The Shopper 9/27/2023

Starved Rock State Park Voted as Illinois’ Top ‘Hidden Gem’ To See Fall Foliage.

Each Fall, images appear online showcasing some of the most stunning examples of foliage. Most of these hotspots occur in New England. For example, the entire state of Vermont is a canvas of fall colors, and the Green Mountains are especially renowned. However, many Americans are perhaps unaware of alternative ‘hidden gems’ to see Fall’s foliage. For example, New Mexico’s Cloudcroft is only really known by locals - nestled in the Sacramento Mountains, is a hidden gem for fall foliage enthusiasts. At over 8,600 feet elevation, this alpine oasis in a predominantly arid state boasts shimmering golden aspen trees set against evergreen pines each autumn. Its position off the national radar means fewer crowds, allowing for a more unique viewing experience. Likewise, the Upper Peninsula in Michigan offers some of the Midwest’s best fall foliage, especially around areas like Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Mixbook, a #1 rated photo book brand, carried out a survey of 3,000 respondents, asking them which under-the-radar destinations they would most like to visit to see fall foliage this year. The results were as follows:

#1 Sterling Forest State Park, New York

Sterling Forest State Park is a hidden gem for fall foliage viewing because it offers a less crowded alternative to other popular spots, allowing visitors to enjoy the vibrant autumn colors in a peaceful setting. The park’s diverse landscapes, from tranquil lakes to dense forests, provide a unique backdrop for the brilliant reds, oranges, and golds that define the season.

#2 Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is an underrated treasure for witnessing fall foliage. Far from the bustling tourist spots, it provides a peaceful escape to experience autumn’s vibrant palette. With its expansive forests, rolling hills, and picturesque views, the park showcases the Midwestern fall in its purest form.

#3 Bear Creek Lake State Park, Virginia Bear Creek Lake State Park is a lesser-known haven for fall foliage enthusiasts. Tucked away from major tourist hubs, it offers a tranquil setting to admire the autumnal transformation. The park’s mix of dense woods and reflective lakeside views makes it an idyllic spot to witness Virginia’s brilliant array of reds, oranges, and yellows.

#4 Mount Greylock State Reservation, Massachusetts

Mount Greylock State Reservation is a hidden jewel for those seeking the beauty of fall foliage. As the highest point in the state, it offers panoramic views of the vibrant autumn colors stretching across the New England landscape. Away from the hustle of city life, visitors can enjoy the tapestry of reds, oranges, and golds that blanket the mountain’s slopes.

#5 Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Maine

Distanced from the usual tourist paths, Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge presents a peaceful setting where nature takes center stage. The wetlands, meadows, and forests of the refuge are illuminated with a brilliant display of reds, oranges, and yellows during the fall, making it a picturesque destination for leaf-peeping in New England.

#6 High Bridge Trail State Park, Virginia

High Bridge Trail State Park is a true spectacle of beauty during the fall season. As the leaves transition into vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold, the park’s expansive trail weaves through a breathtaking tapestry of colors. The iconic High Bridge itself, spanning the Appomattox River, becomes a focal point amidst the scenic foliage, creating a picturesque setting that captures the essence of fall’s charm.

#7 Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio

Hocking Hills State Park is a lesser-known delight during the fall season. As the foliage turns to rich shades of red, orange, and gold, the park’s varied terrain, from gorges to waterfalls, is accentuated by this colorful canvas. The natural beauty of the park, often overshadowed by more popular destinations, provides a tranquil and stunning setting that truly celebrates the essence of fall.

#8 Beartooth Highway, Montana

Beartooth Highway is an under-the-radar gem during the fall months. As the surrounding landscapes shift into brilliant reds, oranges, and golds, this scenic drive offers unparalleled views of the season’s transformation. Elevating travelers to high-altitude vistas, the highway reveals a vast expanse of autumnal splendor, making it a breathtaking and peaceful journey that highlights the magnificence of fall.

#9 Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee

Fall Creek Falls State Park is a lesser-known oasis during autumn. As the leaves adopt fiery hues of red, orange, and gold, the park’s cascading waterfalls and rugged terrains are beautifully framed by this vibrant backdrop. Though overshadowed by more renowned locations, this park presents a quiet, scenic retreat, epitomizing the Southern charm of the fall season.

#10 Hope Valley, California

Hope Valley in California is a tucked-away marvel during the fall months. As the alpine landscape transforms with vivid reds, oranges, and golds, the valley becomes a captivating display of California’s autumnal beauty. Often eclipsed by the state’s more famous fall destinations, Hope Valley offers a picturesque escape, perfectly encapsulating the tranquility and splendor of the season.

Illinois’ top pick was Starved Rock State Park, voted in #24 position nationally: Beyond its famed canyons and waterfalls, the park’s lush forests transform into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows during autumn. This off-the-beatenpath sanctuary offers a serene escape to witness the seasonal transformation while exploring its lesser-known trails, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts seeking a tranquil and enchanting retreat amidst the stunning colors of fall.

Other locations within the state that were cited were:

#66 Castle Rock State Park

This lesser-known park also unveils a stunning tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows during autumn, making Castle Rock State Park an ideal destination to witness the magic of fall in a peaceful and enchanting setting.

#98 Pere Marquette State Park

The park’s diverse hardwood forests transform into a stunning panorama of red, orange, and gold hues during the autumn months, offering a serene and breathtaking escape. Its secluded location and the sense of tranquility it provides make it a cherished destination to experience the vibrant colors of fall in a lesser-known yet captivating natural haven.

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The Shopper reserves the right to edit any content supplied for publication as it sees fit, including but not limited to clarity, grammatical and factual accuracy, and to accommodate available space. All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to Fair Housing Laws which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, age, ancestry, parental status, source of income, military discharge status or housing status,” no matter how large or small the property. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800-669-9777.

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Personal Trainer to the Real Estate Consumer Evolution of Real Estate

MIKE BUDER

I began my real estate career in 1981 when everything was a lot different. The way people shopped for homes, who the agent represented, how we found listings, contract terms, disclosures, inspections and how we advertised our products and services was nothing like today’s real estate industry. I get asked by newer agents if it was more difficult to learn the business back then. We didn’t use computers so we didn’t need to learn how to adjust to changing systems, formats or apps. We did what we had to do with the tools that were available. There was definitely more human interaction. As a new agent, I practiced on blank contracts, listing agreements and all the documents needed until I understood them. Those of us who have been in the business for a while most likely operate the same way as we know and understand the importance of these legal documents. Sadly, I have worked with plenty of newer agents who didn’t have the same type of knowledge since everything is now at their fingertips and can be downloaded without review. Sure, it’s a lot easier to fill out a contract today but if something is not in the MLS information, many of today’s agents would struggle to find it. Zoning, tax exemptions, mileage rates and the list goes on. I believe we have become too dependent on the internet and

Real Estate Questions & Answers

CATHY & JIM HIGGINS

Question: We signed a contract to sell our Home contingent on the buyer getting a loan approved & closing it by a given date. The buyer did not get the loan & the deal was off. We started showing the house again, but have now found out that the buyers got financing through a different bank & they can close by the original deadline. Are we still obligated to close or can we change the contract to better ourselves?

Answer: Wait a second. Go back to the part about the “deal was off.” Did the buyers agree the transaction was finished? Did they get their earnest money back? Or did they simply find a financial bump in the

road? Their offer was fair & acceptable— otherwise you would not have had a contract. The offer from the buyers may be the best you’ll get. Instead of seeking advantage from their difficulty, congratulate them for trying to meet the terms of the agreement & enjoy your check at closing!

E-mail us your Real Estate questions at Cathyah@aol.com. Thinking of selling your home? Call Cathy & Jim Higgins, Licensed Broker/Realtors in Indiana & Illinois. IN: 219-865-4361 IL: 708-828-3304. McColly Real Estate. Website: www.Cathyhiggins. com. Personal Real Estate Journal: www. Higginshousechat.blogspot.com

New State Police rules for assault weapons permits will take effect Oct. 1

By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans who own weapons that can no longer be purchased or sold in the state under its new assault weapons ban will soon be able to register those weapons so they can legally keep them.

The law, officially known as the Protect Illinois Communities Act, bans the sale and possession of firearms defined as “assault weapons” as well as assault weapon attachments, .50 caliber rifles, .50 caliber cartridges and high-capacity magazines.

However, the law provides an exception for Illinoisans who already owned such items before it went into effect. Those people are required to submit an endorsement affidavit through their Firearm Owner’s Identification Card account before Jan. 1, 2024.

must include the applicant’s name, date of birth and FOID card number. Applicants also need to provide the make, model, caliber, and serial number of each weapon, and a statement testifying that they own a locking mechanism for the weapon.

The affidavit form will also include a statement that reads, “Warning: Entering false information on this form is punishable as perjury under Section 32-2 of the Illinois Criminal Code of 2022.”

