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Inside the petition to end traffic deaths in Riverside

170 residents have endorsed a Vision Zero plan for the v illage

“What is an acceptable number of children who are hit by cars per year?” asked Riverside resident Valerie Kramer. “If that answer is, ‘Zero,’ we need to actually make changes to get there.”

Kramer, the founder of the bicycle slow ride and transit advocacy group Ride Riverside, is behind a petition advocating the end of traffic injuries and deaths within the village. So far, 176 people have signed the petition, including 170 residents, Kramer said, calling for the implementation of Vision Zero within Riverside.

“Vision Zero is a commitment to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by prioritizing safety and street design, not just managing accidents after they happen,” said Charles Wiegand, another Ride Riverside leader.

“People thought that injuries and deaths were inevitable, but we have evi-

See VISION on page 6

NO MORE TRAFFIC DEATHS: Charles Wiegand and Valerie Kramer are urging Riverside to adopt a Vision Zero plan for street safety.

Two years at Eight Corners has welcomed 400 teens, families, so far

March 2023, Brookfield became home to a space for teenagers unlike anything else existing in the western suburbs — The Loft at Eight Corners, a community mental health drop-in center open daily to provide holistic mental health supt for teens ages 12 through 18.

In joint partnership with The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Metro Suburban and Pillars Community Health, over the last two years, The Loft has served dozens of teens and their fam-

See LOFT on pa ge 8

How to celebrate the 4th of July this year

Brook eld and Riverside will both have parades and celebrations

The Fourth of July is just around the corner, bringing with it a day of summer fun in the sun as we reco gnize the country’s 249th birthday.

Whether you live in Brookfield or Riverside, there are ways to celebrate the day out in the community, including the annual parades where the Landmark will be marching.

In Riverside, the day will begin with the village’s 47th annual Independence Day 5K. Starting at the Water Tower at Centennial Park, participants will race around the edge of town, from Akenside and Northwood roads to Northgate, Selborne and Parkway roads, with a long stretch on Longcommon Road completing the loop. It costs $35 to pre-re gister for the race or $40 to sign up on race day.

The race will start at 7:30 a.m. sharp and end at 8:15 a.m. The village encourages runners to bring their own water so they can stay hydrated, as there will not be water stations along the route.

At 8:45 a.m., Riverside’s annual parade

will kick of f at the northwest corner of Big Ball Park, heading west on Delaplaine Road before turning south on Longcommon Road and dispersing after passing Riverside Township Hall.

The parade will be followe nity festival at Guthrie Park 1 p.m., with music and activities lies and food and drink av chase from local vendors. A will be held at 11 a.m. in the pa one too small to join in the 5K earlier on.

If you’re really in the mood to celebrate, there will also be a concert in Guthrie on Thursday, July 3. Starting with the National Anthem at 5:30 p.m., take the stage until 7 p.m., when Banned — self-dubbed the “world est wedding band” — will pl

In Brookfield, festivities will begin at 10 a.m. on July 4 with the village’s annual parade. If you have a favorite spot from which to watch, though, this might not be the year for it, as Brookfield announced a new route in April that will avoid ongoing streetscape construction work on the 3700 block of Grand Boulevard

The parade will kick of f on Grand Boulevard from Garfield Avenue and head southeast. At Eight Corners, marchers will pass the announcing booth and head east on Washington Avenue until they turn south on Arden Avenue, and the parade will dissipate after reaching Brookfield Avenue.

Brookfield’s annual Party in the Park will start at noon in Kiwanis Park, featuring food and drinks for purchase with live music from noon to 5 p.m. Kids can get excited for a balloon artist, a bounce house and an inflatable slide.

Be aware that parking on the east side of Arden Avenue will be closed for the duration of the parade so spectators can watch from either side of the road. It will reopen before the Party in the Park begins, so excited residents can bring their supplies to celebrate all day.

Keep an eye out for the empty shopping car t

If you plan to attend the parade in Brookfield on Friday, take a look through your kitchen or bathroom cabinets first.

The Share Food Share Love food pantry will be walking in the parade with an empty shopping cart for onlookers to fill with non-perishable food items and personal hygiene products the pantry can then offer to neighbors in need.

John Dumas, the food pantry’s administrative director, told the Landmark the imagery of the empty shopping cart invokes the experience of visitors to the pantry.

“We use re gular-size shopping carts in the pantry, and that’s done as part of our

initiative to help our neighbors who come to the pantry to maintain their dignity. The dignity of our neighbors is our North Star,” he said. “The number one reason that people who need food assistance don’t get it is because they’re embarrassed or ashamed. Usually, it’s a pride issue, so, in order to overcome that, we try to do everything we can to make the experience dignified … Using the shopping cart in the parade is an extension of what we do every week in the pantry.”

Dumas said the food pantry is seeking paper goods like toilet paper and paper towels and products for shaving, brushing teeth and other personal hygiene needs over food staples it can get elsewhere, often at a reduced price, though non-perishables

will be accepted. He said the pantry does need staple ingredients, like flour or sugar, so visitors can cook meals for themselves.

He said he hopes the shopping cart will remind Brookfielders that not everyone is having their needs met.

“There are many people in this country, probably more than most of us think, who don’t believe that a lot of these things are issues. They think that people that use food pantries are scamming people or that they’re lazy, and they don’t work,” he said. “We want to remind people that it’s real in the local sense. It’s not some far-of f person that they don’t know of, that they’re never going to encounter. These are their neighbors and the people that they know in their community.”

Wagner EMAIL jill@oakpark.com

Operations Associate Susan Babin

Weinheimer

Nile Wendor f Deb Abrahamson, Mary Cahillane, Steve Edwards, Judy Gre n, Horacio Mendez, Charles Meyerson, Darnell Shields, Audra Wilson

HOW TO REACH US

ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-442-6739 ■ FAX 708-467-9066

E-MAIL dhaley@wjinc.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 $45 within Cook County and $65 outside the county. Adver tising

Convicted 1960s killer of Riverside women dies at 86

Starved Rock murders shocked region. Weger maintained innocence

C hester We ge r, who was convicted of the 1960 slaying of three Rive rside women who we re killed at Starve d Ro ck Stat e Pa rk , has died of cancer.

According to We ger’s attorney, the 86-year-old died June 22 in Missouri after having been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Earlier that week, he failed to have his conviction for the murder overturned.

We ger, who maintained his innocence throughout his incarceration, was granted parole in November 2019 after 23 consecutive denials over his 59 years in prison.

In 1961, 22-year- old We ger was found guilty of killing 50-year- old Lillian Oetting wh i le she and two other Rive rside

women, 50-year- old Mildred Lindquis t and 47-year- old Frances Murphy, had b een hiking through S tar ve d Ro ck Stat e Pa rk , nearly 90 miles southwest of the village, the year before. While We ge r was initially indicted for killing all three women, he was only t ried and charge d for Oetting ’s murde r.

In March 1960, two days after leaving their hotel, the women’s bodies were found in a cave in the park. They had been bludgeoned to death, having suf fered severe head trauma, and their bodies were bound and partially stripped.

