We Are Almost There Let's Work Together in Beating Covid-19
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h e ra l d
Volume 4, Issue 1
We Are Almost There…
Let’s Work Together in Beating Covid-19
January/February, 2021
The Village of Hillside has been diligent in its efforts to help Working with Carmen Baldo, owner of Special T Unlimited and
residents navigate through the Covid-19 pandemic, from going Steve Augle, owner of 333 Image, the Village designed 20 unique
door-to-door distributing hand sanitizer and facemasks, to placing banners urging people to stay safe that are now displayed on
over 300 STAY HOME signs on front lawns, to using social media utility poles throughout the Village.
to keep residents updated on the latest Covid-19 information.
Mayor Tamburino commented, “I wanted these banners to serve
When the COVID-19 numbers began spiking in October, Mayor as a message that we have come this far and need to continue
Joseph Tamburino became alarmed. The Mayor understood people safe anti-Covid-19 practices until the majority of residents are
were getting tired of the restrictions placed on their lives and were vaccinated in the next few months.”
beginning to ignore some of the medical warnings on how to stay safe.
Hillside’s Dr. Martin Luther King Breakfast CANCELED
The annual Martin Luther King Breakfast is canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
We look forward to next year’s event with the fervent hope that this scourge of a
disease will be gone. In these most chaotic times, we should reflect on the words
of this man of peace. The following quote by Dr. King is as relevant today as it was
57 years ago.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times
of challenge and controversy. The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige, and even his life for the welfare of others.”
— Martin Luther King Jr. — Quote from his 1963 book “Strength to Love”
1
Cars Lined Up Early For Drive-Thru Food Distribution In Hillside
A beautiful Saturday morning in October saw hundreds of cars arrive at the Sheet Metal Local #73 parking lot in Hillside
to partake in a food distribution drive sponsored by House of Restoration/ Transformation Community Outreach under
the leadership of Directors Pedro and Lucy Gomez and 18th Ward Chicago Alderman Derrick Curtis. This was just one
in a series of events they have hosted throughout the Chicagoland area in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that has
wreaked economic havoc on working families and retirees.
Hillside Village Officials and employees happily assisted in the distribution of produce, meats, and canned goods to our
neighbors in need.
Mayor Joseph Tamburino commented, “We are now at a point that it is everyone’s duty to ensure that their neighbors
are safe and being fed. I want to thank Alderman Curtis and Directors Pedro and Lucy Gomez for selecting Hillside as
one of their food distribution sites. However, I am certain the biggest thanks they receive are the smiles on the faces of
the food recipients.”
Village Clerk (L to R) Hillside
Linda Gould seen Mayor Tamburino,
in white mask on 18th Ward Alderman
right assisted in Derrick Curtis,
loading food items Directors Lucy and
into dozens of cars Pedro Gomez
Free Fresh Produce Distribution Distribución de Productos Frescos Gratis
Queen of All Nations Parish
At St. Domitilla Church
Queen of All Nations Parish along with the Greater Chicago Food Depository is organizing a produce distribution.
La Parroquia Reina de Todos los Pueblos y el Greater Chicago Food Depository estáorganizando esta distribución.
When/Cuando Where/Donde
Jan. 9, then the 1st Saturday of every month thru September 2021 4940 Washington Street, Hillside, Il 60162
Primer Sábado de cada mes hasta Septiembre del 2021 St. Domitilla Parking Lot / En el estacionamieto de St. Domitilla
10 AM Until Noon Walk up or Drive up / Caminando o Manejando
Who Can Come/Que Pueda Venir
Open to anyone who needs the support! / Disponible para quienes necesiten ayuda!
Food will be given away on a FIRST COME/FIRST SERVED basis, until supplies last, distribution will take place “rain or shine.”
Los productos serán ofrecidos POR ORDEN DE LLEGADA hasta donde alcancen. Se hará bajo cualquier condición de clima.
For more information contact / Para obtener más información contacte:
Greater Chicago Food Depository at 773-247-FOOD or chicagofoodbank.org
2
Info on Paying Your Village of Hillside Water Bill
The Village of Hillside offers several convenient options on how to pay your water bill; choose the one that best fits
your need.
Credit Card – Pay 24 hours a day with Visa, MasterCard or Discover. With this service, you can also access your
utility account information, history of billing, penalties, payments and usage data. Auto debit is an option when you
set up an account, which takes 30 days to go into effect.
1) To register for this program, visit the Village website at: www.hillside-il.org
2) Next step - scroll down to Top Services on home page.
3) Then click on Pay Water Bill.
4) Then click to Pay Your Bill Now on pop up menu.
5) Now click on green Register button that appears and follow the instructions.
Note: Partial payments are not accepted with this service.
Auto-Pay – Our monthly payment is automatically taken from your designated banking account on the due date and
the money is directly credited to your water account at the Village of Hillside. You will continue to receive a paper
statement for your records. If you are interested, call our Water Billing Clerk at (708) 202-3462.
Drop Box – A 24 hour drop box is located at the Hillside Village Hall at 425 N. Hillside Avenue in the parking lot at
the south-west corner.
Mail – Send your payment via the US Mail using the envelope provided with your water bill.
In Person – Pay in person at Hillside Village Hall, 425 N. Hillside Avenue.
PHONE PAYMENTS ARE NOT ACCEPTED
Late Payments – Payments must be received in our office by the due date to avoid a 5% penalty charge.
Failure to receive bill or payment by the due date does not excuse the late charge. Payments must be received,
not postmarked, by the due date to avoid the penalty charge.
Feel Secure With the Hillside Fire Department Knox Box Program
A Knox Home Box is a secure container used for storing keys TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE KNOX BOX PROGRAM ONE
for home or business access. This box allows firefighters and MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:
paramedics to quickly enter locked buildings without causing
damage to the building’s exterior. 1) The Knox Box must be used on a home or business with a
Hillside address.
Most important, the box helps first responders expedite emergency
care for residents who need it most. In case of an emergency, the 2) For residents, there needs to be an existing medical or physical
Fire Department can access the box with a master key only they condition which makes it difficult for them to open a locked door
have; the Medco lock and keys prevent unauthorized duplication. in an emergency.
