIRECT DEPOSITED: PART II
axpayers should deposit refunds into U.S. bank accounts in their own name, their spouse’s name or both. They should avoid making a deposit into accounts owned by others. Some banks require both spouses’ names on the account to deposit a tax refund from a joint return. Taxpayers should check with their bank for direct deposit rules. Get a bank account: Taxpayers who don’t have a bank account can visit the FDIC website for information on banks that let them open an account online and how to choose the right account. Veterans can use the Veterans Benefits Banking Program for access to financial services at participating banks.
Taxpayers should check with the mobile app provider or financial institution to confirm which numbers to use. Taxpayers must have their routing and account numbers for direct deposit available when they are ready to file. The IRS can’t accept this information after a return is filed. Fore more information, you can download Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (for Individuals) from www.irs.gov.
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3439 Grand Boulevard • Brookfield, Illinois 60513 • 708-485-9224 Brought to you as a public service since 1975
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The Landmark, December 6, 2023
NOTICE OF PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX INCREASE FOR RIVERSIDE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 96 I. A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax levy increase for Riverside School District No. 96 for 2023 will be held on December 20, 2023, at 7:00 P.M., at L.J. Hauser Junior High School. Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the taxing district may contact Dr. Martha Ryan-Toye, Superintendent, 3340 S. Harlem, Riverside, Illinois 60546, (708) 447-5007. II. The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended or abated for 2022 were $28,683,144.00. The corporate and special purpose property taxes to be levied for 2023 are $30,117,302.00. This represents a 5.00% increase over the previous year’s extension.
Policy change means some porches could get a little bigger in Brookfield The modern move is hoped to help boost property values in the village By ERIKA HOBBS Editor
New, unenclosed porches can be built a little bigger in some areas of Brookfield. The decision permits some porches to extend 6 feet into the street yard. Trustees approved the change last month. The move comes after a homeowner on Groveland earlier this year asked for a zoning variance to build a porch that would encroach five feet into the street yard and was denied. Officials said those are guided by WPA maps from the 1930’s that show setbacks for each property. Each property has unique characteristics that will be considered, officials said.
It sparked a reconsideration of porch setback requirements in the Groveland/ Lincoln/Kimbark area, and on East Quincy Street and East Burlington Street, to allow porches to encroach on the street yard. Staff surveyed homes in the area and reviewed standards for decks, porches, stairs and stoops in other communities, including La Grange Park, Brookfield, Clarendon Hills, Glen Ellyn and Western Springs. The changes are not in Olmsted’s General Plan. During the review process, members of the planning and zoning commission agreed that the policy change was a minor one, and that it benefited Brookfield by helping to increase property values. The change is limited to the R3 zoning district. Although this district covers four areas of the village, only two of those areas contain single-family and two-family homes that are affected by the change. It applies to about 27 homes, and of these, 19 houses could have a 6-foot-deep porch that they could not have had before.
III. The property taxes extended for debt service and public building commission leases for 2022 were $0.00.
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IV. The total property taxes extended or abated for 2022 were $28,683,144.00. The estimated total property taxes to be levied for 2023 are $30,117,302.00. This represents a 5.00% increase over the previous year’s extension.
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The Landmark, December 6, 2023
Shop local with Brookfield’s new gift card By AMINA SERGAZINA Staff reporter
Brookfield residents can now show their love and support for their local businesses with a new gift card that works exclusively within the village. The Village of Brookfield’s Economic Development Commission and the Chamber of Commerce introduced a Brookfield Gift Card earlier this month. This Brookfield-exclusive card is offered in a physical, plastic card as well as an electronic version. The card operates like any regular prepaid credit card and is meant to support locally owned businesses. There is no need to look up which business is participating, because cards are geo-locked and makes it usable in any business in the village. This opens up opportunities for residents to use it for local utility bills, local businesses, restaurants, grocery stores and anywhere else within the village that accepts Mastercard, said Emily Egan, the village’s director of community development. “We really value our local businesses and there’s a tremendous pride in the community for our local businesses,” Egan said.
Next Level Pediatric Care A parent will do anything for their child. So will we. UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale now has pediatric hospitalists from UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s on staff to provide our youngest patients with the following: • On-site consultations for inpatient and emergency room visits • 24/7 access to the highest level of pediatric care • Innovative treatment options for acute illnesses and chronic diseases
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Brookfield’s exclusive gift card helps support local businesses
“[Gift cards are] a unique way to celebrate the business community and provide more options for folks looking for gifts for family and friends but wanting to keep their money local.” One of the main reasons for buying the gift card is a guarantee that money stays in Brookfield. According to local officials, for every $100 spent locally, approximately $43 to $68 stays local, so the new gift card could help this number multiply, resulting in more money for better wages, more tax revenue, stronger suppliers and service. Annette Pardun, director of the chamber owns a local, full-line candy store called Fill My Jar that sells handmade and customizable sweets. She said that people are starting to appreciate local businesses more in recent times. “Smaller communities are starting to see more appreciation for their smaller businesses, having these cards and opportunities like this help those businesses to grow,” Pardun said. “Being a small business myself, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate every customer that walks in the door.” The Enjoy Brookfield cards are available for purchase online or at the village hall, located at 8820 Brookfield Ave. Buying the cards in person saves people a $5 online processing fee. The cards have a minimum balance of $20 and expire after five years. However, cards cannot be reloaded or reused.