We ger, then 21, worked as a dishwasher at the women’s hotel. While he quickly became a prime suspect in the case and was repeatedly interviewed by investigators, he was charged in November 1960 after confessing to all three murders, according to archived news reports from the Daily Illini, following eight hours of questioning He later recanted his confession, saying he had been threatened with capital punishment and confessed under duress P rison Review Board records show

We ger had been ar rested for robber y, assault with a d eadly we apon and rape in 1959, but was not convicted on the charges ag ainst him.

We ger was reportedly the longest-serving inmate in the Illinois Department of Cor rections system, but he insisted upon his innocence for the duration of his imprisonment. In 2016, he told the Chicago Tribune he would rather die in prison than confess or express remorse for the killings.

“W hy should I say I c ommitted a c rim e that I neve r c ommitted?” he said. “I ’l l stay in prison the rest of my l ife to pr ove my i nnocence before I’ll make any d eal with any of you crooked people.”

Brook eld Chamber of Commerce Business Spotlight

Annette Pardun: Owner/Confectioner 3726 Prairie Ave., Brook eld, IL 60513 630-640-0428 www. llmyjar.com

Since 2015, Fill My Jar has become known for its small batch, handcrafted candies, hand dipped chocolates, & unique avors. What started as a hobby in her kitchen that stemmed from her passion for cooking has since grown into a well-known candy confectionary that o ers its handmade, unique treats to the local community through its storefront on Prairie Avenue as well as ships nationwide.

Since opening their Brook eld location in 2021, Fill My Jar has been able to grow beyond its signature line of to ees, caramels, and chocolate barks, to o er nostalgic candies and hand-dipped chocolate treats. And they continue to grow. You

can always nd something new as they recently added to their frozen and refrigerated o erings for the summer with natural sodas and custom chocolate charcuteries.

This year, Fill My Jar is proudly celebrating 10 years in business – an exciting milestone that symbolizes our commitment to the local Brook eld community & our customers. Looking to the future, Fill My Jar plans to expand their signature candy line into the wholesale market to make our unique & delicious candies accessible to a broader audience. Our hope is that everyone can enjoy the delightful avors of Fill My Jar Candy by bringing joy & sweetness to more communities.

We are lled with gratitude for the relationships we have built & the trust our customers have placed in us over the last 10 years. Each customer has played a vital role in shaping our business to make it what it is today. We are excited to continue this journey with the local Brook eld community & look forward to sparking more smiles.

CHESTER WEGER
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Brook eld considers perks to bring in new businesses

e village board may adopt a policy outlining economic incentives for developers

Brookfield could adopt a policy establishing new economic draws to encourage developers or business owners to set up shop in town.

If approved by the village board later this month, the policy would establish new incentive progr ams like sales or proper ty tax rebates for developers while making changes to existing progr ams, like splitting the property improvement progr am (PIP) into two separate grants for business owners.

Trustees discussed the policy at their June 23 committee of the whole meeting and are set to discuss it for a second time at the July 14 committee meeting. That means the earliest the policy could be approved would be at the village board’s July 28 re gular meeting.

“We have some incentive programs but not a comprehensive policy, and because Brookfield is promoting having a very thriving, diverse and sustainable economy, and we have these properties, we’ve done a land assembly and we’re talking to developers actively. In doing that, some of these other incentives that they’ve talked about have come into play,” Libby Popovic, the community development director, told the Landmark. “This plan, really, is a for mal framework, which right now we don’t have, and it’s a good use of a financial tool to encourage and attract additional retention and expansion of other private businesses and developments coming in. The whole overarching purposes of this is to stimulate targeted growth.”

The PIP, which reimburses businesses for 50% of the cost of exterior renovations up to $20,000, would be split into one grant for signage and awning work with a $2,000 cap and another for facade improvements and renovations with a $20,000 cap.

“We’ve outg rown it in a good way, to the

Endinghungerbyconnectingthefourcornersofourcommunity

...

Whatis " foodinjustice"?

Endinghungerbyconnectingthefourcornersofourcommunity...

Endinghungerbyconnectingthefourcornersofourcommunity...

Whatis " foodinjustice"?

Endinghungerbyconnectingthefourcornersofourcommunity...

TODD BANNOR

The new Bro ok field S hops on Friday June 6, 2025.

extent that it’s a very popular program. It makes sense to split it up into two tiers because we’re getting a lot of inquiries. For beginning businesses, or businesses coming into the village, a lot of times, the big expense is business signage or getting an awning placed, so this is an easier way and more streamlined process,” Popovic said. “The facade and renovation grant makes sense to have as a second tier because our goal is to grow that … As we have developments, we may be able to increase that grant amount similar to what other municipalities have.”

New rebate incentives could see the village disburse a percentage of the revenue it rece ives from a new development’s sales or property taxes back to the developers or owners.

The sales tax rebate, as written, would allow a new business to receive at least half of Brookfield’s portion of the sales tax that business receives for up to 10 years after the business opens in town.

The property tax rebate would last for up to five years with the option for Brookfield to phase it out over time, star ting at a higher percentage of property tax revenue that drops from year to year. This incentive would only be of fered to developers who can invest at least $500,000 into a commercial or mixed-use development or $1 million into an industrial development.

See PERKS on pa ge 11

And what can a food pantry do about it?

Whatis " foodinjustice"?

Whatis " foodinjustice"?

And what can a food pantry do about it?

Whatbusinessarewein?

Thereareover 60,000 foodpantriesintheUnitedStates . Manyof themstartedoutdecadesagotohelp "endhunger " intheir communities . Yethungerpersists . Whyisthat ?

And what can a food pantry do about it?

And what can a food pantry do about it?

Whatbusinessarewein?

Endinghungeriseveryone’sbusiness .

Endinghungeriseveryone’sbusiness .

“Overcomingpovertyisnotagestureofcharity. Itisanactofjustice . Itistheprotectionofafundamentalhumanright , therighttodignity andadecentlife .”

Hunger is a local problem.

Thereareover 60,000 foodpantriesintheUnitedStates . Manyof themstartedoutdecadesagotohelp "endhunger " intheir communities . Yethungerpersists . Whyisthat ?

Thereareover 60,000 foodpantriesintheUnitedStates . Manyof themstartedoutdecadesagotohelp "endhunger " intheir communities . Yethungerpersists . Whyisthat ?

Inthis , ourfoodpantry ’s 10thyear, wereflectonhowfarwehavecomeasa community-basedorganizationtosupportfreedomfromhunger.

Thereareover 60,000 foodpantriesintheUnitedStates . Manyof themstartedoutdecadesagotohelp "endhunger " intheir communities . Yethungerpersists . Whyisthat ?

Inthis , ourfoodpantry ’s 10thyear, wereflectonhowfarwehavecomeasa community-basedorganizationtosupportfreedomfromhunger.

Hunger is a local problem.

Hunger is a local problem.

Foodinjusticeislargelycausedbypoverty. Povertythathaslong beencausedbyunequalopportunitiesinhousing, education, employment , andhealthcare.

Hunger is a local problem.

Weneedmoreactsofjustice .

We’rebuildingafoodpantrywherevisitorsarenotviewedas “clients ”, butas neighbors Aplacewhereyouhavethefreedomtochoosethefoodyouneed A placewhere , lastyear, over 600 registeredfamiliesreceivedover 375,000 equivalentmeals .