Emergency information concerning the Knox Box will be made Once the application has been filled out, the department will
available through the department’s dispatch system which determine if the applicant meets the requirements. If approved,
firefighters/paramedics will have access to while responding to the department will contact the applicant and set up an
the call. appointment to place the key in the Knox Box and attach the Box
to the house or business.
HOW TO OBTAIN A BOX:
The Hillside Fire Department will loan a limited number of Knox
Home Boxes to eligible residents. Businesses can purchase the
Knox Box. To obtain one of them, contact the department and we
will assist you with setting up a time to fill out an application and
any other necessary paperwork.
For a Knox Box, Contact the Hillside Fire Department at:
523 N. Wolf Road
Hillside, IL 60162
Phone: 708-547-8684
Fax: 708-544-6405 Business Knox Box
Website: www.hillside-il.org Home Knox Box 3
Meet Village Trustee Marvin Watson…
He Is All About Family
Village Trustee Marvin Watson is just as formidable a both stood up in the wedding. Soon after, Marvin worked
presence today as when he was the starting guard on the up the courage to ask her for a date and 33 years and three
Proviso East football team 40 years ago. Marvin’s passion sons later the rest is history.
for making Hillside a great place to live is deeply rooted in
his upbringing that stressed the importance of family. The newlyweds rented an apartment in Villa Park. One day
traveling down Butterfield Road they saw a sign for an open
Marvin is the youngest of four siblings and the only boy. His house in Hillside. They stopped, did not care for the home,
dad, James Watson, worked at Oscar Mayer as a mechanic but sure liked Hillside. They did some research and decided
and his mom, Jessie, worked on the assembly line at Zenith Hillside with its parks, youth activities, safety and peace of
TV. Marvin went on to say, “As you can imagine we ate a lot mind was the place to raise a family.
of hot dogs growing up and always had the latest model of
TV; we were one of the first families with a VCR.”
Watson spent the first 11 years of his life growing up in
the shadow of Marshall High School on the west side of
Chicago. It was a rough neighborhood where many of
the children lived in single-parent households, but lucky
for Marvin, he lived in a loving two-parent home, with a
stay-at-home grandmother. Marvin’s parents stressed the
importance of God, family, a respect for the law and hard
work; life lessons Marvin and his wife, Donna, would pass
on to their own children.
In 1972, Marvin’s family moved to a home in Broadview,
there he enjoyed a typical childhood. He enrolled at Wilson
School in Bellwood. He joined a Boy Scout Troop at St.
Eulalia and fell in love with camping, a life-long hobby he
would zealously share with his three sons.
Marvin graduated from Roosevelt Jr. High and Proviso East.
He was accepted to many colleges but was undecided
when it came to enrollment. A female friend suggested he
join her at the Illinois Institute of Technology and enroll in
the engineering program, which he did. Influenced by his
mechanically inclined dad, Marvin earned a Bachelor of
Science in Electrical Engineering. Years later, he would go
on to earn a master’s degree in Project Management from
Keller Graduate School of Management.
They soon bought a house on High Ridge Road and within
After college he went to work for the CTA where he steadily four years they had three sons, Marcus, Malcolm and
rose through the ranks, working in management in Fare Martin. Thirty years later the High Ridge Avenue address
Collection, Engineering, Capital Construction, and the Bus is still home. Marvin told this interviewer, “Every day I am
Engineering Departments. He was employed there for 25 thankful for this wonderful home in this great community, it
years until his retirement. is a blessing and a dream come true.”
It was in the mid 1980’s when Marvin met his future wife For 30 years, Marvin Watson has been a driving force in
during a trip to the local pharmacy to buy medication. It was making Hillside a better place to live, work, and play for his
there that Marvin recognized the woman behind the counter family and ours. Marvin restarted a dormant Hillside Cub
as someone he went to high school with, he remembered Scout Pack. At its height, the program had over 30 Scouts.
her as one of the members of the prestigious Pirateer Club, Sadly, today the pack no longer exists. Marvin then became
and as Marvin likes to tell it, “I didn’t personally know her a Scoutmaster when his sons moved up to Boy Scouts.
in high school, but I do remember thinking back then that Under his guidance, Boy Scout Troop 73 produced an
she was one of the prettiest Pirateer girls.” After making astonishing 9 Eagle Scouts, three of whom were his sons,
the connection, Marvin struck up a short conversation and which Marvin claims was one of his proudest moments as
learned that the pretty lady’s name was Donna, and she a father. Three brothers making Eagle Scout is so rare a feat
was the drug store’s pharmacist. After that, his visits to the that a newspaper did a story about it.
drug store became more frequent. By coincidence, Donna’s
sister was the fiancée of one of Marvin’s friends, and they Continued on page 5...
4
...Continued from page 4
Marvin was also active in Hillside Youth Baseball. Marvin Watson family has held a reunion and Marvin has attended
served as a board member, an assistant coach and helped all but 4. With 14 senior siblings, there is no doubt there is
his wife manage the concession stand, which made a always a crowd. The family gatherings are held in different
profit the 6 years they manned it. parts of the country, but the 2019 reunion held in Georgia
drew over 600 family members! It is no wonder that family
His work with Hillside’s youth was recognized by many is so important to Marvin.
people and in 2008, when an opening came up on the
Hillside School District 93 Board, he was appointed to fill
the position. Again, his wife Donna and he served as a
team. She was the school’s PTO President; and eventually
Marvin became the school board’s Vice President.
Besides his work with local youth, Marvin served on
Hillside’s Human Relations Commission. In that position he
served as host of the annual Martin Luther King Breakfast.
Marvin stated, “I believe the commission’s work has been
an integral part in maintaining Hillside as one of the most
diverse communities in all of Illinois.”
In 2011, Marvin was appointed to fill an opening on the
Hillside Village Board of Trustees and today serves as the
Board’s Chairperson of Public Safety and Education and
is a member of Hillside’s Technology Committee. Marvin
offered this statement, “As Chair of The Public Safety and
Education Committee, I am very proud to have been a
part of Hillside’s Fire Department’s achievement of being
ranked in the top 1% of departments in the country.” The Watson Family
Seated L to R: Marvin, Donna, Marcus holding Anthony
Marvin has been a parishioner of Saint Eulalia in Maywood Standing L to R: Martin, Malcolm
for over 40 years where he is also a member of the Knights
of Saint Peter Claver, the largest African American Catholic Today, in his own retirement, besides serving as Village
society in this country. In 2016, Marvin was the recipient of Trustee, Marvin is active in his church, golfs with friends
the Archbishop James P. Lyke O.F.M. African American Male and uses his formidable presence as a part-time security
Image Award, which is given "For academic excellence, officer at Wrigley Field for Cub home games. However,
leadership, Christian values, dedication to the community, his most important activity in retirement is spending time
and community service.” He is also active with Nuns Build; with a new generation of Watsons, his 4-year-old grandson
an organization dedicated to rebuilding sections of New Anthony and 4-year-old nephew Timothy.
