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Thursday, February 27, 2014

Silver finish in Sochi Just a minute away from the Gold Editor’s note: Regional/Reporter correspondent Kevin M. Coyne headed to the Olympics to watch his sister, Kendall, play hockey for the United States. The Palos Heights resident offers his thoughts about sitting through the gold medal game — a 3-2 overtime loss to Canada in which the Americans had a 2-0 lead at one point and a one-goal lead late in the game.

From Russia With Lots of Love

by Kevin M. Coyne SOCHI, Russia — In less than a minute, the atmosphere in the Bolshoy Ice Dome transformed from the Disneyland of ice hockey rinks to a Soviet torture chamber.

I still have people asking me what happened in the gold-medal game.

I’ll be honest, after playing

hockey for over 20 years and coaching for three years, I’ve never been more nervous for a hockey game. Whether it’s playing, coaching or spectating, I’ve watched more hockey games than I care to admit. But having my sister playing in a game the world was watching was something else.

My family arrived at the rink about 20 minutes prior to me since I was too anxious to stare at empty ice or watch the Zamboni cut the ice for the millionth time.

As soon as I arrived, my family had already found their seats, which were not in the best spot.

I found a spot closer to the ice, surrounded by the Russian volunteers—who, if I may add, were the reason for the success of the games.

Nonetheless, I used my limited Russian and said “hello” to my new spectating friends who unbeknownst to them would later learn new English words, the kind of words you don’t use in front of ladies or children.

Prior to the starting lineup being announced my new Russian

Kendall Coyne friends gave me a warm welcome by chanting “U-S-A” followed by what is now engrained in my mind, “Ru-ssi-ah.” One Englishspeaking Russian told me that Team USA was going to win, and to this day I still believe the young volunteer.

Looking at the game from a hockey perspective Canada’s head coach Kevin Dineen, formerly of

Photo by Kevin M. Coyne

Area standout Kendall Coyne competes in the gold medal game last Thursday. the Florida Panthers, was one of the greatest factors contributing to the Canadian victory.

Dineen use his home ice advantage to match lines, maintain sustained pressure in the offensive zone and make tactical changes.

Home ice advantage is real…notice the Americans received a too-

Submitted photo

To show support for Sandburg High School alum Kendall Coyne who competed on the USA Women’s Hockey team in Sochi, a number of her fans from the school gathered on Feb. 12 for a photo wearing Olympic T-shirts in her honor before Kendall and her team won Silver medals.

Photo by Kevin M. Coyne

For a while, the Bolshoy Ice Dome was like Disneyland, complete with Sochi Bear hanging around in the stands. But the fun turned to torture for USA fans in the gold medal women’s hockey game. many men penalty while trying to make a long change.

Home ice advantage allows for the home team to make last change. The home team’s bench closest to the defensive zone for two periods and allows for the home team’s center to enter the face-off second.

Besides utilizing home ice advantage, the former NHL coach adapted to the American style, putting in place a system that would neutralize the American’s speed, force turnovers and quickly transition from defense to offense.

One of the first changes made to the Canadian team was the power play, which paid huge dividends as the Canadians scored the overtime winner on the power play.

As the final moments in regulation ticked down, the Russians—awestruck by the game they were witnessing—noticed how distraught I appeared as we started overtime. One Russian man rubbed my shoulders and tapped my back saying, “You will win, USA.” After the Canadians struck gold again the entire American crowd went from excited to crushed to upset—all in the matter of seconds. I put my head in my hands and wished for only a couple more minutes of overtime, just one more chance. But I remember the saying: you can’t un-ring a bell.

I had two Russian girls give me a hug and say “I’m sorry.”

At least I think that’s what they said.

In the lobby of the rink, the family members waited to hear if we would be able to see the players. If we had won there would be a huge party in the rink with TV cameras and whatever else was provided by the team.

Since we lost we all waited aimlessly as the Canadian fans cheered and exited the rink in a euphoric state. A few Canadians stopped to say “great game” and “we’re sorry you guys lost but that was an awesome game.”

When we finally got a chance to meet with the team, Kendall was the first one out. She was composed, upset and bewildered.

It was very tough on all of the family members. The common motif was a quiet-anger mixed with the grim reality that we were all a minute away from gold.

At the end of the day this game really helped women’s hockey. It proved to the world that women’s hockey is a game of skill, speed and grit.

I can’t help but get one quote out of my mind as I think back to that game: “How long does it take to score a goal…less than a second,” the fictional hockey coach Ted Orion said, in the movie “D3: The Mighty Ducks.”

We are still immensely proud of the effort the women put forth and the heart they showed in each game. Team USA showed the world how we are willing to dive in front of pucks, take slashes and put their body on the line for their teammates and their country.

Forum maps route to improve Ridgeland Ave. But where to find the funding?

by Tim Hadac staff reporter All the pedestrian- and bicyclefriendly amenities promised for

the Ridgeland Avenue Corridor will be useless if government officials don’t stop motorists – particularly drivers of semi-trailer trucks – from routinely speeding

Photo by Tim Hadac

About 20 maps were set up at the meeting, showing views of what sections of a more bike- and pedestrian friendly Ridgeland Avenue might look like in years to come. All maps are posted online at ridgelandcorridor.wordpress.com.

on the roadway, a Palos Heights resident said at a public meeting last week.

“I’ve lived at the corner of 124th Place and Ridgeland for 31 years, and I’ve seen [Ridgeland] go from two lanes to four lanes,” said Don Schuble. “This [corridor study] is a great idea, an excellent idea.

But my concern is the increase in truck traffic on Ridgeland, as well as the speeding—drivers who routinely go 50 miles an hour (10 miles per hour faster than the posted speed limit).

“How is the county going to get around that? How will they ensure the safety of pedestrians and people riding bicycles?” he asked.

Schuble made his remarks at an event designed to solicit feedback for the draft Ridgeland Avenue Corridor Study, held at the Palos Heights Recreation Center, 6601 W. 127th St. About 40 people attended the meeting.

The Ridgeland Avenue Corridor Study “focuses on improving access to transit and developing recommendations that ensure the safe and efficient movement of people while supporting the local residents and economy,” according to materials written by officials at Teska Associates Inc., the lead agency hired to drive the study forward. “The primary goal

Photo by Tim Hadac

Jodi Mariano, principal urban designer at Teska Associates (at right, facing camera) answers questions about the Ridgeland Avenue Corridor Study at last Thursday’s public discussion in Palos Heights. is to improve active transportation throughout the area, making Ridgeland Avenue a corridor of choice due to the progressive character of the environment, which includes many quality shops, businesses and public places.”

The term “active transportation” typically refers to walking, biking and public mass transit—

often as a means to encourage physical activity and reduce congestion and emissions from cars and other vehicles.

The $200,000 study is partially funded by the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and is a planning initiative of the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways. It en-

compasses a seven-mile stretch of Ridgeland, from 79th to 135th streets.

The draft plan, available online at ridgelandcorridor.wordpress. com, calls for construction of off-street paths, underpasses and bridges that would accommodate (See Ridgeland, Page 4)

The Regional News Thursday, February 27, 2014 Inside the First Amendment

Push for ‘school prayer’ is about power, not prayer

By Charles C. Haynes Never say die.

That must be the motto of politicians, religious leaders and school leaders who keep pushing for state-sponsored prayers in public schools more than 50 years after the Supreme Court struck down the practice as a violation of the Establishment clause of the First Amendment.

The latest prayer restoration scheme comes from an Alabama state representative who proposed a law last week that would require teachers to read a prayer from the Congressional Record every day to students in Alabama classrooms.

Nice try, but still unconstitutional: Whatever the source of the prayers, the high court has made it clear time and again that school officials may not impose devotional practices on a captive audience of impressionable young people in public schools.

A more common end run around the First Amendment is when school officials select students to deliver a prayer. Last year, a South Carolina school district included two Christian prayers in the elementary school graduation program, both delivered by students.

To make matters even more constitutionally complex, the ceremony was held in a church.

Meanwhile in Kansas, a school board voted recently to allow students to recite prayers over the loudspeaker before football games — a practice still found in many school districts despite a 1990 Supreme Court decision that explicitly bans school-organized prayers at ballgames (Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe).

School-sponsored prayers remain school-sponsored prayers — even if offered by students.

Under current law, only if students are selected by neutral criteria and given primary control over the content of their speech can their religious (or non-religious) expression be allowed at school-sponsored events.

Notice that school officials in South Carolina and Kansas aren’t giving students a “free speech” platform to say whatever they want to say. Instead, students are picked to pray prayers organized and reviewed by school officials.

If you view brief prayers in the morning, at the football game, or during graduation as harmless, then you probably agree with the federal district judge in South Carolina who described the complaint about graduation prayer as making a “mountain out of a molehill.”

But look beyond the 60second prayers and consider the serious threat to religious

freedom that can occur when school officials take sides in religion.

Consider, for example, the lawsuit filed in Louisiana last month alleging pervasive promotion of religion by teachers and administrators in Sabine Parish public schools. According to the complaint, teachers denigrate non-Christian beliefs, lead students in Christian prayers, promote Christian teachings in the classroom and, in other ways, turn the local school into the local church.

What’s happening in Sabine Parish is what would likely happen in many school districts in Alabama, Kansas, South Carolina and other places if people of the majority faith in those communities thought they could get away with it.

That’s because the push for “school prayer” isn’t really about restoring the power to pray; it’s about restoring the power of the majority to impose their prayers on the children of the minority in public schools.

If these fights and lawsuits were only about the right of kids to pray in school, advocates of “school prayer” would have declared victory and gone home years ago.

After all, students in public schools are already free to pray — alone or in groups — as long as their prayers don’t interfere with the rights of others or disrupt the school.

Contrary to culture-war propaganda, the Supreme Court has never banned prayer from public schools. What the Court has done is uphold religious freedom by banning the government from imposing prayer on schoolchildren and simultaneously guarding the right of students to express their faith, when appropriate, during the school day.

Visit almost any public school in America, and you will find plenty of students praying — around the flagpole, in the lunchroom, at student religious club meetings and elsewhere.

And, in many schools, every student is given a daily opportunity to pray (or not to pray) during a moment of silence.

As much as “school prayer” advocates don’t want to hear it, there is actually more authentic student prayer in public schools today than in the days of teacher-led prayer.

That’s yet another reminder that keeping school officials out of the religion business is good for religion — and good for the country.

Charles C. Haynes is director of the Religious Freedom Center of the Newseum Institute, 555 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20001. Web: religiousfreedomeducation.org Email: chaynes@newseum.org

Balking at some bad youth baseball behavior

by Bob Rakow It won’t be long now.

It might be hard to envision boys and girls on local baseball diamonds practicing with their teams, but trust me; the season is not far away.

It won’t be long now.

Well-meaning men and women with some experience coaching or working with children will teach the game and sportsmanship and set good examples.

It won’t be long now.

Men (typically not women) will yell at their players and umpires, set poor examples and act as though they’re coaching the Yankees instead of impressionable adolescents.

Sure there’s still snow on the ground, but many coaches are already deep in preparation for the coming season. They’re either getting ready for the player draft, and if that event is over, they’ve reserved time at local batting cages. After all, it’s never too early to assess a team’s strengths and weaknesses and dream about a successful season.

The B-Side

by Bob Rakow Most people involved in youth baseball do it for the right reasons. Unfortunately, they’re likely to work with some folks who have no business coaching the game.

The game is designed for kids to have fun. Those that excel will move on to travel and all-star teams and have the chance to play at the next level. For others, simply wearing a uniform, fielding a position and getting a hit now and then is joy enough.

Their accomplishments should be celebrated and their mistakes should open the door for teaching moments.

Unfortunately, there are just enough parents involved to ruin

Readers Write Chris Lawler for judge Dear Editor: On July 8, 2013, one of Marist’s own, Chris Lawler, was sworn in as a judge following his appointment in the Cook County Circuit Court in the 15th Judicial Subcircuit. In March 2014, Chris will need to win election to this seat. The 15th Judicial Subcircuit covers a large area including Crestwood, Orland Park, Willow Springs, Ford Heights, Lansing, and Lemont. It will take considerable resources and effort to ensure that Chris retains his seat for the next six year term. Along with many friends and colleagues supporting Chris, we ask the Marist alumni to help and support Chris in this upcoming election.

We need qualified judges in the courtroom. Chris is by all accounts a qualified judge. He has been licensed to practice since 1988.

Before his appointment, he was a founding partner of the successful firm of Hilbert, Lawler and Power.

He has been a true trial attorney, having tried over 50 cases to verdict. He has been presiding over a courtroom in the 6th District Markham courthouse since his appointment. In fact, Chris is the only judge on the ballot for the seat up for election. Chris is rated “Qualified,” “Recommended” or “Highly Recommended” by all the major Bar Associations.

On a personal level, Chris is a dedicated family man and a selfless contributor to his parish and the community at large. Chris and his wife, Julie, are the proud parents of two wonderful boys. In his distinguished history of community service, Chris has taken active roles in Catholic Charities (including pro bono legal services to the less fortunate), as Chairman of the Marist High School Board, as a coach in football and baseball, and as a member of St. Alexander Parish. Chris has instilled this sense of service to his family as well through their volunteer efforts with Misericordia, Park Lawn, and Maple/Morgan Park Food Pantry.

As a Marist alumnus, Chris has and will continue to make

us proud, but he needs our help.

Please consider voting for his retention on March 18, 2014. Chris is a very worthy candidate who will continue to bring great respect and dignity to the court.

Robert A. Clifford, Clifford Law Offices

Great job this winter, Heights Public Works Dear Editor, As we all know, this winter has been relentless with one snowstorm after the next.

As I am warm and safe in my home, I have heard the sound of the Public Works trucks roar down the streets at all hours of the night and day keeping our roads safe and in good condition. Scott Smith, Director of Palos Heights Public Works and his staff work long hours and do a great job.

A sincere thank you is in order even though they would say “it is just their job”.

Maria DeCaprio-Sunta Palos Heights

The Riddle: Prohibit heroin but make it safer Dear Editor: Rep. Lou Lang, House Speaker Michael Madigan’s appointee to head Illinois anti-heroin task force, has a tough job.

His assignment is to reduce heroin use, reduce the number of heroin deaths, reduce the number of non-fatal heroin overdoses, deal with the phenomenon of opioid-pill poppers switching from expensive prescription, opioid-based pills to cheaper Mexican heroin concocted in such strong dosage that no needles are necessary, and protect unsuspecting heroin users from heroin spiked with respiratory-arresting, legal but potentially deadly, fentanyl.

Yet, poor Lou cannot say, let’s legalize heroin so consumers know what they are ingesting. He cannot even say, let’s invoke the Europe model and approve heroin maintenance clinics for addicts, like the clin-

ics operated in the U.S. early in the 20th Century before the deadly “war on drugs.” Heroin assisted treatment (HAT) is fully a part of the national health system in Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and the United Kingdom. Additionally, HAT trials are being carried out in Canada and Belgium.

Rep. Lou Land could hold some public hearings and then say, let’s have more methadone treatment centers, let’s make the heroin antidote naloxone an over-the-counter medicine (no, he can’t, says the FDA), let’s abolish the crime know as heroin (drug)-induced homicide to make it safer for kids to call for help when a friend passes out from heroin use, let’s get D.A.R.E. out of the classroom because so many kids learn how to do drugs in this “just say no” setting, and let’s stop the mass media antidrug public service announcements that serve to advertise drugs and cause what we are trying to prevent.

In time of drug war, it will be traitorous for Lou Lang to suggest these things and NIMBY (not in my backyard) will come into play. The drug war environment is so toxic to thoughtful medically and political solutions that opioid pills can be sold within 500 feet of a school or park from a pharmacy, but medicinal pot can’t be sold with a 1,000 feet. Illinois drug policy, like the nation’s drug policy, is sick, and the policy illness is killing us.

But it remains difficult just getting sensible suggestions heard in a heroin-afflicted Orland-Palos school district holding a heroin forum for parents, at DuPage County Health Department roundtable last week, or even as a candidate for public office. Few people want to hear what obviously needs to be done.

Good luck, Lou. James E. Gierach Palos Park Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP)

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Limit letters to no more than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.

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(Continued on page 3)

V

iewfinder

Do you plan to watch the Oscars on Sunday?

(Asked at the Palos Heights Public Library)

Photos by Bob Rakow

Derek Dunlap, Chicago “No. I don’t watch, but I’m familiar with the movies.”

Sebastian Falkowski, Chicago Ridge “My girlfriend might want to watch.”

Norman Swenson, Palos Heights Pat Healy, Palos Heights “My wife will watch. She’s “No. I couldn’t care less about much more of a movie fan.” the Oscars. I got better things to do than watch a bunch of silly actors.”

John McNamara, Palos Park “No. I’m not really a movie buff.”

The Regional News Thursday, February 27, 2014

Palos Park reduces village fee to license motorcycles

by Michael Gilbert

pounds while the heaviest motorcycle I’m aware of is around Palos Park residents won’t have 800 pounds.” to pay as much to hop on their Auto stickers will remain at $60, hog after village officials voted but, at the recommendation of unanimously to reduce the vehicle Commissioner G. Darryl Reed, license fee for motorcycles from Palos Park staff will look into $50 to $35. reducing the cost of stickers for The price reduction figures to passenger vehicles owned by resicost Palos Park about $705 in rev- dents with handicapped plates. enue, but Village Manager Rick “I’d like to see what type of Boehm said some of that may be financial impact that would have recouped if more residents decide on the village,” Reed said. “Right to buy vehicle stickers for their now we have no cost reduction [on motorcycles. Boehm did not have stickers] for the handicapped.” a guess as to how many but asThe village may also consider sumed there are some motorcycle a discount to residents who own owners living in Palos Park that multiple antique vehicles. haven’t purchased a sticker for “I know some car collectors their bike. have moved their collections out “I don’t know if the [sticker] of town [because the cost of anprice reduction will encourage tique stickers],” Commissioner more people to buy stickers, but Dan Polk said. “Some of these it might,” Boehm said following vehicles never see the light of day the Village Council meeting on so we may want offer a discount Monday. if somebody has more than two Forty-seven motorcycle vehicle or five antique vehicles.” stickers were sold in the past year, All vehicles registered to a Boehm said. The $50 price tag Palos Park address must display had been in place since 2009, he a current village sticker. Sales said. In comparison, a sticker for from vehicle stickers are used a passenger vehicle is $60. to maintain roads in Palos Park, “We’ve received several com- Boehm said. plaints [from motorcycle owners] Also Monday, Commissioner that the price was too high, and Nicole Milovich-Walters invited this now puts us more in line with all residents to attend the grand other communities,” Boehm said. opening of Centennial Park at 5 “We felt reducing the price was the p.m. on Thursday, March 20. right thing to do considering there The 5-acre park is located on is a shorter time for motorcycles Will-Cook Road just north of Mcto be used and they don’t create Carthy Road and will feature a the wear and tear on the roads multi-use field for softball, basethat other vehicles do. ball, youth soccer and lacrosse.

“Cars can weigh 1,000 to 1,500 There will also be a crushed lime-

stone walking path that Boehm said the village hopes to have paved in the future.

With an additional ball field now in the village, Milovich-Walters said it is possible the Palos Park Recreation Department could resurrect its adult softball league which had to be cancelled due to an increase in youth teams needing to use the village’s existing fields.

Former New York Yankee and Chicago White Sox outfielder/first baseman Dan Pasqua will be on hand at the grand opening and will throw out a ceremonial first pitch on the field to Mayor John Mahoney. Light refreshments will also be served.

Fence rules Village Manager Rick Boehm said Tuesday that the Village Council seeks public input in the proposed new residential fencing requirements outlined in the recommendations produced by the village’s ad hoc fence committee.

The Village Council discussed the report briefly at its meeting on Feb. 10, but tabled discussion until March 10. By Tuesday, Boehm indicated that the Village Council had not heard as much public comment or input as the village would like before going ahead with any changes in the village’s current strict fencing guidelines.

The proposed changes are on the village’s website, palospark. org, or available for inspection at the Kaptur Administrative Center.

Photo by Michael Gilbert

Palos Park thanks cadet commander Palos Park Police Commissioner Dan Polk (center) thanks outgoing Palos Park Police Cadet Cmdr.

Frank Slabenak for his seven years of service to the program during a ceremony at the Village Council meeting Monday in which Polk presented the 20-year-old with a certificate of recognition.

Slabenak said he is stepping down from the post to pursue a career as a police officer. He will be replaced by current Kevin Pendl.

Mayor John Mahoney thanked Slabenak and wished him well in the future.“Frank, it’s been a long journey and we are certainly grateful for all you have done,” the mayor told him.

Slabenak thanked Police Chief Joe Miller (left) and the entire council for giving him the opportunity to be a part of the cadet program. “You get a front row seat to the [greatest] show on earth,” Slabenak said. “The time I have spent serving Palos Park has made me into the man I am today.”

Police Cadet Kevin Pendl will assume command of the cadet program, after serving as a cadet for four years. A sophomore at Lewis University majoring in criminal justice, Pendl is working toward a career in a suburban police department. His sister Amanda is also a Palos Park police cadet, Chief Miller said.

The Palos Park Police Department’s Explorer Program was established in 1999 and is reorganized regularly to provide a positive setting for young people to interact with law enforcement officers, further their education, encourage their participation in rewarding and productive service activities and possibly interest them in a law enforcement career.

Grim business: Kustok murder trial proceeds toward verdict Palos Twp. offers voters’ forums on electrical aggregation question

by Tim Hadac staff reporter

The murder trial of Allan Kustok is winding through its second week in a Bridgeview courtroom, taking on a bit of a circus air with allegations of marital infidelity and more.

Kustok, 63, is accused of murdering his wife, Anita “Jeanie” Kustok, in their Orland Park home on the morning of Sept.

29, 2010.

In opening statements, Kustok’s defense team portrayed him as a man who deeply loved his wife and had “an absolutely perfect marriage.” Prosecutors painted Kustok as a man leading a double life of sexual trysts with other women—a life that “fooled everyone,” they alleged.

Kustok allegedly shot his wife in the head as she slept in her bed.

Shortly after Anita Kustok’s death, Allan Kustok reportedly told police his wife shot herself with a .357 caliber revolver he allegedly had given her for their 34th wedding anniversary, because he said she feared for her safety while he was away on business trips.

Anita Kustok’s brother, John

Cook County Dept. of Corrections photo

Allan Kustok

Runko, testified that he doubted that she owned or even wanted a gun—claiming that “wouldn’t know what to do with one.”

After the shooting, Kustok did not call any authorities and drove his wife’s body—reportedly wrapped in bloody bed linens--to Palos Community Hospital nearly 90 minutes after the gun was fired, police said.

Anita Kustok, 58, was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital with a gunshot wound to the left cheek. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office declared the death a homicide from a gun fired inches from her face; the gunshot wound was not selfinflicted accidentally or otherwise, according to what Orland Park

Police Chief Tim McCarthy said in 2010.

“After hearing the single shot, he awoke to find his wife lying on her back, next to him, with her arms crossed on her chest and a .357 revolver in her right hand,” Chief McCarthy said Kustok told police.

The victim was reportedly right handed, which would not be consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the left cheek, police said.

“I found it striking that according to him she was lying on her back with her arms crossed and a weapon of significant power and weight and cylinder still in her right hand,” Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Peter Troy said then.

The Kustoks’ children are former standout area athletes Zak and Sarah Kustok, who starred in several sports at Sandburg High School. Zak Kustok played quarterback at Northwestern University for three years while Sarah played basketball at DePaul University, was an anchor for Comcast SportsNet Chicago and currently work for the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets.

Mrs. Kustok was an elementary school teacher in Riverside.

Balking (Continued from page 2) the game and take away the fun.

My oldest son played several years of baseball, and I saw examples of both personalities. To wit: • I stood by and listened while two dads described a boy on the team as a “quitter.” They weren’t embarrassed when I heard them.

Rather, they defended the remark.

After all, this boy was 12-years-old competing in a tournament game.

A lot was on the line.

• I watched a coach and dad nearly come to blows over some disagreement or another. It wasn’t long before the father pulled his son from the league. The hot-tempered dad wasn’t missed.

• I witnessed a coach quit the league after not being selected to manage a travel team. The fact that the man chosen ahead of him was far more experienced didn’t seem to matter.

• I’ve seen men drink at games, pouring multiple cans of beer into thermal mugs—wink, wink—so no one would know.

residents on how to prevent identity theft, new methods criminals are using to obtain information, and what to do if you or someone you know becomes a victim.”

A representative from the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office will offer advice on how to reduce identity theft risks. Criminals obtain identifying personal information such as social security numbers and credit card numbers by stealing mail, pickpocketing, the internet, and utilizing insiders at banks, hospitals or other • I listened to the father of a girl on my daughter’s softball teammate yell profanities at me because I asked him not to holler directions at my girl while she was at bat.

• I’ve seen a crazed father stand near the backstop and signal pitches to his son rather than let the boy follow his coach’s instructions.

• I watched a father get berated by other parents because he chose not to contribute to end-of-year gift for the coaches, deciding instead to make a team video as a gift.

• I’ve even see a player not sit one inning of a multi-day tournament because his dad was one of the coaches. Other players took turns on the bench.

• Finally, I stood in shock as the mother of a player loudly criticized me because she wrongly thought I was blaming her son for a team’s loss.

Youth baseball can be fun. It brings kids together, teaches teamwork, sportsmanship, hard work and discipline. Sadly, it can bring out the worst in some adults, many who live through their children’s accomplishments or set expectations so high that players are afraid to make mistakes. Worse yet, some

kids quit in frustration. That’s too bad.

I don’t mean to bash on youth baseball. I had a lot of fun as a baseball dad—I even helped coach once or twice. And, yes, I came close to getting tossed once for complaining about a perceived poor call. And yes, I wanted more than anything for my son to succeed—but not at all costs. I look back now and remember the fun he had, the pride he took in making all-star teams and the excitement over the handful of home runs he hit.

A new season is upon us. Here’s hoping fun trumps fanaticism.

Clarification In last week’s Regional, there was a photograph of a building shown on Page 8 in The Regional Archives 50 Years Ago This Week which we failed to identify in the caption. The photo showed the then Orland Park Village Hall taken in 1964.

A sign carved above the front door identifies it as “Orland Park Village Hall, 1960,” but that is only faintly visible in the reproduced photo.

(Thursday) and Monday, March 10. Both meetings will be held at 6 p.m.

Many villages, townships, and municipalities have already held referendums to institute this type of program in their communities, utilizing a law passed by the General Assembly in 2009. Locally, voters in Palos Park, Palos Heights and Orland Park all adopted referendums.

Under this law, a township may seek bids from electric suppliers for providing aggregate electricity supply services to residential and small commercial customers within the unincorporated areas of the township.

If the referendum is approved in March, the township will begin seeking bids for the ag-

gregated electricity load. Because the referendum does not require the township to implement the program, we will only do so if we can save consumers money. The bids will be compared to ComEd’s current rates, and the township will only approve a bid that will result in lower electricity prices than the current ComEd rates.

If a program is implemented, all residential and small commercial retail customer accounts will automatically be moved to the new supplier; however, information will be provided in advance of the change to residents and commercial retail customers who may choose to opt-out of having their account transferred to another supplier or prefer to remain with ComEd.

State Rep. Burke triathlon will benefit special ed. scholarships

To support healthy living and provide scholarships for students with special needs, state Rep. Kelly Burke, D-Evergreen Park, is hosting a triathlon this Sunday, March 2, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Evergreen Park Community High School, at 9901 S. Kedzie Ave. places of employment.

“I am proud to join local resi“There are some easy steps we dents for such an important cause,” all can take to drastically reduce Burke said. “This event gives us the risk of becoming a victim,” an opportunity to help students Hurley said. “I’m looking forward with special needs achieve their to this opportunity to learn more goals for education and join our with my neighbors about how to neighbors for a fun event. I invite protect ourselves and properly re- everyone to come out and support port suspicious activities.” our Evergreen Park students.”

The event is free and open to the public. For more information or to RSVP, contact Hurley’s fulltime constituent services office at (773) 445-8128, 233-9703 or RepFranHurley@gmail.com.

Lawmakers offer identity theft info To help residents protect themselves from identity theft and fraud, State Rep. Fran Hurley and state Sen. Bill Cunningham are hosting an Identity Theft Seminar this Saturday, March 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Private Bank located in Founders Square, 7103 W. 111th St. in Worth.

“The recent security breaches at some of our most-shopped-at retailers have only highlighted the fact that identity theft can happen to anyone at any time,” said Hurley. “This seminar will educate

The Palos Township Board of Trustees approved a resolution to authorize the placement of a referendum regarding an opt-out electricity aggregation program on the March 18 primary election ballot.

Voters in the unincorporated areas of Palos Township will be asked if the Township should be given the authority to seek competitive pricing bids for electricity services and to enter into a contract if lower electric bills can be realized.

The township will hold two informational meetings prior to the referendum for residents to ask questions and seek information.

The public meetings will be held at the Township Hall, at 10802 S. Roberts Road in Palos Hills, today

A donation of $25 dollars will be collected at registration that will go to S.E.R.V.E, a group formed by parents, teachers and members of the community with the goal to promote acceptance of students with special education needs through awareness, education, and community support.

This is Burke’s second time hosting this event. Last year’s indoor triathlon has more than 50 participants and raised over $1,300 for special education scholarships for graduating Evergreen Park High School seniors.

“S.E.R.V.E has been a driving

force in our community that raises awareness about disabilities and special education issues,” Burke said. “I am glad to work with them again this year on their efforts to provide resources as well as promote education and collaboration.”

Participants will swim, walk or jog on a treadmill and ride a stationary bike for 15 minutes each.

The event is open to the public.

Registration is required.

For more information, call her constituent service office at 425-0571 or email kburke@ kellyburkerep36.org.

ELECT

JUDGE DANIEL PETERS Endorsed Democratic Candidate 4th Judicial Subcircuit

Found “Qualied” by Every Rating Bar Association 34 Years Experience in the Circuit Court of Cook County

PUNCH 174 • VOTE DEMOCRATIC

The Regional News Thursday, February 27, 2014

Submitted photos

Orland Fire and School Dist. 135 train parents in CPR Orland School District 135 and the Orland Fire Protection District collaboratively offered Friends & Family CPR training at Century Junior High on Feb. 6. More than 100 parents enrolled in this lifesaving training of adult Hands-Only® CPR, child CPR, adult and child AED use, infant CPR and relief in choking for adults, children and infants.

The Friends & Family CPR is geared towards adults who wish to have CPR and AED instruction but do not need certification for their job. The class was provided in a dynamic group setting by the OFPD officials and District 135 nurses using the American Heart Association’s practice-while-watching technique. OFPD Battalion Chief Raymond Kay said, “These cooperative programs are a great way to educate the community and potentially save someone’s life.”

The school district has a committed history of providing these life-saving skills to students. Each

year all 7th-grade students, numbering about 700 students, from the three junior high schools receive a weeklong CPR and AED training as part of their physical education classes. The district added the program in 2008 at the junior high level in an effort to provide students with training in the event of an emergency situation.

OFPD Battalion Chief Raymond Kay, Lieutenant Mark Duke and District 135 nurse Donna Rehm assist parents in the hands-only CPR exercise.

Parents perform AED exercises with the direction of OFPD trainer firefighter and paramedic Brian Thompson.

District parents perform the hand-on CPR and compressions.

The District and OFPD offer Friends & Family CPR to District 135 parents.

Man allegedly pees in bus Cops help free woman’s car A Harvey man was charged with disorderly conduct Feb. 10 after he allegedly urinated inside a Pace bus in the 7300 block of 159th Street, police said. Nehemiah Spencer III, 42, allegedly exposed himself and urinated near the partition behind the driver at 3:50 p.m., according to the police report. Spencer was asleep when police arrived and later denied urinating on the bus, police said.

Spencer reportedly told police he drank two 24-ounce cans of beer earlier in the day. He boarded the bus because he wanted to go for a ride rather than continue to sit at home, police said he reported to them. He told police that he thought he was in Homewood, police added. He appeared in court on Feb. 11.

In other Orland Park police news, Kimberly D. Jefferson, 50,

switched the price tags on two coats before attempting to purchase them at a store at Orland of Calumet City, was charged with Park Place, police said. She apretail theft Jan. 21 after allegedly peared in court Feb. 27. stealing clothing from a store at Jamelle E. Thomas, 33, of ChiOrland Square, police said. She cago, was charged with DUI on appeared in court on Jan. 22.

Feb. 3 after a stop at 159th Street Daniel Shelton, 74, of Country and 80th Avenue, police said. He Club Hills, was charged with retail also was charged with driving on theft Jan. 26 after allegedly steal- a revoked license and improper ing merchandise from a store in lane use, police said. He appeared the 7400 block of 159th Street, in court on Feb. 10. police said. He appeared in court Martha K. Matuszewski, 85, of on Feb. 11.

Orland Park, was charged with Jacqueline Magana, 21, of Ro- retail theft after allegedly stealmeoville, was charged with retail ing $24 worth of merchandise theft Feb. 9 after allegedly stealing from a store in the 11300 block makeup from a store at Orland of 159th Street, police said. Police Square, police said. She’ll appear said Matuszewski began crying in court March 11. when she was arrested, apologized Alejandra K. Givens, 33, of and said she did not have much Markham, was charged with retail money. She will appear in court theft Jan. 29 after she allegedly on March 11.