We’rebuildingafoodpantrywherevisitorsarenotviewedas “clients ”, butas neighbors . Aplacewhereyouhavethefreedomtochoosethefoodyouneed. A placewhere , lastyear, over 600 registeredfamiliesreceivedover 375,000 equivalentmeals .

Foodinjusticeislargelycausedbypoverty. Povertythathaslong beencausedbyunequalopportunitiesinhousing, education, employment , andhealthcare.

Talkingaboutpovertyisseriousbusiness . Whichiswhymanyofuswouldrathernottalk aboutit . But oursisacharitablebusinesswithaseriousmission: Alleviatinghungerandthe causesofhunger, withthehelpoflike -mindedvolunteers, donors, andcommunityleaders

Foodinjusticeislargelycausedbypoverty. Povertythathaslong beencausedbyunequalopportunitiesinhousing, education, employment , andhealthcare.

Foodinjusticeislargelycausedbypoverty. Povertythathaslong beencausedbyunequalopportunitiesinhousing, education, employment , andhealthcare.

LikemanyfoodpantriesinAmerica, wehavebecomeefficientwhenitcomesto " fooddistribution". Butitisduringtheseuncertaintimes , whenfederally-funded fooddistributionisbeingthreatened, whenweremindourselvesofthebusiness ourfoodpantryisactuallyin.

Evenwithinthe 15 suburbanvillagesourfoodpantryserves , povertyandfoodinjusticecontinuetogohand-in-hand. Thousandsofpeoplelivebelowthepovertyline. Thousandsmore liveinlow-incomehouseholds . This , atatimewhenourfederal governmentislookingforwaystocutsocialprograms . Including “safetynet ” programsthathavebeenproventohelpupliftpeople frompovertyandlow-incomestatus .

LikemanyfoodpantriesinAmerica, wehavebecomeefficientwhenitcomesto " fooddistribution". Butitisduringtheseuncertaintimes , whenfederally-funded fooddistributionisbeingthreatened, whenweremindourselvesofthebusiness ourfoodpantryisactuallyin

Ourfederalgovernmenthasattimeshelpedto alleviatehungerbydeveloping “safetynet ” programsbased on povertydatarepor tedbytheU S CensusBureau Accordingly, thereare over 7,000 peoplelivingbelowthe “ federalpovertylevel ” within ourpriorityservicearea Butasimilarnumberofpeoplein our 15-villagearealivein “low-income” households, as determinedbymeasuresofincomeupto 200% abovethefederalpovertylevel.

Oursisaregionofincomedisparity.

Evenwithinthe 15 suburbanvillagesourfoodpantryserves , povertyandfoodinjusticecontinuetogohand-in-hand. Thousandsofpeoplelivebelowthepovertyline. Thousandsmore liveinlow-incomehouseholds . This , atatimewhenourfederal governmentislookingforwaystocutsocialprograms . Including “safetynet ” programsthathavebeenproventohelpupliftpeople frompovertyandlow-incomestatus .

Evenwithinthe 15 suburbanvillagesourfoodpantryserves , povertyandfoodinjusticecontinuetogohand-in-hand. Thousandsofpeoplelivebelowthepovertyline. Thousandsmore liveinlow-incomehouseholds . This , atatimewhenourfederal governmentislookingforwaystocutsocialprograms . Including “safetynet ” programsthathavebeenproventohelpupliftpeople frompovertyandlow-incomestatus .

Evenwithinthe 15 suburbanvillagesourfoodpantryserves , povertyandfoodinjusticecontinuetogohand-in-hand. Thousandsofpeoplelivebelowthepovertyline. Thousandsmore liveinlow-incomehouseholds . This , atatimewhenourfederal governmentislookingforwaystocutsocialprograms . Including “safetynet ” programsthathavebeenproventohelpupliftpeople frompovertyandlow-incomestatus .

We're all neighbors here.

We’reinbusinesstohelpendthecausesofhunger. Thosecausespersistduetounequalopportunitiesineducation, employment , housing, andhealthcare , tonameafew. Andevenwhenconfrontedbythreatsof federallyshortenedfoodsupplies , wewilldowhatsomanyofourneighborsin needwillcontinuetodo : Withyoursupport , wewill “makeendsmeet ” andwewill continuetodevelopwaystoupliftourneighborsinneed.

We’reinbusinesstohelpendthecausesofhunger. Thosecausespersistduetounequalopportunitiesineducation, employment , housing, andhealthcare , tonameafew. Andevenwhenconfrontedbythreatsof federallyshortenedfoodsupplies , wewilldowhatsomanyofourneighborsin needwillcontinuetodo : Withyoursupport , wewill “makeendsmeet ” andwewill continuetodevelopwaystoupliftourneighborsinneed.

We're all neighbors here.

We're all neighbors here.

OurnewFamiliesFirstprogramhelpsearly- caregivers .

OurnewFamiliesFirstprogramhelpsearly- caregivers .

We're all neighbors here.

Withintheradiusofafewmiles, over 16,000 of ourneighborsarehavingahardtime puttingnutritionalmeals on thetable. Whatevertermswemayallbemorecomfor table using, wecan’ tescapethefactthatfoodinjusticeisoftencausedbyunequal oppor tunities andthehardshipsofincomedisparity Federalsafetynetprogramsarecrucialto reducing thoseunfairburdens Andwhen ournation’sleadersactto cutsuchprograms, they becomeactsofinjustice

We’reallneighborshere .

Ourjust-launchedFamiliesFirstprogramoffers everydayessentialsto caregivers , includingdiapers , formula, babywipes , femininehygieneproducts , andmore. Ifyouwanttodonateinsupportofthisprogramoranyofourpantr y ’s initiativesingeneral, pleaseusetheQRcodelinksbelow

Ourjust-launchedFamiliesFirstprogramoffers everydayessentialsto caregivers , includingdiapers , formula, babywipes , femininehygieneproducts , andmore. Ifyouwanttodonateinsupportofthisprogramoranyofourpantr y ’s initiativesingeneral, pleaseusetheQRcodelinksbelow.

Individualdignityisthenorthstarthatguidesourorganization. Likesomanyfoodpantries , we’rehelpingtoalleviatehunger. But totrulyupliftthedignityofourneighborsinneed, ourhigher purposeistohelpendthecausesofhungerinourregion. At whichpoint , thequestionisnolongeraboutfoodinjustice , but socialinjustice. Andwhatcanafoodpantry, volunteers community, aregionofneighboringvillages , orournation governmentdoaboutthat

Ourfoodpantryissetting outto helpalleviatefoodinsecurityin ourarea. Butto continuethat ascent , weneedthesuppor tof ourvolunteers, donors, andcommunityleaders allwho careto beshareh ectwhatisafundamentalhumanright therightto dignityandadecentlife

Individualdignityisthenorthstarthatguidesourorganization. Likesomanyfoodpantries , we’rehelpingtoalleviatehunger. But totrulyupliftthedignityofourneighborsinneed, ourhigher purposeistohelpendthecausesofhungerinourregion. At whichpoint , thequestionisnolongeraboutfoodinjustice but socialinjustice Andwhatcanafoodpantry, volunteers community, aregionofneighboringvillages , orournation governmentdoaboutthat

Individualdignityisthenorthstarthatguidesourorganization. Likesomanyfoodpantries , we’rehelpingtoalleviatehunger. But totrulyupliftthedignityofourneighborsinneed, ourhigher purposeistohelpendthecausesofhungerinourregion. At whichpoint thequestionisnolongeraboutfoodinjustice but socialinjustice Andwhatcanafoodpantry, volunteers community aregionofneighboringvillages , governmentdoaboutthat ?

