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

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Serving Palos, Orland and Worth townships and neighboring communities

73rd Year, NO. 50 • 2 Sections

PALOS HEIGHTS

Boardwalk still at details to nail down Development group seeks tax subsidies from the city By Tim Hadac Staff reporter

Photo by Jeff Vorva

St. Xavier’s team huddled for a final meeting Saturday on Bruce Deaton Field under the backdrop of the scoreboard signaling the end of its season in the semifinals of the NAIA national championship series.

It’s not to be for St. Xavier Cougars fall to Southern Oregon in NAIA national semifinals By Jeﬀ Vorva • Reporter Editor

olks around here learned two things about Ashland, Oregon, courtesy of veteran Southern Oregon football coach Craig Howard. “It’s renowned for being the home of the Shakespearean Festival,” he said. “In addition to the Shakespearean Festival, we also have a pretty good football team.’’

Those who watched his team play on Saturday afternoon in Chicago probably won’t protest that statement too much. The Raiders and their record-setting quarterback, Austin Dodge, kept their high-powered offense rolling with a 62-37 victory over St. Xavier University Saturday in the NAIA national semifinals at Bruce R. Deaton Memorial Field. It was the first time SXU hosted a semifinal game and when the Cougars owned a 17-10 lead after the first quarter, fans were dreaming of a return trip to the national title game. The Cougars won the national championship in 2011 when several of the Cougars’ seniors were freshmen. But things quickly turned into a William Shakespeare-like dramatic tragedy when the Raiders scored 31-straight points and the Cougars could not catch up. Dodge threw for 460 yards and five touchdowns. He completed passes to nine different teammates. “He’s the best quarterback I’ve seen in 16 years,” SXU coach Mike Feminis said.

Photo by Jeff Vorva Evergreen Park native Ryan Carroll buries his face in his hands on the bench during St. Xavier’s loss Saturday.

Dodge has thrown for more yards – 16,820 – than any other QB in the history of the NAIA. Did SXU fans get a chance to watch a future NFL player on Saturday? Possibly. Howard, who coached Tim Tebow in high

school, said NFL scouts have stopped by Ashland to watch Dodge practice. Dodge is not thinking about the NFL or his NAIA legacy. He is centered on Dec. 19 when his team plays Marian (Ind.) in the national title game at 2 p.m. in Daytona Beach, Fla. “I’ll feel like I’ll cement my legacy if we win the national championship,” Dodge said. “And only if we win the national championship. I want to put a ring on every one of these guys’ fingers. I’m going to do my part to help lead this team. It’s going to be a fun experience. It’s something that we haven’t done before and we’re going to get down to Florida and take care of business.’’ Cougars quarterback John Rhode threw for 308 yards including a 75-yard strike to Evergreen Park resident and Marist High School graduate Ryan Carroll for a score. St. Xavier finished the season 10-3. The Cougars opened the season beating Marian 65-38 but the Indiana school was able to get See ST. XAVIER, Page 2

Months of cheers turned to moments of jeers, briefly, at a special meeting of the Palos Heights City Council Tuesday, as several alderman expressed frustration over what they deemed the slow and uneven progress made so far to develop the planned Boardwalk of Palos Heights on the old Crown and Rizza Buick site. “No one in this room ‘I haven’t heard wants you to be more successful than me, one thing tonight and I’m struggling where you guys to even figure out a have done even way of formulating this question without one of the things it sounding insulting,” that we asked you Alderman Jeffrey Key (1st Ward) told Chuck to do at the PUD Allenson, a representa- meeting.’ tive of 83 Harlem LLC. The development — Ald. Jeffrey Key group intends to build a mix of restaurants, retail stores, a boutique hotel and upscale condominiums on the long vacant property on the northeast corner of Route 83 and Harlem Avenue. “I haven’t heard one thing tonight where you guys have done even one of the things that we asked you to do at the PUD (Planned Unit Development Commission) meeting,” Key continued, moments after Allenson gave the council an update on progress his group made to address city concerns about traffic flow, engineering plans, landscaping, lighting, signage, safety, connections with the Cal Sag Trail, and more. “Everything you said was, ‘We’re going to do this, we’re waiting for this, we’re going to submit this, but not any of these items are done. “I honestly don’t know what we’re doing here tonight, because the PUD said that unless these things get done, it’s not going to go to council (for approval)” Key added. “We’re in this room for a reason, but I’m not hearing anything that makes this any more concrete than it did the night we had the PUD meeting, and you had writer’s cramp from making this list,” Key said, looking at Alderman Alan Fulkerson (3rd Ward). Key’s frustration was in sharp contrast to the optimism he expressed a year ago October when he told Allenson at a PUD Commission meeting, “I’ve got to tell you, I love this plan” and described the Boardwalk of Palos Heights concept as “tantalizing See BOARDWALK, Page 2

Holiday season has faces, trees, homes all aglow Images from the season: Sporting Spider-Man facepaint, Mike Nicholson, 5, of Palos Heights discusses his superhero wishes with Santa Claus. Middle: One-year-old Aven Marie Murphy, of Palos Heights, brings a smile to the face of her father, Jim, as she savors a candy cane at Palos Park’s Holiday Market last Friday. Far right: Uniquely decorated Christmas trees line the sidewalk next to the Palos Park Recreation Center at the village’s tree lighting last Friday night.

Photos by Tim Hadac

More coverage: Pages 2 & 3

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2 Thursday, December 11, 2014

The Regional News

Palos Community Hospital names Dr. Moisan president and CEO Palos Community Hospital interim President Dr. Terrence Moisan has been appointed as president and CEO of Palos Community Hospital, a hospital spokesman announced Tuesday. The Palos Community Hospital Board of Directors cited his extensive clinical experi-ence, deep community ties and exceptional leadership as the reasons behind their unanimous de-cision. “Nobody knows our hospital and our community like Dr. Moisan,” said board member Mark Sinibaldi, M.D. “Because he has spent the last nine months as our interim CEO, we have seen firsthand the professionalism and vision that will ensure we are able to grow and evolve in order to best serve the needs of our patients. We are confident his appointment as President and CEO will continue to improve the incredible work we do at Palos Community Hospital.”

work with them to strengthen our hospital Dr. Moisan has worked with Palos operations and improve the level of care Community Hospital for more than 35 we provide to our community.” years. He is a board-certified internist, Dr. Moisan was named interim president pulmonologist and preventive medicine and CEO of the hospital last February. specialist and has been named by U.S. During this time, Palos Community HosNews and World Report as a Top U.S. pital was named one of America’s “50 Occupational Medicine Specialist. He Best” hospitals by Healthgrades and realso has authored numerous scholarly ceived an “A” grade from The Leapfrog articles in the field of pulmonary and Group for Hospital Safety. Addi-tionaloccupational medicine for the country’s ly, the hospital’s cancer treatment center top medical journals. received a three-year accreditation with “I am honored and humbled by the Dr. Moisan commen-dation from the Commission confidence Palos Community Hospital on Cancer of the American College of has placed in me to lead our organization into the future,” Dr. Moisan said. “For more Surgeons. Among the many projects Dr. Moisan than three decades, I have been fortunate to work will lead is an expansion project of on-site clinical alongside some of the most dedicated clinicians and services in cardiovascular medicine and medical staff in health care. I look forward to continuing to imaging expected to be completed by next fall.

Candidates will file to run in April election beginning Monday By Tim Hadac Staff reporter

With statewide elections now in the rearview mirror, voters in Palos Heights, Palos Park and Orland Park now face local campaigns for municipal, public library and fire protection district governing boards. The week-long period for candidates to file nominating petitions to run in the April 7 Consolidated Election begins at 9 a.m. Monday and ends Dec. 22. Palos Fire Protection District trustees are appointed by the Palos Township Board of Trustees. Palos Heights and Palos Park public library board members are appointed by their respective city and village councils.

Palos Heights

Seats held by Aldermen Jeffrey M. Key (1st Ward), Robert Basso (2nd Ward), Alan Fulkerson (3rd Ward), and Michael McGrogan (4th Ward) are up for election for four-year terms.

Palos Park

All members of the Village Council are up for election to four-year-terms. The seats are held by Mayor John Mahoney, Clerk Marie Arrigoni, and Commissioners Nicole Milovich-Walters, Dan Polk, Darryl Reed, and Jim Pavlatos.

Additionally, he plans to direct a special focus on expanding the delivery of outpatient health care with an emphasis on preventive services. A southwest suburban native, Dr. Moisan is a graduate of Stritch School of Medicine of Loyola University Chicago. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and Fellow of the College of Chest Physicians. He has been a senior aviation medical examiner for more than 30 years, was a national consultant for the Federal Aviation Administration in pulmonary disease and served as a principle standards development member of the National Fire Protection Association. His children and grandchildren live in Indiana and California. He and his wife are long-time residents of Homer Glen. — Palos Community Hospital

Heights lights up Harlem in the greeting of the season

Orland Fire Protection District

Of the five trustees on the board, only OFPD President James P. Hickey’s seat is up next year. He is expected to run for re-election.

School District 118

Three board members’ seats are up for four-year terms: Sheila Pacholski, MariJo Calacci, and Nadine Antonini.

School District 128

Three of the seven seats are up for grabs. They are held by board members Michael Lynch, Kathy Lachowicz and Therese Lahart.

School District 135

Three of the seven seats are to be decided by voters. Joseph La Margo and Tina Zekich are up for four-year terms, and Greg Okon is expected to run for fill the remaining two years of the term he was appointed to.

Palos Heights Mayor Robert Straz thanks students from St. Alexander School for singing carols and warming up a crowd of about 100 people at Saturday’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, held at Palos Fire Protection District headquarters, 12300 S. Harlem Ave.

High School District 218

In Sub-district 5, which takes in Palos Heights, the seat of board member Marco Corsi is up for election to a four–year term.

High School District 230

The seats held by board President Rick Nogal, Patrick O’Sullivan and Kathy Quilty are up for re-election to four-year terms.

Moraine Valley Three trustee candidates are Community College

Orland Park

up for re-election to four-year terms: Patricia Gira, Edward G. Shussler III, and Carole Griffin Ruzich. Freshman Trustee Daniel Calandriello, appointed in 2013 to fill a vacancy when Trustee Brad O’Halloran resigned last year, is expected to run and fill the remaining two years of the term.

Orland Park Public Library

Two of the seven seats are up for election to six-year terms. Beth Gierach and Dan Drew are expected to run.

St. Xavier

Continued from Page 1 past that huge setback and make it to the national championship game. “There’s a lot of hurt,” Feminis said after the loss. “These seniors had the unbelievable feeling of winning a national championship when they were freshmen and they were a step away as sophomores. Last year, we had the season we had [not making the playoffs] and that doesn’t happen to us. “This year’s team grew and matured as the season went on. I don’t want to say we maxed out but I don’t know if too many people thought we would get this far.’’ A huge chunk of players from the South Suburbs make up the Cougars’ roster. Those from the Reporter/Regional area are Carroll (from Evergreen Park/Marist High

Two slots on the college’s board of trustees are up open. Each has a six-year term. The positions are currently held by Tom Cunningham and Patrick Kennedy. Petitions may be filed with Susan Murphy, secretary of the board, or her designees, Andrew Duren and Dawn Fredrikson, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning Monday, Dec. 15, and continuing through Monday, December 22, in Building D, Room 215 (President’s Office), 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills.

Shepard High School student Zachary Sierzega, 16, of Palos Heights, gives a Santa-like beard and eyebrows to Jared Nathait, 7, of Alsip.

A year after she made her debut on the front page of The Regional News (as a two-week-old baby in Santa’s lap), Cassidy Thompson waits to see Santa again, with her Palos Heights firefighter dad, Steve. Serving refreshments and good cheer inside the firehouse are Shepard High School National Honor Society members Maggie Sera (from left), Eddie Leyden, Tyler Callahan, Max Jones, and Tim Kruse.

‘I don’t want to say we maxed out but I don’t know if too many people thought we would get this far.’ School), Joe DeMarco (Chicago Ridge/Richards), Mike Sheehy (Chicago/Brother Rice), John Glover (Oak Lawn/Oak Lawn High School), Denzel Watts (Evergreen Park/Evergreen Park High School), Mohamad Ashkar (Alsip/Shepard), Ronald Luce (Oak Lawn/Oak Lawn High School), Kevin Lonergan (Oak Lawn/ Oak Lawn High School), Greg Hayward (Oak Lawn/Oak Lawn High School), John Frederickson (Evergreen Park/Evergreen Park High School) and Kevin Berrigan (Oak Lawn/St. Rita).

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Southern Oregon offensive lineman Max Proudfit hits the ground in jubilation after his team’s victory over St. Xavier on Saturday.

Photos by Joan Hadac

Boardwalk

Continued from Page 1 and mouth watering.” Allenson responded to Key’s criticism by reiterating that the site’s traffic study is completed and has served as a basis for engineering work that has been done. Other tasks on the PUD to-do list are nearing completion, he added. “So it’s not like nothing’s happened,” Allenson told Key. “There’s been an awful lot going on to get these items done — and not only these items, but with our proposed tenants and working out some of the financial things that we’ve been processing through the city. A lot of work has been done…on a daily basis.” Several other aldermen echoed Key’s frustration about being asked to come to a special meeting where they did not receive the completed checklist they had anticipated. In addition to an update on the Boardwalk, the meeting was called, Alderman Fulkerson reminded the group, to “authorize the drafting of an ordinance that authorizes

the mayor and the city administrator to negotiate a (non-binding) redevelopment agreement with these people, so they can close on their acquisition of the land. We’re not going to have anything to do with the final approval of that plat. They’re going to have to come back here in two or three months…we’re just authorizing negotiation, not an agreement.” In the end the council, gave unanimous approval to the drafting of an inducement ordinance, which is expected to be ready for a vote at the next regular meeting of the City Council, set for 7 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall. The final agreement between the city and 83 Harlem LLC is expected to include a now undetermined amount of financial assistance to the development via a business district tax similar to what helped enable the construction of the Jewel-Osco at 12803 S. Harlem Ave., as well as possible sharing of city sales tax revenue, and tax increment financing. City officials had earlier ruled out issuing bonds to aid the development.

Verbal brickbats aside, Allenson walked up to Key and Alderman Dolores Kramarski (3rd Ward) after the meeting and received their assurances that they remain fully supportive of the Boardwalk project, in a conversation that ended with laughter and exchanges of holiday wishes. Allenson told The Regional News after the meeting that his group received what it wanted from the council and plans to move forward. City officials “have been very cooperative,” Allenson said. “We’ve been working on this for a while, and we totally understand what the city wants, and we’ll deliver that. The next step is to start the redevelopment agreement … which may be done as soon as tomorrow or the next day. It should be a relatively short document because we’ve really limited our wants to be more in line with what the city wants, so it shouldn’t be difficult to get it done.” Allenson said his group still hopes to break ground in the spring, and his most optimistic scenario will see some restaurant and retail doors open by the end of 2015.

The Regional News

Thursday, December 11, 2014

PALOS PARK

Resident’s elaborate outdoor display wins decorating contest By Michael Gilbert

Regional correspondent

Photos by Joan Hadac

Left: Santa and Mrs. Claus pause for a photo before they listen patiently to the wishes of 5-year-old Iris, of Palos Park. Right: Palos Heights residents Jim and Kelly Murphy do their best to keep their children in check, at least long enough for a photo. Showing various stages of Christmas cheer are Nevan (from left), Hope, Jane, Grace, Balyleigh, Aven Marie, Declan, and Emerson.

Village festivities launch Centennial time capsule along with the yuletide By Tim Hadac Staff reporter

Palos Park’s yearlong celebration of its 100th birthday continued Saturday, as village officials filled a time capsule with memories of 2014 — which will be buried this week in front of Recreation Department headquarters, 8901 W. 123rd St. In addition to various documents relating to village government and its celebration, the capsule will contain a copy of the Sept. 4 edition of The Regional News. It included a centennial special section and a front-page photograph of Palos Park pioneer Elmer Braasch, age 100, sitting on a train station bench and cradling Ashton Christopher Allen, 100 days old — an image emblematic of the span of the village. The Regional has served the Palos area since 1941, when Palos Park was just 27 years old. “I’m glad I’m here to witness this,” said John Shantz, a new resident of the village who encountered the time capsule ceremony by accident as he brought his 10-year-old daughter, Gracie, to the scene to watch Palos Park’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and shop at the holiday market indoors. “Hopefully, when I’m a senior citizen in 25 years (when the 2014 time capsule is expected to dug up and opened as part of the village’s 125th anniversary), my daughter will be married and bringing her children here—kind of building a family tradition, you know?” The tree lighting and holiday market had much of the country-town feel that is a hallmark of life in Palos Park. Carols filled the air, adults and

Photo by Joan Hadac

Flanked by Palos Park elected officials, Village Manager Rick Boehm holds up a commemorative copy of The Regional News, moments before he places it and other treasures into a time capsule that will not be opened until the village’s 125th anniversary in 2039.

children enjoyed hayrides, and a handful of custom-decorated Christmas trees lined the side of building, a warm glow of red, green and gold that flowed along the sidewalk in a gentle slope down to the village green. Adorned by various village organizations — such the Palos Village Players, the Palos Park Woman’s Club, Public Library and Citizens on Patrol Service (COPS) — the trees attracted attention of children and adults alike. The Flaherty family had a hearty laugh as daughter, Jenny, 6, looked at the old-fashioned police cap atop the COPS tree and said, “Daddy, I think a policeman forgot his hat up there. We should take it to lost and found.”

Supplied photo

The Palos Park Woman’s Club won first place in the community tree decorating contest last Friday at Palos Park’s annual tree lighting celebration. Chairwoman Fran Basso and committee members chose to celebrate the club’s founding in 1902 as the tree’s theme.

‘Really, you add a few snowflakes here tonight in Palos Park, and you have a Currier & Ives print.’ Inside the recreation center (itself an old village hall), holiday revelers warmed up with Christmas cupcakes, cookies, coffee, cocoa and more. Fest-goers were entertained by an Irish dance troupe, singers and a comedian. Children clamored to see Santa Claus, once again portrayed with a gentle English accent by Palos Park resident Charles Wells, with

his wife, Laura, serving as Mrs. Claus. “I don’t know how people in Palos Park celebrated Christmas 100 years ago or if they did it at a public event like this,” said Orland Park resident Bill Hankiewicz, who was at the event with relatives from Palos Park. “I’ll say this, though, and maybe because this celebration is smaller and more intimate. It’s much better than Christmas events that I’ve seen in larger suburbs, and it’s way better than the thing Chicago has every year by the Picasso, which is so big it has no focus.” “Really, you add a few snowflakes here tonight in Palos Park, and you have a Currier & Ives print,” his wife, Sheila, added.

Palos Park Commissioner Nicole Milovich-Walters has a suggestion for those who aren’t yet in the holiday spirit. Take a ride over to resident Bill Williams’ home in the 8700 block of West 119th Street, and view his elaborate outdoor display. It just won first place in this year’s Palos Park House Decorating Contest. “All the different colors and patterns of lights really set his home apart from the rest of the competition,” Milovich-Walters said. “The judges said it was a magnificent display.” Members of the Palos Park Recreation Advisory Board judged the contest, which has been held for the last three years. Milovich-Walters presented Williams with a plaque at the council meeting Monday to commemorate his victory. “Thank you so much for participating,” Milovich-Walters told Williams. “I hope more and more people participate each year. It’s a lot of fun to see such great displays.” The contest has grown each year, Milovich-Walters said. Although she didn’t have the exact number of homes that participated, she praised the village for having “so many nicely decorated homes.” After checking out Williams’ display, Milovich-Walters recommended making the short trip over to the Palos Park Recreation Department to see the eight trees on the eastside of the building that were decorated by civic groups and community organizations. The trees were decorated late last month and Palos Park Recreation Department staff and village officials selected the top three entries during the Palos Park tree lighting ceremony last Friday. The Palos Park Woman’s Club was the big winner on the evening, garnering first place for its tree, which pays homage to the village’s centennial. “It’s just a gorgeous tree,” Milovich-Walters said. “(The Woman’s Club) did a fantastic job. If you weren’t there, please stop by the recreation center and take a look at it. It’s breathtaking and well deserving of first place.”

‘All the different colors and patterns of light really set his home apart from the competition.’ The Palos Village Players took home second place and Girl Scout Troop 60349 won third place. Village Clerk Marie Arrigoni, who is a member of the Woman’s Club, said the group will treasure its first-place trophy for years to come. “We had the trophy at our meeting today and it will travel with us wherever we go for the next 100 years,” she said. “It took us three years to win that trophy.” The Girl Scouts, who won first place two years ago and second place last year, also won the “people’s choice award,” which was determined by a vote of people in attendance at the ceremony. “It’s hard for people to say ‘no’ to those cute little Girl Scout faces running around and asking them to vote,” Milovich-Walters said. “I think it also might have to do with the boxes of candy they hung on their tree for people to take.” While Palos Park Commissioner Dan Polk joked the candy-filled ornaments may be considered bribery by the Scouts, the council decided the troop will be able to keep their awards.

Safe Ride Home

Also Monday, Polk told the council that the Palos Park Police Department will again offer the Safe Ride Home program on New Year’s Eve. From 10 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 4 a.m. on Jan. 1, Palos Park residents may call the police department at 448-2191 or 259-1035 for a no-questions asked ride home. The boundaries are confined to Palos Park, but officers will go slightly beyond the village to get a reveler home safely, Polk said. “The concept of the program is simple,” Polk said. “Palos Park police offer rides to people who have too much to drink, thereby avoiding an accident, arrests or other alcohol-related tragedy. This absolutely reduces the risk of people driving when they shouldn’t be. We want impaired drivers off the road and home safely.”

IN REMEMBRANCE Thomas Jundanian, WWII vet helped widows of his fellow POWs By Tim Hadac Staff reporter

Thomas Jundanian, of Palos Heights, a World War II veteran who survived a German POW camp and later helped widows of his fellow former prisoners of war get benefits due them, died Nov. 30 at Palos Community Hospital after a brief illness. He was 93. “My dad knew the difference it made in his life when he got his full benefits (for former POWs), so he understood what it meant to these women — he referred to them jestingly as ‘my widows’ — in some cases, it helped them keep their homes and changed their lives,” said Mr. Jundanian’s son, Tom, also of Palos Heights. Mr. Jundanian’s quest to connect widows of Americans taken prisoners of war with military benefits for which they are eligible began in the spring of 2010, when he was a customer at Jewel-Osco in Palos Heights, and noticed a woman driving a car with “former POW” license plates. He spoke with the woman, and learned that she was a widow of a POW and unaware that she was entitled to government benefits — more than $13,000 a year, tax-free. Jundanian, then the Greater Chicago Chapter Commander of the American Ex- Prisoners of War, used his contacts with the Chicago VA to get the widow’s claim processed. She then started receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, which is retroactive 12 months and lasts until the widow’s death. “She was not getting compensation that she was entitled to; in fact, her husband wasn’t getting compensation before,” Mr. Jundanian told The Regional News in 2011. “Having found the first (widow of a former POW), I thought there had to be others. I thought to myself, ‘How many others are there like her?’” After that, he set up an office near 127th Street and Harlem Avenue, bought his first

Submitted Photo

Thomas Jundanian died Nov. 30 at the age of 93.

laptop computer and started searching for widows he could match with benefits to which they were entitled. Mr. Jundanian grew up in Massachusetts and was drafted into the Army during World War II, several years after he had attended a civilian military school sponsored by the federal War Department in the build-up America’s entry into the war. As a soldier in combat with the 99th Infantry Division, he was taken prisoner somewhere in Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge in late 1944 and waited out the end of World War II in Germany, battling the cold and hunger at the Stalag IV B work camp. After the war, he attended Purdue University on the GI Bill and was introduced to his future wife, Florence Pridjian, in Chicago by his older brother, Joseph. They were married at West Pullman Methodist Church in Chicago in 1951 and settled in the Roseland neighborhood to raise a family. They moved to

the Ishnala section of Palos Heights in 1972. “My dad was the greatest man I’ve ever known,” Tom Jundanian said. “The sacrifices that he and my mom made over the years, deferring their own gratification to provide for their children so we could get an education and have a better life — I can’t underestimate that.” Jundanian, currently president of a 90-yearold family business (the Chicago-based K.A. Pridjian & Co., one of the Midwest’s leading vendors of Oriental rugs), said he was recently reviewing and erasing his late father’ voicemail messages and came across a familiar recording. “It was a message of thanks he received from a widow he had helped,” Jundanian told The Regional News. “He initially received it in August of 2013 and saved it all this time. He’d play it for us from time to time, so it was clear that he felt really good about helping her.” The late Mr. Jundanian refused to accept compensation for assisting the 15 widows he worked with. The slogan on his calling card was, “No fee now, no fee tomorrow, no fee ever,” his son said. “My dad felt so blessed in his life, and he was the type of man who wanted to share that with others. That’s the kind of man he was.” Mr. Jundanian was preceded in death by his wife in 2008. In addition to his son, Tom (Sydney), he is survived by another son, Dr. Mark K. (Dr. Marcia Dering); grandchildren, Keith, Dennis, Melissa (Patrick), Trevor, Daniel, and Stephan; and great-granddaughter, Diane. He also was preceded in death by his daughter, the late Dr. Diane M. Jundanian, and his grandchild, the late Leslie Jundanian. He was an uncle to many. Visitation was held at Kerry Funeral Home in Palos Heights on Dec. 2. Services were held at Saints Joachim and Anne Armenian Apostolic Church in Palos Heights. Interment was at Cedar Park Cemetery.

Photo by Michael Gilbert

Palos Park resident Bill Williams holds the plaque he received from Commissioner Nicole Milovich-Walters at the council meeting Monday for winning the 2014 Palos Park house decorating contest.

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4 Thursday, December 11, 2014

INSIDE THE FIRST AMENDMENT

OPINION

The Regional News

Conflicts put our freedoms to the test By Gene Policinski

ur First Amendment freedoms have been put to use — and put to the test — in recent days. In the U.S. Supreme Court chambers in Washington, D.C., an angry ex-husband sought to overturn his conviction for for making threats over the Internet, claiming the violence-laced language and the vile visions he conjured up on Facebook were just “therapeutic efforts to address traumatic events,” even akin to some song lyrics. Some defenders of free speech say ideas are not actions and the speakers’ intent ought to rule here. But prosecutors who convicted Anthony Elonis say his posts would lead any “reasonable person” to feel threatened, including Elonis’ ex-wife and a female FBI agent. And, they say, moving away from that standard would open the floodgates to new levels of harassment and intimidation, particularly via new technology and social media. In Kennesaw, Ga., northwest of Atlanta, the city council voted 4-1 to deny a request by a small group of Muslim residents to open a temporary mosque at a strip mall while they searched for a permanent location. The four opposing councilmen didn’t speak during the vote, but outside a gaggle of protesters did, waving American flags and displaying signs claiming “Islam wants no peace.” City officials said the mosque would create traffic congestion, conflict with retail stores nearby during weekday religious gatherings, and that it’s the first time such a request for retail space has come up. But local news operations said a similar request by a Protestant Pentecostal group was approved in July, and the one council member who voted “yes” said the denial was rooted in discrimination against Muslims. And in Ferguson, Mo., and now in New York City, we’re seeing the oldest form of public protest — marches, rallies and occasional civil disobedience — combine with the newest form of petition and assembly via the Web and social media, over the refusal of grand juries to indict white police officers involved in the deaths of unarmed black men. Social media exploded with protest in August over the shooting death of teenager Michael Brown, including a Howard University-based photo that propelled the now-common “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” chants. Web images and commentary from the scene quickly took local protest to a worldwide audience. On Wednesday evening, within moments of announcement of the decision not to bring an indictment in Eric Garner’s “chokehold” death, the “Twittersphere” was awash with comments: USA TODAY reported a tweet that said, “They can’t choke this mobilization, this movement, this furiousness over the injustice of years of impunity.” Celebrities also took to the Web over the Garner news: Comic Bill Maher tweeted: “I’d just like to know what a cop WOULD have to do to get indicted...” And talk show host Tavis Smiley tweeted: “Illegal chokehold, caught on tape, and still no indictment? Black life has little value.” And even arenas where real-world concerns normally don’t intrude are caught up in these national conversations. Five St. Louis Rams players came onto the field Nov. 30 with their hands raised — drawing free expression support from team officials, but the ire of a police association spokesman who issued a vague warning of “I’ve got news for people who think that way.” As different as these examples of our core freedoms-at-work are — and occasionally, as in Kennesaw, where one freedom is pitted against another — the value of those basic rights is abundantly clear: From raw emotion to measured discussion, from the street to the courtroom, in ways not seen since the anti-war and civil rights movements of the 1950s and 1960s, the nation is talking to itself about social challenges that range across old issues and new technology. Talk is no guarantee of solution, and passion may not lead to progress. But the nation’s founders had the belief that an engaged, informed public, combined with an independent judiciary operating in the open, would enable the nation to arrive at both solutions and progress as long as those in power were not able to cut off discussion and debate. Hence, the strong language that starts out “Congress shall make no law...” and which extends to every level of government. There are just 45 words in the First Amendment — but they prompt, protect and propel a good many more, and the nation is far better off for it. Gene Policinski is chief operating ofﬁcer of the Newseum Institute and senior vice president of the Institute’s First Amendment Center. He can be reached at gpolicinski@newseum.org.