The law passed during the General Assembly’s lame duck session in January. It was prompted by a mass shooting at an Independence Day parade last year in Highland Park that left seven people dead and dozens more injured or traumatized.

The assault weapons ban prompted several lawsuits almost immediately after Gov. JB Pritzker signed it into law on Jan. 10.

stopped learning the tools of the trade. Is real estate still a people business? Most would answer this question yes, however, it is not the same as before the internet. We didn’t have all these sites displaying homes for sale or make cash purchases without ever marketing the property. I guess some folks prefer convenience over profit. How we find buyer and seller clients has also changed, thanks to the internet. Some agents pay to play to lead generation companies, some pay to get email addresses and phone numbers and other brokers hire others to make cold calls. There is auto dialer software that dial the numbers all day long and connect the two parties. All of this did not exist 40 years ago…a lot of what you see today is not what you get. Virtual staging and photoshop are tools many use so properties look more appealing to online shoppers. I don’t think these are good tools to utilize even when it is disclosed as we know the consumer doesn’t read everything. Just because we can, doesn’t mean we should. Call me “old fashioned” …I do miss some of the things we lost in the real estate industry that will probably never come back.

Mike Buder

A local Christian Businessman RE/MAX 10 / (708) 418-4444

The Illinois State Police filed emergency rules with the secretary of state on Monday to implement that portion of the assault weapons ban beginning next month.

State agencies have authority to issue emergency rules in certain circumstances. Those rules can only remain in place for up to 150 days, after which they must be replaced by permanent rules or repealed. Permanent rules are subject to a public comment period and review by the legislative Joint Committee on Administrative Rules.

ISP will begin accepting affidavits online starting Oct. 1. Affidavits must be submitted online through a FOID Card account, which can be accessed through ISP’s Firearms Services Bureau website or by going directly to www. ispfsb.com/Public/Login.aspx.

ISP has also published a “frequently asked questions” page on its website with additional information about how to submit an endorsement affidavit. Help is also available at any of ISP’s FOID kiosks, located in Lockport, Springfield, Collinsville, and Du Quoin.

According to the statute, those affidavits

Numerous challenges in federal court allege the law violates the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. One federal judge in the Southern District of Illinois ruled that it did, but two other judges in the Northern District rejected such claims. Those cases have now been consolidated and an appeal is pending before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago.

In 4-3 decision in August, the Illinois Supreme Court upheld the law, rejecting claims that the exemptions in the act amounted to “special legislation” and a denial of equal protection under the Illinois Constitution.

But the court has delayed issuing a final order in that case pending the plaintiffs’ appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.

LOCAL CHURCHES

TO BE ADDED, EMAIL ERICAW@MYSHOPPER.BIZ

CALVARY COMMUNITY CHURCH

16341 South Park Ave., South Holland 708-339-1133

Info@CalvarySouthHolland.org

CalvarySouthHolland.org

WORSHIP

Saturday Women’s Grief & Loss Support Group - 2nd Sat. each month at 10:00 a.m.

CHRIST COMMUNITY CHURCH, COGIC

1151 E. 170th St., South Holland 708-331-8389

FAX 708.331.8374

Admin@ChristCommunityCOGIC.org

ChristCommunityCOGIC.org

PASTOR DR. CARL E. KING, SR.

WORSHIP SERVICES SUNDAY

COVENANT UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

1130 East 154th St., South Holland 708-333-5955

www.covucc.org

PASTOR REV. DR. PATRICK L. DAYMOND

WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday Worship

FIRST CHURCH (PCA) 3134 Ridge Rd, Lansing 708-474-9610

www.firstchurchpca.org

PASTOR WYBREN OORD

FIRST ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SOUTH HOLLAND

16248 South Park Ave., South Holland 708-333-8211

www.firstchurchsh.org

PASTOR REV. DANIEL SVENDSEN WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m.

GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, LCMS 8303 Sheffield Avenue Dyer, IN 46311 (219) 322-6527

gracedyer.webchicago.net

WORSHIP SERVICES

Sunday........................................... 9:00 a.m.

Monday...........................................6:30 p.m.

Bible Study Sunday 10:30 a.m.

HAMMOND (SEVENTH-DAY)

ADVENTIST CHURCH

6910 Walnut Avenue, Hammond, IN 46324 219-844-8470

hammondin.adventistchurch.org

Heart Smart

JOSH BOOTSMA

JESUS LIGHTHOUSE OF LOVE

INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES

19058 Burnham Ave, Lansing 312-206-1833

facebook.com/JLOLMinistries

PASTOR EL CID ZOLLICOFFER PASTOR SHONNI ZOLLICOFFER

WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday........................................... 11:00 a.m. Wed. Service on Facebook.............7:30 p.m. Women of Worship via Zoom 3rd Sat. @ 12 pm

RECONCILIATION CHURCH

833 East 168th St., South Holland 708-331-7755

www.reconciliationchurch.org

PASTOR GLEN MCCARTHY WORSHIP SERVICES

This story is from Joshua Harris’ book I Kissed Dating Goodbye. The version below is summarized for length. Index card files cover the wall in the empty room where I’m standing. As I approach the wall, I realize each file is labelled. “Girls I have Liked,” “Books I have read,” and “Jokes I have laughed at,” are just a few. As I flip through the index cards, I laugh at some and cringe at others. Each has my signature on the bottom, proving the experience to be authentically mine. This fact sobers me as I glance at a card from the “Lustful thoughts I’ve had” file. It’s stark in its detail and I feel sick. I feel even worse when I pull open the file “People I’ve shared the Gospel with” and can count the cards in the file on one hand.

My initial wonder has quickly turned to anger and determination. No one must ever see this room. I try to throw the cards out of the file but they won’t budge. I try to tear them up but they’re hard as metal.

My frenzy halts as I see Him through my tear-filled eyes. Oh please not Him, not Jesus. He pulls open the first file and reads the card. Then the next. He gets to the “Things I’ve said in anger” file and I can’t bear to watch.

Then He does the unthinkable. He begins to sign his own name over mine. “No!” I shout and take the card from Him. There’s His name, written in deep red over mine--it’s written with His blood. He does this for all of the cards. He then smiles sadly at me and says, “It is finished.”

As tears of grief and gratitude stream down my face, we leave the room unlocked. There are still cards to be written.

Josh Bootsma Member, Covenant Fellowship Church cfcsh.org

RUMMAGE

& BAKE SALE

ST. JAMES CHURCH

REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH 651 East 166th St., South Holland 708-331-4100

redeemer-lutheran@sbcglobal.net WORSHIP SERVICES

ESPIRITU DE DIOS

16400 S. State St., South Holland 708-439-1220 sogfchurch.com

PASTORES Jose & Paula Lopez

SERVICIOS: Grupo de Oracion de Hombres Jueves ........................................... 7:30 p.m. Sabado Alabanza y Predicacion.....6:00 p.m.

UNITY OF NORTHWEST INDIANA

Plum Creek Center

2138 Moeller Street Dyer, IN 46311 (219) 931-5284

www.unitynwi.org ALL WELCOME

MINISTER: REV. GERALDINE COLVIN SUNDAY SERVICE.......................10:00 AM

9640 KENNEDY AVE, HIGHLAND IN (CORNER OF 45TH & KENNEDY.)

8 am to 5 pm

Thursday, September 28 & Friday, September 29 • 8 am to Noon Saturday, September 30

SATURDAY - BAG DAY SALE!

LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

Calumet City Public Library

Address: 660 S Manistee Ave, Calumet City, IL 60409

Phone: (708) 862-6220

Email: info@calumetcitypl.org

Website: http://www.calumetcitypl.org/index.html

Dolton Public Library

Address: 14037 Lincoln Ave, Dolton, IL Phone: 708-849-2385

Email: lincoln@doltonpubliclibrary.org

Website: www.doltonpubliclibrary.org

Virtual Story Time with Mrs. Brooks

Come and join in the story time with Mrs. Brooks. For ages 3 - 12. FREE. Every 1st Wed. (10am – 10:30am) To register for the Virtual Story Time go through the calendar of events on our website at www.doltonpubliclibrary.org

Virtual Zumba

Virtual Zumba with licensed instructor Yvette Roberts. Come and join in the fun every Friday at 5pm. Please call 708-849-2385 or email lincoln@doltonpubliclibrary.org and leave your full name, email and phone number to register. (5pm – 6pm every Friday). FREE.

Virtual Line Dancing with “Dawn the Dancin’ Deeva”

Every Thursday, at 6pm. Please call 708-8492385 or email lincoln@doltonpubliclibrary. org and leave your full name, email and phone number to register. A link will be sent to you the day of the program. FREE.

Virtual Senior Yoga

Every Wednesday taught by Dionne Arnold, Certified Yoga Instructor, (4pm to 5pm) Please call 708-849-2385 or email lincoln@ doltonpubliclibrary.org and leave your full name, email and phone number to register. FREE.