Celebrate freedomby fighting hunger!

Individualdignityisthenorthstarthatguidesourorganization. Likesomanyfoodpantries , we’rehelpingtoalleviatehunger. But totrulyupliftthedignityofourneighborsinneed, ourhigher purposeistohelpendthecausesofhungerinourregion. At whichpoint thequestionisnolongeraboutfoodinjustice but socialinjustice Andwhatcanafoodpantry, community aregionofneighboringvillages , governmentdoaboutthat ?

Helpmakeadifference

Celebrate freedomby fighting hunger!

Pleasecheckoutour 10 campaign...

Visitour AmazonWish Listtosupport ourFamilies Firstprogram directly!

Visitour AmazonWish Listtosupport ourFamilies Firstprogram directly!

We' reallneighborshere . Todossomosvecinosaqui .

We' reallneighborshere . Todossomosvecinosaqui .

We' reallneighborshere . Todossomosvecinosaqui

We' reallneighborshere . Todossomosvecinosaqui .

We' reallneighborshere . Todossomosvecinosaqui .

We reallneighborshere . Todossomosvecinosaqui .

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sharefoodsharelove .org We' reallneighborshere . Todossomosvecinosaqui .

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

VISION

Deaths

not inevitable

from page 1

dence that they’re not. If we believe that it’s not inevitable, then traffic accidents aren’t accidents; they’re actually crashes that happen because they’re built in,” Kramer said. “If we know that 50 people are going to get injured every year in Riverside from crashes, then that’s not a surprise. That’s not an accident. We can actually take steps to decrease that number.”

Ride Riverside brought the petition, then with 170 signatures, to Riverside trustees at their May 1 board meeting. While Kramer was sick that day, her husband, David Oppenheimer, gave a speech on her behalf during public comment encouraging the board to adopt a Vision Zero plan to keep residents safe.

Since then, Kramer said village officials, namely Village President Doug Pollock, have said the board will consider a possible Vision Zero plan concurrently with the village’s 2026 budget.

Data from the Illinois Department of Transportation, compiled by Kramer, shows 41 child cyclists and 15 child pedestrians were injured in Riverside from 2010-2023. Six people have been killed in car crashes in the same period, and 675 people have been injured in some way in a car crash.

Assistant Village Manager Ashley Monroe said Monday that Riverside staf f are preparing to bring a “bike plan” to the village board on Aug. 7 alongside other items in the village’s capital improvement plan for 2026. While she couldn’t say how the plan might materialize in Riverside’s budget next year, she said residents can expect the board to consider the budget ordinance in a public hearing at the Oct. 16 meeting.

“I think Riverside is a place where we’re not just going to make a document and put it on a shelf. I think people here really care,” Kramer said. “They’re going to be talking about money and the plan at the same time, as opposed to, ‘Yay, we got a plan. We can pat ourselves on the back,’ but then, what’s going to happen next?”

The nonprofit Vision Zero Network describes Vision Zero as a “multidisciplinary approach” to ending traffic-related casualties by accounting for human er ror when designing roadways and enacting policies. A Vision Zero plan could lead Riverside to make use of “daylighting,” or extending curbs to increase pedestrian visibility at crosswalks, or other traffic-calming measures like raised crosswalks, pedestrian islands or dedicated bicycle lanes.

Wiegand said the implementation of a plan would benefit everyone who uses Riverside’s roads, not just those on bikes.

While the goal may seem lofty to some, Kramer said its efficacy has been proven.

“In Hoboken, New Jersey, they adopted their Vision Zero plan, and, since then, they’ve had zero traffic fatalities,” she told the Landmark. “In contrast, Riverside has had four fatal injury crashes in the past six years. We’re much smaller than them, so you would think we would have fewer injuries and fatalities.”

Kramer said she first heard of Vision Zero more than 10 years ago, but a personal experience last fall pushed her to take action through the petition and rally her group around it.

“We started Ride Riverside over a year ago, and that was a way to build momentum, get people biking. We also had a goal of improving safety, but I don’t think we really had a concrete ask. Then, I saw the aftermath of a crash with a child, and a child’s mangled bike is etched in my memory,” she said. “At a certain corner [Delaplaine and Michaux roads], every time I pass by, I remember that, and I remember that feeling. Then, little orange flags were up on the stop signs, and I thought, ‘Oh, that’s our solution?’ And those went away, so they’re not even there anymore.”

“I’m not only a cyclist. I’m a frequent pedestrian. I walk to work every day; I walk my dog every day. I spend a lot of time running on our streets. One reason why it seems to be more necessary now than maybe 10 years ago is, vehicles are so much larger than they used to be, and I feel like we need to put more ef fort to make vulnerable road users more visible,” he said. “Thoughtful street design shows that pedestrians and cyclists are intended users of our roadways, not obstacles to traffic. They’re a part of traffic.”

Kramer emphasized that safer traffic would have benefits across the board.

“Whatever we do to improve safety for bicyclists, especially for children, that’s going to improve safety for motorists, for pedestrians, for the elderly, for the disabled, for everybody, because we’re working towards improving safety for the most vulnerable,” she said. She compared it to adding accessible ramps to the front of a building: “That’s going to help more than just people who use wheelchairs. That’s going to help people with strollers, people who have bad knees. It’s going to help everybody, and I think, in the same way, we’re going to be able to help everybody be safe in Riverside.”

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

LOFT

Break down stigma

from page 1

ilies from a wide range of suburbs through free services ranging from mental wellness screenings and one-on-one support from peers, to mental health education groups, art therapy and crisis intervention.

To celebrate two successful years in Brookfield and continue building bridges with its neighbors, The Loft hosted a block party on Saturday, June 14 throughout the afternoon outside the center, featuring live music from Oak Park’s School of Rock, art stations, free food and an open house for visitors to see firsthand what The Loft is all about.

Yaritsa Carrasco, a lead clinician at The Loft, said the center is proud of its service to nearly 400 teens and families thus far, proving itself as a vital local resource to support the growing need for safe, inclusive spaces where teens and their families can access mental health resources and peer support.

“At The Loft, we work hard every day to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and to create a space where teens feel safe to be themselves,” she said. “Our mission is to promote inclusion and understanding, and open dialogue. We focus on the needs of our teens, giving them a voice to share their experiences and struggles without fear of judgment.”

