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Brookfield True Value closing PAGE 15

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Komarek strategies plan shapes up PAGE 8

Brookfield set to begin replacing lead water pipes

Climate’s Frontline

The first phase of the project is estimated to cost $4 million By AMINA SERGAZINA Staff Reporter

Brookfield is launching the first phase of its lead service line replacement project to remove lead water service lines in the village and replace them with copper pipes. The project is part of a statewide mandate to eliminate lead exposure from drinking water to improve public health. The first phase of the project is estimated to cost $4 million, according to Brookfield’s 2024 budget.

RB senior Maiana Nelson at UN climate conference STORY BY BOB SKOLNIK, PAGE 5

PROVIDED

See WATER PIPES on page 11

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The Landmark, December 20, 2023

The future of local news? We’re it. And we need your support to make our independent nonprofit newsroom work. Donate by Dec. 31 and a generous $40,000 match will double your donation.

t Growing Community Media we’re building something brand new. At a time when 2.5 weekly newspapers close each week in America, and reporters are being laid off everywhere, we’re inventing a business model that will make authentic local news sustainable for years to come.

It’s a blend of revenue streams. As we always have, we sell ads, we sell subscriptions. But now we’ve added philanthropy. And that doesn’t mean foundations or only well-to-do donors. It means you, our readers, understanding you need to pay a portion of the cost of local news to keep it vital. Thousands of you have already made that decision and donated to GCM. Today as we move toward the close of 2023, we are working a $40,000 match. Every dollar you donate now will be doubled.

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December 13, 2023

Primary contest for Rashid PAGE 10

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Major projects ahead for Brookfield PAGE 9

22-unit apartment complex coming to Riverside Riv

Dazzling lights See the best in Landmarkland STORY ON PAGE 4

The village villag vill agee also is considering ag considering creating cr ting a permanentt tax levy crea lev to ffund und street projects, projects, instead instead stead oof to borrow rr ing money through rrow through bond bondss borrowing By AMINA SERGAZINA

Vol. 106, No. 47

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November 8, 2023 ■ Also serving Garfield Park ■ austinweeklynews.com

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Amid the city’s mass shootings, community groups work to prevent more bloodshed

Heat, pollution take toll on West Side residents health, report shows The data show how these factors fact fac tors disproportionately disproportionately affect aff affec ect residents who ccould ould benefit benefit from simple ccooling ooling measures, like like planting trees

One UCAN member mediates ‘peace peace agreements’ after violent incidents By FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ Staf Reporter Staff Re

Staf Reporter Staff Re

A 22-unit multifamily apartment complex with two, tw first-floor li live-work units — the first of its kind for Riverside — is coming to the village. The Riverside village board approved a special use permit Dec. 7 for the mixed-use development at 28 and 30 E. Burlington St. The complex is expected to be a five-story building. CZS/BROOKFIELD ZOO

See APARTMENTS on page 12

Best Wishes for a Happy & Healthy Holiday! THE SHEILA GENTILE GROUP LIVE LOCAL • WORK LOCAL

708.220.2174 • www.SheilaGentile.com

Obama b ex-staffffer runs for Davis seat, page 5

@AustinWeeklyChi

In Austin, East Garfield Park, West Garfield Park and North Lawndale the index reached the 90-100 percentile. In contrast, more affluent neighborhoods such as Lincoln Park or Lakeview have scores in the 1 to 30th percentile. Many residents in these neighbor-

After an overnight ernight mass shooting injured at least 15 people in North Lawndale on Oct. 29, a number of community partners and city agencies stepped in to coordinate services for victims and their families. The Chicago Police Department on Oct. 31 opened an emergency service center at YMEN’s facility, where police and community organizations provided on-site support to victims and their families. Among them was UCAN, a nonprofit providing an array of services for

See POLLUTION on page 3

See SHOOTING on page 4

FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ

Galewood neighbors and tree ambassadors learn about trees from a certified arborist David Kusnierz on Oct. 28, 2023. By FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ Staff Reporter

West Side residents are disproportionately burdened by pollution and environmental hazards that harm residents’ health, and are among those most heavily impacted by environmental issues when compared with

other Chicagoans, an environmental justice city report released in late summer showed. Austin, East Garfield Park, West Garfield Park and North Lawndale are some of the areas with the highest cumulative impacts – a score that measures how a community is affected by environmental factors.

Fall into Winter 2023

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Proviso West teacher champions trade school as a path for students

December 6, 2023 Vol. 44, No. 23

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JOURNAL

OAK PARK TOWNSHIP TAX SALE NOTICE INSIDE

of Oak Park and River Forest

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staf Reporter Staff Reporter

In a bright room with state-of-the-art machinery, April Senase stands as a champion for kids who don’t want to follow a traditional post-secondary path. In her classroom, she shows them that a career in trades can make for a fulfilling and successful life. She knows because she li live d it. And although she nevlived er thought she’d become a teacher, last year, Senase won the 2023 Illinois State Board of Education’s Teacher of the Year for Early Career Educator Meritorious Service Award. She has been nominated once again this year. “This program at Proviso West High School is help-

Library landscaping The Forest Forest Park Garden Club boosts the public library’ librar library’s y’ss curb appeal. y’ Story on page 3

See SENASE on page 6

Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

John Rice: Acceptance, the key to serenity…and gratitude

Tom Holmes: Gonna let my little light shine

Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

PAGE 17

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IN Big Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 THIS ISSUE Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

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OPRF students who want to stop climate change head to Dubai Duba

Senase was awarded an ISBE award for her dedication to her students nt nts

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Education

Season of Giving Inside

Katie Stabb and Kate Wallace W attend the annual UN Climate Summit

Reindeer eindeer in disguise?

By JACK HELBIG C Contributing Reporter Re

A year ago, two Oak Park and Ri Rive Riverr Fo Forest High School students — Manolo Av Avalos and Victoria “Tori” Evans — attended the United Nations annual conference on climate change, COP27, in Egypt. They were part of a group of high school students sent to the conference under the auspices of a youth environmental group, It’s Our Future, part of the Oak Park-based Seven Generations Ahead environmental group. By the time you read this, two more OPRF students — Katherine Stabb, who goes by Katie, and Kate Wallace — will have already made the 13-hour, 25-minute flight from Chicago to Dubai, to attend COP28, this year’s conference, held Nov. 30 to Dec. 12 and sponsored by the same group. They are part of a delegation of six Chicago-area high school students going to the conference.

Santa’s dachsunds distract attendees from the Cookie Walk in Downtown Oak Park MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 9

TODD A. BANNOR

See DUBAI on page 15

The Landmark, December 20, 2023

D103 teachers get holiday bonuses It’s unusual for districts to reward teachers with Christmas bonuses By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Teachers in Lyons School District 103, which serves the southeast portion of Brookfield, are getting this year what almost no other public-school teachers ever get — a Christmas bonus. After receiving a Teacher Vacancy Pilot grant from the Illinois State Board of Education, and consulting with the teachers union, the district administration decided to give teachers who are not in their first year a special one-time retention bonus of $500. The bonus was paid out in the Dec. 15 paychecks. First year teachers are getting bigger bonuses of between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on what they teach. First year English as a Second Language teachers and Special Education teachers are getting $3,000 bonuses, middle school math and middle school science teachers are getting $2,000 bonuses and all other firstyear teachers are getting $1,000 bonuses. “Your unwavering dedication and tireless efforts deserve acknowledgement,” Superintendent Kristofer Rivera wrote in a memo sent to teachers Dec. 1 informing them of the bonuses. Rivera did not respond to two calls from the Landmark requesting information about the bonuses. Morale among teachers in District 103 has been rather low in recent years and teacher turnover seems to have been above average. Rivera met with leaders of the District 103 teachers union before determining how to use the grant money and the district also sent teachers a survey to gauge teacher attitudes. “The union was notified that the district received a Teacher Vacancy Grant, which allowed the district to spend the money in strict ways that would attract and retain teachers,” said District 103 teachers union president Kerry Palider, a speech pathologist at Lincoln School, in an email. “We sat down with the administration and discussed various possibilities for use of the money, such as retention bonuses, sign on bonuses, stipends for working with student teachers, improving the mentor program, etc... With that being said, while the