Senior Bridge Club

Come out for the fun every Tuesday, from 3:30pm to 4:30pm If interested register by calling 708-849-2385 or email at lincoln@ doltonpubliclibrary.org and leave your full name, email and cell phone to register. FREE.

Virtual Workout Program with Sheena Stinson

Get in Shape from Home. Classes held every Monday from 6pm to 6:30pm. Please call 708-849-2385 or email us at lincoln@ doltonpubliclibrary.org leaving your full name, email address and cell number to register. A Zoom Link will be sent day of the program. FREE.

Get Up & Move with Simon Says!

Join the Dolton Public Library Youth Services Dept. as we play “Simon Says”. Held every 3rd Saturday of the month from 2pm to 2:30pm starting Oct. 15. A YouTube link will be emailed every 3rd Friday. Register by calling (708-849-2385, ext. 4) or emailing at lincoln@doltonpubliclibrary.org leaving your name, email, cell number and the number of children participating. FREE.

Curbside pickup

Dolton Public Library District Curbside

Is currently CLOSED. It will re-open on Monday,October 2nd.

Burbio

Burbio is a one-stop free resource to find out about all the Dolton area events and activities. If your group wishes to post your events on burbio contact: groupsupport@burbio. com Sign-up at Burbio.com or download the free android or iPhone app and follow the calendars that interest you. FREE.

Virtual Program, Passport to Knowledge

Every first Monday of the month. (3:30 – 4pm). Pack your bags for a virtual trip around the world and learn about other countries and cultures. Register at lincoln@ doltonpubliclibrary.org or call (708-849-2385) and leave your name, email and cell number. Come curbside to pick up your Passport Packet prior to departure. The link for Zoom will be emailed prior to the program. FREE.

Coffee and Chat – a Senior Experience

Are you a senior over the age of 60 and want to have conversation with other seniors. Some of the topics discussed are technology and other happenings in our world and community. Held every Wed., @ 4pm to 4:30pm. To register for the program and all the other Senior Programs call (708-849-2385) or email your registration to lincoln@doltonpubliclibrary.org FREE.

Between the Pages: A Virtual Story Time

Every third Saturday of the month at 1:30pm. To register call (708-849-2385) or email lincoln@doltonpubliclibrary.org and leave your name, phone number and email address. A link will be sent to you. FREE.

Toddler Time

For young children (18 mos – 4 yrs.) and their caregivers. Every First Tuesday, 10:45am – 11:45am. 14037 Lincoln Avenue, Kopac Room, starting June 6, 2023. To join us, please register at lincoln@doltonpubiclibrary.org leave your name, email or call at 708- 849-2385, ext. 4. FREE.

Family Game Time

Starting Tuesday, June 20 (1:30pm – 3pm) No registration required. To be held in the Youth Services area

Creative Craft: Summer Time Wear

Join Ms. Barbara every 4 th Wednesday in for a new fun art craft! July 26, 2023, from 1pm – 1:30 pm, in the Kopac Room. NO NEED TO REGISTER KIDS & YOUTH 5-16 YRS. FREE!

Hammond Public Library

Address: 564 State St., Hammond

Phone: (219) 931-5100, ext. 310 or 307

Email: swishl@hammond.lib.in.us

Website: www.hammond.lib.in.us

Harvey Public Library

Address: 15441 Turlington, Harvey, IL 60426

Phone: 708-331-0757x3200

Email: has@harvey.lib.il.us

Website:www.harvey.lib.il.us

FREE online Line Dancing with Dawn the Diva, Tuesdays at 6:30pm

Join Us For Virtual Programs:

Each day at 4:00 pm, “stop” in for online family-fun at the Harvey Library. Tuesday: Craft Wednesday: Story Time Thursday: Bacon

Bits & Cooking Tips Monthly Virtual Music Class (Friday, check calendar each month)

Homewood Public Library

Address: 564 State St., Hammond

Phone: (219) 931-5100, ext. 310 or 307

Email: hplhelp@homewoodlibrary.org

Website: www.homewoodlibrary.org/

Lansing Public Library

Address: 2750 Indiana Ave., Lansing IL

Phone: 708-474-2447

Email: shari@lansingpl.org

Website: www.lansingpl.org

Riverdale Public Library

Address: 208 W 144th St Riverdale, IL 60827

Phone: (708) 841-3311

Email: library@rpld.org

Website: www.rpld.org

September is National Library Card Sign-up

Month

A library card helps you do more of the things you enjoy. From borrowing books, ebooks, films and museum passes to learning new skills, gaining access to free services, and attending programs. Visit us during the month of September and receive not only your new library card but a free goodie bag. Two proofs of Riverdale residency required: a photo I.D. and one other piece of current mail.

Poetry in the Preserves (Storywalk)

September through October All Ages At Kickapoo Woods enjoy this innovative walk through nature. A new story will be posted each month.

Healthy You

Monday, September 25 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Adults/Seniors The library will be hosting TCA Health, Inc. for a nine-week series that will include health screenings and nutrition classes.

Book Sale

Monday, September 25 All Day Event Choose from a selection of books at only .25 a piece.

Free Haircuts

Wednesday, September 27 12 – 2 pm All Ages Join us at the library where top-notch stylists will provide complimentary haircuts to clients of all ages. Pre-registration advised as spaces are limited. (Limit 15)

Tots & Tales Storytime

Every Tuesday from 11 am – 12 pm Ages 2-7 Listen to the storytelling of Ms. Cheryl and afterwards, participate in a fun-filled craft.

Tutoring & Downtime

Every Tuesday and Thursday 3:30 – 5:30 pm Grades K-8 Find answers to your homework needs during our group tutoring sessions. Get help with math, writing assignments, science, and more.

Puzzle Club (Children/Tweens)

Wednesday, September 20 th 3:30 – 4:30 pm All Ages Join in the fun as we put together puzzles. Individually or form a team.

Let’s Learn Together

Friday, September 22 nd 3:45 – 4:45 pm All Ages Come join us at the library and learn how to create new things. At our first meetup we will be learning how to create origami.

Bookies Book Club

Wednesday, September 27 th 4 – 5 pm Adults/ Seniors This month we will be discussing Run, Rose, Run by James Patterson and Dolly Parton Stop in and get your copy at the Circulation Desk.

Family Game Day

Saturday, September 30 th 3:30 – 5 pm All Ages Bring the family together and enjoy board games, card games and more.

South Holland Public Library

Address: 16250 Wausau Ave., South Holland IL Phone: 708-527-3160 or 708-580-6161

Email: library@southhollandlibrary.org

Website: shlibrary.org/events-calendar.

Thornton Public Library

Address: 115 E. Margaret St. Thornton, IL.

Email: library@thorntonil.us

Website: https://www.thorntonlibrary.org/

Calendar of the Month

Women’s Bible Study

Discover Your Bible with us at Cottage Grove Christian Reformed Church, 166th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue (by the roundabout) in South Holland, Tuesday mornings from 9:45 – 11:00 a.m. beginning on September 12. We will begin our season with a 7-week study of the Old Testament book of Micah. After we complete Micah, we plan to study 1 & 2 Timothy (10 lessons). We provide a Nursery for infants and Story Hour for preschoolers to age 5. For information call the church at 708- 3310391 or Carol at 708-339-6793. We would love to have you join us!

28th Annual Polish-American Heritage

Celebration

Saturday October 7th pm Wreath laying ceremony at Pulaski Park, Hammond, IN and 2:00pm 1st Annual Plaski Park Promenade Walk/Run/Bike event benefiting the St Rafael Kalinowski Polish School in Munster, IN.

Sunday October 8th 10:00am Roman Catholic Mass at St Andrew the Apostle Churhc and 11:30am wreath laying ceremony at Pulaski Park, Calument City, IL with a 12:30pm Luncheon & Program at the VFW 8141 featuring Authentic Polish all-you-can-eat buffet catered by the Cavalier Inn of Hammond Indiana. Music by Gennie “O” and the Next Stop. Donation of $20 in advance, no carry out available. Dine in only. No tickets sold at the door. Buffet served at 1:00pm and music is from 2:30pm5:30pm Cash bar will be available. To purchase tickets, please call Calumet City Treasurer Gerry Tarka at 708-935-1222. You can also stop by or call the Cavalier Innlocated at 735 Gostlin St Hammond, Indiana. The Cavalier Inn phone number is 219-933-9314.