ORLAND PARK POLICE

from snowbank before arrest A good deed by Palos Park police turned into an arrest of a 23-yearold Chicago woman, charged with possession of cannabis. Police said they were trying to push a car out of a snowbank in the 12300 block of South Southwest Highway at 6:16 p.m. Feb. 8 when they detected the odor of burnt cannabis coming from inside the car, driven by Tiffany L. Clark. They also reportedly saw a cannabis cigarette on the center console of the vehicle. Further investigation revealed that Clark does not have a driver’s license, police said.

After she was taken into custody, police found a plastic bag contain-

Ridgeland

a paintball to vandalize her son’s vehicle while it was parked at the business. The business owner told ing cannabis inside the vehicle’s police she thought the crimes may glove box, according to the police have been motivated by ethnic report. Clark was due in court in hatred, since she and her son are Bridgeview last Monday.

Arabs. The police report gave no In other Palos Park police news, indication of any evidence that a vandal scratched the glass on would suggest a hate crime. the entrance door of a business Donna M. Weinert, 53, of Worth, in the 11900 block of South 80th was charged with DUI and impropAvenue. The crime was reported er lane usage. Police curbed her to Palos Park police by the busi- vehicle in the 8600 block of West ness owner, a 44-year-old Orland Route 83 at 12:59 a.m. Feb. 19 afPark woman, on Feb. 13, although ter they reportedly saw her vehicle the crime had occurred days ear- cross the center line three times. lier, police said. The woman also Weinert is scheduled to appear in reported that someone had used court in Bridgeview on April 2.

PALOS PARK POLICE

velocity for years with city and county officials, but the problem has only worsened.

(Continued from page 1) “Now we’re getting semi traffic, heavy semi traffic, almost like you pedestrians and bicyclists alike. would see on the Tri-State ExIt also suggests landscaped me- pressway. They’re using Ridgeland dians, curb bump-outs and other as a pass-through, as a fast road measures designed to slow down that allows them to avoid Cicero traffic to ensure compliance with and Harlem avenues. I can’t tell Palos Heights police arrested 21, of University Park, with driv- speed limits. you how many times things on PALOS HEIGHTS POLICE Kiel F. Safstrom, 23, of Tinley ing on a suspended license. Her Schuble’s concern was ad- our walls at home have shaken Park, and charged him with DUI, vehicle was curbed by police in the dressed, in part, by Tara Fifer, and actually fallen.” transportation of open alcohol, a.m. last Saturday. Bond was set 6300 block of West 127th Street a highway engineer for the Cook Schuble said he has even used possession of drug paraphernalia, at $1,500, and Cantore is due in at 3:47 p.m. last Thursday, after County Department of Transpor- a radar gun to clock traffic on and driving a vehicle with only one court on March 13. a random registration check re- tation and Highways.

Ridgeland and found that trucks working headlight. Police stopped Alyssa C. Bragiel, 20, of Ev- vealed that the driver’s license “We do not restrict truck traffic and others routinely speed at all his vehicle in the 12000 block of ergreen Park, was charged with of the vehicle’s owner had been [on county roads], regardless of hours.

South Harlem Avenue at 12:54 possession of drug parapherna- suspended., police said.Heights whether the surrounding area is “We have children walking home a.m. last Saturday. They report- lia. Her vehicle was pulled over police report traffic chargesBond commercial or residential,” she from Shepard High School—where edly found a glass smoking pipe in the 6300 block of West 127th was set at $1,500, and Jones is said flatly. my children went—down the easewith burnt cannabis residue, but Street at 11:41 p.m. last Thurs- scheduled to appear in court on Others at the meeting picked ment side. They’re taking their the police report gave no indica- day, after police reportedly saw March 13. up on Schuble’s point and sug- lives in their hands,” he claimed. tion of what kind of alcohol was Bragiel and three passengers in Donald Hardie, 24, of Rob- gested that county commission- “People that are trying to drive found. Bond was set at $3,000, the vehicle allegedly not wearing bins, was charged driving on a ers craft and enact legislation to out of the side streets and merge and Safstrom’s court date is seatbelts. Police said they smelled suspended license and driving a restrict truck traffic on Ridgeland. onto Ridgeland or just walk across March 27. burnt cannabis in the vehicle and vehicle with no front license plate. The study area includes parts of the street—we have people using In other Palos Heights police found a glass smoking pipe. Also Police stopped his van in the 11900 districts represented by three of the walking trail over by Trinity news, Ann Cantore, 43, of Chicago charged with possession of drug block of South Harlem Avenue at the 17 county commissioners: College—it’s a nightmare.”

Ridge, was arrested and charged paraphernalia in relation to the 8:34 a.m. last Sunday. Bond was Elizabeth “Liz” Doody Gorman Schuble alleged that Palos with driving on a suspended li- pipe was Sean P. Justice, 21, of set at $1,500, and Hardie’s court (R-17th), Joan Patricia Murphy Heights police write tickets for cense and talking on a cell phone Merrionette Park. Both Bragiel date is March 13.

(D-6th), and John P. Daley (D- speeders on the west side of Ridgewhile driving. Police pulled her and Justice are scheduled to apPolice charged Mahdi T. Khatib, 11th). land Avenue, near the Westgate vehicle over in the 11900 block pear in court on March 13.

32, of Alsip, with possession of Schuble said he has fought the Valley subdivision, but ignore of South Harlem Avenue at 9:30 Police charged Alexess K. Jones, drug paraphernalia and talking battle over traffic volume and speeders north of 127th Street. on a cell phone while driving. His “We’ve begged the city to put vehicle was curbed by police in patrols on Ridgeland Avenue, and the 6400 block of West College it’s fallen on deaf ears,” Schuble Drive at 5:41 p.m. last Friday. claimed. “It’s very frustrating, and Bond was set at $1,500, and Jones I’ll say this—if there was this kind is scheduled to appear in court of a traffic concern near Ishnala on March 27. or Navajo Hills, the city would Tyler R. McMaster, 22, of Crestput a stop to it immediately. Imwood, was charged with possession Republican Illinois primary can- mediately.” of drug paraphernalia, failure to didate for governor Bruce Rauner Asked by The Regional News wear a seatbelt, and talking on is scheduled to hold a meet and for a response to Schuble’s allegaa cell phone while driving. Police greet on Monday, March 3, at 4 tions, Palos Heights Police Deputy stopped his vehicle in the 11800 p.m., at Fox’s Pub on 143rd Street Chief William Czajkowski said block of South Southwest Highway in Orland Park. that the department deploys its at 5:24 p.m. Feb. 19. McMaster’s This will be an opportunity for resources uniformly throughout court date is April 4. members of Palos and Orland the city and enforces the speed Police charged Jose R. Coro- township GOP organizations limit on Ridgeland. “We can and nado-Calvillo, 30, of Hammond, and others to meet Rauner, who do conduct traffic studies in reInd., with driving without a li- is endorsed by both local GOP sponse to citizen concerns about cense, speeding, and no proof of groups. speeding,” he added, saying that insurance. His vehicle was curbed when studies show patterns that by police in the 6300 block of are problematic, the department West 127th Street at 1:17 a.m. takes action. last Tuesday. Bond was set at The city police cars often seen $2,000, and Coronado-Calvillo is scheduled to appear in court on April 4.

Robert A. Zajack, 48, of Bridgeview, was charged with driving on a suspended license and failure to dim his headlights. Police The Fraterstopped his vehicle in the 12500 nal Order of block of South Harlem Avenue Police, Chicago at 10:37 p.m. Feb. 19. Bond was Lodge No. 7 set at $1,500, and Zajack’s court has endorsed date is April 4.

Michael Barrett Submitted photo and text Police charged Reginald D. for judge in the Snow, 33, of Chicago, with driving 15th District on a suspended license and driving Judicial Subcira vehicle with only one working cuit of the Cook Cook County Commissioner Joan Patricia Murphy has announced headlight. His vehicle was curbed County Circuit Court. her endorsement of Michael Barrett, a Democratic judicial candidate by police in the 12600 block of Barrett, who lives in Orland in the 15th Subcircuit in the March 18 primary election.

South Harlem Avenue at 8:51 p.m. Park, has been a lawyer for more Commissioner Murphy stated, “I owe so much to my fellow Feb. 19. Bond was set at $1,500, than 22 years and has represented Democrat, Michael Barrett” “I know he would make fair and honest and Snow is scheduled to appear many Chicago and suburban podecisions”. Shown with Commissioner Murphy is Michael Barrett. in court on April 4. lice officers.

Accused drunken driver charged with open alcohol; paraphernalia

Meet Rauner at Fox’s Pub

FOP Lodge 7 backs Barrett in judge race

Murphy endorses Barrett

across from Shepard High School are there to ensure that beforeand after-school traffic flows smoothly and safely, he added.

Several elected officials attended the meeting, including County Commissioner Gorman, Palos Heights Mayor Robert Straz, Chicago Ridge Mayor Chuck Tokar, Worth Mayor Mary Werner, Palos Township Trustee Brent Woods and Palos Heights Alderman Jeffrey Key (1st).

Gorman said she found the study “interesting” but had not yet been briefed on the plan and was “still mulling it over.”

Her initial reaction, she added, was “…where’s the funding?

That’s an important part of this, of course.”

Echoing what Gorman said was Chicago Ridge resident Bill Johnston, who said that “without political will and without adequate funding, this study will sit on a shelf somewhere and gather dust.

In my 72 years, I’ve seen that happen more than I can remember, from big plans like the Crosstown Expressway to smaller municipal projects that never happened.”

The study in final form is expected to be ready by May. “We’ll be working directly with municipalities and determining exactly what is going to be our targeted approach—how we’re going to coordinate funding and how we’re going to implement some of the action items,” Fifer said. “It’s not going to happen overnight. It will be strategic and gradual.”

Worth resident Mary Sue Prendl said she planned to take full advantage of the opportunity to provide input on the plan.

“Like some people, I’m just seeing these maps for the first time tonight,” she said. “But they said we have a couple of weeks to look over everything and get back to them through the website.

I will, and so will my neighbors.

Ridgeland is so inhospitable to people who ride bicycles, it’s like trying to ride your bike on an expressway.”

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The Regional News Thursday, February 27, 2014

Community Notes Palos Fine Arts foreign film series

starting this Friday, Feb. 28, at Lake Katherine, Palos Heights Public Library and City Hall PrePalos Fine Arts begins the 13th ordering is strongly encouraged. year of the foreign film series Some day of sale items will be with the movie, “The Red Vio- available on May 17. Ted’s Greenlin” this Friday, Feb. 28, at both house is the new supplier this 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., at the Palos year and is promising some new Heights Public Library, 12501 S. floral items along with a selec71st Ave. tion of herbs. The Palos Heights Directed by Francois Gerard, Woman’s Club looks forward to this drama traces the history of a strong community participation beautiful violin made by an Italian in this annual event and is most craftsman that passes from rich appreciative of the support it has to poor, through five countries received over the years for the and four centuries. many charitable and educational The Palos Fine Arts series in- donations made on an annual cludes “The Debt” on March 28 basis. and “Armour” on April 25. Admission is free.

Meet women mayors

Heights Woman’s Club flower sale The Palos Heights Woman’s Club is planning its annual Flower Sale scheduled for Saturday May 17.

Order forms will be available

with League of Voters

In last year’s municipal elections, two area women were chosen to be the leaders of their towns.

In Oak Lawn, Dr. Sandra Bury won the office of Village Presi-

Club Activities Heights Woman’s Club laughter night

Yoga leader Kathy O’Brien, former pediatric nurse at Wyler Children’s Hospital. O’Brien The Palos Heights Woman’s has led her laughter sessions in Club will meet Tuesday, March programs at The Center, Lake 4, at 7 p.m., at the Palos Heights Katherine and other local and Recreation Department, 6601 W. regional venues.

127th St. Guests are welcome to attend The program for the eve- this entertaining night of laughning will be “Laughter for Your ter “as the best medicine.” ReHealth” presented by Laughter freshments will be served.

Library Notes Literary look at best books The Palos Heights Public Library will take a literary look at 2013 on Thursday, March 6, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the library, 12501 S. 71st Ave. The library will share a variety of titles published in 2013 considered the best by by book reviewers. Looking for something new for your book club? Learn about titles you may have missed.

Heights library featured database Books & Authors combines more than 140,000 titles, 50,000 authors, and thousands of read-alike, award winner and librarian’s favorites lists, to bring readers and literature together. It makes exploring genre fiction and essential non-fiction fun. Readers can be sure that their next big read comes with a big recommendation.

Access is available in the library or online at www.palosheightslibrary.org/services/online-databases.html by clicking “Alphabetical List.” Scroll down and click on “Books and Authors” to begin.

Use your Palos Heights library card number to login; the password is your last name.

Heights library youth events The following events will take place at the Palos Heights Public Library, 12501 S. 71st Ave. Teen Gaming Teen gaming will take place on Friday, Feb. 28, between 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. For grades 6 and up.

Cat in the Hat All ages are invited Sunday, March 5 at 2 p.m. to celebrate Dr Seuss’ birthday with stories and fun. Registration is required.

Library Closing The library will be closed Monday, March 3 from 9-1 for an inservice program.

Rainbow Bracelets Bring your loom to the library, and we will supply the rubber bands on Tuesday, March 4 at 4 p.m. Children in grades 1 and up are invited.

Pajama Time Enjoy a story and a craft. Wear your pjs and bring your blankie March 4 at 7 p.m., all ages are welcome.

Heights library upcoming programs The following will take place at the Palos Heights Public Library, 12501 S. 71st Ave. • Thursdays at the Movies today will show the film "The Lone Ranger". There will be three showings: 10 a.m.(with subtitles), 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

• Palos Fine Arts will show the film, "The Red Violin," this Friday, Feb. 28, at 1 and 6:30 p.m., as part of its 13th annual adult foreign film series. Upcoming movies include "The Debt" on Friday, March 28, and "Amour" on Friday, April 25.

• Bring your projects to the Needle Club and enjoy the company of others while working on March 4, from 10 a.m. to noon.

New members always welcome.

• Join others who love the game at the Scrabble Club on Tuesday, March 4, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. New players always welcome.

• Join the Lunch Bunch on Monday, March 10, at noon, to discuss Hello Goodbye Hello: A Circle of 101 Remarkable Meetings by Craig Brown, available for pick up at the library. Bring your lunch; refreshments and dessert will be provided.

• Hear historian Jim Gibbons talk about the life of Eleanor Roosevelt on Sunday, March 9, at 2 p.m. As the wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the niece of President Theodore Roosevelt, she wielded tremendous influence. The poor and the

dent over longtime Mayor Dave Heilmann. In Worth, Trustee Mary Werner became the Village President. While both Palos Heights and Palos Park have had women mayors, the experience in Oak Lawn and Worth are each a first.

The League of Women Voters of the Palos Orland Area has invited these two ladies to speak at their next regular meeting on Saturday, March 8, at the Palos Heights Public Library. Coffee is on at 9:30 a.m., and the meeting begins at 10. Members of the community are invited to learn from these two leaders.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization dedicated to an informed electorate. The League never endorses or opposes political candidates or Submitted photo parties. League meetings are al- Lake Arrowhead is one of Bill O’Mara’s favorite places in Palos Heights. During the winter, he could ways open to the public. see the lake through the trees from his former residence on 131st Street.

For more information, call 3892888 or go to www.palosorlandlwv. org.

Bill O’Mara was living with his wife and four children in a three-bedroom bungalow in Chicago’s Mount Greenwood neighborhood when his fifth child came along. “We had a decision to make – either put rooms in the basement or move to a larger house,” he says. “Well, our decision was to move to a larger house. And fortunately, I made a very, very good decision by moving to Palos Heights.” The year was 1970, and the family moved to 131st and Forestview, right across the street from the Forest Preserve where Lake Arrowhead would be created in the early 1980s to relieve flooding. Bill, who will be in his 80s in August and now lives in nearby Oak Hills, spent lots of time walking and cycling near his home.

South Suburban While the Forest Preserve was a huge draw for the O’Mara family, proximity to a Catholic church and Civil War Roundtable schools was also an important consideration. All his children attended St. Alexander School, where Bill The South Suburban Civil War has been very involved over the years; he has served on the parish council, and also as a Reader, as Rountable will meet Thursday, a Eucharistic Minister, and in other parish posts. He also served as the president of the Society of St. Feb. 27, at 7 p.m., at Ed & Joe’s Vincent de Paul at St. Alexander parish. Over the years, his church activities have been very important Pizza, 17332 S. Oak Park Ave. in to him: as others may find fulfillment in civic or political activities, Bill says he’d “rather be involved in Tinley Park. something like the church.” On the day of his interview, Bill had actually just come from doing a reading Members night will feature a at Mass at St. Al’s. panel discussion. If coming for A lover of nature, Bill used to enjoy dining at Dunlap’s Restaurant (now Bootsma Bookstore Café at dinner, arrive by 6 p.m.

Trinity Christian College), where the “squirrels would come up to your windows.” He also called Lake Katherine “a jewel in Palos Heights.” His words affirmed Mayor Eugene Simpson’s vision of the nature preserve: Bill says, “Many people who enjoy Lake Katherine are not from Palos Heights. They’re from surrounding suburbs, but it’s such a nice place that we get people from all around the surrounding areas. Not only that, but I’ve talked to people who came from Chicago to view Lake Katherine.”

Bill ran his own business, a food and liquor store, in Chicago Ridge, and he owned apartment buildings in Tinley Park. He also worked in many surrounding communities as a food broker. Nevertheless, he oppressed had a strong ally in has always enjoyed living in Palos Heights; about the houses here, he says, “When there’s a tear-down, Eleanor. they build a beautiful home there. I think it’s nice to see these new homes mingled in with these older • On Tuesday, March 11, at 7 homes. The people in the older homes keep them up very well.” Bill also had many good things to say p.m., join Robert Rodriguez, at about the public library, especially as a place to read, relax, and catch a movie.

An Evening With Revolver: How —William O’Mara, interviewed by Public Services Librarian Bruce Sullivan. From the Palos Heights the Beatles Re-imagined Rock 'N' Public Library Oral History Collection.

Roll in the Studio, showcasing the Long-time Palos Heights residents and business owners are encouraged to share their stories for the height of the Beatles success us- benefit of future researchers. If you would like to be interviewed for the Palos Heights Public Library Oral ing performance and promo clips, History Collection, please contact Bruce by calling the Library at 448-1473. Interviews last approximately rare photos and unreleased audio 30-45 minutes and will be kept perpetually in the Library’s Local History Room. of the group at work.

Program registration is always appreciated. Register online at palosheightslibrary.org, by phone at 448-1473, or in person. All programs are free and open to the Did you know that Tina Fey Poehler and countless others.

PG-13 show. public unless otherwise noted. and Amy Poehler got their starts Not only will an evening with Tickets for The Second City are at The Second City?

The Second City provide audiences $25 for general admission, $15 for Tickets are on sale now for the with the chance to see comedy students with ID and seniors age For animal lovers Saturday, March 1 show when Chi- stars in the making, but they will 60 or older. A special rate of $20 per Learn about the Palos Park- cago’s legendary comedy theater also have the opportunity to see tickets is available for groups of 10 based volunteer animal rescue The Second City will appear at absolutely hilarious satire and cut- or more. Tickets can be purchased Sandburg High School in the Per- ting-edge improvisation. No topic at www.d230foundation.org or at organization Animals for Awareness and their animal forming Arts Center at 7 p.m. All or subject matter is off limits for the District 230 Administration friends at the Palos Park Public proceeds support Sandburg, Stagg The Second City. If your parents Center (15100 S. 94th Avenue in Library on Saturday, March 1, and Andrew High Schools through asked you not to speak about it Orland Park). For group rates or the District 230 Foundation. at the dinner table, chances are it information, call Carla Erdey at at 11 a.m.

Drawing on classic material will be made fun of in an evening 745-5222.

Children of all ages will learn —District 230 how to care for and protect ani- from The Second City archives with The Second City. This is a mals. Attendees are asked to bring as well as scenes ripped from the a donation of canned mixed veg- morning headlines, The Second LECT UDGE HRIS AWLER City’s Happily Ever Laughter is etables or fruit.

15th Subcircuit Winter reading program prize your chance to see comedy stars winners will be announced follow- in the making in an evening of ing the program. The library is smart, cutting edge comedy.

The Second City celebrates 53 at 12330 Forest Glen Blvd. Call years of cutting edge satiric revues to register, 448-1530. for Cook County Circuit Court Judge as well as being launching pad for generations of comedy superstars.

Fly Girls of WWII The Second City continues to deThe Palos Park Public Library velop the leading voices in comedy will present historical interpreter while touring the globe. Founded Rebecca Tulloch and her “Fly in Chicago in 1959, The Second Girls of WWII” program on Tues- City has become the premier training ground for the comedy world’s day, March 4, at 7 p.m.

March is Women’s History best and brightest.

Their alumni list reads like a Month and Tulloch will discuss the Women Air Service Pilots who’s who of American comedy, as (WASP) program and the role it includes: Mike Nichols, Elaine of women pilots in World War May, Alan Arkin, Joan Rivers, RobII. This program collaborates ert Klein, Peter Boyle, Harold Rawith the McCord Gallery’s mis, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, World War II exhibit which runs Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, George March 13-16. Register for this Wendt, Martin Short, John Candy, program by calling 448-1530 or Bonnie Hunt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, visit the library online at www. Horatio Sanz, Ryan Stiles, Jack For more info visit www.electjudgechrislawler.com McBrayer, Tim Meadows, Chris palosparklibrary.org VOTE LAWLER ON MARCH 18!

Farley, Mike Myers, Steve Carell, Paid Political Advertisement.

Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, Amy

Connect to Local History @ Palos Heights Public Library

Second City coming to Sandburg

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Judge Chris Lawler

Southsider • Community Leader Currently hearing cases at Markham Courthhouse 25 years experience!

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Palos 118 Trivia Night at Trio The Palos 118 Educational Foundation hosted their second annual Trivia Night at Trio restaurant in Palos Heights on Saturday night. More than 120 were in attendance to have fun and test their knowledge in popular trivia categories. Funds raised from the event benefit a student iPad initiative at Palos South.

Foundation volunteers helped organized the event. Shown are Diane Szakonyi, MariJo Calacci, treasurer; Melissa Gracias, Anna Angelos, Kathy Ring, Sheila Pacholski, Ray Lyons, vice chairman and Susan Manglano, chairman.

• Diamonds & Precious Stones • Sports Cards & Related Memorabilia • Collectibles of All Kinds • Pocket & Wrist Watches

top prices paid for all items needed!

COLLECTOR’S GALLERY LLC. 15944 S. Harlem Ave. Tinley Park • 708-633-8394 See us at our 2nd location:

4812 S. Pulaski • 773-847-3585

The Regional News Thursday, February 27, 2014

School Notes Nights of comedy at Chicago Christian

Little Learner instructors encourage creative expression thru dance, singing, art, yoga, daily aeroThe Chicago Christian High bics, and even sign language. All School Theater Department will children will receive the personal offer a night of comedy this Friday support and attention necessary and Saturday, at 7 p.m. to build trust and confidence, and Hilarity Ensues: A Night of Com- parents are a part of the homeedy, will feature the first Chicago school learning connection that Christian High School Improv Team, is fostered in order to continually as well as two one-act comedies, and develop skills. a special performance by the girl’s a Little Learners is a caring and capella group, The Knightingales. nurturing preschool where expeThe one-acts that are featured rienced instructors are committed are “Sure Thing” by David Ives and to making all children feel special: “Philosophy 101: A Play”, based on 3-year-old and 4-year-old programs a work by Woody Allen. are available.

Performances will be in the CCHS Registration for the 2014-15 auditorium, 12001 S. Oak Park Ave, school year began Feb. 1.

Palos Heights. Tickets are $5 for Little Learners Preschool is held students and seniors and $7 for at the Palos Heights Recreation adults. Tickets are on sale in the Center, 6601 W. 127th St. For inmain office at CCHS, are also avail- formation, call 361-1807. able at the door the night of the show. (388-7650) Sandburg spring

St. Alexander School open houses and registration

craft fair ahead

The 25th annual Carl Sandburg Music Boosters Spring Craft Fair will be held Saturday, March 8, St. Alexander School, Palos from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, Heights, will host Welcome Wednes- March 9, from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m., at Submitted photo days Open Houses for prospective Sandburg High School, 13300 S. students and families on Wednes- LaGrange Road, Orland Park. days, March 26, April 30 and May Numerous crafters will be in at21, from 9 a.m to 11 a.m., at the tendance to make shopping for EasSixteen students from the Independence Junior High School Band competed in a solo and ensemble contest for the Illinois Grade school located at 126th Street and ter and spring essentials a breeze.

School Music Association (IGSMA) on Feb. 15 at Liberty Junior High School in New Lenox.

71st Avenue.

Shoppers can expect to find jewelry, The Independence students won 18 Division I medals (the highest honor awarded) and 3 Division II medals for a total of 21 medals.

Experience and explore St. Al- handbags, clothing, holiday items, Five of these students performed in two separate categories. Noah Treat performed solos on both the tenor saxophone and the B Flat exander School during the Open home decor, candles, handcrafted clarinet. Rachel Antone (saxophone), Abbey Lorch (clarinet), Mitchell Elzinga (trumpet), and Joseph Feldner (trombone) performed a House. School tours will showcase one-of-a-kind crafts and so much solo and ensemble. In total, eight soloists and six different ensembles pieces were performed. the state-of-the-art Technology and more! There will also be a bake sale Independence students who participated in the IGSMA competition are Abbey Lorch (from left), Rachel Antone, Alayne Trinko, Shannon Applied Tech Labs as well as stu- and a “Kids Fun Area” this year Stokes, Yadira Eck, Madeline Langford, Gabriella Brownsey, Lindsey Bylut, Noah Treat, Mitchell Elzinga, Eric Spindler, Jonathan Lezon, dents participating in classroom to make sure there is something Collin Sterling, Joseph Feldner, band director Brian Everson and Justin Kamholz. Michelle Podewell, of Tinley Park, accompanied the activities. for everyone. soloists on the piano.

“This is a wonderful opportunity Admission is $2 per person/chilThe Independence Junior High School Symphonic band participated in the Conference Band Competition at Arbor Park Middle School for prospective school families to see dren age 12 and under admitted on Feb. 19 and won a Division I rating at this competition. first hand how students and teach- free.

Band director Everson grew up in Palos Heights and went through the District 128 band program. He continued his music education ers interact in a classroom setting,” All proceeds from the CSHS at Shepard High School under the direction of Christopher Pitlik before earning his degree in music education at the University of Illinois Principal Cathy Biel said. School Music Boosters directly benefit in Urbana.

Administrators will be available to the music program and students answer questions and provide de- at Carl Sandburg High School. tailed information regarding class offerings and extra curricular acStagg crafts show tivities. call for vendors Registration for the 2014-15 academic year is now underway. For Crafters are sought for the Stagg more information, to schedule a tour High School Music Boosters annual and to register contact the School arts and crafts show to be held State Rep. Fran Hurley en- cation may be eligible for this scholApplications must be post- tunity to local women who strive Administration Office at 448-0408. Saturday and Sunday, March 22 courages non-traditional women arship to help pay for undergradu- marked by Monday, March 31st to improve themselves, their fami- To explore all St. Alexander has to and 23, at Stagg, 111th Street and undergraduate students to ap- ate tuition, books, and fees.” and should include two reference lies, and their communities,” Hur- offer, visit www.stalexanderschool. Roberts Road inPalos Hills. ply for a scholarship worth up COWL is a non-profit, bi-parti- letters, a personal background and ley said. “As women, we have a com.

A. A. Stagg High School Music to $2,500, offered by the Confer- san coalition comprised of women goals essay, official transcripts responsibility to help each other Boosters organization is accepting ence of Women Legislators. legislators across the state. The from the last two years of edu- grow and become leaders for the applications from crafters and artLittle Learners “COWL offers this unique schol- one-year undergraduate COWL cation, and a list of institutions next generation.” ists for the Art for the Season show. preschool signup arship opportunity to women who scholarship is offered to female of higher education previously Scholarship winners will be The show is well-received and wellfaced barriers in beginning or students aged 25 years and older attended. The required signed notified by April 30.

Palos Heights’ Little Learners attended. Cost is $95 per 80 sq. ft. completing their education due to who are pursuing careers that will waiver form, application form, For more information, contact Preschool has an enhanced and booth space for the two-day run financial difficulties or other life contribute to government, chil- and additional information can Hurley’s full-time constituent unique curriculum that promotes of the show. circumstances,” said Hurley. “Any dren, families and community. be accessed at www.cowlil.com. services office at (773) 445-8128, a strong academic foundation, For information or to receive woman 25 years or older with a The scholarship is funded by “I am proud to join my COWL 233-9703 or RepFranHurley@ superior social skills and healthy an application, call 974-7520 or commitment to furthering her edu- COWL’s fundraising initiatives. colleagues in offering this oppor- gmail.com. lifestyle skills.

361-8298.

Independence band builds upon winning tradition

Lawmakers offer undergraduate scholarships for non-traditional women college students

Student News The following local students are among those awarded degrees as fall 2013 graduates at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

Alexandra Balaskas, Corey Kelly, Cynthia Libby, Diana Burns, James Campian, Katelyn Jilek, Nicholas Arvidson and Patri-

cia Garvey, all of Orland Park, and Stephanie Boehlke, of Palos Park. *** The following local students were named to Dean’s List at Arizona State University: Margaret Johnson, of Orland Park,

and Tina Shelstrom, of Palos Park.

Undergraduate students who earn 12 or more graded semester hours during a semester in residence at ASU with a GPA of 3.50 or higher are eligible for the Dean’s List. A notation regarding Dean’s List achievement appears on the

unofficial transcript. *** The following local students at the University of Iowa in Iowa City were named to the Dean’s List for the 2013 fall semester.

Emma Husar and Mary Hart, of Palos Heights; Sean Connelly,

of Palos Park; and Andrea Duvnjak, Lauren Cummings, Rachel Lynch and Angela Wojtczak, all of Orland Park. *** Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind., named Julia Dunford to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2013 semester. Julia is the daughter of Laurence Dunford, of Palos Heights.

To earn academic honors at Saint Mary’s, a student must achieve a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.6 on a 4.0 scale, have at least 12 graded credit hours, no incompletes, and no grades lower than a C. *** Lindsie Bliss, a senior from Shepard High School, won the Illinois High School Association state speech championship in Informative Speaking.

Bliss became the fifth Shepard student, all girls, to win a state title in the past six years. Glorielle Williams won in Poetry Reading in 2012; Leah Ellis won in Special Occasion Speaking in 2011; Amy Ramelli won in 2010; and, Submitted photo Jasmine Lockett won in 2009.

The Chicago Christian High School Mock Trial team beat 25 teams to take first place in their tournament last Friday at the DuPage As a team, Shepard tied for County Courthouse. The teams they topped included the last year’s top three teams in the state. eighth place out of the 80 schools Team members are Haley Kitts (back row from left), Coach Neil Okuley, Megan Trentz, Bridget Cusak, Maddie Mikitka, Savannah who qualified individuals for the Wawrzynaik, Frank Jones Jr., Kassie Satterly, and Madi De Jager, and (front row) Elizabeth Seils, Dan Venhuisen, Abby Haan, Eddie state finals. In addition to the Hood, Jacob Bruinius, Li Zhang, Jamie Hiskes and Samantha Latson championship won by Bliss, senior

Shana Woodland won third place in Poetry Reading.

It’s the third consecutive year that the Astros have returned from Peoria with a state champion. Ellis follows Jasmine Lockett, who won in 2009, and Amy Ramelli, who won last year.

Ellis also placed fourth in Poetry Reading. Samm Hilger qualified as a finalist in Humorous Interpretation.

Shepard High School senior Lindsie Bliss won the Illinois High School Association speech state championship in Informative Speaking this past weekend.

Submitted photos and text

St. Alexander preschoolers salute Winter Olympics; valentine moms St. Alexander School’s preschool students recently celebrated two special February events.

For the 2014 Winter Olympics, preschoolers created torches and held them high to salute the Olympic games. The students participated in their own “Preschool Olympics” featuring a variety of games in the gym. They received gold medals for their outstanding efforts. St. Alexander is currently accepting registration for the 2014-15 school year. A full-day 4-year-old preschool program is offered. For information, call the school office at 448-0408 or visit www.stalexanderschool.com.

To warm up on Valentine’s Day, St. Alexander preschoolers hosted a special Valentine Tea for their Mothers. The pupils enjoyed a fabulous day making crafts, eating tasty treats and passing out valentines to classmates and their Moms. It was a heart-warming day for all.

A four-week Time for Two’s program to learn more about St. Alexander’s Preschool program will be offered on Tuesdays, March 18, March 25, April 1 and April 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30. To participate in the Time for Two’s program call the school office at 448-0408. St. Alexander is a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School committed to the enrichment of God’s children.