Orleans devastated by Hurricane Katrina. For one week
in each of the past four years, he has put his engineering Towards the end of our interview, Marvin stated, “I really
skills to use in rebuilding homes. love helping the residents and businesses in Hillside. I am
quick to give out my Village business card. I have gotten
Marvin’s parents retired to a home in Georgia they built on numerous calls and always respond. I love working with the
20 acres that Marvin’s grandfather left his father. Marvin’s board of trustees because we are always working to help
dad is one of 14 siblings who grew up in that area. In the Hillside community.”
fact, there were so many Watsons that a street that runs
through that same area is named for them. Most of the Because of his commitment to making a better life for his
siblings have returned to their origins, each with their own family, Village Trustee Marvin Watson has helped make
20-acre inherited homestead. For the past 50 years the Hillside the best place to live for our families.
WINTER PARKING REGULATIONS
Parking is not permitted on any public
street or alley within the Village when
snow accumulation reaches three inches
(3”) or more, and until snow removal
operations are completed.
Mayor Tamburino Asks for Your Help in
Supporting Our Local Business Community
Our local small businesses are part of the fabric that makes
Hillside a great place to live. They're the places you ask to
sponsor the Little League team, to donate to the school
fundraiser, to provide a few free dishes to the church potluck
dinner. Without them, Hillside would feel a lot less like home.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Hillside businesses were
financially impacted due to social distancing measures.
So, when deciding where to spend your hard-earned dollars on
tonight’s dinner or a gift for a friend, consider the benefits of
turning to a local businesses within your community.
What a Small Business Means to a Community
• Local businesses are more likely to utilize other local businesses such as banks, service providers, and more.
• For every $100 you spend at local businesses, $68 will stay in the community. Sales tax dollars help stabilize
property taxes.
• Small businesses employ 59 million Americans and accounted for 65% of all new jobs in the last decade. Many of
the employees in our local businesses are Hillside residents.
• Many Hillside businesses are owned and operated by our neighbors! They care about and are invested in the
well-being of your community and its future.
How can you help?
1. Shop local stores online. Most retailers are offering their products through online purchasing, even if they hadn’t been
doing so before the coronavirus pandemic. Continue supporting local businesses by choosing to order through their
websites until they reopen their brick-and-mortar locations.
2. Buy gift cards. Many small businesses that had to close are offering gift cards at discounted rates. Look on the various
Hillside business websites and social accounts for these bargains.
3. Order in. Dining out at a restaurant is a luxury that we will have to do without for now, but you can still enjoy your
favorite takeout food at home. You can safely order through a food delivery service, like Grubhub or DoorDash or use the
restaurant’s drive-thru or curbside pickup service.
4. Tip extra. Whether you’re ordering dinner in or just having your groceries delivered or getting your hair done, you
can help local businesses and their employees make it through this economic crisis by tipping a little bit more than you
normally would.
5. Take advantage of discounts. In an effort to boost their sales, many small
businesses are offering steep discounts on their products at this time. Take
advantage by purchasing larger than normal quantities of sale items to help the
business stay afloat.
6. Pay in Advance. If you can afford it, pay ahead for goods or activities you use
regularly, even if you're not utilizing them right now. Think cleaning services,
landscape and gardening.
7. Accept the Rack Rate. Everyone loves a discount, but perhaps now is not the
time. If you can afford it, pay full price.
Charity starts at home, so let’s dig in and help our local businesses… Buy Hillside First!
Hillside Has Spoken… November 3rd Election Wrap-up
Enduring one of the strangest election seasons ever
due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Hillside voters went
to the polls on November 3rd to vote for candidates
running at the federal, state, county and judicial
levels of government. 67% of Hillside’s registered
voters voted in the November 3rd election. In every
contested race on the 2020 ballot, Hillside voters
overwhelmingly chose the Democrat candidate.
President-Elect Joseph Biden received 57% of the
vote across Illinois but gathered 81% of the vote
in Hillside. Although Governor Pritzker’s Fair Tax
Amendment was defeated state-wide, Hillside
voters voted in favor of the proposed Amendment
by a 74% to 26% margin.
United States Presidential Results for Hillside
Joseph R. Biden Donald J. Trump
and and
Kamala Harris Michael R. Pence
Precinct 3 Community Center 629 125
Precinct 93 Community Center 388 139
Precinct 30 Hillside Village Hall 604 121
Precinct 60 Hillside Village Hall 387 77
Precinct 39 Memorial Park District 672 128
Precinct 49 Progressive Life Giving Word Cathedral 415 69
TOTAL 3095 (81%) 659 (17%)
Voter Registration Is Now Open At The Hillside Village Hall
Village, Library And School Officials Will Be Elected On Tuesday, April 6, 2021
March 9, 2021 - last day to register to vote in person at the Village Hall
March 21, 2021 – last day to register to vote online
Residents can register to vote online or by coming to the Hillside Village Hall.
► You must be a United States Citizen.
► You must be 18 on or before the date of the next election, which is April 6, 2021.
► You must live in your election precinct at least 30 days prior to Election Day.
► You must not be serving a sentence of confinement in any penal institution
as a result of a conviction.
► Not registered to vote anywhere else.
To register, please bring two forms of identification, i.e. driver’s license, utility bill, etc. One must show
your current address. New residents with a current voter registration card may transfer their registration
by mail or re-register at the Hillside Village Hall. You can also register to vote online by visiting:
www.cookcountyclerk.com
For additional information, call the Hillside Village Clerk’s Office at 708-202-4325 during regular business hours.
Information concerning Early Voting and Mail-In Ballot Applications will be in the next edition of the
Hillside Herald.