JANICE MINTON-KUTZ

NOTICE OF PAID MAILING OPTION

In July 2022, the cost of both printing and mailing greatly increased. Instead of passing this cost along to our long-time dedicated advertisers, we made the tough choice to eliminate our free mailing sevices to keep The Shopper alive. As of July 2022 we no longer be mailing to homes. If you would like to continue to receive a paper in the mail the cost will be $20 a month. Our new distribution plan has increased the availability of the newspaper as well as expanded the area we serve with added locations below. Thanks for sticking with us , we love our readers and communities! Thank you -

WILHALA ICE CREAM IN WHITING

OFFERS TASTY TREATS: Pictured here at their ice cream shop at 1709 119th Street in Whiting is owner Otilia Alverez and colleague Elizabeth Ivon behind the counter. Jesus and Otilia Alvarez own the ice cream shop together and make their own delicious homemade ice cream, bars, and fruit treats to die for. They will be opening a new shop at 1311 119th Street (Next to J and L) in the spring of 2024. Wilhala now open 7 days a week from 12 pm to 9 pm will close the end of October for the season. ***

PAT ROBERTO CELEBRATES 20 YEARS AT CALABRIA: The authentic Italian deli features old world dishes unavailable anywhere else. The dishes like home made ravioli, egg plant parm and sausages to die for are all here in one pace on 103rd Street and Longwood Drive in Beverly. Pictured here are longtime customers Janice and Larry Kutz of Hegewisch. Pat and his family have run Calabria for twenty years. If you want Italian, you want Calabria! ***

THE CREW AT STEVES IN HEGEWISCH ON A FRIDAY NIGHT: Pictured here at Steve’s Lounge on a busy Friday night are Laura, Becky, Juan and Jerry getting ready to tend to the guests present. ***

CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF ROBERTA THOMAS (TOMCZAK). The longtime Realtor with Coldwell Banker died September 23rd, 2023 peacefully at home in her sleep. Roberta was a hearty 88 years old and had served her industry well. She leaves behind two daughters and a son and several grandchildren. Those of us who serve in the industry with her have many happy and robust memories of working with her on various transactions. A consummate real estate agent, Roberta left no stone unturned to please her clients. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. May Roberta Thomas rest in peace ***

QUIK SCRIPTS EXPANDS TO INCLUDE MUNSTER, INDIANA—Pictured here is the newest store in the family enterprise, 304 Ridge Road in the Applebees Plaza. Owners are David and Daria Davilla. In addition to the new store in Munster are a facility in Beecher, St. John, and Griffith. ***

WILHALA ICECREAM IN WHTING: If you want a true taste treat, go to Wilhala Ice Cream at 1709 119th Street for every kind of treat you could imagine all home made. Jesus and Otilia Alverez make it all by hand. The shop is open now until later in October and will open again in March 2024. A new store will be opening soon at 1311 E. 119th Street in Spring 2024. Open 7 days a week from 12 Noon to 9 pm. Call them at 219-655-5093 ***

THE WILLIAMS FAMILY VISITS WHITING: Pictured here Saturday September 23, 2023 at Beggars Pizza on 119th Street in Whiting are George, Ira, Eric, 10, and Monta, 4 in their matching outfits with OBG on them. The family regularly visits different areas to try out the pizza! “It was delicious,” noted Dad George. “We will definitely be back again!” *** For inclusion in

DARIA AND DAVID DAVILLA AT THEIR NEWEST PHARMACY IN MUNSTER, INDIANA. The couple also have pharmacies in Beecher, St. John and Griffith. Every manor of pharmacy is available at the new facility even a line of pet meds. ***

2 Neighbor, please call Janice at 708-302-8585 or write to her C/O Coldwell Banker,

NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MILK DAY

Satisfy

Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column and 3x3 box includes all digits from 1 through 9.

Speaking Of Seniors

Fought Bad Bill from IL Doctor

WOODROW WILCOX

On September 20, 2023, I got a package of documents from a client and wrote a letter to her doctor. The client is from Rolling Meadows, Illinois.

With some editing to protect people’s privacy, here is the letter that I sent to the doctor who sent the bad medical bill.

Patient Billing Manager,

Your firm created a billing mess. For dates of service 06/11/2021, 01/13/22, and 08/24/22, your firm sent bills to our client and claim forms to her Medicare supplement insurance company under the business name of XXXXX. But you filed the claims with Medicare under the business name of XXXXX.

The insurance company got your claim reports under one business name and the Medicare reports of the claim under another business name. It could not match the claims because it looked like the two names represented two different firms. YOUR BAD BUSINESS PRACTICES CAUSED THE PROBLEM.

So much time has passed that the insurance company probably will not honor the claims because they would be filed past the fifteen-

State’s high court opens new interactive learning center

Displays offer insight into role of judicial branch

By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com

month deadline.

I suggest that you cancel the bill to our client for the balance of $254.88 for those three dates of service. Why should you cancel the bill? Because you caused the problem with your bad business practices. We can easily help our client to file a complaint with the Illinois Attorney General’s office of consumer protection and health bill matters to tell you to stop your bad business practices.

All the help that I gave this client was FREE OF CHARGE. This insurance agency helps our clients with Medicare related medical bill matters without charge to demonstrate that we really do care about our clients. If your insurance agent or agency does not give this high level of customer service, why don’t you switch to our insurance agency?

Note: Woodrow Wilcox is the senior medical bill case worker at Senior Care Insurance Services in Merrillville, Indiana. He has saved clients of that firm over three million dollars by fighting mistakes and fraud in the Medicare system. Also, Wilcox wrote the book SOLVING MEDICARE PROBLEM$ which can be ordered at book stores or online.

#1 RATED USED CAR DEALERSHIP

SPRINGFIELD – In 1946, the Illinois Supreme Court heard a case that would eventually become a landmark in American legal history.

The public school district in Champaign, like many other districts in Illinois at the time, allowed a group of local religious leaders to use their schools to teach elective classes in religion and openly encouraged, and sometimes coerced, students to participate in them.

Vashti McCollum, an atheist and the mother of a Champaign student, complained, saying her son was ostracized by other students for not attending them. She eventually sued in state court claiming the use of public schools to teach religion violated the establishment clause of the First Amendment’s guarantee of freedom of religion.

The Illinois Supreme Court rejected her claim, but the U.S. Supreme Court later reversed that decision, saying the practice violated the separation of church and state.

That’s one of the cases that visitors to the Illinois Supreme Court building in Springfield can learn about and discuss at the court’s new learning center, which officially opened this week.

John Lupton, executive director of the Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission, said at the opening that the learning center has hosted a few visitors, including a couple and their two children earlier this summer.

“And after looking at the controversial case, they began to debate the issue,” he said. “After their debate was over, one of the parents and one of the children agreed with the (state court’s) judgment, while the other parent and the other child disagreed with the judgment. This is exactly what we’re looking for.”

The building where the court now sits first opened in 1908 and it underwent a major restoration project in 2014. Lupton said the idea of the learning center had been discussed even before that restoration project, but because of budget issues, the state’s bicentennial in 2018, and later the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was delayed.

Now open, the learning center is on the second floor of the building, down the hall from the room where the court sits, in space that was once used by the Fourth District Court of Appeals. It was completed at a cost of about $130,000.

“We’re very excited about it,” Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis said in an interview. “It tells the story about the Illinois court system from 1818 to today.”

Lupton said the purpose of the learning center is to improve civic knowledge. One of the shortterm goals, he said, will be to seek out civic education grants and partner with the Governor’s Mansion and the Capitol to provide tours for students visiting Springfield so they can learn about all three branches of state government.

“Studies consistently show that civic education increases civic engagement,” he said. “So during a tour of the Supreme Court building, in addition to seeing the courtroom and learning about the court’s important work, visitors will now end their tour at the learning center. And there they will learn about the important work of the court, explore the ways the court shapes our everyday lives and examine a few significant cases.”

Theis noted that courts are perhaps the least understood institution of government because most people have little or no contact with them. But she said it’s important for people to understand them so they will have trust in the court system.

“Alexander Hamilton said in Federalist 78, courts are the weakest branch of government because they have neither the power of the purse nor the power of the sword,” she said. “So where does the court’s power come from? It comes from trust.”

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of print and broadcast outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.

Indiana Homeowner Assistance Fund to close application portal

Mortgage assistance program has provided $112 million to 9,100 Hoosier households to prevent foreclosure

INDIANAPOLIS (September 21, 2023) – Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) today announced the state’s mortgage assistance program, the Indiana Homeowner Assistance Fund (IHAF) will close the application portal on Oct. 20, 2023.

IHAF was created with a grant from the American Rescue Plan under the direction of the US Department of the Treasury. The program began taking applications and distributing funds in February 2022. Since then, more than 9,100 Hoosier households have received an average of more than $13,000 in assistance in the form of mortgage reinstatement, ongoing mortgage payments, and the payment of delinquent property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and homeowner association fees for the homeowner’s primary residence only.

With the amount of assistance that has already been disbursed, the funds that are currently obligated for upcoming payments, and the number of applications that are being processed, the program is very near to distributing the total amount of funds available for homeowner assistance. On Oct. 20, 2023, IHAF will close the portal to active applications and begin maintaining a waiting list for those homeowners who would like to apply for new funds as they become available. All existing program eligibility requirements will remain in effect for future applicants and awards. The program is designed to assist Indiana homeowners with low to moderate incomes who have experienced a financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Awards are limited to one per household and are provided in the form of a 5-year forgivable, interest-free loan. Visit [haf.877gethope.org]877GetHope.org for eligibility information or to register for the opportunity to apply for assistance.