Visit adventhealthhinsdale.com/pediatrics for more information.
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The Landmark, December 6, 2023
YOUR
HOLIDAY STROLL & BROOKFIELD HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
BEST
LIFE
with Lisa Capone Comfort & Joy All Year Holiday gatherings are a time for companionship and good spirits. But many seniors go back to being alone when family and friends depart after the season. Residents in senior living communities, however, continue to be surrounded by friends, neighbors and caregivers year-round. Here are just a few of the social benefits senior living communities offer. • Sense Of Belonging: senior living communities create a close-knit environment where it’s easy for residents to form strong bonds with each other—helping combat feelings of loneliness. • Convenience: having amenities such as restaurant-style dining, fitness centers and recreational areas right on campus means residents never need to travel far to socialize or enjoy a healthy meal. • Emotional Support: being able to share similar experiences, whether they’re health-related or concerning life transitions, with peers can be comforting and uplifting.
Children with a snowmaking Santa at the Brookfield Kris Kringle Market on Saturday. An adult with child (below) in a giant walk-in snow globe.
Visit Cantata.org for more senior living advice or call (708) 387-8182.
Independent Living•Assisted Living•Memory Support Short-Term Rehab•Long-Term Care•Home Care
Adults and children roast marshmallows at the Holiday Stroll on Friday December 1, 2023.
PHOTOS BY TODD A. BANNOR A young woman paints faces at Santa’s Toy Shop at the Brookfield Kris Kringle Market.
The Landmark, December 6, 2023
Thank you
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The Landmark, December 6, 2023
Recognize this face? Bob Uphues is back in Brookfield
PHOTOS BY AMINA SERGAZINA
Former Landmark editor Bob Uphues now works in government.
Let us cater your holiday parties!
For 20 years, you’ve known him as the Landmark’s editor. This week, Uphues starts a new gig. The 61-year-old wordsmith moves to the “other side,” working in government instead of covering it. Uphues now serves as a management analyst for the Village of Brookfield, where he’ll be working in manager Timothy C. Wiberg’s office, steering projects and developing daily agendas. For now, he won’t be dealing with the press. We miss him and we’re sure you do, too. Stop by village hall to say hi if you need your Uphues fix.
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The Landmark, December 6, 2023
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Nazareth’s theater students head to state festival This marks the 9th time the theater troupe has been honored with the invitation
By LANDMARK STAFF Nazareth Academy’s fall theater production is heading to the state’s high school theater festival in January. The honor marks the ninth time the school’s productions have made it to the state level. Nazareth was last selected for the festival in 2019 with its performance of “The Glass Menagerie.” The production, “Almost, Maine” is a story of love an loss in a mythical “almost town” in Maine. “Being selected for the Festival is not only a remarkable honor for Nazareth, but also a celebration of the incredible journey and dedication of our talented cast and crew,” said Aileen O’Carroll, a 2013 alum, the play’s director and head of Nazareth’s Drama Department. “I’m incredibly proud, and I can’t wait for our production to be shared with students, teachers and theatre artists from all over Illinois.” The 48th annual Illinois High School Theatre Festival, held this year at Illinois State University, is produced by the Illinois Theatre Association, the largest and oldest non-competitive high school theatre festival in the world. The three-day festival takes place each January. This year, officials said, is a special one. When O’Carroll was a student at Nazareth in 2013, the cast and crew she was in were selected for the festival with their production of “Godspell.” “This is a full-circle moment for me,” O’Connell said in a statement. “It’s surreal, but I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of pride.” The Illinois High School Theatre Festival will be held Jan. 11 – 13 at Illinois State University. For more information, visit the festival’s website.