The Regional News Thursday, February 27, 2014

Healthy Answers for Life

by Carolyn Johnson

Relief for sore throats, naturally Dear Carolyn, I seem to get sore throats all the time, especially during the winter. I wanted to know what kinds of natural things are good for sore throats.

Thanks, Gary

and mushroom complexes are just a few of the many supplements that can help the immune system to function at its best and help to kill pathogens like bacteria and viruses in the body.

In addition to boosting the immune system, there are a number Dear Gary, of things available that can help to A sore throat is often the first soothe and heal a sore throat. Slipsymptom of another illness, espe- pery elm lozenges are amazing for cially respiratory infections. sore throats. They work by helpA sore throat is the body’s way ing to create a natural coating on of putting up a warning flag, say- the throat, which helps to soothe ing to take care to avoid getting and heal irritated and inflamed sicker. If at the first sign of a membranes. Professional singers sore throat you try to get some have used slippery elm lozenges extra rest and begin to take to keep their throat’s healthy for supplements that are beneficial many years. They also taste good to the immune system, often you (personally, I have a hard time can stop it from becoming any sucking on awful tasting cough worse. drops when I’m feeling sick).

If you seem to develop a sore Traditional Medicinals Throat throat rather frequently, it is likely Coat Tea is another product that’s a sign that you need to work on wonderful for soothing a sore boosting your immune system. throat. It contains a number of There are a number of supple- herbs, including slippery elm and ments that work very well to help marshmallow root, which help to enhance the immune system. Ol- heal and soothe sore throats. At ive leaf, oregano oil, elderberry Pass Health Foods we’ve even had

singers from the Tweeter Center stop by to pick up a box before a concert. It’s also a very nice tasting tea, so it’s easy to take when you’re feeling under the weather.

Gargling with salt water is also really helpful for soothing a sore throat. Add enough salt to warm water until it tastes salty, and then gargle with that mixture several times a day. Salt water can help to reduce inflammation in the throat as well as remove excess mucus, along with helping to kill the bacteria that can multiply there. One study of 400 people during cold and flu season also found that salt water gargling three times a day, with or without a cold actually being felt, reduced respiratory infections up to 40 percent.

Other helpful things would be to run a humidifier in your house, or if you don’t have one, to boil a pot of water on the stove to add moisture to the air. It’s important to drink enough fluids, since dehydration can suppress

the immune system. Drinking plenty of fluids can also help to flush toxins from the body.

To submit a question to be answered in a future column send an email to healthyanswersforlife@gmail.com or mail to Healthy Answers for Life c/o Pass Health Foods at 7228 W. College Drive, Palos Heights, IL 60463.

Carolyn Johnson is one of the knowledgeable associates at Pass Health Foods at 7228 W. College Drive. Feel free to stop by the store for more information or advice. www.passhealthfoods.com This column makes no claims to diagnose, treat, prevent, mitigate, or cure diseases with any advice or products. Any health related information in this article is for educational purposes only.

The ultimate responsibility for your choices and their effect on your health are yours and before applying any therapy or use of herbs, supplements, etc., you should consult your health care provider.

Pick of the Litter

By John R. Fleming, DVM • PrairieStateVet.com On Monday I had a client in the office who loves her yellow Labrador retriever. I’ve often seen this dog with a big red lipstick kiss mark on his forehead. While I was examining him, she told me that he was the best dog that has ever lived. I had to respectfully disagree with her and informed her that our Ebie was the best dog to have ever been born. One thing led to another in our conversation, and we eventually agreed that she should have some her dog’s semen frozen.

I regret not having done that with Ebie years ago, but I always thought he would live to a good old age. I’d love to breed him now and get one of his sons, but that chance is gone now. My client’s husband says they are too old to start with a new puppy at any time, but I told him if he’s upright and taking nutrition he’s never too old for a puppy.

Dear Dr. Fleming, My 14-year-old dog has scaly skin and no fleas. She doesn’t itch much. I read online that this could be Lyme disease. Is this a good possibility?

Jennifer, Chicago Ridge Dear Jennifer, It’s highly unlikely. The most common clinical signs of Lyme disease in dogs are anorexia (poor appetite), fever (did you buy a thermometer yet?), intermittent shifting leg lameness and in those cases where the organism settles in the kidneys we see some of the above signs as well as vomiting and weight loss. Have you vet check your dog’s skin to rule out pyoderma (bacterial infection of the skin, usually with Staph) and hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone level).

Meet Amy and Ridley from Chicago. Ridley is a young 4 years old.

Dear Dr. Fleming, My 6-year-old golden retriever, Rocko, is losing the pigment around his footpads and lips. The areas are turning from black to pink. My vet wants to do a skin biopsy to tell if it’s something called vitiligo, or it could be lymphoma. Do you think a biopsy is necessary?

Mark, Oak Lawn Dear Mark, Many skin diseases look the same. If your vet thinks (for good reason) that this could be cutaneous lymphoma do you really want to mess around and not do what she suggests?

Dear Readers, Congratulations to Jeanette

from Burbank. We choose her name out of the jar from the entries to our dental contest and her dog will get a no-charge teeth cleaning.

As it turns out, the most common answer we got as to why

people do not get their pet’s teeth cleaned when needed was due to the owners being “unaware” or, “out of sight – out of mind.” I guess we still have to continue the education process. First of all, smell your pet’s breath once in a while. A bad smell is a tip-off (same for the ears) that something is not right. More importantly, learn to “flip the lip” and look for that plaque/tartar layer building up. That hard material (calculus) is made up of salivary proteins, minerals and bacteria.

I like to compare it to the coral we see when diving in the ocean.

Coral is like a hard rock but it is alive. The plaque on your pet’s teeth is hard, and alive, teeming with destructives bacteria. To give a visual we have posted on our website 4 photos taken from a veterinary dentistry handout showing the best time to clean your pet’s teeth. These photos can be seen by going to our website (prairiestatevet.com) and clicking on the tab entitled Dental Care.

“One does not ask of one who suffers: What is your country and what is our religion? One merely says: You suffer, this is enough for me: you belong to me and I shall help you.” Louis Pasteur

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Health Beat Caregivers support offered at Smith

of remembering that lost skills will not be regained. Proper management of the disease and its Residents of the Orland Park symptoms, however, can make livarea and Chicago’s Beverly neigh- ing with Alzheimer’s disease—or borhood who take care of seniors a person with it—a little easier. living with Alzheimer’s disease or These factors help to determine dementia will be able to get free how much and what types of assisadvice from experts at meetings tance are needed. Smith Crossing at Smith Crossing and Smith Vil- is at 10501 Emilie Lane in Orlage, both of which are continu- land Park (enter at 104th Avenue ing care retirement communities and 183rd Street). To reserve a (CCRCs). place, please call 326-2300 or send The hour-long gatherings be- an email to familyandfriends@ gin at 6:30 p.m. and are open smithcrossing.org. to questions and comments from Tuesday, March 11, Smith the audience. Before ending, light Village’s memory support coorrefreshments are served. dinator Diane Morgan will talk On Thursday, March 6, Smith about the ABCs of dementia, Crossing’s resident services direc- that it is progressive and what tor Katie Liston and life enrich- to expect in the different stages. ment director Dana Mahler will Smith Village is at 2320 W. 113th be offering tips on how caregivers Place in Chicago. To reserve a can manage their loved one af- seat, please call (773) 474-7300 fected by Alzheimer’s. They will or send an email to familyandexplain in detail the importance friends@smithvillage.org.

RE-ELECT

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Civil Engineer

FOR COOK COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE

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Photo by Jeff Vorva

That’s good chili Mary Jo May, of Palos Park, enjoys chili at First Chili for Charity held earlier this month at Quigley’s Irish Pub in Oak Lawn.

Sponsored by the Oak Lawn Rotary Club, proceeds from the event benefited the Oak Lawn Children’s Museum planned Easter Egg Hunt for kids and young adults with disabilities.

INTERNS WANTED

Paid for by Citizens to Elect Patrick Kevin Coughlin for Judge. Political Advertisement

The Regional News is seeking summer interns for the following: • Advertising sales representatives • Reporters/Editorial staff APPLICANTS MUST BE COLLEGE STUDENTS WHO ARE: • Self-motivated and organized • Competitive and have the ability to multi-task • Energetic and outgoing • Punctual and have a reliable vehicle If you have the ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline oriented environment, please fax or email your resume to Amy Richards.

Fax: (708) 448-4160 email: arichards@regionalpublishing.com

REGIONAL PUBLISHING CORPORATION 12243 S. Harlem Ave. Palos Heights, IL 60463 Phone: (708) 448-4000

The Regional News Thursday, February 27, 2014

Photo Memories from

Crossword Puzzle “Places to Play”

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Across 1. Turn toward 5. A goatee covers it 9. Random guess 13. “American ___” 14. Call up 15. “The Way We ___” 16. Where players drive and putt 18. Boleyn or Tyler 19. Slimy veggie 20. Yogurt brand 22. Some infielders 26. Hawaiian necklace 27. Stated to be true 28. Become unified 33. Basmati and jasmine 34. Chewing gum, chocolate bars, etc.

35. “___-ching!”

36. Apple computers 37. Extra feature 38. Dress up like (for Halloween) 39. Devoured 40. Songs for one 41. Not beating around the bush 42. Soft piece of sports equipment 44. Journalist’s secret 45. Little white lie 46. Weightlifter’s helper 47. Nike rival 50. Store 51. One of many in a strawberry 52. Where players check and deke 58. Starbucks size 59. Host 60. Swedish furniture chain 61. Word in cutesy store names 62. Speaker’s platform 63 . Moisture covered, as a meadow

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7. Plug-___ 8. Require 9. “Way down upon the ___ River...”

10. Where players lob and volley 11. Florence’s river 12. “Where have you ___?”

14. Nudged with a stick 17. Shows up 21. No enemy 22. Server of beers 23. Take to the skies 24. Where players dribble and shoot 25. Female sheep 28. Panama or Erie 29. Burden 30. Super Bowl highlights?

31. One of three spaces on a Monopoly board 32. Holiday with eggs 34. Cobra’s shape 37. Sports ___ 38. Oversupply 40. Swedish group that did “Fernando” 41. Pirate’s treasure 43. Violin’s cousin 44. Shopping ___

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REGIONAL Archives

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Down 1. ___ Newtons 2. “Much ___ About Nothing” 3. Rank below gen.

4. Will Ferrell Christmas movie 5. Make butter 6. Circular dance

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46. “___ alive!”

47. Concerning 48. “Let’s Make a ___” 49. Structure for storing tools 50. 1221, in Roman numerals 53. Grandma, in Germany 54. (Free) of 55. Pres. Eisenhower 56. ___ Mexico 57. Letter after “jay”

From Feb. 28, 1974

40 Years Ago This Week Operation Alert: A simulated explosion in the plastics division of Andrew Corp., Orland Park, at 10:15 a.m. Feb. 21 triggered “Operation Alert” at Palos Community Hospital.

Some 22 employees of the Orland Park corporation were selected to act as “victims” of the simulated explosion, while other employees played the roles of relatives of victims as well as media reporters and photographers who would be expected to appear on the scene if such a disaster would actually occur.

In the crowded hospital corridor, victims who are less critically injured wait for treatment. Those who were classified as severely injured in the simulated explosion were the first to be treated.

(Answers on page 12)

The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers.

Each row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order.

Each column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order.

Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9.

From Feb. 26, 2004

10 Years Ago This Week The Orland Park Lions Club marks its 40th anniversary next month. Phil Saxton has been a member for almost three-quarters of these years. He is typical of Lions Club members who say they stay with the organization because helping people makes him feel good.

(Answers on page 12)

Don’t cry for H-F hoops sanctions

Photo by Jeff Vorva

WHATIZIT? Ding, ding, ding, ding – we have some winners.

A few of you guessed that last week’s photo was a service button for a video gambling machine and many of the machines in the area come from the Tower company.

The Oak Lawn tag-team of Donna and Jim Perisin came in first with the right answer.

Chicago Ridge’s Kathy Higgins and Worth’s Theresa and George Rebersky also made the bells ring.

Wrong guesses were of an elevator including elevators from Trump Tower, the Sears Tower and the Hilton in Oak Lawn.

This week’s clue: Feet first.

Send those guesses to thereporter@comcast.net with the word WHATIZIT? in the subject line by Monday. Don’t forget your name and hometown.

Stagg had its girls basketball season end last Wednesday night when the Chargers dropped a 5844 decision to Mother McAuley in the Oak Lawn Regional.

But it also picked up two victories that night without even playing a game.

Another District 230 squad, Sandburg, played the same night and walked away with a 53-49 victory over Crete-Monee in Orland Park.

The Eagles also picked up two more wins without having to play.

It was a unique and historic night in the world of high school sports as fans, players and coaches from all over the state were buzzing that buzzsaw Homewood-Flossmoor not only was suspended from the postseason by Illinois High School Association officials hours before the Vikings were set to tip off against Thornton Fractional North, but H-F had to forfeit all of its regular-season victories as well.

So Stagg, which lost 71-45 and 68-41 to the Vikings, and Sandburg, which lost 70-39 and 84-23 to them in Southwest Suburban Conference play, each picked up a couple of W’s that they weren’t expecting.

Coaches, players and parents from all over the state were laughing it up and enjoying the news of the H-F suspension.

The Vikings and coach Anthony Smith have been accused of many things since he took over this season. An internal investigation after an unnamed H-F parent filed a lawsuit against the school because six players transferred to the school revealed some wrongdoing. Four transfers were on his team at his former school, Bolingbrook. One was from Plainfield East and another, Bria Stallworth, was from Marist. Red flags were raised last summer when rumors of

Notes north of the Cal-Sag

by Jeff Vorva these transfers surfaced.

Before I start piling on, I have to say that I dealt with Coach Smith quite a bit when he was with Bolingbrook and he was always great to me. And I’m not going to get on a high horse about the evils of transferring because our family had a high school transfer situation and I’ve seen its merits and demerits.

Smith had been accused of skullduggery and recruiting players at Bolingbrook by coaches with strong thoughts who never wanted to go on the record about it. Kids from other regions and even other states transferred to his school to play for him.

But he had his good points, too. The dude won four state titles and had two second place finishes. He helped get college exposure for the players. And he was always harping on the players about their schoolwork and was as demanding about their GPAs as he was about their PPGs. It’s not uncommon for winning programs to bring in kids from all over because of a team’s consistent success. Mt. Carmel’s football team draws them from all over, too. Because he helped build a program at the Brook that elite players wanted to go to, I never got too worked up over the situation.

When he was brought to H-F, it wasn’t out of the question to think that he would take a few more lumps than he would have liked the first couple of years

and develop the rich potential talent that is in his district and turn the Vikings into a state power.

But to have these star players from Bolingbrook and a stud player from Plainfield all pull up stakes and move to – or claim to move to -- the H-F district and turn the program into an instant monster had a bad smell to it. This is like a lot of the garbage going on in the Chicago Public League.

For a while, the IHSA washed its hands of it because it had approved these transfers and the schools the girls transferred from weren’t squawking about it.

But now investigations have revealed illegal practices and workouts were conducted and that Smith coached an AAU team in the fall with 11 of this year’s Vikings teams.

The AAU violation was the most puzzling. Publicly coaching a team at various locations in the Midwest isn’t exactly sneaking around. He was either being brazen and flaunting the rules or very stupid. Since he is not a stupid man…

It’s hard for anyone from the outside to feel sorry for the girls who were involved in all of this.

While they and their parents are not innocent victims in all of this mess, it’s still a tough pill for them to swallow to work as hard as they did only to have the rug pulled out from under them hours before their first regional game.

But it was the right decision and the often-criticized IHSA deserves credit for making such a bold move.

Oh, and because of this, the state is looking at possible illegalities for the H-F boys program too. Stagg and Sandburg’s boys teams may come up with some victories they weren’t expecting.

Hot boys hoops coming

Some boys basketball history could be made next week in Palos Heights.

Four-time defending Class 4A champion Simeon is in the Shepard Regional and could play Richards or Stagg next Thursday.

Simeon hasn’t lost a postseason game since March 13, 2009 when the Wolverines were dumped 68-61 by Hyde Park at the Hinsdale Central Sectional.

Simeon is still strong but not an overwhelming powerhouse and it would be pretty cool to see one of our area teams break that stronghold.

If it can’t happen next week, it might happen at the Marist Sectional in two weeks. Curie, Whitney Young, Simeon and St. Rita are the four top seeds and if there are no upsets, athletic director Bob Lim should be smiling from ear to ear as there should be three packed houses at the Mt. Greenwood school on March 11, 12 and 14.

The upper crust The IHSA named its All-State Academic team and no one from the area made the first team, but the honorable mention list includes Brother Rice’s Jack Gorman, Mother McAuley’s Elizabeth Nye and Richards’ Sara Tobin.

Every IHSA member school was invited to nominate one female student and one male student and nominees needed to possess a minimum 3.50 grade point average on 4.0 scale after their seventh semester, needed to participate in at least two IHSA sponsored sports or activities during each of the last two years and demonstrated outstanding citizenship.

The Regional News Thursday, February 27, 2014

Thomas Quirk, opened his home as Palos Lions Club Candy Day den

by Tim Hadac staff reporter

to fortify themselves with coffee, rolls and donuts before heading out to “shake a can,”collecting Thomas Michael Quirk, of Palos donations to benefit the hearingHeights, a retired Chicago police and sight-impaired at Palos area officer remembered as a friend of intersections a number of community charities “When we needed a base of opand organizations, died Feb. 8 at erations for our annual Candy Day Palos Community Hospital. He fundraiser, Tom was right there— was 73. opening his home to volunteers For the past several years, Mr. and making our lives a lot easier,” Quirk made his home available said Palos Heights Alderman Jack as the staging area for the Palos Clifford (2nd Ward), Palos Lions Lions Club’s annual Candy Day Candy Day chairman. every mid-October. It was the Clifford was a good friend of gathering place near Harlem Mr. Quirk, whom he had known Avenue where volunteers con- since childhood. Both grew up in gregated early in the morning St. Kilian Parish on Chicago’s

South Side.

“He was a helpful guy, a cheerful guy with a distinctive laugh.

He was a generous man, but he was also fairly private,” Clifford added. “He helped a number of people, but he did so quietly. He wasn’t ever a guy who said, ‘Hey, take notice, I did this.’”

Clifford added that Mr. Quirk had played Santa Claus for more than 25 years, bringing Christmas cheer to boys and girls throughout Submitted photo the area.

Thomas Quirk A U. S. Army veteran, Mr. Quirk had lived in Palos Heights since an uncle, great uncle, cousin and about 2004. friend of many.

An avid White Sox fan and Visitation was held at Andrew J. sports memorabilia collector, Mr. McGann & Son Funeral Home on Quirk was profiled by The Re- Feb. 11. A funeral Mass was held gional News in October, 2007. His Feb. 12 at St. Alexander Church Photo by Jeff Vorva collection included signed base- in Palos Heights. Interment was balls, hockey sticks and more— at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. much of it acquired through his years working security at the old Seven-month-old Liam Riegler, of Palos Park, is held by his greatComiskey Park and the Chicago grandmother, Velma Chenoweth, of Tinley Park, during her centennial Stadium. birthday celebration earlier this month.

“In some ways, my dad had Mrs. Chenoweth turned 100 on Feb. 19 and the family celebrated a dream job,” explained his son, with a party for her at Southfork Restaurant in Orland Park.

Kevin, who lives in Evergreen Park. “With the White Sox, he’d Kevin J. McDermott spend the first half of the game Kevin J. McDermott, age 55, in the visitors’ dugout and then suddenly, of Dublin, Ohio, forwatch the rest from the clubhouse. merly of Palos Park, died Feb. He met a lot of players over the 15 at home. years.”

Retired Assistant Special Agent Mr. Quirk was preceded in death of the United States Drug EnPalos Park Presbyterian Christ Lutheran by his wife, Patricia (nee Earley). forcement Agency. Devoted father Community Church Church, Orland Park He is survived by his fond com- of Fallon and Shannon McDerNew Education Hour Classes The church will hold a pastopanion, Kathleen Gorman; sons, mott. Cherished son of Donna will begin this Sunday, March ral farewell reception for Pastor Thomas (Lisa) and Kevin (Trish); and David (ret.CFD) McDermott.

2, at 9:45 a.m.: “Old Testament Shawn and Wendy Nettleton as and grandchildren, Patrick, Kelly, Dear brother of Keith McDermott, Worship” taught by Ben Austin Pastor Shawn leaves for Saint Kylian, Eanna and Tadhg. He was Kraig McDermott and the late in the Fellowship Hall and “Son John’s Lutheran Church in Fort the brother of Mary Katherine Kenneth McDermott. of God” led by David Carlton.

Collins, Colorado, to serve their (the late Richard) Kelly, Patricia Visitation was held Feb. 22 at The contemporary worship ser- senior pastor.

The Regional News file photo (John) Gahan, Michael (Donna) the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home in vice will take place at 8:30 a.m.

Pastor Shawn will finish serving Thomas Quirk in a 2007 photo, posing with sports memorabilia and and the late Joseph (Lucille), Palos Hills. Express your thoughts and the regular worship service at at Christ Lutheran this Sunday, his dog Maggie, rescued as one of a litter of puppies discarded in Lawrence, John (Joanne), James and memories in the online Guest 11a.m. Communion will be served March 2. A farewell reception for a South Side alley years earlier.

(June) and Katherine. He also was Book at at both services. the Nettleton family will be held A dinner will be served at 5:45 in the gym of Ledogar Hall folLEGAL NOTICE p.m. Wednesday, March 5, in Fel- lowing the service. lowship Hall, followed by the Ash The church is at 14700 S. 94th Wednesday Service at 7 p.m. The Ave. (349-0431) Rev. Dan McNerney of Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship will be the Living Word special speaker at this Communion Lutheran Church service. Make a reservation for the Orland Park dinner by this Sunday, March 2, or call the church office 448-5220 People of the Word (POW) Bible

by Monday, March 3. study begins Thursday, March 6.

Children’s ministry during wor- It meets from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on St. Alexander Parish in Palos During dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. ship at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Wee Thursdays.

Heights will celebrate Mardi Gras the crowd will be treated to auChurch throughout worship for “The Easter Experience” is a with a dinner and dance on Sat- thentic Dixieland music. children 2 and 3 years in the unique DVD-driven Bible study urday, March 1.

Beginning at 8 p.m. until 11 p.m.

LEGAL NOTICE Sonrise Room. Children’s wor- bringing the Passion and resurThe festivities begin at 6 p.m in partygoers will don their dancing ship time dismissed during the rection of Jesus to life through the Rev. John Crosby Center, at shoes and dance live music by the PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE worship service for pre-K through dramatic storytelling and chal- 126th Street and 71st Avenue. band Sean and Charlie.

5th grade for children in Primary lenging teaching done in a Tickets are $25 when purchased Throughout the evening until 9 Hall. highly cinematic style. These in advance by calling 448-4861. At p.m. Grand Raffle tickets for $50 The City of Palos Heights, Cook County, Illinois, will conduct a Public Hearing The church is at 12312 S. 88th in-depth teachings explore the door the night of the event and $20 can be purchased. For $50 On Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Palos Heights Ave. (448-5220) the eternal message of Easter. the cost is $35. The ticket price raffle tickets the Grand Prize is City Hall, 7607 West College Drive, Palos Heights, Illinois.

All are welcome at any time. includes dinner and one compli- $15,000, First Prize is $7,500 and Babysitting is available upon mentary cocktail. There will be Second Prize is $1,500. For $20 The purpose of this Public Hearing is to consider the proposed 2014 Christ Lutheran Appropriation Ordinance. request.

For more information, a full cash bar available. raffle tickets the Grand Prize is Church, Orland Park call (403-9673.

The New Orleans themed evening $5,000, First Prize is $2,500 and The proposed Ordinance is available for public inspection at the City Hall Lent at the church begins on Children’s Choir meets Tues- will feature a buffet dinner served Second Prize is $500. All winAsh Wednesday, March 5. The days, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. In its by Chuck’s Southern Comfort Café. ning tickets will be drawn at the offices during normal business hours. church will hold four Communion third season, the choir is prac- The tasty and tangy menu will party and winners need not be The Appropriation Ordinance is expected to be adopted at the March 11, 2014, services with Imposition of Ashes: ticing Easter songs and will end include slow-cooked pulled pork, present. special City Council meeting. at 6 and 6:45 a.m. (both in Duehr the season with something special seafood jambalaya, smoked chicken, For more information and to Memorial Chapel), 11 a.m. and for Mother’s Day. All children are garden salad, baked macaroni and purchase Mardi Gras Party tickets 7p.m. The church is immediately welcome to join. (403-9673) cheese. Dessert will include king or Grand Raffle tickets, contact north of Orland Square Mall at The church is at 16301 S. Wolf cakes, bananas foster and mouth- the St. Alexander Grand Raffle Thomas Kantas City Clerk, City of Palos Heights 14700 S. 94th Ave. (349-0431) Road. watering pecan pie.

Committee at 448-4861.

Generation gap

Death Notice

Houses of Worship

St. Alexander to host its annual Mardi Gras grand raffle dance party

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Share the Happy News!

Engaged? Getting Married?

Submitted photo

Enjoy ‘Good News’ music at Trinity’s Gospel Fest Trinity Christian College’s Gospel Ensemble will perform at Gospel Fest this Saturday, March 1, at 7 p.m. in the Ozinga Chapel on the Palos Heights campus.

Under the theme “Good News,” the program will celebrate the rich tradition of gospel music while creating an environment of communal worship. The event is free and open to the community.

In addition to Trinity’s Gospel Ensemble, other local choirs and artists will perform, including Erick Townsend, Zenda Brown, and Ryan and Stacy Blackburn. Gospel Fest will incorporate vocal music, rap and liturgical dance.

Directing the event and the Gospel Ensemble is Trinity alumna Nicole Saint-Victor. “I am hoping that through an assortment of repertoire and styles that audience members will hear and see that gospel music can be sung by all,” Victor said.

For information, contact Nicole Saint-Victor at nsaint-victor@trnty.edu or 239-4874.

The Regional News invites couples or their parents to submit for publication engagement or wedding announcements. There is no charge for this service offered to community residents.

The announcements must be typed, double-spaced and sent with a photograph of the couple. JPEGs or high quality photographs are preferred.

(Sorry, photographs cannot be returned)

E-mail announcements to: TheRegional@Comcast.net Mail announcements to: The Regional News 12243 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463

10

The Regional News Thursday, February 27, 2014

Financial NEWS

Power of Attorney v. Guardianship: Why it’s better not to wait Submitted by DeLaney, DeLaney & Voorn, Ltd. One of the most frequent comments that an elder law attorney hears when working with a guardian for a disabled person is how unexpected the costs involved with a guardianship are.

Often times family members will start to notice slight changes in their elderly loved ones, whether it be increased forgetfulness or confusion or struggles to handle household and financial affairs.

It is usually around this time that family members will go to visit an attorney asking what can be done to help protect and aid this loved one.

When faced with a scenario such as this, an elder law attorney will likely ask whether the aging loved one has a power of attorney in place, and if not, advise as to what options are available to aid this individual going forward. This article will address some of the advantages of having certain estate planning documentation in place so as to avoid potentially costly legal measures down the road.

Under the Illinois Power of Attorney Act, each adult is given the right to appoint someone known as an agent to make property and/or personal and health care decisions on behalf of him or her. If this person, known as the principal, later

becomes disabled and unable to make his or her own competent decisions, the agent under power of attorney may step in to make financial and personal decisions for the principal, per the terms of the power of attorney form.

Additionally, under the Illinois Power of Attorney Act, a principal may detail specific authorities that he or she wants the agent to have and specific authorities that he or she does not want the agent to have. These forms may be expanded or limited however the principal wishes.

Perhaps one of the greatest advantages of the power of attorney form is that the execution of these forms does not require court involvement.

Individuals must have a certain competency level, however, to be able to execute a power of attorney form. If one is unable fully to understand what it is that he or she is signing and what powers that will give the agent to act on behalf of the principal, then it is unlikely that that person has the necessary competency level to execute a power of attorney.

If this is the case, a guardianship is often the next available option in order to appoint someone to act as a fiduciary for a disabled person who is no longer able to handle his or her own affairs. A guardian is a per-

son, institution, or agency who has been appointed by a court to manage the affairs of an individual that the court has found to be disabled. This person is called the ward.

Guardianships always necessitate court involvement. Seeking legal counsel is beneficial as guardianships can be intimidating and involve complicated personal or financial issues.

Furthermore, there are several types of guardianships. Often, a guardian will be appointed as the Plenary Guardian of the Person and Estate of the disabled person, but different types of guardianships have different requirements as well, including presenting an annual report on the ward to the court, presenting annual accountings to the court of the ward’s finances, and petitioning the court for approval for most actions taken on behalf of the ward.

Another aspect of a guardianship that people frequently do not take into consideration is that a guardianship could and often does last from the time of appointment of a guardian for the duration of the rest of the ward’s life. Because of this, guardianships, when faced with no other alternative, can tend to be costly.

Thus, powers of attorney not only are a smart and efficient way to plan for your care should

Executing power of attorney forms is a preemptive way to make sure measures are in place should anything happen to affect your mental capacity. you someday be unable to handle your own personal and/or financial affairs, but powers of attorney also help avoid the expense of a court-supervised guardianship. Because one must be able fully to comprehend the power of attorney forms before executing them, one should not

Things to consider before downsizing your home Once their kids have left the nest, many men and women over 50 begin to consider downsizing their homes. Downsizing to a smaller home can be beneficial for a variety of reasons, including less home to clean and maintain, more affordable utility bills and lower property taxes. But the decision to downsize is rarely black and white, and men and women often struggle with that decision.

Perhaps the most difficult part of the decision of whether or not to downsize to a smaller home concerns the sentimental attachment many homeowners, especially those with children, have to their homes. The home might be too big for your current needs, but it also was the same place where your son took his first steps and where your daughter lost her first tooth.

Saying goodbye to a place that was home to so many memories isn’t easy. But there’s more than just sentimental value to consider when deciding whether or not to downsize your home after the kids

have grown up and moved out.

Personal finances Your financial situation merits significant consideration when deciding if the time is right to downsize your home. If your retirement nest egg is not as substantial as you would like it to be, then it would seem as though downsizing to a smaller, more affordable home is a great opportunity for you to start catching up on your retirement savings.

But that’s only true if your new home won’t incur any additional expenses that are already taken care of in your current home. For example, your current home may be fully furnished, while a new, smaller home may require you to buy all new furniture because your existing items simply won’t fit. The cost of such furnishings can be considerable. If you plan to move into a condominium, you can expect to pay monthly homeowners association fees, and such fees are often substantial. So while the condo itself might be

Being financially prepared Steering clear of debt is a goal for many men and women, but wanting to avoid debt and avoiding debt are two different things. Some people accumulate debt when they lose their jobs, while others rack up large credit card bills because they simply can’t curtail their spending habits. Each of these scenarios can be avoided, as there are many precautions men and women can take to ensure they are not victimized by consumer debt.

• Create an emergency fund.

Layoffs or other unforeseen issues that threaten your income can wreak havoc on your finances, especially if you did not have an emergency fund to handle such situations. When beginning an emergency fund, contribute as much as you can and do so on a schedule, making deposits once a week or once every two weeks depending on when you get paid. A good rule of thumb is to have several months’ salary set aside in your emergency fund, but don’t feel intimidated when starting from scratch.

• Pay off your balances before making any additional purchases.

Using credit cards can positively impact your credit rating, but only if you’re paying off your balance in full each month and not maxing out your cards. To avoid debt sneaking up on you, be sure to pay each balance in full each month. If you have any remaining balance from last month, do not use your card to make any new purchases until that initial balance has been paid in full. If your balance is never paid in full but you keep using your cards, then your debts will only increase as you continue to pay interest charges.

• Cut back on expenses.

Though it requires sacrifice, cut back on any nonessential expenses, such as premium cable

channels or nights out on the town. The financial freedom and peace of mind that results from such sacrifices is far more valuable than the expenses you had to cut back on.

smaller, the additional expenses associated with the property may end up making the smaller home more expensive and prevent you from saving more money for retirement.

Real estate market There are seller’s markets and there are buyer’s markets, and ideally you would like to sell your home in a seller’s market. But keep in mind that this might be the same market in which you hope to buy a new home. The nature of the real estate market depends on a host of factors, including geography. If the city or town where you currently live is in the midst of a seller’s market and you are planning on moving to a location where buyers have the upper hand, then now might be a great time to move. But if you currently live in a buyer’s market and hope to move to a seller’s market, then you may end up paying a steep price, even when downsizing to a smaller home. Things may even themselves out if you want to downsize to a smaller home within your current community, but do your homework nonetheless, researching the time of year when you’re most likely to get the most for your home and find the best deal on your next place.

The advantage men and women considering downsizing have is that they are rarely in a rush to

move out of their current home and into their next one. This gives them ample time to make the real estate market work for them.

Space How much space do you really need? Once the kids have moved out, couples may feel like all of that extra space is going to waste.

But that can be a knee-jerk reaction, and upon a more thorough examination of the space and your needs you may just find that you can put all of that extra square footage to good use after all. If you have always wanted your own art studio, then now might be the perfect time to make that a reality. Always wanted a room devoted to home theater?