Services

AC/HEATING

SERVICES: Summer

Special! Furnaces or A/C’s , Clean & check $59.95. Furnaces, A/C’s, Boilers, water heaters, sump pumps, humidifiers, installations, repairs, furnaces installed from $1495.00 R/D

Heating & Cooling. IL. and IN. 219-616-3281

DRYWALL REPAIR: Handy

“All” Drywall Repair, plaster repair, light construction, interior decorating and interior painting. Cell 708-514-0217 phone 708-841-2523. Stanley McDavid

ARE YOU BUYING OR SELLING PROPERTY? WE

SPECIALIZE IN DELIVERING RESULTS.

BRUCE MCKINNEY

Call, send a text message, or an emailCell: 708-269-2992, email: bruce@ familypriderealty.comFamily Pride Realty, 3337 W. 95th St., Evergreen Park, IL. 60805

OVERNIGHT OFFICE

CLEANING AVAILABLE. South Holland Area. Call Randy 708-552-1839

HANDY MAN SERVICE

Lenord Wilks - Call 1-773-897-9464

LIGHT BULB SERVICE

Will replace your burnt out and broken bulbs - Interior/ Exterior. Also replace Smoke and CO2 Detector Batteries. 219-865-2345

ALL HANDYMAN

REPAIRS Done On The Side to save money! Painting, drywall, tile, concrete patching, doors, roofing, hauling. Very reasonable. Mark 708-408-7192

CONCRETE & PATCHING

Done On The Side to save you money. Also general contracting, handyman work, FHA work & snowplowing. Very reasonable. Call Mark 708-408-7192

PAINTING SERVICES:

Economy Painting. Interior/ Exterior painting 20% Off. Mention this ad. Wallpaper instllation. General drywall repair & installation. Best price guaranteed. Ask for Ed. 708-548-6356 or 708-2885038.

ADG HANDYMAN

Cleaned gutters and repairs, installing new gutters, protectors/cover caps. Never clean gutters again! Unclogging all pipes large and small. 312-8356645/708-250-4752 gholston859@gmail.com

PLUMBING SERVICES:

J.E.M. Plumbing & Sewer , Drain Cleaning Specialist, water lines, pumps, water heater, faucets, toilets, same day service. 219-845-7589 or 708-896-0500

GUTTER CLEANING:

SUPER FLOW Gutter cleaning, Free estimates. Very reasonable. Asl for Rob. No Sundays. 708-877-6860

HOME IMPROVEMENT:

A&A Services services faucets, carpentry locks, fence and gate repair, gutter cleaning, power washing, toilet repairs, wind damage repairs, caulking, rooftop repair. Insured. Free estimates. 219-865-2345

TREE SERVICE: Maggy’s Tree Service. Tree’s Topped, Trimmed, Removed, Bush Removal, Stump Removal. Walks shoveled. Also Insured Bonded. Free estimates. 708-200-8078

PAINTS OF AMERICA interior and exterior painting, plus carpet cleaning and gutter cleaning. Senior discounts. Call Algie at 708-574-6367

HARP-WILL CLEANING INC. has several openings for experienced, dependable Home/Office Cleaners with a track record of excellent service. We offer competitive pay. Contact us at info@ harpwillcleaning.com or 708-855-4294.

GUTTER CLEANING. Just a friendly reminder that your gutters need cleaning. Also, for a limited time, we offer a Free Rooftop Inspection at no extra charge. Call today for your free quote 219-8652345

SHELTON’S FIREARM AND SELF DEFENSE LLC www. sheltonsfirearmsandself defense.com Don’t be a Victim, Book A Class

Today! “Shelton’s Firearm and Self Defense Training LLC” 708-502-3718

TRIPLE E LAWNCARE Full Service weekly lawn care. Power Raking, Aeration, Fertilization, Bush Trimming/ Removal/ Planting. Erik of Lansing 708-858-1213

DAILY MOVERS 20 miles one way $325-$425 Special 708-940-1378

CORONADO HOME IMPROVEMENTS. Providing home improvement services such as drywall repairs, painting, floor installations, plumbing and electrical services. For free estimates call (219) 902 1017

Vehicles

1984 CONVERTIBLE MUSTANG GT PART CAR OR TOTAL RESTORATION

$500 or best offer 708-991-

7392

1990 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN MECHANICAL SPECIAL needs water pump / tune-up

$2000 708-996-2445

708-916-7207

Wanted

WANTED SOMEONE TO TEACH ME HOW TO MAKE SILVER JEWELRY. call

708-882-3712 Wanted an Electric stove Call 708-8823712

ELECTRIC STOVE AND REFRIGERATOR, PERENNIAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLE PLANTS and containers, a walker, and a Wondering Jew plant.

708-882-3712

IN SEARCH OF OLDER COBRA CB BASE STATION

RADIOS, CB MICROPHONES , CB ACCESSORIES CB

AMPLIFIERS Let me know what you have! Call Dan 312-720-0844

LOOKING FOR HO

MODEL TRAINS ENGINES,ROLLING STOCK,TRACK,SCENERY will take away or make B O please text 708-262-1661

WANTED RADIO/TV

TUBES CB/HAM RADIOS

TUBE TESTERS 70S HIGH POWER STEREOS misc test equipment Tube type stereos old radios no tvs 708 536 8823

WANTED DEGAN OR MUSSER VIBRAPHONE CALL 219-801-0955

IN DESPARATE NEED SMALL CAR FOR 80 YEAR OLD - ECONOMICAL CAR CAN BE DAMAGED IF RUNNING FOR LOW INCOME SR. CITIZ. Does not have to pass emission test if the price is right - Call 219-801-0955

WANTED: 1972 & OLDER

CARS & TRUCKS, PARTS, RUNNING OR NOT (and parts) unfinished project and 67-69 Camaros. 708-4399770

WANTED - GARAGE TO STORE MY OLD DODGE CAR. Could use 1 or 2 Stall Garage. Prefer the Lansing area. Call James between 9am and 9pm, 708-460-8308

SOMEONE TO REPAIR A GAS LAWN MOWER. Call or text 708-673-9361

WANT TO BUY A USED

2-CAR (NON-WOOD)

GARAGE DOOR.

708.925.2102

IN SEARCH OF OLDER

COBRA CB RADIO BASE STATIONS & ACCESSORIES let me know what you have. Dan 312-720-0844

HOUSE PHONE, CORDLESS, CALLER ID.

Ask for Martha 708-849-4690

US SOLDIER IS DESPERATE IN NEED of a 3 bed house, to rent or rent to buy. Currently paying $2000/mo at Hotel and $209 for storage. Have fixed income of $4000/mo Plus. Call Algie 708.574.6367

SENIOR LOOKING TO RENT 2 OR 3 BEDROOM HOUSE WITH GARAGE. Have Sect. 8, also have 24hr caregiver. Looking in Lansing, Calumet City, South Holland, or Thornton ASAP. Call 708-200-8473. Ask for Carol

WANTED: Electric chainsaws and as many chains as you have. Exterior Brown Paint.

219-801-0955

WANTED: Old Deagan or Musser big bar vibraphones. Any Condition 219-801-0955

HELP WANTED

STERI-CLEAN CHICAGO

- 2152 Glenwood Dyer Rd., Ste 3 Lynwood, IL 60411. Biohazard/Hoarding

Technician Applications -in person ONLY Mon and Wed 12pm - 2pm. We provide necessary training and certifications including Blood Borne Pathogens. However, the following Requirements/ Qualifications MUST be met:

• Live within 30 min. of the office which you are applying for

• Have experience with power tools and have construction or restorations experience

• Valid driver’s license, an MVR will be run

• Clean background, extensive background check will be run

• Pass drug screeningAble to lift 50 lbs.

• Able to work in a respirator and full PPE for long periods

• Must be 21 years of age due to many of our vendor contracts

• Available to work 30-40 hours per week

• Available to work 9 hours per day with 1 hour lunch and 15 minute break

• Reliable transportation to get to our office (work vehicles provided)

• Working cell phone

The work we do is extremely physically and emotionally demanding. Please consider this when applying.