Cast Ava Bucur (Berwyn) Jay Conkin (Western Springs) Lexi Connerty (Western Springs) Arcelia Cruz (Westchester) Rita Hynes (Western Springs) Daniel Kestler (Stickney) Kate Mangan (Chicago)
COURTESY OF NAZARETH ACADEMY
Nazareth’s theater students will perform ‘Almost Maine’ at the state festival. Maddie Markham (Riverside) Alaina Milon (Westchester) Patrick O’Reilly (Elmhurst) Jack Siffermann (Western Springs) Sebastian Wagner (La Grange) Lucas Weber (La Grange) Aiden Westerkamp (La Grange) Maryssa Zielinski (Bolingbrook)
Understudies Allison Cashman (Clarendon Hills), Emma O’Connell (La Grange Park), Liam O’Meara (Clarendon Hills), Danny Martin (Chicago)
Crew Samantha Coniglio (Westchester) Berenice Correa (Cicero) Sofia Cuate (Berwyn) Jiovani Espinoza (Stickney) Gabriela Falat (Westmont) Sofia Flores (Westmont) Tatiana Huayamave (Chicago) Aszher Leal (Berwyn) Marcy Marshall (Clarendon Hills) Iris Nelson (Brookfield) Andrea Nunez (Berwyn) Beckham Oakey (Western Springs) Gianna Ramirez (Chicago) Kacie Regan (Berwyn)
Isabella Renteria (Westchester) Kyle Sales (Westchester) Emma Smith (La Grange) Roxanne Stasch (Lemont) Philip Steger (Brookfield) Damian Vega (Oak Brook) Ricardo Cezanni Saldana (Brookfield) Vivian Zmorzynski (Hillside) Rhiann Zulfer (La Grange Park)
Production Team Ms. Aileen O’Carroll ‘13 Mr. Kurt Meinhardt Mr. Jeff Nowicki Ms. Jocelyn Rios ‘13
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The Landmark, December 6, 2023
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Thanks for the leadership of our Development Steering Committee
Anan Abu-Taleb Past Oak Park village president
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Support and donate here:
Carolyn Newberry Schwartz Past District 97 school board president
Kristin Vogen Chicago Community Trust leader, former head of OPRF Community Foundation
Opinion
The Landmark, December 6, 2023
LETTERS
THE LANDMARK VIEW
I
Starting over on LTHS site
t has been a debacle from the start. Plans by Lyons Township High School to sell off 72-acres of wooded land it has long owned, for intense industrial use, brought a crush of local opposition — the least surprising response ever to an inappropriate and tone deaf concept. Last week, three, we hope, chastened LTHS officials, sat through a packed presentation at Willow Springs Village Hall. At that meeting a zoning expert hired by village government said the existing zoning for the site is clear. Industrial use is not allowed. Zoning will allow for single-family housing, senior housing, or retail, the consultant said. In addition to that clear exposition, the high school officials again got an earful from residents who have worked to successfully block two potential sales for industrial uses. For its part, Jill Grech, vice president of the school board, said they heard the message and looked forward to working in a collaborative fashion on the future of the property. Grech said the school board would discuss the issue at an upcoming board meeting. Among the critics was James Distasio, a regular at recent high school board meetings. He told the crowd assembled for last week’s meeting that the outcome was a good one but said, “Let’s not mince words; this is the exact place we all could have started a year ago if you [LTHS] were upfront and respectful toward our community.” A fair point, well made. We understand the school’s decision to sell the property. They have held it for decades as a potential site for a second campus that it has concluded will not be needed. An offer to purchase at $60 million is enticing. However, the school board and administration lost site of their essential role as a member of the community. Their constituents’ needs and desires to maintain what is largely a quiet residential neighborhood is important and worthy. The road ahead will be complex. Competing needs will need to be heard and considered. Multiple developers are likely to be involved. Altogether more complicated than dumping the site to a single developer at a hefty price. But that’s the reality and the right outcome for this community. We trust LTHS has learned its lesson.
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Paths to decarbonizing Brookfield development What an exciting time to be a Brookfield resident, with new developments at 8291 Fairview Ave. (Landmark, Oct. 18 cover story) and a pending sustainability plan (Landmark, Nov. 8 cover story). I hope others on our village commission see the parallels and use the plan to implement sustainable development requirements for decarbonization. On June 20, the village of Oak Park took a bold step to become the first municipality in Illinois to pass an electrification ordinance, effective Jan. 1, 2024. I urge our village to consider matching, if not exceeding their requirements, especially for larger developments, which will have a greater footprint on our town’s energy usage. If we are going to collectively reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (just six years away), we will need to make firm commitments and support our residents and builders in making drastic changes from typical residential construction. These steps should include at a minimum: enhanced thermal insulation, improved window efficiencies, mechanical system requirements, and finally electrification.
The 2021 IL Energy Conservation code will also go into effect Jan. 1, 2024, which will enhance our building stock from current standards, especially through the requirements of increasing R-values from 20 to 30 in wood framed walls [Table R402.1.3] and adding compliance reporting and inspections for efficiency [Section R405.3.2.2]. The question still remains how Brookfield residents will hold contractors accountable to build to these standards and how the village will help enforce or improve upon these requirements. I welcome our new developments, and I applaud our department of buildings for quick permitting. As a homeowner, I am more than willing to subject our future renovation plans to a more stringent sustainable requirement, and I encourage our village and representatives to take the time necessary to develop requirements that will prioritize our future inhabitants through a decarbonized building stock.
Chyanne Husar, AIA, LEED BD+C, BECxP HUSarchitecture
OBITUARIES
Catherine Csech, 59
Jeanne Fitzgerald
Loved the unusual and obscure
Former Riverside resident
Catherine Csech, 59, born on Feb. 19, 1964, died on Dec. 2, 2023, in La Grange. After working as a preschool aide in her earlier years, Cathy was a stay-at-home mother and babysitter for many children in the Brookfield area. She will be remembered for her strong presence and listening ears, and her love of CATHERINE CSECH makeup, home design, and the unusual and obscure. She is survived by husband, Mark Csech (65) and her daughter, Bailey Csech (27). Services and celebration-of-life details for Cathy will be made known on social media. May peace be with her, and all whom she loved.