7
Digital Speed Radar Signs
Popping Up Around Hillside
The Hillside Police Department has been working to reduce speeding vehicles and
stop sign violators throughout the community. Traffic calming on our interior streets
are a priority for police. Several steps have taken place over the last several years. One
of these measures is the implementation of speed radar signs that detect a vehicle's
speed, and then displays it for the driver, adding a thank you or slow down message.
Currently the Village has 5 operational radar signs deployed at locations throughout
the community. As enforcement continues, these signs will be placed at different
locations, allowing drivers to become more aware of their speeds.
Hillside Police are also in the process of testing new technology that allows monitoring
commercial areas, along with residential areas to determine criminal activity. An
important note for residents to understand is that in the State of Illinois, technology
such as the ones mentioned are not admissible in court. When non-criminal citations
are issued, the driver of the vehicle must be identified by a police officer, or witness
willing to sign the citation as the complainant and then follow through with appear-
ances in traffic court.
A Year Like No Other…
and Hillside’s EMA Team Was There to Help
In the past year Hillside’s Emergency Management Agency stepped up to assist
residents in several Covid-19 related projects such as providing traffic control and
security at a food distribution event. The EMA Team members that helped with
this event was Tony Faragia, Scott Lundgren, Namon Barnett, Lamonte Batie, David
Wingier, Frank Calderone, Caroline Knoff and Allan Stohl.
The EMA Team was also proud to be part of the distribution of bags containing
face masks and hand sanitizer that were given throughout the Hillside community.
The EMA Team provided traffic control for the Veterans Day Parade and decorated
Emergency Management Vehicles for the Christmas Parade.
With the advent of Covid-19 vaccines, we are anticipating a return to normalcy. In the next few months, we hope to get
back to hosting events like our popular Summer Concert series. Hillside’s Emergency Management Agency plays an
important role in ensuring the success of events like this and other Village programs.
JOIN THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TEAM TODAY!
Membership is open to individuals who can devote their free time to assist with emergencies such as floods and Village
events. Equipment and training will be provided along with uniforms and personal protective equipment that will help
you perform your duties.
To be a member you must be 18 years of age or older. Membership applications can be picked up at the Hillside Village
Hall or call Tony Faragia (EMA Director) at 708-449-6410.
If you want to contribute to your community, help your fellow citizens, and have a fun rewarding experience... Hillside’s
Emergency Management Agency Team can be that opportunity.
8
Hillside Police Issue Community Alert on Ruse Burglaries
Ruse burglaries are usually committed by offenders working in pairs. One offender uses a distraction (Ruse) to keep the
victim’s attention diverted while the second offender enters the home to steal valuables, typically cash or jewelry. Ruse
burglaries often are targeted towards senior citizens and people living alone.
Common Ruse Themes
• Utility problems such as water, gas, or electric problems that must be addressed immediately
• Property line issues i.e.: They are building a fence for your neighbor and need you to check your property line
with them thus leaving your residence unattended
• Unsolicited offer of work on your home or property (i.e.: They have extra blacktop and can seal your driveway,
roof, gutters, etc.)
• Asking questions about homes for sale in the area
• Offenders may say they are friends of the previous owner or a family member
Safety Tips
Do not let anyone into your home you do not know or did not schedule to be there
Ask for ID, no legitimate utility worker will object to providing ID
Never leave your door unlocked/unattended
Safeguard valuables in a safe if possible
Note the vehicles being used as most public works vehicles are clearly marked
You can verify utility emergencies by calling your municipality or 911
Never confront any suspected offenders
If you suspect you are being targeted remain safe and call 911. Getting pictures of vehicles, writing down license plates
and descriptions of the offenders may be helpful to the police if it can be done safely.
Offenders are known to wear fluorescent safety vests and use walkie talkies which help them look like public works
employees (always verify the work request with your municipality before letting anyone inside the home).
If you have seen suspicious vehicles and/or subjects approaching neighbors, or you feel you were the victim of a ruse
burglary, please call the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Investigation Section 708-865-4896 or call the Hillside Police
Department at 911 if the incident is in progress.
MacArthur and Sunnyside Facilities Update
Since the successful passage of the referendum in March 2020, the district has been actively working to prepare for the
major construction projects. A facilities committee consisting of parents, staff, administrators, and board members met
continuously since the summer to give input and guidance throughout the design phase.
A webinar was held on October 28, 2020 where the speakers presented the final interior and exterior renderings of the
beautiful new Sunnyside and MacArthur building. They also discussed construction plans, layout, color schemes, safety/
security, improved traffic, landscaping, timelines, and much more.
See the building plans and hear the Oct. 28 presentation. On YouTube, search “Community Engagement Webinar
10-28-2020.”
Good News for Homeowners
At the time of the facilities referendum in March, the district anticipated an average increase to homeowners’ real estate
taxes (based on a $200,000 home value) of $558 per year if the $111 million referendum for the facilities project passed.
However, in August 2020 when the district sold the first of three bond issuances, interest rates were at their lowest point
in municipal bond history. That means the district will borrow less to cover interest costs, which translates into a smaller
financial impact upon homeowners.
The second bond sale will take place in early 2021. While it is not possible to completely predict market conditions, it is
anticipated that interest rates will still be low. The increase in real estate taxes is now projected to be about $425 per year
(for a home with a $200,000 market value) or about $133 a year less than initially projected. The third and final bond sale
will take place in early 2022.
9
Hillside’s Top-Rated Fire Department Adds 3 New Firefighters
Hillside’s three new Firefighter/
Paramedics were administered the “Oath
of Office” by Village Clerk Linda Gould on
November 2nd.
The three new Fire Department members
were hired from the $1,430,820.00 Safer
Grant that the Village of Hillside was
awarded in September of 2020. This grant
enhances one of the country’s top-rated
fire department’s firefighter and lifesaving
capabilities.
A second, more formal “Oath of Office”
will be administered at a later Board
meeting, once they have completed their
12-month probationary period.
New Firefighters (L-R) Mark Tomzik, Congratulations and Welcome!
Antoine Winbush, Ryan Dubowski Firefighter/Medic Ryan Dubowski
Firefighter/Medic Mark Tomzik
Firefighter/Medic Antoine Winbush
Hillside Fire Department… One of the Country’s Best
Gets New Equipment Thanks to a Donor
With the help of a $350.00 donation from Harbor Freight tools to the Hillside
Fire Department, a new Predator portable 2000-watt generator was purchased for
Engine 404.