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Publisher Publisher Editor Editor Amy Richards Jack Jack Murray Murray Editor Sports Editor Sports Editor Jack Murray Heights, IL 60463 and additional Ken Karrsonpost offices. Palos Heights, Illinois, 60463 and Ken Karrson Entered as periodical mail at the Post Office at Palos Heights, IL, additional post offices under the Act of 60643 and additional Sports post offices under the Act of March 3, 1879. Editor March 3, 1879. Advertising Sales contents (©Entire contents copyright copyright 2014 Southwest Regional Publishing © Entire Ken 2011 Regional Publishing Corp.)Phone: 448-4001 Val Karrson Draus This newspaper is dedicated to the memory of Phone: 448-4001 Advertising Sales those who gave their lives to protect America’s Classified Manager This newspaper is dedicated to freedom of the press, whenever and however the memory of those who gave Phone: 448-4001 Perrewe Classified Manager their lives to protect America’s freeitDebbie may be threatened. dom of the press, whenever and This newspaper newspaper dedicated to This dedicatedPhone: to however it may beisthreatened. Debbie Perrewe 448-4002 Classified Manager the memory memory of those who gave the who gave

READERS WRITE Operation Christmas Child grafeful for gifts Dear Editor: A BIG thank you to all who contributed to the recent Operation Christmas Child shoebox/gift collection! Truly there are many warmhearted, kind and giving people in our area. The relay center at Moraine Valley Church in Palos Heights collected 4,500 shoeboxes, as well as an additional $2,400 given to fund more gifts and shipping costs. Your generous hearts made it possible for OCC to reach and make an impact in the lives of countless needy children with God’s love and care. I recently heard a very moving account of one boy’s experience with his Christmas shoebox this past year. When the gifts arrived at his orphanage, he initially refused to take one of the boxes! The director was puzzled and asked why. He tearfully explained that he had prayed to be adopted and it had not happened. He was so upset he would not take a box, even one filled with delightful gifts, in place of what he wanted more than anything in the world: a family to love and care for him. Nothing could assuage his deep disappointment. After gently explaining that even though he had not gotten his heart’s deepest desire he could still take and enjoy this special gift, the director was able to change his mind. As he opened his very own box, filled with fun toys, candy and other important items, he noticed an envelope. Curious, he opened it to find a letter directed to the recipient of the box from the family that had carefully and lovingly packed it. As the boy read the letter, his eyes grew big – first with unbelief and then with joy as he laughed and cried with amazement. The

letter stated that this family had been praying about adopting a boy and asked that if the one receiving the box was interested in being adopted, he could contact them. Only God could orchestrate such a profound and unbelievable connection! This is only one example of the wonderful way lives are touched by the gift of a simple shoebox. It is not too late for you to have a part in showering children’s lives with blessing. Please continue to pray for the shoeboxes as they make their way around the world to their various destinations. You can also go to www. samaritanspurse.org/occ to find other ways to get involved. Thank you for making a difference in the life of a precious child. God bless you! — Susan Tesauro Palos Heights

McCord giving thanks for community support Dear Editor: Thanksgiving has passed, but everyday is a day to be thankful. The McCord Art Gallery & Cultural Center is especially thankful for the community support that the gallery has received for the last 10 years. The 10th anniversary celebration and fundraiser, “Let’s Twist Again! “ was held Oct. 25 at the historic Willowbrook Ballroom. Attendees dressed in ‘50s-, ‘60s-style, enjoyed cocktails, dinner and dancing to the music of the “Meteors “ dance band! The Twist, The Stroll, Jitterbug were just some of the music that kept the dance floor full with attendees reliving that wonderful era or experiencing it for the first time. Part of the evening included a special

appearance by vocalist Michael St. Angel, known as “The Windy City Elvis” (sponsored by Shirley Hulse), showcasing the music styles of many artists of that time and then wowed everyone with his “Elvis” hits! Staying after to pose for photos with his fans! Mama Cass (Jackie Trudy) was a spirited auctioneer and the live and silent auction along with a raffle helped raise important operating funds for the McCord House. The committee and volunteers would like to thank everyone that attended, the sponsors, donations of auction, raffle prizes and gift baskets. There are so many behind the scenes that deserve recognition and the fundraiser would not be successful with out their help. Palos Park Mayor John Mahoney, the various clubs and organizations and we especially thank The Regional News for their event coverage before and after the event with outstanding articles and photos! As this year winds down and a new year is about to begin, the volunteers at the McCord house look forward to seeing you at all the exciting events planned for next year! Don’t forget the Beautiful Holiday Shoppe is now open! Come and visit soon. — Arlene Adams and Carol Trzcinski, co-chairs, and committee members Lynne Terr, Jackie Trudy, Noelle Karacsony, Cynthia Weglarz, Stella Solliday, Dave Trzcinski, Jeanette Wood, Nancy Mitchell, Pat Martin, Phyllis Rowley Adams, Adrian Jackiew, Jeanne Krapauskas, Pat Jones, Lillian Courtney, Janice Marco-Bottger and John Nugent

Ray-ging over parking, plates, red light cameras Here are some of my irks, quirks and oughta-be laws: ILLEGAL PARKING: There are a lot of other ways to generate revenue from traffic tickets instead of installing red light cameras to nail unsuspecting motorists. Here are a few suggestions. Put a police squad car near the small Orland Park Post Office branch in the strip mall at 151st and LaGrange Road. Count how many drivers pull their cars up to the strip mall curb – blocking the mall entrance intersection – and then mosey on in like there was no tomorrow. They leave their cars parked like that for 15, maybe 25 minutes, blocking the traffic and causing cars to squeeze past each other, creating jams in the traffic lanes. The curb is painted yellow. HANDICAP PLATES: How about cracking down on the “miracle people” who have handicap cards hanging from their rear view mirrors, or handicap license plates on their cars? As soon as they pull into the handicapped spot, they step out of their vehicles — again, Cadillacs, Lincolns, Hummers and other huge luxury sedans — and walk like they’re entering a movie theater in a hurry for a good seat. Many of the people using these cards are not handicapped. If you are driving someone who has a disability and they are in

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RAY HANANIA the car, I can understand it, maybe, if the person with the disability needs to get out. But even then, in most cases, the other person (who may be disabled) is sitting in the car. The handicap tag should have the person’s name on it, and they had better be driving or in the car. RED LIGHT CAMERAS: I don’t mind red light cameras, if the rules are not skewered to jam motorists. What do I mean? I mean like when the City of Chicago installs red light cameras, and then change the time-lapse between the green and red lights from three seconds to two seconds That one-second difference is the cause of your unfair anguish, and gives the city an unfair advantage. You can’t go through a changing light in two seconds without getting a ticket. And if the light is changing, and you slam on your breaks, you risk causing a crash. With speeds higher than 30 mph, it should be four seconds! The other day I got a ticket for making

a legal right-hand turn in a right hand lane, after stopping at a red light at Ogden and Harlem. But, I didn’t stop where the city wanted me to stop. The city painted a white line and, 10 feet further down, put a small white sign with black letters, which explains that before you make a right turn, you must “stop at the white line,” that I just passed. You have to cross the white line to be able to read the sign. It’s a $100 ticket. I’m sure you have a few of these, so feel free to e-mail me and share your “irks and quirks and oughta be laws.” THE GRAPEVINE: I have to say Oak Lawn has become one of the most vicious political environments I have ever seen. The hatred, the name-calling, the ugly e-mails, the lies, the anonymous blog posts from both sides, former officials who act like babies, and the polarization of voters makes me, and others, disgusted. In the long run, these fools fueling this kind of viciousness are going to bring Oak Lawn down. Oak Lawn used to be one of the region’s best communities. How did you all let this happen, Oak Lawn? Ray Hanania is an award-winning former Chicago City Hall reporter. Reach him with your story ideas at rghanania@gmail.com.

What is your favorite Christmas carol?

Editorial: Noon, Saturday Amy Amy 5Richards Richards Advertising: p.m., Monday

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theirlives lives to protect America’s their to protect America’s free-

Percy Allen Jr. Evergreen Park “ ‘This Christmas’ by Donny Hathaway. That’s an oldie but a goodie.”

Vivian Agerilar Evergreen Park “ ‘Silent Night,’ but I like them all.”

Anne Korey Evergreen Park “I like them all, but they start too early.”

• Asked at the Evergreen Park Community Center. Photos by Jeff Vorva

Charlotte Kasper Evergreen Park “ ‘Little Drummer Boy.’ I like the ‘rump ba bum bum.’”

Bob Ryan Evergreen Park “ ‘Silent Night.’ I’ve always liked it.”

The Regional News

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Orland man sentenced in fatal DUI crash Orland Park resident Nicholas Sord, 27, was sentenced last month to four and a half years in prison after his conviction for aggravated DUI in the death of his ex-girlfriend, Jessica Mejia, 20, of New Lenox, on New Year’s Eve in 2009. Sord has been incarcerated at the East Moline Correctional Center since Nov. 10, according to the Illinois Department of Corrections. His projected parole date is March 4, 2017. Mejia was a passenger in Sord’s Mercedes SUV when it ran into a pole near 147th Street and Oak Park, in unincorporated Cook County.

Sord’s blood-alcohol level at the time was 0.236, more than twice the legal limit, police said. The trial moved slowly over nearly five years in the Cook County Circuit Court system, with legal wrangling delaying action time and again, according to published reports. At one point, Sord’s legal team attempted to establish that Mejia caused the crash by distracting Sord. The night of the fatal crash, Sord had picked up Jessica Mejia, whom he had previously dated, from her family’s home and was driving on 147th Street when his Mercedes SUV hit a light pole, then

careened into a ditch and partially rolled, according to police. Neither was wearing a seat belt, police said following the crash. Mejia, a student at the University of Illinois-Chicago, was pronounced dead at the scene, suffering multiple injuries. Sord was treated and released at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. He suffered a broken wrist and lacerations, police said. Sord told sheriff’s investigators that he had been out with friends that night, then picked up Jessica before heading to his home on Churchill Drive in Orland Park, police said.

Jessica Mejia’s mother, Christina, has been open about how the loss of her daughter has affected her life. In an impact statement posted on the Internet by the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists, she wrote, “My precious, beautiful daughter, Jessica, was killed in a car crash; not an accident - a crash! My life will never be the same without Jessica. How I love to hear her name and how I miss her presence. There is no accident with a .236 alcohol level. It is irresponsible and selfish and, as far as I’m concerned, it’s murder with a vehicle as a weapon.”

Sord

Mejia

Police on lookout for DUI, Worth pair charged with especially during the holidays trespass at Heights home From Palos Park Police Chief Joe Miller

Throughout the area, drivers will see an increase in local law enforcement on the roads through the holiday season. The goal is to put police in full view of drivers, reminding them to drive more safely. Holiday parties across the area are getting underway and the Palos Park Police Department is out with a simple message; Don’t drink and drive. Our goal is to save more lives. Police Commissioner Dan Polk said, “Plan ahead, if you’re having a Christmas party there are hotels, there are cabs, there are companies that will pick up your vehicle and drive you home. There is really no excuse to drink and drive and the number of people who chose to drive impaired is declining.”

Palos Park Police are also reminding residents to fasten their seat belts as the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the Illinois State Police (ISP) and local law enforcement agencies across the state will be out enforcing seat belt laws around the clock. Additional enforcement will take place late at night when seat belt use is at its lowest and impaired driving is the biggest problem.” “Whether you’re going across town or across the State this holiday season, please make sure everyone in the car is wearing their seat belt. As of Jan. 1, 2012, by law in Illinois, everyone must wear a seat belt no matter what seating position,” said Palos Park Police Chief, Joe Miller. “Our officers are prepared to ticket anyone who is not wearing a seat belt and arrest those choosing to

drive impaired.” We are proud that Illinois has a 94.1 percent daytime seat belt usage rate. However, far too many drivers and passengers still do not buckle up – especially late at night. Remember – wearing your seat belt is your best defense against an impaired driver. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belts saved over 12,000 lives nationwide in 2012. Buckle up and encourage your loved ones to do the same. You will save the cost of a ticket and may save a life. For more information about the Click It or Ticket and the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaigns, please visit www.buckle upillinois.org.

POLICE BLOTTER: ORLAND PARK Toy store employee charged with felony theft

Orland Park police charged Angela Glasper, 27, of Calumet Park, with felony theft through deception after she allegedly stole more than $11,000 worth of goods from a toy store on Orland Square Drive. Store security agents told police on Nov. 14 that Glasper used her employee access code over a six-month period to generate “appeasement codes” that she would later use from home to obtain merchandise at no cost, police said. The police report did not give a court date.

Man charged with theft from construction site

Police charged Joseph M. Serici Jr., 27, of Oak Lawn, with theft after he allegedly stole $4,000 worth of steel pipes and valves from a construction site at Evergreen Senior Living, 10810 W. 183rd St., at 7:46 a.m. Nov. 22. The items belonged to a Chicago construction company working at the site. Serici reportedly told police that he was scavenging the construction site and assumed the items had been discarded because he found them next to a Dumpster, police said. A company representative later told police that there is no Dumpster at the site, and that the pipes and valves were next to a fuel tank, surrounded by heavy machinery, according to the police report, which gave no court information.

Jacket thieves wanted Two women stole four North Face jackets from a sporting goods store on Orland Park Place at 11:22 a.m. Nov. 17, store representatives told police. A review of video surveillance footage showed that one stuffed the coats into a large white trash bag before walking out of the store with an accomplice. They are described as black, age 18-25, about 5 feet 3 inches tall, wearing dark clothing.

Man charged with DUI after crash into Public Works truck: police

Mario Hernandez-Ramos, 22, of Orland Park, was charged with aggravated DUI, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, driving on a suspended license, and no proof of insurance. Police investigating a crash near 147th Street and Ravinia Avenue at 4:11 a.m. Nov. 27 said that Hernandez-Ramos’ car struck an Orland Park Public Works pickup truck parked at the side of the road, as a 42-year-old worker placed signage for the village’s annual Thanksgiving Day turkey trot. The head-on crash caused the pickup truck to lurch backward, knock the worker to the ground and roll over his leg, according to the police report. The worker refused medical attention, police said, although Hernandez-Ramos was taken to Palos Community Hospital, where he allegedly admitted to drinking about five beers and falling asleep at the wheel. He was due in bond court on Nov. 29, according to the police report.

Man of the hour Art Hannus, president of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, recently presented Edward F. McElroy with the Illinois State Crime Commission Life Time Achievement Award. McElroy, of Oak Lawn, has been active in the field of news and sports on WJOB, WIND and WJJD radio for more than 65 years and currently hosts two TV shows. The Ed McElroy Show is taped at Comcast Channel 19 in the south suburbs. Submitted photo

Laptop stolen from car

A 38-year-old man told police that someone stole a laptop computer in a black leather case, as well as a cell phone charger, from his car as it sat parked in front of his home in the 13700 block of South 92nd Avenue, between 10 p.m. Nov. 18 and 8 a.m. the following day. The victim told police that he had left his vehicle unlocked.

By Tim Hadac Staff reporter

Palos Heights police charged James P. Connell, 33, and Amanda C. Graves, 27, both of Worth, with criminal trespass to a residence after they allegedly entered the enclosed three-season room of a home in the 12700 block of South 70th Avenue, at 2:24 p.m. last Thursday. A neighbor—a 50-year-old woman—told police she spotted the pair knock on the front door of the home and then walk around to the back after no one answered. She called 911 to report what

she saw and then confronted the duo after they had entered the unlocked enclosure and knocked on the back door, according to police, who arrived within minutes and apprehended them. Police said that someone was home at the residence, but did not hear the knocks on the doors. Police said that they found a ball-peen hammer on Connell, but did not charge with him possession of burglary tools. Connell was also charged with possession of stolen property after police found that he had jewelry that had been reported stolen from a home in the 11900 block of South 73rd Court on Nov. 25.

Connell

Graves

Graves was also charged with obstruction of justice after she allegedly provided police with a bogus name and date of birth when she was taken into custody. Both are due in court in Bridgeview on Jan. 28.

Shepard student allegedly shocks four classmates with stun gun By Tim Hadac

on boys ranging in age from 14 to 17 before his arrest by Cook County Sheriff’s police. There were no injuries reported, although one boy was taken to a hospital at the request of his parents, according to a Cook County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson. Principal Josh Barron said the incident occurred during school hours, and that a school employee intervened and confiscated the weapon. Barron described the incident as little more than horseplay among

Staff Reporter

A 17-year-old Alsip boy was charged with aggravated battery and unlawful use of a weapon after he allegedly used an electric stun gun Friday to shock four classmates at Shepard High Accused drunken driver School, 13049 S. Ridgeland, Palos had kids in car: police Heights. Police charged Edward J. Schrode, 35, of New The student, not named by auLenox, with DUI, endangering the life of a child, thorities because he is a juvenile, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, and apparently brought the weapon to driving on a suspended license. Police investischool as a curiosity and used it gating a two-vehicle crash in the 17900 block of South Southwest Highway at 11:22 a.m. Nov. 30 said they saw Schrode’s car smashed head-on into a tree. They found Schrode sitting on the ground nearby, holding his 1-year-old daughter, along with another child, according to the police Woman charged with DUI report. No one in either vehicle required medical Palos Heights police charged Tamela D. Milan, attention, according to the police report, which 43, of Chicago, with DUI, improper lane usage, gave no indication of a court date for Schrode. illegal transportation of alcohol, and no proof of insurance. Police said they saw her vehicle drive over Charged with retail theft a curb before they stopped it in the 12400 block Annette M. Devries, 50, of Oak Lawn, was of South Harlem Avenue at 11:15 p.m. Saturday. charged with retail theft after she allegedly They found an open bottle of vodka in the vehicle, stole more than $70 worth of cosmetics from a according to the police report. Bond was set at department store in Orland Square Mall at 4:14 $3,000, and Milan was given a court date of Jan. p.m. Nov. 19. She is due in court in Bridgeview 15 in Bridgeview. on Dec. 30.

boys, but added that the school called police as a precaution. “I don’t think [the student] had any malicious intentions here,” Barron told ABC 7 News on Friday. “He thought he was being funny, and it’s not funny.” The flashlight-shaped weapon was similar to those used by some law enforcement agencies, although with a lower voltage, according to published reports. In addition to criminal charges, the boy will face disciplinary action from school authorities.

POLICE BLOTTER: PALOS HEIGHTS

Drivers charged with DUI Police charged Eric J. Andrews, 26, of Orland Park, with DUI, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, disobeying a traffic signal, and no proof of insurance. Police made the charge after they investigated a two-car crash near 151st Street and La Grange Road at 12:13 a.m. Nov. 18. Andrews’ car was towed and impounded, and he is set to appear in court in Bridgeview on Dec. 23. Matthew J. Panzica-Bosh, 20, of Orland Park, was charged with DUI, speeding, and operating a motor vehicle with no working light over the rear registration tag. Police stopped his car in the 16700 block of South Wolf Road at 3:57 a.m. Nov. 22, moments after they spotted it on a residential side street traveling at 30 mph, 10 mph over the posted limit, police said. Panzica-Bosh was given a court date of Jan. 8 in Bridgeview. Police charged Jennifer C. Mrdalj, 32, of Orland Park, with DUI, endangering the life of a child, leaving the scene of an accident, and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. Police investigating a hit-and-run crash near 143rd Street and Wolf Road at 6:45 p.m. Nov. 22 said they curbed Mrdalj’s car in the 10600 block of West 153rd Street a short time later. Her 3-yearold daughter was also in the car, police added, secure in her car seat. Mrdalj was positively identified by the victim, according to the police report, and no one in either vehicle required medical attention. She is scheduled to appear in court in Bridgeview on Monday.

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Two charged with battery after disturbance at bar

Two people were charged with battery in connection with a reported disturbance at X’s & O’s sports restaurant, 6405 W. 127th St., at 12:06 a.m. Saturday. Nicole M. Leone, 32, of Mokena, was charged with two counts after she allegedly struck two other people. She is set to appear in court in Bridgeview on Jan 13. Thomas F. Hanton, 52, of Burbank, was charged with a single count. He is due in court in Bridgeview on Feb. 15.

Cell phone stop leads to other violations: police

Mohammad I. Hamail, 19, of Orland Park, was charged with using a cell phone while driving, improper lane usage, no proof of insurance, operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His vehicle was stopped by police in the 7800 block of West 135th Street at 9:07 p.m. Saturday after they saw it cross a double yellow line, according to the police report. A search of the vehicle yielded a glass smoking pipe, police added. Bond was set at $3,000, and Hamail is scheduled to appear in court in Bridgeview on Feb. 15.

Charged with driving while suspended Police charged Stacy R. Demastus, 23, of Palos Hills, with driving on a suspended license, as well as no proof of insurance. Police curbed her vehicle in the 11900 block of South Harlem Avenue at 2:40 a.m. Dec. after conducting a random plate check. Bond was set at $2,000, and Demastus is set to appear in court in Bridgeview on Dec. 29.

Moraine Valley offers concealed-carry permit training class for the community Moraine Valley Community College offers a course giving the 16 hours of training required by the Illinois State Police for a concealed carry permit. The training includes a firearm qualification with a minimum score of 70 percent. The course covers the care of a fireman as well as state and federal laws relating to ownership, storage, carry, and transportation. The college is offering several dates during the spring 2015 semester, starting in mid-January. Classes will meet either Fridays from 9

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times the course is offered by viewing the spring class schedule from the homepage of the website. For additional information regarding Moraine Valley’s noncredit classes, call the Corporate, Community and Continuing Education Department at 974-5735. Register for these classes in the Registration Office, located on campus, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills, in Building S, Room 103; by phone at 974-2110 (TTY for the hearing impaired 974-9556); or online at morainevalley.edu.

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a.m. to 5:30 p.m., or Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 9 p.m. Range days will be Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Rink’s Gun and Sport Shop in Lockport. Firearms or live ammunition are not allowed on Moraine Valley’s campus or in the classroom. Leave the firearm at home. All students must already have a Firearm Owner Identification Card, a concealable-type firearm (handgun) and 100 rounds of ammunition. See a complete list of days and

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6 Thursday, December 11, 2014

HEALTHY ANSWERS FOR LIFE

HEALTH SCHOOLS & FITNESS

The Regional News

Holiday wellness survival guide The holidays are a wonderful time of joy, togetherness, and goodwill… but they can also be a time of stress, anxiety, digestive maladies, and weight gain. I put this Holiday Wellness Survival Guide together to hopefully cope with the latter so we can experience more of the former.

Stress and anxiety

December usually heralds in party after party while we joggle work and family. While these get – togethers can be wonderful, they can also cause a great deal of stress and anxiety. L-Theanine is an amino acid derived from green tea that works very well to curb anxiety, without tiredness. Studies have shown that theanine stimulates alpha brain waves, which are associated with relaxation and mental clarity. Theanine can be taken daily or just on days when you know you’ll be going into a situation that can be stressful. Another supplement that many people find helpful for stress and anxiety is the herb valerian, which is known by many as “nature’s Valium.” Valerian is best known for its benefit as a sleep aid, but in lower doses it is very effective at reducing anxiety, though unlike Xanax or valium it is completely non-addictive.

Digestion

The holidays are a time when we eat many foods that we ordinarily don’t, and that fact can bring on many digestive complaints like bloating, stomach upset, and gas. Digestive enzymes are very effective in treating digestive complaints at the cause instead of simply trying to mask a symptom of poor digestion. Our bodies naturally contain digestive enzymes, though the number of digestive enzymes naturally present in our bodies decrease as we age, increasing digestive problems. Digestive enzymes work by helping to naturally break down food in the stomach, so that food is digested more easily. How many times have you overeaten and then felt like there was a brick in your stomach? Digestive enzymes help with that problem. By helping food to digest properly, they can help keep problems like bloating, stomach upset, and gas away since food is more easily digested.

Avoiding weight gain

Weight loss, or wanting to avoid packing on holiday pounds is on many people’s minds this season. It’s easy to overeat and consume many more calories than we ordinarily would at holiday parties. A good suggestion is to avoid “grazing” at holiday buffets. When you take the time to fill up a plate and sit down to eat it can help you realize how much you’re eating instead of mindlessly eating calorie after calorie standing over the appetizer table. One supplement that can be especially beneficial to prevent holiday overeating is glucomannan. Glucomannan is a type of fiber (available in easy to swallow capsules) that expands many times its size in a person’s stomach, helping them to feel more full. By taking glucomannan before a holiday party it can help you to feel more in control of your eating, since you won’t feel as hungry. Glucomannan is nice because it’s stimulant free, so it can be taken at night and won’t keep you up when it’s time for sleep.

Staying healthy

As the weather gets colder, sickness becomes more and more prevalent — a lack of fresh air and

CAROLYN JOHNSON

PassHealthFoods.com

being indoors is a big contributing factor. There has even been recent research that has suggests that much of the increase in illness during winter is as a result of vitamin D deficiency (our body manufactures vitamin D from skin exposure to sunlight). One recent study involving African-American postmenopausal women found a 60 percent reduced risk of colds and influenza for those taking 800 IU/d vitamin D3 and 90 percent reduced risk for those taking 2000 IU/d. Elderberry syrup is another supplement which is great for the immune system – especially combating against viruses, specifically the flu. In one study, a clinical trial on patients displaying full-blown flu symptoms took place in Israel in the middle of a flu epidemic. Half were given the black elderberry extract and half a placebo. Within 48 hours 75 percent of patients who had been given elderberry had clearly improved and within 72 hours 90 percent were symptom-free. Only 16 percent of patients on placebos had shown any improvement after two days, and the rest took at least six days to recover. Another supplement that is especially effective on viruses is a mushroom complex called AHCC. AHCC is a common supplement to be taken by cancer patients, for its anti-tumor benefits, but is beneficial in combating the flu as well. AHCC is commonly prescribed in Asia for immune health. Both human and animal studies have shown AHCC’s ability to enhance the activity of natural killer cells (NK cells). Those NK cells are the first defense for the body’s immune system and are able to launch a rapid attack against foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses while the other parts of the immune system are still mobilizing. A quick immune response to bacteria and viruses can often make the difference between getting sick or staying well. The last supplement I’d recommend that’s a favorite of ours for immune health is Irwin Naturals Immune Shield, which is a very well put together combination of several different herbs, probiotics, and more to help boost the immune system. It can be taken in low doses as a preventative measure, or in higher concentrations if you do get sick. We’ve found it really does help to get you better faster. Carolyn Johnson is one of the knowledgeable associates at Pass Health Foods at 7228 W. College Drive. Feel free to stop by the store for more information or advice. This column makes no claims to diagnose, treat, prevent, mitigate, or cure diseases with any advice or products. Any health related information in this article is for educational purposes only. The ultimate responsibility for your choices and their effect on your health are yours and before applying any therapy or use of herbs, supplements, etc., you should consult your health care provider.

PICK OF THE LITTER

Courtesy starts at home Often I walk Molly on the paved trails at Lake Arrowhead at 135th and Harlem Avenue. It’s a nice place to walk dogs and we should be grateful it’s available for us to use. I also enjoy walking her on the shared walking/bicycling trails in Peninsula State Park in Door County, Wis. One big difference between the two locations is the courtesy shown to dog walkers by the bicyclists in Wisconsin compared to the inconsideration shown to dog walkers by many cyclists in this area. Upon approaching someone from behind who is walking a dog, almost invariably, cyclists in Wisconsin give the walkers a “heads up” like a ring on a bell, or a verbal “On Your Left!” This gives us a chance to reel in our dogs so they don’t get injured or killed and it also protects the cyclist from potential injury. In my experience round here, about 30 percent of the cyclists give me a warning that they are approaching from the rear and the other 70 percent just fly by. This very thing happened to me yesterday when a man startled Mollie and me. I am not a violent man, but I can learn to be, and if some cyclist does not alert me to his or her presence, which results in injury or death to my dog, I don’t know what I might do. I may have to plead temporary insanity to the judge. While I am on the subject of good manners, I have to admit that the dog walkers – and there are plenty of them on the trails at Arrowhead – have their own poor manners. On our walk yesterday, within a half-mile, I saw dog poop on the asphalt walkway three times. No one wants to step in dog poop and no bicyclist wants that stuff on his or her tires.