union was aware and participated in the Mark Kuzniewski of Brookfield LaGrange discussion for use of this money, we did Park District 95, and Martha Ryan-Toye of not decide the dollar amounts that would Riverside Elementary District 96, both told the Landmark that they had never heard of be given.” Former long-time teachers union presi- a school district giving holiday bonuses to dent Toni Jackman, a 7th grade science teachers before. District 103 is also using the grant money teacher at George Washington Middle School, was not happy that veteran teach- to expand its tuition reimbursement proers received lower bonuses than first year gram. Through a partnership with Governors State University, District 103 teachers teachers, will be able to join an ESL “I believe the district has made it very clear with the or Special Education endisparity in the bonuses dorsement cohort at no cost that they do not value peoto the teacher. ple who have given their caDistrict 103 teachers who reer to the district as much host and mentor a student as they value new people,” teacher this school year will Jackman said in a text mesreceive a $1,000 stipend. sage. “And that’s a shame “This initiative aims to because there are many recognize your invaluable great teachers who have role in fostering an environlots of other places they ment where student teachcan go next year if they ers can thrive and provide KRISTOFER RIVERA choose to. Our kids need them with the experience to D103 superintendent seasoned and excellent possibly become a full-time professionals who will conLyons School District 103 tinue to leave, to go places educator in their future,” where they are valued.” Rivera wrote in his memo Jackman said that she to teachers. was only speaking for herThe grant will also fund self and not for the union. an increase in the compensation for DisShe added that there has been an in- trict 103 teachers who serve as mentors crease in teacher turnover in District 103 to current teachers. Mentors will receive in recent years. $1,000 annually for mentoring first-year “There are lots of districts paying much protégés and $500 per year for mentormore,” Jackman said. “There is a real ing more experienced teachers. Mentors teacher shortage. Good teachers have their working with two or more proteges will pick of places to go.” earn $1,000 a year or $500 for each protégé, Two other local school superintendents, whichever is higher.

“Your unwavering dedication and tireless efforts deserve acknowledgement.”

We’re taking a break By ERIKA HOBBS Editor

What better way to spend the holidays than with friends and family? We think so, too. So this year, to thank our reporters, editors and staff, we’re taking a week off. We will not be publishing a print edition on Wednesday Dec. 27. Our of-

fices also will be closed from Monday Dec. 25 through Monday Jan.1. We’ll return Tuesday Jan. 2. Most of us will not be answering phones or email. However, we know news never stops. If there is an emergency or breaking news, please email me, Erika Hobbs, at erika@ growingcommunitymedia.org. Happy holidays from all of us at Growing Community Media!

IN THIS ISSUE Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Editor Erika Hobbs Staff Reporters Amina Sergazina, Amaris Rodriguez Digital Manager Stacy Coleman Digital Media Coordinator Brooke Duncan 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.

The Landmark, December 20, 2023

BIG WEEK December 20-27

Santa Visits the Brewery Thursday, Dec. 21, 5 - 8 p.m., Imperial Oak Brewing Imperial Oak Brewing invites you to visit Santa and his grumpy elf at their pub this Thursday! The Big Man wants to knock a few back after 8 p.m. a few days before his trip because … you know… the holiday season is very stressful for him. Despite that, he will be available for pictures and special gift requests. There will be hot cocoa, ornament crafts, and coloring pages for the little kids as well as some special magical offerings for big kids, specifically over 21 (wink, wink). The special offerings will be holiday themed, so come check it out! If you go, you will be at the top of Santa’s Nice List! 9526 Ogden Ave.

Holiday Magic

CZS/BROOKFIELD ZOO

Crafterdark: Winter Terrarium

Saturday, Dec. 23, 3 - 9 p.m., Brookfield Zoo This is your formal reminder that Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic is ending in a little over a week or so! You seriously don’t want to miss this opportunity this holiday season! Participants can wander around the park and enjoy the 41-foot-long tree that plays light sequences to different seasonal songs, 3D Gingerbread House, and 600-foot-long Tunnel of Lights. Not only will the paths be lit up, but so will some animals’habitats, restaurants and gift shops. Visit before it is over. All are welcome! Make online reservations, visit CZS.org/Events.

Finals Study Hall

Kids Club: Play Dates

Wednesday Dec. 20, 3 - 5 p.m., Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library The worst week of the month is approaching fast: finals week. Finals week is hated by most, if not all, high school and college students. No matter our age, we all agree that finals suck no matter the class. However, the Brookfield Library will be hosting a study hall for students to come, unwind and study while snacking and engaging in stress-relief crafts. Believe me, if I didn’t just finish my finals, I would be attending. Students: Get off your schools’ premises and visit the library for new surroundings. 3541 Park Ave.

Wednesday Dec. 20, 10 - 11 a.m., North Riverside Park Mall A new club has been made for children ages 4 weeks to 4 years old at the mall: Kids Club! North Riverside Mall has partnered up with The Children’s Center of Cicero/Berwyn to bring the children of the neighborhood monthly play dates. These playdates will take place in the Kids Play Area near Entrance #5. The kids may get to be the ones playing, but this is a great time for parents and other caregivers to connect with each other. Registration is required, so visit Play Date Wednesdays. 7501 Cermak Rd.

Thursday Dec. 21, 6 - 7 p.m., North Riverside Public Library

Santa At Level Up

Is crafting your passion like it is mine? Community Crafterdark is back this Thursday with their festive Winter Terrarium craft. Rumor has it, Crafternoon just wasn’t cutting it anymore, and don’t even ask about Craftermorning… it didn’t have a ring to it whatsoever. Anyway, participants can make their own winter terrarium just in time for Christmas parties. You and your family can make it together and place it at the center of the table to make a gorgeous centerpiece. Get creative and be crafty this Thursday! 2400 S. Desplaines

Saturday, Dec. 23, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Cafe Level Up & Lounge “Santa Claus is Coming to” … Level Up! Are you trying to see Santa Claus just days before he takes flight on his Christmas trip around the world? We know you do! Level Up & Lounge will be hosting this event and providing fun crafts, hot cocoa, cookies, coffee, and more. Everyone who attends will be able to take a free photo with Santa along with ultimate bragging rights, because who doesn’t want to brag to their friends that they got a pic with the big man himself? 716 E. 31st St.

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 20, 2023

RB student attends climate conference Two RB alums also were at COP 28

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Riverside Brookfield High School senior Maiana Nelson grew up tagging along with her mother Jennifer to environmental rallies and events. But earlier this month their roles were reversed after Jennifer Nelson accompanied her daughter to the United Nations-sponsored Conference of Parties 28 conference on climate change that took place in Dubai. Nelson was one of six Chicago-area high school students who attended COP as part of the It’s Our Future youth environmental action group that is affiliated with the Seven Generations Ahead non-profit. The conference ended last week. Nelson was not the only RB connected person at COP28. Two RB alums, Christine Dragisic (Class of 1995), and Katie Maxwell (Class of 2013), also attended the conference. All three were members of RB teacher Dave Maiana Nelson Monti’s Ecology Club at RB. Dragisic, who works for the State Department in the climate change office, was part of the United States negotiating team at COP28. She received an RB alumni achievement award in 2008. “It was really exciting to be able to meet Chris because she is a negotiator and it was interesting to hear a little bit of what goes on in the negotiations from her point of view,” Nelson told the Landmark. “It was also cool to see an RB alum there and see where I could potentially end up in my future.”

Dragisic, who grew up in Riverside, has worked for the State Department for 12 years. She said she was impressed with Nelson. “It was a pleasure to meet Maiana in person, she’s incredible,” Dragisic told the Landmark in a message through Facebook Messenger. Through connections made by Monti, Nelson was able to meet Dragisic at the conference. Nelson and Maxwell didn’t meet because their time at COP did not overlap. Nelson was there for the first week of the conference while Maxwell, who is a graduate student at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment, was there for the second week. Nelson, 17, has been interested in environmental issues since she was a young child. In middle school she began making short films about e nv i r o n m e n t a l issues. She was in her element at COP. She relished meeting so many other people concerned about environmental issues. She shook hands PROVIDED with former vicepresident Al Gore, met and talked to U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy David Turk, and met and spoke with the minister of natural resources and climate change from the African country of Malawi, among many other people. It was also exciting for Nelson to meet so many young people from all over the world who are as concerned about climate change as she is. “Going to COP was a super-exciting experience for me because it gave me the opportunity to meet a whole bunch of different people from around the world and I think it was really cool just to see how everybody