This super-quiet generator is safe to use with sensitive electronics. The efficient
design of this inverter generator gives our fire department more power with lower
fuel consumption. Lighter weight than conventional generators, this inverter
generator will be used to power portable lights, extrication equipment, etc., and
already has been put into service several times. It is ideal in helping first responders
move quickly and safely during an emergency.
Help Our Fire Department Protect Your Home
Snow can prove especially the hydrant so firefighters have
challenging when trying to fight easy access. Please make a path
fires because in many cases it from the hydrant to the street
makes the fire hydrants hard to so it can be accessible quickly.
see or get to. Remember, every second counts!
If there’s a fire hydrant near your Ice around the fire hydrant???
home that is covered with snow, Could be a leak; contact the
please do your part to keep it Public Works Department
visible this winter by clearing at immediately at 708-202-3434.
least a three-foot radius around
10When the Chicago Mob and the
F.B.I Got Together at Hillside’s
Fresh Meadow Golf Course
I n the late 50’s through the mid 1960’s Sam “Momo” Giancana was the
acknowledged boss of the Chicago Mob. Sam was a colorful character
who dated popular recording star Phyllis McGuire. His mistress, Judith
Exner, was also romantically linked to President John Kennedy. Sam
used his muscle to deliver votes for John Kennedy in the 1960 election
and worked with the C.I.A. on plots to eliminate Fidel Castro.
In the early 1960’s the local F.B.I. made Giancana Public Enemy #1 and
their goal was to harass him into either leaving the country or finding
evidence to convict him of racketeering, murder and other assorted
crimes. They placed 24-hour stakeouts on his Oak Park home. They
would follow him in a tail car whenever he left the home. Even when he
would see relatives the F.B.I. would sit across the street from the house
nce
that Sam was visiting.
Blurry surveilla
G ia cana
picture of Sam
practicin g at
Fresh Meadow
Giancana was a fanatical golfer, reportedly even teeing it up to federal court claiming his civil rights were being violated.
with Frank Sinatra in Las Vegas. Of course, no country club Armed with photographic evidence, Sam won a court order
wanted to have the boss of the Chicago Mob as a member so that mandated the F.B.I. had to have one foursome intervene
Giancana was relegated to playing public courses. His most between plaintiff and FBI agents when [Giancana] plays
frequented golf course was Fresh Meadows here in Hillside. golf. Roemer said, “even though I told the judge that I never
It was only a 20-minute drive from his Oak Park home. once hit Sam with a ball.”
Sam was a regular player at Fresh Meadow Golf Course, An interesting side note to this story is that Giancana’s
and his foursome had regular company – a tailing foursome lawyer in this case was prominent African American
from the FBI led by Organized Crime Director Bill Roemer. attorney George Leighton. Mr. Leighton would eventually
be elected a Cook County Circuit Court Judge; then became
At Fresh Meadow, Roemer’s F.B.I. group would constantly Illinois’ first African American to serve as a First District
hit into Giancana’s group, properly yelling “fore,” and as Appellate Court of Illinois Judge; finally, was appointed by
Sam would stand over a putt, the F.B.I. would start yelling President Gerald Ford to serve on the bench of the United
obscenities to unnerve him. “At the golf course, I’d follow States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. He
him to the men’s room and stand next to him,” retired FBI practiced law until he was 99 years old. In 2012, the Cook
agent Bill Roemer once said. “He had shy kidneys, so when County Criminal Courthouse at 2600 South California
I was there, he couldn’t go. Sam was about a 14 handicap, Avenue, in Chicago, was renamed in his honor as "The
although he cheated a lot. Kicked the balls out of the rough.” Honorable George N. Leighton Criminal Court Building."
Giancana finally got tired of the harassment. But rather than Credit: Golf Chicago Magazine April 2017 article “When the Boys Play Through”
pull a 15th club out of his bag and shoot back, Giancana went
11Continuing a Proud Tradition… Hillside’s Veterans Day Parade
When it comes to honoring our Veterans, nothing can stop us…
neither rain or snow or a Pandemic!
On Saturday, November 7, 2020, the of Military Vehicles participated along
Village hosted its 18th Annual Veterans with Police and Fire Departments from
Day Parade. It was a little different, but neighboring towns.
the message was the same powerful
one, “Hillside Salutes Our Veterans.” The day was sunny and warm, which
helped attract one of our largest crowds
Due to the Pandemic, we couldn’t have ever along the parade route. Happy to
marching bands, JROTC groups or report that the crowd observed social
walkers, but all of the Shriner/Medinah distancing and wore face masks while
Groups were anxious to be part of our they proudly waved the American Flag.
“vehicle only” parade, that included, Yes, it was different but honoring our
Medinah Motor Corps, Cruzin’ Veterans is important and as always
Coolers, Segway Unit, Mini-T’s, it was our honor to say, “THANK
Mini-Choppers and the Medinah Fire YOU VETERANS, WE SALUTE
Unit. Honor Flight America was proud YOU TODAY, TOMORROW AND
to attend and brought 15 decorated ALWAYS.”
vehicles to honor our Veterans. A fleet
Flag Disposal Ceremony Held on Veterans Day
at Hillside Village Commons
Members of the American Legion Post and Hillside Village
officials held a ceremony to respectfully dispose of worn and
tattered United States flags on November 11th, which was also
Veterans Day. About four dozen flags were burnt as prescribed by
flag disposal protocol.
Please bring any flag that you want to discard to the lobby of the
Hillside Village Hall, and look for future flag disposal ceremonies
in upcoming editions of the Hillside Herald.
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning is
Seeking Your Input on Improving the Prairie Path
The Illinois Prairie Path is a multi-use nature trail that spans over 60 miles
through various municipalities in Cook, DuPage, and Kane Counties.
This heavily used trail brings visitors through Berkeley, Hillside, and other
communities.
The Village of Hillside, Village of Berkeley, and the Berkeley Park District, in
partnership with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, are working
to develop a shared vision for the Prairie Path to increase pedestrian and
bicycle traffic along the path, attract businesses to the area, and enhance parks
and open space for residents and path users.