JOHN FLEMING

Heights Women greet the season in style at annual Christmas Walk The Palos Heights Woman’s Club held its annual Christmas Walk last Saturday, starting with a hearty breakfast, vendors shopping and raffle drawings for gifts and big prizes at Palos Country Club. Above, Jeanne Marbach, past PHWC president, welcomes guests, as ticket takers look on at the start of the festive day. This was the second year in a row that Palos Country Club served as the venue for the club’s premier Christmastime event. Longtime woman’s club members Doris Tortorici and Hedie Alt enjoy the morning festivities held before guests visited five Palos area homes decked for the holidays. Merry Memories cochairs Barb Deckinga and Sherry TerMaat get ready to announce the Radio Flyer gift basket raffle prize. Patricia Bailey, PHWC technology expert, and Nancy Mitchell, Arts Department chair, peruse the vendors. Below, Cathie Ference, Arlene Sypniewski and Mary Lee Lockwood, had a lot to relax about at the “Afterglow” party. These ladies were responsible for raffle baskets, “shoe check,” and house guiding. Photos by Patricia Bailey

DVM • PrairieStateVet.com

Supplied photo

Meet Buddy’s stomach and the Christmas lights that were surgically removed. Of course, Buddy is a black Labrador retriever.

As dog owners we need to show more courtesy to others if we want to be shown courtesy. I don’t’ think anyone cares if a dog poops 10 feet off the path by the brush and it’s not picked up (as it should be). But if a dog does poop on the asphalt or within a few feet of the asphalt, be a good neighbor, pick it up. Cook County supplies the bags.

HEALTH BEAT 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 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 403-4222.

Flu shots still available at Orland Township The flu season generally begins to peak in December, but it’s not too late to receive a flu shot. Flu shots are still available for $20 at Orland Township, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave. Residents 65 and older with Medicare Part B are eligible to receive the immunization free of charge. A Medicare Part B card must be presented at the time of vaccination. Those with an HMO/Medicare plan are not eligible for a free vaccination and should visit their primary care physician.

Supplies are limited and an appointment is necO’Brien is a registered nurse, Certified Laugh essary, call 403-4222 or visit www.orlandtwp.org. Leader, an adjunct facilitator at Moraine Valley Community College and member of the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce. She has done her program Laughter Circle with Kathy O’Brien at The Center, Lake Katherine and WellbeingMD. Kathy O’Brien offers a new Laugh Circle at 7 p.m. this Friday, Dec. 12, at the Groebe building, NAMI course for family and friends 7250 W. Route 83, in Palos Heights (first office building west of Hound Dogs hot dogs). As a major part of its mission, NAMI (National Laughter is the best way to reduce stress, improve Alliance on Mental Illness) offers a six – week the immune system, and alleviate pain. In her Laugh course in the south suburbs for family and friends Circle participants laugh for no reason at all, there of persons who are living with a mental illness. This are no jokes, no funny movies, no stand-up comics. course is free, but prior registration is required. Call They just laugh! Len at 310-2038.

The Regional News

The Christmas tree in the reading room at the Palos Heights Public Library was a popular backdrop for photos Saturday at the 10th annual Christmastime in Palos celebration, sponsored by Friends of the Palos Heights Library. Friends members Kathleen White (left) and Jean Pacholski took time out from their duties to share a moment by the glittering ornaments.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Thursday, December 11, 2014

With a gaily adorned bannister behind them, Palos Heights residents Debbie and John Babec take in the sights with grandchildren Cameron Nestor, 2 (left), and Caden Nestor, 4. Photos by Joan Hadac

It’s Christmastime in Palos

Magician and magic teacher Gary Kantor brought smiles and laughter to the Enjoying the warmth of the library’s fireplace are Palos Heights residents faces of dozens of children and adults with a rope trick and other sleight- Bill Houston and his wife, Kimberly, along with children William, 6, (from of-hand moves in the library’s community meeting room. left) Olivia, 17 months, and Jake, 4.

Orland troupe offers holiday show

Dance Showcase at Stagg

The Orland Park Theatre Troupe will perform is holiday show this weekend. “The Rented Christmas” performances are set for 7 p.m. this Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 S. Ravinia Ave. John Dale hasn’t enjoyed a real Christmas for years so he decides to rent one. The owner of the local rental agency is flustered with the requirements that include a tree with presents, carols, a wife and five children. This show is based on the short story by J. Lillian Vandervere. “This is a nice holiday show with adorable carolers performing Christmas favorites,” said executive producer Patty Vlazny. Tickets are $13 for adults, $11 for seniors and students and $9 for children. Reserved seat tickets may be purchased

Stagg High School Dance 1 students will take to the stage during the Dancing Arts Showcase at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, in the school’s Performing Arts Center. For their final and culminating project, students find music, create choreography, design costumes and perform for a live audience. The show is free for the community. Shown are Stagg Gianna Agozzino and Samantha Wuske rehearsing for the show. Supplied photo

Area residents and businesses can cheer children and teens fighting cancer by donating a new toy or gift during the Orland Park-based Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation annual holiday toy drive. Toys or gifts may be dropped off now through Dec. 23 at every 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 687TOYS (8697) or visit the POTCF website at treaurechest.org.

Palos Park police cadets food dive 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

at the Orland Park Recreation Administration Building, 14600 S. Ravinia Ave. Tickets will also be available at the door. Among the cast, Bryan Riess portrays Dale, while Sarah Callis (Orland Park) is Anne Weston, the rental agency employee. Cast members from Orland Park include Ann Burns, Carson Callis, Ellie Callis, Abigail Cogan, Anthony Danczak, Rose Foley, Amy Henrichs, Allison Kazlauskas, Joanne Leafblad and Savanna Manning. Other Orland Park residents in the show also include Sophia Marlow, Brian McCormick, Mollie McCormick, Jake Monnett, Kayla Pelini, Marissa Pelini, Jack Roessler, Emma Scarpelli, Kylie Scarpelli, Laura Smokil, Taylor Villa and Zoe Whitlow. Krystle Cousins, from Palos Park, is also in the show.

USO Tribute auditions

Soon after the holiday show, the troupe will hold auditions for its next production, A USO Tribute. The show will include memorable musical pieces from war eras with favorite music from famous performers including Bing Crosby, the Andrew Sisters, Bob Hope, Judy Garland, Glenn Miller, George Carroll, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and more. Singers, dancers and comedians age 16 and older are invited to audition on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 15 and 16, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Old Village Hall, 14413 S. Beacon Ave. Those auditioning must bring a prepared piece of music with at least 16 measures to sing. Once cast, members must pay a registration fee. The USO Show will be performed Feb. 27, 28 and March 1 at the Orland Park Civic Center. For more information, call 403PARK.

COMMUNITY NOTES

SIMPLE GIFTS Orland Fire Dist. toy drive for kids with cancer

Giving Santa and Mrs. Claus a report on whether they’ve been naughty or nice are Palos Heights residents Quinn Richards, 10, Sean Richards, 8, and their cousin, Shane Devine, 3.

the Palos Park Police Department, 8999 W. 123rd St. Waddles Winter Wonderland All donations will go to the Palos Township Food Pantry, 10802 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills, The Palos Heights Parks and Recreation Departwhich serves families in Palos Township, in- ment and Waddles the Penguin invite the community cluding Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Palos Park, to a free day of holiday fun at Winter Wonderland Hickory Hills, Worth, Willow Springs and parts on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Palos of Orland Park. To request a pick-up or for more information, call 671-3770.

Food for fines at Palos Park library

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.

SCHOOL NOTES

Marist High School Christmas concert

The Palos Park Public Library will participate in the Palos Park Police Cadet’s annual holiday food Marist High School’s band will hold its annual drive with its Food for Fines program. Christmas concerts at 7 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 13, From Dec.1 – Dec. 31., Palos Park library card- and at 3 p.m. Sunday in the school’s main gym, holders may bring in one nonperishable food item 4200 W. 115th St. 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) Grandparents raising grandchildren

The group will perform many holiday arrangements that will set the mood for this joyous season, along with several Christmas classics. Tickets for the Christmas concert are $3 at the door. For more information call 773-881-5362. The main gym entrance is at the east end of the building.

SENIOR NOTES

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-

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 Heights library youth programs

Supplied photo by Phil Chimino

Foresters Camera Club Christmas party nears

Phil Chimino of Orland Park’s bull elk photo won the large monochrome category of the Foresters Camera Club’s most recent Print of the Month contest. The Foresters’ Christmas party will be held Tuesday, Dec. 16, from 6 to 10 p.m., at the Silver Lake Country Club, 14700 82nd Ave., Orland Park. The cost is $24 per person. The public is welcome to join in the festivities, which include a family-style dinner, members’ images slideshow and a special guest from the North Pole. For information to attend, call club past president Bob Dietz at 921-0208 or President Kelly Johnson at 420-0082.

Friday Gaming – Grades 6 and up are welcome to start the weekend off with some Wii and Xbox fun with friends every Friday from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Guess how many ornaments are in the jar in the Youth Services department through Dec. 20. The child with the closest guess will win a children’s Christmas book. Caudill Club – Students in grades 4-8 are welcome to explore a 2015 Rebecca Caudill nominated book with a food or a craft inspired by the story today (Thursday) at 4 p.m. Registration is requested. Marionette Show – Children of all ages are invited to attend Dave Herzog’s Marionette Show this Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. Registration is required. Cocoa & Cram Study Nights – Need a cozy place to study for exams? Come to the library for treats and nightly giveaways to make studying more fun from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 15-18.

Crafty Kids – Children in grades k-4 are invited to get crafty after school on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 4 p.m. Registration is requested. Young Adult Book Discussion – Teens and adults who enjoy young adult fiction and nonfiction are invited to an evening discussion with treats on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. Registration is not necessary. STEAM Stories – Children ages 3 and up are welcome to enjoy stories and interactive fun based on science, technology, engineering, arts or math concepts on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. Registration is not needed for this event. Check out the teen blog at http://phplya.blogspot. com. Find out what’s happening at the library, and read reviews of books and movies. Give your feedback. All programs are free and open to everyone at the Palos Heights Public Library, 12501 S. 71st Ave. For more information or to register for a program, visit www.palosheightslibrary.org, call 448-1473, or stop by the Youth Services desk.

BUSINESS

8 Thursday, December 11, 2014

FINANCIAL FOCUS

The Regional News

What can you learn from the ‘Oracle of Omaha’? Warren Buffet, the “Oracle from Omaha,” is considered one of the most successful investors in history. Yet while the investment world may seem complex, Mr. Buffet’s advice is actually pretty simple. Here are a few Buffet quotes, along with some suggestions on putting them to use: “Whether we’re talking about socks or stocks, I like buying quality merchandise when it is marked down.” Essentially, this means you should look for good investment vehicles whose price may have dropped. A “bear” market tends to drag down many stocks — even those with strong fundamentals and favorable prospects. These stocks might then be considered “bargains.” One way to determine whether a stock is “expensive” or “cheap” is by looking at its price-to-earnings ratio (P/E). For example, if Company “A” has a share price of $20 and earnings per share of $4, then it has a P/E of 5. On the other hand, if Company “B” has the same share price of $20, but has earnings per share of $2, its P/E would be 10. So it would be considered more expensive than Company “A.” Be aware, though, that the P/E ratio works better as a measure of cost when you are comparing two companies in the same industry. “Time is the friend of the wonderful business, the enemy of the mediocre.” Be prepared to own quality stocks for the long term; over time, your confidence may be rewarded. On the other hand, if an investment is not of high quality, its flaws will be revealed over the years. “If investors insist on trying to time their participation in equities, they should try to be fearful when others are greedy and greedy only when others are fearful.” Trying to “time” the market — that is, attempting to buy when prices are low and sell when prices are high — is a difficult task. Too many people do just the opposite: They try to “cut their losses” by selling when the market is down and then go after the “hot” investment whose price may already be as high as it’s going

JIM VAN HOWE

Edward Jones Investments to go. Mr. Buffet clearly is not in favor of a market timing approach, and those who try to do it, he says, are probably better off by going against the crowd. Keep in mind, though, that even when holding investments rather than trying to time the market, investing in equities does involve risk, including potential loss of principal. “When we own portions of outstanding businesses with outstanding managements, our favorite holding period is forever.” When should you sell good investments? Never, according to Mr. Buffet. And while this endless holding period may not be possible for all of us, you get the idea: the longer you keep a good investment, the better off you may be when you do sell. “The line separating investment and speculation, which is never bright and clear, becomes blurred still further when most market participants have recently enjoyed triumphs. Nothing sedates rationality like large doses of effortless money.” The lesson here? Be an investor, not a speculator. A long run-up in the market can increase your wealth, but it may also make you prone to risky behavior if you think that all your investments will rise indefinitely. As an investor, you may well want to consider Mr. Buffet’s ideas— after all, they’ve sure worked well for him. 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.

COMINGS & GOINGS

Surprise! Mondello City Grill closes up shop in Palos Heights Mondello City Grill closed its doors at 13415 S. Ridgeland Ave. in Palos Heights without warning last week. Managers were told last Tuesday that the restaurant was closed and they notified workers that the business was shut. The sudden closing stunned groups that had scheduled Christmas parties, including Palos Heights Mayor Bob Straz. “It caught us off guard and we had to reschedule our Christmas party,” said Straz, who is a vice president at CNB bank in Palos Heights. He said the bank moved its party to Francesca’s in Palos Park. Straz said the closing came as a surprise. “They were just advertising for their New Year’s Eve party,” he said. Ciao Ristorante at 10296 S. 78th Avenue in Palos Hills said it would be willing to accommodate parties who were left in the lurch by the closing. The restaurant said it was not responsible, however, for a posting on the Mondello Facebook page that it would honor 50 percent of reservation deposits. “As far as we know, there were no deposits,” said an employee at Ciao, who asked not to be identified. “We didn’t post that message. We don’t have access to their Facebook page. We will try to help anyone who lost a party date because of the closing.” A worker at Palos Heights City Hall said Mondello’s had not renewed its liquor license, which expires at the end of the year. “All we know is that they are not planning on reopening,” he said. Owner Mario Mondello said the restaurant was his dream come true when he opened in April in the former Limestone City Grill. Mondello, who lives in Hickory Hills, is the owner of Mario’s Salon at 11329 S. Harlem Ave. in Worth. This was his first attempt at running a restaurant. The salon appears to be unaffected by the closing. Efforts to reach Mondello for comment were unsuccessful.

H&M coming to Chicago Ridge

H & M, one of the world’s largest fashion retailers known for offering fashion-forward apparel at affordable prices, has announced it will open a store next year at Chicago Ridge Mall. The new location will be about 24,000 square feet and is set to open in the spring of 2015. Illinois is a growth area for the company and the retailer has 15 stores in the state with a new store slated to open next week at Louis Joliet Mall in Joliet. The new location in Chicago Ridge will offer clothing for the whole family including collections for ladies, men, young ladies and young men, with separate store-within-store sections for accessories, lingerie, maternity, sports apparel and its plus-size line. This location will also carry H&M’s children’s collection, which features clothing for kids from newborn to 14. For information, visit hm.com.

Capri Deli shuts down

Capri Deli, which was opened in June 2013 by the same couple that owns Capri restaurant in Palos Heights, shut down recently.

BOB BONG

Photo by Tim Hadac

Children’s book signing at Marquette Bank

Orland Park author Nancy Gee shares the joy of reading with Cris Tracy, 6, (from left) Nadia Tracy-Ghouleh, 8, and Haley Tracy, 7, all of Orland Park. Gee, profiled in a front-page feature story in The Regional News last month, signed copies of her new book, “The Secret Drawer,” on Saturday at Marquette Bank, 9533 W. 143rd St., Orland Park. Nadia told Gee that she plans to be an author of reality-based fiction when she grows up.

Orland property assessment seminar offered Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin will host a property tax appeal seminar in cooperation with Board of Review Commissioner Dan Patlak at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, at the Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 S. Ravinia Ave. “This program is designed to help people understand the correct way to file tax appeals and will hopefully help our residents save money on their property taxes,” McLaughlin said. Patlak will explain how property taxes are calculated and the Board of Review’s appeal procedure.

“The property tax assessment appeal seminars are an excellent opportunity for taxpayers to learn about the appeal process,” Patlak said. Appeal forms also may be obtained at the Board of Review located at 118 N. Clark Street-Room 601 in Chicago or at the Markham Office, 16501 Kedzie Ave., Room 237, Markham, IL 60426. Taxpayers may also file appeals online at www. cookcountyboardofreview.com. Questions may be directed to 312-603-3644. — Village of Orland Park

CAREER & BUSINESS A ‘Pioneer’ in endovascular medicine Jaafer Golzar, MD, interventional cardiologist and cardiovascular specialist at Advocate Christ Medical Center and an Advocate Medical Group physician, is one of only four North American physicians to be honored as Pioneers in Performance during the 41st VEITHsymposium (Annual Symposium on Vascular and Endovascular Issues), held Nov. 18-22 in New York City. He lives in Orland Park. The awards recognize “exceptional work in the field of vascular and endovascular therapy,” including aortic and lower-limb bypass and dialysis access surgery. Nominees for the 2014 awards were selected by past award recipients in four categories. The final winners were determined by popular vote of the broader vascular and endovascular community. Dr. Golzar, who was praised for his “commitment

to furthering medical knowledge and technology within the field” of endovascular medicine, was named winner in the category, Dedication to Sharing Knowledge with Peers and Patients. Christ Medical Center has become a regional referral center for complex limb salvage cases involving patients with serious peripheral vascular disease, and Dr. Golzar has leveraged the strength of this successful endovascular program in the training of fellows in advanced endovascular techniques. Founder of the Chicago Endovascular Conference, Dr. Golzar is especially known for his leadership in the use of innovative procedures and technologies to treat peripheral arterial disease, which causes arterial blockages in the limbs, particularly in the legs, and, if left untreated, can lead to amputation of limbs. Dr. Golzar also is recognized for his efforts to bring health care to underserved communities. He participated in disaster relief efforts in the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Pakistan and partnered with local physicians and government officials in Nigeria to develop a vascular program and rehabilitate the medical system of Ogun state.

AREA PROPERTY TRANSFERS Following are the property transfers in the area, according to the latest report, as received from the Cook County Recorder of Deeds Office. The Regional News does not attempt to correct errors made by that office.

Orland Park

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Mondello City Grill closed suddenly last week.

When they opened the store at 12902 S. LaGrange Road in Palos Park, Donna and Maurizio Mancuso said they were trying to branch out. The store carried an extensive array of Italian foods and spirits. They later added delivery service. The store closed a few weeks ago and a “for lease” sign is in the window. The decision to close did not affect the restaurant, which remains open at 12307 S. Harlem Ave. in Palos Heights.

Merlin collecting outerwear for kids

Donations of new and like-new winter outerwear are needed to help local children stay warm this winter. The 24th annual Snug Hugs for Kids clothing drive is accepting winter clothing items that are sized to fit children ages newborn to 18 years old. Most needed articles are coats, boots, hats, scarves, mittens, gloves, sweaters, and pants. Donations can be dropped off until Tuesday at any Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Illinois or Wisconsin. All donations benefit the children served by Children’s Home + Aid. “With the blustery months fast approaching, many families will need assistance in providing their children the necessary winter clothing to allow them to attend school or play outside. A donation will not only warm the heads and hands, but also the heart of the recipients,” said Penny McDowell, Merlin’s director of marketing. For information, visit www.merlins.com/snughugs. If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line at bobbong@hotmail.com. You can also catch up on Comings & Goings in other parts of the Southland at www.southlandbusinessnews.com and www.southlandsavvy. blogspot.com

Lenz Richard W Tr to Pappas Betty, 15645 Wild Rose Ln, Unit #6, $147,000; Saulys Vacys J Tr to Seymour Michael L, 9215 Bedford Ln, $260,000; Serc LLC to Zarate Marcos, 11764 Juaniata Dr, $408,000; Federal Home Loan Mtg Corp to Jawor Kenneth J, 15211 Brassie Dr, $175,000; Anastasia Greg Tr to Pritchett John D, 10810 Valerie Ct, Unit #15, $240,000; Kiwior Florence C Tr to Mau Louis J, 17713 Pennsylvania Ct, Unit #218, $225,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Biedrzyckimichael E, 8751 164th St, $185,500; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Lavender Donald, 15719 Ravinia Ave, Unit #157192W, $150,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Melendy Melinda S, 15803 76th Ave, Unit #158033C, $105,000; Howley David to Tarjan Jori H, 9317 Wheeler Dr, Unit #72C, $158,000; Fannie Mae to Perez Jose Cruz, 15103 Quail Hollow Dr, Unit #603, $67,000; Braun Andrew P to Madej Richard A, 14208 Concord Dr, $275,000;

Razik Hamdie to Lanigan Colleen M, 15834 Orlan Brook Dr, Unit #3E, $87,500; Carpentier Robert J to Naks LLC, 11831 Old Spanish Rd, $286,500; Behrman Marcella to Basile Adam P Tr, 18244 Michigan Ct, Unit #68, $162,000; Vlosak Michael A to Lumsden Jack A, 11410 Lake Brook Ct, $189,000; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Styrczula Jan, 13513 84th Ave, $225,000.

Palos Heights

Richardson Quentin L to Firstmerit Bk Gdn, 319 Pinehurst Dr, $800,000; Pearson Deborah Tr to Meyer Scott J, 7755 W 123rd Pl, $292,500; First Midwest Bk Tr to Egan John P, 6220 W 129th Pl, $255,000; Jang Shi Hung Tr to Mickus Juozas, 13031 S Choctaw Rd, $235,000.

Palos Park

Chicago Trust Co Tr to Cechowski Donald E Jr, 123 Prairie View Dr, $420,000; Perkins Jacqueline D Tr to Stankuviene Egle, 5 Commons Dr, $200,000; Arreola Francisco to Chen Er Yun, 12833 Mill Rd, $345,000; Houlihan Joan M Tr to Skulinowski Shirley, 4 St. Moritz Dr, Unit #5201, $169,000.

Mortgage Rates Around the Area First Midwest Bank (as of Dec. 8) 30-year fixed 15-year fixed Jumbo 30-year fixed

RATES 4.125 3.375 4.250

APR 4.172 3.644 4.295

POINTS 0 0 0

APR 3.896 3.286 3.042

POINTS 0 0 0

APR 4.038 3.802 3.314

POINTS .25 .25 .25

United Trust Bank (as of Dec. 9)

30-year fixed 15-year fixed 10-year fixed

RATES 3.875 3.250 2.990

Prospect Federal (as of Dec. 8) 30-year fixed 20-year fixed 15-year fixed

RATES 4.000v 3.750 3.250

All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.

The Regional News

Thursday, December 11, 2014

St. Mark Lutheran Church

11007 S. 76th Ave., Worth (708)448-6555 COME CELEBRATE THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS WITH US!

Palos United Methodist Church 12101 S. Harlem Ave. Palos Heights 448-0798

Christmas Eve

December 24, 4:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 14

Candlelight and Communion

Children’s Program “Simply Chistmas” 9:30 & 10:45 a.m.

Wednesday, December 24 Christmas Eve

You are invited by these local churches to join in their holiday fellowship.

10 a.m. Birthday Party for Jesus, Children ages 3 to 8 are welcomed 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m., and 11 p.m. Candlelight Service

Our Lady of the Woods Church

Thursday, December 25 Christmas Day

10731 W. 131st Street Orland Park 708-361-4754 Wednesday, December 24, 2014

10:00 a.m. Traditional Service

Rev. Jay Trygstad • www.stmarkworth.org

Christmas Eve 4:00, 5:30 & Midnight

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Christmas Day 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00

First Church of Christ, Scientist (Christian Science) 12300 S. 80th Ave. Palos Park 448-1808

(church entrance at top of hill on 80th Ave.) We’d love to have you join us this reverent season.

Christmas Service on Sunday, December 21 at 10 a.m.

(Sunday school for children and young people up to the age of 20)

Sunday Services at 10 a.m.

Wednesday Evening Testimony meetings at 7 p.m.

Christmas Eve Services Christmas Eve Services Candlelight andCarols Carols Candlelight and 5pmand and 11pm 5pm 11pm

Care provided for babies and toddlers at all services.

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Anticipated Mass, Mary, Mother of God 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

Christ Lutheran Church 14700 S. 94th Ave. Orland Park 708-349-0431 Fax: 708-349-0668 www.christlutheranorland.com South on 94th Avenue at John Humphrey Drive

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 & SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21 Service of Lessons and Carols with Holy Communion Saturday, 5:00 p.m., Sunday 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.

Moraine Valley Church

6300 W. 127th St. Palos Heights IL

Palos Heights Christian Reformed Church

Moraine Valley Church 708-389-1268

7059 W. 127th St. Palos Heights 708-448-0186 www.paloschurch.org Sunday, December 14

morainevalleychurch.org 6300 W. 127th

CHRISTMAS EVE, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24 *4:00 & 11:00 p.m. – Candlelight Communion Service

DAY, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25 St.CHRISTMAS 10:00 a.m. – Holy Communion NEW YEAR’S EVE, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31 Palos Heights IL *6:00 p.m. Holy Communion

9:00 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. – Worship Services 6:00 p.m. – Annual Candlelight Service

Sunday, December 21

9:00 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. – Worship Service

708-389-1268 The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd morainevalleychurch.org

Thursday, December 25

10:00 a.m. – Christmas Morning Service

Sunday, December 28

7800 W. McCarthy Road Palos Heights (708) 448-4170 Rev. Dr. Wayne A. Basch, Pastor

10:00 a.m. – Worship Service

Wednesday, December 31

7:00 p.m. – New Year’s Eve Service

***Childcare is provided at all services.

Friday, December 19

Sunday, December 21

Peace Memorial Church

Palos Park Presbyterian Community Church

7:00 p.m. All Choirs Christmas Concert 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. – Worship

Corner of 123rd St. & 88th Ave. Palos Park 708-448-5220 — www.pppcc.org

Wednesday, December 24, Christmas Eve

10300 W. 131st St. Palos Park 448-7833

Fully Accessible Facility *Please note new times

Pastors John R. Curphey and David M. Carlton

4:00, 6:30 and 10:30 p.m. Special Music at all Services

www.pmcucc.org Invites you to

Thursday, December 25, Christmas Day

Celebrate the Birth of Jesus with us!

Wednesday, December 24 – CHRISTMAS EVE 4:00 p.m. Harp & Candlelight Service 10:30 p.m. – String Quartet in Sanctuary 11:00 p.m. – Candle Light Service with Caroling and Scripture

The Wayside Chapel at The Center

12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park (708) 361-3650

Please Join Reverend Chris Hopkins and our Fellowship.

We have two services December 24th, the earlier one for children (in the Anderson Center) and the later one for the general public (in the Lodge). Christmas Eve, 3 p.m. — Children’s Service Christmas Eve, 4:30 p.m. — Candlelight Communion Service Non-Denominational Services All Welcome Come Celebrate The Glory Of Christmas With Us!

10:00 a.m. – Holy Communion

Sunday, December 14 8:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service

St. Alexander Catholic Church

11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service

7025 West 126th Street Palos Heights 448-4861

Third Sunday of Advent

Christmas Schedule 2014

9:45 a.m. Advent Learning Opportunities

Sacrament of Reconciliation All Saturdays after 8:00 a.m. morning Mass and after 5:00 p.m. evening Mass

Sunday, December 21

Christmas Masses

8:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service

Christmas Vigil – Wednesday, December 24 4:00 p.m. – Church — Contemporary Music Ministry 4:00 p.m. – Parish Center — Children’s Choir 6:30 p.m. – Church — Traditional

11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service

Christmas (Midnight Mass) – Wednesday, December 24 11:15 p.m. Choir and Carol Prelude Mass begins at Midnight

Fourth Sunday of Advent

9:45 a.m. Christian Education Hour

Wednesday – Christmas Eve, December 24 Christmas Eve Services 4:00 p.m. Contemporary Family Service

Christmas Day – Thursday, December 25 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (Please note there is no 6:00 p.m. Mass)

8:00 p.m. Traditional Family Service

MARK YOUR CALENDARS Spiritual Growth Weekend

New Year’s Day Masses Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Wednesday, December 31 — 5:00 p.m. — Vigil Thursday, January 1 — 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Friday, January 30th – Saturday, January 31 Dinner – 6:00 p.m. Breakfast – 8:30 a.m. Presentation 7 p.m-9 p.m. Presentation 9 a.m.-1:p.m. Sign Up Beginning December 14

DEATH NOTICES

HOUSES OF WORSHIP Southwest Symphony Christmas concert at St. Francis of Assisi The 35-member Southwest Symphony Orchestra will give its last Holiday Memories concert of Christmas music at 4 p.m. this Sunday at St. Francis of Assisi, 15050 S. Wolf Road, Orland Park. 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. 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.