PROVIDED

Maiana Nelson moderated a panel on youth mental health. comes together to form these big decisions and finally form agreements that are put in place,” Nelson said. In addition to meeting people and observing proceedings, Nelson moderated a panel on Anxiety, Apathy and Action: Youth Mental Health in the Face of Climate Disaster, and was a panelist on a panel about making school lunches a tool for youth empowerment. She wrote the proposal for having a panel on school lunches as part of a sustainable food system. Moderating the panel on youth mental health in the face of climate disaster was particularly challenging as one person in the audience broke down discussing the emotional topic. Nelson stayed poised and handled the situation with sensitivity. “It was a hard topic,” said Rachel Rosner, a program manager for It’s Our Future, who accompanied the high school students at COP28. “Maia was really just lovely and gracious and insightful in how she handled that and made the conversation really feel super valuable to both the panelists and the audience.” Rosner said she was immensely impressed with Nelson. “She’s a total star,” Rosner said. Nelson is also advocating for RB to do more to aid the environment and combat climate change. On Dec. 14, she met with Supt. Kevin Skinkis and other school officials to get RB to begin composting. “It’s very early in the process and it was

kind of more of an introduction to the idea of composting and they seemed receptive to it, but we still have to work out more details,” Nelson said. Maxwell, 28, graduated from St. Olaf College in 2017 with a double major in Environmental Studies and German, and has worked on environmental issues, focusing on a faith-based approach, since then. Right out of college she served for a year in the Lutheran Volunteer Corp, managing winter farmer’s markets in Chicago, and then worked in communications for the groups Faith in Place and Interfaith Power and Light. Maxwell decided to go to graduate school to build up her environmental policy chops and enrolled in a master’s degree program at Duke this fall. She took a class that focused on COP and her entire class got to go to COP28 for a week. “The COP experience was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m incredibly grateful to have been given that opportunity through Duke,” Maxwell told the Landmark in a telephone interview from her parents’ Riverside home two days after returning from Dubai. She found COP fascinating. “There’s a lot happening at COP,” Maxwell said. “There’s both the negotiations happening, there’s activism happening, which I was really grateful to be part of, and there’s also networking and panels and it’s an amazing way to bring people from all over the world together who care about climate.”

The Landmark, December 20, 2023

Riverside plans $7.9M for capital projects in 2024 The 2024 Capital Improvement Plan in- 1958 and is in poor condition. The funds include bonds; creased by $1.31 million or 24.08% from 2023 Although the facility is called a youth cenprojected year-end total of $5.43 million. ter, the building is used to house police equipofficials say taxes will This increase is because of the purchase ment and storage, fire department offices, of an ambulance and fire truck, which were Riverside TV studio, training space for police not rise originally planned for 2023, but manufactur- and fire department and garage space for po-

By AMINA SERGAZINA Staff Reporter

Big capital improvement projects are coming to the village of Riverside as part of its 10-year capital improvement project. Riverside is planning to spend $6.74 million and issue $1.27 million in general obligation limited tax bonds to spend on capital improvement projects in 2024. Jessica Frances, the village manager, said the bond issuance will not increase property taxes as the village is issuing new debt for debt that was previously paid off. She said the debt level has not changed since limited tax authority was afforded to non-home rule communities. The bond proceeds will be used over three years, which is more than $600,000 per year, Frances said.

ing delayed delivery until 2024. “We have aging infrastructures and it has been a priority of the board to address those aging facilities cause the costs aren’t going to decrease,” Frances said. “They’re only going to continue to increase and compound year over year.” Frances said the biggest expenses for the plan will be remediation of the youth center, water tower and public safety facilities like fire stations and police stations. Although exact funding for the project is not yet determined, Frances said another big expense will be renders for these projects from Williams Architects. “The next step would be coming up with renderings and figuring out a phasing for those different projects,” Frances said. According to the evaluation, the youth center located at 45 Riverside Road was built in

lice vehicles, according to Frances. The same evaluation shows there is a rusted steel post, rusted exterior stairs, rusted steel and wood deterioration, among other problems. The building is not ADA-compliant because it had no elevator access to the upper level. The water tower, initially constructed in 1913 as the Water Works, is surrounded by single-story rooms that are home to the Parks and Recreation Department. The physical condition is good and it has been well maintained. However, front doors are heavy and difficult to open. Offices and multi-purpose rooms are small. Storage of supplies and files have crept into the multi-purpose rooms. Frances said the other improvements that cost $50,000 and more include:

■ $750,000 - fire engine ■ $300,410 - ambulance ■ $180,000 - public works bucket truck ■ $70,000 - fire vehicle replacements ■ $220,000 - police vehicle replacements ■ $75,000 - police department body and vehicle cameras ■ $57,000 - village wide and flock cameras ■ $120,000 - police and fire radio replacement ■ $675,000 - facility improvements, municipal repairs and beginning phase of facility redesign ■ $1,336,768 - street and sidewalk expenses including: Riverside Road and Lionel Road resurfacing, sidewalk replacement and Forest Avenue and East Avenue engineering for streetscape project ■ $560,000 - EV charging stations – Type 3 ■ $442,202 - reconstruction parking lot 8 with pavers

Frances said the village is planning to approve the exact amount and needed renovation in January.

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Riverside Lions Club makes a difference in village and beyond The club fundraises, volunteers and assists people in need

that Lions International is widely recognized for. The club’s signature event, Spectacle Sunday, is a day when parishioners of local churches are encouraged to donate their old or unused eyeglasses to the club. After receiving the glasses, members By AMINA SERGAZINA sort, clean, label and send them to the LiStaff Reporter ons Eyeglass Recycling Center, where they The Riverside Township Lions Club has are prepared for shipment to developing been serving the community and the world countries. Over 200 pairs of eyeglasses were rewith compassion and generosity. The club is a local chapter of Lions cently donated by parishioners of local International, a global network of more churches. The participating churches were St. Paul than 1.4 million men and women in over 180 countries who are dedicated to serv- VI parish campuses, St. Mary in Riverside and Mater Christi in North Riverside; Riving those in need. erside Presbyterian Church; The Riverside chapter, which and St. Joseph Ukrainian Greek has 35 members, has been active Catholic Church in Chicago. in the community since 1948, The club used to organize the providing various forms of asevent annually but suspended it sistance and support to people during the pandemic. in need. Last month’s Spectacle SunEric Sundstrom, owner of day was the first since 2018. Sundstrom Insurance Agency, The club collects and recyhas been a member for over 12 cles eyeglasses, contact lenses years and was appointed presiand sunglasses and distributes dent of the local Lions Club in them to children and adults in August. developing countries who lack He said he enjoys doing volaccess to eye care. unteer work with the organiLions Club also supports the zation, but the Lions Club also ERIC SUNDSTROM Lions of Illinois Foundation, brings a feeling of comradery Lions Club president which provides vision and hearto its members. ing screenings, eye exams, eye“It’s also a social organization glasses and other services to lowtoo, comradery sitting around income residents of Illinois. the table, talking about current However, the club’s service extends beevents and what’s going on in our village,” Sundstrom said. “We get to talk to other yond vision and hearing issues. Lions Club helps those who are physically or mentally people; we find out who might be in need of something. For instance, the last time there disabled, people with developmental issues, was one of those tornadoes in downstate Il- children who are autistic and seniors who are frail or have special needs. linois, we donated like $1,000.” The club also collects printer cartridges, Riverside’s Lions Club holds two annual fundraisers. In the fall it is a candy day fun- hearing aids and cellphones, which are either draiser and in the spring there is a chicken recycled or donated to various organizations. Sundstrom said the club is looking for new dinner fundraiser. One of the club’s focus areas is helping and younger members and plans to do more the blind and visually impaired, a cause outreach work in 2024.

“For instance, the last time there was one of those tornadoes in downstate Illinois, we donated like $1,000.”