Jeanne M Fitzgerald (nee Meyer) of Green Lake, Wisconsin, formerly of Riverside, died on Nov. 29, 2023. She lived in Riverside for 20 years and had many fond memories of raising her family there. Jeanne is survived by Dennis M. Fitzgerald, her husband of 63 years; her children, Kathie Rice, Brian Fitzgerald JEANNE FITZGERALD (Tina), Patrick Fitzgerald, MaryAnne Fitzgerald, and Matthew Fitzgerald (Jessica); 13 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. See OBITUARIES on page 18
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The Landmark, December 6, 2023
OBITUARIES Continued from page 18
Mary Phillips, 97
Garcia; and her great-grandchildren, Clayton Hicks, Abrianna Corley, Jeremy Corley, Carly Hicks, Dylan Burrell, Cora Corley and Maddy Burrell. She was “gram,” “aunt,” “GG,” Mary B. Phillips (nee Sedivy), 97, of Auand “secret pal” to many and will be missed rora, formerly of Brookfield, died by her puppies Wicket and Peach. on Nov. 29, 2023. Loved by everyVisitation will be held on one and proud of her family, she Wednesday, Dec. 6 from 10:30 a.m. will be missed by her extended until the service at 12:30 p.m. at family at Swan Cleaners in Brookfield, where she worked the front Hitzeman Funeral Home Ltd., 9445 desk for over 70 years. W. 31st St., Brookfield, IL 60513, Was the wife of the late Don followed by interment at Chapel Phillips. She was predeceased by Hill Gardens West Cemetery, Oak her children, Donald Phillips and Brook Terrace. Cora Mae Burrell, and her daughThere will be a Celebration of MARY PHILLIPS ter-in-law Michelle Phillips. She is Life on Saturday, Dec. 9 at the famsurvived by her son-in-law, Gene ily’s home. Please contact the family for more Burrell; her grandchildren, Dena Mary (Rob) Hicks, Angelina Jean (Matt) Corley, Vinson information. Information, 708-485-2000 or Don (Kelly) Burrell, and Nicole Marie (Cesar) www.HitzemanFuneral.com.
Swan Cleaners mainstay
ASSAULT WEAPONS Rules and penalties from page 9 rifles. It also lists AK-type, AR-type, MACtype, Thompson-type and Uzi-type pistols. The act restricts IZHMASH Saiga 12-type shotguns. Rifles that shoot .50 caliber rounds are also regulated by the act. But much of the confusion surrounding the law centers on the fact that it also restricts features that would classify an otherwise acceptable gun as an “assault weapon.” These include thumbhole, folding, telescoping and detachable stocks, pistol grips on rifles, flash suppressors, grenade launchers, barrel shrouds that allow users to hold the barrel without being burned, and the capacity to accept ammunition belts. Accessories that would give an otherwise unregulated firearm one or more of these features are regulated as “assault weapon attachments,” and they also require a disclosure with state police. Pistols are also restricted if they have a threaded barrel, a second grip, the capacity to accept magazines outside of the grip and shoulder stocks. Revolving cylinder shotguns are restricted as well as semiautomatic shotguns that have the capacity to accept a detachable magazine or a fixed magazine with more
than five rounds. Importantly, any firearm that has been modified with aftermarket accessories to achieve the same effect as the state’s definition of “assault weapon” would still fall under the ban. This means that a collection of parts that could convert a firearm into an assault weapon – for example, an unregulated pistol and conversion kit – would be considered an assault weapon, even if the kit is unassembled. The law also bans .50 caliber BMG rounds. While common, these are not the only type of .50 caliber ammunition. Owners of this type of ammunition must file a disclosure with state police. Ammunition feeding devices are also regulated by the act, but in a slightly less strict fashion than weapons. The law bans “large capacity” magazines, which it defines as being 15 or more rounds for pistols and 10 or more rounds for rifles. While banned, owners of large capacity magazines do not need to file a disclosure. Affected gun owners must file an affidavit or face criminal penalties Owners of weapons regulated under the act can legally keep assault weapons, now-banned accessories and .50 caliber rifles, if they owned the weapon or accessory prior to Jan. 10, 2023, when the law went into effect, and they register them with ISP. Some people, notably law enforcement officers, are exempt from the disclosure requirement.
To run an obituary Please contact Erika Hobbs by e-mail: erika@growingcommunitymedia.org, before Monday at noon. Please include a photo if possible.
People required to file this paperwork, called an “endorsement affidavit,” can do so at the state police Firearms Services Bureau website. This is the same online portal used for concealed carry licenses and Firearm Owners Identification cards. These affidavits must be submitted electronically and submitting false information would be considered perjury. These online disclosures require the maker, model, serial number and caliber of the gun. For accessories, a description and part number are required. A date of purchase is required if that information is available. If a gun owner moves to Illinois from a state where they legally owned firearms or accessories banned under Illinois’ law, they must file an endorsement affidavit with the state police within 60 days of moving to Illinois. This applies to owners of assault weapon attachments, even if they do not own an assault weapon. Local law enforcement agencies and the state police are responsible for enforcing the assault weapons ban in the same manner they currently enforce other regulations, such as the rules around FOID cards. Penalties for violating the law vary. Carrying or possessing an assault weapon is a Class A misdemeanor. This is generally punishable by up to a year in jail or a fine of up to $2,500. Manufacturing, selling, delivering and purchasing those weapons, however, is a Class 3 felony. These are gen-
erally punishable with five to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000. A second or subsequent possession charge is considered a Class 2 felony, which is generally punishable by three to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. Manufacturing, possessing, selling or importing assault weapon accessories and kits is also considered a Class 2 felony. Specific cases may vary in their sentencing. While the law bans the sale and possession of large-capacity magazines, owners do not need to file a disclosure if they had these magazines prior to Jan. 10, 2023. For a brief period of six days this spring, an injunction temporarily halted enforcement of the assault weapons ban. Anyone who purchased a regulated weapon after Jan. 10, 2023, including during that window, is in violation of the law. This story will be updated as litigation and administrative rulemaking continues. See something incorrect or have a question that wasn’t answered here? Email aadams@capitolnewsillinois.com. Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of print and broadcast outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.