The project study area is located in the Villages of Berkeley and Hillside and
is bounded to the North by Burr Oak and Hawthorne Avenues, to the East by Please visit their website to give your input about the
Wolf Road, to the West by I-294, and to the South by Warren Avenue. future of one of Hillside’s treasures, The Illinois Prairie
Path: https://engage.cmap.illinois.gov
12Need Help Paying Winter Heating Bills…
Nicor Gas’s COVID-19 Assistance Program Can Help
Nicor Gas is reminding its residential customers based on family size. LIHEAP registration is currently
they have funds available to assist those who may be underway and available to households with income
affected by the ongoing pandemic and have a past due up to 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline or
balance. More than 20,000 Nicor Gas customers with about $52,400 annually for a family of four. For single
accounts that were in arrears have been recipients member households, the maximum gross monthly
of the one-time grant of up to $300 as part of the income to qualify is only $2,127.
COVID-19 Bill Payment Assistance Program.
The Nicor Gas Sharing Program provides annual
To qualify for the COVID-19 Bill Payment Program, grants up to $400 depending on income and
customers must first enroll in LIHEAP or the Nicor family size. Residential customers with a Nicor
Gas Sharing Program. Customers with account Gas bill may qualify if their gross monthly
balances do not need to wait for a shut-off notice income is below 300 percent of the federal
to apply. Once customers are qualified poverty guideline or $6,550 per month for
for either one of the programs and a family of four – that’s $78,600 annually.
funds applied to their account, The Sharing Program is administered
the COVID-19 Bill Payment by The Salvation Army and funded
Assistance Program Grant through direct contributions from
will be automatically Nicor Gas customers and employees.
applied to a customer’s
outstanding balance, For more information or to
up to $300. find a local community action
agency, visit: nicorgas.com/
Income guidelines energyassistance.
are on a sliding scale
Other Nicor Gas customer support programs include:
The Nicor Gas Energy Aide Program: Eligible renegotiate their terms to 24 monthly installments and
customers also can receive an Energy Aide Grant terms may be renegotiated if a customer’s financial
up to $250 toward past due balances. This grant is situation changes or they default after enrollment.
administered by select local agencies and customers
are not required to pay back the grant. Service disconnections: Nicor Gas voluntarily has
suspended service disconnections for non-payment
Paying balances in monthly installments no down for residential customers through March 31, 2021.
payment: Nicor Gas is offering customers the Additionally, Nicor Gas will waive reconnection fees
opportunity to pay off past due account balances in and restore service for residential customers who were
24 monthly installments without a down payment. disconnected for nonpayment up to one year prior to
This self-service option is available 24/7 by visiting June 18, 2020, upon request by the customer.
the My Account webpage or by calling Nicor Gas at
888.Nicor4U (642.6748). Residential customers who For information about COVID-19 and your natural
currently have an active payment agreement may gas service, visit: nicorgas.com/covid-19.
13Snow Accumulation
Freezing temperatures, snow and ice are the
winter norm for this area, and Hillside Public
Works salt trucks and snowplows are ready. January
Parking is not permitted on any public & Febru
street within the Village when snow ar y
accumulation reaches three inches (3”)
or more until snow removal operations
are completed.
Please do not shovel or blow snow into or
across any public street or sidewalk. (Code
of Ordinance Section 9.108.1). Icy patches
and frozen blocks of ice can form, which
are a danger to pedestrians and vehicles.
The Village does not clear neighborhood
sidewalks. Please be a snow angel and
shovel your sidewalk so school children
and pedestrians can walk with greater
ease and safety. Also, if able, please clear
snow from around fire hydrants and storm
sewers. Please keep the snow on your own
property and parkway.
Snowplow Safety
Stay safe around snowplows by keeping your distance. A
snowplow drivers’ field of vision is restricted. You may see
them, but they may not see you. Watch for sudden stopping
or turning. Plows are wide and can cross center lines. Do
not tailgate and do not pass. Snowplows tend to go under
the speed limit. Be patient and allow plenty of time to slow Sump Pump Discharge
down. Take it slow this Winter!
All residents must comply with proper discharge of your
Garbage & Recycle Carts storm water sump pump. Water must be directed so the
grass areas existing in your front or back yard may readily
Garbage, recycle, and yard waste carts, by Ordinance (Article absorb the runoff without creating a flooding/icing condition
1, Sec. 70-33), must be put out on the parkway and NOT IN to adjacent properties or public ways. Improper discharge
THE STREET. The Public Works Department is unable to will create a public nuisance as stated in Section 21.305
maintain our streets (snow plowing) with these obstacles on (Nuisance) of the Municipal Code of Ordinances.
the street.
To ensure pick-up on your scheduled day, the Village highly Disposal Of Television & All Electronics
recommends placing your garbage out on the parkway any The Village of Hillside and Waste Management will not
time after 4:00 p.m. the day before your scheduled pick-up to pick-up TV’s at curbside. TV’s have many toxic materials
ensure pick-up the following morning. Holidays delaying the and as of 2012, are prohibited from landfills. It is the
garbage pick-up by one day are: New Years, Memorial Day, responsibility of us all to dispose of electronics properly. For
4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hillside residents only: The Village has a recycling bin
REMINDER: Yard waste pick-up has ended and will for electronics only, where you can dispose of your TVs
resume in April 2021. and electronics properly in the lobby of the Village Hall.
There is a size restriction. Please call with any questions.
DuPage County Recycling Program is open to all. This
Should you have any questions or concerns, program benefits the Developmentally Disabled. By
going to their website at: http://www.dupageco.org/
please feel free to contact the Public Works ElectronicsRecycling/ you will get all the information
office at 708-202-3434 pertaining to this program.
Streetlights
Please call us to report the outage of a streetlight so we can
keep our Village lit up!
14Village of Hillside Looking to Assemble a Performing Arts Company
The Village of Hillside is seeking aspiring actors, singers, musicians, comics, artists and other
theatrical aficionados who would be interested in developing a performing arts company right
here in Hillside.
The company would have access to the Village Hall to put on small dramatic, comedic, or
children's plays. The hall would also be open to divas and musicians who want to stretch their
musical chops. The type of performances that can be staged would be up to the performing arts
board.
So all you would-be thespians, directors, comics, musicians or any one else who would be
interested in being part of this new dynamic fun concept, please call Mayor Joseph Tamburino
at (708) 202-4343.