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. Showtimes 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)

Denise Krzyskowski

Denise “Dee” Krzyskowski, nee Lauzon, 61, of Orland Park, died on Dec. 5. Visitation was held at Colonial Chapel funeral home in Orland Park on Dec. 8. A funeral Mass was offered at St. Julie Billiart Catholic Church in Tinley Park on Dec. 9. Interment was private.

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 Highway in Palos Park. Center pastoral director the Rev. Chris Hopkins invites all who wish to meditate upon the meaning of Christmas. Services this Sunday will focus on the Shepherds’ A live Nativity at Christ Lutheran experience, and on the journey of the Magi on Dec. The church will Journey to Bethlehem this Friday 21. The season ends with two services on Christmas and Saturday for its live Nativity re-creating the Eve, one for families at 3 p.m., and a communion birth of Christ. service for adults at 4:30 p.m. (361-3650) A drunk driver ruined something precious. Amber Apodaca.

Photo by Michael Mazzeo

Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk.

Mrs. Krzyskowski is survived by her daughters, Camille Liska and Candice Krzyskowski, her sons, Tim and Michael, two grandchildren, and her brothers, Neil, Daniel and Douglas Lauzon. Mrs. Krzyskowski was born in Chicago. She was a homemaker.

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The Regional News

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

PHOTO MEMORIES FROM THE REGIONAL ARCHIVE

"One on One" Across 1 Pueblo builder 5 Dirt collector 8 "___ looking at you, kid!" 13 Blessings 15 Muhammad ___ 16 Do more than regret 17 Problem linked to CFC's 19 Model Evangelista 20 N.H.L. Hall-of-Famer Stan 21 Word with "slide" or "golden" 23 Pinsk pancake 24 Attack the lawn 27 Get stronger 31 Cracksman 33 Anno Domini alternative 35 Stand by 37 Quod ___ demonstrandum 38 Fed. air-quality watchdog 41 Striped antelope 42 Psychic "gift" 44 Bravo's cousin 45 What one little pig had 47 Varmint 50 NYC power co. 52 Torso muscles 55 Film critic Gene 56 Thespian's org. 58 "Give it ___!" ("Try!") 60 Explorer Hedin 62 One's external world 64 Summon 67 One is part of a part 70 Circle lines 71 Wide-eyed wonder 72 LePew et al. 73 Astronaut John 74 Sidekick of Stimpy 75 Chromosome choice

21 24 31

32 35

42 47

61 67

30 32 34 36 38 39 40 43 46 48 49

25 26 28 29

Down 1 Nuclear blockbuster, briefly 2 How mud might move 3 Snookums 4 Scoreboard divisions 5 Long March leader 6 Every one of 7 Top ___ (the best) 8 Hunting cry 9 Aigner of fashion 10 Swanson of "Parks and Recreation" 11 Final word, often 12 Big body of water 14 Band performance 18 Denver omelet ingredient 22 Greatest

8 16

62 68

69 72 75

Takes place Stir-fry fryer Designer Saarinen Mountain range in Kazakhstan Meat paste "I'm leaving," in chatrooms Highest point in Sicily Stimulate SASEs, perhaps Pal of Owl and Rabbit Actress Kendrick Ginger Leather from the sea Legendary burial isle of Homer Take again

51 Enter quickly, as a pool 53 Scuzzball 54 Petition supporter 57 U.S. economic measure 59 Sidewalk game 61 Asheville's st. 63 Alley-___ (court play) 64 Work unit 65 Actor Kilmer 66 Dedicated flowery lines 68 Have a mortgage 69 R&B's Boyz II ___

50 Years Ago This Week

File photo from Dec. 10, 1964

Judged the most outstanding float in the parade. Crowds cheer giant parade: Harlem Avenue was lined with crowds of children and adults Saturday, for the biggest and best Santa Parade in the history of the Palos Heights Chamber of Commerce. The Palos Ski Club float was named most outstanding of the parade. Miss Kristine Howard of Palos Park, a senior at Sandburg High School, was chosen Christmas Queen of Palos from a group of 18 contestants and led the Santa Parade.

(Answers on page 5)

Sudoku Puzzle #3259-M

1 3 4

2 5

3 6

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 5)

Medium

25 Years Ago This Week

File photo from Dec. 14, 1989

The streets of Chicago and its suburbs pass by the window of Dr. John Fleming’s truck as he travels to his next call. It’s diﬃcult to find a doctor who makes house calls. It’s more diﬃcult to find a veterinarian who would make a house call. Unless that veterinarian is Dr. Fleming. He has established a new practice, Veterinarian Housecalls Ltd., which is dedicated to providing service for people’s pets at their homes. Fleming started his business after leaving a position at Palos Animal Hospital. He sees his new practice as being more rewarding, as he is now able to work his schedule around his family.

IMPRESSIONS

Noel Cowards – another anonymous blog in OL pops up like a pimple Just in time for Christmas, we have another Cowardly Blog. First we had the original Cowardly Blog, started up by former Oak Lawn Mayor Dave Heilmann. But he said he is no longer associated with the project and it is being run by a bunch of anonymous slugs who seem to always side with Trustee Bob Streit. Streit, along with Trustee Carol Quinlan, rarely play nice with Mayor Sandra Bury and the other trustees. The division is

WHATIZIT?

Photo by Jeff Vorva

We stumped a few people with last week’s photo of a sideline heater. But we had two elite guessers with correct answers and four folks who came in with incorrect answers — a rarity among Whatizit? Wizards. A big attaboy goes to Gary Conboy of Worth, who not only guessed the right answer first, but he knew it was on the sideline of St. Xavier football games. The other red-hot guesser was Chicago Ridge’s Rick Towner. Incorrect guesses were shoulder pads, helmet padding, an oil filter and a snow blower. This week’s clue: They Might be Giants. Send those guesses to thereporter@ comcast.net with WHATIZIT in the subject line. Don’t forget your name and hometown.

JEFF VORVA

pretty clear at the village’s action-packed twice-monthly snipefests that are also known as board meetings. While many people swear that Streit is behind the Cowardly Blog, he publicly denies it. Dennis Brennan said he is the Cowardly Blog’s attorney and that’s the only name we have associated with this blog, which continually goes on the attack of Bury and those who agree with her. And now… We have a second blog. Call it Cowardly Blog II or Cowardly Blog Jr. For the sake of the rest of this column, we’ll call it Junior. Junior’s first effort last week pretty much broiled Streit. It resorts to vulgar namecalling, some swearing and brings a family member into the abyss. Streit was also identified as “pure evil.” OK, I’ll admit I had a guffaw when Junior referred to Streit as a “smooth-talking wackadoo’’ but it was mostly because Photo from fanpop.com the word “wackaCowardly lion? Or cowardly lyin’? A new anonymous blog found information doo” is funny and that Oak Lawn trustee Bob Streit is registered to another anonymous blog. we have a person Streit has denied involvement with the original blog. in the office who

uses that term quite a bit. Oh, and she denied having anything to do with Junior. Interestingly, Junior unearthed an item in register.com showing that Heilmann and Streit are registrants for the original Cowardly Blog’s domain name. So they must think Streit is cowardly lyin’. So what we have here are two competing Cowardly Blogs who should just have someone come out and be man or woman enough to admit who is slinging this mud. Hiding behind anonymity gives you absolutely no credibility. The next election around here is coming up in April, Streit will try to keep his spot on the board and at least two other candidates are trying to unseat him. Are they behind Junior? Is Bury behind Junior? Any trustee not named Streit or Quinlan? Who knows? The bottom line is that it’s going to be a long and ugly three months with the competing Cowards duking it out.

Bong, bong, bong…

Starting this week, we plan on using Bob Bong’s fine Comings and Goings column for our consumer page. Bong is the editor of Southwest Regional’s Desplaines Valley News and has been on top of the comings and goings of businesses in the south suburbs and southwest suburbs for years. He will tell you about news places coming and he will tell you about places who are leaving or who have left. Hence the name of the column. Granted, not all of his bits and scoops will be in the boundaries of our six towns, but I have a sneaky feeling that people from around here take their cars and drive to places like Oak Forest, Bridgeview and other towns that Bong writes about. You can generally find his column on our Business page.

The Regional News

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Holiday 2014 Get organized for easy holiday decorating Celebrations go a long way toward making the holiday season a special time of year. Each holiday offers the opportunity to transform both the interior and exterior of a home into a holiday wonderland blending both store-bought and handcrafted decorations and ornaments. As families grow, many amass various holiday trinkets and decorative items that become part of their holiday traditions. Some decorations hold special sentimental value, while others are standard decorations found in homes across the globe come the holiday season. It's easy to get overwhelmed by holiday decorations, but organizing such items can make the process of giving your home a holiday facelift that much easier.

Designate a storage spot Hunting and pecking around the house for holiday decor can make the process of decorating that much more time-consuming. Not knowing where the strings of lights or extra extension cords are stored can drag out the time it takes to decorate. Establish a designated storage area for ornaments, lights, wreaths, and other items used to decorate your home come the holidays. Out-of-the way spots like attics or seldom-used closets make good storage spots for holiday decorations, guaranteeing that such items won't get in the

way throughout the rest of the year. eral idea of the items you have packed away, some things may be Sort and replace as you go forgotten. Keep an informal invenTake the time to periodically tory of decorations and supplies so go through decorative items, re- you don't purchase any duplicates. moving anything that is broken If you notice your list is lackor worn beyond repair. It takes ing some items, shop pre- or posttime to go items through piece by season sales when items tend to piece, but this will save time next be less expensive. Try to avoid year when decorations are taken shopping for holiday decorations out again. The longer you wait to right around that holiday, when sort items and do a little cleaning, stores are running out of stock and the more time it ultimately takes prices are typically at their highest. to clean house. Decorating for the holidays can Invest in some sturdy, durable storage containers in various colors to orbe fun, and it's even more fun when ganize holiday decor. Keep a running list homeowners take the time to careAlthough you may have a gen- fully organize their decorations.

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Color-coding Storage bins are the unsung heroes of holiday decorating. Such bins keep treasures safe and out of the way in attics, basements and closets. Employing a color-coding system to organize holiday decorations will make it easier to identify items and their corresponding holidays. Christmas objects can be housed in red or green storage containers, while Halloween decorations can be placed in orange containers, and so on. Investing in durable, plastic bins with lids will keep items clean and orderly.

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Holiday shoppers tend to fall into three distinct camps. There are those people who have completed all of their shopping and wrapping even before November ends. Oth- 3 x 5 ers shop in the weeks between Gift Guide 1 Thanksgiving and Christmas. Finally, many people wait until the 2011 last minute, and such shoppers are the ones seen rushing from store to store on December 24. Waiting until the last possible second to purchase a gift may not prove much of a problem when shopping for birthday gifts. But come the holiday season, such procrastination may find shoppers perusing limited inventories and dealing with other frantic proscrastinators. But even those shoppers who still plan to put off their holiday shopping can make the most of such stalling this holiday season. Consider eGift cards. Many retailers offer digital gift cards that can be emailed in a matter of minutes. Purchase the card from the online retailer and email the redemption code to the gift recipient. Time the email to arrive on Christmas morning or include all of the necessary information in a holiday card. Ship to store. Some shoppers like the convenience of ship-tostore services. This enables a person to purchase a gift online but avoid shipping charges by having the item made available at a store location. In-stock items are typically ready the day of purchase, and this helps you avoid crowds and impulse buys, as online purchases are typically available at special pick-up locations in the store that allow online shoppers to skip long lines at the registers. Avoid gimmick gifts. Skip the ‘as seen on TV’ aisle at the store or trendy infomercial gifts. Such gifts may suggest to their recipients that you waited until the last minute to buy the gifts and then really didn’t have any good ideas. Expect extra charges and factor such charges into your budget. Procrastinating may work for your schedule, but expect to pay more if you shop online and require shipping. You will probably need to expedite shipping if you expect to have gifts delivered on time. Verify the delivery date before making any purchases. Paying more for shipping may outweigh the hassle of driving to store after store searching for gifts. Online retailers like Amazon may even offer selective delivery on Christmas Eve. Check store hours. Some stores offer extended shopping hours to meet the needs of last-minute shoppers. You may be able to visit early morning or late at night to

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Gift Guides 2014

12 Thursday, December 11, 2014

The Regional News

Holiday 2014 Christmas tunes spread holiday spirit Some stores start stocking Christmas decorations and wrapping paper as early as the end of October, and some families begin decking their halls in holiday finery in late November. But for many people, the holiday season has not truly begun until the music synonymous with this festive time of year has hit the airwaves. Few things can make a person feel as festive as the holiday songs they know and love. Many families have a favorite musical artist whose music they consider

synonymous with their holiday celebrations. While families have their own unique holiday traditions, over time certain holiday songs have emerged as favorites. These are the tunes you’re likely to hear played over and over on the radio. Billboard, which tracks the music industry’s most popular songs, compiled its own list of the most popular Christmas songs. The list measures the volume of people who have been exposed to the song on the radio, and is based on ranking rather than exact figures

of listeners, and the following are the 10 most popular songs based on those parameters. 10. “Happy Xmas (War is Over),” by John Lennon: This song debuted in 1971 and was written by Lennon and his wife, Yoko Ono. Performed with the Harlem Community Choir, the song was originally a protest song about the Vietnam Warm before it eventually became a Christmas standard. 9. “Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24),” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra: According to Nielsen, this instrumental mash-up of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “Carol of the Bells” is one of the bestselling Christmas digital singles in SoundScan history. A combination of full, classical orchestra and rock, “Christmas Eve” is a memorable and powerful piece of music. 8. “White Christmas,” by Bing Crosby: Crosby crooned this tune in 1942 in the movie of the same name, and Irving Berlin’s song soon became one of the most popular holiday tunes of all time. It has been covered innumerable times and has become a holiday season standard. 7. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” by Andy Williams: This popular Christmas song was written by Edward Pola and George Wyle in 1963. The song celebrates the traditions and feelings of the Christmas season. 6. “Feliz Navidad,” by Jose Feliciano: This Spanish-English pop song is recognized by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers as one of

the 25 most-played and recorded Christmas songs around the world. Puerto-Rican born Feliciano has said that the song has always been a bridge to the cultures that are so dear to him. 5. “A Holly Jolly Christmas,”by Burl Ives: This song was written by Johnny Marks, an American songwriter. Ironically, Marks was Jewish, but he specialized in Christmas songs and wrote many of the holiday standards people love, including this upbeat tune and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” 4. “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire),” by Nat King Cole: Believe

mas Tree,” by Brenda Lee: Brenda Lee was a chart-topping female vocalist of the 1960s who owes much of her success to this beloved holiday classic. Despite the mature sound of her voice, Lee recorded this version when she was only 13 years old. 1. “All IWant for Christmas is You,” by Mariah Carey: This up-tempo love song has become a Christmas classic and one of Carey’s most popular hits. She cowrote and coproduced the song with Walter Afansieff. It is one of the few, modern, original Christmas songs to stand the test of time and become an official Christmas standard.

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Strategies (Continued from previous page) skip the crowds. Certain department stores time sales with these extended hours, such as ‘early bird’ or ‘night owl’ specials, so you may even be rewarded for procrastinating. Shop smaller retailers. One way to avoid the hassles that often come with holiday shopping is to patronize smaller, independent shops. Chances are the crowds will be smaller at these shops and you may have access to a more unique selection of gifts than you would find at the nearby mall.

it or not, this song was actually written in the summer when composers Bob Wells and Mel Torme were trying to cool off with winter imagery. Snow-covered images and phrases eventually turned into lyrics for this popular song that was most memorably recorded by Nat King Cole. 3. “Jingle Bell Rock,” by Bobby Helms: This song has been performed by many, but Helms’ version of the is perhaps the best known. The song highlights the crossover style known as “rockabilly” and merges the classic “Jingle Bells” with rock n’ roll references of the 1950s. 2. “Rockin’Around the Christ-

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Sports S

The Regional News - The Reporter

outhwest

Ken Karrson, Sports Editor sports@regionalpublishing.com

Dodge ball

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Section 2 Page 1

2014 All-Area Football Team FIRST-TEAM OFFENSE

Raiders’ QB leads semifinal rout of Cougars By Ken Karrson Prior to Saturday afternoon’s national-semifinal matchup with Southern Oregon University, Mike Feminis had referred to Raiders quarterback Austin Dodge as maybe the finest football player at the NAIA level. Mere coach-speak? St. Xavier University’s veteran leader wishes that had been the case, but Dodge made sure Feminis’ opinion had validity. He did so by throwing for 460 yards and five touchdowns at Bruce R. Deaton Field one week after guiding Southern Oregon to a come-from-behind quarterfinal win over Carroll College in the midst of a Montana snowstorm. The only thing on Saturday resembling a blizzard was the Raiders’ dizzying point total, which prevented the Cougars from seeing Daytona Beach, Fla., up close. That’s the site of this year’s NAIA championship game on Dec. 19 and it’s where Southern Oregon is headed after knocking off SXU 62-37. The Raiders, who’ll be making their first appearance in the title contest, will meet Marian University, a winner over Morningside in Saturday’s other semifinal. Marian, which the Cougars defeated in their 2014 season-opener, will seek to become the Mid-States Football Association’s fourth straight national champion. The Indianapolis-based school ruled over NAIA in 2012, one year after SXU did. The Cougars closed out 2014 with a 10-3 ledger after reaching the semis for the

fifth time in six seasons and sixth time in program history. “We’re hurting right now, but we had a great year,” Feminis said. “I don’t want to say we maxed out, but I think a lot of people thought we were a year away [from contending again]. Nine of our 11 starters on offense were either freshmen or sophomores, so certainly the future bodes well for us and nothing changes [in regard to goals].” The present was darned good, too, at least until Dodge seized the moment. He didn’t hesitate to do so, leading the Raiders on a scoring march on their initial series as a 35-yard completion to Matt Retzlaff capped it. Retzlaff tallied a second time with a third-quarter TD that upped Southern Oregon’s advantage to 34-17. Also hauling in touchdown throws from Dodge were Ronald Rylance (2 yards), Dylan Young (22 yards) and Ryan Retzlaff (46 yards). “He’s probably the best quarterback I’ve seen in my 16 years [as a head coach],” said Feminis, who has had a few notable signal-callers of his own during that period. “When you play Carroll three times and you average 45 points and 610 yards against them, that says something about the kind of player you are. “He was going into the wind [on the first drive] and it looked like he was throwing with it at his back. What makes him stand out is the kid has all the physical tools but is also very smart. He makes good decisions, doesn’t force anything, is accurate and

has a quick release.” Quick also described how the Cougars’ responded to the Raiders’ initial volley. Abdul Mahdi’s 45-yard field goal got SXU on the board and then Khary Ferguson put it ahead with a 1-yard TD plunge, although it took the Cougars four tries to reach the end zone following Marcus Maas' 43-yard punt return to the 1. After a field goal pulled Southern Oregon even, Nick DeBenedetti concluded an active first period with a 22-yard scoring reception. SXU was blanked in the second stanza, which enabled the Raiders to zoom in front once again with 17 unanswered points. It could have been worse, but Dan Fitzgerald’s interception thwarted another Southern Oregon scoring chance. The Raiders used Matt Retzlaff’s 49-yard punt return to set up one of their touchdowns in the quarter while Dodge directed a 15-play, 75-yard march to account for the other. But even staring at a 10-point deficit, the Cougars weren’t worried. “In my mind, if we got them around the 40-point range we could beat them,” Feminis said. “To expect any defense to hold them down [completely] is pretty ridiculous.” The feeling of optimism gradually subsided, though, as SXU’s offense produced three-and-outs on its first two series of the second half. Southern Oregon didn’t hit any payoffs, either, but Feminis (Continued on page 4)

Photo by Jeff Vorva

St. Xavier University’s Stephen Simms tries to run through an attempted clothesline tackle during Saturday afternoon’s NAIA semifinal game against Southern Oregon University in Chicago. The Cougars hung around for a while, but the potent Raiders earned a spot in the Dec. 19 championship contest with a 62-37 victory.

Photos by Jeff Vorva

Richards quarterback Hasan Muhammad-Rogers, a three-year varsity starter, is the 2014 Player of the Year. HASAN MUHAMMAD-ROGERS, Richards, QB, Sr. • His third varsity season was on a statistical par with his junior-year performance, but just being able to suit up once more for the Bulldogs was in itself a major accomplishment for Muhammad-Rogers. The victim of a Memorial Day drive-by shooting in Dolton, Muhammad-Rogers was, first and foremost, fortunate to survive but also lucky to be able to continue his prep football career one season after leading Richards to the Class 6A state championship game. That feat couldn’t be duplicated in 2014, but the Bulldogs still went 22-4 over the past two years and collected seven postseason victories since Muhammad-Rogers became the starter at quarterback early in the 2012 campaign. His numbers this fall included 2,480 yards on 145-of-251 passing and 27 touchdowns, plus 612 rushing yards on 150 carries and nine scores on the ground. For his career at Richards Muhammad-Rogers went 361-of-670 through the air for 6,110 yards and 72 TDs; as a runner he picked up 1,569 yards on 392 carries and tallied 25 times. Muhammad-Rogers, who will attend Illinois State University next fall, was an honorable mention member of the Illinois Football Coaches Association Class 6A All-State team, the South Suburban Conference Red Player of the Year after earning his third consecutive spot on the all-conference squad and this paper’s Player of the Year for 2014. CHRIS GOLDSCHMIDT, Shepard, OL, Sr. • Although the Astros struggled the past two seasons, that wasn’t the fault of Goldschmidt, who gave Shepard quality performances on both sides of the ball. As an offensive lineman in 2014 the 285-pounder blew open enough holes to allow sophomore Demetrius Harrison to rush for over 700 yards in less than a full season. On defense Goldschmidt registered 10 solo tackles, 22 assists, eight tackles for loss and four sacks. He also recovered a fumble. Several NCAA Division II and III and NAIA schools have shown interest in Goldschmidt as a player at the collegiate level. JOSH HETTIGER, Richards, OL, Sr. • As good as he was for the Bulldogs, Muhammad-Rogers couldn’t have done it alone. His primary protector up front was Hettiger, who belied his somewhat undersized frame by following 2013 selection Santiago Calderon onto the all-area team as the ringleader of Richards’ blocking corps. Hettiger and his line mates did good enough work that this year's Bulldogs piled up more than 4,000 total yards. The 6-foot, 210-pound All-SSC Red pick graded out at 90 percent efficiency and was considered by most to be the league’s top offensive lineman. PATRICK HOSTY, Brother Rice, OL, Sr. • What Hettiger was to Richards Hosty was to the Crusaders, except that the latter was in the starting lineup for three seasons. In being chosen for the 2014 All-Chicago Catholic League Blue squad Hosty was Brother Rice’s top-performing offensive lineman according to the program’s grading system. Evidence of his effectiveness could be found in the numbers amassed (Continued on page 4)

Trinity sports report

Trolls reach the mountaintop NCCAA volleyball championship captured for first time By Amy Strong

There was a runner-up finish in 2011 and another Final Four This was definitely a trip worth appearance, but the top prize taking. had eluded the Trolls -- until last Trinity Christian College’s weekend that is. With a four-set journey to Kissimmee, Fla., for triumph over Colorado Christian the National Christian College University on Saturday, Trinity Athletic Association national vol- claimed its first national title in leyball tournament has become the sport while tying the school almost an annual ritual. Three record for single-season victories. times in the previous four years The only other Trolls sports the Trolls headed south for the program to win an NCCAA chamlate-fall event, only to return pionship was the 2005 women’s home without a title. soccer team.

“I am extremely pleased with the team and how we played throughout the tournament,” volleyball coach Bill Schepel said. “After taking care of things in pool play, we knew the final day of competition would be tough. [But] the team rose to the occasion and met the challenge.” Prior to defeating Colorado Christian 23-25, 25-18, 25-17, 2515, Trinity rolled through pool (Continued on page 7)

Submitted photo

Trinity Christian College captured the National Christian College Athletic Association women’s volleyball championship last weekend in Florida.

Section 2 Thursday, December 11, 2014

The Regional News - The Reporter

BARTOSH

Traveling a Rocky road to Hall of Fame (Reprinted from Dec. 16, 2010) Rocky Marciano, Rocky Graziano, Rocky Balboa. One retired an undefeated heavyweight champion, one spent some time as a middleweight champion before eventually becoming an actor and one was a box-office champion who was never anything but an actor. And all three are now in boxing’s Hall of Fame. Marciano and Graziano, a winner of 67 fights during his career, receiving their sport’s highest honor is understandable. Placing Rocky Balboa — or, more accurately, his creator — there is a bit more mind-boggling. But that’s what happened last week when actor Sylvester Stallone was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum at the same time as real-life boxers Mike Tyson and Julio Cesar Chavez. To his credit, Stallone was properly respectful about his unexpected prize, saying in a statement that it was his “privilege to have been blessed with the ability to write about the incredible courage and commitment of the many thousands of real-life Rockys whom we have watched perform honorably in the ring.” Truth be known, most Rockys never do all that much within the squared circle. For example Chuck Wepner, the fighter on whom the Rocky character is supposedly based, served as a punching bag for Muhammad Ali in a 1975 bout. It was Wepner’s biggest payday and gained him recognition well beyond anything he’d garnered before that, but there was no miracle comeback against The Greatest or eventual world title in store for him. Nor are such things scripted for other journeymen within the sport. Rocky Balboa, though, beat Apollo Creed, Apollo 13, Clubber Lang, KD Lang, Ivan Drago, Ivan The Terrible, Mason Dixon, Perry Mason, Tommy Gunn, Peter Gunn, Peter Marshall, E.G. Marshall, Penny Marshall, Penny Singleton and anyone else who happened to pop into Mr. Stallone’s vivid imagination at a given moment. And during those fights, he was fired upon more often than Bambi’s family when they wandered too close to a batch of Jed Clampett wannabes after the gun-toters had downed a couple jugs’ worth of Granny’s homemade moonshine.

But miraculously, Rocky withstood all the blows well enough to always win in the end. Personally, I think that says more about Burgess Meredith’s abilities as a trainer than anything else, but maybe I’m wrong. What I’m not wrong about, though, is how silly this Hall of Fame thing is. Yes, the “Rocky” movies were hugely popular, and admittedly some of them were quite entertaining in a cinematic sense. But let’s not forget that’s what they were — movies. While they brought attention to a sport that has often resided outside the general public’s consciousness except when guys like Ali or Tyson ruled the ring, is that alone sufficient reason to put Stallone into the Hall of Fame alongside guys who invested actual sweat and blood equity? If so, then let’s not stop there. There are other deserving parties who should ascend into various sports pantheons. • Cal Hubbard is currently the only man inducted into two professional Halls of Fame (baseball and football), but there should be room for Herman Munster to be enshrined in those two, plus basketball’s. Remember, he hit Leo Durocher with a batted baseball from eight blocks away, beaned Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch in the head with a football punted from that same distance and was seen dunking a basketball several times while wearing Frankensteinian boots, something no NBA center would dare attempt. • His frequent movie co-star Robert Redford was “The Natural,” but Paul Newman is the guy who’s a natural for the Billiards Hall of Fame. After all, he beat Jackie Gleason in “The Hustler” while Gleason was portraying a character that closely resembled the famed Minnesota Fats. Gleason, too, might deserve entry into boxing’s Hall in recognition of his one-punch knockout of a bully named Harvey in an episode of “The Honeymooners.” • Certainly, the College Football Hall of Fame has room for Hayden Fox, who turned the Minnesota State Screaming Eagles from a laughingstock into a bowl qualifier. Sure, some other coaches have guided schools upward, but it’s a safe bet none of those had to do so with guys like Luther Van Dam and Michael Dybinski on the coaching staff. • Jim Rockford should be given strong consideration for a spot in the Auto Racing Hall of Fame.