Get to work on converting your basement from an all-purpose game room to your own private movie theater. If, after considering the space in your home, you find that the extra square footage really is just upkeep you aren’t especially interested in doing, then you would no doubt like a cozier home that’s less of a responsibility to maintain.

Downsizing a home is something many men and women over 50 consider after their children have moved out. Such a decision is rarely easy, so homeowners should take as much time as they need before making a final decision to move or stay put.

delay this process.

Executing power of attorney forms is a preemptive way to make sure measures are in place should anything happen to affect your mental capacity.

Rather than falling into the scenario from the beginning of the article, share with your loved

ones the benefits of having powers of attorney in place. Faced with the option of executing a power of attorney today as a protective measure for the future or needing a guardianship when it may be the only option sometime in the future, it’s better not to wait.

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The Regional News Thursday, February 27, 2014

11

MVP haircuts await fans at Sports Clips

by Tim Hadac staff reporter

“It’s good to be a guy,” the owners and staff say at Sport Clips Haircuts, 13133 S. La Grange Road, as the shop moves towards the start of its second year in business.

Successfully bucking the trend of unisex salons, the local shop caters to men and boys and is one of more than 1,000 Sport Clips locations across the U.S.—a part of one of the fastest growing franchise operations in the nation, according to the Texas-based company founded in 1993.

The local shop opened last May and has served some 7,000 customers, according to owners Jim and Susan Dust, who have lived in Orland Park for 15 years.

“I remember in the old days when I was a kid growing up on [Chicago’s] Southeast Side, going for haircuts with my father to an old-fashioned barbershop in the Roseland neighborhood,” Jim said. “We’d go for a burger afterward. It’s a great memory of mine, but those old-fashioned barbershops are becoming fewer and fewer, and that’s the kind of

atmosphere I wanted to re-create with this shop.

“Plus, I’m a big sports fan,” he added with a chuckle as he gestured at the stadium-themed shop.

Walk-ins are welcome at Sport Clips, and the waiting area includes stadium seats. The eightchair shop is brightly lit with stadium-style lighting, sports on big-screen TVs, and a very male-by-design locker room feel, without the locker room smell or mess. The shop is kept meticulously clean with a central vacuum unit.

A dimly-lit, relaxing “shower room” in the back is where stylists offer shampoos, scalp massages, and neck and shoulder rubs—all part of the shop’s signature, 20minute “MVP Experience” that includes a relaxing hot towel treatment.

The shop employs six female stylists, all of whom have received specialized training in cutting hair for men and boys. Stylists typically “don’t get very much training [in cosmetology school] that’s specific to cutting men’s hair, and we’re not sure why that is,” Susan Dust observed, which is why all Sport

Clips stylists receive additional, male-specific training at the Sport Clips regional headquarters in Lombard.

Customers appear to appreciate that. “The service here is second to none, and the stylists are great,” said Michael Lorenzo, who lives in La Grange and works in Orland Park. “I like that Sport Clips is very clean. I had to wait a few minutes today, but that was OK because the hockey game was on, and I watched it in the waiting room.”

The shop also does first haircuts for young boys, as well as customers they did not expect—children with autism. “It takes a special kind of person—a person with a warm personality and patience— to do that, and fortunately our stylists are exactly that,” Jim Dust said with a note of pride.

“We also do occasionally cut women’s hair, as long as they’re not looking for any fancy styling,” he added. “But we don’t have curling irons here, we don’t have chemicals or anything like that.”

Open seven days a week, Sport Clips offers discount to students and faculty at Sandburg High School—directly across the street—as well as Stagg High

Photo by Tim Hadac

Sport Clips co-owners Jim and Susan Dust pause for a photo as manager/stylist Laura Rayo admires her work for customer Michael Lorenzo.

School. Sport Clips is also the official hair cutter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Stylists at the shop will shave

heads at Sandburg’s St. Baldrick’s Flush with success, the Dusts event in March, as part of their said they plan to open another efforts to help fight cancer in Sport Clips shop later this year children. in Palos Heights.

How will Social Security fit into CNB Bank & Trust hires Greg Paetow your retirement income strategy? Palos Heights banking center opens soon Have you given much thought to collecting Social Security? The answer probably depends on how old you are — but whatever your age, you’ll want to consider the best way of incorporating Social Security benefits into your retirement income strategy.

Of course, if you have several decades to go until you retire, you might be wondering if Social Security will even be there for you at all. The basic issue is that the Social Security system is experiencing a sharply declining worker-to-beneficiary ratio.

In plain English, this means that fewer workers are contributing to Social Security while the huge baby boom generation is retiring and taking money out. Still, Social Security has enough money to pay full retirement benefits to every eligible American until 2038, according to the Congressional Budget Office. After that point, benefits would have to be reduced unless changes are made to the Social Security system.

And several changes have indeed been proposed. Given that we do have nearly 25 years until benefit cuts may need to be made, it seems reasonable that some type of solution could be reached to put Social Security back on solid ground.

In any case, when thinking about your retirement income, you need to focus on those things that you can control — such as when to start taking Social Security and how you can supplement your Social Security benefits.

Depending on when you were born, your “full” retirement age, as far as collecting Social Security benefits, is likely either 66

Jim Van Howe

or 67. You can start getting your checks as early as 62, but if you do, your monthly payments could be reduced by as much as 30 percent — and this reduction is permanent. Consequently, if you can support your lifestyle from other sources of income — such as earnings from employment and withdrawals from your IRA and 401(k) — you may want to postpone taking Social Security until you reach your full retirement age. In fact, you can get even bigger monthly checks if you delay taking your benefits beyond your full retirement age, although your payments will “max out” once you reach 70. Keep in mind, though, that other factors, such as your anticipated longevity, should also enter into your calculations in considering when to take Social Security.

As mentioned above, your retirement income may also include withdrawals from retirement accounts, such as an IRA and a 401(k), along with other investments, such as a fixed annuity.

And these other accounts are quite important, because Social Security provides, on average, only about 40 percent of retirement income for the average 65-year-old today.

Consequently, in the years and decades before you retire, contrib-

ute as much as you can possibly afford to these other accounts.

Given the advances in medical care and the greater awareness of healthy lifestyles, people are living longer than ever — which means you could spend two, or even three, decades in retirement.

To enjoy those years fully, you’ll need adequate income.

By planning ahead, you can determine how best to fit Social Security into your retirement income strategy. Every move you make to help “secure” your retirement can pay off for you in the long run.

Jim Van Howe is a financial advisor with Edward Jones Investments, in Palos Heights. His office is at 7001 W. 127th St. He can be reached at 361-3400. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

CNB Bank & Trust, N.A., headquartered in Carlinville, has hired Greg Paetow as vice president of Business Development to work from its new, Palos Heights Banking Center, at 12727 S. Ridgeland Ave. The Palos Heights office is to open this spring. CNB currently has a banking center in Oak Forest, at 5459 W. 159th St. “We’re extremely pleased Greg has agreed to join our team of community bankers in Palos Heights,” said Andrew Tinberg, Regional President of CNB. “Greg’s commitment to community banking is second to none and his contribution to Palos is legendary.”

“With Greg Paetow, Bob Straz and Tom Jelinek working from our Palos facility, we feel we have assembled as strong a team of community bankers as can be found in Chicago’s Southland,” Tinberg states.

former President of Palos Bank and Trust. He is a past president of the Orland Park Rotary Club and is a Paul Harris Fellow. He has served on many local and community organizations, including the board of Palos Community Hospital, St. Coletta’s of Illinois, the Palos Advisory Board and the Palos Heights Chamber of Commerce.

CNB Bank & Trust has 13 locations to better serve you, Alton, Greg Paetow Brighton, Carlinville, Carrollton, Clayton-MO, Hillsboro, Jackson“I am very excited to be back in ville, Jerseyville, Oak Forest, Palos community banking. Community Heights, Pittsfield, Shipman, and bankers focus their attention on Taylorville. CNB offers a wide vathe needs of local families and riety of traditional banking sersmall and medium size businesses. vices, including numerous deposit We excel at giving the customer accounts, along with commercial service that is so lacking at larger and consumer loans. For more inbanks with big bureaucratic struc- formation about CNB or its many tures,” said Paetow. banking services, visit its website Greg Paetow has been a commu- at www.cnbil.com, or call the Oak nity banker since 1976 and is the Forest facility at 535-8905.

Lawmaker offers tax help resources State Rep. Fran Hurley is reminding residents of several local services available to help individuals and families file their state and federal income taxes.

The Illinois State Comptroller’s office launched a new online service for tax filers to check on the status of their refunds.

Residents can visit www. myrefund.illinoiscomptroller.com and search for the status of their return using their Social Security number and name. Residents who provide an email address or mobile phone number can additionally choose to receive an instant e-mail or text message alert when their payment is processed.

“Many families depend on their income tax refunds for spending money, savings, or to help pay off

their bills and debt,” said Hurley. “This is an easy, free, and secure service that can provide some predictability to an often stressful tax filing season.”

For families and individuals needing assistance with tax filing, the Center for Economic Progress provides free tax assistance to families with incomes of less than $50,000 and individuals with incomes of less than $25,000. Tax assistance sites are located throughout Illinois and the Chicagoland area, including Harold Washington College in downtown Chicago and the St. Sabina Employment Resource Center in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood. For additional locations, hours, eligibility requirements, and

a list of documents needed to receive assistance, visit www. economicprogress.org/clients/freetax-help or call (312) 630-0273.

For residents needing assistance preparing and filing their taxes, the AARP offers free tax preparation assistance for low and middleincome taxpayers with special attention to residents aged 60 and older. Tax assistance sites are located throughout the region.

To find a location near you, visit www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_ taxaide, call toll-free (888) 6872277, or call toll-free TTY (877) 434-7598.

The Illinois CPA Society provides free tax preparation assistance to eligible active duty or recently returned military personnel and their families. Eligible personnel

are matched with CPA volunteers for state and federal tax filing assistance. More information and a service request form are available at www.icpas.org/militarytaxrequest or by calling the Illinois CPA Society at (800) 572-9870.

“Unfortunately, a number of factors can make filing taxes complicated or confusing, and too many families are not taking full advantage of the exemptions and credits that are available to help them make ends meet,” Hurley said. “These community services help lower-income families and our servicemen and women file their taxes correctly and on time.”

For more information, contact Hurley’s constituent services office at (773) 445-8128, 233-9703 or RepFranHurley@gmail.com.

Moraine Valley receives AARP grant to help adults find jobs AARP Foundation has awarded Moraine Valley Community College a $165,200 grant to implement its BACK TO WORK 50+ initiative at the college. The program helps low-income, older adults obtain good jobs in their communities, increase their financial capability and avoid being a victim to financial fraud and abuse.

Launched in December 2012, the BACK TO WORK 50+ initiative aims to increase the services and resources available to 50+ job candidates. AARP Foundation works with key partners to integrate local workforce services, public benefits application assistance and employer engagement efforts for eligible job-seekers.

Moraine Valley is one of 15 com-

Submitted photo

Warm and fuzzy at Marquette Marquette Bank employee Skate McLaughlin (left) and Joyce Latkowski help sort and organize almost 300 items as part of Marquette Bank’s Neighborhood Warm and Fuzzy Drive benefiting the less fortunate in local neighborhoods.

Marquette Bank, recently gave back to those in need through its Neighborhood Warm and Fuzzy Drive, an employee-driven effort to help local organizations benefitting the less fortunate. Throughout January and February, almost 300 items were donated, including: coats, gloves, hats, slippers, scarves, blankets, socks, robes and snow pants.

Among charitable organizations that benefited from Marquette Bank’s Neighborhood Warm and Fuzzy Drive were PADS (Chicago Ridge), St. Benedicts (Blue Island), Englewood Cares International Outreach Ministries and Metropolitan Family Services. The Neighborhood Warm and Fuzzy Drive is part of the Marquette Neighborhood Commitment where each quarter the bank focuses on a different area of need – shelter, hunger, education and health/wellness.

munity colleges selected nationally by AARP Foundation and the American Association of Community Colleges to administer BACKTOWORK 50+ in its communities. The college is responsible for connecting 50+ job candidates to specific in-demand jobs in home health care, call center and retail industries.

Job candidates aged 50 and older can attend an information session at Moraine Valley on Thursday, March 13, from 9 to 11 a.m. During this session in the Fogelson Theater (Building T), they will learn how to update their personal marketing tools and networking strategies, target their job search, get job leads, and find resources and training that can

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help them stay strong while they are looking for their next fulltime job.

Funding for BACKTOWORK 50+ is due in large part to support from the Walmart Foundation. AARP Foundation also is providing funding to support this program.

Individuals interested in learning more about BACK TO WORK 50+ can visit aarp.org/ backtowork50plus or call tollfree 1-855-850-2525 (select option two).

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12

The Regional News Thursday, February 27, 2014

Foresters Camera Club invites newcomers Members enjoy friendly competition

by Bob Dietz Foresters President The Foresters Camera Club, an established group of serious amateur to semi-pro photographers, always welcomes new members with similar experience to join the fun.

Any photographer passionate about creating artistic images, familiar with a computer, who uses an SLR or advanced digital camera, the club may meet your needs.

Meetings run September through May, the first and third Tuesday of the month, at 7 p.m., at Palos United Methodist Church, 121st Street and Harlem Avenue in Palos Heights.

The Foresters offer intermediate to advanced photography programs, field trips, monthly competitions, refreshments, and fellowship. The club belongs to Chicago Area Camera Clubs Association (CACCA) and Photographic Society of America (PSA).

The Foresters next meeting will be Tuesday, March 4. It will see the sixth out of seven competitions for the year in which members compete for Print of the Month honors in seven categories by judges from the 3-H Camera Club.

The Foresters March 18 meeting will feature the club’s own Craig Adams. He will share tips he has picked up over years of travel, covering such topics as traveling with equipment, pre-travel research, travel safety and, of course, getting those memorable pictures. As always, the public is encouraged to view the clubs website often for Foresters Camera Club Print of the Month contest honors at last month’s meeting was won by Bob Dietz, of Tinley Park, in the small color further updates and information at foresterscameraclub.org. category for his shot titled “Twilight Time.”

Bob Dietz also won in the large monochrome category with his photo titled “Out to Pasture.”

Kelly Johnson, of Tinley Park, took Print of the Month honors in the category of DPI specials (blue) with this photo called “Greig Street Bridge.”

Answer

(Puzzle on page 8)

“Room with a View,” photographed by Bob Moffitt, of Orland Park, won in the category of large color

F A C E I D O L G O L F C O B A S E M A V O W E R I C E S M A C S A T E A N E R F B F I B A D I D A S E E D T A L L O L D E

P O K E D

C H U R N

C B O R I A L S H O E M D A

H I N O N E R S E A D A L C O A L A N D Y N U S A S B L S O S P O M A R T C K E Y C E E I S

S W A N E E G L U T

T E N N I S C O U R T

A R N O

B E E N

C H A N C E

E A S T E R

R I N K I K E A D E W Y

Sudoku

(Puzzle on page 8)

8 9 5 2 6 1 2 8 4 3 7 3 9 4 1 6 5 7

9 4 3 8 5 6

1 5 7 4 9 2

6 8 2 3 1 7

7 3 6 9 4 5 1 2 8

2 1 4 7 8 3 5 6 9

5 2 1 6 3 9 7 8 4

3 6 8 5 7 4 9 1 2

4 7 9 1 2 8 6 5 3

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World War II veterans: McCord wants YOU The McCord Gallery & Cultural Center will honor World War II veterans on Saturday, March 8, at 2 p.m. with a program titled “Lest We Forget.”

Noted historian Dr. Theodore Karamanski will lead a roundtable discussion about the war and its effects on all parts of society in all parts of the world. Veteran Edmund Stangel (pictured) will speak of his experiences in the war’s Pacific Theater. World War II veterans are welcome to attend and share their own stories. This event is free and open to all.

The forum is a precursor to the World War II Part 2 exhibit, which will take place at McCord from Wednesday, March 12, through Sunday, March 16. Among the many artifacts on display will be a fragment of the USS Arizona, which was sunk on Dec. 7, 1941, when the ship was hit by a 1,760 pound armor-piercing bomb during the Japanese aircraft-carrier launched surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.

Ticket prices are $12 for the public and $10 for members of McCord. Veterans, students, and children are free.

A fundraiser reception on Saturday, March 15, at 7 p.m., at McCord will give guests the opportunity to learn in detail about the artifacts from the collectors who have so generously donated their time and relics to the exhibit. Tickets for this special event are $50.

McCord Gallery & Cultural Center is located at 9602 W. Creek Road. (129th and La Grange Road), Palos Park. For more information, call 671-0648 or visit www.mccordgallery.org.

Sports S

The Regional News - The Reporter

outhwest

Ken Karrson, Sports Editor sports@regionalpublishing.com

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Section 2

Page 1

Piece of the action

Win over Rams nets Bulldogs SSC Red title share

By Ken Karrson Gaining a piece of the title pie didn’t give Richards coach John Chappetto peace of mind last week.

The veteran leader certainly wasn’t about to refuse the Bulldogs’ share of their latest South Suburban Conference Red crown, their ninth straight. It was guaranteed with a 63-54 win over Reavis on Tuesday.

And when Richards constructed a 34-16 advantage early in the second quarter on Friday against Oak Lawn, it appeared as if an outright conference championship was in the offing. The host Spartans, however, had other ideas.

Oak Lawn narrowed the deficit to five points by halftime, was tied with its guests after three periods and then scored 18 fourth-quarter points to claim a 67-63 victory.

“I was really happy with how we responded after a slow start,” Spartans coach Jason Rhodes said. “[Our] guys just kept playing and did good things.

“We picked up the defense in the second quarter and they missed some shots they had been making earlier. And we were able to play defense without fouling.”

Chappetto had no trouble crediting Oak Lawn (9-14, 4-8) for its resiliency, but he was less enamored with his own club’s performance, particularly since it failed to adequately compensate for center Josh Meier’s absence due to a non-basketball issue. He was especially missed when the Spartans used a box-and-1 defense on Richards guard Dedrick Shannon in the second half.

“A lot of plays are to Josh against the zone,” Chappetto said. “We didn’t move the ball, we missed shots and we fell apart.

We were playing them the way we wanted [early on], but we couldn’t put them away.

“Physically and mentally, they’re really a tough team. My team needs to prove to me they can give me what they need to [on a consistent basis].”

Although his squad is guaran-

teed to finish its season with a winning record regardless of what transpires from here on out, Chappetto doesn’t believe the Bulldogs (15-11, 8-4) have fully tapped into their abilities, their 7-0 opening to the campaign notwithstanding.

According to the coach, that rapid break from the gate, in fact, may have actually been somewhat detrimental in the long run.

What made it so was that a chunk of it was accomplished without help from Shannon and Spencer Tears, two projected starters whose arrival was delayed by Richards’ run to the Class 8A football final Thanksgiving weekend.

“Even guys who were playing well in that stretch had trouble accepting their [revised] roles,” Chappetto said. “There’s some jealousies there and I haven’t done a good job of fixing it.

“We were 4-0 before [Shannon and Tears] came back, but against teams that weren’t really ready. That was November -- times change and teams have gotten better.”

Despite Chappetto’s concerns, everything was right in the Bulldogs’ world at the outset versus Oak Lawn. Shannon and Thaer Othman tallied 19 points between them in the first stanza, and Richards exited it in front by 13. An Othman 3-pointer and Shannon bucket to begin the second frame then extended the visitors’ lead to 34-16.

But a turnover and missed shot started the Bulldogs’ unraveling.

According to Chappetto, Richards was victimized by “silly plays and bad defense,” and when Ibrahim Samra sank a 3-ball just before the second-period buzzer, the Spartans had climbed to within 40-35.

“At halftime, I had to remind them they were winning,” Chappetto said of his athletes.

For Rhodes and his players, the situation had suddenly become quite promising.

“That [Samra shot] gave us a lot of momentum,” he said. “Guys were a little more confident about

what we could do offensively.”

And that confidence wasn’t hurt any when Josh Prince hit two putbacks and Oak Lawn scored layups on a couple of third-quarter run-outs. Shannon’s 3-pointer off the backboard forged a 49-all deadlock after 24 minutes, but that did little to stem the Spartans’ rising tide.

Oak Lawn was ahead by as many as six points during the fourth stanza, but it couldn’t slam the door on Richards until the very end. Deon Alexander’s 3-pointer kept the Bulldogs in the hunt, and the Spartans did themselves no favors by failing to take full advantage of a few trips to the foul line.

“It was a little dicey still because we missed the front end of three 1-and-1s,” Rhodes said.

Mitch Swatek’s pair of charity tosses after an intentional foul gave Oak Lawn a bit more breathing room, then the home team survived a late steal by Tears, which became meaningless when he couldn’t connect at the stripe.

Prince supplied the Spartans with a double-double of 26 points and 12 rebounds to lead the way for them. David Stacy chipped in 14 points, seven assists and six rebounds, and Samra wound up with 11 points, nine of which were delivered on 3-point baskets.

Oak Lawn shot a blistering 58 percent from the floor and had 18 of its 25 field goals result directly from assists. After the first period, the Spartans were guilty of only 11 turnovers.

“Our guys really like playing with each other and we did a great job of moving the ball,” Rhodes said. “If we can continue to take care of the ball, we’ll be fine.

“This same scenario happened [against Richards] in my first year at Oak Lawn. We were shaky with the ball early and then stormed back.”

Shannon racked up a game-high 27 points for the Bulldogs, while Jaylen Catledge and Othman tossed in 12 and 11, respectively.

(Continued on page 7)

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Brother Rice coach Rick Harrigan wears an angry look during his team’s Chicago Catholic League Tournament game against Seton Academy last Wednesday, but the first-year leader was much happier by evening’s end as the Crusaders notched a 56-51 triumph.

Chicago Catholic League Tournament

Missed opportunity Rice comes up short in tourney finale

By Ken Karrson

about the way his guys had performed overall.

In the lower bracket, Brother “We didn’t hit [enough] shots, Rice couldn’t lower the boom but I think we’ve been playing on Gordon Tech Saturday after- better,” Harrigan said. “I wasn’t noon. concerned about how we played By beating St. Laurence and or competed. We did that at a Seton Academy prior to that, the high level.”

Crusaders had played their way Only one point separated the into one of the championship Crusaders (13-13) and Gordon games in the inaugural Chicago Tech through three periods, as Catholic League Tournament. each team struggled to find an Being relegated to the tourney’s offensive groove. Rice’s top outlower bracket didn’t diminish the put for any quarter over the first desire to capture a title, and Rice 24 minutes was 11 points, while had a good chance to do exactly the Rams tallied 12 points in the that. third frame, which handed them Certainly, the Crusaders’ de- a 26-25 edge. fense was championship-worthy Rubio (16 points) and Quinn as it held the Rams to a 39 percent Niego (14) were once again the success rate from the field. The Crusaders’ main men, but unlayup was part of a 5-0 getaway only trouble for Rice was that like against both St. Laurence in the third period that gave the its own shooting was even less and Seton, there was no viable Chargers (19-7, 7-5) a hefty 41- on-target. third scoring option for Rice. Con22 edge and appeared to put the The Crusaders very nearly over- nor Finn, who reached double Eagles on the precipice. came their 34 percent effort, but figures in each of the victories, “That lead helped us because when Ray Rubio’s half-in, half-out only attempted two shots versus their [later] run didn’t give them shot climbed all the way out of Gordon Tech and finished with the lead,” Daniels said. the basket, Rice was unable to two points.

Sandburg did indeed catch fire pull even with Gordon Tech in the “Give Gordon Tech credit - they and put some heat on Stagg. The closing moments. As a result, the had a game plan [that worked Eagles were within three of the Rams bagged a 42-40 triumph at well],” Harrigan said. “But we’ve Chargers a few times, and had Pe- the University of Chicago. got to go above and beyond [just ter Paxinos’ long-range try settled “It would have been a nice win,” Rubio and Niego].” into the cylinder instead of rolling Crusaders coach Rick Harrigan Although his team came up back out on one fourth-quarter said. “It’s definitely not a season- short of a title, Harrigan gave a possession, the hosts would have breaker, but it was a chance to thumbs-up to the Catholic League found themselves even. build momentum.”

Tournament as a whole.

“I’m real proud of the kids’ efThat being said, Rice’s first-year “It was good exposure for the fort in coming back,” said Sand- boss didn’t have any complaints kids and good preparation for the burg coach Todd Allen, whose club committed 11 of its 17 turnovers in the first half, including eight in the opening stanza.

“John always has his team well-prepared and we were staring down at a 19-point deficit be(Continued on page 7)

White leaves them blue Senior guard propels Stagg past Eagles, Spartans

By Ken Karrson The one-man gang has his partner back.

While Max Strus has been Stagg’s unquestioned on-court leader this winter, he was not expected to go it alone. And certainly on a number of occasions, the Chargers’ senior standout has been surrounded by productive teammates.

But Kevin White, a returning all-area player, has endured somewhat spotty performances in his final prep campaign and not consistently given Strus the kind of support necessary to keep opposing defenses honest. In truth, White has rarely operated at his physical peak, but Stagg coach John Daniels was keeping his fingers crossed that a breakthrough would occur.

And it finally did last week.

White dropped in 37 points over two games and proved quite the

able accomplice for Strus, who totaled 49. Their dual efforts weren’t wasted, either, as the Chargers routed Oak Lawn 6436 in a Wednesday nonconference clash and then eased past Sandburg 66-60 in a SouthWest Suburban Conference Blue contest Friday night in Orland Park.

“I think this week’s headline is, ‘Kevin is back,’” Daniels said. “He played really well. Kevin had a lot of energy and looked real healthy this [past] week, and he played for us like he did last year. If he’s moving and attacking, that’s when he’s at his best.

“I know he’s been frustrated with his play, but it’s hard [to function properly] when you’re banged up. He’s not a big, physical specimen; he relies on his speed.

We’ve got to have Kevin play right for us to have a chance [to succeed in the postseason].”

White totaled 16 points and six assists versus Sandburg, and his

Chomping on the Gators Knights overpower Guerin Prep to stop slide

By Ken Karrson

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Reason to celebrate

state tournament,” he said. “The alternative, in my eyes, would be that you play a couple nonconference games that don’t mean much except [in] adding to your resume.

“At this point of the season, teams are trying to find their best formula and what works well at crunch time. It’s better when guys are really fighting for a championship [of some sort].”

Brother Rice 66 Seton Academy 61 A back-and-forth contest tipped the Crusaders’ way on Friday, as they outlasted the Sting in a tournament semifinal matchup at home.

Rice’s attack consisted of a three-headed monster, as Rubio (26 points), Finn (16) and Niego (15) all enjoyed productive evenings on the offensive end. They also made their presences felt elsewhere, with Rubio and Niego evenly splitting 10 rebounds between them and Finn pacing the Crusaders with five assists and three steals.

Seton stayed close on the strength of 58 percent accuracy from 3-point territory, but the visitors’ overall field-goal percentage languished at 40, which was nine points under the mark Rice posted. The Crusaders also took good care of the ball, as evidenced by their meager total of (Continued on page 6)

Oak Lawn’s Dana Greene (33) hugs teammate Jannah Mahmoud after the latter connected on a three-quarter-court shot at the first-period buzzer last Thursday. The Lady Spartans wound up winning the title of their own Class 4A regional by defeating Mother McAuley 55-48. Story on Page 2.

Forget the idea that eight is enough - when it comes to losses, seven was sufficient for Chicago Christian.

That was the length of the skid the Knights brought with them into Saturday night’s Suburban Christian Conference contest versus Guerin Prep. The Gators had suffered an earlier setback to Chicago Christian, but Knights coach Kevin Pittman - who was unable to be in attendance then because of two technical fouls called on him one game before that - still felt his club had something to prove.

“We’re better now than we were, even though we haven’t had a lot to show for it,” he said.

Then Christian proceeded to demonstrate to Guerin exactly what Pittman meant. A 15-5 getaway for the Knights put them in command, and a relentless defense kept them there.

The Gators, who committed 13 miscues on their first 16 possessions, ended the evening with a whopping 35 turnovers and wound up on the short end of a 71-57 final. Guerin’s turnover total was the highest amount Christian (8-16, 2-7) had forced in three years, and the hosts net-

ted 18 points off the errors.

“Our kids responded [to the challenge] and we controlled that game throughout,” said Pittman, whose team got up by as many as 26 points at one juncture before the Gators narrowed the gap.

“The game never seemed in doubt. It was a nice thing for our seniors [on Senior Night].”

While Pittman was obviously pleased with the Knights’ show of dominance, he was glad just to see Christian halt its slide, no matter how it happened.

“I would have taken a halfpoint win to break that streak,” Pittman joked. “Those losses can beat you down.”

Trevor Wolterink tossed in 22 points to pace the Knights, while Blaine Wright contributed 16 points, six steals and five assists to the winning cause. Marcus Parker had 11 points and Bradford Fitzpatrick delivered six points and six boards.

Sixteen of Christian’s 24 buckets came directly off assists, and the Knights kept their turnovers to a manageable 15.

“We did a good job of getting ball movement,” Pittman said.

Illiana Christian 64 Chicago Christian 58 While the Knights had a good

turnout on Saturday night, it didn’t equal Friday night’s madhouse in Lansing, where Chicago Christian renewed acquaintances with a longtime rival.

But even with the Vikings’ fans in full voice, the Knights were able to apply an early silencer.

Each of Illiana’s first five possessions ended with a turnover, and Chicago Christian capitalized on three of those mistakes to stake itself to a 6-0 lead.

The Vikings eventually righted themselves, but they still trailed by two at the quarter break and by five points three minutes into the second period.

“Judging from records, I don’t think anybody thought we would go in there and win, except us,” Pittman said. “We talked about increasing our defense, and I think we did that. When your defense leads to offense like that, it can result in tremendous momentum being built.”

Of course, that theory applies to every team, and Illiana soon got its chance to strike. A pair of Knights errors, coupled with a few ill-advised shots, undermined the visitors enough to where they were victimized by a 13-0 Vikings surge during the second stanza.

(Continued on page 6)

2

Section 2 Thursday, February 27, 2014

The Regional News - The Reporter

The third time’s no charm, either

Bartosh Just when you thought it was safe to re-enter the sports pages...

Getting a few things off my chest, assuming that didn’t include any of the remaining dark hairs on it, has proved cathartic over the past few weeks. Hopefully, the mention of them has helped relieve a little of your own athletics-induced frustration as well.

Of course, I realize that nothing is ever going to change.

Sports in this country — especially when we’re talking about enterprises such as the NFL, NBA, Major League Baseball and even the NCAA—are monolithic. So much money is being made off them by team owners, major universities and professional athletes that doing anything to rock the boat that’s sailing on a clear—green revenue stream would constitute fiscal insanity.

Killing the golden goose didn’t even make any sense in Aesop’s day.

But just to feel a bit better for a moment or so, I present the last installment, encompassing letters S-through-Z, of items I wouldn’t at all mind doing without in my sports-watching future. See if you agree.

• Sideline reporters, unless you’re talking about Tony Siragusa, are usually eye candy, which is the primary reason they acquired the gig in the first place. But other than providing visual appeal, the young women serving as sideline reporters don’t bring anything substantive to the table — and when their assignment is in Buffalo, Philadelphia or Green Bay in December, the assets they do have get hidden beneath layers of winter garments.

To be fair, the few men that fill the role of sideline reporter don’t inundate us with valuable information, either. How much insight is any coach going to give when he’s corralled while going to or coming from the halftime locker room? We’re going to hear coachspeak, nothing more, unless San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is being cornered, in which case we’ll be treated to one-and two-word answers that perfectly illustrate his discomfort — and my own — with the entire process.

By the way, I do give props to the various networks for having the wisdom to most often use women instead of men as sideline reporters. No man wants to appear boorish when a female is in the immediate area, so male coaches will at least attempt to answer her questions, no matter how trite, as opposed to simply sprinting past the reporter, which would happen in a mano -a-mano situation.

• TV timeouts are a pain in the posterior, although I admit it’s probably more of a personal grudge being expressed here.

As someone who has attended live events as a print reporter and been forced to deal with tight deadlines, nothing boils the blood more than unnecessary pauses in the action to sell additional insurance, fast food or TV-phone-computer bundles to the viewing audience.

I understand that television brings in the money, but long before TV existed, newspapers and other print outlets were

around to inform the public.

Yet at these same events where electronic media get to essentially run the show, members of the print media are seen as virtual outcasts and deserving of little cooperation from onsite personnel. We’re all doing the same job, but not under anything close to the same conditions.

In short, we’re like pariahs.

Now, I know how members of the Kardashian clan must feel.

• Unshaven faces on athletes are as much a part of today’s postseason scene as champagne spray in winning locker rooms and the piping in of “We Are The Champions” over stadium or arena PA systems. They’ve also become just as cliched.

Baseball players having fuzzy faces is at least somewhat understandable —— it gets pretty chilly in a lot of eastern and Midwestern cities by late October, so a little natural coverage for warmth’s sake makes sense. But hockey players doing the same thing while skating in humid arenas in June is downright silly.