Hillside-Berkeley Chamber of Commerce Looking for Civic Minded Board Members
Are you interested in sharing your time and talents to help make the Hillside-Berkeley
SUPPORT
area a better place?
Think
LOCAL
Do you have a special skill that could benefit our board? Are you willing to be an
enthusiastic advocate for the community and encourage others to get involved?
Local
BUSINESS
Serving on a chamber board is a wonderful way to support the community. It is also a
great way to build your own skills and expertise and share your business with the other
members in the Chamber and in the neighborhood.
The Hillside-Berkeley Chamber is looking for civic minded, community-oriented
individuals to join our board. If you are interested, please contact us at 708-449-2449.
Start the New Year Off on the Right Paw…
Get Your Dog or Cat Their Tags Today!
Pet owners don’t forget to register your pets.
The Village of Hillside has free registration
for your dogs and cats. We recommend that
you register your pet at the beginning of the
year in order to receive your free pet tags.
We only ask that you bring in an up-to-date
rabies vaccination report. In case you’re pet
ever gets lost the village tag on your pet’s
collar will help our police department reunite
them with you, the pet owner.
15Stay Connected… Stay Informed…
Like Village of Hillside Page on Facebook
Following the Village of Hillside on Facebook is one of the best ways to stay connected with the Village. We
post frequent announcements and can answer questions you may have.
To stay informed on Village of Hillside happenings, go to the following two Facebook links and then hit the
LIKED button that appears on the site. You will then be notified of Hillside events and information when they
are posted to the Facebook site.
Village of Hillside: www.facebook.com/hillsideil
Hillside Fire Department: www.facebook.com/hillsidefiredepartment
50/50 HILLSIDE Memorial Park District
SIDEWALK PROGRAM Wishes You A
The Village offers the Public Sidewalk Program to all residents
who want to replace damaged public sidewalk squares under
the 50/50 Program. If this is something you are interested
Happy New Year!
in, please call Public Works at 708-202-3434 to schedule an
appointment to assess your sidewalk’s condition. You will then
be given a contract for the recommended replacement
Stay Safe And Healthy
of squares and the cost to you as the applicant.
In 2021!
Please sign the contract and return it to the Village Hall with
payment, which will be required prior to scheduling with our
contractor. This work takes place two (2) times per year, typically
late spring to early summer and late summer to fall. Feel free to
call 708-202-3434 with any questions you may have.
16HILLSIDE LIBRARY IS CLOSED
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Digital Media: As of this writing, the library is closed to Teens: Call or check the library website for ongoing YA
the public until further notice. In the meantime, enjoy our crafts and activities available for pickup on request. Also,
online resources. With your library card you can access sign up for the winter reading program. You might even win
Libby/Media on Demand for e-books and audiobooks, a prize!
RBdigital for magazines, and Freegal Music for streaming
24/7. Kanopy and Kanopy kids are available for movie Teens, do you have questions about any kind of health or
streaming and storytime. All you need is your Hillside wellness issue? From our homepage, log into the award-
Library card! Visit the Research and/or the Digital Media winning Teen Health & Wellness site. It provides middle
tabs on our homepage to access this online library. and high school students with up-to-date, nonjudgmental,
www.hillsidelibrary.org straightforward information and self-help support. Articles
are correlated to state and national standards. Topics
Need a Library card number to access our digital covered include diseases, drugs, alcohol, nutrition, mental
resources? Go to our website and click on the catalog at health, suicide, bullying, LGBTQ+ issues, and more.
the right-hand side. Click on Sign Up to get started. You
can also reset your pin here or ask to have your library Youth: The winter reading program is open to children that
card number emailed to you. can read and to children that need to be read to. All ages
are welcome to participate.
Featured Resource: Newsbank.
Access the Newsbank search box on our home page Curbside Pickup
underneath the card catalog search box. At this writing, an opening date for the library has not been
Newsbank, has added a couple of new features. set. However, we are currently doing curbside pickup.
"Chicago Community Collection". 1) Place an item on hold through the library catalog or call
This database includes archived material from the the library to place the hold.
following local newspapers: Hillside Suburban Life (2007-
2013), Maywood Herald (1995-2006), Melrose Park 2) The library will notify you when the item is ready to be
Herald (1995-2006), Proviso Herald (2006-2011), and picked up.
West Proviso Herald (1995-2006).
3) Come at your scheduled pick-up time.
"Acceda Noticias"
Spanish language newspapers, newswires and web-only 4) A receipt with the due date will be included with your
content from the U.S. and around the world including items.
Argentina, Chile, Columbia, Mexico and Spain.
Please be aware that events and news change rapidly so
check our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts for
LIBRARY PROGRAMS library information updates.
Adults:
First Wednesday monthly book discussion. 2:00 pm. On
Zoom until further notice. Visitors and new members
always welcome.
January 6: Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory
February 3: Lab Girl by Hope Jahren
Lunchtime Bingo: Tuesdays in January from 12:30 to
1:15. Join us each Tuesday in January for 45 minutes of
Bingo fun. Register to play by 6:00 pm on Mondays. We
will send out the Bingo card link and the Zoom invite on
Tuesday mornings. To register call the library or email
adult service at rfuener@hillsidelibrary.org.
Hillside Public Library
Call 708-449-7510 or visit www.hillsidelibrary.org.
17A Message from John Kramer, Village Trustee
and Air Force Veteran & Broadview-Hillside
American Legion Member
For many of you, 2020 was a really tough year. Perhaps you lost a relative or friend, or
perhaps you are having financial issues or suffering from illness. If you had a good year, you
were blessed. In any case, I wish you all the very best for 2021.
I have written several pieces for this paper, but I often wonder, what you would really like me
to talk about? Please let me know by emailing me at: jkramer@hillside-il.org
Recently, someone asked me, “What was it like being in the Service?” I thought it might be
nice to talk about that in 2021, but the problem is that if you ask 10 veterans that question,
you’d probably get 10 different answers. Our experiences were so different - some of us liked
it and some of us didn’t. I will give it a try however in future articles. One thing I can say for
certain is that almost every veteran looks back with pride on his/her time in the Service, and
are secure in their belief that it was an honor.