The Malibu, Calif.-based private eye didn’t spend time maneuvering his way around an oval track, but he was quite proficient at driving around in circles as he frequently attempted to elude either police or assorted southern California bad guys. Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson never had to overcome obstacles like that. • How about induction into the Track and Field Hall of Fame for Dr. Richard Kimble? The wrongly convicted murderer spent four years on the run from the law, meaning he had to cover great distances, and special mention also needs to be made of his jumps, which usually were executed off a moving train as he sought to keep postponing his own execution. Even the most decorated Olympian couldn’t have done it any better. • If there exists an Equestrian Hall of Fame, write down Matt Dillon’s name as a new member. As is true with so many other deserving, but thus-far-unrewarded parties, the lawman possessed multiple talents. His expert riding, for example, was often done while he was brandishing a firearm and in hot pursuit of Old West evildoers. • The elevation of Secretariat to icon status proves there’s a place for non-human superstars in sports history, and none was bigger than Lassie. Saver of lives on a weekly basis during the 1960s and ’70s, the famed collie often had to enter bodies of water to drag helpless landlubbers to shore, doing so while executing a perfect dog-paddle. Lassie, your induction into the Swimming Hall of Fame awaits you. • And we absolutely can’t forget actor David Arquette, who really was a pro wrestling champion for a short time, thanks to the desperation mode World Championship Wrestling writers found themselves in when TV ratings were going down the dumper. Seeing as how Vince McMahon’s World Wrestling Entertainment has since absorbed everything connected with WCW, one of Vinnie Mac’s next assignments is clear. As you can see, there’s virtually no end to the possibilities. Sly Stallone’s feat could — and probably should — signal the start of some bizarre entrants into the sports world’s magic kingdoms. But there is one good thing that comes from Stallone’s boxing honor: It’ll probably make him less apt to want to wedge his way into the Machine Gun-Wielding Mercenaries Hall of Fame.

Hop aboard the seesaw Knights’ up-and-down tendencies continue By Ken Karrson Riding on a seesaw is fine for little kids. For high school-aged ones not so much, especially those involved in athletics. The idea of being up and down is certainly not appealing to those older kids' coaches, who always strive for consistent levels of play. Chicago Christian boss Kevin Pittman longs to see steadiness from his team but has been rewarded only briefly during the Knights’ first six games. Christian had its positive moments against both Evergreen Park and Metro Suburban Conference foe Ridgewood last week, but in the latter instance especially the breakdowns proved costly. The Knights were ahead of the Rebels by five with less than two minutes to play Friday night in Palos Heights, but those remaining moments were disastrous for the hosts. Four turnovers in a six-possession span prevented Christian from closing the deal; instead those miscues gave Ridgewood life. In particular Zach Rzewnicki took advantage. One of four Rebels players of whom the Knights were wary because of their shooting prowess, Rzewnecki scored 14 fourth-quarter points, the last two coming on a shot from the paint as time expired that lifted Ridgewood to a 51-49 triumph. That gave Christian (2-4, 0-1) a split for the week as it defeated the Mustangs 52-39 in a Tuesday road game. But breaking even wasn’t enough to placate Pittman, who said his squad “should be legitimately sitting at 4-2.” “There’s been bigger losses we’ve had, but this was one of the most frustrating in a long time,” he said of Friday’s setback. “This was one we should win.”

The late miscues were a big reason why the Knights didn’t, but they were facing an uphill climb right from the get-go as Dino Devivo sank three 3-pointers and the Rebels buried five in all to race out to a 19-11 lead in the opening stanza. Stiffer defense brought Christian back into the hunt during the second period and then the home team used a 16-9 scoring edge in the third to ease in front. Sophomore guard Frank Johnson put the Knights ahead for the first time by scoring four points on a possession extended by an offensive rebound. Trevor Wolterink (18 points), Daylon Washington (12 points, four steals, three assists) and Jay Spencer (nine points, 11 rebounds) also loomed large for Christian, Washington doing so despite being plagued by a sprained ankle and shin splints. Their combined efforts were enough to keep Ridgewood in chase mode, at least until those fateful final minutes. “Anything that could go wrong [then] did,” Pittman said. “That’s winning time and we lost. Our shot selection was poor, our passing was poor — we didn’t do the fundamentals well. “My biggest complaint right now is the things we went through and I thought we learned last year we’re having to learn again. I think too many guys are out there trying to get themselves noticed and it wouldn’t matter [to them] if we lose.” Chicago Christian 52 Evergreen Park 39 What the Knights did to draw attention to themselves at the start of last Tuesday’s game was something of which Pittman approved. With Washington and Wolterink accounting for nine points between them, Christian netted the first 11 and immediately put the host Mustangs on their heels.

Evergreen did reach the scoreboard before the opening quarter concluded, but it finished the session with seven turnovers. “My surprise Tuesday was we folded against the pressure,” Mustangs coach Pat Flannigan said. “We spend a lot of time on [preparing for] it in practice, but it looked like we didn’t know [the Knights] were going to trap or play a 1-3-1. It felt like we hadn’t coached them on it and we hate that feeling.” Evergreen players weren’t too crazy about it, either, and Flannigan noticed they began getting upset. Before everything fell apart, however, the Mustangs managed to regroup well enough to make a run at their visitors. Christian unintentionally aided Evergreen’s comeback by rushing a couple 3-point shots and getting nothing from them. That triggered a 9-0 spurt for the Mustangs, who had committed two more turnovers immediately upon entering the second frame before righting themselves. Isaac Matthews (16 points, five steals, two assists), Joe Moran (nine points, six rebounds), Darren Pritchett (six points, six rebounds, three blocks) and Jordan Brown (eight rebounds) all had a hand in Evergreen’s recovery. But it was to be short-lived as five more turnovers marked the Mustangs’ start to the third quarter and they slipped back in arrears by double digits after Wolterink made a steal and converted a three-point play. Washington starred for the Knights as he finished with 20 points, nine steals, six rebounds, two assists and a highlight-reel block. He did a great deal of that work after suffering his ankle sprain. Wolterink backed him with 17 points as Christian prospered despite hitting just (Continued on page 3)

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Mother McAuley’s Erin Drynan is caught in no-girls’ land as Marist defenders surround her last Monday. The Mighty Macs beat the RedHawks 58-48 in the latest renewal of the neighborhood rivalry.

Girls’ basketball roundup

Oak Lawn back on the Mark By Anthony Nasella Oak Lawn coach Mark Sevedge could highlight many positive things he saw in his team’s two victories last week: 52-44 over Morton on Monday and 47-40 over TF North in the Spartans' South Suburban Conference opener on Friday. But the most visible one, literally and figuratively, was the play of senior center Brianna Markusic. Markusic dominated in the inside against Morton, scoring a gamehigh 23 points and grabbing 18 rebounds in the team’s winning effort. She added a game-best 17 points and 13 rebounds in the triumph over the Meteors, which improved Oak Lawn's record to 3-4 overall. “Metaphorically, Brianna played like an animal out there for us,” Sevedge said. “We’re trying to get that kind of performance out of her every time we play. She has that kind of potential and impact and the other girls definitely follow her lead offensively and defensively. “She was all over the court, especially against Morton, diving for loose balls and being a spark plug for the team. It was a lot of fun watching her out there.” Kellie O’Connor chipped in 12 points and six assists in the win over Morton, which Sevedge said was especially impressive given the latter’s record heading into Monday. “We knew Morton was a good team,” he said. “They were 5-1 coming in with only a loss to Riverside-Brookfield. Monday was our first home game, so the girls were especially motivated to come out and play hard for the home crowd. And they played hard — they shared the ball on offense and worked hard defensively. "It was a good team win. We scouted Morton and knew it would not be easy by any means, which makes the win all the more satisfying.” And Oak Lawn didn’t let up on Friday in the SSC crossover, gaining an early lead on the Meteors and holding onto it when TF North rallied in the late third and early fourth quarter. “TF North had a couple of girls with size, but they were pretty much playing in the paint,” Sevedge said. “They hit only one outside jump shot. "We were playing man-to-man against them 95 percent of the time. Our defense is designed to seal off the gaps and we were succeeding pretty well with that, especially in third quarter. That was big for us.” It was in that third quarter that Oak Lawn extended a sixpoint lead to 13. But the Meteors were able to battle back toward the end of the period and into the fourth when Markusic got in foul trouble, cutting the Spartans’ lead to just two with 2:30 left. But Oak Lawn went on another mini-run to build up the lead and prevail. O’Connor (five assists) and Kara Melvin tacked on 11 points each for the Spartans “The girls successfully applied some things we talked about at halftime that made a difference in the third,” Sevedge said. “We stayed in our help-side defense and cut off TF North’s penetration. We limited them to one shot and we were able to push the ball up the floor and run our offense.” Sevedge was quick to credit the Meteors’ resiliency late in

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Mother McAuley freshman Tara O’Malley tries to dribble past Marist’s Claire Austin during last Monday’s neighborhood-rivalry game. the game but was very pleased with his team’s ability to adjust. Melvin's play was particularly pleasing as she was 4-of-4 on two-point baskets and a perfect 3-of-3 from the charity stripe.” “TF North did a great job fighting back," Sevedge said. "We were rushing some of our possessions and were also without Brianna for a stretch. Kara, however, played all 32 minutes and really helped shore up our defense [by] boxing out and keeping our opponent off the offensive glass.” Oak Lawn takes Tinley Park and Lemont this week before competing in its holiday tournament over the weekend. “We start against De La Salle on Saturday,” Sevedge said. “We’ll be taking it one game at a time.” MOTHER MCAULEY Two wins were collected by the Mighty Macs last week, but a 58-48 decision over cross-town neighbor Marist was easily the most satisfying for them. Mother McAuley also got the better of Stagg (53-45) while falling short versus St. Thomas More (71-58). The Macs (4-5) jumped ahead of the RedHawks 7-0 in the Battle of Mount Greenwood last Monday and never let go of the lead. The O'Malley sisters, freshman Tara and senior Molly, were McAuley's big guns as they combined for 39 points. Erin Drynan contributed seven points and nine rebounds. The Macs sank 15 free throws over the final eight minutes to hold Marist at bay. The RedHawks went just 15-of-74 from the floor and did not have any double-figure scorers. Leading Marist were Katelyn Rosner (nine points, six rebounds), Tehya Fortune (nine points), Claire Austin (eight points, 10 rebounds) and Dajae Black (eight points). Molly O’Malley overcame shin splints that forced her to the bench for two quarters to provide McAuley with the go-ahead bucket in the fourth period that gave it a much-needed boost and ultimately led to the win over Stagg. O'Malley finished with 14 points and four steals. Her younger sister tossed in 12 points while Drynan was the Macs' key performer with 15

points and five blocks. McAuley bounced back from a 32-24 halftime deficit against the Chargers, who were led by Alex Abed (12 points on four 3-point baskets, four assists). Noor Elmosa (eight points, eight rebounds), Erin O'Leary (eight points, three assists) and Mia DiGiacomo (eight points) were other Stagg notables. Elmosa (two), O'Leary and Katie Dwyer also had 3-point buckets for the Chargers, who went 6-of-12 from long range in the opening half. “That first half was our best 16-minute stretch of basketball we have played this season,” Stagg coach Bill Turner said. “The second half would be a little different story.” The Chargers used two more 3-pointers, by Abed and O'Leary, to hang onto a 38-36 lead at the end of the third quarter, but Turner said "the momentum had clearly swung over to McAuley." An Amy Balich shot from the lane tied the game at 38 early in the fourth and Molly O’Malley’s steal and fast-break basket put the Macs up for good. McAuley ended the game on a 19-7 spurt and outscored Stagg 29-13 in the second half. "[They began] to apply more full-court ball pressure,” Turner said. “Turnovers by us and free-throw shooting by McAuley stood out to me as the determining factors in the outcome of the game. I think we only had seven turnovers in the first half but finished in the 20s for the game.” Stagg's totals were, in fact, 16 turnovers after halftime and only six before the break. The Macs went to the charity stripe 21 times and connected on 15 for the game, compared to the Chargers' 2-of-5 effort. Eighteen of McAuley's attempts came in the second half. “I think there was 10-minute stretch to start the second half where we committed a dozen turnovers and I didn't recall hearing many whistles,” Turner said. “The girls did an excellent job executing our game plan on (Continued on page 5)

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, December 11, 2014 Section 2

Northern exposure

Spartans no match for Meteors in crossover By Ken Karrson Some Northern exposure chilled Oak Lawn Friday night. The Spartans would have been better served had cold described the shooting accuracy of visiting TF North, but no such luck was in store for Oak Lawn. Instead, the Meteors clicked on 58 percent of their field-goal attempts, which easily eclipsed the Spartans’ success rate and laid the groundwork for a resounding 76-48 win. TF North pretty much removed all doubt as to the South Suburban Conference crossover’s outcome by halftime. The Meteors entered the break with an 18-point lead in their possession and exhibited no signs of an impending letdown. “We bodied up [defensively], but they just hit some shots,” Oak Lawn coach Jason Rhodes said of TF North. “Against a team like that that outsized us, you hope you can make them take some poor shots and have that influence the game, but that didn’t happen. They hit some fade-aways and played really well.” The Meteors held a measurable edge on the Spartans (3-2, 0-1), both figuratively and literally. TF North’s lineup featured two 6-foot-6 players and one who stood 6-5, and that wasn’t all the Meteors had going for them. Also influential was guard Sadiq Salisu, who ran TF North’s offense adroitly. While the Meteors were charged with 17 turnovers by evening’s end, few were harmful or attributable to Salisu, who totaled 19 points and seven assists. Oak Lawn’s turnover count was 21, but Rhodes said the differential between the Spartans and TF North in that category was more than numerical. Several of Oak Lawn’s miscues occurred on live balls that set up easy scoring opportunities for the visitors. The Meteors held a 12-4 advantage on fast-break points and benefited from 11 offensive rebounds, part of a 27-20 edge on the glass. “Our post defense has to im-

Knights

prove,” Rhodes said. “We fouled too much once they got inside.” Rhodes admitted, though, that the Spartans showed “some flashes where we looked good breaking pressure,” which prompted him to say he was “not really discouraged” afterward. “We left Friday night feeling a lot better about how we played, despite the score, compared to how we felt after the Reavis game [one week earlier],” Rhodes said. “Their size was a problem for us, but what can you say? If we keep doing what we’re supposed to be doing, things will be OK.” Josh Prince was Oak Lawn’s headliner in defeat as he was its only double-digit scorer. Along with his 16 points, he collected three rebounds, made three steals and passed out two assists while “looking like the old Josh Prince” according to his coach. Carlos Alvarado was next in the scoring line with seven points. Leo Nelson, who had been a solid contributor through much of the Spartans’ four-game Thanksgiving tournament, was relatively quiet on this occasion because of foul trouble. The senior sat out all of the second quarter and totaled just six points. Also making Rhodes a little less bothered about the loss was that every other SSC Red club save for Eisenhower was in the same boat versus SSC Blue opponents. “Everybody on our side lost their first game, so the conference is not real balanced,” Rhodes said. “The race is to see who can get better quickly and be ready [for Red Division play] and can you steal a game [before that]?” Oak Lawn hosts Lemont in another crossover contest on Friday.

Statistics TF North Oak Lawn

18 23 17 18 - 76 8 15 14 11 - 48

Oak Lawn Scoring: Prince 16, Alvarado 7, Nelson 6, Smith 6, Cosenza 5, Wiltzius 4, Johnson 2, Khater 2. Rebounds: Smith 6. Assists: Alshaikh 2, Alvarado 2, Prince 2. Steals: Prince 2.

byproduct of distributing only six assists. The Mustangs’ defense did have its moments, (Continued from page 2) though — TF South had 10 of 36 percent of its shots, mak- its shots blocked, four of them ing 17 turnovers and allowing by Pritchett. Evergreen to grab 14 offensive “When our defense is set, it’s rebounds and out-rebound it by hard to score on us,” Flannigan 11 overall. said. “But we can’t give them The Mustangs fell short because easy ones because we’re so hardtheir own accuracy rate was an pressed to score ourselves.” almost-as-bad 39 percent and the Moran (12 points) and Materrant marksmanship was com- thews (11) topped Evergreen pounded by 27 turnovers. Ever- in scoring, while Brown and green missed 11 free throws and Pritchett collected seven and went 2-of-17 from 3-point range. six boards, respectively. “A lot of it’s confidence and On the whole Flannigan came technique,” Flannigan said, re- away satisfied with his athletes’ ferring to the Mustangs’ mis- effort, which he thought might cues. “We talk to them about have been boosted by encourjust attacking the defender and agement from the coaches folnot letting him be in charge. A lowing Tuesday’s matchup with couple guys are not shooting Christian. it as well as they can, but we “We decided we were going expect it to turn around.” to be positive,” Flannigan said. “It’s not perfect, but we “We kept telling them during were finally able to come out timeouts they were getting betand force a tempo [for a while], ter and to just play loose. We did which I thought this team would that for about three quarters.” be able to do,” Pittman said. Two more SSC crossovers were “[But] there’s some bad deci- on this week’s slate. After visitsion-making still and we still ing TF North Tuesday, Evergreen can get impatient. hosts Tinley Park tonight. “I think we’re still feeling the effects of that loose, wide-open Statistics game [against Eisenhower]. I could have scored about 20 from Chicago Christian 11 12 15 14 - 52 the bench in that one, but we Evergreen Park 2 14 10 13 - 39 have to learn it’s not always going to be that easy.” Chicago Christian Scoring: Washington Metro Conference games 20, Wolterink 17, Fitzpatrick 5, Parker 4, against Walther Christian and Spencer 4, Hill 2. Rebounds: Rebounds: Illiana Christian were on the Fitzpatrick 6, Washington 6. Assists: ParkKnights’ schedule this week. er 4. Steals: Washington 9. TF South 53 Evergreen Park 37 Evergreen Park Scoring: Matthews 16, Although the final score was Moran 9, Pritchett 6, Brown 4, Sorbellini almost a mirror image of Tues- 4. Rebounds: Brown 8, Moran 6, Pritchett day’s Flannigan felt the Mus- 6. Assists: matthews 2. Steals: Matthews tangs actually performed much 5. Blocks: Pritchett 3. better in Thursday’s South Suburban Conference opener. Ridgewood 19 5 9 18 - 51 “We made it a game on Thurs- Chicago Christian 11 9 16 13 - 49 day,” he said. “Had we played with that energy Tuesday night Chicago Christian Scoring: Wolterink 18, it might have been a different Washington 12, Spencer 9, Johnson 6, story.” Fitzpatrick 2, Parker 2. Rebounds: Spen Evergreen (3-3, 0-1) was cer 11, Fitzpatrick 8. Assists: Fitzpatrick within three of the Rebels at 5. Steals: Washington 4. halftime, thanks to an ability to handle TF South’s defensive TF South 15 8 23 7 - 53 pressure. The Rebels came back Evergreen Park 16 4 7 10 - 37 with more of the same after intermission and the Mustangs Evergreen Park Scoring: Moran 12, Mateventually ran out of gas. thews 11, Brown 4, Ford 2, Horton 2, Twenty-three turnovers Pritchett 2, Smith 2, Sorbellini 2. Redidn’t help Evergreen’s cause bounds: Brown 7, Pritchett 6. Assists: nor did 24 percent shooting, a Moran 2. Steals: Matthews 2.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Marist’s Chamar Hawkins tries to fight his way past St. Laurence’s Rich Lamb (24) to get to a loose ball Friday night in Burbank. The RedHawks stayed unbeaten with a 66-50 victory over the previously undefeated Vikings.

Down the beaten path Vikings first to blink as RedHawks stay perfect By Ken Karrson Nobody’s perfect? Friday night in Burbank two groups of basketball players were, at least at the outset. Both Marist and St. Laurence had navigated their way through Thanksgiving-tournament waters the week before and emerged unscathed, and the RedHawks had gone on to collect another victory last Tuesday against Johnson Prep. So Marist and the Vikings renewed acquaintances while sporting a spotless 9-0 combined ledger. Something had to give, and at the outset it was the RedHawks — or, more accurately, it was St. Laurence doing some taking. What the host Vikings took was early control of the nonconference contest as five 3-pointers — three of them by all-area first-team football player Matt Gurgone — staked them to a 15-11 lead. While certainly not insurmountable, the deficit was the first faced by Marist in the opening period of any contest this year. Putting themselves comfortably ahead in the first eight minutes had become the RedHawks’ signature act in the early portion of the schedule. “We knew what they were good at and we were going to defend it accordingly, but they went ahead and did it anyway,” Marist coach Gene Nolan said, referring to St. Laurence’s long-distance prowess. “That says a lot about a team. “St. Laurence has been playing really well, shooting really well and playing really hard. And I thought they executed very well [here].” The Vikings never stopped executing, but the RedHawks’ own level of play increased after intermission. A 23-13 scoring edge in the third quarter lifted Marist into a lead and a 15-2 surge during the fourth period nailed down the decision in the visitors’ favor, 66-50. “We did a much better job of identifying their shooters [in the second half] and we guarded them a little better,” Nolan said. “I felt at halftime if we could solve their shooting and just execute our [own] offense better we’d have a chance.” A pivotal sequence for the RedHawks (6-0) featured them hitting layups on three consecutive possessions to trigger the aforementioned fourth-quarter eruption. Chamar Hawkins scored twice, once following his own steal, and Kevin Lerma sank a reverse layup. Jeremiah Ferguson assisted on two of the buckets. St. Laurence (4-1) unintentionally aided Marist’s quest with a dozen turnovers during the second half, five more than it was guilty of over the first 16 minutes. The Vikings also allowed the RedHawks to grab four offensive rebounds — their only ones of the game — after halftime, which led to three scores for the visitors. “I was pleased for three quarters, but I think we got tired,” St. Laurence coach Jim Maley said. “Some of our guys aren’t used to being in that [kind of] moment yet. They’re a better team than we’ve faced before. “Marist is good, they’re wellcoached and they played hard. Sometimes you have some talented kids who don’t play hard, but they were picking up our point guard and harassing him. We were only averaging about 12 [turnovers before this].” The Vikings, who led the RedHawks by as many as 10 points during the opening stanza, were

those led to 14 RedHawks points. “You’re not only defending them well, you’re getting some offense off of [the mistakes],” Nolan said. “Those things that win games are the simple things done consistently well.” One thing at which Marist has not been adept thus far is rebounding. Its lack of height certainly is a major reason, but even in a game the RedHawks otherwise dominate that’s been a significant problem area. "Because we’re so small our positioning has to be so good,” Nolan said. “We have to limit the number of times we help defensively so we’re not [caught] out of position. “Rebounding is our biggest issue and the kids know we have to get better at it. In order to equal out that stat we have to be turning teams over at a similar rate [as they get offensive rebounds].” In this case that’s exactly what happened. While Johnson pulled down 22 offensive boards, it was guilty of 23 miscues, nine more Photo by Jeff Vorva than Marist. That differential alMarist’s Bradley Hill brings the ball upcourt against St. Laurence lowed the RedHawks to overcome Friday night in Burbank. their shortage on the glass and so, too, did 25 made free throws. paced by Rich Lamb and Gurgone, While Maley called the Vikings’ All 11 players on Marist’s roster who tossed in 15 and 13 points, setback “disappointing,” he felt scored, with Parker (13 points), respectively. Quentin Forberg the experience of facing Marist Ferguson (12 points, four resupplied 11 points and six assists. in front of a pretty full house bounds, three assists) and Haw Lamb, who also gathered in five was a valuable one. kins (11 points, eight rebounds, rebounds, was St. Laurence’s top “I think it’s a good problem to three steals) spearheading the scorer despite hurting his knee have when you have a big crowd,” effort. midway through the second quar- Maley said. “We’ve got to get used ter. He remained in the game but to that and being in close games. Statistics was expected to sit out this week We’ve got to realize we can play after it was learned the injury with all these teams.” Johnson Prep 6 12 14 8 - 40 was a sprained ligament. Chicago Catholic League foes Marist 21 16 17 11 - 65 Hawkins was Marist’s main Seton Academy and Bishop Mcman with 22 points, nine rebounds Namara awaited St. Laurence Marist Scoring: Parker 13, Ferguson 12, and three steals, but Ferguson this week while Marist was Hawkins 11, Weaver 8, Hill 6, Barry 3, (14 points, five assists), Lerma slated for four games. Matchups Commander 3, Harding 3, Reynolds 2, (nine points, seven rebounds, two with TF South, Southland Prep Lerma 2, Dunican 1. Rebounds: Hawkins steals) and Malik Parker (nine and DePaul Prep were part of 8. Assists: Barry 4. Steals: Hawkins 3. points) also made their presenc- the RedHawks’ holiday tournaes felt. The RedHawks shot only ment. Before meeting the Rams Marist 11 12 23 20 - 66 43 percent and misfired 14 times on Saturday, Marist began East St. Laurence 15 12 13 10 - 50 at the foul line, but those stats Suburban Catholic Conference were adequately countered by play versus St. Patrick on Friday. Marist Scoring: Hawkins 22, Ferguson 14, their carefulness with the ball Marist 65 Lerma 9, Parker 9, Barry 5, Commander — Marist was charged with just Johnson Prep 40 5, Hill 2. Rebounds: Hawkins 9, Lerma eight turnovers. A typical first-quarter getaway 7. Assists: Ferguson 5, Barry 4. Steals: “We have a lot to get better at, was at the heart of the RedHawks’ Hawkins 3. but the kids have been working romp past Johnson last Tuesday. hard,” Nolan said. “This was a Marist went on a 21-6 tear to St. Laurence Scoring: Lamb 15, Gurgone great early season rivalry game take command, using 11 Johnson 13, Forberg 11. Rebounds: Lamb 5. Asand a good road win for us.” turnovers to fuel the uprising as sists: Forberg 6.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

St. Laurence’s Quentin Forberg dribbles out of traffic during Friday night’s home matchup with Marist.

Section 2

Thursday, December 11, 2014 The Regional News - The Reporter

All Area

FIRST-TEAM OFFENSE (Continued from Page 1)

Photo by Jeff Vorva

St. Xavier University coach Mike Feminis argues with an official after an apparent touchdown that could have pulled the Cougars within 12 points was called back by offsetting penalties in the fourth quarter. SXU scored later on that possession but lost valuable minutes off the clock in what eventually became a season-ending 62-37 loss to Southern Oregon University.

SXU

the fifth straight year. For a long time it was Carroll or Sioux Falls [winning it] and then there was (Continued from page 1) everybody else; [now] you’ve legitthought a good opportunity to imately got seven or eight teams make inroads had been squan- [each year] that can do it.” dered. And in Feminis’ view, this sea The Raiders finally broke son’s title clash reflects something through again six minutes into else. the third quarter on Matt Ret- “I think the two best conferzlaff’s 7-yard scoring catch, then ences are ours and the Frontier, Heston Altenbach delivered a crit- and you’re seeing it in the national ical blow with his 30-yard return championship,” he said. “That’s a of a tipped pass that extended compliment to both teams.” Southern Oregon’s edge to 24. But again the Cougars refused Statistics to crumble. Three more TDs were tallied before the session ran out, Southern Oregon 10 17 21 14 - 62 two of them by SXU as Randall St. Xavier 17 0 13 7 - 37 Wells (1-yard run) and Ryan Carroll (75-yard catch) both crossed SOU SXU the goal line. The five touchdowns First downs 35 27 in the frame were produced in a Yds. rushing 183 117 span of just 6:07. Yds. passing 460 313 Stephen Simms gave the Cou- Total yds 643 430 gars one more six-pointer in the Att./comp. 52-32 61-31 final stanza, but it came after a Fumbles/lost 0-0 0-0 longer one by DeBenedetti had Had intercepted 2 1 been expunged by offsetting pen- Penalties/yds. 7-60 6-56 alties that were called well away Punts/avg. 2-15.0 3-45.0 from the play. While SXU still wound up reaching the end zone, Scoring the scoring delay removed several SOU — Matt Retzlaff 35 pass from Austin minutes from the clock and made Dodge (Aldrick Rosas kick) time the Cougars’ enemy. SXU — Abdul Mahdi 45 field goal Simms (10 receptions, 72 yards), SXU — Khary Ferguson 1 run (Mahdi kick) DeBenedetti (9-74) and Carroll SOU — Rosas 30 field goal (6-136) all had good performanc- SXU — Nick DeBenedetti 22 pass from es in defeat as did quarterback John Rhode (Mahdi kick) John Rhode (30-of-59, 308 yards). SOU — Ronald Rylance 2 pass from Defensive headliners for SXU in- Dodge (Rosas kick) cluded Michael Mettille (five solo SOU — Sean Tow 3 run (Rosas kick) tackles, nine assists, one hurry), SOU — Rosas 28 field goal Fitzgerald (eight solos and five SOU — M. Retzlaff 7 pass from Dodge assists in addition to his inter- (Rosas kick) ception), Mark Williams (seven SOU — Heston Altenbach 30 interception solos, three assists, one tackle for return (Rosas kick) loss, one pass breakup), Danny SXU — Randall Wells 1 run (Mahdi kick) Lombardo (six solos, four assists, SOU — Dylan Young 22 pass from Dodge one sack), Alex Walters (four solos, (Rosas kick) five assists, one tackle for loss) and SXU — Ryan Carroll 75 pass from Rhode Joe DeMarco, whose interception (run failed) stopped another Southern Oregon SXU — Stephen Simms 6 pass from possession and set in motion the Rhode (Mahdi kick) series ending in Simms’ TD. SOU — Ryan Retzlaff 46 pass from Dodge Southern Oregon’s arrival in (Rosas kick) the national-championship game SOU — Dodge 1 run (Rosas kick) means the crown will ultimately be worn by a team with two St. Xavier Rushing: Ferguson 13-59, losses, neither of which entered Rhode 8-17, Ivlow 9-14, Simms 5-14, the tournament ranked higher Feeney 2-7, Wells 2-3, Crawford 1-3. than No. 7. Passing: Rhode 59-30-308, DeBenedetti “I like it that way,” Feminis 1-1-5, Carroll 1-0-0. Receiving: Simms said. “If Southern Oregon wins, 10-72, DeBenedetti 9-74, Carroll 6-136, it’ll be a different champion for Wells 5-29, Strbjak 1-2.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

St. Xavier University running back Khary Ferguson gains a few of his team-best 59 rushing yards on this play Saturday afternoon vs. Southern Oregon University.