Since opening, Carrasco says the Brookfield community has warmly welcomed The Loft, with local organizations and businesses having shown strong interest in partnering with events which helps recognize the importance of having a safe space in the neighborhood for teens

“Our teens are excited not only to be part of The Loft, but also to give back to their community,” she said. “Members of our Teen Advisory Board participated in the ‘Beautify Brookfield’ event, helping plant flowers throughout the town. [And] we’ve also built strong connections with schools in Brookfield and nearby neighborhoods. This year, we partnered with Proviso District’s night school program to offer our ‘Mind Matters’ program — a sixweek group that promotes mental wellness, teaches self-care tools, builds community, and helps reduce stigma around mental health.”

Carrasco says one of the most popular and impactful services at The Loft has been group programming, where teens can learn new skills and explore topics that matter to them led by the center’s clinical and recovery support staf f — a team which she says has the goal of helping teens

Members of the School of Rock House Band perform during the e Lo block party Saturday June 14, 2025. e Lo sta teaches teenagers and parents learn how to manage their mental health concerns including their relationships, anxiety and mindfulness.

better understand not just their mental health, but physical health, too.

“Group topics are often inspired by the teens themselves and include areas like healthy relationships, coping skills, expressive arts and mindfulness,” she said. “Some of our most successful events have been topic-specific groups and presentations, such as when Pillars Community Health’s Domestic Violence team visits to speak about healthy relationships. These sessions spark great conversations and meaningful engagement.”

Carrasco adds that one of The Loft’s greatest ways of empowering teens has been through the center’s Teen Advisory — a group of teens who regularly participate in The Loft’s programs and share input on how to help shape future events at the center

“[Participants] provide feedback, suggest new group ideas, and let us know what additional support or resources they’d like to see,” she said. “Their insight is vital in making sure The Loft continues to grow in a way that truly reflects their needs.”

In Carrasco’s opinion, the overwhelming reaction of teens who come to The Loft or learn about it through community events can be summed up in an oft-heard quote: “We’re so glad something like this exists.”

“Teens say The Loft is a place where they feel heard, supported and truly connected,” she said. “It’s clear that this is a space they’ve been needing for a long time — and we’re proud to provide it. Many share that they wish The Loft had been around when they were younger, and others say they’d love to see more spaces like this in other towns.”

Each month, to emphasize the importance of family support, The Loft hosts a Parent

Night to provide psychoeducation on topics that matter most to families. With sessions on topics including bullying, teen communication and understanding mental health, Carrasco says these gatherings have been a valuable way for The Loft to educate the community and reduce the stigma of receiving mental health support

In addition, a family support specialist at The Loft is also available to help parents navigate community resources, including finding a therapist or psychiatrist, information on higher levels of care and resources to help with school learning plans and wellness resources.

“By listening to our teens and working closely with families, we’re helping create a more understanding and supportive community, one conversation at a time,” Carrasco said.

Over the next few years, Carrasco says The Loft’s goal is a simple one — to continue to grow its reach and deepen its impact across the greater community.

“We want The Loft to become known as a true ‘third place’ for teens — a space outside of home and school where they feel safe, supported and understood… where they can be themselves, connect with others and know they belong,” she said. “As we grow, we remain committed to listening to our teens — centering their voices, responding to their needs, and helping them grow into confident, healthy adults.”

The Loft, 9049 Monroe Ave., is open Mondays through Fridays from 1 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit loft8corners.org or call (708) 883-3300.

ERICA BENSON

Riverside basement thief found in Berwyn

Rive rside p olice ar rested a man June 12 for residential burglar

Around 1:48 patched to the 2900 enue on a who a resident pect fed east into Berwyn. W the of the b ehind a S. Harlem the suspect in i nto for none; the man did not provide his identi fication to police

T entered his home’s the the said he was there to see someone named Elizabeth. by

wh ich point the man left and fled on foot across Har

T i nto Berwyn after noticing that his bik had private and found the same man had entered hi b asement around 9:30 a.m. that mor and left fi cl e, T Berwyn

During an in son, p olice found three BuzzBallz cocktails and a small amount of c annabis Police also learned the man was the off ender in an earlier retail theft incident. Police charged the man with residential burglar y, f elony theft, c riminal trespass and obstructing a peace of ficer.

Mortgage refund fraud

Brookfield police tried to help a woman contact her ex-husband over a check he may have filed fraudulently. No one was arrested.

On June 16 around 7:30 p.m., a woman walked into the Brookfield Police Department to complain about a potential case of

These items we re o btained from the Riverside Po lice Department re ports date d June 12-13 and the Brookfield Po lice Department re ports dated June 16-23; th ey re present a portion of the incidents to wh ich police responded. Anyone named in these re ports has only b een charged with a crime and cases ha ve not yet been adjudic ated. We re port the ra ce of a suspect onl y wh en a serious crime has b een c ommitted, the suspect is still at la rge and police ha ve provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as th ey seek th e public’s help in making an arrest Compiled by Trent Brown

The Cutest Dog offers a spa day for your best friend

e dog grooming business is set to open next month on 47th Street

Editor’s Note: A version of this story that ex cluded the headline, subhead and first two para graphs was mistak enly published in the June 25, 2025, issue of the Landmark. We have rerun the full story to ensu re print readers can enjoy it in its entirety. The Landmark apologizes for the erro r. Dog owners, rejoice! If your furry friend is in need of a haircut or other professional grooming services, look no further than the Cutest Dog, which is set to open in July at 9448 W. 47th St. in Brookfield.

T he business will be r un by S ummi t resident Ai dy Diaz and Cicero resident Valeria Mora, two friends who b oth wo rk in the dog grooming industr y. Diaz has about four years of experience carin g for c anines wh i le Mora has about five, the pair said.

“The grooming salon offers a one-on-one experience for your cutest hairy friend, providing a stress-free environment in the process of the grooming. We dedicate the attention needed to focus on their needs,” Diaz told the Landmark.

She said the business partners will of fer haircuts, shedding reduction for dogs with two coats, flea baths, brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning and trimming in a “quieter and more relaxed atmosphere” to help make their clients’ dogs more comfortable while they’re being groomed.

“It’s a spa-like experience for your dogs,” she said. “It’s more of a one-on-one. We’re not having a bunch of dogs at once because we know that that stresses them out, and it’s harder to work in that environment.”

Mora emphasized that b oth women are ce rt ified in different aspects of grooming. Diaz is ce rt ified in bathing dogs with hair and skin c onditions alongside first a id and C PR training s. Mora has ce rt ifications in using natural treatments and wo rk ing with senior dogs, including dogs with hearing c onditions, as well as on the business side of thing s.

“We are certified groomers,” Mora said. S he acknowledged the C utest Dog will

9448 W. 47th Street is pictured on June 23, 2025. Formerly a barber shop, the Cutest Dog is set to open here in July.

open only blocks aw ay from F risky Do g Dayc are, 9216 W. 47th St., but said they of fer another kind of servic e.

“They have a dogg y daycare, dog grooming services, boarding services, and we’re a private spa experience for the dog, oneon-one grooming service,” she said. “We’re different. We’re a different business.”

According to documents from Brookfield ’s village b oard, the business will be open T uesd ay through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p. m. About four to seven dogs will be seen by appointment each day.