I’m sure part of it stems from the belief that unkempt somehow translates into unpredictable, but come on — we’re not living in the old West, where bathing facilities were sparse.

And even then, who did the unruly bad guys fear most?

Clean-shaven types like Matt Dillon and Hoss Cartwright.

Oh, and one more thing: Can we at least enact a rule that says if a guy is determined to become hirsute that he possesses enough hair follicles to actually grow a full beard?

• Voting, as related to that done by fans, is problematic, too. I’m not referring to the political arena, although given the circus acts found in D.C. and Springfield, Ill., these days, that is plenty worthy of ridicule as well. In this instance, though, I’m talking about voting for allstar teams.

On the surface, this would seem fine —— after all, fans are the ones paying the freight through high ticket prices and the like. However, I sure wish more fans would exercise sound judgment when given the chance to select their favorite athletes for all—star contests.

And therein lies the real issue — in their quest to choose the biggest names, too many fans ignore stats, or other basic facts, such as player health. Case in point: Kobe Bryant, who has played all of six games for the Los Angeles Lakers this season, was picked as one of the Western Conference All-Star starters. But that’s not the dumbest decision ever perpetrated.

No, NHL fans have that distinction. Many years ago, enough of them were enamored of former Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Pelle Lindbergh to select him as the all-star starter in the nets.

This was the same Lindbergh who had died in a car accident well before the voting ended.

• Wild cards are now an accepted part of team sports’ playoffs, but enough is enough.

The most ridiculous is baseball’s recently expanded postseason, where one team in each league is eliminated after just a single contest. I’m sorry, but after

enduring a 162-game regular season, that’s a crazy setup, especially when other series are of the best-of variety.

And, in both baseball and football, how many times have we seen a wild-card entrant evolve into a playoff juggernaut and climb all the way to the top? Yeah, it’s cool watching a so-alled underdog ultimately prevail, but there’s no longer an element of surprise when it occurs.

Regular seasons become a little more meaningless with each wild-card success, and their importance is also lessened by the advancing of so many teams into the NBA and NHL playoffs.

Sixteen qualifiers per sport are way too many.

At this point, regular seasons should be written off completely.

Make all teams eligible for the postseason and let the playoff begin right away. Hey, it’s really no worse than what we have going right now.

• (E)Xpectoration goes along with unshaven faces in that I don’t really care to see it. Luckily, most of the spitting is confined to the baseball diamond, but it’s still disgusting.

Unless a player inadvertently swallows a bug, he doesn’t need to spit. And for goodness sake, TV cameramen should refrain from showing it when it does happen.

(By the way, I know I cheated here with the letter “X,” but “X-rays” are a good thing, and I have no animosity toward Xavier University or former NBA forward Xavier McDaniel.)

• Yapping after plays needs to cease. The trash talking is never appealing, but it’s particularly aggravating when it comes at the end of a rather routine effort. If the action was truly impressive, no words should be necessary.

Besides, isn’t that what professional athletes are paid to do — make the necessary plays?

Like the dreaded end-zone dances, yapping didn’t exist once upon a time. There was undoubtedly conversation that went on between players, but it never became a public spectacle. Too bad we can’t go back in time.

• Zero-to-zero games are an impossibility, of course, but what I’m talking about here are the kind of low-coring contests that are much too scarce in these times. With the exception of basketball, defensive struggles in the other three major sports can be highly entertaining.

I know detractors will point to soccer as proof that a lack of offense is not the way to attract fans, but don’t use Americans’ general disinterest in the sport as a barometer. Instead, consider soccer’s status as the international world’s favorite sport. Can billions of people be wrong?

Well, maybe, but not because they’re accepting of low-coring matchups. Sports leagues have geared their products to showcase flashy offenses, but how much drama is really found in a 9-8 baseball game or 7-5 hockey game? It’s much more thrilling to watch a whoever-blinks-firstfalls-to-defeat encounter, where ace pitchers and red-hot goaltenders control the action.

Now, aren’t you glad I’ve finally run out of letters?

Mustangs put it all together in win over Warriors Evergreen Park saved its best for West—Lincoln-Way West, that is.

Quite often, late-season nonconference games are the ones basketball teams have the most difficulty getting revved up to play.

Squads still in the hunt for league championships likely see Tuesday night matchups as an unwelcomed detour, while struggling programs might consider everything other than rivalry contests a chore.

But for the Mustangs, an encounter with the Warriors may have represented the perfect jumping-off point for a timely surge. Evergreen hit Lincoln-Way West with a more-potent-thanusual offense that was also highly protective of the ball, and the former coupled that with a sturdy defense that made 11 steals.

The combination was highly effective, as evidenced by the Mustangs’ 73-62 triumph. And then just to prove that outcome was no fluke, Evergreen romped past Argo 65-52 in a South Suburban Conference Red contest on Friday night.

The dual victories pushed the Mustangs over .500 and set them

Girls’ basketball roundup

End of the line for Screeching Eagles

By Anthony Nasella

good team. We shocked a bunch of people and we never gave up.”

This time, it really is the Westmont had topped the end.

Eagles twice during the reguThe 2013-14 postseason will lar season, but there would be be forever remembered as a bit- no three-peat, thanks to input tersweet one for the basketball from several Mt. Assisi players. players and coaches at Mt. As- Most noteworthy among them sisi. The sweet part of it is easy were Jess Moriarty (14 points), to figure — by upsetting West- MaryKate Wetzel (nine points, mont last Tuesday in a Class 2A nine rebounds), Kathleen Murphy Harper Sectional semifinal, the (nine points) and Terri Dearth Screeching Eagles advanced far- (10 rebounds). ther into the state playoffs than The Eagles (15-18) snapped a ever before.

23-all tie in the fourth quarter on And even though Seton Acad- Murphy’s three-point play, then emy ended Mt. Assisi’s dream of stretched their lead out on a layup reaching the supersectional round and Wetzel’s short jumper. The for the first time by doling out Lady Sentinels were back within a 45-37 defeat on Thursday, the a deuce when Moriarty finished Eagles would normally have used them off with a pair of 3-point this latest experience to prepare baskets that were responsible for themselves for another run next Mt. Assisi’s clinching 6-1 run. year. But that, of course, is where “The win against Westmont the bitter comes in. was exciting because they had Mt. Assisi will close its doors already beaten us twice this seafor good at the end of the current son,” James said. “They play a 2-3 school year, meaning there’ll be zone [defense], and if our shots no more basketball. Thus, those aren’t falling, we’re not really sure individuals connected with the what to do. So we really worked program must relish the past two hard at beating that. years, when the Eagles claimed “The biggest thing for us was the school’s only two regional Sabrina Miller playing such great championships. defense on their best player. She’s “Our accomplishments are the reason that we won. The girls what really kept my girls from were definitely on a high [after] feeling torn down when we did coming away with the first seclose the sectional championship tional win in school history.” game,” Mt. Assisi coach Kelsey *** James said. “Nobody on the team The Eagles couldn’t keep the ever thought we were going to magic going on Thursday, almake it that far, but the girls though they did put up a fight believed in each other. And that against Seton before succumbing. belief took them a long way.

Wetzel (14 points, five rebounds), “They were happy that they Dearth (10 points, nine rebounds) proved to people that they were a and Moriarty (10 points) were

the mainstays in Mt. Assisi’s attack.

The Eagles held sway by six (24-18) at halftime and led the Lady Sting by as many as eight points before that. However, Seton’s Ebony Bailey came alive over the final two periods, scoring 17 of her game-high 22 points during that span.

A 12-2 surge by the Lady Sting turned momentum their way, but Dearth’s 3-point bucket shaved Mt. Assisi’s deficit to three before Seton responded with a 5-0 run that pretty much decided the issue in its favor.

“The girls were excited about playing Seton,” James said. “We got up in the first half [and] that was like the peak. They were happy to be there.

“The energy dropped after that and Seton all of a sudden made a run on us. We were never too far behind them or ever out of the game, but we lost momentum.

“Against Seton, it was difficult because once they get on a run, the players and fans really get into it — and that’s very difficult to stop because everything is working against you. I think the girls were a little shocked, and it showed.”

Nevertheless, the season was still a memorable one for the Eagles. Dearth and Wetzel provided senior leadership, Miller was the defensive catalyst, Murphy emerged as a solid sophomore performer, and Moriarty was a primary offensive cog.

“Jess was pivotal and I don’t know if she even realizes it,” (Continued on page 3)

Out of the running Losses eliminate Astros from title chase

By Ken Karrson

It was nice while it lasted, and it lasted much longer than many people probably anticipated.

At the beginning of the 2013-14 basketball season, Shepard was not pegged as a contender for top honors in the South Suburban Conference Red. A significant, graduation-induced roster shakeup figured to have the Astros in up for a possible winning reguLincoln-Way West offered only a rebuilding mode, but they refused lar season for the first time since token challenge the remainder of to concede anything.

2008-09. Evergreen (13-12, 3-9) the way, and the Mustangs sealed And not only didn’t Shepard closes out the schedule Friday the deal on their victory with five sink to the bottom half of the against Oak Lawn. charity tosses in the last 56 sec- division, but when it defeated “We said, ‘Let’s get on a roll onds. McClendon, Weathersby and Richards on Feb. 14, it found itand string it together at the right Brown accounted for those. self just one game in arrears of time,’” Mustangs coach Pat FlanFor the evening, Evergreen the front-running Bulldogs with nigan said. “I thought we were clicked on 53 percent of its shots, two weeks to go in the regular pretty smart and we had a good a mark that included a 6-of-18 schedule. week.”

At least one more win was needperformance from behind the arc.

It began with the conquest of The Mustangs dished out 15 as- ed last week to keep hope alive Lincoln-Way West, which was sists, fired away at a season-best until season’s end, but by Saturplaced in full chase mode after 86 percent clip at the line and day morning the Astros were left Evergreen embarked on a 9-0 run were charged with a season-low to ponder only what might have during the second quarter and nine miscues. been. First Eisenhower and then got ahead 24-13. Issac Matthews “What I saw on Tuesday night Reavis pinned SSC Red losses on spearheaded the charge with a was what I thought we were going Shepard, which put it three in 3-point basket, another field goal to do most of the year,” Flan- back of Richards with just one and two free throws. nigan said. “We spend a lot of league encounter remaining.

The Mustangs went dry over time shooting the ball in practice, “In the little picture, we’re disthe final 4 ½ minutes, but were and I thought we had a couple appointed with what happened still ahead by a deuce at the break. kids who could shoot better than last week,” Astros coach Tony They maintained a lead through they were.

Chiuccariello said. “In the big the third frame, although it never “As coaches, we thought we picture, we’re doing a very good grew beyond seven points. were going to be able to put it job of maximizing our talents The Warriors then climbed all together [sometime soon], and and competing in our conference. within 54-53 at the 5:31 mark in every area I thought that was When we’re playing good together of the fourth stanza before Ev- our best-played game as a group - helping each other defensively, ergreen hit the gas once again. we’ve had. It was really fun to willing to take charges, sharing This time, it resulted in an un- watch.” the ball on offense - we’re a pretty interrupted eight-point surge that And, in the coach’s opinion, it good team.” featured input from Matthews, was also somewhat necessary in What prevented that scenario Tony Weathersby, Jacquet Mc- order to vanquish the Warriors. from continuing last week were Clendon and Jordan Brown. dips in a few areas. In its 94-73 (Continued on page 3)

At their best vs. West

By Ken Karrson

Photo by Jeff Vorva

In her final prep game last Thursday, Mother McAuley’s Elizabeth Nye dribbles the ball versus host Oak Lawn in the championship game of a Class 4A regional.

loss to the Cardinals on Tuesday, for example, Shepard (9-14, 6-6) offset solid 51 percent shooting with 28 turnovers, and it allowed Eisenhower to extend 17 of its possessions with offensive rebounds.

The Cards, whose preferred uptempo style created some of the Astros’ issues, raced to a 28-16 first-period advantage and never took their foot off the gas pedal.

Eisenhower, behind 18 3-point baskets, also amassed at least 23 points in each of the middle two frames to shove Shepard into an inescapable hole.

“We played more defenses than I think I’ve ever tried in one game - we went from man to zone to a box-and-1 to a triangle-and-2, but we couldn’t stop their penetration,” Chiuccariello said. “And they were hitting 3s. When they hit their 3s, with their athleticism on the boards, that can be a bad combination.

“They impressed me in the summer and they look very strong.

Eisenhower is playing very good basketball right now.”

Kyle Longfield scored 18 points for the Astros on 8-of-9 shooting, Yakov Witherspoon tossed in 12 points, and Jacob Littleton added a double-double of 11 points and 12 assists. But Shepard, unlike in many past matchups with its District 218 sister school, could never adequately respond to the Cardinals’ high-powered assault.

“Historically, we’ve done well with press breaking and hitting layups and taking care of the ball,” Chiuccariello said. “They’re going to deny the inbounds pass and dare you to throw to your bigs,

but when we break the press the right way, our big men should get layups.”

Longfield’s output and the Astros’ overall accuracy rate from the field indicated some success in that regard, but there was no coping with Eisenhower’s 26-shot edge or the fact it committed 15 fewer miscues.

“You would have thought we’d have had good momentum [after beating Richards], but we’re not playing well right now,” Chiuccariello said. “Defensively, we’re not doing the job.”

Reavis 55 Shepard 41 A date with the Rams in Burbank on Friday offered the Astros no relief, although the latter did enjoy a solid opening period as they racked up 17 points.

However, Shepard couldn’t equal that production over the next two quarters combined, and it sat six points behind Reavis entering the final eight minutes.

The Rams then took the air out of the ball and drew the Astros into a futile game of pursuit.

“They want to play at a deliberate pace,” Chiuccariello said. “It’s definitely a different style of pace and philosophy of basketball [than Eisenhower embraces].”

Making the situation even worse for Shepard was the absence of Darren Cohen. Often the Astros’ No. 2 scorer behind Littleton this season, Cohen sat out Friday’s contest after spraining his wrist in the third quarter against Eisenhower. On top of that, Littleton and Nick Heidinger were rendered somewhat ineffec(Continued on page 3)

The Regional News - The Reporter

Basketball roundup (Continued from page 2) James said. “When I watched Jess play before she transferred to Mt. Assisi, I knew she was the missing link we needed on offense. Without Jess, there was a lot of pressure on Terri for offense and MaryKate to pick up the rest; [with her], they got to relax and play their game.

“I’m so proud of what these girls accomplished. I’m going to miss coaching this team very much.”

EVERGREEN PARK Seeking a second consecutive regional title, the Lady Mustangs literally had the lights turned out on them in the midst of holding a three-point lead in the closing minutes of last Thursday’s Class 3A Evergreen Park Regional championship game against Bogan.

A power outage that lasted an hour-and-a-half forced the last 2:08 to be played the following night before the Mustangs boys played their Senior Night game.

Fortunately for Evergreen’s females, the 19-hour break revitalized their drive and they not only held on, but added three points in what became a thrilling 52-46 victory.

The triumph, which followed an impressive 57-40 win over Lindblom in last Wednesday’s semifinal, placed the Lady Mustangs (1514) in this past Tuesday’s Solorio Academy Sectional against Philips. The winner will play either Harlan or De La Salle for the championship tonight.

“The kids now believe that they can play with a team like Bogan,” Evergreen coach Bruce Scaduto said. “They have the confidence, and they know that now anything can happen. I realize that they don’t want to lose. They want to keep playing.

“That blackout was definitely weird, but the girls ended up playing better on Friday at 5:30 [because] we added to the lead. We never imagined we would have a 19-hour timeout — imagine sleeping on that.

“But it was great to win the game in front of a packed house that was there for the boys’ game.

It was fun.”

Evergreen also had fun against Lindblom by jumping out to a 17-0 lead and being up by 15 at the first-quarter break. It was 27-7 at halftime and 48-23 after three periods, which enabled Scaduto to play his entire roster.

Megan Pfister led the Lady Mustangs’ attack with 19 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two steals. Erica Caridine added 14 points on 7-of-10 shooting and three steals, while Nicole Larkin chipped in 10 points.

“I don’t know what it was, but we came out on fire against Lindblom,” Scaduto said. “That 17-0 run set the tone for the game.

“We just came out on fire and we didn’t let up. They couldn’t hit the baskets and we were hitting them. We kept that lead throughout the game, and it was a great game throughout.

“And when Megan gets hot, and you add to that her ball handling, we feed off it. Erica is the fastest player on the team and our best defender. Her quickness really helped suffocate their offense and she had steals at important times. Her hustling led to layups.” *** Evergreen had to rally against Bogan after falling behind 16-7 in the first period. The Lady Mustangs cut their deficit to 23-20 by halftime and went ahead for good at 31-28 by the end of the third quarter.

Larkin led the way with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Zoe Monks added 11 points for Evergreen and Caridine chipped in nine.

“We got down early and we were playing scared,” Scaduto said. “We just weren’t comfortable with what was going on and we weren’t hitting some of the shots. Slowly, we got back into the game. We hit a couple of 3-point baskets in the second quarter and held them to seven [points].

“We went into a matchup zone and stopped them from driving.

They didn’t shoot the best, nowhere close to when they weren’t missing against Queen of Peace, [so] we were able to slow the game down, sit back and tighten things up. [And] we got rebounds.

“It was a great victory and the girls played hard.”

OAK LAWN The Lady Spartans (27-1) had their best week as a basketball program since 2006-07 — the last time they won a regional title — by defeating Lincoln-Way Central 8952 in last Tuesday’s semifinal of the Class 4A Oak Lawn Regional and capping off the week with a 55-48 victory over Mother McAuley in Thursday’s championship game.

Jannah Mahmoud (28 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, two steals), Brianna Markusic (25 points, 13 rebounds, three steals), LaTondra Brooks (14 points, 14 assists, seven steals), Brooke Annerino (nine points) and Kelsey Luckett

The Lady Spartans maintained both their balanced attack and tough defense in the third quarter, which helped them extend their edge to 41-29. Controlling Williams was a big part of Oak Lawn’s second-half strategy, and she delivered just four additional points on the Macs’ behalf.

Nye picked up some of the slack with 14 points after intermission, but that wasn’t enough to crack into the Lady Spartans’ lead.

McAuley did shave its deficit to four points at one juncture of the third quarter, but after a timeout Oak Lawn increased the margin back out to double digits to remain in control.

“This is the first time we have won a regional championship since the 2006-2007 season, and I’m so happy for these girls,” Meyers said. “They deserved to win a regional championship [and] it was great to win it on our home floor.

“We have had great parental and student support all year long.

The gym was packed with parents, students and staff members, and that support means so much in big games like this.”

Williams finished with 14 points and eight rebounds for the Macs, who went 19-of-60 from the field.

McAuley made good on 5-of-21 3-point attempts.

MOTHER MCAULEY The Macs earned their berth in the regional final by taking down Stagg, 58-44, last Wednesday.

Nye tossed in 21 points and passed out six assists to pace McAuley (18-9), while Erin Drynan pitched in with 18 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. The Macs got up 16-7 in the opening quarter and held a healthy 30-16 lead at intermission, as they were able to do a great deal of inside scoring against what Lady Chargers coach Bill Turner felt was sub-par defense by his team.

“We talked about [having] better execution on offense, and we made some defensive adjustments and [increased] pressure with our game plan,” Turner said.

“As a result, things began to turn around midway through the third quarter.”

Stagg outscored the Macs 2113 over that eight-minute stretch and were within 43-37 during the fourth frame. Casey McMahon (15 points, five rebounds) caught fire from the outside, and her four 3point hoops were a large part of the Lady Chargers’ revival. Alex Abed (eight points) and Noor Elmosa combined to give Stagg three more long-range buckets in the second half.

Making life a little easier for the Lady Chargers’ perimeter shooters was Hannah Henderson’s willingness to drive to the basket. Henderson (11 points, five rebounds, five assists) contributed a 7-of-8 display at the line during Stagg’s rally.

With her team’s season suddenly on the brink, Nye stepped forward to calmly sink some critical free throws for McAuley and lock up a hard-fought victory.

“I think we ran out of gas making that comeback and found Brooks (15 points, three steals), ourselves having to foul down the Mahmoud (13 points, nine restretch,” Turner said. “McAuley bounds), Annerino (10 points, made all six free throws in the two steals) and Markusic (eight fourth quarter to put the game out points) all continued their solid of reach, [but] I was very pleased play on Thursday, which laid with our effort in mounting that the groundwork for Oak Lawn’s furious comeback. regional-clinching triumph over “We had great leadership McAuley. The Lady Spartans [from McMahon and Henderson] met Marist this past Tuesday in throughout the game and the seaa Bloom Sectional semifinal. son. The effort and attitude of the With little time separating the entire team was just outstanding. regional semifinal and title conI am really proud of them.” tests, Meyers admitted Oak Lawn The Lady Chargers finished didn’t do a great deal of preparathe season at 15-12 overall and tion for the Mighty Macs. It mostly 8-6 in the SouthWest Suburban consisted of watching McAuley Conference Blue. McMahon and play against Stagg and a bit of Henderson were both chosen for film study prior to Thursday’s the all-conference squad, and pregame walk-through.

Stagg won the “Sportsmanship What helped was all the work Award” that is voted on by all that had gone into getting ready of the league’s coaches. for Lincoln-Way Central.

McMahon also finished as “They were a fast team and they Stagg’s all-time leader, for both had some good 3-point shooters,” boys and girls, in every category Meyers said of the Macs. “We were related to 3-point shooting. She able to handle their man-to-man sank 222 3-point baskets in her defensive pressure, and we did a prep career and holds both the great job of forcing their guards single-season and single-game to shoot the 3-point shot under records with 87 and eight, repressure and with hands in their spectively. face.

“They didn’t have a good night STAGG shooting, and I think our defense Before running afoul of McAucontributed to it.” ley, the Lady Chargers downed To be sure, that defense helped Eisenhower 56-29 in last Monthe Lady Spartans build a 14- day’s play-in game.

7 first-quarter lead, which was Three McMahon long balls were created in part by Mahmoud’s at the heart of Stagg’s 21-10 getthree-quarter-court, buzzer-beat- away, which became a 28-19 lead ing shot. by halftime. She continued hav“That [shot] was a big boost for ing a hot hand in the second half us,” Meyers said. “The crowd went and finished with seven 3s, which nuts and so did our girls.” allowed her to total a game-high Meanwhile, Oak Lawn was able 23 points to go along with nine to neutralize the explosive play of rebounds and five steals.

McAuley’s Elizabeth Nye, holdMaking McMahon more efing her to just two points before fective was junior forward Mia halftime.

DiGiacomo, who forced the Lady “Nye is a good player and Cardinals’ defense to have to pay couldn’t be contained that way closer attention to her after halfall game, but I think it took them time. She ended the evening with out of their game in the first half,” 12 points, six rebounds and three Meyers said. steals.

Jasma Williams hurt the Lady With additional help from ElSpartans in the post in the sec- mosa (seven points, four assists) ond period, scoring eight points and Henderson (six points, six for the Macs, and Erin O’Malley rebounds, five steals, three assists) added six from the perimeter. also being a factor, the Lady CharBut with all five of its starters gers ballooned their advantage to scoring in the frame, Oak Lawn an insurmountable 43-25 by the withstood McAuley’s noisemak- third-period stop. ing and carried a 28-20 lead into “I thought we played really well the break. on the defensive end,” Turner (five points, six rebounds) all lent a hand for the Lady Spartans in their rout of the Lady Knights, who play the Grinnell College style of basketball. That mainly consists of full substitutions every 45 seconds or so, constant pressing and trapping everywhere on the court, and a partiality for launching 3-point shots while on offense.

Despite facing a unique challenge, Oak Lawn was equal to the task as it owned a 12-point lead after one quarter and 17-point edge at halftime.

“We had spent a lot of time preparing for Lincoln-Way Central, and it paid off,” Lady Spartans coach Janet Meyers said. “We had done a lot of 7-on-5 [work] during practice to simulate their press and to force us to move on defense to pressure their 3-point shooters.

We did a great job handling their press, and we scored easily and often against it.

“We had put in a new press breaker and reviewed all of our press breakers, but for the most part we broke the press using the press breaker we used all year long. The girls did a great job.”

Getting the ball to Brooks and Annerino was the key for Oak Lawn, as both players were able to consistently take it the length of the floor and distribute it. Brooks was especially effective on offense as she displayed some moves that had the Lady Knights’ defense out of sync, and her 14 assists represented a single-game school record.

Markusic was waiting under the basket for several of those passes and scored 12 of her points in the opening stanza. Brooks added eight as the Lady Spartans amassed 25 points in all over those eight minutes. Eight points from Mahmoud then enabled Oak Lawn to construct a comfortable 44-27 halftime advantage.

“Lincoln-Way Central continued to put the pressure on, even though we were scoring layups off the press and the fast break,” Meyers said. “We [also] did a great job defending the 3-point line.

Brooke Annerino, Kelsey Luckett and LaTondra Brooks worked hard on the perimeter.”

Overall, the Lady Spartans held the Lady Knights to 11 3s, which were the main ingredients in the latter’s 52-point output.

“That may seem like a lot of points, but they have been scoring 60-to-90 points a game and making 15-plus 3-point shots,” Meyers said. “I was really proud of my girls and their effort. They have been working hard all year and it showed against Lincoln-Way Central.

“We have never let them get overconfident — we have worked them hard in every practice, even though we were winning. They appreciated it after this game. They were in great physical shape, and it showed.

“We played eight girls for the majority of the game, and they went hard and fast for all four quarters.” ***

Thursday, February 27, 2014 Section 2

3

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Oak Lawn’s Brooke Annerino grimaces as she goes in for a layup against Mother McAuley during last Thursday’s regional title contest. said. “We forced 22 turnovers, grabbed 16 steals and blocked seven shots. That pressure allowed us to get into our transition game and really push the ball up the court.

“This team is at its best when we can get up and down the court, using our speed.”

RICHARDS The Lady Bulldogs opened state tournament play with a 64-34 victory over Shepard last Tuesday in a semifinal of the Class 4A Sandburg Regional. Richards’ postseason stay was short, though, as Marian Catholic eliminated the Lady Bulldogs the next night by a 51-15 count.

Richards jumped out to a 20-9 first-quarter lead versus the Lady Astros and was never headed. The edge grew to 21 points at halftime and 30 after three stanzas.

“The girls came out energized and played one of their most complete games of the year,” Lady Bulldogs coach Jeff Kortz said. “I was very proud of how hard they worked last week getting ready for this game, and it showed. Balanced scoring was a key.

“I’m very, very proud of my team.”

Sydni Tears led a trio of doublefigure scorers for Richards with 18 points. She also grabbed four rebounds. Others chipping in were Christina Kwartnik (11 points, four rebounds), Carly Stazak (10 points, three steals), Taylor Sonichsen (nine points, nine assists) and Brianna Kuchenny (nine points, seven rebounds). *** The Lady Bulldogs ran into a juggernaut on Wednesday and

fell behind 26-5 after Marian embarked on a 15-0 tear during the second quarter. And things only got worse for Richards, as it was down 45-7 heading into the final frame.

Tears paced the Lady Bulldogs with 10 points and nine rebounds, but it was nowhere near enough for Richards (14-12) to survive and move on. The loss snapped a seven-game win streak for the Lady Bulldogs.

“The Lady Spartans from Marian are very, very tough,” Kortz said.

“They play great team defense and trap and cause chaos on defense.

“I can see what all the hype is about. We got into bad spots and they made us pay, [but] I’m very, very proud of my five seniors: Taylor Sonichsen, Christina Kwartnik, Carly Stazak, Anita Robinson and Alfredia Crawford.”

MARIST After stumbling into the postseason, the Lady RedHawks shook off those late-regular-season setbacks well enough to capture the Class 4A TF North Regional championship last Wednesday.

Marist (13-15) beat the host Lady Meteors 67-41 for the crown. It opened the playoffs by tripping up TF South, 55-45, on Tuesday.

Brooke Wyderski and Katelyn Rosner scored 13 and 12 points, respectively, to boost the Lady RedHawks past the Lady Rebels. Wyderski was even better opposite TF North as she erupted for a game-high 31 points. Tehya Fortune backed her with 17 markers.

The Lady Meteors’ appearance in the title contest was

likely made possible by the IHSA, which banned heavily favored Homewood-Flossmoor from the tournament because of alleged infractions regarding offseason practices.

SANDBURG The Lady Eagles reached the championship game of their own Class 4A regional by defeating Crete-Monee 53-49 last Wednesday, but they then fell well short of Marian Catholic on Thursday as the Lady Spartans cruised to a 58-25 win.

Sam Youngwirth notched 23 points and Julia Ruzevich added 16 for Sandburg in the semifinal, and Youngwirth struck for 13 more against Marian. Six of those points were part of an early 8-0 run that briefly gave Sandburg hope for a better outcome.

However, the Lady Spartans were able to get up 14-12 and later closed out the first half with a 14-5 spurt.

QUEEN OF PEACE The Pride captured their second game of the season last Tuesday night by ushering in their playoff appearance with a 40-16 victory over Noble Street in the Class 3A Evergreen Park Regional.

Jelyn Chua (seven points) and Samantha Serrano (six) led Queen of Peace, which suffered a seasonending 72-27 loss to Bogan on Wednesday. Chau again led the Pride (2-27) with seven points.

CHICAGO CHRISTIAN The Lady Knights were eliminated from Class 3A tournament play last Monday as Julian handed down a 55-32 defeat. Abby Bulthuis paced Chicago Christian (9-17) with 20 points.

Mustangs

place, Flannigan issued a warning to his guys.

“I said, ‘At times, you’re going to play with excitement, but don’t let it get out of hand,’” he said.

The Mustangs didn’t, but they were also unable to duplicate their exhibition from three nights earlier. Evergreen’s fieldgoal percentage dropped to 39, it sank just 65 percent of its free throws, and it eventually had to deal with the loss of Matthews to an ankle injury.

With Oladejo experiencing foul trouble as well, the Mustangs were forced to tinker with their operation. Among the adjustments was having forwards McClendon and Weathersby occasionally bring the ball upcourt.

“We do dribble drills every day [in practice],” Flannigan said, “and this is why we have everyone dribble the ball.”

Still, Evergreen couldn’t stop Argo from inching in front during the third period. But the Mustangs soon regained the advantage, and when Joe Moran knocked in a 3-pointer off an inbounds play to end the quarter, the hosts had reestablished a double-digit cushion for themselves.

“We didn’t score in the first three or four minutes [of the third frame] and we were thinking it could get bad,” Flannigan said.

“We could get down and our spirits would be low, but we’ve never re-

ally laid down at home in my three years [as head coach]. We always play pretty well at home, and we said we should be playing for each other [on Senior Night].”

Weathersby finished with a double-double for Evergreen, and he complemented his 16 points and 10 rebounds with three assists.

Oladejo (13 points, four steals, three assists), Matthews (11 points, four steals) and McClendon (nine points, eight rebounds, three assists) were the Mustangs’ other mainstays.

(Continued from page 2) “They have two kids who are [among the players] leading the area in scoring, so we needed to be good,” Flannigan said. “They’re a quality opponent, for sure, but we looked sharp. We didn’t have that lull like we did on most nights [this season].”

Matthews erupted for 28 points to pace Evergreen and also collected six rebounds. Weathersby (14 points, eight rebounds) and Brown (11 points) scored in double figures as well, while McClendon (seven points, four assists) and Tobi Oladejo (six points, three steals) were other key individuals.

Evergreen Park 65 Argo 52 In front of a home crowd Flannigan estimated as the biggest of the year, the Mustangs continued traveling the high road Friday night as they defeated the Argonauts.

In addition to celebrating Senior Night, Evergreen also conducted a “Whiteout” promotion that raised over $500 for Samaritan Feet, an organization that donates shoes to needy children throughout the world. A number of shoe donations were also made.

With all the activities taking

Astros (Continued from page 2) tive for stretches of the first half by three fouls apiece.

Littleton still finished with 17 points, but no one else registered more than six. Longfield had 12 rebounds. Reavis, however, was superior on the glass (32-26), passed out eight more assists (15-7) and shot 11 percent better (44-33) than Shepard from the floor.

“We tried to address the [concept of a] losing hangover [from Tuesday], but unfortunately I thought we had it,” Chiuccariello said. “We didn’t have the energy necessary [to deal effectively with the Rams].”

Shepard wraps up its regular

schedule this week versus Plainfield Central and Argo, the latter of which visits Palos Heights on Friday. The Astros will host their own Class 4A regional beginning Monday, when they tangle with Hubbard.

Statistics Lincoln-Way West 10 15 20 17 - 62 Evergreen Park 15 12 22 24 - 73 Evergreen Park Scoring: Matthews 28, Weathersby 14, Brown 11, McClendon 7, Oladejo 6, Cheatham 4, Hughes 3.

Rebounds: Weathersby 8, Matthews 6.

Assists: McClendon 4. Steals: Oladejo 3.

Argo 14 10 11 17 - 52 Evergreen Park 16 15 15 19 - 65 Evergreen Park Scoring: Weathersby 16, Oladejo 13, Matthews 11, McClendon 9, Moran 7, Hughes 6, Cheatham 3. Rebounds: Weathersby 10, McClendon 8, Brown 7. Assists: Brown 3, McClendon 3, Oladejo 3, Weathersby 3. Steals: Matthews 4, Oladejo 4.