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The Landmark, December 20, 2023

Komarek School strategic plan committee focuses on 5 areas Goals and priorities are hashed out over 6 hours

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

The new strategic plan for Komarek School is nearing completion. The major work of the strategic planning committee occurred over about six hours on Friday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 9 when the approximately 30

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members of the strategic planning committee, which includes 12 parents, teachers, administrators, school board members, North Riverside Mayor Joseph Mengoni and North Riverside Village Board member Debbie Czajka met in the school’s new lunchroom to hash out goals and priorities in five different areas under the leadership

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of former Komarek superintendent Robert Madonia will now take the priorities and Madonia who is preparing the strategic goals decided upon by the committee and plan free of charge to Komarek. write up a five-year strategic plan which the “This is all about community engage- Komarek school board is expected to approve ment,” Madonia said. in January or February. Now that the expansion, renovation and Madonia said the strategic planning commodernization of the school is complete it is mittee plans to meet annually for the next time for the K-8 school in North Riverside to five years to monitor progress in achieving focus on academics and other aspects of the the goals of the strategic plan. school, said Superintendent Todd Fitzgerald. “Through this process we will be able to really prioritize some longrange goals for our district,” Fitzgerald said. The new strategic plan will focus on five areas: curriculum and instruction, public relations, human resources, student needs and finance and facilities. “We’ll be targeting the top two goals in each of those areas and that will be where we’ll start in putting ROBERT MADONIA together action plans Komarek strategic planning session. in those particular areas,” Fitzgerald said. Goals in strategic plans are often quite The parents on the strategic planning comgeneral. In the finance and facilities area mittee were selected by school officials. the top two priorities identified were to deOne of parents on the committee who velop alternate funding models to generate spoke with the Landmark said that she found new and consistent funding sources such the process worthwhile. as grants, fundraisers, educational foun“It was a good experience, just hearing all dations, and legislative work. The second the different views,” said Erica, a parent who goal was to prioritize paying teachers com- declined to give her last name. “Coming up petitive salaries and benefits, investing in with things that will help our community staff to maintain small class sizes and im- and school district is always a good thing to proving financial support for teacher pro- do. I’m happy to be a part of it and I hope we fessional development. just get good items out of it for our children.” In the curriculum and instruction area the The parent said she wants Komarek to fotop goal was also to improve professional de- cus on serving the needs of all its students. velopment for teachers to better enable them “I would just like to make sure they conto meet the learning needs of all students. In tinue to foster an environment for all the stuthe student needs area a top goal identified is dent populations because we do have a good to develop systems to ensure success for Ko- diverse majority of children over here and marek students. In public relations the top just making sure that we are meeting all of priority is to streamline communications to their needs,” Erica said. meet the technological and language needs According to the most recent Illinois of all students and families. And in human School Report Card 51.7 percent of Komarek resources the top goal identified was to en- students are Hispanic, 28.1 percent are white, 15 percent are Black, 4.4 percent are Asian sure adequate staffing to meet the needs of and 4.2 percent are mixed race. each student.

The Landmark, December 20, 2023

PEOPLE

N EW OFFICER SWORN IN Robert Aguilar was sworn in during the

Brookfield Village Board Meeting on Dec. 11. He came to the ceremony with his grandfather Roberto, aunt, Martha, mother, Maria and girlfriend Celine Ramirez. Aguilar has a background in education and worked as a reading and writing teacher for the last seven years at LEARN Charter School in Chicago. Because of this unique background, he is able to connect with young people in the community. Brookfield Chief of police Christopher Boenzi called officer Aguilar “a fantastic addition to our police department.”

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The Landmark, December 20, 2023

What to do on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Brookfield and Riverside A Checklist for Planning Your Next Project Planning and implementing an upgrade to your outdoor space is a lot like planning and hosting a holiday party. You start the planning process well in advance: picking Scott your theme, shopping McAdam Jr. for items, preparing your food, decorating, and then the party arrives. Here’s a checklist for planning your upcoming project: Planning your project: - Create your wish list - Establish your budget - Schedule an initial meeting to discuss your design Decision time: - Review the design, and revise, if needed - Pick your plants/hardscape products - Execute a contract - Obtain the necessary permits (with help from your contractor, if you have one) Implementation: - The easiest step for a homeowner— this is where you get to sit back and watch your ideas come to life, while our experts do what they do best. And finally, the last and most important step: Enjoy your new outdoor space! As we enter our 45th holiday season in business, McAdam Landscaping wishes you and your loved ones a happy and healthy new year.

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Ringing it in, Landmarkland style

By MALLIKA MITRA Contributing reporter

As 2023 comes to an end, it’s time to dig up your champagne flutes, find a local firework show and get ready to count down the last few minutes of the year. But amid the hustle and bustle of lastminute gift shopping, hosting out-of-towners, and prepping for the holidays, you may forget to make plans for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for a family friendly daytime activity before the clock strikes midnight, or a long night out, here’s a list of free and affordable things to do in Brookfield and Riverside on Dec. 31, 2023 and Jan. 1, 2024.

Find some holiday magic at the Brookfield Zoo The popular Brookfield Zoo is currently running its 42nd annual holiday magic event — Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival, according to the zoo. While Dec. 31 is the last day to see the displays of a reindeer, giraffe, and more created by 2 million LED lights, you can still sneak in this family-friendly event until 9 p.m. If you’re busy on New Year’s Eve, bring your crew to the zoo for New Year’s Day. On Jan. 1, the Zoo will be open during normal business hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Grab a drink at a local bar What better way to ring in the new year than while supporting one of your local bars? Some of your favorite spots are getting ready to host you. The Cordial Inn Bar will be open during regular hours on New Year’s Eve, but New Year’s Day is when they really expect things to pick up for football games — and a big crowd to support University of Michigan’s quarterback J.J. McCarthy, a local from nearby La Grange Park. The bar opens at 7 a.m. on New Year’s Day with a $15 special on buckets of domestic beers.

Local favorite Irish Times Pub and Restaurant could also be your New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day spot. It will be open from 11 a.m. on Dec. 31 to 1:30 am Jan 1.

Enjoy a special New Year’s Eve menu While many of the local restaurants will be open for dinner on New Year’s Eve, some will be open until midnight for celebrating with a special menu. Try some Balkan cuisine at Serbian restaurant Skadarliya. While the ticket for the evening is a bit pricey at $185 per person, you’ll get appetizers, three dishes (including meat and fish), unlimited drinks, and champagne at midnight. The event runs from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. and there will be a live Serbian band. You can visit Skadarliya or call to reserve your spot. The Chew Chew, a neighborhood restaurant established in 1996, is also doing a special menu for New Year’s Eve. You can book a spot or get pick up from the full menu or the special menu — which includes tuna tartare, Maine lobster bisque, butternut squash ravioli, a jumbo five-layer chocolate and more — between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Another local favorite, La Barra, is also a good option for a New Year’s Eve dinner. The kitchen closes at 9 p.m. but they stay open into the new year with drinks.

Catch some live music If you’re looking to sit back and enjoy some tunes, head to Pub 78. The bar is hosting a New Year’s Eve party with live music from The Redmonds from 9 p.m. until midnight. Door opens at 7:30 and be sure to reserve your spot. You’ll get unlimited drinks, hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast for $60. Chef Shangri-La, a Riverside staple, will also be closing out 2023 with some live music. Rick “Elvis” Cada will play from 6 p.m. to 7 :30 p.m. on the 31st, and the Rod Stewart Experience with Cliff Tartaglia will take over at 8 p.m.

Play at the arcade Brookfield’s well-known Galloping Ghost Arcade will be open during its usual hours (until midnight) on New Year’s Eve and Day — and could a good option if you’re looking for a place to casually celebrate with friends. The arcade has nearly 1,000 games from familiar titles like Donkey Kong and Pac-Man to rare titles you likely haven’t yet encountered. You can play all day for just $25.

Sing carols In the mood to sing yourself instead? Riverside Presbyterian Church is hosting a “carols and cocoa” service on Dec. 31 at 10 a.m. Feel free to come by, call out some carols for the minister of music Sally Sloane to play along to, and enjoy some hot cocoa. This is a free event.

Get outside If you’re hoping for a quieter, more relaxed holiday, take advantage of some of the beautiful nature the local area has to offer. Take the family on a hike or bike ride along the Salt Creek Trail. There’s an adventure for people of all levels. If you are new to the trail, the Forest Preserves of Cook County recommends starting at the Bemis Woods for a hike around 1.7 miles. Those who are more familiar with the trail can opt for a six-to-eight-mile hike starting and ending at Brezina Woods, or a 14-plus-mile challenge starting and ending at Brookfield Woods. You can also join the Compassion United Methodist Church for its 9th annual “Resolution Walk” in which people come together to step into the New Year on the right foot. The three-mile route starts at The Compassion Factory at 9210 Broadway in Brookfield at 10 a.m. on New Year’s Day. There will be snacks afterward, and no registration is required.