Veterans Can Be Buried in a National
VA Cemetery at No Cost
One of the best ways to arrange a free burial in a Veteran
National Cemetery is to participate in a VA program called
Pre-Need eligibility. Pre-Need establishes eligibility for VA
burial and memorial benefits, so your family does not have
to go searching for documentation at the time of your death.
To learn more about this program and to download the
VA Form 40-1007 visit: www.cem.va.gov/pre-need.
Illinois Joining Forces Providing
Crucial Services for Veterans
A network of military and veteran organizations is offering free
wellness checks for veterans, service members and their families
during the coronavirus pandemic. Illinois Joining Forces is a
partnership between state and private groups, including the Illinois
Department of Veterans’ Affairs, that helps service members and
veterans navigate service providers through its Care Coordination
Center.
The center typically responds to requests for assistance on issues
such as housing, employment or health care. Now people can request the center conduct wellness checks, either
on an ongoing basis or a single check-in, for veterans, members of the military or their families.
Veterans shouldn’t have to wander from office to office – or website to website – to determine who does what
and which organization can best meet their needs. Navigating all the service providers in a community can be
challenging, especially when in a state of crisis. Our Care Coordination Center can direct individuals to core
partners, and through them, to service providers in their local communities.
For more information or to register:
Visit: www.illinoisjoiningforces.org
Or Call: 833-INFO IJF (833-463-6453)
18A Report on the Hillside’s Fire Department Activities in 2020…
During This Most Difficult Period in Our Village’s History
This past year has been a trying one for us all. The global with our occupational health physician. One of the highest
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected every priorities was obtaining Personal Protective Equipment
aspect of our lives. The Hillside Fire Department has (PPE) and cleaning supplies from various sources and
worked tirelessly throughout this crisis to provide the level developing internal conservation practices to maintain
of service our residents deserve. The COVID-19 pandemic supply levels consistently. We instituted additional
has caused an increase in calls for assistance from the Fire
Department and introduced a new element of risk. Of
course, the typical emergencies have not stopped either.
The hard-working women and men of the Hillside Fire
Department have taken steps
to ensure they can continue
to be there for the community
that has come to rely on them.
While the fire department has
continued to perform all of its
traditional duties, including
training, fire prevention, and decontamination and
community risk reduction, screening measures. At
enormous effort has been the beginning and at
dedicated to our pandemic the end of each shift,
response. As of this article's writing, the Fire Department screening and documentation is required for all members;
has responded to more than 2,350 calls for service. quarantine and testing for possible exposures; daily
Close to 1,600 of those calls were for emergency medical decontamination of the entire station and all vehicles
services, of which almost 12% were suspected or and equipment; mask use and physical distancing in the
confirmed COVID-19 patients. The command staff began building; additional decontamination after all high-risk
monitoring the situation early in the pandemic. The calls. These measures and our personnel's diligence have
administration made a timely decision to close the fire allowed the Hillside fire Department to maintain safe,
station to non-emergency public access and non-essential effective operations and prevented service interruptions
personnel and used frequent command staff briefings to throughout this unprecedented year.
increase situational awareness and maintain a common
operational picture. Please call the fire department or check our social media
for information on which community programs we
We made many changes in our procedures to increase the are able to provide during this difficult time. Although
safety of the community and our responders. Department widespread availability of a vaccine is on the horizon, cases
administration developed policies and procedures based of COVID-19 are on the rise in our area and we must all
on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to take appropriate measures to protect ourselves
and state health department guidance in collaboration and one another. Please remember to wear a mask, practice
social distancing, and avoid large gatherings.
19Municipal Calendar of Events
Village Board of a Whole Meeting,
7:30 p.m. on January 11th
January Village Board Meeting,
& February 7:30 p.m. on January 25th
Village Board of a Whole Meeting,
7:30 p.m. on February 8th
ECRWSS
Village Board Meeting, Local Postal Customer
7:30 p.m. on February 22nd Hillside, IL 60162
*** All Board and Community Awareness meetings are held in
the Village Hall Board Room – 425 Hillside Avenue
Mayor
Joseph T. Tamburino
Clerk
Linda L. Gould
Village Trustees
David V. Delgado
Valerie J. Farries
John N. Kramer
Frank J. Lomeli, Sr.
Marvin A. Watson
Herman L. Walter, Jr.
Administrator
Russell F. Wajda
Police Department
Saluting The Real Superheroes Of 2020!
425 Hillside Avenue
Chief Joseph M. Lukaszek
Fire Department
523 Wolf Road
Chief Kenneth Carling As a young boy I would be mesmerized by the exploits of Flash Gordon as he battled the
Public Works merciless Ming or by the adventures of Superman as he flew across Metropolis. America is
425 Hillside Avenue still fascinated with the mythical Superhero. In the past ten years movie goers spent over 10
Director Joseph L. Pisano billion dollars watching films like the Avengers or The Black Panther or Ironman.
Village Hall Main Number In 2020, everyday people like your Hillside Village Employees, were turned into
708-449-6450 Superheroes as they bravely went to their essential jobs facing the prospect of being
www.hillside-il.org stricken with a serious illness.
Emergency
Police & Fire: 9-1-1 When the virus closed down the Village Hall, employees continued to come to work
Non-Emergency answering phones and helping Hillside residents with questions and problems including
Police: 708-449-6133 Covid related inquiries. It was a challenge, but the day-to-day operations of village services
Fire: 708-547-8684 continued. Our Public Works Department still replaced streetlights, repaired water mains
Public Works and completed another 2.7 miles of street resurfacing.
708-202-3434
Water Billing The gallant men and women of our Police and Fire Departments were out there every day
708-202-3462 on the frontline never knowing what traffic stop or ambulance call could afflict them with
EMA 708-449-6410 the deadly virus. As we Social Distanced and Stayed Home our Police and Fire Officers
Director: Anthony Faragia unflinchingly moved toward possible danger. In fact, several Hillside fire and police officers
Mayor’s Office of Special came down with the virus.
Events:
708-202-4343 So, when you are in the mood to watch a Superhero in action, don’t bother going to the
Coordinator movies but rather stop by the Fire Station, Police Department, Village Hall and Public
Evelyn Belmonte Works Garage because these Hillside locations house the real Superheroes.
Village Hours
M-F 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sat. 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Closed on Sunday
Mayor Joseph Tamburino
20You can also read