On the edge... and right on target!

Statistics Shepard 16 18 20 19 - 73 Eisenhower 28 24 23 19 - 94 Shepard Scoring: Longfield 18, Witherspoon 12, Littleton 11, Haxel 8, Cohen 7, Gorski 7, Heidinger 6, Lawson 2, Ogungbemi 2. Rebounds: Heidinger 8.

Assists: Littleton 12.

Shepard 17 5 8 11 - 41 Reavis 11 14 11 19 - 55 Shepard Scoring: Littleton 17, Heidinger 6, Longfield 5, Witherspoon 4, Gorski 3, Haxel 3, Ogungbemi 3. Rebounds: Longfield 12. Assists: Littleton 2.

Straight talk from Bartosh in Sports Southwest

4

Section 2

Thursday, February 27, 2014 The Regional News - The Reporter

Community sports news Marist breezes to pair of basketball victories Boy, that was easy.

Marist basketball coach Gene Nolan probably wouldn’t utter such a statement, but there was no denying the RedHawks’ dominance in a pair of games last week, one of which was an East Suburban Catholic Conference contest.

First up for Marist was Hubbard, which went down hard on Tuesday. Spurring the RedHawks’ resounding 76-30 triumph were Jeremiah Ferguson and Nic Weishar, who tallied 14 and 13 points, respectively. Ferguson struck again on Friday, as his 18 points represented Marist’s top individual scoring effort in a 47-28 romp past Notre Dame.

Kevin Lerma added 12 points in the latter game for the RedHawks (18-8, 4-3), who played St. Viator this past Wednesday and complete their regular-season schedule tonight versus Chicago Agricultural Science.

Trinity Christian to conduct youth soccer league

Trinity Christian College’s Allie Paluchniak looks for an open teammate to pass to during Saturday afternoon’s 61-43 loss to St. Xavier University. The Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference game completed the Trolls’ 2013-14 season.

Trinity Christian College will once again conduct a soccer league for youngsters in grades K-5 on Saturday mornings, beginning March 8 and running through May 10.

The program, which will be directed by Trolls soccer coaches Jose Dominguez and Josh Lenarz, costs $85 per player. The price includes a T-shirt, socks and shorts.

For more information, contact Emily Bosscher at 239-4779 or emily.bosscher@trnty.edu.

Trinity sports report

Peace to hold two events

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Trolls men miss out on CCAC tourney

By Tim Cronin Even after last week’s 77-73 loss to Judson University, there was hope for Trinity Christian College’s men’s basketball team.

The Trolls needed to beat St. Xavier University, the powerhouse from Chicago’s Mount Greenwood neighborhood, to gain the final berth in this week’s Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament.

It was not to be, however.

The Trolls played a tremendous defensive game on Saturday, but failed to get the offense they needed, thanks to the defense played by the NAIA Division II No. 7ranked Cougars. The outcome, a 70-62 victory for SXU, ended Trinity’s season at 9-21 overall, 5-14 in league play.

The cat-and-mouse affair found the Trolls trailing just 57-53 with 6:26 left, thanks to a pair of Joe Hehir free throws, but that climaxed a comeback from a 14-point deficit. The Cougars ran away from there to put the contest on ice, never letting the lead shrink to less than six points.

Cody Rhorer’s 10 points paced Trinity, but that was trumped by four SXU players in double figures.

Jack Krieger and Brad Karp tossed in 16 points apiece, the latter adding 13 rebounds as well.

The matchup with the Cougars was a must-win game for the Trolls because they dropped a road contest last Wednesday to Judson after a fierce battle. In the final three minutes, Trinity pulled to within four points twice, and then to within two on Jared Jones’ basket with 16 seconds to go.

But that was the end of the rally,

even though the Trolls’ 47 percent shooting trumped Judson’s 42 percent aim.

Jones led Trinity with 21 points, while Jake Van Den Berg scored 15 points and pulled down seven rebounds. Ezekiel Odonkor added 10 points.

The Trolls lost six of their last nine games, including their final three, after a midseason rally in which they won four of six. The JV squad went 0-14. *** • Statistics: 9-21 overall, 5-14 CCAC, 5-7 home, 4-11 away, 0-3 neutral. Leaders: Jared Jones 17.3 ppg., 28 steals; Jake Van Den Berg, 7.6 rpg.; Evan Pratt 73 assists; Ezekiel Odonkor 23 blocks.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL There were glimmers of hope this season, such as an improvement in competitiveness, but in the end the Trolls simply didn’t have enough players who could make a difference when it counted.

Four straight losses to conclude the 2013-14 campaign and nine defeats in the last 10 games sent Trinity to the sidelines with a 7-22 overall record and 3-15 CCAC ledger. Last season, the Trolls won just three games in all, so the trend is up, but it’s a slow climb.

The finale was Saturday’s 6143 loss to St. Xavier University, a contest Trinity led early. The Trolls were powerless to stop the Cougars, however, when the latter embarked on a scoring splurge that reached 18-2 before Trinity could muster a comprehensive response.

Given that SXU ranks fifth in NAIA Division II, holding it to

61 points was a decent defensive performance. But, as has been the case for two seasons, the Trolls couldn’t shoot straight as they fired away at only a 30 percent clip.

Caitlin Cody’s 15-point showing led Trinity, with Allie Paluchniak’s 13 points next in line and Erynn Schuh’s 11 rebounds pacing the Trolls in that category.

Cody added eight boards.

The loss to the Cougars was preceded by a 63-49 defeat at Judson in which Trinity posted its worst shooting of the year - 19 percent — in a game that, with the Eagles shooting just 30 percent themselves, was there for the taking.

Bad shooting leads to plenty of rebounds, and the Trolls had 47, with Schuh pulling down 12 and Rebecca DeHaan 11. Brooke Bambrick’s 15 points paced Trinity’s scoring. *** • Statistics: 7-22 overall, 3-15 CCAC, 3-8 home, 3-12 away, 1-2 neutral. Leaders: Caitlin Cody 13.2 ppg., 8.0 rpg; Allie Paluchniak 58 assists, 36 steals; Brooke Bambrick 21 blocks.

Queen of Peace will host a candlelight bowl on Friday, Feb. 28, at Arena Lanes Bowling Center in Oak Lawn and conduct a softball clinic on Saturday, March 1, at the school.

The bowling event, which will run from 10 p.m.-midnight, is open to individuals aged 21 and over. The cost is $25 per person, and includes unlimited bowling during the two-hour span, shoe rental, pizza and pop. Proceeds will benefit the Peace athletic department and help offset equip-

ment and travel costs, officials fees and other sports-related expenses.

The softball clinic, which is open to girls in grades 4-7 and 8th-graders who have already taken the Queen of Peace entrance exam, will be led by incoming Pride coach Erin Sullivan and focus on the fundamentals of pitching, hitting, fielding and baserunning.

The cost to register is $10, and includes a T-shirt.

To register online for either activity, visit http:// queenofpeacehs,org/events.

Openings for Diamond in the Rough

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Illinois Hoopla sets March tryout dates

Illinois Hoopla Basketball will conduct tryouts for youngsters in grades 3-12 on March 2 and 8.

For more details, visit www.illinoishoopla.com or call Mike at (815) 212-3558.

Department to offer sports classes

The Palos Park Recreation Department will be offering two sports-related programs in the weeks ahead.

Little Pint Hoopsters will introduce children to the game of basketball or help players get to the next skill level. Along with the basic skills of dribbling, passing, shooting and defense, the program will instruct participants in the Midwest Elite looking importance of teamwork in game situations. for softball players Also scheduled is Super Sports, Midwest Elite Diamond 19-andover women’s fast-pitch softball which is designed to create interclub is looking for college-rostered est in a variety of sports, including players to compete in the sum- basketball, hockey, soccer, baseball and football, and develop the mer of 2014.

The team will play in four local concepts of teamwork and sportstournaments — including nation- manship. The program is open to als — and two round-robin events. youngsters aged 3-6.

The cost for each class is $50 All positions will be considered, but specific needs include pitcher, for Palos Park residents, $61.25 catcher and infield/slapper. No for residents of unincorporated Palos Park and $70 for non-resipractices are required.

For more information, con- dents. For more information, call tact Bill Lammel at 289-3438 or 671-3760. ditrfp73@aol.com.

Diamond in the Rough fastpitch softball has player openings in its girls’ windmill pitching, beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.

For more information, call Bill Lammel at 289-3438 or email ditrfp73@aol.com.

NAYS hoops tourneys coming to south suburbs

North American Youth Sports will conduct basketball tournaments in South Holland and Joliet during the month of March.

The South Holland event will be held March 14-16 at South Suburban College. The cost is $160 per team with a three-game minimum and the deadline to register is Feb. 21.

The Joliet tourney will run March 28-30 at the University of St. Francis’ Pat Sullivan Center

South Side Shooters conducting tryouts

South Side Shooters Girls Basketball will hold tryouts for its spring season today, from 6:308 p.m. each day at Stagg High School.

The session is open to girls in grades 3-11. Those trying out must bring a ball with them. The South Side Shooters’ season will run from March-May. For more information, call Gary Ferguson at (630) 935-1150 or visit www.shootersbball.com.Palos Park Recreation

TRACK & FIELD The numbers continue to get better for Trolls runners.

Last Saturday’s National Christian College Athletic Association Indoor Championship at Olivet Nazarene included a new qualifier for this Saturday’s NAIA meet in Geneva, Ohio, and five more school records, all set by members of Trinity’s women’s team.

Submitted photo The latest national qualifier was mile runner Ashley Jourdan. Her time of 5 minutes, 13.51 seconds placed her fourth in that event and established a program standard in St. Patricia’s 6th-grade girls’ volleyball team won its third tournament title in recent weeks when addition to advancing her to Geneva. it finished first at Marist’s Valentine event. The championship followed ones St. Pat’s earned at Mt. School records were also registered Assisi and St. George’s MLK Day tourney.

by Anna Bos in the 5,000-meter run — her clocking of 17:32.61 knocked 30 seconds off the previous standard while she finished second -- the 1,600-relay squad, the distance-medley relay team and Courtney Kalous in the 800.

Kalous finished sixth in the latter race, completing it in 2:21.34, and was also part of both relay units. Justine Van Dyk, Jessica Disselkoen and Jourdan joined Kalous in the distance-medley event, where the quartet recorded a school-best time of 12:31.34, and then Kalous, Jourdan, Van Dyk and Brooke Hamilton teamed up to go 4:10.71 in the 1,600-relay and place 10th.

Andy Reidsma scored the best men’s finish, taking second in the 3,000 in 8:38.36. That clocking Every day that you’re outside, you’re exposed to dangerous, but invisible, ultraviolet (UV) put Reidsma under the NAIA Every day that you’re outside, you’re exposed to dangerous, but invisible, ultraviolet (UV) standard for the second time sunlight. Left unprotected, prolonged exposure to UV radiation can seriously damage sunlight. Left unprotected, prolonged exposure to UV radiation can seriously damage this winter. the eye, leading to cataracts, skin cancer around the eyelid and other eye disorders.

BASEBALL the eye, leading to cataracts, skin cancer around the eyelid and other eye disorders.

The season opened in chilly Protecting your eyes is important to maintaining eye health now and in the future.

Protecting your eyes is important to maintaining eye health now and in the future. fashion, with the Trolls dropping a doubleheader to Brescia Shield your eyes (and your family’s eyes) from harmful UV rays.

University in Owensboro, Ky., by Shield your eyes (and your family’s eyes) from harmful UV rays. scores of 6-1 and 14-5.

Wear sunglasses with maximum UV protection.

Wear sunglasses with maximum UV protection.

A second twinbill at Brescia was slated for this past Monday, while a doubleheader with Grace For more information, visit www.thevisioncouncil.org/consumers/sunglasses.

For more information, visit www.thevisioncouncil.org/consumers/sunglasses.

College in Winona Lake, Ind., was A public service message from The Vision Council.

A public service message from The Vision Council. canceled in advance because of the weather. If conditions permit, Trinity will play four games against Harris Stowe State in St. Louis beginning Friday.

St. Pat’s wins another tourney title

HEALTHYEYES EYES HEALTHY

Trinity Christian College’s Ezekiel Odonkor saves a ball from going out of bounds Saturday against St. Xavier University. The Trolls dropped a 70-62 decision to the Cougars.

and the entry deadline is March 7. For further information on any NAYS program, call 1-866-3525915 or visit the website at www. northamericanyouthsports.org.

WEARSUNGLASSES SUNGLASSES WEAR

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Section 2

5

SXU sports summary

Cougars the top NAIA finisher at track meet St. Xavier University didn’t win the Chicagoland Championships, but no other NAIA men’s track program could surpass the Cougars’ performance.

At a meet featuring schools from all three divisions of the NCAA as well as the NAIA, SXU placed sixth overall in a 17-squad field at North Central College.

That represented the Cougars’ highest team finish ever.

Highlighting SXU’s exhibition on Feb. 15 were Brian Corcoran, Shane Kenney and Janis Pastars, who occupied the top three positions in the 1,000-meter run.

Both Corcoran (2 minutes, 33.22 seconds) and Kenney (2:33.58) ran national-qualifying times, while Pastars clocked a 2:36.48 in taking third. Pastars did post a qualifying time in the mile run, where his 4:17.34 effort was good for fifth place overall.

Also turning in solid showings on the Cougars’ behalf were John Stancato (fourth in the 200-dash in 22.73; fifth in the 60 in 7.11), Matt Krakowski (51.18 in the 400) and Rexford Wiafe (ninth in the 800 in 1:57.93). Wiafe’s clocking was just off the national-qualifying mark.

“Overall, this was the best meet that we have had as a team,” SXU coach Ed McAllister said. “The three qualifiers all performed splendidly. We have three more who are very close to reaching the national-qualifying standard, and I feel that each of them have the potential to make it to nationals as well.”

The NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships will be held March 6-8 at Newark, Ohio.

MEN’S VOLLEYBALL Senior outside hitter Justin Cousin was an unstoppable force along the net, as he posted a team-best 12 kills and .379 attack percentage to lead the Cougars past Robert Morris University in a Great Lakes Division encounter Friday night at the Shannon Center.

SXU (2-10, 2-3) swept the Eagles in straight sets, 28-26, 30-28, 25-17. As a team, the Cougars totaled 36 kills while committing just 13 hitting errors, which gave them a .247 attack percentage for the match, one of their best showings of the season.

Sophomore middle blocker Sam Kull backed Cousin with eight kills and three assisted blocks, while freshman outside hitter Sean Barry contributed seven kills. Also lending a hand were freshman setter Moises Lopez (30 assists, nine digs) and senior middle blocker J.T. O’Connell (seven blocks, including three solos, four kills).

O’Connell’s kills total pushed him past the 400 mark for his career. He is only the fourth SXU men’s volleyball player to reach that level.

The Cougars faced No. 6-ranked Clarke University this past Tuesday in Dubuque, Iowa.

MEN’S BASKETBALL Still perfect.

That may not have described the NAIA Division II No. 7-ranked Cougars’ performance Saturday in Palos Heights, but the words accurately summed up the latest storyline involving SXU and Trinity Christian College. The Trolls stayed close to their area rival on the scoreboard, but could never

overtake them, a scenario that’s become all too familiar to those individuals within the Trinity hoops program.

The Cougars’ 70-62 triumph over the Trolls in a regular-season-ending Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference contest kept them unbeaten against Trinity during Tom O’Malley’s 17-year tenure at SXU. The Cougars defeated the Trolls once before this winter, but O’Malley wasn’t surprised his guys had their hands full in the rematch.

“They were not operating and executing their offense as well as they do now,” he said of Trinity.

“They have six or seven players who do the same [kind of] things and they’ve gotten comfortable in their roles.

“I give [Trolls coach] Brandon [Nicol] a whole lot of credit because they played really well.

Hopefully, they don’t get crazy over there and think he’s not doing a good job.

“In fairness to Trinity Christian, they finished with five [conference] wins, but they had to play us, Robert Morris and [topranked] Cardinal Stritch twice.

Six wins on the other side got teams in [to the CCAC Tournament], so being in the North Division didn’t help them any.”

The Trolls, who pushed Stritch to overtime recently, are known for their shooting prowess. In particular, freshman Jared Jones has been an integral part of Trinity’s offense, but the trio of Jack Krieger, Michael Simpson and Kyle Huppe took turns hounding Jones defensively.

“Jones has been shooting lightsout — about 47 percent from 3[point territory],” O’Malley said.

“But he didn’t get a lot of good looks. We played pretty good defense on Wednesday and Saturday.”

Still, the Trolls held an early lead before SXU (26-4, 16-3) used a 14-3 run to go up 21-15.

The Cougars were ahead 34-26 at intermission, then outscored Trinity 14-7 at the outset of the second half.

Krieger’s 3-pointer capped the blitz at the 13:28 mark. He and Brad Karp both tallied 16 points for SXU, and the duo combined to haul in 22 rebounds. Krieger also made four steals.

Other contributors included Simpson and Josh Mawhorr, who notched 13 and 11 points, respectively.

The Trolls weren’t going away quietly, however, and drew as close as four points before the Cougars beat back the challenge. O’Malley admitted SXU “snuck by Trinity,” but he didn’t believe his own squad’s long stretch of success versus the Trolls factored into the closeness of the final score.

“What we try to do as much as we can is say the past is past,” O’Malley said. “The next game is the most important one.”

For the Cougars, that next game took place this past Wednesday, when they tangled with the University of St. Francis in the CCAC Tournament. While SXU doesn’t need to finish first in the tourney in order to receive a bid to the NAIA’s national event, O’Malley would prefer seeing his athletes treat the conference tournament as a must-win proposition.

“You want to get as high a seeding as you can for the NAIA

[tourney],” he said. “I don’t really pay much attention to that, though, because everybody who gets in the tournament is pretty good.”

That obviously includes the Cougars.

“We’ve won 20 of our last 22, so you’ve got to give [our players] credit to have maintained the equilibrium to do that,” O’Malley said. “We haven’t been shooting the ball well lately, but we’ve got to look at the positives as well as the negatives. If anybody had St. Xavier going 26-4 at the beginning of the year, I’d have said that’s a good season.” *** In their final regular-season home game, the Cougars brushed aside Roosevelt University 90-76 last Wednesday at the Shannon Center. Karp’s double-double of 29 points and 10 rebounds paced SXU. Karp, who is the Cougars’ career scoring leader, moved up to the No. 5 position among all Illinois collegians in history. In addition to his 2,777 points, Karp surpassed the 1,000 plateau in rebounding with his effort versus the Lakers.

Four other players also chipped in measurably to a robust SXU attack. Krieger (16 points, six assists), Simpson (15 points, five rebounds, five assists), Tony Core (14 points, four rebounds) and Mawhorr (10 points) helped the Cougars post a field-goal percentage of 52 and, even more impressively, commit only three turnovers in 40 minutes.

Karp’s three-point play culminated a 9-0 run that staked SXU to a 20-10 advantage with nine minutes left in the opening half, and the hosts were ahead by seven at the break. That 40-33 lead steadily grew after play resumed, and the Cougars put Roosevelt in arrears by as many as 20 points during the second half.

“Roosevelt might be a little more talented overall than Trinity Christian,” O’Malley said. “They have three kids who are all-conference types, but we played a little bit better than we did on Saturday.” —Ken Karrson WOMEN’S BASKETBALL In summarizing the regularseason performance of his team, Cougars coach Bob Hallberg described SXU’s 26-4 overall record and 16-2 mark in CCAC play as a great achievement. He was especially happy that his team’s only losses to date have been administered by opponents found among the top 25 in NAIA Division II. The No. 5-ranked Cougars finished out their schedule in strong fashion, particularly on defense, as they defeated Roosevelt University 64-56 at home last Wednesday and Trinity Christian 61-43 on the road on Saturday. SXU opened play in the CCAC Tournament this past Wednesday versus the winner of Monday’s Calumet College of St. Joseph-University of St. Francis play-in game.

“When you look at a 30-game schedule and you think that we could be good this year and have the talent to do something — 26-4 is a quite an accomplishment for these girls,” Hallberg said. “We’re ranked No. 5 and might have a chance to move up. It’s been a great year, especially because we played our whole basketball season without making a mistake.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

“We didn’t get beat by a team by upset. To play the whole season and not make a mistake [like that] is a great accomplishment. Now, we’re on to the second half of the season — the conference tournament and, next [week], the NAIA Division II national tournament in Sioux City, Iowa.”

In the Cougars’ win over Roosevelt at the Shannon Center, junior forward Morgan Stuut had the hot hand as she logged her 22nd double-double of the season with 21 points and 14 rebounds.

She also had four blocks.

Prior to the game, SXU honored its five senior team members: guards Jordan Brandt and Niara Harris, forwards Chrissy Heine and Dana Sibley, and student assistant Ashley Reeves. Harris also had a solid night for the Cougars by chipping in 12 points and three rebounds. Junior guard Suzie Broski added eight points and six boards.

SXU was tough defensively throughout the game, limiting the visiting Lakers to just 29 percent shooting from the field and forcing 21 Roosevelt turnovers, 11 of which resulted from steals. The Cougars tallied 15 points off Lakers miscues.

Nevertheless, Roosevelt held a 13-10 edge midway through the opening half before SXU ran off 11 unanswered points. Harris accounted for six of those.

The Cougars took a 29-22 lead into the break and continued to be the aggressor when play resumed. Their advantage grew as big as 14 points in the second half before the Lakers made some late noise.

Roosevelt drew within six in the final two minutes, but free throws

by Harris and Brandt helped put away the visitors for good.

“Roosevelt is a high-scoring team,” Hallberg said. “We held them to 22 points in the first half and 29 percent shooting for the game. We did a nice job despite struggling a little bit offensively.” *** Three SXU players scored in double figures in the victory over Trinity Christian: Stutt provided 16 points, seven rebounds five steals and three assists, Broski had 14 points and Brandt tossed in 11. Another key performer was redshirt freshman Sidney Prasse, who finished with eight points and three rebounds.

In what has become a recent trend, the Cougars used tough defense to aid in the triumph.

SXU limited the Trolls to a 30 percent success rate from the floor and caused 28 turnovers, a dozen of which were produced on steals.

The Cougars got off to an uncharacteristically slow start, falling behind 6-0 before junior forward Margaret Wildner hit a layup almost six minutes into the opening half. Brandt’s 3-pointer then sparked a 15-2 SXU tear that gave the visitors a doubledigit lead with five minutes remaining.

The Cougars were up 30-16 at halftime and extended that edge all the way up to 25 points with 6 1/2 minutes to play on Broski’s layup.

“We had a nice performance defensively against Trinity despite another slow start,” Hallberg said.

“We didn’t score points in the first

Submitted photo

Brian Corcoran, the top runner for St. Xavier University’s cross country team last fall, took first for the Cougars track squad in the 1,000-meter run at the Chicagoland Championships. The Brother Rice grad’s time was good enough to earn him a spot in next month’s NAIA Indoor Track & Field Championships. five minutes, but holding them to 43 points was due to our defensive consistency.

“I might have to look at Sidney Prasse and Mikayla Leyden as offensive options because they can put the ball in the basket from long range. It’s hard to imagine making changes in a 26-4 season, but if we’re struggling offensively, I might have to find ways to put more players in the lineup.”

In a year that has seen SXU twice eclipse the century mark in games after not doing so for three seasons and deliver several other high-scoring performances, Hallberg knows the kind of impact the Cougars might have if they can piece together solid efforts on both sides of the ball.

“If we could ever consistently put together our best offensive performance [with the] zone defensive performances we’ve been getting in the same game, we should play real well,” he said.

“Both games this [past] week we struggled offensively in the beginning of the game, but played defense as good as we have all season long.

“It will be interesting to see how we fare in the conference tournament.” — Anthony Nasella BASEBALL

The Cougars’ bats were slow to awaken from their winter slumber, and that resultant lack of offense forced SXU to absorb setbacks in both ends of its season-opening doubleheader in Kentucky.

Host Georgetown College swept Saturday’s twinbill by scores of 3-1 and 7-0.

The Cougars managed just seven hits over the two contests.

A bases-loaded walk to freshman Tom Hayes in the top of the seventh inning of Game 1 accounted for SXU’s lone tally on the day.

Seniors Chris Klein and Tom Keating both hit safely in that same frame.

Junior Scott Vachon was the losing pitcher in the opener despite registering seven strikeouts and allowing just one earned run and three hits over six innings.

The Tigers plated all seven of their runs in the nightcap during their first three at-bats. *** The news wasn’t any better for the Cougars on Sunday, as they again dropped both ends of a doubleheader to Georgetown. This time, the No. 23-ranked Tigers prevailed 3-2 and 6-2.

Game 1 required extra innings to settle. SXU grabbed a 2-0 lead in the fifth when sophomore shortstop Alec Barnhart homered following sophomore Steve Carrabotta’s double, and that advantage stood until Georgetown’s Martin Lemus powered a two-run roundtripper of his own in the bottom of the sixth. After the Cougars stranded baserunners in both the seventh and eighth frames, the Tigers gained the win on Steve Mancilla’s two-base hit.

Dan Wetzel took the loss in relief of Chris Klein, who worked the first six innings on the hill for SXU and scattered seven hits while fanning five and walking no one.

Keating’s two-out single in the fifth inning of the nightcap supplied the Cougars with both of their runs. It was one of only three Game 2 hits for SXU, which trailed Georgetown 6-0 at the time of Keating’s hit, one of three on the afternoon for the St. Laurence alumnus.

Barnhart and freshman Bryan Polak scored the Cougars’ runs in the second contest. Freshman Justin Dryier was tagged with the pitching loss in a game halted in the bottom of the sixth by snow.

SXU travels to Canton, Mo., this weekend for a pair of doubleheaders against Culver Stockton College.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Trinity Christian College’s Joe Hehir attempts to get past St. Xavier University’s Brad Karp Saturday St. Xavier University’s Caitlin McMahon tries to drive against Trinity Christian College on Saturday in Palos Heights. The Cougars defeated the Trolls for the second time this season, 70-62. in Palos Heights. The Cougars beat the Trolls 61-43.

6

Section 2

Thursday, February 27, 2014 The Regional News - The Reporter

Sports wrap

By Anthony Nasella

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Brother Rice’s Jack Conlisk tries to keep Seton Academy’s RaShaad Williams away from the basketball during last Wednesday’s Chicago Catholic League Tournament contest.

Rice (Continued from page 1) eight turnovers.

“We had guys make plays and we had a good win against Seton,” Harrigan said.

Rice concluded its regular season against Tinley Park this past Wednesday and will square off with De La Salle in its Class 4A regional opener next week.

“It is what it is,” Harrigan said of the playoff scenario. “There are so many Catholic League teams in our sectional that it’d be hard to avoid that. I thought the draw was done fairly, so we just have to go out and play the game.”

St. Ignatius 56 St. Laurence 48 By anyone’s standards, the Vikings have raised their performance bar over the past several weeks. A number of close calls against some heavy hitters had given St. Laurence players and coaches an optimistic outlook about the immediate future.

The positive vibes still exist, but mixed in with them currently are a few feelings of disappointment, courtesy of two results last week in the Catholic League Tournament. Once again, the Vikings were a handful for their foes, but coach Mark Sevedge was expecting more from his squad versus both St. Ignatius and Bishop McNamara.

The Wolfpack rode the 23-point performance of 6-foot-5 sophomore Dan Ogele to a 56-48 victory last Wednesday in Chicago, then the Fightin’ Irish made off with a 70-65 triumph Friday night in Bourbonnais.

“It was a couple really strange games and not a good week,” Se-

vedge said. “I thought we had a real good chance to win. Things seemed to be falling in our favor [on Wednesday] - there were two guys out [of action] who make St. Ignatius go, including their point guard, Riley Doody.

“We should have gotten them Wednesday night. I thought we had enough to get the job done, but no matter what we did, they came back with the same thing - if we got a 3, that’s what they got. Every big stop we needed to get, we couldn’t get it.”

St. Laurence (5-20) was forced to chase from the get-go, as the Wolfpack went up 14-7 in the opening stanza. Matt Gurgone gave the Vikings’ offense a lift with eight points in the second quarter, and he went on to total 21, which included four 3-point hoops.

“We kind of rode on Matt’s back again,” Sevedge said.

With Gurgone as its perimeter ringleader, St. Laurence buried 8-of-18 3s, but St. Ignatius countered that outside sharpshooting with strong inside play. Thirtyeight of the Wolfpack’s 47 fieldgoal tries were taken inside 3point territory and 20 of those were converted.

No help was forthcoming for the Vikings, either, at the foul line, as they received just seven chances.

Only 12 free throws were attempted between the two clubs.

“The referees were [seemingly] very content with getting in and getting out,” Sevedge said. “It was a 5:30 start, and the whole atmosphere was strange.”

Bishop McNamara 70 St. Laurence 65 Friday’s contest was even more unusual.

Bishop McNamara was host-

ing a girls’ regional game that same night, which forced a switch of the Irish-Vikings tournament encounter to a recreation center in Bourbonnais. Perhaps because of the unique surroundings, St. Laurence was unable to establish any sort of rhythm to its play through the first three periods and found itself looking up at a 19-point deficit entering the final quarter.

“This was a team we should have beaten, but it was like a glorified summer-league game for us,” Sevedge said. “There was a third-grade game going on next to us - it was a train wreck. Some of that stuff that went on shouldn’t have.

“It was a great tournament, but if they couldn’t host [at school], they shouldn’t have had it in a rec center. You expect for there to be some glitches [in the first year], but those are the kind of kinks that need to be worked out for next year.”

Amazingly, Sevedge wasn’t all that unhappy with the manner in which the Vikings were executing prior to the fourth frame.

“We were running our offense well and getting open shots,” he said. “But we couldn’t throw it in the ocean.”

St. Laurence was still down by 19 with 2:35 left in the game when it suddenly exploded. With Gurgone (26 points, 18 in the fourth quarter) again stepping forward in a big way, the Vikings piled up a total of 34 points in the last eight minutes and made Bishop Mac unexpectedly sweat.

Gurgone included four 3s among his late surge and St. Laurence drilled six long balls in all, but it missed a couple close-in shots that would have turned up the heat on the Irish to an even greater degree. Bishop Mac also used 10of-12 shooting at the free-throw line to repel the dogged Vikes.

“In one sense, it was good to see us fight back like that,” Sevedge said. “But if we played with half that intensity the three quarters before that, we win going away.

Instead, I was burning timeouts because of our lack of effort, and we didn’t have them when we needed them [later].”

Bob Kelly (14 points, two assists), Rich Lamb (10 points, seven rebounds) and Quentin Forberg (10 points, two assists) were other key figures for St. Laurence, which hit two more buckets than the Irish, but required 19 more shots to make it happen. Bishop Mac outscored the Vikings by eight at the charity stripe.

St. Laurence met Burbank neighbor Reavis this past Tuesday in its regular-season finale. The Vikings host a Class 3A regional next week and open play against Gage Park on Monday.

17th position.

On Saturday, Colson’s scores of 214 and 231 sandwiched a 167 to create a 612 series for her in the morning block, but she failed to shoot above 200 in the afternoon block. Colson bowled games of 179, 195 and 190 for a 564 series.

WRESTLING Three Sandburg wrestlers placed at last weekend’s individual state meet in Champaign.

Brian Krasowski lost a 3-1 decision to Maine South’s Tom Brewster in the 160-pound wrestleback semifinal and then was pinned by Lockport’s Vince Dietz in the fifthplace encounter. John Pellegrino finished two spots higher at 145 after defeating Hinsdale South’s Justin Maslow (5-0) and Belleville West’s Nick Foster (10-4) in the wrestleback quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively.

Hinsdale Central’s Juwan Edmond stopped Pellegrino’s progress in the third-place match by claiming a 12-9 victory.

Taking fifth for the Eagles at 126 was Christian Robertson, who wrapped wrestleback triumphs over Plainfield Central’s Nickolas Nasenbeny (2-0) and Glenbard East’s Dayton Olson (6-1) around a loss to Wheaton North’s Dylan Thurston (12-2).

Stagg’s Mantas Druktenis advanced to the wrestleback quarterfinals at 285, but came up one point short of Downers Grove South’s Michael Hobbs (4-3) in that match.

BOYS’ SWIMMING Stagg cruised to its first sectional championship since 2011 when it captured Saturday’s Sandburg Sectional meet with 296 points, which were 49 more than runnerup Brother Rice mustered Swimming through the pain of a broken foot suffered just two weeks ago, Evan Johnson won both the 50- and 100-yard freestyles for the Chargers in respective times of 21.68 seconds and 47.99. Teammate and fellow junior Zack Amendola was also a two-event winner as he touched out first in both the 100-butterfly (51.36) and 100-backstroke (51.97).

Other champions for Stagg included the 400-freestyle relay team (3:14.21) and Harlan Long in the 200-free (1:45.55). Bettering state-qualifying times to earn entry into the state meet were the Chargers’ 200-medley relay quartet (second in 1:36.85), Lucas Smiarowski in both the 200- individual medley (second, 1:56.12) and 500-free (second, 4:43.38), and Long in the 100-breaststroke (1:00.29).