The Landmark, December 6, 2023
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The Landmark, December 6, 2023
Sports
RB rallies late, holds off St. Ignatius
Loftus 3-pointer is the game-winner at Elite Classic By MELVIN TATE
missed both free throws and St. Ignatius had one last chance. After the Wolfpack’s timeout with 3.8 When senior Danny Loftus nailed a seconds left, a jumper from the left side by 3-pointer with 57 seconds remaining Satur- Reggie Ray (9 points) bounced off the rim day, the Riverside-Brookfield High School as time expired. “We stayed calm and collected as a boys basketball team’s eighth straight team,” Cicic said. “That’s a really good points took the lead on St. Ignatius. Then it was the defense’s turn to show up team we played and they brought their ‘A’ game. But we were keeping hope big time. alive. The last two minutes we The Bulldogs withstood the really brought it defensively and Wolfpack on three straight poshit big shots.” sessions and pulled out an emo“Hopefully, this gives us a lot tional 50-49 victory in the Chicaof confidence. St. Ignatius is a go Elite Classic at University of great team,” RBHS coach Mike Illinois Chicago’s Credit Union Reingruber said. One Arena. “By no means did we bring The Bulldogs (4-1) lost just six our ‘A’ game, but we still got the games last season but two were win with a young, inexperienced to St. Ignatius (3-2), which finDANNY LOFTUS group. Stef is the only one who’s ished fourth in Class 3A in its been through the wringer with second consecutive downstate trip. They also avenged a loss to Benet us. We’ve got a pretty new group, and for them to come together and win against a Academy from last season’s Elite Classic. “This proves we have that dog in us,” top-20-type team like St. Ignatius in an said RBHS senior Stefan Cicic, who had event like this says a lot. Hopefully it’s a 10 points and nine rebounds. “Obviously, good springboard for us moving forward.” RBHS rallied after trailing 49-42 with just we’re not a ranked team; I’d say we’re the underdogs. But beating [St. Ignatius] will over 2 minutes remaining. Steven Brown put us on the map. I feel now when we (10 points, 4 assists) hit a three, and the play these high-ranked teams, we have a defense caused a turnover. Cicic scored inside on the ensuing possession to close to chance.” When the wide-open Loftus (7 points, 49-47 and Bulldogs regained the ball after 6 rebounds) sank his three from the top another Wolfpack turnover. “We’re happy we walked out of here with of the key, the Bulldogs had their 50-49 lead. Then they had to sweat things out a win. It showed we’re a pretty tough and resilient group. Multiple guys brought it in defensively. After a missed shot by St. Ignatius stand- multiple capacities, and it was a total team out Phoenix Gill (game-high 22 points), the win,” Reingruber said. “I wish we could make some free throws Bulldogs turned the ball over. Good defense from the 7-foot Cicic con- (2 for 10). But other than that, I’m real haptributed to Gill missing another close shot py with our guys and how we fought back.” Senior guard Mehki Austin continues to with 10 seconds remaining. RBHS got the rebound and sophomore Cameron Mer- provide energy and points off the bench. cer (8 points) was fouled with 6.3 left but The Oak Park and River Forest High Contributing Reporter
STEVE JOHNSTON
Riverside-Brookfield’s Mayan Covarrubias (24) puts up a shot against Trinity Thursday, November 30, 2023 in Brookfield. School transfer scored 10 points, eight in the second quarter. “He’s a real good kid off the court,” Cicic said. “On the court, he’s aggressive. He hustles, he’s smart, plays good defense, and makes shots. He brought his ‘A’ game today.” In a big-time atmosphere, the Bulldogs also received a boost from numerous supporters. “We had a lot of students here, and we also had a lot of our Junior Bulldogs here. That’s what makes it fun. It’s what high school basketball is all about,” Reingruber said.
RBHS girls basketball The Bulldogs (1-5) lost to Westinghouse 43-42, Saturday, at Triton College and 55-35 to Trinity at home, Thursday. Alyssa Morris (15 points) and Arianna Larson (12 points) each scored in double figures on Saturday. Emily Organ added seven points. Three of the Bulldogs’ losses are by a combined six points. Top players against Trinity were Morris (11 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists), Organ (10 points, 3 steals), Niamh Larson (7 points, 3 steals), Mayan Covarrubias (6 rebounds, 5 steals) and Hudson (4 points).