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by the Crusaders’ skill guys — quarterback Alex Alarcon threw for nearly 2,500 yards, for example, and running back Marcus Jones had over 1,600 combined yards as a rusher and receiver. In all, Rice totaled 4,532 yards of offense this fall. JAKE KARLICEK, St. Laurence, OL, Sr. • Thanks in large part to Karlicek’s efforts along the line, the Vikings produced the Chicago Catholic League White Offensive Player of the Year in quarterback Alex Martinez and saw sophomore Fayezon Smart generate almost 900 rushing yards. The 255-pound Karlicek was the veteran anchor for St. Laurence, which reached the state tournament for the first time in five years. JOE PIET, Evergreen Park, OL, Sr. • Along with fellow senior Brennan Quick, Piet gave the Mustangs a matching pair of quality linemen. Like his teammate did Piet started 21 games for Evergreen Park over the past two seasons, both of which ended with a trip to the playoffs, the Mustangs’ third and fourth in a row, respectively. Piet, who is a catcher for Evergreen’s baseball team, also takes care of business in the classroom — he sports a solid 3.6 grade-point average. ISAAC MATTHEWS, Evergreen Park, WR, Sr. • An all-area selection in basketball during the 2013-14 school year, Matthews proved a valuable member of the Mustangs football squad as well as he paced Evergreen Park with 40 receptions this season. Those accounted for 605 yards’ worth of pickups and a half-dozen touchdowns. Matthews was also heard from on defense as he was in on 56 tackles, broke up five passes and recovered three fumbles. RICKY SMALLING, Brother Rice, WR, So. • One of three sophomores tabbed for the all-area first team, Smalling is its most prolific pass-catcher. He flew under the radar early on but soon became Crusaders quarterback Alex Alarcon’s favorite target and go-to man when sizable chunks of yardage needed to be picked up. Smalling led the area with 64 receptions for 880 yards and nine touchdowns. Half of his catches resulted in Brother Rice obtaining a first down. For good measure Smalling also averaged over 20 yards per runback on eight kickoff returns. ADAM VALIGA, Sandburg, TE, Sr. • In the midst of a somewhat lackluster offensive season for the Eagles, Valiga stepped forward to provide them with a reliable set of hands. The 6-foot-3 receiver stayed steady while Sandburg experimented with different quarterbacks and wound up with a team-best 32 catches, which were good for 492 yards, a 15.4 yards-per-grab average. Valiga reached the end zone four times. RYAN WILLETT, Richards, WR, Sr. • Bulldogs quarterback Hasan Muhammad-Rogers had several weapons from which to choose when he opted to throw the ball, and his most frequent choice was Willett, who topped Richards with 42 receptions. Those added up to 783 yards' worth of gains and 12 touchdowns. Willett also scored once on a punt return. MARCUS JONES, Brother Rice, RB, Sr. • The Northern Illinois University-bound Jones was a dual threat for the Chicago Catholic League Blue co-champion Crusaders. His 931 rushing yards were 11 more than he garnered as a junior, even though opposing defenses were keying on him. Jones averaged 5.3 yards per carry, scored 14 touchdowns, racked up 46 first downs on his runs and lost just one fumble in 176 carries. His longest dash from the line of scrimmage was 80 yards. Jones was also used as a safety-valve receiver for quarterback Alex Alarcon and made 45 catches for 705 yards, 25 first downs and five more TDs. One of Jones’ receptions went for 77 yards. He played some defense, too, and made an impact there with 30 solos stops, 11 assists, 13 pass breakups, two interceptions, two tackles for loss and one quarterback hurry. COLBY ROUNDTREE, Chicago Christian, RB, Sr. • What made Roundtree’s 2014 statistics particularly impressive is that they were gleaned despite the fact every defense was zeroed in on him, the result of the Knights’ sub-par passing attack. Despite that obstacle Roundtree was a standout, twice eclipsing the 200-yard mark in single-game rushing and scoring 10 touchdowns in those two contests, including a school-record six in one of them. Roundtree was the only local runner to surpass the 1,000-yard plateau (1,038) as he averaged over 7 yards per carry. He tallied 13 times in all while averaging 115.3 yards per game. Augmenting his ground yardage were 142 through the air on 15 receptions, 252 more on kick returns and 45 on his lone pass completion, which went for a score. That gave Roundtree 1,477 total yards. He completed his solid all-around performance with 19 solo tackles, 11 assists, 1 ½ tackles for loss, two interceptions, one pass breakup and a fumble recovery on the defensive side. FAYEZON SMART, St. Laurence, RB, So. • Like Brother Rice receiver Ricky Smalling, Smart began the year with the varsity and quickly established himself as a readyfor-prime-time player. Even though he was hampered at times by nagging injuries, Smart made his inaugural varsity campaign a good one as he rushed for 878 yards and reached the end zone eight times. Perhaps most impressive about Smart’s debut season was the fact he fumbled only three times in 204 carries. JOE ROBINSON, Oak Lawn, ATH, Sr. • The son of longtime Spartans coach John Robinson was a Joe-of-all-trades for Oak Lawn as he ran, passed and caught the ball at various times and also produced on the defensive side. Robinson was without question the Spartans’ most dynamic offensive performer as he hauled in 33 passes for 368 yards and five touchdowns while dropping only three balls. Added to those figures were 512 rushing yards on 145 carries with nine scores and just one fumble, plus 50 passing yards and one TD throw as Robinson briefly lined up under center following an injury to Oak Lawn’s primary signal-caller. As a defender Robinson recorded 22 solo stops, 11 assists, 2½ tackles for loss and one sack. He also intercepted two passes and forced a fumble.

FIRST-TEAM DEFENSE JOHN CARMODY, Marist, DL, Jr. • The RedHawks’ failure to reach the Class 8A playoffs for the first time in seven years pushed them into the background somewhat, but what couldn’t be ignored was Carmody’s positive influence on defense. Marist’s top lineman, who will also be a central figure for the baseball team in the spring, recorded 56 tackles, four of which went for loss. Carmody intercepted one pass and blocked both a field-goal try and punt. CHRIS CASEY, Richards, DL, Jr. • For three seasons Savon Robinson gave the Bulldogs top-flight play up front, so when he graduated Richards coach Tony Sheehan might have wondered how his impact player could be adequately replaced. Casey teamed with Kenny Spey to give the ‘Dogs two new threats along the line who did their part to help Richards capture the South Suburban Conference Red championship and advance into the third round of the Class 6A tournament. Casey’s role in another strong defensive showing by the Bulldogs included 20 tackles behind the line of scrimmage — four of them sacks — and 68 stops in all. He also forced a pair of fumbles and recovered two as well. KENNY SPEY, Richards, DL, Sr. • Chris Casey’s sidekick on the Bulldogs’ defensive line put up Savon Robinson-like statistics in his final prep campaign. Spey finished with 84 total tackles for 12 games — one more than Robinson registered over that same span the year before — and was a constant visitor in enemy backfields as attested to by his eight sacks and 16 ½ tackles for loss. Spey recovered two fumbles, forced one and scored a defensive touchdown during Richards’ 10-2, South Suburban Conference Red-winning season. ROBERT WOODS, Brother Rice, DL, Sr. • Woods’ importance to the Crusaders’ prevention corps grew after fellow lineman Michael McGinley suffered a season-ending injury midway through the schedule. Even with greater attention paid to him by opposing blockers, Woods kept Brother Rice’s pass rush viable. He only registered three sacks, but Woods had seven quarterback hurries and 15 tackles for loss. He ranked third overall among Crusaders defenders with 45 solo stops and added 14 assists to those. Woods broke up a couple passes, intercepted one and made two fumble recoveries. RAMONTA HILL, Richards, LB, Sr. • Another linebacker named Hill was probably one of the last things Bulldogs foes wanted to see in 2014. Figuring that moving the football against Richards might be a little easier minus three-year starter and 2013 all-area selection Romel Hill, those opponents were dismayed to discover Ramonta Hill stepped in without missing a beat. This year’s Hill piled up 164 total tackles, which included 13½ for loss and two sacks. He was also a turnover-causing machine as he picked off three passes, forced three fumbles and recovered another drop. Hill, who scored a pair of defensive TDs for the ‘Dogs, has received offers from South and North Dakota universities and drawn serious interest from both Northern Iowa and Illinois State. TOM LYONS, St. Laurence, LB, Sr. • While he didn’t always attract as much notice as linebacking predecessors Eric Sadowski and Jim Litrenta, Lyons took his rightful place alongside that duo as he supplied the Vikings with a consistent season-long exhibition in the middle of the defense. His 117 total stops were divided up between 61 solos and 56 assists and placed Lyons first among St. Laurence tacklers. Lyons, who also had a couple sacks, plays lacrosse and is in the top 15 of his class academically. St. Ambrose University and Loras College are two of the schools looking at him. ANTHONY QUINN, Richards, LB, So. • Despite being somewhat overshadowed by Ramonta Hill, Quinn did enough to get himself noticed as he gave the Bulldogs an ideal bookend at the linebacker position. Complementing Hill the same way Andrew Venerable did Romel Hill in 2013, Quinn wound up with 111 total tackles, which included 11 for loss and six sacks. The latter figure was second only to Kenny Spey’s eight. Like Spey, Quinn forced two fumbles and recovered one; for good measure he also swiped a pass. RYAN SLAGER, Stagg, LB, Sr. • Slager is making his second consecutive appearance on the all-area first-team defense after once again serving as the Chargers’ main man on that side of the ball. While Stagg boasted a more active group of defenders than it did the year before, thus creating fewer opportunities for him to make tackles, Slager remained the standard-bearer in that category with his team-best 47 solo stops. That gave him 119 over the past two years. Slager’s 2014 totals also included 31 assists — 10 more than a season ago — two sacks and a fumble recovery. JORDAN BOYD, Brother Rice, DB, Jr. • Before seeing his season end prematurely with an injury in a Chicago Catholic League Blue playoff encounter, Boyd was the Crusaders’ stalwart in the deepest part of the defense. He tied linebacker Steven Robinson for the team lead in total tackles with 77, 64 of which were solo efforts for Boyd. He also placed an entry in virtually every other statistical department as he intercepted three passes, broke up three others, forced three fumbles and recovered two, recorded three tackles for loss, and had one sack and one quarterback hurry. KEYON LANSDOWN, Shepard, DB, Sr. • The Astros’ defense as a whole didn’t gain much notoriety this season, but that didn’t prevent Lansdown from putting up rock-solid stats. He was far and away Shepard’s leader in tackles with a total of 105, 57 of them being unassisted stops. No other Astro was within 34 of Lansdown's solo efforts. Nine times he made tackles behind the line of scrimmage, and also part of Lansdown's work were two interceptions, one pass breakup and a forced fumble. RYNE MELNIK, Oak Lawn, DB, Sr. • While Joe Robinson was the Spartans’ best all-around performer, Melnik quietly put together a commendable year of his own as a member of the secondary. Melnik, who will also play a pivotal role for Oak Lawn’s baseball squad in the spring, finished with 30 solo tackles and 42 assists, which ranked first and second, respectively, on the team. His nine tackles for loss trailed only linebacker Peter Ruane (15) among Spartans defenders. MARTY MEYER, Marist, DB, Sr. • Teammate Nick Gasbarro was the attention-getter with five interceptions and two returned for touchdowns, but Meyer was certainly no slouch in that area as he had four pickoffs of his own. Although none of the thefts was turned into a TD, Meyer made up for that fact by breaking up seven other passes and registering 63 total tackles, second to linebacker Marty Ryan’s 72. Meyer also had a hand in two more turnovers as he forced a fumble and recovered one as well. MATT GURGONE, St. Laurence, ATH, Sr. • Along with Oak Lawn’s Joe Robinson Gurgone ranked as the area’s most versatile athlete of 2014. He was the Vikings’ No. 1 receiver with 25 catches for 422 yards and four touchdowns, and for good measure he added 62 rushing yards on seven carries. But that was only scratching the surface as Gurgone also ended up as St. Laurence’s second-best tackler with 39 solos and 32 assists. He was credited with 9 ½ sacks, one of which resulted in a safety. And that still wasn’t all — Gurgone made his presence felt on special teams as the Vikings’ punter as he averaged 32.9 yards on 30 kicks. Gurgone is playing basketball for St. Laurence this winter and is the Vikings' top 3-point shooter. JONATHAN MILAZZO, Sandburg, K/P, Sr. • With his selection to the 2014 all-area squad, Milazzo becomes a rare three-time honoree. Back on the first team after being a second-teamer a year ago, Milazzo was his usual steady self as he booted 15-of-19 kickoffs into the end zone for touchbacks, punted 48 times for a 36.6 average, converted all 17 of his extra-point tries and went 5-of-6 on field-goal attempts, with one of the successes coming from 50 yards out. That was the second three-pointer Milazzo nailed from that distance. He concluded his prep career with 15 field goals and a 65-of-72 showing on conversion kicks. (Continued on page 5)

The Regional News - The Reporter

Girl’s Basketball

and Andrew 40-35 on Thursday. In the win over the Knights, Sam Youngwirth netted a gamehigh 24 points to steer the visiting Eagles. She was at it again versus (Continued from page 2) the Thunderbolts as she netted a defense and shot the ball very well team-best 12 points. on the offensive end. We just ran Also chipping in to the latter win out of gas in the final minutes of were Jessica Merino (11 points), the game. Victoria Stavropoulos (11) and “McAuley is a good basketball Lauren O’Leary (11 rebounds). team and well-coached. They used Sandburg built a 34-16 lead late their aggressiveness to their ad- in the third quarter, only to see vantage to turn the tables on us Andrew pull within 36-29 with in the second half. We will take less than two minutes to play and away a lot of good things from within 38-35 with 3.1 seconds bethis game and continue to work fore coming up short with a 3-point on improving ball security and try. Two Stavropoulos free throws finishing a game [properly]." set the final margin. Stagg hosts Andrew in a SouthCHICAGO CHRISTIAN West Suburban Conference cross- Evergreen Park edged the over before beginning Blue Divi- Knights 45-44 last Tuesday, but sion play. things looked up for Chicago Caitlin Jandacek had 16 points Christian after that as it downed for host McAuley in its Saturday Ridgewood (43-42) and Illiana loss. Balich and Tara O’Malley add- Christian (57-50) in a pair of Metro ed 15 and 14 points, respectively. Suburban Conference contests. MARIST Megan Pfister scored 17 points The RedHawks recovered quick- and Maddie Vojacek tossed in 12 to ly from their initial defeat of the lift Evergreen (6-2) over the Knights season as they routed Bogan 68-42 (3-4, 2-0), who received a team-best on Saturday at the Crete-Monee 11 points from Emily Lemmenes. Crosstown Showdown. Lexi VanRyn's 12 markers gave Julia Ruzevich had 14 points Christian just enough juice to slip and Dajae Black added 10 to pace past the Rebels in an MSC East Marist. encounter on Thursday. SANDBURG VanRyn (15 points, eight re The Eagles improved their rebounds, five steals) and Lemmenes cord to 5-2 last week with a pair (13 points, 10 assists, five steals) of SouthWest Suburban crossover were even more effective on Satvictories. Sandburg defeated Lin- urday versus the Vikings, but the coln-Way Central 63-60 on Tuesday Knights also got 16 points and

Thursday, December 11, 2014 seven rebounds from Leah Kamp to vanquish Illiana. QUEEN OF PEACE The Pride recorded their first two wins of the season, both in GCAC crossover contests, last week as they beat DePaul Prep (48-43 on Tuesday) and St. Benedict (50-18 on Thursday). Kara Shimko finished with 22 points to lead host Queen of Peace (2-5) past the Rams. Ally Herman added 11 points and 16 rebounds for the Pride, Erin Foley had five points and seven rebounds and Mary Keenan pitched in with five points and eight rebounds. Shimko (21 points) and Herman (10 points, five rebounds) were the pivotal performers for Peace again on Thursday in their romp past Benedict. SHEPARD Myrissha Mitchell totaled 14 points, seven steals and six assists for the host Astros (2-3, 1-0) in their 57-52 SSC crossover victory over Tinley Park on Thursday. Abby Newsome topped Shepard's individual scoring with 15 points and Jenny Payne tallied 12 to go along with six rebounds. RICHARDS Sydni Tears (20 points) sank two free throws with three seconds left to guide the host Bulldogs to a thrilling 68-67 victory over Hillcrest in an SSC crossover on Thursday. Takesha Powell added 17 points for Richards (3-1, 1-0) and Kennedy Brister had 12.

Sports Wrap By Anthony Nasella In the midst of a perfect week of bowling for Stagg's boys’ squad, Chargers coach Nik Jelcic was most impressed with his team’s 2,054-2,024 win over Andrew for many reasons. The most important was that it was the first win the boys’ varsity program has scored against the Thunderbolts during his 10-year association with it, the last three as Stagg's head coach. The Chargers opened their week with a 2,022-1,895 SouthWest Suburban Conference triumph over Lincoln-Way East on Tuesday and followed up that win with a 2,040-1,480 decision over Thornridge on Thursday before toppling Andrew. “The win over Andrew was definitely big for our program,” Jelcic said. “I don’t know if Stagg had defeated Andrew before I joined the program, but I know we haven’t done it since I’ve been here. And the win was great because we got contributions from our entire team of five bowlers. “Our scores have been in the 950s so far this season, which is a big improvement on this past season. I can honestly say that we have five bowlers who can contribute at any time and pick each other up when needed. We just don’t have one bowler to lean on, which is great.” In the victory over Lincoln-Way East at Orland Bowl, seniors Cody Johnson and Mario Lara notched series of 446 and 440, respectively, for the Chargers. Sophomore Sean Murray led all competitors on Thursday with a 442 series at Palos Lanes while Johnson chipped in a 254 game and 428 series against the Falcons. Sophomore Dylan Otruba (457) and Johnson (455) had the top series opposite the T'bolts. “Our fifth bowler, [junior] Max Downs, has also been bowling solid for us,” Jelcic said. “We have a great mix of bowlers: two seniors, a junior and two sophomores. If one guy struggles, another guy picks him up — if one bowls a

175, then another bowls a 230. It’s been balancing out for us.” Jelcic said the key to the team’s continued success is being able to consistently score in the 2,100 range in meets and shootouts. And based the on the chemistry the Chargers have been displaying he wouldn’t be surprised if that target score becomes a reality. “If we get hot as a team, I don’t think scoring 2,100 is unrealistic,” Jelcic said. “The teams we will be competing against at regionals and sectionals post that score. And our conference, which is one of the toughest in the state, will keep us competitive and get us ready for regionals. Every match we’re playing somebody tough. "These guys get along great and bowl together outside of the team events. They keep each other focused and competitive. We just have to keep getting better every week — that’s all you can ask for.” *** Shepard went 1-2 last week with its lone win coming against Hinsdale South (2,932-2,463) on Monday at Palos Lanes. Jordan Noftz's 242 game and Trevor Lorek's 629 series propelled the Astros. Defeating Shepard were Bremen (1,899-1,830) and Richards (2,109-1,750) on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively. Eric Walters (226 high game, 439 series) paced the Astros versus the Braves in the South Suburban Conference crossover at Centennial Lanes. *** Matthew McCarthy rolled a 244 game and 659 series to guide Chicago Christian to a 2,980-2,793 win over Lincoln-Way East at Orland Bowl last Monday. *** Lincoln-Way North defeated Sandburg 2,212-1,810 in a SouthWest Suburban Conference crossover last Thursday at Orland Bowl. GIRLS' BOWLING Stagg split a pair of matches

last week, dropping a 1,325-1,304 decision to Argo on Monday and topping Joliet Central 1,231-1,074 in an SWSC Blue match at Crest Hill Lanes on Thursday. Peyton Carroll (218 high game, 367 series) led the way versus the Argonauts at Palos Lanes. *** Sandburg rode Emily Schrader's 257 high game and 680 series to a 2,505-2,318 victory over Hinsdale South last Monday at Willowbrook Lanes. Shepard fell twice last week while Chicago Christian lost one match. Beating the Astros in SSC crossovers were Hillcrest (1,2881,072) and Tinley Park (1,6471,118) on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively, at Centennial Lanes. The Knights lost 1,430-1,287 to Lincoln-Way East last Monday at Orland Bowl. WRESTLING Sandburg dominated three opponents on Saturday by a combined score of 175-25. The Eagles upended Lyons Township (53-10), Batavia (60-3) and host Naperville North (62-12). Sandburg, which is now 9-0 in duals, received pins against Naperville North from Louie Hayes (106 pounds), Christian Robertson (138), Ben Schneider (145) and Patrick Brucki (182). Rudy Yates (126) was dominant in winning by tech fall over Zach Villarreal. With Hayes, Yates, Brucki, Schneider (145) and Tom Slattery (160) piling up bonus points, the Eagles continued to dominate. *** Stagg finished sixth at its own 12-team invitational on Saturday behind a runner-up showing from Chris Yaros (220). Crown Point (Ind.) conquered the team standings with 203.5 points, topping Collinsville (144), Bradley-Bourbonnais (128.5) and Reavis (106.5). GYMNASTICS Maddy Roe (34.025 points) was seventh in the all-around in leading Sandburg/Stagg (99.175) to fifth place among 12 teams at Saturday's Big Purple Invitational hosted by Downers Grove North.

Negatively Charge(re)d Stagg has rough outing against mighty H-F By Ken Karrson A big part of Stagg’s basketball reputation has been built on its almost-uncanny ability to frustrate even the most talented opponents. Several years ago the Chargers squared off with a Homewood-Flossmoor team featuring future Illinois Mr. Basketball Kevin Dillard as its ringleader and carrying a No. 2 state ranking at the time it met Stagg. And while the Vikings ultimately prevailed, they did so by single digits — their closest game until they reached the Class AA Elite Eight — and only after the Chargers had spent most of the night getting under H-F’s skin. Given that program tradition, Stagg coach John Daniels was hoping history might repeat itself Friday night in Palos Hills. Instead, the Vikings asserted their dominance early and often. Before the Chargers knew what had hit them, they were staring up at a 23-3 deficit and the situation never improved. Stagg wound up on the wrong end of a 60-32 final in the SouthWest

Suburban Conference Blue contest and Daniels said it was pretty much as bad as it looked for his club, which was without senior Jeff Goral. While Goral — who is dealing with a recurring ankle problem stemming from an injury suffered during football season — is not a standout in the Max Strus mold, he is the Chargers’ most experienced player in 2014-15. As such his presence in the lineup is valued by Daniels; minus Goral Stagg “almost looked like a sophomore team playing a varsity team” versus H-F. “It hurts not having that guy that understands what we’re trying to do,” Daniels said. “I burned four timeouts in the first half, three times because we dribbled the ball into a trap and then picked it up.” As tempting as it may be to rush Goral back into action, however, Daniels is refusing to do so. In fact, he has no qualms about keeping Goral idle until the start of the new year if need be, even though the latter is already champing at the bit. “He’s frustrated, but you’ve got

to balance [the team’s needs] with the kid’s future,” said Daniels, who added that “a lot of good [NCAA] Division III schools are interested” in Goral. “He’s got a future, so we’re not going to push it with him,” Daniels said. “We’ll sit him for a while.” Even if he were available for duty, Goral wouldn’t have made a difference against H-F, which bothered the Chargers (1-4, 0-1) with its size. While Stagg enjoyed some success in breaking the Vikings’ press, too often the hosts gained nothing tangible from that effort. “We missed seven layups in the first half,” Daniels said. “They have length that gave us trouble and made us adjust our shots around the rim. On our first three possessions we missed a layup and two wide-open 3s. You’ve got to hit those to have a chance — if we do it’s 10-8. “They’ve got a ton of talent and they’re really good at what we’re not good at. We can’t make up for their size — I can’t coach 6-7 or coach their speed.” (Continued on page 7)

Section 2

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Marist’s Claire Austin is hounded by Mother McAuley’s Molly O’Malley during last Monday’s matchup in Mount Greenwood.

Feast before famine Crusaders’ fortunes at both ends of spectrum By Ken Karrson Given the choice between feast or famine everyone would select the latter, of course. Much to Brother Rice coach Rick Harrigan’s chagrin, his Crusaders experienced basketball life on both sides of the spectrum last week. And when it was over Rice’s immediate future remained a source of confusion. Which team should Harrigan expect to see in action next — the one that trashed Tinley Park 68-36 on Tuesday by winning every statistical battle or the one that succumbed somewhat meekly to fellow Chicago Catholic League member DePaul Prep, 44-36, on Friday night? Even he’s not sure. “It’s going to be night by night,” Harrigan said. “We’re starting to get more and more confident every game, but it’s going to be a season of gaining crucial game experience that’s priceless.” Whatever positive vibes were created by the crash of the Titans, though, were undoubtedly wiped away by the nightmare that was Friday’s confrontation with the Rams, whose school was formerly called Gordon Tech. By any name, however, DePaul Prep was too steep an obstacle to clear. The Crusaders’ downfall resulted from a desultory first half in which they tallied only 10 points. While it wasn’t quite the same low point as the scoreless first period Rice endured in its season-opener against Bartlett, the circumstances weren’t a whole lot better this time. “We can’t dig ourselves a hole like that and expect to climb out of it against a team like that,” Harrigan said. “[DePaul Prep] has got some really good size and a couple D-I athletes, and

we’d better get used to [Catholic League] teams hunkering in and playing good defense. “It’s a loaded conference and it’s a different level of scouting [to prepare for opponents]. Our margin for error against some teams in our conference is small.” All the news for the Crusaders (3-3, 0-1) on Friday wasn’t bad. Their defense, for instance, was respectable as it held the Rams to 43 percent field-goal shooting and goaded them into 13 turnovers, three more than Rice committed. The Crusaders did lose the rebounding battle by six, but most critical in their demise was their own 36 percent success rate from the floor. Only five Rice baskets were set up by assists and just three players scored more than two points. Connor Finn (12 points, three steals) was the ringleader, but both Mike Shepski (11 points, three steals) and Josh Niego (eight points, five rebounds, three assists) offered decent support. “We’re going to need different guys to step up because I don’t think we’re going to have a [regular] 20-point scorer,” Harrigan said. “We just couldn’t find enough scoring [here]. We have to make sure we’re on our best effort and control the things we can.” Brother Rice 68 Tinley Park 36 That’s what the Crusaders did in front of their home fans last Tuesday as they netted at least 15 points in every quarter while never surrendering more than 12 to the Titans in any period. Tinley didn’t go above single digits in either second-half stanza. “Across the board statistically, that was our best game,” Harrigan said. “That’s the level

we have to play at to have a chance to win every night.” Niego resembled his graduated brother Quinn on this night as he went 4-of-5 from 3-point land and totaled a game-high 19 points to go along with four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Finn and Shepski combined for another 25 points while burying 10-of-15 shots between them. As a team Rice connected on 50 percent of its attempts from the field, compared to the Titans’ 31 percent accuracy. Tinley had seven more turnovers (136), 10 fewer rebounds (21-31) and got outscored 9-2 at the charity stripe. “We cruised on Tuesday, but you can see a little bit of our consistency issues,” Harrigan said. “We were more loose and confident at home, but it’s not going to get any easier next week, next month or next season.” St. Ignatius and Loyola Academy, two more Catholic League foes, presented this week’s opposition. The Crusaders host the Ramblers Friday after visiting the Wolfpack on Tuesday. “We’ve got to be good [to beat them],” Harrigan said. “That’s what makes it fun.”