Sectional host Sandburg was third on Saturday as it totaled 234 points. Diver Dean Boures scored a victory by amassing 444.15 points and Bret Reid was right behind him with 380.25 points.

Also performing well were Kevin Stratton in the 100-backstroke (52.68) and David Apps in the 200 IM (third in 1:57.15).

a short shot and then turned the ball over themselves. That briefly stalled Chicago Christian’s rally, but the Knights eventually (Continued from page 1) grabbed a 37-33 lead.

Offensively, a pair of Marcus OtA 6-1 push by the Vikings got tenhoff 3-balls triggered Illiana’s the advantage back for them and, run. except for a 41-all tie at the end “That just seemed to zap the en- of the period, Chicago Christian ergy from us,” Pittman said. “Our remained in arrears. Two layups young kids in this one seemed to and a free throw handed Illiana be rattled by the whole thing. a 46-41 lead at the onset of the “Under the bright lights, some- fourth stanza, and a bit later Wiltimes things are exposed. When liam Rose’s 3-pointer from the push comes to shove, [the play- top of the key sank a dagger into ers] revert back to old habits and the Knights. those things are hard to break.

“Anything that can go wrong But I think it’s good to play those will,” Pittman said. “That’s the [types of] games.” way it seems to be for us this The Vikings carried a 33-26 season.” edge with them into intermisChicago Christian did make one sion, but then began the third last lunge at the Vikings, reducing quarter in much the same manner an eight-point deficit to three in as they had gotten the opening just over a minute, but Illiana period underway. Another series held on by burying several free of turnovers, including a Luke throws in the final 50 seconds. For Boss steal that led to Fitzpatrick’s the night, the home team went putback, had Chicago Christian 19-of-25 at the stripe, with Caleb breathing down Illiana’s neck Jonkman’s 12-of-12 effort serving once more. as the focal point.

Wright’s swipe then gave the That solid foul shooting helped Knights an opportunity to perhaps the Vikings neutralize 23 turnpull even, but the visitors missed overs. The Knights committed

six fewer miscues, but were hamstrung by 36 percent shooting from the floor and eight missed free throws.

Wright was Chicago Christian’s brightest light in defeat as he totaled 17 points, five steals, three rebounds and two assists. Fitzpatrick (11 points, eight rebounds) and Jay Spencer (10 points) were other Knights notables.

Chicago Christian concludes its regular season this week against Timothy Christian and Montini.

The state gymnastics meet boasted an all-around finish that featured athletes from every class among the elite. A freshman won the championship and six sophomores wound up in the top 20.

One of those sophomores was Shepard’s Skylor Hilger, whose solid exhibition at Palatine placed her 14th with an all-around score of 36.45 points. Hilger’s best effort over the two-day meet, without question, came in floor exercise.

She finished 10th in Friday’s prelims while averaging a 9.25 over four performances, and then added two points to her score on Saturday to finish sixth with a 9.45 average.

Hilgor was 31st in the vault with a 9.30 prelims score, and she posted respective averages of 9.125 and 8.775 on the bars and beam. Hilgor was approximately 1.40 points behind state champion Claire Rose Ginsberg, a freshman from Geneva.

GIRLS’ BOWLING Sandburg’s Jessica Colson had a respectable showing for the Lady Eagles at last weekend’s state meet, where she was 37th with 2,468 pins.

She started the tournament on Friday in 44th place after rolling a respectable 628 series on games of 221, 182 and 225. However, Colson elevated her performance in the next block with a 664 series, built on games of 266, 217 and 181, to finish the day in the

Knights

Statistics Chicago Christian 16 10 15 17 - 58 Illiana Christian 14 19 8 23 - 64 Chicago Christian Scoring: Wright 17, Fitzpatrick 11, Spencer 10, Parker 6, Wolterink 5, Leo 4, Boss 3, Washington 2. Rebounds: Fitzpatrick 8. Assists: Leo 2, Wright 2. Steals: Wright 5.

Guerin Prep 5 16 17 19 - 57 Chicago Christian 15 16 17 23 - 71 Chicago Christian Scoring: Wolterink 22, Wright 16, Parker 11, Fitzpatrick 6, Leo 6, Washington 6, T. Decker 2, Frierson 2.

Rebounds: Fitzpatrick 6. Assists: Wright 5. Steals: Wright 6.

Statistics Gordon Tech 8 6 12 16 - 42 Brother Rice 11 8 6 15 - 40 Brother Rice Scoring: Rubio 16, Niego 14, Scanlon 5, Gallagher 3, Finn 2. Rebounds: Finn 7, Scanlon 5. Assists: Finn 1, Gallagher 1, Niego 1, Rubio 1. Steals: Rubio 1, Scanlon 1.

Seton Academy 18 13 13 17 - 61 Brother Rice 20 7 17 22 - 66 Brother Rice Scoring: Niego 26, Finn 16, Rubio 15, Scanlon 5, Mueller 4.

Rebounds: Niego 5, Rubio 5, Scanlon 5. Assists: Finn 5. Steals: Finn 3.

St. Laurence 7 18 15 8 - 48 St. Ignatius 14 16 14 12 - 56 St. Laurence Scoring: Gurgone 21, Forberg 8, Delaney 6, Kelly 6, Witkowski 5, Lamb 2. Rebounds: Kelly 4. Assists: Delaney 4.

St. Laurence 11 12 8 34 - 65 Bishop McNamara 19 15 16 20 - 70 St. Laurence Scoring: Gurgone 26, Kelly 14, Forberg 10, Lamb 10, Cummings Photo by Jeff Vorva 2, Witkowski 2, Delaney 1. Rebounds: Brother Rice’s Ray Rubio and Seton Academy’s Chris Seaton Lamb 7. Assists: Forberg 2, Kelly 2, battle for control of a loose ball last Wednesday.

Witkowski 2.

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The Regional News - The Reporter Thursday, February 27, 2014 Section 2

Bulldogs (Continued from page 1) Richards can still win an outright league championship by defeating Eisenhower on Friday.

“It’d be nice [to do that], but nothing’s come easy,” Chappetto said. “At the end of the day, if we finish in a tie, both of us get a trophy and three automatic bids for the all-conference team.”

Richards 63 Reavis 54 Following a loss to Shepard the previous Friday that tightened up the SSC Red race, the Bulldogs went without a practice session on Monday due to yet another weather-induced school cancellation.

In retrospect, Chappetto felt the time away might have done his players some good, and when four different ones scored against the Rams in the opening frame on Tuesday, that certainly seemed to be the case. His appeal to his guys

Stagg (Continued from page 1) fore the second half basically gets started. I had a few things to say to [our athletes] about competing [during a timeout].”

Daniels wasn’t surprised to see the Eagles, who had beaten Stagg earlier this season at the United Center, rally.

“Todd really does a good job of putting his players in a position of strength,” Daniels said.

“And they really battled. It was a typical Stagg-Sandburg emotional basketball game.”

Daniels had the Chargers hold the ball for a bit in an attempt to pull the Eagles (9-15, 5-7) out of their zone defense, but Allen thought that strategy actually gave his team “a jump start to pick up our intensity.” From an offensive standpoint, Niko Cahue (18 points), Eric Straka (15) and Niko Kogionis (13 points) were Sandburg’s ringleaders.

Stagg countered with its own trio of double-figure scorers. In addition to White and Strus (23 points), Nick Sims (13 points) made his presence felt for the Chargers. Sims and Strus combined to go 9-of-10 from the foul line in the fourth stanza, a display that allowed the visitors to effectively thwart the Eagles’ comeback bid.

“Max Strus is probably the second-best player on the south side outside of [Marian Catholic’s] Tyler Ulis,” Allen said.

While Sandburg — which was slated to complete its regular-season schedule this week with SWSC Blue matchups against Homewood-Flossmoor and Bolingbrook —doesn’t boast an impressive ledger, Allen called that deceiving. Included among the Eagles’ defeats thus far are two overtime verdicts and two others that came by just one point.

“We chart all our possessions,” Allen said. “We’ve had over 1,500 this year — take away five of those and we could easily be 13-11, or better. With the schedule we play, if we were 13-11 [right now], I think everybody would be ecstatic, including me.

“Our margin for error is so slim, but we’re not hanging our heads just yet. We had a losing record last year and wound up playing for a regional championship.”

Stagg closes out its slate with SWSC Blue games against Joliet Central and Joliet West. With one more triumph, the Chargers will reach the 20-win plateau for the fourth time during Daniels’ coaching tenure. Prior to his arrival in Palos Hills 11 seasons ago, Stagg logged 20 victories only once in 40 years.

Stagg 64 Oak Lawn 36 White got the Chargers off and running last Wednesday as he piled up 14 first-quarter points and guided Stagg to a 24-7 edge after eight minutes. White shot 10-of-11 from the floor for the

probably didn’t hurt, either.

“My pregame speech was pretty passionate, pretty emotional and pretty honest,” Cahppetto said.

“Coming out of the Shepard game, we obviously had a bad taste in our mouths that we wanted to get rid of.”

Meier’s absence wasn’t Richards’ only difficulty versus Reavis, however. First-half foul trouble plagued Shannon, Tears, Angelo Anagnostopolous and Meier’s replacement, Marcus Burton.

“You’re already playing without Meier,” Chappetto said. “Now, you’ve got to go even deeper [into the bench].”

Because of that, the Bulldogs were unable to hold onto a doubledigit lead in the second quarter and were in front by only four (32-28) at intermission. In the second half, though, Shannon began imposing his will and registered 18 of his team-best 20 points.

He complemented his offense with eight assists, four rebounds and three steals, and Richards overcame rather lackluster 40 percent shooting by limiting the

Rams to a 34 percent success rate from the field. Reavis was also forced into 17 turnovers, eight more than were charged to the ‘Dogs.

Shannon was Richards’ lone double-digit man, but five other players netted between six and nine points to give the attack some balance.

game to total 21 points, while Strus also connected more than 50 percent of the time en route to 26.

“We did a great job on everyone else,” Spartans coach Jason Rhodes said. “I wish that had been reversed because those two guys really hurt us. We had no answer for Strus - we have nobody who can match his length and he was outstanding.”

“He’s become so athletic and good around the rim,” Daniels said of Strus. “He’s the best player in our school’s history. He does things you just can’t coach.”

The Chargers notched the contest’s first 10 points and never veered off-course. Oak Lawn had a few chances early after it broke Stagg’s press, but the Spartans missed three layups and then, to compound matters, couldn’t prevent the hosts from tallying at the other end of the court.

“It was bad—I don’t know what else to say,” Rhodes said.

“We wanted to keep the score in the 40s [because] we saw Lockport go down to the wire with them playing that way, but we couldn’t do that. They were off to the races right away and we’re not the type of team that can come back from large deficits.”

Oak Lawn trailed by 19 points at halftime and by 33 at the end of three quarters. The Chargers’ 52 percent accuracy hindered the Spartans, as did their own 31 percent shooting display. Fifteen miscues added to Oak Lawn’s misery.

“He had a good game plan,” Daniels said of Rhodes. “When you lose a few games early, like Oak Lawn did, it’s real easy to lose a group as a coach, but they’ve really, really improved.

“It was nice to get that lead.

The key to the first and third quarters was we were able to get stops and get in transition. We never pulled away like that all year, but the concentration’s been back on defense.

“If we’re going to compete for a regional [title], we have to play better defense [like we did here].”

David Stacy had 12 points to be the Spartans’ only doubledigit scorer. He also grabbed five rebounds and distributed a couple of assists. Justin Schutt (eight points, two assists) and Josh Prince (seven points, five rebounds) were other Oak Lawn notables, although Daniels felt his tandem of Sims and Anthony Gardner made Stacy and Prince work hard for the points they garnered.

contest.

“That was probably the worst loss we’ve had all year,” he said.

“It’s not how we wanted to play against Andrew. I thought the second half was just very poor on our part.”

That half came on the heels of an opening one the Eagles largely dominated. The reversal of fortunes, in Allen’s view, began in the final eight seconds of the second period.

Up 30-16, Sandburg was poised to increase its edge after a steal.

Andrew fouled, but the Eagles misfired twice at the line and the T’bolts closed with a 3-point basket. They then outscored Sandburg 10-2 through the first four minutes of the third frame as the latter had three turnovers on its first four possessions of the second half.

“We just stopped passing the basketball and stopped defending,” said Allen, whose team hit only four field goals in the last 16 minutes.

With Cahue (18 points, four rebounds), Kogionis (11 points) and Alec Martinez (10 points six assists) leading the way, the Eagles shrugged off their shortcomings and remained on the verge of victory. However, they were unable to maintain their grip on a four-point lead in the final 20 seconds.

Despite having three fouls to give, Sandburg let an Andrew player get free on an isolation play. Not only did the T’bolts tally, but it became a three-point play.

After the Eagles missed the front end of an ensuing 1-and-1, Andrew scored again.

Sandburg still had another opportunity to prevail after stealing an inbounds pass near midcourt, but it was unable to capitalize on a 2-on-1 break as it missed a layup.

“You should be able to close out a game like that, but we had some major mental lapses defensively,” Allen said. “It was a very disappointing loss.”

Andrew 48 Sandburg 47 It has not been a prosperous 2013-14 campaign for the Thunderbolts, but they scored what might have been their biggest win of the season last Tuesday as they nipped their District 230 sister school.

For sure, Allen wasn’t hesitant about how to classify the

7

Statistics Richards 29 11 9 14 - 63 Oak Lawn 16 19 14 18 - 67 Richards Scoring: Shannon 27, Catledge 12, T. Othman 11, Alexander 5, Tears 3, Submitted photo Anagnostopolous 2, Listenbee 2, Cot- Moraine Valley College cross country runners Aileen Gorman, Diana Dinh and Maritza Najera were trell 1. all chosen as members of the All-Academic NJCAA team, which recognized their classroom work Oak Lawn Scoring: Prince 26, Stacy 14, for the fall 2013 semester.

Samra 11, Swatek 6, Nelson 4, Cosenza 3, Jones 3. Rebounds: Prince 12, Stacy 6. Assists: Stacy 7.

Moraine athletics wrap

Reavis 13 15 12 14 - 54 Richards 16 16 13 18 - 63 Richards Scoring: Shannon 20, Anagnostopolous 9, Alexander 8, Catledge 7, T. Othman 7, Tears 6, Cottrell 4, Listenbee 2. Rebounds: Shannon 4. Assists: Shannon 8. Steals: Shannon 3.

Cross country runners for academics

By Maura Vizza Aileen Gorman does not live by athletics alone.

For sure, the Marist alumnus has made her presence felt on Moraine Valley College’s sports landscape, first as a national qualifier in cross country last fall and then as an integral member of the Cyclones women’s basketball team this winter. Despite her busy schedule, however, Gorman has still found enough time to embrace the “student” portion of studentathlete as well.

Gorman was one of three Moraine runners, along with teammates Diana Dinh and Maritza Najera, to be feted for classroom accomplishments by getting named to the 2013 Academic AllNational Junior College Athletic Association team. Dinh is making her second straight appearance on the squad, which was selected by the National Junior College Cross Country Coaches Association.

The Cyclones were also designated as an All-Academic NJCAA team, as they ranked eighth among Division I programs in cumulative grade-point average.

Besides the three aforementioned individuals, Moraine’s status was made possible through the efforts of Amanda Gerzon (Stagg), Amy Johnson (Sandburg) and Miranda Reyes (Queen of Peace).

“These scholar-athletes are simply outstanding,” Cyclones coach Mark Horstmeyer said. “They attend class full time, work part time, and excel as athletes and students. Their performance on and off the field speaks highly of them.

“I am very proud of their achievement. It is a tremendous honor for them and Moraine Valley.”

Moraine’s cross country program has produced a total of 39 NJCAA Academic All-Americans since 2000.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

With the postseason looming, the Cyclones seem to have hit their stride, as evidenced by three more wins last week. Two of those were garnered over Prairie State

College in a span of just three days.

The Feb. 15 matchup between Moraine and the Pioneers was a makeup of an earlier game that had been postponed by inclement weather. The Cyclones used a 7-of-10 showing from 3-point land as a key ingredient in what became a 74-64 victory. Shavonne Lewis led the charge for Moraine by sinking all four of her longdistance attempts.

The Cyclones held a 43-29 halftime edge and moved ahead by as many as 20 points during the second half. Prairie State never got any closer than seven over the last 20 minutes.

Lewis and Nariman Jaber both scored 14 points for Moraine, with the former also dishing out four assists and Jaber blocking six shots. Jaber’s rejections gave her 106 for the season, which eclipsed Lisa Koschinitzki’s school standard of 103 set during the 1988-89 campaign.

Nine Moraine players in all reached the scoring column.

The Pioneers no doubt housed thoughts of revenge when they met up again with the Cyclones last Tuesday, but that mattered little as Moraine downed Prairie State by an even wider margin than before.

Spurring the Cyclones’ 73-54 triumph were Maggie Yandel (24 points) and Jaber (nine blocks).

Moraine outscored the Pioneers by 21 points in the second half. *** The Cyclones completed their regular-season schedule with a five-game winning streak and 20 victories in all after defeating Morton College 75-57 last Thursday.

The triumph was the 250th of coach Delwyn Jones’ career.

Despite being without Yandel and Aileen Gorman for most of the opening half, Moraine jumped out to a 32-9 lead and was ahead by 22 at intermission. The Panthers drew within 12 in the second half, but the Cyclones’ advantage was never seriously threatened.

Katie McGann (21 points, 10 rebounds, four assists), Jaber (13 points, nine rebounds, three

blocks), Lewis (11 points, five assists) and Jamilla Jones (10 points, 10 rebounds) all played starring roles for Moraine (20-10).

MEN’S BASKETBALL Prairie State’s men enjoyed greater success against the Cyclones than its women’s squad did, as it notched a pair of wins over Moraine.

The Pioneers overcame a fourpoint deficit in the final two minutes and slipped past the Cyclones 75-70 in the Feb. 15 makeup contest. Moraine had led much of the way, including 35-28 at intermission, as four players provided offensive punch.

Kyle Ward was the Cyclones’ top gun with 19 points, but also pitching in were Paulius Ostruskevicius (14 points), Jason Allen (11) and Cameron Juillerat (10). Ward augmented his scoring with eight rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Ostruskevicius also made three steals.

Prairie State completed its two-game sweep of Moraine by capturing an 88-77 decision last Tuesday. The Pioneers’ 46-32 edge on the glass was a major detriment to the locals.

Johnte Shannon (25 points, three assists), Brett Kaiser (17 points, four rebounds), Ward (11 points, eight rebounds, two blocks) and Des’nique Harris (11 points, six rebounds) were the Cyclones’ headliners. *** Moraine was able to conclude the regular season on a high note by downing Morton College 78-72 last Thursday and avenging an earlier Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference defeat.

The Cyclones were up by as many as 20 points before halftime, then survived some periodic breakdowns to hang on for a much-needed win. Kaiser (19 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three blocks) was Moraine’s main man, but Ward (14 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals), Juillerat (14 points, four assists), Shannon (13 points, four rebounds, four assists), Harris (nine points, five rebounds) and Brennan Ivory (four blocks) also made their presences felt.

Statistics Stagg 16 20 12 18 - 66 Sandburg 10 12 16 22 - 60 Stagg Scoring: Strus 23, White 16, Sims 13, Goral 7, Contant 6, Gardner 1. Rebounds: Strus 10. Assists: White 6.

Sandburg Scoring: Cahue 18, Straka 15, Kogionis 13, T. Demogerontas 9, Paxinos 3, Ruzevich 2.

Oak Lawn 7 12 7 10 - 36 Stagg 24 10 25 5 - 64 Oak Lawn Scoring: Stacy 12, Schutt 8, Prince 7, Jones 3, Alvarado 2, Cosenza 2, Samra 2. Rebounds: Prince 5, Stacy 5.

Assists: Samra 2, Schutt 2, Stacy 2.

Stagg Scoring: Strus 26, White 21, Sims 5, Kolpak 4, Contant 3, El Hanounny 3, Gardner 2. Rebounds: Strus 8. Assists: White 6.

Sandburg 13 17 7 10 - 47 Andrew 6 13 14 15 - 48 Sandburg Scoring: Cahue 18, Kogionis 11, Martinez 10, Straka 4, Ruzevich 2, Vorva 2. Rebounds: Cahue 4, Straka 4.

Assists: Martinez 6.

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Section 2 Thursday, February 27, 2014

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For Sale Notice For Sale

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.ROMAN MIASKOWSKI, EDYTA MIASKOWSKI, FIRST MIDWEST BANK, AS TRUSTEE U/T/A DATED AUGUST 5, 2008 A/K/A TRUST NUMBER 1-7623, UNKNOWN BENEFICIARIES OF FIRST MIDWEST BANK U/T/A DATED AUGUST 5, 2008 A/K/A TRUST NUMBER 1-7623, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 13 CH 017636 9114 S. 82ND AVENUE HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 7, 2014, Auction.com, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 1:00 PM on April 9, 2014, at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, 350 West Mart Center Drive (in the Auction.com room), CHICAGO, IL, 60654, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:Commonly known as 9114 S. 82ND AVENUE, HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 Property Index No. 23-02-418-024. The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876. Please refer to file number 14-13-16962. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www. tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

AUCTION.COM LLC For Additional Information regarding Auction.com, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800-280-2832) CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 14-13-16962 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 13 CH 017636 TJSC#: 34-830 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

I591442

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC Plaintiff, -v.MARIA GOMEZ, MATTHEW C. ARNOUX OF NADLER PRITIKIN & MIRABELLI, CITY OF CHICAGO, STATE OF ILLINOIS, ADVANCE CAPITAL, INCORPORATED, PORTFOLIO RECOVERY ASSOCIATES, L.L.C., SPRINGLEAF FINANCIAL SERVICES OF ILLINOIS, INC., LOYOLA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER Defendants 13 CH 016979 7825 W. 102ND STREET PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 12, 2013, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 14, 2014, at the The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 7825 W. 102ND STREET, PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 Property Index No. 2312-308-007. The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876. Please refer to file number 14-13-09436. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 14-13-09436 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 13 CH 016979 TJSC#: 33-27552 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

I588356

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY D I V I S I O N � BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. P l a i n t i f f , � v . � ANDRIUS BALTAKYS, SCENIC TREE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS D e f e n d a n t s � 12 CH 004481 8425 W. 101ST TERRACE UNIT #107 PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 17, 2012, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 14, 2014, at the The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:Commonly known as 8425 W. 101ST TERRACE UNIT #107, PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-11-302-003-1240, Property Index No. (23-11-302-002 underlying). The real estate is improved with a condo/townhouse. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff's attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876. Please refer to file number 14-12-02692. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 14-12-02692 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 12 CH 004481 TJSC#: 34-2153 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

I590681

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. P l a i n t i f f , � v . � MONICA LINARES A/K/A MONICA OROSCO, MARYANN MORENO A/K/A MARY ANN MORENO A/K/A MARY ANN PEREZ, RAFAEL LINARES, 7951-7959 W. 112TH PLACE TOWNHOME ASSOCIATION, CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), N.A., S/I/I TO CAPITAL ONE BANK, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 12 CH 10011 7955 WEST 112TH PLACE PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on August 29, 2013, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 20, 2014, at the The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 7955 WEST 112TH PLACE, PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-24-100-161-0000. The real estate is improved with a 4 or more units townhouse with an attached 2 car garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale.

The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition.

The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5 pm. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES, Plaintiff's Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 476-5500. Please refer to file number PA1204744. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 476-5500 Attorney File No. PA1204744 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 12 CH 10011 TJSC#: 34-384 I589563

For Sale For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION SOVEREIGN BANK P l a i n t i f f , � v . � SHERELE L. TENCLAY, MILL CREEK CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION D e f e n d a n t s � 11 CH 01234 9755 WEST CREEK ROAD UNTI E2 PALOS PARK, IL 60464 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 8, 2013, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 6, 2014, at the The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 9755 WEST CREEK ROAD UNTI E2, PALOS PARK, IL 60464 Property Index No. 23-33-209-031-1006. The real estate is improved with a mid-rise condominium building; no garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale.

The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition.

The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5 pm. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES, Plaintiff's Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 476-5500. Please refer to file number PA1038627. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 476-5500 Attorney File No. PA1038627 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 11 CH 01234 TJSC#: 34-1784 I589034

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC P l a i n t i f f , � v . � ARTA GASHI A/K/A ARTA BUSTAMI, HICKORY POINTE CONDOMINIUMS, CITIBANK (SOUTH DAKOTA), N.A. Defendants 12 CH 024614 9440 S. 79TH COURT UNIT #3SE HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 21, 2013, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 21, 2014, at the The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 9440 S. 79TH COURT UNIT #3SE, HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 Property Index No. 23-01-303-019-1009. The real estate is improved with a condo/townhouse. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted.

The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff's attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876. Please refer to file number 14-12-11094.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 14-12-11094 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 12 CH 024614 TJSC#: 34-2610 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

I591782

No Matter What the Weather! Open House Sun. 1-4pm Gorgeous woods surround this approx. 4000 sq.ft. beauty hidden on deadend 85th Ave. just north of 119th St. 4 huge bedrms, each w/ immense walk-in closet, finished bsmt, 3-car garage. Warmth & spacious living is here. $675,000 11801 S. 85th Ave.

www.prublount.com

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8100 W. 119th Street Palos Park, IL 60464

(708) 448-6100

2-27-14 For Notice Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR DEUTSCHE MORTGAGE SECURITIES, INC. MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 04-5 Plaintiff, -v.THOMAS E. REYNDERS, CHERYL ROSE REYNDERS A/K/A CHERYL REYNDERS, FIRST MIDWEST BANK, THSC LLC, OAK HILLS COUNTRY CLUB VILLAGE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, OAK HILLS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION Defendants 13 CH 011256 7931 W. LAKEVIEW COURT, UNIT #2B PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 17, 2013, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 19, 2014, at the The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 7931 W. LAKEVIEW COURT, UNIT #2B, PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463 Property Index No. 23-36-303-143-1048. The real estate is improved with a condo/townhouse. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876. Please refer to file number 14-12-34170. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 14-12-34170 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 13 CH 011256 TJSC#: 33-27821 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

I588812

For Rent Palos Heights Office First floor office in a quiet, professional building on College Drive will be available in Feb., 2014.

Recently remodeled office, approximately 10 by 15 feet, has a shared waiting room. Building amenities include ample parking, disability accessibility & close proximity to Lake Katherine & Tiffany Square. $375 a month. Daily & hourly rental rates negotiable.

Please call (708) 476-2419 for details

Vacation Home for Rent

• FISH CREEK • Four bedroom, two bath home offers privacy on a lovely wooded 1+ acre lot. Well-stocked, large kitchen & open living room-bar area. Backyard features a large patio, stone fireplace, propane grill & firepit.

Downtown Fish Creek & Egg Harbor are just minutes away — an ideal location for all Door County adventures. Available for winter activities or reserve now for peak season!

Photos & more info online: Shared Serenity Vacation Home or call 708.704.8972

Publisher’s Notice All Real Estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are herby 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. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is: 1 (800) 927-9275.

HERE’S A BRIGHT IDEA...

Use the Classifieds for all of your buying, selling, trading and renting needs.

The Regional News - The Reporter

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Thursday, February 27, 2014 Section 2

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Real Estate

Help Wanted

Experienced cleaning lady wanted

for immediate start. Must be licensed driver with dependable vehicle. Good pay.

Small engines, snowblowers, regular and riding lawnmowers, bicycles.

Call (815) 468-7819

This newspaper strives to monitor the classified ads its prints. However, when an ad is submitted from outside this area, it is often impossibleWanted for us to check its credibility. to Buy

Therefore, we suggest caution when answering ads with offers that seem too good to Chevy be true. Astro van in reaOlder

sonably running condition.

For moregood information regarding financing, business and/or work-atMust have opportunities 2 rear doors (not 3).

home opportunities in this newspaper, we urge our readers to contact the Better BusiCall Tim or Pat B. ness Bureau, 330 N. Wabash Ave. #2006, 448-4000 Chicago,at IL (708) 60611, (312) 832-0500.

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. DIVISION A S S O C I A T I O N ďż˝ Plaintiff, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., SUCCESSOR BY P l a i n t i f f , ďż˝ -v.MERGER TO BAC HOME LOANS SERVICING, v . ďż˝ BILAL RAFATI A/K/A BELAL A. RAFATI, SHALP FKA COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS SERMANUEL IBARRA REEN RAFATI A/K/A SHIREEN M. RAFATI, VICING, LP D e f e n d a n t s ďż˝ WELLS FARGO BANK, NA S/B/M TO WELLS Plaintiff, 13 CH 018277 FARGO BANK SOUTHWEST, NA F/K/A WA-v.14354 PINEWOOD DRIVE ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 CHOVIA MORTGAGE FSB, F/K/A WORLD SAVRICHARD S. DOMINICK A/K/A RICHARD DOMINOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY INGS BANK, FSB, UNKNOWN SUCCESSOR NICK A/K/A RICHARD STEVEN DOMINICK, GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and TRUSTEE OF THE GLADYS STAM TRUST CAROL DOMINICK, UNIFUND CCR PARTNERS Sale entered in the above cause on November 6, 2013, DATED 5/13/1999, CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), ASSIGNEE OF PALISADES ACQUISITION XVI, Auction.com, an agent for The Judicial Sales N.A., SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO CAPITAL UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD Corporation, will at 1:00 PM on April 9, 2014, at the ONE BANK, GMAC, LLC, CITIBANK N.A. S/I/I TO CLAIMANTS Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, 350 West Mart Center CITIBANK (SOUTH DAKOTA), N.A., UNKNOWN Defendants Drive (in the Auction.com room), CHICAGO, IL, 60654, BENEFICIARIES OF THE GLADYS STAM TRUST 11 CH 008790 sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth Driver ATTENTION TEAM REGIONAL CDL-A DRIVERS DATED 5/13/1999, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND 14430 MASON LANE ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 ADOPTION HEALTH below, the following described real estate: Commonly DRIVERS Terminal to Terminal Averitt offers fantastic benefits NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY known as 14354 PINEWOOD DRIVE, ORLAND PARK, Runs $5000 SIGN-ON Bonus & weekly hometime. 888-362Loving, happily married couple PELVIC/TRANSVAGINAL Defendants GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of ForecloIL 60467 Property Index No. 27-07-106-001. The real Home Every Week Great Pay 8608. Paid training for recent wishes to adopt infant and MESH? 12Did CH you 7014undergo sure and Sale entered in the above cause on Febestate is improved with a single family residence. Sale Full Benefits Stable Freight grads w/a CDL-A & drivers with laughter, and transvaginal placement of mesh 7503 HALESIA COURT ORLAND PARK, IL ruary 21, 2013, an agent for The Judicial Sales terms:give 25% love, down of the highest bidstability. by certified funds at CDL-A required EEOE/AAP limited experience. Apply online Please Mara to and for pelvic organ prolapse or 60462 Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 6, 2014, the close of the call sale payable The Will Judicial Sales at AverittCareers.com Equal at 1-800-983-9095.

Expenses stress urinary NOTICEincontinence OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE 866-323-7875 IS HEREBY at the The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Corporation.

No third party checks will be accepted. www.driveFFE.com Opportunity Employer paid.

2005 the GIVEN thatand pursuant to a Judgment of ForecloWacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, The balance, including the Judicial sale fee forbetween and Salecaused entered in Start the above on present?sure If the mesh sell auctionNEED to the CLASS-A highest bidder, as set Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief the cause New Year withat public a ADVERTISING May 2, you 2013, an be agent for The Judicial may Fund, which is calculated on residential real estatecomplications, at forth our below, the following described real estate: CDL TRAINING? Great Career Sales

by Joining Corporation, will atCall 10:30 AM on March to compensation. the rate of $1 for SERVICES each $1,000 or fraction thereof ofentitled the Commonly known 14430 in MASON Team.

Class6, 2014, A Professional Start aasCAREER truckingLANE, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One Charles H.the Johnson Law and amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in ORLAND PARK, IL Swift 60462 Property Index Drivers Call South 877-294-2777 today!

Academies offer No. Need to place your ad in Wacker Drive 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, speak with female staff certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four The real estate is improved for more details or27-10-215-016. visit PTDI certified courses and offerwith more than 300 newspapers sell 1-800-535-5727 at public auction to the SuperServiceLLC.com highest bidder, as set members (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee a single family residence.

Sale terms: 25% down “Best-In-Class" training. throughout Illinois? Call forth below, the following described real estate: acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its of the highest bid by certified Classes funds at Weekly the close of *New Academy Illinois Press Advertising & Flatbed WANTED Commonly known as 7503 Tanker HALESIA COURT,Company credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgmentHELP the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corpora*No Money Down or Service 217-241-1700 or Drivers/Independent ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 Property Index No. creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real DRIVERS tion. No third party checks be accepted. The Creditwill Check visitrights www.illinoispress.org Contractors!