S P O R T S
The Landmark, December 6, 2023
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RB boys wrestlers boast experience, depth Gonzalez, Mosquera lead seven returning sectional qualifiers By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
Since earning his first trip to the Class 2A boys wrestling individual state meet last season, Riverside Brookfield High School senior Josh Gonzalez has been hoping to return and truly make the most of that moment. “Since I got a little taste of state, I want to go back and place [top six], be all-state,” said Gonzalez, who lost his two state matches at 138 pounds. “[I learned to] just focus. Take it all in at once. Take my time. Don’t rush yourself. I felt like I was rushing myself at state and now I feel like I can take my time because I’ve already been on that stage. I want to be more comfortable in uncomfortable situations.” The Bulldogs return this season with
lots of wrestling experience. Even after graduating 17 seniors, coach Nick Curby has his most wrestlers (93) and currently a starting varsity lineup of all seniors and juniors. “This is by far the EDGAR MOSQUERA largest team I’ve had. I’ve always hovered in the mid-70s. I thought that was big,” said Curby, entering his 16th overall season in the program. “Over my career, I don’t think I’ve had juniors and seniors [starting]. I’ve usually had at least one or two freshmen or sophomores. We have nine returning starters, so just building on that experience will be No. 1.” Besides Gonzalez, who had a 31-16 record last season, junior Edgar Mosquera (25-12 at 113) was a 2022 2A state qualifier at 113 as a freshman and a 2023 sectional qualifier. Needing top-four sectional finishes to qualify for state, junior Matt Elzy (20-11 at
182) was one victory from advancing in 2023. The Bulldogs’ other returning sectional qualifiers were seniors Jacob Noe (32-15 at 145) and Cade Tomkins (24-17 at 152), juniors Ethan Rivas (15-9 at 132) and Max JOSH GONZALEZ Strong (23-19 at 160). Juniors Nate Stanard (10-17 at 126) and Jacob Godoy (132) and senior Mateo Gonzalez (113) also return with varsity experience. Stanard was fourth at regionals last season, one victory from a topthree finish and advancing to sectionals. The Bulldogs should do well in their last year in the Metro Suburban Conference, which is down to three other teams (Elmwood Park, Ridgewood and Westmont). Last season, the Bulldogs won their first MSC title since 2010. The focus is returning to the 2A dual team state meet. After back-to-back state quarterfinal berths, the Bulldogs finished second
at the 2023 RB Regional 236-214 to perennial powerhouse Montini Catholic. “I’m really looking forward to what an experienced team can bring to the season and see where we can take it,” Curby said. “We’ve set our goals pretty high so it’s a matter of making sure we work hard to get there.” This season, Josh Gonzalez moves up to 144 pounds. He spent the offseason training with the Beat the Streets wrestling program in Chicago. The fourth-place Gonzalez never forgets that his state-qualifying 6-5 victory at sectionals came on a late two-point takedown. “I’ve worked on more conditioning, mental toughness for sure,” Gonzalez said. “You need that in the last round. The last sectional, it all came down to the last 20 seconds. We’ve been drilling that in practice.” In the annual season opener at Lyons Township, Nov. 22, the Bulldogs lost 45-33. Josh Gonzalez (144), Mosquera (113), Elzy (190) and Rivas (157) and junior Ricardo Gutierrez-Blanco (138) won with pins. Mateo Gonzalez (106) won 15-8.
Aphay, Villagomez set tone for RB girls wrestling Program’s first state qualifiers return, looking for more
She makes the move up to training and encouraging the 125 pounds, even though she other ladies.” believes that will be a more difOther team members include ficult weight class. juniors Frankie Abasta, Natalia “A successful season for me Arauz, Irma Bernal-Orihuela, would be to place at state, this Emily Cunningham and Samira year being my last year,” Aphay Giron-Cantero, sophomores EsBy BILL STONE said. “This offseason, I’ve mosttefany Bejarano, Alexis Dayton, Contributing Reporter ly been working more of the carElla Hutar, Angelica Solis and dio and just the mental mindset Heidi Velazquez, and freshman Last girls wrestling season, Riverside DANELY VILLAGOMEZ of wrestling, and hopefully to be Emily Anaya. Brookfield High School seable to pursue the long season.” The Bulldogs’ first nior Eleanor Aphay motivated Villagomez was impressive in her first two state qualifiers have dedisophomore Danely Villagomez cated themselves to building on season, compiling a 25-9 record at 135. At to join her in qualifying for the their 2023 finishes and going af- state, she won her first match 10-6, then lost individual state meet. They, in to two all-staters. ter top-six, all-state slots. turn, continue inspiring others “I would also like to place at state this Last season, Aphay was 1-2 in just their second year with a at state at 120 pounds, win- year, especially being a lower-classman,” full team. Currently there are ning her first state match in she said. “[I’ve been] working on cardio 13 girls under first-year head the opener, and she improved and making sure it’s up and ready for the coach Dan Verr. her overall record to 21-7 from season, also working on my offense and “We have a good number of ELEANOR APHAY 17-9 as a sophomore. At her 2022 taking more shots than I did last season.” girls. They’re hungry because Coach Verr is no stranger to RBHS wreshistory-making first state meet of the leadership of [Aphay and representing the Bulldogs, Aphay was tling. He is a 1982 graduate who was a twoVillagomez]. That’s always good to have pinned in both of her matches, the second time all-state wrestlers, taking third at 98 those really dedicated wrestlers leading pounds in 1981 and sixth at 105 in 1982 afafter leading 10-3.
ter an ankle injury forced him into finalmatch forfeits. He sees no reason why more Bulldogs can’t reach state. Abasta, Bernal-Orihuela, Bejarano, Dayton, Solis and Velazquez were on last year’s roster but only Aphay and Villagomez competed at the 2023 sectional. “My goal for [Aphay and Villagomez] is to win state. Why not? As a team, just jell and get better, improve. Some of these ladies, it’s their last year and they can break into the state series as well.” On Saturday, the Bulldogs finished fifth of 29 teams at the Waukegan Invitational. Bejarano won at 155 and Aphay (125) and Villagomez (145) were third. Anaya was second in the round-robin 145B division. Bejarano (7-1) won her final by pin in 1:02 after pins in 10 seconds and 1:13. Bejarano (155) and Abasta (115) were third and fifth at the Rockford East Invite Nov. 25. The Bulldogs won their season opener at Lyons Township 36-30, Nov. 22. Velazquez (115), Abasta (120) and Villagomez (155) won with pins. Anaya, Bejarano and Cunningham won by forfeit.