Mora said the business’s lowe r capacity is i ntentional to pr event overcrowd-

ing or risk dissatisfying owners with their dog’s care b ased on things she’s heard in other dog grooming businesses

“The owners’ q uestions are li ke, ‘Why are my dogs in a cage? Why do you guys have so many dogs at the same time, and why d oes my dog take 7 to 10 hour s to g et groomed?’” she said. “Our g oal is to ke ep the grooming process to two to four hour s. Th at ’s the limit, so it ’s more stress-free for the owner, too.”

Vi llage trustees appr oved a variation from the zoning code to pe rm it a do g grooming business at the p lanned location, wh ich used to be a barber shop, as

pa rt of the c onsent agenda at their June 23 meeting

Diaz said Mora was the one who firs t taught her the skills of dog grooming . Fo r the moment, they b oth wo rk f ulltime as groomers elsewhere, but they said they ca n’ t wait to j ump i nto Th e C utest Do g.

“We’ re so excited. We ’re so scared, bu t I’m li ke, let’s do it!” Mora said. “I love wo rk ing with animals, so I think it ’s meant to be. S he has four years of experienc e. I have five years of experienc e, and I’m li ke, ‘Why not right now? L et’s j ust do it!’ It ’s our moment. ”

TRENT BROWN

Sonny Schroeder, 66

Animal suppor ter, musician

W oseph Schroeder Jr., affectionately known as “Sonny” to his friends and amily, died peacefully at his North Riverside home on June 22, 2025, surrounded by the enduring love of those closest to him. Born on March

2, 1959, he was an enthusiastic participant in several fantasy football leagues, where he shared laughter and camaraderie with friends and family. Before becoming a father, he also enjoyed performing as a bassist and vocalist in a band with close friends.

Sonny is survived by his wife, Jennifer (nee Lorentz) Schroeder; his son, Nick Schroeder; his daughter, Claire Schroeder; his mother-in-law Alice (nee Svoboda) Lorentz; his sister Jean (late Jack) O’Connell; his brothers-in-law Jozsef Rosko and Chris Lorentz; his nieces and nephews, Cara Melbou, Brian (Kate) Gregg, Chuck (Karrie) Hickey, De-De (Clarence) Woodard, Jenny Downing, Crystal (Travis) Throgmartin, and Marie (Dale) Krygoski; and his greatnieces and -nephews, Massy Melbou, Youba Melbou, Ashli (Chad) Cooper, Theodore Cooper, Allexys Woodard and Everly Gregg. He was a pet parent to many animals, especially his dogs

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Joseph Schroeder Sr. and Dolores (nee Prince) Schroeder; his sisters, Linda Schroeder and Kathy Schroeder; and sisterin-law Laura (nee Lorentz) Rosko.

to have it in a policy, because it’s not onesize-fits-all,” Popovic said. “The goal of this is that these incentives can be used in conjunction with each other or individually for a broad range, from beginning, small businesses all the way up to franchises, regional stores and bigger developments.”

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Brookfield Zoo in support of the new Tropical Forest exhibit, honoring Sonny’s lifelong fascination with primates and love for animals

For those who wish to create a living tribute, the family also welcomes the contribution of plants suitable for a memorial planter that can be placed in his honor. Alternatively, you may choose to dedicate a tree in Sonny’s memory, a lasting symbol of his life, love, and the joy he brought to others.

Memorial visitation was held on June 28 at Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home. Online c ondolences, p hotos and memorie s may be of fered to the f amily at www JohnsonNosek.com.

Ruth Hoyer, 93

Homemaker

Ruth Marion Hoyer (nee Khamis), 93, of Brookfield, for merly of Westchester and Berwyn, died on June 13, 2025. Born on Sept. 11, 1931, she was a homemaker.

Ruth was the wife of the late Nic Hoyer; the sister of Joseph Khamis, Edwin Ro-

edell and Hank Roedell; the aunt of Linda (Donald) Sykora, Lisa (Ron) Knoll and Robert Roedell.

Private Cremation Services with inurnment at Elmwood Cemetery have been held. Memorials to the American Cancer Society would be appreciated.

Arrangements were handled by Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home, Brookfield. Online condolences, memories and photographs may be shared with the family at www.JohnsonNosek.com.

Both rebates would be applied only to businesses or developments that show their project would be financially infeasible without assistance from Brookfield

“It’s really a tool kit that targets both large-scale and small businesses. That’s why it’s a range, and that’s why it’s helpful

Another new incentive would apply the other financial tools to target grocery stores, from full-service franchises to specialty or ethnic food grocers, grocery cooperatives or smaller urban groceries. It would not apply to convenience stores or those selling only liquor.

“We only have one, so if anything happened with that, Brookfield would essentially be a food desert. It makes sense as we look at overall community needs to have a grocery store or have several smaller grocery stores that would be able to meet the community’s needs,” Popovic said. “It’s basically recognizing that fresh food and essential grocery items are critical for health, for vibrancy, economy and so forth.”

While trustees discussed a potential local grocery tax at the same committee meeting as the incentive policy, Popovic said it didn’t carry weight with the proposal of

the grocery inventive

“You would think that it would be [a consideration], but it was just the timing of it,” she said. “That was something that was slated to be on the agenda anyway, and the economic incentive policy was supposed to be a little earlier, but with the [Brookfield] Shops, we kind of ran out of time, so I pushed the economic incentive policy to the next agenda item.”

Popovic said the version of the policy that trustees discuss on July 14 will likely have some tweaks and small changes from the initial copy they saw in June.

Sports

Nazareth’s Fauske, Thome are 4A baseball all-staters

Solid seasons for RBHS, LTHS produce numerous all-conference honorees

sistant coach Jim Thome, Landon’s father, who was inducted into Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018.

“[The key] was just playing through that [pressure] and being myself,” Fauske said.

Nazareth Academy senior outfielder Jaden Fauske was concerned about fulfilling high expectations throughout the baseball season. As a Louisiana State recruit and Major League prospect, Fauske ended up being named the Gatorade Illinois Baseball Player of the Year as well as all-state for the third straight year by the Illinois Baseball Coaches Association.

“Obviously, I think [all-state] this year might mean a little more for me just being through the microscope I had to play under and the extra pressure I had that came with that,” Fauske said.

Nazareth junior shortstop Landon Thome joined Fauske on the Class 4A all-state team for the first time. Fauske was 3A all-state in 2022 as the Roadrunners completed backto-back state championships before being bumped up to 4A the past two seasons

“Coach Milano helped with that, definitely just reiterating that all of the time. [Thome] helped a lot, just reiterating that. A guy who’s been through the whole process – and a Hall of Famer. Having him in my cor ner is pretty nice.”

Fauske could very well be selected in next month’s Major League Baseball draft. He recently returned from the Draft Combine in Arizona, but the focus for him was interviews

“I was used to it a little bit just because in the fall and winter I did interviews. This was a little higher level than that,” he said.

In last year’s draft, 2024 Nazareth graduate Cooper Malamazian was selected in the 17th round by the Milwaukee Brewers but opted to play at Indiana University. By March, Malamazian (.320, 40 RBIs, 17 doubles) became the Hoosiers’ starting shortstop and was named second-team freshman All-American by Perfect Game and was part of the Big Ten Conference All-Freshman Team.

“I was kind of getting an extra year my junior year to experience that [draft process] and look at it from the outside,” Fauske said.