Compensation: DO CATHOLIC CHURCH IN SOUTH HOLLAND HAS AN OPENING FOR A PART-TIME “MAINTENANCE”

PERSON. Responsibilities include, but not limited to, up-keep of the facilities and grounds, both inside and out. This includes--cleaning meeting rooms, sanctuary, gym, kitchen areas, bathrooms, maintenance of lawn/shrubs, snow removalwalkways, small repairs, set-up for events, etc. Call 708-333-3550 or Email christoursavior@archchicago.org

LICENSED HOME CHILDCARE IN INDIANA SEEKING FULL TIME AND PART TIME HELP. Day and night shift. Starting at 12.00 hour. 219 588 1763

For Sale

FREE GOLDEN RETRIEVER PUPPIES TO FOREVER HOMES! 1 MALE,1 FEMALE. Excellent temperament! House trained with very good trainable natures & perfect for families with children and other pets! Please email me first at: staceymcclelland8@gmail. com and Text (312) 9327651

TWO BURIAL PLOTS AT OAKLAND MEMORIAL LANE CEMETARY LOCATED AT 15200 LINCOLN AVENUE (MICHIGAN CITY ROAD) CHRISTUS GARDEN SECTION. $6,000.00 Can be Purchase Seperately + The Deed Transfer Cost $295.00 State Tax $25.00 Per Plot and Administration Fee of $75.00. The Final Cost of the Two Plots is $6,420.00. For One Plot $3,395.00. Call 708-378-2195

MINT CHINA / TROPHY / COLLECTOR WOOD GLASS DOOR CABINET WITH BOTTOM DRAWERS MINT CONDITION PAID OVER $1000 SELL FOR $350 WOOD. DINING TABLE SITS 8 WITH HIGH BACK WOOD CHAIRS PAID OVER $1000 SELL FOR $350. ENTIRE CONTENTS OF HOME $1700. Parents estate....... Call (219) 746 2370 ..... Lansing IL

MORE GREAT DEALS!

Mattresses: twin $88, full $98, queen $138. Bunk beds, futons, day beds $178. 5 pc dinette $179. Sofa LV $495. 4 pc. bdrm $495. Lamps, rugs & more. EZ credit $7,000, 90 days same as cash. or 12mo Installment plan. Free layaway. 708-371-3737 www. factorybeddingfurniture.com

ATTENTION LANDLORDS AND TENANTS BARELY USED CARPET AND PADDING EXCELLENT QUALITY varies sizes colors and grades. Vinyl flooring excellent paint interior and exterior 708-596-0255

GE DOUBLE OVEN

STAINLESS STEEL $1100 OBO in great condition self cleaning, whilpool dish washer stainless steal$350 obo , black electric top stove top $300 obo stainless steel deep double sink $85 708-536-3228

Real Estate

TWO BEDROOM IN HAMMOND: Includes Stove and Fridge. $950 plus $950 Deposit. Near South Shore. Laundry Facility. Outside Parking. No Pets. Seniors Welcome. No Section 8. Call 219-629-5357 for more info.

NEWLY RENOVATED 3 BED 1.5 BATH 1ST-FLOOR APARTMENT STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES $1600 a month all utilities except electric. Calumet City Stanley and Yats. 1 month security and $45 background check. 312-463-9604

FOR RENT WAREHOUSE FOR STORAGE 62.5 X 53 = 3,312 SQFT. 14 FOOT CEILINGS. INSULATED AND HEATED , Door 13’9” high X 23’ 4” Wide. In Crete by Walts food store. $1,500.00 Call 708-672-7775

SMALLER TWO BEDROOM HOME. South Holland. $950 plus security. Redone, appliances, large living room, quiet area, big deck with nature views. Application fee. Outside parking. 708-268-7075

HARVEY 2 Bds 2nd floor, 1 bath, A/C, Appl included, 1 month rent, 1 month security, no pets. 708-362-7887, 708-527-4477

LARGE, NEWLY DECORATED 3 BEDROOM Apt, 2 baths in Calumet City. Sec 8 welcomed. 219-2139556

SOUTH HOLLAND HOME. 1 ROOM FOR RENT, FEMALE SENIORS WELCOME. Utilities Included, Refrigerator and Microwave Included. No Section 8 or Smokers, or Pets. 708-566-1103 Call Linda.

Health/Personals/Misc.

HERNIA REPAIR? Did you recieve the Mesh Patch Between 2018 and the present? Was the patch removed due to complications, you may be entilted to compensation. Attorney Charles Johnson 1-800-535-5727

Garage Sales

RUMMAGE AND BAKE SALE. ST. JAMES CHURCH, 9640 KENNEDY AVE, HIGHLAND IN 46322 (CORNER OF 45TH & KENNEDY.) 8 am to 5 pm, Thursday, September 28 & Friday, September 29 and 8 am to Noon Saturday, September 30. Saturday Bag Day Sale.

GARAGE SALE 15527 STATE ST. SOUTH HOLLAND, IL Sept 29 - 9am to 5pm Sept 30 - 8am to 1pm

THE ULTIMATE END OF SUMMER GARAGE SALE - 2 DAYS ONLY!

SEPTEMBER 29TH +

SEPTEMBER 30TH |

9:00A-2:00P | 172ND AND KENWOOD AVE.Items will range from Apparel, Appliances, Bedding, CDs, DVDs, Dishes, Rugs, Silverware, Small Furniture, Tools and Much, Much More. Look for the Garage Sale signs!!! *CASH ONLY*

PHOENIX, IL - 628 E 155TH PL. SEPT 30-OCT 1. 9am to 4pm. Mens/Womens/ Girls clothing, winter coats, small household appliances, dishes, small tools etc.

GARAGE SALE THURSDAY

SEPTEMBER 28 THRU

SATURDAY SEPT 30TH

8:00AM TO 3:00 PM 3596 ORCHID DRIVE , DYER IN. Many things to choose from. Something for everyone. Womens, mens, teens and children’s shoes and clothing. Home decor, vintage decor. Tools, furniture, cabinets and so much more.

Ethan Allen Wingback Chair - $70; 6 Feet long “Haywood-Wakefield” Bench $100; Occasional Squire 26” dark wood 2 tier table - $50. 708-481-6907

Black and Decker 10 inch power miter saw with side table. $75.00. MTD pro Electric start Snow Blower. $100.00. Thirteen Mallard decoys for sale. Includes weights and bag. $55.00 Craftsman 4 cycle edger. Low usage. $75.00 Runs great.708-895-3767

New Electric Coffee on the Run w/2 stainless Steel Travel Cups $20.00Insulated Server Set w/2 drinking glasses & serving tray 15.00New Samsonite Hardshell Luggage briefcase 20.00 708-4749568

Fishing Pole/Ski Container for Car/SUV Roof. Expensive Thule Brand. Cost $400Selling for $200. OBO Call 708-418-0725

Snow Blower Brand New 4.5 HP M. T. D. $250. OBO. Generator Colman 11 HP 5000 Watt $225 OBO. Craftsman 10” Compound Miter Saw $50 OBO. Wood 5’ Step Ladder $5. 4 Bottles Copper Sulphate Root Killer for Sewer Line $5 each. Vintage Dog & Suds, A&W Root Beer Mugs Have Several, $5 each. 708-8379814

Barbie Dream House, over 4’ long, 3’ high, 10 boxes of furnishings, excellent condition. Original boxes, $200; TYCO HO Train Set, complete steam logo and 5 cars set, original boxes, $125; Musical Santa car, plays 3 xmas songs, new, boxed, $25. 708-460-8308

Scotts EZ Patch and Repair, seed, fert, mulch, complete, $19; Preen Weed preventer, stops weeds for 3 months, $15; Grub Control, $15, 5,200 S.F. Coverage, $15; Large Sunflower Pinwheels, yellow w/ brown center, beautiful, $8 ea. 708-4608308

Small Shovel, 5” Steel Blade for Kids or Adults, new, $6; 3’ Weed Wacker, Double Cutting Blade, $10; Alum. Scoop Shovel, USA Made, new, $39; Steel Scoop HD Shovel, very Old, $15; Timex 7” Wall thermometer, new $4 708-460-8308

NESCO Food Dehydrator and Jerky Maker, US Made, $30; Non-stick Roast Panwith V rack, Top quality steel bake ware, new $20; 4-pc Crystal Parfait Set, USA, Boxed, $10; 4-pc Crystal Sundae Set, USA, Boxed, $10; 708-460-8308

Winter Scene Twin Bed Quilt with Matching Sham, Sealed in Wrap, MSRP $40 sell $29; 8 Pc Full Bed Set, US Made, Sealed, MSRP $70, sell $50; Cuisinart Pasta Server, new, $5; Heavy Duty Halloween Doormat, New, $9. 708-4608308

Misc.