Immediate 27-13-203-002-0000. The real estate is improved estate whose in and to the residential real estate balance, including the Judicial saleReady fee for Aban*Certified Mentors Best lease the family home Placement with purchase a one storyinsingle with a Available two arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject doned Municipality Relief CAREER/EDUCATION and Available USA, fuel garage. program,Sale terms: Best25% Opportunities the Residential Property car attached down of inFund, to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or 99¢/gal. which is calculated on residential *Paid (While Training real esnewest tractors trailers Trucking Business CAREERS special taxesAIRLINE levied against said real estate and is the highest & bid by certified funds at the close of tate at the rate of $1 With for each $1,000 or fraction Mentor) anywhere.

Top topay, CALLSales TODAY 800-277-0212 offered for sale without any representation as to available quality BEGIN HERE the sale payable The Judicial Corporathereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not *Regional and Dedicated insurance program, orbe www.driveforprime.com or quantityBECOME of title and without recourse to Plaintiffmedical and in tion.

No third party checks will accepted. The AN AVIATION to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, Opportunities good Hirschbach "AS IS" condition.

The sale TECH. is further subject to miles. balance, including 888the JudicialDrivers sale fee for AbanMAINTENANCE - CDL-A DRIVERS is due within twenty-four hours.

No fee shall *Great(24) Career Path www.drive4hml.com confirmation the court. Upon payment in full 514-6005 of the doned Residential Property NEEDED! MunicipalityNow Relief FAAby APPROVED TRAINING. hiring be solos paid by the*Excellent mortgagee acquiring the residenBenefits Package amount bid, the purchaser willQUALIFIED. receive a Certificate of Fund, which is calculated on &residential real esFINANCIAL AID IF OWNER OPERATORS teams in your area! Small tial real estatePlease pursuant to its(602) credit648-5307 bid at the sale Call: Sale thatHOUSING will entitle the purchaser to aJOB deed to the real tate $3K at the of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction AVAILABLE. Average perrate week!

Company, BIG Benefits! or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other estate after confirmation of the sale. The property Be willout up thereof the amount purchaser PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE. to 14ofdays, enjoy paid by theTop Pay for not Hazmat. lienor acquiring MISCELLANEOUS the residential real estate whose NOT be open inspection and plaintiff makes GUARENTEED no to exceedhome $300,time! in certified funds/or transfer, CALLforAIM 800-481-8312.

CDLwire Grads Welcome! rights in andSAWMILLS to the residential real $4897.00 estate arose representation as to the condition of the property. from only is due within Cardinal twenty-four (24) hours. 888-928-6011 No fee shall Weekly settlements. prior to the sale.

The subject property is subject Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court - MAKE & SAVE MONEY with to be paid by loaded/ the mortgagee acquiring the residenGreatwide pays www.TotalMS.com general real your estateown taxes, special assessments, file to verify all information. If this property is a bandmill.

Cut lumber or tial real estateCDL pursuant to its credit bid at the sale unloaded.

Class-A & special taxes levied against said real estate Flatbed Drivers New Pay Scalecondominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the any dimension. In stock readyand or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other 1yr driving experience. is offered for withoutFREE any representation Start .37cpm Up to .04cpm foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the to saleship.

Info/DVD: as acquiring the residential real@estate whose Fleet lienor Owners Welcome. to quality orwww.NorwoodSawmills.com quantity of title and without recourse Mileage assessments and the legal fees required by The rights in and the residential real estateBonus aroseHome Operate under yourtoown to Plaintiff and in “AS IS� condition.Ext.300N The sale is Weekends Insurance Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and 1-800-578-1363 prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to & 401K authority or ours! further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon Apply @ Boydandsons.com (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is general real estate taxes, special assessments, or Call Matt 866-904-8367. payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser part of a common interest community, the purchaser of special taxes levied against said real800-648-9915 estate and DriveForCardinal.com will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee is offered for sale without any representation as shall pay the assessments required by The the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after to quality or quantity of title and without recourse Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT to Plaintiff and in “AS IS� condition. The sale is YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN representation as to the condition of the property. payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN Prospective bidders are admonished to check the will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE court file to verify all information. If this property the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information, at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no examine the court file or contact Plaintiff's attorney: shall pay the assessments and the legal fees representation as to the condition of the property.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 Prospective bidders are admonished to check the FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a court file to verify all information. If this property 60527, (630) 794-9876. Please refer to file number condominium unit which is part of a common inis a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit 14-13-17772.

THE JUDICIAL SALES terest community, the purchaser of the unit at the at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay shall pay the assessments and the legal fees Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also the assessments required by The Condominium required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a a 7 day status report of pending sales. AUCTION.COM ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU condominium unit which is part of a common inLLC For Additional Information regarding Auction.com, HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION terest community, the purchaser of the unit at the please visit www.Auction.com or call (800-280-2832) FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECthe assessments required by The Condominium FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL TION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 14-13-17772 FORECLOSURE LAW. For information, examine ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: COHAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION Case Number: 13 CH 018277 TJSC#: 33-25122 DILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECIL 60527, (630) 794-9876. Please refer to file numbe a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any TION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE ber 14-11-04821. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORinformation obtained will be used for that purpose.

FORECLOSURE LAW. For information: Visit our PORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, I591946 website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the

Your Message Gets Across Better in the Classifieds.

������� �� ��������� ��� ��� ��������� ������������ ����� Small engines, snowblowers, ������������������������������� regular and riding ���������� ����� ��� ���������� lawnmowers, bicycles. �������������������������������� ������������������������������ Reasonably priced or free. ����������������������������� ��������������������������� Call (815) 468-7819 ������������������������������� �������������������������������� ��������� ��� �� ������ ��������� ������ ������� ��������� ��� �

������������������������������ ��������������������������� ������ /!+1 &) ( +)3!+ 0$) !*-, ')(!1 !")+! -$!1 *+)/% ! 1). 0%-$ &) ( '., ! +!#%,-!+! 0%-$ -$! &&%()%, ! .+%-%!, !* +-'!(- +) -! - 1).+,!&" ( #!- -$! " -, UP TO !")+! 1). $ ( )/!+ 1).+ $ + ! +(! ')(!1 1 )(- - SIGN-ON BONUS MAY APPLY %(# -$! &&%()%, ! +!- +1 )" - -!2, ! .+%-%!, !* +-'!(Schneider is Hiring Truck Drivers -

$%, () s )NTERMODAL 4ANKER AND $EDICATED OPPORTUNITIES -% ! *+)/% ! , *. &% ,!+ /% ! 1 $! !#%)( & !0, ( s %XPERIENCED DRIVERS AND RECENT DRIVING SCHOOL GRADS SHOULD APPLY TUITION REIMBURSEMENT AVAILABLE $! !*)+-!+ !0,* *!+, s $ON T HAVE YOUR #$, 7E ARE OFFERING PAID TRAINING FOR /42 4ANKER DRIVERS

hours of 3 and 5 pm. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 476-5500. Please refer to file number PA1129183.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 476-5500 Attorney File No. PA1129183 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 12 CH 7014 TJSC#: 34-1781 I589032

Call today to$7,500 place your ad.

s ).4%2-/$!, ,/!$3 DROP AND HOOK s $%$)#!4%$ 7/2+ -ULTI STOP FREIGHT CONSISTENT MILES

s 4!.+%2 $2)6%23 (OME DAYS A MONTH MOSTLY &RIDAYS AND 3ATURDAYS

Apply: schneiderjobs.com/newjobs | Info: 800-44-PRIDE

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.+,. (- -) -$! .,%(!,, **)+-.(%-1 &!, 0 )" !/!+1 .,%(!,, )* *)+-.(%-1 '.,- ! +!#%,-!+!

0%-$ -$! &&%()%, ! .+%-%!, ! * +-'!(- +)-! - 1).+,!&" ( ILLINOIS CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING #!- -$! " -, !")+! 1). $ ( )/!+ 1).+ $ + ! +(! ')(!1 New Terminal Opening Feb. 1 1 )(- -%(# -$! &&%()%, !

ADVERTISING HEALTH in Gary, IN. *Solo Company +!- +1 )" - -!2, ! .+%-%!, !

SERVICES Drivers *Regional Runs *Home PELVIC/TRANSVAGINAL * +-'!(- -

Weekly *New Equipment *Signto place *+)/% your ad in ! , MESH? $%, Need ()-% !

Did you undergo on Bonus *Min. 1 year CDL transvaginal placement of mesh more than 300 newspapers *. &% ,!+/% ! 1 $! !#%)( & experience Call 800-241-2415 for pelvic organ prolapse or throughout Illinois?

Call Illinois !0, $! !*)+-!+ !0,* www.markettransport.com stress urinary incontinence Press Advertising Service *!+, 217-241-1700 or visit between 2005 and the Tanker & Flatbed Company www.illinoispress.org

BOATS THE BOAT DOCK We Buy & Consign Used Boats!

217-793-7300 theboatdock.com

CAREER/EDUCATION AIRLINE CAREERS BEGIN HERE BECOME AN AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECH. FAA APPROVED TRAINING. FINANCIAL AID IF QUALIFIED. HOUSING AVAILABLE. JOB PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE. CALL AIM 800-481-8312.

HELP WANTED DRIVERS

Put your business in the Service Directory!

OWNER OPERATORS Average $3K/week!

Be out up to 14 days, enjoy GUARANTEED home time!

Weekly settlements. Cardinal Greatwide pays loaded/ unloaded. Class-A CDL & 1yr driving experience.

Fleet Owners Welcome.

Operate under your own authority or ours!

Call Carl 866-566-2133.

DriveForCardinal.com

Drivers / Independent Contractors! Immediate Placement Available Best Opportunities in the Trucking Business CALL TODAY 800-277-0212 or www.driveforprime.com

Driver ATTENTION TEAM DRIVERS Terminal to Terminal Runs $5000 SIGN-ON Bonus Home Every Week Great Pay Full Benefits Stable Freight CDL-A required EEOE/AAP 866-323-7875 www.driveFFE.com Drivers - CDL-A SOLO & TEAM DRIVERS NEEDED! Top Pay for Hazmat. OTR & Regional Runs.

CDL Grads Welcome. 700+ Trucks & Growing!

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Require Class A CDL, 2yrs OTR exp. good MVR/ References. Call Ruth/Mike TTI, Inc. 1-800-558-2664 www.TTItrucking.com

Automotive

REGIONAL CDL-A DRIVERS Great Career w/weekly hometime! 888-362-8608. For paid training apply online at AverittCareers.com Equal Opportunity Employer Females, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Are you an experienced OTR truck driver? Midwest and/or West Coast lanes, we have 2013-2014 Kenworth, paid vacation, No Touch Freight, Excellent miles and more. Call 800-645-3748

MISCELLANEOUS

DISH TV Retailer Starting $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) Broadband Internet starting $14.95/month (where available.) Ask About SAME DAY Installation!

CALL Now! 1-800-256-1057

EMPLOYEE OWNED

Lots of Patience & Trustworthy

Business & Service Chimney Experts Directory LALLY BROS.

Caregiver looking to care for Children Under 5 Years of Age Available Mon.-Fri. Hours depend on need Excellent References. Rates Vary Please call Mary anytime

at 708.439.6238 Leave a message & number

MASONRY

Expert Chimney & Fireplace Automotive Inspection & Repairs:

Plumbing & Sewer

• Chimneys Rebuilt

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $ • Tuckpointing Q lity $$ $ $$$ TOP CASHua and S$$$ $ • Waterproofing afety $$ $ FOR YOUR JUNK 1st $ • Liners $ CAR, TRUCK, VAN $ $ $ $ Years of Integrity & Pride$ (708) $Over $ 448-9155 $$ $ Fully licensed•Insured•Bonded $ $10 off any tow service $ $ $ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

30

708.687.6826 Cleaning Services

GEORGE’S PLUMBING & SEWER

Flood Control Specialists All Types of Plumbing Repairs • • • • • •

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FREE ESTIMATES (most cases) Quality Work - Reasonable Prices 40 years experience -Lic. #SL574

Nurse’s Assistant

Used Car

for Sale?

Caregiver looking to Care

elderly person. for

— Male or female —

Available Tues-Wed-Fri. after

Mon. 1 pm (Thurs. not avail.)

708.952.1833

Remodeling

Blue Ocean Home Improvement, Inc. Wesley Brzezniak, Owner FREE ESTIMATES

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Excellent references.

Rates vary

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NETWORK REGIONAL TANKER DRIVERS WANTED: Up to $5,000 Sign-On! Up to 55cpm + additional pay for pump-offs, safety bonuses!

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$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $ $ $ $$$ TOP CASH $$$ $ $ $ $ FOR YOUR JUNK $ $ $ CAR, TRUCK, VAN $ $ $ $ (708) $ $ $ 448-9155 $$ $ $ $10 off any tow service $ $ $ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

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for your unused or unwanted items in The Classifieds!

TanTara Transportation is now hiring OTR Company Flatbed Drivers and Owner Operators. Competitive Pay and Home Time. Call us @ 800650-0292 or apply online at www.tantara.us

shing Spectacular

at Schaumburg!

Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www. tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 1411-04821 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 11 CH 008790 TJSC#: 34-1605 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

I588774

Get ca$h

present? If the mesh caused complications, you may be entitled to compensation.

Call Charles H. Johnson Law and speak with female staff members 1-800-535-5727

CAMPERS/RVS Colman’s RV - We Buy And Consign Used RV’s And Campers 217-787-8653 www.colmansrv.com

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Business & Service Directory

For Sale Notice

ILLINOIS CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK

030

For Sale Notice

Must be pendable

For Sale

Call (708) 636-4030

Reasonably priced or free.

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Hot water tanks • Bathroom installations Toilets, Tubs, Sinks & Faucets Sewers rodded • Sump pumps Sewers inspected by camera HOME OF THErepaired LOOSEST SLOTS Foundation leaks Battery back-up systems

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Section 2 Thursday, February 27, 2014

The Regional News - The Reporter

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Thursday, February 27, 2014 Section 2

Out & About

11

Your Guide to Arts and Events in the Southwest Suburbs and Beyond The Regional News - The Reporter

Section 2

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Videoview

Broaden Your Horizons This week

for the outside of a Fiat, using a variety of art mediums. Your design will get turned into a deNational Grammar Day cal and put on the car during the luncheon at The Center last week of this program.

A humorous look at the Eng- • Yoga – offered the first lish language will be featured at Thursday of each month: March a luncheon program on Tuesday, 6, April 3 and May 1, 4:30 to 5:30 March 4, from noon to 2 p.m., p.m. March 6. This free event is at The Center, 12700 Southwest for teens in 7th through 12th Highway, Palos Park. grade. For more information call Center staff members Lois 532—0500 or visit www.thebriLauer and Mark Walker will take dgeteencenter.org. a lighthearted look at some common misuses of English gramThe Children’s mar and punctuation, including Farm reopens a short review of Lynne Truss’ “Eats, Shoots and Leaves” best- The Children’s Farm reopens for selling book. March 4 is the date the spring season this Saturday, of National Grammar Day, but March 1. The Children’s Farm when spoken can also be imag- is located at 12700 Southwest ined as the imperative sentence: Highway in Palos Park.

March forth! Walker and Lauer Beginning in March, the Chilwill look at sentences like “One dren’s Farm will be open every morning I shot an elephant in Saturday and Sunday from 1 unmy pajamas,” and “Let’s eat til 4 p.m. Visitors to the farm can Grandma!” and then will teas- tour the barns and see the farm ingly encourage their audience animals. New piglets, lambs, to wonder how the elephant got bunnies, chicks, and ducklings into their pajamas, and will sug- are due to arrive before Easter. gest they tell Grandma to insist Families are invited into each that her family learn to use com- animal pen by a farm volunteer who helps children to touch and mas.

The luncheon begins at noon, learn about the animal. Accordcosts $17, and requires advance ing the Farm Program Director reservations. For further in- Amy Didominicis, the farm is a formation, interested persons hands-on opportunity for chilshould call The Center at 361- dren to experience the life of the farm. Complimentary pony 3650. rides and hayrides are offered every weekend throughout the Films at BAC spring and summer, weather The following films will be and work permitting. shown at the Beverly Arts Cen- Admission to the farm is $5 ter, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago. per person, or by a $75 annual For more information, call 773- family pass. No reservations 445-3838, or visit www.beverly- are required on the weekends artcenter.org. The ticket cost is from 1 until 4 pm. The farm is $7.50 per person, or $5.50 for also open for group tours by adBAC members. vance reservation. For further The 2013 film “Philomena” will information, interested persons be playing at 7:30 p.m. Wednes- should call The Center at 361day, March 5. “Philomena,” stars 3650.

Judi Dench as the Irish Catholic mother of a boy conceived out Easter Egg Roundup of wedlock, was forced to give tickets available up her son for adoption. Many years later Philomena Lee’s meet- Tickets for the annual Easter ing with a BBC reporter inspired Egg Roundup at the Children’s her to search for her long lost son. Farm go on sale March 3. The The movie is one hour, 38 minutes event is a special day for young children on Saturday, April 19. long and is rated PG-13.

“Love Under Fire,” plus short The Children’s Farm is located documentaries, will be shown at at 12700 Southwest Highway in 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 12. Palos Park.

Participants are invited to cele- Children, age 9 and younger, brate local filmmakers and their accompanied by parents, are stories with “Love Under Fire: invited for a special day of colThe Story of Bertha and Potter lecting and decorating an egg Palmer,” a short documentary from the chicken coop, visiting by area residents Amelia Dellos the bunnies, riding a horse, seeand Lori McGunn. Accompanying ing the farm animals wearing their film will be short documen- their best Easter bonnets, meettaries by various student film- ing the Easter Bunny, and findmakers. A question and answer ing a colored egg in the Easter session with Dellos and McGunn Bunny’s Magic Forest. Nearly will follow the screening. The film 100 volunteers will be on hand is from 2013 and runs one hour, to help young children have a wonderful time.

30 minutes.

“Mandela: Long Walk to Free- Center program director Lois dom,” based on the autobiography Lauer says that advance tickets of South African President Nelson are absolutely required because Mandela, is the featured film at the farm has to have enough 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 19. eggs and treats for all the children who visit. Tickets cost $22 Idris Elba stars in the movie.

Oscar nominated live action per child and are available for short films will be on the big each half-hour between 10 a.m. screen at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, and 2:30 p.m. There is no admisMarch 26. Five short films nomi- sion fee for adults. Tickets are nated for 2014 Academy Awards available at The Center lodge, on the west side of 12700 Southwill be featured. west Highway. For further information, call The Center at The Bridge Teen 361-3650 or visit www.thecenCenter programs terpalos.org.

• Love and Acceptance with PASS 4 to 6 p.m. today (ThursLabyrinth day), The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 S. 71st Court, Orland Group labyrinth walks will Park, knows that everyone de- be held on Saturday morning, sires companionship through March 1, 8 a.m. and Thursday, loving, healthy relationships, March 6, at 5:30 p.m. at The but relationships are tough. Center, 12700 Southwest HighLearn how to have healthy rela- way, Palos Park.

The labyrinth, a new large tionships.

• Trey from Everyday Sunday circular stone path for spiriwith White Castle — 4:30 to 5:30 tual meditation is located at the p.m. this Friday, Feb. 28, Friday north end of The Center parkNight Live with Trey, a talented ing lot. In addition to the group artist, and free food courtesy of walks focused on peace and fellowship, the labyrinth is availWhite Castle.

• For It Is Written with Great able for individual walks at any Harvest — 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. time during the month.

March 1, listen to pop punk There is no cost to those wishband For It Is Written doing an ing to walk the labyrinth and acoustic set while eating samples no reservations are necessary. from Great Harvest. This event The walks will take place rain or is exclusively for students in shine. For information, call Pas9th—12th grade and is free with tor Chris Hopkins 361-3650. a student membership applicaNew laughter circle tion or $5 with a school ID. For more information call 532-0500 A Laughter Circle will meet or visit www.thebridgeteencen- on Sunday evening, March 2, at 6 p.m., at The Center, 12700 ter.org.

• Rubber Band Bracelets — 4 Southwest Highway, Palos Park. to 5:30 p.m. March 3, make your Laughter leader Kathy O’Brien own rubber band bracelet after brings laughter and all its bentwo of students show you pat- efits to the Laughter Circle proterns that don’t require a loom. gram. What’s a laughter circle?

• Behind the Scenes: Funeral It’s a group of people who want Home — 4:15 to 6 p.m. March 4, to laugh. Not from jokes or comTour of Colonial Chapel. See the edy routines, but rather from crematorium and where remains laughter for the sake of laughter.

Research shows that laughter are prepared for the funeral.

• Decorate a Fiat with Bet- strengthens the immune system, tenhausen — 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. reduces stress and anxiety, alleMarch 5, 12 and19, work with a viates pain, and helps people get team to create a catchy design along better. O’Brien is a reg-

by Jay Bobbin

istered nurse and an Advanced Certified Laughter Leader. The cost of the laughter circle is $5, which O’Brien donates to The Center. Advance registration is appreciated. Interested persons should call The Center at 3613650.

Pottery class A six-week Stoneware Pottery Class will be offered at The Log Cabin Center for the Arts, 12700 Southwest Highway in Palos Park, beginning Thursday, March 6, 6:30 p.m.

Under the guidance of potter and naturalist Karen Stasky, students make strong professional-looking stoneware pottery, often embellished with nature designs. Students create beautiful stoneware bowls, mugs, and vases, in additional to interesting decorative pieces.

New students learn a variety of hand-building techniques and returning students can learn to throw pots on one of the studio wheels.

The pottery class cost $84 plus a $15 materials fee for 6 weeks.

Advance registration is required.

Call (708) 361-3650.

Weaving class A new six week weaving class begins at The Log Cabin Center for the Arts, 12700 Southwest Highway in Palos Park, Wednesday, March 5, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Weaver Nettie Botts of Palos Park teaches new students to create samplers on portable table looms during their first weeks in her class. For the remaining class weeks, Botts then helps them to design a project of their own choosing.

Experienced weavers design projects in the pattern weave of their choice, using either the table looms or the large floor looms. Weavers make projects such as scarves and table linens of their own color scheme and design.

The cost of the weaving class is $84, plus a $10 materials fee for new weavers’ samplers. Students will purchase their own threads and yarns for future projects.

Advance registration is required. Call (708) 361-3650.

Women’s retreat

A women’s personal growth retreat will be hosted on Saturday, March 8, at The Center at 12700 Southwest Highway in Palos Park.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, the retreat offer women an opportunity to explore and embrace both the power and the shadows of their multifaceted personalities. Art therapist Donna Mills and program director Lois Lauer will guide the experience which will include time for meditation, learning, creativity, reflection, walking outside, fellowship, and sharing. Each participant will have an opportunity to decorate a mask to take home as tangible reminder of the experience.

The cost per participant is $45, which includes leadership, lunch, and supplies. Advance registration is required. Formore, call The Center at 3613650.

Upcoming Palos Fine Arts foreign film series Palos Fine Arts will show the film, “The Red Violin,” this Friday, Feb. 28, at both 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., at the Palos Heights Public Library, 12501 S. 71st Ave., as part of its 13th annual adult foreign film series.

Later movies scheduled to be shown in the series are “The Debt” on Friday, March 28, and “Amour” on Friday, April 25.

(NOTICE: Ratings for each film begin with a ‘star’ rating — one star meaning ‘poor,’ four meaning ‘excellent’ — followed by the Motion Picture Association of America rating, and then by a family-viewing guide, the key for which appears below.)

STARTING THIS WEEK: “GRAVITY”: One of 2013’s true blockbusters — and rightfully so — director and co-writer Alfonso Cuaron’s nail-biter strands astronauts, played by Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, in space after debris from a satellite strikes their shuttle. As technically realistic and excellent as the film is, Bullock’s emotional, affecting performance is equally key to the picture’s success. DVD extras: three “making-of” documentaries; “Collision Point: The Race to Clean Up Space” documentary; short film “Aningaaq.” **** (PG13: AS, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “THOR: THE DARK WORLD”: The Norse god (again played by Chris Hemsworth) shuttles between Earth and his homeland, thanks to a portal that his true love, Jane (fellow returnee Natalie Portman), has a hand in enabling, in this entertaining sequel that furthers the Marvel hero’s adventures. Tom Hiddleston remains the potential show stealer as

ray and On Demand) “BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR”: One of the most noted foreign films of the past year - though it didn’t receive an Oscar nomination for best feature from overseas, since its theatrical release in its native France came after the deadline - boasts acclaimed performances by Lea Seydoux and Adele Exarchopoulos as two young women united in a very intimate relationship. The drama’s Criterion Collection treatment includes a booklet about the genesis and production of the movie. *** DVD extras: theatrical trailer; TV spot. *** (NC-17: AS, N) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) COMING SOON: “THE GRANDMASTER” (March 4): The story of Ip Man, the martial arts icon who trained Bruce Lee, is dramatized in director Wong Kar Wai’s film starring Tony Leung.

(PG-13: AS, P, V) “HOURS” (March 4): In one of the last films he completed, Paul Walker plays a man determined to keep his prematurely born child alive as Hurricane Katrina strikes New Orleans. (PG-13: AS, V) FAMILY-VIEWING GUIDE KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence.

Omarr’s Weekly Astrological Forecast

by Jeraldine Saunders ARIES (March 21-April 19): Unsolicited advice is sometimes as unwelcome as unsolicited criticism. You have very good intentions and may be enthusiastic about helping others in the week to come. Remain sensitive, as some people must make their own decisions.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Age before beauty. Learn something valuable in the week to come from those who are older and wiser. Educational opportunities should be embraced with open arms. Remain sensitive to subtle undercurrents within the family.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): One for all and all for one.

Your happiness depends on the happiness of everyone this week.

When you participate in a group effort, whether at home or at work, consider which actions will be in the best interests of everyone.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): When opportunity knocks, be sure to answer with a smile. You could be rewarded in material ways or with recognition in the week ahead. Or you can create your own rewarding circumstances by starting something significant.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Eat the energy bar and you’ll go far.

Get prepared to make your mark in the week ahead. You may find valuable advice or the answer to your prayers. If you can’t move forward with a pet project, then it wasn’t meant to be.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Strike a balance. You may be challenged to spend your money wisely this week. One part of your psyche wants to add to a nest egg for the future and the other side wants to fritter away pocket cash on transitory delights.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Right now, you might prefer your own company. Managing your time and home could be a priority. By the end of the week, however, you may be anxious to have someone by your side, even while tackling the most mundane jobs.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Pursue the future with fleet feet.

The second half of the week could be an ideal time to develop sound plans for the future. You might consider adopting some new habits that boost your health

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Thor’s brother Loki, who may prove more ally than enemy as the entire world is threatened by the potential results of that interplanetary tunnel’s existence. Kat Dennings (“2 Broke Girls”) still is a particularly bright spot in a cast that also brings back Anthony Hopkins, Stellan Skarsgard, Idris Elba and Ray Stevenson. DVD extras: two “making-of” documentaries; audio commentary by Hiddleston, director Alan Taylor, producer Kevin Feige and cinematographer Kramer Morgenthau; deleted and extended scenes; outtakes; “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” preview. *** (PG-13: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “NEBRASKA”: Currently nominated for six Oscars — including best picture, actor (Bruce Dern), supporting actress (June Squibb) and director (Alexander Payne) — this superb comedy-drama, filmed in black and white, follows the odyssey of a father and son (Dern, Will Forte) as they set out to claim a $1 million sweepstakes prize the elder man believes he’s won.

Stacy Keach and Bob Odenkirk also appear in the picture that marks Payne’s teaming with another Dern, having directed Laura Dern in his first featurelength project, “Citizen Ruth.” **** (R: AS, P) (Also on Blu-

and well-being.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22Dec. 21): Good Samaritans are celebrated. Practice putting others’ interests ahead of your own in the week to come. Since others respect your judgment and leadership abilities, you might receive a public pat on the back.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take pride in discretion, not secrecy. If you are going to let the cat out of the bag, it’s only fair to be kind to the cat. In the week ahead, your desire for personal privacy may be at odds with your

need to be straightforward.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Explore your options, not just opinions. You may meet several people this week who introduce you to new ideas and progressive techniques. This is a good time to test a relationship without making a firm commitment.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Your love life may be an exercise in excitement during the week ahead. You may attract new people who are fascinated by your openminded views and “anything goes” attitude. Your intuitions are 80 percent trustworthy.

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12 Section 2

Thursday, February 27, 2014

The Regional News - The Reporter

Out & About

Your Guide to Arts and Events in the Southwest Suburbs and Beyond

Wolfgang Puck’s Kitchen

by Wolfgang Puck “I love risotto, and I know it’s pretty simple to make,” people tell me all the time when they eat it in one of my restaurants. “But I just don’t like to stand there at the stove stirring for such a long time.”

They’re referring, of course, to one of the critical steps in preparing a classic risotto: the act of stirring the rice almost nonstop for half an hour or so as it simmers, while adding warm stock to the pot a little bit at a time as the rice absorbs it. This process helps to dissolve the generous amount of surface starch on the plump, short grains of rice used in risotto Arborio, the most common variety, widely available in well-stocked supermarkets, as well as Carnaroli and Vialone Nano. The result is the creamy sauce that gradually forms around the al dente, tender but still slightly chewy, grains, a signature of a perfectly made risotto.

That’s the way we cook risotto in my professional kitchens — the way it’s been done for centuries in Italy. But in recent years, while working with one of the convenient countertop appliances I’ve developed for home cooks, I’ve also discovered another way to make perfectly delicious, if not absolutely classic, risotto that requires almost none of the traditional activity that leaves nonprofessional cooks with tired arms, legs, and feet.

All you need is an automatic electric rice cooker. Now, it may seem counterintuitive that a pot of rice you leave alone, unattended, would develop a similar saucy consistency to what’s usually achieved from constant stirring.

But a rice cooker does a good job of safeguarding the moisture of risotto rice. So when you add a little more broth at the end of cooking, along with some juicy mushrooms that you’ve sauteed with chopped onion and minced garlic, and then stir the rice for a minute or so, you can still achieve risotto’s familiar creamy sauce. If you’re one of those people who order risotto whenever you see it on the menu, but never make it at home, it’s worth buying an electric rice cooker for risottomaking alone. (You might even find one of my own.)

Then, rice cooker at the ready, give my recipe here a try. Once you’ve made it, start coming up with your own variations, adding different vegetables, other kinds of cheese, and even pieces of sauteed meat, poultry, or seafood.

Your friends and family will thank you — and so will your arms, legs, and feet!

Photo by Tim Hadac

Artist from Palos Heights meets his public at Moraine Valley exhibition Palos Heights native Justin Santora pauses for a photo with his grandmother, Thelma Santora, at a reception last Thursday to launch his “Vestiges” art exhibit at the Robert F. DeCaprio Art Gallery at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills (photos from top to bottom).

They were joined by Santora’s parents, Gery and Jackie, and his brother, Garret.

A trio of art students contemplates several of Santora’s two dozen prints on display through Saturday, March 8. About 30 people attended the reception.

Santora, a 2002 graduate of Stagg High School who later graduated from Northeastern Illinois University, also once attended Moraine Valley.

Art lovers stand in silhouette against Santora’s work, a mix of concert posters and works that explore the conflict between nature and manmade structures, a theme that is common to his work and which Santora says reflects his anarcho-syndicalist and classic libertarian socialist political beliefs and worldview.

According to a statement from the college, Santora’s work “represents a universal struggle: the want to stay young, avoiding the conventions of adulthood with the desire for control over one’s life. It seems in our world these two ideas are often at odds with one another. His work uses themes of construction and disassembly to relate to his pursuit for security and his desire for autonomy.”

Top Pop Singles

1. Now 49, Various Artists, UMe 2. Frozen, Soundtrack, Walt Disney Records 3. Unorthodox Jukebox, Bruno Mars, Atlantic 4. Love, Marriage & Divorce, Toni Braxton & Babyface, Motown/Universal 5. After the Disco, Broken Bells, Columbia

With a damp towel, wipe the mushrooms clean. With a small, sharp knife, trim off tough or dirty stems. Then, cut the mushrooms into thick, uniform slices.

Put the rinsed and drained rice in a bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and stir well to coat the rice evenly.

Put the rice in the rice cooker.

Add 2 cups of the broth along with the wine, and 1-1/2 teaspoons of the salt. Stir well.

Close the lid of the rice cooker and press the “Cook” button. Cook for 20 minutes, and then switch the control to the “Keep Warm” setting.

While the rice is cooking, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute, stirring continuously, for 1 minute. Add the mushrooms, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste.

Raise the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring continuously, until the mushrooms are juicy and tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and, if necessary, adjust the seasonings with more salt and pepper. Set aside.

Carefully open the lid of the rice cooker. Stir in the sauteed mushrooms, 1/2 cup of the broth, the butter, parsley, and Parmesan.

The mixture should have a creamy consistency; but, if it does not, stir in up to another 1/2 cup of the broth.

Continue stirring for about 1 minute longer; then, taste and adjust the seasonings again, if necessary.

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RICE COOKER MUSHROOM RISOTTO Serves 4 1/2 pound assorted fresh organic mushrooms, such as shiitakes, chanterelles, Portobellos, cremini, or regular cultivated mushrooms 1-1/2 cups Arborio rice, rinsed in a strainer and drained well 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2-1/2 to 3 cups organic chicken broth or vegetable broth 1/2 cup dry white wine Kosher salt 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion 1 large garlic clove, minced Freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

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