The Landmark, December 20, 2023

YOUR

BEST

LIFE

with Lisa Capone Comfort & Joy All Year

WATER PIPES

Environmental ‘win’ from page 1 Vincent Smith, director of public works, said the large scale of the project, rising costs of materials and the cost of restoration all contribute to the total cost. The village is planning to fund the initial portion of the project through a low interest Illinois Environmental Protection Agency loan, which will be paid back using the local water tax that was increased by 18.5% in 2021. The $4 million loan will cover about 333 lead service line replacements at a cost of $12,000 per line, according to an email with Doug Cooper, finance director. Smith said the village needs to repair or replace water lines, and that under new Environmental Protection Agency rules, those water service lines must be replaced in whole rather than in part to avoid any contamination. Lead can enter drinking water through the corrosion of plumbing materials, such as lead pipes and fixtures. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead plumbing materials. The village of Brookfield estimated that there are 3,200 lead service lines, according to Cooper. As a result, the project will replace the entire lead water service line – from the water

main in the street to the water meter inside so that they have a record of the homeownthe home. er’s decision. Smith said the project is an environmental Smith said the coordination of the project win for residents and consumers. will primarily take place between the con“Essentially we’re removing a lead water tractor and homeowners. He said the village service line that is a known hazard and re- will provide information and assistance to placing it with copper and delivering water homeowners throughout the process. through an approved material,” he said. According to the village engineer Derek Homeowners who do not Treichel, the project will want to participate in the start sometime between next project will need to sign a April and June, depending waiver within 30 days of reon when village receives the ceiving a notice from the vilIEPA loan. lage acknowledging that they Treichel also assures resiare not permitting the village dents that although they to perform the private work. are replacing the lead water The village will only pay for lines, there is no current the lead service line replacehazard for village residents. “We don’t have any informent from the water main till mation that leads us to bethe private property line. lieve that there’s lead in the The home owners will water, we’re following the have to pay the cost of reEPA mandate that they want placement from the private to replace all of these lead property line to the house. services when they’re disAccording to Cooper, VINCENT SMITH turbed,” Treichel said. there is currently no policy Public works director The village will put the or known price range for contract for the project out the home owners, which for bid and the company that will be made known when will do the replacement is they receive the IEPA loan. “It depends on the circumstances,” Coo- not determined yet. The project is dependent on good weather per said. “Currently, for the most part, the village is replacing lead service line with conditions and might stop water service in a particular area for a couple of hours, which verified leaks and covering the cost.” Those waivers will have to be submitted to the village said it will notify residents about the EPA and the department of public health in advance.

“Essentially we’re removing a lead water service line that is a known hazard and replacing it with copper and delivering water through an approved material.”

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.

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

The Landmark, December 20, 2023

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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CHRISTMAS CHURCH GUIDE

December 20, 2023 13

Christmas 2023

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2023 holiday services at

Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation Winter Solstice Celebration Thursday, December 21

7pm In-Person Only Christmas Eve Services Sunday, December 24

3pm Christmas Pageant & Worship for All Ages 7pm Choir & Candlelight Service New Year’s Eve Sunday, December 31

10am Letting Go and Embracing Mystery 5-7pm New Year’s Eve Sangha Services will be both in-person and live streamed. To learn more go to: www.unitytemple.org

Happy Holidays! from your friends at Growing Community Media

The Landmark, December 20, 2023

Brookfield True Value closing its doors After more than 40 years, Kathy Ogar closing business for reasons of health

By AMINA SERGAZINA Staff Reporter

A family-owned hardware store that has been serving the Brookfield community for four decades is closing its doors at the end of January. Brookfield True Value, 9150 Broadway Ave., is owned by Kathy Ogar, who inherited the business from her father, Stanley J. Ogar. He bought the store in 1976 and moved his family to Brookfield in 1979. Mr. Ogar, who died in 2013 at the age of 95, had been in the hardware business since 1958, when he opened his first store in Chicago. He later owned another store in the city before purchasing the True Value franchise in Brookfield. Kathy Ogar said she decided to retire and close the store due to her poor health. She said she is grateful for the support and loyalty of her customers and employees over the years but cannot continue for reasons of health. “I appreciate everyone that supported us,” Ogar said. Ogar is known in the community as a friendly and helpful person who can offer advice and repairs at a reasonable price. She also taught many young men and women valuable skills in retail, hardware, and cashiering.

AMINA SERGAZINA

Kathy Ogar receiving the proclamation from the village president Michael Garvey.

GOOGLE MAPS

True Value, 9150 Broadway Ave., Brookfield.

Alice Harris, a True Value employee and a friend, started working at the store in 2015 and describes Ogar as a go-to person for herself and for the whole village. She said the store is the place where her son grew up. She started bringing him to the store when he was a week old and got support from Ogar. “I basically had my son here. She let me work here while nursing my baby and he’s grown up here,” Harris said. Suzanne Cook, another worker and a friend, could not hold her tears while talking about Ogar. “She’s an extremely nice lady, very generous, polite, kind, helpful,” Cook said. “I’m gonna miss her greatly.” The closure of True Value will have an impact on the community as it is the only independently owned hardware store in Brookfield. Residents will now have to go

out of the community or to chain stores for their hardware needs. Michael Garvey, village president, said Ogar has been a pillar of not only the Brookfield business community, but of the entire Brookfield community. “Always offering a helping hand with a friendly smile and a warm greeting of how ‘can I help you?’” Garvey said. Garvey and the village board honored Ogar with an embossed proclamation that thanked her for her dedication, professionalism and kindness during the Dec. 11 board meeting. The proclamation also recognized her humanitarian contributions to Brookfield, such as participating and purchasing many gifts through the Toys for Tots program over the years. The store is having an everything-mustgo discount sale until it closes for good.

The Landmark, December 20, 2023

P O L I C E

R E P O R T S

Fired employee vandalizes senior home A former employee of Caledonia senior home was arrested Dec. 12 for causing damage to the property after being fired for poor attendance. According to the North Riverside police report, the suspect was a man who was notified of his termination by the HR administrator in her office. He then went to the front desk and knocked off a sign-in kiosk and a hand sanitizer dispenser, breaking both devices. Another employee restrained him and escorted him out of the building, where he was spotted by the officer, who was responding to a disturbance call. He was detained and taken to the senior home to face the complainant, who wanted to press charges for the damaged items. The man was arrested and charged with one count of criminal damage to property, a misdemeanor offense. However, no injuries were reported in the incident.

He is scheduled to appear in court in January.

Theft at kiosk over the weekend A kiosk at the North Riverside Park Mall was burglarized Sunday night by a group of four people who stole four shoe/leather cleaning kits worth $160. The store manager discovered the theft on Monday morning and reported it to the North Riverside police. Police reviewed the mall surveillance footage and identified the suspects as a man with dark black hair, a gray sweater, and blue/white pajama pants. With him was a woman wearing a white plaid jacket and faded blue jeans, a young girl, and another man wearing a blue jean jacket, gray pants, and baseball hat. He had a full beard. The footage showed the group of people approaching the kiosk, unzipping the cover, and taking the kits one by one before

fleeing the scene in a black Infiniti SUV. The police also obtained the license plate number of the vehicle from the Flock Automated License Plate reader camera at the mall exit. The vehicle was registered to a Cicero resident. The suspects have not been located and police are asking anyone with information to contact them.

Seven $30 fraudulent charges in Chipotle A credit card fraud victim reported Dec. 14, that his Visa Citi Costco Cash Rewards credit card had been used seven times for unauthorized purchases at Chipotle. The victim said he noticed the fraudulent charges on his credit card statement starting from Nov. 24. All seven unauthorized charges were at Chipotle

and exactly $30 every two days. The victim said he canceled his credit card and informed his credit card company of the fraudulent charges. He also filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and requested a copy of his credit report. These items were obtained from the Brookfield Police Department and North Riverside Police Department reports dated Dec. 11-18 and 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 Amina Sergazina

By Linda Sokol Francis. E.A.

SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

IMPORTANT INFO FOR PEOPLE CONSIDERING MAKING EARLY WITHDRAWALS FROM RETIREMENT FUNDS: PART I

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home and Studio Museum Shop

o matter how much people plan, unexpected events occur. Often, those events result in unplanned expenses. To cover these costs, sometimes people withdraw funds from their retirement savings early. While this may seem like an easy way to get cash quickly, early withdrawals can come with heavy penalties and costly tax consequences. Here’s some important info for people to consider before they dip into their hard-earned retirement savings. Workplace retirement plans: 40l(k), 403(b) and 457(b): These plans can distribute benefits only when certain events occur. The plan’s summary description should clearly state when a distribution can occur. It will also state if the plan allows hardship distributions, early withdrawals or loans.

limited to the amount necessary to satisfy that financial need. The need of the employee includes the need of the employee’s spouse or dependent. Hardship distributions are includible in gross income unless they consist of designated Roth contributions.

Our Museum Shop is open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm at 951 Chicago Avenue. Find new and popular holiday gifts for everyone on your list.

Borrowers repay loans from these plans back to the retirement account. Borrowers should review the limits on loan amounts and other requirements. Taxes on this money don’t occur if the loan meets the rules and repayment happens on schedule.

Hardship distributions are withdrawals from a participant’s account made because of an immediate and heavy financial need and it’s

Linda Sokol Francis, E.A.