Slow Cooker/ Stock Pot, $30; Ceramic Halloween/ Christbmas houses $25 OBO

Ea. Cuisinart Bread Machine, $50; KitchenAid Food Processor, $30; Tools, Drillbits, Conduit, Hand Truck, Benders, Scotts Spreader. 708-877-608

Brother All-in-one (fax, scan, copy, and photo capture) like new $30; Small Kitchen Appliances (Juicers, Toasters, Rice Cooker, 5 Speed Mixer, Coffee Grinder, etc) from $5-$10; 2 Stadium Camping Chairs $5 each; Set of 2 White Resin Stacking Chairs $10 for a set; Yard Decor, $1-$5 each; Garden tools (rakes sheers etc) $3-$10 each; Flower Pots $1-$5 each; Assorted Sizes Sheppard Hooks and Trelisses $3-$10 each. 708-481-6907

12 New 1970’s Coke Glasses, $3 ea; Win Glasses, 8” x 4” Green glass, clear stem, Box of 4, $12; Green Glass Tealight holders, new, 410, 5qt Brown Glass Range-top Cookware w/Lid, Made in ‘86, Microwave Safe, $15. 708-460-8308

20 pc. Boxed Dinnerware Set, Made in France, Gently Used, $10; New 13” 1982 Crystal Glass Party Plate, Hand Formed, USA, $20; New 9” Ceramic Candy Server, boxed, $10; New 10” White Corning Ware, Perfect, USA, $15. 08-460-8308

Mrvan Announces OSHA Grant Award for Construction Advancement Foundation of Northwest Indiana

Today, Congressman Frank J. Mrvan announced a federal grant award for the Construction Advancement Foundation of Northwest Indiana under the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Susan Harwood Training Grant program.

According to OSHA, the Construction Advancement Foundation of Northwest Indiana will receive a Targeted Topic Training Grant award for $135,565 to institute a workplace mental health awareness and suicide prevention training program. Specifically, the program is expected to train individuals on awareness and recognition of mental health resources in the workplace.

Congressman Mrvan stated, “I applaud the initiative of the Construction Advancement Foundation to continue their commitment to the well-being and safety of workers in Northwest Indiana. I will continue to do all I can to support federal resources that are targeted to improve access and awareness of valuable mental health resources.”

Construction Advancement Foundation Executive Director, Dewey Pearman stated, “The success of this grant approval reflects a commitment to the highest standards of worksite safety on the part of Northwest Indiana’s contractors, building trades, unions, and project owners, and we want to thank Congressman Mrvan for his support of worker safety.”

FLIKKEMA

James Robert Flikkema, age 57, of Munster, IN, was received by the hand of our sovereign God to his eternal home on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.

Brother of Richard (Marcia) Flikkema, Denise (George) DeJong, and Patricia (William) DeJong. Uncle of many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and greatnephews. Preceded in death by his loving parents Winifred and Garret Flikkema.

Visitation Tuesday, September 26, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN, with services conducted by Rev. Audred Spriensma. A private burial service will take place at Oak Ridge Cemetery –Lansing, IL. At Jim’s request, memorial contributions may be given to Cornerstone Protestant Reformed Church or Elim Christian Services. We commit our brother to our gracious heavenly Father, who does all things for the salvation of His children and the glory of His own Name.

LANGSTON

Rose Langston, nee Fung, age 94, of Dyer, IN, formerly of Sauk Village, IL passed away Friday, September 22, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Richard L. Langston. Loving mother of Lorraine (Noel) Cain, Richard (Michelle) Langston, and Sandra (John Jr.) LaRock. Cherished grandmother of Staci (Anthony Bonomo) LaRock and John (Danielle Dacanay) LaRock III and great-grandmother of Max Bonomo, Tyler Dacanay, Giovanni LaRock and Caleb LaRock. Dear sister of the late Helen Lopez, late Peter (late Clara) Fung, John (Beatrice) Fung, Paul (Dorothy) Fung, late Martha (late John) Nance, late Mary Fung Koeher, Dorothy (Norman) Hallett, late Timothy Fung, James (late Barbara) Fung, and late Matthew Fung. Fond aunt of many nieces and nephews. Rose will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Services pending at this time. Inurnment to be held at a later date at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery – Elwood, IL. For further information, please call 219322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guestbook at www.SMITSFH.com

COWSER

Rena “Faye” Cowser, nee Robertson, age 85, of Schererville, IN, passed away

Thursday, September 21, 2023. Loving wife of the late Thomas C. Cowser. Devoted mother of Greg (Cathy) Cowser, Mike (Betty) Cowser, and Steve (Cathie) Cowser.

Cherished grandmother of Kimberly, Kyle, Nicole, Jacob, Michelle, and the late Chandler. Dear sister of Newton (Wanda) Robertson and the late Sheldon Robertson. Preceded in death by her parents Orion and Ollie Robertson.

Memorial gathering

Wednesday, September 27, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane (Rt.30/ Pleasant Springs Ln.) Dyer, IN. Inurnment Cedar Park Cemetery – Calumet Park, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Hospice of your choice, appreciated. For further information, please call 219322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guestbook at www.SMITSFH.com

SNOW

James L. Snow, 91, of South Holland, IL passed away on Saturday, September 23, 2023. Beloved husband of Joanne Snow, nee Cisson. Loving father of Kevin (Susan) Snow. Devoted grandfather of Samantha (Max) Lognion and Stephanie Snow and great-grandfather of Everly, Connor, Xander, and Valery. Dear brother-inlaw of Eileen (John) King. Kind uncle of Kelly (Todd) Stinson and Dan (Sandy) King and great-uncle of Elliott, Briar, Mary, and Grant. Also survived by many other nephews and nieces. Preceded in death by his parents Cecil and Bertha Snow and siblings Sandy Shouse, Darol Snow, Ray (late Loretta) Snow. Mr. Snow was a retired Lab Technician for Clark Oil Refinery in Blue Island. He was loved and will be greatly missed.

Visitation, Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church (651 E. 166th St. South Holland, IL 60473). Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements entrusted to Smits Funeral Home, South Holland, IL. For further information, please contact 708-333-7000 or visit our online guestbook and obituary at www. SMITSFH.com

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Consider Financial gifts for grandchildren

SUBMITTED BY PATRICK ZAMKIN

If you have grandchildren, you probably enjoy spending time with them and watching them grow. And to help them achieve a bright future, you might like to make some financial gifts — but which ones?

You have several options. Let’s look at three of them:

• 529 plans – When you invest in a 529 education savings plan, any earnings growth is distributed federally tax free, as long as withdrawals are used for qualified education expenses. (Withdrawals used for expenses other than qualified education expenses may be subject to federal and state taxes, plus a 10% penalty.) And instate residents who invest in their home state’s 529 plan may also receive state tax incentives. A 529 plan can be used for college, approved trade school programs, qualified student loan repayments and even some K-12 costs. And if the grandchild you’ve named as a beneficiary of a 529 plan decides to forego further education, you can generally switch beneficiaries to another immediate family member. You can contribute up to $17,000 in 2023, per grandchild, to a 529 plan without incurring gift taxes. Furthermore, as of the 2024–25 school year, grandparentowned 529 plans won’t affect financial aid eligibility. However, tax issues for 529 plans can be complex, so consult with your tax advisor about your situation.

• Roth IRA – Any earnings growth in a Roth IRA is distributed tax free, provided the owner is at least 59½ and has had the account at least five years. If your grandchildren earn money from babysitting or a part-time job, they can open a Roth IRA with the help of a parent or other adult. You could “match” your grandchildren’s contributions, possibly on a dollar-for-dollar basis, to provide them with an incentive for saving. In fact, you could fully fund the Roth IRA, up to the annual contribution limit, which is $6,500 or the amount of your grandchild’s taxable compensation, whichever is less.

(The annual limit is $7,500 for those 50 or older.) And your grandchildren can withdraw the contributions — not the earnings — at any time to pay for college or anything else.

• Custodial account – You can open a custodial account, also known as an UGMA or UTMA account, for a grandchild, and fund it with most types of investments: stocks, mutual funds, bonds and so on. For that reason, it can be a good way to teach grandchildren about the nature of investing — risks, returns and the value of holding investments for the long term. Plus, there’s an initial tax benefit to custodial accounts: The first $1,250 of your grandchild’s investment income (dividends, interest, capital gains) is tax free, and the next $1,250 is taxed at the child’s rate. Anything above that amount is taxed at the parents’ marginal tax rate. However, once your grandchildren reach the age of termination — usually 18 or 21, depending on where they live — they take control of the account and can do whatever they choose with the money. So, while a custodial account could be considered as a funding source for college, it might alternatively serve as a gift that could eventually enable your grandchild to fulfill another desire or goal — take an overseas trip, pay for a car or maybe even start on a path to entrepreneurship. Making financial gifts to your grandchildren can be rewarding — for them and for you. So, consider the possibilities carefully and put your generosity to work.

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Patrick Zamkin, located at 18735 Dixie Hwy, Homewood, IL 60430. Contact us at (708) 798-9066. Edward Jones. Member SIPC.

Keys to Longevity in Marriage (Pt. 1): Transparency

by Janice R Newman, M.A.

In October, I have the pleasure of congratulating two close couples I know that are celebrating 30 years of marriage: Pastors Cid and Shonni Zollicoffer of Jesus Lighthouse of Love and Michael and Melba Johnson, my in-laws. Marriage is a sacred union that when nurtured with love and commitment, can endure the tests of time. Two individuals come together with their hopes and dreams of having longevity in the marriage with a solemn commitment, to partnership, and love for each other. Their lives are intertwined with a divine purpose of sharing a spiritual journey together and building on the cornerstone of faith, trust, and love.