“I would say the Gatorade [award] was definitely special,” Fauske said. “I think of that as one of the highest awards you can receive. To cap of f my senior year with that really meant a lot to me.”

Fauske had team highs of a .475 batting average, 40 runs batted in and a 1.433 OPS with four home runs, 38 runs scored, and 33 stolen bases.

Thome batted .442 with a team-best six homers and 46 runs along with 25 RBIs, a 1.412 OPS and 23 stolen bases.

Fauske was thankful for the support and insight from head coach Lee Milano and as-

Joining Fauske and Thome on the All-East Suburban Catholic Conference team were Nazareth senior pitcher Chase Zidlicky of Riverside, senior catcher Chuck Roche (.382, 5 HR, 32 RBIs, 32 runs, 1.155 OPS) and junior outfielder Kam Alikhan (.317, 14 RBIs, 24 runs, 15 stolen bases).

Zidlicky, the ace of the Roadrunners’ staf f, had a 9-1 pitching record with a 1.06 earned-run average, 85 strikeouts and 28 walks in 59.2 innings and a 1.073

BASEBALL on page 9

L ANDON THOME

Strong, Vlcek, Drenth honored as RBHS student-athletes

Trio shares annual awards for outstanding seniors in athletics, academics

While recent Riverside Brookfield High School graduate Max Strong worked to excel as a student; he also had the responsibilities of a four-year, three-sport athlete

“It was just time management. I was busy a lot,” Strong said. “It’s kind of just figure out what was more important and prioritizing. Then sleep became optional at the end of the day.”

Strong was p leasantly surprised to be rewarded in b oth re ga rds.

Hailey Vlcek and Strong we re named the RBHS Female and Male A thletes of the Year. Lu cy Drenth and Strong we re named the RBHS Female and Male Scholar A thletes of the Year.

know that was an award prior to the whole awards night,” Vlcek said. “[RBHS swimming coach Mike Laurich] surprised me with it, too. They kept it a secret from me so I was honestly surprised. It was really cool to get it after the hard work I put in over the years and being a part of the swim team.”

Strong will play lacrosse and football at NCAA Division III Illinois Wesleyan University. He competed in those sports all four years as well as wrestling. Avi Ponnappan (water polo, swimming, cross country) was another boys four-year, three-sport athlete for the Class of 2025.

“I kind of thought you couldn’t get both. But apparently you can,” Strong said. “I was told the coaches vote on [top athlete], so I was just surprised, excited. I thought it was very cool because that means all of the coaches at RB thought that I was one of the better athletes. I appreciated that. I tried my best and that’s where I wanted to be.”

Vlcek is the greatest girls swimmer in RBHS history, yet the award came out of nowhere to her. She will swim for the University of Illinois.

“I was really excited about it. I didn’t even

BASEBALL

Regional winners

from page 12

(walks/hits per inning).

Zidlicky (Middlebury) and Roche (Harper) also will play colle ge baseball.

The Roadrunners (31-7) reached 30 wins for the fourth consecutive season and captured their eighth straight regional title.

Drenth will attend the University of Illinois. She was a four-year varsity girls soccer player, named All-Metro Suburban Conference in 2024 and 2023. She also was a fouryear golfer, two seasons on varsity.

“[The honor] was awesome,” Drenth said. “I work pretty hard in academics and athletics is pretty important to me. To see both of those things pay off is rewarding and pretty awesome. It’s difficult having tough schedules academically. A lot of homework, it’s hard on its own, and trying to handle the schedule of games, especially when you have late games. It was definitely difficult. But keeping myself organized and on top of work was huge. There were times I was definitely behind, but in the end academics was important, so making sure I kept up was always a priority.”

In football, Strong earned Class 6A allstate honors as a linebacker this past fall. He was promoted to varsity midway through

Riverside Brookfield baseball

T he Bulldogs (19-14), who finished second in their first year in the Upstate Eight Conference East Division, had four all-conference players – seniors Sean Campbell (team-high .449, 26 RBIs, 1.467 OPS and 11 doubles with one homer and 14 stolen bases), and leadof f hitter Ethan Smith (,376, team-high 36 runs and 25 stolen bases with 2 HR, 14 RBIs) and juniors Damian Noa (.277, HR, 20 RBIs) and pitcher Aidan Polich (5-2, 2.20 ERA, 44 strike-

his sophomore year. As a freshman lacrosse player, he was part of the first season the Bulldogs played a varsity schedule. This spring, the program achieved its first postseason victory.

Strong said he first decided on playing lacrosse at IWU and then added football. He will major in biochemistry and pre-med with hopes of becoming a surgeon.

“[Attending IWU] was mostly being able to get a good education and being able to play the sports I love,” Strong said. “Having a great base for academics is more important to me. It was a mix between both as well as being a smaller school and that was kind of what I was looking for.”

Vlcek became the first girls RBHS swimmer with first-team all-state finishes – three times in the 200-yard freestyle. She was fourth in 2022, third in 2023 and fifth this past season with an even faster time. Her third place is the highest state finish by any RBHS girls swimmer or diver.

She has left the RBHS school record board far from updated. She owns all-time records for the 200 free, 500 free, 100 free, 50 free, 100 butterfly, 100 backstroke and 200 individual medley and six more records on the sophomore level (5 individual, 1 relay)

through even when it gets hard. Also just learning time management, balancing my school work with being part of the team and being part of a team culture and supporting each other. It was fun getting to be a part of all of that.”

Vlcek plans to study biology at Illinois with medical or environmental plans. “I want to work with other people,” she said. Strong and Drenth both took numerous RBHS advanced placement classes. Drenth, who will double major in accounting and finance at Illinois, especially enjoyed AP microeconomics and macroeconomics.

“All of the teachers at RB were so helpful. Balancing academics and athletics, they’re all very reasonable and always willing to help, which was a huge, huge thing,” Drenth said. “Academically, RB really taught me how to work hard and prioritize school and just a lot of the basic academic skills foundation that’ll be useful. For athletics, determination and hard work were huge. You find challenges in sports all of the time, academically too. Learning how to work through those and problem solving is pretty useful.”

Vlcek broke the 200 free record seven times and 100 free record five times

“I think I learned a lot about myself [through swimming] and how to persevere even when things get difficult and when you put in the hard work, even when you don’t always feel like doing it,” she said. “It’s just always pushing yourself and learning to push

outs in 35 innings).

Campbell (North Central) and Smith (Denison) are among the Bulldogs’ collegiate players. Campbell was All-Metro Suburban Conference in 2024.

Lyons Township baseball

Senior Tucker King was named the West Suburban Conference Silver Division’s Pitcher of the Year after a 4-3 season that included a team-best 2.57 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 49 innings with 17 walks. King was joined on the All-WSC Silver

Like the sports postseason, Strong said there were challenging stretches in school, such as numerous tests at the end of semesters or major projects, especially for Spanish class

“As long as you stay on top of your time and you’ re getting it done, day by day, you’ re pretty much fine,” Strong said. “[I’ve also learned] just to have fun, do what you love to do and you’ll do well – as long as you have the motivation.”

team senior first baseman/pitcher Dom Pisciotti (.312, 2 HR, 28 RBI, 3-1 as pitcher 3.89 ERA, 24 K, 14 BB in 18 IP), junior third baseman Lou Ratcliffe (.383, team-high 34 RBI and 1.120 OPS and co-team bests of 3 HR, 36 runs and 10 doubles) and sophomore shortstop Blake Ragsdale (.343, 2 HR, 28 RBIs, team-best 24 stolen bases, co-team best 10 doubles).