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Opinion

LETTERS

THE LANDMARK VIEW

The Landmark, December 20, 2023

Stop your red-light harassment

Dear readers,

reminder if you’ve missed the other notes. For the first time in 43 years, we’re taking a week off between Christmas and New Year’s. So, no paper next week. We’ll be back in print on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. Why the break? A few reasons. Our small crew of reporters, our editor, designers, salespeople and admins work very hard week after week. It will do us all good to have 10 days off, to be with friends and family, some fun, some downtime. And honestly, the task of compiling all those year-in-review stories to fill space in that lost-in-time issue, frankly, which seem likely to go largely unread — well, it made us want to take a rest. Not much news. Not much advertising. A good time to take the week off. Mind you, we will be paying attention and if major news breaks, we will jump on it and publish it promptly online. Here’s the segue you’ve doubtless anticipated: The publisher just told us he gave the entire staff a week off but isn’t there a promo on page 1 about needing to raise money by Dec. 31?! So now he’s going to ask us for money while telling us there is no paper next week? Yes. Here at Growing Community Media — publisher of Riverside-Brookfield Landmark, Wednesday Journal, Austin Weekly News, and Forest Park Review — we punch above our weight. That’s what I tell people when they ask why we didn’t cover this story, or that meeting, or their kid. Don’t get me wrong. We love what we do and we’re proud of it. But there are only a handful of us over here in the newsroom on Oak Park Avenue. Four reporters. Our editor. A part-time Viewpoints editor. A digital manager. Three page designers. And a strong and valued batch of freelance reporters and photographers. So yes, our staff deserves time off. And yes, I am asking you to become a donor to Growing Community Media, our nonprofit newsroom, right now. Before Dec. 31. We are working to raise $250,000 by then to fund our work and to grow our newsroom. It is an ambitious goal but an attainable one. If you value the newspaper you are reading, if you believe local news is the glue that makes our communities strong, if you want this newspaper arriving in your mailbox or at a newsstand every week — or at least almost every week — I’m asking you to invest in it. I said recently that we know donating to the local paper feels sort of counterintuitive. We’re not providing housing or job training or education. But we do serve the public good, and the business model that used to drive this engine just doesn’t work anymore. That doesn’t make independent local news any less important. It means we need to find a new and improved model to fund it. At Growing Community Media we have found the model. And we’re building it out in real time. Part of that model is giving our valued staff some deserved time off. Part of that model is asking our dedicated readers to join in paying for journalism you value. May your holidays bring peace.

Dan Haley

Publisher, Growing Community Media

Dear Mr. Brescia, I’m getting really tired of this. This is the third time I have been wrongly accused of a red-light violation in North Riverside. After two such experiences, on 9/18/23 I came to a full stop at the light and counted to myself thousand one, thousand two, thousand three, thousand four, thousand five, thousand six,

thousand seven, thousand eight. Only then did I turn right. Please stop doing this to me. I’m copying my lawyer in order to create a paper trail and I’m sending a letter to the editor of the Landmark. Thanks for correcting this continuing issue.

Warren Thomas Holmes (IL 246 356)

OBITUARIES

Brian Fitzgerald, 61 RBHS grad, Air Force veteran Brian Dennis Fitzgerald, 61, died on Dec. 19, 2023. A graduate of Riverside Brookfield High School (class of 1980), he served as an Air Force staff sergeant for 11 years. Brian is survived by Tina, his wife of 32 years; his children, BRIAN FITZGERALD Korrissa Fitzgerald and Christopher Fitzgerald; his stepchildren, Kassie Houlihan and Michael Barnes (Angie); his grandchild, Aiden Fitzgerald; his parents, Dennis and Jeanne Fitzgerald; and his siblings, Kathie Rice, Patrick Fitzgerald, MaryAnne Fitzgerald, and Matthew Fitzgerald (Jessica).

JR Desco, 24 Firefighter trainee James Robert “JR” Desco, 24, of Burr Ridge, formerly of Brookfield, died on Dec. 8, 2023.

Born on Dec. 19, 1998 in Hinsdale, he was a firefighter trainee for the Western Springs Fire Department. JR was the son of Robert and the late Joalle (nee Hanson) Desco; brother of Ben (Kayla) Weldon; grandson of Carol Hanson; JR DESCO uncle of Oliver and Avett Weldon; nephew of Audrey Hanson, Linda (Rich) Schneider, Chris (Michelle) Hanson, Mike (Briana) Hanson and Phil (Masako) Hanson; and cousin of Maggie Schneider, Martina Schneider, Lillian Hanson, Alex Hanson, Gabrielle Hanson, Claire Hanson, Elyse Hanson, Penelope Hanson and Nora Hanson. Memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 19 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home, 3847 Prairie Ave., Brookfield. The memorial service takes place at 6 p.m. Memorial donations to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention would be appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family at www.JohnsonNosek.com.

To run an obituary Please contact Erika Hobbs by e-mail: erika@growingcommunitymedia.org, before Monday at noon. Please include a photo if possible.

The Landmark, December 20, 2023

The Importance of Being Santa

et’s start with an anecdote. I was standing outside on Madison Street getting some air when a woman ran at me across traffic at full speed and with reckless abandon to get to me. I did not know this woman but apparently she knew me. I know this because as she got closer I heard her screaming at the top of her lungs. “Santa! Santa!!” Oh yeah, I guess I should mention that I was standing outside dressed from head to toe as Santa Claus for a Holiday Market. My first appearance as Santa since the pandemic. She finally gets to me, out of breath and panting, and says to me, “Can I take a picture with you?” Hesitantly, I said yes. Realizing that I was a bit uneasy she added, “I am sorry for the way I approached you, but in my 26 years on this Earth I have never seen another Black Santa besides my dad.” In that moment I had inadvertently tapped into a deep well of nostalgia and holiday cheer. Later, when I recalled that encounter I cried at the pureness of that moment. Why was that so important to her? Why was it so important to me? I began to wonder about the importance of me, a Black man, being Santa. I started by looking into the history of the character. Santa Claus was a real person. If you are not familiar, St. Nicholas of Myra (240-343 A.D.) was a bishop of Turkish descent. He was known for using his fortunes to help those who needed it by giving them gifts anonymously. Fast forward to the Middle Ages, and the Dutch began to celebrate Sinterklaasfeest, likely a combination of preChristianization Norse traditions (like the Wild Hunt) mixed with tales of St. Nicholas. There are also some weird, super-problematic depictions of Saint Nicholas having a Moorish servant named Black Pete though … so glad we have mostly evolved past that! Seriously, look it up. By the 1800s, thanks to the poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (you probably know it as “The Night Before Christmas”) by Clement C. Moore with illustration by Thomas Nast, Santa was reimagined even further, depicting him not as a man, but as “a right jolly old elf,” who through magic reindeer brought presents down the chimney for sleeping

littles. In the 1900s, L. Frank Baum (yes, author of Wizard of Oz) added to his mythos with his book, The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus. Then in the 1930s, Coca-Cola’s Christmas advertising cemented this mythical figure’s image into the ethos of commercial Christmas. But what about the history of Black people depicting Santa? In 2021, Nationalsanta.com surveyed people who do Santa work. Of the 376 people who took the survey, two were Black. This actually made a lot of sense to me. Growing up, I always heard more pushback about Afrocentric depiction of Santa than actually seeing Black Santas. Right-wing commentators like Megyn Kelly tell people to remember that Santa is white (Actually he is Turkish and of Greek descent, not the constructed identity of “white”). Do a Reddit search of Black Santa and see how many “hot takes” you get of people denouncing the idea of Santa being anything other than white (again, Turkish Greek not “white”). So why is it so damned important to so many people to see Santa as something other than white? Then it hit me. Miles Gonzalo Morales! Miles Morales!! A half-Black, half Puerto Rican kid from Queens is Spider-Man. Since 1962, SpiderMan could only be Peter Parker, a white kid. Until Donald Glover dared to dream about being Spider-Man (check out the Community episode Anthropology 101) and Brian Michael Bendis, who was writing Ultimate Spider-Man at the time, was inspired. In that moment, we said to generations of young Black kids who have been historically depicted as thugs in every form of media and even in real-life news coverage, that anyone can wear the mask. Anyone can do good things. Anyone can be a hero. Only white men could be president until Barack Obama dreamed that he could be too. The more aspirational figures we have to look up to that look like us, the easier it is to believe that we can be more than what society tells us we are. The enduring legacy of St. Nicholas of Myra is that people are so inspired by his acts of charity, they dress up to make children’s holidays a little brighter. Over the years, other cultures have added to his