Statistics Tinley Park Brother Rice

12 11 8 5 - 36 19 15 16 18 - 68

Brother Rice Scoring: Niego 19, Finn 16, Shepski 9, Kosakowski 6, Ruzevich 6, Collins 4, Swiatek 4, Malone 2, Ryan 2. Rebounds: Shepski 7, Ruzevich 6. Assists: Niego 2. Steals: Niego 2, Swiatek 2. Brother Rice DePaul Prep

3 7 16 10 - 36 11 14 10 9 - 44

Brother Rice Scoring: Finn 12, Shepski 11, Niego 8, Badali 2, Mahay 2, Kosakowski 1. Rebounds: Niego 5. Assists: Niego 3. Steals: Finn 3, Shepski 3.

All Area

(Continued from Page 4)

HONORABLE MENTION BROTHER RICE — Alex Alarcon, QB, Sr.; Jim Opoka, LB, Sr.; Matt Pikowski, K, Sr.; Steven Robinson, LB, Jr.; Spencer Scott, P, Sr. CHICAGO CHRISTIAN — Luke Boss, DB, Sr.; Clay Bouquet, LB, Sr.; Jack DeVries, LB, Sr.; Stephen Gallagher, DB, Jr.; Nathan Krygsheld, DB, Jr.; Dan Lawler, OL/LB, Sr. EVERGREEN PARK — Mike Horton, WR, Jr.; Lashon Johnson, DB, Jr.; Brian Pall, LB, Sr.; Brennan Quick, OL, Sr.; Sean Ryan, QB, Sr. MARIST — Jake Ford, OL, Sr.; Nick Gasbarro, DB, Sr.; Liam Keffer, WR, Jr.; Darshon McCullough, RB/WR/DB, Jr.; Marty Ryan, LB, Sr. OAK LAWN — Joe Dodaro, LB, Sr.; Quintin Prince, DB, Jr.; Peter Ruane, Sr. RICHARDS — Roque Castro, DB, Sr.; Romeo Johnson, RB, Sr.; Spencer Tears, WR, Sr. SANDBURG Patrick Brucki, LB, So.; Graham Hevel, LB, Sr.; Brian Krasowski, LB, Jr. SHEPARD — Demetrius Harrison, RB, So.; Alec Hufstedler, WR, Jr.; Jack Lucin, LB, Jr.; Mario Wilson, LB, Jr. STAGG — Chioke Elmore, DB, Jr.; Frank Knaperak, LB, Sr.; Gary Kopca, LB, Jr.; Shane McMahon, DB, Jr.; Joe Van Nieuwenhuyse, QB, Jr. ST. LAURENCE — Alex Martinez, QB, Jr.; Tyler Snee, LB, Sr.; Mike Sterna, DB, Sr.

COACH OF THE YEAR BRIAN BADKE, Brother Rice • Under Badke’s leadership, the Crusaders ascended to the top of the Chicago Catholic League Blue for the first time in a decade, sharing the title with eventual Class 7A champion Providence Catholic, which beat Brother Rice by just three points during the regular season. The Celtics did defeat the division’s other three members — Class 7A semifinalist Mt. Carmel, Prep Bowl champion Loyola Academy and St. Rita — in the same season for the first time since the mid-1970s. Badke didn’t duck anyone, either — with games against traditional Michigan powerhouse Brother Rice of Birmingham and Indianapolis Brebauf factored in, the Crusaders’ amassed 56 playoff points, the state’s highest total. And all this was accomplished on the heels of a 3-7 campaign the year before.

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6 Section 2 Thursday, December 11, 2014 The Regional News - The Reporter SXU sports summary

Hayward chosen as academic All-American Greg Hayward made plenty of impact on the football field this season, but that wasn’t his only proving ground. The Oak Lawn graduate and senior defensive lineman showed he has brains to go along with brawn. Proof of Hayward’s double-edged effectiveness was offered by the College Sports Information Directors of America, which pegged him for a first-team spot on the 25-member Capital One Academic All-America® College Division football team. The College Division team is comprised of student-athletes representing the NAIA, Canadian institutions and community colleges. To be eligible, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, have a cumulative gradepoint average of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale and be at least a sophomore both academically and athletically at his current school. Hayward’s selection by CoSIDA was his third in a row. He was also a first-teamer in 2013 and a second-team pick as a sophomore. Working toward a degree in criminal justice, Hayward carries a 3.86 cumulative GPA. “Greg is a tremendous football player, but even more importantly he’s a special young man and so deserving of this honor,” SXU coach Mike Feminis said. “He has excelled on the field and in the classroom from Day 1, but Greg also conducts himself off the field in a way that makes our football program and university very proud.” Hayward, the Mid-States Football Association Midwest League Defensive Player of the year, paced the Cougars in tackles, tackles for loss and sacks. VOLLEYBALL Senior middle blocker Marie Hackert represented the Cougars as an honorable mention selection on the 2014 American Volleyball Coaches Association's NAIA All-Mideast Region team when the awards were recently announced. Hackert wrapped up her SXU career in November by earning All-Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference first-team recognition for the second straight season. She led the Cougars in attack percentage (.287) while ranking second on the squad in both kills (356) and total blocks (106). Hackert is No. 11 in career total blocks (335) and 18th in career kills (922) at SXU. “This is a nice exclamation point on a fabulous college career for Marie,” Cougars coach Robert Heersema said. “She has been a consistent force for our program over the last four years and deserves all of the awards she has earned for being both a tremendous student and exceptional athlete.” Hackert also was feted for academics as she was named a Daktronics Scholar-Athlete along with teammates Kelli Shaffer and Meghan Falsey. A total of 455 NAIA volleyball players nationwide were recognized for holding a cumula-

tive GPA of at least 3.5. Hackert’s GPA is at 3.68 as she works toward completion of a degree in graphic design and marketing. Shaffer owns a 3.876 GPA while majoring in that same subject area and Falsey is at 3.818 as she studies nursing. WOMEN'S TRACK Breaking a school record in the 600-meter run in her collegiate debut, freshman sprinter Rachal Brooks highlighted the first indoor meet of the season for the Cougars. SXU competed at Grand Valley State University's Early Bird Invitational in Allendale, Mich., last Friday. Only Brooks, a Mother McAuley alumnus, and Evergreen Park graduate Rachel Koronkiewicz participated for the Cougars, however. Brooks finished fourth in the 600 in a time of 1 minute, 39.69 seconds, which missed being an NAIA "B"-standard national-qualifying by just .79 seconds. Sophomore Koronkiewicz ran in the 300-dash and wound up sixth after clocking a 47.31. "[It was] an amazing performance by Rachael in her first collegiate race," SXU coach Lisa Ebel said. "Rachel also had a fine first race. She usually runs the 400, but we had her try 300 meters this time just to see how it went. “I’m very excited by what I saw out of both these young ladies this [past] weekend and can’t wait to continue the indoor season in January.” The Cougars don't see action again until Jan. 16 when they take part at the Illiana Invitational hosted by Lewis University in Romeoville. The start time has yet to be announced. MEN'S TRACK Under the direction of first-year coach Kyle Rago, the Cougars got their indoor season off to a promising start at the Early Bird Invitational as several individual performances stood out. Four showings that gave Rago reason for optimism were turned in by sprinters Kyonn Keith and John Stancato and distance runners Janis Pastars and Abel Hernandez, a Shepard product. Freshman Keith (22.59) placed fifth in the 200 and senior Stancato (22.92) was 12th, while junior Pastars (14th in 15:16.83) and sophomore Hernandez (15th, 15:18.06) easily eclipsed SXU's existing standard of 15:32.30 in the indoor 5,000. “I was extremely pleased with how our team competed at Grand Valley State,” Rago said. “[Assistant coach] Brett Hespell had his sprinters in midseason form it would seem as Kyonn came within .04 seconds of breaking the 200-meter school record. John also ran extremely well for missing some training this fall due to injury. "On the distance side Janis and Abel represented the university well. I look forward to getting all of these individuals qualified for the NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships as soon as

we pick up racing after Christmas break.” Like the women's team, the Cougars men don't race again until Jan. 16 in Romeoville. SOFTBALL Brittany Plimmer, a sophomore catcher at Kankakee Community College, recently signed a letter of intent to continue both her scholastic and athletic careers at SXU next fall. Plimmer plans to play her sophomore season with the Cavaliers in the spring. Plimmer, who played prep softball at Glenbard East, batted .363 with 49 runs scored, 46 RBI, 14 doubles and nine homers as a freshman at Kankakee. “Brittany is a phenomenal defensive catcher and a powerful hitter,” Cougars coach Myra Minuskin said. “She is a proven collegiate player and will be a difference-maker in our program.” MEN'S BASKETBALL Two good halves made for a pair of satisfying wholes for the Cougars last week, who defeated Trinity International University (107-86) and Judson University (84-73) in a pair of Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference contests. In neither instance did SXU (7-2, 2-1) play what coach Tom O’Malley would call a complete game. In fact that hasn’t happened yet. “There’s probably been 10to-12 minutes in certain games when we’ve been pretty much error-free, shooting well and putting some good defense together,” he said. “Overall I’m still not satisfied that we’re playing defense the way we’re supposed to.” O’Malley admitted that his club’s relative inexperience has played a role in that inability to settle into a consistent groove. “We’re playing 10 guys in a game double minutes,” he said, “and only Tony Core and Jack Krieger have played a lot of minutes [before this]. Most of the other guys are new to the program, but the growth period’s got to end.” From a win-loss standpoint, though, the Cougars haven’t been hampered by their shortcomings. Certainly, Trinity players wouldn’t disagree as they fell victim to an almost-unconscious bout of firsthalf shooting by SXU, which racked up 65 points before intermission last Wednesday by going 23-of-33 from the floor. That staked the Cougars to a 22-point halftime advantage and the differential got as high as 30 in the second half before SXU settled

for a 21-point victory. Krieger tossed in 21 points to pace the Cougars, but Mitch Uratchko (19 points on 9-of10 shooting, six rebounds), Stanley Moore (14 points, 12 assists, eight rebounds) and Quinn Niego (12 points) also did their part. SXU wasted little time establishing itself at Vandixon Arena as it went ahead 18-8 five minutes into the contest. Back-to-back 3-pointers by Moore sparked another surge that featured 10 unanswered points and resulted in 46-26 advantage with six minutes to go in the half. The Cougars weren’t quite as crisp after the break, but they were in no danger of being overtaken. SXU scored 52 of its points in the paint and notched 22 points off 21 Trojans miscues. “I thought we got out of it after Trinity,” O’Malley said, referring to the Cougars’ tendency to start slowly and then pick up steam as the game progresses. “We had a longer [pregame] warm-up than we’re used to — maybe that helped.” *** Whatever the reason for Wednesday’s improved showing, SXU “floundered around a little bit” against Judson before getting on track and picking up another conference win on Saturday. The Eagles held sway by seven (43-36) at halftime before the Cougars shifted into another gear when play resumed. SXU canned 68 percent of its field-goal tries (17of-25) over the final 20 minutes to pull away from its foe at the Lindner Fitness Center in Elgin. O’Malley didn’t hesitate to credit Judson for causing some of the Cougars’ problems, but he admitted his team “missed a lot of easy shots” and turned the ball over too much early on. SXU finished the opening half with miscues and 23 misses in 37 attempts. Besides the improved shooting, the Cougars also benefited in the second half from a reduction in turnovers to just five. “That’s five extra possessions,” O’Malley said. “That makes a big deal of difference. We’re trying to play the game faster and you’re going to make mistakes until you become accustomed to it. “And we picked up our defense more — it’s been better in those games we’ve been coming back in. It’s almost like [our players] have to be challenged first before they do that.” The Eagles were limited to 28 percent shooting after halftime. SXU coupled that with better accuracy from Krieger (18 points), Uratch-

ko (15 points, nine rebounds) and Moore (15) to assume control. Daniel Lowe (10 points, three rebounds) provided a lift off the bench. Moore’s layup brought the Cougars into a 54-all tie with 12:47 left. A Uratchko layup gave SXU a 67-59 edge at the 7:21 mark, then the visitors used Krieger’s 3-pointer to jump-start a clinching 11-1 run after Judson had drawn back within four. The Cougars’ only game this week is against Robert Morris on Saturday. However, a few more tests are upcoming, including in SXU’s own holiday tournament, which will feature several ranked teams in addition to the No. 19-ranked hosts. “We’ve got five games in a row against very tough opponents,” O’Malley said. “Some people try to downgrade their schedule to get some easy wins, but I’m just the opposite — I feel we’ve got to upgrade if we want to contend on a national level. You have to be at your best [to succeed], but you want to get as much exposure as we can to really good play. “If we can hold our heads above water till Christmas, I think we can make some [additional] inroads.” — Ken Karrson WOMEN'S BASKETBALL It’s not typical that a basketball team can shoot 29 percent for an entire game and still win the contest, but that’s exactly what happened to the Cougars last Wednesday as they scored an unlikely 64-44 CCAC victory over Roosevelt University at the Shannon Center. SXU was helped along by an aggressive defense that caused the Lakers Roosevelt to shoot even worse from the floor: an anemic 21 percent. Then on Saturday afternoon the Cougars went back on the road and recorded a 98-63 win over Judson University in a conference meeting to improve to 9-1 overall and 4-0 in the CCAC. “We’re very happy to be 9-1, but the win over Roosevelt was definitely strange,” Cougars coach Bob Hallberg said. “We couldn’t throw the ball in the ocean that night. When you shoot 29 percent, you’re not supposed to win. “But it definitely helped that Roosevelt shot 21 percent, which is a credit to our defense. While it was not a great-played game, with a lot of missed shots by both teams, we were able to pull it off and come away with the win.” Senior forward Morgan Stuut scored 16 points and pulled down a school-record 27 rebounds versus Roosevelt. She set the previous standard of 23 twice before. Stuut's 27 boards represent the best rebounding performance in NAIA Division II thus far this season. Freshman guard Kara Krolicki also tallied in double figures with 11 points to go along with a gamehigh four steals. “I’ve been asked if I ever had a player pull down 27 rebounds,” Hallberg said. “I might have had a player or two pull down 27 over two games, but what Morgan did

was amazing. She’s definitely an example of a player who goes after every ball. “It makes me think of a player like Dennis Rodman — he went after rebounds and never stood still. Morgan takes pride in rebounding as much as she does scoring.” Senior forward Margaret Wildner and freshman center Brittany Collins both provided nice lifts off the bench in Wednesday's victory. Wildner totaled nine points and three rebounds while Collins chipped in eight points and seven boards. Both teams got off to slow starts offensively, but midway through the first half the Cougars kicked off a 19-0 run that lasted over 11 minutes and helped them take a 28-17 lead into halftime. The Lakers trimmed the deficit to seven early in the second half, but SXU responded with 15-0 blitz that put the game out of reach. The Cougars out-rebounded Roosevelt 67-49 while holding it to a 14-of-67 success rate from the floor. *** Stuut's double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds paved the way for SXU on Saturday against Judson. Four other Cougars scored in double figures as well: Caitlin McMahon (16 points, nine rebounds), Krolicki (14 points), Wildner (12) and Suzie Broski (11). "Kara Krolicki continues to play solid for us and Margaret Wildner continues to be a spark off the bench,” Hallberg said. “[Wildner is] a little undersized, but she’s playing very well. “I also started to insert Mikayla Leyden (concussion) back in the lineup. She’s one of our best allaround players as far as distributing the basketball. She can rebound, shoot and play defense, [so] it's great to have her back in the fold.” SXU's defense proved tough again as it limited the host Eagles to 29 percent shooting (22-of-77) from the field. The Cougars, who shot 51 percent (36-of-70), jumped out to a 7-0 lead and never looked back en route to the 35-point victory. “We shot 71 percent from the 3-point line in the first half,” Hallberg said. “All the shots we were missing against Roosevelt we made against Judson. Sydney Prasse had a great-shooting first half. The nice part about the Judson game was nobody played a lot of minutes and the bench got the chance to play a lot.” “And it was nice to have so many players in double figures. So many of them took the same shots Saturday as they did Tuesday, but they had a much different result this time.” SXU returns to action Saturday against Robert Morris. Game time is 1 p.m. at the Shannon Center. “Robert Morris is a very tough and very athletic team,” Hallberg said. “We were consistent on defense in both wins last week, but we can’t afford to have the kind of game we had against Roosevelt and expect to beat Robert Morris.” — Anthony Nasella

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Errors at the root of Astros’ downfall By Ken Karrson Tony Chiuccariello hopes his club merely suffered from an isolated case of mistaken identity Friday night. That remains to be seen. What wasn’t debatable, however, was that Shepard’s most recognizable trait was its mistake-prone tendencies. More than anything else Chiuccariello cited the Astros’ 27 turnovers as the main reason they were unable to deal effectively with host Tinley Park. The Titans committed 22 of their own but managed to overcome them well enough to secure a 68-53 South Suburban Conference crossover victory for themselves. Most telling in Shepard’s downfall was a sequence that closed out the second quarter. Locked in an 18-all tie, the Astros (2-3, 0-1) gave Tinley a lift with miscues on three straight possessions. Two of those were turned into fast-break layups and by the time halftime arrived the Titans had shifted momentum their way with an uninterrupted 13-point run. “A lot of it had to do with Tinley’s pressure,” Chiuccariello said. “That’s something we’re going to have to get better at. We’ve got to do a better job of taking care of the ball and getting into our offense. “They’re athletic, but I thought out of the stretch of games we had around this time we’d match up best with Tinley Park. Unfortunately, that was not the case. We

didn’t play well enough and that was disappointing.” Shepard never did make a serious charge at the Titans, although it did climb to within eight during the third period. Missing the front end of a 1-and-1 prevented the Astros from drawing closer and Tinley compounded that occurrence by scoring a basket on its ensuing possession. Coming up empty on its next trip down the floor pretty much sealed the deal against Shepard. “We need to change the pace [on offense] to create separation and be making the pass in rhythm,” Chiuccariello said. The veteran leader saw some signs of good things — he noted a few layups scored by the Astros when they ran their proper offensive sets — but regretted that nothing could be sustained. “I thought defensively we could have done a better job of getting out on their shooters — we were giving them too many good shots,” Chiuccariello said. “There are times we look good on defense, but I would like us to challenge shots a little better and be more aggressive. We were trading baskets when we needed to make a run.” Kyle Longfield was the Astros’ key performer as he paced the team in every major category. The senior finished with 11 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and a block. Kenny Gorski and Adebayo Ogungbemi both tossed in 10 points

for Shepard while Kenjrick Watson added nine. In addition to their turnovers, the Astros also undercut themselves by shooting 40 percent, seven points lower than Tinley. The two clubs were even on the glass, but the Titans held a slight edge in made free throws and bettered Shepard’s assist total by six (18-12). While a bit frustrated over the outcome, Chiuccariello said it’s important for him to “keep things in perspective.” He was referring to the Astros’ overall lack of experience — only Longfield, Gorski and Zack Haxel were on the varsity previously and none had extensive minutes under his belt — and presence of two sophomores and one freshman on the roster. “It’s a little bit of a growth period,” Chiuccariello said. “We just have to play in the moment and learn from our mistakes and not let it bother us.” Two more SSC crossovers were on tap for Shepard this week. After visiting Lemont on Tuesday, the Astros host Oak Forest Friday in Palos Heights.

Statistics Shepard Tinley Park

9 9 17 18 - 53 15 16 14 23 - 68

Shepard Scoring: Longfield 11, Gorski 10, Ogungbemi 10, Watson 9, Newhall 7, Haxel 4, Ashkar 2. Rebounds: Longfield 13. Assists: Longfield 4.

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The Regional News - The Reporter Thursday, December 11, 2014 Section 2

‘Dogs get preyed upon

Community Sports News

Hawks have no trouble dispatching Richards

Oak Lawn honors top student-athletes

Oak Lawn High School recently honored a number of its fall-season student-athletes for their good work in the classroom. A total of 27 Spartans juniors and seniors received Academic Achievement Awards for maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better. Several Oak Lawn athletes surpassed the 4.0 standard by taking weighted advanced-placement courses. Foremost among that group were soccer player Emmet Nugent and cheerleader Kali Graziano, each of whom boasted a 5.0 GPA. Others who rose above 4.0 were swimmer Elise Fetzer (4.6), tennis player Dana Greene (4.29), cheerleader Karli Hayes (4.2) and dance-team member Anna Oswald (4.17). Additional award winners included cross country runners Luis Garcia (4.0), Tomasz Parzadka (4.0), Nick Minella (3.83), Omar Abdelrahman (3.67) and Ilaris Milan (3.6); soccer players Mark Henry (4.0) and Daniel Bednarz (3.6); football players Mitchell Gonsch (4.0), Mustafa Kanan (4.0), Alec McCarthy (4.0), Joe Robinson (3.83), Joe Cosenza (3.8), Joe Dodaro (3.8), Tyler Loehr (3.67), Peter Ruane (3.67) and Spencer Smith (3.5); swimmers Rachel Costello (4.0) and Natalie Glab (3.83); tennis player Gina Dymit (3.8); and cheerleaders Hayden Landingham (3.83) and Guadalupe Navarrette (3.5).

OLHMS Mustangs clinch championship

The OLHMS Lady Mustangs went 11-2 in tournament play to capture first place in a basketball event hosted by Oak Lawn High School. That followed a 9-3 regular season for the Mustangs. Three players earned all-conference status along the way: Jacqueline Gomez, Nancy Kane and Madelyn McGrath.

Peace bowlers defeat Fenwick Sam Pakula’s 442 series was the key ingredient for Queen of Peace’s varsity bowling team as

By Ken Karrson

Oak Lawn honored its student-athletes who carry grade-point averages of 3.5 or above. it defeated Fenwick 1,768-1,649 in a Girls Catholic Athletic Conference match last week. Also performing well for the Pride were Amber Wenzel (154 high game) and Paige Totosz. At the JV level, the Friars beat Peace 1,501-1,313 despite good outings from the Pride’s Kelly Fitzgerald (346 series), Brenna Motola and Rebecca Campos.

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.

Submitted photo

the Spartan Athletic Complex in Oak Lawn. The season runs April through June. For more information, email pony@oaklawnbaseball.com. To register, go to www.oaklawnbaseball.com.

Online registration for Oak Lawn baseball, softball

Oak Lawn Baseball and Softball is currently conducting online registration and accepting payment Palos Stampede Baseball’s 13U for the 2015 spring season. team is looking for two Gold-level Registration in both sports is players to fill out its roster for open to players aged 5-18. Visit www.oaklawnbaseball.com. the 2015 season. Pitching experience is a plus. Players must be 13 years of age U.S. Baseball Academy by May 1. returning to Oak Lawn Winter workouts begin in early U.S. Baseball Academy, which January. The Stampede play a com- operates a national network of petitive schedule that includes ap- affordable hitting, pitching, catchpearances in several tournaments, ing, fielding and base-running including one out-of-town event, camps for players in grades 1-12, and their main goal is preparing will be returning to Oak Lawn players for high school baseball. High School for a winter session. For more information or a pri- The session is scheduled to vate tryout, contact Dan Szykowny run Jan. 4-Feb. 15 under the at 906-7148 or dannyszy@yahoo. direction of Spartans head coach com. Bill Gerny. Registration is now underway at www.USBasebalSPBL seeking players lAcademy.com and will conclude The Southside Pony Baseball approximately six weeks before League is seeking players aged the beginning of the session, al13 and 14 for the 2015 season. though last year’s camp filled Players must be in grades 7-9 up before that. as of May 1. For more information, visit the All games will be played at website or call 1-866-622-4487.

Palos Stampede 13U team looking for players

Against these birds of prey Richards didn’t have a prayer last Tuesday night. Hillcrest’s Hawks have always been a formidable foe for the Bulldogs and most other south suburban squads. Even in the Dwyane Wade era of Richards basketball the Hawks flew higher than most, including the ‘Dogs. There is no Wade play-a-like found on Richards’ 2014-15 roster. In fact there isn’t much experience or great size, either, making any on-court task more challenging, especially when pitted against a powerhouse. And once again Hillcrest seems to be filling that bill. It did so well enough in its South Suburban Conference opener to rough up the Bulldogs with little difficulty. A 19-0 run gave the Hawks all the cushion they needed to construct an insurmountable halftime lead, which eventually turned into a 76-36 rout of the Bulldogs in a crossover game in Country Club Hills. “Things got out of hand pretty quickly,” first-year Richards coach Jevon Mamon said. “They came out of the gate pretty hot and hit some contested shots. We didn’t execute anything, offensively or defensively, very well.” Hillcrest, which lost its season-opener to Hales Franciscan, netted the contest’s first 10 points. The Bulldogs (3-2, 0-1) cut their deficit in half after Spencer Tears drilled a 3-pointer, but another blast by the Hawks had them in control at 20-5. Hillcrest fired away at a sizzling 59 percent clip during the opening half and complementing that performance was a defense that frustrated Richards enough to force an average of a turnover

per minute before intermission. The Bulldogs had fewer points (12) than miscues (16) in the first half. “The pressure got to us early and forced us into some irrational decisions,” Mamon said. “We’re trying to get the kids to understand that little things matter.” Coming back from a 35-point halftime deficit wasn’t going to happen, not with Richards failing to produce any double-digit scorers for the evening. Chris Bender’s eight points led the way and Carlos Draper added seven points and five rebounds. That was no match for the Hawks, who were paced by George McDaniel’s 15 markers. Also fueling the runaway were DeAngelo Isby (12 points) and Taylor Adway (10 points, six rebounds). “They outsized us at every position and it was a tough draw early in the year,” Mamon said. “But I prefer to play that game early on. It’s a good measuring stick for where we are [because] they’re the top dog of this conference.” The obvious verdict is that while the Bulldogs are in the same league as Hillcrest literally, they’re nowhere near the Hawks figuratively speaking. Mamon, however, reiterated the point he first made at the end of Richards’ four-day stay in the District 218 Tournament: It’s still early, so there’s a lot of basketball left to be played and a lot of learning to do. And Mamon was pleased to see his guys refuse to simply go through the motions after the situation versus Hillcrest grew utterly hopeless. “A bright side is the kids didn’t give up and continued to compete,” he said. “We’ve got to be more disciplined to put ourselves in a position to play [on more equal terms] with teams like this, but we’ll get there.” The Bulldogs continued their SSC crossover schedule this week, beginning with a road game at Bremen this past Tuesday. They travel to Lansing on Friday to square off with TF South.

Statistics Final Hillcrest 76 Richards 36 Richards Scoring: Bender 8, Draper 7. Rebounds: Draper 5.

Chargers

turnovers in the opening half, five of them occurring on the first six possessions of the second quarter. (Continued from page 5) The Chargers hit only three first And it wasn’t only H-F’s superior half baskets and went scoreless for height that hampered the Chargers. a nine-minute stretch before John “They’ve got a ton of talent,” Contant ended the drought with a Daniels said. “They have a couple 3-pointer. He finished with seven guards who can play [well] and they points while Shane McMahon tallied do a lot of high-low stuff with them. a team-best eight. They started hot and I don’t think Five H-F players scored beour defense did enough [to get them tween eight and 11 points. Stagg had four games on the out of rhythm]. “This was a tough game to play docket this week, three of them when you’re not experienced. We’re being within Addison Trail’s holnot ready to face a team like that. iday tournament. The Chargers We’re trying to win minutes and face Lincoln-Way East in another SWSC Blue encounter tonight. win quarters — little things.” The Vikings, who welcomed three members of H-F’s Class 8A football Statistics runner-up into the fold and reinstated another player who had to sit out Final the first week of the season, clicked H-F 60 on 57 percent of their field-goal tries. Stagg 32 Submitted photo Eighth-graders Jacqueline Gomez, Nancy Kane and Madelyn McGrath are shown with the championship plaque and MVP medals from The Viking sank seven of their first 12 shots while Stagg committed 13 Stagg Scoring: McMahon 8, Contant 7. the Oak Lawn High School basketball tournament.