However, despite the over two million marriages yearly in the United States, the disheartening reality remains: hundreds of thousands end in divorce. How can some couples last a lifetime and others falter and fail? I asked Pastors Cid and Shonni what they thought was one of the keys to their lasting Christian marriage. Their answer: TRANSPARENCY.

Transparency can be frightening but however, it is a cornerstone for creating a healthy and enduring relationship based on the fundamental values of faith, trust, and love that are essential to Christian beliefs. Transparency means being open, honest, and genuine in all aspects of the relationship. This is how a spouse can be your best friend as the more you’re open with them, the more they get to truly know and respect you. Transparency in marriage is a commitment to be truthful, to your partner and to God, who is the third stranded cord in the relationship, Ecclesiastes 4:12 “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken”.

It involves open and honest communication, and sharing emotions, with the absence of deceit. Ephesians 4:15 (NIV) instructs couples to “speak the truth in love” which expresses the necessity of honesty. It’s sharing openly and truthfully while fostering trust between the couple to build a solid foundation to withstand future trials and tribulations. Marital

relationships form a safe space for emotional intimacy to flourish which leads to a deeper connection and companionship.

It takes commitment, understanding, and love to develop a transparent relationship that will allow two people to be truthful and honest in expressing their feelings, emotions, and opinions without inflicting harm and pain. With marriage, the couple becomes one union, as noted in Genesis 2:24 (KJV) “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh”. Being one flesh is to be honest with love and respect for yourselves as one. Having a transparent relationship fosters open communication without fear, builds trust, strengthens emotional connection, prevents misunderstanding, builds mutual respect, and sustains long-term happiness. Adam and Eve were both originally naked in Genesis 2:25 (NIV) and they felt no shame as they were one flesh. Being transparent allows an individual to express themselves without feeling shame and creates a safe and secure environment where trust can thrive. Trust is essential for a lasting marriage. If you can’t trust the person, you’ve committed your life to, then you truly can’t trust anyone. Christians are called to be transparent, open, and honest. Mary and Joseph demonstrated transparency and trust in their relationship. Mary was open with Joseph with the news of her divine pregnancy. She did not conceal it but openly shared her encounter with the angel with Joseph as noted in Luke 1:26-38 (NIV). Transparency is a fundamental principle that honors God and strengthens the marital bond. By openly communicating, sharing emotions, and being truthful with each other, couples build trust and intimacy. Through transparency, conflict resolution, and spiritual sharing, couples exemplify their faith and love for one another. Transparency is a necessity for developing truth and honesty for a relationship to thrive. Y? Why Not!

Bit.ly/ywhynot_Facebook

Mrvan Announces 2023 Congressional App Challenge

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Frank J. Mrvan announced the details of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for middle and high school students from Indiana’s First Congressional District.

Each year, the Internet Education Foundation and Members of the U.S. House of Representatives sponsor the Congressional App Challenge to foster an appreciation for computer science and STEM education. The Congressional App Challenge is an annual nationwide academic competition for Middle School (6th – 8th grades) and High School (9th – 12th grades) students to create and exhibit their software application, or “app,” for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice.

Congressman Mrvan stated, “It is my honor

to be able to host the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for students in Northwest Indiana interested in the STEM fields. I encourage all eligible students to participate and look forward to seeing the innovative final products.”

All students must register for the competition and submit their work through the Congressional App Challenge website by 12:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

For additional information, please visit the official Congressional App Challenge website at https://www.congressionalappchallenge. us/ or email StudentSupport@ CongressionalAppChallenge.us.

For additional questions, please contact Drew Ficociello in the Washington, D.C., Office at 202-225-2461 or Drew.Ficociello@mail. house.gov.

BBB Tip: Protecting Older Adults From Scams And Abuse.

Like many of us, older adults are often targeted by con artists. Many victims don’t ask for help until it is too late! Help your friends, family, clients, or patients avoid fraud by knowing the signs of current or impending fraud.

Warning signs that fraud may occur:

Frequent junk mail and spam calls. Incoming junk mail (illegitimate sweepstakes offers, etc.) or receiving frequent calls from people offering valuable rewards or asking for charitable donations are signs that fraud could easily occur or may have already occurred.

Unfamiliar payments are being made. Checks written or payments made to unfamiliar or out-ofstate companies should be a red flag.

Acting secretively about phone calls or messages. When someone hides or acts secretively about phone calls and messages, it could signify that they have engaged a scammer.

Sudden problems paying bills or buying food and other necessities. A sudden lack of funds could mean an individual’s money is being drained in some form of scam activity. The cause should be investigated to rule out fraud.

Tips for helping your loved one avoid fraud:

Become familiar with common scams targeting older adults. Knowing the most common tactics used to target older adults can help you more quickly identify when scams occur.

Emphasize the criminal nature of telemarketing and email fraud. Help your loved one learn how to identify it and help them understand that these tactics are illegal. In participating, it is possible they could be pulled into criminal activity unknowingly.

Encourage the person to ignore phone calls and messages that appear suspicious. Don’t reply to or click links within emails or text messages they are unfamiliar with.

Have a calm discussion about securing accounts and monitoring finances. Helping older adults monitor their finances can be a great way to prevent scam activity and identify if it has occurred.

Help the person change their phone number. If constant calls continue, changing the person’s phone number may be worth changing. Registering the number with the Do Not Call list is a great first step, although scammers won’t necessarily follow the Do-Not-Call list laws. If unsafe calls continue, it may be best to change the phone number.

Recognizing abuse against older adults

The most common types of abuse are physical, emotional, financial, and verbal. The National Council on Aging says up to five million older Americans are abused yearly, and the annual loss by victims of financial abuse is estimated to be at least $36.5 billion. BBB recommends that family, friends, and caregivers learn the signs of abuse or neglect in older adults. Business owners dealing in the industry can share these signs with employees.

Signs of neglect:

Lack of basic hygiene, adequate food, or clean and appropriate clothing. When basic needs are not being met for an individual in the care of another, neglect should be suspected.

Missing medical aids or skipped doctor’s appointments. Medical aids (glasses, walkers, hearing aids, medications) and regular physician visits are critical to a healthy and active life for older adults. If these things are absent or ignored, it could be a sign of neglect.

The person is often unsupervised. Caregivers

must supervise their patient or loved one, especially if the person requires additional assistance because of dementia or other disorders. The level of supervision may vary depending on the needs of the person in care, but in all cases, a lack of supervision could be a sign of neglect.

The home is overly cluttered, in disrepair, or fire and safety hazards are present. An unsafe home can be a sign of neglect and should be addressed due to safety hazards. Caregivers are tasked, in part, with creating a safe and healthy living environment.

Signs of financial abuse or exploitation:

Lack of amenities the person could typically afford. A sudden problem with affording the basics, especially if the person was able to in the past (with no change in income), is a sign of financial abuse or exploitation. This could be from a family member, caregiver, or con artist. Giving excessive financial reimbursement or gifts for care and companionship. Care and companionship are necessary and can take a financial toll occasionally. But if care costs drain an individual’s bank account, it’s time to investigate and re-assess.

The caregiver controls the person’s money but fails to provide for their needs. A sure sign of financial exploitation is when a caregiver fails to provide an older person with adequate supplies, food, clothing, or other necessities.

The caregiver is overly concerned about the person spending money. Caregivers should be concerned with an individual’s spending habits if it is damaging to their health or well-being. Still, average daily spending should not be of concern to a caregiver.

Unexpected or unexplainable property transfers such as a power of attorney or a new will. These can be especially concerning when the person in care cannot comprehend the transaction or what it means. When in doubt, family and friends should look into these transactions carefully.

Signs of psychological and emotional abuse:

Unexplained or uncharacteristic changes in behavior. A drastic change in demeanor or a withdrawal from normal activities is a red flag that abuse may be present.

Unexplained weight loss or appetite changes. If medical professionals can find no other cause, it may be worth investigating if abuse is the cause of a sudden change in weight or appetite.

The caregiver isolates the person from others. A caregiver should always be willing to help older individuals visit their loved ones and medical professionals.

The caregiver is verbally aggressive, uncaring, or demeaning. Older adults deserve genuine care and compassion. Rude, dismissive, or aggressive behavior from a caretaker should be a red flag for potential abuse.

Signs of physical abuse:

Inadequately explained fractures, bruises, welts, cuts, sores, or burns. Frequent and unexplained injuries are concerning, especially if the individual under care cannot recall daily events easily.

Additional resources for older adults and their loved ones can be found on BBB.org. For more information and to learn how to protect yourself, Google “BBB 10 Steps to Avoid Scams”. If you spot a scam, whether you have lost money or not, report it to BBB’s Scam Tracker at BBB.org/ScamTracker and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your story can help protect consumers from similar scams.