22 The Landmark, December 6, 2023 Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.
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ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN
The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Engineering Technician II in the Public Works Department. The employee performs layout, draft and design drawings from field survey information and field notes for various engineering and planning projects including existing improvements, right-of-way and various utilities and performs a variety of field inspections. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. Position is open until filled.
GENERAL WAREHOUSE WORKER
General Warehouse worker. Some assembly and build projects. Some other job duties may include but are not limited to general building upkeep, painting, light cleaning, lifting 50lbs+, driving company vehicles on occasion, operating forklifts and scissor lift, assisting in other warehouse tasks such as loading and unloading trucks, shipping and receiving. Send Resume to Michelle@sievertelectric.com
Tax Manager @ BDO USA, P.C. (fka BDO USA, LLP) (Chicago, IL) F/T. Cndct rview of tax retrns & rslve all tax issues w/clnts. Telecommutng prmittd 100% of time. Mstr’s deg (or frgn eqvlnt) in Bus Admin, Accn, Tax or rltd & 1 yr of exp in job offrd, Tax Assoc or rltd. Altrntvly, ER wll accpt Bchlr’s deg (or frgn equvlnt) in Bus Admin, Accon, Tax or rltd & 5 yrs of prgrssvly resp exp. Mst hve exp in ea: Tax plnng, rcmmndtn of tax strtgs & tax prep prjcts, incl bdgeting & plnning; Usng tax rsearch d/bases such as BNA & RIA; Usng tax cmplnc procss sftwr: GoFileRoom, GoSystemRS, Caseware, or BNA Depreciatn Sftwr; Prep of Prfit/ Loss rprts; Corp tax, cnsldtns & prtnrshps; Mnging tax prfssnls. Mst hve CPA; OR IRS EA; OR suffcnt edu/exp rqrmnts (as dtrmnd by state Board of Accntncy for CPA or by IRS for EA) to rcve CPA or EA w/in 24 months of hre or prmtn; OR be a member of a US state bar. ER wll accpt any sutble cmbntn of edu, training or exp. Mail resume: T. Brown, HR, BDO USA, P.C.; 615 South College St, Suite 1200, Charlotte, NC 28202. Job title & code QS-IL in cv ltr. EOE
Job Type: Full-time Benefits Salary: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour Schedule: 8 hour shift Monday to Friday Data Analyst - Infra Domain sought by Crystal Equation Corp. (Chicago, IL). Work assignments may be in various unanticipated work locations in the US. Telecommuting permitted. Please apply to Job #38290 by sending resume to apply@crystalequation.com
MARKETPLACE
WANTED TO BUY WANTED MILITARY ITEMS:
Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400
MOVING SALE RIVERSIDE MOVING SALE EVERYTHING MUST GO! 180 HERRICK FRI DEC 8 & SAT DEC 9 9AM TO 3PM
Bedroom sets, dressers, lamps, dining set, side tables, couch, kitchen items, rugs, artwork, much misc., all priced to sell. No early birds.
ELECTRICAL
ELECTRICAL
A&A ELECTRIC
Ceiling Fans Let an American Veteran do your work Installed We install plugs for battery-operated vehicles We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs We install Surge Protectors • Home Re-wiring • New Plugs & Switches Added • New circuit breaker boxes • Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp • Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential • Commercial • Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. • Bonded • Ins. • Low Rates • Free Est.
708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848 Sr. Discounts • 30 Yrs. Exp. Servicing Oak Park • All surrounding suburbs • Chicago area
PAINTING
FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.
New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com
CLASSIC PAINTING Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair
PETS While you’re away, your pets are okay . . . at home
cat calls
Oak Park’s Original Pet Care Service – Since 1986
Daily dog exercising Complete pet care in your home House sitting • Plant care Bonded References
708-524-1030
PET SITTING
Pet loving Oak Park Grandma would like to sit your pet. Available days, nights, weekends. Email Belinda at bjavdek@gmail.com for costs and references.
Low Cost •708.749.0011
Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Don’t Do
708-296-2060
R E A L E S TAT E OAK PARK HOME FOR SALE BY OWNER 712 S. KENILWORTH AVE.
5-bedroom, 2.5-bath. About 2600 square feet, plus 600 square foot basement. 50’ x 150’ lot. Asking $789,000. Text Duane Binns 630-926-6833 with your email for a brochure.