Trinity

and then forced a fifth. The Trolls outlasted the Lancers 21-25, 25-16, 25-20, 23-25, 15-10. (Continued from page 1) After Grace handed Trinity its play with a trio of three-set wins initial loss in 13 games, the Trolls and then dispatched McMurry (Tex.) rebounded. A six-point run enabled College in the quarterfinals and them to distance themselves from Grace (Ind.) College in the semis. the Lancers in the second set and The Lancers pushed the Trolls to Trinity finalized the verdict by five games before succumbing. scoring on four kills. The championship encounter did The teams were locked in a 20not start off well for Trinity (38-10), all tie in Game 3 before the Trolls which was tied with Colorado Chris- inched in front to stay, but the late tian at 21 before falling short. From momentum didn’t carry over into there, however, the Trolls gradually the next set as Trinity fell behind took control. 8-0. The Trolls fought back and Trinity jumped out to an 8-3 lead moved in front 23-22 on an Oevin Game 2, watched its foe close to erman block but could not close within 20-18, then made a final push out Grace. to knot the match at one set apiece. Things stayed close in the decidFive points off four kills allowed ing game, too, but Dykstra’s solo the Trolls to pull away in Game 3 block put Trinity up 13-8. Kills by after Colorado Christian was within Samudio and Oeverman finished 14-11 and Trinity wrapped up its off the Lancers. title with a late surge. The Trolls held a 70-62 advanThe Trolls extended a two-point tage in kills and 13-6 edge in blocks edge to 17-9 in the fourth set and as Macadlo (17 kills, 20 digs) and didn’t get threatened after that. Oeverman (16 kills, nine total Danielle Oeverman’s kill provided blocks -- six solos -- and no errors the deciding point. in 29 hitting attempts) led the way. Trinity totaled 65 kills in all, 20 Schuh added 59 assists and 20 digs more than Colorado Christian, and while Krchmery chipped in 31 digs. posted a .322 attack percentage com*** pared to its opponent’s .187 figure. Trinity knocked off McMurry 25Rachel Verhage put down 18 kills to 11, 25-15, 25-15 in a quarterfinal pace the Trolls while adding 11 digs match. The Trolls held leads of 6-0 and four blocks. Courtney Samudio and 11-2 in Game 1 as they never let was right behind her with 17 kills. the War Hawks gain solid footing. Also contributing to the victory The second set was considerably were Lauren Macadlo (12 kills), tighter, but two kills each from Oeverman (10), Erynn Schuh (53 Macadlo and Oeverman and their assists, 14 digs), Karleigh Krchmery combined block sparked a five-point (12 digs) and Brittany Dykstra (four Trinity run that put it ahead to stay blocks). Schuh was chosen tourney at 14-9. A 7-all deadlock in Game MVP and Oeverman joined her on 3 tilted the Trolls’ way after they the all-tournament squad. went on a 9-0 tear that began while Schuh and Schepel were chosen Tori Mantel was at the service line. the NCCAA Player of the Year and Trinity’s 43 kills and 2.96 atCoach of the Year, respectively. tack percentage bettered the War *** Hawks’ effort by a wide margin. Grace gave top-seeded Trinity Oeverman accounted for 14 of the its toughest test in Florida in the Trolls’ kills, Macadlo had nine and semifinal as it won the first game Oeverman, Dykstra and Verhage

all totaled three blocks. Krchmery (18 digs) and Schuh (37 assists) were other key figures in the win. *** Trinity’s pool-play successes came against Houghton (N.Y.) University, Oklahoma Wesleyan and Southern Wesleyan (SC). The Trolls began tourney play by downing Houghton 25-14, 25-21, 25-9 behind strong performances from Oeverman (11 kills, .625 attack percentage), Macadlo (10 kills, nine digs), Schuh (33 assists, nine digs) and Mantel (10 digs, three service aces). Trinity’s 43 kills and .344 attack percentage easily outclassed Houghton (19 kills, 17 hitting errors). The Trolls raced out to a 15-6 advantage in Game 1 and never wavered, then snapped an 11-all tie in the second set by capitalizing on a pair of Houghton errors. The game remained close, but Houghton could never catch Trinity. Game 3 featured a show of Trolls dominance as they constructed a 16-3 edge to snuff out any Houghton comeback hopes. *** Oklahoma Wesleyan was a bit more difficult to subdue, but Trinity finally did so by scores of 25-21, 25-20, 25-14. Seven ties were part of Game 1, the last of which was severed by a combined block from Schuh and Dykstra. Dykstra’s kill that put the Trolls ahead 8-7 gave them the push forward they needed to grab a 2-0 lead in the match. It was more of the same in Game 3 as Trinity constructed a 16-6 lead and won on Mantel’s ace. The Trolls finished with 42 kills and a .290 attack percentage as Oeverman and Verhage both delivered a dozen kills while committing only three hitting errors between them. Oeverman also had four blocks. Macadlo (10 kills, 11 digs), Schuh

(38 assists) and Krchmery (17 digs) were Trinity’s other mainstays. *** Trinity ended pool play with a 25-14, 25-22, 25-19 triumph over Southern Wesleyan. Headlining for the Trolls were Oeverman (12 kills, four blocks), Macadlo (11 kills 10 digs), Mantel (10 kills, 15 digs, three aces), Dykstra (seven kills, six blocks) and Schuh (42 assists, five assisted blocks). Trinity totaled 50 kills and registered a .330 attack percentage. Fifteen of those came in the opening set while the Trolls made only two errors in 33 hitting attempts. Southern Wesleyan got up 19-18 in Game 2 before Oeverman’s kill and Mantel’s ace moved Trinity in front. A combined block by Schuh and Dykstra put the Trolls at match point and Macadlo’s kill won it. Trinity used a kill and two blocks to hold off Southern Wesleyan in the third set. MEN’S BASKETBALL Viterbo made it a long night for the Trolls last Tuesday as it extended an eight-point halftime lead and won in a romp, 82-57. The V-Hawks’ favorite spot on the floor was behind the 3-point arc as they sank 18-of-30 shots from there. Trinity also had success from long distance but counted only eight 3s among its production. Viterbo used a 14-4 run to establish its halftime edge and built on it with an 8-of-12 display from 3-point territory. The Trolls were also hurt by their own slumbering offense, which supplied them with just 25 additional points over the last 20 minutes. Trinity’s field-goal percentage of 40 paled in comparison to the V-Hawks’ 57 percent mark and the latter was also better at the foul line (80 percent to 72). Joe Hehir tallied 13 points to pace the Trolls and Trey Johnson added 10. Ryan Tubbs contributed four

rebounds and three assists. *** Things were better for the Trolls in their Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference game on Saturday as they rallied in the second half to beat Trinity International University 80-73. Eight ties occurred before halftime and neither club was ever ahead by more than three points. One more deadlock followed early in the second half, but TIU’s 11-4 run moved it in front until the last five minutes. Trinity Christian (5-7, 1-2) stayed in the hunt, however, and consecutive 3-pointers by David Buffham boosted the Trolls into a 65-62 lead. After another tie was established at 69-all, Buffham broke it for good with one more long ball. Trinity Christian sank eight free throws and ramped up its defense down the stretch to bag the victory. Buffham had 19 points, including five 3s, to spearhead the Trolls’ attack. Johnson tossed in 15 points and blocked three TIU shots, and Jared Jones (13 points) and Hehir (11) both reached double figures in scoring as well. Logan Vos’ eight rebounds topped Trinity Christian in that department. The Trolls, who connected on 52 percent of their field-goal tries and 75 percent of their free throws, play Saturday at Spring Arbor (Mich.) University. WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TIU was also a get-well opponent for the Trolls women, who bounced back from a nonconference loss to St. Ambrose University last Tuesday to crush the Trojans 71-25 in a CCAC contest on Saturday. In pulling even for the season Trinity Christian (6-6, 2-1) cruised to a 30-point halftime lead. Fifteen minutes into the contest TIU had netted just two points and

trailed 29-2. Eight minutes into the second half the margin had grown to 43 and it topped out at 49. While the Trolls’ 43 percent shooting was nothing special, it was light years ahead of the Trojans’ 15 percent effort. Double-digit scorers for Trinity Christian were Kelsie Foster (15 points, five rebounds), Caitlin Cody (12 points, five rebounds) and Lauren Stokes (10 points, six rebounds). Also strong on the boards was Olivia Schipper, who collected a game high 10 rebounds. *** The NAIA 19th-ranked Fighting Bees took an early lead and kept the Trolls at arm’s length as they bagged a 77-58 triumph last Tuesday. Trinity got shoved into a deep hole after St. Ambrose extended a 10-point edge to 22 (34-12) in the first half. The Trolls had shaved only five points off that deficit when intermission arrived. A scoreless drought for the first four minutes of the second half buried Trinity deeper and there would be no complete wiping out of the Bees’ 30-point lead. To the Trolls’ credit, though, they went down fighting as they outscored St. Ambrose 13-2 near the end to make the final score more respectable. Trinity was actually more accurate than the Bees overall (46 percent shooting to 45), but it was 17 behind St. Ambrose on the glass (45-28). Celina Wanta was the Trolls’ top performer with 12 points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals. Stokes (10 points), Allie Paluchniak (eight points, three assists) and Bethany Jansma (eight points) were other Trinity notables in defeat. The Trolls host Goshen College in a nonconference game on Saturday.

Section 2 Thursday, December 11, 2014

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For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BANKFINANCIAL, FSB Plaintiff, -v.LINDA JARINA, BANKFINANCIAL, F.S.B., PALOS PLACE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF JOYCE JARINA F/K/A JOYCE E. DAMON, LAURA ZOULEK, KEVIN R. JARINA, LENORE GOSLAWSKI, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF KENNETH J. JARINA, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, WILLIAM P. BUTCHER, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR JOYCE JARINA F/K/A JOYCE E. DAMON (DECEASED) Defendants 14 CH 005415 10561 PALOS PLACE UNIT C PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on August 28, 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 10561 PALOS PLACE UNIT C, PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-13-103-030-1027. 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. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, 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 14-14-04768. 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. 14-14-04768 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 14 CH 005415 TJSC#: 34-15641 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. I635915

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Thursday, December 11, 2014 Section 2

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For Sale 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

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, I L L I N O I S ďż˝ COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. P l a i n t i f f , ďż˝ v s . ďż˝ GHADA SHAABNAH; MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS NOMINEE F O R ďż˝ COUNTRYWIDE BANK, N.A.; D e f e n d a n t s , ďż˝ 10 CH 37060 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, January 9, 2015 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: Commonly known as 10601 South 80th Court, Palos Hills, IL 60465. P.I.N. 23-14-217-037-0000. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 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 Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611. 1 0 2 0 6 1 8 ďż˝ INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I636092

For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY D I V I S I O N ďż˝ SUNTRUST MORTGAGE, INC. P l a i n t i f f , ďż˝ v . ďż˝ 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, Illinois, County Department, Chancery Division. Nationstar Mortgage LLC P l a i n t i f f , ďż˝ v s . ďż˝ Tricia Bradley aka Tricia Lynn Skowron aka Tricia Lynn Bradley; Michael Bradley aka Michael O. Bradley aka Michael Oliver Bradley; The Crystal Hills Condominium Association; Unknown Owners and Non-Record C l a i m a n t s ďż˝ D e f e n d a n t s , ďż˝ 13 CH 18494 Sheriff's # 140772 ďż˝ F13070021 NSTR Pursuant to a Judgment made and entered by said Court in the above entitled cause, Thomas J. Dart, ďż˝ Sheriff of Cook County, Illinois, will on January 20, 2015, ďż˝ at 1pm in room LL06 of the Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction the following described premises and ďż˝ real estate mentioned in said Judgment: Common Address: 9120 West 95th Street, Apartment ďż˝ 3A, Hickory Hills, Illinois 60457 P.I.N: 23-03-400-037-1075 Improvements: This property consists of a Residential Condominium Unit. Sale shall be under the following terms: payment of not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount of the successful and highest bid to be paid to the Sheriff by cashier's check or certified funds at the sale; and the full remaining balance to be paid to the Sheriff by cashier's check or certified funds within twenty-four (24) hours after the sale. Sale shall be subject to general taxes, special a s s e s s m e n t s . ďż˝ Premise will NOT be open for inspection. The purchaser of a condominium unit, other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments as required by 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1) For information, contact the sales department, FREEDMAN ANSELMO LINDBERG LLC, 1771 W. Diehl Road, Suite 120, NAPERVILLE, IL 60563, (630) 453-6960 For bidding instructions, visit www.fal-illinois.com. Please refer to file number F13100372 CHOH. For bidding instructions, visit w w w . f a l - i l l i n o i s . c o m ďż˝ This is an attempt to collect a debt pursuant to the Fair Debt ďż˝ Collection Practices Act and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I631368

PUBLISHERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NOTICE â&#x20AC;&#x201A; â&#x20AC;&#x201A; 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. â&#x20AC;&#x201A;â&#x20AC;&#x201A; 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 tollfree telephone number for the hearing impaired is: 1 (800) 927-9275.

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION QUICKEN LOANS, INC. Plaintiff, -v.ODAI KHUFFASH, KERI A. MARTINEZ, WESTRIDGE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 14 CH 05576 9831 NOTTINGHAM AVENUE, UNIT 14 Chicago Ridge, IL 60415 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 22, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 14, 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 9831 NOTTINGHAM AVENUE, UNIT 14, Chicago Ridge, IL 60415 Property Index No. 24-07-113-028-1014. The real estate is improved with a condominium. The judgment amount was $148,675.04. 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. ďż˝ ďż˝ payment in full of the amount bid, the purUpon chaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

Call Tom Maloney at

(708) 903-9865 RUN 12 5 13

DO YOU HAVE A HOUSE FOR SALE? CALL TO PLACE YOUR AD TODAY! (708) 448-4000

ďż˝ property will NOT be open for inspection The ďż˝ plaintiff makes no representation as to the and 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. You will need a photo identification issued by a ďż˝ government agency (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff s attorney: POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610, Chicago, IL 60606, (312) 263-0003 Please refer to file number C1498653. ďż˝ 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. POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610 Chicago, IL 60606 (312) 263-0003 Attorney File No. C14-98653 Attorney Code. 43932 Case Number: 14 CH 05576 TJSC#: 34-17585 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.

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

Section 2 Thursday, December 11, 2014

The Regional News - The Reporter

For Sale

Help Wanted

Three piece twin-size bedroom set. $250 or best offer. Call 708-448-4080

EXPERIENCED CLEANING LADY WANTED

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WE BUY

Cars â&#x20AC;˘ Trucks â&#x20AC;˘ Vans Running OR Not TOP DOLLAR PAID Call (708) 205-8241

Small engines, snowblowers, regular and riding lawnmowers, bicycles.

Wanted

Wanted to buy walking canes and cane stand.

(708) 598-7351

Call 708-430-0417

LEAVE MESSAGE

Reasonably priced or free. Call (815) 468-7819

Call today to place your ad!

Real Estate IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.WALDEMAR DZBIK, MONIKA DZBIK, SOUTH CENTRAL BANK, N.A., M&I BANK FSB Defendants 09 CH 024952 9720 MAPLE CREST COURT PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 7, 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 9720 MAPLE CREST COURT, PALOS HILLS, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-10-208-026. The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in 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. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, 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 14-09-16985. 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. 14-09-16985 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 09 CH 024952 TJSC#: 34-18355 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. I636450

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

Commonly known as 10108 SOUTH BUELL COURT, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 Property Index No. 24-09-315-031-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $139,709.47. 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, or a 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 and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). In accordance with 735 ILCS 5/15-1507(c)(1)(h-1) and (h-2), 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(5), and 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), you are hereby notified that the purchaser of the property, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and legal fees required by subsections (g)(1) and (g)(4) of section 9 and the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of section 18.5 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. 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.

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You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact the sales department, FREEDMAN ANSELMO LINDBERG LLC, 1771 W. Diehl Road, Suite 120, NAPERVILLE, IL 60563, (630) 453-6960 For bidding instructions, visit www.fal-illinois.com.. Please refer to file number F14040007.

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PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 14, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 15, 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:

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WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.JEFFREY M. THORNTON AKA JEFFREY THORNTON AKA JEFF M. THORNTON, SUSAN L. THORNTON AKA SUSAN THORNTON, BRIDGEVIEW BANK GROUP, CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), N.A., UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants

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If the sale is not confirmed for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale may be entitled at most only to a return of the purchase price paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee s attorney, or the court appointed selling officer. 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. FREEDMAN ANSELMO LINDBERG LLC 1771 W. Diehl Road, Suite 120 NAPERVILLE, IL 60563 (630) 453-6960 E-Mail: foreclosurenotice@fal-illinois.com Attorney File No. F14040007 Attorney ARDC No. 3126232 Attorney Code. 26122 Case Number: 14 CH 8355 TJSC#: 34-19107 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.

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 11, 2014 Section 2

Out & About

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

‘Theory of Everything’ has everything you need for a great movie Pinto’s “The Theory of Everything” is a film that actually has a little bit of everything, but not much of what you expect. If you are looking for some happy-go-lucky story, you’re not going to get that here. It’s a much darker story than you would expect from the life of Stephen Hawking. Starring Eddie Redmayn as Stephen Hawking, and Felicity Jones as his first wife, Jane Wilde Hawking, this film is posed for Oscar success. Redmayn is phenomenal as Hawking. He plays a man with Lou Gehrig’s disease and does so perfectly. The film itself may be flat at times, but he helps keep the film rolling. In the early scenes when he’s still walking around the two look so good together. They look madly in love and not like people acting. Basically the story is about Hawking falling in love and his disease progressing. At its core it’s a love story. It’s sad, it’s happy, it’s depressing, and it’s everything. When you’re done watching this film you’ll know more about Hawking than most people, just don’t expect to know much about his science.

This is a movie about a scientist, but there’s not much science to be found. Hawking explains his theories in ways people can understand, but this film just makes it seem like we’re too stupid to understand. His work is not really touched upon which can be seen as good or bad. Just because this movie’s about a scientist doesn’t mean it’s about science. For all the stuff earlier about the science being dumbed down, there is a reason. This film is about Stephen Hawking and how his disease affected him and the ones around him. The film is based upon the memoir “Traveling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen,” written by his first wife. It’s Jane’s recollection of Stephen’s life. Screenwriter Anthony McCarten and the director, James Marsh, took her book and made this a story of an underdog. He was only given two years to live, but here he still is at age 71. For all the triumph and happiness, this film can sometimes be a little dark in nature. In marriage you here the phrase “for better or for worse,” and here

Popcorn Picks by Tony Pinto

you see both parts of that. For all the good, there is plenty of bad, and the film makes the bad stand out. Stephen and Jane are not always painted in the best light. She’s portrayed as this person who wants to move on and start a new life. They both remarried. She’s fed up with the life she has. She’s expected to be his caretaker and he seems ungrateful. After seeing the film you’ll probably have a different view on him. Early on in the film, Hawking talks about the theory of love, which is something he could never quite figure out. Even when he did figure it out, he let that slip away, but you shouldn’t make his mistake and let this film slip away. It might just be a glorified love story, but this is one love story you shouldn’t let sink into a black hole. —Tony Pinto’s grade: A-plus

Broaden Your Horizons This Week Christmas music luncheon Christmas music will highlight a luncheon program at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway in Palos Park, on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Flutist Denise LaGiglia, bassist Frank LaGiglia and pianist Michael Carso will entertain the audience with a concert of both classical and popular Christmas music, including some traditional sing-along carols. The luncheon costs $18, and requires advance reservations. For reservations and further information, interested persons should call The Center at 361-3650.

Mindfulness group

Center for the Arts of The Center at 12700 Southwest Highway in Palos Park. Art instructor Heather Young will teach the children in various age groups. On Dec 22, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., preschoolers are invited to make Christmas cards using a variety of art supplies, and from 1 to 2 p.m. preschoolers are invited to create Christmas tree painting using their green handprints, and then decorating their trees with glitter and ornaments. From 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. kindergarteners through 8th-graders will have an opportunity to create handmade Christmas cards with a variety of supplies and techniques. On Dec. 29, from 11 a.m. to noon, preschoolers will learn about mixing their own paint colors to create a painting on canvas. From 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., kindergarteners through 3rd-graders will work on pastel drawings of a wintry scene, and from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. fourth through eighth graders will do the same. Children are invited to bring wintery objects to add to the still-life scene. Each workshop costs $10 per child and requires advance registration. Class sizes are limited so early registration is advised. Call 361-3650.

A Mindfulness group meets every Sunday morning, at 11 a.m., at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park. Pastoral Director Chris Hopkins and volunteers Patty Parker, Dan Morley, Sharon Morley and Kitty Riggenbach lead these hourlong meditations that focus on one aspect of mindfulness each week. The group offers encouragement and support as participants seek to be mindful of their thoughts, feelings, and surroundings in the The Bridge Teen present moment. Center programs No fee is charged and new participants are always welcome. Call • Book Club: The Gift of the 361-3650, or visit www.thecenter- Magi - 4:30 to 6 p.m. Dec. 11, palos.org for information about The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 The Center. S. 71st Court, Orland Park, will hold a discussion of a classic short story with free hot cocoa. Children’s art • Ashleigh Ashton - 7:30 to holiday workshops 10:30 p.m. this Friday, weekly Registration is currently under- “Friday Night Live” event with way for new holiday workshops live music from Ashleigh Ashfor children offered on Mondays, ton and with free ice cream from Dec. 22 and 29, at The Log Cabin Oberweis.

• Parent Program: Communication Jar - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Dec. 18, pick up a take-home Communication Jar for families to help them spend more time together during this holiday season. The jar is full of information that will stimulate genuine and fun conversations, promote understanding, and provide some quality time as a family unit. As with all Bridge programs, there is no charge for the jar. • Gingerbread House Competition - 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 16, a program with CarMax to allow students to compete in a gingerbread house-making competition. • Open Art Studio - 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 16, for high school students only, to give them the chance to work on their art. • Coffee Bar and Study Lounge - 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 17, a coffee bar and study lounge for high school students only. Students will get a free cup of coffee and a baked good before settling down to study. • Ping Pong Tourney - 5 to 6 p.m. Dec. 18, a ping pong tournament for high school students only. These free events are for teens in 7th through 12th grade. For more information call 532-0500.

Shepard students learn to Raku By Bob McParland District 218

Upcoming

McCord calendar pages of art

by Jay Bobbin in this equally heartwarming and family-friendly sequel written and directed by Charles Martin Smith (best-known as an actor as Toad in “American Graffiti”). Winter’s need for new companionship of her own kind leaves her morose to the point of rejecting everyone else she’s familiar with, even her good friend Sawyer (Nathan Gamble). Original cast members Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd, Kris Kristofferson and Morgan Freeman also are back, with surfer Bethany Hamilton appearing as herself. DVD extra: “making-of” documentary. *** (PG: AS) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL”: The coach (Jim Caviezel, “Person of Interest”) is the salvation of the football team of De La Salle High School in Concord, Calif. — not only during its historic winning streak, but in the wake of a tragedy — in this moving and fact-inspired drama directed by television veteran Thomas Carter (“St. Elsewhere”). Michael Chiklis, Laura Dern and Clancy Brown also star in the story, which demonstrates how the team members’ spirit and

FIRE AND COLOR

The unmistakable bouquet of kiln-fired ceramic filled the back parking lot at Shepard High School last week as students created works of Raku. The workshop, led by Carl Mankert of Chicago Kiln Service, offered students a chance to create with unusual materials, such as horsehair and sugar, used for decorative effect. Raku has grown in popularity because of its unpredictable results and vivid colors. The patterns and color derive from the harsh cooling process and the amount of oxygen the artist allows to reach the pottery. Depending on the desired effect, the artist may cool a piece of pottery instantly in water, more slowly in the open air, or in a covered barrel filled with combustible material, such as newspaper, and allowed to smoke. Water immediately cools the pottery, stopping the chemical reactions of the glaze and fixing the colors. The combustible materials produce smoke, which stains the unglazed portions of Winter Solstice the pottery black. bonfire at Little The amount of oxygen allowed Red Schoolhouse during the firing and cooling proLittle Red Schoolhouse Nature cesses affects the color of the glaze Shepard High School students remove ceramic pieces, still very hot, Center, 9800 Willow Springs Road, and the amount of crackle. and prepare to cool them in tubs of water at the Raku workshop. in Willow Springs will celebrate the shortest day of the year with a nature walk, bonfire and trimming of the wildlife tree on Sunday, Dec. 21, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Family program. In-person registration required. Cost is $3 per person.

Videoview (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: “GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY”: The Marvel-movie universe is so potent, even the more offbeat characters in it can rule the box office, as proven by this tale that’s as amusing as it is exciting. Chris Pratt affirms his movie stardom as Peter Quill, a rogue who assembles a ragtag team of heroes to protect an orb that many parties want. His comrades include a raccoon (voice of Bradley Cooper) and a tree-like individual (voice of Vin Diesel), and nothing less than the fate of the universe is in their collective hands. Zoe Saldana, wrestler Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan (“Selfie’), Glenn Close and Benicio Del Toro also sta. *** (PG-13: P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “DOLPHIN TALE 2”: The true story of Winter, a dolphin with a prosthetic tail, continues

Supplied photos

Here are many of the finished Raku pieces created by Shepard High School students in the workshop directed by Carl Mankert of Chicago Kiln Service.

attitude boosted their town. DVD extras: “making-of” documentary; audio commentary by Carter. *** (PG: AS, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “DOCTOR WHO: THE COMPLETE EIGHTH SERIES”: It’s a tradition for the legendary British series to switch up its Doctors, and another such change happens here with the addition of Peter Capaldi as the latest variation of the time traveler. He teams with fellow adventurer Clara (Jenna Coleman) as familiar figures including the Daleks and the Cybermen, along with new foes, factor into their exploits. DVD extras: as “making-of” documentaries; audio commentaries on selected episodes; tour of the TARDIS; London post-premiere Q&A session; music video. *** (Not rated: V) (Also on Blu-ray) “SECRET AGENT: THE COMPLETE SERIES”: Also known as “Danger Man,” one of the all-time-classic spy shows gets full-set treatment, with Patrick McGoohan as John Drake .... the extremely cool character (Continued on page 12)

Featuring the art of some of the students of McCord and Stagg High School, the 2015 calendar has arrived at the McCord Gallery & Cultural Center’s Holiday Shoppe. Along with jewelry, fused glass dishes and picture frames, pen sets, children’s knitted sets, the calendar is another fine way to support local artists while shopping in a warm and welcoming environment. The shoppe is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4.p.m., until Dec. 22. The McCord Gallery & Cultural Center is at 9602 W. Creek Road, (129th and LaGrange Road), Palos Park. For more information call 671-0648, or visit www. mccordgallery.org. Supplied image

Section 2

Thursday, December 11, 2014

The Regional News - The Reporter

Out & About

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

Videoview (Continued from page 11) using his wits and keeping his ethics in dealing with criminals around the world. McGoohan was widely believed to have carried his role, without a name other than “Number Six,” into his subsequent cult-classic series “The Prisoner.” Johnny Rivers’ theme song, “Secret Agent Man,” became an enduring pop-music hit. DVD extras: audio commentaries on selected episodes by writer

Brian Clemens and director Peter Graham Scott; interview with McGoohan’s daughter Catherine. *** (Not rated: AS, V) “THE JEFFERSONS: THE COMPLETE SERIES”: Much that went on in that “dee-luxe apartment in the sky” is on view in this set, compiling all 11 seasons of the Norman Lear-developed CBS sitcom spun off from “All in the Family.” Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford were one of television’s most memorable couples

as George and Louise Jefferson, whose profitable dry-cleaning business let them change their lifestyle ... though it sometimes was put at risk by the famously hotheaded George. Marla Gibbs adds top-notch sass as their maid, Florence. DVD extras: “makingof” documentary; “All in the Family” and “E/R” episodes. *** (Not rated: AS) COMING SOON: “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. (PG13: AS) “EXTANT: THE FIRST SEASON” (Dec. 16): Halle Berry stars in the CBS series as an astronaut who returns from a solo space mission pregnant. (Not rated: AS, P, V) “THE SKELETON TWINS” (Dec. 16): Two “Saturday Night Live” alums have a reunion in a couple of ways, as Bill Hader and

Kristen Wiig play siblings drawn back together after both escape death. (R: AS, P) “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 in-

cludes Tina Fey, Jason Bateman, Rose Byrne and Jane Fonda. (R: AS, P) “THE EQUALIZER” (Dec. 30): Denzel Washington reinvents Edward Woodward’s television role as Robert McCall, a former government agent who uses his skills to help people in trouble. (R: AS, P, V) FAMILY-VIEWING GUIDE KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence.

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