KAMAU JONES

PROVIDED

Kamau Jones as Santa. mythic representation. This is simply the next step in Santa’s evolution. It shouldn’t stop there by the way. Latinx Santas, East Asian Santas, South Asian Santas. Drag Santas, Female Santas. Just as Miles taught us that anyone can wear the mask, anyone can ride the sleigh. The only thing you really need is the capacity to listen to the dreams of children and see the magic that they see. How lucky I am to be able to be a part of that legacy. To carry that responsibility. I will end with this. A week ago, I had a little Black boy so excited to see me that he ran up to me, jumped into my arms, and told

me what he wanted most for Christmas. I had toys to hand out so I gave him one and, after talking with him and wishing him a Merry Christmas, he walked away — only to come back for another hug and told me, “I don’t need the present I just wanted to meet you” and hugged me so tightly I could feel his little heart beating with joy in his chest. I think one day he will ride the sleigh too. That is the importance of being Santa to me. Source: https://www.nationalsanta.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/2021-Red-Suit-Statistics-Release-1 11421.pdf

The Landmark, December 20, 2023

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The Landmark, December 20, 2023

Sports

Bulldogs, Lions prepare for Jack Tosh Classic Top-8 seeds begin 32-team York tournament Dec. 26

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Riverside Brookfield High School sophomore Cam Mercer and junior Jack Loftus made quite a guard tandem for the sophomore boys basketball team last season. While they continue showing offensive progress in their first varsity season, Mercer also has been distinguishing himself defensively. “I take a lot of pride in my defense,” he said. “I like playing defense more than offense because I think you can show yourself way more on the court, just show how much hard work you’ve been putting in behind the doors when the cameras are not on.” The Bulldogs (9-1) and Lyons Township (2-6) will get great opportunities to showcase their progress at York’s 32-team Jack Tosh Holiday Classic Dec. 26-30. The Bulldogs open with Minooka. The Lions start with St. Patrick. RBHS was a top-six finisher in 2022 and, with just two key returnees, is among the top eight seeds with Bolingbrook, Downers Grove North, Glenbrook South, Metamora, Rolling Meadows, St. Patrick and York. The Lions lost to Rolling Meadows in last year’s championship game but graduated their entire starting lineup. One new Classic feature is a 35-second shot clock. The Lions got a preview, Saturday, in their 53-39 loss to undefeated Brother Rice (12-0) at Sandburg’s Shot Clock Charity Shootout. “For us, it’s not that big a deal. We were shooting before the shot clock anyway,” LTHS senior Michael Reilly said. “But it was definitely a factor at the end of the quarters, end of the half. When we were behind, it was helping us get more shots off.” The Bulldogs have won six straight since losing to Brother Rice 76-62, Nov. 25, in the championship game of their VandeMerkt Tournament. RBHS beat Crete-Monee 6244 at home, Dec. 12, and moved to 2-0 in the Metro Suburban Conference by winning

STEVE JOHNSTON

Riverside-Brookfield’s Stefan Cicic (14) slams home a basket against Thornwood during the Bill VandeMerkt Tournamen on Nov. 24, 2023 in Brookfield. 88-57 at Ridgewood Friday. Senior Stefan Cicic had 18 points and 13 rebounds and three blocked shots against Crete-Monee. Mercer had 17 points behind 5-for-7 three-point shooting. Loftus (9 points, 8 rebounds), Steven Brown (9 points with 2 threes, 4 assists) and Mehki Austin (5 points, 5 assists) also contributed. “I like the mid-range, fade-away a lot. But I shoot a lot of threes,” Mercer said.

“I’m not surprised [by our start]. I knew we were going to be successful. Mostly every game we’re getting better and better, as long as we share the ball and stick to what coach is telling us.” Even with Mercer out with illness and senior starter Sam Shelven sidelined by an ankle injury, the Bulldogs dominated Ridgewood with a huge third quarter that expanded a nine-point halftime lead.

Cicic had another double-double with 26 points and 18 rebounds. Brown (18 points), Loftus (15 points) and Austin (12) also reached double figures in the Bulldogs’ highest point total this season. Junior reserve Vince Dockendorf was named Defensive MVP. With Brown out in the 57-48 victory over Thornton Fractional North, Dec. 9, Mercer excelled defensively at the top of the Bulldogs’ 1-3-1 zone defense. “He brought a ton of defensive energy that really turned the tide of the game,” RBHS coach Mike Reingruber said. “He was tremendous in that. That’s what Cameron does. He plays super-hard every possession. He takes pride in his defense and really wants to get after it and shut the other team’s best player down.” The Lions had many strong stretches against Brother Rice. They closed to 26-23 at halftime and after the Crusaders scored the first eight points of the third quarter, came within seven points twice in the fourth quarter, the last at 44-37 with 4:40 left on Brady Chambers’ basket, assisted by Jimmy Pajauskas. Will Taylor (17 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks), Chambers (8 points, 7 rebounds), Reilly (5 points) and Caleb Greer (5 assists) led LTHS. “I think definitely that first half is the best we’ve played all year,” Reilly said. “We make good plays throughout the game, but we struggle to have them keep going. It just tells us we can hang around with any team that we play and we can beat them.” The Lions fell to 1-2 in West Suburban Conference Silver play after losing at York 59-34 Friday with eight points from Chambers (5 rebounds) and Reilly and six points from Taylor. “[Brother Rice] was a good outing. We gave ourselves a chance to win against a really good team,” LTHS coach Tom Sloan said. “We played pretty good defense. They made some tough shots. And there were 5050 balls that Rice got a few more of than we did and that’s a point of emphasis for us.”

S P O R T S

The Landmark, December 20, 2023

Larson keeps on scoring, Bulldogs keep battling RBHS girls win twice, nearly rally from 21-point deficit By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Senior Niamh Larson continues to deliver strong all-around games this season for the Riverside Brookfield High School girls basketball team. With the Bulldogs hampered by injuries, Larson especially has been shining offensively. “A little bit because there’s [currently] not other bigs to pass the ball to,” Larson said. “I’ve been fed the ball a lot, which helps. It’s also just more in the season, getting better, practicing more. Things are falling so I think that’s also a key detail.” Larson again reached double figures Monday with 15 points and helped the Bulldogs nearly rally from a 21-point, third-quarter deficit before losing to visiting Glenbrook North, 52-44.

“We’ve started to adapt better as we go on. This game kind of showed it,” said Larson, who added five steals, five rebounds and blocked two shots. “We’ve had a couple of hard games lately and I think we played really good today.” The Bulldogs (5-9), who won their previous two games, got the other points against Glenbrook North (8-3) from their other starters, seniors Julia Madera (9 points), Amanda Buckley (8 points, 5 rebounds) and Mayan Covarrubias (7 points, 6 rebounds) and junior Alyssa Morris (5 points, 3 assists). RBHS only trailed 16-14 early in the second quarter but went scoreless for nearly eight minutes in falling behind 31-14. The deficit reached 39-18 before the Bulldogs began to rally. “This one was a really good game for us. I just feel like we had a lot of pride in ourselves [coming back],” Buckley said. Down 41-26 entering the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs made five of six free throws to close to 47-37 with 3:58 left. Madera’s three and a driving basket by Covarrubias cut the deficit to 49-42 with 2:24 left. But the Bulldogs had just one more pos-

session as the Spartans, who had two starters foul out, worked the clock and made free throws or controlled rebounds on their misses. “They were moving well in their rotations and their energy defensively [was good]. The offense looked better and they were playing together as a team,” RBHS coach Jordan Mack said. “We’re getting better as the year goes on so I think we’ll play our best basketball after Christmas. I’m looking forward to that.” The Bulldogs have been without injured senior standout Emily Organ since Dec. 9 and re-injured sophomore Arianna Hudson. Organ might return during the Sandburg Tournament, Dec. 27-29, where the Bulldogs open against Hinsdale South. Hudson may return late in the season. In the meantime, returning starter Larson continues to increase her contributions. “My defense has gotten a lot better,” she said. “I think that’s important to my whole game because if I do good on defense, I have more motivation to be better on offense.” Buckley is among several returnees with expanded roles this season, especially on

defense. “It’s my thing,” she said. “It’s been a lot [this season], but it’s really great. I feel like I bring a lot to the team.” The Bulldogs beat Lindblom, 57-34, in the seventh-place game at the Oak Lawn Tournament Saturday, and they defeated visiting Ridgewood, 69-38, Friday to move to 2-0 in the Metro Suburban Conference. Against Lindblom, Covarrubias (15 points, 3 assists), Larson (12 points, 6 rebounds) and Madera (11 points, 4 rebounds) scored in double figures. Adrijana Nikolic added seven points and Morris had seven rebounds. Covarrubias (18 points), Larson (17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists), Buckley (13 points, 6-for-6 shooting, 4 assists, 4 steals) and Morris (7 points) led the scoring against Ridgewood. “We were just on a good streak. We were rolling. We had good energy the whole time even though Emily was out,” Buckley said. RBHS lost to Sandburg, 61-34, Dec. 13 in Oak Lawn pool play. Larson (16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals), Morris (11 points with 2 threes, 8 rebounds), Buckley (5 points, 3 assists), Covarrubias (6 rebounds) and Kelley Tyler (5 rebounds) led the Bulldogs.