R E N TA L S
STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3 BR Best Selection & Service
OAK PARK & FOREST PARK
708-386-7355
MMpropMgmt.com
Complete Bid Packet can be obtained by contacting Ed Redd at: eredd@yemba-inc.org. Pre-bid site inspection is optional, and is scheduled to occur by appointment only. Please contact Ed Redd at 708.719.6701 to schedule an appointment. Bid Deadline is 9:00a on 1/6/24 This is a Federally-Funded (Community Development Block Grant) Project and is subject to all applicable Federal rules, regulations and guidelines, including but not limited to payment of Prevailing Wage. Published in Wednesday Journal December 6, 2023
PUBLIC NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re ALLOCATION OF GLORIA RESENDIZ, Petitioner and ISAAC SANTACRUZ, Respondent, Case No. 2021d450036. The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for temporary and permanent sole allocation of parental responsibilities, child support, contribution to child-related expenses and for otherrelief; and that said suit is now pending.
HANDYMAN Mike’s Home Repair
HOME FOR SALE
YEMBA INC. is soliciting bids for a GENERAL CONTRACTOR to install 10 can lights with (2)3-way switches across adjacent office ceiling spaces and (4) 7 x 22 vision lite door inserts inside existing wood office doors of our small commercial building located in the Village of Oak Park, Illinois.
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Public Notice: Your right to know... In print • Online
Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before January 8, 2024, default may be Entered against you at any time after That day, and a judgment entered in Accordance with the prayer of said Petition. DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk. Published in Wednesday Journal December 6, 13, 20, 2023
Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com RBLandmark.com ForestParkReview.com AustinWeeklyNews.com
PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y23011198 on November 16, 2023 Under the Assumed Business Name of FULWELL 18 CONSULTING with the business located at: PO BOX 265 BROOKFIELD, IL 60513. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: JOHN MILLER, 3415 ARDEN AVENUE BROOKFIELD, IL 60513, USA. Published in RBLandmark November 22, 29, December 6, 2023
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: Y23011210 on November 21, 2023 Under the Assumed Business Name of TONIC CONSULTING GROUP with the business located at: 1017 N GROVE AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: WILLIAM B. BUNKERS 1017 N GROVE AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA Published in Wednesday Journal November 29, December 6, 13, 2023
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. GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA
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CLASSIFIED BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICE PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTANTIONAL AMENDMENT TO THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM YEAR 2023 ACTION PLAN Date of Publication: December 6, 2023 Village of Oak Park 123 Madison Street Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 383-6400 Notice is hereby given of a proposed Substantial Amendment to the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) Program Year (PY) 2023 Action Plan for $200,000.00 of funding allocations, currently scheduled for the PY 2023 Streetscaping project, be added to the PY 2023 ADA Sidewalks project. Additional funds would make the Sidewalks project total $600,000.00. The proposed substantial amendment is on file at the Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302 and is
available for public examination and copying weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST from December 6, 2023 to January 8, 2024. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any comments concerning the proposed substantial amendment may be submitted in writing to the Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302, via: email to Vanessa Matheny, Grants Supervisor, at vmatheny@oak-park.us, or at the Public Hearing to be held from 3:30PM-4:30PM on January 4, 2024. Please send a request to the above referenced email address to attend the virtual hearing. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and non-English speaking persons, as needed.
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
Village of Oak Park PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD for the: Community Development Block Grant Program Year 2022 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT Date of Publication: December 6, 2023 Village of Oak Park 123 Madison Street Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 383-6400 PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Notice is hereby given that the Village of Oak Park Program Year 2022 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Draft Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) will be available for public review beginning Thursday, December 7, 2023. The CAPER is the Village’s annual CDBG report to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It will reflect the Program Year 2022 results, which began October 1, 2022 and ended September 30, 2023. The Village of Oak Park invites comments on the CAPER. The
Published in Wednesday Journal, December 6, 2023
public comment period will begin December 7, 2023, and end December 22, 2023 at 5:00pm CST. The report will be available by visiting the Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302 and at: www.oakpark.us/cdbg. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any comments concerning the CAPER may be submitted in writing to the Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302, via: email to Vanessa Matheny, Grants Supervisor, at vmatheny@oakpark.us, or at the Public Hearing to be held from 3:30PM-4:30PM on December 18, 2023. Please send a request to the above referenced email address to attend the virtual hearing. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and non-English speaking persons, as needed.
Published in Wednesday Journal, December 6, 2023
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The Landmark, December 6, 2023
2 1 E . B U R L I N GTO N R OA D, R I V E R S I D E | 70 8 . 4 47.72 07 D OL S ST JU
D OL S ST JU
380 Herrick Rd, Riverside $375,000
125 Woodside Rd, Riverside $590,000
D OL S ST JU
717 S 6th Ave, LaGrange $710,000
2321 Scoville Ave, Berwyn $380,000
1347 Cuyler Ave, Berwyn $425,000 AL CI R E MM O C
302-306 River Oaks Dr, Calumet City $300,000
1516 S Wabash Ave, #902, Chicago $465,000
116 E Quincy St, Riverside $425,000
69 Longcommon Rd, Riverside $189,900
7722 Madison St, River Forest $18/sq ft
When it comes to selling and buying homes... experience, results and ties to the community make all the difference. Curious about the current real estate market and the impact on your home’s value? Thinking about selling, but need to find your next home first? Can’t find your dream home in this competitive market? Contact one of our local market experts for a free, confidential consultation.
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY