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THE REGIONA EGIONAL L NEWS Named best small weekly in Illinois ﬁve times by the Illinois Press Association

Thursday, December 4, 2014

73rd Year, NO. 49 • 3 Sections

Serving Palos, Orland and Worth townships and neighboring communities

Catholic League football in jeopardy IHSA proposal could mean the end of football conferences By Jeff Vorva

Reporter Editor Generations of Chicago and suburban football players, fans and coaches have grown up with Chicago Catholic League football. From the days when Catholic League teams helped draw more than 100,000 fans to Solider Field for the Prep Bowl to the

scores of Illinois High School Association state football titles brought home by teams such as Mt. Carmel and Providence Catholic, the Catholic League has been a staple of excellence in football. Heck, Providence just added another trophy to the collection — its 10th — on Saturday when the Celtics beat Cary-Grove 31-28 to win the Class 7A title and trail Mt. Carmel by two.

Donovan McNabb, Johnny Lattner and Bill Callahan headline a long list of famous Catholic League players or coaches who came from the Catholic League. The Catholic League formed in 1912, added football in 1913 and has survived and thrived for more than 100 years. But are its days numbered? Officials from all of the 800-plus Illinois High School Association schools on

Monday were asked to vote on a list of proposals including Proposal 10, which would be a huge change to football in the state as it would eliminate conference play and install a district system based on enrollment and geography. That would affect all of our area teams and signal the end of the Southwest Suburban, South Suburban, East Suburban Catholic, Metro Suburban Conference and, yes, the storied Chicago Catholic League.

Providence celebrates title

Providence Catholic High School celebrates its IHSA Class 7A football championship. Page 6

See FOOTBALL, Page 2

PALOS HEIGHTS

City levies for $7.07 million That’s 5.14 percent more than last year by Tim Hadac staff reporter

Photos by Tim Hadac Palos Lions Roby Schrader (left) and Mike Grabel pull a Christmas tree through a bundler, moments before loading it onto the roof of a car at the Palos Lions tree lot just south of First Midwest Bank in Palos Heights.

THE LIONS IN WINTER

Christmas tree sales fund good causes served by our Palos-Orland Lions clubs whether the new site would work out, but the bank parking lot configuration makes The weather outside was for an easy drive-through not frightful, and local Liset-up that customers like, ons found it delightful. Crowhurst said. “This is perfect weath“First Midwest Bank has er for what we’re doing been good to us, and we are here,” said Palos Lions Club grateful,” he added. President Roby Schrader, Last weekend’s unseasonably as he and others trimmed, mild weather also appeared bundled and tied Christmas to have an impact on people’s trees to the tops of vehicles moods. on Sunday afternoon in the “It’s really something this south parking lot of First year,” said Lion April SchradMidwest Bank, 12600 S. er, as she accepted payment Harlem Ave., Palos Heights. from a customer. “People have “It’s warm and dry, and been very generous. Let’s say we’ve been doing a steady the tree costs $60. You’ll find business. In fact, we’ve $75 in your hand and when already sold out of our you ask if they want change, smallest wreaths, and we’ve the customer says no. It warms Orland Park Lion Jim Smith (right) wields a chainsaw and volun- your heart.” only been here a couple of teer Brian Hughes holds a tree steady to trim its trunk and tip days.” Proceeds from the annual to a customer’s liking. Nearly half of the 500 tree and wreath sale will help trees delivered to the lot fund the traditional Lions Club were already sold. Stands of balsam firs, Fraser firs and endeavors, including a range of programs designed to assist Scotch pines were thinning quickly, as Christmas-spirited people who are blind or have lesser visual impairments, men and women drove up to pay $25 to $175 for lush, purchase holiday food baskets for the needy and give fragrant trees from Wisconsin and Minnesota. scholarships for students at Stagg, Shepard and Chicago The annual sale of Christmas trees—and this year, Christian High schools. wreaths up to 4 feet in diameter—has been a sure sign of Crowhurst praised several dozen local youths who helped the holidays and a major fundraiser for the Palos Lions for the Lions lug the trees around the lot, a task that seems about 35 years, according to past President Tom Crowa little more difficult each year as club members age. hurst, who noted that the sale began in the old Dominick’s Singled out for praise by Crowhurst were the soccer and parking lot at 127th Street and Ridgeland Avenue and then power-lifting teams from Stagg High School, as well as a moved to Jewel/Osco at 12803 S. Harlem Ave. before mov- local Boy Scout troop. ing to its current location last year. See LIONS, Page 2 Last year, the Palos Lions expressed concern about

By Tim Hadac Staff reporter

4 NUAL

N EVE

Minutes after the Palos Heights City Council unanimously adopted the city’s 2014 property tax levy of just under $7.1 million on Tuesday night—reflecting both the city and public library levy combined—homeowner Mike Dooley asked questions that are doubtless on the minds of most property owners. “Will the tax levies approved tonight result in a property tax increase?” Dooley asked during the public comment portion of the meeting at City Hall. The answer was uncertain and a bit murky. “We don’t know because first of all, the city portion [of a typical property tax bill] is only a small portion of the total bill,” replied Mayor Robert Straz, noting that the

actions of other taxing bodies— everything from public schools to various county agencies— play a larger role in determining the size of a tax bite. Straz called Illinois’ real estate tax system “convoluted,” adding: “To answer your question, [your property taxes] will probably go up a little bit, but not significantly, at least from the city standpoint.” Dooley responded by saying, “I’ve been here now for 13 years, and [my taxes] tend to go up $300 every year. Is it due to the costs that were being spoken about before, pensions and so forth? Is that what’s driving the increase?” Alderman Alan Fulkerson (3rd Ward) provided a response. “When you’re having an annual increase like that, it’s basically not because of the city,” he said. “It’s because of the school districts, it’s because of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, it’s because of the county, it’s not because of here.” The total property taxes to be levied by the city for 2014 are $7.071 million. This is an increase of 5.14 See HEIGHTS, Page 2

Greeting the Season

Supplied photo

Filling in for a team of reindeer, Topsy, a 7-year-old quarter horse/ Clydesdale mix, and driver Jim Mansell deliver Santa Claus to Orland Park’s annual holiday festival and tree lighting on Sunday, along with Mayor Dan McLaughlin, WGN-AM radio news anchor Andrea Darlas and her godchild, Chloe. Meanwhile, Holiday tree-lighting celebrations are this Friday in Palos. Story: Page 3.

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2 Thursday, December 4, 2014

The Regional News

Football

Continued from Page 1

Destroying tradition

Young brains and brawn played a key role at the Orland Park Lions tree lot on Sunday. Pausing for a photo are Matt Catona (from left), Seth Masters, Logan Burnson, James Jankowski, Robert Krause, Gavin Burnson, Jacob Keefe, and Brian Hughes.

Staying true to the decades-old Lions Club mission to prevent blindness, restore eyesight and improve vision for millions of people worldwide are Orland Park Lions Dennis Knaperek (from left), Jim Smith, Jim Jankowski, Sandra Jankowski, Herb Zimmerman, and Kevin McCabe. Palos Lions Mike Grabel (from left), Tom Crowhurst and Roby Schrader take a break Sunday and enjoy the unseasonably mild weather near their wreath display, newly added this year.

St. Laurence coach Harold Blackmon, who played at Leo High School en route to a career that took him to the NFL playing two seasons with Seattle, is hoping this proposal fails. Votes are expected in by the end of the month and the IHSA will announce the results on Jan. 6. “It’s unfortunate that people are making decisions without looking at the long-term effects on certain schools,” Blackmon said. “The Catholic League has been a staple of high school football for a very long time. To destroy that is very unfair. ‘’As a player and a coach, there are so many neighborhood rivalries. This is a big deal for us. Our games are always in the spotlight. It was special for me as a player to know that you were going to face a quality team and a Catholic team as well and I think that if they break it up into regions the continuity won’t be there.” The rationale of this 1,700-plus word proposal is not to stick it to the Catholic League. But the Catholic League’s tradition would be a victim in its wake. Sycamore High School Principal Tim Carlson submitted the proposal citing that in the last five years, 20 conferences have changed, four new conference were formed, too many teams are loading their schedules up with smaller schools to get into the playoffs and a host of other issues of concern. Tim O’Halloran, known to many in football circles as “Edgy Tim” runs a website dedicated to Illinois high school football (edgytim.com) and recruiting and appears regularly as Comcast SportsNet Chicago’s football expert, admits that change could be a good idea but this revamp is something he does not want to see. “There are a ton of questions if, God forbid, this thing does pass.’’O’Halloran said. “Talk about changing the landscape… look at the Catholic League. Are you just going to forget how many years of history and tradition you have with that conference? It’s a lot to take in. “Look at Mt. Carmel and look at St. Rita – who would be in that 18- or 19-team district. I would guess there would be a lot of Public League schools playing against them. The level of competition would be ridiculously bad. How many of those Public League schools don’t have lower-level football?” O’Halloran was also a little edgy when talking about the impact it will make all around the state. “What you do with schools like Edwardsville [near St. Louis]?” he said. “The closest schools district-wise would be Joliet. So, you’re going to have Joliet schools go for what would be like a conference game to St. Louis two or three times a year? What

Heights

Continued from Page 1 percent over the previous year. Straz told Dooley that the city’s levied taxes account for about 10 percent of a typical property tax bill. Dooley noted that like many property owners, the assessed value of his home has decreased, but taxes have still gone up, because tax rates have increased. “The other thing they put in there is that even if your assessed value goes down, they have the state multiplier, which is a number that they make up in Springfield, and we don’t even know where that comes from,” Straz said in response. Earlier, before the regular City Council meeting but minutes after a public hearing on the levy, Palos Heights Director of Accounting Janice Colvin told The Regional News that it’s an open question on whether property taxes will increase. “Depending on what everyone

Palos Lions Mike Grabel (left) and Roby Schrader tie down a tree atop the car of Palos Heights residents Rich and Merline Jacobson, who have bought Lions Club Christmas trees for 15 years.

Lions

Continued from Page 1 “You know, a lot of these kids do this to earn service hours required by their local school,” Crowhurst added. “A number of these kids, though, already had all the hours they needed and just helped us out of the goodness of their hearts. That’s really something.”

Orland Park Lions

Young people were similarly praised by the Orland Park Lions Club, as a hardy band of teens from high school and junior college helped Sunday at the tree lot on the northwest corner of 143rd Street and La Grange Road. “We’re not getting any younger, and it’s great to have these young backs here to help

us,” said Lion Jim Smith as he smiled, puffed on a cigar and watched several young men haul Wisconsin and Michigan trees through the lot for customers. The Orland Lions are selling balsam and Fraser firs as short as five feet and as tall as 13 feet, at a rate of $12 per foot. They started with 400 trees and may possibly receive a smaller shipment soon. They are also selling wreaths. Customers were appreciative. “This is the best way to buy a Christmas tree,” said Orland Park resident Jay McLaughlin, there with his son, Pete, 8, and daughter, Mandy, 6. “There’s no way I’m going to some faceless big-box store, parking a block from the front door and fighting the crowds, only to buy some plastic tree made in China. “Here the trees and wreaths are real, the

Lions and their helpers are friendly, the service is swift, and we’re out here in the open air, breathing in these fresh-cut trees,” he added. “I’m making good holiday memories with my kids, and the dollars I spend are going right back into my community, thanks to the Lions.” Like their Palos counterparts, the Orland Lions plan to stay on the job until a few days before Christmas or until all tress and wreaths are sold, whichever comes first. Known throughout the village and township for their generosity, the Orland Park Lions last year donated unsold trees to Our Lady of the Woods Church. Proceeds from the Orland lot will fund a range of activities, including gift baskets for at least 30 needy families in Orland Township, up from 20 in 2013.

Photo by Tim Hadac

Palos Heights Director of Accounting Janice Colvin finishes her brief presentation during a hearing Tuesday on the city’s proposed $7.07 million property tax levy, as aldermen listen. The levy was adopted by the City Council minutes later.

do you do for the lower levels? Do they make the same kind of travel as well? “And the big question is who would pay for all of this? Well, I know the answer. We [taxpayers] would.” He’s not buying one of the arguments that some other states – including Iowa – have a similar setup with regions and districts. “It’s not the same,’’ O’Halloran said. “Chicago is a huge metropolitan city. It’s not Indianapolis. It’s not Des Moines. It’s a big, big, area with a lot of diverse schools and different levels of schools and we probably have more private schools than just about any other state going. You’re trying to paint a picture with a broad brush and there are way too many details that get left out.’’

Didn’t see it coming

Many insiders predict this won’t pass. But many insiders, including O’Halloran, didn’t think it would even reach the ballot stage. “The vote to advance the football proposal was a surprise,” said IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman in a news release. “At the town meetings there seemed to be little support for a sweeping change like this. But it speaks to the passionate feelings we’ve heard from both sides of this issue.” When later asked by the Champaign News Gazette if he was surprised made the ballot, Hickman amped his answer up. “No. I was shocked,’’ he said. “We didn’t see that coming. It’s got a real uphill battle with the membership is my guess.’’ O’Halloran agrees, to a point. “I don’t think it will pass,” he said. “Look where the majority of the votes are. Two-thirds are north of Interstate 80. There are more issues than solutions. But never say never. That’s the scary part. Once you go to a vote anything can happen.’’ If it passes, it might not be implemented until the 2016 season. So the wait is on. “I’m hoping it doesn’t go through,” Blackmon said. “But if it does, it will be interesting to see what happens.’’

File photo Mount Carmel vs. St. Rita is just one of the storied rivalries the Catholic League has produced.

else does with their tax levies, there could be an increase, there could be a decrease,” she said. “It all depends on the state equalization factor, people’s exemptions. There’s really no way in Cook County to fathom what it will be.” She added that property owners will not know what the final tax bite is until they receive their bills, if only because county government does not release information early. Property owners who want to understand the process better are encouraged to visit cookcountytreasurer.com online and click on “Understanding Your Tax Bill.” The website also includes information on money-saving exemptions, especially for senior citizens. Also Tuesday, Alderman Jerry McGovern (4th Ward) offered congratulations to Palos Heights police detective Gerry Wodka for his work in the apprehension and conviction of John L. Wilson, a home invader who murdered Indian Head Park resident Kelli O’Laughlin, 14, on Oct. 27, 2011. “Between his work on the street and his testimony in court, he was a very strong participant, and the offender received a 160-year sentence,” McGovern said. The alderman also issued a reminder about the dangers of texting while driving, noting that “texting is starting to become almost as serious on fatalities as drunk driving.” Among teens, texting while driving has actually surpassed drunk driving according to a study by the Cohen Children’s Medical Center, which showed that nationwide, more than 3,000 teens die each year in crashes caused by texting while driving, as opposed to 2,700 teen deaths connected with drunk driving. The study also showed that half of all teen drivers admit to texting while driving, even though 71 percent say it is wrong to do so.

The Regional News

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Palos-Orland festivities ring in the holidays By Tim Hadac Staff reporter

The Christmas season arrived in earnest last weekend, not at a crowded shopping mall, but in an old-fashioned celebration late Sunday afternoon at the Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 S. Ravinia Ave. “We’re just waiting for the tree lighting, which gives our kids a thrill and is a nice way to start the season,” said Orland Park resident Debbie Brackin, as she sat in the warmth of the building’s annex with her daughter, Siobhan, 10, and son, Billy Jr., 7, who craned his neck to hear a choir of teenagers from Sandburg High School sing “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” and other traditional carols. Thirty minutes later, Mayor Dan McLaughlin led the outdoor tree lighting ceremony next door, in front of Village Hall. With a crowd of at least 100 people around him, McLaughlin asked what Christmas is all about. Answering his own question, he told the assembled men, women and children that Christmas “is about family being together, people coming back home to see family, and there’s an awful lot of people serving our country that won’t be able to do that this year, so I want everyone to keep them in your thoughts and prayers for the holiday season.” Moments after he invited children to gather around him and help him with the tree-lighting countdown — and reminded them that the louder the countdown, the brighter the Christmas tree lights will shine — the dark tree sprang to life in a blaze of gold, as did other trees nearby. Palos Heights and Palos Park will light their trees this week.

Santa Claus arrives by fire truck every year at Palos Heights’ tree-lighting ceremony scheduled for Friday evening, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the firehouse at 123rd and Harlem Avenue. Regional file photo

Palos Heights’ annual tree lighting ceremony is set for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. tomorrow (Friday) at the Palos Heights Fire Protection District headquarters, 12300 S. Harlem Ave. Sponsored by the city, the fire protection district and the Palos Area Chamber of Commerce, the event is geared toward children and will include wagon rides, caroling by students from St. Alexander School, free hot chocolate and treats, face painting and crafts, a raffle for an outsized Christmas stocking, and the arrival of Santa Claus on a fire truck. Palos Park will light its tree and host its annual holiday market tomorrow (Friday) at the Recreation Center, 8901 W. 123rd St.

As the village nears the end of its centennial celebration, officials will bury a time capsule near the adjacent Village Green at 5 p.m., kicking off a four-hour celebration that will include a holiday market with artists and crafters selling their works and wares, refreshments, hayrack rides, judging of a community tree decorating contest, a bonfire and performance by Palos Park Presbyterian Community Church musicians, a visit from Santa Claus and the lighting of the tree at 6:40 p.m. This Saturday, the greetings of the season continue in Palos with the free Christmastime in Palos celebration from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Palos Heights Public Library. The commuBondingPoint CEO John Calzaretta projects images and other information onto a screen as he leads a discussion of a proposed, online system designed to increase civic participation by Orland Park residents. Photo by Tim Hadac

nity is invited for festive food, fun, music, children’s activities, a singalong with city officials, Christmas books and media sale and silent auction of special edition books. Next Saturday in Palos Heights, the Parks and Recreation Department will host Waddles Winter Wonderland from 10 a.m. to noon at the Recreation Center, 6601 W. 127th St. The event will include visits from Santa Claus and Waddles the penguin, as well as refreshments, cookie decorating, crafts and children’s games at 10 a.m., hay rides at 10:30 a.m., a performance by a Stagg High School choir at 11 a.m., and a candy cane hunt in Meyers Park at 11:30 a.m.

Orland offers first-ever community tree trim at Centennial Park rink The village of Orland Park will hold its first Community Tree Trim Celebration on Sunday, Dec. 14, at Centennial Park’s Winter Wonderland Ice Rink. Community groups are invited to participate in the ringing in of the holiday season by sponsoring a tree. “We invite groups from around the community to take part in this festive holiday activity,” said Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin. The village intends the tree trim to become an annual event. Organizations wishing to participate are encouraged to decorate their reserved tree beginning at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14. All trees are pre-lit with white LED lights. Groups who cannot attend and decorate on that date welcome to decorate their reserved tree anytime between sunrise until the warming house closes weekend through Christmas Eve. “What a great way for the different groups from around the community to get involved over the holidays,” said Orland Park Trustee and Parks and Recreation Committee Chair Pat Gira. “I can’t wait to see the finished product.” Trees are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve your tree, drop off a completed registration form at the Orland Park Recreation Department, 14600 S. Ravinia Ave., or the Sportsplex office, 11351 W. 159th St.. Forms are available at the Recreation Department, Sportsplex and Village Hall as well as online at www.orlandpark.org, click on special events>winter events>community tree trim. All are invited to join in at the Skate with Santa event at 2 p.m. on the same day. Santa will arrive at 2 p.m. Attendees will be treated to cookies, holiday music and hot chocolate. For more information, contact the Recreation Department at 403-7275. — Village of Orland Park

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Orland Civic Center is in need of big-screen ﬁx to book events: panel By Tim Hadac Staff reporter Underutilized at best and a white elephant at worst, according to its critics, the Orland Park Civic Center may get a technological boost next year that will help bring its audiovisual capacity into the 21st century. Plans call for the Civic Center Authority to spend more than $32,000 to install a big-screen video system that supporters say would make the center a more attractive venue for event bookings by prospective renters—everyone from business and non-profit groups hosting meetings to individuals staging wedding receptions and other celebrations. Currently, there is no video system to speak of, according to Village Manager Paul Grimes, who likened the center to “a flip phone in need of an upgrade to a smart phone.” The plans for a video system that would facilitate more eye-catching PowerPoint and other audiovisual presentations were heard Monday night at Village Hall—literally steps away from the Civic Center, 14750 S. Ravinia Ave.--by the Village Board’s Finance and Information Technology Committee. The cost of the upgrade would be covered mostly by funds already budgeted, according to a village briefing paper, and the move would pay for itself over time by an anticipated increase in the number of individuals and organizations renting the enhanced facility, according to Civic Center Authority Board President Denis Ryan. While Orland Park’s website describes the Civic Center as “the ideal location for your company’s next training seminar, trade show or sales conference,” the everyday reality with prospective renters is different, according to Civic Center General Manager Cynthia Kelly. “When they call, the first question out of their mouths is, ‘What is your audiovisual capacity?’ and as soon as we say that we don’t have [video] monitors, many of them hang up” and go elsewhere, choosing privately-owned banquet facilities or better equipped public venues, such as the popular Tinley Park Convention Center, she told the committee. Committee members readily agreed with the idea of a video upgrade, but Trustees Carole Griffin Ruzich and James V. Dodge Jr. expressed concern about making sure that costs are recovered as efficiently and quickly as is reasonably possible. “We’re going to get serious about the Civic Center” to mold it into the attractive, multi-use center it was envisioned as when its ribbon was cut in 1989, Dodge said, but asked that Civic Center staff research other venues to ensure that what Orland Park offers is competitive and attractive. “Every time I have a business meeting in a hotel, you’re absolutely terrified at the cost of renting anything, let alone the room,” Dodge said, as he urged staff to come up with an economic model that makes Civic Center rental fees sensibly priced and clear. “There’s no question in my mind that we need

to [upgrade the Civic Center],” he added. Trustee Edward G. Schussler III echoed the thought, saying that regardless of what the Civic Center charges to cover the video enhancements, the increase in rental traffic alone will be a benefit to the village, bringing people and events to Orland Park that might have otherwise gone elsewhere. In the end, the committee voted 3-0 to send the matter, without recommendation and pending more research by Civic Center staff, to the full Village Board, which is expected to consider and approve the upgrade at its next meeting, set for 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15 at Village Hall.

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Budget and tax levy adopted Also Monday, the board unanimously approved the village’s 2015 budget, which reflects $157.2 million in expenditures and $146.5 million in revenue, balanced by about $10.7 million in an operating fund surplus, according to a village handout. The budget was drafted through a series of public workshops with the Village Board and departmental staff. The draft budget document had been available for public inspection since Nov. 19. Additionally, the board approved the 2014 property tax levy for the Village of Orland Park, as well as the Orland Park Public Library. The total village levy is just over $13.4 million. The overall dollar amount of the village’s 2014 levy, as well as the amount allocated to the operating and debt service components of the levy, is equal to the 2013 levy, according to a briefing document provided by village staff. Orland Park’s 2013 actual Cook County tax rate and estimated 2014 tax rate is $.675 per $100 of equalized assessed valuation. For a person who owns a home with a market value of $300,000, the amount of taxes paid to the Village of Orland Park will amount to approximately $491 for tax year 2014 (paid in 2015). Details about the new budget and tax levy are available online at orlandpark.org. Finally, trustees heard details about a proposed online system designed to offer Orland Park residents incentives for interacting online with village government. An overview of the plan was delivered by John Calzaretta, CEO of BondingPoint, a firm already engaged by the Chicago Park District for its “Park Points” initiative that encourages Chicagoans to make better use of parks and related facilities. The plan would address, in part, occasional criticisms by trustees that the village website, while filled with useful information on a range of topics, needs to be more interactive with Orland Park residents, especially young people. The plan would cost the village nothing, Calzaretta said, because it would be financed through his firm’s sale of advertising connected with the program. While the matter was presented as “discussion only,” Mayor Daniel McLaughlin said he is excited about the idea and wants to implement it as soon as possible.

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4 Thursday, December 4, 2014

EDITORIAL

OPINION

The Regional News

Gas prices dip below $3 per gallon: Why innovation really matters

asoline prices this week fell to an average of less than $3 a gallon in the Chicago area, and are expected to continue to plummet. That’s good news for the economy as shoppers will have more money in their pockets this holiday season as well as for companies and small business that use a lot of fuel. The lesson of what’s really behind the drop should not be lost on readers of this newspaper: American innovation has created unforeseen domestic self-sufficiency for energy and it has triggered a price war with dictatorial oil producing states. Local prices for gasoline have been falling for months, and continued their downward trend after oil-exporting countries refused on Thanksgiving Day to cut output and slow the drop in oil prices. FuelGaugeReport.com late last week showed that a gallon of regular gasoline in the Chicago area cost an average of $2.995, down from $3.003 the previous day and $3.070 a week ago. Prices also are down in the Chicago area from a month ago and a year ago. Nationally, a gallon of regular gasoline averaged $2.792 on Friday, down from $2.799 the prior day and $2.839 a week ago. Those prices are also less than what U.S. motorists were paying a month ago and a year ago. The decision by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to not cut production is likely to usher in continued price reductions at the pump for consumers. Some economists predict prices could plunge to the range of $2 a gallon. The drop in oil prices has considerable foreign policy benefits for the United States, as well. It weakens despotic adversaries. The decline in oil prices has been chiefly triggered by rising U.S. output from hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, a method of injecting water, sand and chemicals at high pressure to extract oil and gas from shale rock deposits. States at the forefront of the fracking revolution, North Dakota, Texas, Pennsylvania and Ohio have also reaped fiscal windfalls. Also-rans like Illinois and New York have suffered, comparatively. In response to rising American output, OPEC has decided to keep pumping oil to maintain market share against its fracking rivals. And that’s good for consumers and for the country, as a whole. The idea is simple: fracking innovation has made America more energy sufficient than ever and it has triggered a price war with foreign oil producers. Oil producing giants, like Saudi Arabia, do not want to lose market share to the United States and refuse to cut output. This leaves despotic, adversarial oil producers like Russia, Iran and Venezuela in a box: despite lower prices, they keep drilling and suffer fiscally rather than not drill at all and harm their countries even further. And therein lies a lesson well beyond energy and gas prices. Next time a so-called expert tells you America’s best years are behind it, don’t believe that expert. As long as Americans possess the freedom, the energy and the know-how to innovate, none of our problems are too big to solve.

THE THE

Ex-mayor takes a look at current Oak Lawn politics Recently, several Oak Lawn residents told me they missed former Mayor Dave Heilmann. When I mentioned that in a column, it provoked a nasty e-mail from a former Oak Lawn official. I believe Heilmann was one of the best suburban mayors, ethical and smart. So I reached out to Heilmann about Oak Lawn since he left, and he was tough on the changes that have taken place. “I think sometimes local politicians take themselves way too seriously. You have to be able to laugh at yourself, realize the dumb things you sometimes do, admit when you’re wrong, and then try and do better,” Heilmann said. “For me, it was never about ‘being the mayor.’ I felt I had ideas I could bring to the table that would make Oak Lawn a better place to live.” I asked him to assess the new administration. “The 111th Street project, which has basically been cut in half. I put everything on the line with the idea to develop there and took a lot of criticism. We stuck with it and Mariano’s alone will bring in millions in revenues plus 400 jobs,” said Heilmann, noting it was his most important plan for Oak Lawn. “But a critical part of that vision was developing the land immediately south of the Wolfe Wildlife Wetlands, the largest park

We had a plan to develop the Beatty Lumber site and that was killed, too” Heilmann lamented. “I was very proud of our Students in Government program wherein local grammar school students would spend a morning at village hall meeting with me, the clerk, police and fire chiefs, 911 and learning hands-on about local government,” and nature area in Oak Lawn. Right now Heilmann said. it is a factory. You have to imagine what it It was cancelled. So was the popular could be … The possibilities are endless.” annual Pumpkin Fest, with claims it would Heilmann called the board’s opposition to save $3,600. the development “a huge mistake.” “But, there was enough money to pay “You have to be willing to take calcufor a VIP tent at Fall On The Green where lated risks. If you do nothing, the comboard members could drink for free. There munity becomes less stable and less safe. was enough money to give themselves free It’s happened all over. If you have creative health insurance,” Heilmann said. ideas and the courage to go after them, you “New developments for seniors and famcan make your community that much of a ilies, a well thought out safety plan, educabetter a place to live,” he said. tional opportunities for kids, fun events for But there was more the new administrafamilies, I thought these were nice things tion opposed and killed, including: for Oak Lawn. They chose to end them,” “The firing of all of our 911 dispatchers Heilmann said. and bringing in a private company was a “And, Oak Lawn is now the only suburb mistake … If you’re looking to cut expens- in Illinois where its own board members es, why would you ever start with someare being denied access to records. Secreone’s 911 call?” tive government is never good.” Heilmann said he developed community Maybe Heilmann’s views will spark some support for a “comprehensive safety plan” discussions, rather than the usual venom. following concerns about home burglaries. That was cancelled, too. Ray Hanania is an award-winning former “We had a plan to improve the Village Chicago City Hall reporter. Reach him at Green for families and they canceled that. rghanania@gmail.com.

RAY HANANIA

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VIEW FINDER

Carla Morgan, Homer Glen “Having my two granddaughters born five weeks apart near Christmas.”

What is the most meaningful Christmas gift you ever received?

Kelly Cirrintano, Orland Park “Being with my kids and my husband.”

Kristin Matarrese, Orland Park “A family vacation from my parents to Geneva. They rented a house and invited the whole family, including the kids.”

Ann Harshbargar, Orland Park “Our son, John, who was born on Dec. 30. “

Joyce Gunter, Orland Park “Being told we were going to Alaska and I was going to be in the Iditarod, the dog sled race from Anchorage to Nome.”

• Asked at the Orland Park Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Orland Park Civic Center. Photos by Joan Hadac

The Regional News

Thursday, December 4, 2014

POLICE BLOTTER: ORLAND PARK Accused revoked driver charged with fleeing scene Orland Park police charged Corneilus E. Gilbert, 33, of Chicago Heights, with aggravated fleeing, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to give information, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, improper passing, no proof of insurance, and driving on a reGilbert voked license. Police said they apprehended Gilbert at about 9:45 a.m. Nov. 12, after a brief foot chase near 151st Street and Sycamore Drive. Moments before, Gilbert had bailed out of an SUV he crashed into the rear of a home in the 7700 block of West Sycamore Drive, while speeding away from police, according to the police report. He was positively identified by the homeowner, as well as a woman who said he Photo by Tim Hadac had earlier stolen her purse while she was at the Shell gas station at 159th Street and 84th Avenue, police added. The police report did not inComrades from the Palos Heights Fire Protection District and the Crestwood Fire Department fly an outsized U.S. dicate why Gilbert was not charged with robbery Flag to honor the memory of Bridgeview firefighter Robert A. Denson, as his funeral cortege passed through or theft. His SUV was towed and impounded. downtown Palos Heights at about mid-day Monday, on its way to Good Shepherd Cemetery in Orland Park. Mr. Gilbert is currently held on $200,000 bond by Denson died Nov. 25. He was 57. the Cook County Department of Corrections and is due in court in Bridgeview today (Thursday).

All due honors for departed firefighter

POLICE BLOTTER: PALOS HEIGHTS

Woman’s stolen credit card racks up $900 bill at Macy’s

Car window reported smashed in Metra lot

as it was parked on the median strip, according to the police report. Bond was set at $1,000, and Scapardine is due in court in Bridgeview on Jan. A 64-year-old Palos Hills woman told Palos 13. Heights police that a vandal smashed the rear Cody Lee Evans, 24, of Hickory Hills, was window of her vehicle as it sat parked and charged with DUI and speeding after police unattended at the Metra parking lot at 11451 S. stopped his vehicle in the 13500 block of South Southwest Highway. The victim told police that Harlem Avenue at 12:01 a.m. Sunday. Police she parked the car at about 6 a.m. Friday and said that Evans’ vehicle was traveling at 56 mph, discovered the crime when she returned nearly 12 21 mph over the posted limit. Bond was set at hours later. $1,000, and Evans is scheduled to appear in court in Bridgeview on Jan. 13.

Driver charged with no license, insurance

Charged with traffic offenses

Police charged Benjamin Vasquez Jr., 23, of Hickory Hills, with driving without a valid license, no proof of insurance, and improper stopping on a roadway. Police said they approached his vehicle while it was stopped in the 12800 block of South Ridgeland Avenue at 1:12 a.m. Tuesday. Bond was set at $2,000, and Vasquez is set to appear in court in Bridgeview on Dec. 29.

Aggravated speeding charged Sean Joseph McGinnis, 27, of Oak Forest, was charged with aggravated speeding after police curbed his vehicle in the 13400 block of South Ridgeland Avenue at 1:44 a.m. last Thursday. Police said the vehicle was traveling at 66 mph, 26 mph over the posted limit. Bond was set at $1,500, and McGinnis was given a court date of Dec. 29 in Bridgeview.

Drivers charged with DUI Police charged Bryan J. Scapardine, 39, of Posen, with DUI, talking on a cell phone while driving, and improper parking on a roadway. Police approached his vehicle in the 12600 block of South Ridgeland Avenue at 4:04 a.m. Sunday,

Police charged Laurie Velasquez, 53, of Countryside, with driving on a suspended license, operating a motor vehicle with expired registration, no proof of insurance, and failure to wear a seatbelt. Her vehicle was pulled over by police in the 6600 block of West 127th Street at 8:57 a.m. Nov. 24. Bond was set at $3,000, and Velasquez is set to appear in court in Bridgeview on Dec. 29. Jennifer M. Mauricio, 31, of Joliet, was charged with speeding, driving on a suspended license, operating a motor vehicle with expired registration, and no proof of insurance. Police stopped her vehicle in the 11900 block of South Harlem Avenue at 12:37 a.m. Saturday, after they said they saw it traveling at 53 mph, 18 mph over the posted limit. Bond was set at $3,000, and Mauricio was given a court date of Jan. 13 in Bridgeview. Police charged Roberto Sanchez, 26, of Chicago, with driving on a suspended license, as well as operating a motor vehicle with no rear registration light. His vehicle was pulled over by police in the 12800 block of South Harlem Avenue at 3:43 a.m. last Thursday. Bond was set at $1,500, and Sanchez is due in court in Bridgeview on Dec. 29.

A 58-year-old woman told police that someone stole her driver’s license and Macy’s credit card while she was leading a discussion in the café at Barnes & Noble, 160 Orland Park Place, at about 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11. The victim told police that she had placed her purse on the floor and discovered the theft later. When she called Macy’s to report the crime, she was told that the card had been used to purchase more than $900 worth of merchandise at a Macy’s store at 7:46 p.m.

Charged with retail theft

Police charged Monica A. Ford, 28, of Blue Island, with retail theft after she allegedly stole 30 items of clothing from a department store in Orland Square Mall at 1:39 p.m. Nov. 14. Ford had her baby with her at the time, and after she was apprehended, the child’s father came to the store to take custody, according to the police report. Much of the merchandise was stuffed in a baby stroller, police added. The police report gave no indication of a court date. Eulalia Dominguez, 46, of Oak Lawn, was charged with retail theft after she allegedly stole two North Face winter coats from a department store in Orland Square Mall at 8:40 p.m. Nov. 15. Dominguez was given a court date of Dec. 30 in Bridgeview. Police charged Cheryl A. Hudson, 49, of Hickory Hills, with retail theft after she allegedly stole a bottle of Naked Mighty Mango Juice from a grocery store in the 9300 block of West 159th Street at about 9:30 p.m. Nov. 11. Police added a charge of criminal trespass to land after they learned that Hudson had been banned from the store in relation to a previous incident, according to the police report. Hudson is scheduled to appear in court in Bridgeview on Dec. 20.

Police charged Jessica M. Molina, 25, of Orland Park, with retail theft after she allegedly stole about $250 worth of shirts, jewelry and accessories from a department store in Orland Square Mall at 3:56 p.m. Nov. 9. Shortly after she was apprehended, Molina’s sister arrived at the scene to take custody of Molina’s threeyear-old daughter, according to the police report. She is set to appear in court in Bridgeview on Dec. 30.

Driver charged with DUI and speeding 20 mph over Andrew E. Lash, 38, of Orland Park, was charged with DUI, speeding, and no proof of insurance. His car was pulled over by police near Tee Brook Drive and Hollywood Drive at 12:01 a.m. Nov. 15, after they said they saw it traveling at 60 mph, 20 mph over the posted limit. The vehicle was towed and impounded, and Lash was given a court date on Jan. 2 in Bridgeview.

Accused suspended driver charged with speeding Patrick R. Donnelly, 48, of Orland Park, was charged with speeding, as well as driving on a suspended license. Police curbed his car near 151st Street and Windsor Drive at 9:54 a.m. Oct. 26, after they said they spotted it traveling at 47 mph, 12 mph over the posted limit. Donnelly is due in court in Bridgeview on Tuesday.

Charged with DUI and heroin Police charged Christopher M. Colby, 37, of Oak Forest, with DUI, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a hypodermic needle, possession of drug paraphernalia, improper lane usage, following another vehicle too closely, driving on a revoked license, Colby and no proof of insurance. Police stopped his car in the 9400 block of West 143rd Street at 4:18 p.m. Nov. 16, after police saw it “rapidly change lanes multiple times,” police said. A search of Colby and the vehicle yielded several hypodermic syringes, a bottle containing Xanax pills, 20 small plastic bags containing heroin, and the sawed-off bottom of an aluminum can, according to the police report. Colby is currently held on $100,000 bond by the Cook County Department of Corrections. He is due in court in Bridgeview on Monday.

POLICE BLOTTER: PALOS PARK Police probe lawnmower theft and attempted theft at homes A theft and what may have been an attempted theft were reported last month to Palos Park police. An 84-year-old man told police that his red Toro lawnmower was missing from the backyard of his home in the 12400 block of South 83rd Avenue. The victim said he left home at about 3 p.m. Nov. 18 and returned at 9 a.m. the following day. He discovered the mower missing at 4:30 p.m. He told police that the lawnmower had been scheduled to be picked up and taken in for maintenance by a local shop, but a manager at the store told police that no one had been sent to the home. In an apparently unrelated matter, a 53-year-old woman told police that it appeared that someone attempted to steal ladders and scaffolding that had been stacked near her home in the 7800 block of West Oak Ridge Drive. She told police that at about 2 p.m. Nov. 23, she discovered

that the items had been moved from their original location on the north side of her property.

Accused suspended driver charged with cannabis, pipe Police charged Jorge A. Bencomo, 23, of Orland Hills, with possession of cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving on a suspended license. His car was pulled over by police near Wild Cherry Lane and La Grange Road at 1:14 p.m. Nov. 22, after a random plate check. A search of the vehicle yielded a small amount of cannabis and a glass smoking pipe, according to the police report. Bencomo was given a court date of Dec. 23 in Bridgeview.

curbed his van in the 11900 block of South La Grange Road at 4:19 a.m. Nov. 23 after conducting a random plate check. Drew is due in court in Bridgeview on Dec. 23. Police charged Matthew S. O’Brien, 25, of Alsip, with operating a vehicle with suspended registration, as well as no proof of insurance. His car was stopped by police in the 11900 block of South 80th Avenue at 2:17 a.m. Nov. 19, after they said they saw that the vehicle’s registration tag was expired. The vehicle was towed and impounded, and O’Brien is scheduled to appear in court in Bridgeview on Dec. 23.

Remember to recycle this newspaper!

Charged with traffic violations Brandon H. Drew, 29, of Chicago, was charged with driving on a suspended license, as well as no proof of insurance. Police

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SCHOOLS

6 Thursday, December 4, 2014

The Celtics pom pon squad revs up the crowd during the assembly Monday in the Providence gym.

The Regional News

Orland Park’s Jake Rost ( left) and Richie Warfield grab the state championship trophy. Rost, a senior, was a standout defensive player and Warfield, a sophomore, scored four touchdowns in the title game.

Photos by Steve Neuhaus

Celtic pride shines By Jeff Vorva

Reporter Editor X marked the spot. The Providence football team had what it called a Quest for X this year, meaning it wanted to win its 10th state championship in school history. Mission accomplished. The team, which featured talent from Orland Park on its roster, won the Illinois High School Association Class 7A title with a 31-28 victory over Cary-Grove in the

championship game Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Champaign. The Celtics won their 10th title 10 years after winning their ninth crown in 2004. The Celtics had a celebration in their honor Monday afternoon at the school in New Lenox. Providence is one of only three schools in the state to win double-digit championships. Joliet Catholic Academy is first with 13 state titles, Mount Carmel is second with 12 and Providence is third with 10. The stands were packed in the Providence gym on Monday as students honored the state football champion Celtics.

Sandburg Model United Nations delves into global issues Sandburg Model United Nations traveled to Carthage College to attend the 15th annual Model United Nations Conference, which hosted over 400 high school students from Wisconsin and Illinois. Sandburg represented nations like

France, Finland, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Suriname, in six separate Committees, including three General Assemblies, two Security Councils, and a World Health Organization. After six hours of debate on topics ranging from ISIS to Humanitarian

Aid, Sandburg walked away taking Student who took individual hon • Hrishi Bhaththiwala the 1st Place Award of Best Dele- ors were: • Sonia Brania gate in five of the six committees, winning three 2nd Place awards of Best Delegate Outstanding Delegate Outstanding Delegate, as well as • Bill Kolpak • Tesh Patel a Position Paper Award and two • Hanna Darwish • Ryan Lenkiewicz verbal commendations. • Mike Lawlor • Beccie Dworschak

Sandburg High School Model United Nations team began the season in stellar fashion.

SCHOOL NOTES Palos Dist. 118 Santa’s Secret Shop Palos 118’s Parent Faculty Association will sponsor its annual Santa’s Secret Shop this Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Palos South Middle School, 13100 S. 82nd Ave. in Palos Park. The school gym will be transformed into Santa’s shopping center where little ones can shop for special gifts for their family, wrap

STUDENT NEWS

their presents, and afterwards enjoy refreshments. Meanwhile, parents will have time to enjoy home baked items and shop on their own at the vendor fair. The community is welcome to attend and shop. Enter at the Rosemarie Carroll Center in the back of school.

Verbal Commendation • Morgan Greene • Abby Staunton Position Paper Award • Riddih Patel

Submitted photo

Shepard’s bullying awareness campaign ends with T-shirt contest winners named

Dec. 6, from 9 to 3 p.m., at the school, 13049 S. Ridgeland Ave. in Palos Heights. By Bob McParland Just giving a student who is being bullied an Entrance cost is $2 per person at District 218 avenue to express their disapproval with the negdoor 12. Parking is free and conative behaviors starts the healing process,” said cessions will be available all day. Shepard High School this week concluded its counselor Jim Benes. More than 100 crafters. annual bullying awareness campaign by announcThe campaign helps create awareness of the ing the winners of the T-shirt design contest. effects of bullying and, for victims, resources on The freshmen enrolled in teacher Erin Quinhow to cope. Marist will dedicate lan’s homeroom won the contest. “Students who are the subjects of any negative entrepreneur center Shepard crafts show The campaign included guest speakers, a behavior need allies. This program assists the Shepard High School’s Fall Arts/ Marist High School will dedicate survey of Shepard students on school culture, affected students as they try to find others who Crafts show will be held Saturday, its new entrepreneurial center at 7 and announcements about bullying statistics and understand them. It creates a healthier environp.m. today (Thursday). Enter at the reporting procedures. ment by empowering students to lend a hand west entrance of the school, 4200 Most importantly, Shepard staff approached for others by standing up or speaking out when W 115th St. in Chicago. students with information on resources. Social bullying is happening,” Benes said. The Rev. Ed Barrett, pastor of St. workers talked with students about reporting Students like the shirts, too. Terrence Church in Alsip, will offer a abuse and conflict resolution options. “There are still students coming to my office blessing of the room promptly at 7:15 “There are so many students that have been a week after we sold the shirts to purchase one,” p.m. Following that, guests can tour affected by bullying in some way over the years. Benes said. the new space, enjoy refreshments, and hear from Principal Larry Tucker and business teacher Dan Gorsky. The entrepreneurial center is a component of the school’s business initiative. This fall, the first sections of Innovative Design for Entrepreneurial Applications (IDEA) were offered to senior students. The course, taught by Gorsky, is designed to get students excited about becoming true entrepreneurs. Students will have create and fully develop their own product or service. Student teams will work through the process of ideation, market research, and business plan development. They will learn about marketing, accounting, human resources and the legal aspects Submitted photo of running a business. This course Students enrolled in teacher Erin Quinlan’s workroom at Shepard High School won the “no bullying”T-shirt design aims to allow students to imagine, contest. design, construct, market and refine their own business ventures in a space that provides small group work staThere’s no place tions, easily accessible technology, like USA.gov. and dynamic presentation areas. Several Marist alumni and parents will serve as mentors to the students It’s the ofﬁcial source of Submitted photo throughout the course. federal and state government

The Palos Heights Woman’s Club Summer Scholarship winners appeared at the club’s November meeting and discussed their experiences participating in the production of “Annie” with the BAM Theater Program in Burr Ridge. The Woman’s Club every year offers summer scholarships in music, art, drama, speech, etc. to high school students. Shown are scholars Shannon Kuiper, sophomore (from left) and Sara Seidler, senior, from Chicago Christian High School. Mary Lee Lockwood is the director of the club’s Education Department.

information. It can make you as all-knowing as the Wizard of Oz.

The Regional News

COMMUNITY NEWS

Thursday, December 4, 2014

COMMUNITY NOTES Christmastime in Palos at Heights library

The Friends of the Palos Heights’ 10th annual Christmastime in Palos will take place this Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the library, 12501 S. 71st Ave. The event, sponsored with First Midwest Bank, features live holiday music, entertainment for adults and children and buffet snacks. Holiday sing-along with city officials is scheduled for 11 a.m. Specially chosen Christmas-themed books, music and other media will be sold; a silent auction of antique and coffee table books will be held. All area residents are invited to attend this free celebration.

Palos Heights Woman’s Club Christmas Walk The Palos Heights Woman’s Club’s annual Christmas Walk starts at 8 a.m. this Saturday with breakfast and vendors boutique shopping at Palos Country Club, 131st Street and Southwest Highway. Tickets cost $40, and must be purchased in advance at Mona Lisa Boutique, 12330 S. Harlem Ave. in Palos Heights, or from a member of the club. The breakfast and vendors portion of the event at Palos Country Club will include raffles for gift baskets, a special wine raffle and the Win-Win. Homemade cookies will also be sold. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Christmas cheer abounds in five local homes, decorated for the holidays, open for viewing.

Southwest Symphony Christmas concerts The 35-member Southwest Symphony Orchestra will give its Holiday Memories concert of Christmas music at 7:30 p.m. this Friday at St. Michael Church, 14327 S. Highland Ave., Orland Park, and again at St. Francis of Assisi, 15050 S. Wolf Road, Orland Park, on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m. Highlights include Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride

and a medley from Warner Bros.’s Polar Express. Performing with the Symphony will be members of the music ministries from both churches and the Voices of the Valley singing the John Rutter Gloria. The Austrian Mixed Choir of Chicago will also perform at St. Francis. Tickets, $20-$25, can be purchased at the door, or in advance by calling 1-800-838-3006 or online at www.southwestsymphony.com. Seniors pay $16.

League of Voters Fireside Dinner with Senate GOP leader The League of Women Voters of the Palos Orland Area will host its annual Fireside Potluck Dinner on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 6:30 p.m., at the Lake Katherine Clubhouse in Palos Heights. Illinois Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno is the scheduled guest speaker. League meetings are always open to the public. However, reservations are necessary for dinner. Come and learn about items of interest in the Illinois General Assembly for the coming session. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization dedicated to providing information for an informed electorate. For more information or to make a reservation, email co-president Barbara Pasquinelli at barbaralwv@aol.com. There is no cost for this event.

Waddles Winter Wonderland The Palos Heights Parks and Recreation Department and Waddles the Penguin invite the community to a free day of holiday fun at Winter Wonderland next Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Palos Heights Recreation Center, 6601 W. 127th St. It will feature holiday games and refreshments, cookie and crafts decorating, music by the Stagg High School choir and, at 11:45, a candy cane hunt in nearby Meyers Park. Santa Claus will meet families and pose for pictures with them.

CLUB ACTIVITIES Submitted photo

Gifts shoppe at McCord open thru Dec. 22

Birdhouses for the season by Donald Hammel are just a sampling of the handcrafted pieces for sale at McCord Gallery & Cultural Center’s annual Holiday Shoppe. Shoppers will find glass dishes, silk scarves, jewelry, pen sets, old-fashioned shaving kits and much more. Purchases support local artists this season. The Shoppe is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 22, at McCord Gallery & Cultural Center, 9602 W. Creek Road (129th and LaGrange Road), Palos Park. For more information, call 671-0648 or visit www.mccordgallery.org.

Swallow Cliff, NSDAR Christmas luncheon The Swallow Cliff Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will hold its Christmas Luncheon at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the DoubleTree Hotel, 5000 W. 127th St. in Alsip. The cost is $24, and reservations are required by Dec. 1. It will be a time to celebrate DAR through the generations and to participate in the annual silent auction. Membership in the DAR is a unique opportunity

Moraine Valley makes significant impact on this region’s economy SENIOR NOTES Moraine Valley Community College generates millions of dollars in local, state and federal taxes, and as a major employer in its district generates millions of dollars in local sales and over 1,150 jobs, according to a Northern Illinois University study. Moraine Valley also is a sound investment for students and taxpayers, according to statistics prepared by NIU’s Center for Governmental Studies in partnership with the Illinois Community College Board. The economic impact analysis of Moraine Valley found the following: • Students who attended Mo-

raine Valley in 2002 paid an estimated $222 million in state taxes and $730 million in federal taxes between 2003 and 2012. • Moraine Valley’s total economic impact on the regional economy in fiscal year 2012 was estimated at $88.6 million and 1,157 jobs. • A Moraine Valley graduate can expect a total lifetime earnings gain of almost $625,000—a 48 percent increase over the projected total average lifetime earnings of $1.3 million if they had not completed a program. • These earnings are realized with an average investment of about $31,600 (includes earnings

that students give up because they are going to school and studying in place of working.) The average annual rate of return is 14.1 percent. “We work hard at serving our students and our 26 communities to help them achieve success,” said Dr. Sylvia Jenkins, college president. “These findings help demonstrate the significant role we play in helping our students and their communities improve their quality of life and what an excellent investment Moraine Valley is to our taxpayers.”

Grandparents raising grandchildren PLOWS support group PLOWS Council on Aging offers a six-session support group for grandparents raising grandchildren starting in January. Each session will have a specific focus, including financial and legal assistance, building relationships, and caring for oneself along the way. Knowledge-

vocacy for children, ensures the school climate is positive and reflects high staff and student morale, demonstrates creativity and imagination in bringing about positive change, willingness to take risks to improve student learning, moves actively to implement the goals and objectives of the school, works collaboratively with teachers and other staff to improve the educational program and student achievement, anticipates emerging problems and acts effectively to resolve them and Involves the community in the life of the school and uses community resources for students. Olsen began his career in District

Widowed group The Southwest Suburban WOW group for widows and widowers will meet at 7 p.m. this Friday, Dec. 5, at Zion Lutheran Church, 17100 W. 70th Ave. in Tinley Park. Short monthly meeting, entertainemnt and refreshments. All denominations welcome.

able and experienced guest speakers will provide additional information and guidance. The first session will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the Palos Township office, 10802 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills. PLOWS encourages all grandparents raising grandchildren to take advantage of this opportunity. Call PLOWS to register for the sessions or with questions, 361-0219.

LIBRARY NOTES Palos Park youth programs

The following youth events are offered during — Moraine Valley Community College December at the Palos Park Public Library, 12330 Forest Glen Blvd. • Holly Jolly Happenings – Festive activities and chances to win prizes. Stop in anytime to participate in these holiday activities. Decorate 230 in 2005 as associate princi- the holiday tree Dec. 1-6. Reindeer Scavenger pal of instruction at Stagg High Hunt Dec. 8-13. Find Santa’s missing reindeer School. In 2007 he was named in the library. Candy Kiss Guessing Game Dec. principal and has served in this 15-20. Guess the number of holiday candy kisses capacity since. Before coming to in the jar. District 230, Olsen served as an • The Rainbow Loom Club meets Thursday. assistant principal, dean of stu- Dec. 11 at 4:30 p.m. First graders and older will dents, and language arts teacher. bring their rainbow looms to the library to share During his career he has had bracelet making ideas with their friends. Rubber the opportunity to teach students bands will be supplied. • An Afternoon With Mrs. Claus – Ring in the from kindergarten to high school in a number of capacities. Olsen holidays on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 1 p.m. with a earned his Bachelors in Educa- visit from Mrs. Claus who will share festive stories tion from University of Wisconsin and songs with the help of her puppet Jingles. All at Whitewater and a Masters in ages welcome to attend. Parents bring cameras School Administration from Gov- for photos. • Make new LEGO creations on Wednesday, ernors State University. Dec. 17 at 4:30 p.m. with the library’s LEGO’s —School District 230 and we’ll put them on display. A drawing will be held at the end of the session for a LEGO prize. • Winter Break Story and Craft Corner – Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and enjoy seasonal stories, songs and crafts. Children ages 2-6 are welcome to participate. • All about Gingerbread Story time will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 11 a.m. Ring in the New Year Story time will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 30, at 11 a.m. Call the library for more information and to register at 448-1530. All programs are free and open to the public. A full calendar of programs can be found at the library’s website www.palosparklibrary.org

Stagg principal wins Award of Excellence Stagg High School Principal Eric Olsen was selected by his peers in the Illinois Principals Association for the South Cook Award of Excellence. He now moves on to statewide competition for the Horace Mann/IPA Award of Excellence. The award annually recognizes outstanding high school leaders who have succeeded in providing high quality learning opportunities for students. The principals have made exemplary contributions to the profession and are acknowledged by their peers. The program honors high school principals who demonstrates positive impact on education and ad-

to honor one’s lineage and heritage as a descendant of a patriot of the American Revolution. Prospective members and guests are welcome. For information, email swallowcliffdar@gmail.com.

Palos Heights upcoming events • Christmastime in Palos will take place this Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Palos Heights Public Library, 12501 S. 71st Ave. The annual event features live music, a selection of holiday offerings for sale from the Friends’ Book Sale, and tasty treats from local stores and restaurants. • Featured Database – Consumer Reports is a trusted resource for information on many consumer products, from autos to ovens and everything in between. The Consumer Reports database contains Submitted photo the same information you may have seen in the District 230 School Board Member Melissa Gracias, left, congratulates Stagg High School Principal Eric Olsen on magazine, plus much, much more. Information receiving the South Cook Illinois Principals Association Award of Excellence. Also pictured are Superintendent Dr. is clearly written, and helpful graphs will enable James M. Gay, Board Member Kate Murphy Peterson and Board President Richard Nogal. you to decide if that purchase you’re considering

is worth the price. Access the Consumer Reports database through the Library’s website: go to www. palosheightslibrary.org, hover your pointer over “Services,” and click “Online Databases.” • Needle club – Bring your projects to the Needle Club, and enjoy the company of others while working, on Tuesday, December 9, from 10 a.m. to noon. New members always welcome. • Mah jongg – Meet at the Library and bring your game to play American Mah Jongg on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 1 p.m. Novice and experienced players welcome. • Lunch bunch book discussion – The group will discuss comedian Billy Crystal’s memoir, “Still Foolin’ ‘Em: Where I’ve Been, Where I’m Going, and Where the Hell Are My Keys?” on Monday, Dec. 8 at noon. Bring your lunch; coffee, tea, and a light desert will be provided. Copies of the book are available at the Library. • Thursday @ the movies – the film “Jersey Boys” will be shown today (Thursday). Showings will take place at 10 a.m. (with subtitles), 2 p.m., 6:30 p.m. This film is Rated R for strong language; 134 minutes. • The Library will show the film “Safe Haven,” adapted from the novel by Nicholas Sparks, on Thursday, Dec. 11. Showings at 10 a.m. (with subtitles), 2 p.m., 6:30 p.m. • Tech tryout – See the latest phones, tablets, and PC tech available at this hands-on introduction. Learn what different devices – Apple, Android, and Windows – can do and decide which is right for you; join us at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9. • Digital photography with Picasa – Learn how to use Picasa, a free photo-editing program for your pictures, on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. Space is limited for this program – Registration is required. Program registration for events is recommended. Register for events online at www.palosheightslibrary.org, by calling 448-1473, or in person. All programs are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

Heights library Youth programs • Friday Gaming - Grades 6 and up are welcome for Wii and Xbox fun with friends every Friday from 2:30-4:30 p.m. • Guess How Many Contest - Guess how many ornaments are in the jar in the Youth Services department. The child with the closest guess will win a children’s Christmas book. All programs are free and open to everyone at the Palos Heights Public Library, 12501 S. 71st Ave. in Palos Heights. For more information or to register for a program, visit www.palosheightslibrary.org, call 448-1473, or stop by the Youth Services desk.

8 Thursday, December 4, 2014

HEALTH & FITNESS

The Regional News

PICK OF THE LITTER

‘My dog doesn’t listen’ JOHN FLEMING

DVM • PrairieStateVet.com

Dear Dr. Fleming, I have a 1-year-old Jack Russell terrier that doesn’t listen to me very well. I’ve tried different training techniques but without much luck. My neighbor Morty knows a lot about dogs and he thinks Poncho is deaf. Is that possible? Mike, Palos Heights

Submitted photo

Palos Community Hospital was recently given this banner to recognize its efforts on the 39 Weeks Initiative. Shown are Linda Celani, director of Nursing, Med-Surg/Maternal Child (from left); Sue Kois, charge nurse for Maternal Child; Myra Pacelli, practitioner/teacher for Maternal Child; and Karen Jaekel, data analyst for Quality Assessment.

Banner from March of Dimes honors Palos Community Hospital for 39 Weeks Initiative Palos Community Hospital has been recognized for reducing the number of elective deliveries performed before 39 weeks of pregnancy. The March of Dimes says this will give more babies a healthy start in life, as babies born too early may have more health problems at birth and later in life. “We are proud of our expert team of physicians and nurses who tackle this issue in our community and established policies to avoid scheduling deliveries before 39 weeks of pregnancy, except when medically necessary,” says Terrence Moisan, M.D., Interim President and CEO of Palos Community Hospital. March of Dimes partnered with

the Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative and the Illinois Hospital Association to honor Palos with a banner – on display in the hospital lobby – indicating the hospital’s commitment to improving the quality of care for moms and babies. The banner program highlights Strong Start, a partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Through the Strong Start campaign, the March of Dimes is sending the message that “Healthy Babies Are Worth the Wait.” It also urges women to wait for labor to begin on its own if their pregnancy is healthy,

rather than scheduling delivery before 39 completed weeks of pregnancy. Babies who survive an early birth often face the risk of lifelong health challenges. Even babies born just a few weeks early have higher rates of hospitalization and illness than full-term infants. Recent research by the March of Dimes, the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found that although the overall threat is small, the risk of death more than doubles for infants born at 37 weeks of pregnancy when compared to babies born at 40 weeks. —Palos Community Hospital

Dear Mike, I bet Morty is right. Poncho’s problem has been going on long enough for you to notice a problem so it’s quite possible there is a deafness issue. There are several types of deafness in dogs. Conductive hearing loss may be caused by outer ear diseases, such as otitis externa, earwax impaction, foreign bodies, cancerous tumors, benign polyps or injuries. Middle ear diseases, such as infection otitis media, primary secretory otitis media (PSOM; inherited in Cavaliers), foreign bodies and tumors are also causes. Acquired sensorineural deafness may develop from certain systemic drugs and certain topical medications, trauma, tumors or prebycusis (old age-related hearing loss due to degeneration of inner ear structures). In my experience, most dogs that go deaf do so around 12 years of age. I always tell clients, “Not all dogs go deaf at 12 years of age, but those that do go deaf in their old age tend to do so at 12.” Congenital hereditary sensorineural deafness occurs in some dogs and cats with white hair coats and blue eyes. It also affects a number of breeds including Dalmatians, Australian blue heelers, English setters, bull terriers, Australian shepherds, Jack Russell terriers and Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Conductive hearing loss can occur at any age and seldom results in total loss of hearing. Congenital, hereditary deafness is present soon after birth. With acquired deafness, hearing loss may be

Submitted photo

Meet Lindsay and Bentley from Tinley Park. Bentley is a 3-month-old black Lab.

sudden or slow in onset; in some cases balance problems may be detected. If no obvious cause of the hearing loss can be found with a good physical exam, advanced testing is available at specialty and university practices and could include such things as MRI, impedance audiometry and brainstem evoked auditory response (BAER) testing. Conductive hearing loss is usually reversible and requires removal of any obstruction, such as wax from the external ear canal or mucus from the middle ear (especially in dogs with PSOM). Congenital hearing loss and prebycusis are not treatable and are irreversible. Dogs with the latter two types of hearing loss usually learn to respond well to hand signals. The education of a man is never complete until he dies. —Robert E. Lee

STOCK UP ON GOOD HEALTH Meany steps down from Triclosan is closing in on us in many different ways water reclamation district Recently, a television news segment spoke of possible dangers of antibacterial soap. Specifically named was an antimicrobial known as triclosan. About six years ago, I wrote of the dangers of antibacterial soaps creating the same problem overuse of antibiotics created. Namely, the creation of antibacterial soaps creating super bugs. It happened with overuse of antibiotics. Because of antibiotic overuse, bacteria have become smart and have mutated. Antibiotic overuse may end up creating a nightmare for the public, if it hasn’t already done so. On November 17, 2014, a study was released by researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. The report suggests long-term exposure to Triclosan can cause liver fibrosis. The study, was published in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.” The San Diego study suggests such long-term use can interfere with hormones and disrupt the integrity of the liver itself. The study was conducted on mice as many studies initially are conducted. Within six months the mice exposed to triclosan, became susceptible to chemically-induced liver tumors. The study was led by, Robert H. Tukey, PhD, professor in the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Pharmacology and Bruce Hammock PhD, professor at the University of California, Davis and Mei-Yueh, PhD.

DEE WOODS Tukey said, “Triclosan’s increasing detection in environmental samples and its increasingly broad use in consumer products may overcome its moderate benefit and present a very real risk of liver toxicity for people, as it does in mice, particularly when combined with other compounds with similar action.” This same exposure has happened with antibiotic overuse. The product, triclosan, is used in many antibacterial soaps and even in cosmetics, some toothpastes, deodorants, shoes, medicated first aid sprays, shampoos, socks and various furniture. The substance has even been found in breast milk and is one of the seven most common frequently detected compounds in streams throughout the United States. That might in itself, suggest overuse. You can see by the list, one can be exposed on many fronts to the antibacterial, without even having been aware of the contamination. Alternative physicians have been warning of the serious dangers of triclosan for many years, but for the first time, there is acknowledgement by mainstream media

and researchers. This is why I prefer to get the news in advance from alternative physicians. This substance has been found in the urine of 75 percent of people who were tested for it. Tukey suggested it may help to remove the antimicrobial from high-volume uses such as that which appears in so many of the hand soaps we use every day. We are absorbing the triclosan through our hands. The initial idea seemed to make sense, but that was before it was so widely used in other products and before the study was conducted on mice. We need to pay attention to what it may do when combined with other products and compounds. Researchers on fluoride in our water have made the case that when fluoride combines with chlorine and other compounds in our drinking water, it creates entirely different chemical compounds; hence; other health issues. Most alternative physicians suggests washing hands for a longer period of time, with a non-antibacterial soap. Yes, there are opposing views, but it’s important to give both sides of the question and allow each individual to decide for himself. It is suggested you read labels first. An organization that lists products using triclosan can be found online: beyondpesticides.org. Dee Woods can be reached at deewoods10@icloud.com.

HEALTH BEAT Early memory loss education and support PLOWS Council on Aging in Palos Heights and the Alzheimer’s Association offer an eight-week group that provides education, emotional support, and social interaction in a safe supportive environment. Topics may vary but include an overview of ear-

ly stage memory loss, medical information, legal and financial planning, and navigating social and family relationships. Date and location to be determined. Space is limited. An interview is required prior to attending the group. There is no fee to participate. To register, contact PLOWS Council on Aging at 361-0219.

Free CPR classes at Orland Township Orland Township, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., will hold free CPR classes for both seniors and adults ages 16-54 on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 6:30 p.m. (adults), Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. (seniors), Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 6:30 p.m. (adults) and Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 1 p.m. (seniors).

The classes will be led by instructors from the Orland Fire Protection District, and certificates will be distributed upon completion. Additional classes, including health-care provider CPR, which includes a certification card, are also held monthly at the fire department’s Station 3. Dates and times are at www.orlandfire.org. Registration is required. Call 4034222.

Outgoing President Kathleen Therese Meany, of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, has concluded 26 years of service to the District and recently officiated her final board meeting. Meany had a rich history with the district. From 1987 to 1989, she served as an aide to her friend and future colleague, Commissioner Nancy Drew Sheehan. Meany won her first campaign for elective office as Commissioner in 1990. She was re-elected in 1996, 2002, and 2008. Her colleagues on the Board elected her as vice president in 1995, and she served in that capacity for 16 years. In 2013, she became the first woman elected President of the MWRD Board in its 125-year history. During her 24 years as Commissioner, Meany established and served on various committees. One of her legacies was establishing the MWRD's successful Household Hazardous Waste Collection program in 1993 that continues today. Also, as a result of her association with the Windy City Vets and appreciation for the greater veteran community, Meany implemented the practice of flying POW MIA flags at MWRD facilities. Meany's career path began with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Roosevelt University. She then earned her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. She taught elementary school for several years in suburban Matteson and with the Chicago Board of Education. She

Meany

later taught at The Good Shepherd Mission on the Navajo Indian Reservation in Fort Defiance, Arizona. "Teaching on the Reservation was a turning point for me," Meany said. "I was already aware of the value of an education, but I also become sensitive to the needs of the environment. This experience was the spark that triggered my interest in environmental protection which is the primary mission of the district." In the late 1970's, Meany began a long association with the City Colleges of Chicago, which included teaching a variety of adult education courses, later earning the status of a tenured assistant professor of Political Science. She met her future husband, Salvatore Attinello, a retired Harold Washington College librarian, while working there. "We all will miss Kathy's leadership, integrity, enthusiasm, patience, kind heart, bright smile, friendship, and above all, her commitment to the District's mission and the people of Cook County," said Vice President Barbara McGowan. — Ed McElroy and Associates

Little Company is a top performer again Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers has been named one of the nation’s Top Performers on Key Quality Measures by The Joint Commission. The Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards. Little Company of Mary Hospital was recognized as part of The Joint Commission’s 2014 annual report “America’s Hospitals: Improving Quality and Safety” for attaining and sustaining excellence in performance measures. Little Company of Mary was one of 1,224 hospitals in the United States

to achieve the 2014 Top Performer distinction, based on 2013 data. Little Company of Mary was recognized for its achievement on the following measure sets: Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Pneumonia, and Surgical Care. To be named a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures, hospitals must achieve cumulative performance of 95 percent or above across all reported accountability measures, achieve performance of 95 percent or above on each and every reported accountability measure where there are at least 30 denominator cases and have at least one core measure set that has a composite rate of 95 percent or above. “Our 2014 recognition by the Joint Commis-

sion further validates our commitment to the quality and safety of our patients, “said Dennis Reilly, president and CEO of Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers. “By following evidenced-based guidelines for interventions, our highly talented medical team is improving patient outcomes.” Little Company of Mary has a rich history of providing the community with nationally recognized, high-quality care. On September, 2014, Little Company of Mary completed its seven year Campus Transformation Project. The state-of-the-art West Pavilion patient tower allows the hospital to focus on its family-centered model and continue with their mission to care and provide the latest technology to heal. For more information about Little Company of Mary, visit our website at LCMH.org —Little Company of Mary

O N LY Y O U C A N P R E V E N T F O R E S T F I R E S. www.smokeybear.com

The Regional News

BUSINESS

Thursday, December 4, 2014

FINANCIAL FOCUS Share your ‘bounty’ with your loved ones

Photo by Tim Hadac

Mona Lisa decked in Christmastime finery

Business was brisk last weekend at Mona Lisa, 12330 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, as the popular boutique celebrated Small Business Saturday and rolled out a wide and stylish array of Christmas-themed apparel, accessories, home decorations and gifts. Owners Jill Evans (left) and Wendy Lundberg give the weekend a unique twist by renaming Black Friday as Pink Friday, offering pink champagne, ice cream and cookies to shoppers. Mona Lisa was also the place to buy the hottest ticket in town this time of year, to attend the Palos Heights Woman’s Club’s annual Christmas Walk this Saturday at Palos County Club.

FASHION CHAT

Fashion and art mingle on runways Fashion, art and music are forever cohorts in the celebration of beauty and expression. Recent local shows truly embraced this co-mingling of passions. The Status Group Inc. and Couture Fashion Loft co-produced F.A.M.E. (Fashion, Art, Music and Entertainment) Fashion Show on Nov. 21 at the Bridgeport Art Center. Designers included favorites like Chapeaux Couture by Leen and Gsb Men’s Couture. The fête also featured an auction of couture fashions and a variety of art pieces to benefit Project Onward, a non-for-profit organization aiding artists with disabilities. I was honored to wear an ensemble designed and thoughtfully styled by Leen Gundogdu of Chapeaux Couture. The look included a gold sequined crop top with pigeon gray pleated silk trousers, square-toed bronze heels and was finished off with a shiny gold turban. I deemed the look “Annie Hall’s version of old Hollywood glamor.” Gsb Men’s Couture’s segment of the show included models holding colorful paintings and wearing glittery makeup resembling that displayed in their respective painting. In between the segments, attendees enjoyed performances by local singers and dance groups. The following day, Benjamin Cottrell produced “The Fine Arts of Fashion Performance and Runway Show” at the Iarca Gallery on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue. Looks from designers Borris J. Powell, Mark Roscoe, Paul Sisti and jewelry designer Monsieur Pamplemousse graced models as

CAROLINE FOREMAN

Last week was Thanksgiving — a holiday that once celebrated the harvest season. Although many of us today may not be directly connected to agriculture, we still gathered on Thanksgiving with our loved ones to share whatever “bounty” we may have. But this practice doesn’t have to begin and end with food. Why not incorporate the spirit of sharing into your overall financial strategy? Here are a few suggestions for doing just that: • Make ﬁnancial gifts. You could give shares of stock to your loved ones, or perhaps give them money to help fund their IRAs. (They must have earned income, however, to be eligible to contribute to an IRA.) You can give up to $14,000 per year, per recipient, without those gifts counting against your $5 million lifetime exemption — an amount that you, like the vast majority of us, are unlikely to reach, anyway. • Invest in your children’s future. To help your children meet the high costs of higher education, you might want to invest in a college-savings vehicle, such as a 529 plan. When you contribute to a 529 plan, your earnings grow tax-free, provided they are used for qualified higher education expenses. (Keep in mind, though, that Section 529 plan distributions not used for these qualified expenses may be subject to income tax and a 10 percent penalty.) Furthermore, your 529 plan contributions may be deductible from your state taxes. • Review your insurance policies. If something were to happen to you, is your life insurance sufficient to take care of your family? In other words, would there be enough money available to pay off your mortgage, send your children to college and help your surviving spouse meet at least some of his or her retirement expenses? A financial professional can help you determine if your life insurance is sufficient for your needs. And it’s also a good idea to have adequate disability income insurance, too, because even a relatively short time away from work can jeopardize your financial security. • Involve your family with your investment sit-

Edward Jones Investments uation and estate plans. You will eventually want to inform your grown children, and perhaps other family members, about your investment situation and your estate plans. Specifically, you’ll want your loved ones to know where your investments are held and who is helping you manage them; this information will be invaluable should you ever become incapacitated. And, as you move deeper into your estate plans, involve your family with decisions relating to your will, living trust, power of attorney and other legal arrangements. • Update your beneficiaries. If you have a retirement account, such as a 401(k), and a life insurance policy, you probably had to choose a beneficiary. These beneficiary designations are powerful — in fact, they can even override the wishes expressed in your will. So, if you’ve gone through changes in your family situation, such as a divorce or remarriage, you’ll want to update your beneficiary designations. Otherwise, you could risk subjecting your family members to unpleasant “surprises.” Once the turkey is eaten and the football games have ended, Thanksgiving will draw to a close. But by making the right moves, you can share your “bounty” with your loved ones all year long — and throughout your lifetime. 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.

Marquette Bank offers December events

Marquette Bank will host a free holiday party this Saturday at the Marquette Bank located at 8855 S. Ridgeland Ave. in Oak Lawn. Stop by for hot chocolate, gingerbread they strutted across the gallery, now turned into a cookies and bring your camera to catwalk. A grand piano was the centerpiece of the take photos with Santa. This family gallery and musician Ani Gogova enchanted the event is open to the public from 10 viewers by performing pieces from her latest solo a.m. to noon. For more information, album throughout the runway show. call Joann Reiser at 599-5431. I modeled a ruggedly shaped tortoise shell Marquette Bank will host a free necklace and bracelet for Monsieur Pampleholiday party this Saturday at the mousse, an effervescent purple daywear ensemble Marquette Bank located at 9533 W. for Paul Sisti and a cropped charcoal blazer and 143rd St. in Orland Park. Enjoy reblack pencil skirt for Borris J. Powell. For Mark freshments, children’s activities and Roscoe, I wore a floor length black sequined skirt meet local author Nancy Gee. Ms. first with a black blouse with long, voluminous Gee will be signing copies of her sleeves and then a jacket with a low and embellished lapel for a second look. The most thrilling aspect of the show was the full environment during the show. I relished the opportunity to walk the catwalk in beautiful clothing, surrounded by an intriguing and thought-provoking art lining the walls, and hearing the swells and romance of Beethoven’s The village of Orland Park began “Moonlight Sonata” and other wonderful pieces. accepting applications for its Property I could conceive of nothing more exemplary of Tax Rebate Program on Nov. 3. expressive art’s full realization. To date, 8,557 residents have submitted applications for property tax rebates — 3, 014 have applied online while 5,543 have submitted paper applications. Village representatives are available to answer questions and accept applications at the Village Hall during regular business hours. In addition, one-on-one assistance with the completion and submission of applications is still available this Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon; and Thursday, Dec. 11, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Village Board approved a rebate of $2.2 million as a result of the Village of Orland Park’s strong financial position. Including the upcoming rebate, the village will have rebated property taxes for 10 of the last 13 years. “We began rebating property taxes to residents in 2003 and we’re pleased that the village is again in a strong financial position to offer the rebate,” said Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin. In total, the village of Orland Park will have rebated approximately $34.5 million since 2003. “Even though the village’s portion of the property tax bill is only about 7 percent, the rebate does give some relief for residents,” McLaughlin said. “We’re fortunate to be able to provide the rebate utilizing the Photo courtesy Vegas Photography Photo courtesy Gerard Rodriguez village’s Home Rule Sales Tax colCaroline Foreman models Chapeaux Couture’s runway ensemble during the F.A.M.E. Runway Show (left), and in lections, while continuing to provide a look by designer Borris J. Powell (right). a large number of valuable services

newly published children’s book, “The Secret Drawer” which will also be available for sale. This family event is open to the public from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call Larry Adamski at 873-3519. Marquette Bank will host the Marquette Club Holiday Party on Monday, Dec. 8, at the Orland Chateau located at 14500 S. LaGrange Ave. in Orland Park. Enjoy a luncheon, visit from Santa and holiday entertainment. Marquette Club is a social club for Marquette Bank customers aged 50 and older. Tickets for Club members are $20 and $35 for non-members. This holiday event

begins at 11:30 a.m. and advanced registration is required. Call Carol Wagge at (708) 342-8404 for tickets. Marquette Wealth Management will host a free 401(k) open house event on Friday, Dec. 12, at the Marquette Bank located at 7560 W. 159th St. in Orland Park. Pam Hollinger, Director of Marquette Wealth Management, will be available to answer your 401(k) questions about available options, what to do with your 401(k) when you switch jobs, and how to make the most out of your 401(k). This event is open to the public from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 614-4720.

Reminder: Orland property tax rebate applications due Dec. 12

AREA PROPERTY TRANSFERS Kirchhoff Howard W to Malyy Ivan, Following are the property transfers in the area, according to the latest report, as 14043 Thomas Dr, $228,000; Rimmer Igor to National Resid Nominee received from the Cook County Recorder of Deeds Office. The Regional News does Services Inc, 11807 Long Run Dr, $380,000; National Resid Nominee Serv Inc to Para not attempt to correct errors made by that Richard, 11807 Long Run Dr, $380,000; office. Dykas James M to Bartok Lisa A, 11229 Turtle Run, $419,000; Orland Park Lepretre Christopher to Lepretre ChrisKociolek Sarah E to Stoskus Vidmantas, 15737 Orlan Brook Dr, Unit #69, $84,500; topher John, 14330 Mason Ln, $450,000; Giovanazzi Denise to Collins Neil P, 9231 Drogemuller Tommy W to Buczyna Mariann, 17847 Columbus Ct, Unit #18, Woodbury Ct, Unit #202, $145,000; Schubert Ann Tr to Stazzone Anthony, $232,500; French Ghislaine Garcia Tr to Lepper 7500 Halasia Ct, $254,000; Liang Be-Ling C to Pietras Kerri A, 8220 Matthew R, 11141 Saratoga Dr, $165,000; Federal Home Loan Mtg Corp to Azeem W 137th St, $360,000; Mascio Joseph to Janda Christopher J, Syed A, 9118 Carlisle Ln, $147,000; Burkett Barbara A Tr Trust 1 to Lauer 9102 Caddy Ct, $214,000; Charles Mark to Johnston Michael C, Nicholas L, 17214 Highwood Dr, $282,000; Manrot Stephen A Tr to Zygmunt Frank, 15205 Tee Brook Dr, $238,000; Kus Benedict J to Foster Michael J, 16637 15240 El Cameno Re’al, Unit #3, $110,000;

JIM VAN HOWE

Lee Ave, $336,000. Palos Heights Gierstikas Raymond Tr to Garetto Laurance H, 142 Augusta Dr, $515,500; Keough Nicole to Jacobek George J, 12326 S Richard Ave, $242,000; Pruente Carol Tr to Keating Daniel, 20 E Parliament Dr, Unit #267, $125,000; Federal Home Loan Mtg Corp to Odeh Magdi, 13011 S Winnebago Rd, $250,000; Bordenet William Tr to Kizzee Phillip D, 13490 Mcintosh Dr, $391,500. Palos Park Wilson Sheryl L Tr to Madden Thomas A Tr, 9819 Circle Pky, $320,000; Standard B&T Co Tr to Rashed Baker, 13071 Ridgewood Dr, $380,000; Hornick Rita Trust to Washburn Kathleen, 8150 Brookside Dr, Unit #10411, $118,000.

and projects for village residents.” There are three ways to apply for the rebate. Residents can apply online at www.optaxrebate.com, download a paper application and bring the completed application in to Village Hall, or they can pick up an application at specific buildings in the village and apply in person or by mail. An instructional video of the online application process is available on the village’s cable television stations, Orland Park Comcast Channel 4 and A T & T U-Verse Channel 99 and on the village’s website at www.orlandpark.org. Paper applications are available at the Frederick T. Owens Village Hall at 14700 S. Ravinia Ave.; the Recreation Administration Building at 14600 S. Ravinia Ave.; the village’s Sportsplex at 11351 W. 159th St. and at the Orland Park Public Library, 14800 S. Ravinia Ave. Along with the required applica-

tion, an eligible resident must include copies of their 2013 second installment property tax bill, driver’s license and a utility bill. Those applying online can scan and upload copies of the documents or take a picture of them with a cell phone or tablet. If an Orland Park water bill account number is provided during the online process or on the paper application, a copy of a recent utility bill is not required. Eligible residents may elect to receive their rebate via check, credit to a water bill account, donation to the Open Lands, or direct deposit into a checking or savings account. Direct deposit is a new option this year, offering convenience and expedited receipt of the tax rebate. Eligible village residents must apply before 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12. Questions may be directed to the village’s Tax Rebate Hotline at 403-3086. —Village of Orland Park

Mortgage Rates Around the Area First Midwest Bank (as of Dec. 1) RATES 30-year fixed 4.000 15-year fixed 3.250 Jumbo 30-year fixed 4.125 United Trust Bank (as of Dec. 2) RATES 30-year fixed 3.990 15-year fixed 3.250 10-year fixed 3.125 Prospect Federal (as of Dec. 1) RATES 30-year fixed 4.00 20-year fixed 3.750 15-year fixed 3.250

APR 4.047 3.519 4.170

POINTS 0 0 0

APR 4.011 3.286 3.178

POINTS 0 0 0

APR 4.038 3.802 3.314

POINTS .25 .25 .25

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D IDSI SCCOOUUNN TT RRAT ATEESS withoutdiscount discount service. without service.

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The Regional News

DEATH NOTICES Lois S. Hamrock

Lois S. Hamrock, nee Shea, age 82, of Orland Park, died Nov. 28 at Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights. Visitation will be held at Thornridge Funeral Home in Orland Park on Dec. 5. A funeral Mass will be offered at St. Michael Catholic Church in Orland Park on Dec. 6. Interment will be at Assumption Cemetery in Glenwood. Mrs. Lens is survived by her cousins, godchildren and friends. She was preceeded in death by her husband Ronald and parents Thomas and Alice Shea. Mrs. Hamrock was a Chicago Public school teacher. In lieu of flowers, memorials directed to the Salvation Army.

Ronald J. Kearns

Ronald J. Kearns, age 81, of Palos Park, U.S. Air Force veteran of Korean

War, died Dec. 1 at Palos Community Hospital. Beloved husband of Dianna Nelson. Loving father of Tim, (Susan), Karen (Norm Greer) Torres, Kevin (the late Donna) and step father of Joy Yucaitis. Loving grandfather of Kevin, Andy, Matt, Pat, Nicole, Kelly, Bridget, Katie, Abby and great grandfather of Aedan and Colton. Cherished son of the late Edward and Mildred. Dear brother of the late Edward Kearns and Pat Ham. Mr. Kearns was born in Chicago. He worked as a police officer with 32 years of service with the Chicago Police Department and 35 year Friend of Bill W. Visitation today (Thursday) 3-9 p.m. at the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 S. Southwest Hwy. Palos Hills. Funeral Friday 10:30 a.m. service at the funeral home. Entombment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Please make donations to

Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 E. Ohio St. Suite 304, Chgo, Il 60611-3201 or http://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org.

Frances L. Throw

Frances L. Throw, 88, of Shorewood, Minn., formerly of Orland Park, died on Nov. 27. Visitation was held at Colonial Chapel funeral home in Orland Park on Dec. 2. A private funeral service for family was held at the funeral home on Dec. 3. Interment was held at Chapel Hill Gardens South Cemetery. Mrs. Throw is survived by her daughter, Patti Wessner; her sons, Timothy and Daniel; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and her sisters, Alice Gensert, Betty Snover and Marianne Storch. Mrs. Throw was born in Evergreen Park. She was a receptionist.

HOUSES OF WORSHIP Palos Symphony Christmas concert at St. Alexander The Palos Symphony will present its Father Stan Rudcki Heritage Concert Series’ annual Christmas concert at 3:30 p.m. this Sunday at St. Alexander Church’s Crosby Center, 7025 W. 126th St. in Palos Heights. Director Patrick Mooney carries on the concert tradition of the late Rev. Stan Rudcki.

its live nativity re-creating the birth of Christ. The narrated performance featuring live animals and costumed actors will take place in the covered outdoor pavilion in the church’s north parking lot, 14700 S. 94th Ave. in Orland Park. Show times are Friday at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Saturday at 6 p.m. No reservations needed; admission is free. (349-0431; christlutheranorland.com)

The Wayside Chapel Palos Park

Candlelit vesper services are held every Sunday in Advent, at 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., in the Wayside Chapel at The Center, 12700 Southwest A live Nativity Highway in Palos Park. at Christ Lutheran Center pastoral director the Rev. Chris HopThe church will Journey to Bethlehem on kins invites all who wish to meditate upon the Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12 and Dec. 13, for meaning of Christmas.

Services this Sunday will focus on the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, on the Shepherds’ experience on Dec. 14, and on the journey of the Magi on Dec. 21. The season ends with two services on Christmas Eve, one for families at 3 p.m., and a communion service for adults at 4:30 p.m. (361-3650)

Christ Lutheran Church, Orland Park The church is supporting the residential and foster care ministry of Lutheran Child and Family Services again this Christmas. Angel Tree ornaments in the narthex specify gifts for children at the Lutherbrook Center due by Dec. 14. This Sunday, a door offering will be received to support the LCFS Foster Family Christmas Party. The church is at 14700 S. 94th Ave. (349-0431)

BILLY GRAHAM’S “MY ANSWER” Urge troubled family members to seek member who comes to you to turn to Christ He is not. We can’t keep track of everything that’s and give their lives to Him. They need Christ’s happening — but He can. You say God is “too the guidance and peace of Christ Q: Someone in our family is always having a crisis, and all of their problems end up in my lap. I get so tired trying to deal with them. They mostly ignore my advice anyway. Sometimes I just wish I could leave. Why is our family so messed up? — Mrs. D. McL. A: I don’t think I’ve ever seen a family that didn’t have problems, and I doubt if I ever will. Almost since the beginning of the human race, when Cain killed his brother, Abel, families have been beset with conflicts and problems (see Genesis 4:1-16). However, that’s no excuse for being unconcerned about our families. God gave our families to us, and it isn’t His will for them to be constantly in turmoil or conflict. I know your family’s problems have become a huge burden for you, but how much worse would things be if they didn’t have you to help them? Even if they don’t always heed your advice, you may be helping them in ways you’ll never realize. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). How can you help your family? The most important thing you can do is urge each family

forgiveness and new life, and they need the love for others that only He can give. They also need His help to live as they should, and to make wise decisions about the future. And if you’ve never given your own life to Christ, open your heart and life to Him today. Then ask God to give you wisdom when others come to you — and also patience. In addition, pray for — and with — them, as well.

God know knows, and cares about, every detail of our lives Q: I don’t think God really cares what happens to us. The universe is so huge and we’re so small, so why should He worry about us? He’s too big to be interested in what happens to us, and we ought to be honest enough to admit we’re on our own. — M.T. A: If God were like us — limited, and able to concentrate on only a few things at a time — then you might be right; He probably wouldn’t care about us. After all, you and I can barely keep track of what’s happening in our own lives, let alone what’s happening to everyone else. But God isn’t like this! We are limited — but

big” to care about us, but that’s the point: He is so great that He knows about even the smallest details of our lives. The Bible says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). This is why you can trust Him and turn to Him with every concern you have. We are not alone, nor are we left to make our own way blindly through life (although many people still do). God made us and He loves us and cares about every detail of our lives — and the proof is that He sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to offer us eternal life. Perhaps you like to think God doesn’t care about us, because it leaves you free to live any way you want to. But that’s a dead-end road. Instead, face honestly your need of God, and turn to Christ in faith and trust.

Pilgrimages to ‘the manger’ living Nativity at The Center Living Nativity pilgrimages will take place at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park, at 6 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday. Guests will don Judean headscarves and then follow Mary, Joseph and the donkey for a walk across the bridge to the barn. On the way, the crowd will be greeted by the shepherds watching their flock of sheep, and by the Wisemen, riding toward the star. In the barn, they will find an infant lying in the manger of hay. Along the way, the Rev. Chris Hopkins

will lead the pilgrimage with carols and scripture, providing an opportunity for both children and adults to experience the original miracle of Christmas. The program ends with refreshments and a final blessing in the farm’s Anderson Center. Participation in the pilgrimage requires an advance reservation, as only 100 people can be accommodated each night. A free-will donation is appreciated to support the programs of The Center. To register, call The Center at 3613650.

SIMPLE GIFTS Mittens and more warmth gifts tree Christ Lutheran Church and the Orland Park Girl Scouts offer a way to donate new mittens, gloves, hats, scarves, ear muffs and socks for includion in holiday meal packages for needy families by the Orland Park Food Pantry. Bring donations to Christ Lutheran Church, 14700 S. 94th Ave., through Sunday, Dec. 14.

Palos Park police cadets food dive

ery Orland fire station in Orland Park. Stations are at 9790 W. 151st St., 15100 S. 80th Ave., 15101 S. Wolf Road, 16565 S. 94th Ave., 8851 W. 143rd St. and 17640 S. Wolf Road. For information, contact Colleen Kisel at 687-TOYS (8697) or visit the POTCF website at treaurechest.org.

Food for fines at Palos library The Palos Park Public Library will participate in the Palos Park Police Cadet’s annual holiday food drive with its Food for Fines program. From Dec.1 – Dec. 31., Palos Park library cardholders may bring in one nonperishable food item for every dollar owed in overdue fines and the library will donate these items to the Palos Park Police Cadet Food Drive to be distributed during this holiday season. Food donations should be nonperishable, boxed or canned, and within any expiration dates. (448-1530)

The Palos Park Police Cadet program continues its 15th annual holiday food drive now through New Year’s Day. The cadets are accepting donations of non-perishable foods, such as canned goods or boxed goods, at the Palos Park Police Department, 8999 W. 123rd St. All donations will go to the Palos Township Food Pantry, 10802 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills, which serves families in Palos Township, including Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Palos Park, Palos GOP drive Hickory Hills, Worth, Willow for food pantry Springs and parts of Orland Park. To request a pick-up or for more The Palos Township Republican information, call 671-3770. organization will collect food and other items that can be dropped Orland Fire Dist. toy drive off this Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Palos Township for kids with cancer Hall, 10802 S. Roberts Road in Area residents and businesses Palos Hills. can cheer children and teens fightThe food drive will benefit ing cancer by donating a new toy The Palos Township Food Panor gift during the Orland Park- try. Needed items include canned, based Pediatric Oncology Treasure boxed and dry goods; cleaning Chest Foundation annual holiday supplies; baby supplies like wipes, toy drive. diapers and clothing; hygiene Toys or gifts may be dropped supplies, toiletries and other inoff now through Dec. 23 at ev- cidentals.

(Send your queries to “My Answer,” c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.)

THE B-SIDE

Game over, and management drops the ball

On-air hosts find out they are fired during station-break text I got canned today. Never saw it coming. But beyond the shock of being without a job is the way that I found out I’d no longer be working for the Reporter. I was working on a story when I received a text from a friend in the industry who told me that the bosses here decided to get rid of me. No one here took me aside to inform me, and I’m not sure if and when I would be told. I’m making this up. But a similar scenario turned out to be cold, hard reality for personalities at a Chicago sports radio station a few weeks ago. For several months, I’ve been a loyal listener to the Game, an upstart sports station at 87.7 FM. The station came to the market in February facing some long odds. The signal was not especially strong, and there are two big-time sports radio stations on Chicago’s AM dial that have had years to establish their brand. Still, Tribune Media owns the Game, so I thought they’d give it time to grow. Not in this “what have you done for me lately?” world. Sadly, the game clock runs out on the Game at the end of the year when the station goes off the air. How did on-air personalities find out? They received texts while on the air that media writer Rob Feder had reported the station’s demise on his blog. Amazing. Afternoon hosts Ben Finfer and Alex Quigley were in the midst of talking Chicago sports when they got the news. There was no memo from management, no staff meeting. Quigley, also a member of the station’s management team, was given the news the previous night but was told not to share it with colleagues. I’ve seen an online video of Finfer reacting to the news and Quigley’s body language says it all. At one point, he apologizes for not sharing the news with his partner. What a horrible spot management put him in. Finfer was damn mad and he didn’t hold

could end. After all, radio is an ever-changing, revenue-driven business. All he wanted was some respect and not to be embarrassed while on the air. “Who does that? Are they even human?” Finfer asked during a nine-minute segment the day the word got out. Finfer has worked in Chicago sports radio for many years as both a producer and fill-in/ back. I’m sure he was dumbfounded that he’ll weekend on-air host. The move to a full-time be without a job come the New Year, but he afternoon shift at the Game was a big one for had that rare opportunity to rip his bosses for him, and I’ll bet he doesn’t regret it. all to hear. What was management going to There are endless people in the media and entertainment business that took risks and do, fire him? gambles to advance their careers only to be “I would think that somebody at least would have some respect for their employees disappointed by setbacks. Those same people tend to get up, dust off and chase the next and let them know, give them a heads up, that there’s something going on,” Finfer said. opportunity. I’m willing to bet Finfer lands on his feet. Here’s hoping he does. He continued: “I don’t understand. Why Ditto for the other personalities at the is it so hard to tell your employees they’re Game. Some are more well known that losing their jobs? Why did we have to find others, but I thought they did a fine job in out that way? Isn’t there anybody here who a sports-crazed market without taking it too has respect for employees? seriously or mistreating callers. Best of luck “I had respect for our bosses until about five minutes ago. They haven’t even come in to all of them. In an August interview with Feder, Jimmy the room yet to say anything. I’ve never, ever de Castro sounded optimistic about the future had management treat me this way.” The boss is Jimmy de Castro, the president of the Game. “I feel like Bugsy Siegel in earand general manager of WGN, who’s had tre- ly Vegas, living proof that time, money and a mendous success in Chicago media, including little water can build something special.” Unfortunately, de Castro’s words rang holrunning WLUP during the station’s heyday low while Finfer and his colleagues are left when Jonathan Brandmeier, Steve Dahl and holding the bag. Garry Meier were radio legends. Apparently, despite all his success, de Castro never learned how to treat people. Finfer continued his rant wondering Affordable Direct how he and Quigley were supposed to complete the remainThe Green & GenTle ChoiCe der of their show— talk Bulls, Bears and Uses WATER instead of fire • Ashes returned to family Hawks as if nothing The First Flameless Cremation Facility in Illinois • Ryan Cattoni, Owner / Licensed Funeral Director happened? 708-606-0211 • aquagreendispositions.com He admitted that Also available with traditional wake and service through your local funeral home he had an idea things

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The Regional News

Thursday, December 4, 2014

PHOTO MEMORIES FROM THE REGIONAL ARCHIVE

CROSSWORD PUZZLE "Sound Opening" Across

1 Rodeo gear

6 That alternative

10 Dog detective

29 32

17 Says "Ahh!"

30 34

35 37

22 Furniture wood

23 Kind of approval

24 Real

27 Rocky peak

26 Eye affliction

20 Costa del ___

16 Fan sound

21 "Pls" follow-up

10 16

15 Way off the highway

6 15

14 Cohesiveness

28 Italian wine region

29 Watch closely

31 Villain in "Back to the Future" 32 Middle East market 35 Lucre File photo from Dec. 5, 1974

40 Years Ago This Week

Palos Heights residents enjoyed a special treat on Saturday as Santa and Mrs. Claus dropped in at Indian Trails shopping plaza, 127th and Ridgeland Avenue. Abandoning the traditional sleigh, the jolly couple came to Palos Heights via helicopter to visit with all their friends.

36 Peak time for online shopping after Thanksgiving 38 Whopper 39 Frequent dayshift start 40 Places for sleeping 41 Lady's man 42 Checkout lines? 46 Hatchet's larger cousin 47 Price 50 Strike caller 52 RR stop 53 The "E" of B.C.E. 54 Hoo-ha

55 Starter's need

8 "Open a window!"

56 Carry-on bags have them

9 Waterfall effect

38 Fabric

10 Hole maker

60 Enthusiasm

40 Droopy eared hound

11 In an evasive manner

61 Big mistake 62 Armistice

43 Engorge oneself

12 Sealed with a knot

63 Try out 64 Sound of astonishment 65 Sworn words Down 1 Moscow's country 2 Grinder toppings

37 Chilean poet Pablo

44 Ab exercise

13 Bow-wow

45 Has a hunch

18 Breathe noisily

47 Animation unit

19 ___ out a living

48 Gasket

25 Female prophets

49 Where Pago Pago is

26 Sunbow producer 30 Kitten's plaything

3 Young porker

31 Transport, sci-fi style

4 Ordinal suffix.

33 Pres. Lincoln

5 Methods: Abbr.

34 Rice-A-___

6 Fruity cereal

35 Handheld, briefly

7 Bean cover

36 Aria flourishes

51 Words to remember 54 Looking down from 57 Med. specialty 58 Office-holders 59 Roth ___

(Answers on page 12)

Sudoku Puzzle #3258-M

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

File photo from Dec. 5, 1974

40 Years Ago This Week

A Merry, Merry Christmas parade sponsored by the Palos Heights Chamber of Commerce: Snow Queen Nancy Schultz (center) and Snow Princesses Nancy Horky (left) and Doreen Reiner.

IMPRESSIONS

5 1 2

3 5

9 9 7 4 8 7 5

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. (Answers on page 12)

Medium

Kicking around some area football topics This is the biggest college football game to ever be played in our back yard. St. Xavier University will host Southern Oregon in the NAIA national semifinals at 1 p.m. Saturday at Bruce R. Deaton Memorial Field on the SXU campus in Chicago. The winner goes to the national championship in Daytona Beach. The loser goes home to either stay in freezing Chicago or snowy Ashland, Oregon, The Cougars are not new to semifinal games. They have been there four times before, including 2011, when they won the national title. But they are new to hosting a semifinal game. This will be a first on campus and the place should be rocking, especially after Saturday’s 30-17 victory over Lindsey Wilson in the quarterfinals. Southern Oregon comes into the game knocking off the then-No. 1 team in the nation, Carroll College of Montana, 45-42, on a snowy field in Helena. The other semifinal features Marian (Indiana)against Morningside (Iowa). In case you forgot, Marian is the team St. Xavier opened the season with, and the Cougars won a road game in Indianapolis, 65-38, against the Knights on Sept. 6. Morningside brings in a load of offense as the Mustangs beat Nebraska Wesleyan, 83-19, Dordt, 72-2, Midland, 68-28, Hastings, 76-14, and Briar Cliff, 63-0, during the regular season. It should b e a wild couple of weeks.

A game I don’t want to see

JEFF VORVA Foot note

Yes, I read the game notes. And it’s a good thing, because this is something most people might not notice. I wouldn’t have. St. Xavier freshman kicker Abdul Mahdi kicks off with his left foot. But when he attempts field goals, extra points and squib kicks, he uses his right leg. The Bogan High School graduate probably should have used his left foot during a firsthalf field goal attempt against Lindsey Wilson as the wind took his effort wide, wide left. I was thinking it had enough distance to hit the Shannon Center west of the stadium.

Providence divine

Staying with the football theme, the Reporter and Regional do not cover Providence Catholic on a regular basis but there are kids from the area who goes to the New Lenox school – especially from Orland Park – and it’s cool to see the Celtics clean house and not only win the IHSA Class 4A baseball title in June but also win the Class 7A football title on Saturday. On a personal note, I’ve known a handful of some of their star players when they were

little kids and I could have kicked every one of them around with ease. Not now. They would eat me up and spit me out. But seriously, it was fun to watch them beat Cary-Grove (an area I lived in a while ago) 31-27 and see friends of the family doing so well.

Bad karma?

I can’t seem to pin down the exact date that Notre Dame decided to redshirt 2013 Reporter-Regional Player of the Year Nic Weishar but I heard about it the first week in November. To redshirt someone is to keep them out of game action for a year and they will have the remaining years of eligibility left. Nic will have all four years of eligibility after they beef him up at the school. Since I heard about the resdshirt, the Fighting Irish lost to Arizona State, Northwestern, Louisville and USC. Coincidence? Of course. But the timing is interesting.

Political football

Hickory Hills Ald. Thomas McAvoy spent a part of his Thanksgiving wishing members of the Reporter a Happy Thanksgiving and ended his email with the following crack: “I am going to do last-minute shopping and then brace myself as the Chicago Bears place their heads in the Detroit Lions’ mouths.’’

Lindsey Wilson, based out of Kentucky, beat Belhaven (Mississippi), 91-14, on Oct. 25. That’s not a misprint – 91 points! And the Blue Raiders didn’t even score in the final 10 minutes. So, this Belhaven team must be the worst team in college football, right? Well, it opened the season with a 44-6 win over Texas College and a 32-15 victory over Mississippi College before losing nine straight. Texas College finished the season 0-11 and was outscored 625-73. So, if Texas College and St. Xavier Photos by Jeff Vorva decide to hook up for a football game any- St. Xavier University freshman kicker Abdul Mahdi kicks off with his left foot (left photo) and kikcs extra points and field goals with his right foot (right photo). time soon, I may have to skip that one.

WHATIZIT?

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Getting into the holiday spirit, the WHATIZIT? Wizards were back in form with a bunch of guessers getting this week’s photo of Christmas trees correct. As many pointed out, these were on the Worth lot in anticipation for the Lions’ Club annual sale. Dan Higgins of Chicago Ridge was the first to bring in the holiday cheer with the correct answer. You figure we would have to get some correct answers from a town named EVERGREEN Park and that was the case as Ellen Reddington, Jan Merchantz, Henrietta Mysliwiec and Bernadette Pratl represented their town well. Others who were on the right (pine) scent were Chicago Ridge’s Pat Kopchar, Patty Vandenberg and Dana Oswald Oak Lawn’s Steve Rosenbaum, Bob and Jane Foley, Worth’s Theresa and George Rebersky, Celeste Cameron and Russ Martin, Palos Heights’ Bill Bulthuis, Palos Hills’ Linda Pinto and Hickory Hills’ Cathy Krueger, Janice Mastro and Al Kasper. Someone was so excited about guessing the right answer that they didn’t leave their name or hometown. Incorrect answers were of scentcicles and “They are not Christmas trees, but they are pine trees or conifers.’’ Also, we had a protest from one of our elite guessers about the night-blooming cereus from two weeks ago. The guesser maintains that our clue about the “Dennis the Menace” TV show caused the incorrect guess of a mock orchid by looking it up online. The weasels on the board of directors came back from their five-hour lunch and decided that although it’s technically not cheating to use the Internet to help guess these answers, it’s a little like using a hint book to do crossword puzzles. The weasels, however, forgot that some of the CLUES to the WHATIZITS? are derived from the Internet. Anyway, these usually spineless jellyfish made a point that the guesser looked up the “Dennis the Menace” movie, which featured the mock orchid, which blooms every 40 years, and not the TV show, which featured the cereus. “Protest DENIED,” squeaked one of the board members and they scattered like roaches back to their offices so they could watch cartoons on their cellphones behind closed doors. The clue to this week’s WHATIZIT? is that it got little playing time in the quarterfinals but could be the MVP of the semifinals. Send those guesses by Monday night to thereporter@comcast.net with WHATIZIT on the subject line. Don’t’ forget your name and hometown. Yes, it happens.

12 Thursday, December 4, 2014

The Regional News

Palos actress in stage play headed to New York Palos Park’s former mayor earns plaudits for role in The Humans By Tim Hadac

praise of everyone else associated with the production. “This play is extremely well A familiar face from Palos written,” she said several times Park appears in The Humans, in a conversation with The Rea critically acclaimed new play gional News. “The writing, the making its world premiere direction, the acting, everything. now at American Theater There isn’t a weak link in the Company (ATC), 1909 W. chain, and I hope everyone Byron St., on Chicago’s North makes time to see this.” Side. The 90-minute play, writJean Moran, former mayor ten by Pulitzer Prize finalist of the village and a welland ATC signature playwright known arts advocate, plays the Stephen Karam, is, according role of Momo, mother of the to a Tribune review, a “warm, main character. beautifully observed and deeply Chicago Tribune theater crit- moving new play, a celebration ic Chris Jones--in a four-star of working-class familial imperreview-- wrote that “Moran fection and affection … filled has the tough job of playing with uncommon compassion for an elderly woman with Alzhei- the kinds of people whom the mer’s, and if you know of that theater often ignores.” particular disease, you will The single-act play is set see the beauty and veracity of during a Thanksgiving dinner, what she does.” hosted by an artist who has A reviewer with Newcity invited her blue-collar family remarked, “The highest comfrom a rust belt city to her flat pliment I can pay to Moran’s in New York. The blending, performance is that when she clashing and interacting of the walked onstage to bow at the characters is its charm. evening’s end, it was genuA blurb from ATC describes inely shocking to remember The Humans as “a fresh look that she had been acting and at the hilarity, heart and horwasn’t just an actual person rors of the modern American suffering from dementia.” family.” Quick to deflect plaudits, The play was initially set to Moran is generous in her close Dec. 21, but to accomStaff reporter

Photo by Michael Brosilow, courtesy American Theater Company

Palos Park resident Jean Moran (in wheelchair) plays Momo, a woman living with Alzheimer’s disease, in The Humans. Others in the cast are Sadieh Rifal (from left), Hanna Dworkin, Keith Kupferer, and Kelly O’Sullivan.

modate a surging demand for tickets, ATC has added performances and extended the play’s run through at least Jan. 4, with potential for future expansion. The performance schedule is 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays,

2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, with additional performances on Wednesday and Sunday evenings at various points throughout the run. Single tickets start at $43, and more information may be obtained by calling the ATC

box office at (773) 409-4125 or online at atcweb.org. The world premiere of The Humans is produced in Chicago under arrangement with New York’s Roundabout Theatre Company, where it will premiere in New York City

next season. Moran has been acting since she was 4. She took roles with the Palos Village Players and other theater arts groups, and is a veteran of the Palos Fine Arts organization, which fosters the arts in the Palos area.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Business has been booming so much with the Worth American Legion's Ace of Hearts fundraiser that the post erected a tent to house all of the contestants.

Worth American Legion jackpot swells to more than $225,000 By Bob Rakow Staff reporter

They’re coming from as far away as Indiana for a chance to win more than $225,000. Each Sunday, the lines get longer and the crowds get bigger and traffic gets more hectic at the American Legion Marrs-Meyer Post 991 in Worth as people from throughout the region hope to win the mounting jackpot in the Ace of Hearts raffle. The raffle has been going on for weeks, and the $227,000 jackpot, which the Legion will split with the eventual winner, has by far exceeded $8,000$10,000 winnings seen in previous raffles, Legion members say. The game is simple and begins with a full deck of cards plus two jokers. Each week, players buy raffle tickets for a chance to pick the winning the card—the ace of hearts. So far, no one’s had any luck, and the game continues week after week. Chances are sold at Legion, 11001 S. Depot Ave., throughout the week, and the drawing is held each Sunday afternoon. The drama keeps mounting. Currently, there are six cards remaining in the contest. “This is way out of sight,” said a Legion member, who asked not to be identified. “Nothing has gotten this large. People are parking all

over the place. The bar business is booming.” The member estimated that more than 500 people were at the post last week, many who are not from the area. “Ninety percent of the people, I didn’t even know,” the member said. In fact, the Legion recently erected a tent to accommodate the overflow crowds. Officials at the Legion did not want to comment about the popularity of the event. But it is the buzz around town — and beyond. Glenn Pomonis, owner of Barcode 111, a nearby tavern, said the raffle has been good for local business. In fact, Pomonis said Sunday afternoon business has more than doubled each of the past several Sundays—great news in a year

Answers

Sudoku

(Puzzle on page 11) "Sound Opening" R U S S I A

B A S S E T

O N I O N S

P I G L E T

T E X T I L E

C A D E N Z A S

E S T Y H S W T H S S E I E B A Z Y B E L E S C O E R E L I N N G T

T H I S R A M P I T H R E X O A K S T Y E Y E A A R P R M O N D N I N E A S I R S T U M A A D O M I T A T O N O T A S P O

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

when Chicago Bears games aren’t much of a draw. “Everybody comes here and then they go for the drawing and then they come back here,” Pomonis said. Pomonis has brought extra bartenders to accommodate the large crowds. “I have to staff up. You have to have that,” he said. Pomonos said he’s met several people who have purchased hundred of dollars of worth of raffle tickets for a chance to hit the jackpot. “They’re coming from all over. It’s a good thing,” he said. “It’s insane. People are buying tickets left and right. They’re spending a lot of money on tickets.”

On the Christmas House Walk

Submitted photo

Christmas Cheer abounds in the five local homes featured in the Palos Heights Woman’s Club’s annual Christmas House Walk to be held this Saturday. Starting at 8:30 a.m., with a hot breakfast at the Palos Country Club, guests can shop at many vendors selling gift and food items. There will be a special wine raffle, several gift baskets raffle, a win-win raffle and home-made cookies for sale. For tickets, call Rose at 945-6254.

(Puzzle on page 11)

Sudoku Solution #3258-M

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

8 2 4 6 7 1

1 5 7 4 9 3

9 6 3 5 8 2

3 7 6 8 1 5 4 9 2

4 8 1 2 3 9 5 6 7

6 1 8 9 5 7 2 4 3

7 3 2 1 6 4 9 8 5

5 4 9 3 2 8 7 1 6

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12231 South Harlem Ave., Palos Heights • www.sambucasrestaurant.com • 708-361-1226

Sports S

Vegas idea The Regional News - The Reporter

outhwest

Ken Karrson, Sports Editor sports@regionalpublishing.com

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Hauling the hardware St. Xavier University receiver Stephen Simms hits the ground after catching a 6-yard touchdown pass last Saturday afternoon and then gets lifted high by happy teammates. The TD was one of four scored by the Cougars, who defeated Lindsey Wilson College 30-17 to advance to the NAIA semifinals for the fifth time in six years. SXU will be a first-time semifinal host when Southern Oregon visits Bruce R. Deaton Field on Saturday. Photos by Jeff Vorva

Big gamble pays off for Cougars in NAIA quarters; Southern Oregon next in semis By Ken Karrson To some people it probably was the football equivalent of asking the “21” dealer for another card when 20 is already showing. Mike Feminis and his staff had that same Vegas idea in the fourth quarter of St. Xavier University’s NAIA quarterfinal game Saturday afternoon at Bruce R. Deaton Field. With the Cougars holding a 10-point lead and facing a fourth-and-6 situation at their own 13-yard line, logic dictated a punt was forthcoming. Logic, however, got shoved aside in favor of a hunch — one that paid off big. Not only did Marco Scalzetti gain 22 yards on a punt fake, but the fresh set of downs he acquired continued a drive that lasted 11 plays, ate up over 5½ minutes and resulted in Abdul Mahdi’s 33-yard field goal.

And that three-pointer applied the finishing touches to a 30-17 win over visiting Lindsey Wilson College that propelled SXU (102) into the national semifinals for the fifth time in six years and sixth time in program history. Making the accomplishment even greater for the No. 3-ranked Cougars was that the two teams positioned ahead of them in the NAIA poll before game day — Carroll College and 2013 champion Grand View University — both were bounced from the tournament last Saturday. That means SXU will host a semifinal for the first time when Southern Oregon, which edged Carroll 48-45, visits on Saturday. “It’s been an unbelievable turn of events the last three or four weeks,” Feminis said. “I wasn’t surprised either [Carroll or Grand View] lost, but I was surprised

they both did. There was a part of me that wanted to go to Grand View and pay them back [for a regular-season loss], but it’s pretty sweet [to be staying home]. “Our guys have been playing jacked up for two months now and I’m so happy for them to be able to play in front of their hometown fans. We’re excited. I know we only missed one year [of the tourney], but when you get used to playing so deep in the playoffs one year seemed like 10.” A semifinal destination appeared in the offing long before the Cougars took their aforementioned gamble. In Feminis’ opinion, however, that daring play wasn’t such a big risk, although he laughingly admitted he later received “quite a few texts and emails wondering what the heck (Continued on page 3)

Section 2 Page 1

Photo by Steve Nauhaus

Orland Park’s Jake Rost, left, and teammate Jimmy Sharkey carry Providence Catholic’s Class 7A state championship trophy during Monday’s celebration at the New Lenox school. The Celtics won their 10th state title with a 31-28 victory over Cary-Grove Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Champaign. The Celtics roster is dotted with players from Orland Park.

District 218 Tournament

It’s first things first Strong starts pave way for RedHawks’ title By Ken Karrson

tial period on Friday the Red- of 3-pointers, while Jeremiah Hawks had surrendered a total Ferguson and Malik Parker both Marist’s success at the District of just 15 in 24 minutes of play. drilled one. 218 Tournament could perhaps Shepard collected over half “Our best offense in the first best be described as a period piece. of those in last Monday’s sea- quarter was our defense,” Nolan Actually, there were several son-opener, but the Astros also said. “Our ball pressure was good pieces involved, each of them turned the ball over eight times and I thought we played well in dealing with the first period of and yielded 29 points to Marist. the passing lanes. We had active a game. It was in those opening Bradley Hill fueled the Redquarters that the RedHawks pret- Hawks’ onslaught with a pair (Continued on page 6) ty much closed the door on their opposition. Two of the four foes Marist faced did recover from the early assault, one doing so well enough to briefly assume a fourth-quarter lead. However, Eisenhower was unable to seal the deal on Friday and the RedHawks emerged with the Thanksgiving tourney championship one year after finishing as runner-up to Richards. Marist didn’t clash with the Bulldogs this time around, but it did take care of business against the other two district schools. Before outgunning the Cardinals 9585 in the finale the RedHawks slammed Shepard 70-37 in both teams’ 2014-15 debut. Also defeated were Southland Prep (64-34) and Andrew (42-37). And in all four instances Marist outscored its opponent by double digits over the first eight minutes. “Defense is the backbone of our program and it’s something you can be consistent at and great at all the time,” RedHawks coach Gene Nolan said. “The kids are really buying into that side of the floor.” Indeed, while Marist certainly flashed some potent offense it Photo by Jeff Vorva was the defense that truly stood out. Before allowing 21 points to Richards’ Lucas White has nowhere to go as he gets harassed high-octane Eisenhower in the ini- by two Perspectives Charter defenders last Monday.

PLAYOFF FOOTBALL FORECAST

For the first time in the long two-year history of Football Forecast we had someone with the daily double as Jeff Vorva was the regular-season king and the postseason MVP with a stunning 88 percent showing during the five-week playoff season. Overall the So-So Six finished 605-211 for a mediocre 74.1 percent showing, which was a click below the 2013 total of 75.3. At this rate, it will be the year 2088 when they get all the games wrong. And if you think their mugs are ugly now… We hope another reader or two wants to get on board and play along in 2015. If interested, e-mail us at thereporter@comcast.net. Until next year…

Last week: Playoffs: Regular season: Total 2014: Lifetime:

MVP Ken Karrson Jeff Vorva 6-4 8-2 39-11 44-6 67-19 68-18 106-30 112-24 215-61(78 percent) 217-59(79 percent)

Anthony Nasella 7-3 27-23 56-30 83-53 181-95(66 percent)

Jason Maholy Wally Findysz 8-2 7-3 36-14 40-10 67-19 61-25 103-33 101-35 212-64(77 percent) 207-69(75 percent)

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2 Section 2 Thursday, December 4, 2014 Girls’ basketball roundup

The Regional News - The Reporter

Chargers still searching for offense By Anthony Nasella Despite coming up empty in three games at the Hinsdale South Tournament, Stagg managed to catch coach Bill Turner's eye with its defensive progress. However, the Chargers' offense isn't yet drawing the same kind of positive notice. It was virtually nonexistent, in fact, in losses to Hinsdale Central (49-27 on Tuesday), Neuqua Valley (56-34 on Friday) and SouthWest Suburban Conference Blue rival Sandburg (58-33 on Saturday). Against the Red Devils, for example, Stagg never scored in double digits in any quarter. Turnovers (27) and errant shooting (9-of-35) were dual banes for the Chargers, who were down by 16 at halftime. Hinsdale Central also profited from a 44-25 rebounding edge that included 22 on the offensive side. "It seemed like we were always playing defense, [but] we were still able to hold them down to 49 points despite being out-rebounded," Turner said. Senior forward Mia DiGiacomo paced Stagg with eight points and five rebounds. Senior guard Alex Abed had four points and six steals and junior forward Michelle Rentauskas added four points. The story was the same versus

Neuqua Valley, which was ahead by 21 (37-16) after 16 minutes on Friday. Playing on basically even terms in the second half didn't do Stagg any good, at least beyond lifting spirits. DiGiacomo registered 18 points and eight rebounds in a losing cause, but there was little offensive input past that. Noor Elmosa and Kate Adams each passed out three assists. “I thought we did a nice job of getting the ball inside and shot well from the free-throw line, going 11-of-15,” Turner said. “[But] we had over double the turnovers of our opponent and having to play all of those extra possessions on the defensive end will take its toll on you over the long haul. “Playing the top-ranked teams that we have early on has caused some frustration. Hopefully, we can learn from these early games and improve in those areas. The effort is there; now it is a matter of execution.” The Chargers ran into a redhot shooting Sandburg team in the final game at Hinsdale. The Eagles prospered behind 10 3-point baskets and a 14-of-16 display at the stripe. “When a team hits that many 3-point field goals and shoots as well they did from the line,

there is not much you can do other than tip your cap,” Turner said. “We did not come away with a victory at the tourney, but I think we have definitely improved on the defensive end of the floor. Now we need to make some progress on offense.” Sam Youngwirth and Victoria Stavropoulos tallied 14 and 13 points, respectively, on Sandburg's behalf. Abed tried to answer for Stagg with a pair of 3-point buckets and 11 points in all, but neither her contributions nor those of junior guard Erin O'Leary (seven points) and DiGiacomo (six) were enough to prevent an unfavorable outcome for the Chargers. “Both Alex and Erin played well in the backcourt for us,” Turner said. “Hopefully, we will begin to get some balanced scoring on a regular basis. The schedule does not get any easier with Mother McAuley up next, followed by Andrew, Homewood-Flossmoor and Lincoln-Way East.” SANDBURG Besides the win over Stagg, the Eagles also notched victories over Plainfield South (71-53 on Monday) and St. Ignatius (52-44 on Friday) in the Hinsdale South Tournament.

Youngwirth and Stavropoulos were a dynamic 1-2 punch for Sandburg versus Plainfield as they teamed up to score 51 points, 29 of them coming from Youngwirth. Youngwirth poured in 20 more against the Wolfpack and Jess Merino supported her with 19 points. MARIST Also going 3-0 last week were the RedHawks, who improved to 6-0 on the season. Marist's latest triumphs came in its own Tip-Off Classic against Rich Central (5029 on Tuesday), Kenwood Academy (65-46 on Wednesday) and Crete-Monee (58-56 in Friday's title game). Sandburg transfer Julie Ruzevich hit a putback to push the RedHawks past the Warriors. The rebound was one of six pulled down by Ruzevich. Scoring leaders for Marist were Tehya Fortune (14 points), Katie Houbolt (13) and Dajae Black (10). Each member of that trio also made her presence felt at other times. Houbolt equaled Claire Austin's total versus the Olympians as both girls netted 11 points, while Black (15 points) and Fortune (13) headlined on offense against Kenwood. SHEPARD Not so fortunate as Marist

and Sandburg were the Astros, who went 1-2 last week at the Lyons Township Tournament. Shepard's win came against DePaul Prep, 62-55, on Saturday. Before that the Astros (1-3) fell short versus Downers Grove South (54-28) and the host Lions (61-24) on Tuesday and Friday, respectively. Abby Newsome was Shepard's top scorer against both the Mustangs (seven points) and Lyons (10). She dropped in 19 points and doled out six assists opposite the Rams, but also aiding the Astros' cause in their victory was Jenny Payne, who recorded a double-double of 22 points and 10 boards. RICHARDS The Bulldogs placed third at The Bobby Bolton Classic after an 85-76 triumph over Eisenhower on Nov. 22. Richards (2-1) was ahead at each quarter stop. “I thought we were a little more relaxed coming out than in the previous game,” Bulldogs coach Jeff Kortz said. “It was a very fast-paced game and I was happy to see a lot of good things on the offensive side of the floor.” Leading the way for Richards on offense were Takesha Powell (21 points, nine assists, four rebounds), Sydni Tears (17 points, 14 rebounds), Andy Sonichsen

BARTOSH

Maybe my brain’s still a little fuzzy as I come off a lengthy holiday hiatus, but it seems to me as if the sports world has gotten even stranger than usual in the past several weeks. You may think I’m crazy myself, and there’s nothing I can do to prevent such an opinion. But hear me out on the following: • DIG ONE FOR THE GIPPER George Gipp hasn’t seen a football field in over 90 years; in fact, he really hasn’t seen anything for almost that long, an unfortunate by-product of death, which occurred for the fabled Notre Dame player in 1920 from a bout of pneumonia. But the Gipper was back in the news recently, and not because current Fighting Irish coach Charlie Weis trotted out his name as a motivational tool. As the Associated Press reported, two men who claim to be distant cousins of Gipp filed a lawsuit in a Michigan appellate court, citing “willful and wanton misconduct, trespass and nuisance” against parties who were involved in the exhumation of Gipp’s remains, including one man who is a proven great-nephew of the legendary ND star. The body had been removed to determine whether or not Gipp had once fathered a child out of wedlock. Seeing as how that “child” would now be 80 years old — or perhaps even deceased — the need-to-know aspect of this whole thing escapes me. It’s much too late to be asking for support checks, and even inheritance issues would be pretty hazy at this late juncture. Nevertheless, the Michigan Court of Appeals upheld the act as lawful, despite the fact that the remains of Gipp’s sister, Bertha, were apparently disturbed during the exhumation. Ground being dug up evidently isn’t grounds for legal action, and the plaintiffs’ attorney said brothers Ron and Karl Gipp will not fight the decision handed down in Michigan. Ron and Karl may still be mad at the gravediggers, but it sounds as if they had plans to become grave robbers and somehow benefit financially from an 89-yearold death. Why, the mere thought of such a ploy would probably cause George to turn over in his final resting place, now that he’s been returned there. • GO AHEAD — DRINK AND DIVE IN Jesus was able to turn water into wine. Now, the Freixenet Group wants to intertwine those two liquid entities again. The Spanish wine maker will still rely on a less miraculous production method, but it has chosen to use Spain’s national synchronized swim team as spokesmen for its creation, an unusual marketing marriage, to say the least. This certainly isn’t Cal Ripken hawking milk or Mean

Joe Greene downing a soda. Freixenet has previously used actors and others in the entertainment industry for its spots, but moving into the realm of sports is troubling. Athletes who are still active — and, yes, synchronized swimmers do slip in under that umbrella — have no business promoting an alcoholic beverage. I guess the folks at Freixenet didn’t stop and think about the kind of ill-advised message they’re sending to impressionable types with their promotional campaign. Charles Barkley, a.k.a. “The Round Mound of Let’s Have Another Round,” served up a recent reminder of liquor’s negative qualities with his DUI arrest. Yes, Barkley was driving, not swimming — or, in his case, bobbing — but entering the water with booze in one’s system doesn’t rate as a particularly cagey move, either. Spain’s synchronized swimmers may not actually do so, but you just know some idiots will think it’s cool to try it once they see the ads. Since none of us qualifies as an omniscient deity, I suggest we make sure wine and water stay separate. • THE GAME OF STRIFE Think “Milton Bradley,” and a slew of board games spring to mind. For the Cubs’ sake, I hope their Milton Bradley doesn’t start playing any of his bored games next summer. Chicago’s signing of the mercurial outfielder can be viewed in a couple different ways. Optimists undoubtedly hope his fiery demeanor will liven up a Cubs clubhouse that, according to frequent visitors there, often displayed as much spunk as George Gipp, circa 2009. However, pessimists will likely see it as an unnecessary move made by a desperate team. The Cubs need to stop worrying — as soon as they went into the dumper in October and officially sealed a championship-less century for themselves, the pressure was off. A world title in ’09 would be welcomed, of course, by the North Siders’ loyal band of acolytes, but the impact of 100 years of futility won’t be completely removed or forgotten even if that happens. And, as he has shown all too often, Bradley falls well short of being recognized as a steadying influence. When given too much time to think, Bradley’s mind tends to drift, and his actions follow close behind. At his best, Bradley seems to be an explosion waiting to happen; at his worst, he’s uncontrollable and a liability to his team, no matter how many homers he hits. Bradley would have been a perfect fit for the Cubs’ 2004 squad, which featured a disproportionate share of loose cannons. And we all remember how that season wound up. Do you think it’s too late for me to go back and revisit Christmas a while longer?

MOTHER MCAULEY Libertyville defeated the Mighty Macs 48-43 on Saturday at the Buffalo Grove Tournament. Tara O’Malley notched a team-high 11 points for Mother McAuley (2-4). EVERGREEN PARK The Mustangs dropped a 44-31 decision to Immaculate Conception at the IC Tournament last Tuesday. Megan Pfister scored a team-high 11 points for Evergreen Park. OAK LAWN The Spartans were defeated by Downers Grove North 53-41 last Monday at the Glenbard East Tournament. Brianna Markusic scored a game-best 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead Oak Lawn (1-2).

Message from the mayor

’Tis the season to be goofy

Reprinted from Jan. 15, 2009

(11 points, six rebounds), Kennedy Brister (nine points, seven rebounds), Halee Barker (nine points), Nadia Shehadeh (nine points) and Brianna Kuchsenny (six points, 11 rebounds). “I was pleased with our scoring and our ability to knock down shots and get to the rim,” Kortz said. “It was good to see our younger kids having some success early and also our returning players doing a nice job of getting us going and providing leadership.”

New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann, a former police chief in Chicago Ridge, gives his congratulations to the Providence Catholic football team (background) on Monday for winning the Illinois High School Association’s Class 7A state championship.

Photo by Steve Nauhaus

Hinsdale/Lyons Twp. Tournament

Hinsdale is no oasis By Ken Karrson

Drivers on Interstate-294 recognize those buildings positioned over the road at various intervals and stretching the width of the expressway. Nicknamed “oasis” stops, they represent a chance for travelers to refresh themselves if the need arises. One of the sites is located in Hinsdale. But that town offered no sanctuary to a Sandburg basketball team moving cautiously into a new season. Veteran coach Todd Allen wanted to test his Eagles right away and they certainly got that in their first two outings of the 2014-15 campaign. And a shorter-than-usual Sandburg bunch was unable to handle those early trials. Hinsdale Central, which boasted five fall-season state championship teams and has its boys’ basketball squad ranked among the Chicagoland area’s top 20, forced a slew of Eagles mistakes at the beginning of last Monday’s opener and used those as the springboard to a 74-61 victory. Hinsdale South was no kinder to Sandburg the next day as it administered a 73-58 setback. But before things spun too far out of control, the Eagles righted themselves. Shifting from the Hinsdale portion of the Thanksgiving tournament to an encounter against an opponent coming out of Lyons Township, Sandburg had better luck. It downed Argo 50-36 on Friday and then squared its ledger at 2-2 on Saturday with a 54-38 conquest of Glenbard North, which was part of yet another western-suburban hoops event. The rapid turnaround in fortunes gave Allen and his players at least a slight sense of satisfaction. “It was a tough tournament, so we weren’t too disappointed,” Allen said. “This is the smallest team I’ve had in 10 years — at times we had four guys under 6 feet on the floor — so we had our work cut out for us. We’re playing 10 guys trying to find the right combination. “We’re doing a good job of

sharing the basketball and different guys have stepped up. It’s nice when guys can come off the bench and contribute. It makes for competitive practices and [helps because] injuries and foul trouble always creep up during the season.” Competitive is something the Eagles weren’t at the outset versus Hinsdale Central, which forced three Sandburg turnovers in as many possessions and a total of eight during the opening period. “We started out absolutely horrendous,” Allen said. “We had [some] guys playing their first varsity game against a highly rated opponent and we were just real nervous. If that Hinsdale Central game had turned into a blowout, it might have taken a different turn [for us later in the week].” But while the Red Devils were never seriously threatened, they also were unable to run away and hide from the Eagles despite the presence of two 6-7 players in the Hinsdale lineup. The Devils were up by 18 after three periods, but Sandburg sliced its deficit as low as eight points during the final stanza. “We could never get over the hump, where we could get it to a two-possession game,” Allen said. “[But] we scored 31 points in 17 possessions and we forced them to take a couple timeouts. That showed we can battle. “I was pretty happy with our effort. I thought we showed some good poise and resiliency in coming back against a very good team.” The Eagles wound up being charged with two-dozen turnovers, but just two of those occurred in the last eight minutes. Niko Kogionis tallied 19 points to lead three Sandburg players in double figures.

Joining him there were Tommy Demogerontas (12 points, four rebounds) and Peter Paxinos (10 points, four assists). Right behind Paxinos was Alec Martinez (nine points, four assists). The Eagles canned 12of-21 3s to offset Hinsdale’s impressive 11-of-20 display, but the former’s success rate dipped considerably in two-point terri-

Sandburg 54 Glenbard North 38 Paxinos (15 points), Kogionis (12) and Demogerontas (11) and Kristijan Ristovski (nine) were the headliners as the Eagles completed their tournament stay with a victory over the Panthers on Saturday. Once again Sandburg did measureable damage from long distance as it buried 9-of-21 3-balls. Its turnover total was a manageable 13. The Eagles actually fell behind 9-0 before gaining their footing, but from there they pretty much had control of the proceedings. “We knew they had some guys who can shoot it,” Allen said of Glenbard North, which netted all of those early points on 3-point “It was the difference in ag- baskets. “But we regrouped.” gressiveness and them attacking Sandburg has time to work on the basket [more],” he said. “We any of its shortcomings as its did a very poor job of keeping next game won’t be until Dec. 12, them out of the lane. We were when it begins SouthWest Subreaching too much and picking urban Conference against Joliet Central. A matchup with Linup fouls. “We’re not good enough to coln-Way East, originally slated have a 38-point defense in the for Friday, has been rescheduled first half and expect to win too for Dec. 22 at the United Center. many games.” Allen also felt too many of the Statistics Eagles’ possessions were rushed and resulted in lower-percent- Sandburg 8 10 12 31 - 61 age shots. Although Sandburg Hinsdale Central 16 16 16 26 - 74 again drilled a dozen 3-pointers, 31 tries were required to do so Sandburg Scoring: Kogionis 19, Demoand the Eagles made good on gerontas 12, Paxinos 10, Martinez 9, just 39 percent of their shots Ristovski 6, Hyde 3, Razik 2. Rebounds: overall. Demogerontas 4. Assists: Martinez 4, Kogionis (18 points) and Paxinos 4. Demogerontas (13 points, four rebounds) were Sandburg’s no- Sandburg 8 14 19 17 - 58 tables in defeat. Hinsdale South 21 17 15 20 - 73 Sandburg 50 Argo 36 Sandburg Scoring: Kogionis 18, Demo A 17-6 scoring edge in the gerontas 13, Abed 9, Paxinos 7, Martithird quarter on Friday allowed nez 5, Razik 3, Kotsogiannis 2, McLin the Eagles to break open what 1. Rebounds: Abed 4, Demogerontas 4. had been a close contest and Assists: Martinez 6. pull away from the Argonauts. Sandburg’s advantage grew as Argo 8 5 6 17 - 36 big as 22 points during the Sandburg 11 8 17 14 - 50 fourth period. “The difference for us was Sandburg Scoring: Kogionis 19, Kotsogidefensively,” Allen said. “We annis 10, Demogerontas 7, Paxinos 7, did a good job challenging their Abed 2, McLin 2, Razik 2, Martinez 1. shooters and stopping their dribble penetration. It was good to Sandburg 17 19 8 10 - 54 get on the board [with a win].” Glenbard North 13 10 8 7 - 38 Kogionis tossed in 19 points and Teddy Kotsogiannis scored Sandburg Scoring: Paxinos 15, Kogionis 10 to lift the Eagles, who over- 12, Demogerontas 11, Ristovski 9, Marcame 4-of-11 foul shooting. tinez 5, Kotsogiannis 2. tory and they got out-rebounded 23-14. Hinsdale South 73 Sandburg 58 Another stumble out of the gate marred the Eagles’ performance last Tuesday as they fell behind 21-8 and never really recovered. Unlike in the opener, Allen wasn’t enamored of Sandburg’s intensity, which he thought “would have carried over from Monday.” Proof of the Eagles’ emotional drop-off could be found in the two teams’ free-throw disparity — while Sandburg went 8-of-12 at the stripe the Hornets converted 27-of-32 attempts. But Allen didn’t fault officials for the sizable difference.

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, December 4, 2014 Section 2

Oak Lawn Tournament

The comforts of home

Spartans runner-up at own holiday event By Ken Karrson A year ago all Oak Lawn basketball players had to think about during Thanksgiving week was how much food they could pile onto their Thursday dinner plates. This time around the Spartans had to be a bit more selective about their eating habits. After all, they couldn’t afford to get stuffed and just lie around until the feelings of fullness passed. Unlike in the fall of 2013 Oak Lawn didn’t skip Thanksgiving tournament play; in fact coach Jason Rhodes went one step beyond as he had the Spartans host their own event last week. And for the most part it was a decision that was rewarded. Oak Lawn didn’t claim the championship of its tourney; Reavis did that by beating the Spartans 44-33 in Friday’s finale, but even then Oak Lawn displayed encouraging signs. None was more illustrative than the Rams’ 32 percent shooting. Amazingly, that level of accuracy was the highest the Spartans allowed all week. Goode Academy, Hubbard and Evergreen Park all failed to reach 30 percent against them. “That was the best thing about it,” Rhodes said of his club’s fourgame stint. “Our half-court, manto-man defense was very good. We played horribly three of the four quarters versus Reavis [so] to be in it with some of the statistical discrepancies that there were was something positive. “There’s plenty of work to do, but if we continue to play defense like that we’re going to stay in games.” That much was proved against the Rams, who needed a 16-3 run in the final period to bag the victory and title. Reavis benefited from a 19-6 advantage in attempted free throws in the contest. “There were a couple chargeblock deals that didn’t go our way,” Rhodes said. “We [then] went into a big-time funk in the fourth quarter.” Except for its defensive effort, Oak Lawn wasn’t exactly operating on high before that. It committed three fewer turnovers than the Rams, but Reavis more than made up for that slight differential by holding a commanding 46-24 edge on the glass and limiting the Spartans to a 26 percent success rate from the floor. Oak Lawn was credited with just four assists. “You have to play the right way or else things aren’t going to work out,” Rhodes said. “The right way for us is everybody touches the ball on almost every possession and the ball was not popping. Our shot selection was awful — it was almost like we were taking ‘my turn’ shots and weren’t making [the Rams] play defense.” The one bright spot for the Spartans was a third quarter in which they outscored Reavis 17-4 and inched ahead by a deuce. “[But] we couldn’t continue that and I don’t know why,” Rhodes said. “[The Rams] just played tougher than we did in this game.” Rashad Johnson tallied 14 points for Oak Lawn, but no one else reached double figures. Joe Cosenza finished with eight, all of them coming after halftime, and Josh Prince snared eight rebounds. Oak Lawn 47 Evergreen Park 34 Of the Spartans’ three tourney wins, there’s no doubt which was the most satisfying. That would have been last Wednesday’s conquest of the neighboring Mustangs, who did not top nine points in any of the first three quarters. Oak Lawn’s Leo Nelson did that himself in the opening stanza as a pair of 3-pointers led to a

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10-point output. He totaled 16 points and seven rebounds for the game, while Cosenza contributed 13 points and eight boards. Cosenza drilled a trio of 3s as the Spartans sank 7-of-20 shots from beyond the arc. Oak Lawn assisted on 15 of its 17 baskets and was a bit better than Evergreen on the glass (3933). The latter team made good on only 28 percent of its fieldgoal tries. “Nobody played well,” Mustangs coach Pat Flannigan said, referring to members of his squad. “We had a poor shooting night and didn’t get a lot of production from our bigs. We need to be a better offensive-rebounding team — when we miss a jump shot we have to get four kids crashing the boards. “I knew we were going to be in for a battle, but we didn’t play with a whole lot of fire. Oak Lawn definitely played harder than us without a doubt — their kids were still busting their tails in the last minute trying to stop us.” Flannigan had attempted to light an emotional fire under his guys, reminding them of the way Evergreen’s 2013-14 campaign ended. The Spartans beat the Mustangs in both clubs’ regular-season finale and then the latter fell in the first round of the playoffs. “The [Oak Lawn] game last year was the difference between us having a winning record and losing record,” Flannigan said. “We used all of that [as motivation]. We had a chance to put ourselves in the [tournament] championship game, so that was the one game I was really disappointed in.” Understandably, Rhodes didn’t share his counterpart’s opinion of the outcome. “I was a little concerned going into that one because Evergreen was playing zone [defense],” he said. “They’re long and they play pretty high in the 2-3, and man offense is ahead of zone offense this early. But we were solid. We played under control and just kept building [our lead]. “We saw Evergreen play two games before us and our guys paid pretty close attention. They’re always jacked up to play a [South Suburban] conference team and we felt pretty good as a coaching staff. It was a good win.” Oak Lawn 68 Goode Academy 38 The Spartans’ Chicago Public League foe hung with them in last Monday’s season-opener until late in the second quarter. That’s when Oak Lawn embarked on a game-changing 12-0 run that put it in front to stay. Three-pointers by Nelson and Cosenza sparked the surge and the Spartans also benefited from a 10-of-11 exhibition at the charity stripe during the period. Oak Lawn went 20-of-29 at the line for the game and also bettered Goode in every other major statistical area, including field-goal shooting (42 percent to 27), rebounding (42-20) and turnovers (16-22). “There were some opening-night jitters,” Rhodes said. “We were still figuring out how we want to play — are we going to share the ball or be a little selfish?” Prince paced the Spartans with 14 points, but Johnson (11) and Cosenza (10) joined him in double digits. Nelson narrowly missed, but his eight points were complemented by a team-high 10 rebounds. Oak Lawn 64 Hubbard 43 Whatever hopes the Greyhounds had of topping the Spartans got dashed in the second period of last Tuesday’s encounter as Oak Lawn used a 27-10 blitz to seize command. Nine free throws were a part of that eruption. The Spartans were guilty of a higher-than-desired 21 miscues, but those got offset by a 44-25 edge on the boards — which included 14 offensive rebounds — and Hubbard’s 29 percent shooting. That field-goal percentage languished 17 points below Oak Lawn’s mark. Prince (20 points, 10 rebounds) and Nelson (16 points, eight rebounds) were an effective 1-2 punch for the Spartans, who also received nine points from Cosenza. “I’m glad we did it,” Rhodes said of being the tourney host. “It was a good experience for our guys. It was nice not having to travel and the games were later [in the day], so we got in some mini-practices.” Evergreen Park 44 Morgan Park Academy 39 The Mustangs shrugged off their loss to Oak Lawn well enough to take down the Warriors on Friday behind a big performance from senior Isaac Matthews (18 points, nine rebounds, three steals). Horton Kamron added 10 points as Evergreen overcame 37 percent shooting and 19 turnovers to prevail.

Those latter two numbers represented a main reason why Flannigan was not overjoyed following the triumph. “We were hoping to be 3-1, but it didn’t have a good feel,” he said. “That scares me a little bit. “We didn’t play well the last two games. It was just a perfect storm of stuff against Oak Lawn [where] a lot of bad things happened and we just didn’t have life [versus MPA]. There were just a handful of people [in the stands] and we weren’t excited on the bench. “We keep preaching they have to enjoy playing high school basketball because it disappears quickly on you. But it was like they just weren’t interested.” Evergreen Park 61 Goode Academy 26 Limiting Goode to nine first-half points, the Mustangs registered a resounding victory last Tuesday. Evergreen’s defense was stellar as it produced 10 steals and seven blocks; complementing those numbers were 66 percent shooting from two-point territory and a 19-of-24 effort at the foul line. Matthews and Joe Moran both dropped in 10 points for the Mustangs, Kamron scored eight and four other players had at least five. Evergreen Park 68 Hubbard 58 Moran supplied the Mustangs with strong all-around play against the Greyhounds in last Monday’s season opener as he totaled 17 points, six rebounds and four steals. His defensive handiwork also included eight deflections which led to some more of Evergreen’s 11 thefts. Matthews was a stalwart as well as he registered 16 points, 13 rebounds and four assists, while Tyler Sorbellini deposited three 3s and finished with 11 points. The Mustangs posted a field-goal percentage of 45, buried 23 free throws and grabbed 46 rebounds. Matthews is a returning all-area player and Evergreen’s unquestioned top gun, but despite his stats against Hubbard he has not yet settled into a rhythm. While Flannigan waits for that to occur, he is urging others to make their presences felt. “I’m sure he’ll get to where we need him to be, but we need someone to step up until he gets into midseason form,” Flannigan said. “[The younger guys] haven’t had a whole lot of success [at the lower levels], but we told them, ‘Don’t worry about failing — just go and do it.’ They need to start believing in themselves like the coaches believe in them. “We’re happy to be 3-1, but we think we can get better. We’ve got to learn how to win [consistently].”

Statistics Goode Academy 9 15 8 6 - 38 Oak Lawn 12 24 15 17 - 68 Oak Lawn Scoring: Prince 14, Johnson 11, Cosenza 10, Nelson 8, Alvarado 6, Richardson 6, Smith 4, Khater 3, Alshaikh 2, Ramirez 2, Wiltzius 2. Rebounds: nelson 10. Assists: Alshaikh 3, Alvarado 3. Hubbard Oak Lawn

7 10 17 9 - 43 12 27 11 14 - 64

ak Lawn Scoring: Prince 20, Nelson 16, O Cosenza 9, Johnson 6, Khater 6, Abassi 2, Alvarado 2, Wiltzius 2, Alshaikh 1. Rebounds: Prince 10, Nelson 8. Assists: Alvarado 3. Evergreen Park Oak Lawn

9 6 6 13 - 34 13 11 13 10 - 47

ak Lawn Scoring: Nelson 16, Cosenza O 13, Alvarado 4, Smith 4, Alshaikh 3, Prince 3, Khater 2, Wiltzius 2. Rebounds: Cosenza 8, Khater 8, Nelson 7. Assists: Alvarado 4. Steals: Alvarado 4. Reavis 16 8 4 16 - 44 Oak Lawn 7 6 17 3 - 33 Oak Lawn Scoring: Johnson 14, Cosenza 8, Alshaikh 4, Nelson 3, Prince 2, Richardson 2. Rebounds: Prince 8. MP Academy 11 5 6 17 - 39 Evergreen Park 6 12 11 15 - 44 Evergreen Park Scoring: Matthews 18, Kamron 10, Hannah 5, Brown 4, Langston 2, Ford 2, Sorbellini 2, Pritchett 1. Rebounds: Matthews 9. Assists: Moran 2, Sorbellini 2. Steals: Matthews 3. Goode Academy 5 4 7 10 - 26 Evergreen Park 18 12 17 14 - 61 Evergreen Park Scoring: Matthews 10, Moran 10, Kamron 8, Ford 7, Sorbellini 7, Hannah 5, Pritchett 5, Langston 4, Brown 2, Smith 2, Issaka 1. Rebounds: Langston 5. Assists: Matthews 5. Steals: Brown 2, Smith 2. Blocks: Pritchett 3. Hubbard Evergreen Park

11 10 17 20 - 58 15 12 23 18 - 68

E vergreen Park Scoring: Moran 17, Matthews 16, Sorbellini 11, Brown 9, Ford 6, Kamron 4, Pritchett 3, Hannah 2. Rebounds: Matthews 13, Pritchett 9. Assists: Matthews 4. Steals: Moran 4.

Photos by Jeff Vorva

St. Xavier University’s Dan Fitzgerald (21) saves the Cougars by recovering Cortez Barber’s fumble in their own end zone for a touchback last Saturday afternoon. Lindsey Wilson College’s failure to score there haunted it later as it suffered a 30-17 loss in an NAIA quarterfinal.

Cougars

(Continued from page 1) I was thinking." “We had seen on film they ran overload a lot on their punt-block [scheme],” Feminis said of the Blue Raiders. “If the situation presented itself, we were going to go for it and we told Scalzetti, ‘If you’ve got it, take it.’ It’s something we practice and guys believe in what we do. “Here was the irony — when we were fourth-and-1, they didn’t give us that look. They gave us a balanced look and we were going to kick, but after the delay-ofgame [penalty against us] they went to the overload. It was a huge play and that stuck a pin in the balloon I think.” Feminis felt Lindsey Wilson had generated momentum before that by reducing what had once been a 27-3 deficit on Branden Cresap touchdown passes of 24 and 5 yards to Chaz Barnes and Emilio Gonzales, respectively. The Blue Raiders were 1 yard shy of 400 for the day, but Feminis gave his defense high marks anyway. “Our defense really played well against an outstanding offense,” he said. “We put some good pressure on them all day. It’s a different game [these days] — the fast-paced offense is a little ahead of defenses right now. “I've told our defensive guys, ‘I don’t want you to even look at stats anymore because they can be so misleading.’ You don’t get style points. My only concern is who has more points on the scoreboard at the end.” The Blue Raiders were on the verge of scoring TDs a couple other times, but Mark Williams’ red-zone interception and Dan Fitzgerald’s fumble recovery in his own end zone for a touchback ruined those chances. SXU also turned the ball over twice inside Lindsey Wilson’s 25, but the hosts were working with a lead when that occurred. The Cougars tallied three times in the opening half, with John Rhode firing touchdown passes in each instance. Hauling in the scoring throws were Austin Feeney (34 yards), Stephen Simms (6 yards) and Mark Strbjak (6 yards). Randall Wells provided a 56-yard TD reception in the third period to create a 27-3 cushion at that juncture. Rhode, chosen the game’s Offensive MVP, spearheaded an SXU attack that amassed 532 total yards. Simms (eight catches, 95 yards) was his favorite target, while four Cougars running backs rushed for at least 41 yards, a quartet led by Mike Ivlow (12 carries, 61 yards).

Quarterback John Rhode threw for 298 yards and four touchdowns last Saturday afternoon to help St. Xavier University beat Lindsey Wilson College 30-17 in an NAIA quarterfinal at Bruce R. Deaton Field. Williams and Fitzgerald, named the Defensive MVP, were day-long ringleaders on the prevention side, with the former registering a team-best 10 solo stops, two assists and one tackle for loss to go along with his interception, two pass breakups and a forced fumble. Fitzgerald (two solos, four assists) also picked off a pass and broke up another, while Danny Lombardo chipped in with six solos, two assists and one breakup. SXU defenders will get severely tested by Southern Oregon, which overcame an 18-point fourth-quarter deficit in blizzard conditions on the road to beat Carroll for the second time this season. The visitors will be led by quarterback Austin Dodge, a player Feminis says may be the country’s finest at the NAIA level and who is at the controls of a relentless offense. “They are an offensive juggernaut,” Feminis said of Southern Oregon. “They have not scored less than 31 points in a game since 2011. They also had 660 yards against Carroll.” The other semifinal contest will pit Marian University, a 34-6 winner over Grand View, against Morningside, which boasts an offense that has averaged over 50 points per game this fall.

Statistics Lindsey Wilson St. Xavier

3 0 8 6 - 17 14 7 6 3 - 30

First downs Yds. rushing Yds. passing Total yds. Att./comp. Fumbles/lost Had intercepted Penalties/yds. Punts/avg.

LWC SXU 24 28 124 234 275 298 399 532 47-24 28-22 1-1 0-0 2 2 5-52 10-78 2-20 1-46

Scoring LWC — Caleb Keeton 25 field goal SXU — Austin Feeney 34 pass from John Rhode (Abdul Mahdi kick) SXU — Stephen Simms 6 pass from Rhode (Mahdi kick) SXU — Mark Strbjak 6 pass from Rhode (Mahdi kick) SXU — Randall Wells 56 pass from Rhode (kick blocked) LWC — Chaz Barnes 24 pass from Branden Cresap (Barnes pass from Cresap) LWC — Emilio Gonzales 5 pass from Cresap (pass failed) SXU — Mahdi 33 field goal St. Xavier Rushing: Ivlow 12-61, Ferguson 13-45, Simms 7-41, Carroll 2-41, Rhode 11-25, Scalzetti 1-22, Wells 1-(-1). Passing: Rhode 28-22-298. Receiving: Simms 8-95, Strbjak 4-25, Wells 3-73, DeBenedetti 3-19, Carroll 2-46, Feeney 2-40.

SXU sports summary

Three student-athletes honored for academics The term “student-athlete” certainly applies to three individuals involved with sports programs at St. Xavier University. Ann Kolker and Amanda Magee, two members of the Cougars women’s cross country team, and soccer player Rachel Didier were all named Daktronics/NAIA Scholar-Athletes when the awards were announced last week. In order to be considered, student-athletes must be nominated by an institution’s head coach or sports information director, carry a minimum 3.5 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale and have attained at least junior academic status.

Kolker and Magee were among just 340 runners nationwide to be feted in their sport. Kolker, a junior, boasts a perfect 4.0 cumulative GPA while working toward a degree in communication sciences and disorders. Senior Magee owns a 3.615 GPA and is completing her course work in nursing. The women helped SXU place fifth in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Championships on Nov. 8 in

Elgin. Didier, a junior defender, was among 578 women’s soccer players across the country to be recognized for her classroom achievements. Didier, who started 14 of the Cougars’ 18 matches this fall, carries a 3.545 GPA in nursing. MEN'S BASKETBALL The Cougars didn’t go away hungry from their own Thanksgiving tournament, but on Saturday at least some of what SXU coach Tom O’Malley might have been chewing on was his own fingernails. That’s because the Cougars, after defeating the University of Rio Grande (OH) 83-70 on (Continued on page 4)

Section 2

Thursday, December 4, 2014 The Regional News - The Reporter

John McBride Classic

Lamb leads the slaughter

MVP helps Vikings capture tournament crown By Ken Karrson

Talking it out

Photo by Jeff Vorva

St. Xavier University coach Mike Feminis has a discussion with game officials during a 10-plus-minute delay during last Saturday’s NAIA quarterfinal against Lindsey Wilson College. A penalty called on the Blue Raiders after they had successfully executed a fake punt caused confusion as the chains had already been moved. SXU sports information director Rob Huizenga was called down from the press box to confirm the original line of scrimmage, plus down and distance.

Community Sports News Evergreen bowlers play to tie

Not many sporting events end in a draw, but last week’s bowling matchup between Evergreen Park and Bremen did so. The Mustangs and Braves battled to a 1,791-1,791 tie at Oak Forest Bowl. Jacob Ottenfeld and Isaiah Colon paced Evergreen as they recorded a 250 high game and 468 high series, respectively. Leading Bremen were Matt Woods (236 high game) and Russell Deer (385 series).

Moraine looking for basketball alumni

Moraine Valley College is reaching out to its former basketball players. In celebration of the school’s new basketball courts and Health, Fitness and Recreation Center, the Cyclones are inviting anyone who has played for either the men’s or women’s hoops program over the past 35 years to attend a basketball doubleheader on Jan. 17. The first game will begin at 1 p.m. and a reception will be held at the conclusion of the second contest. In addition, athletic director Bill Finn will name Moraine’s all-decade teams. For more information, call 974-5727 or email NagelM3@morainevalley.edu.

Palos Stampede 13U team looking for players

Palos Stampede Baseball’s 13U team is looking for two Gold-level players to fill out its roster for the 2015 season. Pitching experience is a plus. Players must be 13 years of age by May 1. Winter workouts begin in early January. The Stampede play a competitive schedule that includes appearances in several tournaments, including one out-of-town event, and their main goal is preparing players for high school baseball. For more information or a private tryout, contact Dan Szykowny at 906-7148 or dannyszy@ yahoo.com.

SPBL seeking players

Online registration for Oak Lawn baseball, softball

Oak Lawn Baseball and Softball is currently conducting online registration and accepting payment for the 2015 spring season. Registration in both sports is open to players aged 5-18. Visit www.oaklawnbaseball.com.

U.S. Baseball Academy returning to Oak Lawn

U.S. Baseball Academy, which operates a national network of affordable hitting, pitching, catching, fielding and base-running camps for players in grades 1-12, will be returning to Oak Lawn High School for a winter session. The session is scheduled to run Jan. 4-Feb. 15 under the direction of Spartans head coach Bill Gerny. Registration is now underway at www.USBaseballAcademy.com and will conclude approximately six weeks before

the beginning of the session, although last year’s camp filled up before that. For more information, visit the website or call 1-866-6224487.

Moraine looking for basketball alumni

Palos Stampede 13U team looking for players

SPBL seeking players

Forget this gentle-as-a-lamb stuff. St. Laurence’s Lamb, first name Rich, is anything but pacifistic. Not that he’s looking for trouble, but the Vikings’ senior forward isn’t going to avoid a battle, either. Nor are a number of his teammates. “I wouldn’t want to get in a fight with a lot of those guys,” first-year St. Laurence coach Jim Maley said of his players. “The key thing is we’ve got kids who are tough [and] they play with a chip on their shoulder. “[Lamb] is probably 6-1, isn’t that athletic and is one of those guys you look at and say, ‘How did he do that?’ But I’d rather have 6-foot and tough than 6-6 and soft.” Lamb was tough enough — and good enough — to earn MVP honors at the season-opening John McBride Classic last week. He averaged nearly 16 points per game and over seven rebounds while helping St. Laurence secure its first championship at that Stagg-hosted event. And Lamb didn’t only catch the eye of his own coach. “It was the first time I didn’t ask the [other] coaches who the MVP should be,” Chargers boss John Daniels said. “Lamb’s a really nice player. In my opinion he was the glue — he rebounded, hit 3s, went to the rim and played defense. I was really impressed.” Daniels got a firsthand view of Lamb in action last Wednesday when his game-high 17 points lifted St. Laurence to a 72-51 triumph over Stagg. That was only a small slice of the Vikings’ achievements, however. They also knocked off Lindblom (70-62), Nazareth Academy (61-49) and Willowbrook (58-57) en route to the title, beating the latter on Saturday when Chris Carli received a Brett Risley pass and hit a basket with five seconds remaining. The Warriors had gone ahead with 15 seconds left, but Maley opted to forgo a timeout. “I’m not a big fan of calling a timeout [in that situation],” he said. “What am I going to draw up that’s going to work against a set defense? I’d rather go against a defense that’s scrambling.” Lamb totaled 21 points and seven boards for St. Laurence, while all-tourney selections Risley and Matt Gurgone added 18 and 10 points, respectively. Risley also had eight rebounds and four steals and took two charges. The Vikings were up by as many as 12 points in the first half but trailed by one in the late going before Gurgone buried a 3-pointer. Willowbrook’s Alonzo Verge (28 points) regained the advantage for his club with a floater, which set the stage for Carli’s heroics. The Vikings, whose cause was further aided by guard Quentin Forberg (six assists, three steals), out-rebounded the Warriors 25-18 while shooting 54 percent from the floor and 80 percent at the foul line. “We’re pretty excited,” Maley said. “We went into this tournament thinking we could win it, [but] I think it’s huge [to do so].

The Southside Pony Baseball League is seeking players aged 13 and 14 for the 2015 season. Players must be in grades 7-9 as of May 1. All games will be played at the Spartan Athletic Complex in Oak Lawn. The season runs April through June. For more information, email (Continued from page 3) pony@oaklawnbaseball.com. To Friday, fell behind a one-win register, go to www.oaklawnMarygrove (Mich.) team by 19 baseball.com. points in the first half of Saturday’s encounter. A 17-6 run Online registration for to close out the session brought Oak Lawn baseball, softball SXU back into the hunt and it Oak Lawn Baseball and Soft- then used crack shooting both ball is currently conducting on- from the field (54 percent) and line registration and accepting at the foul line (26-of-28) after payment for the 2015 spring intermission to complete the season. comeback and bag a hard-fought Registration in both sports is 96-90 victory at the Shannon open to players aged 5-18. Visit Center. www.oaklawnbaseball.com. “It was a different tournament than I was expecting,” O’Malley said. “I think Rio U.S. Baseball Academy Grande was 6-1 coming in and returning to Oak Lawn I thought they were the bet U.S. Baseball Academy, which ter team, but Marygrove beat operates a national network Trinity Christian on Friday and of affordable hitting, pitching, really took it to us.” catching, fielding and base-run- Saving the day for the Couning camps for players in grades gars (5-2) was senior guard 1-12, will be returning to Oak Jack Krieger, whose 32-point Lawn High School for a winter outburst spearheaded SXU’s session. rally. Krieger’s career-high The session is scheduled to scoring effort was aided by a run Jan. 4-Feb. 15 under the di- perfect 15-of-15 exhibition at rection of Spartans head coach the free-throw line. The CouBill Gerny. Registration is now gars also excelled at the stripe underway at www.USBasebal- in the late going as they sank lAcademy.com and will conclude 8-of-10 shots to hold the Musapproximately six weeks before tangs at bay. the beginning of the session, “We shot about 80 free throws although last year’s camp filled over the weekend,” O’Malley up before that. said. “That shows we’re getting For more information, visit the ball to the basket.” the website or call 1-866-622- Joining Krieger in double fig4487. ures were junior guard Stanley

SXU

We’ve got to build that winning mentality and we’re trying to focus on what they can do, not what they can’t. “When I first got the job I thought it would be a much longer process, but it’s pretty good how much the kids have taken to what we’re trying to do. We want to create a buzz and get the students going and alumni coming back." According to Maley, those returning alumni have included some members of St. Laurence’s 2002-03 squad, which reached the supersectionals and was the last one to post a winning record. That team prospered without an acknowledged star and used a rotation featuring about eight interchangeable parts. “That’s kind of the recipe we’re trying to follow,” Maley said. St. Laurence 72 Stagg 51 The Chargers, long noted for their blue-collar approach to basketball, got beaten at their own game on Wednesday. The Vikings shot 54 percent, held an edge in rebounding and received contributions from a number of athletes. Besides Lamb, that group included Risley (12 points), Christian Ferrer (11), Kevin Aderman (eight), Forberg (six assists) and Gurgone (five steals, four rebounds). “We use the term ‘junkyard dogs’ and we say we’ve got to win the junkyard-dog battle every game we play,” Maley said. “Brett Risley has taken six charges [so far] — a charge is a huge momentum changer and demoralizing for the other team. “We made Stagg work for everything they got.” He received no argument from his coaching counterpart in that regard. “Coach Maley did a great job of prepping his kids and they took it to us,” Daniels said. “They played harder than us and got to loose balls. They by far outworked us that day. “They took it to every team. Every kid who went on the floor for them busted his [behind]. They had that energy [and] I was just jealous.” Daniels had no qualms about presenting the championship trophy to St. Laurence on Saturday, but he did have one regret: that former Vikings coach Mark Sevedge wasn’t there to accept it. “This is nothing personal against Coach Maley — he’s a good coach and a good person and they deserved to win,” Daniels said. “Congratulations to St. Laurence, but you truly saw three years in the making of what Mark did. I thought their seniors did a great job and Mark did a great job of teaching them. “He did do things the right way and they didn’t give him a chance to finish what he started. St. Laurence never won here [before], but they always busted their butts.” Pacing Stagg in defeat was Josh Strama, one of five sophomores on the Chargers’ roster. He scored 14 points, two more than fellow sophomore John Contant, who augmented his performance with four assists

and three rebounds. St. Laurence 70 Lindblom 62 Lamb picked up two fouls in the first period against the Eagles and the Vikings were behind early, but Gurgone’s 32-point outburst and Dan Cummings’ solid defense on Lindblom’s Jordan Stewart enabled St. Laurence to register the victory. Risley finished with 14 points and eight boards and Forberg had 11 points and five assists while committing just two turnovers. The latter also nailed six straight free throws in the fourth frame, part of an 8-of-8 showing for him. St. Laurence 61 Nazareth Academy 49 A massive 38-20 rebounding differential, plus seven 3s and 18 deflections on the defensive end catapulted the Vikings to an easy win over the Roadrunners. Although the final margin was only 12 points, St. Laurence was ahead by 25 during the fourth stanza. Lamb’s double-double of 19 points and 14 rebounds keyed the Vikings, but Risley also supplied one (13 points, 10 rebounds) as well as five assists. Gurgone and Ferrer both tossed in nine points and the former combined with Forberg to distribute 10 more assists. St. Laurence limited Nazareth to single-digit production in both odd-numbered periods. Lindblom 59 Stagg 37 Normally a major factor in their own Thanksgiving affair, the Chargers struggled at the outset. Before falling to St. Laurence Stagg got roughed up by the Eagles, who caused 24 turnovers and held the hosts to a meager 28 percent success rate from the field. “They sped us up with their half-court press and we played their tempo,” Daniels said. “We missed eight layups and were 11of-22 on free throws. The first game everything went wrong. “We’re small, slow and inexperienced. The only thing we can control is how hard we play and I was extremely disappointed with our effort.” Strama’s 13 points topped the Chargers, but Jeff Goral and Contant backed him with nine and eight, respectively. The former also collected a team-high five rebounds. “It’s going to be one of those years where we’ve got to get better every day,” Daniels said. “I was very spoiled the last couple years. We had 43 wins and there were games that Max [Strus] took over, but we’re not one of the big powerhouses where we’re just going to reload. “It’s a pendulum and our goal is to compete this year and be good in February. We’re keeping an eye on the future, but I’m not going to mail it in. We’ll put the best kids out there, whether that kid’s a senior or a sophomore.” Willowbrook 68 Stagg 66 After being humbled in their first two tourney outings, the Chargers came within a whisker of defeating the Warriors on Friday. Stagg had four shots to either win or force overtime in the last 12 seconds but was unable to sink any of them, one of which was a tip.

Willowbrook won despite not moving in front until just 1:12 remained in the contest, doing so on a steal and layup. The Chargers held the Warriors to seven points in the first quarter while constructing an eight-point lead. Strama and Goral both scored 18 points for Stagg, Contant added 10 and Brett Stratinsky delivered nine points and seven rebounds. Stagg 71 Nazareth Academy 59 The Chargers finally bagged their first triumph on Saturday as they used a 20-point getaway to establish themselves versus the Roadrunners. Stagg outscored Nazareth in each of the remaining three frames as well. Strama (23 points) and Goral (14 points, seven rebounds) were again the Chargers’ headliners as they netted 14 of the team’s first-period points. Contant (10 points, five assists) and Shane McMahon (10 points) were other offensive notables, while Nick Worst earned Daniels’ praise for his strong defensive work on Nazareth’s top threat, who was held to two field goals.

Moore (18 points, seven rebounds), freshman guard Larry Motuzis (16 points, game-best 11 rebounds), junior forward Tony Core (13 points, eight rebounds) and sophomore guard Kyle Huppe (12 points). “You can’t do it with one guy,” O’Malley said, referring to Krieger. “Some of our young kids are starting to play better and that’s enlightening for me to see that happening.” It’s also somewhat critical considering two players expected to be contributors “dismissed themselves from the team,” according to O’Malley. The veteran leader was anticipating problems arising from the departures but instead SXU’s operation has seemed to become more cohesive. In particular, O’Malley has liked how Motuzis has adjusted to the college game in so short a period of time. He’s also been impressed with how well Moore, a transfer from Sauk Valley College, has performed thus far. “No matter what level of ball you’re at, you’ve got to feel your way through it,” O’Malley said. “Some guys grab it a little earlier. It’s how they look at themselves in comparison to the game. “Motuzis has confidence in himself and from summertime on I saw some good things [from him and Moore]. And they’re willing to work hard.”

Motuzis’ layup midway through the second half put the Cougars ahead for the first time at 65-64. His bucket was delivered shortly after Krieger’s seven-point blitz allowed SXU to fight back from what become a 14-point deficit and close within 58-55. Huppe’s 3-pointer triggered a later 13-1 run by the hosts that finally gave them some breathing room at 86-76 with 3:21 to go. Marygrove narrowed the gap to 88-85 after that, but the Cougars then sealed the deal with their aforementioned success at the line. “I’m not at a point where I’d consider us a real good defensive team, [so] we’ve been tested plenty by just about everybody,” O’Malley said. “We’ve got to improve on that and we’re not very big.” SXU returned to CCAC action this past Wednesday when it visited Trinity International University in Deerfield. “We’re pretty good in ‘classics’ — we’re 4-0,” O’Malley said. “So we said we’ve got the conference classic this year on Wednesdays and Saturdays.” *** Motuzis was also a pivotal figure on Friday as he lit up Rio Grande for 26 points and the NAIA Division II No. 23-ranked Cougars subdued their Ohiobased foe. Krieger did his part, too, with a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds.

As it was to do the next day as well, SXU trailed early, although its worst deficit against the Red Storm — who sank their first five field-goal attempts — was 10 points. The Cougars gradually wiped out all of Rio Grande’s lead by intermission, Krieger’s 3-ball handing them a 41-40 edge at the break. He had also created the first tie at 22 with a 3-point bucket. SXU was in control over the last 20 minutes and never relinquished the lead. Junior forward Mitch Uratchko also pitched in with eight points and nine rebounds. His layup capped an 11-2 surge that gave the Cougars their initial double-digit advantage at 52-42. The Red Storm stayed close, but SXU answered every threat. Motuzis’ pair of free throws restored a 12-point cushion for the Cougars with three minutes left. While O’Malley was obviously happy to see SXU pocket two more wins, he’s hoping he will soon be able to watch the Cougars set the tone from start to finish. “Every game we’ve played better in the second half,” O’Malley said. “We’ve got to get to the point where we play two [good halves]. We’re showing signs, but we need to keep getting better.”

Statistics Final St. Laurence 58 Willowbrook 57 St. Laurence Scoring: Lamb 21, Risley 14, Gurgone 10. Rebounds: Risley 8, Lamb 7. Assists: Forberg 6. Steals: Risley 4, Forberg 3. St. Laurence Stagg

21 22 13 16 - 72 17 11 11 12 - 51

St. Laurence Scoring: Lamb 17, Risley 12, Ferrer 11, Aderman 8. Rebounds: Gurgone 4, Lamb 4. Assists: Forberg 6. Steals: Gurgone 5. Stagg Scoring: Strama 14, Contant 12, Goral 7, Liput 7, McMahon 3, Mohan 3, Stratinsky 2, Worst 2, Kosch 1. Rebounds: Goral 4. Assists: Contant 4. Final St. Laurence 70 Lindblom 62 St. Laurence Scoring: Gurgone 32, Risley 14, Forberg 11. Rebounds: Risley 8. Assists: Forberg 5. St. Laurence Nazareth Academy

Final 61 49

St. Laurence Scoring: Lamb 19, Risley 13, Ferrer 9, Gurgone 9. Rebounds: Lamb 14, Risley 10. Assists: Risley 5, Gurgone 4. Lindblom Stagg

16 11 14 18 - 59 8 5 7 17 - 37

Stagg Scoring: Strama 13, Goral 9, Contant 8, Liput 2, Qasan 2, Stratinsky 2, Kazanecki 1. Rebounds: Goral 5. Assists: Contant 3. Willowbrook Stagg

7 21 17 23 - 68 15 16 17 18 - 66

Stagg Scoring: Goral 18, Strama 18, Contant 10, Stratinsky 9, McMahon 6, Worst 4, Liput 1. Rebounds: Stratinsky 7. Assists: Contant 3, Goral 3. Nazareth Acad. Stagg

10 11 9 29 - 59 20 15 16 20 - 71

Stagg Scoring: Strama 23, Goral 14, Contant 10, McMahon 10, Worst 6, Mohan 5, Liput 3. Rebounds: Goral 7. Assists: Contant 5.

— Ken Karrson

The Regional News - The Reporter

Sports Wrap By Anthony Nasella When Sandburg scored a 30-28 victory on Saturday over one of the state’s top wrestling programs, Washington, it'd be easy to conclude that the post-meet scene was filled with compliments and props for a job well done. However, Eagles coach Eric Siebert and his athletes took the opposite approach. Instead of celebrating, they focused on where improvements could be made. Make no mistake — Siebert is excited about the makeup of his team, which he considers the most balanced top to the bottom he’s coached in recent years. But ever the motivator, Siebert is always pushing for a higher level of excellence. “The win over Washington was a big win for us, no doubt,” he said. “They’re ranked No. 2 in Class 2A and 25th and 45th in two national polls. They’re a very good team and we definitely were excited about the competitive nature of the meet, but it definitely wasn’t our best meet. "We gave them every chance to beat us, but we were able to recover at the end and record the win. It’s nice when you can beat a good squad and not be at your best. Yet we can also take some positives away from the match.” Recording wins for Sandburg were Louie Hayes (106 pounds), Rudy Yates (126), Ben Schneider (145), John Prieto (152), Patrick Brucki (182) and Matt Frostman, whose 5-4 decision over Washington’s Brad Howe in the final match of the day lifted the Eagles to the team victory. Sandburg also added wins over Lincoln-Way West and TF South on Saturday. “We can’t make any excuses for not wrestling our best against Washington because they were in the exact some position as us,” Siebert said. “We anticipated a competitive meet, [but] we still have a lot to learn and look forward to continue learning and improving.” The “learning and improving” will definitely be possible with a deep squad of talented wrestlers, many of whom were sectional

qualifiers this past season. That group includes Hayes, Yates, Brian Krasowski, Tom Slattery, Kevin Stearns, Colin Glascott and Tom Fronstma. Brucki was also a state qualifier last year while Yates, a Brother Rice transfer, was a 2012 state champion. “The best thing about this team is the impressive balance we have,” Siebert said. “We have no holes in our lineup and it will be difficult to beat us in a dual meet. If our opponent has a hole, we’re able to exploit it. "A lot of guys have had success, so our expectations are high. And that’s why our conversation after the meet was not so pleasant — we want more and we can’t be quick to congratulate ourselves.” Sandburg will get more this week with a match on today against Bolingbrook, Friday against Lincoln-Way East and Saturday in a quad at Lyons Township that will also include Naperville North and Batavia. “That’s what it’s all about: We identify the adjustment, make up our mind to improve on those adjustments and then go out and do it,” Siebert said. “We’re going to keep doing that.” *** Shepard split a pair of matches last Tuesday as it defeated Chicago Agriculture Science (60-17) but lost to Brother Rice (55-9). Stagg also fell to defeat on Tuesday as it dropped a 40-27 decision to Reavis in the Rams' triangular. BOYS' BOWLING Eric Walters rolled a 218 high game, but that wasn't enough to lift Shepard past Oak Lawn last Tuesday. The Spartans captured the South Suburban Conference Red match at Palos Lanes by a 1,912-1,638 score. Palos Lanes wasn't good to Stagg, either, as it fell to a 2,047-1,793 defeat against Lincoln-Way North in a SouthWest Suburban Conference crossover match last Tuesday. GIRLS' BOWLING Stagg fell 21 pins shy of Argo despite a strong performance from Peyton Carroll, who posted the high game (218) and series (367) for the Chargers.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Section 2

Wheaton Academy Tournament

From zero to 60-plus After forgettable start, Crusaders improve By Ken Karrson Brother Rice’s development last week was rapid, but it wasn’t exactly a zero-to-60 proposition. Make it zero to 61 — and then to 63 — instead. And for that Rick Harrigan was pleased. The Crusaders’ second-year coach saw his guys endure an ugly start to the 2014-15 season last Tuesday as they took a first-quarter goose egg against Bartlett in the Wheaton Academy Tournament. The Hawks, meanwhile, exploded for 21 points, although their lead stood at just 9-0 about six minutes into the stanza. “As we told them, and as silly as it sounds, it didn’t seem that bad,” Harrigan said. “Our young guys might have been hesitant and a little gun-shy in their first varsity game. There was some feeling-out to be done by our team and we weren’t ready for that first quarter of the regular season. “It was off and on [during the week], some good and some bad. We were a little discouraged by our start, but I felt better every day that we made strides. We got progressively better and I was happy with the way we finished.” Actually, Rice got up off the canvas against Bartlett, at least well enough to be within 11 (5241) by game’s end. Downers Grove North also got the better of the Crusaders on Wednesday (65-57), but then the locals broke through as they downed the host school (61-54) and Streamwood (63-48) in the week’s final two contests. “We’re going to try to win every night, but we’re playing young guys — we had two sophomores and a freshman on the floor all week,” Harrigan said. “I’m sure this year will have some more ups and down than usual as guys are learning that the game is played at a little

Trinity sports report

faster pace and [opposing] guys are banging them a little harder.” As if indoctrinating several newbies into varsity basketball didn’t present enough of a chore, Rice must also adjust to life without Quinn Niego and Ray Rubio. The graduated duo ranked as the unquestioned ringleaders a year ago. “We got most, if not everything, from them last year,” said Harrigan of the pair, who between them paced the Crusaders in every significant statistical category. Making up some of that lost ground in Rice’s initial victory was Joe Ruzevich. The Sandburg transfer burned Wheaton Academy for 20 points and eight rebounds — five of them offensive boards — and then had 11 points and a couple of steals versus Streamwood. Besides his 6-foot-5 frame, Ruzevich provided the Crusaders with something equally valuable: experience. “He’s an aggressive kid with a mature, athletic frame,” Harrigan said. “Without him we might not have turned it around right away.” Sophomore Mike Shepski backed Ruzevich with 15 points and seven boards opposite the Warriors, while Connor Finn (13 points, six rebounds, three assists), Josh Niego (10 points, five rebounds, two steals) and John Mahay (10 points, two steals) all chipped in against the Sabres in the week’s finale. Niego is the sophomore sibling of the departed Quinn Niego and Harrigan is confident the younger player will eventually establish himself as a difference-maker. “He’s a similar player [to his brother], just not experienced on the varsity,” Harrigan said of Josh Niego. “He’s a gym rat, he works hard and he has that basketball lineage.”

Rice didn’t shoot especially well versus Wheaton, but the 37 percent accuracy was made up for by a decisive 33-17 edge on the glass. The Crusaders owned an 11-1 advantage in offensive rebounding and were guilty of only 10 turnovers. The story didn’t change much the next day, except that Rice was able to add 8-of-21 3-point shooting to another round of superior board work (33-23, which included 21 offensive rebounds) and low turnovers (11). The Crusaders earned assists on 14 of their baskets and made 10 steals. While Harrigan claimed Rice “had a tough time getting in a rhythm as a group,” he was glad to have given 11 athletes substantial court time. “We hope to get some more contributions across the board, but we’re still trying to find a rotation that’s going to click,” Harrigan said. “There’s growing to do and we’re consistently job-searching, which is a good thing because it creates competition in practice. Sometimes that [also] brings some heartaches and tough times, but we’re going to come out all right at the other end. “It was a trying week at times, but we’ll turn the page and move forward.” The Crusaders met Tinley Park this past Tuesday in a nonconference matchup and host DePaul Prep in a Chicago Catholic League contest on Friday. Bartlett 52 Brother Rice 41 Despite the miserable beginning to last Tuesday’s game, the Crusaders were able to find a couple bright spots. Most noteworthy was their rebounding, where they grabbed 11 more than the Hawks (31-20) and counted 18 offensive boards among their total. Shepski and Ruzevich both collected four. However, that good work was

undermined by shortcomings in the turnover (22), assists (five) and free throw-shooting (eight misses) departments. Bartlett also was better from the field (55 percent to 33) and 3-point land (56 percent to 40). Finn (12 points) was the lone Rice player to score in double figures. Downers Grove North 65 Brother Rice 57 Shepski (19 points, five rebounds, two steals) and Finn (17 points, five rebounds, two steals) both had nice games for the Crusaders last Wednesday. Rice was evenly matched with the Trojans in all areas but one: foul shooting, where Downers’ 25-of-37 effort easily overshadowed the Crusaders’ 11-of-17 performance.

Statistics Brother Rice Bartlett

0 19 12 10 - 41 21 14 9 8 - 52

Brother Rice Scoring: Finn 12, Shepski 8, Collins 5, Mahay 4, Ruzevich 4, Conlisk 3, Kosakowski 3, Badali 2. Rebounds: Ruzevich 13. Assists: Badali 2, Conlisk 2. Steals: Collins 2, Conlisk 2. Brother Rice 12 15 19 11 - 57 Downers Gr No 16 16 20 13 - 65 Brother Rice Scoring: Shepski 19, Finn 17, Kosakowski 5, Niego 5, Badali 4, Ruzevich 3, Collins 2, Mahay 2. Rebounds: Finn 5, Shepski 5. Assists: Conlisk 2, Finn 2, Mahay 2, Ruzevich 2, Shepski 2. Steals: Finn 2, Ruzevich 2, Shepski 2. Brother Rice Wheaton Acad

15 15 11 13 - 54 14 14 17 16 - 61

Brother Rice Scoring: Ruzevich 20, Shepski 15, Kosakowski 8, Niego 8, Mahay 4, Collins 2, Conlisk 2, Finn 2. Rebounds: Ruzevich 8, Shepski 7. Steals: Mahay 3. Brother Rice Streamwood

21 5 20 17 - 63 11 6 13 18 - 48

Brother Rice Scoring: Finn 13, Ruzevich 11, Mahay 10, Niego 10, Kosakowski 8, Ryan 6, Shepski 3, Collins 63. Rebounds: Finn 6. Assists: Finn 3. Steals: Ruzevich 2.

Moraine athletics wrap

Trolls prepare for NCCAA Lost week for basketball teams volleyball championship By Maura Vizza

By Amy Strong Booking hotel reservations for Kissimmee, Fla., in early December is becoming an annual thing for Trinity Christian College’s volleyball team. For the fourth time in five years the Trolls (32-10) are headed to the Sunshine State, where they will take part in the National Christian College Athletic Association National Championship. Play begins today at the Kissimmee Civic Center and continues through Saturday. Trinity is seeded first in the eight-team field. The Trolls, who earned their latest national berth by capturing the North Central Region title, square off against East Region winner and No. 8 seed Houghton (N.Y.) College at 11 a.m. today and then face No. 5 Oklahoma Wesleyan, which received an at-large bid into the tournament, at 3 p.m. A match with No. 4 Southern Wesleyan, the South Region champ, at 9 a.m. on Friday completes Trinity’s round of pool play. Single-elimination quarterfinal play will go from 3-5 p.m. on Friday, with pool results determining the matchups. Saturday’s semifinals will be held at 9 and 11 a.m., with the title match slated for 2:30 p.m. All of the matches will be video webcast for a fee by Tourbeau Sports at http://portal. stretchinternet.com/tourbeau/. MEN’S BASKETBALL A split at St. Xavier University’s four-team tournament over the weekend concluded a 1-2 week for the Trolls, who lost a Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference encounter to Roosevelt University (75-64) last Tuesday in Chicago. After being tied with Trinity at 15-all, the Lakers slowly pulled away. They led by 12 (46-34) at halftime and by 15 at the start of the second half, but the Trolls embarked on a nine-point run that was punctuated by an Austin Halcomb dunk. Trinity (4-6, 0-2) was within six (65-59) with five minutes left but could not engineer a comeback. Cody Rhorer (15 points, four steals), Jared Jones (14 points, including four 3s), Joe Hehir (four points, four rebounds) and Ryan Tubbs (five assists) were the principal figures for the Trolls, who sank

eight long-distance shots but were overshadowed by Roosevelt’s 15 3-point buckets. *** P r e v i o u s l y winless Marygrove (Mich.) College upset Trinity in a Friday matchup at SXU, but the Trolls rebounded from that 102-95 setback to defeat the University of Rio Grande (Ohio) — a team receiving votes in the NAIA Division II poll — 75-66 on Saturday. Trinity slipped into a 19-point hole (51-32) by halftime versus Marygrove and was never able to climb out of it, although a 63-point outburst over the last 20 minutes by the locals certainly kept things interesting. Hehir’s three free throws and 3-point basket on consecutive possessions had the Trolls within 98-90 in the final minute, but not enough time remained to take another run at the Mustangs. Both teams shot well over 50 percent from the floor, but Marygrove’s 52 percent accuracy from 3-point territory proved the difference. Trinity connected on 41 percent of its 3s. It also bettered the Mustangs at the foul line (71 percent to 64). Six Trolls scored in double digits, a group paced by David Buffham (18 points, six rebounds). Also delivering on Trinity’s behalf were Trey Johnson (15 points, nine rebounds), Halcomb (15 points, eight rebounds), Hehir (15 points, six assists), Rhorer (13 points) and Logan Vos (11). Tubbs distributed five assists. *** A 17-5 surge, sparked by four 3s, put the Trolls ahead of Rio Grande by 12 in the opening half on Saturday and they reached intermission with a 42-32 cushion. The Red Storm lived up to their nickname by

storming back to within two, but Vos’ pair of 3-pointers restored some order for Trinity. A later long ball by Jones helped seal the deal. The Trolls connected 14 times from long distance in 31 tries. Jones and Vos both deposited a half-dozen 3s — the latter doing so on just seven shots — and the two combined for 42 points, 24 by Jones. Rhorer (14 points, six rebounds, five assists), Halcomb (14 rebounds) and Tubbs (seven assists) all lent a hand as well for Trinity, which hosted Viterbo University this past Tuesday and welcomes Trinity International University to Palos Heights on Saturday for a CCAC contest. WOMEN’S BASKETBALL The Trolls took the court just once last week, but that was enough for them to even their record at 5-5. They did so by defeating Roosevelt 67-62 on the road last Tuesday for their first conference victory in two tries. A 12-0 run that ballooned Trinity’s advantage to 30-13 with eight minutes to go in the first half put the visitors in control, but not for long. The Lakers responded well enough to forge a 38-all halftime tie, and they inched in front 50-49 with nine minutes left. Kelsie Foster sank a 3-pointer at the 8:28 mark and the Trolls never again trailed. But Roosevelt didn’t wilt, either, as it stayed on Trinity’s heels the rest of the way. Lauren Stokes’ pair of free throws put the Trolls ahead 63-57 with less than a minute remaining, then Allie Paluchniak countered two Lakers hoops — one of them a 3-pointer — with four charity tosses. Foster finished with 17 points, one behind team leader Caitlin Cody, and pulled down nine rebounds, one fewer than Rebecca DeHaan. Cody collected seven boards and further augmented her scoring with five assists and five steals. Paluchniak chipped in nine points, seven assists and five rebounds for Trinity, which hit seven 3s but connected on only 40 percent of its field-goal tries overall. The Trolls visited St. Ambrose University this past Wednesday and host Trinity International on Saturday.

A week shortened by a holiday also became a lost one for Moraine Valley College's basketball teams. The Cyclones men fell to defeat three times while the women dropped one verdict. All four of the games featured Moraine in a competitive mode. The men began their week with a 70-62 setback to the College of DuPage last Tuesday. Brian Townsend continued his recent strong play by supplying the Cyclones with his third double-double (14 points and 15 rebounds) of the year and freshman Nick Sims matched Townsend's scoring total while also distributing a couple of assists. Also contributing for Moraine were Niko Cahue (13 points), Mychele Bullock (nine points, three rebounds) and DJ Deere (seven points, six assists, four rebounds). COD was able to secure victory by snaring some timely offensive boards.

*** A weekend trip to Ohio for Cincinnati State Tech's Surge Classic produced no positive outcomes for the Cyclones, who suffered losses to the host school (79-68) and Danville Area College (63-54). Moraine was up by eight at halftime against Cincinnati State, which was ranked No. 4 in the National Junior College Athletic Association poll, but could not hang on during the second half. Townsend lit the Cyclones' fire with 23 points and 12 rebounds, but both Cahue (13 points, seven rebounds) and Deere (10 points, six assists, two steals) were also instrumental

figures in defeat. Cahue (13 points, six rebounds), Townsend (12 points, five rebounds) and Ermias Nega (10 points, four boards) were Moraine's main men in Saturday's setback against Danville. WOMEN'S BASKETBALL A back-and-forth contest last Tuesday between the Cyclones and COD ultimately tilted the latter's way as it made off with a 73-66 triumph. The loss marred an evening when Moraine's Nariman Jaber registered her first career triple-double (16 points, 12 rebounds, 10 blocks). With Sharnita Breeze (12 points on four 3-point baskets, seven rebounds), Shavonne Lewis (11 points) and Rachel Ruzevich (11) all pitching in as well, the Cyclones constructed a 12-point edge early on. The lead dwindled, but Moraine was still up by four (63-59) with 4 1/2 minutes to go. From there, however, the Chaps went on a 14-3 run to snatch victory away from the Cyclones.

Section 2

Thursday, December 4, 2014 The Regional News - The Reporter

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Kush Baxter (32) hangs close to a Perspectives Charter guard last Monday. Richards played good enough defense as a team to hold its foe under 50 points and record a 53-46 triumph.

RedHawks

(Continued from page 1)

hands.” “Marist was very prepared and it was a definite wake-up call [for us],” Shepard coach Tony Chiuccariello said. “It let us know some of the things we’re not doing well in terms of handling the ball and handling pressure.” The Astros cleaned up their act somewhat after that, although they still committed two-dozen miscues in all. They played the RedHawks on more even terms over the final three frames, but that was insufficient as far as making any substantial inroads. “I’m proud of the kids that they kept battling and fought regardless of the score,” said Chiuccariello, whose squad was paced by Adebayo Ogungbemi (10 points, two assists). That Shepard refused to roll over following its nightmarish start was no surprise to Nolan. “Tony’s teams are always so hard to play against [because] they’re always so sound and fundamentally solid,” Nolan said. “He does such a great job with the way he teaches fundamentals to the kids.” Marist wasn’t too shabby itself as Chamar Hawkins (23 points, 10 rebounds, four steals) and Ferguson (14 points, six assists) led the way. The RedHawks, who also received double-figure scoring from Parker and Maurice Commander, made only nine turnovers and shot 48 percent from the field. Nolan’s only complaint was that, at least for a while in the second half, the RedHawks didn’t maintain the same level of energy that had gotten them the big lead. “We were up and we played like we were,” he said. “We have to focus on the process and the next possession, not the scoreboard until it’s needed late in the game. We needed to play the second half as if we were down 20 instead of ahead by 20.” Marist 95 Eisenhower 85 The Cardinals, who emulate Grinnell College’s run-and-gun style of offense, create problems for opponents that see them only occasionally or are doing so for the first time. The RedHawks fall into the first category, which meant their newer members were in for an unusual experience. “The way Eisenhower plays is very difficult to prepare for,” Nolan said. “Every time you catch it they’re going to double-team the basketball, [but] expect the unexpected.” Giving up 21 first-period points certainly isn’t commonplace for Marist, but neither is scoring 32 itself in one quarter. Those two factors gave the RedHawks a lead to protect early on, but with 25 turnovers and that same number of Cardinals offensive rebounds working against it Marist wasn’t going to be able to coast. “It is a statistical anomaly how we won this game,” Nolan said. “We were very fortunate to win.” Eisenhower went ahead by two with 2½ minutes remaining, but four Hawkins free throws restored some order for the RedHawks. Both Hawkins and Kevin Lerma were saddled with four fouls at crunch time, which made things even more tenuous for a team already missing Ferguson (sprained ankle). Hawkins was still on the floor long enough to amass 29 points and nine rebounds. Parker backed him with 27 points, 10 of which were scored in the fourth period. Lerma finished with 15 points and nine boards and Hill had eight points, all in the final quarter. Marist shot 56 percent, snared 17 offensive rebounds and was 10-of-11 at the line, including 8-of-8 over the last eight minutes. Its defense forced 21 Cardinals miscues. “It’s always so well-run,” Nolan said of the tournament. “This was a good start to the season.” Marist 64 Southland Prep 34 The RedHawks limited Southland to three points in the opening

period and 11 in the first half last Tuesday, a circumstance that proved fatal to the Chicago Public League school. Marist was ahead by 17 at intermission and never got threatened in the final 16 minutes. Southland made six of its 14 turnovers in the initial stanza and eight before halftime. “Our best parts came in the first quarter,” Nolan said. “A lot of it started there. Two things there’s no [adequate] defense for are turnovers and offensive rebounds.” Hawkins (17 points, eight rebounds, three steals) and Lerma (14 points, seven rebounds) were the RedHawks’ headliners, but Hill and Ferguson ignited Marist’s 13-3 getaway by combining for nine of those markers. One of Hill’s buckets was a 3-pointer that followed a Southland turnover. Marist 42 Andrew 37 The Thunderbolts bounced back from a 16-4 deficit and kept the heat on the RedHawks until the end last Wednesday. Andrew was within a deuce midway through the fourth period before Marist took some air out of the ball. “We spaced the floor and made them come after us,” Nolan said. The T’bolts were still breathing down the RedHawks’ necks when Brian Barry managed to force a jump ball after an Andrew player had misfired on a potential goahead 3-ball and another tried to secure an offensive rebound. “That was a great hustle play by a senior captain,” said Nolan, who complimented Barry for his headiness throughout the tourney. “He was very valuable to us winning.” Marist closed out the T’bolts by going 6-of-7 at the foul line over the final 3:50. Hill, Hawkins, Lerma and Commander all converted two free throws in the fourth quarter, Lerma doing so after gathering in one of his seven offensive boards. Lerma had 13 points and nine rebounds to lead the RedHawks in both categories. Commander added nine points and Hawkins eight for Marist, which survived despite shooting a miserable 21 percent in the second half. “We were very efficient offensively in transition and the halfcourt in the first quarter,” Nolan said. “To Andrew’s credit, they really outplayed us for the last three quarters of the game and certainly in the second half.” Although the RedHawks clicked on only 33 percent of their fieldgoal attempts for the game, they balanced that out with an efficient three-turnover performance. By contrast, the T’bolts committed 15 miscues. Richards 57 Shepard 31 Following their loss to Marist, the Astros weaved their way past Southland Prep and Andrew to earn a spot opposite Richards in Friday’s third-place game. Whatever momentum Shepard had built up, however, was snuffed out by its District 218 and South Suburban Conference Red rival, which tore into the Astros like a tornado descending on a mobile-home park. Most beneficial for the Bulldogs was the second quarter, which they used to a 19-4 advantage to shove Shepard into a 17-point halftime hole. The Astros never netted more than 10 points in any stanza. “They did a nice job of taking us out of our offense,” Chiuccariello said. “Our guards did not make that first pass to get us moving and we didn’t move very well without the ball. We have two sophomores and a freshman up [on varsity] and we’re really trying to find our way out there.” Richards was behind 10-6 in the opening quarter before catching fire. Ameen Hussein’s 3-pointer was a trigger for the Bulldogs, whose 42 percent success rate from the floor didn’t seem too big a deal but was 17 points higher

than what Shepard compiled. The latter also missed half of its 18 free throws and lost the battle of the boards by a 31-20 margin. Kyle Longfield and Kenny Gorski both notched six points, which ranked as the Astros’ high-water mark. With five rebounds Longfield was second to Zack Haxel (six) in that category. Hussein (14 points), Paris Durden (13) and Marcus Burton (eight points, 11 rebounds) were Richards’ top performers. Durden deposited a pair of 3s during the ‘Dogs’ momentum-shifting second period. “I don’t think anybody expected us to do that,” first-year Richards coach Jevon Mamon said, referring to his squad’s 3-1 start to the season. “This was a week to see where we are comfortable and what we have to get better at. We have a lot to work on and improve on, but the guys have been great about buying into everything. “It’s going to take some time for things to jell [fully]. There’s a lot of teaching and learning to do, but the guys are eager and willing to work, which is all you can ask for. You want them to be hungry.” Richards 53 Perspectives Charter 46 Mamon’s initial assignment as Bulldogs boss was to meet up with his former team last Monday. And while the Panthers were a relatively tough out, Richards got the job done behind the trio of Hussein (19 points, nine rebounds), Kush Baxter (11 points) and Lucas White (nine points, nine rebounds). Baxter will play an important role for the Bulldogs this winter as he replaces three-year starter Dedrick Shannon Jr. at point guard. Shannon transferred to Rich South during the summer. Baxter, meanwhile, has made a smooth transition from the football field to the basketball court and is called “a pleasant surprise” by Mamon. As for his own experience of seeing many of his former players, Mamon said it was “weird.” “They were hyped about it,” he said of the Panthers. “They wanted to come and get me. There wasn’t a lot of messages [we gave Richards players]. We addressed it like any other game. “We tried to execute what we’ve been teaching. We were able to do that for 32 minutes and pull it out.” Richards 58 Chicago Christian 52 The Bulldogs also had their hands full with tournament newcomer Chicago Christian on Day 2. Chris Bender (16 points, four rebounds), Durden (13 points) and Hussein (11 points, six rebounds) all played well for Richards, but Marcus Parker (18 points), Trevor Wolterink (13) and Jay Spencer (nine points, seven rebounds) provided the Knights with a nice offset. The biggest separation between the two clubs was rebounding — the Bulldogs held a 38-24 edge overall and bettered Christian 1812 on the offensive end. Richards tallied 16 points off the latter. “We couldn’t keep them off the glass and we just couldn’t sustain enough consistency on offense,” Knights coach Kevin Pittman said. “We only had 13 turnovers, but when you’re a team that’s growing it seems like you always have them at bad times.” Eisenhower 103 Richards 74 The Cardinals kept the ‘Dogs from gaining a spot in the tourney final by overwhelming them last Wednesday. Burton produced 21 points and seven rebounds in a losing cause, but little else went well for Richards. While Mamon obviously was unhappy about that outcome, he derived satisfaction from witnessing the Bulldogs’ solid bounce-back effort versus Shepard on Friday. “That was good to see character-wise,” Mamon said. “We told them [after losing to Eisenhower] that there’s a lot of basketball to still be played, so we need to put it behind us.” As for what the future holds for

Richards, Mamon said it’s imperative to have an all-in mentality among the players if success is to be realized on any sort of consistent basis. “It’s got to be a collective effort,” he said. “We look to build on what we’ve done, but we have to be more disciplined offensively and defensively and we have to play with more of a sense of urgency.” Shepard 68 Andrew 46 Without question the Astros’ most enjoyable day of last week was Tuesday when they rolled over the Thunderbolts, a team that had beaten them twice during the summer. Shepard gained a foothold by outscoring Andrew 17-6 in the second quarter and then hitting the T’bolts with consecutive 20-point outputs during the second half. Powering the Astros were Kenjrick Watson (17 points, three assists), Longfield (14 points, 13 rebounds, three assists) and Kyrun Heard (11 points). Interestingly, Andrew held a 5-0 lead for a sizable chunk of the opening period before Gorski’s steal and layup finally gave Shepard some juice. More inside baskets sparked the second-quarter uprising as Longfield supplied three and Watson scored twice on drives. “Everything seemed to click,” Chiuccariello said. “All of a sudden the basket got bigger and we were trying to put the foot on the gas pedal [after that].” Watson had two more layups for the Astros in the third frame and Heard and Marlon Perkins each nailed a 3 to help extend the lead to 14 points by the period break. Shepard finished with a field-goal percentage of 49, which made the T’Bolts’ 28 percent performance pale in comparison. Shepard 61 Southland Prep 43 The turnovers were low, rebounds were high and the scoring was balanced as the Astros upended Southland Prep last Wednesday. However, there was one fly in the ointment: Shepard finished with the grand total of three assists. “It was kind of alarming,” Chiuccariello said. “We talked about trying to play better basketball and trying to control tempo, but the ball wasn’t really moving that well.” And because of that the Astros were unable to achieve one of their coach’s goals. “My only regret was we couldn’t clear the bench for that third team,” Chiuccariello said. “We couldn’t break away [from South-

land]. We kept 15 guys on the roster but only 10 got to play.” Watson tossed in 19 points to lead Shepard. Gorski totaled 11 and Longfield posted a double-double of 10 points and 15 rebounds. The contest was essentially decided within the first 16 minutes as the Astros raced out to a 31-15 edge. Six players tallied in the second quarter despite the fact Shepard clicked on only 38 percent of its field-goal attempts for the game. It also misfired 10 times from the stripe. The Astros’ defense, however, helped secure the victory by limiting Southland to 30 percent shooting. Eisenhower 103 Chicago Christian 95 The Knights’ introduction to the District 218 Tournament was provided by the Cardinals, whose unorthodox playing style usually creates havoc for opponents seeing it for the first time. That description fit Christian last Monday, and although it hung tough and erupted for 38 points over the last eight minutes it couldn’t overtake Eisenhower. Pittman said he never had one of his teams give up so many points or score as many itself. “That pace is just ridiculous,” he said. “You really can’t prepare for that. They go 15 or 17 deep and just wear you down. “I’m not a big fan of that we’ll-give-up-a-layup-so-we-canshoot-a-3 style, but it’s hard to argue — they went 3-1 and we went 1-3. We set up zero offensive sets.” What bothered Pittman most was the residual effect the game had on the Knights. “You don’t have to play defense for an extended period [against them],” he said. “That’s not the way we play and it kind of hurt our preparation for the games after that. It didn’t help us in our approach.” Christian fired away at a betterthan-50-percent clip (38-of-71), but it had no adequate response for either its 37 turnovers — 17 of which happened in the first period — or Eisenhower’s 35 offensive boards. That rebounding performance kept the ball in the Cardinals’ hands often enough for them to launch a staggering 112 shots, 75 from 3-point land. Spencer had 27 points and nine rebounds for the Knights, Parker added 25 points, Wolterink scored 15 and Bradford Fitzpatrick collected a double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds. Daylon Washington only scored two points, but he aided Christian with nine rebounds and six assists. Perspectives Charter 73 Chicago Christian 46 The Panthers bookended 20-10 advantages and also outscored the Knights in the middle two quarters to post a lopsided triumph last Wednesday. Christian committed 23 miscues and undermined its attack further by distributing only nine assists. “This is a very talented team we have on paper, but we have to give up a little bit of that individual stuff in favor of the team,” Pittman said. “I thought we could have made a lot more noise if we would have played more like I know we’re going to [later on]. We have to get out in transition and be disciplined in transition to have our offense work [properly]. “It looked like it was our third game in a row and we were still feeling that 103-95 loss. It didn’t seem like we played together very well. It looked like we were fatigued and sort of disinterested.” Parker and Wolterink both had 12 points to pace the Knights. Fitzpatrick and Spencer were the rebounding leaders with nine and eight, respectively.

missed with three seconds remaining in regulation, but the Knights concluded their tourney stay on a high note as they slipped past Southland Prep on Friday. Christian squandered an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter but prevailed largely because it sank 30 free throws and included 15 offensive rebounds among its total of 42. Four players reached double digits in scoring as Washington (23 points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals) was the ringleader. Also getting into the act were Parker (17 points, 10 rebounds), Wolterink (17 points) and Spencer (16). Fitzpatrick only notched eight points, but he corralled 11 rebounds and dished out four assists. “We were able to compete,” Pittman said, referring to the tourney as a whole. “A year ago at this time I wouldn’t have even considered going into that tournament. We were asked [to join] before, but we weren’t ready for it.”

Chicago Christian 85 Southland Prep 81 Overtime was required to get the job done after a 4-footer was

Andrew Shepard

Statistics Marist Shepard

29 18 13 10 - 70 8 10 14 5 - 37

Marist Scoring: Hawkins 23, Ferguson 14, Commander 10, Parker 10, Lerma 7, Hill 6. Rebounds: Hawkins 10, Lerma 8. Assists: Ferguson 6, Barry 5. Steals: Hawkins 4. Shepard Scoring: Ogungbemi 10, Perkins 6, Gorski 5, Longfield 5, Newhall 4, Watson 3, Hampton 2, Smith 2. Rebounds: Smith 5. Assists: Ogungbemi 2, Perkins 2. Southland Prep 3 8 10 13 - 34 Marist 13 15 16 20 - 64 Marist Scoring: Hawkins 17, Lerma 14, Commander 7, Ferguson 7, Hill 7, Barry 3, Parker 3, Reynolds 3, Weaver 3. Rebounds: Hawkins 8, Lerma 7. Assists: Ferguson 5. Steals: Ferguson 3, Hawkins 3. Andrew Marist

4 10 13 10 - 37 16 12 6 8 - 42

Marist Scoring: Lerma 13, Commander 9, Hawkins 8, Ferguson 5, Barry 3, Hill 2, Reynolds 2. Rebounds: Lerma 9. Assists: Barry 3, Commander 3. Steals: Barry 2, Hawkins 2. Eisenhower Marist

21 22 24 18 - 85 32 21 14 28 - 95

Marist Scoring: Hawkins 29, Parker 27, Lerma 15, Hill 8, Reynolds 8, Commander 6, Weaver 2. Rebounds: Hawkins 9, Lerma 9. Assists: Barry 6. Richards Shepard

12 19 12 14 - 57 10 4 8 9 - 31

Richards Scoring: Hussein 14, Durden 13, Burton 8. Rebounds: Burton 11. Shepard Scoring: Gorski 6, Longfield 6, Perkins 4, Haxel 3, Ashkar 2, Fitzgerald 2, Newhall 2, Smith 2, Watson 2, Heard 1, Humphrey 1. Rebounds: Haxel 6. Final Richards 53 Perspectives Charter 46 Richards Scoring: Hussein 19, Baxter 11, White 9. Rebounds: Hussein 9, White 9. Chicago Christian 8 13 15 16 - 52 Richards 9 16 18 15 - 58 Chicago Christian Scoring: Parker 18, Wolterink 13, Spencer 9, Washington 7, Fitzpatrick 3, Johnson 2. Rebounds: Fitzpatrick 8, Spencer 7. Assists: Washington 4. Richards Scoring: Bender 16, Durden 13, Hussein 11. Rebounds: Hussein 6. Final Eisenhower 103 Richards 74 Richards Scoring: Burton 21. Rebounds: Burton 7. 11 6 17 12 - 46 11 17 20 20 - 68

Shepard Scoring: Watson 17, Longfield 14, Heard 11, Gorski 7, Smith 4, Ashkar 3, Newhall 3, Ogungbemi 3, Perkins 3, Haxel 2, Hampton 1. Rebounds: Longfield 13. Assists: Gorski 3, Longfield 3, Watson 3. Southland Prep 7 8 18 10 - 43 Shepard 16 15 16 14 - 61 Shepard Scoring: Watson 19, Gorski 11, Longfield 10, Perkins 8, Haxel 4, Heard 4, Ashkar 3, Newhall 2. Rebounds: Longfield 15. Eisenhower 22 27 20 34 - 103 Chicago Christian 9 31 17 38 - 95 Chicago Christian Scoring: Spencer 27, Parker 25, Wolterink 16, Fitzpatrick 15, Hill 5, Mayberry 5, Washington 2. Rebounds: Fitzpatrick 14, Spencer 9, Washington 9. Assists: Washington 6. Per Charter 20 19 14 20 - 73 Chicago Christian 10 14 12 10 - 46 Chicago Christian Scoring: Parker 12, Wolterink 12, Spencer 7, Johnson 4, Mayberry 4, Winchester 4, Washington 3. Rebounds: Fitzpatrick 9, Spencer 8. Assists: Parker 2, Spencer 2. South Prep 14 14 14 26 13 - 81 Chi Christian 15 22 16 15 17 - 85

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Richards guard Ameen Hussein regains his balance and heads up the court last Monday in the Bulldogs’ season-opener against Perspectives Charter, Richards coach Jevon Mamon’s former team. The Bulldogs won 53-46 and eventually took third place in the District 218 Tournament.

Chicago Christian Scoring: Washington 23, Parker 17, Wolterink 17, Spencer 16, Fitzpatrick 8, Frierson 2, Schaaf 2. Rebounds: Fitzpatrick 11, Parker 10. Assists: Fitzpatrick 4, Washington 4. Steals: Washington 2.

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC Plaintiff, -v.BRIAN ROHLICEK, KRISTIN ROHLICEK, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR GMACM HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2005-HE1 Defendants 14 CH 004580 8930 TALLY HO LANE ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 19, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 22, 2014, at 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 8930 TALLY HO LANE, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 Property Index No. 27-15-213-007. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down RI WKH KLJKHVW ELG E\ FHUWLÂżHG IXQGV DW WKH FORVH RI 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 WR H[FHHG LQ FHUWLÂżHG IXQGV RU ZLUH WUDQVIHU 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 IXUWKHU VXEMHFW WR FRQÂżUPDWLRQ E\ WKH FRXUW 8SRQ payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser ZLOO UHFHLYH D &HUWLÂżFDWH RI 6DOH WKDW ZLOO HQWLWOH the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after FRQÂżUPDWLRQ RI WKH VDOH 7KH SURSHUW\ ZLOO 127 be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the FRXUW ÂżOH WR YHULI\ DOO LQIRUPDWLRQ ,I WKLV SURSHUW\ 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 ,/&6 J DQG J ,I WKLV SURSHUW\ LV D 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 3URSHUW\ $FW ,/&6 J ,) <28 ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. Effective May 1st, \RX ZLOO QHHG D SKRWR LGHQWLÂżFDWLRQ LVVXHG E\ a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into the foreclosure sale URRP LQ &RRN &RXQW\ DQG WKH VDPH LGHQWLÂżFDWLRQ for sales held at other county venues. For informaWLRQ H[DPLQH WKH FRXUW ÂżOH RU FRQWDFW 3ODLQWLII V DWtorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to ÂżOH QXPEHU 7+( -8',&,$/ 6$/(6 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. 14-13-32201 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 14 CH 004580 TJSC#: 34-17146 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. I633640

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK C O U N T Y, I L L I N O I S C O U N T Y D E PA R T M E N T - C H A N C E R Y D I V I S I O N CITIZENS BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION F/K/A RBS CITIZENS NA SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO CHARTER ONE BANK, N.A. P l a i n t i f f , v . DANIEL W. SCHULLER, WESTGATE VALLEY TOWNHOMES CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, CITIZENS BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION D e f e n d a n t s 1 4 C H 0 0 9 0 0 4 4 0 0 1 S P Y G L A S S C I R C L E PA L O S H E I G H T S , I L 6 0 4 6 3 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 2, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 2, 2015, at 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 4001 SPYGLASS CIRCLE, PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463 Property Index No. 24-31-404-056-1157. 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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;AS ISâ&#x20AC;? 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. Effective May 1st, 2014 you will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-13-32788. 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. 14-13-32788 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 14 CH 009004 TJSC#: 34-15937 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I635083

PUBLISHERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NOTICE All Real Estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise â&#x20AC;&#x153;any preference, limitation or discrimination.â&#x20AC;? 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.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY D I V I S I O N SUNTRUST MORTGAGE, INC. P l a i n t i f f , v . AMY UMNUS A/K/A AMY HEITZKEY, EVERGREENS OF ORLAND CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION NO. 1 Defendants 14 CH 05934 9032 WEST 140TH STREET APT 3B ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 23, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 6, 2015, at 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 9032 WEST 140TH STREET APT 3B, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462 Property Index No. 27-03-400-054-1070, Property Index No. 27-03-400-054-1113. The real estate is improved with a 6 unit condominium; 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. Effective May 1st, 2014 you will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues. 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 PA1401900. 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. PA1401900 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 14 CH 05934 TJSC#: 34-16718 I634716

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, I L L I N O I S COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.; P l a i n t i f f , v s . KELLY A. MCGUIRE; ORLAND GOLF VIEW CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; D e f e n d a n t s , 13 CH 9346 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Friday, December 19, 2014 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 27-14-401-021-1059. Commonly known as 15714 South Sunset Ridge Court Unit 2N, Orland Park, Illinois 60462. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, Freedman Anselmo Lindberg LLC, 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563-1890. (630) 453-6960. For Bidding instructions visit www.fal-illinois.com 24 hours prior to sale. 13030410 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I633931

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For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO NATIONAL CITY MORTGAGE, A DIVISION OF NATIONAL CITY BANK Plaintiff, -v.KRZYSZTOF NEDZA CHOTARSKI AKA KRZYSZTOF NEDZA-CHOTARSKI, BEATA NEDZA CHOTARSKI AKA BEATA K NEDZA-CHOTARSKI AKA BEATA K CHOTARSKI AKA BEATA MRUGALA, CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), N.A., BERKSHIRE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION Defendants 13 CH 02180 8901 SOUTH ROBERTS ROAD UNIT 101 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 October 8, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 9, 2015, at 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 8901 SOUTH ROBERTS ROAD UNIT 101, HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457 Property Index No. 23-01-101-019-1001, Property Index No. 23-01101-019-1042. The real estate is improved with a 44 unit condominium with 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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;AS ISâ&#x20AC;? 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. Effective May 1st, 2014 you will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues. For information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5 pm. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES, Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 476-5500. Please refer to file number PA1224008. 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. PA1224008 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 13 CH 02180 TJSC#: 34-17719 I635443

CALL TO PLACE YOUR AD TODAY! (708) 448-4000

THEREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE IN THE CLASSIFIEDS!

Section 2 Thursday, December 4, 2014

The Reporter Newspapers Call Debbie

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Notice NOTICE - Every loan broker who accepts money before they provide you with a loan must be registered with the Illinois Securities Department. Protect yourself and get the facts before you hand over your hard earned money by contacting the Illinois Secretary of State s Securities Department at 1 (800) 628-7937. (This notice provided as a public service by The Regional News and The Reporter Newspapers.)

Notice NOTICE - Pursuant to the Business Opportunity Sales Law of 1995, every business opportunity must be registered with the Illinois Securities Department. Protect yourself and get the facts before you hand over your hard earned money by contacting the Illinois Secretary of State s Securities Department at 1 (800) 628-7937. (This notice provided as a public service by The Regional News & The Reporter Newspapers.) Prayer to the Blessed Virgin (Never known to fail) Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven & Earth! I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in this necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein, you are my mother. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3x). Holy Mother, I place this cause in your hands (3x). Holy Spirit, you who solve all problems, light all roads so that I can attain my goal. You who gave me the divine gift to forgive and foget all evil against me and that in instances in my life you are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things as you confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you in Eternal Glory. Thank you you for your mercy toward me and mine. The person must say this prayer 3 consecutive days. After 3 days, the request will be granted. This prayer must be published after the favor is J.D. granted.

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This newspaper strives to monitor the classified ads it prints. However, when an ad is submitted from outside this area, it is often impossible for us to check its credibility. Therefore, we suggest caution when answering ads with offers that seem too good to be true. For more information regarding financing, business opportunities and/or work-at-home opportunities in this newspaper, we urge our readers to contact the Better Business Bureau, 330 N. Wabash Ave. #2006, Chicago, IL 60611, (312) 832-0500.

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The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Out & About

Section 2

Your Guide to Arts and Events in the Southwest Suburbs and Beyond

Broaden Your Horizons This Week

in Palos Park. Children will make wildlifefriendly ornaments, decorate the Family pottery outdoor Christmas tree, enjoy reA pottery class for families will freshments, and visit the farm be held on Mondays, Dec. 8 and animals. Admission to the farm on Dec 15, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at The Log Cabin Art Center, 12700 8 is a gift for the animals, such Southwest Highway in Palos Park. as horse halters oats, and chicken Instructor Heather Young in- mash. Copies of the animal wish vites families with children of list and suggested farm supply reany age to make clay winter tailers are available at the farm or wonderland scenes of snowmen, Center office and on The Center’s penguins, and Christmas trees on website (www.thecenterpalos.org). an icy lake on Dec. 8, and to come For further information, call The back to glaze their creations on Center at 361-3650. Dec. 15. The class fee is $18 per person and includes all supplies Encore Concert and two kiln firings. Reservations Band holiday show are required. Call 361-3650. The Encore Concert Band continues its 16th concert season with The Bridge Teen a holiday concert on Sunday, Dec. Center events 14, at 3 p.m., at Mokena Junior • Reverse Order – 7:30 to 10:30 High School, 19815 Kirkstone Way p.m. this Friday, The Bridge Teen in Mokena. This free concert will feature Center, 15555 S. 71st Court, Orland Park, will host Friday Night selections such as selections from Live with music from America’s the Nutcracker Suite, the Disney Got Talent finalist Reverse Or- movie “Frozen,” Leroy Anderder and free cookies courtesy of son’s “Sleigh Ride” and many more holiday favorites. For furBarnes and Noble. • High School After Hours – ther information about the Encore 10:30 to midnight this Friday, ex- Concert Band and the complete tended hours for high school stu- concert schedule, visit www.endents only. Students can participate coreband.org. Band members range in age in games, win prizes and more. • Rock Climbing – 4 to 6 p.m. from high school students to Dec. 9, a program with Lifetime adults; musicians interested in Fitness to teach students how to joining may sit in with the band at a weekly rehearsal at 7 p.m. rock climb. • DIY Peppermint Foot Scrub – Thursdays at Mokena Junior High 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 9, a program School. For information to schedto show students how to make ule a concert or join the band, their own peppermint foot scrub. call Rachel Ozark at 437-7051, • Lights, Camera, Action! – 4 e-mail info@encoreband.org, or to 6 p.m. Dec. 10, workshop for visit www.encoreband.org. students to learn what it takes to be an actor. Christmas teas • Book Club: “The Gift of the Magi” – 4:30 to 6 p.m. Dec. 11, a Ladies’ Christmas Teas on Satdiscussion of a classic short story urdays, Dec. 13 and 20, from 2 to with free hot cocoa. 4 p.m. are offered at The Center These free events are for teens 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos in 7th through 12th grade. For Park more information call 532-0500. Each tea includes a large buffet of Christmas punch, tea, cookies, cakes, tea sandwiches, and Labyrinth other goodies, plus an opportunity Group labyrinth walks will be to make a bag of fragrant fresh held today (Thursday) at 5:30 Christmas potpourri of balsam, p.m., and this Saturday morning, cinnamon, orange peel, hemlock at 8 a.m., at The Center, 12700 cones, and holly berries. A heartSouthwest Highway in Palos Park. warming Christmas story is then The labyrinth, a new large read before the fire. Tickets cost $30, and must be circular stone path for spiritual meditation is located at the north reserved in advance. Call 361end of The Center parking lot. 3650. In addition to the group walks focused on peace and fellowship, Dickens’ Christmas the labyrinth is available for indinner dividual walks at any time during the month. Reservations are currently beThere is no cost to those wishing taken for a Dickens Christmas ing to walk the labyrinth and no Dinner to be held at The Center, reservations are necessary. The 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos walks will take place rain or shine. Park, on Sunday, Dec. 14, starting For information, call Pastor Chris at 5:15 p.m. Hopkins 361-3650. The evening features a reading of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” by Greg Weiss of Homewood, and a roast goose, turkey, and plum pudding dinner, reminisTrim-a-tree party cent of the Bob Cratchit family’s at Children’s Farm dinner in Dickens’ story. The Bob Cratchit Dinner cost A holiday trim-a-tree party will be held on Sunday, Dec. 14, $32 per person and requires adfrom 1 to 3 p.m., at the Children’s vance reservations. For reservaFarm, 12700 Southwest Highway tions call The Center at 361-3650.

Upcoming

Videoview by Jay Bobbin (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: “DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES”: Once again, the tables are turned on the human race, which is small in comparison to the simian population in director Matt Reeves’ (“Cloverfield”) well-staged continuation of the franchise. What remains of mankind in the wake of a devastating virus runs up against smart simian Caesar (“performance capture” work by that category’s king, Andy Serkis) and his ape civilization ... with war a very possible result. Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Jason Clarke and Kirk Acevedo also are in the cast, but as usual in these efforts, the special-effects and makeup masters reign supreme. DVD extras: “making-of” documentary; photo galleries. *** (PG-13: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray) “THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY”: A restaurant rivalry fuels director Lasse Hallstrom’s fine drama, boasting Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey

This movie isn’t horrible, but it isn’t the boss, either In “Horrible Bosses 2,” we meet the crazy trio of Nick, Kurt and Dale (Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis and Charlie Day) again, but now they’ve gone into business for themselves and rid themselves of the horrible bosses they once had. Now we have no horrible bosses but still manage to have a movie very similar to the original. The unneeded sequel picks up three years after where the first one finished. The sequel is more of the same. It brings back most of the same cast including Jamie Foxx, Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston and the gang of three mentioned earlier. This time, instead of working for horrible bosses, they have their own product they are trying to sell called the Shower Buddy. It’s

as dumb as it sounds. If you’ve ever seen a late night infomercial, this product would fit right in. A sleazy investor played by Christoph Waltz offers to buy half a million dollars worth of units of the Shower Buddy. However, he pulls a fast one and cancels after the buddies have all been manufactured. Now Nick, Kurt and Dale are out half a million and they have to find a way to get rich quick to avoid losing it all. The big question here is where is the contract? To be a buzz-kill, if there was a contract everything would have worked out fine. It’s a movie, so common sense goes out the window. Most of the movie is about how they kidnap the investor’s son Rex (Chris Pine). It obviously doesn’t go as planned and a bunch of

twists and turns occur. Sometimes hilarity happens too, but not often enough for this movie. This is just a rehashing of the original. The plot and the jokes are different, but the tone is so similar to the first that it’s hard to tell the difference between the two. For a lot of the running time, the film just seems uninspired and hastily written. It was directed by Sean Anders and produced by John Morris. The two just recently helped bring us the horrible “Dumb and Dumber To”. At least this film is not a complete letdown. It’s the actors who ultimately make this film worth watching. If you expect Oscar – winning performances, you’ll be disappointed, but if you liked the

Pinto’s Popcorn Picks by Tony Pinto

original you’ll enjoy this one. It’s the goofy charm, the yelling, and sarcastic remarks from the stars that make this movie work. For 110 minutes you can stop thinking and enjoy what these actors do best. Their best probably isn’t “Horrible Bosses 2,” or at least let’s hope so for their sake, but it does have its moments. “Horrible Bosses 2” is exactly what you would expect out of a sequel to “Horrible Bosses.” It’s sometimes funny and disgusting, while sometimes it falls flat on its face. Overall it’s a film that’s somewhat enjoyable while watching, but one you’ll easily forget about the minute you leave the theater. —Tony Pinto’s grade: C

Wolfgang Puck’s Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck

Use your holiday leftovers in a great mac and cheese One of the things I love most about the holiday season is that virtually all of the dishes associated with Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year, and other seasonal celebrations center on some form of comfort food. Name a recipe, and you can be almost certain it’s on many people’s lists of favorite feel-good foods. Roast turkey or ham or beef? Check! Potato pancakes or candied baked yams or cornbread dressing? Double check! Add pumpkin or pecan pie, sugar cookies, jam-filled glazed donuts, chocolates, and any other sweet treats you can name, and you can’t even see the list anymore for the number of check-marks. That’s one big reason why I think the day after any big holiday meal offers a perfect time to keep the comforts coming. But I’m surprised that reactions can be mixed about leftovers, particularly those from a big roast. Sure, many people will eat a turkey, ham, or roast beef sandwich the next day. And maybe they’ll use a turkey carcass or a smoky ham bone to flavor a soup. But, by dinner the next day, most heads turn away at the thought of more leftovers. So I’d like to offer you a great way not just to use holiday roast leftovers but also to transform them, beginning with what will most likely be leftover turkey in your refrigerator. That strategy is to incorporate the meat into another all-time favorite comfort food by chopping up or shredding it and combining it with cooked pasta and a rich cheddar sauce to make a big main-dish casserole of macaroni and cheese. I bet that you, like I do, would have a hard time finding anyone who doesn’t like mac-and-cheese. I can certainly tell you that my gourmet version with black truffles is, year in and year out, one of the most popular dishes I serve to the formally dressed Hollywood stars at the Governors Ball following each year’s Academy Awards ceremony. But you don’t need truffles and gourmet cheeses to make great macaroni and cheese — just dried pasta, cooked until tender but still very chewy (since it will go on cooking when you bake the casserole); an easy-to-make cream sauce blended with freshly grated aged cheddar, to which I also like to add a little Gruyere and Parmesan for their distinctive flavors; and a topping of rich buttery breadcrumbs, which turn crunchy and golden in the oven. Doesn’t that sound delicious? Now imagine it tasting even better with bits of succulent turkey in each forkful. Just add a side salad and a beverage of your choice, and you’ve got a perfect nightafter-the-holiday dinner. And just imagine how great the same recipe will be when you use your leftover ham or roast beef instead!

among the producers. A family moves from India to France and opens an eatery featuring their native cuisine ... to the definite displeasure of the operator (the ever-superb Helen Mirren) of the French restaurant directly across the street. The cooking talents of the newcomers’ son (Manish Dayal) eventually helps bridge the differences. Om Puri and Charlotte Le Bon also star. DVD extra: “making-of” documentary. *** (PG: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “THE CONGRESS”: Though Robin Wright plays herself in this film, there’s a lot more to it, as the partially animated movie veers into fantasy — but not completely — as she supposedly ends her career by letting her image be captured digitally for future use. She’s paid handsomely, but she can have no say in how her likeness will be used. The plan is so successful, she becomes even more popular as the years progress ... the catch being that it’s MACARONI AND not actually “her.” Harvey Keitel, CHEESE WITH Danny Huston, Paul Giamatti, LEFTOVER TURKEY Sami Gayle (“Blue Bloods”) and Serves 4 (in voice only) Jon Hamm also ap- • ½ pound (250 g) dried pear in the clever story. *** (Not elbow macaroni rated: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (Continued on page 10) • 3 tablespoons

This recipe works just as well with leftover turkey, ham, or roast beef. all-purpose flour • 3½ cups (875 ml) milk • ½ medium-sized white onion, peeled but left in 1 piece • 1 bay leaf • 1 teaspoon kosher salt • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • Pinch cayenne • ½ pound (250 g) cooked turkey meat, coarsely chopped • 10 ounces (315 g) aged sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded • 3 ounces (90 g) Gruyere cheese, shredded • 1 ounce (30 g) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated • Nonstick cooking spray • 1 cup (250 ml) brioche or challah breadcrumbs • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. (175 degrees C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, tender but still chewy, following the manufacturer’s suggested cooking time — about 7 minutes. Thoroughly drain the pasta in a colander in the sink; then, spread it out even on a lightly oiled baking pan and set aside. While the macaroni is cooking, in a separate pot over low heat, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter. Whisking continuously, sprinkle in the flour to form a smooth paste. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 4 minutes. Still whisking, slowly pour in the milk. Add the onion, bay leaf, salt, pepper and cayenne. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently and taking care to scrape the bottom of the pan. Stir in the chopped turkey and cook 1 to 2 minutes longer. Remove and discard the onion half and bay leaf. Turn off the heat. Stir in threequarters of the cheddar and all of the Gruyere and Parmesan, until thoroughly combined and melted.

Add the macaroni, gently stirring to combine in throughout with the sauce. Lightly spray the inside of a 2-quart (1-l) casserole with nonstick cooking spray. Empty the macaroni mixture into the casserole, spreading it out evenly. Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the top. In a small saute pan, melt the remaining butter over low heat. Add the breadcrumbs and parsley

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and stir until thoroughly combined. Spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese. Put the casserole in the preheated oven and bake until the mixture is bubbling-hot and the topping is a deep golden brown, about 30 minutes. Remove the casserole from the oven and set it aside to let the mixture settle for 5 minutes for easier scooping and serving.

Section 2

Thursday, December 4, 2014

The Regional News - The Reporter

Out & About

Your Guide to Arts and Events in the Southwest Suburbs and Beyond

Videoview by Jay Bobbin (Continued from page 9)

by Kelsey Grammer as Sideshow Bob is among the highlights of this round of the Fox series staple, and On Demand) “A CHARLIE BROWN with the episodes originally teleCHRISTMAS”: The classic, vised in 2005-06. Grammer’s work animated, Emmy-winning special comes in the episode “The Italian made its television debut in 1965, Bob,” with his character ruling an but the home-video market is step- Italian town where Homer, Bart ping up its milestone celebration and company pay a visit. Larry by a year with the release of a Hagman, Alec Baldwin, Susan Sa“50th Anniversary Deluxe Edi- randon, Lily Tomlin, Rob Reiner, tion” now. Underscored by Vince Melanie Griffith and Mandy Moore Guaraldi’s great music, Charles also are among the season’s guest M. Schulz’s “Peanuts” characters voices. *** (Not rated: AS) (Also became immediate television stars on Blu-ray) “JUSTIFIED: THE COMin the tale of hapless Charlie Brown’s (voice of Peter Robbins) PLETE FIFTH SEASON”: In dismay over Christmas commer- what turned out to be the Elcialization, which Lucy tries to more Leonard-inspired FX show’s cure by getting him to direct the penultimate round — since its holiday play at school. The disc final season will begin soon — also includes “It’s Christmastime modern marshal Raylan Givens Again, Charlie Brown.” **** (Not (Timothy Olyphant) is threatened by Boyd Crowder’s (Walton Gograted) (Also on Blu-ray) “THE SIMPSONS: THE gins) moves, which could bring SEVENTEENTH SEASON”: An questionable actions by Givens to Emmy-winning voice performance light. Art and Ava (Nick Searcy,

Joelle Carter) are imperiled as well by the confluence of events. Jere Burns also appears. DVD extras: “making-of” documentary; audio commentary on selected episodes; deleted scenes. *** (Not rated: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray) COMING SOON: “DOLPHIN TALE 2” (Dec. 9): The dolphin named Winter needs a new companion of her own kind in this fact-inspired sequel; human cast members Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd, Nathan Gamble and Morgan Freeman also return. (PG: AS) “GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY” (Dec. 9): Thieveryprone rogue Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) leads a ragtag group of would-be heroes in keeping a powerful orb out of the hands of villains. (PG-13: P, V) “WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL” (Dec. 9): A high-school football coach (Jim Caviezel) leads a previously ob-

scure squad to a long series of wins in this fact-inspired drama. (PG: AS, V) “MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT” (Dec. 16): Woody Allen’s comedy casts Colin Firth as a magician who falls for a medium (Emma Stone) he had planned to debunk. (PG-13: AS) “TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES” (Dec. 16): The “heroes in a half-shell” get a screen rebirth as they try to protect New York; Megan Fox plays their reporter comrade April O’Neil. (PG-13: AS, V) “THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU” (Dec. 16): The death of their father reunites his four adult children; the ensemble cast includes Tina Fey, Jason Bateman, Rose Byrne and Jane Fonda. (R: AS, P) 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): Start moving forward. During the week ahead, you could receive attention for your originality and independence of spirit. You might even cash in on an unexpected opportunity. A change is in your best interest. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You have your feet firmly on the ground this week. You can get ahead by using a sensible, practical approach. Some situations may seem too serious for words, but good advice is available. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In the week to come, you might become more aware and appreciative of the talents and business savvy of a partner or close friend. There may be a few debates, but in the end you’ll be inspired to do better.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Get your act together. Whether it’s your working conditions or a health problem, you can take charge of the situation and make it better. It helps that you can depend on the support and wisdom of a close companion. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): With Jupiter in your sign, you’ll find plenty to be jolly about in the upcoming week. You might even find yourself the center of attention. Your networking skills could help you make noteworthy connections. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Put your thinking cap on. In the week ahead, you may be more adept at balancing the checkbook than building a shed. Home and family matters might inspire you to make positive changes in your

daily routines. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Your dreams for the future could grow by leaps and bounds. The more you do, the more you find you can do. You’re likely to develop new social contacts within the business world or on the job this week. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): It’s difficult to move ahead when the brakes are on. As this week unfolds, you might feel held back in some area and overreact to what you perceive as restrictions. Focus on giving key decisions adequate forethought. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22Dec. 21): Some astrologers think your sign is that of a visionary. In the week ahead, you might be able to use your eagle eye for possibilities to make your business

and financial dreams come true. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You may learn that being forced to change could be the best thing. As this week progresses, one of your greatest ambitions can be achieved if you’re willing to be flexible and adaptable. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Learn something new. It may change your mental attitude for the better. You may have a chance this week to revise your opinions and open up a line of communication that you’ve avoided in the past. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Friends can light up your life. These celestial conditions are ideal for exploring alternative ideas or making contact with unusual people. Reassess your goals and reappraise your objectives this week.

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Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas luncheon The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park, will host a “Little House on the Prairie” Christmas luncheon on Tuesday, Dec. 9, from noon to 2:30 p.m. Each December, The Center celebrates an artist whose Christmas work they love. This year they are sharing their love and enjoyment of beloved author Laura Ingalls Wilder who wrote the “Little House on the Prairie” series. Educational performer Janet Pawlicki (pictured) will portray a pioneer woman, telling about life and Christmas traditions on the prairie. After a few Christmas carols and passages from Wilder’s books, Center art teacher April Schabes will invite everyone to create some old-fashioned prairie-inspired Christmas crafts. The luncheon costs $18 and requires reservations. Call 361-3650.

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