King (Cincinnati) and Pisciotti (Concordia) will play collegiately. King also was allconference in 2024.

The Lions (22-11-1) finished third in the Silver at 12-6, one victory from sharing the title

MAX STRONG
HAILE Y VLCEK
LU CY DRENTH

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS

VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD

Notice of Public Hearing

Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission

July 24, 2025, at 7:00 PM

NOTICE is hereby given that the Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue Illinois for the purpose of considering a request from Michael Evert for Variations from:

Section 62.17 to allow a 400 square foot detached garage that exceeds the maximum 376 square footage (10% of Lot Area) permitted in the Zoning Code and is setback 2.5’ to the rear Lot Line rather than the required minimum setback of 3’ and,

Section 62.75 to allow a Building coverage of approximately 41% rather than the maximum allowed by the Zoning Code of 30% and,

Section 62.453 to allow the removal of a non-conforming structure to be replaced with a new structure that is non-conforming under the Zoning Ordinance in an existing “A” Single Family Residential District for property located at 3532 Blanchan Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513 (PIN 15-34-300-018-0000)

Legal Description: THE SOUTH ONE QUARTER OF LOT 4 IN BLOCK 8 IN PORTIA MANOR, BEING FREDERICK H. BARTLETT’S SUBDIVISION IN THE SOUTHWEST ¼ OF SECTION 34, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINICPAL MERIDIAN, PLAT WHEREOF WAS RECORDED FEBRUARY 6, 1915, AS DOCUMENT 5573274, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/or written comments. Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the public hearing to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Libby Popovic, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513, lpopovic@ brookfieldil.gov, or 708-485-1113. Oral or written testimony may be given during the public hearing. The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours. Please reference PZC Case 25-11. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Individuals with disabilities requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any meeting should contact the Village of Brookfield (708) 485-7344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front (South) entrance of Village Hall. By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman.

Published in RB Landmark July 2, 2025

VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE, ILLINOIS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PUBLIC NOTICES

IN

The Judicial Sales Corporation.

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS

VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD

Notice of Public Hearing Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission

July 24, 2025, at 7:00 PM

NOTICE is hereby given that the Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing on Thursday July 24, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue Illinois for the purpose of considering a request from the Claudia and Jose Alvarez DBA Cornerstone Montessori School for variations from:

Section 62.268 Required (Parking) Setbacks to reduce the required parking setback from five feet to zero feet and,

Section 62.269 Access from public right of way and,

Section 62.290 Required Parking Spaces to reduce the number of required parking spaces from 43 to 15 District and,

Section 62.320 Required Loading Spaces to reduce the required Loading Space from one to zero in an existing “SA 4b” Station Area General Mix District for property located at 8400 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513 (PIN 15 – 35 – 310 – 042 - 0000)

Legal Description:

LOTS 14, 15, 16,17, 18 AND 19 IN HOLLYWOOD, A SUBDIVISION IN THE SOUTHWEST ¼ OF SECTION 35, TOWNSHIP 35 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/ or written comments. Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the public hearing to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Libby Popovic, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513, lpopovic@brookfieldil.gov, or 708485-1113. Oral or written testimony may be given during the public hearing. The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours. Please reference PZC Case 25-12. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Individuals with disabilities requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any meeting should contact the Village of Brookfield (708) 485-7344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front (South) entrance of Village Hall. By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman.

Published in RB Landmark July 2, 2025

Notice is hereby given to all interested persons that a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Riverside will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the business of the Planning and Zoning Commission may permit, in Room 4 of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois, to consider an application from the Village of Riverside to review and consider various changes to the Riverside Zoning Ordinance and the Municipal Code.

Application No.: PZ 25-0003

Petitioner: Village of Riverside Proposed Text Amendments: Various changes to the Village of Riverside Zoning Ordinance and Municipal Code. The affected chapters in Title 10 (Zoning Code) include, but may not be limited to, the following: Chapter 2 (Administration), Chapter 4 (Residential Districts), Chapter 7 (Site Development Standards), Chapter 11 (Definitions), and Chapter 13 (Planned Unit Developments). The affected chapters in the Municipal Code include, but may not be limited to, the following: Title 4, Chapter 8 (Subdivision Regulations) and Title 11, Chapter 1 (Historic Preservation). The topics of the changes being considered include, but may not be limited to, measuring building heights, utility connections for accessory buildings, pool and hot tub deck standards, pool setbacks, R1-AA Zoning District design standards, Certificates of Compliance, text and zoning map amendments, subdivisions and lot combinations, special uses, planned unit developments, site plan reviews, and landmark designations.

The above application is available for inspection at the office of the Village Clerk, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois 60546. During the Public Hearing the Planning and Zoning Commission will hear testimony from and consider any evidence presented by persons interested to speak on these matters. Persons wishing to appear at this hearing may do so in person or by attorney or other representative and may speak for or against the matters being considered. Communications in writing in relation thereto may be filed at such hearing or with the Planning and Zoning Commission in advance by submission to the Village’s Community Development Department at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois prior to 4:00 p.m. the day of the public hearing.

The Public Hearing may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act.

Dated this 2nd day of July, 2025.

Jennifer Henaghan, Chairperson Planning & Zoning Commission

Published in RB Landmark July 2, 2025

SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE ON BEHALF FOR CSMC 2018-RPL12 TRUST

Plaintiff vs. THOMAS EVANS, VEORIA EVANS, STATE OF ILLINOIS, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC.

Defendant 19 CH 13708

CALENDAR 57 NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on August 6, 2025, at the hour 11:00 a.m., Intercounty’s office, 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, IL 60602, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-10-123-039-0000. Commonly known as 316 22ND AVE., BELLWOOD, IL 60104. The real estate is: single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel, 175 North Franklin Street, Suite 201, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 357-1125. 1904973

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3268790

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION PARAMOUNT RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE GROUP, INC. Plaintiff, -v.-

SABRINA MCDADE Defendants 2024 CH 06544 1014 GARDNER ROAD WESTCHESTER, IL 60154

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on April 22, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 24, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 1014 GARDNER ROAD, WESTCHESTER, IL 60154

Property Index No. 15-16-416058-0000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $258,302.82. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to

No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g) (4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 151701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact CHAD LEWIS, ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 6400 SHAFER CT, STE 325, ROSEMONT, IL, 60018 (561) 241-6901. Please refer to file number 24-224197. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc. com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CHAD LEWIS ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC 6400 SHAFER CT, STE 325 ROSEMONT IL, 60018 561-241-6901

E-Mail: ILMAIL@RASLG.COM

Attorney File No. 24-224197

Attorney ARDC No. 6306439

Attorney Code. 65582

Case Number: 2024 CH 06544

TJSC#: 45-1129

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2024 CH 06544 I3268586

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