RB boys wrestlers repeat as Metro Suburban champions

relay (Gourley, Dillon, Robison RB swept Nazareth and Kelly in its triLTHS boys swimming and diving breaststroke Rosa contributes to three meet, and Finn Vahey in 3:10.08), the frosh-soph 200 Dec. 14. The Lions lost to rival Hinsdale Central medley relay (CJ Bass, Gourley, Hannon and The Lyons Township girls wrestlers got invite victories for RBHS victories from Sofia Turek (135) and Ashel 130-56 in their dual meet, Thursday and Fri- Deditz in 1:46.16). day. Matthew Ferguson (500 free in 5:01.93) Uhler (140) against Marist Saturday. swimmers and diver Matt Adler (235.65 points) were

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

The Riverside Brookfield High School boys wrestling team is Metro Suburban Conference champion again. The Bulldogs earned the repeat in this year’s reduced four-team league by defeating Elmwood Park in dual action, Dec. 7, after previously defeating Ridgewood and Westmont on Nov. 30. On Saturday, the Bulldogs were fifth (132 points) at Glenbrook South’s Rus Erb Tournament. Josh Gonzalez (144 pounds) was third. Edgar Mosquera (113), Jacob Godoy (132) and Ethan Rivas (157) were fourth; Jacob Noe (150) and Cade Tomkins (165) were fifth; and Mateo Gonzalez (106) and Max Strong (175) were sixth.

RB boys swimming and diving The Bulldogs (381 points) finished second to Oak Park and River Forest (543) at Downers Grove South’s Mustang Invite Friday Saturday. Senior Drew Rosa won the 100-yard butterfly (52.39) by 1.79 seconds and 100 breaststroke (1:00.61) by 1.60 seconds and anchored the winning 200 free relay with Hayden Marrs, Cooper Marrs and Aiden Pankros (1:30.93). Hayden Marrs (50 free in 22.74) and the 200 medley relay of Lucas Hedrich, Rosa, Pankros and Hayden Marrs (1:41.44) finished second. Hedrich (100 back in 55.81) and Cooper Marrs (200 individual medley in 2:07.55) were third. Diver Nate Kissel was fourth (333.35 points).

event winners. The Lions were second in the Red Division at Barrington’s Bronco Relays, Dec. 9. Event champions were the frosh-soph 200 free relay of Jack Hannon, Andy Deditz, Porter Gourley and Ferguson (1:32.87) and frosh-soph 400 free relay of Ferguson, CJ Bass, Gourley and Hannon (3:27.11). Taking second were diver Ryan Renderman (362.75 points), the 400 medley relay (Declan Vahey, Jack Dillon, Peter Smith and Jake Thorell in 3:43.88), 200 free relay (Thorell, Lachlan Gantt, Dillon and Smith in 1:30.44), 400 free relay (Thorell, Gantt, Colin Schertz and Smith in 3:19.40), the 100 free relay (Finn Vahey, Alex Edwards, Dillon and Schertz in 41.91), 850 free relay of Schertz, Declan Vahey, Brody Robison and Ferguson in 8:13.14), the 300 backstroke relay (Edwards, Thorell, Declan Vahey and Bass in 2:42.92), the 300

Girls gymnastics

LTHS earned its first West Suburban Conference Silver dual victory of the season, 134.75 to 131.80, at York Monday. Freshman Brynn Krantz was second in all-around (34.30), floor exercise (9.0) and balance beam (8.8). Also second were senior Emily Tucker (8.4 on uneven parallel bars) and junior Dahlia Highland (8.8 on vault). On Dec. 13, RBHS scored a season-high 118.10 but lost its Upstate Eight Conference dual to Glenbard South’s 124.80. Sophomore Kayla Janusz won floor (8.4) and was third in all-around (31.20), fourth on beam (7.7) and shared fifth on vault (8.2). On uneven bars, junior Reese Phelan and freshman Paige Phelan shared second with 7.7s. Reese Phelan was fifth in all-around (30.40).

22 The Landmark, December 20, 2023 Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

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PUBLIC NOTICE Thrive Counseling Center is soliciting bids for 2 projects at 120 S Marion St in Oak Park.

Public Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. in the First Floor Community Room of the River Forest Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois, to consider amendment(s) to the Village’s Zoning Ordinance which include, but may not be limited to, the following:

Project 1: Replace 3 old drinking fountains with new drinking fountains that include water bottle fillers. Additionally, a 4th drinking fountain/bottle filler is needed at a new site.

1. A Text Amendment to create a new Chapter 12 to replace Chapters 12, 13, 14 and 15 of the Zoning Ordinance. The new Chapter 12 will designate bulk and dimensional standards for C-1, C-2, C-3 and ORIC districts. 2. A Text Amendment to Section 1021 (Land Use Chart) of the Zoning Ordinance to designate multiple-family dwellings as allowed by planned development in C1, C2, C3 and ORIC districts. The petitioner for the Text Amendments is the Village President and Board of Trustees. This public hearing is being held pursuant to direction given by the Village Board of Trustees for the Zoning Board of Appeals to consider these amendments. For additional information visit www.vrf.us.

Project 2: Rehabilitate all 8 bathrooms in the building and ensure fixtures such as hand bars and mirrors meet ADA standards, replace paper towel dispensers with electronic hand dryers, add aerators to the faucets, replace cracked floor tiles, replace damaged ceiling tiles, patch walls, and paint. To bid on either or both projects, please contact Laura Palmer at lpalmer@thrivecc.org or (708) 6172506. Pre-bid site inspection is mandatory and will be scheduled by appointment only. All project questions can be clarified at that time. Bidding will end on 1/20/2024. This is a federally funded program as a Community Development Block Grant and is subject to all applicable federal rules, regulations, and guidelines. MBE and WBE contractors are encouraged to bid on this project. Published in Wednesday Journal December 20, 2023

All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. For public comments to be considered by the Zoning Board of Appeals and Village Board of Trustees in their decision, they must be included as part of the public hearing record. If you cannot attend the public hearing but would like to provide input on this matter to the Zoning Board of Appeals you may submit your comments in writing, to Clifford Radatz, Building Official, no later than 12:00 Noon on the date of the public hearing at cradatz@vrf.us or by mailing them to 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, IL 60305.

Sincerely, Clifford Radatz Secretary, Zoning Board of Appeals.

Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys.

S U B U R B A N R E N TA L S

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS

For further information or for a copy of the proposed text amendments, please contact Village Administrator Matt Walsh at (708) 714-3563 or at mwalsh@vrf.us or visit www.vrf.us.

MARKETPLACE

CALL UNCLE GARY 708-522-3400

PUBLIC NOTICES

Published in Wednesday Journal December 20, 2023

Thank You! We have appreciated serving you with our classified ads over these many years. In the New Year, this space will be devoted exclusively to public and legal notices. Look for our home services advertisers in the news section of the paper.

Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com RBLandmark.com ForestParkReview.com AustinWeeklyNews.com PublicNoticeIllinois.com

The Landmark, December 20, 2023 23

CLASSIFIED BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION HEARING DATE: January 11, 2024 TIME: 7:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits LOCATION OF HEARING: Room 201 (Council Chambers), Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302 APPLICATION: The Historic Preservation Commission will conduct a public hearing on an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness filed by the Applicant, Janelli Barrow, to demolish the residence at 430 S. Taylor Ave., Oak Park, Illinois, P.I.N. 16-08-322-015-0000, which is located in the Ridgeland-Oak Park Historic District.

A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. The public hearing may be adjourned by the Commission to another date without further notice other than a motion to be entered upon the minutes of the hearing fixing the time and place of the date. The Commission shall issue or deny the Certificate of Appropriateness within 15 days following completion of the public hearing.

Published in Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2023

Season’s Greetings

The Landmark, December 20, 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

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